Braves

By Amber

September 30, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

NOW he sits?!?!?! NOW?????? Bobby let him hurt us all summer, and NOW Andruw sits?? Un-freakin’-believable.

By chrisklob

September 30, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

DOB, thanks for the new blog. The old ones do tend to get a little “stinky” after a few days.

Chipper not playing the whole game the last few days has me scratching my head too. It’s not like they’re giving a recent call-up a chance to show what he can do at the highest level. Is this a decision BC made or Chipper made? If BC made it, is Chipper okay with it? And if so, what’s Chipper thinking? It’s not every year that you have an opportunity to win a batting title!

By Stinky

September 30, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

Dob, what years did you go to Kansas State?

By Paladin

September 30, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

I have tried not to be a “Bobby Basher” and I’m not going to start now, but his “decisions” of late(particularly)make it difficult. DOB reports that he will be back and we will just have to deal with it. I hope, however, he gets a lot of rest during the off-season.

By Bill Clinton

September 30, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

Amber, I feel your pain.

By Hilary

September 30, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

Bill You keep those meat-hooks to yourself. Amber You go girl, and I mean go!

By Chase

September 30, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

I hope ANDRUW comes back…He’s a sure fire hall of famer (no matter how his season went this year) and SAVES at least a Run an game!

Just remember Andruw Bashers, YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’VE GOT ‘TILL ITS GONE!!!!!!!

He’s gotta at least come out and play today in case it is his last time!

And TO ALL BRAVES FANS:

THEY ARE NOT THAT FAR AWAY! Bring Tommy back, Hampton will be back, and Trade for another starter and the Braves WALK OFF with the Division next year!

If they had TEX all year they’d probably be in the playoffs anyway!

I also would bring back MAHAY! Make DIAZ the everyday left fielder!

Extend TEX at the end of next year or sooner!

Smoltz, Huddy, a decent Hampton, Glavine, and James would most likely be enough to take the East even without a trade for another big name starter!

Go Braves, Go DAWGS, and even the Falcons..SUPPORT THEM GUYS!

By KC

September 30, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

IS ANDRUW REALLY GONE? Not so fast…

I’ve been convinced like most of you that Andruw is as good as gone. But last night, I started thinking more about something I heard during the SportsSouth post-game show last evening.

Andruw recently stated that he would accept a contract for about 5 years -75 million, to stay here. I heard the 5 year part, but that was the first time I’d hear the 75 part.

Sure, Boras essentially retracted that a few days later, but it seems to me that in this case, it could be posturing on Boras’ part more than anything else.

If the goal were to stay here, but to get as much money in the process as possible… he would tell Andruw to say all the things he’s been saying most of the year. Stuff like “I want fair market value”.

Even if Andruw has told Boras behind the scenes all along that he wants to remain here… can you picture Boras saying anything other than what he’s been saying?? OF COURSE NOT!

I’m not saying Andruw will be back. Certainly not. I still think it’s likely that he’ll be gone… but after hearing that last night, I’m not sure that’s as much of a certainly as it’s widely believed to be.

My point in a nutshell is this…

Boras has had 6 years to talk Andruw into keeping a poker face this time around. So how much stock should we place in what Boras says or in what Andruw has said most of the year, when they’re both going to say the exact same things regardless of what their actual plans are (to stay for a discount or seek top-dollar elsewhere)?

By Dubya

September 30, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

Amber, first you tell Bobby to withdraw the troops then you give him a hard time for withdrawing the troops. Make up your mind.

By Tom Robinson

September 30, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

since Braves fans love to spout consecutive, what is this, the 12th consecutive season without a world series victory? 1996-2007

Bobby Cox is the problem, not the solution

He blew it in 1991 and 1992 with poor decisions. Have you forgotten bringing in Liebrandt to pitch to Kirby Puckett?

the only reason the braves won in 1995 was that Mike Hargrove was, if that is possible, a worse manager for cleveland

By Spider29

September 30, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

I have to say that I am a little surprised at Andruw sitting out the last three games. But more than that I am shocked that Chipper has come out of games early this weekend. How often does a player have a chance to win a batting title? Chipper is 35 years old, not 25 or 30. There might not be many chances left for him. Plus, the race between Chipper and Holliday is so close, one at-bat might make the difference. That said, I am already looking forward to next season. One more good starting pitcher and a little tweaking elsewhere and the Braves are back in post season in 2008.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 30, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

I had lots to say the past few days but an intermittent internet connection has saved the blogs from 1000s of useless words, oh well so much for that.

Yes , last game and so many choices as to what to watch today…..

One quick comment about Craig Biggio. I have watched him over the years and have wished many times the Braves had a player of his stripe on our team. I think I have been pretty accurate so far in assessing the talent arriving in Atlanta via Richmond. So this is the deal, if you folks liked Brett Butler or admired Craig Biggio, you are going to love Brent Lillibridge when he hits the Big A….. Same type of player, same presentation, just quality with a capital Q…

Mr. O’Brien sir, Thanks for providing your unique style, talent and observations about the Bravos to the denizens of this blog. I look forward to continued participation in this blog and the discussion relevant topics during the off season.

By David O'Brien

September 30, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Moron, I went to KU, not K-State. And it was in the 1950s, when Wilt was there.

What years did you go to Grand Rapids Community College?

By Braveheart

September 30, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

I’ve lost some respect for Chipper the last 2 nights. Sure, he might be hurting himself. That’s the optimist viewpoint on it. The pessimistic viewpoint is that he is sitting out trying to preserve the batting title. Smoltz was right when he questioned Chipper’s competitive desire back in June. The head of Ted Williams just rolled over in the freezer watching Chipper act like a chicken like Boggs.

By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera

September 30, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

Shaun, in 1988, Kirk Gibson hit. 290 with 25 home runs and 76 RBIs. He didn’t lead the league in anything except desire to win, which is exactly what the Dodgers did under his leadership. And when the season was done, Gibson was voted the National League’s Most Valuable Player. And no one who could see and appreciate the game of baseball beyond a damn stat sheet questioned it.

Stats alone don’t tell the whole story, Shaun, and they never will. There’s so many things that can’t be quantified that make the difference between a great player and a statistically great player. And you either get it or you don’t.

It’s kind of sad you can’t watch Jimmy Rollins and appreciate ALL he brings to his team, because Rollins definitely is the league MVP.

It’s nothing you can completely quantify, but at the same time, all the numbers and figures in the world can’t refute it. It just is. Open your eyes.

By Amber

September 30, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Dubya, you should know that withdrawing “the troops” too late doesn’t help anyone…

By Steamboat

September 30, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

I still don’t understand why KJ is not a candidate to move to CF. In 2005, in left field, he had a 1.000 fielding percentage (that’s 0 errors) in 79 games in left; his range factor was 2.18, versus a league average of 1.52. And, 6 assists. His arm is strong, he has good speed. Someone said his bat wasn’t strong enough for an outfielder; his bat is a lot better than Mike Cameron’s!

I’d keep Edgar at SS, play Escobar at 2B;

Sign Carlos Silva rather than Tom Glavine. (obviously, let AJ walk). Silva has better numbers and is 28,not 41, and will be around in ‘09, ‘10, ‘11.

Lineup: Escobar, Edgar, Chipper, Tex, Francoeur, McCann, Diaz, KJ; (the 3-4 hitters are switch hitters, then alternate righty-lefty 5-8 - beautiful!).

Rotation: Hudson, Smoltz, Silva, Hampton, James, with Reyes, Bennett, Boyer as emergency starters from the minors.

By chrisklob

September 30, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

I just love it when DOB B-slaps the trolls! LOL!

By Stinky

September 30, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Moron, I went to KU, not K-State. And it was in the 1950s, when Wilt was there. What years did you go to Grand Rapids Community College?

What has Dob got against community colleges?

By KC

September 30, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Amber… no politics here please.

By Stinky

September 30, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

I guess Dob has a low opinion of Tim Hudson, a Chattahoochee Valley Community College alum.

By beachcomber

September 30, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Bring Me The Head - Good analogy on Kirk Gibson in ‘88. Problem is some of our bloggers were seven years old in ‘88. What a year! If the Phillies can pull it off today,there is little doubt who the MVP will be.

Gil - Thank you again for your reports from the “cradle” of our organization. Your comments on Biggio hit the mark.

Saw this guy in spring this year, doing stretches that kids half his age could not do. My only resentment towards him are the four Gold Gloves he owns that should be on Mark Lemke’s mantle but alas, the Lemmer was a .250 hitter and Biggio a .300 hitter in that period - and that often determines who wins the gold glove rather than actual fielding excellence.

By the truth hurts

September 30, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

“Stinky” are you always this stupid or are you making a special effort today?

By The Grinch

September 30, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

Morning, all.

Francisco, you said it all. “…you either get it or you don’t.” Shaun doesn’t get it. You’re about the 15th person this season to carry on this same srgument with him, and every possible absoultely convincing thing has been used to make your point already in about 50 different ways. He’s NEVER going to get it, and you might as well quit wasting your time. Shaun is the rock that many sensible people have broken themselves upon. He will remain long after common sense leaves this earth. The post-apocalyptic landscape will contain Shaun, his protractor, and a %^$#-load of cockroaches, with whom he will explain daily why batting average is irrelevant when evaluating a hitter, players who are great at 27 will suck when they’re 28, and that Ryan Howard is weak. :-)

By David O'Brien

September 30, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Braves just made it official: All the coaches will be back next season.

Teixeira getting his first day off since joining Braves. Thorman’s at first base.

This is not a good lineup today, folks.

For you UGa folks: Your boy Clint Sammons is starting behind the dish today….

Besides McCann, others not in lineup are Andruw (again), Renteria and Kelly (Orr is starting at 2B).

We’re sitting in Cox’s office and the players are coming in, one by one, asking him to sign jerseys and baseballs, etc.

And here comes Soriano with a jersey he wants signed. “Hey, Raffy, you’re unsuspended today!”

There are some funny moments that border on absurdity in this business.

Oh, then an Astros clubhouse guy comes into Cox’s office with a long box. “What’s this?” the manager asks.

“It’s from Biggio,” the guy says.

It was an autographed bat.

By David O'Brien

September 30, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

When Woodward walked by and saw that lineup, he said, “Is this game in Kissimmee or Disney?”

By Lew

September 30, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Braveheart-Considering Chipper wasn’t even in the lead for the Battting Championship when he sat last night, your theory just doesn’t hold water. By the time he sat, Halladay already had two hits in three AB and had gone ahead in the race by one point. You’re just wrong this time, Dude. That’s all there is to it.

Now Andruw-I’ve always been an Andruw fan. All last year I was dead set against trading him-especially for Cereal Guy, Coco Crisp. However, this year he has made numerous statements that truly make me wonder just where his head is. All season long he’s said things like “Im a pull hitter and that’s all there is to it” or I’ll sit down with film in the offseason and see what I need to correct.” I was extremely puzzled by this attitude-seems to me if something is going wrong, you try to deal with it NOW-not later. Makes sense, right? One would think.

Now I just got my issue of Chop Talk magazine the other day. There was an interview with Andruw, done probably at the beginning of September, or somewhat right before then. In this interview, Patty Rasmussen outright asked Andruw about this season’s struggles and what was wrong. Andruw stated several times that he was getting a steady diet of changeups this year-that pitchers had changed their approach to him-had gone from a steady diet of sliders. He also mentioned several times how he would need to work on this in the offseason.

I sincerely wonder if Andruw even has a clue. This whole attitude is perplexing to me, in a major fashion. Why should anyone think he will change his approach when he took an entire season of underachievement and literally did nothing to fix what was wrong? Is this kind of approach to an ever changing game going to justify even $15 milion per year? Yes, he is an incredible outfielder. Even if he has lost a step, he has gone from Otherworldly to excellent-no doubt. But can we afford to devote that much money for that length of time to someone who steadfastly refuses to change when change is necessary? Can we afford to sign him, or anyone else long term when there are kids on the horizon? After 11 years of facing ML pitching and hitting over 300HR, just why can’t he adjust to a changeup? Answer that question before you commit anywhere near $75 million to a guy bound to not get any better with a totally absurd outlook on what one needs to do to improve.

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 30, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

Folks, don’t forget, last game to ever hear Skip on TBS today!!! I’ve never taped a game, but I will todays. Doubt I would have become a fan of a last place team in another state if I hadn’t heard Skip and Pete(And Ernie) do the games. Listening to the Cubs game yesterday on WGN reminded me how bad a team can be….Hopefully, what I said above will turn out to not be true, and someday TBS will come to their senses again, and have Skip and Pete doing 140+ games again…and perhaps I will start to flap my arms and fly around town today as well! ;)

By Stinky

September 30, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

The truth is always welcome. Like the truth that reveals itself in a Freudian slip. Or two.

By The Grinch

September 30, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Thanks for reminding me, DOB.

WOOF! WOOF! WOOF! WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!

That was for our 45-17 pasting of Ol’ Miss yesterday, who came within 7 of beating Florida the previous week.

And Woodward has no business making jokes about a weak lineup. :-)

By Paladin

September 30, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

This is a split-squad game, right?

By keylargo25

September 30, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

MARLINS 4 Mets 0

By True Braves Fan

September 30, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

Bravehart: If Chipper were “chicken”, he would have sat the last three games to preserve his average.

By Overlord

September 30, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

There goes muts season……….4 against glavine and they are still hitting, huge hole!!!!!!!!!!!

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 30, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

Uh-oh…Glavine has given up 4 in the first….wonder if the Phillies will lose as well????

By Edgar

September 30, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

Man,the Muts and Glavine are getting Rocked. 4-0 in the 1st.

By Steamboat

September 30, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

Glavine gives up 4 in the 1st. Go Phillies!

And, I understand billion-dollar contracts and all (well, I understand that they exist), but with all that hinges on today’s MLB action, how can ESPN be running women’s bowling; and ESPN2 Hunting Shows.

Shouldn’t there be some flexibility for them to pick up a day like this, maybe do a “split broadcast” or something?

By Overlord

September 30, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

I have told you guys………. big mistake bringing TG back to atlanta, nats got to him, he wont get out of the 1st inning…….. this is not a good choice, only if he is 3rd starter.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

September 30, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Well, lets all hope the Phillies don’t play tight today and beat the Nats while the Mets do what they do best and choke against the Marlins. If both teams win today and have to play a playoff tomorrow the edge will definitely go to the Phillies. The Mets would have to pitch Pelphrey or El Duque I suppose. Glavine pitches today while Maine pitched yesterday and Pedro pitched on Thursday. Can’t imagine they would bring back the “savior” on three days rest.

Honestly, the Phils are in the drivers seat. The Mets definitely have the tougher pitcher to face with Dontrelle going for the Fish. Sure, he has had a horrible season but this is the kind of game he gets up for. If both teams lose, the Phils win the division because of the tiebreaker. The only way they play a playoff game tomorrow is if the Pads lose and they along with the Rockies win.

My dream scenario would be for the Phils to win today and watch the Mets finish off their unprecedent self-destruction, while the Pads lose and the Rockies win forcing a playoff tomorrow. In a one game playoff with that game being at Coors I think the Rocks have the decided advantage. Besides I think the Pads are playing a dangerous game not starting Peavy today to protect against a possible playoff. To me that is almost like playing not to lose. They should start Peavy today and finish the Brewers off. Peavy is a stud but Coors field can make the best of pitchers look like independent league rejects. Bud Black may very well live to regret his decision.

By keylargo25

September 30, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

MARLINS 5 Mets 0 Bases loaded Sosa coming in to pitch.

By Steamboat

September 30, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Glavine is self-destructing; 2 walks, a throwing error, and just hit the pitcher with the bases loaded - and they’re still in the 1st!

By Paladin

September 30, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Petrino better “forgive” Hall, soon! His replacement just got toasted.

By flange1

September 30, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

5-0 Marlins,

Glavine just hit Willis and was pulled for SOSA!!!

Go Fish!

By jim

September 30, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

For those bloggers wanting Leo to be back as pitching coach, consider these facts about the Baltimore pitching staff:

Chris Ray and Danys Baez out for the year (and most of next year) with Tommy John surgery.

Adam Loewen out for the year and next year with career threatening injury to his arm.

Bedard shut down for the last month and 1/2 of the season with a dead arm.

Cabrerra made no progress in his 2 years with Leo.

None of the Rookie pitchers have developed to become productive major leaguers.

My guess is that there will be additional house-cleaning done in Baltimore this winter and that Leo will be gone. Do you really want him back?

By Baseball Fanatic (Go Braves!)

September 30, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Man…Glavine really had fun today…1/3 of an inning and 5 runs…

By Edgar

September 30, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

WOW!!!!!Glavine only got 1 out, 5-0,Sosa In. Hahahahahaha!!!!!

By David O'Brien

September 30, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Looks like Tommy G. is out of gas, getting whacked around mercilessly by the Marlins.

By Randy

September 30, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

If the Mets don’t make the playoffs, it’s hard to believe that Glavine will let his last appearance on the mound be a 1/3 of an inning, 5 run (so far) outing, leaving to boos from the home crowd. Gotta think he’ll be back if they don’t make the playoffs. Obviously that decision is way off, but wow. just wow, glavine.

By beachcomber

September 30, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Berigan - Your comments on today’s final game - thanks for saying so well what so many of us feel.

Yes there was a time when the Braves had players named Oberkfell, Puleo, Tepedino and Sugar Bear Banks - but those guys on TBS made it entertaining despite the 100 loss seasons.

By keylargo25

September 30, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

Marlins 7 Mets 0

By Lew

September 30, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

7-0 Marlins in the first. Glavine gave up 5 hits and two walks in 1/3 of an inning pitched. Are we sure Glavine is the answer to our problems? Maybe he’s ouit of gas like DOB said, but damn-1/3 of an inning and he’s gone? Oh, the Humanity-or lack thereof.

By jim

September 30, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

It looks like Glavine will be run out of town in NY after today.

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 30, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Grinch,

Interesting article with Andruw’s comments. I don’t know about the change-up comments. Change-ups from righties tend to break down, or back over the plate from righties, to righties, right??? I saw nothing but sliders move away from him it seems, that he lunged for and missed. I have read that Manny Ramirez has a pitching machine that throws nothing but sliders, since he feels that is the toughest pitch to hit…if even Manny gets it, why doesn’t Andruw??? and why does his terrible AB’s, that clearly cost the team the division…why is there endless compassion for him???? I don’t mean from us, yeah, we can remember how great he was in the past, and wish him well in the future..but the organization, Bobby… A leftie walks a few guys, out of here…strike out time after time with runners on…hitting HALF your weight with RISP 2nd half…who cares??? We want you back!!!

Oh crap, Mets down 7 nothing!!!!!!!! Glavine out after getting 1 out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By ernesto

September 30, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

7-0, Fish. Sosa came in witha gas can for the Mets.

By David O'Brien

September 30, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Jim, it doesn’t really matter if anyone wants him back, since Braves just renewed contracts of all their coaches.

Damn, Tom’s performance today is even worse than his work in the 2002 division series vs. San Fran and 2000 vs. St. Louis. Yikes.

By Chop Chop

September 30, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

Looks like today might give Tom Terrific all the reason he needs to get the hell out of the Big Apple. Of course, if he pitches like that when the chips are down, do we really want the guy?

By David O'Brien

September 30, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

Grinch, good point on the Woodward comment. Imagine if his name were in it instead of, say, Escobar’s? It’d be an injustice to Biggio in his final game.

By Stinky

September 30, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Tom Glavine’s finally paying dividends for Braves fans in the new millenium.

By jim

September 30, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

When it was said there was no starting pitching available at the trading deadline, we were overlooking Joel Pinero — a guy (like Oliver Perez last year) who has good stuff and had success a couple of years ago that with a change of scenery could revive his career. He (along with J C Romero) were available for little more than a Kyle Davies and could have helped our rotation (and pen) this year, and could have provided a missing piece for the rotation cheaply next year.

Tex has been a great pick-up, but what is the team’s record before and after the Tex trade? We still didn’t play well enough to make the post-season and the suggestion that if he were here for the entire year we would be in the playoffs may be too much of a stretch.

By Braves20

September 30, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Maybe Leo could find work in New York working for the new manager there. Anybody else old enough to remember Gene Mauch?

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

September 30, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Oh happy day, oh happy day!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Mets are getting their arses handed to them 7-1. Glavine choked and so are the “Amazins”. This almost completely makes up for the Braves not getting in. Besides, the Braves didn’t choke like this.

Where are all our Mets brethern. They have inconspicuously quiet today and the last few days. David Wright for MVP? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease!

By Bob, Journalist

September 30, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

All the coaches will be back next season … beauty is in the eye of the beholder but does this mean another season of Business Baseball guided by the same conventional wisdom … the same level of team preparation, and the same tails wagging the dog?

By Dr. Jay

September 30, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

I know, on balance, Glavine is still a quality pitcher, but I sure hope this meltdown today will stick in the minds of the honchos at Liberty Media, as well as the Braves front office. If he could be had for a reasonable amount next year, great. But he’ll want the moon, as usual. He’s just not the answer. His baseball karma is completely used up…

By Greg in TN

September 30, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Afternoon folks…

A quick thought or two before going over to a friend’s place to watch Skip for the last time.

As I’ve mentioned before, I think Frenchy is on track to be an excellent hitter and I’m not concerned with his power numbers this year. The guy is still learning his craft and has tremendous upside. I think your projections for next season are right in line for what we can expect, oh notorious one.

I hope Chipper is able to pull out the batting title over Matt Holliday today and I’ll be pulling for him to do so.

Wow, the amazin’ mediocres are indeed showing the same fight and moxie that they have the last few weeks eh No Chop? No Chop? Ummm, No Chop? Are you there? Hello? Hello? No Chop???

By Lew

September 30, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Berigan-Actually, I cited the article. Here’s what was said-

ChopTalk-If you could go back and start this season all over again, what would you do differently?

AJ-….I’m going to be working on some specific things that I’ve seen pitchers do differently toward me. They’ve pitched me totally differently this year than last year and the year before. They’ve made adjustments to me so I need to make more adjustments to them.

CT-How are they pitching you differently this year?

AJ- I was getting a lot of changeups. Normally I get sliders. Now I have to be aware of that and make those adjustments, and I have to be ready for whatever else they’re going to give me next season.

CT-You always look so carefree. Did this season bother you?

AJ-It did, but in a way it didn’t. I know I’m better than what I showed and I know I’ll do better. The season was one of those things that went one way and you’re wishing it didn’t. I just don’t make excuses. I’m putting it behind me and looking toward the next season.

You know, I hit 51 HR, but the year before that I hit 29. I know what I did wrong and went to work on it, came out and had a great year. In 2006, I didn’t hit 50 Home Runs, but I did okay-I hit 41. The pitchers are going to keep making adjustments and it’s up to me to keep learning them. One year you might get all sliders, one after the other. every pitcher was throwing sliders, so you make the adjustment to sliders. Now they’re throwing change ups and I have to adjust to that.

Andruw-One further question from a fan-Just WHEN do you make these adjustments? Once a year? Do we want to spend $75 million for this type of attitude? Is it really worth it?

By David O'Brien

September 30, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

They’re having an emotional send-off for Biggio, a presentation on the field. And on top step of Braves dugout, watching intently and applauding, is Chipper. When Biggio brought his daughter out to throw out the first pitch, Chipper was smiling.

I’m wondering what’s going through his mind, and through minds of Smoltz and, yes, Andruw.

If you’re Chipper and Smoltz, and don’t have too many years left, you’ve gotta be thinking, I cannot pass up the opportunity to have something like this. Because they certainly will do something like this for each of them if they retire as Braves, spend their whole careers there.

If you were them, don’t you think it’d be worth potentially sacrificing a little money, if necessary, when it’s time to negotiate those last contracts, if you get a chance to stay with the Braves? If you’re here and you see the outpouring of emotion for Biggio the past three days, the sellout crowds, I’d think you’d have to be feeling that way. It’s been pretty special, I’m tell you.

By Anders

September 30, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

KC Still want Glavine? Told you last night this guy is finished. My biggest fear is he takes the players option for $13 mil next year and stays with the Mets. That’s what you Brave fans should hope for - Not to get him back at a bargain rate.

By KC

September 30, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

Ya know, I think Roger Clemens given us the model 40-plus pitchers like Smoltz and Glavine should follow.

It’s tough on guys in their 40’s to throw 200-plus innings and still have something left in the last few weeks of the season and in October.

I know this will never happen… but if it were up to me, Smoltz would start his season in May next year. And if we signed Glavine, it would be the same thing there.

Give Reyes and Bennett a chance to show what they can do in April, and crank the old guys up at the beginning of May.

By LT (double A blogger)

September 30, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Hey, where is Metropolitan Man or the Mets Drools guy when you need them?

Let’s discuss the monumental melt down of the Mets. Of course Met man, Willie Randolf is a much better manager the BC now isn’t he.

I know this is lame but I don’t care:)

Cost of new Mark Texeria T shirt to replace AJ - $23.00

Cost to last home Braves game of season for family- $150.

Cost of Mets blowing a 7 game lead with 3 wks left in the season- $Priceless

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 30, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop,

To be fair to Glavine, last year in the playoffs, Glavine was THE reason they got into the NL championship series. He pitched 6 shutout innings against the dodgers, and had a 2.45 ERA in 11 innings against the eventual WS champ Cards. But, just like Maddux, if guys go the other way, and are patient, they can be hit….its why guys like Smoltz, and Beckett are the guys who do so well in the playoffs….speed’s where it’s at Daddy’O and you know it!

By KC

September 30, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

I know, on balance, Glavine is still a quality pitcher, but I sure hope this meltdown today will stick in the minds of the honchos at Liberty Media, as well as the Braves front office. If he could be had for a reasonable amount next year, great. But he’ll want the moon, as usual. He’s just not the answer. His baseball karma is completely used up…

Dr. J: The honchos at Liberty Media are completely irrelevant. They have absolutely nothing to do with operations in terms of what the Braves roster will look like. That has been left entirely in the capable hands of the Braves front office.

As for Glavine… as I pointed out in my last post, if you look at Smoltz’s last start and Glavine’s recent performance… to me it says teams should start these 40-plus guys later in the season, or keep them on a tight pitch count most of the year.

It does look like Glavine’s out of gas.

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 30, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Lew,

Sorry about that!!! Don’t know how I thought it was Grinch, though I often confuse you two! ;)

By KC

September 30, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

I know, on balance, Glavine is still a quality pitcher, but I sure hope this meltdown today will stick in the minds of the honchos at Liberty Media, as well as the Braves front office. If he could be had for a reasonable amount next year, great. But he’ll want the moon, as usual. He’s just not the answer. His baseball karma is completely used up…

Dr. J: The honchos at Liberty Media are completely irrelevant. They have absolutely nothing to do with operations in terms of what the Braves roster will look like. That has been left entirely in the capable hands of the Braves front office.

As for Glavine… as I pointed out in my last post, if you look at Smoltz’s last start and Glavine’s recent performance… to me it says teams should start these 40-plus guys later in the season, or keep them on a tight pitch count most of the year.

It does look like Glavine’s out of gas.

By KC

September 30, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Anders: Well, I want Santana… but Glavine is a helluva lot better over the course of the season than Buddy Carlyle. Don’t you think?

Remember, we’re talking about Glavine replacing array of horrible starters we’ve had at the back-end of the rotation this year.

Again, I think these 40-plus guys should not be asked to pitch over 200 innings in the regular season. It’s not smart. You need those guys to be sharp down the stretch.

By Paladin

September 30, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Lew Berigan confusing you and Grinch? Are you going to take that? :>)

By keylargo25

September 30, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

Please don’t let your kids watch the Mets/Marlins game with Willis and now El Dueque pitching. The kids might pick up one of those pitching motions! Wow - these are the two wierdest windups in MLB.

By The Grinch

September 30, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Allow me to be Brad Pitt in “Legends of the Fall” for a moment…

Berigan, I will forgive you for saying that once. ONCE! You say that again and you are no longer my brother.

Later, all; down to the local watering hole to watch my Falcons finish off Houston (knock on wood).

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 30, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Doesn’t Hunter Pence seem like the Astro’s version of Frenchy???? Wide eyed, full of energy???? A bit awkward??

By KC

September 30, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Sorry, I meant to place the first part of my 2:15 post in quotations. That was Dr. J’s post.

