Braves

By fastasballs

July 19, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Smoltz did pitch a great game, regardless of the outcome. A strong Smoltz the rest of the way is needed if the Braves are to make a run at the playoffs.

By aeg

July 19, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Any word of who is going down to make move for Julio Franco? Thanks.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

July 19, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Noticed Francoeur is hitting the ball back up the middle and toward right-center again. At least he did yesterday, anyway. I’ll take singles all day if that’s what it takes to keep him out of a slump like he was in during April ‘06. His power will come around.

By Bill Heller

July 19, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Why is Scott Thorman the fall guy at first base? He hasn’t been given half the opportunity that Kelly Johnson or Kyle Davies have.

By BamaBrave

July 19, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Nice meaty stats, DOB. Andruw’s recent .288 clip seems like .400 after that dreadful, epic slump. I’d love to know what finally triggered this newfound balance and discipline at the plate. Keep it up, Andruw.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

July 19, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

Is there anybody more in-your-face about their history than Cardinal fans? Maybe it’s just because I’m close to the mid-west and they’re everywhere, but they draw their “10 WS Championships” bit on you like their drawing a pistol. Geez, it’s like trying to have a conversation with a blood-suckin’ Duke basketball fan or something.

By Efrim

July 19, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

When will Francouer’s power come?

By Robert

July 19, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

DOB—

Do you believe since the Braves don’t think Salty is the 1B answer, that he will be traded

By Baron

July 19, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

What’s the plan for Cormier? Assuming health, how much more rehab before he returns?

By Arkansas Hillbilly

July 19, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

I’ll say the same thing about Thorman that Sylvio said to Tony about Ritchie Aprille:

“I really don’t see where we have anything to gain by keeping him around.”

By Interested Observer

July 19, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

At least Ledezma will be fresh when he gets back ….as will be his laundry.

By Paladin, Miscreant

July 19, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

I’m here and I hope the Chipper-dippers are not. “Walk a mile in his shoes.” In this/that case, walk 8-10 feet down-the-line and let’s see how you would do, “experts”.

By bwash21

July 19, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

I put this on the last blog a little while ago…..just saw this on ESPN from Jayson Stark. At least it looks like we are trying to come up with something……….”Meanwhile, clubs that have talked to Atlanta say there isn’t a buyer in baseball trying to be more aggressive or more creative than the Braves. “They’re in on everybody,” says one GM. “Starters. Relievers. Bats. Older guys. Young guys. They’re heating up to do something.”

The Braves are balking at dealing Jarrod Saltalamacchia or the dynamic Yunel Escobar. But other clubs report they are willing to talk about shortstop prospect Elvis Andrus and power left-hander Dan Smith.

“We’re not talking about guys at the level of a [Jeff] Francoeur or a [Brian] McCann, guys like that,” says an executive of one team. “But they’ve still got some real nice pieces to move. They’re just not gigantic pieces.”

There are indications the Braves made a run at Dmitri Young a few weeks ago, didn’t like the asking price and headed in other directions.”

By Efrim

July 19, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

CJ Wilson would be nice. Can we also get Wheeler or Qualls?

By N8

July 19, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

DOB

I know I asked you yesterday, and this may fall into the “STOP ASKING THIS QUESTION” category, but has Bobby/JS put ANY thought (to your knowledge) of asking KJ to play LF again THIS SEASON and handing 2B over to Escobar?

Escobar seems to have “better” success against RHP than KJ does against LHP, so I think Escobar might be more suited to play everyday at 2B, leaving KJ to platoon with Diaz in LF if Bobby still has issues with him hitting LHP.

Worst case scenario, KJ takes off against LHP (he seemed to do fine in April), we’d have Diaz off the bench, since he’s arguably the best pinch hitter on the 25 man roster, if not in all of baseball, with his 12 hits in 27 PH AB’s (.444). With Harris going back to spot start duty, and being the main LH pinch hitter/pinch runner, off the bench.

Then if Salty (or Thorman) were to be the only option available (without making a trade), they could remain in the 8th hole in the lineup.

Like I said yesterday, it seems to make too much sense to me. But maybe Bobby has reason for NOT doing that.

Just curious, and like I said, if this a question that gets asked too much, I appologize. I’ve read where some bloggers are concerned about KJ’s elbow and all, but my guess (and that’s all it is), is that if his elbow was still an issue, it would give him trouble at 2B as well.

By Thrillhouse44

July 19, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

I like where this team is now, but I’m definitely stoked to hear JS is exploring many different upgrades. I can’t wait to see what’s up his sleeves.

With the injuries and inconsistency that has plagued some of our rotation, I think we’re fortunate to be in the “middle of the pack”. Hopefully our luck will turn soon.

By Midnight Earl

July 19, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Renteria for Marte might be JS’s best trade other than the one for McGriff. I wonder if a trade for Teixeira (kind of like spelling Favre!) would be his next masterpiece? Even if we had to depart with Salty, it would be a good move. And as much as I like the Teixeira move, a SP has to be even higher on his to-do list.

Do it…do it!

By John Bama

July 19, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Chipper is Chipper. I laugh everytime I hear the complaints and calls to trade the guy or let him walk. He is as good of a pure hitter as many of us will ever see. Wish he would not have been banged up in the last couple of years so we could take a real look at the career numbers he would be working on…and you know what….outside of Chipper and Renteria why does it seem that Kelly is the most professional hitter on this team….man I think the kid has a serious future at some position for some team for several years…..300 25 90 written all over him.

I wonder DOB what your opinion is though on the future with Yunel and Renteria. Is Yunel the SS next year. I am not sure I want to see Renteria leave. What a professional! Are we seeing Yunel force him out or do you think that just maybe he can be worked in somewhere else (2b with Kelly in left, or left himself) and keeping Renteria around one more year?

By knowitall

July 19, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

DOB, I know the baseball season seems to start earlier and earlier every year but I don’t think Yates was pitching for the Braves on Feb. 28.

By Ron Roberts

July 19, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Shaun, dude I’m tired of going around w/you about Saltalamacchia and Teixeira. I never once said making a swap with the two is a “no-brainer.” And all the while you’re trying to state that you don’t think such a trade would be bad, and yet you’re trying to argue round-and-round with me against it, so obviously you’re inclined to think it isn’t a trade worth making, right? Please, go ahead and make that statement, dude.

You’ve made your points, and I think I’ve made mine fairly well. But when you say something like…

And it’s not as if is a huge mystery as to what Salty is likely to do…

…well, I think you’re wrong. It is INDEED a mystery as to what Saltalamacchia’s likely to do as a career MLB player. It just is. There’ve been “can’t miss” guys who have missed, and there are also those who’ve lived up to expectations. There are guys who weren’t expected to be much more than situational guys who blossomed into stars, too, but they’re all mysteries until they prove their worth. You keep making these statements like you’ve hopped into the DeLorean with Doc’ and came back and have this insight into the future that nobody else does.

I’d hedge my bets and say that Mark Teixeira would be a 30-40 HR, 100-120 RsBI guy who hit around .275-.300 next year and that he’ll hit for power and average the remainder of this season, too.

We can’t say that about Saltalamacchia. He looked good for two months, and has struggled this month. I’m not discounting Saltalamacchia’s future is promising, but it’s less clear what he’d be for us the rest of this season and next (and further down the road). We have a young catcher locked up in a contract this and the next five seasons. If we picked up Teixeira, our 1B hole is filled this and next season, and we can address the next 4-6 years at that position with he and Scott Boras, then.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia will not be the offensive spark plug, though, that will make up for the (apparent) loss of Andruw Jones in the lineup, next year, though, I don’t think. You think (believe) otherwise? I’m going out on that limb. Mark Teixeira would, but I dare say Jarrod would not.

Look at it this way… we have John Smoltz as our ace, and how much longer will the guy be able to toe the rock for us, man? I give us this year as a certainty and next as a probably. Beyond that, anything we get from Smoltz will be gravy, but I’d like us to take a run at winning the World Series this and next season rather than consider what the next three-five seasons after that will bring. We’re blessed with young talent and I feel fairly good about 2009 and beyond even without Jarrod Saltalamacchia, frankly.

But I wanna win now and later, if we can. Sacrificing now for later is pinning your hopes on projected outcomes from guy(s) we don’t have track records on.

That’s why I go for Teixeira if it means trading off Saltalamacchia.

By Double Deuce

July 19, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Soriano and Yates, and possibly Moylan, are on track to have over 80 appearances. It’s no wonder they are going thru a stretch where they wear down. When you have starters going 1,2 and 3 innings the bullpen has to pick up the slack and they have done a super job until recently. Spreading the workload in the ‘pen is not only necessary, it is crucial to the Braves ability to compete in late September.

By Shaun

July 19, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

With the injuries and inconsistency that has plagued some of our rotation, I think we’re fortunate to be in the “middle of the pack”.

Isn’t this what we’ve been hearing in one form or another all season?

By journalist jimmy smith

July 19, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith has been crying since reading the touching story of sja’s youth. imagine that ol’ dog coming home to the sja. and now, there appear to be new hostilities on this blog. funny, not so many ill-mannered, ill-tempered posts until (1) return of the ugly stinky blogger, and (2) the braves inability to win baseball games. and dob appears a bit testy today having entered a new word in this blog’s vocabulary: imminential. never before used here, right? journalist has did some research and cannot find imminential anywhere.

By Jeff321

July 19, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Come clean with the roster move! Who is getting the boot? Do tell!

By MGL

July 19, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Huddy has to stay in the game late tonight. The poor pen has pitched 19 2/3 innings the last three days.

By Shaun

July 19, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts,

All I would say is I hope Texas throws in a young player/prospect in a package for Teixeira. (Maybe the Braves get Millwood and Tex?)

As far as it being a mystery that Salty will be a good hitter, as I said I don’t think it’s any more a mystery than Tex being a top-notch hitter.

Yes, there have been great young players who have flopped but the key word in there is “likely”.

Not many young hitters with Salty’s track record in the minors, that scouts regard as highly as they regard him and that has hit this well in the majors so far have flopped. There’s always a possibility, which is why I say likely.

Honestly, I hope the Braves do package Salty and some players for Tex and some players. I just hope those player include prospects from both sides.

By Josh

July 19, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

*By Bill Heller

July 19, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Why is Scott Thorman the fall guy at first base? He hasn’t been given half the opportunity that Kelly Johnson or Kyle Davies have.*

Not to be picky Bill, but you seem to be implying that Kelly Johnson is having a bad year? A .291 batting average, a .392 OBP with 44 RBI isn’t too shabby. Especially considering he’s no longer playing everyday.

I still think Kelly should be playing every day. He could end up being the #2 hitter if Edgar is traded/not resigned.

By John

July 19, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

DOB- Are BC and JS not counting on Sturtze at all?

And did Farnsworth leave such a bad impression leaving that we wouldn’t consider getting him from the Yanks (if they eat some of that salary)?

By DAP

July 19, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

DOB, thanx for the new blog, you do great work, and it is very much appreciated and enjoyed by this blogger.

youre right about yates, too. in February he had a 0.00 ERA, and gave up no hits or walks.

By Paladin, Miscreant

July 19, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Sirjounalist This is DOB’s blog and if he says it’s imminential, it’s imminential. Put a ——30——- to that story.

By Knox Braves Fan

July 19, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Hum, we just signed Franco …

Rumor has it that we’re moving Salty to Cincinnati for Arroyo.

Why else would we sign a third first baseman?

By Christy

July 19, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Hello all.

quick question, because I’m at work and can’t look it up.

I thought the problem with trading Salty or other for Texeira was that he’s only signed through this year, no guarantee we could sign him for next and it might be too steep a price for someone who may or may not be more helpful than Saltalammachia in regards to making the playoffs.

Am I misremembering?

Thanks!

By Ron Roberts

July 19, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

Shaun, then I’m just gonna walk fromt his thinking you’re wrong, dude. Teixeira has a proven major league track record, bro, which Saltalamacchia does not, as of yet. You can argue all you want that Teixeira is no more a known commodity than Jarrod is, but the history’s there to prove otherwise. Tex has hit, hit for average and hit for power for far more than two-and-a half months.

By Paladin, Miscreant

July 19, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

And another thing Sirjournalist, I am not in any way “connected” with the stinky one. AAMOF

By Bob, Journalist

July 19, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Paladin, from the previous blog, bobj Then, why don’t you put your name on here, cowardly lion?

Why in the world would anyone think that I would use my surname on the Blog? … keeping that secret is whole purpose of having screen name masks. I did actually consider it once but felt it might embarrass my family since they and some of their friends follow the blog.

Did it take you over 24hrs to line up a ghost writer? Probably the same “guy” who writes Hillary’s stuff

Hillary probably has male writers on her staff but I don’t understand the innuendo or relevance of the comment.

Actually, I was preoccupied with reading the final draft of a book for a friend for much of that time … but did basically complete the response last evening and then decided against its posting since I felt your post was possibly the result of misunderstanding the intent of my post and that I would compose something to that effect and let it go without elaboration.

I then got sidetracked and engaged Coach, saw a movie, finished reading the draft and forgot it until I saw your posts this morning … then, reading your earlier posts, I decided to go ahead with the post … with a few clarifying modifications.

I also wrote a draft of an additional clarifying post after that submission, which, after finalization, will be submitted as my final comments on the subject as your responses confirm the opening sentence of my initial post.

By Jeff321

July 19, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

(MLB press pass)

Today the Braves optioned RHP Kyle Davies to Richmond (AAA) and RHP Jose Ascanio to Mississippi (AA)…LEDEZMA BACK: LHP Will Ledezma has returned to Atlanta and has been activated from the Restricted List…Ledezma was placed on the Restricted List on July 13 when he was unable to return from Venezuela due to a lost visa.

By Chop Chop

July 19, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

I am imminential to this blog.

I just Googled “imminential”, folks. We’re high on the list. Gotta love the internet, baby!

Imminentially speaking, of course.

By AJK

July 19, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

DOB:

Do you hear anything about the Braves possibly being in on Millwood? Do we know what he’s owed and how many more years on his contract? Any scuttlebutt about a major trade with Texas for Millwood/Texeria and or Otsuka? That would certainly answer a lot of needs!

By Paladin, Miscreant

July 19, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Sorry about my 4:23 but lightning has struck again. I will complete that thread later but now it is bring in the dogs and cats and batten down the hatches time.

By JasonInMaine

July 19, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Christy,

Tex is not a free agent until 2009.

Regards,

Jason

By TennesseePaul

July 19, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

DOB: What does the future hold? What are the answers? Why are we here?
Thanks for the blog. It’s nice to see so many hot hands in the line up. We should probably sit Willie for a little while and let Diaz do some playing. Move KJ back to the top (this guy is good and could hit nearly anywhere, he’s gotta be proud of that.) And it looks like the Scouting report is out on Salty. He had a good run. Time to cast him down in a ditch and find another rookie to ride. Just kidding. But this is the time to see what he’s made of. Plenty of reports around the league so he needs to make the adjustments.
Smoltz is amazing. It’s that simple.

Hope ol’ Huddy, Timy, Tee-ie, T.H-ie, H-Son does well tonight.

GO BRAVES

By BravesDave

July 19, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

The unfortunate detail to those offensive numbers and hot streaks that DOB noted is that the Braves won-loss record over the period quoted has been completely mediocre.

By Carroll

July 19, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Doesn’t Texiera strike out an AWFUL lot? And shouldn’t a guy named TEXeiria be required constitutionally to play for TEXas only?

And as to the contention that NaCl has struggled this month, I would disagree. The stats may not show it, but every time I see him play he seems to be putting great wood on the ball but hitting right at somebody. Wasn’t that the same justification for leaving Kelly in there despite his 1-for-784 start?

Be patient people and NaCl will likely become our next very special player. I could see him being anywhere from as good as Chipper Jones to as great as Poo-holes with the charisma and draw of Dale Murphy. Only time will tell but it seems ALMOST certain that we can’t go wrong by keeping him.

By Cal

July 19, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Interesting reading concerning Salty for Tex but no one has brought up the obvious. Tex is in his walk year either this year of next and is already making multi millions and will command even more multi millions to sign. Where do you guys thing the money will come from if he’s with the Braves? No way can we afford another big money player with the current “cap”. So what you’re saying is we lose Salty, rent Tex, and then bring up another minor leaguer next year when Tex is gone and so is Salty. Doesn’t make much fical sense to me unless the “cap” grows and Tex agrees to a long term contract to come to play here. Isn’t Boras his agent? No chance of a good deal on Tex is he is.

By Christy

July 19, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

JasoninMaine - thanks!

By dave

July 19, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

What’s to say Salty doesn’t end up another Andy Marte, who btw was more highly rated? I say trade him and/or Escobar for an established player and move on. Marte for Renteria has worked out pretty nicely for the Braves. Oh how woon we forget.

By Paladin, Miscreant

July 19, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

The flood has stopped and the animals are coming off, two by two.

bobj Someone on this blog(within the past 24)complained, and rightfully, about the “novels” that are posted here.

You and SJA are the James Joyce(in length anyway)and Norman Mailer of this blog. Savannah Guy is the Truman Capote.

By HP

July 19, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

DOB: Any word if Julio Franco is going to start tonight against a lefty.

By Renegator

July 19, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

If they trade Salty then that will leave a platoon of Thorman and Franco. Now that is an ugly thought.

By DAP

July 19, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

carrol i live the new nickname. NaCl it is. cal actually, thats been brought up alot. Tex is under contract until AFTER next year, and im not even gonna repeat everything weve been saying about it all day. go read that last blog starting at 10am or so this morning.

By Bob, Journalist

July 19, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Paladin here is the earlier written text referenced in my previous post.

I would like to believe that Mr. Hull is a highly intelligent, well traveled and well versed man of good intent but his behavioral history seems to decry that notion and makes it difficult to so do, at least from my perspective … his behavior rather than his words can change that perception.

It was not I who selected the Miscreant appositive for the Paladin persona … that was the choice of Mr. Hull himself.

Were it not for the body of work under the Paladin, The Great Santini, and the Pro-tonix personas, I could quite easily believe that it is nothing but an innocent joke, intended to laugh at himself and with others.

It is to be expected and understandable that different people will consider certain styles more abrasive than others. However, I do believe that to knowingly engage in certain behavior, including the use of language known to be considered offensive by certain elements of one’s audience is inappropriate in polite society, especially in a public forum attended by easily influenced youngsters, their parents and generally, genteel folks of both sexes … for to so do is showing intentional disregard and disrespect for the rules of polite society and those who find such behavior inappropriate and/or offensive.

How we choose to conduct ourselves in a public forum is our choice but we are known by those choices, just as we’re known by the posts we make and company we choose to keep.

I’m confident that Mr. Hull has many wonderful stories to share and that his insights can compete with the Blog’s best … my earlier posts weren’t intended to, in any way, otherwise suggest. I was simply trying to address what I considered to be the essence of his post … honestly and sincerely.

As indicated in the previous post, it is my intention that this be my last comments on this topic … at least until something changes my mind.

By Jeff R

July 19, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Can’t say about Yates, but watching Soriano pitch lately, it seems that he’s lost his concentration. Let’s hope he’s just slumping.

The Braves are lucky this season, in that every other contending team in the NL is a little bit better than mediocre. The Braves are also a little bit better than mediocre. There 1-3 starting pitchers need to win consistently, and Soriano and Wickman need to return to form. Otherwise, we’ll wait to see if any of the contenders catch fire in the stretch.

By Alan

July 19, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Boy, the rumors are flying. I’d take Texiera in a heartbeat for Salty. Who wouldn’t? Here’s the thing, though. It’ll take much more than that to get him. And someone wants Millwood, too?! To get both those guys, the Braves would have to trade Salty, Escobar, Reyes, Harrison, Smith and probably John Smoltz’s first-born son. Please. Try to be a little realistic here. I’ll bet Millwood could be had - for a mid-level prospect or 2. And I’d do that. I’d also like to see the Braves make a run at another veteran reliever, like Weathers or Qualls or Wheeler. Without giving up top prospects like Salty and Escobar. I do like the idea of returning KJ to left field, but that’s not likely to happen this year. Another thought for the future is to move him to 1st. It also makes sense to move Chipper over there and install Yunel full-time at 3rd. For now, though, look for the Braves to pick up another veteran bat (like Dmitri Young) and a veteran pitcher (like Millwood or Morris) WITHOUT parting with top prospects.

By BamaBrave

July 19, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

NaCl…LOL

JS has made a long, deliberate journey to purge the Braves of Scott Borass clients - and who can blame him - so I’d be shocked if we make any deal for Tex. Once Andruw’s gone…we’ll be Borass-less I think. Right?

By h_charles

July 19, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Cal — You are missing a big piece of the “Tex” puzzle. Barring some miracle, Andruw Jones is gone after this year.

That means several things. First, the Braves will have a lot of free cash. That can go to signing Tex to a longer term deal (plus Tex signed through next year). Tex will get money but nowhere near what Andruw will get. Goodhitting 1b are everywhere. CF who play D like Andruw with that kind of pop are a rare breed, and command much more on the open market.

Second, it means we have a WHOPPING hole in the cleanup spot. We have nobody that can hit there, really. Tex can.

Third, we have a hole in CF. We could easily move Harris there (he is the best choice defensively) or hope Brandon Jones can take the job, and with Tex in the lineup you won’t miss the power drop. KJ moves back to LF (where he belongs) to platoon with Diaz, and Escobar takes over the everyday 2b job. That, is one heck of a lineup, and overall is probably as good defensively as we are right now given that KJ and Salty are liabilities when playing out of position.

By Steve from OH

July 19, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Ervin Santana can be had at a reasonable price since he’s been demoted to the minors…a change of league may do him good.

We need to consider Santana for two reasons: first, it obviously shores up the rotation and makes us a much better team but secondly we can put JoJo back in the minors for more seasoning and not turn him into a headcase like Davies.

Wonder what it will take to get him, or how JS might convince the otherwise timid Stoneman to actually trade somebody…

By BravesFanInRockies

July 19, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

**DOB,””

I know all we denizens are obsessed with the latest roster rumors and speculation, but how is Smoltz feeling today? He pitched like a 30-year-old yesterday. Thanks.

By Paladin, Miscreant

July 19, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

bobj I have endured your latest lecture and my reaction is: Whatever!

But, DOB is the “caller” in this Square Dance and as long as he and his censors are “satisfied”, I will continue to post as I please. And, if the schoolmarms, preacher wannabees and “philosphers” don’t like it, they can kiss my asp.

By Ron Roberts

July 19, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

OOOOH, Dave, great point about Marte. Ouch. But true!

Carroll… love Saltalamacchia’s new moniker, NaCl. Classic! And much easier to type.

By Coach ( I'm Only Right 90% Of The Time)

July 19, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

Kansas City has a 23 year old former 1st round pick by the name of Zack Greinke whose name has surfaced on ESPN as a possible pitcher that the Braves could be highly interested in.

By Ron

July 19, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Well if the Braves do trade Salty for Tex, then the MAIN reason is the Braves do not view Salty as the ANSWER at First Base this year or in the future!!! And at the end of the next season when Tex is gone, I imagine that Kai Kaihule(or however you spell his name) will be ready for full time play at First base in ML!!! Thats the only answer IF we trade Salty for Tex!!! Its interesting reading that article from Stark talking about the Braves have Elvis Andrus on the block, that pretty much means they Value Escobar More than Andrus!!! At least thats what it sounds like to me!!! BUT of course all of this is JUST RUMORS!!!

I did not realize Dan Smith was a Power Lefthand Starter, is he? If he is no way I trade a guy like that, but I thought he was a Soft Tosser not a Power pitcher!!! bwash21 you sure he is a Power Pitcher?

By Salty

July 19, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

Bob, J Get everyone current on NaCl(y), please! :-)

By DonCoburleone

July 19, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

“Zack Greinke is admittedly a long shot to be traded, but that doesn’t mean teams aren’t asking all the time. The Braves connection is obvious. Stark says John Schuerholz is getting very aggressive and creative trying to improve his team. Two prospects on the block are Elvis Andrus and Dan Smith.”

From MLBtraderumors.com

By Ron Roberts

July 19, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Ron it may not be so much that the Braves value Escobar more than Elvis Andrus; it might be that they think other teams think the upside to Elvis Andrus shows more potential and thus, they can use him as a more prized bargaining chip, too. I remember a coupla weeks back reading on the Braves’ website how a coach for Elvis’ team was gushing about he being the ‘next’ Derek Jeter. Who knows?

