Braves

By chuckw/deadjournalist

November 9, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

regarding the options in center, what about the center fielder from japan that is an unrestricted free agent this year? what little i’ve read about him indicates that he has a mark grace-type approach at the plate and can play all three outfield positions although he is best suited for the corners. while we all like matt diaz, you’d have to think he’d be a good option to move to left if and when one of the young prospects are ready. his asking price might be too high, but i was just curious if his name had come up.

By geauxbraves2000

November 9, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

I just saw who won the silver slugger awards, notably David Wright at 3rd base, and now I know why he won the gold glove. Quite a system, ain’t it?

Geaux Braves!!

By brent a.

November 9, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

Have fun in Phoenix. Make sure you find out for sure whether or not Schafer can hit lefties ;).

By MikeS

November 9, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

I knew I’d post on the old blog just as a new one was being posted…oh well. Maybe I should have washed my car more often these last couple of dry months too…

DOB, I like Figgins and Winn the most from that list, but both probably will come at too high of a price unfortunately (in players for Chone and dollars for Randy). We’ll see. Since I doubt anyone caught it at the tail end of the last blog, here’s that post again:

Steamboat, Don’t forget about having Tex for a whole year. His power numbers in a full year practically make up for Andruw and Edgar’s power numbers combined. And by adding Glavine there’s way more depth at the back of the rotation. Seriously, between James, Hampton, Reyes, Jurrjens we should have NO problems getting above average production out of the 4-5 spots; which we all know killed us last year (not to mention having Bennett, Carlyle, Cormier etc. as even more backup options to them).

And as I’ve said many times…The Office is the best show on tv (at least until The Wire starts back up in January). Even during one of their slower episodes like last night’s, there are still always enough one-liners, awkward moments, and amazing cast interactions to keep you wanting more. It’s a shame we only have one more episode for awhile due to the writer’s guild strike. But if any writers deserve something more it’s the geniuses that write for that show…

By The Piece

November 9, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

The gold glove thing really makes me angry. Wright is a horse, who did play more games (159) than Chipper (126), but not significantly more than Feliz (143), or even Garrett Atkins (who played in 154, and still had a higher fielding % than Wright .963 to .954) What were the final tallies then? Was it even close? I haven’t read anything that told how close Chipper came.

By JohnBama

November 9, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Again the numbers go to show that Chipper is really not appreciated even though many in the country call him over rated. Above average defender and as good as it gets with the stick in his hands.

By Big braves fan

November 9, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

That Mets Rule guy gave us a beat down on the last blog. But hes got a point. Our rotation is old and not good. We dont’ have a CF. Chipper is going to fall apart. McCan is fat and overated. We have scrubs in the OF and infield. But the Mets have studs and MVP candidates up and down the line up.Hope we can get lucky and get the Wild Card. Go Braves!

By Braveheart

November 9, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

those be fighting words by chipper about wright.

By Big braves fan

November 9, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

We should quit whining Wright is the best 3B in all of baseball and hes got range, if you want to see an older statue than Chipper you have to go to Greece.

By David O'Brien

November 9, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, I believe you’re correct. Or right. Or Wright, I guess. Oh, nevermind…

LES from British Columbia, thanks for the great Johnny Cash articles from the paper up there. I just went into the office today for first time in weeks, and got your letter. Very nice. Thanks again.

By The Piece

November 9, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

The gold glove thing really makes me angry. Wright is a horse, who did play more games (159) than Chipper (126), but not significantly more than Feliz (143), or even Garrett Atkins (who played in 154, and still had a higher fielding % than Wright .963 to .954) What were the final tallies then? Was it even close? I haven’t read anything that told how close Chipper came.

By Lyn

November 9, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

MikeS…I agree on Figgins & Winn as options. I guess it all boils down to the asking price on each of course. If the price is too high for a stop-gap centerfielder, I could see our hand being forced into starting Lillibridge in 2008. Worse things could happen.

By ernesto

November 9, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

It would be nice to see us give a kid a shot I think - Blanco, Lillibridge, somebody within.

Lofton would probably produce similar good numbers to last year, around .296, and around 140 hits in 150 games, over 20 steals, but who knows maybe we could do better with one of our kids. If not, there would be time at the break to make a move, and the offense would probably be alright on 7 cylinders - it was last year.

By Braves Fan 79

November 9, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

BIg Braves Fan: what!?? So the Braves are Old but the Mets arent!?? Am i missing something!??

By Tomas

November 9, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Really Chone Figins, I agree he would be a perfect fit, also Coco Crisp. De Jesus is not worth it, and Winn is to expensive. But Freel is also a good option, he plays really hard, runs like hell, and can play Center field. He has a carrer average 270, and his best season came in 2004 where he hit 277 in 142 games with the reds. Another opcion could be Carl Crawford who is one of the best outfielders in the game. He can play CF, he runs really, really well, hits for average, and has a good arm. But Tampa will ask a lot of prospects.

For me the best options are: Carl Crawford, Chone Figins, and Coco Crisp. Either one of them is fine with me.

By Braveheart

November 9, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Here’s my top 5 list of best third baseman of all time:

1. Mike Schmidt

2. Eddie Mathews

3. Chipper Jones

4. George Brett

5. Home Run Baker

By Lyn

November 9, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

On paper, Lofton might not be a terrible option but if my memory serves me correct, he was NOT a team player when he was with us the last go around. Who knows, maybe he’s finally grown up. I’m not sure I’d want to take the chance.

By OrlandoFan

November 9, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

David Wright won the Gold Glove for the same reason a lot of players win them: the highlight reels on SportsCenter. Certainly never hurt Andruw. Powerful lobbying device. Wright made some great, great plays. But the Gold Glove always seemed to be for steady excellence.

By Braveheart

November 9, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

big braves fan is really drool.

By geauxbraves2000

November 9, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Here’s my top 5 3rd baseman:

1. Warren Spahn

2. Phil Niekro

3. Bob Gibson

4. Cy Young

5. Greg Maddux

Oh, oops, sorry, those are pitchers. Never mind.

Geaux Braves!!

By BravesFanInRockies

November 9, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

Oh, no, Tomas said the “C” word. …

By BravesFanInRockies

November 9, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

Lyn,

Yeah, Lofton wasn’t popular w/the Braves last time around, but he seems to wind up in the postseason a lot. Maybe he’s a Grade A jerk, but his teams sure win.

By Summerteeth

November 9, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

I concur on MMJ and I would add another song to that…One Big Holiday…the 1 minute lead in builds it up really well.

By cmk

November 9, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

Wright didn’t deserve the Gold Glove, but he probably has the best range of any third baseman in baseball. Where he gets into trouble is the throw to first. Might be a candidate to move over to first when Delgado is gone, or even second.

By joe

November 9, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

i hate the braves, and i HATE chipper jones for precisely this reason…he must have the biggest hairiest v agina ever…first it’s the braves schedule, then its not getting the calls for his pitchers, now its wright….he is the biggest p ussy in the league

By Billy Walsh

November 9, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

I cant believe it has come to this. Watching t.v. and a commercial comes on. Nissan has reached out to the Clash to sell Muranos. Of all the songs they could have chose, they went with Pressure Drop. Which is off one of the Clash’s best and not so known albums (in my opinion)Super Black Market Clash. Mr. Strummer must be rolling over in his grave. Hey Braveheart you cant exclude Brooks Robinson, who should be number 1 on that list.

By Matt

November 9, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

Joe, if you hate the Braves so much, why are you on a Braves blog — oh wait, I know, it’s because you’re a LOSER!!!!

By Braveheart

November 9, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

billy walsh i think brooks is probably the best fielder from what everyone has ever told me but as a complete package I don’t think offensively he can match what brett, schmidt, chipper, eddie, baker or even boggs could do at all.

By Ripme

November 9, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

DOB- COCO lost his job to Ellsbury in the play-offs, while he was nursing a sore knee. Per Francona. Coco played in more games (145) than all the players on Red Sox team except three also more than everyone on Braves team except three. He had 526 ab 1 error ( should have won Gold Glove Per Francona.) 408 PO in 1216 innings. Better than A JONES. Pretty damn good! Just needs to get AB up.

By Bobby

November 9, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

DOB-Any idea/guess what it would take to land Figgins? I assume Angels focus currently is on M.Cabrera (FLA), maybe Figgins deal to ATL will get attention afterwards.

What about Gathright in KC?

Also, have seen Lofton mentioned here but have not seen your opinion.

By Bob

November 9, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

Joe,

Get over it and get over your hate. Chipper was ASKED by a reporter about the inter league schedule. Chipper said it was not balanced and unfair that the Mets had to play the Yanks 6 times and the Braves had to play the Red Sox 6 times while the Phillies and Marlins don’t play that caliber of teams. Uh, by the way, how much did the Phillies beat the Mets and Braves by? He was asked the question and he answered it.

Ditto on the Gold Glove. Obviously Dave asked him about it. People in New York can’t believe it either. WFAN has been flooded with calls from Mets and Yankee fans expressing shock over the selection. Chipper answered the question; he did not call up a news service and complain that Wright got the award.

You need to see a doctor about your hatred of the Braves. It is affecting your ability to reason.

By chuckw/deadjournalist

November 9, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

the cf i was referencing above was kosuke f*******

By True Braves Fan

November 9, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

CHIPPER WUZ ROBBED….TWICE. DAVID WRIGHT..UGH!!!!!

By N8

November 9, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

DOB

So based on you “numbers” comparison between Chipper and Wright, Chipper got screwed AGAIN today, with Wright being awarded the Silver Slugger.

I’m beginning to think that there IS something to all the hype that is referred to as the “East Coast Bias”. (I really don’t believe that, but…..)

What a crock.

I’ll also assume that Tex got screwed by switching leagues, huh?

Too bad. Then again, he wasn’t gonna beat out Fielder, I guess.

By Champ

November 9, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

You’re an intelligent man, Joe, one of the brightest.

I’d like to see how you fare in the Major Leagues, highly doubt you’ll be near the leader or player Chipper Jones is…

By Matt what?

November 9, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

are you saying everyone on Braves blog is a loser? I hope not.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 9, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

The other Cf option that the Angels have is Reggie Willits , although , I prefer Chone Figgins. Theo Epstein is off his rocker if he thinks that Coco Crisp is worth more more than one or two minor league prospects. Supposedly the Braves are shopping for a backup SS. Chone Figgins or Willits and Maicer Izturis for Chuck James ? it could happen if Glavine and Hampton are back and Alex Rodriguez ends up an Angel. But , thats a lot of IF’s and I’m not thrilled about the idea of trading pitching. Willits hit .293 with an OBP of .393 , he , like Figgins is a switch hitter who can hit in the lead off role. His 27 stolen bases scream speed merchant on the basepaths , but can he play defense in CF as well as he has played in LF and RF ? He is strictly a slap hitter with absolutely no power. Willits is one of those blue collar , get your uniform dirty kind of guys in the mold of Lenny Dykstra. Willits in four minor league seasons stole 129 bases with 241 walks / 292 strikeouts and an OBP of .397 while hitting .301

By Calculator

November 9, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

I was very disturbed to find out the Not Right won a Gold Glove instead of Chipper. Chipper averaged one error per 33.4 defensive outs, Not Right averaged one error per 20.5 outs.

And what do you mean McCann is fat and overrated?!

By ray

November 9, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

whhy don’t the braves trade for carl crawford? he’s a good centerfielder. the twins are going to trade santana, so we should get him for c.james and mike hampton. and also, we just traded renteria, so we should put ARod at shortstop, because a lot of people don’t know this, but he used to play shortstop.

By McFann

November 9, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

McCann (spelled with TWO n’s, BTW) is not overrated you ingoramoose!!!! Where did you come up with that anyway?! You must’ve had your head underwater thoughout his whole career!! I can’t believe you could say something so dumb!! (He’s not “fat” either, dodo!)

By Ripme

November 9, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

SI.COM said Lofton would be Braves cf for 3 million. Also read somewhere that Royce Clayton would be Braves back up SS??? Now who will be back up catcher?

By Greg

November 9, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

I think the Braves will ultimately have to look outside the Crisp-DeJesus box. I have to wonder why Gregor Blanco is getting no love. And an affordable stop-gap might be Jeremy Reed of the Seattle system. He was once an A prospect, but got hurt.

Heck, if we could trade HoRamirez for Soriano, I bet we could get Reed for Keith Lockhart.

By N8

November 9, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

Big braves fan

“if you want to see an older statue than Chipper you have to go to Greece.”

First of all, NOBODY, and I mean NOBODY makes the barehanded play on bunts better than Chipper.

2nd, his defense is BETTER than it was in his so-called prime.

3rd, half the time he has TOO MUCH range. He often knocks balls down to his left, that the shortstop could’ve made a play on. Hell, more often than NOT he makes that play too.

4th, he may not have the cannon that guys like Rolen have/had. But find me a guy that CONSISTENTLY throws more accurate throws across the diamond.

I can live with somebody saying that Cabrera is a bigger threat on offense over Chipper, but not Wright (yet). I can live with somebody like Rolen (when healthy) being perceived as better defensively, but not Wright (yet).

Though to just look at errors, when judging a fielder, is misguided at best. Maybe Wright makes a throwing error on a ball that NOBODY else gets too. Maybe not.

I’ll go on record as saying that Chipper deserved the Silver Slugger award more than the GG, based purely on the numbers DOB posted earlier. Sure Wright had more steals, but last time I checked SB’s had NOTHING to do with “slugging”, and considering Chipper played in 24 less games……well, you do the math Mets fans.

