Braves

By Tomahawkin' Again

August 24, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Ummm…YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Eugene

August 24, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

We have not had enough arms since Time Warner did not let manageent sign Maddox and Glavine. We have been shortchanging the bullpen for years.

By Chop Chop

August 24, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

The only explanation for this has to be that Wickman will be traded to help get a starter. Otherwise, it doesn’t make a lot of sense.

By JOhn

August 24, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

Wickman has looked pretty terrible. HE always lets men on base, but lately, nobody has fared much better. I don’t think this is too good of a move because he at least has experience for the stretch run. After the season, I am all for it though.

By brave in la

August 24, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

it’s the right move, and a slight adjustment for a much bigger problem within the pitching staff. stating the obvious here, but we absolutely have to get some soild outings by our 3-5 starters or it’s all over.

By SNIPER-69

August 24, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

Have the Braves been eliminated yet?

By Lowcountry Bulldawgs

August 24, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

Drop Wickman and keep Soriano? Who was giving up all the goofer balls over the past month(8 Hr in 24 IP). Now who is the closer? Braves made the moves,but the players couldn’t getthe job done from James, Soriano, Wickman, Carlyle, Reyes, Dotel being injured. More things where wrong here than just Wickman. The pitching just plain stinks!

By General Patton

August 24, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

What the HELL took so long?

By Reid in EAV

August 24, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

The story on Wickman’s assignment has a link just below it: “Cox still confident in Wickman.” Typical Bobby — won’t say a bad thing about you until you’re taken behind the barn and shot.

By General Patton

August 24, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

What the Hell took so long? Bobby Cox has never been a agressive leader he coddles losers and accepts failure!

By Suwaneebill

August 24, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

What took so long!!!!

By General Patton

August 24, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

What the HELL took so long? Maybe now the idiot coaching staff will demand excellence vice accept continuous failures!

By Jason J.

August 24, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

I’m really hoping that they can work out a decent trade for a # 3 or #4 starter. They current rotation has 2 #1’s and 3 # 5’s. Wickman never seemed like a good fit here in Atlanta for one reason or another. I can’t remember the last time the Braves designated someone in the middle of a pennant race like this. I’m wondering if there was some kind of incident after his latest meltdown. Maybe a heated discussion in the locker room or something. There has to be someone out there willing to part with a decent starter for him and another mid-level prospect. Why didn’t we at least try to get Wells? We gave Redman a chance but not Wells? Doesn’t make sense to me. Who’s going to close now? How is Dotel?

By bubba4ball

August 24, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

Oh my, they must have lost all confidence in Wickman for Cox to drop him like that. Dunn killed Wickman’s pitch last night and so has everybody else lately. They must know something and are not telling the public……..

By SCOTT

August 24, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

I Believe Bob Wickman has done enough helping the Braves Lose. There are plenty of games that would have been WON if Wickman would have done what he gets paid to do. I say DROP HIM NOW !!!!!! It can’t get any worse.

By Matt

August 24, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

I think this is overdue. Wickman has been wetting the bed for at least a month now. The main problem with our bullpen is that they are overworked, until we get some good starting pitching in the 3 4 5 slots, this team is going to continue to struggle. Playoffs… maybe next year.

By ckirk

August 24, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

Something had to do on behind the scenes last night…….this makes NO sense.

By steve

August 24, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

We need a new closer as Wickman cannot save games on the road; I still am at a loss for words as to why we let Thorman pinch hit against a lefty with Diaz and Prado available as their were 2 men on base with 1 out when he hit into the double play; it also seems like we are getting screwed by the umps on every close call the last 2 months.Steve from Peoria, Illinois

By imadawg24

August 24, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

YESSSSSSSSS!! Bring back Gene Garber and Bruce Sutter.

By Jared

August 24, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

There HAD to be a fight or an argument in the clubhouse after the Dunn homer last night. Bobby Cox has stuck with this man all season, his ERA is below four, and out of the blue they just classlessly dump him?

BOO!

By the DION

August 24, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

Y-E-S

By dannyboy

August 24, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

Can we sweeten the deal by throwing Bobby Cox into the mix and calling it a twofer?

By ijonathan

August 24, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

Jared

An ERA under 4.00 is a horrible (virtually useless) benchmark for a closer. And Wickman just did keep it under 4 (3.92).

By Reality

August 24, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

Go ahead and get rid of the whole lot of them …. Maybe you can get a bag of donuts and a Yohoo …..

By MattyMatt

August 24, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

Although I 100% agree that Wickman has stunk (and that is an understatement) over the past month or two, I really believe the real reason the entire bullpen is struggling is because of overuse. The 3, 4 and 5 slots in the starting rotation is horrible and because of their short outings, it’s causing the bullpen guys to be overworked. Soriano hasn’t lived up to the hype either. JS needs to dig deep and fast to do something (anything) to correct the second half of the starting rotation. Last night was a prime example. Our offense put up seven runs which should have been enough to win the game. However our starting pitching didn’t last past the 5th inning. The bullpen has been outrageously overworked. Man, I wish we could go back now and do the Renteria for Garland trade! It would have solidified the third spot in the rotation. Yunel has been more than a sufficient replacement for Renteria. I love Renteria and would hate to see him go however championships are won and lost by pitching!

By Tommy

August 24, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

ABOUT TIME

By jcmcginn01@aol.com

August 24, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

Wickman won’t make the difference. When is management going to realize that we need 2 more starters? And how did we come out with the trade to Texas? Tex is good, but look what we gave up. It seems that our current catcher strugles more each day to run. Thank goodness he can hit.

By kt the brick

August 24, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

Absolutely the right move. Wick had lost his desore to compete. He all but came out and said those exact words after having the MRI on his forearm. He has shown no fire the past 6-8 weeks, and has just looked defeated before he even took the mound. His concentration has not been what it needed to be- i.e. the drop at first last night. Then instead of bearing down against the next batter, he grooves one that has yet to land. I wouldn’t worry about who will close until we land a pitcher who can help Smolt and Huddy.

By buster

August 24, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

have the braves gone crazy? well cox didnt use diaz again last nite against a lefty guarado. we cant hit bad relief maybe the other teams wont either.

By buster

August 24, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

have the braves gone crazy? well cox didnt use diaz again last nite against a lefty, guarado. so doesnt really matter. we cant hit bad relief maybe the other teams wont either.

By Curious

August 24, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Curious move to dump Davies and now Wickman. I think these two moves are an indication of what Davies said after the trade: there is so much pressure to win that players play scared. They try not to lose rather than play to win. I’m not sure where this mentality comes from as the Braves are the class of the league from the locker rooms to the field. Bobby admits he likes older, experienced guys and maybe they’ve been around so long that they ignore the “freeze” problem. You folks are smarter than I am maybe you have some ideas of why the pitchers all of a sudden lose their minds and their location when they put on a Braves uniform. It seems other’s enthusiasm and belief that they can beat the Braves beat our “business” attitude time after time. Come on guys…it’s a kid’s game. Have some fun, kick a little a$$, and let’s get in the playoffs.

By CJ

August 24, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

Good!

By Fed Up

August 24, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!! GET HIM OUT, LOSER!

By John

August 24, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

Wickman gone?? Probably for the best. Now just get rid of BC and AJ, sign Tex and get some starters. The Braves will be in good shape next year. This move of dumping Wickman just might be the spur in the ribs the Braves have needed for a long time. It was good seeing Tex show some emotion. I was hoping he would redecorate the plce. Why doesn’t AJ ever show any emotion?? Just that silly Sh*t eating grin as he flails away at the air around home plate I am all for getting rid of all the deadwood on this team from the top down. Get some young managers who have something to prove. The Braves have lived on their prior success too long.

By Vonshawn

August 24, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

With regards to the Wickman release, Andruw Jones stated, “We need guys who want to pitch. If you don’t want to pitch you shouldn’t be here.”

Wow, pretty strong words against a guy who just a year ago could do no wrong.

By old school

August 24, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

There is a story behind this story. And the story is that Wickman refused to stay in shape, put no effort in workouts or preparation, was distant from the team, and end the end gave up. Bobby wants effort and team play Good bye Wickman

By Sims

August 24, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

It certainly isn’t going to hurt the Braves any more than it has. Let Soriano close or Moylan. Anbody but Wickman.

By mr baseball

August 24, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

Another brilliant move by Braves’ management. Judging by the reaction here, it’s all good. Barney Fife in the GM chair, Chance the Manager and a fan base of Forrest Gumps. Ya’ll deserve each other. Let’s make this a complete fiasco and recall Joey Devine as closer. Make sure Cox uses him as much as possible with the bases loaded. Where’s Albie Lopez now that we need him? While we’re at it, let’s dump Mahay and bring back Tom Martin. That should really do the trick.

By chipdip

August 24, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!BEER AND DONUTS FOR EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Pete & Skip

August 24, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

was Wickman costing the braves too much money on clubhouse food and snacks after games?

By Todd A

August 24, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

What happened?I thought Bobby said ‘Wicky’ was pitching great?

By Pete & Skip

August 24, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

was Wickman costing the braves too much money on clubhouse food and snacks after games?

By it's over

August 24, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

since when did the braves try to compete with the phillies for the worst pitching/best hitting team in the league.

this is the official end of an era. smoltz, hudson, and pray for rain.

By Artie

August 24, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

He about let the D’backs rally in game 3 of that series. The writing was on the wall then!!!!