By DonCoburleone

July 19, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

Huge, all this trade talk is great. I really think Scheurholz is going to be borderline desperate before the deadline cuz he wants to win this year (or next at the latest)… I personally think Scheurholz is going to retire after the 2008 season. GO FOR BROKE JOHNNY!!!

By BossLady

July 19, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

Come on , let’s give the Braves a good boost. GO BRAVES!!!!GO HUDDY!!!!!GO CHIPPER!!!!!!GO MCCANN!!!!!!!GO EDGAR!!!LET’S ROCK THESE RED BIRDS!!!! I mean we have said and done everything else, analyzed every pitch and offensive play, paid for tickets, parking, thought our minds until it’s burning. Cussed out Bobby, TP and Roger. LOL LOL LOL Later fellas

By Ron

July 19, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

Did yall hear what Ian Snell of the Pirates said about what he thought about a Rockies Player stealing signs, he said he knows who it is and if he sees him again he will KILL the Dude!!! UHHHHHH, I dont think we need a guy like That on our team!!! Stealing signs is a part of Baseball, you dont want them stealing signs then dont let them get on base or switch up the signs!!! He should get FINED heavy for saying that!!!

By Colin

July 19, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

Why trade Elvis Andrus i hear he is amazing and i do not know much about Dan Smith but if your going to trade either you better get some big things in return. I hope they get Texiera…ok pitching can be dealed with by good hitting and that is what Tex brings also a contract through 2008.

By Bob, Journalist

July 19, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

Jimmy it is fortunate for Soriano and Dunn that your awareness of the alternate spellings and/or meaning of imminential is not pertinent.

What did you sat to Paladin to make him deny association with Stinky?

As an aside and not related to Paladin, I honestly think that I have some of old posts of someone referring to their friendship with stinky or his friends … I don’t remember the context, when it was, or who … but, if/when I find it I will let you know.

By AZBravoFan

July 19, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Seems to me that by committing to McCann, the Braves have sort of backed themselves into a corner with Salty. They can’t really say he’s their catcher of the future. He’s too good to be a backup for 6 years. So that really only leaves 2 options. He gives up catching and spends all winter learning 1B like KJ did with 2B. (is Sid Bream available to tutor him?) Then he becomes our 1B of the future. Or if he and/or the Braves don’t envision him as a first baseman then he’s got to be traded. So then the question becomes is he good enough to keep around this year and help the team get to the playoffs? Or are we better served by trading him for someone like Texeieria who’s got a proven track record and maybe a little more pop? It would be nice to deal him for a front line pitcher, but then what do you do about 1st base? The Thorman/Franco platoon ain’t gettin’ us to the promised land. Maybe JS can land some kind of blockbuster deal with Salty and a handful of lesser prospects for Tex and Otsuka. That would be ideal. But not likely. I don’t envy his job right now.

By Ron

July 19, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts Well if thats the case then it would still be foolish to trade Elvis, unless the Braves feel just as Comfortable with Escobar than Elvis!!! I imagine if the Braves trade Andrus then they will have determined that they will get Very Good Production from Escobar in the Future!!! Thats my opinion!!! I read that article too about the coach talkin about how he reminded him of Derek Jeter!!! I also read a few years back when Jeter was in the Draft and the Astros had a pick before the Yankees did, and a scout KNEW he would be Great and BEGGED the Astros to draft him and of course they did not!!! And I THINK after they did not draft Jeter he left the Astros organization!!! SOME scouts know a HELL of alot!!!

By All Spin Zone

July 19, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

More on the Mutts dissing Julio.

“However, what irked some players was Franco wouldn’t hesitate to get in the face of some of the younger players about doing their jobs when he was hitting .200 with one homer with the Mets.

“To be a leader for me, it’s not enough to talk all the time,” Valentin said. “You have to go out and do it yourself.”

What’s with those idiots? So if Julio isn’t hitting .350 he has no business coaching the young guys?

Maybe that’s part of the reason the Mutts aren’t running off with the division like some predicted. A bunch of prima donas’ who are too good to listen to a guy with a proven track record and leadership skills.

Have fun with that bunch of morons, Willie. You didn’t want Julio’s help but you sure nuff gonna need some help before it’s over. They probably aren’t listening to Willie either. lol

Something else I did read that didn’t sound good. One of the papers said Julio had bad wheels and could not play the field. If that’s true, I guess he won’t be playing any first base. One less option using him.

By rammerjammer

July 19, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

It’s time to talk some sense here.

Teixeira and Wilson for Salty, Thorman and a minor league pitcher (Smith?).

The money for Tex will be there in 2009. No Andruw, for sure. No Hampton either. And close to the end for Chipper and Smoltz. Lots of dough available in ‘09.

Look what Teixeira said last week: “No amount of money takes the place of winning, and every player feels the same way. A championship is a lot more important than money. I know there is no substitute for winning baseball.”

Folks, this guy is ready to be a Brave.

And for those of you scared of another Boros client, “Anybody who knows me knows I am my own boss,” Teixeira said. “Scott Boras works for me.”

JS, time for the BIG trade. Light the candle.

By TennesseePaul

July 19, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

DOB: Did you get to speak with Kyle before he was Optioned? I’d like to know how he took it. I’d imagine, verbally, he’d mind his p’s a q’s. But his mannorisms might tip his hand. The kid needs to get some consistancy and this is crunch time. Now is not the time to be learning in the bigs. However, JoJo is going to be going through it all now. This should be interesting indeed. Hope JoJo does well. I hope Davies gets back on the horse and figures out how to show up every start.
Could have done without Wilfredo. This guy is not a good pitcher. Ascanio looked way, way better out there than Ledezma ever has.

By Bob, Journalist

July 19, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

Nacly, thanks for the heads up … folks probably that that is what I call you and why Carroll chose not to use it … I’m sure she didn’t want to be charged with Identity Theft!!

Gotta go to Kroger’s … later

By Tomahawkin' Again

July 19, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

DOB, I know that I finally breathed into a paperbag and have somewhat gotten over the last 3 games. How is the team’s psyche today? Are they still muttering to themselves about what happened, especially yesterday’s game or is it just as the old cliche goes, Momentum is the next day’s pitcher? And for what it’s worth, this 36 yr old Braves fan for life would trade my mother if it meant a playoff berth. So, in other words, Salty, Yunel, Elvis, whoever…make the deals necessary Schuerholz to give us the best shot @ winning the pennant in 2007. Who gives a damn about 2008, 2009? WIN NOW!!

By David O'Brien

July 19, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

In case you guys missed the blurb I had them post on our site an hour or so ago (I’ve been in clubhouse, couldn’t write anything myself): Davies optioned to Richmond and Ascanto to Mississippi to make room for Julio and for Ledezma, who’s back from Venezuela.

I’m writing more of a story for our state (early) edition now. But Jo-Jo will be in the rotation, for now.

HP, I wrote yesterday in the Julio signs story that he’s starting tonight. Bobby told me that after the game yesterday.

By David O'Brien

July 19, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, no, Kyle wasn’t here when the clubhouse opened. No sign of him. Bobby told him this afternoon long before reporters got here, and he understandably left. Gonna try to call him now, but wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t pick up.

By Paladin, Miscreant

July 19, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

Since you brought it up bobj, I will finish that thread that was lightning-interrupted.

I was saying that I have no connection to stinky. AAMOF, I have had my own jousts with “it”. Some of them were in “defense” of jjs and SJA. It seems now, that the latter was ill-advised on my part.

I was going on to say that I can be as “nice” or “nasty” as the person addressing me. I was then going to say that I didn’t start this fight, but I would sure be here when it was over.

And finally, I gave my name when I was outrageously “charged” with being a jackal. I gave the various name and monikers I had posted under, none of which was “stinky”. That is what I gave my name for, not for it to be PUBLISHED, idiot-savant.

By Colin

July 19, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

rammerjam thats a post tell the people why we BRAVOS FANS WANT TEX…he is the MAN!!! for us…..Forget who his agent is Like Tex said “Scott Boras works for me.”

By Choppin Bob

July 19, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

Who will take over once JS & BC leave? Surely the incumbants will not be as good as them. Go for 08 & 09, make a deal.

By N8

July 19, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

rammerjammer

WOW. Call me gullible, but I’m starting to lean towards making a move for Tex.

The guy’s still young. Seems well grounded, and after all we do have McCann.

But I’m still leery of letting Salty go, without getting a top-notch pitcher in return as well. And NO, Kevin Millwood doesn’t count. Been there done that.

We’ll see.

By All Spin Zone

July 19, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

Julio is starting tonight? Well I guess what was reported in the NY papers saying his leg was bad and he couldn’t play the field was bogus.

Good to know we have options with Julio other than a pinch hitting role.

By Paladin, Miscreant

July 19, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

I’m taking my dinner break. I went to Kroger earlier.

By dannycardwell

July 19, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

tennessee paul, your right on about ascanio. i was amazed he was sent down. i also believe js screwed up trading mcbride for ledezma. he has failed in every attempt with the braves. we need a good left handed pitcher.

By Salty

July 19, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

I hope Julio ends his playing days having been the oldest player to hit a home run…in a Bravos uni. I hated that it is with the Mets, currently. Nothing against NYM, either, but the Braves took the chance and extended his career…to this point. If he could do it in Shea next month, how sweet would that be?!?

By All Spin Zone

July 19, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

I asked a couple of months ago when Andruw was really struggling, if his stubborness to change his approach could have anything to do with Boras advising him.

I was given pretty much the same thing by some here as what Colin quoted Tex sayin, “Scott Boras works for me.” In fact, many scoffed at the idea of Boras having influence on players other than just their contract specifics. I was pretty much called a dummy for even thinking Boras would have any influence on how a player would approach his game,

Read this from Jayson Stark: But an official of one team that has been scouting the Mets’ system says: “To be honest, I don’t know if I’d take Pelfrey right now, the way he’s throwing. I think he’s been [Scott] Boras-ized. I’m not seeing the same stuff I saw before. And he’s showing a stubbornness that rubs me the wrong way, like [the Boras operation] has convinced him that their way is the better way. I’m seeing this with his guys all over now, and it’s becoming a problem all over the industry.”

Jayson Stark confirming what I mentioned a couple of months ago and was laughed at for wondering.

By Efrim

July 19, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

Hudson better pitch a big game tonight…..

James, Carlyle, Reyes and Smoltz hopefully will thereafter.

Need to get it going again. Put pressure on the Mets and stay in the Wild Card race.

By Efrim

July 19, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

Maybe Salty needs a day off. But he is in the lineup…

2B Escobar SS Renteria 3B Jones CF Jones RF Francouer LF Diaz 1B Franco C Saltalamacchia P Hudson

Cardinals lineup is a joke. Hudson better shut them down. We better hit Maroth as well. A nice 15-1 romp would be nice.

By Colin

July 19, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

Tex will be in a Braves uniform by july 31 not on the deadline by then…Mark it down…

By parks

July 19, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

I’m afriad we are going to see a lot of Franco at 1st. This is why I was so surprised when people were so happy to sign him. I think he is going to take a lot of time away from Salty. He will be more than just a pinch hitter. I Really hope I’m wrong.

By TheCutMan

July 19, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

I think an equally jaw-dropping stat are the JULY numbers for both Soriano and Yates. What up with these guys?

Is it too much work, too much built up confidence followed by complacency or what??? The hitting by position stats are revealing as well. DOB did a very good job in putting those in their proper perspective.

So, what to make of all this? Indeed, what to make? Will some dramatic trades nearing the deadline by the answer? Will turnarounds by the existing players factor in?

Who can say? That’s why we’re fans and follow the game.

By parks

July 19, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

Colin, its marked down.

By Colin

July 19, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

It is good to get McCann a day off but i hope Salty does something so TEXAS wants him more for TEXIERA

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

July 19, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

IF Salty could bring Tex and that lefty, Wilson, I’d pull the trigger. If people are interested in Smith and/or Andrus, they could be used to acquire a semi-decent starter.

By Choppin Bob

July 19, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

I think Soriano bein hurt early then the DL for Gonzalez is now taking its toll on the pen. We dont have enough decent pitchers to give our better guys a rest.

By Salty

July 19, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

Efrim McCann caught 15 innings yesterday…he needs the break, hence Salty (the ball player!).

By Jburman82

July 19, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Any thoughts on a trade like this? Satly and SS Prospect Brent Lillbridge(sp?) to texas for Texiera and Millwood and maybe one of their mid tier prospects. Braves would still have andrus and escobar for the infield and penya is still a backup for McCann. We would finally ahve a first baseman and get some needed help in the rotation. We could resign Texiera with the savings from letting Andrew walk.

By Colin

July 19, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

Thanks park and i hope im right he would lead us to victory :))))

By Efrim

July 19, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

Salty,

Good point I forgot.

By SomeYahoo

July 19, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

Are we living through the single worst week in Atlanta sports history?

*The evil, giant head playing LFer from SF could tie or break Hank’s record this week.

*The Braves get swept - and bitterly swept - by the sad-sack Reds.

*The worst fears about Vick are realized with the indictment.

Ohh, the horror. Let’s hope this Cards series gives us some hope. A four game sweep and stepping into first place would be a start.

By Colin

July 19, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

See Jburman82 now your talking getting Tex and Millwood with two young players who we dont know if there going to pan out… Get some players who have been around AKA Julio Franco…..But Millwood could secure our 4 or 5th spot and Andruw can walk because i wont mind leaving his 1000000 million strikeouts behind and getting a contact power hitter in TEX….Dont forget we have Davies in the minor leagues….in case we need a 9th starter:)

By Bob, Journalist

July 19, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

Paladin, I sincerely apologize for listing your surname if you take exception to my so doing. The use of your name, was intended to be an identifier since you have used multiple personas but certainly no disrespect was intended nor was it my intent disclose any private information … the post I had seen with all of your personas led me to believe that you had previously posted under all of those listed, including your surname … many others do that and I had no reason to otherwise suspect.

I may not care for your blog behavior, but I intend you no disrespect as an individual, I know you not … only your words. If I ever so do, it’s either a joke with an inside message or somebody has usurped my Identity.

I saw your 4:59 post and I’m sure you know I find it disappointing.

bobj I have endured your latest lecture and my reaction is: Whatever!

None of my comments were intend to be considered as lectures … If you do not believe that, I’ve been overestimating your third eye. Hopefully, it was of greater value than your “whatever!” indicates.

DOB is the “caller” in this Square Dance and as long as he and his censors are “satisfied”, I will continue to post as I please. And, if the schoolmarms, preacher wannabees and philosphers don’t like it, they can kiss my asp … I do appreciate your honesty.

I wouldn’t expect otherwise … but what I had hoped was that, upon reflection, you would have chosen to modify your behavior and refrain from abusing the vulgar out of consideration of others.

By sheeesh

July 19, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

Oh my N8! Which way is the wind blowing today? I recall a few weeks ago that you viewed Salty as untouchable for anything less than a Cy Young pitcher in his prime because Salty was THE premier prospect in the organization (your counter to my argument saying that honor belonged to Escobar). Now a mini-slump by Salty and a suggestion that Teixeira could be had for Salty has you changing your mind (though you may be leery). Not only that, it took you this long to figure out that Escobar should be in the line-up more days than not. You are a hoot, dude. You don’t have a clue about the game, but you are a hoot. Keep the laughs coming.

And DOB, please put all of N8’s questions at the top of your list of things to ask Bobby when you talk to him every day. We are all very upset that you are not acknowledging N8’s questions and promptly feeding us your insights about them. Please make sure we all understand why Bobby does not handle things the way N8 would. N8 has all the answers — well, all the answers to the questions about how NOT to manage a roster.

By geauxbraves2000

July 19, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this

It seems to me the SP is starting to take a little shape. I’m actually starting to have a little confidence in them, and starting to think this staff can actually help to keep a winning streak alive, as long as the offense cooperates.

Okay, just about game time, so:

Geaux Braves!!

By GW

July 19, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

Barry Bonds breakering of the Hank Aaron homer record is immenential. The reason I’d federalized this issue is because I was worried about the allegations about Barry Bonds’s enhancerizing his performance but I can’t comment on that while the courts and Senator Mitchell are investigating. So, if the record is brokered than we would end up with a de facto record that was not traditionally defined, I guess is the best way to put it.

By Colin

July 19, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

Im pretty sure the offense wont tho…we have no patience….strikeout alot….we need TEX

By PaBravefan

July 19, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

It will take Salty and Lillibridge to just get Tex! Are you insane! If the Rangers took that deal the GM would be gone!

By N8

July 19, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

sheeesh

As for Salty being “untouchable”, I still feel that way. The only difference is, is that I finally did some research on Tex, and feel that while he’s NOT an Ace pitcher, he would help this team score more runs, and the fact that he seems to NOT be Bora$$’s b!tch, makes me like him a little more.

Andruw has done nor said NOTHING to lead me to believe that Bora$$ is pulling his puppet strings.

Let’s put it this way, other than Pujols, Ichiro, Reyes, Cabrera, Vlad, Fielder, or Howard, Tex is about the ONLY position player I would trade Salty for. Because honestly (slump or no slump), I think within 2 seasons and possibly as soon as next year, Salty will be close to what those players are (or have their impact), with his bat, and for CONSIDERABLY less money.

Now if we’re talking short term (making the playoffs THIS YEAR), Salty should not be traded for anything but a top notch pitcher, IMO.

Ask yourself the question, even IF we trade Salty for Tex, and JS doesn’t aquire at least a #3 rotation type pitcher, is adding Tex REALLY gonna make a difference on this team this year? My guess is occasionally, but not really.

It doesn’t matter how many runs we score, if another starter isn’t added, if Soriano doesn’t find what he lost, and Andruw doesn’t continue hitting like he has the last two weeks, Tex ain’t gonna make a DAMN BIT OF DIFFERENCE. So in that case we might as well keep Salty and his low “we have him locked up for a while” salary.

So don’t go thinking I’ve changed my tune that much from where I was two weeks ago. If ANYTHING, my stance that this team will not make the playoffs with it’s current roster (or adding another bat via trade), has only grown stronger.

PITCHING, PITCHING, PITCHING!!

So your sarcasm, while noted and semi-appreciated, is almost as silly as you believe my posts are.

“We are all very upset that you are not acknowledging N8’s questions and promptly feeding us your insights about them.”

I’m glad you’re concerned and the same curiosity as I do. I’m glad I could be of assistance to you.

“Not only that, it took you this long to figure out that Escobar should be in the line-up more days than not.”

Now THAT is funny. Because on one hand you acknowledge that I know NOTHING about the game, yet you comment on me finally “figuring this out”, yet your genius manager Bobby Cox, hasn’t decided to PUT HIM IN THE LINEUP “more days than not”. So what does that make Bobby’s “knowledge of the game”?

It took Bobby one month to realize that Langerhans was NOT the answer (all while Harris was tearing up AAA after tearing it up in the spring). THEN it took Bobby a month to figure out that Harris should be in the lineup. NOW it’s gonna take him another month to get him back out.

Hmmmmm. And I’m the one who doesn’t understand the game? Strange isn’t it, that ALL of the moves (and lack of moves) I’ve been pining for and b!tchig about, have EVENTUALLY been made by Bobby, huh?

How many downs do we get, before we’re forced to make a penalty kick, in sudden death? My memory isn’t clear right now.

:-)

By Colin

July 19, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this

wow got to get TEX enough said signed through 2008 and use the money to resign after andruw walks…

By Savannah Guy

July 19, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this

With A Big, Fat Asterisk

Here’s wishing Bonds would just go ahead and poke 3 more HR’s so the media would quit talking about him so much. Just pleeeeeeaaazzzz don’t let his record() be broken when we are playing them in SF. That would be sickening to watch. Rather he did it() in Milwaukee. Think Selig might walk across the street to see it?

By Carolina Lady

July 19, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

SJA, great story on the last blog! Enjoyed it.

By AMG

July 19, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

Ah yes, the ups and downs of a young baseball team… this is fun. Hold on to your hats… we’ve only just begun. August and September should prove to be very stressful for some.

I will think positive.
I will think positive. I will think positive.

By Bob, Journalist

July 19, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

Parks, It will be interesting but I wouldn’t worry too much … methinks that if the Braves want Salty to play first and think he ready to so do, he’ll get plenty of time there.

If they don’t so want and think … and want to trade him, it may well be that they don’t want to give him overexposure at that position.

That’s not to say they will trade him ‘cause I don’t think that’s what they want to do. I think it’s impossible to say what they will do with Salty or any one or more of several.

It looks like they have several options as to how to best achieve their objectives we can’t reasonably project anything without knowing what those are … clock’s ticking so it’s my guess that we’ll know something soon.

How’s that for a non-response response … I am just saying that while Julio may facilitate their doing something, I don’t think it will impact their doing whatever it is that they want to do.

By bullet36

July 19, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

DOB: What are you thoughts on the no-class Mets ripping Julio Franco in the papers recently? Willie Randolph was even ripping the guy. Does that surprise anyone? I just don’t see the point. Why go out of your way to talk about a guy when he’s not even on your team anymore? They’ve got bigger problems to worry about than what kind of teammate Franco was. Wouldn’t you agree?

In case anyone missed the quotes: http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070719/SPORTS01/707190410/1108

By Amber

July 19, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

DOB - is that you? A blog, but no song lyrics? I seriously had to scroll back up to see the name!

By Carolina Lady

July 19, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

It’s kind of nice seeing Julio abiding over there at first.

By Choppin Bob

July 19, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

If Dru could stand up straight instead of falling over the next 7 years, sign him.

By David O'Brien

July 19, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: Anthony Lerew had Tommy John surgery today. He’s done until next summer.

By Savannah Guy

July 19, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady…agree. It’s good to see ol’ Julio over there.

By N8

July 19, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

bullet36

I’m not sure that they are really ripping Julio all that much, as much as speaking the truth.

If a guy is hitting .200, he should be the LAST guy (regardless of his past stats), getting in somebody’s face. Mark Redman had a nice year last year, and an average career, similar to Julio the last few years. How would Redmans fellow rotation-mates have responded had he gotten in Davies’ face about his pitching?

If Julio was a coach, that’s a little different, but he wasn’t.

That would be like Terrance Moore ragging on DOB for writing nonsense, IMO.

By Superman

July 19, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

Julio Julio hes our man.

If he cant do it someone half his age can!!

By Señor Blanco mira telemundo

July 19, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

CL: Julio habita al principio bajo.

By Ron

July 19, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

Colin I dont think that we would resign Tex IF we trade for him!!! Mainly because of a kid in Kai Kahulee(or however you spell it) will be ready by the Start of 2009!!! The MAIN reason if we trade Salty is because JS does not think he can Handle First base right now, and feels like getting a proven guy like Tex can help right now and KK will be ready to step in when Tex leaves via free agency!!! Thats what I think!!! I understand we will have money to spend after 2008 season, BUT I think we will spend that MONEY ON PITCHING!!! Mainly because we dont develop pitching like we do position players!!!

By Josh C

July 19, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

Damn you don’t want to suck as a Braves pitcher- they’ll make you replace your friggin’ elbow. Watch your back Kyle!

Seriously, this seems bizarre to have so many guys go through the same thing…

By parks

July 19, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

Bob,I hope your right.

By Paladin, Miscreant

July 19, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

BobJ Your apology is accepted. I hope you will accept mine.

By TheSouthernJackAss

July 19, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

To whom it may concern: TheSouthernJackAss could care less about what any particular A$sClown may think of his comments, or the length of his comments…

TheSouthernJackAss would rather post one sizeable comment of substance and abstrusity…than a multitude of meaningless one-liners and uninformed garbage…on many an occasion, TheJackAss has noted as many as 30 to 50 posts of a rather anemic nature, made by any one solitary individual…and the endless sniping of stat nerds, along with incessant, childish and obnoxious arguments between certain people, which have continued over the length of more than one respective blog…

Additionally, TheSouthernJackAss didn’t point the long finger of accusation directly at anyone as to being a jackal…TheJackAss merely set the trap, and laid the bait…if you happened to find yourself in the snare… well then…

So rest assured, like it or not, TheSouthernJackAss will continue to be TheSouthernJackAss…in spite of all you ignorant A$sClowns…and I certainly don’t need any help in defending myself…and that’s the last word…the bottom line…concerning all you who are suffering from that dreaded malady known as “JackAss envy”!…

By Josh C

July 19, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

Wonder what the no-hit Padres would give us for Diaz? Kruk named them as the team that MUST make a trade for offense to have a shot this year. KJ and Diaz for Germano and Linebrink, perhaps?