But to call Chipper a “statue” is just plain ignorant, IMO.

Ridiculous is more like it.

By Ripme

November 9, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

DESMOND CHONE FIGGINS WOULD BE ANOTHER GEORGIA BOY FROM LEARY, GA. sorry about caps just looked up and noticed. Coach your blog sounds good.

By bruce

November 9, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Dave, I just read the Choptalk interview of Mark Teixeira posted on Braves MLB site. I did not realize that he did not move to Atlanta. Tex says they are staying in their home in Westlake Texas near Arlington for the foreseeable future, loving where they live and with two little ones, its too crazy to be moving. How much of that do you think is related to having only one more year on his current contract, so moving to Atlanta for one year doesn’t make sense until he signs his next contract.

By Ripme

November 9, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

Just look at % of games won when Chipper plays and % when he’s out of line up. *Chipper is # 1 * should have won GG.

By N8

November 9, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

DOB

This question may have been asked numerous times. Maybe it hasn’t.

Keeping in mind that he was not a welcome “guy” in the clubhouse in 1997, Lofton seems like an absolutely PERFECT “stopgap” CF. Especially if Schafer is gonna be starting in 2009 (or sooner) as you suspected.

We could have Lofton start for the first half of the year, and when he wears down, or becomes ineffective, call up the kid and BAM! Lofton is a perfect bench guy.

I looked on si.com for the article that said he’d come to Atlanta for 3 million, (that another poster referred to), but I couldn’t find it. (That would be a helluva deal, considering we have kids on the way, IMO).

So my question. In reality, based on what you know (I believe you were still covering the Marlins in 97, right? - or should I say Wright?), would Bobby be receptive to having his presence in the clubhouse? More importantly, would Lofton even consider it, with how ugly (I remember public snipping), his marriage with the Braves ended?

Just curious. It seems to make too much sense to me, if he truely will be that cheap (if one can consider 3 million “cheap”).

By Billy Walsh

November 9, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, Brooks wasnt great offensively…however his defense made him a legend. That would be like comprising a list of the best shortstops of all time and leaving Ozzie Smith off it. I would also leave Chipper off the list. Dont know too much about Baker (considering he played over 100 years ago).

By Efrim

November 9, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

Kenny Lofton can’t be an option for the Braves. Doesn’t Cox and him have issues? If not, for 3 million, I guess. He had 51/58 K/BB ratio which is solid. I think he had a 750 OPS.

By chipdip

November 9, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

Chipper got robbed…..Coco Crisp friggin’blows!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By David-ATL14

November 9, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this

My guesses would center more on Willits,Duffy,or Gathwright. True stopgap measure. Low acquistion cost and low salaries to boot.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 9, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

Figgins would be great here but I really think the Braves would have to give up a lot. I don’t think Lillibridge would be somebody the Angels ask for simply because they have plenty of great infield prospects but I could definitely see the likes Jo Jo Reyes and either Schafer or Hernandez being asked for. That seems like a bit much too me. I wouldn’t be oppossed to the Braves offering Kelly Johnson and Reyes. The Angles could use Johnson at 2B and move Howie Kendrick to 3B if they don’t get Arod. While I wouldn’t want to see Reyes gone, I think the rotation would be fine with Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Jurries, and James/Bennett/or another starter.

By ND

November 9, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

Doesn’t make me as mad as Nomo winning ROY over Chipper.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 9, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

Okay, nobody shoot me. I am just throwing this out there. We all know the probablility of the Braves resigning Tex is slim with the likes of the Mets, Yankees, Angels, and Mariners all being in the market for a marquee 1B. What if the Braves offered Tex to the Angles for Figgins, Joe Saunders, and Casey Kotchman with maybe a prospect throw in?

By Braveheart

November 9, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

Billy Walsh, my list of third baseman (probably too offensive oriented) is because of this:

Schmidt had an OPS+ of 147,

Mathews has an OPS+ of 143,

Chipper has an OPS+ of 143,

Brett has an OPS+ of 135,

Home Run Baker has an OPS+ of 135,

Wade Boggs has an OPS+ of 130,

Jimmy COllins has an OPS+ of 113,

George Kell has an OPS+ of 111,

Freddie Lindstrom had an OPS+ of 109,

Pie Traynor had an OPS+ of 107,

Brooks Robinson had an OPS+ of 104.

All of those except Chipper are the only 10 third baseman in the HOF. Chipper stands hands and shoulders above all except Schmidt and Eddie.

Just looking at those OPS+ numbers, Brooks was only 4% better than the average MLB hitter during his career. Schmidt was 47% better, Chipper is 43% better, Eddie was 43% better, Brett and Home Run Baker were 35% better, and Boggs was 30% better.

Schmidt, Chipper, Eddie, Boggs, and Home Run Baker are clearly the three best third baseman of all time.

In fact, Brooks Robinson is the worst hitting third baseman in the HOF. I understand he is without question the best defensive third baseman of all time but his defense could not have been so good to make up the 40 percentage points difference between Chipper, Schmidt, Eddie and Brooks as compared to the offensive competition at the time they played.

There are only 10 HOF third baseman all time and Chipper’s offensive numbers put him right up there with the top 3 all time. He can’t be considered with Eddie and Schmidt until he get 500 dingers.

Ron Santo had an OPS+ of 125 and probably should be in the Hall as well since he is one the top ten third baseman of all time.

I think people really need to start realizing that Schmidt, Eddie, and Chipper are the Holy Trinity for Third Baseman all time. People just seem really reluctant to do that just like they are reluctant to put him in all star games or give him gold gloves and silver sluggers.

By Big braves fan

November 9, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this

Waaaaah. Chippers’ not as good as Wright and Davids got the hardware to provde it. Waaaaaaah!!!!!!!

By N8

November 9, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this

ND

“Doesn’t make me as mad as Nomo winning ROY over Chipper.”

I hear ya. But, similar to the argument of whether pitchers should be included in the MVP voting, maybe there should be a rookie PITCHER of the year, and a rookie PLAYER of the year. Just like the NFL giving out an Offensive & Defensive Rookie of the year.

I’ve always felt that if they are going to allow pitchers in the MVP discussion and STILL give out a Cy Young award for the pitchers, there should be an “offensive player of the year” award given as well.

Otherwise, leave the pitchers out of the MVP mix. Though I completely understand how a pitcher (starter or reliever) can be “valuable” to his team.

Take it for what it’s worth.

By Mets Rule You Drool

November 9, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

McCans not fat? Dude, get your tv fixed. Fat and overated is no way to go through life son. Hahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 9, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

DOB, do you see any way the Braves can get a CF without having to give up a really good player or prospect. I just don’t see how it is going to happen. Lillibridge, K. Johnson, Reyes, Schafer, and Diaz are going to have to be part of the trade for anything to happen. Would the Braves consider trading Tex if they can get a good 1B in return along with a CF and a starting pitcher or reliever?

I threw the Angels out there. What about a team like the Giants? The Braves could ask for Lowry, Rajah Davis or Fred Lewis and then maybe try to acquire somebody like Kevin Millar or even sign a Tony Clark.

By N8

November 9, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

Robert (Justice Is The Best)

You aren’t gonna hear (read) me calling you crazy. I’m not sure if that’s THE deal to be had, if we decide to trade Tex, but I’m NOT opposed to it (trading Tex that is).

I know DOB has stated MANY times, that the Braves have no interest in trading Tex (which I believe WILL become a reality at the deadline if we’re not in position to contend & he has rejected a longterm deal).

But, having said that…

I think our chances of Tex signing a deal before this season starts (or 2009 for that matter), are SLIM TO NONE. Especially after reading that he didn’t even move to Atlanta after the deal.

Let it be noted that if Tex “walks” we will have given up quite a bit for a 1.5 year rental. Add to the fact that Andruw’s offensive numbers were SO OFFENSIVE that we’re gonna get screwed out of a better draft pick due to him being classified as a Class B free agent instead of a Class A.

It’s NOT gonna happen, for the same reasons that Andruw was not traded before he became a 10/5 guy (why trade a guy that is a big part of “hanging in” the race).

But if I’m Frank Wren, I offer him a VERY lucrative deal this winter. For one, he IS a guy you can build a team around, so he’s worth it, and if Wren expects him to sign without testing the waters, it needs to be what is conceived as “fair market value” based on estimates of next off-season, to even be considered.

If he refuses the offer, I let it be known to the world that he’s on the table.

With our “budget”, and what we gave up for him, simply acquiring a draft pick for him after 2008, is purely unacceptable, IMO.

Like I said. It’s not gonna happen, but it should if he doesn’t sign an extension.

By ChrisfromSacramento

November 9, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

What a shame! What a joke! David Wright is a fine player, but he needs to play like that for a decade to even be in the same breath as Chipper. Wrights fielding has been suspect from the first day he has been playing. The stats dont lie. No matter if it is either at the plate or in the field CHIPPER IS BETTER. Chipper should have won the Gold Glove. Hell if the Braves would have won the Division Chipper would have had MVP consideration. Chipper is a HOF’er. Wright is nothing but New York bias.

By Peter

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

At first glance Wright winning the Gold Glove seems shocking, but Wright’s range is as good as anyone’s. Anyone who follows the new math in baseball (ie Bill James, sabermatics) knows that fielding percentage is a crock of crap. Yes batting average means some, but please don’t tell me that Ramierez and Chipper are better fielders than Wright. A good case can be made for Feliz, but the guy doesn’t even have decent hitting stats for a shortstop.

By JD

November 9, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

DOB, do you know if they put a lot of faith in the AFL stats or are they like spring training in that the pitchers are trying to learn something new or are approaching at bats differently? Thanks…and have fun.

Not a bad year to be a Jayhawk, huh!

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 9, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

Well, I think its time to be real about things. Tex isn’t signing an extension. He will test the free agent market. If the Arod has shown us nothing it has shown us that Boras won’t listen to extensions if he thinks he can get a king’s ransom and with Tex he will. The Mets, Yankees, and Giants will all be in desperate need of a 1B. Unless the Braves are prepared to offer Tex a minimum of $22 mil a year I don’t think there is any chance he will sign an extension.

Now, I think it could be in the Braves best interest if Mike Lowell doesn’t sign with the Red Sox. This is what I mean. If he doesn’t sign, that means the Red Sox will need to look at getting a 3B. They have already mentioned moving Youklis back to 3B. If they do that, they could be interested in Tex who would come cheaper than Arod even with his upcoming “payday”. Of course, the issue would be would the Sox be willing to give up a guy like Lester along with Crisp and maybe DelCarmen. That deal would free up a good $8 mil or so which would allow the Braves to pursue a stopgap 1B and probably have some left over.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 9, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

Robert(JIB) , the Braves traded five prospects for Teixeira , then you think they would trade Teixeira for a group of three or four players. That defeats the whole purpose of the first trade. My opinion on the gold glove issue , Ryan Zimmerman got robbed , period. He led all N.L. third baseman in games played (161) , innings (1431.2) , total chances (511) , put outs (140) , assists (348) , double plays (39) and Range factor (3.07). Out of the NINE defensive categories , Zimmerman was first in seven of them. That’s called a FREAKING NO-BRAINER. For all the managers and coaches who voted for David Wright , you should all be tarred and feathered.

By Braveheart

November 9, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

To me, if Brooks Robinson is in the HOF, Graig Nettles deserves the Hall as well.

Wasn’t Clete Boyer perhaps a better fielding third baseman than Brooks? His range factor stats seem to indicate that. His brother Ken should maybe be in the Hall as well. But Clete looks like he was too poor of a hitter to make the Hall.

Hawks & Celts are in a battle right now. Hawks getting sloppy. Garnett is a monstrous freak. 15 points 12 rebounds, 2 blocks and many other altered shots and we are not even at the half yet.

G’nite Paladin.

By McFann

November 9, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

McCann is a CATCHER, dimwitt!! Catchers are usually a little chubby. Also, you people need to learn how to spell his name: M-C-C-A-N-N!!! Put some commas and apostrphies in your writing, too, would ya? Another thing—I said it once, and I’ll say it again—he’s NOT overrated!! If you think he is, what must you think of someone like A-Rod? I don’t even know why I bother reading this stuff by you CRAZY people!! Just tell me why he’s overrated!! Just give me ONE reason!!!

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 9, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

Coach, I understand what you are saying but the fact is the Braves’ aren’t going to resign Tex so they should get something for him. They believed he was going to be enough to get them over the hump last year and he was not. I’m not necessarily advocating trading Tex but its definitely something to give thought to if the Braves can get a good bounty like the one I suggested from the Angels. I think the Yankees would be a good fit if they were willing to give up both Cabrerra and either Hughes or Kennedy. But, I don’t think they are going to do that. They believe they can stick out next year and wait to land Tex in ‘08.

But, the fact is until Arod signs and the situations with Posada and Rivera get solved I don’t think a whole lot is going to take place.

For instance, the Yanks aren’t going to be willing to make that deal but if they don’t keep Posada then all of a sudden their position could change and they might listen to a deal that involves Hughes or Kennedy. Imagine that Yankee lineup without Arod and Posada and no viable bat to replace them. You don’t think they would listen to a deal then?

By Mets Rule You Drool

November 9, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

McFat is Overated because he doesnt hit for average, his defense sucks, he cant throw out anyone and there are a lot of better catchers.

Unless you mean he’s not overweighted…but he is that too.

Does that help you sweetheart?