By AYM

August 24, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Wickman was good at blowing saves and the 9th inning.

Do the math, the Braves would have been in first place if not for Wickman.

Dotel and Gonzales on the DL. Soriano gives up homeruns.

I hope Texieria can close games.

By Art

August 24, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

I guess getting rid of Wickman was needed but here is my thought and remember this - Spahn and Sain and Pray for Rain. Now it’s Smoltz and Hudson and that’s the season.

By Ron

August 24, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

Im surprised what happened!!! The dude did have a DAMN good ERA at home!!! What p!sses me off is BC leaves him in the Closer role ALL year long and NOW gonna release him INSTEAD of making him a 7th inning pitcher!!! Im guessing he will be traded for a descent starter!!! Thats ALL I can think of!!! BC stuck by him ALL year and NOW gonna release him INSTEAD of pitching him in the 7th!!! I expect to see Wickman traded for a Starter!!! At LEAST we could have him pitch at home games!!!

By Stuart

August 24, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

One question, WHO CLOSES. They have no one else. If they did then this would have been done a long time ago. We are screwed. Of course we were screwed long before this anyway, so I guess it makes no difference.

By RonMexico

August 24, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

Yes, Wickman is too fat to be a major league pitcher. Perhaps he can take up sumo wrestling.

By Tomas

August 24, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

Drastic, and very surprising move by JS, but if you get a starter with some potential I think it would be the right move. The fact is, since last year Wickman hasn’t been dominant, in fact his been shaky. In every game he pitched, he made me squeeze my butt, and made me sweat of the nerves. Now Soriano needs to really step up and be the dominant pitcher he was in May because he is now the closer.

By HawaiiBrave

August 24, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

Come Home Leo!!!

By Colin

August 24, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

WHO CARE WHO CLOSES maybe that person can run to 1st without losing a lung…YES!!!!!!!!!!Put Moylan..he deserves a shot…put me in there i could do just as good a job on the road…YES!!!!!!

By Ripper

August 24, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

Wonder if Tex wishes now he went to a real baseball team(Angels or Red Sox,Yanks??? JS really messed up this team big time .

By it's over

August 24, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

at least the braves will score 5+ runs every game! good thing for getting tex. maybe he can be the #3 starter or closer. now, i understand why the braves only won 1 world series despite countless division titles. never get that final move right. at least no one will see it with the half empty stadium!!! and that’s when the braves win!!!

By Carlos M

August 24, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this

It feels like a shame, hearing of Wickman’s release. It was such a sight of relief when he came over last year to help a horrible bullpen, that he was considered a member of the much vaunted trifecta that also included Soriano and Mike Gonzalez.

Now Wickman struggled and is gone, Gonzalez has been out for most of the year, and Soriano has been on a roller coaster of inconsistency.

I’m not happy about Wickman leaving, but I prefer it as long as the Braves have a plan, and didn’t just release him because of the apparent “I don’t like pitching in certain situations” debacle, and are now left wondering what to do next.

By Frank

August 24, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this

Why is he still the closer? Why is Andrew Jones still in the lineup as a low 200’s hitter? Why does Cox continue to burn up the bullpen? Everything rises and falls on leadership. Bobby Cox’s greatest strength as leader is also his greatest weakness. He makes poor decisions staying too long with players. While I admire his loyalty - I question his judgement? Your closer is let go? Speaks volumes.

By Raleigh Dog

August 24, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

On another site, Andruw Jones is quoted saying Wickman didn’t want to pitch Thursday night and complained when he had to pitch in non-save situations. He said that the Braves needed guys who wanted to pitch and that guys who didn’t “shouldn’t be here.” Pretty telling.

By Colin

August 24, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

Closer=Moylan…enough said…

By Roy

August 24, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

The demise of the Braves pitching began when Leo Mazzone left. Roger McDowell is too “Bobbie Cox like”, too much of a nice guy. Leo would get in the face of pitchers who give up 4-runs in the first inning, walk the opposing pitcher, delivery fat fast-balls down the middle of the plate and walk the first batter in late inning relief. Can we get him back for 2008 or someone else tougher?

By TennesseeBraveFan

August 24, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

I’m figuring someone said something about the error at 1st base to Wickman and he went off and exposed his real attitude: “I wanted to retire but you begged me to come back… I came back and now you expect me to put effort in it too? You expect me to make simple plays at first and pitch when it’s not a save situation and eat fewer donuts and then, to actually care?”

By sam

August 24, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

I wonder if this means that the Braves are officially giving up on this season.

By edna

August 24, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

to the knucklehead who said, “come home leo”…let me remind you that the o’s pitchers gave up 30 runs the other night.

also, the story about bobby still confident in wickman is from several days ago. it wasn’t written today.

By it's over

August 24, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

“Leo would get in the face of pitchers who give up 4-runs in the first inning, walk the opposing pitcher, delivery fat fast-balls down the middle of the plate and walk the first batter in late inning relief.”

how’s that working for leo in baltimore? who’s face did he get in during the passed few years? 30 runs against texas…rock away leo…it was nice to have 3 hall of fame pitchers: maddux, glavine, smoltz.

it was over when they were broken up. braves were lucky to have them and win at least 1 world series (pathetic with all the division titles)

By Colin

August 24, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

This ranks number 2 on the best days of the season right behind the day we got TEX…..WOW i can not be more happy….

By Rimfire

August 24, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

…so why not have talked to WELLS before the Dodgers got him…?

By gotigers72

August 24, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

This is a SHOCKER to me. I agree with Jason J and others who think there is more to this than what we see. Sure he wasn’t as good as he was last year, but he had 20 saves, and has been treated like a rented mule due to the inefficiency of the back end starters. I will be interested in what else happened besides his play on the field. He wasn’t doing poorly enough to be designated for assignment, unless JS knows he can get something for him. Yeah, he was out of shape, but as John Kruk said, “I’m not an athlete, I’m a baseball player”.

There are several more that this needs to be done with. Carlyle, AJ, Thorman, Woodward for starters. The Braves have the worst bench in the major leagues.

I hope the Braves bring up Ascanio from AA. That dude has some electric stuff.

By HaRdTiMe

August 24, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

Yeah I’m confident that I’ll take a dump but you never be too sure on what you’ll get. Maybe Thorman and Woodard will be gone shortly. And who’d think Julio was an improvement on the bench at 49. Geesh.

By Chris

August 24, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

i agree w/colin, put moylan in….maybe wicky can join kyle in kansas city

By Vol

August 24, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

So there had to be something more too this, right? Maybe Bobby wanted to move him out of the closer role and into a setup spot and Wickman ripped him.

Can’t think that this is a good move considering there are really no options to go to at this point.

By Brooks

August 24, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

I don’t like it at all!! They should have cut Lance Cormier and Tyler Yates. And stop callin up Jo-Jo Reyes!! Bobby who will be the closer now?? Bad Decision… We need help outside of Smoltz and Hudson!!

By Jon

August 24, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

It’s Smoltz, Huddy, then it’s gets Ugly

I would have thought a demotion to set up would have sufficed, but I guess they thought he would lose all motivation not closing. As bad as he’s been, he’s still more effective than most of the bullpen.

By Jon

August 24, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

It’s Smoltz, Huddy, then it’s gets Ugly

I would have thought a demotion to set up would have sufficed, but I guess they thought he would lose all motivation not closing. As bad as he’s been, he’s still more effective than most of the bullpen.

By Colin

August 24, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

HEY HEY someone agrees with me on something..wohooo..GO BRAVOS…LOSE IDC WE GOT RID OF WICKMAN

By Jon

August 24, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

It’s Smoltz, Huddy, then it’s gets Ugly

I would have thought a demotion to set up would have sufficed, but I guess they thought he would lose all motivation not closing. As bad as he’s been, he’s still more effective than most of the bullpen.

By HawaiiBrave

August 24, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

Edna, you called me knucklehead. I resemble that remark!!

By Jon

August 24, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

It’s Smoltz, Huddy and then it’s gets ugly

You would think a set-up man demotion would suffice, but I guess they figured he wouldn’t have the motivation for it. Still, as bad as he’s been, there is much worse on the staff, starters and relievers.

By Jon

August 24, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

It’s Smoltz, Huddy and then it’s gets ugly

You would think a set-up man demotion would suffice, but I guess they figured he wouldn’t have the motivation for it. Still, as bad as he’s been, there is much worse on the staff, starters and relievers.

By Keoweejacket

August 24, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

We have not had a closer since early in the year. Besides Wick carrying too much weight I have been waiting to hear he has an injury to explain his ineffectiveness.

By Dennis G. Berdanis

August 24, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

Why are all these relievers that are good elsewhere coming here and self distructing or getting hurt? Is there something in the Braves training regimen wrong? Is the mound in the bullpen off and causing injuries? Just keeps happening too often.

By Jonny

August 24, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

Wickman has a bad case of bad luck. The hits he gives up are balls outside the strike zone. Unfair? Sure. But poison for a closer.

This is the right move.

By JT

August 24, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

Aight…..I guess I can agree with this so long as JS can trade him for another starter. Our pen is overworked CONSTANTLY, and unless they have bionic arms, which they’ve already proved they don’t, they need rest. Notice the performances of guys when they pitch an inning or so every couple of days. It’s a lot better. One more thing. Can anyone explain why Chris Woodward is still on the roster?!?!?! That dude is the biggest waste of a roster spot I’ve ever seen…..