By Señor Blanco mira telemundo

July 19, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

El Bravos me da un dolor de cabeza.

Ledezma manchó sus pantalones. Necesitamos ayuda en el bullpen.

Mi dios, Diaz acaba de golpear un homerun.

By TheSouthernJackAss

July 19, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

Thank you CL, thank you very much…just sorry that I brought a tear to the esteemed one’s eye…

By Señor Blanco mira telemundo

July 19, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

Julio puesto a tierra hacia fuera al shortstop. Él puede funcionar no más muy rápidamente.

By N8

July 19, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

Josh C

“Seriously, this seems bizarre to have so many guys go through the same thing…”

What’s more bizarre, is the fact that it took so long to diagnose it. Didn’t he (Lerew) say his elbow was bugging him after the Boston series?

Now he’s out until AT LEAST mid-way through next year, which means, since he wasn’t ready to pitch in the big leagues this year, it will be AT LEAST 2009 before he has any impact on our rotation, if he can ever be counted on.

But just think…when we get Lerew, Hampton AND Gonzo back that will be like adding 2 big-time free agents and a prime “prospect” to our pitching staff.

I can’t wait.

By bullet36

July 19, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

N8 As usual, you’re missing the point. The fact that they waited until the guy was gone from the team (released 10 days ago) to rip him in the papers is ridiculous. It shows a complete and utter lack of class on the part of the Mets. If they had something to say then they should have said it to Julio personally and while he was still a teammate. Why do they still have their minds on julio? They claim he’s a bad teammate then they replaced him on the roster with gangsta rapper Lastings Milledge. What a joke! N8 Are you a Mets apologist or do you just like to disagree with everyone?

By Señor Blanco mira telemundo

July 19, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

Aquí es lo que pienso:

El martillo cincelador Jones tiene gusto de las galletas y la salsa, Wickman come muchas hamburguesas contemporáneamente, pero la barreta Smith del periodista tiene gusto del queso.

¿Por qué está el “jackass” meridional tan enojado? Él debe comer una cerveza y relajar.

El Bobby Cox no es un burro sino que él escoge su nariz.

By Ron

July 19, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

N8 I understand what you are saying about Julio Franco getting in others faces while he is hitting only .200, BUT he has had alot better of a career than Redman!!! Julio does have over 2500 hits, so he should be respected!!! I dont think that he called them losers and said you better play better, he probably tried helping them and they saw it as a slap in the face, mainly because he is older than everybody on the team, and figured he should just keep his mouth shut!!! But you cannot compare Julio with Redman!!! Julio has had a HALL OF FAME Career COMPARED to Redman!!! Hell if Franco SOMEHOW got 400 and something more hits he would have 3000!!! And that WOULD put him into the HALL OF FAME!!! So bottom line Julio SHOULD have been respected by the Mets players, and WILL be respected by the Braves players!!! Its not like Julio was telling them that they aint no good and they are a piece of crap, he just probably tried to help and they took it the wrong way!!! In Atlanta they will NOT take it the Wrong way!!!

By yars

July 19, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this

Josh C…..why would the Padres want KJ? They have Giles at 2B, & KJ’s future is at 2B, not LF. Why do so many think that KJ will be the Braves everyday LF in ‘08?

By Ploof55

July 19, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

Where is the Braves hitting coach while Thorman is out there hacking away for the fences? Has anyone stepped up to help this young guy out? I’ve gotten a good look at his work ethic, and he works his butt off - he just needs some help. Where’s Chipper? It’d be nice to see them pull together and help eachother out.

By Señor Blanco mira telemundo

July 19, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

Ululación! Paladin está más enojado que el jackass. Este blog es un lugar muy enojado.

Ahora, béisbol…

Yuniel Escobar puede ser el Alex siguiente Rodriguez. No debemos negociarlo.

By David O'Brien

July 19, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

Hey, all I know is Methuselah has a .500 OBP since returning to the Bravos.

By Tomahawkin' Again

July 19, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

With that walk, Julio has already done more for the Braves than Thorman has in about a month

By The Truth Hurts

July 19, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

N8, I agree with your last post, as I’ve been saying the same, albeit a bit more succinctly. My philosophy hasn’t changed: why risk the future by giving away promising young (and cheap) talent for anything less than a long-term solution (at 1B or SP).

On the one hand, however, this is the year to really go for it as the NL is comparatively weak. But have we thought about what another trip to the playoffs would mean without a WS title? This team CAN’T lose in the WS again, can it? Psychologically? Which seems to reinforce the notion that no 1B is as important to the odds of success as a dependable SP. Matt Morris? Is this a joke? Have we checked his salary vs. his performance?

I read today where the Braves are actually the one team involved in the most trade talks at this point—which makes sense in the watered down NL, where no team strikes fear in any other. I doubt a frontline SP will be coming this way, unless the organization has already decided not to try to resign AJ—in which case a swap of salaries might not be out of the imagination. But there’s really nobody out there, it seems, worth the financial obligation. Would the Astros trade Oswalt and his salary? Why? Don’t you build around a stud SP? Even if I’m Cincinnati, why would I trade away a pretty decent pitcher in Arroyo for position players, unless I’m stocked with minor league arms. That makes no sense, not when pitching is so hard to come by these days. Again, don’t you build around solid SPs, unless you can’t afford it. And Arroyo is affordable, in this market. I should be a GM.

Another thing that irritates me: the platoon. Not only the movie, which was typically Oliver Stone misinformative, but McCaltamacchia, Kellicobar, Harriaz, and Saltio. This is Cox’s biggest managerial shortcoming, imho. Half our lineup a platoon? Is Thorman now a PH against RHPs? Does Diaz, who has one 0-5 in his entire career and hits .350 a spot starter? Yikes Yikes Yikes.

BTW, Escobar needs to stick around for when Renteria leaves. Salty is more “touchable” than Escobar, I think. What a perfect replacement. Can’t you see him growing with a little HGH? Could be a stud. Plus, he came here in a boat. People who come here in a boat seem to me to be a bit stronger above the shoulders than the normal suburban prospect.

By N8

July 19, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

bullet36

“N8 As usual, you’re missing the point.”

So sorry to waste your time, this will be the last time I acknowledge you exsist.

“It shows a complete and utter lack of class on the part of the Mets. If they had something to say then they should have said it to Julio personally and while he was still a teammate.”

That I can agree with. I still don’t think it was his place to rip somebody when he was batting .200 and NOT being a coach. But I agree, the timing is a little odd.

“N8 Are you a Mets apologist or do you just like to disagree with everyone?”

Nope. Just not a big fan of bringing Julio back, (as far as what I think he’s still got left in the tank - I have nothing personal against him).

Mark it down. IF he continues to bat .200 the rest of the year, he will STILL be on this roster. NO WAY Bobby will “authorize” realeasing Julio.

Now if Julio was being brought back purely as a “coach” on the bench, I’d have no problem with that. But since our bench is thin as it is, I don’t see much point in bringing back a guy that we let go two years ago - when it wouldn’t have cost us much money to keep him - when he is obviously at the end of the road.

Seems like an incredible waste of roster space. But hey! That seems to be the theme this year, so I’m sure he’ll fit right in.

By Josh C

July 19, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

Heard at a K-Mart in Atlanta:

“Welcome shoppers, we have a great blue-light special on sports memorabilia, aisle six. First off, we have a great deal on replica pitching elbows- just like the ones worn by Braves pitchers after minor surgery! Also, don’t miss out on miniature Julio Franco statues… with life-like range at first base! Oh, and don’t forget to pick up the new rap album by Booger and the Homeboy, featuring the smash hits, “Momma said toss me out,” “I can’t get no tradin’ action,” and all time #1 “The first knuckle picks, but the second knuckle DIGS”. Thanks for shopping K-Mart. Next week, Atlanta Falcons orange #7 jumpsuits!

By Señor Blanco mira telemundo

July 19, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

¡Diaz es un tonto que golpea!

Espero que toda la charla enojada sobre este blog no asuste a la señora de Carolina.

By Paladin, Miscreant

July 19, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

Sorry, Senor, no spika the spanish. Speak to me in latin or french. I probbably still won’t understand you, but I’ve got a better shot.

By Choppin Bob

July 19, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

I like how KJ takes alot of pitches, i mean alot of pitches. What is our record when he’s in leadoff? If he’s sees alot so does everyone else.

By Señor Blanco mira telemundo

July 19, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

¡Oh, la humanidad!

Dave O’Brien llamó a Julio “Methuselah”. ¡Pero Dave O’Brien es casi tan viejo como Julio!

By Ron

July 19, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

yars Dude The Padres are benching Giles for 3 games because he SUCKS!!! Maybe thats why the Padres may want KJ!!!!! But I would not trade KJ for Germano mainly because this is Germano’s Rookie year!!! Not much to go by!!! I think he will start to get hit hard once teams figure it out!!! Not saying he won’t be any good, But usually rookies tend to struggle at some poing in the year!!!

By N8

July 19, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

Ron

DING! DING! DING! DING!

We have a winner!

I knew that comparing Redman to Julio was gonna pizz somebody off. He was the only “veteran” we had on this staff this year that sucked. So he was the ONLY choice to use for comparison sakes.

I get that Julio has had a good career. All 653 years of it. I’ll have you note that Burt Blyleven had 287 wins with 242 complete games in his 22 year career and is NOT in the HOF. So don’t assume that if Julio miraculously gets to 3000 hits, he’s gonna get in. Julio is a career .298 hitter, has NEVER had 100 RBI, he has NEVER hit more than 20 HR, and since he is currently in his 23rd year in MLB, don’t underestimate that the voters would not neccesarily enshrine him upon him getting 3000 hits.

And before you compare Julio to a guy like Tony Gwynn, remember that Gwynn was a career .338 hitter, and collected over 3000 hits in 20 years.

But your point is well taken. I will NEVER compare any respectable player to Redman again. :-)

By JasonInMaine

July 19, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Would you include Escobar in a trde for Tex?

Regards,

Jason

By Josh C

July 19, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

I’d bet KJ could get by at all three outfield positions, SS, 2b, even 3b if needed. Oh, and he’s 24, keeps his OBP up near .380 consistently, while always giving 100%, acting as a consummate pro, and playing solid defense. Other than that I’m not sure why anyone would want him.

By N8

July 19, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

Anybody out there that still wishes we would’ve picked up Maroth?

YIKES.

By David O'Brien

July 19, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

Andruw looks so much better right now than he did for three months. He’d have never had a chance to hit that ball earlier this season, when he was lunging and falling backwards and just completely out of sorts.

And say what you will about Frenchy, but he’s a far more effective hitter this season despite the decreased power.

By Paladin, Miscreant

July 19, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

Senor Are you the same one who last night was doin’ a Mike Vick and smashing out puppy brains? Just a thought.

By Efrim

July 19, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

I know I am just being greedy here, but…

What is with the singles?

Have we hit a three run shot since April?

Am I alone on this one?

By Frustrated Fan

July 19, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

This just in from ESPN:

Barry Bonds will miss at least 3 games after his two home run performance today. A Giants spokesman confirms that Bond’s head swelled so large that he could no longer stand upright (a condition Bonds blames on his ailing legs). Said Bonds: “I’d rather be counting my money, anyway. Besides, I’ve played, what, one game this week? My legs can’t handle all of this pressure.”

By TampaBrave

July 19, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Anybody heard if Larussa and Pujols have made up? Just wondering……

By mr baseball

July 19, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

The bullpen hasn’t been so good lately, but I don’t think it’s due to overuse. Villareal and Moylan have the most innings among the relievers, and neither shows any signs of wearing down. Both Soriano and Yates are on pace to pitch 70-some innings. If major league relievers can’t work an average of 3 innings a week without breaking down, maybe they should expand rosters so everyone can carry 14 or 15 pitchers.

Soriano was pitching a lot during his stretch when he was unhittable, but has been beat up a time or two since the All-Star break. Don’t know what his excuse is, but overuse ain’t it. Now that the team is back to the standard of 11 pitchers, the workload isn’t getting any lighter.

If each starter went 1 extra inning every night, that would give the 6 remaining relievers exactly 1 less inning of work per work. Don’t think that’s the difference between an arm falling off and being well rested.

On the topic of relief pitchers, one of the stats geniuses working for MLB needs to re-think the standard for the potentially revealing but ultimately worthless “holds” category. The Cubs’ Ohman came in today to face Bonds with a 4-run lead and 2 men on base. He gave up a 3-run HR and was immediately yanked. But he was credited with a hold. What moron devised the criteria that allows something like that?

There needs to some way of crediting non-closers with effectively doing their jobs, but the current holds stat ain’t cutting it.

On another topic, all of us here who frequently question the strategic shortcomings of the manager need to apologize over his loyalty to Andruw as the cleanup. It definitely looks like his abundant capacity for patience has been rewarded.

Still don’t forgive him for unnecessarily using Woodward yesterday, but Cox props over AJ. Now if he’ll just get Willie out of the leadoff slot against RH pitchers.

8-0. So much for the Braves problems hitting lefties. I guess it’s all due to the new 1B.

By overlord

July 19, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Watch out for chipper to be MVP if he continues this batting clinic, even if he does not gets 100 RBIs.

Renteria is just a player… amaizing guy, he and chipper just make it look so easy.

AJ is looking better every day.

Get the message mutts…….here we come.

Goooooooooo bravos!!!!!!!!!!

By the way this cards team looks very weak, that reds team is going to pass the cards in the standings.

By Tomahawkin' Again

July 19, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

Andruw, welcome back to the north of .220 club. Next stop, .230 and Boras gets you your $20 million a year

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

July 19, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

Pile on, boys! Pile on!

By N8

July 19, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

DOB

“And say what you will about Frenchy, but he’s a far more effective hitter this season despite the decreased power.”

Totally agree with you. I could care less about the long ball. He’s a better HITTER. Period.

By HP

July 19, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

Who says Julio Franco can’t hit?

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

July 19, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

“We’re puttin’ the band back together!” With Julio back, it’s time to get Reitsma, Ho-Ram, Kolb, Sosa, Giles, & Furcal back…er, on second thought…

By Josh GT

July 19, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

Wow…I guess Jose Valentin never got a lesson in respecting his elders. According to his logic, Willie Randolph should also be busting it on the field.

By Ron

July 19, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

Well Franco has done more in one game with 2 rbi’s and a walk than Orr did the whole time he was in Atlanta!!! I know I know it was against Maroth, But Salty is hitless so obviously Franco can still hit, at least a little bit!!! We will see!!! In one game he has ALREADY improved the Bench SOOOOOOO Much!!!!!

By TennesseePaul

July 19, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

Julio!!!!!

Sweet Sweetness!

Nothin, absolutely nothin, is better than coming home from a long day checking on the game and seeing Julio push the score up to 10-0.

GO BRAVES

By Steve from OH

July 19, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

DOB:

Do you think the Angels would be willing to deal Santana, and, for what price?

Totally agree about Frenchy. He’s driving in his fair share of runs, and since runs count the same, RBI singles vs. solo homeruns shouldn’t matter.

By Efrim

July 19, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

DOB

I agree with Frenchy, much better hitter. But he is not our clean up hitter next year. I really think that Renteria should hit third next year with Chipper moving to the clean-up spot.

Can Diaz finally get the everyday job in left?

Never walks, but always hits the ball hard.

By Señor Blanco mira telemundo

July 19, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

Los animales de los amors de señor Blanco y nunca lastimarían un perrito.

Él no está enojado como Paladin o el jackass.

Ahora, béisbol…

No puedo creer que el Braves ha anotado diez funcionamientos. Son muy contrarios.

By Paladin, Miscreant

July 19, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

I, once again, am tiring of this. I’m going to bed. Goodnight…to some of you.

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

July 19, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

DOB

I’m with you on Frenchy. He’s hitting for average this year and looks better at the plate. The power numbers will return; one thing at a time, though…or “One Piece at a Time” to quote Mr. Cash. The kid’s gonna be a superstar in a few years.

By All Spin Zone

July 19, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

N8

An incredible waste of roster space is carrying 13 pitchers and half of them not even pitching.

Julio is not a real gamble. He’s filling a roster spot for one of the extra pitchers. He’s costing us practically nothing. If he starts producing, it was a good move, If not, nothing is really lost.

As for ripping Mets players, some guys take the role of helping the young guys. They offer advice to a thin skinned, hotshot, come through the Mets organization, pudknocker, and the young pudknocker thinks he’s being ripped! Julio did a good job of mentoring the young guys for the Braves, evidently, the Mets didn’t want that. So why did they sign him?

You think the Mets didn’t know the role he played with the Braves? So they sign him and suddenly don’t want him talking or offering advice? They knew what they were getting.

As for only hitting .200 and offering advice, if that is the attitude of the Mets players, no wonder they fired the hitting coach. They don’t sound like they want to listen to anyone! I guess their hitting coach wasn’t hitting for a high enough average to listen to huh?

That “he doesn’t need to offer advice because he’s only hitting .200” is pure bullcrap. Nothing short of that.

The Mets may not want the guy for his veteran leadership, but I’m sure the Braves will benefit from that and be glad to have it!

Oh and one more thing. It was totally classless of the Mets to slam Julio when he left. Hope the guy wears the Mets out when we play them again.

By Tomahawkin' Again

July 19, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

Matt Diaz = en fuego Julio Franco = Schuerholz is a genius Matt Maroth = does someone need to wake LaRussa up from a nap? The kid is crafty a heck of an 11-hitter, isn’t he?

By HP

July 19, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

Can we get the Braves first complete game by Tim Hudson today? I hope so.

By N8

July 19, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

“Who says Julio Franco can’t hit?”

It’s Mike Maroth, and he’s obviously taking one for the team.

I wouldn’t get too excited just yet.

Isn’t it amazing that they couldn’t get the big hit yesterday in 15 innings, and now they’ll have their typical 20 run outburst, which will be followed by another 1-run loss.

Then all the stats guys will use this outburst to question why the team is losing games while averaging 7 runs a game this week. :-)

That being said, Julio already has more RBI than I thought he’d have in a month, so….

By DAP

July 19, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

its looking good so far tonight! maybe this would be a good time to get our first complete game of the year…

By overlord

July 19, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

I wonder how could a MLB team let MAtt Diaz walk away???? the guy has WINNER written all over him. He most be one of the top 5 most underrated players in the majors.

By Josh C

July 19, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

I swear yesterday three-fourths of the bloggers wanted to sell off and give up. This is baseball, people! They aren’t as good as they’re playing tonight, not as bad as they played this weekend. With no roster moves this is a 85-90 win team. A roster move for a pitcher could net another 3-5 wins. Riding those ups and downs just gets you seasick.

By Señor Blanco mira telemundo

July 19, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

Julio puede golpear un béisbol mientras él tome su Geritol antes del juego y de su Gay de Ben después del juego.

By AZBravoFan

July 19, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Anybody out there still mad that the Braves didn’t make a play for Maroth?

By Paladin, Miscreant

July 19, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

As I was leaving: One more of SJA’s spewing arrived. Y’all all know SJA, don’t you? He has been on and off more than Paris Hilton’s panties.

I guess I do need to get a ladder, “Most Honable…”, ‘cause I sure couldn[t kick you in any balls.

Now, go out to the kennel and say goodnight to yhour mom.

By TampaBrave

July 19, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

Anybody out there???

Does anyone know if LaRussa and Pujols have made up???????????????

By fastasballs

July 19, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

I hope this is Braves first complete game of the year. It couldn’t come at a better time with the pen worn out.

The Muts players & manager are making their organization proud with their comments about Franco. There is no wonder their fan base is mainly made up of douchebags.

10-0 in the 5th, what a difference a day makes. Seems everytime the Braves suffer a terrible loss like yesterday’s, they always bounce right back with a win.

By TheSouthernJackAss

July 19, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Unbelievable…

By Paladin, Miscreant

July 19, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

I am gone now, Southern jack-off. Too late.

By overlord

July 19, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

I cant see how this could be a bad pitching rotation:

1. Smoltz 2.88

2. Hudson 3.22

3. James 3.73

4. Carlyle 4.00

And 2-4 pitching better in july than may and june.

1. Reyes Good outing against Reds (4th in runs scored in the NL).

How about Batting? 1-3 hitting over .300 4th hitting .390 in last 10 games o something like that. Francour almost .300 Diaz is killing the ball

And now our weakness is the BP, hahaha, which was the part of the team that was keeping us alive the first 3 months of the season.

Cant this team put it all together at the same time?

By Del

July 19, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

I wonder if anyone in the Braves organization has considered converting Jelly J. to a first baseman. Apparently he is a fast study and could be ready for the 08 season. That would free up an infield position for one of our up and coming middle infielders. It would also give us some power at first along with an excellant OBP. Any thoughts?

By Señor Blanco mira telemundo

July 19, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

Se parece como Paladin es un individuo muy infeliz. Alguien debe darte un abrazo.

¿Dónde es el periodista Smith?

By Ron

July 19, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

No doubt that dude should have went into the Hall of Fame, BUT the magic number for Pitchers is 300 Wins!!! He came up short!!! Im not saying you have to have 300 wins, but IF he did get 300 wins he is in the Hall of Fame TODAY!!! 3000 HITS is the Magic number for hitters that dont hit alot of homeruns!!! You get 3000 hits you will be inducted into the Hall of Fame!!! No question about it!!! And I would not even think about comparing Julio with Gwynn, Gwynn had such a high average, unbelievable player!!! Now 500 homeruns MAY NOT be the Number for hitters anymore, Mainly because of the steroid scandal and crap like that, but the other numbers like 300 wins, and 3000 hits WILL GET YOU INTO THE HALL OF FAME GUARANTEED!!!!!!!!! I dont care about Franco’s other stats, 3000 hits is the only stat that will matter in the Voter’s eyes!!!

By TheSouthernJackAss

July 19, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

Well Paladin has sunk to the lowest of the low—making disparaging remarks about someone’s mother—If that doesn’t earn him banishment from this blog—nothing should…I hope everyone here knows just what Paladin is made of now…

No need for me to threaten him any further…he knows the probability of me meeting him in person is slim to none…that’s the only reason he’s displaying a set of cyberballs…but if I ever do…

DOB…ugly remarks concerning ‘anyone’s’ mother should never be tolerated here…

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

July 19, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

Most mortgages cost more than Julio. No need to complain.

By John Rocker

July 19, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Hey! If you’re not gonna speak English…..GET OFF THE BLOG!

By Josh C

July 19, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

I thought everyone knew to ignore the loudmouth blogger who attacks everyone. I’ve always figured that most men view success in two ways: Making money and getting lots of… family blog…

Based on his attitude I’m guessing he failed on both fronts (I say failed because his life is basically over).

In the words of the immortal Gump, “That’s all I have to say about that.”

By Choppin Bob

July 19, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

KJ1st: Brillant! Just, brillant!

By Wayne in Utah

July 19, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

Bloggers I think DOB is onto something good. It can’t be “Julio” or “Julio Franco” or “Franco.”

It’s gotta be Methuselah from this point on!

Sorry to hear about Lerew. Hope Davies goes down with the right attitude. I still think he is worth the effort.

Lastly, good to see some hitting, even if it IS against Mike Maroth!

By Greg in TN

July 19, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

Evening folks…

Certainly a 180 tonight in the capital city. Hudson is rolling right along even with the run just afforded to the Cards.

The handwriting was on the wall since Monday, so it’s no real shock to me that Kyle Davies is now a Richmond Brave. I hope he takes this opportunity to work on consistency and can make contributions for us down the road. He’s got great stuff, but I think this is a chance for him to get straightened out between the ears, something he really should have had the chance to do starting the season, however fate deemed otherwise.

Good to see Ledezma now back with the big club after getting a squeeky clean visa and his plight can be a lesson for us all. Always check your pockets before sending your laundry to the cleaners.

Hope that Lerew is able to bounce back from Tommy John surgery. If I were TJ, I’d want some type of royalty payment for having to go through the thing the first time (thought long and hard about saying he should take a ‘cut’ from the proceeds of each surgery).