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 9, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Mets Drool, that Paul LoDuca is the picture of fitness isn’t he?

By TennesseePaul

November 9, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

there should be an “offensive player of the year” award given as well.

I believe this award is called the Hank Aaron award.

By David

November 9, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

I would love to see Chone Figgins in center. He’s a leadoff hitter who will generate some excitement at the top of the order. If it were me, I would offer Chuck James and maybe Kelly Johnson. The reason being is that Brandon Jones may be ready to man left field. If not, Matt Diaz can fill in admirably. In an ideal world, I would put Martin Prado at second, Kelly Johnson in center and go after a couple strong starters. I am not so sure that Tom Glavine is the answer. I liken him to Chuck James at this point in his career. I am interested to see when the Braves begin to phase in their minor league talent ie Shafer, Lillibridge, Heyward, Rohrbough, etc.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 9, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

Robert(JIB) , the Braves are going to get something for Teixeira , the 2008 season. Whether or not he was worth the five players who were traded will be determined on the success or failure of the Braves in the 2008 post-season. I do agree with you that the Braves don’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of resigning him after next season.

By Braveheart

November 9, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

the braves are 165-132 when mccann starts the last 3 years since his call up. 58-71 when he does not start since he was called up on june 10, 2005. yep, he is so freaking overrated.

the braves ranked #2 in OPS from catchers last season in the NL. the braves had the most homers from catchers last season, the most doubles, the most RBIs, the most total bases, the most hits, the highest SLG from catchers last season, the second highest AVG from catchers last season.

in 2006, the braves had the highest avg for catchers, the second highest OBP, the highest SLG, the highest OPS, second most runs, third most hits, 2nd most doubles, third most homers, 2nd most total bases, THE MOSt RBIS

AND if I bothered to research it, I am pretty sure the Braves would probably lead in almost all NL categories for catchers in the last two seasons combined.

Oh yeah McCann is SOOOOOO overrated.

mccann is TOO FAT even for a catcher but he is not overrated at all. i think the overweight thing though is being partially caused by his bum ankles. hard to get your cardio in when it hurts like hell to run. he needs to mix in a few salads though if he wants to do a better job running the bases and blocking passed balls and wild pitches next season.

jerry crasnick article on espn.com about frank wren

By McFann

November 9, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

MCCANN DOESN’T HIT FOR AVERAGE?!! Where were you in ‘06, bozoe? And don’t use that fowl language about his defense!! It might intrest you to no, dude, that he is one of the nicest guys the Braves have, and being humlbe is a heck of a lot more important than throwing guys out stealing or hittin’ home runs!! BTW, there might be a couple better catchers, but I think B-Mac did fairly good for someone who can barely see, you freak!! [And thanks to Robert (Justice Is The Best) for his comment!]

By David O'Brien

November 9, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

David-ATL14, Willits? You really want your stopgap CF to be a guy who slugged .344 with 83 strikeouts and zero homers and 34 RBIs in 430 at-bats last season?

I mean, I know it’s a high average and OBP, but geez, that’s a black hole in center in terms of homers and RBIs.

By Mets Rule You Drool

November 9, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

Yeah, whatever bagadoosh, how about when McFat stoled a spot on last years AllStar team and EVEN he said he didnt belong there.

Thats overated. Honest. But overated.

By McFann

November 9, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

Thank you, Bravesheart!! (But I still don’t think he’s that fat!)

By Steve C

November 9, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Exactly what “Jam Bands” have you consistently listened to…to say that the band from Kentucky, and I am assuming you are intimating this, so my apologies…but, are they better than the Allman Brothers…Widespread Panic…Phish…hell, Sector Nine, Robert Randolph, Moe…all seem better

By Mets Rule You Drool

November 9, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Even though McFat is overated he does represent maybe the only position where the Brokes have and Advantage over the Amazins - considering we have no one there right now. Hahahaha!!!!!

But seriously the Amazin will probably bring back Castro and probably make a strong bid for Yorvit Torrealba, if not theyll bring back LoD. Either way, I think with Castro and either of those guys the scale tips teh scale in the Mets favor. But thats’ just my opionion.

Almost everywhere else its no competition.

But its’ not just the Mets, the Phillies are better than you at at least 5, maybe 6, positions, thats why you will finish 3rd again. If your people were smart theyd start rebuilding with youth and start of 5 or 6 year plan. You should be sellers right now not buyers. You may not want to hear that, but its true.

By webhead

November 9, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Sorry but Bones is funnier than the Office and it’s a drama. Chipper was robbed twice this week . It stinks but New York players always gets the extra votes

By Billy Walsh

November 9, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

Brooks Robinson:

1. MVP 1964
2. World Series MVP 1970
3. 15 time all star
4. 16 time gold glover
5. .300 hitter in the postseason
6. Career batting average was 19 points higher than Nettles.

Those are hall of fame credentials.

By jimmy

November 9, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

Dave, What do you think about Dontrell Willis? Do you think that he is probably there best chance to get a shutdown type pitcher for atleast four yrs. Dontrell,Hudson,Hampton,Smoltz and Glavine. For 2008 is there a better leftie righty combo? DOB is the man. go braves

By Billy Walsh

November 9, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

On Tex: Given the fact that the Yanks lost a ton of offense with Arod’s departure, what type of package would the Yanks offer to the Braves. If (considering Cashman would part with one of the big 3)the Yanks offered Kennedy, Cabera, and Cano for Tex…would you do it? A lot of callers on WFAN here in the northeast are under the assumption that Tex is available.

By N8

November 9, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

Drool, while based on the last two season’s results, one could conclude that we were better off “selling” than buying.

But…

1) Who would we sell?

Chipper? Nope. Can’t do it (and shouldn’t)

Smoltz? Nope. Had our chance a couple of years ago, and didn’t. He TOO should retire a Brave.

Andruw? Oh….wait. We missed the boat on that one as well. Now we’ll get a draft pick for him.

Escobar? Nope. He’s young and part of if not THE future of our club.

KJ? Maybe. With all the middle infield depth we have in the system, it wouldn’t kill us to move him. But in all honesty, what would we get for him?

Diaz? (see KJ)

Francoeur? Nope. He’ll be a gold-glove RF for as long as AJ was in CF, not to mention compete for an MVP in the near future. He stays.

Chuck James? (see KJ)

Hampton? PULEEEEZ.

Soriano? Nope. Even teams that are rebuilding (or selling), need a reliable closer to finish games, so the youngsters learn how to win, and aren’t discouraged by a bullpen blowing games.

That brings us to Tex. If….BIG IF…. the Braves were to remotely think about selling, he is our ONLY chip we have that can bring significant return. In fact, I believe that if he were traded to a team that could throw a TON of money at him immediately for an extension (Red Sox, Yankees, Dodgers, Angels), we could damn near trade him and get enough in return and possibly NOT miss a beat. Of course 1B might be weakened in the process, but maybe the rotation (and another position) are strengthened. Please note, that his value will only RISE as the season progresses. With the way he performed down the stretch for us last year, a contending team would be silly not to go all out after him, should he become available.

I guess that Hudson could be in the same category as Tex.

So there you have it. A team that you claim should be “sellers”, doesn’t have anything to sell. Wonderful idea there, drool. :-)

Believe me. It’s been discussed at least 1000 times since last winter.

Which leaves us right where we’re at. A team that is STILL getting younger, and building for the future, all while signing Glavine, which coincidentally improves our chances of catching you guys and the Phillies and giving Chipper and Smoltz a couple more “shots” at winning.

Whether this team puts it all together to win the division, much less the World Series, is yet to be seen. And though you may be correct about us finishing third again (I don’t really see that happening, but who really knows? - I didn’t think the Mets would CHOKE down the stretch either), we aren’t going away, and we surely aren’t gonna be a team that rolls over and dies because the Mets or Phillies are “coming to town”.

It’ll be a 3-way race again next year. The team with the best health will prevail. Even IF you guys get A-Rod.

Period.

By Bobby

November 9, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

DOB-Would you do Reyes for Figgins? Would the Angels? Would the Braves?

By Britt

November 9, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

You know what, I am tired of all these lame Mets fans. I mean, the team with the highest payroll in the league and they blow a lead against not the likes of good teams but the Nationals and Marlins. If you weren’t so ignorant you would realize just how pathetic the Mets are. What’s the excuse for the collapse. All I got to say is 14 years straight, you diss it, but you guys couldn’t even do two years straight. Don’t hate, appreciate because yeah we didn’t make the playoffs either, but I could guarantee if we had that lead with the season winding down that would have never happen. Now sit back M-E-T-S fans and let that marinate, because the last time I checked you guys were on the outside looking in just like us.

By chrisklob

November 9, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

jimmy, Dontrelle Willis hasn’t been a “shut down” pitcher since 2005. Check his stats and you’ll see.

By atl_fan

November 9, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

DOB, have you heard anything about the Braves inquiring on Figgins, or are you just speculating? I remember him being mentioned last year in the LaRoche talks. I think he’d be a great fit as a leadoff hitter too.

Also, if the Braves are unable to re-sign Teixeira, maybe they could move Figgins to 2B and have Kelly move to 1st for his 3rd career position switch.(I think I heard some talk of moving Kelly to first before)

By TNRON

November 9, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Hey Drooler,it is going to be so funny when your guy Willie gets canned this year,probably around the allstar break.The Mets,the biggest chokedogs in team sports history will,look like what they were for the majority of the year….mediocre.And of course who will take the blame?Yeah WILLIE!!!Betcha Moises doesnt even play 81 games.What makes you think other GM’s are salivating to get that stiff Lastplace Millidge?Another tipical overated NY prospect.Remember Drooler,come July..I TOLD YOU SO!!!!

By N8

November 9, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Jimmy. I think the Braves might be able to come up with a better “leftie righty combo” with guys ALREADY on the roster taking Willis’ spot.

BOTH Chuck and Reyes have more “up-side” than Willis. His time has passed. He got burned up. He’s shot.

It’s too bad. He is a GREAT face for the league. Hard to ignore that smile he has on his face most of the time, and when he first came up, he was DOMINANT! But so was Prior and Wood. I don’t see anybody clamoring for us to get either of them.

2007 stats for Willis vs. Chuck:

Willis:

10-15 record in 35 starts, 205.1 IP (5.2 IP per start), an ERA of 5.17, a 1.597 WHIP…Yikes! With only 16 Quality Starts)

Chuck:

11-10 record in 30 starts, 161.1 IP (5.1 IP per start),an ERA of 4.24, a 1.376 WHIP (not much better….but better), With 11 Quality starts)

Chuck had Quality starts in 36 percent of his outings, compared to Willis achieving that goal in 45 percent of his.

However, Chuck had 3 other starts where he went into the 6th inning allowing 2 or less runs. Just missing a Quality start.

So while “taxing” on our bullpen (by not going deeper into games. He too kept us “in” games around 50 percent of the time.

6 times Dontrelle FAILED to get out of the 3rd inning. While Chuck only did that 3 times.

So while Dontrelle has the (misconceived) reputation as a “hutdown type pitcher”, he clearly ISN’T anymore.

In fact he had a considerably WORSE season than our very own Chuck James, who you didn’t even include in your “leftie righty” rotation. Which means you, like many others, are unimpressed with him.

Yet you want to replace him with a guy that is statistically inferior to him.

Why is that?

By N8

November 9, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

atl_fan

Considering how poorly KJ moves to his right at 2B, I’m not so sure, I want him playing 1B. That would leave and awful BIG whole on the right side of the infield, don’t you think?

chrisklob

Your 10:08 post managed to “sum up” in one sentence, what I took 2000 words to do in detail a few minutes later.

Thanks a lot for making me look long winded……JERK!

(just kidding of course) :-)

By TNRON

November 9, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

And also Drool,evidently Phillie is better at most positions than you guys too,after all THEY BEAT YOU.

By Mets Rule You Drool

November 9, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

Whatever ENRON - We will see. Dude the Amazins arent just a better team their a force!!! Look your GM basically decided he couldnt compete anymore with the Brokes payroll against the Omar, the Wilpons and the lure of the NY market - thats why he quit - so he could go out a winner.

If your a smart team (and your not) you would do like the Marlins do every few years and trade everyone who can fog a mirror for good young cheap pitching.

But you wont so you will just keep finishing 3rd. Fine by me. Hahahahahahahhaha!!!!!!!!!

By brian

November 9, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

What part of Choke does Drool not seem to understand? A huge collapse. I would be ducking for cover with that type of performance. Maybe Drool really is missing a few marbles upstairs and does not understand that you don’t gloat about your team after a historic collapse.

By chrisklob

November 9, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

N8, LOL! Yes, but while I was just flapping my gums, you actually did the work I was too lazy to do to show the actual stats that Willis is soooo 2005!

I’d take Chuckie any day, unless of course, Willis can DH for him. Pretty good hittin’ pitcher!

By Mets Rule You Drool

November 9, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

The Philths better than the Amazins? Please.

1b - DelGaddo or Howard - tie

2b Utley or Castillo - tie

SS - Rollins or the most exciting player in baseball today. Advantage Mets

3b - Wright or ARod

Catcher - Mets will have Castro and LoD or Yorvit - adv. Mets

Lf - Moises

CF - Beltran

RF - toss up

Rotation - when the Mets add Santana and Colon - duh!

Pen - duh!

Bench - no brainer.

The Phils just got lucky The Amazins got cold.

That’s why 2008 will be The Year Of Revenge!!!!!!!!!!!