By porksword

August 24, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

Done, done and done. The Braves are over.

By Todd A

August 24, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

Schuerholz had no choice but to designate Bob for assignment. Bobby would have kept sticking him out there to blow games( and singing his praises afterward) had he not done something.

By Artie

August 24, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

Not to mention that Smoltz is pitching on fumes!!!! Did you see how much time he was trying to buy himself on the mound (between pitches) against the D’backs?!?! He WON’T hold up for the remainder of the season…mark my words!!!!

By Keoweejacket

August 24, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

At what point will everyone link perpetual bullpen problems with Bobby’s handling of the bullpen? It has to be harder for everyone to pitch an inning every night than to pitch two innings and get a night off. It would be nicer if the pen did not have to carry half of so many games, but that is what it is.

By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////

August 24, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

Booby must have wanted to release him. Having him face Adam Dunn last night, the only guy that hit a homer off him last year when he was with Cleveland, was stupid. Tyler Yates should have gone out for another inning, but the brilliant Booby Cox said, nah’ lets have the closer who is doing terrible on the road face a guy he gave up a grand slam to, in the very same bandbox in Cincinnati!

By D'Andre Williams

August 24, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

Wickman sucks plus that leaves room for Ascanio or Devine. Come to blabberinbraves.blogspot.com to join a great forum. Also go to deewill23.blogspot.com for the Braves best one person blogs.

By bill

August 24, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

If Andruw Jones’ comments are accurates, then Bobby’s decision is correct. It says as much about Wickman’s negative attitude as it says about Andruw’s perspective, and possibly is leadership. One negative attitude by a veteran can be a cancer to a clubhouse. Hopefully the Braves pick up a prospect. Hopefully the Mets and Phillies don’t pick up Wickman. While his attitude may have been negative, he’s still got some game.

By semore wins

August 24, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

Lets break down the last 12 months: 1)Trade 30hr 1st baseman (laroche)for injured lefty 2) Trade young starter(davies) for injured reliever. 3) Now you decide you need a 30hr 1st baseman, so you trade the best catching prospect, plus your best infield prospect, plus a #3 young starter for a 30 hr 1st baseman. Now we need starting pitching and relievers! I don’t understand

By NASCARfan

August 24, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

Wow… I wonder how DOB is going to spin this into Bobby Cox being a genius and anything more than what he really is: THE MOST OVERRATED MANAGER IN THE HISTORY OF BASEBALL.

By Marc

August 24, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

I liked Wickman, but I trust the Braves have a better understanding of the team’s problems and how to fix them. Good luck to Wicky and let’s hope we get some kind of decent starter out of it.

By JimDog

August 24, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

WICKMAN PROBABLY COST TIM HUDSON A CY YOUNG

By your phreaking daddy

August 24, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

ya know, it is too bad the people associated with the Atlanta Braves Baseball Club aren’t as baseball knowledgeable as you guys. they would never lose a game…

(clowns!)

By JDG123

August 24, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

Let’s hope that Wickman is just the first veteran to be shown the exit. Several more need to follow and be replaced with young guys. The Jones boys probably should not make any long range plans. Oh well another failure as the Braves closer. Wickman joins Kolb, Farnsworth, Ligtenberg, McMichael, Clontz and a cast of thousands who have flopped in Atlanta.

By Colin

August 24, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

What dont u people understand that think this is a bad move..HE IS Old, Cant Run to first with out hacking up a lung, and Cant pitch on the road…In my book he shoulda been gone after the San Fran series out there…but im SO HAPPY!!!!

By Supes

August 24, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

Rejoice all of ATLANTA BRAVES NATION…a great day indeed!

Great move, thank you Bobby and Management Team, let the guy walk. He’s done, he’s finished!

There are better options in the pen to close now…

Moyland and Soriano can do it!

Now let’s get some wins.

By Six Four Three

August 24, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

ABSOLUTELY a GREAT MOVE. Wickman was a ME GUY, didn’t care about staying in shape, only cared about his stats., and was a cancer in the clubhouse. He’d rather drink beer and eat pizza than work out. He was a softball player playing Major League baseball. GOOD RIDDANCE!!!

By Jeff321

August 24, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

This is the best news I’ve heard all year! Well, besides cutting Pete Orr.

By Bill Heller

August 24, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

This is a 240 pound white flag being thrown into the ring - the Braves are done. Wickman had a bad attitude? That’s what coaches are paid to correct. He was the best option at closer. The last person to leave the clubhouse please turn out the lights.

By Frank shab

August 24, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

Its a smokescreen by Scherholtz to divert the blame from himself to a scapegoat Wickman for Scherholtz’s failure to get the team to the palyoffs. Don’t be fooled Wickman’s attitude was poor but they are now piling on him to avoid the blame themselves.

By hornet

August 24, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

Here’s an idea…. Don’t sign anymore players that have an affiliation with Cleveland. Lofton and Wickman are examples.

By Kevin T.

August 24, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

I’m glad they finally bit the bullet and did this. He cost Hudson 3 wins and probably the Cy Young. If we had those 6 blown saves back, we’d be tied with the hated Mets right now!! He must have made Bobby mad, just like Davies did. Now that Cox has done one thing right, maybe he can make it two things and stop platooning Kelly Johnson every chance he gets. That boy can rake!!, and he really picks it too at @nd base.

By tim

August 24, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

i know from playing on teams that 1 person with a s** attitude is not worth closing some games out. if his attitude was as bad as they say then good riddance

By MV27

August 24, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this

I agree with HawaiiBrave. Let’s bring Leo back!

By Harvey

August 24, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

SHOULD of kept Prado and got rid of crapward or thorman

By Harvey

August 24, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

SHOULD of kept Prado and got rid of crapward or thorman

By Harvey

August 24, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

SHOULD of kept Prado and got rid of crapward or thorman

By Yars

August 24, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

I kinda wish the Braves had taken a chance on David Wells. Hell man, I’d give Wells a start or 2 over James, Carlyle, Jo Jo & Cormier. Why not? Too late now. Regarding Wickman, his days were pretty much numbered in Atlanta. Nobody should be shocked by this. Maybe this will shake up the team a bit.

By Homer Simpson

August 24, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

Dough ! Stupid is as stupid does ! Another 1 million in contract money down the drain , Dough ! Another management brain fart gone wrong , Dough ! Scuse me while I slap myself , Dough !

By Matt

August 24, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

Sounds like he was affecting morale. Maybe with him gone, it will help the team become more confident and when some games and possibly the wildcard. Hopefully!!

By cityofdecatur

August 24, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

dear bob, do what your asked or hit the door

By the real Homer Simpson

August 24, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

the correct spelling is, D’oh! other than that I agree with you completely! and I close with the most classic Homer quote of all, “I am so smart, s-m-r-t! I mean, s-m-a-r-t!”

By Brendan

August 24, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

They are really serious? DFA Wickman? Ridiculous. Why would they bring him into a tie game last night in the 12th on the road? What is Cox doing? Two rules of Bob Wickman A)Don’t pitch him in a non-save situation in the 9th B)Absolutley DO NOT bring him into a tie game on the road. Cant believe Cox did that. I’m sure Wickman told someone on the coaching staff to go F themselves for bringing him into that game. Good luck banking on Soriano and Dotel. Soriano has gotten crushed since June.

By jokurone

August 24, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

Hell yeah! Bobby is finally starting to see the light. time is running out on the season and him. i called this move 2 monthes ago. saying that wick would either quit or get cut. the guy is way out of shape and a blundering whale. good riddance!!

By Jon

August 24, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

I love all the crying for Leo Mazzone - those were his pitchers that gave up 39 runs in one night on Wednesday.

By rocketman

August 24, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this

You all are dreaming if you think we are getting anything for Wickman. No others suckers out there looking for someone who obviously has no dedication to his team. More ribs, more doughnuts…Funny to hear AJ speak out though. Maybe time for someone to tell AJ to start hitting the ball to right and center as there are more than one way to let the team down. Hell of a catch yesterday though…

By Kevin T.

August 24, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Hey, Frank shab, just getting to the playoffs ain’t cutting it anymore. If getting rid of Fat-Boy Wickman helps get the rest of the team’s attetion, then so be it. I want another World Series before Smoltz and Chipper are gone. They deserve it. It may not happen this year, but the nucleus is in place for an awesome team for the next few years. Two more starters, no more Andruw hitting .210, and Teixera signed long term will go a long way towards another Series win, not just making the playoffs. THAT is what it is all about, not squeaking into the playoffs just to lose again. Maybe cutting Wick is just what they need to shake things up.

By CS

August 24, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

Bring LEO BACK?!?! Whaaaaatttt? Leo is in Baltimore, ya know, like Orioles. Ummmmm and the Rangers beat the hell out of their pitchers 30-3 and what position is the Orioles in in the AL East? You guys are idiots! Leo wasn’t great. He had GREAT pitchers. No one will ever be that lucky again!

By Robert S

August 24, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

I’m sure with the lack of any sort of consistent pitching in the big leagues that some team will take a chance on Wickman.

If he clears waivers, why not try to trade with Baltimore for Steve Trachsel? He’s pitched better lately (as has Woody Williams of Houston - another possibility, however unglamorous), and can eat up some innings. He’s by no means great, but beggars can’t be choosers, and he’s better than the trio of Carlyle, Reyes, and Cormier. Why not give him a chance? The Braves are running out of games……….