Señor Blanco. Tan largo como él toma su Geritol, yo no cuido tan largo como los Bravos ganan los juegos.

By TheSouthernJackAss

July 19, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

Senior—take it someplace else—if you can’t use English when you post, then I guess you can’t read it either—no sense in you wasting space here…adios amigo…

By John Rocker

July 19, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

Ron

You are right. A player with 3000 hits should get in.

I’ve never thought that a guy that “takes to long” to accumulate stats, should get punished, for staying healthy and being productive for a long time.

Didn’t it take Sutton forever to get in, because they said that he was simply “good” for a very long time, but NEVER great? That’s BS.

I just think that the voters (many of them) are a bunch of grumpy old men, that simply think too much when enshrining players.

That being said, I’m all for making sure that the HOF doesn’t get watered down.

By David O'Brien

July 19, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

Did you guys know that Diaz leads the MAJORS with .393 average since April 30? (after that groundout).

When Julio came to bat just now, they played “Don’t Stop Believing.” Pretty cool.

By Señor Blanco mira telemundo

July 19, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

Greg, buena tarde a ti. Eres un buen compañero. No estás enojado como Paladin.

By Ron

July 19, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

N8 I know Julio got that hit against Maroth, BUT obviously he can still hit at least a little bit!!! Salty AND Escobar were hitless against Maroth, so that means at least Julio can still hit a little bit!!!

By StingerSplash

July 19, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

DOB,

This may be the most important question of all time. What’s your take on Social Distortion’s version of “Ring of Fire?”

By N8

July 19, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

Can somebody explain to me why Chipper is still in the game?

This game is the exact type of game that Woodward should be getting his AB’s in, IMO.

How about Thorman? Might as well let him work on his K-total in a game that’s a foregone conclusion.

Hope I didn’t just jinx us. :-)

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

July 19, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

As I stated yesterday regarding Julio, I prefer, “Me and Julio down by the school yard.” A bit long for a nickname, but who cares?

By Señor Blanco mira telemundo

July 19, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

Jackass - porqué debo lo tomo dondequiera, tengo gusto de él aquí. Y sí, puedo poder inglés ciertamente leído. Es divertido que los bloggers enojados están tan asustados ver otra lengua en este blog. Te conjeturo jackass de la llamada tú mismo por una buena razón.

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

July 19, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

Anytime anyone plays “Don’t Stop Believing” it’s cool. “Stone in Love” from the Escape album rules too.

By Efrim

July 19, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

Hudson looked strong tonight.

By TennesseePaul

July 19, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Hopeully Cox will keep Hudson in there for the 8th. He’s got 93 pitches. Let him run out there and see if he can set ‘em down. If not, you can always take him out in the middle of the inning. Please let him pitch at least one more inning.

By Herr Weiss

July 19, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Senor Blanco ist mein Freund. Der “Esel” sollte nicht ihn bedrängen. Tatsächlich sollte jemand genannter

“Esel” ihre Gedanken zu selbst halten.

By TennesseePaul

July 19, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

Damn.

By fastasballs

July 19, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

Hudson only threw 92 pitches, can’t he pull one more inning? This is needless use of the pen once again. The pen just went 8 innings yesterday & 9 on Monday. James is only going to go 5-6 innings tomorrow so they will be used again for 3-4 innings.

I can see Ledezma maybe finishing up the game since he has not pitched in a week or so, but with a 9 run lead nobody else needs to be in there.

By Josh C

July 19, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

Guys I gotta share this classic…

My nine-year-old son just asked me if Julio Franco played when Babe Ruth was still around…

He didn’t, right? =)

By Matt Diaz

July 19, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

I’m getting pretty sick and tired of seeing some of you jerk bloggers saying that I’m ok but not an every day player. What the heck do I have to do to be an every day player?

I play decent outfield, maybe not pretty but I catch everything I can get to and even have a couple of outfield assists this year.

Hey Einsteins, know what I’m hitting last season and this season combined? With over 500 at bats I’m over .330! Yeah that’s right .330! Five hundred at bats ain’t no small sample.

I have over 50 rbi and 13 Home Runs over that period as well. Not bad for a guy who doesn’t always come to the plate with the bags juiced.

I can rake, I repeat I can rake!

By Steve from OH

July 19, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Umm…

Wouldn’t tonight be a good night to rest Moylan? Seems like he’s been pitching alot lately.

By Greg in TN

July 19, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Looking over the minor league report on the team’s website, Tanyon Sturtze pitched an inning last night for the M-Braves against Jacksonville. Sturtze struggled with his control from the looks of it, giving up three walks, a hit and an earned run but struck out two and took the loss in a 7-4 game.

By Bobby Cocks

July 19, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Park the f#ck67g Spanish dude, this ain’t the Mexican League

By Interested Observer

July 19, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

This is a minor point, but it seems to me with a big lead that Ledezma should be pitching the last two innings. He hasn’t pitched in over a week and Moylan and everyone else is exhausted.

By Savannah Guy

July 19, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

Another KJ observation, same as I’ve been saying for months: He is not a second baseman. He’s hard-wired to NOT take a hit. Lot’s of talent, just not able to hold up to the contact (or even potential contact) of double play situations.

He would make a good first sacker. Yes…1st base. Olerud type of guy. Call me crazy.

By Greg in TN

July 19, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

Señor Blanco, Gracias, señor. Tenga una gran tarde.

By Efrim

July 19, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Moylan only threw 9 pitches.

By Señor Blanco mira telemundo

July 19, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

Dave O’Brien se olvidó de darnos las líricas de la canción hoy.

Senor Blanco quisiera presentar su canción preferida:

GUANTANAMERA Original music by Jose Fernandez Diaz Music adaptation by Pete Seeger & Julian Orbon Lyric adaptation by Julian Orbon, based on a poem by Jose Marti

Yo soy un hombre sincero De donde crecen las palmas Yo soy un hombre sincero De donde crecen las palmas Y antes de morirme quiero Echar mis versos del alma

Chorus: Guantanamera Guajira Guantanamera Guantanamera Guajira Guantanamera

Mi verso es de un verde claro Y de un carmin encendido Mi verso es de un verde claro Y de un carmin encendido Mi verso es un ciervo herido Que busca en el monte amparo

Chorus

Cultivo la rosa blanca En junio como en enero Qultivo la rosa blanca En junio como en enero Para el amigo sincero Que me da su mano franca

Chorus

Y para el cruel que me arranca El corazon con que vivo Y para el cruel que me arranca El corazon con que vivo Cardo ni ortiga cultivo Cultivo la rosa blanca

Chorus

Con los pobres de la tierra Quiero yo mi suerte echar Con los pobres de la tierra Quiero yo mi suerte echar El arroyo de la sierra Me complace mas que el mar

Chorus

By Superman

July 19, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

I have a question.

Why is it everytime I eat mexican food I think of the song Burning ring of fire?

By TheSouthernJackAss

July 19, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Senor—TheJackAss ain’t frightened of anything…much less one more troll like you…but he is bored now…

By Savannah Guy

July 19, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Matt Diaz: you are right. you should play every day.

Spanish, German, French, Russian, Czech, Whatever Dudesters: I’m sure everyone is impressed that you speak a language other than english. Is there perhaps a nice little blog somewhere you can really relate to the folks? How about impressing some kids in a teenage chat room somewhere?

Comprehende, el borracho?

By Señor Blanco mira telemundo

July 19, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

Superhombre - realmente no estás comiendo el alimento mexicano, tú estás comiendo la idea de algún gringo del alimento mexicano.

Tener una cerveza y relajar.

By TampaBrave

July 19, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

Hey Matt Diaz,

Get off the laptop and get your a* into left field. We’re playing with 8 players.

By TexasBrave

July 19, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

Here goes Bobby using the bullpen again. Hudson probably would not have gone nine but he could have at least completed eight. I wonder if Hudson said he was tired, because other than that I see no reason to take him out.

And where is Ledzema? Seems to me, he might need a little work.

By fastasballs

July 19, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

It’s about time to flip it over & listen to Scully describe the beating the Muts are about to take. Man I love listening to him.

What’s with the damn Spanish?

By Señor Blanco mira telemundo

July 19, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

Individuo de la Savannah - amor de I este blog porque realmente amo el béisbol de Atlanta Braves. También, amo leer a Dave O’Brien y miro adelante a ver qué periodista tiene que decir la barreta Smith (quizá algo sobre el jamón o el queso conservado). ¡él es tan divertido!

By Greg in TN

July 19, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

Good way to get off the deck and put yesterday in the rear view mirror!

By Matt Diaz

July 19, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Sorry Tampa,

I’m used to Willie playing half the time. Thought it was his turn.

By Superman

July 19, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

Hey senor beaner i dont speak mexican.

Which is suprising considering the number of illegals that live in my town

By Josh C

July 19, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

Once again, people complaining about the starters not going long enough. Focus for a minute here: what is Huddy making? OK, what about Moylan? If Moylan throws his arm out you could trade a nobody prospect and get a reasonable facsimile failing you have one on the farm. If Huddy goes down it costs you Escobar, Salty, and who knows what plus serious salry cash to replace him with someone likely to be less effective. Huddy was out for the same reason Chipper, Edgar, and Andruw were out. Liners don’t go off pitchers’ heads in the dugout…

By TampaBrave

July 19, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Its OK Matty. Great game tonight and good blogging. You are a man of many talents.

By Translator

July 19, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

Superman - Senor Blanco has said to you:

Superman - you are not really eating the Mexican food, you are eating the idea of some gringo of the Mexican food. Have a beer and relax.

By Salty

July 19, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

MattDiaz Just get a Blackberry…you can afford it!

By fastasballs

July 19, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

Well so much for my fun tonight, 6-0 Muts in the 1st & their still batting. Lowe couldn’t get Thorman out the way he is pitching so far.

By mr baseball

July 19, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

DOB: in honor of Methuselah’s return, how ‘bout some lyrics tomorrow from Neil (“Old Man”) or Atlanta favorites Little Feat (“Old Folks Boogie”).

Lotsa runs for the Bravos this weekend. Not exactly a bunch of Cy Young candidates on the Cardinals’ staff. When your No. 1 guy is a first year starter with an ERA just under 4.50 and No. 2 is Braden Looper, bon appetit opposing hitters. Swept the Pirates, got swept by the Reds. Is a sweep of the Cards in the cards? Sorry.

By TampaBrave

July 19, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

Next year we need to find a CF with blazing speed who can lead off. Replace your run production guy with Tex.

By JasonInMaine

July 19, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

I guess the Bravos aren’t going to gain a game tonight…

I think the Braves will make a couple of moves. It is encouraging that they are being “creative and aggressive”. Let’s make a couple of big moves and get Smoltz back to the WS!!

Regards,

Jason

By Superman

July 19, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

Well let me tell ya i aint talking about no damn taco bell. This is authentic mexican.

and by the way i have been to mexico same burning ring of fire

By Felix Millan

July 19, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

Hey Superman, when did “Mexican” become a language?

By Savannah Guy

July 19, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

Oiga, señor: ¿Eres español? ¿Hay aquí alguien que hable inglés? Esto no funciona.

By PERNELL PEACH

July 19, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

Mike ain’t imminential. He’s gonna beat this.

By TampaBrave

July 19, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB,

Any chance of Pujols wanting to be traded?

By Matt Diaz

July 19, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

Thanks Tampa. I can play first and catch in a pinch as well.

By Señor Blanco mira telemundo

July 19, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

Buonas noches a cada uno.

Es demasiado malo que no apareció el periodista Smith.

¡Él dañó quizá su dedo del pie!

By Matt Diaz

July 19, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

Blackberry……hmmmm that’s a thought.

By fastasballs

July 19, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

6-2 after the 1st inning. Glavine doesn’t look much better than Lowe, but he’s a few to work with. Geez I hate to be rooting for the Dodgers, it’s damn near sacreligious.

By Bob, Journalist

July 19, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

Most highly esteemed journalist, I live for this!

By Savannah Guy

July 19, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

si…si, Senor Smith. Bueno. es mejor tarde canunca.

By Matt Diaz

July 19, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

6-4,Dodgers coming back! Bottom 2nd, no outs!

By Bob, Journalist

July 19, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

Who says jimmy doesn’t blog when there’s too much bad on the blog?!

By Superman

July 19, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

To quote Ricky Bobby from talladega nights. “This is america we speak american” lol

By Colorado Braves Fan

July 19, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

Well… I figured out how Bobby Cox was able to rationailze sending Pete Orr to AAA Richmond. Orr played CF tonight for thr R-Braves and went 1 for five… with a HOMERUN. Bobby is grooming Petey to replece Andruw in ‘08.

By Bob, Journalist

July 19, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

I can’t speak Greek and that’s Greek to me so I’m going to bed!

By David O'Brien

July 19, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

The Braves must be getting used to pounding on the Cardinals. They’ve hit a staggering .371 with 13 homers and 56 runs in their past five games against St. Louis, and won four of them.

By Savannah Guy

July 19, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

Bob, J: there certainly has been alot of “bad” on the blog lately. Catching up after a week off was like witnessing a cascading mud slide at times. Seemed to run in cycles. Sorta like life. Sorta like blogs. Sorta like you and a gunslinger from the 60’s.

By David O'Brien

July 19, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball, I like that “Old Man” for tomrrow. Good lyrics.

By TheSouthernJackAss

July 19, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

I can’t understand a damn word that Senor boy is a sayin’—but I think he’s still makin’ more sense than most of these other A$sClowns ever have…I’m out…

By David O'Brien

July 19, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

StingerSplash, that is one of the most important questions I’ve entertained. And my answer is a resounding, I love it. Social D freakin’ rocks, and Mike Ness is the perfect guy to cover Johnny, because of his attitude.

You ever get Ness’ solo album that’s got a bunch of covers of artists who’ve influenced him? It’s a really strong album, better than Social D’s lesser work, not quite as good as their better work.

By Savannah Guy

July 19, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this

So there’s no misinterpretation: there’s been a lot of good stuff here too. Just like…you know…

By Efrim

July 19, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

Francouer and Andruw Jones have the same OPS - .758.

Amazing.

By David O'Brien

July 19, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

Someone asked me about the clubhouse attitude earlier this afternoon.

Well, as we were all reminded, in baseball the day before is quickly forgotten with a big early lead and a good performance from your starting pitcher.

By brent a.

July 19, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

Buddy Carlyle 2007 > Tom Glavine 2007

By GermanBravesFan

July 19, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

I just read Jason Stark’s “Trade Rumors” on Espn.com and here is what he wrote:

“Meanwhile, clubs that have talked to Atlanta say there isn’t a buyer in baseball trying to be more aggressive or more creative than the Braves. “They’re in on everybody,” says one GM. “Starters. Relievers. Bats. Older guys. Young guys. They’re heating up to do something.”

The Braves are balking at dealing Jarrod Saltalamacchia or the dynamic Yunel Escobar. But other clubs report they are willing to talk about shortstop prospect Elvis Andrus and power left-hander Dan Smith.

“We’re not talking about guys at the level of a [Jeff] Francoeur or a [Brian] McCann, guys like that,” says an executive of one team. “But they’ve still got some real nice pieces to move. They’re just not gigantic pieces.”

There are indications the Braves made a run at Dmitri Young a few weeks ago, didn’t like the asking price and headed in other directions.”

Another name he mentioned that has drawn interest from the Braves is Zack Greinke from Kansas City.

Have you heard anything like this, DOB?

By fastasballs

July 19, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

9-6 Muts after 3 innings. Lowe & Glavine are out of the game. You know Tommy is steamed over this one, lol. They staked him to a six run lead in the 1st, but he couldn’t get out of the 3rd without giving most of it back.

By Efrim

July 19, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

Francouer has 73 strikeouts to Andruw Jones 90 K’s.

By Savannah Guy

July 19, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

“Winning is like a deodorant. It covers up a lot that stinks.” Doc Rivers

By tyyosh

July 20, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

I can’t read Spanish (yet), but something about Senor Blanco… Could it be that Senor Blanco = jjs, maybe doing the alternate version in honor of Julio’s return???

And Mr. Paladin… when you started posting a few weeks ago, it was pretty new and interesting - longtime veteran of service to our country, longtime baseball fan, great moniker, etc. But it seems now that you just want to fight and attack people. What’s up? I cannot imagine you would be anything like this in real life.

By KC

July 20, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

The Braves WILL win the division now that we have Julio Franco.

When we let Julio walk away, we were cursed. That’s why the streak ended. Now that he’s back, we’ll win. It’s that simple. The curse of Julio has been broken!! =)

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

July 20, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this

While Julio Franco is an upgrade on the bench, which how sad is that, he is not the answer at 1B. It is obvious Thorman can’t hack it and it is too much to expect Salty to produce what is needed out the position. I would like to see Texeria there, but I know that could be a bit out of reach. Another name that would be nice is Carlos Pena, but I wonder if the Rays would ask for the moon? Another possibiltiy could be Ryan Klesko.

I have no problem with JS going after a guy like CJ Wilson but I sure wouldn’t give up too much for him. I also wonder what the Cards would want for Chris Duncan?

On a side note, do teams like the Royals, Rays, and Nats really wonder why they are always dead last? They act like their players are the best around and ask for ridiculous terms in trade discussions. For instance, why are the Nats asking for top prospects for Dmitri Young. Yes, he would help greatly here, but it is not like this guy is Lance Berkman or Derek Lee. I think Kyle Davies and Marin Prado would be more than fair enough. Remember how the Devil Rays were trying to rape teams for Rocco Baldelli? How foolish do they look now? I am willing to bet they want Escobar and Salty for Carlos Pena. I just don’t get that.

By Jared

July 20, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

Saltalamacchia for Texiera and Akinora Otsuka OR Saltalamacchia for Ian Snell are the only Saltalamacchia trades I’d do. I’d trade Escobar for pretty much anything decent, like a Matt Morris, Dmitri Young or an Otsuka (if Otsuka is healthy). All he does is hit for average. No power, no walks, horrible defense (6 errors to Kelly Johnson’s 8 in about half the time and a fielding percentage around .950. Johnson’s is .981.) How is Escobar hyped while Diaz almost gets sold to a baseball team in Japan this past offseason?

P.S.: Schuerholz is an idiot if he can get Snell for Saltalamacchia alone and hasn’t pulled the trigger. It’s a complete no-brainer. I honestly think it’s Littlefield who wouldn’t do that Saltalamacchia-for-Snell deal, not Schuerholz.

By KC

July 20, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this

As much as I would hate to see Salty go… I would trade Salty, Davies, and would even throw in Joey Divine… for a top-of-the-rotation starter.

A guy like Bronson Arroyo or certainly a Dan Haren. It would kill me to see Salty go, but I would definitely do it in exchance for an excellent starter that’s affordable and under contract for a couple more years after this.

By tyyosh

July 20, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this

OK, (laughing really hard), check out these awful computer translations of some of “Senor Blanco“‘s responses to the people who got onto him for the Spanish. From http://babelfish.yahoo.com. See if some of this seems familiar, even when spit out of a computer translator:

1. Jackass - porqué I must volume anywhere to it, I have taste of him here. And yes, I can be able English certainly read. It is amused that bloggers angered so is scared to see another language in this blog. I conjecture jackass to you of the call you yourself for a good reason.

2. Individual of the Savannah - love of I this blog because really master the baseball of Atlanta Braves. Also, master to read to Dave ÓBrien and I ahead watch to see what journalist must say to the small bar Smith (perhaps something on jamón or the conserved cheese). it so is amused!

By Giuseppe

July 20, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

Non conosco nulla circa baseball, ma è molto interessante leggere questo.

Ciò è un blog “wacky”!

By sheesh

July 20, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this

For anyone who thinks Teixeira is an “elite” hitter, consider where he plays most of his games. That bandbox of a ballpark in Arlington, not to mention only one truly outstanding season offensively, doesn’t impress me very much. Maybe he will hit for a good average in Atlanta (.280 - .300), but I don’t see him bringing premier power numbers with him. He is certainly not a better power hitter than Andruw. Maybe he could muster 20 - 25 HR/season — not bad, but not worth what you would have to pay him on a new contract.

I’m ok with riding out the rest of the season with Franco being the primary first baseman and then dealing with the hole at first in the off-season. At least Franco can field the position and he will surely be a more productive hitter than Thorman.

All that being said, I would deal Salty in a heartbeat for a solid #3 starting pitcher that I knew I would have for 2 or 3 more seasons — if you could get lucky enough to find a sucker GM to make that deal. Salty will be an ok offensive player, but he certainly hasn’t shown anything to indicate that he will be even a top 30 offensive player, let alone a top 5-10. He is a big, fat catcher. I cannot see him putting up numbers like Piazza did in his prime — not even close. He is just a nice kid with a decent bat and a catchy baseball name. I think the Braves should trade him sooner than later before the secret gets out that he is just an average ballplayer.

By KC

July 20, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

Jared: I think you are correct in assuming that the Pirates aren’t returning calls about Snell. They’ve been very vocal about their unwillingness to part with their young arms.

I too would trade Salty for Snell if that deal were available. I think Salty is going to be a star, and it would kill me to see him go. But if the philosophy of this team really is “pitching first”… you’d have to pull the trigger on a deal like that. And we have recently (LaRoche for M.Gonzalez).

By TBFKB

July 20, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this

Ol’ Huddy is showing why we signed him long-term. I was not able to watch the game here in Wyoming, but it appears he had a pretty good outing tonight.

I with the bloggers that suggest M. Diaz should be an every day player. W. Harris is coming back to earth as pointed out numerous times by observant bloggers. Only thing I can think is the “smart baseball people” feel he would struggle as an everyday player. His splits don’t indicate he is a platoon player thats for sure. http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/player?statsId=7184

M. Diaz Career Stats

197 Hits/616 AB’s

.320 AVG.

30 Doubles 7 Triples 13 Home Runs

.455 SLG%

25 BB

.356 OBP%

.810 OPS%

Check the link above for splits.

All this before tonight.

Not to toot my own horn but who here is going to give me props for saying AJ was going to break out when we were still in LA? Well I am tooting my own horn darn it….my boys hitting.

How ‘bout the old man? Franco I must admit is not the answer at 1st base for sure I am still skeptical at why we signed him,despite the fact he is one of my favorites of all time. Especially, if we are going to attempt a run at Texiria (spelling?). But for one night at least he showed that J.S. and Bobby know what they are doing.

Let’s go LA in the slug fest, although I dont think LA has the bats to keep up with the Mets.

DOB

You may have covered this before but what does Mr. Hudson credit his resurgence from medocrity? Also, what do you think the odds are J. Franco will be the Braves new hitting coach in the near future (1-3 years)?

By DAP

July 20, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this

it could be just me, but it seems like people are making a bigger deal out of vick hurting some dogs than they do about football players who are involved in shootings or beat thier wives…i love dogs and dont want any abused, but come on! theyre dogs! what about when these guys hurt PEOPLE?

By Coach (I'm only right 90% of the time)

July 20, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

KC , I didn’t know Julio Franco could pitch ! At any rate , I knew Franco would start at 1B , everybody saw it coming. Now , where was all this offense last night when Smoltz was on the mound ? The Mets are winning , negating another win by the Braves. I did some reading up on Zack Greinke today and he looks like the answer right now and long into the future. The Royals control his rights until 2010. But is he really trade material ? Are Dayton Moore’s longtime ties to Atlanta giving the Braves John Schuerholz the onus to pursue this ? stay tuned blog denizens !

By Wayne in Utah

July 20, 2007 1:02 AM | Link to this

KC and RJITB

Missed you guys! Lots of rumors floating around, which is par for the course this time of year. JS seems to always pull one out that we are not even thinking about.

So, while I can speculate and speculate, as close to the vest as the Braves play things, I think any moves will be FAR from what we might speculate. LaRoche for Gonzo and this recent deal to get Methuselah back are the ONLY deals that have been remotely speculated.

Personally, I like guys like Conine and Millar over Teixeira, as I too think Tex is a bit overrated, and I DO NOT like Scott Bore-us.

As for pitching, I would be surprised to see something like Salty for one of the REAL catches (Cain, Snell, Haren) but I am really expecting more of a deal for a reliever like CJ Wilson or even Fuentes of Colorado.

Whaddya think, my friends!