By brian

November 9, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

Chone Figgins would be ideal - her could man CF and when Shafer is ready he could play LF or back up IF positions. Great leadoff man.

I don’t know what his value would be or if the Braves match up well with them. They are one of the few teams with young pitching to spare so a Chuck James for Figgins would not work for them. Whether they would want Kelly Johnson for LF or Brandon Jones I do not know nor do I know if that would work for the Braves (though KJ for Figgins sure sounds better than KJ for Crisp). I am sure if we talk to the Angels they will ask for Tex offering Figgins, Kotchman, and a young pitcher. I hope the Braves say no and try to sign Tex to an extension this year or next.

Figgins Escobar Jones Tex Francoeur McCann Diaz and KJ/Brandon Jones Lillebridge/KJ SP

I like that lineup

By TNRON

November 9, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Brian-So true!!! and Drooler-hey dude you crack me up.You’re all right no matter what everybody says about you.See y’all tomorrow.gotta get my rest so I can watch Darren McFadden run all over us.That guy is some kind of good.

By brian

November 9, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

Drool - I am not even sure if the Yankees could add Santana, Colon, and AROD in the same year, but yes that is what it would take for the Muts to be a clear favorite in the East.

I am glad to see your unbiased analysis to TIE Utley and castillo. Watch out buster olney and Peter gammons

By Mets Rule You Drool

November 9, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

Alright punks Ive got to go, no more time to try and educate you. Pretend you still have a chance all you want. 2008. Its coming. Tick Tick Tick

By N8

November 9, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

“1b - DelGaddo or Howard - tie”

Dude, you need to get your own HBO special, cuz that was the funniest thing I’ve read in two years on this blog.

Well done.

By atl_fan

November 9, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

N8

Johnson would only be moved to first if Figgins were at second. Figgins speed should bee able to make up for the ground KJ is unable to cover to his right.

By N8

November 9, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

atl_fan

I should reword my statement. While KJ did a fine job at 2B for a guy that NEVER played the position at the professional level.

It really isn’t about his acutal “range”, it’s the fact that his biggest issue is moving and fielding (cleanly) to his right. MOST of his errors were on balls he booted/kicked while moving to his right.

Figgins would need a LOT of speed to run and pick up a ball KJ kicked and still get the out. LOL!

I would say there’s a greater chance of KJ playing the OF again in a while in a Braves uniform, before he takes a single grounder at 1B.

Besides, while a good hitter (for a 2B) he isn’t NEAR the power hitter a team looks for at 1B, especially since were down a power hitter in CF.

I’ll go out on a limb, and say that KJ never sees an inning at 1B in a Braves uniform. Chipper will play 1B before KJ does.

Speaking of Chipper.

DOB, could it be that the Braves brass is fully willing to let Tex go after the season (by that I don’t mean NOT making an offer to him - but letting him play out his contract, while hoping he helps us win), with the thought of moving Chipper to 1B for the 2009 season, and having some combination of Escobar/Lillebridge at the SS/3B positions?

Chipper might not be a bad “stop-gap” at 1B (if his range diminishes in the next couple of years, like it likely will), until Heyward would/could be ready at 1B (if the Braves so choose to convert him to 1B, with all the OF prospects on the way).

I know you said that Chipper wasn’t gonna move anytime soon, but you also said that he wants to finish his career (and more than likely WILL), in a Braves uniform. Wouldn’t him moving to 1B at some point just make sense?

By GermanBravesFan

November 9, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

The only thing about the Mets that was “Amazin’” last season was their AMAZING COLLAPSE in September! Now THAT made my season!!!

By BossLady

November 9, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

Well, DOB you gotta serve somebody.

You gotta severe…………

By Braves4Ever

November 9, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

I still think we should just ignore DROOL boy. One cannot have a battle of the wits with an unarmed person. If ever there was someone unarmed mentally it’s Drool Boy. He is so out of touch with reality even The Muts HISTORIC collapse wasn’t even a reality check. He and his comments don’t even merit a response.

By TK

November 9, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

With the White Sox looking hard at Hunter or Rowland. What about Brian Anderson for CF? I have read (have not seen) that he is an excellent defencise CF. I know he has had problems on offence…but he is young and a new home may get him going. Even if he struggles. If he could hold down the fort for a couple of months and bring Schafer up in June like the Braves did with Escobar. And please NO more talk of Prado at 2nd!!! He is a weak .260 / .280 hitter with no power or speed and just ok on defence.

By TK

November 9, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

Oh…and the only way I trade Chuck James or Kelly Johnson is for a Haren or Santana.

By Steve Avery

November 9, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

First things first. The Mets fans who masquerade as Braves fans (“Big Braves Fan”) need a huge reality check. David Wright needs to put together a lot more seasons even BETTER than what he’s already done to be placed in the same league as Chipper. Here’s the facts: Chipper Jones has been one of the most productive and consistent switch hitters in the history of baseball. David Wright, on the other hand, is an excellent baseball player who benefits greatly from being in New York. Put him in Texas or Oakland and see what kind of press he gets. Let’s not forget that Chipper carried the Braves to a division title in 1999. David Wright couldn’t do it for the Mets this year.

And to “Mets Rule You Drool”: Do you honestly think that Delgado is better than Teixeira??? You Mets fans have completely lost it.

By TK

November 9, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this

N8….don’t forget the 2b Utley or Castillo - tie I fell out of my chair on that one!

By uga-brave

November 10, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this

for all the crap that all you bloggers gave the future HOF ANDRUW JONES, right about now you understand his value.

this guy played everday hurt or not and loved the uniform on his back.

we will all be saying this season,”andruw would of gotten that” i for one never criticized him, chipper, andruw, and smoltz earned their stripes. i really believe andruw, who is somewhat a throwback does not care about being the highest player at his position, BORASS is just leading him down the path.

got a real feeling that he is not going to get more than 13 a year in in a place that he may not want to play.

i for one will really miss #25.

By uga-brave

November 10, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this

N8,

i pretty much believe you are the one fan that has realistic expectations, i enjoy your your posts.

By uga-brave

November 10, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

sidebar,

two years ago this conversation was moot. he frickin carried us the last time we made the playoffs.

now we got to depend on ENGLEBERT, and FRENCHY. if they combine for 35 dingers again we finish 3rd or maybe 4th.

i just dont understand the hatred for ANDRUW.

By N8

November 10, 2007 12:44 AM | Link to this

Uga-Brave

“…we will all be saying this season,”andruw would of gotten that””

Maybe you’re right. But for every time we say that, I be we say “MAN ALIVE, Andruw would’ve NOT picked up that RBI with RISP”. Add to that, I’ll remind you that quite a few teams have won the World Series WITHOUT Andruw Jones in CF, since he entered the league.

My argument is just as fair as yours, and you know it.

“i really believe andruw, who is somewhat a throwback does not care about being the highest player at his position, BORASS is just leading him down the path.”

WOW. How diluted is that? If Andruw was a “throwback” that “didn’t care about the money” Scott Boras would NOT have been retained as his agent, after he (Andruw) negotiated his own deal last time.

By having Boras, Andruw has somebody to do his “dirty work” and doesn’t have to come off as the bad guy, since he’s just following his agent’s advice……in the mind of people like you.

Listen, I’m not picking on you or starting a fight. Normally I agree with much of what you have to say. But clearly letting Andruw go is the RIGHT MOVE with our budget (or lack there of). Hell, even with Ted’s open checkbook, I’m not so sure re-signing him would’ve been the right move…ESPECIALLY after his last 1 3/4 season of play.

L8r dude.

By Tyler

November 10, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN!!!! Josh McDaniel from MINNESOTA TIMES IS REPORTING THE BRAVES HAVE agreed in principle to a deal that would send KELLY JOHNSON, JO JO REYES, JAIR JURJJENS and a player to be named later later for JOHAN SANTANA and Jason Bartlett pending physicals!!! What a move!!! wonderful job braves management! the braves are clearly the favorite to win the national league title this year!!!

By N8

November 10, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this

uga-brave

“N8…i pretty much believe you are the one fan that has realistic expectations, i enjoy your your posts.”

Thank you. I stay pretty “even keeled” during the off season, and usually am pretty optimistic going into a new season.

I like to “believe” in the kids, and don’t have a problem letting veterans go, when the correct time arises (even if they are a fan favorite - or just one of my favorites).

Back to my last post to you (about Andruw). You stated that you will really miss him.

I hear you. Everybody has their favorites, and he truly was one of mine as well a few years ago.

While his defense was amazing (even last year knowing he was gone), I still found myself shaking my head with some of the jumps he gets on balls. His DEFENSE will be missed, no doubt about it.

That being said, he NEVER became the player he COULD HAVE been, and I doubt he ever will. Which is too bad. Because with a better attitude, and a willingness to be coached (or coaches that would lay down the law), he truly could’ve been one of the best EVER at the plate.

But MLB is filled with guys with plenty of raw talent that “didn’t get it”. By his talent alone, he’s managed to hit around 30 HR and knock in 100 RBI. Those numbers (mainly the RBI) could be in the Manny Ramirez category (130-150) if he’d just take the ball the other way, more often (or AT ALL for that matter).

Will we (the team AND fans) miss him?

Sure.

Will Wren put that “money” to better use?

I hope (and think) he will.

If I came across as rude before, I apologize. Just “N8 being N8”. LOL!

My sarcasm often comes across as rude. Sometimes it’s meant to be. :-) Sometimes not so much.

Good night.

By uga-brave

November 10, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

braveheart,

i pretty much believe you and lew are the elders here. i bow down to your seniority. i know you guys are critical of my opinion of francoeur.

look i think he has all the potential to be a huge plus-plus guy. my only problem is, that swing is not what you would call a pure swing. BRAVEHEART, i know you know a thing or two about the mechanics of a baseball swing, he is always lunging or his hands are always down, thus no power.

HOSS, is the picture boy for the great approach. never really gets fooled and his hands and weight always stay back, thus the flick that hits the ball out of the park the other way.

you cant learn this either you got it or you dont.

By N8

November 10, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this

Tyler

Nice try. But unfortunately for you, you’ve got a guy on the blog that LIVES IN THAT REGION.

There is NO SUCH THING as the Minnesota Times. It’s the St. Paul Times.

The main fishrap is the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

But thanks for playing.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 10, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this

uga-brave I don’t think hate is the right word. Frustration is more like it. With Andruws repeated attempts to be a “pull hitter” and leaving the ducks on the pond far too often, he managed to play his way out of the hearts of a lot of Braves fans.

Perhaps if he had made the realization that based on performance, his salary demands where unrealistic, we would not even be having this discussion but he didn’t so we are.

I think the Braves could have withstood declining offensive output by Andruw but not at the cost of wrecking the payroll structure. I don’t think the expression of “yeah, but what have you done for me lately” is any more applicative than it is in baseball.

I can’t fault a player for trying to earn maximum dollars for his services but even they have to understand that sometimes you have to pull back and reassess their true value. There is no such thing as tenure in baseball and 99% of the players will not retire with the teams they started out with.

By N8

November 10, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this

Tyler

I thought the name you used sounded familiar.

Josh McDaniel, huh? I guess the Offensive Coordinator of the Patriots is a beat writer for a make believe paper, huh? Couldn’t stand the “heat” from all the Beli-cheat Spy-Gate nonsense? LOL!

Go to bed chowder-head.

By uga-brave

November 10, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this

tyler,

are you serious.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 10, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this

Tyler Your credibility factor is now in the negative numbers…. No such paper, time for you to get your X-Box 360 back out and go play with yourself.

By uga-brave

November 10, 2007 1:20 AM | Link to this

see thats why i like N8 he is gammons, though i did know that thing about the MINN. fish wrap.

wishful thinking about SANTANNA though.

By uga-brave

November 10, 2007 1:27 AM | Link to this

gil,

all this talk about lillibridge and i guarantee no one here has seen him play besides you. tell me something about him. from what i have read he strikes me as a taller version of CRAIG BIGGIO.

By uga-brave

November 10, 2007 1:37 AM | Link to this

BRAVE-DAVE,

this just in are you back?

well maybe we should call a press conference?

WAYNE is waiting, so is all the other denziens,

the prodigal son returns?

By CC Rider

November 10, 2007 1:38 AM | Link to this

According to Various Writers: The Angels have a package of young players to send to the Marlins for Miguel Cabrera. The holdup appears to be the inclusion of Howie Kendrick in the deal. This demand for Kendrick may be the opening to get Chone Figgins for centerfield. We offer Kelly Johnson to replace Howie Kendrick in return for Figgins. He fits the criteria for us: 2 years before free agency, Solid defensively, Hits for average, Steals bases, can leadoff, and Not Expensive. Lineup: Figgins, Escobar, Chipper, Tex, Francoeur, McCann, Diaz/B.Jones/, And Littlebridge either at 2nd or SS. We have speed at the top and bottom of the order, a contact hitter at #2 and power in the middle. In the words of the immortal Gene Wilder in “Young Frankenstein”: “THIS COULD WORK”

By David O'Brien

November 10, 2007 1:46 AM | Link to this

N8, yes, at some point I could see Chipper moving to 1B. At some point. But that point isn’t now, that’s for sure.

By David O'Brien

November 10, 2007 1:51 AM | Link to this

Did someone ask about Lofton? A Braves reunion with Kenny Loften ain’t happening, folks. His one season here did not go well, in the field and especially not in the clubhouse….