By brent a.

September 30, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

When Smoltz pitches his final home game - if it’s with the Braves - I’ll be there. And I hope it’s bigger than anything Craig Biggio got, certainly. In fact, I hope it borders on Lou Gehrig day, and that the Braves fans show up to show their support.

I’ll never forget the day he was traded to the Braves, and I want to be there for the end of it.

As far as Glavine goes. Boy, today he is reminding me of why it wasn’t so hard to let him go. Tommy was great. But, his “big game” pitching (see: 2002 play-offs) sure seems to have fallen way off from the ‘95 World Series.

And of course it would. But still, hinging our hopes on him just might not be the best decision. Then again, what are the alternatives for next season?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 30, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

It’s funny how Buddy always seems to have trouble in the first inning. Something for him to work on for next season. Personal feeling is he will not be prominent in the Braves plans for next season. Good luck Buddy, I hope you like your new team.

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 30, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

KC,

That’s not a bad idea to have the older guys start in May, but it will never happen. Next year, if the bullpen is even better, we should shave an inning off a start for Smoltz. What would be the point of getting to the playoffs, if Smoltz, competitor that he is, isn’t top notch????

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 30, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!! Thorman walked!!! First time since 2005!!! ;)

By Amber

September 30, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

*By KC

September 30, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Amber… no politics here please.*

Thanks for the reminder and all, but you might want to read the previous posts before commenting. I was responding to this:

By Dubya

*September 30, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

Amber, first you tell Bobby to withdraw the troops then you give him a hard time for withdrawing the troops. Make up your mind.*

By chrisklob

September 30, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Just got back in from running a couple of errands and was listening to the game on the radio. The guys were talking about today’s home plate umpire, Angel Hernandez. They absolutely crucified him, calling him the worst umpire in the game. Then they told the story about how earlier this season he lost track of the count and the batter got an extra pitch which he hit out! How does this guy keep his job?

By Steamboat

September 30, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

So for May ‘08, we’ve got Smoltz and Glavine sitting on the bench (making a collective $24 million); James, Bennett and Reyes starting 3 of every 5 games; and a 5-man bullpen (because Smoltz and Glavine are taking 2 roster spots, unless we’re gonna send them to Richmond)?

Why don’t we just look for pitchers who can pitch a full season instead?

By beki

September 30, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

I remember an interview that TG did earlier this year in which he said that if the Mets go to the World Series,he’d retire;if not, he’d be back.He’s gonna be back with the Mets;unless the Braves offer him a good one-year deal.Did anyone hear Skip’s song about the Mets? I want the words!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By KC

September 30, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Berigan: “What would be the point of getting to the playoffs, if Smoltz, competitor that he is, isn’t top notch????”

EXACTLY!!!!! I agree the starting in May thing will never happen. I do hope, as you say, that BC will cut back on Smoltzy’s innings. If Glavine comes back… same thing.

By Steamboat

September 30, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

that’s April, 08, not May. But still…

By KC

September 30, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Anders and other Mets fans:

It would be very ironic if Glavine doesn return to Atlanta… because he’d be leaving NY on exactly the same note he left Atlanta on after that 2002 NLDS meltdown.

BUT… he went on to give you guys some pretty good years, and I suspect he’s got at least one more good one left in him.

Again though… gotta keep the innings pitched down for these old guys so they can be sharp in September and October.

By Stinky

September 30, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

Some really touching father and son banter going on between Chip and what’s his name.

By Robert

September 30, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

The 3-4-5 spots were not very good. There is no denying it. And yes, it’s just hard to overcome that 6-plus era deal from the back of the rotation.

So the Braves nation comes to the conclusion that the starting pitching was the problem. Another quality starter, and we’d have gotten into the playoffs.

But then you also have this issue with the failed “clutch” peformances. All those times where the Braves seemed to be getting something started in a close-and-late game and ended up not making enough (or anything at all) of the opportunity.

What are we gonna finish - four games out of a playoff spot? Think that we just mighta won four more games if somehow we hadnt blown all them opportunites. (nod your heads up and down, cuz the answer is yes)

So, the PROBLEM, folks, is that this team was in fact good enough to make the playoffs, but wouldve needed another starter in order to do so.

The REASON is that the hitting didnt get things done in some key situations.

Of course, at this point, there are several geniuses who are thinking, well now, if we’d have had taht other good starter AND another hitter …

But wait a minute - WHY did the hitting not get it done when it needed to so many times, despite the hitting stats being really good?

OBVIOUSLY, whoever is deciding how the pieces are being used, and what strategy is being used, and what is being to done to maximize execution, is NOT doing a very good job. (in fact, doing a p**-POOR job.

This has nothing to do with awards, or playoff streaks. Guess what folks, if you look back at those teams that made the playoffs however many years in a row, they had more startin g pitching, and we already have conceded that more starting pitching equals more wins. Not rocket science

In some years past, the team has made the playoffs, but the relief pitching wasnt good enough, or there was bad luck. But if you look close, again there were missed opportunities - little things.

Every year,you could take the Braves (or any team for that matter) and say, well, they went so far, and if only they had had more of _ (starting pitching, quality relieving, clutch hitting, items on the buffet - pick your choice) then they coulda gone further than they did

But with the Braves, this kind of analysis has CONSISTANTLY helped us avoid seeing or dealing with the fact that their underlying problem has been -

LESS FROM MORE - which is what oughta be written on Bobby Cox’s tombstone

(these days it’s less from not so much, so they get to the cusp of the playoffs instead of in - hope it never gets to less from less because then it wont be fun to watch at all)

By Paladin

September 30, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

Amber You go girl! Actually, KC doesn’t want anybody to say anything since it interrupts him.

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 30, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Grinch,

Last game of the year, last game for Skip on TBS, and you are going to some bar to watch some steroid enraged players still lose to a team that didn’t exist 10 years ago??? Some fan you are!!!! ;)

By keylargo25

September 30, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

You know the Mets are feeling the pressure. 8 men left on base after three innings! No one can get that clutch hit. Marlins 7 Mets 1

By Steve from OH

September 30, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

Chris Klob:

I believe he may have some photos similar to those currently in Chris Woodward’s posession…

By Braveheart

September 30, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Hey, Lew, by now, people should know I don’t like Chipper bashing.

But what the hell is up with the sitting down the last 2 nights? It makes zero sense. He’s either trying to preserve his batting title before his average falls too far or even worse he is quitting just short of finishing the drill - something this team led by this superstar has done for 12 seasons in a row now.

Some might say, as great as Chipper is, Chipper sitting down the last two nights says volumes about why this team has fallen short for 12 seasons under the leadership or lack thereof of the best player on the team.

Again, I hate people who say these kinds of things but the man did sit the 3 fateful games against the Mets and then is quitting before finishing the drill with his batting title.

What, somehow healthy for six innings on Friday night, not healthy for the last 3 then suddenly healthy again for 6 the next day but yet again suddenly not for the last 3 innings. That’s weak. That’s not a battler. But, sadly, that’s Chipper and that’s the Braves.

I’m only saying this because I am bitterly disappointed in him right now because I have more respect for him than anyone. But, right now, it looks like Smoltz was exactly right about Chipper back in June. What a shame.

By Paladin

September 30, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

3 - 1 Phillies in the 5th.

By Robert

September 30, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

Ok - DOB you had me. I came in and posted first, and then started scrolling thru some recent posts without reading from the top of the article, and got to I that thing about all coaches being back and then players streaming in to get autographs and Biggio sending an autographed bat -

and my heart was pounding, and I was like, — is it possible? and looking back to see if I missed some news that wouldve been music to my ears

But alas, there will be yet one more season of pain

But already my friends, I am thinking of the bottle of champagne I might be popping and the big cigar I might just smoke (even tho I dont smoke cigars) this very day next September

By KC

September 30, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Paladin, my, my… did I pee in your cheerios? What has you in such a foul mood today?? Oh… wait, never mind.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 30, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Maybe Buddy Carlyle should run more laps or something to take the edge off before he starts. He really pitches differently after the first inning.

By Overlord

September 30, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Why are you guys talking about bringing Glaviene back? And them some say we have to keep smoltz and glavine IP. Then again you have to keep Hampton IP down as well because his arm is 35 and postop. Then James will keep his IP down by himself (5IP per game), so what are we talking here? who is gonna pitch half of innings next season? bullpen? better get some 5 villareals then.

hey muts fans it would be funny that u used 2 exbraves pitchers in the 1st inning to put the last nails on your own coffin, maybe it was just payback time for hampton and woodward costing us so much this year.

By Braves Fan 79

September 30, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

man how about Glavine today? 1 inning…7 runs. While his best years are past i believe hes a better option than our 3-5 guys, including hampton. I hope this loss dosent make him feel guilty about leaving the mets. Im thinking it may make him want to stay another year to get the guilt off. I hope im wrong! Im glad the phillies r gonna win the division!
HAHA….SUCK IT all you met fans!! your gonna win HOW many division titles in a row?? 1!??? HAHA…

By KC

September 30, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Amber: you’re correct. You were responding to a post wherein someone else was attempting to interject political humor. My mistake.

By Paladin

September 30, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

KC The only way you could “pee in my cheerios” is if you held the bowl between your knees.

By Braveheart

September 30, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

which Berry College boy got stuck working the Sunday shift posing as Robert?

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 30, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Is there any doubt that Billy Wagner is a head case???? Remember how his teamates in Houston badmouthed him??? Never understood it then, but do now….

There is an article coming out in the edition of New York magazine that hits newsstands tomorrow about Billy Wagner. In it, he has some unkind words for Willie Randolph and Rick Peterson that Wagner took great pains today to say were taken completely out of context. This was the contentious quote: “We’ve been throwing four innings a night - for months! Our pitching coach has no experience talking to a bullpen. He can help you mechanically, but he can’t tell you emotions. He has no idea what it feels like. And neither does Willie. They’re not a lot of help, put it that way.” This morning, Wagner said he was answering a question related to how Peterson and Randolph help him handle the emotions of being a closer, and he was trying to say that, unlike them, he has spent his whole career in the bullpen and therefore has more experience in dealing with these situations. He said he apologized to Randolph and Peterson because he didn’t want them to misinterpret his comments. “They’ve been great,” Wagner said. “As crappy as I’ve been, they’ve been supportive.” http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/09/30/do-or-die-for-the-mets/

By ernesto

September 30, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

This line up is a joke…this is the thanks you get for tuning in to watch the Braves’ final game on TBS. A double slap.

By ernesto

September 30, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

Is TP going in to take over 3b soon?

By David O'Brien

September 30, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Robert, I wouldn’t get too carried away with that. You wouldn’t want to be too disappointed if he decides to stick around another year or two….

By Stinky

September 30, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Yeah, old Tommy Glavine just ratcheted his season ERA up to 4.45 with that clutch effort. I hope Dob doesn’t get his way next year with Tommy laying eggs for us instead of the Muts.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

September 30, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

I think for all the people who bemoan heart and desire and who make fun of us who says it plays a huge part need to look no further than the New York Mets. If it is simply a matter of talent, the Mets should not be staring at watching the playoffs from their living room this year. The Mets pitching staff is infinitely more talented than the stiffs the Phils send out there (sans Hammels and Meyer) day after day. The Mets have all-stars or all-star caliber players at every position. Why are they fighting for their lives when 2 1/2 weeks ago they were up by 7 games? I’ll tell you why. They lack the intensity and the heart to get the job done. I said it in May; I said it again in July; and I said it again a couple of weeks ago. Like the Braves, they just go through the motions. You can see the heart and intensity in the Phillies. Even yesterday they had it. You could tell in the way they were playing so tight.

I hate to say this but I think the Phillies will be the team to beat in the NL playoffs.

The Mets have choked. They have no heart. Look at the Red Sox. What did they do when the Yanks made that one last push? They pushed back. What about the Indians? They pushed back. Even the Cubs? They pushed back. The Mets? They bent over and let the Phils give it to them.

What makes this collapse even sweeter is that it is happening right there in Queens. The Braves may have not won the division but they aren’t the most talented team in it, now are they?

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 30, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Haven’t seen a clip of the Marlins scoring 7 runs for some reason, but I’d bet Glavine was booed like no one has been booed before(And like I said before he was their best pitcher last October) so he may not be shedding a tear right now…

By Savannah Guy

September 30, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

The Daily Buzz (Fly on Wall Report No. 019)

(Fly language translated for your convenience).

As Fly, sleuth reporter buzzes around Houston on the last day of the 2007 season, he keeps his distance from the esteemed Craig Biggio. Many of Fly’s Texas relatives and friends have admired Mr. Craig from too close and were hopelessly trapped in the tar of his batting helmet. Once stuck, those poor little creatures never left that sticky helmet. Some say decades of fly carcasses are smeared and smudged into little pieces and camouflaged by all of the dirt and grit that Mr. Craig proudly displays. That’s how Mr. Biggio got his “gritty” reputation…fly bodies. Mr. Fly has lost three-dozen old flygirls that way. All Fly Ex’s live in Texas.

Just before the game, Mr. Fly approaches Mr. Biggio, the ultimate good sport:

Mr. Fly: Hello Mr. Craig. So, last game, eh?

Mr. Biggio: Oh hey Mr. Fly! I’ve really enjoyed your brilliant and hilarious reports on the Braves Blog this year. So, you want an interview for the denizens?

Mr. Fly: Uh, sure. Why did you kill my flygirl friends?

Mr. Biggio: What are you talking about? Kill who?

Mr. Fly: Your batting helmet. They were stuck on you.

Mr. Biggio: You mean the Richie song? Yeah, I dig it. (Craig breaks into song) “Stuck on you, I’ve got this feeling down deep in my soul that I just can’t lose. Guess I’m on my way Needed a friend And the way I feel now I guess I’ll be with you ‘til the end Guess I’m on my way Mighty glad you stayed.” Cool, eh?

Mr. Fly: Oh, that hurt.

Mr. Biggio: Don’t like my singing?

Mr. Fly: No no no…I’ve lost two dozen flygirl friends that got stuck to your gritty helmet. They’re still there too, uh…stuck. Umm, ON YOU, dude. You’re not a killer bee, you are a killer flypaper guy.

Mr. Biggio: You were dating those little pests? Hey man, one of’em told me next time they saw you, if you didn’t marry all of ‘em, they were gonna feed you to a Texas Tarantula. Yep, sure did. I saved your butt.

Mr. Fly: Really? Wow. I never knew. Gee Mr. Craig, you ARE a good sport!

Mr. Biggio: Want an autographed bat?

Mr. Fly: Nah…they eat flies. Give it to Bobby. Besides, I have to go get a story in the dugout. Andruw and Boras. Should be good.

Mr. Biggio: I’ll check the blog after the game friend.

Mr. Fly: Thanks Pal. Oh…retire the helmet too, ok?

By ppaddy123

September 30, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

OK IT’S ALMOST NEXT YEAR Andruw’s gone. Edgar could be gone (hope he’s not). I think Willie Harris get’s a Major League offer from another team. What other moves do you guys think (realistly) the Braves will make?

By KC

September 30, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Paladin: Man, I don’t want to spar with you. It just doesn’t feel right on a day like today. I feel nothing but pity for you this afternoon my friend. I’m very, very sorry. It must be difficult for you to watch your team bent over and violated like crack wh*re.

I’m sorry dude. Truly, I am.

By Paladin

September 30, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

Fly Are you sure that’s your real name? And have you posted only using that name during the past 7 months? This is your chance to “fly up”. If not, you are going to get it during the vampire watch.

By chrisklob

September 30, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Matt Holliday just drew a walk. 0-0 so in the first inning.

By Braves Fan 79

September 30, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Glavines game today might just be the best thing for Atlanta. Now instead of a discounted price of around 7-9 million maybe we can get him for closer to 5mill….leaving more $$ for other players!

DOB: Man love the woodward/biggio comment….that was the best line ive heard all year! FINIALLY…someone who dislikes woodcrap almost as much as i do!
And as bad as this lineup is today its GOTTA be better than the lineup Cox kept throwing out there in the 1st half of the year with thorman, woodcrap, orr, and andrew hitting cleanup. (and pple wonder why we only have 3 or 4 sweeps on the season!) Like ive said forever….u replace woodcrap with escobar coming out of spring training…and were in the playoffs! regardless of pitching, and bad coaching decisions. But then again i guess keeping 2 guys with a carrer .200 average over a .350 spring training hitting escobar could be considered the worst coaching decision all year!!

By chrisklob

September 30, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy, the smoked pork was delicious!

By Robert

September 30, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

“You wouldn’t want to be too disappointed if he decides to stick around another year or two….”

DOB, if that happened, I’d be disappointed.

But instead of being too disappointed, I’d just find another team, and move on.

Cuz there’s only so much any man can take.

By tbo

September 30, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Well, since goofball BC is coming back next year it looks like we will have to wait until 2009 to get to the playoffs again.

By Count Chopula

September 30, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Paladin, I’ve come to suck your blood.

By Robert

September 30, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

“I believe he may have some photos similar to those currently in Chris Woodward’s posession”

FYI - Rafael Belliard owned those photos for many years

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 30, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

More good news folks, no pepsi max ads on TBS!! No more Pepsi max this year, and there better not be any more next year either!

By Paladin

September 30, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

KC I was about to apologize to you since you had done so to Amber. Then you come up with more of your stupid ranting.

My teams are the Dawgs, Braves and Falcons none of whom is getting treated like a crack wh*re. Which teams do you root for? I couldn’t tell you since your posts are so long and boring, I never read them.

I’m sorry dude. Truly, I am.

You’re right, “dude”. You, truly are.

By chrisklob

September 30, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Robert, any chance of you finding that new team now? Like RIGHT now?

By KC

September 30, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Braves Fan 79: I don’t think we’ll get him anywhere NEAR 5 million. Remember, he’s got to opt out of a 13 million dollar player option before he can sign with Atlanta. He’ll may very well offer Atlanta something of a discount this winter… but he’s not going to go from 13 to 5.

By chrisklob

September 30, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Berigan, that’s the best news I’ve heard in weeks!

By Mr. Fly (Sleuth Reporter)

September 30, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Paladin YES, Mr. Fly IS my real name. You knew that. Sometimes I post for myself and sometimes I let my Pal Savannah Guy post the reports for me, cause he doesn’t mind being wordy. He will attend Spring Training Grapefruit Darl Star Bervity Classes this Spring with his friends. You will pilot. Don’t you remember? Sheesh.

I’ll go along to. Have a few dozen little girlfly’s down there to visit. I call ‘em my little orange blossoms.

By Stinky

September 30, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

Count Chopula, Hope you’re not alergic to blood thinners.

By Anders

September 30, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

Overlord You may view the fact that two ex Brave pitchers put the nail in the Mets coffin as ironic but I view it as payback for what Woodward and Franco did for the Braves this year!

KC All I hear from Braves fans is that they have to operate on a smaller budget than the Mets and your plan is to have two 40 year old pitchers in your rotation that pitch less than 200 innings each? Your pitching strategy and budget don’t match up.

By David O'Brien

September 30, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

You guys want to hear a classy comment from an always-classy player? Edgar Renteria, when I asked him about the possibility of being traded:

“I like it here,” he said. “But I have no control over that. My control is in the field. If I come back, I’ll feel comfortable here. If not, it was my privelege to play here.”

By Braveheart

September 30, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

What kind of lazy fly needs a fighter pilot to fly him to spring training? Writers write. Flys fly.

By keylargo25

September 30, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

Delgado wrist was broken by Willis’ inside pitch. Willis was hit in the first inning by Glavine. Bad Blood for next year for sure.

By Savannah Guy

September 30, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Chris mmm. I’ll bet that smoked pork was good. This afternoon I’m inspired to have hickory smoked burgers on the grill. That’s after getting all worked up on the sandwich talk.

Earlier you said: “How does this guy (Angel Hernandez) keep his job?”

That is the $50 question everyone has asked. I liked Steve’s following answer to you:

* Steve from OH* “I believe he may have some photos similar to those currently in Chris Woodward’s posession…”

HA!!! Very funny.

By Savannah Guy

September 30, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Chris mmm. I’ll bet that smoked pork was good. This afternoon I’m inspired to have hickory smoked burgers on the grill. That’s after getting all worked up on the sandwich talk.

Earlier you said: “How does this guy (Angel Hernandez) keep his job?”

That is the $50 question everyone has asked. I liked Steve’s following answer to you:

* Steve from OH* “I believe he may have some photos similar to those currently in Chris Woodward’s posession…”

HA!!! Very funny.

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 30, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

ppaddy123,

I’d really like to see the Braves try to sign Carlos Silva, but I fear a lot of teams will go after him, and push the price beyond what we can/will pay. The other guy would be AJ Burnett(Well via trade with him) Yeah, he has a history of arm problems, but he still throws 97-98, the kind of guy you need come playoff time.

By Mr. Fly (Sleuth Reporter)

September 30, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

Paladin, please disregard my spelling errors earlier. I got all trembly just thinking about my little orange blossoms in Florida…

You won’t do any loops or dives on our Spring trip will you? Oh, I hope so. I love to fly.

By ernesto

September 30, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Ahhhh, another inning snuffed out by the dependable Chris Woodward. Wont’ miss seeing that.

By Paladin

September 30, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Mr Fly I fly like I drive. Get in, sit down, shut up and hang on.

By Steamboat

September 30, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

So, for 2007, here’s a comparison of Edgar Renteria and Derek Jeter:

Jeter: .322/.387/.462; 12 HR, 73 RBI in 637 abs;

Edgar: .332/.390/.470; 12 HR, 57 RBI in 494 abs;

Fielding pct: Jeter: 970; Edgar 978.

Edgar missed a month, so RBI totals would be at least comparable, if not better.

Jeter is 33; Edgar is 31.

Would the Yankees trade Jeter for a middling starting pitcher? Should the Braves?

I’m really not saying that Edgar is as good as Jeter, but I’m also amazed at how willing this blog is to dump Edgar just because we can. Most agree that Edgar is at least runner-up, if not winner, of the Braves’ MVP award. If we got a stud pitcher, okay. But Nate Robertson or Noah Lowry? No thanks.

I’m sorry, trading Edgar (unless it’s for a VERY good pitcher), signing Glavine and Cameron is about the easiest, least creative, most expensive, least future-considering (there must be a better word for that) approach I can think of to address our needs.

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 30, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

DOB,

If Edgar Renteria is traded, I wish him the very best, he does sound to be quite the class act.

By Mr. Fly (Sleuth Reporter)

September 30, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

Double post…sheesh. Now I’m gonna have to break SG from that. He finally writes a short quip, then hits the button twice. Accident? yea, right.

Mr. Brave William Wallace “What kind of lazy fly needs a fighter pilot to fly him to spring training? Writers write. Flys fly.”

Well, let me just put it to you this way, naive human. If I fly myself to Florida, I can arrive and go out on a hot date with a girlfly. If I hitch a ride with Pal Paladin, I can arrive and have two dozen hot dates the same evening. Energy conservation…that simple. And I can write on the way!

Now, what were you saying about writing and flying? Sheesh. We need to talk after that Brevity class you’re attending is over.

By Fat Chick

September 30, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Mr Fly I fly like I drive. Get in, sit down, shut up and hang on.

Oooh, Paladin, you old sugah bear, that ain’t the only thing you do like that. Momma like, momma like.

By Braves Fan 79

September 30, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

Chris Woodcrap getting out with men on 2nd and 3rd…its de ja vu all over again! I womder if Bobby is surprised yet!?? The only reason his average is even a smokin .179 or whatever is because of bloop and infield hits! Heres to hoping weve seen the last of Orr and Woodward after today.

By KC

September 30, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Anders: “Your pitching strategy and budget don’t match up.”

Our budget? Have you been paying attention?

The following are recent quotes from Braves President Terry McGuirk:

“payroll likely would be increased and certainly not reduced.”

“The trends will be upward; everything will be northward, as we’re in the process of building a team and building value and building a franchise. You don’t get anywhere by cutting.”

“They’re [Liberty Media] not worried about the top number [payroll limit], and I’m not worried about the top number.

“We have the kind of youth we have, and adding one or two strategic pieces to this puzzle”… “this year was a big step over last year, and we expect next year will be another big step over this.”

We have new ownership, and our budget most definitely will NOT be next year what it has been over the last few years.

As for the budget and pitching plans not matching… I’m not sure what one has to do with the other.

The Braves will have a very deep bullpen next year, and if you have the type of rotation that’s not likely to have too many of those 3 inning starts from your starters (as we saw so often this year) that taxes the bullpen… they can pick up an extra inning each time through the rotation for Smoltz and, if he returns, Glavine.

By Paladin

September 30, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

FALCONS WIN FALCONS WIN FALCONS WIN

By ppaddy123

September 30, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

DOB Your comments about Edgar are why I believe the Braves need to keep him. He plays the game the right way. He’s the perfect mentor to Escobar. And when Willie Aybar comes back, he can mentor him as well. I know he’ll be a very valuable trade commodity this off season, but in comparison, what is his value to this team? I just look at our record when he was out, and wonder……..if he doesn’t get hurt; do we make the post season?

By brian

September 30, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

the only way I would trade Edgar would be in a package for Matt Cain or Andrew Miller, not Noah Lowry or Nate Robertson - I agree Palladin. If we could get one of those young starters then yes I would trade Edgar.

As far as Glavine and Cameron - it is both future considering and not terribly expensive. They are both stop gap measures that we can have relatively cheaply without mortgaging our future in a trade. Cameron for 2 years gives us time for Schaffer to develop (instead of trying to acquire a higher touted player for 5 years for example - that would be expensive and not be future thinking in regards to Schaffer). As far as Glavine - his signing would be win next year. He will be cheaper than any other pitcher with comparable stats and he is only a 1 year committment (no Hampton injury worries, no clubhouse worries, only age - and if it doesn’t work out it is a 1 year deal). It will also give Jo-Jo and Chuck James a nice mentor and teacher in the clubhouse - helping prepare those two for taking bigger roles in the rotation.

By Anders

September 30, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Steamboat The argument is that on a budget challenged team you have to get the most out of every asset. That said you need to trade either Escobar or Renteria. Escobar is the real deal and a decade younger. Renteria had one of his best seasons and his value will never be higher from here on out. Buy low, sell high - works in every industry.

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 30, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Man, what a special moment for Biggio!!! I teared up watching him tear up. They LOVE him there, don’t they????

He actually said he wouldn’t mind grounding out and being thrown out by half a step, to show the young guys that he even ran out his last AB…

By Paladin

September 30, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

5 - 1 Phillies in the 7th.

By keylargo25

September 30, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Steamboat

Great comparison and I totally agree with it. Edgar is a very close runner up to Chipper in the MVP for the Braves and no one is demanding that Chipper be traded for a 2 or a 3 starting pitcher.

You just don’t trade great ballplayers in their prime that are great influences on the younger guys, play every day, and win games because they are winners. And as I had noted before, Boston is paying all but 6M of his salary next year.

By LT (double A blogger)

September 30, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Anyone know what happens in the event of a 3 way tie between NY, SD, and CO?

By ppaddy123

September 30, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Steamboat I couldn’t agree with you more. Edgar’s value to this team really can’t be measured.

By Robert

September 30, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

“Robert, any chance of you finding that new team now? Like RIGHT now”

All it would take is the announcement that Cox has been signed past ‘08

What I find really sad here is the amount of joy people are deriveing from the travails of the Mets. Someone actually suggested that this somehow almost makes up for the Braves shortcomings.

I mean, I am a Braves fan. If they dont make it, then NOTHING that happens to any other team makes up in any way for that. Well ok, it’s always better if the Yankees dont win, but even then - I mean, I’m a baseball fan, so I’ll always watch and appreciate good play from anyone, but as far as the plight of any team save the Braves - could give a rat’s a*

By jbutler

September 30, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

DOB I didn’t know you were a Jayhawk. Long line of Jayhawk alumns in my family. My cousin (Bob Davis) does the Basketball play by play for them. Fun town…did they have to put it in Kansas??

Maybe we don’t need to sign TG next year. He’s doing his job for us with the Mets. I want the Phillies/Rox in the post season. Its so confusing…not even sure if that’s possible. Oh well. This too shall pass.

By gregocraker

September 30, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Should have plunked Craig one last time.

By Braveheart

September 30, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

Got a tear myself for Biggio. How unmanly.