By TBFKB

July 20, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this

It seems to me from various media sources that Willie Randolph is a coward. Everyone read about how they fired Downs? Then you read the post about J. Franco. Who would want to play for a guy like that. I would anticpate problems in that clubhouse in the future. Show’s all of you naysayers what kinda people we have running our show. You never hear about that kinda stuff in Atlanta. Thank go. The biggest stink we get is D. Justice dis’ing our fans and R. Furcal getting DUI’s. Even through the D. Sanders fiaco our organzation stayed classy.

By Wayne in Utah

July 20, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this

Also, as much as he has struggled as of late, I still think Thorman is a keeper. He has really NO trade value today, and he has always taken a year or two to reach his potential at all levels of the minors. Maybe I am wrong, but one or two starts a week might be enough to keep him in the game, or to get him re-energized.

By Wayne in Utah

July 20, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this

TBFKB Where in Wyoming??? I work the western side of Wyoming about every 6 weeks. I too would like to see Diaz get about 5 starts a week minimum. Prove to us he can/can’t do it regularly. Also, while I didn’t call the AJ resurgance, I am thrilled to have it. BUT, I will not cry when he is gone next year either.

Coach Greinke would be a real catch. I think he can be had for a package that would not claim Salty or Escobar.

It would surprise me to see the Braves haul in a promising young arm with Elvis Andrus.

I love Methuselah, but he is not the answer.

WHERE IS BRAYAN PENA???

Dave OB If you check in tonight, do you have anything on Aybar??? I would love to see the kid get back in the dugout. Shame to see good talent go to waste.

By Coach (I'm only right 90% of the time)

July 20, 2007 1:16 AM | Link to this

Andruw’s last ten games : 5 HR - 16 RBI - 14 RUNS - 7 BB - 3 SO and a .394 AVG.

By A-ville Ranger

July 20, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this

A few quick observations.First Hudson’s numbers are looking like those of a #1 starter (Smoltz is 1+). Second don’t look now but Andruw’s worst season in all recorded history is now on pace for 110 rbi.Third if the Bravos had won both series against the last place teams (Nats-Reds) they’d have the best record in the NL.Last I’m not watching any of the Giants games (unless blow up Barry isn’t playing).That’s a personal choice but think how good you’d feel about yourself if you did the same….good night all.

By TBFKB

July 20, 2007 1:21 AM | Link to this

Wayne,

I’m a Frac hand with Halliburton based out of Duncan Oklahoma and I do 3 week rotation here in Pinedale which is 2 hours out of Rocks Springs.

By Mr Fury

July 20, 2007 1:27 AM | Link to this

Glad we sent Davies down. God how I hate to see him take the mound. He does not have the mental make up to be a major league starter. PLEASE TRADE HIM while he has some value left.

By Ron

July 20, 2007 1:28 AM | Link to this

I just dont see the logic in trading alot of Good Young Minor league players for Greinke!!! He is a headcase and no different than Davies as far as his head issues!!! He missed all or most of last year because he had nervousness or some s** like that, he did not want to be around alot of people last year!!! What the hell would happen with him pitching in Atlanta a pressure place that wants to win!!! Anyway Greinke is in the Bullpen for the Royals, IF he is actually that good then WHY the Hell is he not starting for ONE of the Worst teams in the Majors!!! Yes I know he is Young and can throw about 100 mph, But if he was actually that good he would be in their starting rotation!!! Something is Very Very ODD when the guy is in the bullpen for an awfull team and Good Teams want to Start him!!! Am I missing something? If I am missing something explain it to me? And dont give me this crap about they have a bad GM, because Dayton Moore is there GM and he came from the Braves system, so it aint that!!!

By Coach (I'm only right 90% of the time)

July 20, 2007 1:37 AM | Link to this

Wayne , This Greinke kid has number one ace stuff on the mound. He’s got ridiculous command of all his pitches , a mid-nineties fastball that ramps up to 97-98 , a beautiful change up , slider and curveball. He’s only 23 and Dayton Moore is going to ask for the Braves firstborn and then some. He had some very difficult personnel problems in 2006 but from all accounts seems to have put it in the past. Jayson Stark mentioned him in his ESPN article and truthfully , the more I think about it , the less sense it makes. Why would the Royals trade that kind of pitching talent ? By the way , Greinke was the sixth overall pick in the 2002 draft (1st round).

By N8

July 20, 2007 1:38 AM | Link to this

sheesh

“He is certainly not a better power hitter than Andruw.”

Not sure ANYBODY has actually said that. But that being said, I’d take my chances with a doubles hiter that hit’s in the neighborhood of .280-.300 in the middle of the order, over a hot/cold “power hitter” with a career average around .260.

“I’m ok with riding out the rest of the season with Franco being the primary first baseman…”

The cat is out of the bag. You’re officially off your rocker more than you claim I am.

“I would deal Salty in a heartbeat for a solid #3 starting pitcher that I knew I would have for 2 or 3 more seasons”

That’s a fair comment. Supply and demand. We need pitching, and we have a good catcher.

“…if you could get lucky enough to find a sucker GM to make that deal.”

Again. You question MY baseball knowledge, while making such a silly comment.

“He is a big, fat catcher. I cannot see him putting up numbers like Piazza did in his prime — not even close.”

Fat? Are you frickin’ kidding me? Have you seen him and McCann standing next to each other? You’re a pure genius. As far as putting up “numbers like Piazza”? Really? He’s not gonna put up numbers like the all-time leader in HR from a catcher did? That’s as stupid of a comment as saying Escobar isn’t gonna put up Arod numbers anytime soon. No Sh!t Sherlock. But he CERTAINLY has the capability of putting up LaRoche type numbers at 1B.

“He is just a nice kid with a decent bat and a catchy baseball name.”

Yup. That JS, he’s not about the team winning. He’s ALL about marketing, isn’t he?

“You don’t have a clue about the game, but you are a hoot. Keep the laughs coming.”

With these quoted comments above, I felt I had NO CHOICE but to throw this mud right back at you.

Calls Salty FAT, and says I’m a hoot! You’re a piece of work pal.

By A-ville Ranger

July 20, 2007 1:39 AM | Link to this

TBFKB If that’s Pinedale Wyoming you need to see the mountain man museum.The Wind River range just to your east is a little known but first rate wilderness area.Rock Springs was a latter day Deadwood not long ago.Talk about the wild,wild west….yeeehaaa!!!!

By Coach (I'm only right 90% of the time)

July 20, 2007 1:43 AM | Link to this

Correct Ron , Greinke is the best pitcher the Royals have. So why is he in the bullpen ? Very strange indeed.

By N8

July 20, 2007 1:45 AM | Link to this

DAP

“i love dogs and dont want any abused, but come on! theyre dogs! what about when these guys hurt PEOPLE?”

Last time I checked, peole can choose who they hang out with and live with (except for kids). When a dog is purchased, locked up, and trained to be a killer, it has ZERO control over which azzhole is buying him.

You gotta be a nut and a hothead to beat down another person, or even kill them. But it takes a special kind of nut, that enjoys watching dogs shred each other up. What’s next? Adopting kids from abroad and training THEM to fight eachother?

By TBFKB

July 20, 2007 1:47 AM | Link to this

I see the WindRiver range everyday, been up the moutian a little I put it in my top twenty top veiws….Yeah we put this place on the map. It expensive as hell to live, the housing market is crazy…a small house will run you at least 300K no exageration either.

By Wayne in Utah

July 20, 2007 1:50 AM | Link to this

TBFKB I work the corridor from Rock Springs up through Lander, Riverton, etc all the way to Lovell and over to Cody.

I don’t get involved in the oil fields though.

Some serious beautiful and serious UGLY all right next to each other. Even the ugly though is beautiful in it’s own strange way.

I miss the south and my mama, but gosh I do love the west!

A-ville you are right about the Wind River Range. I was snowed on back in May going over that pass between Farson and Lander.

By TBFKB

July 20, 2007 1:53 AM | Link to this

“A Greinke to Atlanta deal is intriguing, but how embarrassing would it be for Moore if the trade went through and Greinke went on to become Smoltz vers 2.0?”

Read that from another website, and it gave me a chuckle.

By Wayne in Utah

July 20, 2007 1:57 AM | Link to this

N8 I think we all feel the same about Vick. Not quite the same as killing another human, but NOT TO DANG far off either. If he is guilty, then I hope he sits in prison for a long A$$ time.

TBFKB In the past 3 years, hotel per night charges have increased over 80%. Lots of gas and oil in the ground up there. What is it they call that gas field from roughly n or Farson to Pinedale?? One of my dealer reps took me through there one day last winter. Amazing.

By Wayne in Utah

July 20, 2007 2:04 AM | Link to this

Greinke is similar in some respects to Davies. Lots of promise, with some real issues/barriers to overcome to get there. Not really the same type of pitcher, but similar potential.

How about a Davies and some lower prospect (Blanco or Q Davis type) for Greinke?? Just a thought. Would a change of scenery be good for both? Am I being unrealistic in valuation of both??? Maybe.

By Wayne in Utah

July 20, 2007 2:11 AM | Link to this

Nite all

By Ron

July 20, 2007 2:14 AM | Link to this

I somewhat understand why the Phillies moved Brett Myers to the Bullpen, because their pen is awfull and they needed another guy in the bullpen some kind of bad, and they are a descent team AND TRYING TO WIN THIS YEAR!!! BUT what I dont understand the Lovefest for Greinke to be OUR Starter, AND he aint even the Royals Starter!!! Have some of you asked yourselves that question!!! Coach I hear you man, he IS their Best Pitcher, and the only words you can use is VERY ODD!!! Its VERY ODD when that piece of Crap team has Greinke in their Bullpen and all the other teams want to start him!!! And they do have a Good GM, so that aint the problem!!! If someone can explain that to me so that I can understand then that would be cool!!!

By A-ville Ranger

July 20, 2007 2:14 AM | Link to this

Wayne—- Amen on Vick ,I’d like to slam his sadistic a$$ to the ground.Well me,you and TBFKB could get it done.I love my dogs like children.

By TBFKB

July 20, 2007 2:20 AM | Link to this

Devils Advocate

I hesitate to join this discussion, due to its a baseball blog but I digress

We all talk about dog fighting being so cruel to animal but is it really any different from the UFC or Boxing?

Yes, on one hand the indivduals who particapte in those events have control on when they end. However, on the other people pay money to watch other kick the ever living crap out of each other….why is it so surprising and dis-tasteful for most people when it involves dogs?

My opinion:

I don’t know if M. Vick is guilty or innocent. What I do know is there is a huge double standard when it comes to animal cruelty in the world, much less our country. Most people here don’t say much about the bull fighting in Spain, then again thats in another country and does not impact our society. However, look at rodeos and how they treat their animals. Also, lets look at hunting which is huge in the mid-west and south-east. I dont see the difference in fighting dogs and killing animals in the name of sport. Its same thing but in many realms people have diffent perspective on the two.

With all that said, I love animals and wish this type of behavior did not exsist. However, it does and is a part of our culture and society as much as I or you don’t want it.

I think the issue is blown way out of proportion. I do belive that M. Vick, if found guilty, should be punished but to the extent of him be suspended by the league and going to jail, no, no way.

Please don’t respond with PETA stuff becasue the bottom line is we are the dominat species on this earth which gives us the ability to do what we want…and as much as I love animnals….they are freaking animals and are not and should not be held in the same reguard humans. I digress once again. Its his dogs, he should do what he wants with them. It does not in all reality effect me or you.

By Coach (I'm only right 90% of the time)

July 20, 2007 2:30 AM | Link to this

Wayne , Zack Greinke has Smoltz potential. Davies has shown a lot of talent but little potential for a comparison to anybody. Greinke has a 3.24 ERA over his last 25 innings out of the bullpen. I read over his stats during his seven starts and came up with the impression that the Royals just gave up on him as a starter which is again , just one of the many reasons why they are such a horrible baseball franchise. Vick is a bust , he’s been a bust for the last five years. He is an enormously talented athlete with a toaster between his ears. He should a running back or wide out , he has no business whatsoever lining up as a QB in the NFL.

By TBFKB

July 20, 2007 2:42 AM | Link to this

Wayne,

I’m fairly new, but I’ve worked in Jonah Field and the other is commonly call The Mesa.

—————————-

While I’m on the Soap Box.

People in this country are quick to judge what others do in thier time. I just heard on ESPN about one of our Cogressmen state that people who particapte in those types of activities have a spot in hell. WTF is that? If I’m not mistaken, christian and most other religions state that only one element, being, or other higher power has the ability to judge.

I am a firm beliver that you should be able to do what you want as long as you do not effect another human. This includes dog fighting, drugs and gambling to name a few. Only thing is don’t come running to the government when you are down and out.

The baseball reference I want to make, as this is still a baseball blog, is steroids. People who take steroids don’t effect other people unless those other people let it effect them. Who am I to tell someone to pass up potential million of dollars for the extra edge. Becasue when it comes down to it, it does not effect me you or your nieghbor. Why put so much faith in an athlete that you would consider, or actually dismiss the “Great American Past-time”.

People hold public figures to high standards without thinking what impact thier lives would have if they were in the spotlight. We all have preceivable faults that we don’t nessicarily want to be judge on. Why do we continue to judge others wheather public figures or not. I guess thats what the main difference between a conservative and a liberal is. Heard this on a T.V. show once. Conservatives want you to have the freedom to do what you want however, don’t come running when you screw up. Liberals think that the government should be more involved in how people run their lives and provide programs to support that.

Yet another issue for the DOB/MIB blog to debate….does not ever seem to be a shortage of those.

By Coach (I'm only right 90% of the time)

July 20, 2007 2:58 AM | Link to this

Another name that has totally escaped notice is Sergio Mitre of the Florida Marlins. He is quietly having an outstanding season on the mound but has gone unnoticed in the trade market. Yo , all you GM’s out there. Mitre is 4-4 with a 2.81 ERA , half of his 18 starts have been quality performances and he has just two bad starts all season in what is his first year as a full time starter.

By Ron

July 20, 2007 3:07 AM | Link to this

TBFKB Dude Hunting is Totally different than killing your dog!!! When I hunt and kill something I eat the animal!!! I seriously doubt Vick ate his dogs after he killed them!!! And bull fighting, their not killing the bulls or nothing like that, their not even hurting the damn bulls!!! And when you talked about Rodeo, DUDE they aint killing the dogs and its just making the bull mad and uncomfortable, it aint killing it or severely injuring it I gurantee you that!!! You are WAY OFF ON THIS ONE!!! And plus they said he shot his dogs, stabbed his dogs, hung his dogs, electricuted his dogs and probably alot of other stuff he did to those dogs!!! Should he rot in jail because of that NO!!! But he should be punished for it!!! But what nobody is getting at is he was doing this dog fighting thing since he was in college and I heard he put thousands of dollars on the line!!! HOW THE HELL DID HE HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY WHEN HE WAS IN COLLEGE???????????????? I dont know if his parents were rich or not, probably not, so that leads me to believe Virginia Tech PAID him money to go there!!! Or he got the money some other illegal way, anyway you look at it Vick is a piece of crap person!!! I think he was INVOLVED with dog fighting some way or another!!! I dont believe the FEDS would be all over him like this if he had ABSOLUTELY NO INVOLVEMENT!!! He is guily and thats the bottom line!!! Whether he gets convicted or not is a different story!!! You know how those things work out!!!

By Coach (I'm only right 90% of the time)

July 20, 2007 3:25 AM | Link to this

TBFKB , your stupidity is only surpassed by your ignorance. Steroids are illicit drugs , they are against the law. Cocaine has killed hundreds of thousands of people due to the illegal drug trade and violence that it begets. We have laws to protect the good citizens of this country from those who lack the intelligence and skill required to become responsible Americans. Alcohol kills someone in America every two hours due to drunk drivers alone. Thats 50 alcohol related fatality’s a day. Freedom is a choice , abuse it and people die. All politicians are crook’s , it’s the nature of the beast. Democracy isn’t perfect , it’s only as good as it’s people. Free will is God’s gift to mankind , use it wisely.

By Coach (I'm only right 90% of the time)

July 20, 2007 3:45 AM | Link to this

I should have said that Steroids are illegal with out a doctors approval.

By serbok

July 20, 2007 5:27 AM | Link to this

check this out? seems faster? http://www.ajc.comapple.com/safari

By serbok

July 20, 2007 5:34 AM | Link to this

seems faster

http://www.ajc.com://www.apple.com/safari/

By Soul Man

July 20, 2007 7:29 AM | Link to this

I know the college football blog is somewhere else, but I was reading DOB’s blog this morning and I saw a banner at the top for Georgia Tech football season tickets. Sure, I’ve seen GT advertise season football tickets plenty of times before. I still laughed out loud, though. At UGA - where I’m a senior - football season tickets don’t last five minutes and they dang sure don’t have to be advertised. At Georgia Yecch, they have to advertise football tickets. Unbelievable.

By Paladin, Miscreant

July 20, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this

And Mr. Paladin… when you started posting a few weeks ago, it was pretty new and interesting - longtime veteran of service to our country, longtime baseball fan, great moniker, etc. But it seems now that you just want to fight and attack people. What’s up? I cannot imagine you would be anything like this in real life.

The above was one of the comments addressed to me last night and the only one that I will respond to in whole.

Mr. tyyosh, I’m sure you are at work and will not see this now. I hope, however, that you will see it later. I appreciate your politeness and I recognize the reasonableness of your inquiry since you do work and are not on here to see all of the posts, particularly those made in the day. I am not nocturnal, so most of mine are made during the day. If you were able to see all of the posts you would see that I made a number of “baseball” comments about Julio, Chipper et al. I also had a reasonably “good-natured” joust with a Muts fan. But, I did respond to several attacks on me. I did not start the “fights”, but neither did I run from them. I guess it is my Marine training—Marines don’t “hold” positions, they attack. As one of our most famous Marines, “Chesty” Puller said when his units were surrounded at Choson reservoir, “Men, we got ‘em just where we want them. We can attack in all directions.” I am truly sorry that I have become known as this blog’s primary “attack dog”(God, I hate that term, what with Vick’s despicable actions)but if people will leave me alone, i.e., disagree with me but do so in a polite and non-condescending manner, I will respond in kind. I would love to talk baseball, apple pie and “Chevrolet” on here, if people would give me the chance. I am not “whining”, I’m just telling it like it is. Again, I hope I have covered the points raised in your query as to WTF is going on, and I appreciate the polite way you did it.

As to you, SJA, you come on here with your bluster and bullying manner and question my, and other’s, intelligence. virility, courage, etc. and then whine because I make a comment that everyone knows is untrue. AAMOF, I appologize for that low blow but not for other things I have said, or may say in the future. This thing will be over when you say it is over. Not before. And as far as “seeing” me in person: I’ll give you specific directions.

By Josh GT

July 20, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this

Soul Man,

First of all, this is a Braves blog. Secondly, you guys have over twice as many students as we (GT) do. Congrats on being able to sell out games.

Josh GT

By Lee

July 20, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this

I remember when there was a little discussion that maybe the Braves should have tried to get Maroth. That would not be looking too good right now. That is why if a trade is made it has got to be for a PROVEN starter.

Soul Man

You know GA vs. GA Tech is no comparison to ticket sales. Kind of like comparing the Florida Marlins to the Braves with ticket sales; however, the university of GA spends to much time condemning Tech and should worry more about beating Florida (their real enemy). The team that puts them in the dog house every team.

By Paladin, Miscreant

July 20, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this

I am a dawg, through and through, but—in ths case—I agree with Josh GT. Let’s leave the dawg vs. jackets for later.

By Paladin, Miscreant

July 20, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

And we certainly don’t need to get into any dawg vs. lizards talk.

By Lee

July 20, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this

Back to baseball

After last night games there should be less complaints today. Hudson is really starting to come back around. Of course recently the Braves are providing him with run support early in the game and that is a big difference. Imagine if Smoltz was getting the same run support.

By Soul Man

July 20, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

Ouch. Sorry I touched a nerve there, guys. I’m definitely not trying to turn this into a Braves blog. In fact, my fellow Bulldogs often ridicule me for saying I’d rather the Braves win the World Series than UGA win the national championship. I was simply reading this blog - as I do too often during the day - and I saw a funny (to me) ad and thought I’d comment on it. Ease up on the vitriol, my arm-chopping brethren.

By Paladin

July 20, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

Note the change back to my “original” moniker. I hope that I will be allowed to change my “attitude” as well. I am prepared to put my “guns” back in the footlocker. Only time, and circumstances that should be obvious, will tell.

By Shaun

July 20, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

Ron Roberts,

Okay, you are twisting my argument.

I’m not saying Salty’s more of a known commodity than Tex.

And you seem to be saying I think Salty is guaranteed to be a middle of the order hitter, the same type hitter as Tex, which I’m not saying at all.

I’m saying Salty is very likely to become at least an above average major league hitter for the next decade. If I were guessing, I’d say better than an 80 percent chance.

I’d say Tex has roughly the same chance to remain one of the better hitters in the game for four or five more seasons.

Here’s what I’m saying about a trade: I hope the Braves and Rangers can put together a package so that the Rangers include at least one young player that can provide some help to the Braves as long as Salty is likely to provide help to the Rangers. Or at least take care of a big portion of Tex’s contract (I don’t know how that would work with arbitration, although I guess they could throw in whatever cash they think he may earn) for the rest of this season and next. I hope the Braves don’t just trade Salty for only a player who is only going to help them for less than 1-1/2 more seasons.

I would absolutely love to have Tex until the end of 2008. I just think the Braves should also consider what they are losing for the next decade and ask the Rangers to take that into account, if such a trade is to be made.

By Paladin

July 20, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

Welcome back, Whoolie. We missed you, amigo.

By Thrillhouse44

July 20, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

So, since the Braves’ pitching and hitting looked good last night, we’re left with nothing to b** and moan about. Now we get to talk Marine tactics and college football?

I hope Franco provides some leadership and a huge spark to this club. I also hope Davies gets it figured out in Richmond. How about Diaz? Dude’s been raking all season.

By Chris

July 20, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

I said all along that a trade for Maroth would have been a bad idea. He’s only a couple of seasons removed from a 20 LOSS campaign with the Tigers.

As far as Salty for Texiera, if he’s signed through next year, I say that’s a good trade. Salty is still developing and Texiera would provide a big boost for a postseason run and give us more pop in the lineup. Although, it’s not like we’re exactly lacking power this year.

Next year, when Andruw is playing for whoever will pay the insane salary Boras will get him, Texiera would pick up the slack in terms of power.

By JasonInMaine

July 20, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

Damasco Marte of the Pirates is available…he has held lefties to an .087 BA this year. Could JS try and acquire another lefty from the Pirates?

By Lee

July 20, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

Diaz is truly an underrated player on offense and even defense. It was good to see Franco back in uniform last night and how about the crowd’s appreciation toward him. If Franco gets a chance against the Mets to do some damage look out. I am sure he has something to prove to that organization and he would like nothing better than do it in a Braves uniform.

By KC

July 20, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah: “as much as he has struggled as of late, I still think Thorman is a keeper. He has really NO trade value today”… “Maybe I am wrong, but one or two starts a week might be enough to keep him in the game, or to get him re-energized.”

Wayne, I’m with you on this man. I think Thorman has definite potential. It’s not at all unusual for players to struggle in their first season or two, but go on to very good careers.

It’s a tough situation, because he needs to get out there and play through it… but when you’re in a pennant race, you have to field the players that give you the best possible chance to win that day. The leash is obviously going to be longer for a guy like Andruw, who got 3 months to break out, because he’s already proven himself at the big league level.

It’s a paradox right now with Thorman. He’s in a slump, so you can’t afford to play him. But if you don’t play him, it’ll be very hard for him to break out of it.

Since they can’t send him down, my guess is that he’ll be asked to play in a winter league, and then will get plenty of AB’s next spring if he’s still with the team.

Back when Thorman was looking good early in the year (before they cut Wilson), I really thought he was going to go on and have a great season. I’m now fairly confident I was wrong about that. But all in all, I think we should keep him unless we can get something of real value on the trade market.

By Shaun

July 20, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

Coach (I’m only right 90% of the time),

Greinke had a good rookie season as a starter in 2004. Then he struggled in 2005. He was taking care of some mental issues in 2006. He was in the rotation earlier this year but struggled.