Steve C, to me My Morning Jacket is a much better rock band than all you mentioned except Allmans. Neither MMJ nor Allmans are a straight “jam band” (thank God), but rather, both are great rock bands with heavy blues influence, who go off on instrumental tangents, but not mind-numbing, “noodling” epic journeys like the other bands you listed.

I don’t see Robert Randolph as a “jam band” either, certainly not like Phish and Widespread Panic, and Sector Nine? Don’t see any real similary. That just ain’t my scene, at all.

Robert Randolph, to me, is a rock/soul/funk band, not a “jam band.”

Hey, if your favorite bands are those other bands you listed, I wouldn’t really expect you to be into My Morning Jacket. They’re much straight-ahead rock, with lyrics. Great lyrics.

Only one they have much in common with from that group you mentioned is the Allmans.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 10, 2007 2:08 AM | Link to this

uga-brave,

I was skeptical myself before I had an opportunity to actually see him play. Honest, he looks younger than the batboys but wow, this kid can play some baseball.

He has very good range both to his right and left, a gun for an arm but unlike Escobar, who I also got to watch in person, his throw seem a bit more controlled. By that I mean he does not unleash that cannon unless there is a need. He is a very smart baserunner. Good speed on the bases and a sense of awareness on what is going on in the game.

He has some surprising power in his bat. He is not someone who goes up looking to hit the long ball but uses all fields. He is not a singles hitter though as he had a fair number of doubles and a few triples and homers. The Richmond ballpark is configured much the same as Turner field but is really tough to hit homeruns out of. It is however a park that balls will roll to the wall with regularity when you hit the gaps.

I think I am the guy who first compared him to Biggio, he just has the same type of swagger and toughness about him.

He has hit for decent average so far in the minors. Only time will tell if he can handle major league pitching but I don’t think it would be a surprise for him to hit around .280. He does not strike out much, he is much more of a contact type hitter and is a very good hit and run guy. He has the ability to hit behind the runner and can lay down the bunt with the best of them. He is also very clutch if you get my drift.

What I hope is when he makes it to the majors, folks will give him a chance to get accustom to the game. I doubt he will start out hitting .400 but after getting his feet wet I think he is going to be good for a very long time.

I think the only reason the Braves do not want to have him play second is it would be a waste of his arm. I have not seen him play the outfield but I suspect he could if it were necessary. I don’t know how the Braves stole him from the Pirates but then, maybe that is why they cleaned house up there at the end of the season.

The only reason I would think the Braves would keep him in AAA another year is so he can continue to play everyday. He is no Pete Orr. He is still learning and growing, it is just he is blocked right now.

One thing you can take to the bank is he is a five tool guy and Atlanta is going to fall in love with this guy. Much like they have with Escobar.

By uga-brave

November 10, 2007 2:25 AM | Link to this

GIL,

thank you for the scouting report. got a sense you really like this guy. i believe you think he is a left type of infield guy when you refer to his arm.

wow he can run, and according to your view he is a gap to gap hitter that will develop power.

SOUNDS LIKE A NEOPHYTE HOSS?

By Wayne in Utah (keeping an eye on uga dude)

November 10, 2007 2:29 AM | Link to this

Ever watchful. Where is your buddy, uga dude?

BTW, I never hated Andruw, I just think his time had come. Too much arrogance and ignorance to the facts.

Wouldn’t it be nice if all Boras could get for Pay Rod was 25 mil per, and for Andruw 12 mil per.

I didn’t get a chance to check the old blog earlier tonight. Was just wondering what the denizens thought of Cory Sullivan in Denver as a true stop gap.

Did I hear that Carlos Santana was coming to Atlanta? I bet Dave is looking for tickets!

By Wayne in Utah (keeping an eye on uga dude)

November 10, 2007 2:34 AM | Link to this

Gil Can’t wait to see Lillibridge play in the bigs. That kind of play is darned contagious.

N8 & DOB: I could see Hoss moving over to first in 2009 if Tex is not resigned. That would open a spot for Escobar and Lillibridge on the left side.

Is this kid JC Holt the real deal? What about his defense? BTW, I think Prado is a poor man’s Aybar. Plays second and third, but not versatile enough to handle shortstop.

How ‘bout this trade: Thorman, Prado, Villarreal and Rheal Cormier for Carlos Santana???

By uga-brave

November 10, 2007 2:39 AM | Link to this

GIL FROM VIR.

great critique, you have seen him and i definetly believe you have the discerning ability to call a not so ran from a prospect.

i for one believe, if this baby faced player is as good as you say, he will find his way to the ATL.

would love to see him as our super-sub next year. no way he could do worse than that sorry sack of a bench we had last year, right?

By Wayne in Utah

November 10, 2007 2:40 AM | Link to this

DOB: Stay out of those “tent casinos” out there in Phoenix!

By uga-brave

November 10, 2007 2:47 AM | Link to this

WAYNE,

you are always welcome. you and i always share the same passion BASEBALL. the blog is always better with ur opinions. hope all is going well with you and your family.

By uga-brave

November 10, 2007 2:58 AM | Link to this

wayne,

brave-dave just phoned in his apoligies for all the arguments. brave-dave might be in hibernation but he told me always will have respect for the salt lake guy.

go-dawgs beat those war-chickens today.

By uga-brave

November 10, 2007 3:10 AM | Link to this

opines from the graveyard shift,

actually final opines, LEW hope you are wearing black at 3.30 today, time to for the dawg nation to finally beat the gators and auburn in the same season. cautiously optismistic? its gonna take three turnovers for the good guys. no confidence in willie martinez.

By Wayne in Utah

November 10, 2007 3:18 AM | Link to this

uga: it’s all good, my friend. tell bravesdave hello for me!

I would like to spend more time on here, but things change sometimes, and we have to roll with the flow.

Earlier, I felt my blog time was interfering with other important facets of my life (and it was true). More recently though, I have just had an extremely full plate.

But, all is well. And you are right, we share a passion for our Bravos.

Let’s bring back Brian Jordan, for one last fling!!! (just kidding, of course!)

Where in the world is my buddy Serbok???

Go Tigers tomorrow! (today) Jazz win in a squeaker over the Durrant led Sonics tonight!

Nite all.

Remember, whenever you think that Wayne is gone, please don’t diss him too much, cause you never know. I might be lerking in the shadows of the blog!!

:-)

By uga-brave

November 10, 2007 3:24 AM | Link to this

wayne,

i miss sebrok too.

By TK

November 10, 2007 6:13 AM | Link to this

I would still like to see the Braves focus on the A’s Dan Haren. Or maybe Ian Snell of Pitt. I think a young top of the rotation pitcher is needed most. Can Brandon Jones play CF? I may have missed someone else asking this. I have not heard his name brought up in the CF debate.

By Yars

November 10, 2007 6:39 AM | Link to this

DOB….do you think if Chipper had played in let’s say, 15 + more games this season, that he would have had a better chance at winning both the gold glove at 3B & the silver slugger award?

By ncscoots

November 10, 2007 6:54 AM | Link to this

I’m starting to go zombie. Seems the CF situation has brought on a hot-stove fever, with the concurrent brain-lock.

Some of the scenarios brought up, well, wow. Whereas a week ago, the blog was stoked about trading half the team for a pitcher, now the blog is stoked about trading half the team for a second-tier CF. A stopgap, second-tier CF, at that.

None of the names thrown about are worth more than two mid-level prospects. None appear to be able to measurably improve the offense. So what’s the difference? You’re just trying to put a finger in the dike for a year, right? Why in the name of sanity would you propose trading pitchers with upside, or hitters counted on to contribute heavily in the coming year, to do that?

Time for a hiatus, I think. You guys work out the CF situation, and let me know when it’s over. I’m pretty sure that, given several weeks of discussion on Figgins, Freel, Crisp, and/or the scrub of the week, I’ll pass.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 10, 2007 7:15 AM | Link to this

I’m sure of this in the future , regarding 1B. Teixeira will almost certainly leave after 2008. Chipper could move to 1B , we know that Escobar can play 3B and Lillibridge (Doogie Howser) is a SS. The Braves thought it through when they traded for Teixeira , fully realizing he may only be a Brave for one(2008) and a third(2007)seasons in Atlanta.

By Braveheart

November 10, 2007 7:20 AM | Link to this

ugabrave, as to frenchy, i understand your concerns about him. i have them as well. i went off the ledge a few times this season about him because i became so frustrated.

are there holes in his swing? hell yeah there is. he is an overswinger. like all overswingers, he will always have holes in his swing. that is why it is imperative for him to take the measures he did this season to become more patient. it is fine to be an overswinger if you learn to stop swinging at every pitch and wait more for those pitches that you can drive. he’s getting there i think (hope).

frenchy will never be chipper. not many hitters ever will be. chipper’s approach and swing at the plate is about as ideal as you would ever want from a hitter. but not every hitter has to be like chipper. the majors are filled with successful overswingers. frenchy has been successful thus far. you have to remember he is 23 years old. you also have to realize that he was rushed to the major leagues.

mondesi and jordan were a nightmare in 2005. frenchy got rushed to the majors out of desperation. i am still not sure if the braves really meant to keep him up in the majors in 2005 or not. i really think he was just up here for a cup of tea just so that he could get a taste of it and temporarily fill an immediate need. i remember being frustrated the first few weeks or so when cox did not use him as much as i wanted him to be used. but frenchy forced the hands of cox and braves management. frenchy became magnificent lightning and thunder in a bottle for the braves. without him, i don’t know if they win their last division title in 2005.

if you really look at frenchy’s progression, he did not play much in the minors above low level A ball. He got hurt on that bad bunt and missed alot of games in 2004. IN 2005, he was called up after only playing 104 games combined in AA. The reality is that he should have spent most of 2005 in AA and most of 2006 in AAA.

2007 should have been his rookie season. How happy would you have been with those numbers last season from a rookie?

Dude just missed much needed seasoning down in the minors because he was filling an immediate need up in the majors and because he was producing and because he was making people come to the park and pay more attention to the Braves and because so much hype was built around him that sending him back down to the minors might have been devastating for Frenchy.

A few more years in the minors might have taught more plate patience, it might have taught him how to steal more bases, and so on. Also, he would have had more time playing centerfield and been more accustomed to playing center at higher levels of baseball. He has basically missed two and a half seasons in center at a critical developmental stage of his career.

Because of the lack of seasoning in the minors, he has been forced to learn on the job up in the majors. IF you look at his minor league stats, he was stealing more bases (still being caught too much) and he was also walking about as much as he did last season. It, therefore, took him two and a half season in the majors to learn to take a walk the way he was in the minors. In the minors, he was walking about 40 times per 162 like he did last season. His development was stunted by being rushed to the majors so soon. But he appears to be catching up now.

I think it took alot of character for a 23 year old to be willing to partially sacrifice his calling card in the majors (his homers) so that he could listen to coaches and become a better all around hitter. Most 23 year olds would have panicked and say eff this and eff the coaches, I’m a home run hitter. He did not do that. We love Andruw but are all pretty much frustrated that he basically told his coaches and everyone eff you I’m gonna do it my way. Frenchy did not do that last season.

It’s pretty amazing for me that a 23 year old with the innate cocky swagger of Frenchy could be humble enough to listen to others and understand and apply what they are teaching him.

But that point also shows how much he might have missed by not playing enough games in the minors. If he listens that much in the majors and is still willing to try to apply the lessons despite the high risk of failure in the majors in trying to apply new ideas and approaches, he was also probably going to listen a whole lot in the minors. He just missed alot of lectures in the minors and missed out on being able to apply those lectures in a forum where he could have had a higher chance of success applying the lectures.

Just think back to how he got hurt that one year in the minors: dropping a bunt. Why was he dropping a bunt when he has that kind of power? Because he was being taught and he was listening and trying to apply what they were saying to him. He could have said eff you, I’m a home run hitting first rounder, I ain’t dropping a bunt. He could have been bitter about getting injured that way and swore off stupid coaches forever for trying to make him do things he was not comfortable doing and causing him to get hurt. But he did not do that either. He’s still humble enough to listen.

Dude was a wild stallion when he came up in 2005. He had not yet become enough of a domesticated stallion.

But I guess this long winded rant goes back to Schafer and Lillibridge. While Schafer and Lillibridge might be immediately able to fill voids next season in the majors and may be capable of producing immediately, more seasoning in the minors will perhaps help them and the team more by having less things they need to learn on the job in the majors. The same was true for Escobar last season and even for Salty who needed to partially repeat AA so that he could be truly ready to help the Braves.

blah, blah, blah. i will shut up now.

By stew

November 10, 2007 7:45 AM | Link to this

Best option in center - for any team ever - Andruw and we let him walk!

By WarParty

November 10, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this

That’s a very nice overview of what’s happening and who the Braves might be considering for the CF slot. It’s occured to me that the Braves are sort of facing an enigma in this instance.

On the one hand, getting a proven veteran to roam the center pastures relieves the anxiety of handing the job over to a young rookie who might not be ready for job.

On the other, getting a veteran guy eats up more salary and is only a stopgap until the expected takeover by a Schafer or Gorkys Gonzalez. So my question is, what does the rook need to do to convince the Braves braintrust that one of them IS the answer for the position in 2008?

I mean, what’s the criteria beyond winter ball performance? Or is this scenario even being considered as remotely possible by the Brave’s decision makers?

By Random

November 10, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this

I’m waiting for Bob, Journalist to start talking baseball again — I’m simply chock-full of some good-natured joshing. (It’s all just wasted on Shaun — goes right over his head.)