By War Eagle

August 24, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

He Was like many MLB players, FAT and RED FACE. Look at 80`s and early 90 players, trim and lean, but not as RICH. The problem ios EXPANSION…too many

By Richard LeDoux

August 24, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

Good riddance Wickman!!! Now if the Braves could only recoup the poorly mispent millions in salary…Truly pathetic!!!

By War Eagle

August 24, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

Wickman was like many MLB players today, FAT AND RED FACE.lOOK AT THE 80 and early 90 players, lean and neat. Expansion hss caused too many AAA and AA TYPE PLAYERS GETTING RICH AND SLOPPY ON TALENT THAT DOES NOT BELONG IN”the show”.

By jay

August 24, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

I think this isn’t such a great move. The best thing would have been putting him on the DL with the rest of the hurt arms. His shoulder and back has only allowed him to pitch with dominance on but a few trips. He is hurt if not he is done. He wanted to retire last yr. But the same people that just canned him was begging to come back for one more. So people needs to just stop with the finger pointing. This team made some move to fix the bullpin not once but twice this year. They began spring with the possibility of to many starters. How could they forseen what has happen to the bullpin and more importantly the lack of above average arms to fill those slots. We were doomed the minute we lost both the Mikes. GONZO AND HAMPTON are the nail in this years koffin folks. I think Wickman did fine.

By Brewers#1

August 24, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

Bob got the shaft by Cox. I’m a little partial as he married my cousin but Cox was wrong. He was overworked hes a closer thats all. You can call him fat if you like but he doesnt back down to anyone and he’ll kick your butt if you talk smack to his face. Hes no p*** trust me. Strong as a bull. Maybe he’ll come back north so he doesnt have to be around the country white trash in Atlanta.

By The Nose

August 24, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Wickman should be sent back to Cleveland and forced to listen to old Frankie Yankovic and His Polka Kings polka records. Maybe he’ll get his wish…to endorse polska kielbasa, which explains the old dip on that once feared sinker.

Not only could he completely botch the toss from Tex, we had to have the clubhouse boy come out and pick the ball up for him. This guy was and is a head case and a prima donna who isn’t a team guy. We still should have dangled the guy in a trade.

I’d think that Boston would love to dump Eric “Gag Me” Gagne right about now in a prisoner exchange, where they each start walking from the opposite sides of a bridge.

By southbeachdietfreak

August 24, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

War Eagle

You mean like Terry Forster and Bob Horner? Greg Luszinski?

By birddogNOT

August 24, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

MR.MAN BOOBS HAD TO GO!!!HE COULDN’T GET OUTTA HIS ON WAY!!!DID YOU NOT SEE THE SIZE OF BOBBY W.’S BELLY!!! ENORMOUS!!!HE COULD’VE BEEN A STAND IN FOR FAT B.A.STARD IN A AUSTIN POWERS MOVIE!!!COME TO THINK OF IT, HO HO HO,CHRISTMAS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!!!TWO WORDS FOR YOU BOBBY W.,JENNY CRAIG!!!

By dkjb

August 24, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

YO WHY IS EVERYBODY HATING ON COX? I THINK BOBBY COX IS ONE OF THE BEST MANAGERS IN THE GAME. WHY DO PEOPLE KEEP SAYING TO GET RID OF HIM. SOMEONE EXPLAIN PLEASE.

By Brewers#1

August 24, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

yeah Tyler Yates and Corky Miller now those guys are a real picture of health!!!!

By Burnout

August 24, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Wicky was never the same after Bobby pitched him three days in a row in Florida - the first Hudson win blow-up.

By Steve

August 24, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

It was about time to unload the load of Wickman. He was the second coming of Dan Kolb.

By Steve

August 24, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

I had no idea that Wickman had become such a problem in the club house. I was under the impression that he was a valuable veteran presence for the younger players. I do recall the Braves announcers last year consistently making that point. This does help to explain the recent rumored attempt to trade him to the Yankees for Kyle Farnsworth. I didn’t quite understand the logic of that at the time. I’d be interested in hearing Wickman’s version of events.

By Dynesh

August 24, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

I’m getting so tired of all the negative comments toward Bobby Cox. 14 straight division championships people. As far as I’m concerned he has earned 3 or 4 bad seasons before I get impatient. He does stick with people too long sometimes, but look at how many players have all of a sudden gotten hot over the years, where on any other team they would have been ridin the bench before getting that chance. Bobby knows more about baseball than all of the complainers and gripers on here combined. Please go find another team to cheer for, one that makes all their decisions based on what they’ve done in the last two weeks. In fact, I think the Cubs are the team most people on here should be rooting for. Enjoy a new manager twice a year.

By falcon80

August 24, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Got news for some of you fools—when a guy is designated for assignment, he is NEVER then traded for a competent starter! If competent starters were to be had it would have been at the deadline. BW MAY be traded for a PTB Named. I was at the game Thu. and it was obvious that BC was trying to avoid using him at all. Right now it’s not going to make the team any worse. Only Mark Redman could do that. BTW, anyone who keeps on insisting that Cox doesn’t know what he’s doing should go back to the GT post!

By War Eagle

August 24, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

southern, just to name a few….good response, but most were lean?? Anybody else?

By daxxed

August 24, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

This is the Braves sayiing the season is done. The moves were not made soon enough to make a difference. This season is in shambles and it is ashame. The white flag has been thrown in. The Braves have conceeded the season to the Mets. And given the wildcard away. The man had 20 saves. I believe this time last year we had 20 blown saves. I think 6 blown saves is surely better than 20, but with this move I see that 20 blown saves are still possible since we now have no valid closer. My new prediciton, Braves will be 9 back when they play the Mets.

By Laurance Maney

August 24, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

It doesn’t really matter as long as you have Bobby Cox in charge of the pitching staff. I’ve never seen a manager in my 60 years watching baseball who, once beyond his front line starters, as inept at handling pitchers. You do not manage a bullpen or a young starter by taking a few bad innings personally. Bring back Leo.

By Supes

August 24, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

Brewers#1,

Way to go out and call us “white trash”. We are passionate baseball fans who call it like it is! Have you followed this Braves season? Every game? Yes? NO? If not then SHUT THE HELL UP!

The criticism of Wickman is right on the money! He has been an average closer at best, at best! For what? 6.5million dollars was his salary this year! He should be wearing a ski mask when he gets his paychecks from the Braves, b/c he has not been earning his money. The job of the closer is to close games. He has been average, this is the Atlanta Braves where there is now a tradition of winning and being above average. A tradition that Wickman obviously could not be a part of.

Last but not least, were you in the locker room of the Braves? Did you know what actually happened? NO YOU WERE NOT, So I say again, SHUT THE HELL UP.

Worry about your own team, the Brewers, instead of coming up here and acting like the “noble” defender for Wickman. This is a BRAVES BLOG for BRAVES FANS.

By Gayle Abbott

August 24, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

Bob Wickman is yet the latest incarnation of Dan Kolb. Remember him? This whole mess started when a certain “team” player with 50 saves told the team he wanted to start or he was going to walk. I’m sure there are fans here who have the smarts and the time to list all of the former Braves’players with new addresses who were traded trying to find a replacement for the best closer this team ever had.

It is the ultimate expression of selfishness that Smoltz put his personal goals above the needs of the team.

We have Smoltz to thank for this mess.

By daxxed

August 24, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

Gayle Abbott

August 24, 2007 10:28 PM

I totally agre with you. If Smoltz wold have stepped up and become the clsoer for just a short period last season, then once they got Wickman he would return to the rotation. The Braves would have taken the Wildcard with no problem. But Smoltz did not step up as the team leader and the BRAVES did not make it. And now after this move they will not make it again. Wait Till Next Year.

By ANT

August 24, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

Glad he is GONE, he stayed to LONG.

By RickNole

August 24, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

Game 7 of the World Series.

Wickman or Kolb?

By blaylock

August 24, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Goodbye FATBOY!!! I am really saddened to see Dan Kolb #2 being shown the door before the playoff run really gets heated. :-( waaaaaaaaaaaa…

By Ralph

August 24, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

It’s about time.

By RBrave

August 24, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

I give Cox kudos for having the brass to cut Wickman. Bad timing though w/35 games left and no 3rd starter. They’re just not affordable or are damaged. Maybe they’ll get a young cannon for Wick in the next 10 days. Offense is there, though.

By Ed Glennon

August 24, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

I have to admit I am really shocked about Wickman. I am shocked because I thought he was a team guy. He must have done really awful for Bobby to give up on him so fast. The great thing about all the Braves players is that they play hard. I have given the Rally Killer a hard time this year but that is mainly because I hate his agent. Maybe this latest move will wake up the whole team.

By daxxed

August 24, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

Here is one for thought. What if once he goes on waivers, he is back pitching against the Braves iin a fw weeks with the Mets.

By Rich

August 24, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

This would be an OK move if you had someone to replace him. But bringing up someone up from the farm doesn’t cut it. The whole bullpen has been horrible.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 24, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

TheSouthernJackAss has the true scoop on why Wickman was so abruptly designated for assignment today…word has it that after the game last night, Wickman ate all the potato salad that was on the clubhouse spread before anyone else was able to get any of it…then to add insult to injury, Bobby Cox caught him with his head buried shoulder deep in his own personal carrot sack…that sealed Wicky’s fate!…

By jch

August 24, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

Last year with the Braves was a fluke for Wickman - this year he lived up to his career numbers; which are nothing special.