By Steve from OH

September 30, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

It’s a shame Edgar will probably go. It really is. We had better get someone really good for him.

By Anders

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

Steamboat The argument is that on a budget challenged team you have to get the most out of every asset. That said you need to trade either Escobar or Renteria. Escobar is the real deal and a decade younger. Renteria had one of his best seasons and his value will never be higher from here on out. Buy low, sell high - works in every industry.

By Savannah Guy

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

Always really liked Craig Biggio a lot…and Bagwell too for that matter. HATED to see Biggio come up against us in clutch situations, but loved the way he played the game. Ultimate player…gritty, never say die kinda’ guy. Old school in the best ways possible. A real gamer.

Miss ya already Mr. HOF Biggio. sniff…

By Steamboat

September 30, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Anders, I posted my suggestions for ‘08 at 12:14.

Signing Silva (or someone like him) for about $40 mil over 4 years (a Ted-Lilly-like contract) and keeping Edgar (and moving KJ to CF) would probably cost us about $13 mil next year.

Signing Cameron and Glavine would cost about $17 million.

And we’d be younger and better.

By beki

September 30, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Yes, I also say goodbye and good riddance to the ubiquitous diet pepsi ad. Good grief! only a pepsi lover would program the commerical during every break.

By Robert

September 30, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

“The argument is that on a budget challenged team you have to get the most out of every asset. “

You know, it’s rare that ANY team can go all the way without getting the most out of every asset.

Cuz there’s always someone that’ll find a way to do a little more even with a little less.

And in the end, what can anyone really want out of their team? Playoffs are nice, and World Series rings are nicer still. But anytime you can say that the team did the best it could be expected to, it’s cool. And if you look back and say, you know, they did better than you’da thought, that’s pretty DARN cool.

And that’s why the Braves, on the other hand, are a bummer. Cuz, no matter what, even when they made the playoffs consistantly, starting in ‘03 they’ve done less than they could have almost every year.

And since ‘99, I have been resigned to the fact that as long as Cox manages, that’s a given

Every spring the drill is the same. Analyze the team. Figure how much that group of players could achieve. And then crank it down 10 games or so cuz the manager is a d*******. That’s just so inspiring,you know?

By chrisklob

September 30, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Shut up Robert.

By Braveheart

September 30, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

This has been one of the funnest seasons of my life blogging with all of you. That includes every last one of you from the jackals to the trolls to the Mets fans to the Esteemed to the Wurlitzered to the vampires to the Grinches to the crazy old fighter pilots and so on…. Thanks.

By Paladin

September 30, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

Robert I told you once that I didn’t think you are a fool, but what is my opinion compared to everyone else on the blog?

By Anders

September 30, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

KC Actually no, I haven’t been paying attention to Liberty press releases. Guilty as charged. I’m glad to hear that payroll is no longer an issue. I expect that argument from Braves fans to cease and desist. Again, I pray that Glavine goes back to the Braves. As for not paying attention, have you not noticed how inneffective he has become since the strike zone changed? He refuses to give in and continues to throw his slop on the outside corner. His games are painful to endure. He was great in his day (with some help from the umps I think most agree) but it’s over. He should move back to Alpharetta permanently and drive the kids to school.

By David O'Brien

September 30, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

ppaddy, very well might have made the postseason if Edgar hadn’t gotten hurt. He told me today that was what was so hard about being out that long, not that he was having a good season and might have put up career-best stats if he’d not missed a month, but just that the team struggled while he was out and he thought he might have made a difference. He felt guilty about that….

And no, I don’t think it’s a given that he’ll be traded. Not at all. I do feel like it’s more than 50-50 he will, but you just never know. Escobar at 2B and Renteria at SS would work for a year, that’s for sure….

Jbutler, Bob Davis is your cousin? Very cool. He’s a good guy, solid broadcaster for a long time.

By ernesto

September 30, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Jeez. Thorman ended the year like he played it…

All and all I’d say a disappointing year, I’ve got to say I expected more than 84 wins.

By Braveheart

September 30, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

METS LOSE!!! METS LOSE!!!!

By keylargo25

September 30, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

It’s official. METS LOSE!!

By KC

September 30, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Alright… the Mets had their turn. Now the Phillies will get their turn.

We’ve been charitable enough. Time to take it back next year.

Sad to see the Braves off TBS. I moved all around the country as a kid, and without TBS and the ability to follow the team so closely all those years… I don’t know if I would be such a big Braves fan today.

Gotta say though, I really do like Boog. He’s a nice addition. Could really do without Chip though. I’d prefer he just announce the national TBS games and stay off Peachtree TV.

By flange1

September 30, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

METS LOSE>>

How does that taste?

By ernesto

September 30, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

“This game is history and so is Braves baseball on TBS”

Sad way to end the season.

By Brad in MT

September 30, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

It has been a pleasure reading and blogging with most of you this season…seeing the last TBS game was a pretty sad day…

By David O'Brien

September 30, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

Only appropriate that Mets completed their monumental collapse. Wouldn’t have been right if they came all this way, then pulled out a win and kept Philly out of it.

By Overlord

September 30, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Its amazing how loud were the boooooooooooo reyes and glavine received.

Shame on you muts fans, some prime players right there.

By Robert

September 30, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

“Robert I told you once that I didn’t think you are a fool, but what is my opinion compared to everyone else on the blog?”

Well thanks.

As far as anyone thinking I am a fool, I’ll start to care of they can show me where my logic is flawed

By Mets rule You drool

September 30, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

WHATEVER LOSERS! So we didnt get it done - You finshed 3rd place…or Turd place would be more like it.

So shut it. You finished behind us. So even though we sucked at the end - you still sucked worst!

Hahahaha!!!!! How’s that taste?

Braves suck!

By Paladin

September 30, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

PHILLIES WIN PHILLIES WIN PHILLIES WIN. The colossal collapse is complete. Please Anders tell us how to fix our team. NOT!!

By TURTSNAP

September 30, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

Can anyone please tell me what Peachtree TV is?

By Sign of the Times

September 30, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

TBS sign off: TBS bids you adieu …. stay tuned on the West Coast for The Son of The Mask.

The Son of The Mask. WTF?!?!?!?

By journalist jimmy smith

September 30, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

jimmy smith would like to thank dob for a very enjoyable blog during the season. carroll, too.

and the mets have collapsed! gone! done! finished! whammy! oh, the humanity!

and pat burrell goes to the playoffs. imagine a conversation between pat burrell and chipper. “uh” “duh” “uh” “you know” “uh” “duh”

oh, the humanity! can’t win a batting title riding the pine. now, sitting high atop a pine waiting for a hapless deer to pass by is another matter …

and bobby cox is bringing back all bobby cox’s coaches. please, buy chino cadahia some more pants.

and chip caray never disappoints. cubbie talked cubs today. and skip will receive a wurlitzer. wonder if it has hit skip yet? only broadcaster with a wurlitzer so far.

By BJ

September 30, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

The great GLAVINE most win game, 0.1 IP 5 hits 7 runs 7er. Mets lose. And DOB and friends want Mr. Glavine Back. Well HELL NO !

By BJ

September 30, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

The great GLAVINE must win game, 0.1 IP 5 hits 7 runs 7er. Mets lose. And DOB and friends want Mr. Glavine Back. Well HELL NO !

By Paladin

September 30, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Drooler Have you ever wondered how life would have been if you’d had enough oxygen at birth?

By KC

September 30, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Anders: Glavine seemed effective enough to me until his last few starts.

I’m not looking for Glavine to be a top-of-rotation guy. But I think he can still be a solid starter, and one hell of an improvement over the likes of Buddy Carlyle, Kyle Davies, Mark Redman, and the others.

I also think he could really help Chuck James a lot as well.

I hope the Braves can pull off a trade for a top-of-rotation caliber starter with man good years ahead of him… but if not, I’ll be happy to have Glavine back in the middle (not the top) of our rotation.

As for payroll… The Braves will likely boost the payroll 10-15 million next year. Then again, the Mets will probably hike payroll again when the new ballpark is finished.

By fastasballs

September 30, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

The village idiot is back. Drool you are dumbest SOB to ever grace this blog. Yeah Drool you’re right, the Braves “sucked” worse than the Muts, but then again the Braves didn’t choke away a SEVEN game lead in two weeks. That’s something to hang your hat on. Come remind us of what the Muts did in 2007 when next rolls around. Like we’ll ever forget their mastery of the NL East this season.

HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

September 30, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

It is what it is, folks. This was year 3 in the rebuilding process. We weren’t supposed to win in 2005. After last season our most glaring weakness was the pen…that was fixed. Now the most glaring weakness is the rotation. I’m sure something will be done and 2008 will be our year. I’m also hopeful that the Mets will enter next year with a shattered self-image and finish dead last in not only the division, but the league.

By keylargo25

September 30, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Mets Drool

You mean like you did 14 out of the last 15 years before this year?

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

September 30, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

No Braves or pro-wrestling on TBS? WTF?

By Jim

September 30, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Hey you bucket-mouth , obnoxious Mets fans, Where are You……???? “Mr. Met”, “Jay from Conyers”, “Mets Rule, You Drool” …where are ya????? Your overpaid, underachieving team BLEW IT! Yep, you might have beat us (by four meager games)…congrats on that. But the Braves are on the rise again, and you guys will take years to recover from this. When we pick up some better starting pitching this winter, LOOK OUT! I’ll probably laugh about this a week! You stupid-a$$ yankees! HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, ! HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, ! HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, ! HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, ! HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, ! HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha! HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, ! HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha, HA, Ha, Ha,

,

By fastasballs

September 30, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Paladin I don’t even think that’s the real Drooler. After reading the post again I realized his words are spelled correctly, spaces after periods, etc. Too gramatically correct for the real Drooler.

By paul

September 30, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

thanks braves for not packing it in like dodgers st louis and dare I say it the mets. they at least fought until hope was gone

By bill

September 30, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

Look for JS to go all out in 08 season. Knowing that he and Cox will be gone. The only way I would sign Glavine would be at a discount. It’s time for the Braves to move away from the older pitchers. JS will continue to gut the farm system.

By Shamus Thacker

September 30, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

This flop by the New Dork Not-Yets will kill them for next year. They’ll smell like dead carp in a stagnated pond…

On the other foot, the Braves are gonna be the cream of the crop. JS, without doubt, will acquire starting pitching. 08’ is gonna be the break-out year for this buncha Braves. It’s gonna be funner than get’n lucky after a wined-up night at Six Flags!!

By KC

September 30, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Berigan: “What would be the point of getting to the playoffs, if Smoltz, competitor that he is, isn’t top notch????”

EXACTLY!!!!! I agree the starting in May thing will never happen. I do hope, as you say, that BC will cut back on Smoltzy’s innings. If Glavine comes back… same thing.

By Websters

September 30, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

Robert - Logic - oxymoron

By Supes

September 30, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Mets Lose!

This is the best day ever…all the Mets Trolls, if you have the balls to show up here now and talk smack…well then be ready to have it handed to you right back! Your team’s monumental collapse just provided us Braves fans with all the ammo we are ever going to need against your sorry a** NY Mets!

Time to get that Yankee’s gear out of the closet, huh Mets fans!

How’s that taste Drooler!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

By Efrim

September 30, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

Anders

A lot of questions to answer bro. That is an old team over there at Shea. I don’t want to hear about Wright or Reyes, its an old team. Even the all time homer, Gary Cohen, said that there is major changes to be made.

Terrible job by Willie Randolph.

By keylargo25

September 30, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

Chipper appears to have finished 2nd in the batting race. Holliday is at .339 with only one AB possible if the game goes 9. Chipper finished at .337.

By Crazy Old Fart/Pilot

September 30, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

Braveheart You have been our leader and buddy it has been fun! And I’ll never swat another fly without feeling guilty. I’ll do it, but I’ll feel guilty. :>)

By steelcav

September 30, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

On yer knees Mets Rule. The 2007 Mets will forever be known as the biggest chockers and losers in baseball.

By Savannah Guy

September 30, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

The Daily Buzz (Fly on Wall Report No. 020)

(Fly language translated for your convenience).

After his Biggio interview Mr. Fly, sleuth reporter, buzzed back to the Braves dugout. He was so sad that his friend was retiring. But since flies can’t cry, he resumed his work and positioned himself near Andruw Jones for the inevitable Scott Boras phone call that would surely occur after the game and the season was over. Andruw’s cell phone rings. The following is a first hand (spiny leg) account of the conversation:

Andrew: Wassup…finished waxing the Astin Martin.

Scott: Hey Druw, it’s me, Scott. You sitting?

Andruw: Oh, hey Mr. Boras. Yes, sitting a few days.

Scott: No, I mean, are you sitting down?

Andruw: Uh, yessir. I haven’t played for two…

Scott: Oh nevermind. Listen up…we have some serious spinning to do. We need you to be confident, cocky and ready to make some moolah my man.

Andruw: I already got plenty of cash Mr. Scott.

Scott: You don’t get it my hefty slumping friend. We are getting you on a program tomorrow. Batting cage, weight loss…

Andruw: But I have a batting cage. It’s fun too. I program it to throw all inside pitches because I am a pull hitter. I like to pull.

Scott: You are pulling…pulling my leg, right?

Andruw: No Mr. Scott. I am a pull hitter.

Scott: Listen Druw…do not, I repeat DO NOT tell anyone that. It’s just our secret, ok?

Andruw: Ok. Want to go eat now? Where are you?

Scott: I’m in New York. Shea Stadium, trying to pick up some new clients. May even rep a manager soon. Hey, you wanna play here?

Andruw: For the Mets? Oh, I don’t know, it’s cold…

Scott: Shut up…er, I mean, listen for a minute. These guys throw cash around like they were the Yankees or something. They are going to clean house. You could hit the big time up here. They just crashed like the Hindenberg. They’ throw anybody a deal now.

Andruw: But what about all my cars, my mansion, my favorite tattoo parlor?

Scott: Why don’t you just tattoo a big fat 222 on your forehead too then? You are amazing…

Andruw: Thanks Mr. Boras. I like to catch fly balls and play. So you think I could earn big bucks for the amazins? Would they let me play?

Scott: Listen up…you are no longer the precocious child you once were. Now is THE time for me…uh, YOU to make big buckaroos. I’m talking six years at $30 mil per. You just had an off year. You are working on your weight and your plate approach. Right? Just say yes…

Andruw: Do I get to keep my membership in Air Jordan and all my cars and fly my tattoo guy in?

Scott: Cars? You don’t drive in the Big Apple. Limos my son…LIMOUSINES…only first class for you.

Andruw: Maybe Miami? I like Miami. It’s warm.

Scott: Whoever comes up with the cash. We’ll see. It’s all about my, uh…your money my man.

Andruw: I just want to play. It’s fun. I like to eat too. I don’t want to practice all the time.

Scott: Ok…fine. Just don’t open your mouth about that around any press. That’ll mess up my commish…uh, our interest. I’ll buy you a new car if you spend the next 4 months silent in Curacao, deal?

Andruw: Oh yes. I can play with my old friends and have fun and swim and eat. Yes Mr. Boras, deal.

Scott: Deal then. I’m on it. I’ll let you know if I hear anything promising.

Andruw: Thanks Mr. Boras. You are my best friend.

Scott: Right. (click)

By KC

September 30, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

Berigan: “What would be the point of getting to the playoffs, if Smoltz, competitor that he is, isn’t top notch????”

EXACTLY!!!!! I agree the starting in May thing will never happen. I do hope, as you say, that BC will cut back on Smoltzy’s innings. If Glavine comes back… same thing.

By tyyosh

September 30, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

Anders,

Thanks for coming back on. I can’t believe that your guys actually lost. They always seemed to go to what seemed the end of the line and come up with something extra. Now the Mets and Braves will both be mad and hungry next year, but you guys have big money. I predict Glavine comes back to ATL. I would guess the Mets would tell him in no uncertain terms not to even think about that 13 mil option.

By David O'Brien

September 30, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

Keylargo, if the Rockies have to play a playoff game tomorrow, Holliday’s stats would count in the batting race. So if he’d go 0-for-4 tomorrow (not likely, but possible), it would count.

So if the Rockies win today, the batting race isn’t going to be decided until tomorrow. It’s 2-1 Colorado in the eighth, Rockies just scored in bottom of eighth.

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 30, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

DOB, and everyone else here, it has been fun this year blogging, much better than last year, when we were out by july…..and just think Mets trollers will be gone for about 6 months!!! AHHHHH!!!!!

Just seeing Willie Randolph IS a class act, he answered all the stupid questions. Feel sorry for him. That’s about it. Well, Glavine was a man, and answered questions as well.

By Efrim

September 30, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

KC

After today, I miust agree with you on Glavine. No way he goes back to that team. No way they want him back.

1 year and 8 million sounds about right. If that is the case, then we have a starting rotation of:

Smoltz

Hudson

Glavine

Hampton

James

It’s a pretty good rotation. To be honest, it is probably the best rotation in the NL East, although that isn’t saying much.

If Glavine does sign with us, I say Renteria is traded for either a reliever or a CF. Maybe the Tigers would be willing to give up Fernando Rodney for Renteria.

By Mets rule You drool

September 30, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

THIRD PLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You can spend all season looking up at the Mets, itll be good practice for you for next year. This is a blip on the radar in the BUILDING OF A DYNASTY!

And at least our last game mattered, when did your season end? Oh yeah, after we kicked your A$$ two series in a row!!!!! How did that taste?

NOW OUR SEASONS OVER TO - As Smtlz said “The Mets are better than you.” So suck on that for the next few months and remember - THIRD PLACE!!!!!!!!!

By Metropolitan Man

September 30, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

Well the collaspe is complete. I dont know what happened but the worse has occured. The dissapointment, letdown, anger, roller coaster is finally over. It wasnt suppose to be like this. The philthies (give them credit) took this division and didnt even wear a mask or bring a weapon. The METS have put METS fans in the worse position ever… making history while losing. Yestersday I was hoping for a Detroit of last year scenario which is lose your division, make the wild card and go to the WS. But nooooo, we had Glavine (brave at heart) going for us with the season on the line. Florida had every reason to beat the METS and the METS had every reason to win.Losing the way they did and the phantom fights will do that to a team. Guess Fla wanted it more. Dam, the philthies???? I hope every METS fan who talked smack on this site will either be humbled and wait till next year, or stay away all together. We dont need fair weather fans. Voice your anger and dissapointment and keep it moving. Only problem is this collaspe made history and will never be forgotten. No matter what the METS do from here to eternity, some braves, stankees, or philthie fan will remind us of 2007 and METS fans will never live it down. So enjoy it braves fans becasue I know I would if the shoe was on the other foot. Thanks for a great season of banter (good and bad) braves fans. I take no pleasure in your demise this season because we are in a similar boat. The only difference is the METS boat sinking made history and will probably take some fans with them. Like I said before, win or lose, the METS will make you crazy because nothing is easy with this team. I’m still a fan today, but I dont know how long before this hurt will go away. Until next season braves fans, now the stakes have really increased. I wonder if J. Rollins has any good lotto numbers.

Heres to the stankees and philthies get knocked out in the 1st round, just for some sanity!!!!

By Mr. Fly (Sleuth Reporter)

September 30, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

It’s been a pleasure reporting for my friends. Hope you have gotten a chuckle or at least raised an eyebrow. Just be glad that you have an eyebrow and can chuckle. Most of my fly friends have trouble just talking. So, even though we didn’t get to postseason, it was a great season. Sheesh, humans are so hard to please.

Paladin From one flyboy to another, don’t swat me or I’ll buzz you!

By Lew

September 30, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

KC-Of course Anders doesn’t want Glavine back in NY next year-they don’t need him because they have Pedro for the full season. He will win the Cy Young award and re-start their consecutive division streak. Besides, they still have Maine and El Duque-what a great corps of pitchers-easily enough to win another division.

Now, I’ve made no attempt to disguise my contempt for the Mets and their fans, but unless badgered personally by them again, I won’t try to rub salt in their wounds. However, it would be highly satisfying to have NoBrainZone come here once more so he could tell me just how wrong I was about the Mets’ pitching. All of that crap that I took and look-I was right after all. The Mets’ pitching absolutely sucked. I was right about Hamels, Sanchez, Nolasco and Johnson going down with injury and I was right about the Mets’ staff. I am somewhat vindicated for all the Troll dung I had to wade through. May our doorstep never again be darkened by Trolls. Amen and Selah.

By Braves Fan 79

September 30, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

Is it me or is TBS turning into a cheap version of the WomensEntertainment channel?? Bloobers and cheap B movies are more worthy of showing than the Tradition of the Braves!?? And dont even get me started on the crap that they call house of payne….its like a combo of BET and WE channel now! WTF!! TED WHERE DID U GO!???

By Mets rule You drool

September 30, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

Here are the rules mouth breahters-

Second place teams cant say anthing about first place teams (even thought we gave handed it to them)

Third place teams cant say SH!T! about anyone because you werent even a factor.

Become a factor then you can have an opinion, until then admit you suck and shut it!

So spend the next 6 months figuring out how you can stay in the race until September, or get to 80 wins or something, and the Amazin’s and the Philths can talk about who is going to take it all next year.

The Amazins in ‘08!!!!! The year of REVENGE!!!!!!!!!!

By Paladin

September 30, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

…uh TyYosh, I may be wrong and if I am, I’ll be corrected instantaneously, But the option is just as much Glavine’s as it is the Muts. All he has to do is exercise it and he has tied up 13mil of Muts money for 2008.

By Savannah Guy

September 30, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

Dittos Braveheart (that’s about 375) and thanks to all for the best season ever…off the field.

A very special thanks go to Lew, who gives so much of himself to the blog and the Wurlitzer. You raise the bar and the fun on this place.

Also a special thanks to the esteemed MIB David O’Brien, the best (and most notorious) sports reporter and Blogmeister in all of sports. Really. Love ya mean it.

So, to all my friends here, it’s not goodbye…it’s see ya around. I’ll be here and hope you check in regularly too.

By ncscoots

September 30, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

I’m not one to rejoice in others’ misfortunes, so I won’t shout huzzahs re the Mets’ collapse…only marvel at the ability to accomplish the feat. Shoulda known the final nail was sticking up; Dontrelle, for all his problems the last couple of years, has OWNED the Mets.

I do feel sorry for Glavine, just not enough to want him back in a Braves’ uni. Can you imagine a rotation with Glavine, James, and Hampton? Three lefties, two of them thumbers? No, thanks.

I loved the line of “it’s only a one-year deal if it doesn’t work out [with Glavine].” That this thought even occurs is reason enough to run screaming from the idea of his return.

And, no, I’m not jacked up by the idea of pitchers such as Nate Robertson, Noah Lowery, Carlos Silva, and the like. Fact is, I have no idea who the Braves will target. I only hope that the bar will be a wee bit higher than another 40-something, because if Glavine, then what’s next? Jamie blasted Moyer?

By Paladin

September 30, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Drooler I don’t know what makes you so dumb, but it sure works.

By David O'Brien

September 30, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

Holliday went 1-for-3 today to go to .340.

He’d have to go 0-for-5 tomorrow for Chipper to win batting title.

If Holliday goes 0-for-4 tomorrow, he’d still be at .337539, slightly above Chipper’s .337231.

They’d take it to the next decimal to decide it.

By Oggie Nash

September 30, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

God in His wisdom made the fly? And then forgot to tell us why.?

By Metropolitan Man

September 30, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

The blame lies in two places. The misuse of the pen by Willie (Motas my guy, I have confidence in him, Ima keep goin to him…..) and the tired arms of the pen at the end. The METS were scoring runs, but getting outsocred by the oppnents down the stretch. Its irrelevant now but thats where the season was lost. Oh and Glavine throwing that stinker today!!!

By KC

September 30, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

Efrim: If Glavine or another quality starter is added this winter… the Braves would likely have as good a rotation as there is in the league.

The Padres are actually pretty thin after Peavy and Young (and Young was awful over the last 2 months). Maddux could well return as their 3rd starter, but he’s the oldest of the Braves old big-3.

Not sure who else has a 1-2 punch like Smoltz and Hudson. And if Hampton can make it back, it would be a pretty good back-end in this rotation as well.

By Paladin

September 30, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

Confusion Chaos Contention and Confrontation. My work here is done.

By Nurse Betty, NY Clinic

September 30, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

Mutt Drooler Time to get back here now. Your day time pass is up. Don’t be late for your medications. Did you say that your baseball team was amazing? How wonderful. Those dreams and wishes are healthy I suppose. Did they get in the thing they call playoffs?

Ok, back now. Chop chop.

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 30, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy,

Classic!!!!!!!!!!!! Andruw sounds a bit like Peter Sellers in Being There….

By Braves Fan 79

September 30, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

ncscoots: hey jamie moyer just got the phillies in the playoffs today. I think Glavine still has value and would be a GREAT asset to our club!
I just hope all our relievers are healthy next year so were deep after our 5-6 inning pitchers get tired! Go Braves! hopefully ive seen woodcrap get his last strikeout with RISP in a Braves uniform.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))

September 30, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

Unbelievable , 84-78. Exactly as I predicted. I hate myself.

By Supes

September 30, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Drooler…next year is the year of “Revenge”:LMAO: Are you fraking kidding us or what?

The NY Mets are an old team with overpriced, over the hill vets and aside from Beltran, Reyes and Wright have no future all stars at any positions! None! TAKE THAT…Where is the rest of the talent? Ruben Gotai and Lastings Milledge!!!: Those guys couldn’t make the Braves AAA team!

Meanwhile the future for the Braves looks so much better!

Finally get rid of Andruw Jones and they will have Tex batting cleanup next year for the entire season! That alone should put the fear of God in you!

Braves lineup will be better and complete from top the bottom and will be near the top of the league in runs scored.

Braves pitching will be better after a trade or two and our pen will be better when Gonzo returns in the spring, plus all the young studs from AAA they brought up late in the year and Pete Moyland who is pretty damn good!

Take that, HOW’s that Taste for “Revenge”! Revenge my a**, more like one and done for the NY Mets!

Next year it’ll be Braves, Phillies and Marlins battling for the NL East, with the Mets in the back!

By True Braves Fan

September 30, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

DOB: Question for your opinion…Marlins have a young fourth outfielder named Cody Ross. He is hitting .333 with 12 HR and makes 400,000. 1. Does he have the range to play CF? 2. Would the Marlins entertain a trade for him. I have really liked what I have seen of him against the Braves this year.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))

September 30, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

Metro Man , you suck. Your team stinks. The Muts monumental collapse is one for the ages. Jimmy Rollins quote: We are the team to beat. The man is a genius !

By GermanBravesFan

September 30, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

I’d like to take a moment to congratulate the NEW YORK METS for an excellent second place finish in the National League East! At least the $100 million + payroll ensured them a whiff at the playoffs! Well done!

By ncscoots

September 30, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

I just hope all our relievers are healthy next year so were deep after our 5-6 inning pitchers get tired!

I refer you to a multitude of posts in February and March of this year expressing that same sentiment: that the “bullpen would shorten games”, etc., etc. Don’t think that plan went too swimmingly.

Bullpens that throw 500+ innings, instead of 400 or fewer, die in the twilight before the dark night of third place…and wonder, upon expiring, that the daylight of the starters were so dim.

Deep starts, big innings, and a fearless closer win ballgames.

By THE BLOG

September 30, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

HEY COACH, IF IT MAKES YOU FEEL ANY BETTER, WE HATE YOU TOO! AND YOU’RE STILL A DICK!

By Willie Randolph

September 30, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

Would you like fries with that?… Drooler, you and No Chop Zone get busy washing out those garbage cans.

By Metropolitan Man

September 30, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

Wow COACH, you came up with all that by yourself. I appreciate the game so the phithies winning has just added another team for me to root against due to METS reasons. Metropolitan Man doesnt suck, but the teams he roots for occassionaly does. As far as J. Rollins and Steve Phillips, they need to issue out lotto numbers. Well S. Phillips can give you half of those numbers. So yeah, the METS sucked and thats where the line gets drawn. No need to go back and forth on who ended up where in the race, the METS sucked a little less than the braves but still sucked. History was made so you rubbing it in means very little. My phone wont stop ringing now form baseball fans across the USA rubbing it in. The only thing that can make it sad is watching the faces of the FANS who wear their emotions on their sleeve, this METs fans actually has his emotions in check. How??? I think its has to do with the fact that its the philthies and not the braves that will be playing. Other than that, im salty right now but not in a very METSY mood. Theres nothing anyone can say or write that a philthies or stankees fan hasnt said to me yet!!!!