By John Tucker

November 10, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

What has happened to lance Cormier? he was great when I saw him pitch at Disney in Spring Training and came back late last season with some mixed results. But, neither you nor anyone else ever mentions him as even a sleeper candidte to amke the braves’ 2008 rotation, when he has better stuff than Chuck James.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 10, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this

O’Brien . I’ll answer your 9:09 PM question about Reggie Willits. First , some perspective. Andruw has spoiled us with the home run and gold glove. I fully understand that most fans want somebody who will replace that combination of power and defense. The problem is , it’s just not going to happen. Which is why the next best thing is to add a CF who can play defense and lead off. Remember the beginning of the fourteen year playoff run in 1991 ? Otis Nixon had zero HR’s , 26 RBI and batted .297 with 72 stolen bases while compiling an OBP of .371 , not to mention that he played a pretty good defensive game in CF. Guys like Chone Figgins and Reggie Willits bring the same kind game to the table. Andruw Jones will not be in CF in 2008 , the Braves best bet is the alternative of speed , defense and lead off ability.

By Marty

November 10, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this

Braveheart, good points in your last post about Francoeur. Anyone who watched Jeff hit last year, as opposed to just checking the stats, knows just how much he developed and improved during the ‘07 season. Yes, he took more walks, but that was just the beginning of the story — overall, he became much more selective anbd showed a tremendous ability to hit to all fields. If he continues to develop in that direction, there’s no reason to expect that he won’t continue to get better as a hitter (and he was pretty good last year). I’m not sure whether he’ll ever steal many bases in spite of his speed, because he just doesn’t seem to have much in the way of basestealing instincts. I’m pretty sure we’d all be ok with .300/30/100 from him, though, to go along with that Gold Glove defense (and golden arm) in right. Good post.

By Marty

November 10, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

N8 — your 11/09, 6:42 PM post is dead-on as well…although I would add that at least Wright was a very good hitter this season, as opposed to his defense, which was, frankly, quite poor.

By Random

November 10, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah

Lerking or leaking?

By Daveknockahomer

November 10, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

HAVE MERCY, HAVE MERCY!
NO COCO CRISP FOR THE BRAVES! Watched the guy alot and defense…great; batting…lousy, esp. in postseason. IF he had not been replaced by Ellsbery[Ellsbury[ the Red Sox would have lost the Series. SO PLEASE, NO COCO CRISP!

AND KENNY LOFTON! LORD HAVE MERCY! NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not sure who yet, but not Crisp or Lofton.

By KC

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

As a Braves fan, I have never been more pi$$ed than I am today. Chipper richly deserved the gold glove this year, and probably the Silver Slugger too (though a great case could be made for M.Cabrera).

What a shame.

Since Chipper’s stint in LF, followed by the injury plagued seasons… it seems like he’s not getting the respect he deserves as the best all-around third-baseman (not named Alex or Rodriguez) in the game today.

By KC

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

DOB: “And considering Freel hit .245 with three homers in 277 at-bats last season, including just two homers in 40 games at the most hitter-friendly home ballpark in the majors, and he’s owed $3 mill in 2008 and $4 mill in ’09 … uh, well, I don’t see that happening.”

Prior to this year -in his last 3 full seasons- Freel posted OBPs of .375, .371, .363… and SB totals of 37, 36, 37.

3 or 4 mill is not a lot to pay (by today’s standards) for a guy who puts up those numbers. He would be a very good leadoff option.

So he missed half a season and hit in the 240’s in the other half. It doesn’t seem to me that we should read too much into that considering what he’s done over the last 3 full seasons.

By Braveheart

November 10, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

yeah, marty, frenchy to me is like bernie williams. bernie was fast as hell like frenchy. but both are long legged, long limbed guys. it is hard for guys like that to get going on their initial step but once they get going they run like the wind. neither bernie nor frenchy have that cat like agility. they run more like deer or horses. but not many people are as fast as frenchy or bernie going from first to third or first to home on a ball in the gap. frenchy and bernie were/are more 220/440 guys than 100 meter guys. they are more like edwin moses or michael johnson than they are like carl lewis.

By KC

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

Daveknockahomer:

Personally, I wouldn’t mind Lofton. All he does is hit .290-300 with 30 steals every year. He can still go get the ball, though his arm is very weak.

However, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Lofton will not be a Braves again. I don’t think he gelled in the clubhouse here, and that’s something this team places a lot of stock in.

On the other hand, it has been a decade since he played here, so it could be that neither side would place too much stock in their brief history together. But I seriously doubt Lofton will be a Brave. He’ll probably retire and Indian (as he should).

By Braves4Ever

November 10, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

Braveheart Your two posts (7:20 and 8:44) were excellent. very thoughful and perceptive. Thanks

By eric the elder

November 10, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

braveheart, excellent analysis on Francoeur. A couple weeks ago, I asked whether anyone would consider letting him go for a blockbuster trade (e.g., Santana). I got no response, but I never do, so I don’t take much from that.

Despite the strong case you made for him, I’m still not sure I wouldn’t pull the trigger. It’s great to be coachable, but the tools have to be there. I’m uncomfortable with Francoeur’s inability to resist up and in pitches, and his hips really fly open. As you suggest, these might be overcome with experience and seasoning.

I love having kids on the team. I yearn for Chipper’s early days of enthusiasm and huge grins. That’s what youth brings to us. However, Schuerholz always said that he would never hesitate to make a change that improves the team. Letting Salty go for likely 1-1/2 years of Tex seems to prove his point.

Thanks to you, my state of mind now is that I would be even sadder to see him go, but I can still see it happening if a deal comes up that we cannot refuse.

By David-ATL14

November 10, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Yeah DOB, Willits would be fine. CF only needs to catch the ball and bat 8th in this lineup. Only interested in the cheapest acquistion cost, With Schafer looming.

He or Duffy or some other 1 year solution will do. Absolutely zero reason to waste assets to acquire Crisp. He will also bat 8th and give you only slightly better numbers. As far as flipping Crisp elsewhere when/if Schaffer is ready? that’s a dead mans hand. You will take pennies on the dollar for Crisp or anyone else of his ilk.

I really don’t want the Braves to move any cheap young assts until tex’s fate is determined. Will probably need them all in 2009 when Tex walks.

It’s not about getting the best available option for CF in 08 but the one with the cheapest acquistion cost. If we want proven then just pay Cameron, at least he doesn’t cost you assets other than money.

Only thing that should derail that line of thought is if there is worry about Brandon Jones and his future. If that is the case then a dejesus or crisp would make only slightly more sense if you are positive they are headed for LF in 09.

By richbrave

November 10, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

TYLER(12;47 a.m.):

What RELIABLE source has induced you to grace this blog with your triumphant announcement that all my dreams have come true and that Santana will be a Brave?? Don’t toy with my fantasies. It’s not nice to fool mother nature.

Gil: Your positively gushing account of Lillibridge’s abilities may be slightly overdone. As I said on previous posts, my impression is that Lillibridge will be ready to take on major-league hitters in ‘09. Depends on being in Atlanta in ‘08. He can take Woodward’s unreliable pitch-hit job on the bench until he matures at the plate. His arm is great AND reliably accurate, no question.

By AdirondackDave

November 10, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

Gil — I guess I missed it somewhere but what is Lillibridge’s size? Does he have the physique to eventually put up serious power numbers or is his game going to be top of the order (1-2) for the foreseeable future? Thanks.

By richbrave

November 10, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Gil:

I said “slightly” regarding Lillibridge. I meant that WITHOUT tongue in cheek. I’m not taking umbrage at your comments.

By Lew

November 10, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

UGA Brave-I will be watching the Dawgs. I will be wearing black.

Braveheart makes a good point on Francoeur’s development. Let’s not forget that he missed almost the entire 06 Spring Training as well, with that stupid World Baseball Absurdity. THAT certainly was not beneficial to his development, either.

No matter, anyone not impressed with his increased patience and showing an ability to shorten his stroke and become more selective, developing the ability to take a pitch to right late in the count, really wasn’t paying attention. The kid is still real young and he has now exhibited that the actually thinks at the plate and about his game. That is certainly desirable and commendable. Just think what might have been if Andruw adapted during the season.

By KC

November 10, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

What is supposedly so special about KC’s David DeJesus?? He hit .260, has no power, and isn’t a base-stealing threat. Unless he seems poised to surpass the likes Andruw, Hunter, and Edmonds in the glove-work department… I don’t see why Dayton Moore would be so reluctant to trade him, or why we’d give up all that much to get him.

By richbrave

November 10, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

AdirondackDave:

Lillibridge is 5’11”, 183, turned 24 in September.

By Ralph

November 10, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

Put the money on pitching and use Harris till Kids are ready. Why pay $4.50 a gallon for milk when you already have it. Play Harris till the horses come to the Barn.Ride that horse till you get the colts broke. You never know what may happen. He seem to be as good as some named. Lofton was pretty good the year he played in Atlanta hit over 300 was hurt some. Big problem was he said braves wouldn’t spend money on hitters just pitchers, that p**— Cox off. So he’s not one of the good old boys but still good player and some team always calls him around play off time. wonder why DOB?

By richbrave

November 10, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

Lew and Braveheart right on regarding Francouer’s development last year. Believe me, he’s a keeper, Joe Adcock arm, and Eddie Mathews hitter. He’s gonna’ be special. He’s losing that rookie from-out-of-nowhere surprise in his bat. His maturation however will take him to a higher level of hitter - a dangerous hitter that will hurt you when the chips are down. A lot like Chip in that regard.

By chrisklob

November 10, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

richbrave,

Tyler = Troll

Actually, he’s like the little boy that called “wolf” too many times. He’s gotten himself to the point that I don’t believe ONE word that he says. In fact, I usually skip over his posts.

By AJ 25

November 10, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

My man Boras is a genius. He is going to package me and A-Rod to the highest bidder. I expect we will pull down at least $60 mill a year. Pure genius!

By the way…Home Boy Jr. screwed up big time. He should have kept Edgar, played Yunel at second and dumped that worthless Kelly Johnson. KJ strikes out too much and is horrible defensively.

By richbrave

November 10, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

Hey Crisklob:

Lighten up. I’m sure Tyler doesn’t care whether you skip his post or not. Never take things for granted my friend. You can miss out on a lot of good things in life that way.

By JayDub

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

DOB,

Do you expect the Braves to make a splash with any Japanese free agents? I’ve seen a relief pitcher named Kobayashi mentioned. That is, if they don’t want to stick with the usual suspects. (Sorry, had to make a Kobayashi joke.)

JayDub

By Justin

November 10, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

You have got to be kidding me that david wright won the gold glove. Chipper was a lock to win. Obviously he is not appreciated for his hard work. Dumb GMs, i guess it doesn’t matter how many errors you get.

By chrisklob

November 10, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

richbrave, this is not the first time he’s posted a bogus trade. Once is funny, second time, not so much.

By Efrim

November 10, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

KC

What is supposedly so special about KC’s David DeJesus?? He hit .260, has no power, and isn’t a base-stealing threat. Unless he seems poised to surpass the likes Andruw, Hunter, and Edmonds in the glove-work department… I don’t see why Dayton Moore would be so reluctant to trade him, or why we’d give up all that much to get him.

Prior to 2007, he had two seasons of:

2005- .293/.359/.445 for an OPS of .804

2006- .295/.364/.446 for an OPS of .810

Not bad. I think he is owed 2.4 million next season. I am not sure about his defense though. I would rather have him than Freel. Freel plays in the best hitters ballpark in baseball and still hit for no power. I think Freel is overrated.

By richbrave

November 10, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

AJ25:

KJ’s doing OJT !! I agree; As the season went on strikouts went up - walks went down. But Kelly has a natural bent toward selectivity at the plate. That’s why I postulated about his coaching last month. Braves Brass probably have a pretty good feel for his abilities at this point. If he’s dealt, we’ll know why. Management is right more often than not in these cases. Think of the former Braves players whom were moderately successful in Atlanta, but after being dealt did not prosper in other venues.

By richbrave

November 10, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

Crisklob:

Point taken. Chill bro.

By uga-brave

November 10, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

braveheart,

that was probably your best work yet. your 7:20 post was pretty spot on.

By TommyP

November 10, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

We could always use Dejesus at another position if Schafer comes on board???? Where? His stats are barely suitable for CF. No way they’d play Dejesus at a corner outfield position.

IF Schafer is truly that close to the majors, then there is no reason to trade for guys making $4+ million with several years left on their contracts.

The Braves are weighing their options with three things in mind:

Cost ($) + Cost (prospects) + Production.

The cost in $ is also accompanied by length of contract.

The cost of prospects has to be kept to a minimum if Schafer is indeed that close to the majors.

I rule out Crisp and Dejesus immediately. Dejesus just doesn’t have much upside at all and, while affordable, he has several years on that contract and I’m not sure they could deal him for much later.

If the Braves don’t have to have the gazelle out their patrolling center, Cody Ross or Ryan Spillborghs would be intriguing pickups. Both can hit and both have played center. However, I’m not sure they want to have THAT much of a dropoff in fielding from Andruw to them.

If they were to acquire one of them, it would be essential that they net a deal for an 8th inning defensive replacement in the Nook Logan mold, perhaps. Just on the team to field in the 8th and 9th.

Here’s the most logical choice for the Braves: Nate McLouth

For some reason, this guy is not valued in Pittsburgh as they are intent on seeing Duffy fail and his clone, Nyjer Morgan.

McLouth finally got some starting time last year when Duffy got injured. He started all of August and some of September before Morgan was given most of the playing time.