He always scared me - last year included - because he ALWAYS put some -one on base. Either by walk or hit he allowed base runners in almost all of his outings making them much more stressful than necessary.

However - why now? Bad attitude?? They’re just now figuring that out???? I don’t buy it. You don’t develop a bad attitude when you’re still in the mix of things and you’re the #1 guy. If he has a ‘tude, he’s had it all along which makes you ask again - “why now?”.

Something must have happened behind the scenes.

No matter, what’s done is done. Now what?

Soriano - definitely has the talent and capability

Moylan - too good as a set up guy but he seems to be fearless so maybe he can step up. I’d rather see them give him a shot at starting though - anybody know if he could go 6-7??? Any experience??

Dotel with the infamous “dead arm”???

By John from Jackson

August 25, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this

Bob who?

By Derrick

August 25, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this

Another thug trying to game the system. I’m glad Andruw stuck up for the team.

By Chris

August 25, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this

Hey Carroll Rogers, nice quote there from Andruw about Wickman alienating himself. However, you left out a very important part:

Right after Andruw said that, he said something to the effect of, “But Wickman probably says the same thing about me.” So nice job making it look like Andruw was throwing Wick under the bus, when that actually was not the case.

By ugapdx

August 25, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this

I have been a huge braves fan my entire life, born & raised in atl, now in portland or. What is up with the braves being the graveyard for formerly good relievers? See Kolb, Danny & Wickman, Bob. Also, i wish we would start making a run already. We made some great moves, now lets take advantage! Oh yeah, what the f is up with not beating the reds. They are the nati reds! Thats all i got, out.

By Chris from Sacramento

August 25, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

Thank god he is gone. I really hope the staff gets it togehter. After Hudson pitches tomorrow. I will just pray. Even I could see watching that fat guy pitch that he was not into it. Remember in Colorado he blew a lead. Then he made a throat cutting gesture, and then Bobby came and got him. To bad this one took two months to happen. He was not a team player and not tuff. Do your job, who cares it every game is not a save situation fat boy. GET OUTS PERIOD!! Please bullpen get outs!!

By ugapdx

August 25, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this

At least its almost football season. GO DAWGS!

By tigger101023

August 25, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this

to JDG123 who said Several more need to follow and be replaced with young guys. The Jones boys probably should not make any long range plans

Apparently we aren’t watching the same games, because one of the Jones boys in the games that I am watching is having a fantastic season. He looks like he has plenty left in the tank, not to mention the mentoring he provides to our younger hitters. But he needs to not get too comfortable? Yeah right, what a joke.

By Double Deuce

August 25, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this

Pretty shocking development but if any of you think we’ve heard the true story then you’re wrong. All you have to do is look at how long Bobby sticks with his players to see that there had to have been some event that triggered his release. One thing about Bobby, it may take a lot to get on his bad side but when you do he acts instantly. Ask Mc Bride and Davies.

I would find it disturbing given the amount of work the bullpen has been asked to do if anyone in the pen wouldn’t take the ball when asked. If that’s the case, then Aloha and don’t let the door hit you in the butt. Whoever gets the job is at least someone who wants to pitch, and successful or not, that’s better than having a guy pitch only when he wants. I had a lot of respect for Wicky, but if the stories are true, what a sad way to end a major league career.

By heybud

August 25, 2007 1:21 AM | Link to this

I am thankful for the work Bob Wickman has done for the Braves over the past year.

That said I am ready for the Braves to stop disillusioning themselves that they will make the playoffs this year and to start planning for next year. Therefore, since Wickman was not going to be back next year anyway, I think this was a good time to designate him for assignment.

Face it. We all know the Braves need starting pitching. It has been stated ad nauseum that the short stints of positions 3-5 in the starting rotation this year have taxed the bullpen. I say it is time to turn the clock back to 1988, 1989, and 1990 and start focusing on letting some of our stellar prospects in the minors come up to the majors and get their lumps up here.

I know. I know. I’m an idiot. The Braves are only 3 games back in the wild card race, but they are not a playoff team. I would much rather see the Braves focus on the future and let the chips fall where they may.

I am not saying it is time to throw in the towel. I am simply saying that rather than playing tight (and as fans watching games as tightly as the players seem to be playing it), the team needs to loosen up and all of us as fans need to loosen up as well.

Where do you think the players playing tight comes from? It’s us, the fans who are never satisfied (unless we win another World Series).

Why not just watch the games and enjoy the fact that we have a local major league team. Shoot. I remember when I used to pray that the Braves would just be a .500 team. Does anyone else remember those days?

As for the referendum on Bobby Cox which always seems to rear its ugly head. Just wait until Bobby and John Schuerholz have retired and the Braves become like the Cincinnati Reds or the Washington Nationals. Then, you’ll wish for the days when Bobby was the manager.

Yes, I may be an idiot for suggesting that the Braves begin to turn their attention to next year. I freely admit that. However, I think the true idiots are the ones who do not realize or appreciate how fortunate we have been since 1991 to have Bobby Cox as the manager of the Atlanta Braves.

By Steve

August 25, 2007 1:43 AM | Link to this

HELLO!!!!! READ MY LIPS…..PETER MOYLAN is your CLOSER! MY GOD, is it that hard to see? Wake up Cox and quit making a fool out of yourself by getting tossed out games….be a MANAGER…not an IDIOT!!!!!

By KEGS1tx

August 25, 2007 1:49 AM | Link to this

Just an innocent inquiry from a puzzled observer; there’s pitcher in Pearl, MS, whose era is 0.63; whose strikeout ratio to walks and hits is off the charts; has big league experience with a low era and good stats. What’s up with Stockman? ,

By op

August 25, 2007 1:56 AM | Link to this

OK Cox haters…tell me who you have in mind to take the managers job when you dump Bobby? Who is out there thats better? There’s nobody…nowhere…face it!

By dj

August 25, 2007 2:03 AM | Link to this

Wickman blew 6 saves. We are 6 games back. Wickman gets job done. We are in first.

By Absolute

August 25, 2007 2:25 AM | Link to this

Wickman just did not fit in to the Braves’ structure. The fans did not know the behind the scenes activities until now. It’s good to have the bad egg gone. Maybe now the Braves can concentrate on winning another championship! We all know that they have the talent in the batting line up! Don’t give up on Bobby…no one else has done what he has with our Braves! Keep fighting Braves…your fans know you can do it!

By KEGS1tx

August 25, 2007 2:27 AM | Link to this

An update: Stockman pitched one inning, no runs,no hits,no walks, one K, era 0.59. My original questions lingers, why AA?

By mike

August 25, 2007 3:15 AM | Link to this

Wickman not only seemed to alienate himself from the rest of the team, but was also fat and out of shape. There is no way you can convince me that when a player is pushing 300 lbs that it does not affect his performance. I think the move was the right one to make. Put everyone on notice if you are not willing to put in the work and some what resemble an athlete. Pack your bags and get out of Atlanta!

P.S- After the walk off he gave up on Thursday did you notice how quick he was to head to the dug out. He actually didn’t care about losing the game, he was just hungry.

The situation could be worse…at least he didnt get cut for felony dog fighting charges. The only dogs Bob likes are hot dogs!

By Braves Fan 79

August 25, 2007 3:34 AM | Link to this

I think we should of kept him as a home pitcher. And maybe sent him to the minors for a week or so to get his act straight.

By lewis

August 25, 2007 4:12 AM | Link to this

by lewis see ya later buffet Bob you really were a nerve wracking S.O.B. maybe i can grow some bugger hooks before the season is over .Hey maybe we can get M.V.7 to come throw some pitbulls at the other team ,no wait they have bats which would be animal cruelty. anyway mike here’s a stock tip for you (soap on a rope)probably a good investment where your going.

By Hell Yes

August 25, 2007 5:58 AM | Link to this

Why do the braves have such a difficult time recruiting closers? Its such a weakness. We are known as the place to go just before retiring. A pit stop and collect millions all the while stomping on the hearts of teammates and fans.

Atlanta has had a string of old free agents whose time is past. I suppose Wickman will join Sutter, Hrabosky, and countless others on their south Georgia farms and talk about good ole times.

By drixie

August 25, 2007 6:08 AM | Link to this

Something wasn’t right with Wickman as the year progressed. Was he hurt? Was he unhappy? We may never know. Bottom line, a closer has to have that “edge” and Wickman had that last year. When he came in, he had that look in his face that said “the game ends here.” For most of this year, you could see that edge no longer was there. Wickman reminded me of Mark Wohlers in some ways because he looked like he was waiting for something bad to happen - and most of the time it did. Thank goodness we did not sign Wickman to anything beyond 1 year. It’s too bad it had to end this way because Wickman seemed like a “blue collar” hard worker - but then again, maybe there’s something I’ll never know about the guy.

By Bill Clyde

August 25, 2007 7:01 AM | Link to this

We need a moratorium on deals with Cleveland for awhile, as every deal seems to involve us either sending them one of our disgruntled a-holes (John Rocker, David Justice), or getting one of theirs back, who will within one full season get himself ridden out o’ town on a rail (Kenny Lofton, Wickman). Why is it such a thankless task to expect simple professionalism from someone fortunate enough to make millions of dollars with an otherwise unmarketable skill?