LETS GO BASEBALL!!!!

By Tanyon & Kelly

September 30, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

savannah guy - your fly is open

By Tanyon & Kelly

September 30, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

savannah guy - your fly is open

By Coach's Nurse

September 30, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

Coach If you sh!t your pants once more time, I’m going to take your big boy pants away!

By The Grinch

September 30, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

Hey, MetroMan; we’re even football wise so it’s time to settle into a different groove. There’s enough of us on here to give you %^$#; I’ll shift gears. You’re welcome. :-)

By Efrim

September 30, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

KC

The Braves will not have the best rotation in the NL.

Dude, the season just ended. The offseason is upon us. Many trades can be made, many free agents may be signed. Way too early to say anything like that, and honestly, Tom Glavine and his 4 plus ERA is NOT going to make the Braves the best rotation in the NL.

You are too much man. This team just went 84-78 and was a non factor in the National League on the last weekend of the year.

Your optimism is great, but you need to take a step back and understand that the this team really f*** up this year.

WHO KNOWS WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THEM NEXT YEAR?????

I agree, with the Mets screwing up and showing their true colors, the NL is wide open, even next season, but it was wide open this year and we didnt take advantage of it. Even an eternal optimist such as yourself should be able to see that. Their are a lot of teams that are getting better as well. Not to mention the Phillies kicked our butts(as well as the Mets) and are the NL EAST Champs.

Simmer down.

By Tombstone

September 30, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

Here lays MetroMan. We planted him raw. He was quick on the trigger, but slow on the draw.

By Dale Earnhardt

September 30, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

Second place is just the first place loser

By Boog

September 30, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

The best thing Glavine could do to help the Braves is to stay with the mutts!

By Metropolitan Man

September 30, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

Whats up GRINCH?? Yeah, we already discuseed it so football season it is. However until one of these bums wins the WS (not the stankees or philthies), I can not turn a blind eye. So Im up for those brews and football but is it safe to root for the Saints and Giants??? They may extend my misery into the winter. I applaud you GRINCH, you are ready for Falcons footbal no matter what. So Im taking you up on the offer because I need a pitcher (beer) the size of Texas just to get the METS monkey off my back. Hey GRINCH, I know we can get cheap tickets for the Saints- Falcons game online so lets set that up. But beofre then I want to hit that sports bar we went to last year, let me know.

By JJMB

September 30, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

This season was completely worth it just to see the stinking Muts choke on the very last day of the season. And Glavine taking it up the poopchute really topped it all off. They will never wash the stink off. Never. What a great year!

Chipper really blew it. Trying to pay it safe cost him big time. I hope Holliday goes 5-for-5 tomorrow, and also gets the MVP.

By Efrim

September 30, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

KC

And if the Dodgers trade Kemp, Kershaw and Loney for Johan Santana????

Again, another possibility.

By ncscoots

September 30, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

Efrim, come on, man, LOL…asking KC to not be optimistic is like asking jimmy to not talk about pie, or Lew to not be gruff, or nathan to not complain, or…oh, any number of things that make the blog what it is. Were these constants to suddenly change, I would wonder whence had flown the blog, and would fear the apocalypse to be near. :-)

By Eric C.

September 30, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this

Metropolitan Man, I’m impressed with your dignity…my hat is off to you.

No Chop Zone, (if you are listening) several months back, a few Met fans were here celebrating a Phillies victory over the Braves… remember that? As I stated back then, “be careful of what you wish for.”

Take care fellow Braves fans. I think if that big comeback win over the Phillies had happened about 3 weeks earlier…maybe it would have been different. It seems like after the 24-12 start, the Braves were scratching and clawing the rest of the way to get on a roll and just couldn’t quite do it. It was fun anyway.

By dunwoody in denver

September 30, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

Just got back from the Rockies game…

I told ya’ll last weekend the Rockies would go no worse than 5-1 to finish the season; gotta admit that winning 13 out of 14 to force a playoff is rather impressive.

Got tickets to tomorrow night’s game too; even though they’re facing the best right-hander in baseball in Jake Peavy I still like their chances. Even if they don’t win, it’s still been the most fun I’ve had with a baseball team since ‘95.

DOB, you should’ve seen the weather here today; sunny, 70 degrees, 20% humidity, views of the freshly snowcapped mountains; ahhh…fall in Colorado (even better than springtime in the South)…

By JJMB

September 30, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

*By JJMB

April 1, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

I think the Braves miss the post season. Starting pitching will kill them. Smoltz will do well, like last year. Hudson will struggle, like last year. That leaves James, Redman and Cromier. Please. Hampton? Please². Starting pitching will eat up the new bullpen.

I think Chipper will miss about 30 games, maybe more. 1b will be unproductive. Ditto 2b (and Cox will march Johnson out there game after game after game, like he did with Giles).

Frenchy and AJ will have decent years, but will fold in clutch situations. Renteria and McCann will have good years.*

This was my 2007 prediction. I missed a few things, but it wasn’t too far off. The biggest miss was Hudson.

By B Cox

September 30, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

My favorite sandwich would be layers of crispy green boogers slathered with yellow mucous nestled between my index finger and thumb, a dill pickle, & root beer…mmmm, golly gee sounds good!

By ncscoots

September 30, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

Rockies-Padres reminds me of my favorite it-will-never-happen change in the playoff rules:

Two wild-card teams. But those two teams play one game against each other to see who gets to the Division Series. It makes the wild-card winner use up a pitcher, play an extra game, and perhaps an extra day of travel.

As it stands now, there’s very little advantage given to the division winner that plays the wild-card…a single home game in a short series. The wild-card play-in would disadvantage the second-place teams, a proper thing, IMO, and increase the reward to the best record in the regular season.

Somebody call Bud, LOL.

By ssiscribe

September 30, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

Top of the evening, denizens, on this the day the baseball season ended for the Braves, and the Mets completed their journey into infamy.

MetroMan, I’m sorry, dude. Hurts when your baseball team falls apart; yours just happened to do it in September, whereas mine normally does it the 10th month of the year.

To the Trolls, you got what you deserve for coming on here, being foul and vulgar and otherwise disrespectful. Chew on this one all offseason, knowing your vaunted Mets finish just four games ahead of the horrid Braves. Serves you right.

To the bloggers, it’s been fun, even though the Braves couldn’t push it to the final weekend.

To DOB and CR, God bless both of your souls for putting up with us. Job well done, scribes.

That’s all I got. Enjoy the playoffs. Vegas is calling, and so too is laundry. Let’s go Thrashers!!! See y’all at Blueland!

Selah, denizens!!!

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By jbutler

September 30, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

Dunwoody…I’m beyond jealous. I got tixs earlier this year to today’s game, but had to give them up about a month ago. What are the chances. Only got to Coors once this year. Have a blast tomorrow. How fun will that park be???

DOB Yea…Bob is my cousin. He’s just a decent guy- I used to see him more when he was calling KU basketball/football- but now that he’s doing the Royals, its pretty rare to see him. Great J-school at KU. Onto the offseason we go…Go Rox!!!

By JJMB

September 30, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

so much for trying to italicize.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

September 30, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

Mets rule, are you serious. You’re right. The Braves finished third behind the Mets but that is only because there wasn’t one more week to the season. The difference between the Braves and Mets is that the Braves didn’t have A FREAKIN SEVEN GAME LEAD WITH 17 TO PLAY and blow it. Pal, your team was the fourth best playing team in the division. No, scratch that. The fifth best playing team. The Fish did take two of three, did they not. Also, not only did the Mets blow it but the blew it at home. They lost five of their last six in their own backyard.

Say whatever you want to make yourself feel better. Fact of the matter is that your team had a collapse unlike any that has ever been seen before in the history of baseball. The Braves played winning ball down the stretch. Same can’t be said of the “Amazins”. To hell with the “Amazins”. They just showed us what we already knew and that is they are overhyped and lack true grit.

And, once again you are playing second fiddle to the Yanks. You know the NY team that actually made the playoffs.

By Paladin

September 30, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

jbutler Thanks for filling in for CL and for keeping us reasonably sane and “proper”. You are a true lady and we appreciate(d) you. Have a good off-season and we’ll get it done next year.

By Coach (I'm a Dick with a Nurse)

September 30, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

Don’t hate me because I’m a D.O.N.K.E.Y. , hate me because I’m right most of the time. Sometimes you just have to be a dick to see the truth. O’yea , it helps to have a triple digit baseball IQ. here is my latest : This fan is vastly optimistic about the 2008 Braves season. Question for Braves nation and Mets nation , who did the worst job , Cox or Randolph ?

By Todd A

September 30, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

“Should have plunked Craig one last time.”

I just spit my coffee all over my keyboard.

By Robert

September 30, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

“This season was completely worth it just to see the stinking Muts choke on the very last day of the season”

If you’re gonna have so much emotionally invested in another team, why just become their fan and be done with it

By CalCuse

September 30, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

Mets Fans Everywhere: See? Pretty difficult winning it twice in a row, isn’t it? TRY 14!!!

By fastasballs

September 30, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

At least the season ended on a positive note. The team played great the past several weeks. They showed some fight & finished with a much better record than last year. To top it off the Muts crumbled like a stale Oreo.

The 2008 team will need starting pitching (duh) & a center fielder who can play defense & hit for average. With Andruw coming off the books, Hampton after 2008 & Liberty seemingly increasing the payroll I don’t see why the Braves can’t fill their needs. They have prospects & a few vets to trade plus funds to sign someone with. It’s going to be a lot easier to fill the Braves needs than the Muts.

If Chuck James can develop a 3rd pitch & increase his stamina he will continue to improve, but without it he’s probably peaked, IMO. He has little stamina & by the 3rd time around the order he gets clobbered because he doesn’t have another pitch to go to & hitters have him timed.

You can’t count on Hampton, but he will be in the mix as well. Jo Jo looked a lot better his last two starts & Bennett came out of no where to contribute. Cormier should compete for the 5th spot as well.

In 2006 the Braves lacked a pen & starters. In 2007 they lacked starters, but gained a pen. In 2008 they should have a stable of starters & a pen full of power arms. Oh & quite an offense as well. Plus they will be very deep in many positions with a lot of major league ready talent on the farm & many more getting close.

The bench has to be addressed as well. It was horrible this year. Woodman, Wilson, & Orr just doesn’t cut it. The bench should be much better, but a couple of vets like a Conine or Ward make a lot of difference over the season. Just look how many times Woodward, Orr & Thorman failed in critical AB’s this season.

Last, but not least, can the Braves hire someone that will teach these guys some fundamentals of the game? Nothing elaborate, just bunting, hitting the ball to the off field, picking up a base coach when the ball is behind them & taking a few pitches when the opposing pitcher is wild or you need base runners. I have no scientific research to back it up, but I would dare say the Braves are still playing baseball this season if they were more fundamentally sound. At least 5-6 games (probably more) would have been won if they could have just performed things seen on Little League fields all over the country.

By chrisklob

September 30, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

Robert, I am so proud of you. Your 8.19 does not have any negativity directed towards BC. In fact, his name is not even mentioned in this post.

Granted, it is a short one — four lines total. And you only wrote two of them but I’m uplifted and encouraged. I think we’ve made a breakthrough here tonight. Congratulations!

By Stinky

September 30, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

Third place teams cant say SH!T! about anyone because you werent even a factor.

Second Place teams are simply the first losers you look at in the standings.

By car3boogie

September 30, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

DOB & followers.. My first season with you all. Did not post a lot but read it ALL. You all made my Braves season better.

Baseball, BBQ, & Music.. in one place COOL.

DOB more 70’s Southern Rock next season.

Thanks guys & Gals

By JJMB

September 30, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

“If you’re gonna have so much emotionally invested in another team, why just become their fan and be done with it”

After considering your proposal, NO. I prefer to hate NY.

By Reid in EAV

September 30, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

Aww, I’m all misty-eyed. Well, off into hot stoveland until late Feb. Already can’t wait for pitchers and catchers. Maybe if I book it now, I can actually afford to get down south for a March game or three. Hope springs eternal. In the meantime, I’ll get in some runs on the groomers and the powder out west. (Only two seasons in my world: baseball and skiing. One fortunately kicks in right as the cheers from the last out of the Fall Classic are echoing into the night.)

Metro Man — you’ve got some class. Almost made me feel bad for all my schadenfreude today. Almost. ;-)

Go Braves!

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

September 30, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

DOB

Let’s assume the Braves win it all in the near future. Would you be tempted to write a book chronicling the season from a beat writer’s perspective?

By Julia

September 30, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

How did the sammich contest end up? What is the favorite sammich of the blog? I KNOW two of us voted for the SHRIMP SAMMICH and I’ll bet a few more did, too.

I love a SHRIMP SAMMICH just dripping butter. I like it when the bun gets s-o-g-g-y and the shrimp start to slide o-u-t. That’s when I use my famous l-i-p-s to draw in the SHRIMP from the SHRIMP SAMMICH.

Now the season is over and a lot of you will be missing in a few days. Please cast your votes before you go and please remember the TASTY SHRIMP SAMMICH.

By Tomahawkin' Again

September 30, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

I want to thank all the denizens and DOB for a most enjoyable season. I still can’t believe that I’m reading that the fans are pining for Glavine’s return (his choke job today, his choke job in ‘02 playoffs against Giants…remember?), but other than that, all is good. Let AJ walk, sign Tex to a long term contract, get a starter, put KJ in left, keep Renteria @ SS and put Yunel @ 2nd. Notorious DOB, you’re the best and I’ll see you at Dark Star in February when we’re getting ready to board this crazy train again. 2008 World Series Champions, the Atlanta Braves.

By Baseball Fanatic (Go Braves!)

September 30, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

Stinky 3rd place teams can’t say what? I know what one 2nd place team is going to be saying… “If only we’d beaten that 3rd place nonfactor sooner…maybe we wouldn’t be sucking our thumbs in October…”

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

September 30, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

Well, fellow Braves fans take solace in the fact that the Braves have fewer questions to answer going into this offseason than last offseason. The team has an excellent foundation with Kelly Johnson, Escobar, Francoeur (whom I am betting will get a contract similar to McCann’s), McCann, B. Jones, Aybar, Ascaino, Reyes, and Devine (?).

Yes, the Braves will have to replace Andruw. I think it will his defense that will be hardest to replace. I can’t imagine it would be too hard to find a guy to hit. 220 and strikeout almost every single time a big hit is needed. I am beginning to think that player may be found through trade more than free agency. The Braves may decide to sign a solid #3 starter through free agency because any starter acquired through trade would likely cost the Braves Escobar, whom they would be crazy to trade.

I won’t go into who the Braves could get through trade right now. A guy like Joey Gaithright would provide the defense. His bat is the question. I would love to see Griffey Jr. here. With what he is making it would basically be just replacing Andruw’s salary. I think Griffey definitely has another run in him and one thing Cox is good at doing is resting guys when they need it. Griffey for about 120 to 130 games would be great. Renteria could get that done but I would assume a pitcher would have to go in the deal. The Braves could possibly sweeten the pot with Devine or Ascaino. Someone brought up Nate McClouth’s name. He would be a cheap option.

B. Jones can platoon with Diaz in left. Diaz should not be going anywhere unless it is part of a package that would bring a top of the line starter or bat in CF.

The Braves bench should be in better shape next year. Cox should be fired on the spot if he even thinks of bringing back Chris Woodward. Corky Miller or Sammons can back up McCann. I think B. Pena should be on the bench. He can play LF, 1B, 3B, and catch. Of course, either Diaz or B. Jones will always be on the bench. Wily Aybar should be able to nail down another spot. He can play 1B, 2B, or 3B. The fifth spot will be a bit trickier. Scott Thorman could fill it but somebody who can play some CF will be needed. Willie Harris could fill that role but I’m not sure I have faith he can do it. The Braves do have a few options in the minors. Gregor Blanco would be one. Apparently, he isn’t good enough to be an everyday starting CF but I would imagine he would be a helluva option off the bench with his speed and patience at the plate.

The main piece the Braves need is a starter to compliment Hudson and Smoltz. I don’t want to hear about Mike Hampton because he cannot be relied upon. A guy like Carlos Silva would be great. So, would a Jason Jennings. Either one of those guys as the #3 which would push Hampton to a #4 and James a #5 with Carlyle, Bennett, Cormier, and Reyes as backup plans. Actually, I think Reyes should be a part of the roation. Honestly, James and Hampton should be fighting for the #5 spot with Hampton having the inside edge. James out of the bullpen would be terrific. Just imagine this bullpen: Soriano, James, Moylan, Mahay, and Ascaino with Devine ,Parronto, Villareal, Acosta, and Carlyle fighting for the last two spots with Mike Gonzales coming in mid season.

I really believe that unlike last year this team just needs some tweaking. This team is good and good enough to make the playoffs. They should have this year.

I will say this. If Glavine can be had for around $10 to $12 mil at a one year contract, then I do believe that JS should make that deal. Glavine, Smoltz, Hudson, Reyes, and Hampton is not a bad rotation at all. I am bit uneasy having two 40+ year olds in the rotation along with a 35 year old who is susceptible to getting hurt everytime he opens a loaf of bread. However, it could be worth the risk. I still think it might be wise to sign a Carlos Silva if he can be had for a cheap price.

Now, there is one other option that I’m almost afraid to even bring up. What about Mark Prior? He could be had for cheap. The Cubs are all but done with him. If the Braves could get him for cheap, he could be well worth it.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

September 30, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

The Braves finished 15-12 in September but lost four out of the last five played , ending the season on a sour note. 16-9 in April and 15-12 in September with four very mediocre months in between. 79-83 in 2006 , 84-78 in 2007 , that is just five games difference. There is more to the last two seasons than pitching woes to point the finger at. Bobby Cox , your a Hall of Fame manager and the most overrated manager in baseball.

By Metropolitan Man

September 30, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

(I’m a Dick with a Nurse): Randolph did the worse, he had better pen pieces and misused them. Dragging Mota out their cost Glavine, Pedro, Perez, and Maine victories. Cox, didnt have much to put out there and it showed. Booth Men mismanaged but Willie mismanagement may cost him his job. We know Booby aint going nowhere so my vote is for Randolph. His new name by METS fan is Randope…..until he erases this season from the METS long memories.

By Stinky

September 30, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

Baseball Fanatic, learn what italics mean on this blog. Ignorant johnny-come-lately wuss.

By Efrim

September 30, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

Offseason scenario

This isn’t what I want to happen, but what I think will happen….

1) Signing Tom Glavine to a one year 8 million dollar deal

He isn’t that good anymore. 12-10 with a 4.20 ERA is what I think we will get from him, but that is better than most. He is the most convenient starting pitching option for the Braves this offseason. They should have the money to sign him. The starting rotation should look pretty good. NOT the best in the National League. I can’t believe people woud even say that….Look at the Dodgers..Lowe, Penny, Billingsley, Schmidt, and whoever, that is already a better rotation. And do not sleep on the Mets with Pedro, Maine, Perez, El Duque and whoever Glavine’s replacement is.

2) Trading Edgar Renteria to the Detroit Tigers for Fernando Rodney.

Okay, so you don’t think the Braves could get Rodney? Think again. There are a lot of relievers on the market this year. Tigers could replace him. They have Zumaya anyways. They need a Shortstop and Leyland loves Renteria. There are really no starting pitchers out on the market in trades. I am NOT a Noah Lowry fan at all. We need another reliever. Mike Gonzales isn’t comin back till July and Moylan is more suited to be the “get out of jams” reliever as suppose to the #1 set-up guy. Rodney is filthy. Many may say we should ask for CF back in a trade for Renteria, but if we are dealing him to free up Escobar and saving 6 million than we should be able too….

3) Sign Centefielder Mike Cameron to a 2 year 16 million dollar deal.

Despite what many Braves fans may feel about this, it would be a good move. He can still pick it, and post a .780 OPS. 2 year deal would be enough time so that Jordan Schafer can continue to progress in the minors. If Schafer pushes Cameron, well than that isn’t a problem either, deal Cameron if that happens. Rowand is going to ask for 5 years and 60 million, and if the Braves officials really believe Schafer could be Grady Sizemore, than why lock up Rowand or anyone else for that matter. Cameron makes a lot of sense.

4) Strengthen the Bench.

A little vague, I know, but this team is going nowhere unless they have better bats on the bench. Brandon Jones and Matt Diaz should platoon, and Martin Prado and Brayan Pena need to be on the bench. I don’t know why Cox doesn’t like Pena to catch, but he should. I would say good bye to Scott Thorman, Pete Orr and Chris Woodward. Here is the 25 man roster with some bench spots that need to be filled:

C McCann

1B Teixiera

2B Johnson

SS Escobar

3B Jones

LF Diaz/Jones

CF Cameron

RF Francouer

SP Smoltz

SP Hudson

SP Glavine

SP James

SP Hampton

RP Villareal

RP Devine

RP Yates

RP Mahay/Ring

RP Moylan

RP Rodney

RP Soriano

BN Prado

BN Pena

BN

BN

BN

By Baseball Fanatic (Go Braves!)

September 30, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Stinky Don’t you dare call me a “Johny-come-lately!” I have been here for quite a while.

By Stinky

September 30, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

RobertJIB, Normally I have no beefs with the content of your posts. But Glavine for 10 to 12 very large?

Come on. Glavine elevated his ERA to 4.45 today. He’s got a history of fading down the stretch. His fastball tops out at 85. He barely hit 200 innings this year. And he’ll be 42 when the season starts next year.

By N8

September 30, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

A few things people.

1) Congrats to the Phillies. When their backs were against the wall, they came to play. Their fans showed up on a nightly basis and fired up their team. I feel bad (only a little) for Glavine, but find it amusing to say the least that the Mets completely collapsed. Good stuff, IMO.

2) I guess Jimmy Rollins was right, huh? Rollins not only made a bold prediction in Spring Training (which he got blasted for), but he not only looks like a prophet, while doing so, he went out and did EVERYTHING he could do to make sure it happened. Jimmy Rollins is the NL MVP, IMO.

3) I feel bad for Glavine, but maybe his poor outing sealed his departure in NY (would those fans EVER want him back). The Mets loss, should be our gain. Glavine is NOT the same guy that dominated the NL in the 90’s. But so what. We have two aces in Smoltz and Hudson. Glavine is LIGHT YEARS ahead of what we have to put in the 3 Spot of our rotation.

SIGN HIM QUICKLY JS!

4) Was I the only one that got goose bumps watching the Phillies celebration, while hearing the final out be called by Harry Calas (IMO, the greates voice in broadcasting). Refreshingly exciting. Reminded my of 1991. Just not quite as enjoyable.

5) To those suggesting that Andruw might accept a 5 year 75 million dollar deal to “stay in Atlanta” (despite Bora$$ refuting that notion). WHY ON EARTH would we want that? I’d be OK (at best) with him signing a very friendly “hometown discount” one year deal to remain in Atlanta. Anything beyond that is a mistake IMO.

If that “money” could be used on one or the other between Glavine returning to Atlanta or retaining Andruw for one more year, JS would be a fool to give that money to Andruw. Now, if JS can swindle BOTH. All the better.

But seriously people, we DON’T need him anymore. Adios. Many thanks for you time.

By Stinky

September 30, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

All right BF. You’re an idiot-dolt for not understanding that italics signify a quote.

By Baseball Fanatic (Go Braves!)

September 30, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

Stinky Thank you for enlightening me. I feel like I can blog easy now. But wait…wasn’t it you who called the Braves a nonfactor? And I’m sorry for using quotation marks as qoutes…please forgive me!

By tyyosh

September 30, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

Paladin,

Agreed it’s Glavine’s option (I don’t think it’s two way). But I was thinking that the team might tell him something like, “you can exercise your option, but you should know that we really don’t want you here at all.” It would not be a comfortable place to be…

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

September 30, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

Glavine doesn’t have to be an ace , we just need him to be a steady third starter in the middle of the Braves rotation in 2008.

By Princeton Review

September 30, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Coach, we’re sorry. You do not have a 100 baseball IQ. We switched test scores with someone else. Nope, you are still a retard scoring a 63. Sorry for that mistake.

By Baseball Fanatic (Go Braves!)

September 30, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

Stinky I am so sorry. Can you ever forgive me for using quotation marks instead of the italics? I seek your approval so much.

By Efrim

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

Glavine is not going to be on the Mets next year, and there is no way he wants his career to finish out like that, so he is a Brave for 8 million. CAMERON NEEDS TO BE A BRAVE AS WELL.

By Shaun

September 30, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera, yes, stats are meaningless. I’d much rather just jump to conclusions without looking at any evidence. That’s the perfect way to look at things.

I think I’ll go with Connor Jackson as the NL MVP. He’s the key player on the team that won the most games. It’s sad no one can appreciate what he brings to that team.

The Grinch, you said a lot of things today that I’ve never argued.

I’ve never argued batting average is irrelevant, good players will suck at 28 and Ryan Howard is weak. Apparently you really have no clue as to what I argue when I post.

Batting average only tells part of the story. It doesn’t take into account walks, HBP or total bases. And it doesn’t tell you how often a player gets on base or makes an out. All this is clearly obvious. If you get out of that batting average is “irrelevant” I suggest you read it slowly and carefully and digest it.

Players generally peak in their late 20s, usually around 26 or 27. That means they will likely have their best seasons in their late 20s, barring injury or some other problems that have little or nothing to do with talent. If you get out of that good player will “suck” by the time they’re 28, I suggest you read it more slowly and carefully and digest it.

Finally, Ryan Howard is a great player. His season last year wasn’t as impressive as some of the great seasons of all time—Ruth’s best seasons, Bonds’s best seasons, Mantle’s best seasons, Honus Wagner’s best seasons—mostly because he didn’t get on base or post as impressive a slugging percentage as players did in the best seasons in history. If you get out of this that Howard is “weak” I suggest you read it more slowly and carefully and digest it.

Come on folks, these things aren’t hard to figure out. Free your mind and stop listening to people’s hype and pay attention to the evidence. It’s there for all to see. I don’t just make up this for my health. The evidence is there for all to see, if you just look at it. I know you folks are smarter than that. You can hate me all you want, but please just look at evidence. Don’t believe you can trust everything Joe Morgan or Jayson Stark or Tim McCarver tell you.

By Stinky

September 30, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

Sorry BF. You’re Stupid. The Stupid Shall Be Punished. Just ask Paladin.

By chrisklob

September 30, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

tyyosh Here are the details of Glavine’s contract concerning 2007 and 2008:

• guaranteed with 160 IP in 2007
• additional $1M (up to $13M) for each additional 10 IP in 2007
• may be declined by Glavine if it becomes guaranteed full no-trade clause

Glavine pitched 200.1 innings this year which means he’ll max out his potential salary next year at $13m.

What I think is interesting is the $3m buyout. Mets might decide to send him on his way and give him his dough up front. Let’s face it, they’ve got a lot more money than sense. He might take his cash from the Mets and be quite content giving a hometown discount to the Braves just for “old-times’ sake”.

BTW, this information came from Cot’s Baseball contracts website which I have found to be quite accurate.

The other interesting point to consider is this: Tommy G is a union boy. He was the player rep for them for many years when he was in ATL (not sure about lately). The union NEVER wants a player to take less money because they feel it artificially deflates the market for other players. That may be a key point in his decision on where he wants to play next year, if he plays at all.

By Shaun

September 30, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

The Grinch, I love all your false dilemmas:

1. If players generally peak around 26 or 27, then they must generally suck by 28.

2. If batting average doesn’t take into account other things besides hits that help a team score, then it is irrelevant.

3. If Ryan Howard didn’t have a historically valuable season, he must be weak.

By Efrim

September 30, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

Shaun

Or Rob Neyer?????

Just kidding man.

So who would you like to see on this team next year? Are you with me on Cameron, Glavine and trading for Fernando Rodney???

By Baseball Fanatic (Go Braves!)

September 30, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

So Stinky, What exactly constitutes stupid? Just wondering…

By ssiscribe

September 30, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Hello again, denizens, as I enjoy my vacation in full swing with a good drink and a cigar on the back patio …

When I posted earlier, i didn’t realize the Rocks and Padres finished tied for the wild card. Sweet indeed! And the first pitch of the play-in game comes about the time we’re going through security. To quote my beautiful wife, “Cool, we’ll get to see most of that one before we board the plane.”