McLouth’s numbers last year overall: .258 BA, .351 OBP., 13 homers, .459 SLG, and an .810 OPS.

Not to mention he had 22 steals, 1 caught stealing. In fact, he’s 34 for 36 stealing bases in his short career!

Let’s talk about his numbers when he started.

August numbers: .270 BA, .356 OBP, 10 steals, .522 SLG, .878 OPS. Oh yeah…7 dingers, 17 ribbies.

He started for PART of September and here are his September stats:

.315 BA, .457 OBP, .574 SLG, 1.031 OPS. (3 dingers, 10 ribbies, 6 steals in only 54 at bats)

If you want to talk about fielding, he’s rock solid there.

Andruw had a 2.67 RF (range factor), McLouth had a 2.62. Not much difference there.

Andruw had an .863 ZR (zone rating), McLouth had an .886.

By no means am I saying he’s a better fielder but you can see that he’s definitely major league solid out there in center.

Cost ($): He’s making close to the minimum this past year and next.

Cost (prospects): With Pittsburgh loving Duff and Morgan, it wouldn’t take too much to pry him from Pitt.

He’s cheap in salary, shouldn’t cost much in terms of a prospect, and produces along with having potential to get better.

In addition, maybe the Braves can net a Jose Castillo in a deal as a backup SS. Castillo was solid last year as a backup but not sure about his salary. (of course, wait for Pittsburgh to not pick up Cesar Izturis’ option and then sign him on the cheap for a SS backup)

Nate McLouth is the best option out there for the Braves, all things considered

By chrisklob

November 10, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

richbrave, I don’t need to chill. I’m fine. The point of me telling you that he is a troll is to make you aware of it, in the event that you weren’t already aware of it. Nothing more, nothing less.

By Braveheart

November 10, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Last year, KJ had an OBP of .375 and a SLG of .457. For his career, Derek Jeter has a .388 OBP and a .462 SLG. Both Jeter and KJ have trouble with balls up the middle. Last year, KJ had an OPS+ of 117. Jeter has a career OPS+ of 122. Jeter’s range factor for his career has been below average. KJ’s range factor at second last year was about average. A little perspective. KJ is nowhere near the bum so many of you bizarrely make him out to be.

By Lew

November 10, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

RichBrave-I think one factor that needs to be considered about Kelly Johnson’s down turn at season’s end is this: He missed an entire season and worked all winter-quite intensively, too-with Glen Hubbard, learning 2B. I think the guy was just tired out-even with the platooning.

By richbrave

November 10, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Crisklob:

Cool dude. Thanks for the tip!!

By Braveheart

November 10, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

richbrave, chrisklob is just about the most chill brother on here. he’s just really sick of tyler and those silly trades. Knob Creek all around.

By richbrave

November 10, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Lew:

Great point. Worn-down is how he was reacting at the plate. Didn’t think of that one.

By AdirondackDave

November 10, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Lew - That KJ fatigue comment makes sense to me. I look forward to seeing him a second year out there at 2nd. That should tell the tale.

By AdirondackDave

November 10, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

By the way, does anybody out there know how Escobar’s English is? Probably better than mine, but in any case, I would think communication skills are mighty important for the middle infielders.

By JC FROM UT

November 10, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

The Angels are trying to get Migual Cabrera fro Florida but will have to give up Howie Kendrick. Now, if this move goes through would LA be more willing to insert Figgins at 2nd or trade for a replacement? Maybe they would take KJ for Figgins and Lilibridge is the new 2nd baseman. I don’t see how this would improve the Braves. KJ is a much better hitter than Figgins, maybe not as much speed but overall a better player. I think a player like Ryan Church, Nate McLouth or Cody Ross could be had for alot less than Figgins Coco Winn or anyone else in the mentioned scenerios.

By Lew

November 10, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

I agree about KJ-I think last year’s experiment turned out much better than almost anyone expected. I agree as well, that this year should be all the better. He may never be a Ken Hubbs (go look THAT one up, Denizens-the first who emails me lewhartman@comcast.net -with the correct reason why I suggested this comparison, will win a Wurlitzer), but is more than competent and his bat is a great asset to the team.

Now Wurlitzer new. I think we all realize that there are not likely to be multiple Wurlitzer winners. Mmerbers of the Wurlitzer Selection Committee are also ineligible. Tjis is a good time for this announcement. With the sudden departure of multiple members of this August Committee, new members have been installed in the position. We now welcome ChrisKlob and Salty as Wurlitzer Selection Committee Members. Be nice to them, heh, heh.

By Steamboat

November 10, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

I don’t see where it’s such a given that we can’t resign Tex. I’m sure the Braves knew when they did the deal that it would cost real money, and they suggested that it was our intention to try to sign him.

Please forgive the length of this, but below is an estimate of 2009 salaries. I’ve put Tex at $18 mil - assuming that if we do sign him, the contract will start at about that point, and rise to the low 20’s in the out years (that’s pretty typical).

This includes 28 players - obviously, some of the low-end guys are unlikely to be around.

TOTAL ‘09 Payroll = $75,075,000, and I’m sure there are some inaccuracies, but it seems pretty logical to me. Still leaves maybe $20 mil, to add a high end pitcher, or other pieces, assuming payroll rises to $95 by ‘09.

Note: Soriano is not on the list - he’s a free agent in ‘09 and I’m assuming Gonzo, Devine, or someone else will be ready to step in.

And, I don’t have an “outside” center fielder in here. I’m assuming that whoever we sign for ‘08 is either traded when Schafer is ready, or is cheap enough to slide in to the pay slots I’ve got for ‘extra players’ here. No way to do this perfectly (especially the guys with little service time). I think it’s accurate enough to suggest there is money to sign Tex.

position - name - Salary ‘09

C - McCann - $3,500,000

C - Sammons - $475,000

1B - Texiera - $18,000,000

1B - Thorman - $475,000

2B - Johnson, K - $750,000

2B - Prado - $475,000

2B/SS/CF - Lillibridge - $475,000 (who knows where he’ll play?)

3B - Jones, C - $10,000,000 (contract calls for $8-11; I’ve gone high-side, but not max)

3B - Aybar - $550,000

SS - Escobar - $550,000

CF - Schaffer - $475,000

LF - Bjones - $475,000

OF - Diaz - $1,000,000 (really guessing here)

RF - Francoeur - $1,500,000 (assuming a contract similar to McCann’s)

RP - Gonzalez - $4,000,000

RP - Villarreal - $2,500,000

RP - Yates - $475,000

RP - Acosta - $475,000

RP - Boyer - $475,000

RP - Ring - $475,000

RP - Devine - $475,000

RP - Moylan - $475,000

RP - Ascanio - $475,000

SP - Hudson - $13,000,000

SP - Smoltz - $12,000,000 (assuming he pitches 200 innings in ‘08)

SP - James - $600,000

SP - Reyes - $475,000

SP - Jurrjens - $475,000

(some of this was borrowed from a post on another blog - though I tweaked the poster’s numbers and personnel decisions some. Don’t know if “appropriate” to credit the competition or not!)

Going beyond ‘09, you gradually start to lose the Hudson, Smoltz, CJ contracts, and with inflation, the $20 mil (or more) to Tex will be big, but not qute AS big. Plenty of $$ to restock in 2010 and beyond.

Corrections/suggestions welcomed.

By Jeff R

November 10, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Could it be that one reason Lillibridge isn’t being considered for CF is that he may wind up playing a lot of SS for the Braves in 2008? Given that Chipper is very injury prone, and that Escobar can play 3B, it could be those two playing in tandem on the right side more often than we now imagine.

By Ripme

November 10, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

SI.COM Jon Heyman; Said Glavine would( or wanted) get 1yr 11 million. said braves wouldn’t or couldn’t sign Tex but Frank Wren said he will try to sign Tex this winter, If no deal look for midsummer trade..I hope they sign Tex but 11 million for Glavine is to much.

By AdirondackDave

November 10, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

LEW - Zimmer and kindell were having poor years at second and Hubbs was called up to fill the void.

By Lew

November 10, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Adirondack Dave-True but why would I compare KJ to Hubbs as to their respective games? I realize y’all are likely not Old Farts like myself, but I’m looking for a more specific comparison-or contrast-Why would I not expect him to be Ken Hubbs?

By AdirondackDave

November 10, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

Lew — Because opposite KJ he was a stellar fielder and a pretty crummy hitter, tons of strikeouts and hits into double plays?

By Lew

November 10, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

Allright Dave-you win. Hubbs was the first rookie to win a Gold Glove Award. He was also Rookie of the Year and set a record (broken, I believe wby Ryne Sandberg) for consecutive errorless games at 2B. He was killed in the offseason afgter his sophomore year in a Utah plane crash-hence is somewhat more obscure. I never expect KJ to become that stellar a fielder, but the boy can hit.

Email me lewhartman@comcast.net with who you want me to do the portrait of. Include real name and address. You’re a Wurlitzer Winner, Adirondack Dave. Maybe I’ll just drive over and deliver the drawing.

By richbrave

November 10, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Conversed with Escobar across the top of the 1st base dugout - in Spanish unfortunately. HIS Spanish is pretty good. Never spoke a word of English though, and my fractured Espa-gag-nol made him wonder about my abilities as a linguist I’m sure…

By Chris

November 10, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

I think you are forgetting that Wright was essentially non-existent during April. He batted under .270, no homers and single digit RBI. So it’s like he basically did not play 24 games either if you want to pick at straws. Tell Larry to stop crying.

By richbrave

November 10, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Steamboat:

To me Blaine Boyer was not too impressive once he returned here( Richmond). Might be one of your odd men out. I really wasn’t paying strict attention through I should have been as Boyer is my dad’s family name.

Ages back in the blog archives, someone wrote of Clete Boyer, whose demise was so sudden. He was at Cooperstown while I was there with a grandson who participated in one of 2006’s age 12 tournaments. We gassed about Ken Boyer, and how all the Boyers he knew were from Pa. He looked great. What a shot to the solar plexis to read his obit just a few months later.

By David O'Brien

November 10, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

OK, folks, I’m here in Peoria, Ariz., just barely got here for the bottom of the first inning after driving over straight from airport.

And I was quite surprised and a bit perturbed to see someone in a Nationals uni (Justin Maxwell) in CF for the Javelinas.

Not to worry, Schafer just getting a rare day off from CF but is DH’ing, and at bat as I write this, with a runner a third and one out, no score.

He’s facing Astros minor leaguer Brad James, a righty.

OK, took ball one, then lined two balls foul down left side, a little late on each.

1-2 count … struck out on a breaking ball at his shoetops.

By Steve McP

November 10, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

I think that signing a middle priced CF with some years of contract left is a good idea to fill the void now, and also to give a trading chip for the 09 season assuming that Schafer or one of the other youngsters is ready to go - if the youngsters don’t work out for any reason then we don’t need to look around for another stop gap in 09.

Think of Edgar - we had great years of work out of him and then got good prospects (maybe very good) when we had a youngster good enough to play his position.

By kcr211

November 10, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Chris

Your case for Wright measuring up with Chipper better because he had a bad April is beyond weak. Having a bad month is not equal to missing those games entirely. When you miss a game, there is a substitute producing numbers for the team in your absence. Injuries are not a players fault, being awful for a month is. Your point may be instead that he had to dig himself out of a big hole with an even stronger season later on. But if that’s the game you want to play, Chipper’s season compares quite admirably.

By David O'Brien

November 10, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Adirondack, Yunel doesn’t speak enough English to be comfortable doing interviews, but he speaks enough broken English to communicate with his teammates. Haven’t heard any of them or any coaches, even off the record, say that communication has been a problem.

Believe me, even if they never learn much English, they quickly learn the crucial words they need to shout out to fellow infielders, the situational stuff.

By bill

November 10, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

GO BRAVES!!!

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 10, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Concerning CF, what about Jaque Jones. I know some here aren’t too hot on him but he only makes $5 mil and will be in the last year of his contract in 2008. He did a very good job in CF last year for the Cubs. His defesne is good enough and he can hit. If the Braves don’t have to give up too much, I think he could be a good pickup. And the best thing about it the Braves would only be obligated to him in 2008.

By jim

November 10, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

I would be willing to bet that if KJ is not traded this winter, he will finish now lower than 2nd on the team in OBP and BA. I think part of the reason for his slump at the end of the year was because he was pressing too much because of the platoon. I think the closest comparison to KJ as a hitter is (was) John Olerud.

By David O'Brien

November 10, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

TommyP, I should’ve been clear: I was thinking more along the lines of fourth outfielder (his salary is low enough that it’s feasible) for DeJesus in that case, but even more, I was thinking they could trade him in that case….

Another Braves kid hitting now, SS Brandon Hicks, whom they got an exception for, to get him in the AFL with only A-ball experience. They’re allowed one per team, but Braves got another to get Schafer in here, too.

Hicks came into today hitting only .200 (10-for-50) with three doubles, three walks, 18 strikeouts. Hey, there’s a reason they don’t let many A-ball kids into this league. Most aren’t ready.

He just reached on an error….

By David O'Brien

November 10, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

I’ll second that theory on Kelly fading late — had never played a full major league season, and had missed entire 2006 season, of course. Fatigue.

And it’s worth pointing out, he stunk, really, for only the last 4-5 weeks. Before the Sept. 28 game he was still hitting .292 with a .391 OBP and strong .885 OPS, with 24 doubles, 10 triples, 15 homers in 123 games.