I would say Greinke showed more Maddux-like potential than Smoltz. He has an impressive walk rate for his career so far. But he’s had some problems with the HR ball.

I think the Royals put him in the bullpen because he struggled as a starter, they already have plenty of veteran starters and the bullpen is a good place for young pitchers to face major league hitting and not overwork themselves at a young age. It’s not as if he’s rotting away in there ‘pen and that’s why they aren’t contending.

Greinke’s only 23. I’d be really surprised if the Royals are seriously entertaining trading him.

As far as comparing him to anyone, as much as top young hitters have a good shot of making it, top young pitchers are a long shot.

By TexasBrave

July 20, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

I need some of my fellow bloggers to educate me on a question that has been puzzling me the last couple of days.

With all the moves we have made the past couple of days and culminating with the signing of Franco, why are we keeping Thorman on the active roster? I know he is out of options. I know he still has potential. And yes you would like to keep him. But we now have 3 first basemen, two of which that can only play first base. Will keeping all three not hurt us in the long run?

Or could JS possibly keeping him up just incase we could include him in a trade?

By Efrim

July 20, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

Francouer has a .426 SLUGGING percentage. I hope he turns some of these singles into doubles and home runs at some point.

By UVABrave

July 20, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

DOB, I love the Franco move. I think he’s going to be a very productive pinch hitter/part-timer for the rest of the season. Plus, his clubhouse presence will be huge for some of the young guys like Willie and Salty.

Quick question. Any word on possibly bringing up Cormier? I just saw that he pitched another 1 run game up in Richmond. I know Jo-Jo and Buddy are doing well, but it seems like Cormier has righted the ship. All of sudden it looks like we have an extra starter (although a veteran wouldn’t hurt).

Lastly, have you heard the Decemberists newer album “Crane Wife.” I’ve got to say after listening to it a few times…I love it. I especially love the longer “Island”, “Crane Wife 1 & 2”, and “Sons & Daughters” songs…but the more “radio friendly” songs like “O Valencia” and “Crane Wife 3” are great too.

By KC

July 20, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah: Also… I’m not thinking about Teixeira, Conine, or any other offensive player. I think our offense is fine. More than fine.

If Chipper’s in the lineup, and AJ and McCann are hitting (all of which is the case), this lineup might be as good as any in the league. I mean… Renteria, CJ, AJ, McCann, Frenchy… that’s 5 all-star caliber offensive players right there, PLUS the excellent 2B and LF platoons. If 1B is the only place our offense isn’t well above average, we’re in damn good shape.

I think we’d be nuts to make any deal for significant offense player, unless it’s someone who can also serve as a possible replacement for AJ should he leave this winter.

We need pitching.

We need one more quality starter, and possibly one more quality reliever. What really sucks about that is that had we not lost Hampton and Gonzo for the season… I think this would be a team without any significant weakness whatsoever, and we’d probably be 6 or 7 games up on the Mets right now.

Think about that Reds series. If a healthy Mike Hampton series were going in the first game of that series instead of Davies… there’s a good chance we win that game. In game 2 of that series, the game turned on a late inning AB by Griffey. Had Gonzo been healthy, he almost certainly would have taken care of business in that situation. And Wednesday, Soriano needed to be bailed out… something Gonzalez also could have done. I think the Reds series is a perfect picture of how those 2 injuries really hurt this team.

Anyway, if we can pick up a quality reliever and especially a quality starter, we’ll have a great chance to get to the post-season, and win when we get there.

By Epinephrine

July 20, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

I love the people that are all of a sudden down with trading salty. Probably the same people that wished we could trade Andruw during his slump. Its just another example of how reactionary this crowd can be. Guy gets in a slump? Forget his potential, trade him to lowest bidder! We get swept by the Reds? This season is over blow up the team!

Its unbelievable.

By Christy

July 20, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

Tyyosh - was wondering how long it would take before someone figured out that Señor Blanco mira telemundo is either 1. not a native speaker or 2. doesn’t bother checking what he writes. Too funny - whoever it was, JJS, SJA or other, thanks for the laughs.

Just a general comment though, for those of you who are opposed to the use of Spanish or other language on this blog - would be nice then if some individuals wouldn’t use spanish cuss words to sneak it by the AJC censors… Because some of us can read them and know exactly what they mean, and the degree of offense - probably better than those using them.

By S T I N K Y

July 20, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

Paladin, Who’s responsible for the Braves’ lack of plate discipline? Cox or Pendleton?

By S T I N K Y

July 20, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

Paladin, Who’s responsible for the Braves’ lack of plate discipline? Cox or Pendleton?

By Will

July 20, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

good win last night, hopefully they saved some runs for the rest of the weekend because of the 4 starters in this series Hudson needed 10 runs of support the least! Still will be surprised if the Braves make any major moves. A lot of people dont seem to want to give up much for any major deals, but that is a hoop dream. Salty will just be the beginning of what the Braves would have to give up for a big time player.

By JasonInMaine

July 20, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

What do people know about Holt and Loadenthal of the Miss Braves? It seems they do something positive every night. Holt has his average up to .320. He doesn’t walk much…his OBP is only .346, but he seems to hit.

Loadenthal has his average up to .315 and his OBP is .398. He K to walk ratio is about 1. He doesn’t have a lot of power, but he has stolen 33 bases (and caught 13 times). Is Loadenthal comparable to Blanco?

Regards,

Jason

By Efrim

July 20, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

Francouer’s slugging by month:

April: .541

May: .396

June: .352

July: .426

Hopefully Frenchy will get going like he did in April. It would be something else to have Andruw, Francouer and McCann going all at once.

By Shaun

July 20, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

TexasBrave,

I think it’s a combination of a lot of things. You mentioned he’s still young and still has some chance to have a decent major league career and he’s out of options. The Braves don’t want to just let him go and get nothing back.

They probably don’t want to place him on waivers just yet because they don’t really have to if some team has any interest in him and wants to make a deal. And my guess is he has some trade value because he’s still young, cheap and has some potential.

Plus Thorman is able to play LF in a pinch, so actually the Braves only have one firstbaseman that can only play first—Julio.

By TexasBrave

July 20, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

KC

I didn’t get to read your post before posting mine. Your right the only way for Thorman to work it out is to get out there and play. But just as you said I can’t see him getting any more than one start per week with Julio and Salty getting most of the starts. And to be quite honest with you, since we are in the mist of a pennant race, if Bobby is not going to use either Franco or Salty I would much rather see Diaz play first just to get his bat in the line up more.

I also don’t think Thorman is taking any advice from his coaches or fellow players because he has had the same swing from day one. If you are trying to right the ship you don’t keep doing the same wrong things.

My condrum is, even though you want to keep him, would you not want a more proven bat on the bench for the stretch run?

By Novice Ned

July 20, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Was Jason Schmidt the last truly outstanding pitcher nurtured thru the Braves farm system? At best, we have had several number 4 or 5 rotational starters come thru in the past 10-15 years. James? Marquis? Odalis? Do those guys look like top of the rotation kind of pitchers? Maybe Wainwright (how long did Drew stay here?) Clearly, the farm system has produced some terrific position players but I’m struggling to think of any 3 pitchers that are as strong as let’s say Dye, Furcal and McCann over the past 10 years. I’m not the super fan like many who post here, please remind me of a few Braves-nurtured pitchers who compare to the 3 position players I just mentioned (not named Glavine or Schmidt). I’ll wait.

By Paladin

July 20, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

Stinky That is a sort of a “when did you stop beating your wife” question, isn’t it?

By Will

July 20, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

epinephrine, Dude when you get swept by the Reds at home in a pennant race that is a damn good reason to get mad. Many people on this blog including myself have put up with the up’s and down’s with this team for years now. Some of The playoff losses have been sickening and it is damn hard not to be an eternal pessmist with this team. So forgive anyone, including myself, who gets down on a team that has ran us through the ringer year in and year out like the Braves have. I was at Game’s 4 and 5 of the 96 World Series and i will never forget my dad just sitting there in silence for like a half hour after the 1-0 nothing loss in Game 5. it is things like that that many Braves fans have a real hard time forgetting.

By Shaun

July 20, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Epinephrine,

I think most people are saying if they trade Salty it should be for a huge impact guy like Teixeira. I think most people realize Salty’s potential (although some think it’s a huge mystery as to what he’s likely to do).

I don’t know of anyone who’s saying trade Salty because he’s no good, he’s in a slump. Even those who think he’s got as good a chance to be Brad Komminsk as he does Jason Varitek don’t support trading him to the lowest bidder to get rid of him or break up the team.

By Amber

July 20, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

Did someone really call Salty “fat”???

Mets - a real classy bunch, huh?

By JasonInMaine

July 20, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

This is from the NJ Star Ledgar:

“The Braves have been trying to swing a deal for Reds right-hander Bronson Arroyo. But the Reds’ asking price so far has been too steep — they’ve asked that top hitting prospect Jarrod Saltalamacchia be included in the deal, and the Braves don’t want to deal Saltalamacchia, who may be their regular first baseman for the rest of the season. … If the Reds are going to deal a pitcher, they’d rather it be Kyle Lohse, since they have Arroyo signed through 2010 and they believe that, in the NL Central, nobody’s more than a year away from contending.”

The entire article can be found here

I thought the Braves would make a run at Arroyo, but there is no way they include Salty.

Regards,

Jason

By Hammer'd The Braves

July 20, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

If you gave up on every player who had a bad season as a rookie a la Thorman, you’d have missed out on some that went on to have what you might call pretty fair careers, like Mike Schmidt. Thorman’s history is that he struggles when moving up a level, and eventually adjusts. Admittedly, he hasn’t done much “adjusting” this year, and I don’t think he should be getting a lot of at-bats right now, either. But throwing him away for a bag of balls as some have suggested would be stupidity of a high order.

By JasonInMaine

July 20, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

Also, for all of the Met bloggers relying on Pedro…this is from the same article:

“Pedro Martinez was supposed to shut down his rehab program for a week to 10 days, a mental-health respite coinciding with baseball’s All-Star break. But the three-time Cy Young Award winner is still on a hiatus, leading to questions about when and if he’ll ever be ready to rejoin the Mets following last October’s rotator cuff surgery. “It’s his body. He’s going to give us feedback when he’s ready,” Mets general manager Omar Minaya said before last night’s game against the Dodgers, while assuring that Martinez would return this season. “You’ve got to remember the next phase of this, once the clock starts you have 30 days (to complete his minor-league rehab starts). “(The break is) with the recommendation of (team medical director) Dr. (David) Altchek, who believes this is the best way to go, (to) physically and mentally shut it down. Once (Martinez) starts it up again, it’s game time.” Minaya, who stressed that Martinez is healthy, said the 35-year-old right-hander has been throwing lightly during his sabbatical. Once he returns to Port St. Lucie, Fla., — and the Mets are not quite sure when that will be — Martinez is expected to throw a simulated game. — Star-Ledger”

Regards,

Jason

By Will

July 20, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

Novice Ned you make a good point about the Braves pitchers in the farm system. You would think from what we hear that every guy coming up is the next great pitching stud, but you are right i am at a loss for thinking of the last great starting pitching talent the Braves have had from the farm.

By Lee

July 20, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

I’m not the super fan like many who post here, please remind me of a few Braves-nurtured pitchers who compare to the 3 position players I just mentioned (not named Glavine or Schmidt). I’ll wait.

Novice Ned

You did state outstanding pitcher. Besides Glavine I am not so sure if there is one since. Maybe Schmidt for a short period of time but certainly not over a consistant period of time. Wainwright may developed over time into one.

By Paladin

July 20, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Thanks, JasoninMaine; that is real interesting imput.

By Shaun

July 20, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

Novice Ned,

You can say the same thing about 95 percent or more of the teams in the major leagues. It’s harder to develop good pitching. Pitching is just a tougher position these days.

Look at the Yankees. They’ve developed Pettite and Rivera the last 20 years but who else?

I can’t think of many teams off the top of my head that have developed more than three or four really good, consistent pitchers over the last 15-20 years. Maybe the A’s. Maybe the Expos.

Going down the list of active leaders in W-L percentage, wins, strikeouts, K/9 there aren’t all that many pitchers who were developed by the same teams.

By S T I N K Y

July 20, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

Paladin, Just trying to talk Baseball. Sorry the question was too direct with no insults.

By Hammer'd The Braves

July 20, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

If the complaint is that the Braves haven’t produced elite, top-of-the-rotation pitchers in the last ten years, then just how many should they have produced? 1, 3, 10? If there are any organizations that have produced more than 2, they don’t come to mind. I’m not talking about one-year-wonders, I mean pitchers with a sustained record of excellence for at least three years, drafted, signed, and up the bigs with the same club. That kind of stuff just doesn’t happen very much. For any club.

By JMar

July 20, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

Speaking of Glavine, and with all the talk about how Bonds might break the homerun record against the Braves, how about a note in an upcoming blog about how Tommy Glavine could very easily reach 300 wins against the Braves? Two wins away, looks like he’ll have three starts before possibly pitching August 9 at Turner Field. Too soon for that?

By KC

July 20, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

Efrim: Yes, Frenchy’s homerun numbers are down so far, BUT he’s batting about 30 points higher than he was at this point last season, and his on-base% is about 50 points higher than it was at the break last year. His OPS is also up about 30 points from where it was in July of 06. He’s just becoming a better rounded hitter.

If you were racing in a touring car race and had a powerful car that could lay flat out on a straight away… but handled like s*!t, you wouldn’t win races. Balance is the key to greatness, and Frenchy’s getting it.

And while he hasn’t been hitting the longball as much this year, he’s in no danger of turning into a singles-only hitter. Frenchy hit 24 doubles in 651 AB’s. This year he already has 21 double in 378 AB’s. Also, his slugging% really hasn’t slipped all that much from where it was at this point last year. He’s slugging .426 right now, compared to .447 at this point last season.

The homeruns will come. In the meantime, he’s a better all-around hitter, he’s a much tougher out, and he’s still producing runs… 7th in the league right now with 65 RBI.

By Paladin

July 20, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Stinky I did not intend to be short with you. I just do not know if the Braves’ “plate discipline” is any better, or worse, than other teams. I have not seen that many “other” teams. Perhaps one of our statistical wizards can help you better than I.

Now, would you step out into the light where I can see you more clearly. I want to see if we look anything alike since I have, on several occasions, been accused of being you.

                        Regards

By KC

July 20, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Texas Brave: “I would much rather see Diaz play first just to get his bat in the line up more.”

AMEN!!!!!

Matt Diaz now has 501 at-bats as an Atlanta Brave… over which he has hit .339

What exactly is the benchmark for winning an everyday job? .340? .350???

He’s hitting .355 against lefties, .367 against righties… .358 at home, .368 on the road… .405 in day games, and .333 in night games.

What does this guy have to do to prove he belongs in the lineup every day?

By KC

July 20, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

BTW: Matt Diaz is 2nd on the team in slugging (behind Chipper) with a .485 SLG percentage.

By Efrim

July 20, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

KC,

Agreed on Frenchy. Hopefully the power will come soon. .500 slug was what I hoped for.

By Lee

July 20, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

Besides the American League fiasco and one bad series against the Nats earlier in the season and the recent one against the Reds this Braves team has been impressive this season. Considering AJ’s long hitting slump, the injuries to Hampton and Gonzo, uncertainties at starting pitcher (spots 4 and 5), and the first base hitting problems season long, this team has really fought to stay in contention all season long. All Braves fans should really be positive about the season so far. A major trade is starting to look unlikely anyway. I fully believe a trade is not going to make that much of a difference to this team. The Braves are hesitate to deal Salty or Escobar unless it is a offer they just cannot refuse and they should be. This team is obliviously going down to the end fighting for a playoff spot whether it is a Wild Card birth or Division title regardless if a trade is made or not

By Shaun

July 20, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

Hammer’d The Braves,

Exactly. Everyone says you have to develop your own pitching to stay competitive. You hear this from commentators when they see a team in re-building mode. But think about the recent teams that are perennial contenders or that have won the World Series. The A’s are the only team I can think of that had a solid core of home-grown pitching.

Most teams maybe developed a solid starter or two, maybe a solid reliever or two, and signed or traded for good pitching along the way.

By Paladin

July 20, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

Also, I do not intend to get into any debate about BC and TP. Both have flaws(don’t we all?), but I admire and like both of them.

Now, I’m going and get some work done before things “heat up” on here. Bye for now.

By Novice Ned

July 20, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

If we are going to have to pay around $30M/year for our top 2 pitchers, then that leaves around $50M for the other 22 or 23 players. Or a little more than $2M per player. How do we truly compete for the next 5 years with those economics? I think we’re a .500 ball club until we either develop a home-grown top of the rotation pitcher (who will be cheap until arbitration kicks in) or our payroll increases to close to $100M. And even with a $100M payroll, we will still need to have at least 3 starting position players earning pre-arbitration salaries.

By Shaun

July 20, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

KC,

Diaz is a poor man’s Vlad Guerrero at the plate.

He doesn’t walk much but he always puts the ball in play hard somewhere, which you have to do if you aren’t going to walk.

I think a lot us us underestimate how strong Diaz is because he doesn’t have overwhelming HR totals. But you’ve got to be strong to crush line-drives past major league defenses as often as he does.

I think a lot of teams overlooked him because he doesn’t look athletic. This is also why he’s been one of my favorite players since he came to the Braves. It’s always fun when your team’s guy can outperform the more athletic-looking guy from the opposing team.

By Coach ( I'm Only Right 90% Of The Time)

July 20, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

I’m with KC , Diaz can play 1B while still platooning in LF with Willie Harris. Diaz could split time at both 1B and LF just like Salty is doing at 1B and catcher. Thorman needs to develop trench foot or something so the Braves can put him on the DL and then an extended rehab assignment in the minors.

By Colin

July 20, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Novice Ned i do not see our payroll going up to 100M just because Liberty Media said it would say consistent but would no go down. Also on a side note if we need pitching why not go after Tom Gorzelanny

Gorzelanny 9-4, 3.24 I think that would be worth it with our offense..anyone agree?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

July 20, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Morning All, Braves played one of their best games of the year and I only was able to watch the fist 5 innings due to a power outage. Go figure…..

Did watch a bit of the Dodger - Mets game later. At first I thought it was a couple of number 5 type pitchers going head to head but turned out to be Glavin and Lowe. Just goes to show that playing the game for real is much different than playing it on paper.

I thought Julio looked really good at first base last night. Very smooth and comfortable. I doubt he could handle playing everyday at the position but he certainly can play twice to three times a week. And that is one huge piece of lumber he uses at bat. Didn’t appear to have any slower bat than anyone else.

I just don’t think he fit in with Willie Randolph. Please refer to my “Plum” lesson.

Nice outing by Huddy too. I am inclined to think he is a little more comfortable with Salty behind the plate than McCann. It’s not that Salty is a better player, just sometimes certain players fit together in the line up. It should be very clear too everyone however that McCann is by far the superior offensive player of the two.

By Shaun

July 20, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

Novice Ned,

I’m sure it’s not as simple as that. Some of the payroll is deferred, I’m sure. Also, next year two or three very good starting position players and a few pitchers may be making pre-arbitration salaries. And I don’t see why the Braves couldn’t contend.

By TexasBrave

July 20, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

KC,

The only plausible explaination I can come up with is that Bobby still does not believe that Diaz can keep what he is doing on a day to day basis. That plus Bobby still wants to give Willie at bats and his best excuse to do so is the platoon. Eventhough Willie has come back to Earth lately I can’t see Bobby making the switch to no platoon in LF. So unless Willie’s average and OBP both drop below KJ’s I don’t see Bobby taking him out of the lineup.

If we had not signed Julio (although it looks to have been a good move) then perhaps Diaz would have recieved a game or two at first to spell Salty. But I don’t see that happening now.

By JasonInMaine

July 20, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Colin,

Absolutely…but the Pirates are not going to trade Gorzelanny or Snell.

Regards,

Jason

By Lew

July 20, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

It doesn’t matter if this is a baseball blog, or not. It is always appropriate to brag on being a Dawg. Never doubt it. I was at every game Herschel Walker played between the Hedges. I’m proud of that fact and I don’t care who doesn’t like it. Get over it. They should only have been lucky enough to attend UGA.

By Coach ( I'm Only Right 90% Of The Time)

July 20, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

Sergio Mitre is 4-4 with a 2.82 ERA , half his starts have been quality ones. This is his first full season as a starter for the Marlins , he might be worth a phone call.

By Colin

July 20, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Gorzelanny 9-4, 3.24

You people talk about developing pitching why not go after a young gun like Gorzo. He isent a high price pitcher and could be a amazing number 4 when you consider he is the number 2 in Pittsburgh.

By Shaun

July 20, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Colin,

Yeah, Pittsburgh acts as an independent farm team. They are just going to give up a good young pitcher for a more expensive player so the Braves can keep their payroll down.

By MGL

July 20, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Shaun,

Julio has played all 4 infield positions in his career. Probably about as many games at SS and 2B as 1st since he did not play 1st before 1994. However, I would not dispute that at this point in his career, he is probably best at first even though he did start five games for the Mutts at 3rd.

By JasonInMaine

July 20, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

One more tidbit…this is from Gammons’ most recent blog:

“The Braves will deal kids, but not Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Yunel Escobar, to find someone to fill in at the end of the rotation; John Smoltz, Tim Hudson, Chuck James and Buddy Carlyle are 31-19, but the other starters are an ugly 4-17, 6.41. The Phillies have tried a number of alternatives, even throwing Aaron Rowand’s name around with Michael Bourn lurking, but they have yet to find any reasonable alternative, and they’re hoping the bullpen returns of Tom Gordon and Brett Myers restore order.

The problem is that none of those NL East teams appear to have minor league help on the horizons. And where the Yankees now can look within, the price for the Mets, Braves and Phillies may exceed reality.”

Did I read that right? The Yankees can fill a position from within…as JJS would say…

Oh, the humanity!

Regards,

Jason

By Adam

July 20, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

KC,

Great posts this morning, I agree with both the idea that the Braves don’t need more offense, but need another arm or 2. I also agree with the idea of getting Diaz in the lineup everyday in some capacity. The guy can flat out hit. He has “earned” the opportunity to play everyday.

By college football fan

July 20, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

College football rules on any blog.

By Paladin

July 20, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

Just happened by and couldn’t resist it.

Lew GO DAWGS!!!

To the “rest” of the blog: GO BRAVES!!

By Hammer'd The Braves

July 20, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

“I think we’re a .500 ball club until we either develop a home-grown top of the rotation pitcher”

Frankly, the Braves thought they had two of them, Kyle Davies and Anthony Lerew. Davies dominated at every level in the minors (2.91 and 3-1 K/BB), and Lerew was equally dominant, until his head went south at the upper levels. Whether either of those two ever match performance with talent at the big league level is another story altogether. Lerew will be 26 in 2009, and Davies’ head resembles the scene in the Exorcist, so who knows? Just goes to show what a crap shoot projecting young pitching is.

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

July 20, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

According to Pittsburgh papers, Damaso Marte is available. He’s under contract through 2008 with a 2009 option. His ERA is 1.55 this year and he’s left-handed. I wonder what Littlefield would want for him?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

July 20, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Is this a great country or what? Guilty because we say so…… Why don’t we just throw Vick into the water and see if he floats? Worked for the Salem witches didn’t it? Honestly, I don’t know if he is guilty or innocent but at least I am patient enough to wait until the legal process plays out.

Thankfully the Braves try not to employee the same type of personalities in their organization but then again I guess everyone has forgotten Bobby Cox’s domestic problems so many years ago.

That being said, I suppose we should all hope that the violence that we are bombarded with will abate but I doubt it. I am not sure there is more evil in the world today but it sure gets more air play than ever before.

I stopped calling folks out on this blog soon after getting involved because I realized it was just not a very constructive thing to do. It is one of the fastest ways one can lose credibility. Often times it is not even directed at the original perpetrator but gathers in some innocent bystander because someone either misreads, misunderstands or otherwise misinterps the message or ideas of others.

If some of you feel so compelled to get personal with your arguments I suggest you write them down and then hit the delete key instead of the post button. That way you can vent it out of your system and not appear so out of control to the rest of us.

By Paladin

July 20, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

And, before I leave—again.