By beachcomber

August 25, 2007 7:41 AM | Link to this

If the media reports that portray Wickman as a non-team guy are true, this is the way the Braves have always played it - remember the Lofton experiment.

But I have to disagree with the bloggers who want to throw Wickman under the bus. This guy saved our behinds last year when no one in the pen could get anybody out. The same was true a year earlier with Kyle Farnsworth. Perhaps Kolb and Reitsma were nicer guys but Wickman and Farnsworth got people out. Some folks seem to have awfully short memories.

Full disclosure here - I also like to see guys in even worse shape than me who can get people out.

By falcon80

August 25, 2007 7:46 AM | Link to this

None of us really know what happened behind the scenes, but very few times in 16 years have JS and BC been wrong when they let a player go. There’s no tangible reason for it, but I have a feeling that maybe this is the kick in the pants that the team obviously needs. Andruw has even begun to hit, knock wood!

By weatherboy

August 25, 2007 7:48 AM | Link to this

Michael Vick is now the closer.

By Lowcountry Bulldawgs

August 25, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this

Best memory of Wickman…When he fell on his arse a month ago fielding that pop up..that was great!

By A Jones 25

August 25, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this

One more thing I can add. Ever notice how every time Wick had to sprint to first when he got back to the mound he lost his stuff?

By Colin

August 25, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

Smoltz had another gem..i fell asleep again….Huddy tonight against who?..lets get another win….

By Glenn

August 25, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

Face it were done for this year and the kids are fun to watch,better then over weight washed ups!

By Buckhead Fan

August 25, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

I agree with Wickman. Your closer should never be used in a non-save situation unless you’re the last pitcher left. Bobby has always had the stupid philosophy that his closer needs to pitch on a regular basis. Unfortunately this usually causes the pitcher to be tired when a close situation comes up. I don’t even know why Bobby has a pitching coach.

By ben

August 25, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

are you kidding me?

he was the picture of ambivalence…he could NOT have cared less…

to hell wth him…

By Buckhead Fan

August 25, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

I agree with Wickman. A closer should never be used in a non close situation unless you’re the last pitcher left. Bobby has the stupid philosophy of bringing in his relievers just to get them some innings and it cumulatively wears them out. Why does Bobby even have a pitching coach?

By Colin

August 25, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

Are you kidding me….The job of a closer is to hold a lead…which he did not do so he should be gone..who cares if it is the 8th 11th or 12th inning if he is asked to hold a lead for the offense he should be willing to do it…Instead he would rather sit out in the bullpen and eat and sandwich and a dozen donuts….

By yellowblood

August 25, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

All of this points to the Mazzoni factor. Thats the problem. Why move Wick until you have a replacement ? There are no pitchers to be had or the Braves would have picked them up prior to 7/31.

By Youcan'thandlethetruth

August 25, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Wickman was a head case, plain and simple. He could have stuck it out longer if he hadn’t shown his a** in a huge way after the game the other night. No team can afford to tolerate that kind of behavior.

The Braves finally have run production this year. Smoltzie and Hudson can’t carry the team.

We can conceivably win the division but I don’t see us going any further. The AL has their way with us and we’d crumble post-season just like we have all year in inter-league play.

Too bad. Love the Braves, believe in Cox and JS.

By Chris

August 25, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

Hey yellowblood, you mean the “Mazzon[e] factor” that allowed the most runs in a game in 110 years?

Or the “Mazzon[e] factor” that has the Orioles at a 4.64 team ERA, compared to the Braves’ 4.23?

Come on, man.

By bob

August 25, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

This whole season has been a heart break for two reasons.

First, a terrible pitching coach. Does this pitching coach know his pitchers stengths and weaknesses? Why has there been a lack of progress made by the young guns in the minors? How is it that the pitching coach has not been able to identify any #3,4 or 5 starter who can go more than five innings or protect a five run lead?

Second, as result of the first the Braves needed to do bad deals for pitching. For example, the LaRoche deal. A trade of a young first baseman for a pitcher with arm issues. In turn, this then required a trade of five prospects for a first baseman (and relief pitcher) because of poor production at first base when LaRoche left. The Braves lost five of their top five prospects for a great player who might be with the team for this season and next.

Bottom Line: Replace the pitching coach who will know how to work with young talent because the days of Smoltz and Hudson are numbered.

By DirtyDawg

August 25, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

The poster that mentioned TW’s slashing the budget some year’s back was right-on. It marked the end of the Braves as we had known them. Maddux and Glavin should still be here adding to their HOF careers. And it’ll take another year or two of ‘enlightened’ spending (i.e., re-invest in the product in order to enhance its quality, and correspondingly, value - gee what a concept?) before the pitching will once again resemble what made the 15-year run possible. Face it, TW never cared about baseball OR the city of Atlanta - maybe Liberty Media doesn’t either, but at least John Malone knows how to manage an asset.

The trade at the deadline will prove to be ‘just OK’…we’re still playing .500 ball and even with Texiera we’ll probably not make the playoffs and be watching football in October instead of the Braves. And even if we do happen to make it, as was mentioned earlier, the pitching won’t stand up. I know pitching wasn’t available at that deadline, but I still believe that Salty would have been pretty damn good bait for a front-line pitcher - even if it had to be in the off-season. I wonder if the Braves could have looked into the crystal ball and seen that they wouldn’t make the POs even with Texiera, would they have made that trade anyway?

By bp

August 25, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

if smoltz had stayed in the bullpen where he belongs we wouldn’t have this problem of a sorry closer every year and he probably would have been the best closer of all time!smoltz is pitching on fumes every year.he probably will miss more time this year with a sore arm.smoltz doesn’t want to close because he wouldn’t be able to play as much golf because a closer never knows when he’ll pitch.

By Ump

August 25, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Braves made bad decision when they let Leo get away. Pitching has been downhill since. Braves plain are not going to spend the money with new management. Ole Ted wanted to win, new Braves managements wants to make the dollar!

By Raymond

August 25, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

if they can’t trade him for even a minor leaguer, they should have waited a few days until the rosters expand on 9/1. then, they have more flexibility and can use him mostly in save situations. this is just a typical JS acquisition that doesn’t ultimately work out.(add him to Gonzalez, Sturze, Dotel, Ledezma, Redman)

By TONY

August 25, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

PROBABLY WAS THE RIGHT MOVE, BUT ANDREW SHOULD BE THE NEXT TO GO

By TONY

August 25, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

LEO WHO. DIDNT BALTIMORE JUST GIVE UP 30 RUNS.

By Chris

August 25, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Hey Ump, you mean the same Leo that has the Orioles at a 4.64 team ERA compared to the Braves’ 4.23?

Or the Leo whose pitching staff allowed a team to score 30 runs for the first time since the 1800s?

Yeah, we reeeeaallly need Leo back.

Do you people actually watch baseball, or did you just read a book about it last time you were in the john?

By Chris

August 25, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Also, Ump, were you aware that the “new management” of which you speak has said they will inject $15-$20 million into the Braves’ payroll? Yeah, I guess they are concerned with the dollar, but the dollars they will receive after they sell the team in 4 years.

Therefore, in order to get a better return on their investment, they are going to invest a little more money in order to make the product a better and more appealing one.

And BP, here are Smoltz’s ERAs for the last 3 years (as a starter):

2005: 3.06 (33 GS) 2006: 3.49 (35 GS) 2007: 3.01 (projected 32-33 starts)

That’s better than almost ANY other starter over that 3-year-span. Ands he’ll start a minimum of 32 games for 3 years in a row. So WHY don’t you want him as a starter? You can’t get to your closer if your starters can’t get the job done, and Smoltz is damn near as good as they come.

You people seriously need to learn what you’re talking about before you start acting like you have a clue.

By TONY

August 25, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

I DONT KNOW HOW TO READ

By JustDave

August 25, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

If anyone thinks Wickman is the reason the Braves have failed yet another season - they are sorely mistaken. Though not perfect, he was the best closer on the roster. If he was ‘disgruntled’ let’s place the blame where it belongs - on the shoulders of Bobby Cox. Even with his great career record, Cox is clearly no longer able to motivate anyone to do anything. He hasn’t gotten Andruw to RUN to first base once in the past 10 years. He used to be able to coast to the playoffs based on the raw talent the Braves had. Now, they need some leadership and no one is available to supply that. Do not look for the Braves to finish higher than 3rd place for at least 2 or 3 more seasons.

By coachk

August 25, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

right move right time this team needed a wake up call and there it is. We need a managemnet style that pushes this team not just accepts oh well just another night we will come back and try tomorrow, we are running out of tomorrows and it this attitde that has kept this team from winning at leat 3 more world series. Bout time someone got called out on the carpet, Are the braves off limits to the AJC because they blast every other team in georgia. This team is still pretty good if we can find a 3rd starter and these guys who are paid good money to do their job, do it, this will be the team nobody wants in the playoffs, hold on it will be bumpy but we will get there, coaches assurance

By Chris

August 25, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

DirtyDawg, The Teixeira trade was not meant just to get us to the playoffs this year. A perhaps bigger reason we made the trade was to replace our #4 hitter, who will likely be gone after this season, by filling that gap with a Gold-Glove, Silver-Slugging 1B (our 1 position of need) by trading an unproven commodity.

Yeah, we could’ve tried in the offseason to get someone to replace Andruw in the lineup, but why not go ahead and do it when you have the chance?