And you wonder why I’m taking her to Vegas for our anniversary?!?

Now, Braves (noted transition by the Scribe): I packed four Braves shirts for the trip. Still proud of them. Given all that happened this year, I don’t know if 84 wins could’ve been expected, had we known all the twists and dips this ride was going to take upon leaving Mickey’s Place in March. Should’ve won 90, minimum, but didn’t happen. Oh, well, at least the restraints from Time Warner are off and I think you’ll see quite a busy offseason for the hometown nine.

And DOB, I’m with ya on Edgar: What a class guy. I was there the night he got hurt, when Lamb slammed the Astros back into that game on Aug. 2 and the Bravos lost in extra innings. That turned things, methinks, in hindsight. Tough night. But the Biggio standing O as the game went into extras that night at Turner Field was cool, something my bride and I both mentioned today as one of the greats of my generation hung ‘em up in H-Town.

Now, play-in game (more transition): Rooting like crazy for the Rockies. Can you imagine an NL tournament with the Cubs, Rox and Phils? Man, who had them in the spring … and for that matter, the D’Backs, too? Wow. Should be a helluva lotta fun watching those games unfold starting Wednesday.

Now, bloggin (one more transition): I trust the blog will continue as the offseason begins, and it will be a place to talk about the playoffs and a place to talk about what the Braves will/should do in looking toward 2008, along with the usual MIB/Pie/Toes/BBQ/Music fare. I don’t know if I’ll be on here after this for a few days — I’ll be hanging with the greatest double-play combo in the world tomorrow before I kiss them goodbye tomorrow evening — but as a regular on here, I request that the conversation be good-spirited, lively, and PG-rated please. And no trolls allowed.

Of course, after the past two weeks, I don’t think the trolls have much to say, now do they? If so, bust out a little “London Bridge” for them …

And I don’t mean the Fergie version; think Nursery Rhyme here:

“New-York-Mets are fallin’ down, fallin’ down, fallin’ down; New-York-Mets are fallin’ down … let’s go Phillies (or Cubbies, or Rockies; fill in your rooting selection here)”

I’m outta here. Off to Vegas to chilly chill with my best girl, recharge the battery, get my party on and enjoy the first few days of the postseason. The Braves aren’t in it, but I’ll still enjoy the greatest month of baseball of the year nonetheless. The battles of October indeed are special. We’ll be there next year, denizens, and it will be grand.

For now, enjoy the grand ole’ game amid its glorious splendor. With that, from the southern rim of the capital city, in these last fleeting minutes of September, I bid you farewell … for now.

Go Braves, always and forever.

Go Thrashers, time to build off last year (Grinch, bro, we MUST get to a game. Hit me up and let’s make it happen before they leave on that seven-game roadie in late October).

Go Dogs and Jackets (wishing well for both squads).

God bless each of you; may your days and nights this offseason be warmed by the thought of what’s to come in 2008 … and the conversation that will help to frame this offseason, and the season to come. Thanks very much for the enjoyment all of you have provided to this ol’ writer.

With that said, slot machines, the holidays, chilly days and frosty nights, trips to the mountains and memories await. Dark Star will be up and running soon enough. It is my prayer that until the Braves take the field again, all of your days are full of base hits up the middle, line drives into the gap, strikes on the black and high-fives at the end of each day.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By kick start

September 30, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

All you people are living in the past wanting Glavine back. I trust JS to fine a couple of starting pitchers and I believe he will, along with a Center fielder. The Braves need good younger pitchers not a group of old men. Glavine didn’t just blow the last game he blowed the last two he started. We already have a couple pitchers like that.I’m just glad JS is the GM instead of some of you fans. Time for old Bobby to retire also.

By KC

September 30, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

Efrim: What is it with people misquoting or misconstruing my statements this week?!

First of all, I did NOT say the “The Braves will have the best rotation in the NL next year!” I said that IF the Braves add another quality starter, they would likely have as good a rotation as there is in the league. And I meant to add that this would also depend on Hampton making it back.

And OF COURSE the way the Braves rotation stacks up against the other rotations the league is dependent on what moves the rest of the league makes this winter. I’m not sure why you felt the need to point that out. Of COURSE if any team with an already good rotation added Santana, that would automatically elevate them. Though… I must point out that if Santana is available this winter, the Braves are no less likely than anyone else to acquire him… and probably more likely than most.

Again, I did not make the declaration “BRAVES WILL HAVE THE BEST ROTATION IN THE LEAGUE”.

I said that IF the Braves add another quality starter, and meant to add “if Hampton makes it back”… the Braves would likely (OBVIOUSLY subject to what other teams are able to) have as good… not “FAR AND AWAY THE BEST!!!“… but as good a rotation as there is in the league.

My statement was a qualified one, but you make it sound like was calling the 2008 election already.

But since we’re talking about things we cannot possibly know for sure right now… how about this statement: “The Braves will not have the best rotation in the NL.”

They sure as hell might. As of right now, who has a better 1-2 punch atop their rotation in the NL? Who?? And if the Braves add a quality starter and Hampton makes it back… along with their choice of James, Reyes, or Bennett in the 5 slot… it could turn into a deep rotation next year.

Sure Efrim, we don’t know what’s going to happen. You’re absolutely right. Why then do you contradict that very valid point with a statement like “The Braves will not have the best rotation in the NL.”??

By KC

September 30, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

Efrim: I’m not sure how good a CF Corey Patterson is, but if he’s a good one… I’d rather have his speed in the lineup than Cameron’s bat.

By KYBrave

September 30, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

Figured I could give this a shot…this is what I think needs to happen with the 25-man roster:

C McCann 1B Teixeira 2B Escobar SS Renteria 3B Chipper LF Diaz CF Cameron RF Francoeur

Unless Renteria can be moved for an almost #2 SP, I would rather deal KJ for a lower #3, or packaged for a better SP. Renteria is always consistent and has been classy his entire stay with the Braves. I think Diaz has earned at least a chance at having the full-time job in LF, and letting B. Jones develop a little bit more in AAA wont hurt anything. For CF, I think Cameron works as long as it’s no longer than 3 years.

SP Smoltz SP Hudson SP Arroyo SP Glavine SP Hampton

The #5 SP in this position would be Hampton, but who knows how he will hold up over a year. Put KJ with James and see if that could bring back Arroyo? Reyes will have had another year to develop, and maybe we can find someone off the scrap heap once again. James fits in as a solid #4 SP for the rotation. Could possibly put Glavine in the #2 spot just to split Smoltz and Hudson up.

RP Villareal RP Acosta RP Yates RP Moylan RP Ring RP Devine CP Soriano

An extremely solid bullpen, that gets even better when Gonzalez returns. We have Ring as our lefty who has pitched well since being here. No reason to rush Gonzalez back.

BN Thorman 1B/LF BN Prado 2B/3B/SS BN Pena C/3B/LF BN Open BN Open

Harris might fit into one of those spots, I’m not sure how he feels about losing his playing time later into this season. If not him, we need to find an OF with some speed who can play all positions similar to a Orlando Palmeiro or what about Brad Wilkerson? There are quite a few good FA this season for those spots.

Summary: We have a strong base returning, and finally we don’t really need to worry about our bullpen. If it was possible, I would love to see Dotel back if he was willing. Some of the FA I would like to maybe look at are maybe like Paul Byrd, maybe take a flyer on Clement to see if he had anything left, check the cost of a Livan Hernandez because at least he does eat innings which we desperately could use. Let me know what you think…

By Bob, Journalist

September 30, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

Mets rule You drool … it’s not really about where your team finishes but rather how you conducted yourself in the process.

You won’t be remembered well by many … and by those few who so do, you won’t be well remembered.

By Efrim

September 30, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

KC

Young and Peavy. With ease. They are a much better one, two combination.

Who has a better one, two, three???

Well, even if we get Glavine, I will still take Penny, Lowe, Billingsley or Peavy, Young, Maddux, or even Martinez, Maine, Perez.

Sorry if it seemed like I was jumping all over you but I misunderstood what you were saying.

But please, I need to know how you think the Braves have as good a shot as anyone to get Santana?????

Why would you say something like that knowing we traded our most proven minor league talents?

By Efrim

September 30, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

KC

Your kidding about Corey Patterson I hope. The man had a .690 OPS while walking 21 times. .269/.304/.386 isn’t worth the speed and defense. It just isn’t. Cameron is much more reasonable. He struck out a lot, but still picks it and will post a much more respectable OPS.

By bravesfan

September 30, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

DOB when do you think we will know if they are going to bring back Andruw?

By The Grinch

September 30, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

Howdy, all. First, let me congradulate the Gators on choking today and putting my Dawgs into a prime opportunity to win the SEC.

Ummm, Shaun, those were YOUR false dilemmas, not mine. I was just pointing them out. Are you reversing yourself and denying them now? I advise against it; it’s easy enough to bring them back up. I don’t blame you laughing at yourself, but don’t bite off more than you can chew acting like I’m making your comments up. I’ll cite them pronto, if you wish; I’ll even do them 1,2,3 with dates. Try again.

By gotigers72

September 30, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

Methinks that the last few games not meaning anything probably had something to do with Chipper not being able to turn it up in the batting race. He’s a money player, plays to win and not for personal statistics, so it probably didn’t mean as much to him. Whereas Holliday was able to turn it up a notch since his team still had a shot at the playoffs. What a shame, Chipper deserves a batting title. Wonder if he’s ever thought about just batting left handed, especially since his stats from the right side have been so much worse than those from the left side for the past couple of years.

I certainly agree with you DOB about Willie not being the every day centerfielder next year. Don’t know where the Braves thinking is on this, but would it be worth throwing a line out to Aaron Rowand to see if he might bite? Or is he too far out of the Braves league financially to even be thought about. Also he might be happy in Philadelphia since they won the division, and if they make the right offer he may stay. I just think he would look good in a Braves uniform.

A question for those of you that were in the majority in the poll that asked if the Braves should bring back Glavine. The majority that thinks they should bring him back. My question is this; ARE YOU FREAKIN’ KIDDING? He’s got an ERA around 4 1/2, about 90 years old. Hasn’t pitched well at all lately, except maybe one game. There are a lot of other pitchers with ERAs at 4 1/2 or above that would be glad to come to Atlanta for a lot less money. Are you people being sentimental, or do you actually think he could help? Cause he couldn’t. Hell, his ERA is around Chuck’s range and you know how poorly Chuck pitched this year. Think about it.

By The Grinch

September 30, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

Bob, agreed about your earlier post regarding management. Couldn’t have said it better myself. You are the man. I’m fixing to have a scotch and soda in your honnor. :-)

By Ron H

October 1, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this

Another year has passed and these Braves are not the same as the past…don’t get me wrong, i enjoyed watching them play this year, but it still stings a bit…

i have to admit that i was rooting for the Mets’ collapse, but after it happened, i didn’t feel good or bad…i guess it came to my mind that we had a worse collapse….

it’s no fun not winning the division…

By KC

October 1, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

EFRIM: “Young and Peavy. With ease. They are a much better one, two combination.”

Are you serious?

Peavy is having a CY Young season, so by the numbers, he’s obviously better than anyone in the league statistically this season. But heading into next year… I’m not going to Peavy a better pitcher than Smoltz until he can back this season up with another similar effort… or until Smoltz starts slipping (due to age).

But Peavy is as good as anyone for sure. That’s not at all my argument.

I’m just puzzled by your saying Peavy/Young are better than Smoltz/Hudson “with ease”. WITH EASE? HUH?

Sorry dude. I don’t see it. Young has been awful the last 2 months when his team has needed him most. Not bad for 2 or 3 starts… but bad for the last 1/3 of the season.

As for Santanta…

I don’t know that anyone has a great chance of getting him. But IF he’s on the block…

Yes, the Braves have traded several of their biggest young trading chips… but they have more.

Among the players that could be included in a swap for Santana:

Escobar, K.Johnson, Renteria, Lillibridge, Chuck James, Brandon Jones, Ascanio, Devine, Thorman, Brayan Pena, L.Cormier, Dan Smith (AA), Michael Nix (AA), Brandon Jones… and there are others.

Don’t misunderstand… I’m not suggesting we ship ALL of the above players to Min. for Santana, but some combination of those players could get it done… if there were a deal to be made for Santana.

There are still plenty of trading chips in this organization. Chips that could be spared without creating gaping holes in other areas.

By KC

October 1, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this

Efrim: Admittedly, I don’t know anything about Patterson’s defense. If he’s not a particularly good CF… then he shouldn’t (and I’m sure won’t) be considered.

Back on the trade topic… Here’s what I would offer for Santana:

Escobar, K.Johnson, Ascanio, Devine, Thorman

Yes, I know that’s a lot to give up… but we’ve got people to play both SS and 2B, now and likely in the future, and we’ve got good young arms in the pen already.

You’ve got to give up a lot to get a starter of Santana’s caliber (if he were available)… but he’s worth it!

By Kentavo

October 1, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this

I wish we could get to the post-season with Edgar on the roster. The man is money come clutch, playoff time, and I want to see what he could do in a Braves uni. This is an unpopular stance: but why not trade Escobar when his value will probably never be higher? If we could get a stud pitcher - like Halladay - in return, I’d do it.

By fastasballs

October 1, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this

I’m not in the bring Glavine back crowd, although I don’t hold a grudge against him like many.

I think the Braves push for a big name pitcher, probably by trade. It’s just a guess. If they have the 8-12M to sign Glavine(no doubt they do), then they could easily defer a large chunk of a contract for a better pitcher who can help for more than a season. Hampton’s salary is off the books after next year & so is Edgar’s(if he’s still here).

Wickman is gone. Andruw is gone without a doubt. Smoltz & Chipper are gone after 2010, maybe 2009 depending on health etc. That’s the majority of the Braves’ payroll gone between now & 2010.

I would guess they go after Tex hard this off season & if they do he’s going to be taking a chunk. Frenchy probably gets locked up this winter. That still leaves a nice fat deferred contract for a big name pitcher.

With all the kids currently on the team & the ones coming up in the next few years there should be a ton of money for pitching at least a while.

I don’t know the exact finances of the Braves & no one else does either, well on this blog anyway, besides DOB & if he knows he’s not telling. I do know it won’t be long until we see what types of moves the Braves make. If JS is busy early & often I’d take that as a good indication he has the liberty of spending some money & improving the team. You know it killed JS to pick players out of the perverbial “scrap heap” the past 4-5 years to fill the team needs.

With the offense they have I don’t see a need to get a big name power guy for CF. Yeah Rowand would be nice, but the money goes to pitching first. Andruw’s offensive production, minus the HR’s, could be replicated by most anyone not named Willie Harris. His RBI’s are high, but other than ARod I don’t think anyone had near the chances he did with RISP. ARod had what, 155 RBI’s to Andruw’s 96 or so.

It will be fun to watch JS play his chess match. At least it appears this year he gets to play the game with nearly all the pieces. The past few years he’s been playing without many of the pieces & moves of desperation resulted.

By David O'Brien

October 1, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

KC, I don’t think you trade Escobar. Not after the performance he put up this year, and he got better and better. Do you know that he hit .350 with a .412 OBP in his last 72 games before today?

And that he hit .361 with a .453 OBP and 17 extra-base hits in his last 33 games before today?

Dude’s special. I wouldn’t trade him.

By fastasballs

October 1, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this

DOB Do the Braves put out an internal list of their top prospects? I read some of the publications & they are so far off base with their so-called projections it’s unreal.

By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera

October 1, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this

Hey, Grinch, did you notice Shaun mischaracterized my argument all to hell and back in the same post he accuses you of doing the same thing to him?

Guess he’s all flustered by Jimmy Rollins all but sewing up the National League MVP award today. He was equally flustered last year by Ryan Howard’s winning it, which likewise flew in the face of all his purely statistical arguments against it.

You are so right, it’s pointless to argue with him. Besides, you’ve done nothing when you’ve bested a fool.

You either get it or you don’t, Shaun. You just stay there secure in your numbers-and-numbers-only cocoon if that’s where you feel safe and the world makes sense. But don’t hate on those of us who have metamorphosed into fans of the game played on grass and not stat sheets, fans who can see and think and judge for themselves.

By Wayne in Utah

October 1, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this

How about this for a CF solution? Offer Scott Thorman to KC for David DeJesus.

For starting pitching, two teams come to mind: Toronto and the White Sox.

Toronto: They have 4-5 decent starters. Try to pry Marcum or McGowan for a combo of Renteria and one or two pitching prospects. Once these two hit the rotation, they were innings eaters, and both had ERA’s around 4.00.

Chisox: Rumors earlier this month were saying that one of their starters could be had for two big time relievers. How about Moylan or Devine, packaged with Villarreal or Cormier and Ascanio or Bennett. Throw in a low A prospect if needed: Gunderson type. I would take Garland, Buehrle, or Vazquez….whoever…..

A long shot thought on a starter: What will Florida want for Scott Olsen? Would a change of scenery be what he needs to get his life and career on track?

My two cents worth. I don’t think Tom Glavine will make it easy for the Braves to return him. I have a low regard for the man. He has disappointed us twice now. Let’s not fall for it the third time.

Instead, I would rather at least make a play for Carlos Silva.

If we keep Renteria and trade KJ in his place, that is OK with me too. Although for the money, KJ gives us a better return for the dollar. AND, which would give us the best chance to get a starter? I like Fernando Rodney, but I would not trade Renteria for a reliever.

Mike Cameron is a good player, but for the money, I would prefer to make a play for guys like DeJesus, Chris Duffy, Ryan Church, Cody Ross, Corey Sullivan, or Ryan Freel. With any of those guys, if Gregor Blanco came through, it would be easier to put those guys on the bench. If we are paying Cameron over 5 million per, it would be hard to bench him.

2008 Bench: My hopes are that Willie Aybar comes back next year and provides the bat he had in 2006. He would be a suitable backup for Chipper. I also think Lillibridge is either going to start at second, or be the super sub next year. Woodward, Orr, and hopefully Willie Harris will be gone. I have greatly soured on Willie with all his K’s the past two months.

I was a bit sad to see Skip saying goodbye after the game today. I think TBS should be ashamed for leaving him off the post season roster. This ranks up there with Jerry Jones uncerimoniously dismissing Tom Landry years ago. No class!

By TLJ

October 1, 2007 1:23 AM | Link to this

Hey drool, you have got to be the biggest idot in the world. It doesn’t matter who finishes second or third. Only FIRST PLACE matters. The way your team was playing if the seaso n lasted another week you would have finished 4th or 5th.

I can’t believe a team that cost a million plus could be so bad. They don’t call them the “amazing” for nothing. Your team just had the biggest collapse in sports history, not baseball history but SPORTS HISTORY and you want to take solace in finishing second. Leo Durocher had a name for people like you, it’s LOSER.

Now let’s what you have to look forward to next year. A 37 year old catcher, a 37 year old 1B, a 30 something 2B, 42 year old LF and a 35 RF. Your starting pitching is worst. Experience counts for something, let’s see you guys finished behind the Braves 14 of the past 16 years. I guess your team has experience in being losers.

You better take pride in finishing second this year because next year it will be 4 th or 5 th.

Let’s get it straight for the record, BRAVES RULE not your wimpy mets.

By fastasballs

October 1, 2007 1:55 AM | Link to this

Wayne Glad you brought up Aybar. I keep forgetting he’s on the team. It would be much easier for JS to make a few move if he knew for sure Aybar is back. He covers 3rd as a back up, pinch hitter & runner.

I was sad as well at the end of the game today. A lot of the clips they showed after the game brought back memories of my childhood, many hours of which was in the company of my Dad, Skip, Pete & Ernie. Great times watching the games & the 1991 season was the best IMO. Even after Gladden’s game winner you couldn’t have been more proud to be a fan of the Braves that year.

I was disappointed TBS didn’t have an hour long show recapping their 30 years of Braves games. Guess that wouldn’t be profitable. One day, probably many years from now, MLB.COM will make every game every broadcast available to watch.

It seemed like nearly every game was on TBS except maybe a game of the week on NBC, which the Braves nearly never played in back in the lean years.

I feel really bad for the Braves fans who won’t have access to their games after years of following them. Well I guess that already started a few years ago when TBS started cutting games out left & right.

It’s ashame TBS skipped over Skip in favor of much lessor talent for the simple fact they can’t “control” what may come out of his mouth. It’s a damn shame this entire society deprives the massess of greatness for the sake of political correctness.

By Train Wreck Bystander

October 1, 2007 3:28 AM | Link to this

I have to be honest - I was hoping for the scenario where they would have had to play tiebreakers all week.

But it was gratifying to see the Mets choke in a historical way. Gawd what an awful September for them.

=====

Can we please burn the “Bring Back Glavine” bandwagon now?

Not that today was representative of his carreer, but we need to face facts. Glavine’s getting long in the tooth (like Smoltz). Both great pitchers and competitors, but both also mere mortals. Either or both could tear their arms up for the last time at any given moment.

Why on earth would you want to pin our hopes on going older with the picthing staff?

Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton… scares the hell out of me.

Smoltz should stay and pitch as long as he wants, he’s earned it.

Let’s expect nothing from Hampton, pencil him in at #5 and be pleasantly surprised if he delivers.

Glavine can stay in NY.

By The Grinch

October 1, 2007 3:38 AM | Link to this

I say don’t trade ANYBODY. We’ll win the east next year despite Bobby. And that’s no small mountain to climb. G’night.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

October 1, 2007 5:20 AM | Link to this

ssiscribe Here’s wishing you a Happy Anniversary and a good safe trip. I am always entertained and amused by your comments and contributions to this blog.

So it is with many of my new found friends on the BOB/MIB blog. While I might not always agree, I will always take into account your comments and observations. All I ask is for a little more class and a little less trash when espousing your opinions.

And 2008, boy do we have a lot to look forward to. I too am a fan of Tom Glavin but folks, it is tough to go home again. No doubt he can still pitch but father time is creeping up on him as it is with the bearded icon and too many 40 plus pitchers in the starting rotation would make me a bit nervous over a 162 game season.

Jeff Bennett may be a good find for the Bravos and I am inclined to believe he will become a very good number four guy.

Hats off to the Phillies, they earned this championship. They hung tough, the Mets showed their age at the end. Willie Randolph is a good manager, he just had his horses fold under him.

Anyone surprised by the Diamondbacks shouldn’t be. They went through some terrible times to get back to the top. They have a very deep farm system and folks, that is where it begins.

By The Grinch, pea break

October 1, 2007 7:04 AM | Link to this

Oh, Gawd, I’m gonna die…why do I keep doing this to myself? No, blog, don’t answer that; it was a rhetorical question. G’night again. Pray for me. :-)

By Thrash

October 1, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this

One question: Where are all the mouthy Mets fans?

By Anders

October 1, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this

To any of those that I conversed with over the last couple of months - I’m here to take my punishment like a man. Wow, what a collapse! Collossal. I have to admit even two weeks ago I didn’t think it could happen in a million years. By this weekend though it was inevitable. This team imploded in historical fashion (or in Braves fans opinions - hysterical fashion). Now, I do believe the Mets are better than they finished and should have made the playoffs. I put that on Randolph. A manager has to find a way to at least right the ship to play .500 ball when required. He didn’t make one gutsy move to shake things up. More importantly - somethings happened to Reyes half way through the season. Either he’s p** because Wright got a longer and more lucrative contract or he’s still steaming about being benched by Randolph for not running out a ground ball - the first one not the one this weekend! Either way, he’s showed he has maturing to do. As I said at the time, adding Rickey Henderson to this team can only hurt. What could he possibly offer as a coach except the negativity he dispalyed as a player. Reye’s numbers in all categories plummetted since Henderson was added. Lastly, Mr. Glavine - now this isn’t Monday morning quarterbacking because I’m on record on this blog Saturday night that I have zero confidence in this guy in big games. His coments on Saturday night before the big game. “Well I was really hoping that I would be pitching in a meaningless game tomorrow but what can you do?” I realize he meant because he hoped the Mets would have clinched already but that ship sailed over a week ago. Why would that be the first thought on his mind? He should have been exstatic that the Mets had a life and he could pitch them to the playoffs. Instead the classic button down shrug of the shoulders non plussed Tom Glavine. After yesterday’s 1/3 of an inning debacle - “Well it was unfortunate for the team and unfortunate for me.” Are you kidding me? How about devastating? Sorry but Smoltz would have handled both interviews in a completely different manner. Not to mention he would have trashed the dugout on the way out. Here’s hoping Glavime retires (BTW- has any HOF’er ever had a worse final start?)or returns to the Braves. Sorry for the long blog - not usually my style.

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

The Grinch, my arguments were exactly as I stated them. I would like for you to show me when I said good players usually suck at 28, Ryan Howard is weak and batting average is irrelevant. When did I type these things? Never! I typed things that make you want to draw these absurd conclusions.

Again, because players generally peak around 26 or 27 doesn’t mean they suck by 28. I’ve never ever drawn that conclusion. Show me.

Because Ryan Howard’s season wasn’t one of the greatest of all time doesn’t mean he’s weak. I’ve never ever drawn that conclusion. Show me.

Because batting average doesn’t tell the whole story doesn’t mean it’s irrelevant. I’ve never drawn that conclusion. Show me.

Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera, yes, Rollins is going to win but he shouldn’t. True, the stats don’t tell us everything but when a player makes an out more often than all but 56 qualifiers for the batting title in the majors, I think that goes a long way toward telling us that he doesn’t deserve the MVP. Not trying to knock him, he’s had a very good season and I would be happy to have him as my shortstop if I were a Phillies fan.

By Hai Kurate

October 1, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this

The morning after:

Braves and Mets talk goes dormant

As winter beckons.

By Jeff R

October 1, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this

For all the fans who say, “Let’s resign Glavine to a one-year deal…” may want to think again. His outing yesterday wasn’t a matter of a good pitcher being beaten by a better team and a better pitcher; it was a pounding that I’d never seen Tommy G take before. Thing is about Glavine is that, even in his younger days, he had midrange velocity. He’s always been a control pitcher. Take a tick or two away from his speed, and he’s no longer a control pitcher: he’s a batting practice pitcher. Is it the wisest outlay, ten million or so for a pitcher who may well make Redman look sharp?

Management needs first to look carefully at the admittedly thin free agent market and explore options for trades before signing Glavine. The rotation needs good young arms for the long haul anyway.

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this

Efrim, I think Cameron seems to be the Braves’ best option when taking into account all the things they should take into account.

I don’t think the Braves should break the bank for Glavine. If they can get him at a reasonable discount, I’d be okay with that.

I would like to see the Braves get a starter over Fernando Rodney. I’m not sure Rodney’s contract status, but I’m pretty sure he’s relatively cheap, which means the Tigers probably aren’t trading him unless they are blown away with other good, cheap, young players.

By Jeff R

October 1, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this

Rodney’s worth looking at…

By KC

October 1, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

DOB: I agree that Escobar is special, and I wouldn’t trade him either… except for bonafide ace like Santana.

By Anders

October 1, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

Shaun I was out in San Diego all last week and they were raving about Cameron. While driving around I listened to their sports talk and all you heard was that the Padres should resign him no matter what. Even their play by play and color guys were talking him up. I know that doesn’t mean the organization will follow through but I didn’t hear one negative word about the guy out there. I just bring it up because I’m not sure he’ll be as available as at least I thought.

By Paladin

October 1, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

Anders Tip of the hat for coming on and taking it like a man. I’m going to leave the hot-stove stuff to you, and others, and I’ll be back when we are talking about what was done, not what everyone thinks should be done. Thanks again, to you and MetroMan for being fans, not fools.

See you and all, next year.

By KC

October 1, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

Anders: Any punishment beyond what you’ve already endured over the last 2 weeks would be cruel. It’d be like beating up a kid in a wheelchair… just wrong.

By Efrim

October 1, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

KC

I’m sorry dude, but you are lost if you think the Twins would accept a package like that from the Braves.

For Santana, how about Jeff Francouer. For starters. Honestly man. How could you think that Escobar, K Johnson, Devine, Ascanio and Scott Thorman would get it done. That is sad.

What do you think the Dodgers would offer for Johan?

The Yankees?

The Red Sox?