I also agree on Diaz. And after Whoolie has a few “amigo sessions” all the latinos will be knocking the pinata out it. (No, I don’t think they will be swinging at it, blindfolded):-)

By JasonInMaine

July 20, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

GHF,

I have been wondering the same thing…I mentioned Marte earlier this morning..he has also held lefties to an .087 BA.

Regards,

Jason

By Greg in TN

July 20, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

Morning everybody…

Jason, I saw Loadenthal in late June when the Braves were in town playing the Smokies. I’ve only seen him in one game, but my impressions were that he had a nice glove, good speed and was disciplined with his plate approach. He did have a stolen base that night against a pitcher that struggled some in holding runners on base (Greg Creek and Mark Rozema also had steals that night against the same pitcher, Kevin Hart of the Smokies). He went 1-3 that night with an RBI single a walk and a strikeout, but Hart is a strikeout guy for them. From what I remember from seeing Blanco, Loadenthal would compare pretty favorably from what I’ve seen of both guys. Loadenthal will strike out much less than Blanco would and I think Loadenthal is more apt to hit behind the runner from what little I saw.

Did not get to see JC Holt that night and only saw Brandon Jones as a PH in the ninth.

By Ron Roberts

July 20, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

Shaun… I’m not “trying” to twist anything about your argument. I believe that you’re trying to project that Saltalamacchia’s going to be something when none of us have any idea what he’ll be, long-term. We know what Teixeira is. That’s all. I hear ya, loud and clear; you’re not opposed to trading Saltalamacchia, per se, and not even opposed to sending him to Texas for Teixeira in a packege, either, if there are other provisions to the deal. I read ya loud and clear.

My question is, why do the Rangers have to give us more than we give them, anyhow? I keep hearing people make these propositions where we always get more than the other team…

If the Braves sent Saltalamacchia to the Rangers, straight up, for Mark Teixeira, I could see where they’d want more, frankly. Again, we’re presuming Saltalamacchia’s gonna be the next Johnny Bench or something, and he might. But sending them a guy with potential for a guy with definites to his resume could be viewed as one-sided by the other team, too.

I’m just saying, don’t look at any trade scenarios just through the eyes of a Braves fan’s perspective.

Peace.

By Colin

July 20, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Damaso Marte would be a great fit for the braves because we need a shutdown left and that is what he is with a lefty up.That would help Soriano because he has to get everyone out in the 8th. I bet Littlefield would take a class A player for Damaso because he good GM.

By Efrim

July 20, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

JasonInMaine

It amazes me how good the Yankees system is now, in terms of arms. Joba Chamberlan, Ian Kennedy, Delin Betances, and Alan Horne are all top of the rotation type arms. Add that on to Phillip Hughes and Chein Meng Wang, and the Yankees are only going to get better in the next 10 years.

By Paladin

July 20, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

Gil As you know, I have great respect for you and I will take my lumps relative to the last parts of your posts.

But, as far as the Vick part is concerned: I have read the federal indictment, have you? The feds, with their unlimited funds and resources, are seldom “that” wet when they indict. While I agree that “innocent until proven guilty” still applies in a country of laws, I think your “sort of” defense of Vick is unwarranted. I think he is a despicable piece of offal and I think that will be proven when the matter comes to trial.

Now, I’m going out and hug my dog that I love like a child.

By JasonInMaine

July 20, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

Greg in TN, thanks for the information. On the surface, their stats look pretty good. But, I have never really heard them mentioned either as potential pieces to the team or in a trade.

Efrim, yes both the Skanks and the Red Sox have been developing a lot of arms. We have some of the best scouting and player development around, but maybe we should kidnap one of their pitching scouts!

Regards,

Jason

By lsu223

July 20, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

N8, you seem to think that Salty will be a top 10 hitter in the leagues soon. I do not see him ever becoming that good of a player. He is a big, switch hitting catcher, who projects more as a first baseman with his size. The Rangers would never deal Tex for him straight up. McCann will be catching in Atlanta for a long time, and other teams know that. The Braves should deal him for whatever they can get this year. He will be an average first baseman down the road, and we should capitalize on his trade value while we can.

By JasonInMaine

July 20, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

Did anyone get a chance to listen to JS on Baseball This Morning yesterday morning?

By Renegator

July 20, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Is it just me or do the Braves (Cox) have a hard time managing player’s options. Look at Tony Pena Jr. - we had to give him away because he was out of options. Same with Thorman - now he has to rot on the bench because he is out of options and we can’t send him down. Do other teams have this problem too?

By Colin

July 20, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

I also hear that the Braves are looking at getting Jose Contreras from the Chi Sox. What do you think about that?

By crimedogrules

July 20, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

All I can say is, if this is the team that we have with Franco on it as opposed to the team we had the day before he played —I’ll take it.

Great story for you, I’m a displaced Braves fan in New Hampshire (stupid work). I took the family to see Smoltz vs. Glavine a few years back in Shea. Right before the game Julio came down the third base side and signed a bunch of autgraphs for the kids. My son was pushing his way up to the front but made it to him right as the anthem started. Julio walked away to pay his respects, my son was devestated. But the second the anthem finished, Julio ran back over and called my son back “Son, little Braves fan, come back” My son had on a Braves hat, of course. He signed the ball and my son sat with it on his lap for the rest of the game. The Braves won that game if you remember.

Welcome back Julio, my family watched you from our couch last night and cheered with the rest of the fans, a thousand miles away.

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

July 20, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

I hope they leave Contreras where he is.

By Hammer'd The Braves

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

“Joba Chamberlan, Ian Kennedy, Delin Betances, and Alan Horne are all top of the rotation type arms.”

You cannot be serious. Because if you can make that kind of call based on some college experience and a few Rookie League innings, you’re the best personnel evaluator I’ve ever heard of. Ever.

By David O'Brien

July 20, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Renegator, Cox has NOTHING to do with “managing” a player’s options. That’s the front office, the GM, asst GM, dir. of player development, those folks who decide, and it’s usually out of their hands, too, because after a certain time period, you have to add a player to the 40-man roster to protect him from the December Rule 5 draft, and once you add him, the option clock starts and he uses an option each time he’s sent down to the minors, either during spring training or during the season (maximum one option used per year, regardless of how many times back and forth the guy goes, such as Devine, who’s been sent back and forth three times already this season, but used only one option).

And I’ll tell you this: From what I’ve heard, Cox wouldn’t have traded Pena, if it was up to him to make the decision. He really likes Pena and wishes he had him now.

By dave

July 20, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Well no one seem to respond to my first attempt at this comparison, but I’ll say it again. Andy Marte was the highest rated prospect in the Braves system and we traded him for Edgar Renteria. This has been a huge win for the Braves so far. Salty or Escobar may be good or even great players one day, but for now there simply trying to establish themselves. If Atlanta is about championships then take advantage of Chipper and Smoltz golden years and go for it now. You have plenty of prospects and veterans at these guys positions,C = B McCann who is locked up and middle infielders coming out of the woodwork (Lillibrige, Andrus, Prado, and others) besides Salty and Escobar. I say do what it takes within reason to get a middle to back end starter, reliever, and bench players and go for the WS! On a music note I am sitting here listening to the the new White Stripes CD “ICKY THUMP” and must say that it is an excellant CD.

By J.T

July 20, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

How can the mets take the braves seriously when they just got swept by the rotten cincinnati red? Despite the mets playing inconsistent ball since june, they are still in first. Which is an indictment on the brave for not capitalizing on the mets futility. Reinforcement is coming for the mets-via trade,Pedro Martinez,Moise Alou,Endy Chavez,etc. The braves should brace themselve because the mets are coming. One other thing, the braves can have Julio Franco.

By Efrim

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

JasoninMaine,

We have some very interesting arms in the Rookie league at Danville. Cole Rohrbough, Neftali Feliz, Jeff Locke, Steve Evarts and Chad Rodgers. Feliz is the only righty of the bunch.

Low A Rome has Jamie Richmond, Kyle Cofield, Jeff Lyman and Tim Gustafson. Lyman was supopose to be big time, but hasn’t lived up to expectations.

High A Myrtle Beach has Jario Cuevas, Tommy Hanson, Jonathon Venters, Kris Medlen and Deunte Heath. Hanson is probably the best arm we have in the minors. Medlen is a reliever.

Double A has Harrison and Parr. Harrison is a future innings eater. Reyes is now in the majors.

By Paladin

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

It was a great story crimedogrules, and it would have been even if I were not a Whoolie-admirer, myself. Now, y’all come down sometime, y’hear?

By Colin

July 20, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Crimedogrules im sorta in the same situation as you except i live in NY and Braves fans are few and far between so i have gone to Pittsburgh since 2006 to watch the Braves.Because TBS shows 10 games a year i bought MLB TV to be able to watch the Braves every day. I go through the ups the downs with them just like anyone in Atlanta would. Except i live thousands a miles away.

By Efrim

July 20, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

Hammer’d The Braves

Check out Chamberlan’s numbers, read Gammons article today. What else am I suppose to go on? When everyone else is saying the kid is electric, then what the hell should I think.

Guys like Verlander don’t come out of nowhere. People project the guys will be stars and they usually turn out to be stars.

By DonCoburleone

July 20, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Does anyone think that maybe the Braves end up just getting more bullpen help instead of another starter? I know bullpen guys can be had for much cheaper than a young starter, and with the emergence of Buddy Carlyle we really do have a rotation that’s 4 deep. I know I wouldn’t mind getting Dotel from the Royals, I’d slide him right into the setup role and then have a Yates/Soriano combo in the 7th inning. I also think a first baseman is still a good idea. Somebody like Hatteberg or Overbay would be perfect, but I don’t think that’s gonna happen. JS, if you can get an Ian Snell or Gorzo for Salty then do it!!!

By JasonInMaine

July 20, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

I will have to take your word for it. I admit that I do not know much about our young pitchers, so I go by reputable sites regarding pitching prospects.

Also, I know we just signed the most coveted international pitcher as well.

Regards,

Jason

By Paladin

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

JT Thank you for your contribution(s) to the blog.

Hey guys(and gals), how’s that for the “new” Paladin? :-)

By Shaun

July 20, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

MGL,

Thanks for the info. That’s crazy that Franco actually played third. Surprising to me. He played 3 games their last year and 2 this year, according to baseballreference.com. But I’m guessing he won’t see any action over there with Chipper, Escobar and Woodward on the roster.

Ron Roberts,

Again, you are misreading my argument. I know Salty is not likely to be the next Johnny Bench.

I think we know Salty is going to be a pretty good hitter and player. I think the odds of him not doing that are very slim. He’s probably not going to be a flop but he’s probably not going to be Johnny Bench, either. In fact, I don’t know that he’ll be a middle-of-the-order guy or better than Teixeira. But he’s going to be a good player.

And I didn’t say the Rangers shouldn’t want more. I am absolutely not wanting the Rangers to give the Braves more without the Braves adding more. I’d certainly want more than Salty if I were the Rangers GM or a Rangers fan.

I’m just saying the Rangers and Braves should add something to their respective packages than just Salty for Tex.

I would hope the Braves would want a young player in the deal (they could throw in more, too, remember) to help counterbalance some of the young talent they lose with Salty…and some of the talent they are losing beyond 2008. Either that or get enough cash from the Rangers so they don’t have worry too much about what they are going to pay Teixeira for the remainder of his contract.

I think this is a misunderstanding. I’m certainly not one of these who thinks Jake Peavy or Brandon Webb is realistic. I want the Braves to get more but I also want them to give up more in a Salty for Tex deal so that they don’t just give up a good, young, cheap player that would have no doubt helped them past 2008 for nothing that can help them past 2008.

By sheesh

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

N8, you were the one comparing Salty to the top hitters of this era (Vlad, Pujols, etc.), not me. I just threw Piazza’s name out there because they both play catcher. If Salty is really all that you say he will become, he should be expected to perform like Piazza did in his prime. But I can’t see him hitting at that level with the consistency of the players you are comparing him to.

By fastasballs

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

I’d rather stick with Carlyle & Reyes than overpay for Contreras. Besides Davies all of the starters have been giving quality starts of late. Bullpen let downs & lack of big hits has cost the Braves 3-4 wins the past several weeks. If they get another starter it needs to be an impact guy that will be around for a while.

Vick is innocent until proven guilty, however the cards are stacked against him from coming away from this. When he was here at Virginia Tech, rumors about his dog fighting involvement floated around. Even more once his big mouth brother Marcus hit campus. From everyone that was closest to Michael (Tech Coaches) all said he is a great guy, but his downfall would come from the company he kept. This was said right after he entered the draft so I guess many saw it coming.

Someone said something about Tech paying him, that’s utter BS, the money he did have his last season here came from individuals (not boosters) made at idiotic interest rates because of his pending wealth. This happens everywhere, not just at Tech. The future pro stars from poorer families are always prey for the blood suckers while in college. Some players can see the “users” for what they really are & avoid getting into bad situations with them, but Vick never has & probably never will.

Our butts are still sore from that 2nd half azz stomping the Dawgs put on us at the sandwitch bowl. Wish we had your offensive coordinator, because ours (Stinespring) can’t utilize the talent around him.

How many of you Dawgs have been to LSU for a night game? We go there 2nd week of the season.

By JasonInMaine

July 20, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I asked this last night, and if you simply chose to ignore it (don’t blame you…you get a lot of questions); I apologize for asking it again. But, in case you didn’t see it…

What do you think of JS’ reluctance to include Escobar in any trade? Would you include him in a trade for a bat like Tex?

Regards,

Jason

By Shaun

July 20, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

A lot can happen to young pitching. If one of those guys becomes a top of the rotation guy, that would be a success.

For a similar challenge, name more than a few teams that has developed more than three or four consistent, top-of-the-rotation type guys over the last 15-20 years. The A’s are the only team that comes to mind—Hudson, Mulder, Zito. There may be a few more that don’t come to mind but I doubt there are many more.

By David O'Brien

July 20, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

DonC, they could definitely end up getting more relief help and no starter. In fact, if I had to guess right now, I’d say that’ll be the case, though I know they’re still trying to work a deal for a starter. More likely they’ll get a lefty reliever.

By Baron

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

Novice Ned, and others,

While Smoltz, Glavine, and Maddux were with the Braves 1993-2002 we also had a daisy wheel full of good/decent import pitchers in the four slot: Neagle, Burkett, Thompson, Mulholland… more, I’m sure. That usually left only one spot for our home grown guys. Avery was excellent. Mercker was pretty good. Byrd, made about 10 starts in his first go-round. Millwood was on his way to very good. Schmidt never panned as a Brave. Marquis, same. Damian Moss looked way better than Marquis. Perez was looking good. Ramirez was lights out before the arm injury.

My point, after that history lesson, is that there really wasn’t any place to put our good young pitchers! We had Cy Youngers at the first 3 spots in the rotation. Millwood and Avery stuck as four/fives for awhile, but Avery got hurt and Millwood we had to drop for money reasons. All the other guys got 1-3 seasons in the rotation at the top club and then got traded for other pieces (usually offense).

So while the Braves haven’t developed any great pitching in the last 15 years, it hasn’t been their fault. They nurtured 4-5 excellent young arms through the minors to the bigs, traded them, and watched as other teams failed to help those guys reach their potential. Look around the majors, though, and see how many of those Braves farmhands have started in the majors this season. I count 8 guys off the top of my head.

Now that we are down to one of the big three, and with Hudson, we are again focused on developing AND KEEPING our good young pitchers, i.e. James and Davies- and hopefully Reyes, Harrison, etc. Of course, no more Leo! We’ll see how it works out.

By DonCoburleone

July 20, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

DOB a new blog???

I’m a little worried about Wainwright tonight. He’s looked good for almost a whole month now. His last outing was AT Philly and he held them to 0er’s over 7 innings… That is definately no easy feat. Tonight is the game for Atlanta though, win tonight and we have a great shot at sweeping.

By Paladin

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

How many of you Dawgs have been to LSU for a night game? We go there 2nd week of the season

Sort of like rooting for the Christians in the Coliseum. Those cajuns don’t exactly “cotton” to people from “off”.

By David O'Brien

July 20, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Dave, do you like that White Stripes CD as much as their earlier stuff? I don’t, but that’s just my opinion, I know some probably feel otherwise. I didn’t buy it yet, didn’t like it enough to pay full price. I’ll buy it used.

I like Jack’s work with the Raconteurs a lot more.

This new Interpol record is excellent, and so is the new Kelly Willis.

And for you thrashers out there, do yourselves a favor and listen to the new Bad Brains. Like they turned back the clock to the 1980s, they sound so much like their old selves on this one.

By TBFKB

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

Ron,

You ever seen a bullfight?

Coach,

Sticks and stones will break my bones……

“We have laws to protect the good citizens of this country from those who lack the intelligence and skill required to become responsible Americans”

See thats a typical liberal argument, which I understand and respect. It also shows me that we won’t agree on this issue as our disagreement is at a fudemental level. I think your confusing what I am saying to an extent. While I agree law breakers ought to be held accountable, makes no difference if I belive in the law or not. However, it won’t stop me from questioning or disagree with laws and policies.

If drugs were legal you think this country would have the violence it has now? I would think not. You would still have drug related crimes but I would almost gaurantee the number of murder would drop. People are going to commit crimes weather drugs are legal or not. However, would you have less murders and more theft?

“Steroids are illicit drugs , they are against the law.”

No disagreement there, however thats not what I disagree with, I am questioning why that law exsist. Steroids taken by indivduals have no direct impact on me or you or anyone else.

I’m stupid, nor am I ignorant. I just disagree with you. Your first line was both classy and bring credibilty to your point. I will continue to believe that I know how best to run my life and you can continue to believe the governmet knows the best way for you to live yours.

Oh yeah, keep insulting people, that will make them take your points more serious.

By JasonInMaine

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

Colin,

I see your question got posted on Crasnick’s blog today…that was your, right?

Regards,

Jason

By Efrim

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

Shaun,

The Tigers have a chance with Verlander and Andrew Miller. Verlander has shown he is a top of the rotation type starter. Miller looks pretty good as well.

Hughes looked good when I saw him in Trenton and in New York. Chamberlain has the numbers, but time will tell.

By Savannah Guy

July 20, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

So, I get to be John Schuerholz and Bobby Cox for a day:

I just appointed myself. If you have an open mind and think outside the traditional box, you’ll see the logic. If not, disagree all you want…but I hold the keys (see headline). We play Diaz every day. But at first? No. Who suggested that? If we start Diaz (we will), then he will stay in LF.

We’re getting a new ace: like baseball cards, you gotta give something good to get something good (oh, that brings up a sad baseball card story from my youth, but later on that…maybe). So if we want to add a good (GOOD) starting pitcher, we need to offer up Salty, Thorman, Kyle Davies, and some other talent on the farm.

We are left with a very good team and much better SP. Ok, bear with me…here’s the winning lineup/batting order for the remainder of the season:

Yunel Escobar: 2B - Kelly Johnson: 1B - Chipper Jones: 3B - Andruw Jones: CF - Matt Diaz: LF - Edgar Rentaria: SS - Brian McCann: C - Jeff Francoueur: RF.

Mind you, this batting order can and will be moved around, depending on who’s hot and who get’s into a slump. We’re going to start looking at the results, not the old “playbook” from here on out. No acceptions. For the good of the team.

Smoltz, Hudson, (new ace TBD…I’m working on it), Carlysle, James, (then Villarreal, Reyes). The bullpen remains, but I’m switching Wickman with Soriano as closer.

Bench: Julio Franco, Willie Harris, Pete Orr, Chris Woodward. (these last two will get criticized…until there is an injury with a starter). Yes, there are others on the bench, but you get the point.

There’s your 2007 division champs, denizens.

By David O'Brien

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

Just crunching numbers, and astounded to see Diaz has hit — brace yourselves — .399 since April 25. That’s 158 at-bats, with only 22 strikeouts in that span.

If he had enough plate appearances (he’s not even close), he’d lead the NL batting race by a wide margin. But again, he’s not close. Got to have 3.1 PAs per team game.

By Ron Roberts

July 20, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Shaun… DAMMIT, stop making comments to people that THEY’RE misunderstanding YOU, dude. I’m NOT misunderstanding you AT ALL.

How is it that EVERYBODY else misunderstands YOU, but the onus is NEVER on you, dude?

How ‘bout this? I think you’re misunderstanding me.

By Dr. Jay

July 20, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

dave, the new White Stripes CD is a masterpiece, plain and simple. Mr. White has matured a bit, IMO, and while he could always play his @ss off…this one shows a combination of talents - songwriting, style, delivery, and variety - that places him in a class by himself. Can you tell I like it?

Nice win last night, BTW. A strong showing by Hudson in late July. Maybe he’s figured out a way to beat the heat.

By Lee

July 20, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Teams are not exactly catching rich in prospects these days; that is one reason Salty is such a hot prospect. He may or may not be the greatest thing since slice bread but he is a hot commodity at present.

By Colin

July 20, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

The only thing with Wainwright is that he is so inconsistent and maybe we will catch him on a bad night :)

By David O'Brien

July 20, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

I’ve heard two Braves decision-makers have high praise for Arroyo in the past week. Like I’ve said all along, Cox has liked him for a long time.

But if it takes Salty to get him, I don’t see it happening….

UVABrave, good band, the Decemberists. Got their first album, don’t have the more recent one. Personally, I like the Arcade Fire quite a bit more. They’re a bit similar, all the orchestration and epic songs, etc., at least to me. But Arcade Fire just does it for me, every single song. Great, great band.

By Colin

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

Yea JasoninMaine i was just trying to get a experts opinion and i guess he was sorta right. Except i think they would trade Yunel or Salty.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

July 20, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

Coincientally, I was looking at Medlen’s numbers early this morning.

1-1 with 9 saves in 22 games this year (split between Rome and Myrtle Beach)

1.59 ERA

.194 Opp. avg.

28.1 Innings

5 earned runs

5 walks

42 strikeouts

Not bad at all. Sounds like he can mow them down pretty good.

By JasonInMaine

July 20, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

What do folks see Arroyo as…a 1, 2, 3? If a 2, I say include Salty for him. If lower, than I say no.

I like Salty, but again; if he has no long term future with the Braves; we might as well get a piece that will allow us to compete for a WS this year and beyond (Arroyo is under contract for a few more years).

If we view Salty as the future 1B…don’t trade him.

Regards,

Jason

By Paladin

July 20, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

but that’s just my opinion

DOB

An “opinion” on this blog?! What do you want to do, set a trend? :-)

By dave

July 20, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

DOB I must admit that I do like the CD a little better from a musical perspective, but lyrically I love some of Jack White’s other stuff.

By JasonInMaine

July 20, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Colin,

Yeah, I was interested in his answer to your question. I do not agree in not trading Escobar for an Arroyo type pitcher or a Tex like hitter…again, the Braves must finally feel as though he is the future at SS.

Regards,

Jason

By Colin

July 20, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

I totally agree Jason if he pitches like he did against us for the rest of the year and for ever how long his contract is he could really help us get to the playoffs and succeed.He is def a 3-5 in our rotation because Smoltz and Huddy have 1-2 locked up.

By rammerjammer

July 20, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

DOB, in a word, is Salty untouchable? Escobar, too?

Arcade Fire reminds me a lot of ELO. That’s going back about 30 years. ELO had a great sound, all their own at the time.

By Shaun

July 20, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

Renegator,

Tony Pena hit .252 in the minors with a .285 OBP. He’s hit better so far in the majors with KC but he’s still posting a .293 OBP with a whopping .370 SLG.

Pena will be out of the majors faster than you can say Rey Ordonez. Doesn’t matter how great your fielding is, if you’re hitting is that bad in this day and age, you aren’t going to last.

I know someone will bring up Ozzie Smith but he hit better than that his first few seasons in a tougher era for hitters.

They got a very young pitcher named Erik Cordier in the deal. He was one of the Royals top pitching prospects but has had some injury problems. Still it was worth the risk considering the infielders they Braves have in their system and Tony Pena’s inability to hit.

By SteelCav

July 20, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

Hey UVaBrave, good to see another Wahoo/Brave fan on this board. I like the Steelers too (of course)….

Anyone else think it’s time to put Kelly back up in the leadoff spot again? Sorry if that has been discussed already.

By Efrim

July 20, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Arkansas Hillbilly

Check out Hanson’s numbers. Pretty damn good.