Tex = 10 HR, 29 RBI in 22 games with the Braves. Anyone who can’t see that the Braves made a fantastic move for this year, but an even BETTER move for next year, simply has blinders on.

By Tim

August 25, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Why on earth would a 38 year old fat guy, playing a game, getting paid more money than most of us could ever dream to make, complain? Heck, that guy’s retarded. He oughta be in Milledgeville.

By TampaBrave

August 25, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

I have been a Braves fan since the 70’s. The one thing most of us have in common is that we root for the Braves, some more intensely than others. That being said, the lack of class some of you are displaying is troubling. BC cut the guy, fine. But to say all the nasty things you are saying is not even tempered. He did a lot of good things here. In fact, last year, he walked on water with the majority of you. Some of you seem more akin to those rabid dog fighting people who beat and torture their dogs when they don’t perform. One day, maybe Jeff Francouer will get the same treatment should his skills diminish or he slumps. Can I hear from some class people out there, not just the rabid animals that live vicariously through athletes.

Personally, if the guy was a chemistry killer, then I understand why BC did what he did. It was unfortunate.

To Mr. Wickman

Thanks for your contributions to the Atlanta Braves. Wish you success wherever you land.

By Chris

August 25, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

TampaBrave, I find it highly improper and offensive that you would equate verbally criticizing a grown man (who is paid highly to perform and behave a certain way) with beating and torturing dogs. You’re a disgrace to the human race and you should shut your damn mouth before you make another statement that makes you look like a completely brainless moron. Go back to bed. It’s clearly too early for you.

By JustDave

August 25, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

I see many comments stating Smoltz should have stayed in the bullpen. So then the Braves would have one real starter in Hudson…how would that help anything? Maybe Smoltz could save all of Hudson’s games but that still leaves 4 other starters who belong in A ball.

By Larry

August 25, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

This reminds me of 2001, when John Rocker was leading the league in saves at midseason and the Braves suddenly dumped him. Is there are double standard for white closers?

By Colin

August 25, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

to Mr. Wickman..

I hope you got a award with your exit for costing Huddy the cy young…Thank you for not pitching on the road….Imagine when Moylan saves a game for us…he’ll be able to celebrate because he wont be hacking up a lung on the mound if he has to run to 1st.

By fred

August 25, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Are you serious by telling me Bobby didn’t cottle and defend a poorly performing player. Say it ain’t so ! Goodbye to Wickman - maybe this will light a few fires. Now if Bobby will platoon Andrew and use Soriano in blowout situations or very early relief ( like Oscar ) we will get these gillionaires excited about being Atlanta Braves.

By C from Marietta

August 25, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

Is there a double standard for white closers? What in the heck does that mean. I knew someone would bring up race.

By fansince66

August 25, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

Getting rid of Wickman is the right choice now, but because of his performance, not because of his “attitude.”

Smoltz only pitched save situations. Wohlers only pitched save situation. Wickman did a good job for a while, then he gave out. He’s pushing 40 and out of shape and the clock just ran out on him as a championship quality closer.

All this c**p AJ is spouting about Wick’s “attitude” is a bunch of soap opera drama that has no place in a pennant race.

Hey AJ, if you are so worried about a “team attitude,” next time you come up with the game on the line, why don’t you cut down after two strikes on your swing and try to hit the ball solidly? Then maybe someone might be able to take you seriously.

By Chris

August 25, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Fan, in 2004, Smoltz pitched in 73 games and had 44 saves. You say he only pitched in save situations. You trying to tell me that he blew 29 saves that year? Don’t think so, pal.

By Mocamarc

August 25, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

There’s no excuse for a highly paid professional athlete to be a fat load, except maybe for NFL lineman. I’m glad the Braves got rid of Wickman’s fat butt.

By mpinvb

August 25, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

Mr. Wickman,

Hope the door didn’t your a** on the way out. Good bye!

By Colin

August 25, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

Mpinvb

exactly….Maybe we gave him a box of donuts to eat…or a give him a certificate to MacDonald’s….

By TampaBrave

August 25, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Is there such a thing as a fan(fanatical) with class? So far, no.

Hey Chris, the same things that drive a person to beat a dog are the things that cause them to vilify an athlete. Mainly, they did not get what they expected, and being angry from the lack of expectation, lash out at the athlete/dog. Though most value a man over a dog, the root cause is the same. Come at me with something better than that COMMON drivel.

By DirtyDawg

August 25, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Hey Chris…I think I’m pretty-well capable of ‘seeing’ what the Braves were, and are, trying to do, and I acknowledge that Tesh’s contributions have been positive even if we’re still no better than .500 with him - shoot we could’a done that without him - but pitching is the name of this game and without being able to land anybody this year, it won’t make any difference how well he does.

As for next year who knows? The Salty-man will produce at least as much as Texiera in the years ahead and wouldn’t have cost a tenth of what the Boros’-represented first-baseman will. In other words he would have been a better trade option for a front-line pitcher going forward. By the way, Thorman will be a gold-glove, high-production, middle of the line-up guy before it’s over - somewhere.

Who’s wearing blinders? Not me, I see perfectly well. The Braves will give the fans competitive baseball through September and will either ‘come close’ or fail to make it out of the first or second round…either way, even John Malone will have a hard time justifying two Boros’ clients on the payroll, and I believe Andruw’s the one we should keep.

By Bravesforever

August 25, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Just a case were the braves had three very good young arms in the minors that dominated. Youth had to be served. Hopefully the braves can gat a good starting pitcher that hasn’t had run support for Wickman off waivers.

By monty

August 25, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

He must of been stealing the other players food or something because he sure didn’t pitch bad enough for BC to make a move that drastic based on performance. Bobby Cox can find something good to say about brain surgery. Look at how long he stayed with that guy from Milwaulkie(whats his name)Kolb! and Chris Reitsma(a train wreck waiting to happen). No, there is something deeper here. Maybe Andrew didn’t like him going first at the pre-game buffet.

By Jeff R

August 25, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Wickman blew enough saves to merit a demotion. That his ego got in the way, oh, well. Good riddens.

By CW

August 25, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

My, my how quickly we have all forgotten. It was this time last year that we all lamented that if JS had traded for Wickman in the offseason, we might have been in the pennant race. What did this team blow, like 27 saves last year? Dude came in and stabilized one of, if not, the worst bullpen in the majors.

He’s had some rough outings lately, but there’s more going on here than just a bad attitude. We have a staff with 10 or 11 pitchers on it and only 2 or 3 of them have been consistent effective. Wicky was getting lit up lately, but not any worse than anybody not named Smoltz, Hudson or Moylan.

I wonder if JS and the skipper aren’t sending a message to this team. How frustrated must those two guys be to have made all those trades at the deadline only to see the team squander it by playing so poorly.

I know the pitching lately has been awful, but it seems like when we finally get some decent pitching, we can’t score any runs. This team needs to get everybody on the same page and start playing more consistently.

By Puzzled

August 25, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Yes it is time for wickman to go. Go to his bottle of jack daniels or bud and sit back and watch the game from home. He has blown too many saves. This is one reason the Braves are not in first place. I know Tim Hudson, for one, is happy to see fat boy leave!!

Time to flush the toliet and get someone on the team that can produce.

By Puzzled

August 25, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Yes it is time for wickman to go. Go to his bottle of jack daniels or bud and sit back and watch the game from home. He has blown too many saves. This is one reason the Braves are not in first place. I know Tim Hudson, for one, is happy to see fat boy leave!!

Time to flush the toliet and get someone on the team that can produce.

By Chris

August 25, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Tampa, you further prove your worthlessness as a member of the human race. Sink your head in a 5-gallon bucket of water.

There. That make you feel better?

By Mandrake

August 25, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

There’s one lesson above all others that can be learned by the posts here, about the loyal Atlanta fan-base.

That is, God help any Braves player whose performance or attitude slips. Braves fans will immediately forget his previous contributions and roast him alive.

By phil

August 25, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Who cares? At the end of the season, there will only be 1 team left standing anyway; THE YANKEES!!!! God’s Team RULES!!!

By Chris

August 25, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

What’s next, Tampa? You gonna try to connect these people to the Holocaust? You’re barking up the wrong tree, my friend.

By Otis R

August 25, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

I have noticed that the Wickman of last year is not the Wickman this year. Each time i’ve seen him come in this year, I think ‘Oh Sh*t’, here comes another crisis.

U think the club needed a shake up message. ‘If you think you’re too valuable to pitch in a certain situation’, then in the long run you’re of no value to the team.

The team tried to trade him and most all of the other teams said no dice.

Maybe there will be more harmony on the team after this.

By Dave

August 25, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

I, for one, welcome the departure of Buffet Bob. At a minimum, Atlanta would be leading in the wild card standings if not for the blown saves/losses attributed to Wickman. even in games where he got the save, in how many of those did he give up unnecessary runs? It’s blatantly obvious how little he cared. If a professional athlete puts as little as he did into his own physical conditioning, how can he be expected to put a full effort into his game performance?

Next person we should get rid of if the pitching stays as poor as it has been: My vote is McDowell.

By Cox don't know closers

August 25, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

I am not going to pretend to know what Wickman is thinking but if he said it he is right.

For several years, Cox has put closers into non-save situations which blows their mental approach to the game.

Why do you think the Braves cannot get a consistent closer over Cox’s tenure?