Please let me know what you think they would offer for him.

Dodgers- Matt Kemp, James Loney, and Clayton Kershaw

Yankees- Robinson Cano, Melky Cabrera and Ian Kennedy

Red Sox- Clay Bucholz, Jacoby Ellsbury and Michael Bowden

For the best pitcher on the planetm who’s agent isn’t Scott Boras.

Those teams would get him in a heartbeat over your sad package.

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

KC, I’d actually be hesitant to trade Escobar for a Santana. Escobar is a lot cheaper and younger and is an everyday player. Santana’s older, more expensive and his contract will soon be up.

By Efrim

October 1, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

KC

Stop being a Braves fan for a second and look at the stats for the Peavy. Young vs. Hudson, Smoltz arguement. I’m a little to lazy to post the stats, but I am not lying to you, they are there on ESPN.COM. Please just look at them. How can you say Smoltz and Hudson are a better one-two punch then them?

By doc

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

though it was expected it is difficult to wake up this morning and see the braves are not in the playoffs. it is that sense of loss of a good friend who was part of his own demise and a lot of coulda’s and shoulda’s.

thought the key ingredient to the world series was tex coming in. i think what followed shortly thereafter sealed the fate in rentaria going down. he is the stabilizer and if he goes it will rank as the stupidest and most short sighted move since dave justice or grissom were sent packing before their time.

it is time for js and ownership to stop the addition by subtraction bs that has left this team and its fans berift of true depth to make it beyond a run at the playoffs. too many have made too much of the lack of starters, i think the lack of depth at the bench of gamers and vets with substance and real experience hurt this team just as much. until the payroll goes up just a bit or someone can figure a way to run these horses better then we are stuck. it is time to start to see true addition.

finally, heading into the offseason i will mention that i had way too little confidence in either hampton or davies to get excited about this team and because of that tended to keep my mouth shut and read from a distance to avoid sounding negative. it is a lot of fun to do just that and dob does a remarkable job. i do want to encourage folks to keep it fun and not get too serious and second the motion by the scribe read above. maybe there should be some kind of an agreement before one signs on to make sure everyone knows the intent.

with all that said i have no confidence in glavine coming back to the braves or anyone. maybe he is better than davies or hampton but i put him right there in my confidence of his bringing anything more to the braves than he did to the mets. nostalgia aside i think it costs way too much just to make sure he wears a braves hat into the hall of fame where he truly belongs.

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

Anders, probably depends on what Cameron wants and which teams offer him what. I’m sure the Braves have just as good a chance as any if they make a competitive offer, given the fact he’s from LaGrange and has a home in McDonough.

By Anders

October 1, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

Historic collapses take historic actions to forget. How about 7 years $210 to $230mil for A-Rod to the Mets. Move Reyes to second. The Mets save over $35 mil on Glavine, Green and Alou next year alone. They can play Milledge and Gomez in that lineup on the corner outfield positions. A-Rod gets to stay in NY which is what he professes his wife wants. Come on , someone’s got to get this party started.

By Braveheart

October 1, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

With the exception of 2003, young cheap teams don’t win the World Series.

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

Efrim, Peavy’s clearly the best. But Smoltz and Hudson are better than Young. Keep in mind that away from Petco, Young posted a 4.52 ERA. Context, my friend.

By Efrim

October 1, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

Anders

As much as I don’t want him to resign with the Yankees, I actually think he is going to. In the end, they can’t afford to lose the guy.

By Thrillhouse44

October 1, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

Anders, way to man up.

Guys, it’s been a fun trip. I don’t plan on going anywhere and I hope everyone sticks around. I think the way the Braves played the last few weeks has given us plenty to be excited about for next year.

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

Anders, I don’t think there’s any way the Mets are doing anything with the left side of their infield. ARod will be in Yankee pinstripes next season (except during road games).

By Anders

October 1, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

KC Your 9:21 AM Blog was very funny!

Shaun My god, is there anyone in MLB who doesn’t live in Braves country? - I hear that argument all the time from you guys. Trust me if we’ve learned one thing it’s that these players will follow the $’s wherever they are. Sleeping in their own bed isn’t as important as they say( half the time I think they say it for the Mrs. ears). I get it with a guy like Glavine after 20 years and kids on the verge of driving. But not the mid 20’s to 30’s guys. Realistically where would most people rather live and play - San Diego or Atlanta? Come on - that’s not even close for most people. And I don’t mean that as a shot at Atlanta, you could say the same about NYC.

By Stinky

October 1, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

Anders, wrong blog, dude.

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Braveheart, White Sox actually cut payroll after 2004 and won in 2005.

Young, cheap teams are certainly at a disadvantage but you need some cheap talent (usually young) that will enable you to overspend on stars without ruining your ball club.

Where would the Red Sox be without Pedroia, Papelbon, Youkilis, etc. to go along with Ortiz, Schilling, Manny and Beckett, etc.?

By Arkansas Hillbilly

October 1, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

DOB, I’ll echo what you said yesterday about the Biggio send-off. I was at the Saturday game and first-off I’ll say what an outstanding stadium that is in Houston. I love how you can walk all the way around through the concession stand area and never lose sight of the field.

I loved the environment of the Biggio farewell tour. We were surrounded by Astro fans, naturally, and to see 40,000+ (Braves fans included) on their feet every time the man stepped out of the dugout, was almost overwhelming. They really love them some B-G-O. I can’t help but hope that all these “Lillibridge = Biggio’s-style” comparisons that I’ve heard are true, because he has been some kind of special player down there in Houston. Bottoms up to a great career.

By Efrim

October 1, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

Shaun

I’ll take Peavy and Young. Peavy is that good and Young isn’t too shabby. Especially with Smoltz age and health concerns. I’m not the only one either. Poll writers and analysts, they will say the same. Peavy is too good.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

October 1, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Forgot to mention how much you can’t appreciate how short it is to the left field scoreboard at Minute Maid, until you see it in person. I think even I could short-hop the wall in that place.

By David O'Brien

October 1, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah, expect Carlos Silva’s name to come up. I think Braves are going to have him on the possibilties list this winter.

By Efrim

October 1, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Shaun

Young gave up 68 hits in 87.2 innings on the road. Pretty good. Yes he posted a 4.62 ERA, but it’s not like the guy is terrible. I need not post Peavy’s out of this world stats.

By Tomahawkin

October 1, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Back in da Hiz-ouse after partying my a* off all weekend

Can’t believe dem choppas went out the way we did, after the Mutts we were the biggest underachivers since the all star break…

Oh yea, Nuff respect to the Phillies, I’ve been giving them a shout out on the Philly.com Forum…To them It’s like theri version of 1991

Anyone want to debate me in getting Schuerholtz into doing a cheap trade to get Shane Victorino or Nook Logan to play centerfield next year…?

By Thrillhouse44

October 1, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Anders, in one breathe you say ARod will stay in NY, b/c that’s what his wife wants. In the next breathe, you say “sleeping in their own bed isn’t as important as they say( half the time I think they say it for the Mrs…)”. You’ve contradicted yourself. Which is it?

By Overlord

October 1, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

This is just in, muts are changing teams name to …..NEW YORK TITANICS!!!!!!

I asked some new york media people the reason for this……… their answer:

“Easy, we just made history forever while sinking”

Does this means the phillies are gonna change their team name to “PHILADELPHIA ICEBERGS”????????

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

Anders, I just think Atlanta may offer him a better deal or very close to the same deal as San Diego would offer him. And all things being equal (or very close to equal), I would think he may choose Atlanta because he’s from around here and he also has a wife and kids here.

San Diego is not the type of team that’s going to break the bank on a player like Cameron (which they shouldn’t, neither should the Braves), so I’m guessing San Diego’s offer will be at most about the same as the Braves’ offer.

By David O'Brien

October 1, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

Car3boogie, I hear ya. Believe me, I wish more of the Skynyrd tunes I love had lyrics fit for this space, but a lot don’t for various reasons.

But your request is noted. And thanks for stopping by. Keep doing so.

By Tomahawkin

October 1, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

No way do we go after mike Cameron…His defense is nowhere like it was when he was with Cincinnate or even when he was with Sesattle for that matter, he’s way too streaky

By the way I was one of the cats that wanted Jacque Jones here about a year ago, and I’m so glad we didn’t pursue him, He sucks, I looked at his stats and man has he fell off…

By Efrim

October 1, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

More on Chris Young

If people on the blog are going to give Chuck James a pass because of his injury, then you should be inclined to do the same for Young whose last two months could be attributed to his strained oblique muscle that was obviously not healed. Before that injury in July he had a 1.82 ERA.

By Anders

October 1, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

Shaun I think if our division has Howard, Utley and Rollins on the same infield for the next 5 years you have to do something to counter it. Plus, A-Rod could move to first the year after when Delgado’s gone. Believe me I would not have thought this a month ago but the Phillies showed us you can muscle your way to the playoffs. Plus the Mets are getting one of those new fangled ban boxes in 2009. Every ball hit to the warning track at Shea will be a souvenier in the new park. I realize that works both ways, but if we can’t thump with the Phillies in their park now , what will happen in 2009 and beyond at home? A-Rod has to decide if he wants to finish his career in the shadow of Prince Jeter. No matter what he does, including his second MVP in pinstripes, that will not change. I think his ego needs more than that. I actually think the Cubs or Angels are more likely for him.

By David O'Brien

October 1, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Alright, time to head down to Turner Field for the cleaning-out-the-lockers routine.

Later

By David O'Brien

October 1, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Hillbilly, you’re right: Nothing in majors compares to that left-field “Crawford Boxes” section at Minute Maid. And when you’re down on the field, in front of the dugout, it looks so close it’s ridiculous.

I remember going in there first time with Marlins after the ballpark opened, and players telling me they’d never seen anything that close since high school. It’s about 10 feet closer than the dimension listed, they said.

That said, the rest of the park plays pretty fair. It’s tough to get one above that yellow line in left-center, not to mention extremely difficult to get it out in straight center.

And isn’t it a great place? I like that ballpark. And the playing/sing-along of “Deep in the Heart of Texas” in the seventh-inning stretch is perfect.

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

Efrim, true. Peavy just overshadows everyone. Even if Young is the worst of the four, he’s by no means bad enough that you should not consider taking the Peavy-Young combo.

Probably depends on other factors—are we just talking one year or are we talking a mock draft? Pay equal for all? If we’re talking one season, maybe you go with Smoltz-Hudson because Smoltz is still pretty darn good and Hudson’s fairly significantly better than Young. If we’re talking long-term, you probably have to go with whatever combo includes Peavy.

By Tomahawkin

October 1, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

Chipper’s quote about the mutt fans grabbing their yankees gear out of da closet is rumbling outta control my now…I’ve noticed that where I live (Up here in Cardinal Country) everyone and they Mama are jumping on the Cubs bandwagon, I’m cubs crap all across the campus…

Got Home last nite and watch the end of the Game tribute on TBS, It was classic, Sucks that TBS (Total B.S.) is trying to be more and more like FOX, that BLOWS!

By Tomahawkin

October 1, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Can’t believe that Mark Redman is Still in the Hunt for a playoff slot, hell if he had pitched of any resemblance of what he’s doing now, we’d be Representin da N.L. East as Champions. What happened to Justice 4 All?

BTW Where’s Craig Wilson…

D.O.B. Any way you can give us some 411 on Mike Hampton’s return next season…?

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

Anders, I think it’s much more likely the Mets will go after big-time players at other positions like corner outfield and pitcher. I think the Mets will definitely make a run at Santana.

I think the Yankees are probably the only team that can pay ARod. And I think they’ll offer him enough that it doesn’t matter that he has to deal with Jeter’s shadow.

By Tomahawkin

October 1, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Omg I need some coffee, I’ve got typos everywhere…Gotta head to class

Just Hope that the Phillies make it to the Series and Take out the Yankees, That would be sweet Justice to See Both N.Y. Teams taken out by the Phillies

By Anders

October 1, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Thrillhouse I said he can stay in NY because that what he says his wife wants. I’m listing it as an advantage, not as a must have selling point.

Anyway, until I see Boras leave a nickel on the table I think A-Rod will follow the money like all the rest. Look what Boras got for J.D. Drew? What do you think he can do for A-Rod? The next historic step is a piece of ownership which is rumored with the Cubs. Madison Dearborn is angling to buy the Cubs. They just sold off equity in an asset they had for $1.6 billion last month. In a market where most mergers and acquisitions are on hold because of the credit crunch they plugged on. They’re definetly positioning to buy the Cubbies. Cuban sticking his nose in will actually grease the skids for their approval by MLB to avoid that lunatic(Who I would personally love to see in the game). Once Madison is in they will look to make a splash. Who may be the biggest fish out there? If the Yanks want him to stay they will have to pay him 60% more than Jeter. How do you think the “Captain” will take that?

By Overlord

October 1, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Drooler it is really funny to read your posts. You have to understand one thing. Even if you type 100000000 posts saying that the braves finished 3rd and behind the muts, it will not changed, not for 1 second, that the AMAZING MUTS, just did that, AMAZED, the whole world with their unbelievable COLLAPSE.

I just wish i was a shrink with my office in Queens, i would be a millionaire bye the end of october.

By Overlord

October 1, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

I propose Tom Glavine as braves MVP, and maybe Sosa as CoMVP.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

October 1, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

If anyone here gets the chance, go to Foxsports.com and in the MLB section read the “open letter” to Chipper Jones. Its from the “Phillie fans”. It is the biggest piece of crap I have ever read. The letter begins by thanking Chipper for his throwing error Wednesday that helped the Phillies open up their lead on the Braves in that game. The letter then goes on to rip Chipper for his “Hooters incident”. It also calls him a whiner and a complainer and says he is a bad teammate. It just completely ripped him apart.

It just made me sick. It made hate myself for ever hoping the Phillies overtook the Mets. As arrogant and cocky Mets fans can be, they aren’t this obnoxious and rude. The letter just showed how low class Phillie fans are and just how big pieces of crap they really are.

Really, go read the letter and then decide if you still want them to even win a game in the playoffs.

By UnderDog

October 1, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

and Overlord if you could spell, you could participate in some southern elementary school spelling bee!

By Overlord

October 1, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

robert could you send the link, cause i cant find that letter. Thanks.

By Anders

October 1, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Shaun The Mets can still do that. A-Rod will not even impact their payroll with Green, Glavine and Alou gone. The year after Delgado and Pedro are gone as well. Another $25 mil. As for Santana - unless someone blows the Twins away, in the Mets case think Reyes plus, then I think the Twins wait until the trading deadline for maximum value by a desperate team. I think the wild card on the block this off season will be Dontrell Willis. His star has fallen but someone will be willing to take a chance - at what price?

By Lee in S. GA

October 1, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Cannot understand all of the praise for the Phillies. Thoses fans are the biggest jerks in sports. I hate that team too. I suppose it is because of certain Met bloggers that come over on this blog and get on Braves blogger’s nerves. To heck with the Cubs also. GO D’backs, Rockies or Padres, at least one of you 3 win the N.L. pennant.

Forget the Yankees too. Give the Indians a chance to win one W.S. That city deserves it also.

By Love Those Phillies

October 1, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Robert(Justice Is The Best) Truth hurts doesn’t it? It really does!

By Efrim

October 1, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Robert JITB

Exactly. Everyone on this blog who was rooting for the Phillies has no idea what they are doing. Philly fans are les than scum, much worse than Met fans. I hope the Rockies or Padres weep them out of the first round. I can’t wait for next season and the a* whooping we are going to lay on them and their weak a* pitching staff.

By Anders

October 1, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

Overlord I agree with you on Glavine, however then you need to give Woodward the Mets MVP and Franco Co MVP.

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

Anders, it’s not just how ARod will impact the payroll. It’s why pay a guy that much when you already have more than adequate players at short and third? It would be counterproductive for the Mets to go after ARod. Use all that money on corner outfielders, a second baseman, pitchers, maybe a catcher.

I think the Twins may very well try to trade Santana as soon as this off-season. Don’t know for sure, but they’ve never been shy about trading vets that they are going to lose for prospects. But I do think it will take at least two very top-notch prospects.

Lee in S. GA, you can’t understand praise for the Phillies or their fans?

By Overlord

October 1, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

I can spell A*******HHOOLLEE, just fine, cant i? And your mothers name also, and the name of most of your fathers.

By Anders

October 1, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

Ah Yes - Philadelphia The City Of Brotherly Hate

A vile, vile fan base.

By Pathetic fans

October 1, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Braves fans are pathetic, always going to kick someones’ a$s >>>next year!

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

October 1, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Love Those Phillies, here is some truth for you since you are all about that. Philadelphia fans are the scumiest most despicable fans in all of sports. Lets not forget you are the same people who cheered when you thought Michael Irvin had broke his neck. Lets not forget that just a few moths ago you wanted Charlie Manuel fired. Lets not forget that you all but ran Allen Iverson out of town. Lets not forget that you booed Donovan McNabb on draft day yet all he has done is provided winning season after winning season with class. Of course, class is something you guys know nothing about.

And, oh, lets not forget that if the Phillies lose in the NLDS everyone of you FANS

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

October 1, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

Love Those Phillies, here is some truth for you since you are all about that. Philadelphia fans are the scumiest most despicable fans in all of sports. Lets not forget you are the same people who cheered when you thought Michael Irvin had broke his neck. Lets not forget that just a few moths ago you wanted Charlie Manuel fired. Lets not forget that you all but ran Allen Iverson out of town. Lets not forget that you booed Donovan McNabb on draft day yet all he has done is provided winning season after winning season with class. Of course, class is something you guys know nothing about.

And, oh, lets not forget that if the Phillies lose in the NLDS everyone of you FANS will be calling for the heads of every Phillie player and coach.

Besides, do you really want to go there with Chipper? If I’m not mistaken you do have a wife beater on your team do you not?

By Unisex

October 1, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

Anders you’re a girl, right?

By Overlord

October 1, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

I thought Wright was the MVP, league MVP some said.

Efrim, cant have everything in life, we just enjoyed muts collapse, very soon we will enjoy phillies collapse and they be out of the picture for 14 season ……… or so.

How could you have guessed?

I hope SD wins it all…… just because maddux is there.

By ncscoots

October 1, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

Efrim, while I agree that a package of scrubs wouldn’t pry loose Johan, I also cannot discount the fact that he’ll be in his walk year. That has to factor into any trade package, and it’s going to make any potential trade partner reduce an offer.

Unless there is a negotiation window in which the offering team can work out an extension, the offering team would be unwise to gut either the current squad or the farm.

By Lee in S. GA

October 1, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

Lee in S. GA, you can’t understand praise for the Phillies or their fans?

Maybe praise is a bad word choice - I can see why they deserve recognition what they accomplished (or better yet - the Mets choked big time and gave them) but I cannot pull for the Phillies to go any further in the post season. The sooner they are eliminated from post-season the happier I will be.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

October 1, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Well, I don’t think ARod will stay in New York. The Yanks will not make the WS. Hell, they won’t win the ALDS. The fans will blame Arod which is just stupid. ARod wants out of there. If he didn’t, he would have already signed an extension. Arod is the one player that it doesn’t matter Boras is his agent. Boras does what he says and not the other way around. Boras isn’t stupid. 10% of $25 mil is a lot of money. He wouldn’t p** him off.

I firmly believe Arod will be an Angel, Dodger, or Cub next year. I hope its an Angel. That would make Chionne Figgins expendable which could mean the Braves could get him. Roll your eyes if you want but that guy can flat out play. Put him in CF next year and put him with Escobar at the top of that lineup with Chipper, Tex, Frenchy, McCann, and Johnson to follow. The best lineup in the NL hands down!

By Alex

October 1, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

Since there’s no blog on the farewell of TBS, I’m giving my take here. I just wanted to say that the farewell between Skip and Chip was a truly touching moment. Especially knowing Skip’s recent health issues. I just wanted to thank him and all the others, the outcast Don Sutton included, for all the memories. I’m one of thousands of die hard braves fans who’ve spent WAY too much of their lives watching TBS broadcasts. What a spoiled lot we were. Gonna miss it. Thanks guys.

By KC

October 1, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

DOB: Carlos Silva?? Just looked at the numbers, and they aren’t impressive. Can’t imagine how he’d be the answer.

There is a Twins starter that would look especially good in a Braves uni… but his last name ain’t Silva.

By Anders

October 1, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

Shaun Corner outfielders rate right above bullpen guys in terms of value to MLB teams. The best teams are strong up the middle. Catcher, Short, second and CF. That’s where the action is. Anytime you can strengthen those spots - you should. Reyes would solve second. Catcher is a problem but there’s not much out there(I’d like to trade for Schneider off the Nats). Also, with A-Rod we’re talking about probably the best overall right handed hitter in 30 years who still has 3 or 4 prime years left in him. Any team can make adjustments for that. Honestly I think it’s highly unlikely but I threw it out there for conversation. I do think A-Rod leaves the Yanks though. BTW - Yank fans up here now kid around and say Derek who? They’re nervous A-Rod is leaving and they know who carried them this year.

By Efrim

October 1, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

NCScoots

Very true, that will change what a team gives up for him. But many teams do not share the excitement that we do for Escobar. Their are still scouts that say that Lillibridge will be the better of the two.

No matter, If your the Yankees, and you already have Chamberlain and Hughes, why not part with Kennedy? Think of this rotation:

Santana, Wang, Hughes, Chamberlain and Pettite.

That is scary.

By TNRON

October 1, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

Will someone tell me why on earth A-Rod would leave the most storied franchise in baseball to play for the BIGGEST CHOKEDOG in MLB history?PLease give me a break.This is so funny.Sounds like Muts fans are in serious denial.But look at it this way.Next year when the Braves kick your sorry butts you wont be able to say we had a month’s advantage in preparing.HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

By Bob, Journalist

October 1, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Grinch, oh the slings and arrows we must suffer for failing to observe protocol … if it’s cheap rot gut, it’s okay to use soda … otherwise water … the exact algorithm is a matter of choice but the better the scotch, the less the water … and the really good stuff should be served neat and slowly sipped.

As an aside, the really good stuff should be reserved for good friends of the first order and one’s self … for the masses know not the difference and will drink it sloppily, regardless of how it is served.

Wayne, Skip mellowed somewhat with age but he was still abrupt and obnoxious when encountering disagreement … however, I too think TBS should be ashamed for leaving him off the post season roster … and for its treatment of the broad Braves’ fan base it helped to create.

The infamy associated with Landry’s dismissal is like the Braves’ run of consecutive division titles … something that will most likely never be equaled … but, your analogy is correct and the conclusion correct … No class!

Of course, I never thought anything would ever compete the 1964 collapse of the Phillies either!

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

October 1, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

I wonder how the Phillie fans would’ve felt if Braves fans had placed a blog on Foxsports.com to thank Brett “wife beater” Myers for melting down in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago.

Also, Phillie fans, don’t forget not only did Myers meltdown then but a couple of other times in September. Something you may want to keep in the back of your mind during the playoffs.

By Mets rule You drool

October 1, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

Third place 2 years in a row? Maybe you’re off to another 15 year streak. Hahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!

By Fred Secunda

October 1, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

Hey DOB, does the AJC keep you on the Braves beat throughout the offseason? And will you be continuing the blog with any sort of regularity?

By DAP

October 1, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

its really hard for me to get past the fact that the braves missed the division title this year by 6 games. if we had won 6 more games, we would have done it. DANG! i believe even minor tweaks this season, most of which could have been done by bobby (though i know i see it in hindsight)would have gotten the braves that NL east title. sigh so close.

next year, i want to see every game played like a must-win. those are games that make a huge difference over the season. the goal should always be, win today. bobby has got to manage like that, or we will barely miss out again.

By Anders

October 1, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

Robert Chone Figgins would be a real good pick up for the Braves on offense. I don’t know much about his defense. Can he cover Atlanta’s vast CF? Disagree with you on Boras. He runs the show, Period end of story. Otherwise he won’t take the client. Once he starts down the slippery slope of letting the tail wag the dog he’s finished. Believe me these players talk, especially about their money and word would get around. Boras stock in trade is he NEVER gives in. That’s how he gets teams to overpay. You think A-Rod thought he’d get $252 mil the last time around?

By jbutler

October 1, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

Lee Hey Lee…The Phillies crowd is rough. These guys actually booed Santa. But- give the Phillies their due..They stepped it up when the Braves didn’t; now they get to play into Oct, and the Braves are cleaning out lockers. I actually saw a Phillies game back in the day when Daulton/Dykstra/Kruk- that whole Brew Crew was playing. That’s a lunch bucket fan base if there ever was one. But…it is what it is. Don’t toss the team in w/them. I feel fortunate cause I still have the Rox to cheer on for at least one more day…but it doesn’t seem fair they’re giving Holliday another game to claim batting title. If he could go 0-whatever and Rox still win…fine by me!!!

By Greg in TN

October 1, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

Morning gang…

I have an MLB stadium calendar on my desk and ironically, the month of October features Minute Maid Park in Houston.

MetroMan and Anders are here to face the music and I respect that. I had to laugh at silly drool’s cameo last night. For all of the chest thumping he and No Chop and Dad have done on the blog this year, karma caught up with them in bulk.

It wouldn’t bother me to see the Pads or Rockies successful in the playoffs, however I root for no one after the last out was recorded yesterday in Houston, especially not the phillies.

Lot’s of folks not too impressed with what Glavine did yesterday in NY, however if he does return to the ATL, he would not be expected to be a #1 or a #2 starter. In ten of his 34 starts this year, the guy went beyond six innings. James had four. To me, it’s better for us to bring in Glavine as a lefty rotation option and have Edgar play short and Escobar second than most of the other pitching trade options out there. I believe we’re a much stronger team with Edgar at short with his steady play, solid bat and experience than going without.

I enjoyed this year folks and look forward to an interesting offseason and 2008 talking ball, bbq, pies, toes and the man in black.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

October 1, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Mets Rule, you lost a seven game lead with 17 left to play. SHUT UP!

By ncscoots

October 1, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Efrim, I don’t get quite as stoked over pitching prospects as you, LOL. Chamberlain and Hughes have great upside, yes, but it’s too early to count them as studs. I believe everyone raved about the great young pitching of the Tigers and Marlins last year, didn’t they? Giving up a guy like Kennedy just reduces the odds that one of those guys will actually have sustained excellence as a starter. Knowing which of them that will be would require the psychic network.

The one thing I WOULD put money on is that at least two of those three prospects do not become top-tier starters in their careers. Not because they don’t have the potential, but because that’s baseball.

By Anders

October 1, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

TNTRON Let me draw you a picture of why A-Rod would go in case you’ve been in a coma the last 5 years or so. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

BTW - He was born in NY and grew up a Mets fan. Or is that only important for guys from guys Georgia?

By Lew

October 1, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Drooling Idiot-And what kind of streak are the Mets off on now? The Braves improved this year. What about the Mutts? Maybe not so much? HA HA HA HA HA.

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

Anders, I’d be somewhat surprised if ARod leaves the Yankees. And I disagree that great teams are strong up the middle. I mean, look at the Red Sox. They are decent up the middle, but that’s not what seperates them from other clubs. They are certainly not the strongest club up the middle yet they won the most games.

By This and That

October 1, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

Great point Overlord. I wrote a couple day ago if Glav come back we might need to go to the buddy pitching system. Let the starters go there 4,5, or 6 then have their “buddy” pitcher come in to finish the game. For instance James/Viarreal, Smoltz/Yates, etc. I believe major league pitchers should be able to get major league hitters out but if there is a true match up situation there are still arms in the bullpen to help and Soraiao is still there to close. If the starter is able to go longer than anticipated then the buddy is available to help out the next day if needed. This way we don’t have the relievers getting in 70+ games but maybe only 50. Everyone stays strong all year.

Listening to Skip made me want to puke yesterday. 40% of the talk was about flights, home, anything but the game. Chip and Skip think they are bigger than the game and they are wrong. If Chip had any class he would have stepped down after the first inning and brought Pete over to finish the game. Pete is the voice of the Braves not Chip. Pete is the only one who has not moaned and groaned about any of this situation. Pete, you’re a class act man. To He— with Chip and Skip.

By Carroll

October 1, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Yea I too was one of the biggest proponents of the Philties overtaking the Mets, largely out of concern for next year’s braves team and future teams. I feared that if the Mets started becoming perennial Div. champs, the braves would fall victim to the same “psychology of dominance” that allowed them to own the division for a good five years beyond the point where they ceased to be good.