By Shaun

July 20, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts,

Okay, I didn’t make myself clear enough when we first started discussing this. My fault.

But you still seem to think I believe Salty is sure to be a Hall of Famer.

Tex is a known commodity but so are young position players who have a track record like Salty’s. Sure, we don’t know if he’s going to be pretty good or really great but chances are he’s at least going to be pretty good. The chances of him not doing that and not providing some team with something past 2008 are extremely slim. Too slim to even consider it, really.

By N8

July 20, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

sheesh

“But I can’t see him hitting at that level with the consistency of the players you are comparing him to.”

Fair enough. I’d like to think he would turn out to be that good, but it really wasn’t what I meant (or would demand of him).

What I was getting at, is that I STILL think if we give him up, it should be for pitching. I guess production and output from offensive players should be relative to a teams needs. Right now we need pitching.

Francoeur isn’t in the league of those guys either (yet). But I think Salty can be as productive at the plate as Frenchy has been, if given the opportunity to play every day. That along with our budget, seems to be enough reason to keep him (because he’s cheap), unless we could get a BIG BAT for him.

So, do I still think he’s untouchable? To some extent, yes. But NOBODY is untouchable, IMO. Hell, I’d trade Smoltz if what we were getting in return was worth more value (even if it’s future value), than what Smoltz could give us.

I think Salty is going to be a good to very good hitter and soon. So I would hate to give him up for a rental player. Period.

I guess if we had the pitching we had in years past, then if Salty doesn’t turn into the stud I see him being, it wouldn’t matter. But if we can’t aquire or develop some dominant pitchers in the near future than I think we need all the offense we can get.

As far as his value in a trade, maybe I’m over valuing him because he’s our guy. But my guess is that if we didn’t have McCann, he’d be our everyday catcher, and we’d be happy to have him there. So that’s why I think an AL team would LOVE to get there hands on him, to have him catch 4 days a week and DH when his knees need a break.

Is he as good as Mauer or McCann? Probably not right now, but I’m not sure he won’t be. Like McCann, he NEVER played above AA ball, and he’s holding his own in the big leagues. That’s gotta say something about his natural ability.

Maybe I’ve just fallen trap to the same overhype that other GM’s have fell for with our prospects. We’ve heard about how awesome Salty was gonna be for 2 years now. But maybe that’s just propaganda to facilitate future trades. Who knows?

So me comparing him to Vlad and those guys wasn’t really my point. I was just saying that as soon as next year, I could see him being a 20 HR 80-100 RBI guy (if put in the right spot of the lineup), add to that, he’ll be incredibly cheap for that production ala: McCann and Frenchy. So to trade him for a position player that’s gonna cost us money, I think it should be for a bonified All-Star.

Hope that clears it up.

This whole scenario changes ridiculously if LM raises payroll a LOT, and we can afford to buy talent. Until then, we need to hang on to whatever cheap talent we have. At least until Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, Chipper and Andruw are “off the books”.

By StingerSplash

July 20, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I concur with your assessment of Mr. Ness’ and Social D’s faithful and inspired cover of “Ring of Fire.” I was driving down the interstate the other day, popped in one of mix CDs and that came up, followed by Social D’s “Ball and Chain.” I know the other drivers I passed had to think I was insane for singing along at the top of me lungs. Didn’t know there was a Mike Ness solo-cover album. I don’t have to go all the way to L5P to find it, do I? Oh well, haven’t been there in a while anyway.

By The Grinch

July 20, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

LSU football? That will not do. Go DAWGS!! Sic ‘em! WOOF WOOF WOOF

Now, Vick. Yes, everyone, I love my dogs to, and I would kill someone who hurt them just like I would a member of my family (well, most of my family). That said, I have two words for you: Joey Harrington. He’s the Kyle Davies of NFL QB’s. Right now, I’m very angry at Vick, and I wouldn’t let him pet-sit for me. But I’d be willing to bet some of this self-righteousness among Falcons fans evaporates after watching a few games without MV7. Remember Chris Chandler? He was a top-5 QB when we had him (and led us to our only Super Bowl)and nobody cared about or watched the team. The Falcons ARE Mike Vick, and Blank knows it. That’s why he hasn’t booted his behind to the curb.

DOB, saw an “Onion” headline over a photo of Meg White that was something to the effect of “Meg White drum solo just a steady beat for 23 minuutes.”

Later, all; jam session with out of town friends awaits. Many eardrums will bleed. :-)

By TBFKB

July 20, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

talking about slanted stories…check out this survey:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/07/19/polls/index.html

It assumes Vick should be suspended on some of the questions. How can you get an accurate picture with those questions? Mabey I’m screwed up but can someone explain to me how this is not a slanted and agenda hunting poll. Although not surprising SI has a history of exploiting this stuff to sell more magazines.

By Ron Roberts

July 20, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

“too slim to even consider, really.”

See, Shaun, that is where you and I disagree.

I’ll take Mark Teixeira over Jarrod Saltalamacchia at 1B the next season and a half. What we don’t know is what this team will look like beyond 2008, as far as starting pitching goes. I wanna win a World Series, and I think having John Smoltz as part of our rotation betters those odds. Having Mark Teixeira in his prime does, too, over an up-and-coming Jarrod Saltalamacchia at 1B. That’s where I think we disagree.

By Baron

July 20, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

Don’t look now, KJ’s creeping back up in OPS- .873- second on team to Chipper. Diaz tied with Renty at third with .864 (albeit non-qualified). I’d be real careful about when I pulled those guys for a platoon.

By Salty

July 20, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

TBFKB

There are a few who, rather than take a seat at the blog, bring their soapbox with them. If you agree, you’re a ‘swell guy’; if not, well…you get the blunt end of the stick! The stick would be sharper, but it’s used too bloody much!

Hang in there…and nice posts, by the way…and trust it has not one iota to do with agreement on all your points!

By Halloweenhead (eware)

July 20, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

DOB, I need some country recommendations outside of Waylon, Willie, Merle, and the good Hanks. Love all those guys, but have run a little dry now. I’ve just gotten into the genre, so I’m not real familiar with all the old dudes.

Really into Reckless Kelly lately - good stuff.

By sheesh

July 20, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

From Hummer’s column on Franco returning “home”:

*In his first Braves incarnation, Franco had been known to snatch a candy bar from a young player’s hand and throw it in the trash, while delivering a lecture on healthy eating.

“I need for that to happen,” joked rookie Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who worked behind the plate Thursday, but will also share first with Franco.*

Even Salty knows he’s fat.

By TBFKB

July 20, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Ron,

Forgot to mention your reply in my previous post.

I work with a bunch of hunters. I watch hunting shows on T.V. This does not make me an expert but very seldom do I hear them talk about the taste of the meat nor the amount of money they save by hunting. Most talk about the thrill of the hunt and more to the point the thrill of the kill .

Bottom line:

Hunters kill game for sport 1st and foremost and I dont think you can honestly disagree with that.

I don’t mind people hunting, its not for me but it seems people have a different perspective on the difference of killing a dog vs a deer in the name of sport. At least the dog gets to fight for his life rather than be ambushed by a hunter.

By yars

July 20, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

DOB………what do you think of the band, Velvet Revolver? I enjoyed their first album, Contraband. A very heavy rock album. They just released a new studio album a couple weeks ago. I’m glad there are still some bands out there keeping hard rock alive.

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

July 20, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Halloweenhead

Try any music from George Jones and Conway Twitty. If you don’t have it, pick up Willie Nelson’s “The Red-headed Stranger” CD

By Shaun

July 20, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts,

Actually I agree that Tex is the better player at least until the end of 2008, maybe a little beyond that, too.

I just think the Braves have to take into account contracts and salaries and all of that.

Tex is likely gone after 2008. All I’m hoping is the Braves either get a halfway decent young player that can contribute something beyond 2008 (the Braves can throw in more to the deal, too) or they get enough cash from the Rangers so that they don’t have to worry too much about the rest of Tex’s salary.

By overlord

July 20, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Hey Baron, speaking about Matt and KJ, r any of those guys signed for more than this year? if not, what are the braves waiting for?, Same with James. Could anyone orient me on this matter?

By TBFKB

July 20, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Halloweenhead,

Not a country guy but I have love for Alabama, the guy who sings “down on the chattahochee”

Salty,

I can take it, the beating I took on the steriod argument last year was enough to build a whole army’s character.

By DonCoburleone

July 20, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

Diaz really deserves a shot to play everday, although I know it won’t happen this year… But, what about next year? If we really wanted to (barring a complete collapse by him) we could move Willie Harris to center next season and have Diaz as our permanent LF. That would save us some money by not having to pay for a FA center fielder in the offseason…

Batting order: 1)Harris 2)Renteria 3)Chipper 4)Francoeur 5)McCann 6)Diaz 7)KJ/Escobar 8)Salty/whoever… Now that would be one inexpensive lineup. Renteria and Chipper would be the only ones making any real money. And if we really wanted to free up payroll, trade Renteria and make Escobar our full time SS and KJ our full time 2b…

Anyway, too early to be thinking about next year I suppose…

By Carolina Lady

July 20, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

CrimeDawg, great story (11:54am post). You just can’t hide class!

Sign: STOP

Shaun: No, it can’t be just ‘STOP’, there are variables.

Sign: STOP

Shaun: That can’t be right. If Vehicle A proceeds at 25 mph, then…. and if Vehicle B continues at…..

Sign: STOP

Shaun: You misunderstand what I’m saying. It is clear that in 72.3% of all instances that when Vehicle A….

Sign: STOP

Shaun: I wish you could understand what I’m telling you! See, statistics are clear on this matter. Whenever Vehicle A and Vehicle B…….

Sign: STOP

Shaun: All right. One more time. If Vehicle A approaches at 36.4 mph…..then if Vehicle B approaches at….. You can clearly see the variables which indicate other choices must be available.

Sign: STOP

Shaun: ……Statistics show…….

Sign: STOP

Shaun: If Vehicle A…..

By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera

July 20, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

Halloweenhead —

Lefty Frizzell, Lefty Frizzell and Lefty Frizzell.

By Ron Roberts

July 20, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

Shaun… after 2008, the Braves will likely have been without Andruw Jones for a season, so I’d think the idea of the Braves’ keeping Mark Teixeira would be better than 50%, man. Just my opinion.

And with Mark being about three years younger and not showing the same physical attrition Andruw is, he’d be a smart re-sign.

He played at Georgia Tech and has made no-to-subtle statements to show that he’s not a Scott Boras tool as much as Scott Boras is his employee.

By Colin

July 20, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

The Braves are going to be the most active team at the deadline i think because there are so many possibilities for our team to get better. I think Salty might be out but you never know what JS has in store for us. This is why baseball by far is the best sport. Also could someone tell me where i can find info about contracts and stuff like that.

By Shaun

July 20, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

sheesh and N8,

Your discussion looks familiar.

Saltalamacchia is almost sure to be at least an above average hitter, the way I see it. I don’t know if he’ll ever be a superstar like Piazza was but I’d bet he’ll at least be as valuable as Jason Varitek in his best seasons, if money was riding on my projections.

I’m not sure where this notion comes from that he’s a streaky hitter or that he may be a flop other than he’s slumped his third month in the majors…hardly telling. Guys go through slumps, even in their primes.

I’ll trust a player’s overall statistics in the majors and minors and what scouts and insiders say about him over any month’s worth of games.

By Baron

July 20, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

I’m confused about the calls for a bench bat. It seems to me, if we’ve got 3 platoons going (LF, 1st, 2nd) and part of a 4th (C), then we ought to always have at least 3 guys on the bench who we trust up at the plate.

Any pitching at all must take priority. As of today, in the NL, we are 6th in RS and 5th in OPS. That’s including a disastrous first half from Druw, a sub-par two months from BMac, and 2 months of Langy and Wilson. All those problems are solved, plus we added good to serviceable production in Willie Mays Harris, Salty and Escobar. (can’t we get him a nickname?) Thor’s the only dark spot in the lineup, and I say we can solve the 1B problem with a combo of Salty and Diaz. If Salty can play 1B… hell Diaz has already clocked 3 innings there this season! And you got Thor as a late inning defensive replacement, or Woodward.

I know pitching is hard to come by. And it’s probable that to acquire said pitching we will need to give up some of our delicately balanced offense. But how we improve significantly now or in the future by adding a Texeira type I’m just not seeing. We’ve got enough offense now, and a lot of it is only going to improve with age. Let’s not get into a panic about making a move just to say we did something.

Pitching’s the thing. Eye on the prize and all that.

By Colin

July 20, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

Yes but when Druw walks then we will hav Tex to hit 4th pick up the power numbers and keep the offense at a steady level. When Druw walks who will hit fourth?

By Shaun

July 20, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts,

The way I see it the Braves have less than a 50 percent shot at signing Teixeira beyond 2008, even if they let AJ go. Could be wrong. A lot probably depends on what happens with some of the vets—Smoltz, Hudson, Renteria, Chipper—and if the young guys like Francouer sign big deals.

And you have to figure, if they traded for Tex, it’s worth resigning him, but for how long and how much.

Even if the Braves could sign that kind of player, does that mean they should? Tex will be 29 years old in 2009 and he’ll likely want to be paid like the very best hitters in the game for a lot more years. He’ll likely start to drop off some soon after he signs his big new deal. Although he still should be a great hitter he may not be worth the money or the years of his new contract. You have to think it may not be worth it for most teams to sign him to the contract he may want.

By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera

July 20, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

I’ll trust … what scouts and insiders say…

Who is this poster, and what has he done with the real Shaun?

By DonCoburleone

July 20, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Cormier for Richmond yesterday: 6IP, 1ER, 1SO, 3BB… I guess the 1ER is encouraging, but only 1 strikeout to 3 walks??? That’s not good. But then again, how can you complain with only 1 run allowed in 6 innings?

That low strikeout rate brings me to another point - that worry’s me about Jo Jo, he hasn’t struck anybody out at the ML level! I think he had 2 or 3 against San Diego, then 0 his last outing. You have to strike guys out in this league if you wanna become anything more than a #4 or 5 starter (fortunately for us though, he is only a #5 starter right now)…

By Baron

July 20, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

overlord, not sure on contract status of either, but KJ is ours for the foreseeable future- he’s only got 1+ years major league service and only 25, not yet eligible for arbitration even. Diaz is 29 with 3-4 years service, not sure how they calculate, but I doubt he’s eligible for free agency.

Braves would be wise to sign Kelly long term a la’ McCann. No way he commands as much cash, and probably just as good a bet to contribute into the future given the physically less demanding nature of his position(s). Diaz, I don’t know why this guy has such a hard time staying on the field given his production. If it’s me, I’ll see how he plays out the rest of the year, and if it continues, ink him to Craig Wilson style money, or less probably, for 2-3 years and hand him LF, and move Frenchy to CF, Kelly to RF, Escobar to 2nd, etc. etc. Elvis Andrus yadda yadda Brandon Jones yadda yadda

By Arkansas Hillbilly

July 20, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Halloweenhead,

Gotta agree with Glass Half Full. Get George Jones—“Anniversary. Ten Years of Hits.” Conway Twitty has a ton of good stuff, too. You can never go wrong with some good David Allan Coe if you like the outlaw style.

One of my favorites that doesn’t get the credit he deserves is Johnny Paycheck. His album “The Soul and the Edge” is one of my favorite cd’s in my whole collection.

Another Willie album I would recommend is the “Honeysuckle Rose” soundtrack. Lots of good live stuff on that one.

By Lee

July 20, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

Little confused that some people are ready to give up on Salty because they consider him in a slump. Good grief - K.J. has had his share of slumps in the big league for his short period of time. Some people would still be defending Langerhans if he was still with the team. Some people say Thor still needs to be given a chance; he has potential. Trade Salty because he is in a slump all of a sudden. Odds are this kid will be better than any of the others mentioned here. I guess only time will tell the story though.

By Chop Chop

July 20, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

Let’s see here…

I think I’ve figured “Matty” Diaz out. He’s found his niche in the bigs for years to come: part-time starter, dominant pinch-hitter.

Why?

Well, Diaz doesn’t hit for a lot of power and doesn’t take a walk and he can only play so-called “power production” positions in the bigs (LF and 1B). He’s a serviceable fielder and doesn’t possess much speed. Don’t get the impression that I’m putting the guy down. I mean, I get tired of people using the word “great” to describe players, but Matt Diaz truly is a great pure hitter. I’ve seen him put some pitches in play that would make a cricket batsman gasp. As a pinch-hitter, he’s deadly. He can hit anybody’s fastball after sitting on the bench all night. That’s a rare quality.

Since Matt bounced around the high minors (and had great hitting numbers, I might add) with bad major league clubs, I’m sure he’s not too broken up about his present lot in life. As for what would happen if he played out in left field all year? I don’t know. I’ll guarantee you he’d have a high average, though.

(By the way, I’d suggest that Bobby Cox use Julio Franco to pinch hit against junkballing relievers and Diaz to pinch hit against the fireballers. Since they’re both right-handed hitters and don’t play everyday, Bobby should be able to make that work more often than not.)

By Ron Roberts

July 20, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

Shaun… SHOCKED you disagreed…. sheesh, dude.

I’d re-sign Tex in 2008 because he’d, uh, be in his prime, and presumably still knocking out 30-40 HRs and banging in 100-120 RsBI, and yeah, that means paying him well. Again, he stated that Scott Boras works for him, not the other way around. So do I think the Braves might get a hometown discount from the former G.T. Yellowjacket if he’s happy, he’s on a winning team and making somewhere near the higher-end salaries?

Again, better than 50% is my guess. But you can disagree, and probably will.

Either way, dude, that’s a bridge to cross after 2008, and if he continues diong what he has done up until then, I wouldn’t think twice about it.

Bottom line: we haven’t traded for him, and for the love of God, all the pro’s and con’s have been covered ad nauseum. Can ya let it go til we actually do get him?

By Salty

July 20, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

TBFKB

Steroids, immigration, drugs, et al…people see what they want to see…whatever fits within the field of view afforded by the blinders! And, full disclosure, I can be as close-minded as the next person, which is why I like (ok, tolerate!) hearing differing views, as long as they’re posed and not rammed down the throat, particularly in a condescending manner.

CL

Cute! Some folks are like snapping turtles! But the passion, you gotta love…and makes one think, when so inclined! Makes the blog special, and beats a lot of the alternative ‘chatter’ that splats this site all too often!

By Baron

July 20, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

‘Zactly Shaun.

Colin, we hit Frenchy or BMac or Salty or KJ 4th. From what I’ve seen, all the guys have the potential to hit 30 homers. Probably closer to 20 for some, for sure. But think about a 3-4-5-6 line up in 2009 where ALL FOUR guys project at .900 OPS with 20-30 HR!!! No need for a Thome type thumper. Homers are cool and all but a sweet double usually clears the bases just as nicely.

By Efrim

July 20, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

DONC,

The 1 K for Reyes worries me as well, but he struck out a batter an inning in the minors. He should be fine.

By David O'Brien

July 20, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

NEW BLOG is inching through the tube….

By David O'Brien

July 20, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Halloweenhead, Reckless Kelly is good stuff.

You didn’t mention THE outlaw, Johnny Cash. Him, Merle, Waylon, Willie and Coe are the standards for Outlaw Country. And new stuff by Hank III and Shooter Jennings is real good.

Go with some Charlie Pride, some Porter Wagoner, some Yoakam, some Loretta and Tammy Wynette and Patsy and Wanda Jackson, and some Bob Wills and Lefty Frizzell and … oh, so many good ones.

I’ve been listening to this latest Jimmie Dale Gilmore a lot. Covers album, and it’s great.

By Lee

July 20, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

One of my favorites that doesn’t get the credit he deserves is Johnny Paycheck. His album “The Soul and the Edge” is one of my favorite cd’s in my whole collection.

Arkansas Hillbilly

Got to respond to this simply because you are right. Paycheck is hard ever mentioned by anyone and without a doubt he is one of the all-time best. Nelson, Waylon, Haggard and Cash stole and continue to steal the headlines. Paycheck’s troubles in life may have cost him from being a true headliner but country music is not country music without him.

By Shaun

July 20, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts,

Yes, he’ll still be close to his prime in 2009 and beyond but how much farther? If he signs a six-year deal, will he still be in his prime in the later half of that deal? And will it be worth the production he’s giving towards the end of that deal to pay him like one of the best hitters in the game? Not saying the answer is no or yes but this is something teams have to think about.

It’s wise to pay a player for what he’s probably going to do, not what he’s done.

Remember how a lot of people thought it was a no-brainer that the Red Sox re-sign Johnny Damon and it was such a shock he went to the Yankees. Now look at that deal (not that it matters that much to a team like the Yankees). The Sox knew they shouldn’t sign a player based on what he’s done in the past.

By Renegator

July 20, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Hampton’s 14.5 million or 16.5 million contract for 2008 will drop off since that will be his last year as a Brave. We can use that money to sign Tex to a contract beyond 2008.

When was the last time we didn’t have a platoon at 1B and LF?

By Paladin

July 20, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

To you late arrivers, you may have missed my dropping the “miscreant” from my moniker and my attempt to turn over a new leaf. In addition I will not talk dirty unless I do proper penance. I will not talk dirty I will not talk dirty I will not talk dirty I will not talk dirty I will not talk dirty I will not talk dirty I will not talk dirty I will not talk dirty I will not talk dirty I will not talk dirty

I just wanted to make sure I had at least one, in reserve. :-)

And in keeping with my attempt to have all/most of my posts about baseball: DOB Does Thorman have any options left?

By Baron

July 20, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop, I must agree with you on why Diaz gets the short end, but I think it’s conventional wisdom that’s somewhat less than wise. Here’s why:

1. Diaz may look slow, but he actually gets around the bases pretty damn fast. I’d like to see his 40 time, might surprise you.

2. His power numbers are good. His SLG is actually second on the team.

3. His walk numbers MAY be low because he pinch hits so much. Usually those guys are more concerned with putting wood on the ball than the free pass.

4. He’s just now gotten to 673 plate appearances for his career- about average for an everyday player over one season. Keep in mind that includes 2003-05, when he was “so bad” that the D-Rays and Royals dumped him. Here’s his line over that 673: 200 Hits, 31 2B, 7 3B, 14 HR, 69 R, 67 RBI, .323 BA, .358 OB, .463 SLG. Remind anyone of Wade Boggs?

By Arkansas Hillbilly

July 20, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

TBFKB,

I’m late on the conversation, but I caught your 1:58 post. I can’t seem to find the post (from Ron) you are replying to and the link you posted is denied where I’m working, so I may be way off base, here. If I am, I apologize, but here goes.

From what I’ve gathered you’re comparing dog fighting to deer hunting(sporting aspect)? That’s apples and oranges to the highest degree, my friend. You might not hear folks talk about it on the TV shows (which are 90% B.S. to start with), but I can assure you as an avid hunter, wild game as good table fare is a hot commodity to most hunters. I grew up on deer steak, deer chili, duck and rice, and deep fried wild turkey. Never once have I eaten or considered eating a dog. People indeed have a different perspective on the difference of killing a dog vs a deer in the name of sport, and rightfully so because the theory behind those activities are polar opposites. Is hunting “sporty?” Yes. Do you save money by hunting and eating wild game. Hell no. Licenses, equipment, etc. Every method of gathering food doesn’t have to be as boring as a trip to the grocery store. I won’t even get into the aspect of overpopulation and starvation of wild game without having hunters to balance the herd/flock/etc.

As for the deer being ambushed by the hunter and not being able to defend himself: If you’ve never been hunting and never seen a deer break and run from 150 yards away because you smell like campfire and Old Spice, then you have no idea how keen their sense of smell is. Just because they don’t have sharp teeth and claws doesn’t mean they’re defenseless.

By Georgia still racist

July 21, 2007 2:58 AM | Link to this

How is it making you white people feel that Barry Bonds could break the home run record against the Braves?

By daxxed

July 21, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this

Smoltz may have gotten a no decision, but the game was lost by COX. Runner on third,1 out and all you need is a rn to win. The Reds bring in 5 infielders all who are playing deep and he does not BUNT. At worst there wouuld have been one more out than a double play. But by playing COX BALL, the Braves lost. And that is the 5th game that COX ball has cost the Braves a win. Wow just by playing smart baseball the Braves would be 2 games ahead of the Mets, and not watching them pull away.