If a closer “needs work”, let him throw in the bullpen, let him pitch BP, let him pitch simulated games. Don’t give a guy a role and then make him perform other roles.

By TampaBrave

August 25, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

Mandrake and CW

Nice to see there is civility within these ranks. This immediate return society breeds the type of incivility you see with over the top fans. I root for the Braves as much as anyone here and I understand BC has to do what he has to do, but I think fans should either acknowledge the positive or say nothing when something like this happens. It is usually the guy who couldn’t even sniff being a high level athlete that lives vicariously through these athletes, so when the athlete fails, it gets personal .

Chris, Those unfounded comments have me wondering if you are even worth engaging, however I shall digress. You pointed out that Wickman was highly paid, therefore deserving of your uncivil rants. I really don’t think YOU are paying him so that in itself seems a weak argument. You have free speech, god help us all, but using that free speech to slander others frankly is in poor taste. If you are offended, that was not my intention. I only pointed out the parallels between humans abusing dogs and humans abusing athletes. You can agree or disagree, that’s fine. To call me a disgrace to the human race strikes me as odd since I am attempting to defend the act of civility. Perhaps you should look in the mirror and ask yourself if verbally attacking a man personally makes you a better human being, especially when that person did nothing personally to you. Good luck with the mirror.

By Jasmine

August 25, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

YES! I lost all confidence in Wickman about a month ago. He was beginning to make me scared like Kolb! Whenever I saw him wobbling to the mound, my heart pounded. I hope Soriano can go back to his good pitching ways.

Please keep Andruw!

By Jasmine

August 25, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

YES! I lost all confidence in Wickman about a month ago. He was beginning to make me scared like Kolb! Whenever I saw him wobbling to the mound, my heart pounded. I hope Soriano can go back to his good pitching ways.

Please keep Andruw!

By Danny

August 25, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Hey…any idea or rumors out there on who would claim him and might be traded for? I haven’t kept up on it. Has espn or bb tonight mention anything? Really hope a decent starter can be traded for. Would maybe Clev.claim him? if so who would the braves get in return? Thanks in advance for any input.

By TampaBrave

August 25, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

Escobar’s defense rocks!! JS, Trade Renteria for pitching while he is so valuable.

By TampaBrave

August 25, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

Hey TP,

Frenchy needs your help. Some really bad swings in the last week.

By TampaBrave

August 25, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

Did AJ just get over .220?

By Colin

August 25, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

I called if u check on the change of scenery i called Huddy getting a hit…wow!!!

By Robert S

August 25, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

To answer Danny, a Cleveland newspaper today “hinted” around at the possibility of the Indians re-acquiring Wickman. For who? Dunno there. I’d imagine it wouldn’t be a whole lot, but JS has pulled off some steals before.

I hear Baltimore needs relievers…..haha!

By Colin

August 25, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

Nice job Braves 50 pitches in 2 innings..nice patience tonight

By Danny

August 25, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

thanks robert s….hopefully for some kind of starter that can keep the braves somewhat in the game and eat up some innings.

By Fulton County Stadium

August 25, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

The Braves can’t afford to lose with one of the Aces on the hill, and Hudson just gave up Five.

By TampaBrave

August 25, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

How can a lead off hitter be such a poor bunter?

By **Put Up The Damn Tee-Pee!! DAMMITT!!!**

August 25, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

It’s looking more like the Braves are gonna need a save from the man upstairs. Maybe we should change our 7th-inning stretch to a 7th-inning prayer…

The Braves performed a pretty good franchise exorcism when they got ridda’ Witchman…err..um…Wickman…

And Hell, lets face it, that dead Indian bunch from AFCS has finally found Turner Field. Till the damn tee-pee goes back up, our destiny shall find no greater height than profound sucking. As sports mega la-icon, Rankin Smith, once said, “boys, we’ve reached a plateau….

By FIRE BOBBY

August 25, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

NO PLAYOFFS THIS YEAR!!!!! How is it possible that we are 2 and 4 on this important road trip? Oh I forgot…. Bobby Cox is still playing manager. FIRE BOBBY COX BEFORE THE 2008 SEASON!!!!!!!

By Let Andruw Go

August 25, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

Sure Andruw’s HR and RBI totals are decent but they always come when it doesn’t matter…this guy ALWAYS chokes when the game is on the line and tonight was no different. I’ll take Harris in center and Diaz in left EVERYDAY. Andruw is stubborn, fat and has no passion. He’s probably out with Wickman right now eating ribs and drinking Budweiser.

By davide

August 26, 2007 2:04 AM | Link to this

Foe once Bobby and Mr.S, saw a disaster in the making and got rid of it. ON Sept 1, bring up all the starters from A, AA, and trip, give them a chance and see what happens. Go Braves

By wayne

August 26, 2007 4:51 AM | Link to this

Overall, it doesn’t matter. This team is not very good. Granted, C Jones is having a good year (and finally keeping his big mouth shut), and Tim Hudson is starting to resemble the Hudson of old, but even if they manage to make the playoffs, They are out in the first round. Still long for the day of 1yr contracts. Time for these overpaid hacks to start earning their $$$ each and every season.

By Keith

August 26, 2007 7:55 AM | Link to this

General Patton. You’re a little rough on the Cleavers (that “idiot” coaching staff?)

What other coaching staff in the history of professional sports can claim 14 division titles in a row? (The answer is “no other.”)

At least show some balance in your comments if you want any credibility at all, okay?

By Mike

August 26, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this

How ironic that in the Scherholtz/Cox era that this team’s Achilles heel is starting pitching. Throughout the last decade and a half the Braves have understood, better than anyone else in baseball that it is pitching that wins pennants. Now all of a sudden, they have forgotten this basic premise. I don’t by the notion that there is no starting pitching out there to be had. For what we gave up for Teixeira, we could have got at least a decent #3 starter and more from an also-ran team. An Ian Snell or even a Joel Pierno would be an improvment. The Teixeira trade was really a trade for next year, when Andruw is gone. We have enough hitting this year. It’s the pitching, stupid. Mr. Scherholtz-you really let us down this time!

By bob

August 26, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

I agree with the comment re the lack of pitching.

Best trade of Braves history: Alexander for Smoltz. Tigers making a push for the division and decide they need a veteran and they give up a great prospect. How many young prospects have we given away?

By the way, when we gave away Marquis and Wainwright what did we get in return? Take a look at the number of innings those guys are giving their clubs.

Bottom Line: We are are making too many bad decisions with our young talent and giving away too much young talent for ‘short term’ solutions.

By Bill Clyde

August 27, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this

Not sure how anyone can read this situation as not being related to poor attitude: when Julio Franco was sent down to A-ball, everyone in the clubhouse wanted to make sure he got a hug and a kiss before he left. When Sturtze was dropped, they were sorry it didn’t work out and they wished him well; ditto that with every other traded, released, or DFA’d player, including the Mouth of the South, John Rocker (now imagine if that twit good ol’ boy could’ve kept it shut—no Wicky problems, no Kolb, Reitsma, et al). Sounds to me like Wicky wanted out. Supposedly Detroit and NYY were interested in him, but I hope for their sakes they don’t make a trade ‘til after Sept. 1 (that way he won’t be eligible for their postseason rosters). To address the issue of being misused in his “role”. His “role” was pitcher. If they needed him to spot-start, set-up, mop-up, or just ride the pine and count calories, his role was to pitch the ball when they called him to, and they gave him a nice prorated share of $6.5M every 2 weeks to keep him interested in that role (still, I secretly wish I could have been there to see the steam coming out of Bobby’s ears when he gets a call from the ‘pen saying Wicky wouldn’t waddle that night). If he lost the heart, he should’ve at least found a small reserve of it somewhere in that clogged arterial mass so that he could bow out gracefully (like Grover with the Mariners earlier this year—everyone said he picked a bad time to do it, but he was honest with himself and the team, and the M’s find themselves leading the Wild Card standings after a weak start). As far as people turncoating on Wickman, well, I confess I’m with the guilty party on this one. I did predict in this very blog late last season that he would come crashing down to Earth because his stats with ATL last season were so ridiculously better than his career numbers would have suggested was possible (they were better overall than any stretch Mariano or Trevor have had over the years), but I don’t think anyone wanted to see him fail, or even worse, be DFA’d down the stretch. BUT. This is my 25th season following the team whose legacy was built by high-character guys like Spahn, Aaron, and Murphy, and never in that time have I seen team leaders like Chipper and Andruw be ready and willing to tell it like it is and say they’re glad to see a guy go. Not even when they got rid of Lofton, Rocker, etc. That should tell us all something about the man’s character, and yes, he does deserve to be called out by the fans for it. We don’t spend hours of our free time and pockets full of disposable income to watch this guy have a fit about only pitching when he wants to. Somewhere out in the ether Rod Beck is waiting to pop this guy in the mouth.

By Daniel Moore

August 29, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

I’m now seeing that the wheels of the braves are coming off.Playing Willie Harris with a average along the mendoza line>play Diaz from here on out,he can hit from the right with better average than part time hitter Harris. Fat man Cox needs to go to the farm and lets bring in some fire for the braves.Big mistake in hiring Roger McDowell as a pitching coach.Wild swinger Francoeur looks like Vladimir but doesn’t have the long arms to cover the plate like Vladimir.Well there’s next year if they don’t get the wheels tightened up pretty goggone quick.