That said, watching the highlights the other night of games 6, 1993 brought back some painful memories…a teary-eyed 13 y/o boy sitting in front of the tv with a broken heart as the lowly, mullet-sporting, redneck Philthies did the unthinkable. And then you had the classy philthie fans throwing beer on the players’ wives, pushing around their elderly mothers, and trying to topple the team bus. Yea I truly had to hold me nose while pulling for this team the past few games. Thankfully, I can now move on to pulling for the Rockies.

By d-rock in Scotland

October 1, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Anders I think you’re wrong on Boras, at least with respect to Andruw. Last time around druw went around Boras and gave Atl. a big discount. It probably won’t happen again with druw though.

Arod is on his way to the cubbies , why would he take a step down from the yanks to the mets. I get the feeling he wants out of NY.

By Anders

October 1, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

You know how you can tell you have Real top prospects? The Twins start asking you to trade for them. Show me a team who has churned out more over the last 20 years without so much as signing a free agent or trading for an established stud, works on a shoe string budget makes the playoffs regularly and wins the occasional WS. I would ask them about Santana just so I could get some free scouting of my minor league system from them!

By Yars

October 1, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Renteria will be asked about in trade talks more this winter than any other Brave. A lot of teams looking for a SS. The Cards are going to let Eckstein walk, the Tigers looking for a solid SS, White Sox, & a host of others. If I were Schuerholz, I would hang onto Kelly Johnson. If Chipper can somehow end his career in Atlanta, if the front office can lock up Tex after next season, you then have Escobar & KJ at SS & 2B, respectively. McCann will be behind the plate for years to come. Hell, that could be one hell of an infield for the next 4-5 years. As for the OF, I wouldn’t mind seeing a Diaz/B. Jones platoon in LF. Maybe JS will lock up Frenchy over the winter, like he did with McCann, as for CF, too many possibilities. I think we can do better than a Mike Cameron. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a solid player, but it would be nice if we could find a CF that can hit for average. now playing: Capital G by nine inch nails.

By BravesFanInRockies

October 1, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

Denizens,

Aybar may be on the roster, but I’d bet that Martin Prado gets a longer look in Spring Training (if he’s not part of a deal for a pitcher or CF in the off-season). Unless there’s solid assurances that Aybar’s troubles are behind him.

The dude put up fine offensive numbers in Richmond (not quite as strong as Brandon Jones’, but perfectly acceptable for a middle infielder) and could easily step in as the super-utility guy next year — while Lillibridge has another season to, well, season in Richmond. He’s another 23-year-old as well.

I’m fully with DOB that Escobar looks far too special to move, and would hate to see either Edgar or KJ go, but there are other options, fortunately.

By TNRON

October 1, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

Well Anders I guess you are right.And goodness knows Muts fans will have a while to debate it since nothing else is going on in Flushing.But you gotta admit it is sort of ironic that the Phillies vindicate the ‘64 Phillies by chasing you guys down and giving you the biggest choker label.

By Lee in S. GA

October 1, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

Mets rule You drool

You either have to be a child or a complete moron but at least you are not a gang member (hopefully). I would rather have played with some class and respect like the Braves did and finish 3rd instead of providing the world of sports in what will become known as one of the biggest collapses (chokes) in the history of the game and finish 1 game out of first. I know you are in complete denial.

By Tomahawkin

October 1, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

Only Teams I could see , Gay-Rod, Pay-Rod, A-Fraud, E-Rod, whatever we like to call him Is maybe Chicago or LA, It would be sick to see that cubs offense with two braves killas (Soriano, and Pay-Rod) in the same lineup…talk about a cold arse lineup!

By Efrim

October 1, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

NCScoots

Great pitchers like Lackey, Santana and Smoltz were once “prospects”. They do not all become aces like many predict, but I can tell you that Joba Chamberlain, barring injuries, is going to be either an elite closer or a top of the rotation starter. Phil Hughes is going to be pretty good as well.

By Lew

October 1, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

Anders-You may think Scott Boras sets the rules with his clients, but there have been at least two cases where the clients told him to screw off and did their own thing. Andruw Jones renegotiated his last long term deal without Boras’ help or appproval and so did Rocco Baldelli of the DRays. In fact, Baldelli told him he didn’t like him and fired his @$$ and then renegotiaited. Andruw also just said in a Chop Talk interview that his would be the final say this time around, as well, that Boras worked for him-not vice versa.

By Greg in TN

October 1, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Drool,

Please review the instructions below prior to the 2008 season.

Link

By Efrim

October 1, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Anders

The Braves have done pretty well producing prospects as well. Probably better than the Twins. Can’t remember the last high priced free agent we signed….

By Anders

October 1, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Shaun And if the Red Sox can’t play good D up the middle and have a catcher that can control the base paths they’ll probably be out early in the playoffs. Your offense can get you to the playoffs but it takes pitching and defense to win there. I’m not breaking new ground here.

By Lew

October 1, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

Anders-Just why in the world would we want an evaluation of our farm system from the Twins? Seems to me that it’s the Braves, not the Twins, who have churned out more top home grown talent than anyone in baseball. Most of the players on the Braves team either came from our farm system or were obtained with players from our farm system. Right now we can field a team of starters almost entirely from our own minor leagues and have been able to do so for years. You really need to do some research, Dude. It appears you don’t know what you’re talking about-as usual-or would you prefer I list the studs we brought up from such notable locations as Richmond, Greenville,SC, Pearl, Miss., Rome or Macon, Ga., Danville and Myrtle Beach. Come to think of it, the Mets probably wouldn’t mind having ten or twelve of the kids we’ve got waiting in the wings right now-at least then they’d have some hope for the future.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

October 1, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

DOB, my four-year-old was singing along to “Deep in the Heart of Texas,” and “Take me out to the Ballgame.” She also participated in the wave (yes I know, but she’s 4) and joined in on the tomahawk chop that 4 or 5 drunk guys behind us summoned up in the top of the 9th inning. Throw in a couple of thumbs downs, boos, and sticking out of the tongue at some of the surrounding Astros fans (who took it in good spirits) and I’d say she fell in the groove perfectly for her first ballgame. It was definitely an experience I’ll always remember.

By Anders

October 1, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Lew If Andriw had listened he might have a 1 year players option right now that he could desperately use. Rocco Baldelli? Please - He probably got p** because Boras would only negotiate for him on his MySpace site. Not worth the flight to Tamapa.

Again, Boras delivered $252 mil to A-Rod with an ingenious player only opt out clause that kicks in this year to increase this record setting deal even more. Why would A-Rod even mess with getting in his way? I’m sure Boras has spent most of his time looking for more even ingenious ways to sweeten the pot. The Yanks have to be scared Sh….less.

By Lew

October 1, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Now-Some Glavine evaluation. I assume most here who are in favor of picking up Glavine, would like him to be our number three starter next year. Let’s do some comparison here, with our current #3 guy, Chuck James. I will put Glavine’s numbers first, followed by Chuckie’s. WL- 13-8, 11-10. ERA 4.26, 4.24. IP 200, 161. Avg. IP per start-6.0 (barely), 5.1. K-89,116. BB-64, 58. WHIP- 1.41, 1.36.

Y’all-this shows me that Glavine would be little better (if at all), as our third starter. He and Chuck have virtually identical ERA’s. Glavine has a slight edge in IP, but can he go 200 again and still have anything left in his tank for post season? Glav got exactly two more outs per game than Chuck did and all I heard the entire season was constant b!tch!ng and moaning about how Chuck needed to pitch mopre innings to give the pen a break. Chuck had more K’s and less BB than Glav and has a slight advantage in ERA and a huge advantage in age.

Now y’all can make of this what you will. Maybe adding Tommy could shore up the number four spot or improve us by pushing the true question marks still further back in the rotation-I just don’t know. I don’t have Coach’s crystal ball our talent for Precognition. Maybe we bring him back for old times sake and let him finish where he started( but does this type of sentimentality have any more place in baseball than tears?). However, what so many are clamoring for is something we apparently already have under contract. Is Glavine what we really need? Even for just a year?

By Efrim

October 1, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

Anders

So what are your thoughts on the Mets happenings going forward. I mean they have an old team. If I was Minaya, I keep Beltran, Reyes and Wright and take calls on everyone else.

You can’t possibly hold your hopes on El Duque and Alou like you did this year. You can only count on Alou for 90 games and El Duque for about 150 innings. I wouldn’t pick up Alou’s option and I would have El Duque penciled in as their 6th starter. Delgado hasn’t been very good either and Lastings Milledge’s “act” needs to leave Shea. He is a joke. The hi-five dances will have to end and baseball will need to be taken seriously if the Mets are to rebound from this epic collapse.

By Bob, Journalist

October 1, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

Fred Secunda, some don’t realize that DOB is actually a composite … a product of the imaginative pens of Jimmy Smith, Lew Hartman, William Wallace, Carroll Rogers, Ron Roberts, John Schuerholz, and of course, the Braves beat writer of the same name, David O’Brien who is actually employed by ESPN.

As a result, the Blog continues throughout the year 24-7-365 … but if you pay close attention … you will notice how frequently “His” style changes … they are to be commended as it is what makes the Blog unique.

Some of the best stuff is written during the “off season” when the Blog isn’t parasite infested and time permits greater creativity … the neighborhood now has almost as many permanent residences as is does summer homes … methinks it’s a good place to visit, anytime!

By ncscoots

October 1, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Efrim, it’s OK to hold high opinions of guys such as you mention. There’s a reason that prospects are highly touted, but too many bad things can happen to young pitchers, not just injury. Otherwise, every team in the majors would be fielding rotations of superstars 5-deep, LOL.

Wilson, Pulsipher, and Isringhausen…merely the first set of such to come to mind.

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Anders, I understand, but what does that have to do with the Mets signing ARod? I know you agree that it’s unlikely but I’m just saying the Mets don’t need ARod so why even bother paying him? Go after cheaper, adequate to good players at other positions rather than another shortstop or third baseman that’s awesome but is the most expensive player in baseball. I just don’t see any scenario where the Mets go after ARod. To your credit, you did say you agree that it is unlikely, so I give you that.

By Anders

October 1, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Efrim or traded for

Lew Is there any other team in MLB that gets credit for anything ? I realize the Braves churn out their share of players, I was just complimenting another organization that actually plays very competitively in a smaller market than you. I guess we can argue that now too?

How do the Braves ever lose?

By BravesFanInRockies

October 1, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

As for the angst about Cameron vs. Patterson or whoever to play CF —

I’m not sure the Braves need to spend a lot of bucks (meaning $7-8 mill/yr) even for a couple of seasons for a CF given the offense that should return in ‘08 and with Schaefer on the horizon.

Consider this lineup: Johnson; Escobar; Chipper; Tex; McCann; Franceour; Diaz/Brandon Jones(?); CF; P.

The Braves need to find a guy who can pick it in the outfield and not destroy the offense (so you can’t sign Patterson, who’s an automatic out). There should be available younger players who can do that for less than the sort of money Cameron or Patterson or any other veteran FA would demand, perhaps someone who could be the fourth outfielder on the team in ‘09 when Schaefer comes up.

Unless you can get a genuine talent in a trade for a bargain (like a Matt Kemp or a Freel or a — wait for it! — Baldelli) who you’d move to LF when Schaefer’s ready. Then you’d make the deal for the young(er) CF and confront a pleasant problem when necessary.

By TennesseePaul

October 1, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

What a weekend. Yesterday was a perfect day of baseball. I watched Bigio’s farewell game, amazing. Saw the final Braves/TBS Broadcast which was sort of disappointing (Now I need another means of viewing the games…). Saw the 163rd game materialize. Oh what a sweet, sweet thing when there is a 163rd game. And, I saw the Meltdown Mets in full force.
2 chokes in a row. They’ve got quite a streak going. Last season, stepped over by an 83 win team, this season utter meltdown. I’m actually looking forward to next years Mets. They just keep topping themselves. Are they really competing with the Tigers? Both have mirrored each other. Both were stepped over by an 83 win team and both melted down when it seemed to be all theirs for the taking. Perhaps it’s Leyland and Randolph’s fault…

Glavine’s season ending performance diminishes my desires to see him back in Atlanta. Yes, it would be neat for him to end his career back in Atlanta. But it’d be even better if the Braves won it all in 2008. Glavine will not put the team over the top in that mark. He couldn’t really hurt, but I’d rather the resources be focused on obtaining a good long term solution to the pitching rotation.

Carlos Silva. I saw him in that list of lack luster FA starting pitchers. He’s one of the “better” options. So I wouldn’t mind if the Braves picked him up, but he too is not a tipping point solution. He’d certainly be an improvement for the back end of the rotation. However, because he is probably the most qualified, attractive FA Starting pitcher, he is going to cost a fortune. I’m not sure Ted Lilly’s deal will cut it. Lilly got his deal when other bigger names were taking the top contract. Silva will be the top guy now. I don’t suspect he’ll get the 18 million that Zambrano or Zito got, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he pulls in 13+. And at that point, I’d rather the team manage a trade for a #1 and sign him to an extention. How you might ask? I don’t know. But JS will find a way. He managed to get Hudson for eh, what, and who? Exactly.

Speaking of picthing, Peavy has the NL pitching triple crown. Hello Mr. Cy Young. Where are all those Webb fans…?

By KC

October 1, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Lew: My hope is that the Braves will be able to trade for a quality starter that can help us beyond 2008. But if that’s not possible… signing Glavine would be the next best thing.

I wouldn’t see Glavine so much as the guy who’d be replacing James in the 3-slot… as much as I would think of him as the guy that would give us more depth, and help ensure we don’t see the likes of Carlyle, Lerew, Davies, Redman, etc. in the rotation at ANY point next season!!!

James had something of a disappointing season this year, but he wasn’t really the problem. The problem was the 4/5 slots in the rotation. Whether Glavine would be considered the 3rd starter or the 5th starter… he’d be a helluva lot better than what we filled our rotation out with for most of this season.

Same with Hampton. If he’s healthy, I’m not looking for him to be top-or-rotation type of pitcher immediately after 2-plus seasons of inactivity. But if he’s healthy enough to pitch, he’ll be better than the cast of characters at the bottom of the 2007 rotation.

In a way, I really would like to see either Reyes or Bennett get a crack at the 5th slot next year… but if they do, that would mean the Braves did NOT acquire another starter, or one of the other starters has been lost to injury… so for those reasons, I hope they DON’T get a crack at it just yet.

By Lew

October 1, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Anders-Andruw got a six year deal, as it was, and you’re squawking about a mythic one year player option? Give me a flippin’ break. And who cares if it’s Baldelli and he is injured all the time? If Boras took him on as a client, he gave him his best work-that’s the way Boras is-no one ever accused the guy of tanking a player’s contract intentionally. In fact, his reputation is the exact opposite. The fact remains he was a Boras client and did what he pleased, anyway. I’m sure there are other Boras clients, as well, that did what they felt was best, despite his advice. Yes, he negotiated a huge contract for ARod and several others as well. The guy is not God, at least no where other than in his own mind and not everyone listens to him as much as he thinks they do. Besides-Andruw at $15 million will be no more of a deal than Andruw at $20 million. He will be going elsewhere-unless he tells Boras to screw off yet again and provides a substantial home town discount. I guess in the long run, what I’m trying to say is So? What’s your point? Seems to me you’re being totally disingenuous again, as usual.

By KC

October 1, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

I have serious doubts that the Braves will sign any free agent starter, unless it’s Glavine.

That’s not to say they won’t have any interest in other FA starters… but mediocre starters are grossly overpriced right now. And the Braves have NEVER (regardless of payroll) overpaid for players.

The Braves will likely be competitive with any offers being made (be it by way of free agency, or via trade) for a top-of-rotation starter… but probably not for a mediocre one. Too many teams willing to overpay, and the Braves won’t be one of them.

Just my 2 cents.

By ncscoots

October 1, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

Robert (JITB) and BFIR get the points today. They took up the gauntlet of mentioning Figgins/Freel/Crawford for this first day of October. A dirty job, so a big hand for the guys getting it done. :-)

Though I think BFIR had a moment of brain-lock, mentioning Baldelli instead of Crawford, LOL. An honest mistake.

BTW, it’s now official: Mike Cameron gets added to the above list. However, no need for anyone to take on the task of making the daily mention of the guy. I can almost guarantee that Shaun’s got it covered.

By Choppinmama

October 1, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

Hey, DOB - time to put those well-traveled feet up on the desk and ride herd on the blog’s endless speculations until time to head to the Dark Star next spring?

Seriously, thanks for all the info, stats and behind-the-scenes glimpes you’ve given us over this season. As an expatriated Atlantan, this blog, ChopTalk and my Xtra Innings package have been my window to the Braves world this season. I’ve especially enjoyed reading the blog, posting ocasionally, but mostly reading the postings of many more baseball-knowledgeable folks than I. But - I’m learning every year.

OK, guys, buh-bye to 2007, I’m ready to take on 2008 - OUR YEAR!

By Lew

October 1, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

Anders-You’re starting to really show your spots here in the land of the Braves. Just who in the hell should I acknowledge, Dude? It’s a Braves’ blog. Would have thought by now you would have figured that out. You do realize, don’t you, that you can compliment someone else without comparing them to the Braves or denigrating the Braves at the same time? What you said was that we should have our minor league system evaluated by a team that has a great farm system-another dig at the Braves.

Dude-Just because some here are willing to give you a pass because your team just tanked in the worst possible way and you feel really bad, doesn’t give you any right to come and give us grief-which is EXACTLY what you’re starting to do-AGAIN. If you’re going to come to our neighborhood and talk like an idiot, don’t be surprised when we tell you that you ARE an idiot.

To answer your questions, though-No there is no team that will get credit here because it’s a Braves’ blog and we’re Braves’ fans -DUH!! How do the Braves ever lose? Dude, read some of the comments here instead of just running your mouth, uttering incoherent trash and you might just understand how we ever lose-which really hasn’t been too often over the last 16 years-much less so than the “Amazin” Chokers.

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

Some good stuff from Jayson Stark’s season preview:

On whether [Ichiro] thought, after his team’s 14th loss in 16 games, that his teammates were pressing: “I don’t even comprehend that word. … If someone did 100 sprints before games, then maybe he’d be pressing, but there’s no such idiots on this team.”

No. 9 on David Letterman’s list of Top 10 Britney Spears Excuses: “I haven’t been myself since Phil Rizzuto died.”

By BravesFanInRockies

October 1, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

scoots,

OK. I’m busted. Forgot to include cArL cRaWfOrD …

Thought somebody needed to break the seal, as it were, on the list of unmentionables for the offseason. :)

By Choppinmama

October 1, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

I noticed it during the game yesterday, then Biggio referred to it during his post-game news conference. For his last at-bat grounder to Chipper, Ol’ Hoss semi-lollipopped the throw to first instead of throwing a laser-beam and the throw beat #11 by a half step.

BGO said “Chipper gave me a chance, but I’m just too old and slow.”

By Tomahawkin

October 1, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Can’t believe that people are saying Chuck James had a bad year…Give the dude a break, Its only his second season, I considered it a decent year considering that he adjusted to the league, once the scouting reports got around…Add on a couple of starts that he had blown by the Blow-pen

Look at Glavine’s sophmore season…he went 7-17 that year, but then again he pitched on a really bad braves team that year, but Nonetheless it was the combination of putting too much risk on Mark Redman, and Kyle Davies that cost us…

By Carroll

October 1, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

It’s funny….yesterday will likely be Tom Glavine’s last game as a Met, and, ironically, it went a lot like his last game as a Brave in the 2002 playoffs vs. the G-Men…a blowout in a HUGE game…left a lot of us thinking that the old dude was spent, and couldn’t bring home a big win. I’m sure the Mutts fans are saying the same things today. But after the hell we’ve been through these past few years with NO starting pitching, I’d be first in line to welcome him home.

By Lew

October 1, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

KC-I agree with you on James. I’ve been a fan of his all along and have taken up for him in numerous instances. However, would adding another Chuck James (though an older one) make much difference as far as depth? I don’t know-maybe so. I still wouldn’t be that comfortable with counting on him that heavily. As far as Hampton goes, I wouldn’t even mention his name as a possibility and would take other steps, not even including him. Whatever he gives or is capable of giving would just be added icing on the cake. Even JS has said he will not rely on any kind of performance from him.

The real problem this season was not James or Carlyle. It was the number five spot. Is Glavine our new number five? What about the lack of IP in the other two spots? Again, I don’t know, but given Glav’s recent struggles, I don’t see him as getting us to the promised land. He only averaged 2 more outs per start over Chuck. I would, however, like to see more of Reyes and Bennett.

By Choppinmama

October 1, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Mr. Fly - amusing reportage this season. If your life-span exceeds one year, I hope to see you back on the walls next year, bringing us the news from a totally different angle than DOB’s.

PS - keep hovering around Andruw’s this winter. You don’t fly south for the winter months, do you? You can probably find some sweet lodgings at the A Jones’ this off-season. We want to be the first to know the answer to “will he or won’t he?”

By Bob, Journalist

October 1, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Grinch … I just realized that my response to you was incomplete … as I’ve many times observed, God made me smart enough to come up with but a few of the questions … none of the answers.

It’s a shame that we focus more on the acquisition of the best raw talent than we do on its development and utilization.

Somehow I feel that they just don’t understand the proper relation between the Army’s “be all you can be” and Polonius’ “to thine own self” … that’s the key to performing … or perchance is it the rub?

Here’s praying for you kid!

By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera

October 1, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

That was very nice of Chipper to give Biggio a chance with his throw. The ump could have cooperated by calling him safe. I’ll bet even Bobby, of all people, wouldn’t have come out and argued the call.

By Lew

October 1, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

ChoppinMama-I noticed Chipper’s throw and mentioned it to my wife. I thought, under the circumstances, it was a pretty classy thing for Hoss to do. I was glad to see the respect for Biggio, not only from the Houston fans and organization, but from the Braves as well-both in Atlanta in August and on the field yesterday. I hope that’s how other teams will treat Smoltz and Chipper when it’s their turn to hang up the spikes.

By ncscoots

October 1, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

BFIR, nothing but kudos from me, my friend. It’s inspiring to see you take one for the team, er, blog. :-)

By Choppinmama

October 1, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

For what it’s worth, count me a “yea” on the bring-back-Glavine question. I really don’t think he will hurt us and it would be good for him, Atlanta and the Braves to have him finish his career with the tomahawk across his chest. Give him the opportunity to atone for his defection, and his melt-down in Game #162. I’m all for allowing him to finish his career in the manner that he is owed for his career body of work.

He sure won’t get the Biggio-type sendoff if he plays out his option year in Nooo Yawk.

By TennesseePaul

October 1, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Francoeur raised his OPS 40 points this season. All of it came from improving his OBP. His slugging only dipped by 5 points. His HR decreased by 10, but he had more hits and doubles. His Runs and RBI’s are practically the same. His average was up. I’d say, over all, he improved his game. I expect him to improve even more next season. I’d imagine his power will increase. If his power does go up and he maintains his approach at the plate, his OBP will go up. Hopefully he’ll be able to get that Slugging into the .500 range next season with a solid .350 OBP.

By The Ultimate Choptimist

October 1, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Next year: Smoltz, Huddy, Glav, then trade Renteria for another SP, and let James, Carlyle, Hampton, and Bennett duke it out for the 5th sport. Plus we get Gonzo back and maybe Dotal to, and hopefully we keep Mahay. We’re finally rid of the offensive albatross and human rally killer (Andruw Jones). I’d say things are looking pirty dang good.

By Lew

October 1, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Ultimate-Don’t expect Gonzo to provide much of anything. He’s probably out til mid season at the least. As far as Dotel, I think there is a club option-for $10 millin. Can we afford that given his injury history? Not real sure, myself.

By KC

October 1, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Lew: If Hampton is healthy, he almost certainly won’t be referred to as the 5th starter (assuming we acquire another quality starter)… but in my book, he’s the 5th guy.

You don’t count on him being there, but if your look at him as your #5 starter, you don’t have to count on him. We’ve got Reyes, Bennett, and Cormier, who all deserve a shot to show what they can do as the 5th starter.

So we just need to get one more quality starter… and then we can just look at Hampton as a huge bonus if he can make it back and pitch effectively.

By Braveheart

October 1, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

The Braves were 84-78 overall.

104 win pace: 22-12 with Hudson. 62-66 without.

98 win pace: 40-26 with Smoltz, Hudson.. 44-52 without.

96 win pace: 57-39 with Smoltz, Hudson, James. 27-39 without.

95 win pace: 68-48 with Smoltz, Hudson, James, Buddy. 16-30 without.

91 win pace: 75-58 with Smoltz, Hudson, James, Buddy, Davies.

50 win pace: 9-20 without Hudson, Smoltz, James, BUddy, Davies. That is how a 91 win team becomes an 84 win team.

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul, yes I’m very impressed with Francoeur. He’s really becoming the player everyone thinks he can be.

By ncscoots

October 1, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Lew, I believe that’s a mutual option on Dotel at $5.5MM. For sure, the Braves will pass on that number. I guess they might try to re-sign him at another figure, but, frankly, I don’t much care either way.

By KC

October 1, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

Ultimate Choptimist:

I seriously doubt we’ll get Dotel back next year. He’s going to get at least 6-7 mill a year to close somewhere. We already have a closer, and certainly won’t pay that much for a set-up guy.

Mahay might very well be back though. I’m sure the Braves will make every attempt.

Renteria alone won’t net us a pitcher worth putting in our rotation. Renteria’s great, but only 1 year left on his contract, so that limits his trade value.

But I agree… things look very good next year. There is a great base of talent already, including 2 aces in the rotation, a great bullpen, and an excellent offense.

With new ownership that doesn’t mind a payroll hike (THANK GOD!!!), JS will have the freedom to add what’s needed. These next 6 months are going to feel like 6 years to me. I’m ready to get 08 underway!

By TampaBrave

October 1, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

We would be really pushing the envelope by pinning our hopes on Smoltz and Glavine next year. Smoltz is my favorite player, but he could break down at any time. Same goes for Glavine. We should be getting younger.

By KC

October 1, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Braveheart: Excellent points.

By Sir John Schuerholz

October 1, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

I will never obtain any of the gentlemen you speak of. I have my sights on several obscure players for centerfield and the starting rotation. You denizens will never guess which buns I’ve got my eyes on in that hot stove. You’re all thinking obvious. Anyone can do obvious. Instead, do the Schuerholz.

The Schuerholz is the dance craze that should be sweeping the blog this winter. Sadly, you’re all still dancing the Macarena.

By Anders

October 1, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Lew Just back from lunch. Anyway - I was talking about having the Mets farm system looked at by the Twins, not the Braves. When referring to “we” or “I” please know that I mean the Mets. And I didn’t mean it literally it was kind of an expression. I get it that this is a Braves blog, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some objectivity.

Not sure how my surmising that A-Rod might leave the Yankees and that Boras might actually be making some decisions for him would be construed as disingenuous on my part?

You can have the last word if you’d like - I’m bored with this.

By TennesseePaul

October 1, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Maybe I shouldn’t stoke this fire but…

Which is more important, scoring the run, or getting on base? Sort of the chicken and the egg question. Is it good that you get on base all the time, but never score, or is it better that you score nearly every time you get on base? I was curious. I don’t know who will get the MVP, but, from looking at a few stats I don’t normally rely on I found that Jimmy Rollins is 5th in the league in Runs Created (behind Holliday, Wright, Ramirez and Fielder). But first amoung all “qualifiers” for the MVP in ratio of being on base and scoring. Less than every other time that guy was on base, he scored. Pretty crazy. I didn’t really look at his numbers too in depth until just now. He’s had a ridiculous season. 139 runs scored. First guy ever with 200+ hits, 20+ doubles, triples, homers, and stolen bases. And, I hate to say it, he called it at the beginning of the year. And then to hear the talk from teammates about how much he means to the team, and how important he is… you know, the intangibles…. Let me put it this way, I won’t be all up in arms storming Bud’s office if he wins the MVP.

Oh, and so far, Hanely Ramirez is sooooooo much better than Jose Reyes.

By Lee in S. GA

October 1, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

Just as soon the Braves pass on Glavine. He could end up being the 3rd starter easily. All it would take is batters continuing to launch Chuck James pitches into the seats, Hampton not coming back at full strength and Reyes or Bennett not being consistent enough to hold onto a starting spot. After these year of events with starting pitchers all of these things are very possible to say the least. I wish they could obtain a reliable younger pitcher…somehow…someway.

By Efrim

October 1, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

TampaBrave

I’m sure if the opportunity were to present itself, the Braves would jump on it. But the fact of the matter is that there is no young pitching available in trades this winter. I think we should just go with Glavine and then look to reshape the rotation after the 2008 season.

By ncscoots

October 1, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

The elephant in the room that no one wants to notice…the team’s record in Smoltz’s starts.

You can’t put it all down to lack or run support, bad luck, bad bullpen, and all the other reasons that get trotted out. The guy simply gets out-pitched more often than in previous years. That it doesn’t happen more often to a guy with his age and scars is a testament to his strength of will and remaining ability.

But he’s still getting matched up against top-tier pitchers two-thirds his age and with a multitude fewer surgical scars. Maybe it’s time to realize he’s not 30 anymore, and start putting him up against mid-rotation starters. Starters against whom he has a better chance of succeeding.

Braves won 18 of his starts, instead of the 22-24 they have a right to expect from a #1 starter. That can’t happen to a club seeking the playoffs.

By Tomahawkin

October 1, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Speaking of teams that boycott Scott Bor-a* by developing good farm systems, I’m surprised no one mentioned the Straight A”s Teams that Oakland Developed (Giambi, Tejada, Huddy, Mulder, Grieve, Zito, R. Hernandez among others). That was a squad before it was broken up…

Its the only way Small market teams can compete is through player development…

By DAP

October 1, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

holliday will have to go 0 for 5 tonight for chipper to win the batting title. not likely to happen.

im glad the yankees didnt win thier division this year. had anyone else noticed that the yanks were closing in on the braves record 14 straight division titles? i think they were at 9 before this year. curently all the teams who won thier division this year are sitting at one in a row. but i guess that isnt really a row is it?

By Scott Boras

October 1, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Lew You’re right - even God couldn’t have gotten A-Rod $252 mil with a players opt out option.

By Braveheart

October 1, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Anders: Lay off Willie Randolph. It ain’t his fault. That pitching just was not good enough. We all warned you Metsies of that earlier in the year. You all failed to heed that warning.

What happened at the end was what happened to the Phillies at the very beginning of the season and other parts of the season and what happened to the Braves at other points of the season as well. It just so happened that your bad spell with your pitching went down at the end.

All of us realists on here said in the beginning of the season that the Braves, Mets, and Phillies all looked like 85-90 win teams and that the first team to win 90 would take the division. Turns out 89 was good enough.

We realistic ones could see in the beginning, they all had excellent offenses but suspect rotations and pens. The Mets pitching fooled themselves and everyone else for a long time but, alas, eventually they were who we thought they were.

I don’t consider the Mets downfall a choke job. They finally just stopped pitching over their heads. It’s too bad for you guys that it did not happen in the middle of the season so you don’t feel like you had the rug pulled out from under you in September.

By steve

October 1, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

It would be my pleasure to drive Tom Glavine to Turner Field myself, and drop him off to you if you want him. And according to the poll, you apparently do. Just remember, he had 3 starts in the last two weeks, 2 against the Nationals and 1 against the Marlins and was absolutely awful. I hope I never see him in a Met uniform again. You guys can have him.

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul, yes, I can certainly see your argument. Problem is a player’s runs scored total is skewed by his teammates. A guy could constantly be on base and never score for reasons that have nothing to do with any of his abilities.

Also, Rollins counting stats (non-rate/percentage stats) are so high because of his immense number of plate appearances. This is a point for him and not against him because that means he has more of a chance to make an impact even though he may not have been quite as good as some other candidates, and this helps his case. But even though he led the league in plate appearances by a pretty significant margin, he didn’t finish in the top eight in times on base. I could support him if he were at least top four or five.

Another way to look at this is what if someone like Hanley Ramirez or even Edgar had been the Phillies shortstop and hit at the top of their lineup. Imagine what Hanley’s counting stats would be. That’s why I would support Ramirez over Rollins. It’s not Ramirez’s fault that he was in a weaker lineup.

By Tomahawkin

October 1, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Me Likes the option of having Smoltzie, Huddy, Glavine, Hampton, and James in the rotation, and Buddy Carlyle as a Spot starter, since Hampton probably won’t be 100 percent til at least June I’d imaging, and Using Jo-Jo Reyes as insurance, should any of the others go down…

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul, I don’t mean to knock Rollins at all. I do think he’s had a great season. I just disagree that it is MVP-worthy. I’m being more critical of voters who may put Rollins as number one on their ballots. But hopefully enough of them will surprise me.

By Greg in TN

October 1, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

Lew/KC,

I think having Glavine in the mix next spring gives us a lot more in terms of options than what we had going into this past spring, especially since we don’t know how effective Hampton will be when he returns. Plus, I myself am not really sold that getting rid of Renteria in the offseason is truely the way to go. Not too convinced that what we’d end up giving up in letting him go would match what we could get for him either alone or packaged with prospect(s) or the like.

TennPaul, agreed completely with you on Frenchy. His power numbers will improve and I was really encouraged by how he adjusted this year at the plate. His homer count should increase next year barring something unforseen.

By TennesseePaul

October 1, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

Scoots: I see what you are saying about Smoltz, but so far there really hasn’t been a good way to go about it. The previous two years the pen blew it for him. But this year he pitched incredibly well and against some stiff competition. Even still he came out with good numbers. I’d like those numbers to be even more inflatted, but we needed Smoltz in those games more than anything. Imagine if Lerew, Redman, Carlyle, Davies, and so on had been the pitcher of record in all the tough match ups…

By Mets rule You drool

October 1, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

The Amazin’s will sign Santana, we don’t need Andrew but we could afford him (unlike you’re broke a*******es), we’ll probably bring Alou (braves killer) back and eveyrone knows Glavine would rather stay here thehn move back to a 3rd place team but we don’t want him anymore. Who knows we might pick up a Peavey or an Oswalt too. Omar will get at least two Aces, plus we might pikc up a guy like Bartolo Colon and let Coach P work his magic with him. Might even get us a little Tim Wakefield action. Plus a full year of Pedro. Plus well bring back Castillo and Lastings is ready to bust through. Hahahahahahaha!!!!!!! The year of revenege 2008, you don’t want to be in the NL East if you’re team ain’ t Amazin’. Hahahhahaha!!!!

By Choppinmama

October 1, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Bring Me the Head …..(huh!?) and Lew:

Even though we were playing for stats only on Sunday, it was very heart-warming for ALL baseball fans to be a part of the “Great Biggio Goodbye.” Just like playing in NY after 9/11 we were a part of baseball history in the making. Remember Randy Johnson? It hurt so good!!

Add the Mutts Meltdown (I can ALMOST feel sorry for Mutts fans - what a punch-in-the-solar-plexus from the excruciating 1st 1/3 innning), and OUR season ended with a positive, sentimental, wistful-satisfied, frustrated feeling in the ol’ baseball cockles of MY heart.

Oh, heard ALL of the coaches are back - take THAT, Robert!

(Camera pans back to show a giant hand holding a Braves foam tomahawk. Said tomahawk proceeds to whack a little Claymation action figure, dressed in a “Donk for President” t-shirt, off the computer keyboard into the open kitchen trash compactor.)

As Giant Hand proceeds the close the compactor, press “Start” with a giant forefinger, Little Bobby was heard to scream:

“Oh nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Mr. Schuerholz!!”

See you guys later during the playoff game, I’m going to go dig in the yard.

By ppaddy123

October 1, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

I THINK THE PHILLIES ARE THE TEAM TO BEAT IN THE NL That being said, if the Rockies manage to beat the Padres today, those two are neck and neck. I think the Phillies play as a team despite their limited starting pitching.

I made them my #2 team (behind the Braves of course) when, as a team, every one of those guys helped out the Rockies ground crew during that freak storm. Anyone remember that? The whole Phillies team, out there in that driving rain, helping the grounds crew! I just thought it showed character. And yes, character does matter. The fans in the city of Philadelphia don’t deserve a team like this. THEY DESERVE THE METTS

By Lee in S. GA

October 1, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Steve - I just as soon the Mets keep him. He may be better off to the Braves in a Mets uniform next year.

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul, another way I would look at it is if I could go back to the beginning of the season and know exactly what these players would do, would I want Ramirez as my SS or Rollins. I think I’d want Ramirez. I know you could make the argument that Ramirez’s team isn’t as good so he shouldn’t win, but that’s not the definition of value to me. All other things being equal, Ramirez’s 2007 would be my clear choice; I value his season more, even though his GM didn’t surround him with as many good players as Rollins.

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

ppaddy123, I’m going with a Red Sox-Cubs World Series. Both teams pretty much have the ingredients for a World Series run—pitchers who can strike guys out, good defense and good bullpen. Although the Cubs don’t have a dominant closer, a lot of their relievers have been pretty awesome.

By David O'Brien

October 1, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Mets Drool Dude: Seriously, do you think now’s the time for anyone who’s a fan of the Mets to lay down a gauntlet, like the fans of any other team in baseball would really be shaking in their boots after the nightly highlights over the past two weeks showing Mets fans with heads in hands, night after night, after the Mets choked away a lead like NO TEAM in baseball history. I mean, seriously.

Your team just became the only team in history blow at least a 7-game lead in the final 17 games of the season. The ONLY TEAM. And someone is supposed to get riled up or fear that?

Yeah, OK. Whatever keeps you Mets fan sane in your time of mourning, I’m sure the good folks here will humor you.

By TennesseePaul

October 1, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

Well Payne, I don’t know that you’ll convince anyone on the planet that the MVP award should be an award for the highest OBP. Rollins did an amazing job this year. I think writers will take into account more than just a players OBP when attempting to asses the value of the players and then rank who was the most valuable. And, I won’t be surprised if intangibles come into play… things like leadership qualities and so forth.
I just found it interesting, after reading your persistant campaign against Jimmy Rollins, that he was actually in the top five in runs created… I don’t use that stat, but you seem to really love it. After reading your weekend of Rollins bashing and Cameron praising, I thought I’d look it up.

By Choppinmama

October 1, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

DOB - one more thing….

Even if I don’t know 3/4ths of the music you post, you are broadening my music horizons.

Just reading through the lyrics of a lot of songs you select is reading pure poetry. Folks that don’t listen to the words of a LOT of music genres are missing out.

Rock on!! Or - in your case, Country/Blues/Folk/Indie on!!

By BravesFanInRockies

October 1, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

Good lord, someone make sure the drooler takes his meds …

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, okay, can of worms shut. (Until someone else wants to open it.)

By TampaBrave

October 1, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Shaun, give it a rest. Rollins does not make all the Ramirez errors that LOSE ballgames and Edgar, though a better hitter in some respects, couldn’t hang with him defensively either. I could see Fielder winning it because you and chicks dig the long ball, or even Holliday, but I think Philly doesn’t win the east with Edgar or Ramirez. You could say that Rollins did a trade off, substituting power for average, to the benefit of the team, of course.

Anders

and all you other crybabies complaining about TG. You can try and blame TG if you want. Sure, he had a really bad game, but for the most part, he’s been very solid. I know that BP blew several games for him where he pitched extremely well. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. Mark Redman is on a roll, why don’t yuz guys sign him. To bite the hand that fed you shows your level of class. And from the other day, you are still full of shyte about your business trip excuse. You blog on here constantly every two hours for months and all of a sudden you are the big businessman hitting the strip clubs in Vegas. You were in a strip club, it’s true, but you had a mop in your hand and it was in Jersey.

By Efrim

October 1, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Shaun

I agree with you on Rollins, he didn’t have a year that should net him an MVP award, but Hanley Ramirez???

He is a great offensive player who will be the Marlins Centerfielder next year. He is awful at SS. He looks lost there.

By Shaughnessy

October 1, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

I am not going to tell all of you again.

Just as a strikeout does not give you an indication of how productive a player is, how often you make out does not give you an indication of how productive a player is. I have told you this a million times. Whay doesn’t anyone listen to me? You can not be this hopeless at this point. It is not that hard to figure out.

Just as what a player does in his nonstrikeout plate appearances tells you how productive that player is, what a player does when he does not make out can be very telling about how productive a player is.

Again, do not look at the number of strikeouts or outs. Look at how much they do when they are not making an out and/or striking out.

A player can strike out 200 times in a season or make 400 outs in a season and still be one of the most productive player in the leagues.

Get that through your thick skulls already. PUH-LEEZE!

By TennesseePaul

October 1, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Payne: I’ll say this, I don’t think any one particular NL player ran away with the award. I think there are a handful of guys that anyone could make a solid arguement for receiving the award. But who knows. The one guy I think should be meantioned more but isn’t is Jake Peavy. Pitchers rarely win this award, but if ever there was a year and a pitcher for it, I’d say 2007 Peavy would be a solid one.

By Tomahawkin

October 1, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Gotta Go get some Grub…Just posted a topic on wheather or not to bring Glavine back to the “A” on Facebook, curious to see the responses I get from the young Choppas who are trying to “Creep On A Comeup”

Check ya…

By Scott Boras

October 1, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Braveheart Sorry guy. I’ve been a big Willie supporter but this wasn’t just a bad weekend of baseball. This team was plummetting for three weeks. His team was playing the bottom of the division for the last two of them and he didn’t make one move to stimulate anything! No benchings, no pitching rotation changes, no calling out of a player[s] in the media, he didn’t even look for an excuse to kick some dirt on an umpire and show some fire. He just stood there staring through his sunglasses. One more win would have given the Mets two chances to make the playoffs and they go 5-12 down the stretch and the manager skips? Believe me I’m not an impulsive guy but someone has to pay if I own the team. They weren’t a great team but they had enough and were far enough ahead to make it and he just sat there waiting for his boys to respond which they never did. In a related story - Minaya wouldn’t gaurantee Randolph’s job today. He’s got two years left at about $4.5 mil so that will probably buy him another year.

By Denizenry

October 1, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

DOB, we are not sure if he deserves it or not. But, at this point, we are tired of it and we have all taken a vote and want you to vote for Jimmy Rollins just for the sake of sticking to Shaun. Your cooperation would be appreciated. Thank you!

By Salty

October 1, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

Minaya should hope someone guarantees his job b4 commenting on Randolph’s situation. Minaya brought Henderson in…Reyes slid south…no upgrade on the pitching staff because Pedro would save the day, etc. I’m no Randolph fan, but he played the hand he was dealt. Minaya had the checkbook and, apparently all the (wrong) answers!

By Tomahawkin

October 1, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

J-Roll is da Truth! Nuff said…BTW If Matt Holliday passes Ryan Howard in RBI’S tonite, I’d give the MVP to Holliday, If Not It goes to J-Roll

J-Roll is a playmaker, He’s one of the few players on an opposing team that I’d Pay to see…

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul, oh, I agree OBP is not the only thing. But OBP is pretty important because it actually is what a lot of people think batting average is—a measure of how successful a player is at the plate. So when Rollins is not even in the top 100, even though I don’t think it’s the only thing that people should look at, I think that should be weighted pretty heavily.

About intangibles, we have no way of knowing that Rollins helps his team more intangibly than some other players. I refuse to speculate.

And my intent, again, is certainly not to bash Rollins. I do think he had a really good or great season. If I’m a Phillies fan, I love Rollins as my shortstop. But, again, I just don’t think he’s been MVP-worthy.

And saying he’s fifth in runs created, that seems to help my argument. I mean he has the most plate appearances by a significant margin yet he created the fifth-most runs. You’d think if he really was the most valuable player, he would have created many more runs by coming to the plate as often as he did.

Thanks for the respectful discussion on this subject, seriously. This is how you arrive at the truth and what makes debate fun, not twisting the other person’s argument into false dilemmas (you say players peak around 26 or 27, which equals they “suck” by 28…absurd!…not that I’m bitter or anything).

By ncscoots

October 1, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

TPaul, I only brought that up so that the folks who think adding a mediocre mid-to-back-rotation guy means World Series might get a hint.

All I see is folks with the “well, he’s not this, and he’s not that, and he doesn’t do the other very well, but, heck, he’s better than last year!” stuff, a damn-with-faint-praise wish to rise from awful to mediocre. As if that will size the rings.

The reality, IMO, is that Smoltz shouldn’t have to carry #1 water anymore; Braves need a top-tier starter who can, so that Smoltz can maximize his productivity at #3. Asking him to go mano-a-mano with the Peavys of the world every time out is too much.

By David Brewer

October 1, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

I’m just a fan of all Baseball, now. I started playing the game when I was 8 years old. I stopped in my 20’s. Not because of a lack of love, but because of life’s other commitments. I’m 67 years old now and a lot of innings have passed me by. And, all of them were special. I grew up a Red Sox fan because my father loved the Red Sox. When I was about 9 years old, my dad took me to Yankee Stadium to watch the Yankees & Red Sox play. That day changed my life. That day I became the spirit of Baseball. 2 teams battling until the final out. The dedication and commitment to playing the game of baseball never wavered. I don’t remember who won, but I remember the best Baseball! I moved to Atlanta in 1968. A couple or so years earlier the Milwaukee Braves (formally Boston) had also moved to Atlanta. The ride from there is history. And, this Atlanta page will turn next year, as will the NY Met’s. I will miss what Craig Biggio brought to the game of Baseball. Human endeavors are measured by the character and perfection that each individual performs. Craig Biggio has character and perfection. The Mets didn’t have either.

By flange1

October 1, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Robert (JIB) -I saw that Phillie garbage about Chipper too and was so POed that I had to sign up for 2 different things to post a reply. That guy is a real piece of garbage.

Drool, you really are a tool..Your team melts down with epic proportions and you still want to talk trash. LOSER!!

By Arkansas Hillbilly

October 1, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

HOT DAMN!!!! Just found out there’s gonna be a new little Hillbilly in South Arkansas in 9 months. What a day!!!!! Beers all around.

By Scott Boras

October 1, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Braveheart I wasn’t in a strip club I was in The Strip Club. It’s a steak house in the Gaslamp district in San Diego where you grill your own steaks Einstein. If you got out of Hooters once in a while you might know these things. I’ll put $10K up against $1k from you to prove you wrong. The facts on my previous posts about my trip are true. I trust your credit is good? If you have the stones let me know otherwise I accept your apology.

As for TG - his last 3 games were against the Marlins/Nats/Marlins. He gave up 25 hits, and 17 earned runs in 10.1 innings!! He had a 70.00 whip in yesterday’s game. That has to be some kind of record. He had a 6.10 ERA in September. “Mr. Clutch” he’s wasn’t.

By Shaun

October 1, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, Peavy’s certainly been very good. If I had a vote, it would be hard for me to give it to a pitcher just because they have an impact on so few games compared to everyday players.

I’d give it to Hanley. His offense has just been so good, I think it more than makes up for any of his defensive deficiencies. If he were playing short and leading off for the Phillies, I think he’d have 35 homers, over 100 RBI, over 55 doubles, over 10 triples and quite possibly over 150 runs scored.

By TampaBrave

October 1, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

NCSCOOTS

You are exactly right on Smoltz. I’m sorry, I don’t want to hear no one is available. JS is a master of working the deals. This deal for our next #1 pitcher will cement his legacy.

By step-children of N.Y.

October 1, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

This is the difference between the Mets and Yankees. If Randolph was the Yankees manger he is gone no doubt about it. Post-season is not enough this season for the Yankees. Unless Torre wins the W.S. this year he is gone. Sorry with the highest payroll in the N.L. at around $116 million the Mets are not going to recover from this next season. They choked plain and simple. Anyone say rebuilding year HAHAHAHAHA.

BRAVES looking good next season.

By Efrim

October 1, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

Steve Phillips today:

Billy (ATL): Have we seen the last of Andruw Jones in a Braves uniform? And who are possible replacements? Cameron?

Steve Phillips: Jones has played his last game for the Braves. They just cannot afford him and help fill needs in other areas. Once they made the Texeira deal they said goodbye to Jones. Texeira replaces Jones in the middle of the lineup. I think the Braves will go with a minor league prospect named Shaffer in center field next year. He finished last season in the class A level. Cox is going to go watch him play winter ball, and the Braves have had success bringing players up from that level. This would allow the Braves to spend money to rounf out the backend of the rotation and fortify their bench. If Hampton comes back in 08 and can be effective then they have the makings of the best rotation in the division with a potent offenses team. The Braves are going to be a major factor in the NL east next year.

Jordan Schafer will not be this team’s CF next season. That would be rushing a prospect who isn’t ready. If Cox goes and sees him during Winter Ball, I hope he has some sense to say that Schafer needs another year in the minors.

By the way, root for those Rockies tonight!!! Not a chance the Padres beat the Phils with Peavy starting Game 3 and only game 3 in that first round matchup.

By flange1

October 1, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

Hey Mr. Boras or should I say Anders,

On TG, ok so he had 3 bad games. You can’t blame him for losing a 7 game lead with 17 to go. He did help you last year and he helped you this year. SHow a little class…

oops sorry, I forgot, you are a Mets fan and thus by defination have no class….

By Anders

October 1, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Braveheart Obviously the 3:48 from Scott Boras was from me. I had used the Scott Boras name to tweak Lew earlier.

By David O'Brien

October 1, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

OK, NEW BLOG is posted. Do it up, denizens. We’ll know from the number of responses whether it’s worth doing regular blogs for the near future.

By Anders

October 1, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

Braveheart My apologies. My last two blogs were meant for Tampabrave not you.

By Tonight on TBS

October 1, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

First time on television…

The Queen (2006)

In the days following the Mets’ tragic collapse in the playoffs, Her Majesty Pedro Martinez (Helen Mirren) and Prime Minister William Randolph (Michael Sheen) struggle to reach a compromise between what was a private tragedy for the Mets’ pitchers and the public’s demand for an overt display of mourning. (Docudrama).

By TampaBrave

October 1, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

Shaun,

Are you Hanley’s butt buddy? If this, if that, blah, blah blah…. JR is in the playoffs and was their biggest all-round contributor while Ramirez is visiting all those fans in the hospital he beaned in the head behind the 1st base dugout. If my aunt had balls, my cousin would have been adopted.

Your constant diatribe on Ramirez is telling on you. You are not connected to the real world. I wonder if you even watch games at all.

By BB FAN

October 1, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Mets Drool Guy:

You are a typical Mets fan. All you want is to buy every player out there…including many (Peavy, Oswalt) who are not even available. Yankee fans are very similar.

Apparently, you are blind, ignorant or just foolish because that’s how the Mets got in trouble to begin with. They tried to sign every free agent out there (Glavine, Floyd, Alou, Wagner, ect.) or they traded for every available over the hill player (Delgado, LoDuca, Vaughn, Alomar, Hernandez, Green, and so on) to put a team together.

A team can not just throw money at a roster and expect to win. They need to develope players and sign a player here and there to compliment the roster or fill a specific need.

The players they have developed (Reyes, Millidge, etc) have a poor attitude and disrepect others too often. It takes more than jumping high fives to win. It takes team chemistry and unselfish play. Things the Mets haven’t ever been able to portray.

By Lew

October 1, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

I Flipping love it. One day after the Mets tank in the worst possible way-the worst choke in all of baseball history and we’ve got the Trolls right back here acting as if the Mets won the series. Whatever. Anders-even if you were saying that the Mets should have their farm system analyzed by the Twins-so what? Do you think we, as Braves fans even care about your farm system? Your absolute joke of a farm system. Why are you here discussing it anyway? Shouldn’t you do that on a Mets’ site with all the other depressed morons? It’s about time you realized it-I and others have said it in so many words many times before-WE DON’T CARE ABOUT THE METS. Now do you understand? You’re bored with the arguments? Fine, show yourself to the door. Maybe you could find more stimulating conversation on a Mets’ blog.

As for the Drooling Imbecile-Omar’s going to get you TWO aces pitchers? Really? You mean just like he did it this season? Hey, I hear Tony Armas Jr. is available. Maybe Brett Tomko? Perhaps Odalis Perez? I mean, y’all have done so well with former Braves pitchers-just look at Glavine and Sosa’s September numbers. Yes, I’m absolutely certain that Omar will go out and get Santana-I mean y’all have so many top prospects that ANY ML team would be thrilled to trade their studs for. Maybe they’d like to have Lastings Milledge-IF you could provide melt down insurance. Does Lloyd’s handle that type of policy?

To think I actually gave a Braves’ fan a hard time the other day for posting trash on a Mets’ blog. At the time I said as long as the Trolls gave us no grief, I wouldn’t rub their faces in the collapse. Took all of one day for that idea to fly out of the window. Be prepared to be reminded frequently-THE WORST COLLAPSE IN BASEBALL HISTORY. HA HA HA HA HA. I love it. Carlos incontinent look in 06 and Willie’s totally blank stare in 07. Let’s hear it for a dynasty in the making.

By mo in the boonies

October 1, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy Waiting for the annual Salmon run, (should start next week) when the big guys swim up river from Lake Huron on their way to spawn. They are good eating when they first enter the river, later not so good. We filet the salmon and save their eggs for bait for lake trout and Steelheads.

Well my take on the game yesterday was, it was a “throw away” game. I sure would have been ticked, if I’d paid big bucks for a ticket to the game, and didn’t get to see anyone but the scrubs. As it was, just watching on tv, it was pretty disappointing for the final game of the season, not to have any of the first string playing. Was glad that Skip was at least allowed to announce the game, even though he has been treated pretty shabby by TBS, otherwise.

Was sad to see that it was Biggio’s last game, I’ve enjoyed watching him over the years, although we usually referred to him affectionately as “Pigpen”, (the little dirty guy in Peanuts)” . Not only for all the pine tar on his batting helmet, but because he always managed to slide into a base or hit the dirt chasing a ground ball, early in a game, and then had to play the rest of the game with his uniform covered with dirt. Never seemed to slow up his method of going all out every game. He is a true player!

Also was disheartened to hear Skip announce at the beginning of the game that Cox and all the same coaches would be back next year. Wonder what it will take to persuade the “powers that be” that the team truly needs a change. Another losing season? Because no matter how many more players they get, the team will be managed in the same inept manner. Oh, well, I won’t see many games next year, anyway.

By bfan54

October 1, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

Robert (see his post at 2:40, you are like a burglar in the night waiting for all the lights to go out, then you enter, silently and stealthy - anyone on this blog knows that your post just “creeped” along (and I use the word advisedly), until pulled your Bobby shiv from its scabbord - you are one sick f’n dude!.

By Christine

October 2, 2007 7:27 AM | Link to this

Braves win = Bobby’s the best! Braves lose = Bobby’s the problem!

Fair weather suckers.

By /\/\/\/\Berigan/\/\/\/\

October 5, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this

hello dead thread????

By Wayne in Utah

October 5, 2007 1:54 AM | Link to this

What happened to the other blog?

By Serbok

October 5, 2007 4:20 AM | Link to this

Please correct me If I’m wrong? Which you guys do very well! :o) I have never blogged after the season is over b4, I understand How Like All the Rest of the BIG guys (Seems DOB} is included, need to fly off to their south Pacific Islands and have beautiful woman at their beckoning call? Damn Dave! didnt even Offer me a ticket?:o( That was a joke dave! innyway~ Dave~ Arent you as well as other “beat” wrighters (smile} now n happy time? I DO sincerely hope this is the case! Just Like TG? gotta get the best ya can get out of life? I’m just kinda curious as how the blog works while DOB is gettin his lil’ drinks with umbrellas served by some of the most beautiful women in the world gonna affect the quality work that you have sooooooo feverishley (SP) To take the commanding spot in the Sports writing world that you seem to now enjoy? “Might Wanna’ hit the weights bud? or maybe upgrade to a Macbook pro with a core-2.0duo processor? Then again man~ If I were in your shoes~ I’d be lookin for the next Hawaiian tropic suntan beauty pageant that you might be chosen to judge? After following my advice “If you Chose to do” The title of your first Blog for 08 might be~ Better things than “spitballs in this world?” LOL Party on Dave

By Overlord

October 5, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

Good morning baseball……..good morning bloggers.

By Adirondackdave

October 5, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB - Is a Braves blog going to continue this fall/winter?