In 24 games the rest of the way, he hit .195 with three extra-base hits in 82 at-bats, with a .287 OBP and .256 slugging percentage (.543 OPS)….

That kid playing center, the Nationals prospect, just made a terrible throwing error. Someone in pressbox said it’s his first game in center.

Gotta love my timing. Sure glad I decided to wait and fly home Monday midnight; I’ll at least be able to see Schafer play CF Monday night. Unless he gets in this game in the field, but I doubt that.

By laurance maney

November 10, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Tearing myself away from the Chipper and David Wright kerfuffle, let’s get one thing straight. Coco Crisp is not the defensive center fielder his apologists claim. He comes in well - to his left and right but not like Andruw and there’s a deer-in-the-headlights quality to how he gets back on the ball that keeps him, in my mind, from being a good, forget great center fielder. And the throwing arm? Johnny Damon anyone. Remember that he never played center until Theo decided he could - the same Theo that shelled out $70 mil for JD Drew’s clubhouse charisma. Forget Crisp.

By David O'Brien

November 10, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

There’s a guy sitting behind home plate in a KC T-shirt with “DeJesus” on the back. And no, it’s not David DeJesus….

By the way, not many folks at these games; crowd’s smaller than a Nationals spring game at Viera. But there’s still quite a bit of scenery….

By David O'Brien

November 10, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Rockies have a 2B prospect, Corey Wimberly, who can flat-out fly. Just beat out an infield hit and raced to second when the 3B bounced a throw to first. Wimberley came in hitting .367 with two triples in 49 at-bats…

By David O'Brien

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

Rockies also have an outfield prospect, a big, rangy kid named Dexter Fowler, who just crushed a ball to the R-C gap to drive in a couple runs.

Now Schafer up….

Worked coiunt to 3-0, then lined an opposite-field single to left field to drive in a run for a 3-2 lead.

Impressive stroke on the kid, I tell you that. Looks very comfortable up there. And does bear a strong resemblance in size to Steve Finley…

Schafer just stole second base. Good speed, nice slide. He’s got nine in 11 attempts.

By N8

November 10, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

LOL!

Sorry DOB, I’m not really laughing at you, just with you.

I’ve only seen one Chiefs game in person. It was 1993 (I think), they were playing the Vikings in the Metro-dome on the last day of the season. It also happened to be the ESPN Sunday Night game.

I was PUMPED UP!

Yeah. They happened to win the division due to a Chargers loss earlier in the day. So Joe Montana played ONE FRICKIN SERIES!

It was still a blast, even though they got their azzes handed to them.

Haven’t gone to see a game since. Too much money, not to add the travel. If I’m gonna travel for an “event” it’s gonna be a concert or a Braves playoff game.

Speaking of concerts has anybody been to or gotten a review from any friends on the Van Halen tour? I’ve heard it hasn’t been that great.

By richbrave

November 10, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

Hey Dave:

If you get the chance drive up to Jerome, Arizona. There’s a little place with great food: 417 ‘r 419 Main Street. You probably won’t have any time though. Just a thought. Enjoy the Valley of the Sun.

By drew

November 10, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

screw chipper jones, he is washed up! Don’t hate David Wright, you should be honored to watch him pass you by!!

By KC

November 10, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Efrim: Freel is a leadoff hitter. The fact that he plays in a popcorn machine actually works against him. A hitter like Freel would rather have a spacious outfield.

By mike

November 10, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

How come no one has mentioned jacque jones as a potentical cf candidate next year. He is perfect for the braves I think. He is only a 1year commitment at a reasonable 5 million. He’s hit 285 in each of the last two seasons and has hit 20 or more hr 4 times and hit 27hr in 06. The tigers are reportedly offering a back up secondbasemen for him. I bet the Braves could get him for Prado.

By Bo

November 10, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

DOB who do you think the Braves will get as back up to SS and Catcher? Glad you made the trip to see for yourself whats what. Now you can give us a better view of all propects out there.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 10, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

I am afraid I have to agree with richbrave on his assessment of Blaine Boyer. I saw him pitch a total of four times and he just never seemed to be comfortable. He did not project a mound presences at all.

Richbrave, it was only after about the fourth time I saw Lillibridge that I really got an idea of how good he is. Not that he didn’t stand out it just I hate to make judgments based on one viewing.

I liked Zach Schreiber a lot too. He reminded me of a right handed Mike Stanton.

By richbrave

November 10, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

GIL:

I really haven’t concentrated on the R-Braves as much as I should. Take my two grandsons and my great-niece to the ball-park twice a year. That certainly doesn’t make me any expert. The boys are constantly into baseball, basketball, football so I never get to the Diamond as much as I used to. But when there are no conflicts in ‘08 would love to meet you there and compare notes on the Braves. Unless they acquire a “ragin’” arm, I’m afraid they will struggle to win their division again. Could happen if Glavine re-invents himslf, and Hampton comes back healthy, but Renteria’s missing bat bothers me right now. However, hope springs eternal. And spring is where we’re pointing now my friend. Have a good evening.

By Lew

November 10, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

RichBrave-I was lucky enough to see all three Boyer brothers play (few are aware of Cloyd Boyer). Ken was an excellent player, offensively and defensively, and died quite young, if I’m not mistaken.

Now the other day, someone was here on the blog ragging on Brooks Robinson and how he was overrated-that Clete and Graig Nettles were better fielders. While they were all excellent defensive players, the person did not take into account that they all played at the same time and Brooks was still considered the Gold Standard. He was the best I’ve ever seen-that play on Lee May (I think) in the Series was legendary-where he threw him out at first on a ball from the left field foul territory. Clete may have been number two, though, and Nettles was phenomenal, as well.

By David O'Brien

November 10, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Well, I went down and sat in the sunshine, ate a bag of peants and drank a cup of coffee while watching about 4-5 innings among the paying customers. It’s great, you can just roam around, sit anywhere, and the seats behind the plate and dugouts are wide open, very few folks down there (scouts are smart and sit in the shadow of the pressbox, up a little higher).

My first impression of Schafer is, he’s not quite ready offensively. A scout told me he’s been in a funk the past week, that he’s a much better hitter than this. He’s 1-for-4 with three strikeouts in this game so far, and we’re in seventh inning.

The good news: You can tell, just looking at him the first time, why everyone says he’s gonna be a special player. Got a real short, compact stroke, drove that ball hard the other way, and scout told me he’s got all the tools, just needs to develop better plate discipline and keep working offensively. Raved about his defense….

Bo, I’d guess a no-stick veteran catcher or Clint Sammons will be the backup, and really haven’t heard anything yet to give you any names on shortstop. I mean, I could list 15 possibilities, but not much use in that, since I’ll be honest and say I haven’t heard a thing yet. Next week, that kind of talk will start in earnest after teams can start making offers for others’ free agents and the market starts to firm up, then trades will start going down as we get near winter meetings.

By David O'Brien

November 10, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Richbrave, how far is Jerome, Ariz.? I was thinking of driving up to Flagstaff tomorrow, is it on the way? And what’s the name of the restaurant?

I was going to try to look up Hampton tomorrow, but when I got to town I realized NASCAR is in Phoenix this weekend. Guess where Hampton will be tomorrow? (he’s a big NASCAR guy). He lives out here now, moved out here and sold (or is selling) his house in North Florida….

By David O'Brien

November 10, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

Schafer just showed his speed when he tripled down the right-field line in the eighth inning. And he hit the triple off a left-hander, 6-foot-4 Mitch Stetter, a Milwaukee prospect who slings it almost sidearm and who hasn’t allowed a run in 10 appearances this fall.

Stetter had 18 strikeouts in 10-1/3 innings before today, so that’s encouraging for young “Schafe,” as the fellas call him.

An eventful day consider he didn’t play the field: 2-for-5 with three strikeouts and a triple.

I’m gonna go talk to him, hopefully, when this thing’s over. Writing a story for next Sunday.

By Nigel

November 10, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

As the Mets improve, Larry Wayne seems to show less and less class with his mouth.

By TennesseePaul

November 10, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

All this A-Rod press talk. What’s A-Rod eating today? What type of socks does A-Rod wear?
I keep seeing his name meantioned with the Mets. I read Gammons talk about how the Mets shouldn’t make the deal because they are set up with Wright and Reyes. It’s a solid point. But, making a deal for A-Rod would allow them to use one of those guys to trade for a top flight pitcher. The Twins do need something more on the left side than what they have, so Reyes or Wright would be a good piece to trade. The Mets could really compete with the payroll levels of the Yanks if they made a move like that. 35 million for A-Rod, 25 million for Santana, 14 million for Beltran… That’s 3 players for only 75 million. New park and a sports channel could cover it. It’d be interesting to see if that goes down. If it does, unlikely though it may be, I’d image Wright would be traded before Reyes. Omar likes the Latino players most of all.

By richbrave

November 10, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

Dave:

Its up the interstate toward Flagstaff. You get off and go to the left, over toward Sedona. About half-awy to Flagstaff I think. Its an old mining town. Seems to me I remember getting to Sedona after we were in Jerome. But you know tourists - just lose all track of time. Ask at the desk where you’re staying. They’ll give you a local map and tell you all about it. Its trying to become a touristy spot, so Phoenix folks will know. The Red Rooster restaurant is in the next block. This place is a cafe with that monicker on the end, but I can’t remember exactly. Most locals eat there, so if you strike-out in Phoenix, ask when you get to town. Its in the 400 block of Main Street, and I believe Aumus is next door. That’s a store with about 30 artists in it. My wife went crazy and bought a Tourmaline Ring there. If you’re with a significant other watch out!! But this was no bigger than thirty feet wide with a corner- bar on the right with stools in front and tables on the left. Man, if you like healthy food, it is outta’ sight. Best lunch special there(soup and sandwich) I think i ever had. Sorry for all the verbage, just can’t remember the name.

By Greg O.

November 10, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

DOB, I just read a Tampa newspaper story from a few days ago that discussed the Rays’ need for a shortstop and Lillibridge was named as a possibility. We’ve been through the Baldelli situation, but any chance a package could be put together for Carl Crawford? Can he play center?

By richbrave

November 10, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

LEW;

Thanks for that blast from the past… Cloyd. Could not remember, but I knew there was a third brother while speaking with Clete. The kids and I were getting autographs so we didn’t talk much. You know how those lines are - Next - Next. Got one of his last autographed balls I guess. $20.00 bucks. So did the kids.

By Lew

November 10, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

To all of you Chipper haters- First of all, I would hardly consider a player who was the #2 leading hitter in the NL, washed up. Do you even have a clue about baseball? As far as Wright goes- What part of Chipper virtually equaling his numbers in 30 or so less games do you not understand?
Now in reference to the Gold Glove Award. First off, he was asked in an interview about the situation-he did not call a press conference b!tch!ng and moaning, like y’all make it seem. Second of all, if you would actually read his comments, instead of acting ina totally nonsensival and quite visceral manner, you would see he was not complaining that HE did not win the award-he actually mentioned two other players who he felt were more deserving of the award than Wright. And you know what? He was 100% correct. Wright sucks as a defensive third baseman and there were several players MUCH more deserving of the honor than that guy from the Mets who can’t throw a baseball to save his life. Flipping ill informed Troll idiots. Try getting facts straight and correct before you insert your various hooves into your mouths. If Wright is so good, why would the Mets fans want him moved to make room for Rodriguez (as if that will ever happen)? Go back to your caves.

By David O'Brien

November 10, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

You Braves fans will be pleased to hear, Jordan Schafer is a very impressive dude off the field. Sharp, mature, well-spoken, good sense of humor, and humble yet confident, particularly about his defense. He believes he could play defense with about anyone in the majors right now, but knows he still has work to do offensively.

Anyway, I’ll tell you more about my conversation with him later. Right now gotta get out of this now-empty stadium, stop by a Harley shop I saw across the street, and then go check into my hotel and find a place that’s got the KU-Okie State game on (I’m in Pac-10 country, so ABC’s regional coverage has the Cal game out here)

By David O'Brien

November 10, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Damn, I didn’t realize Ohio State was still behind this late in the game … and Georgia-Auburn was this close … OK, gotta find a bar near the stadium and watch the end of these games.

Later

By Braveheart

November 10, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

ohio state loses!

By mike

November 10, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

Lew I agree with you 110 percent that chipper is not washed up and that he matched or outdid Wright in virtually every stat offensively and defensively in much fewer games. I also think that if not for that weird play in Pittsburg where Bobby hit and run with Chipper at 2nd and he had to go airborn to avoid a collision I think Chipper would have played 150 games last year. I think he still has several great seasons left in him especially if he moves to first assuming Texiera leaves after 08. I do think, however Chipper has done a little too much talking in the past few seasons. Yes, he didnt call reporters to vent his frustrations but he could have said that he didnt have a comment or not be as candid as he was. I think he over exaggerated what smoltz said and made that a bigger situation than it should have been as well as the interleague situation. The worst thing I think he did was call out some of the umpires this year. Yes some of these situations were unfair but I really didnt hear him venting that much frustration when the Braves were dominating the division for fifteen years. Chipper and Smoltz are my favorite ballplayers but I think the losing took its toll on them the last two years and their comments were the result of sour grapes. I think they realize they messed up and it won’t be a problem next year though

By Greg in TN

November 10, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

Evening denizens…

DOB, thanks for the AFL update in Peoria. I’m with Gil, I hate to say too much on a guy I’ve only seen twice, but your assessment is the same I took away from the two Pelicans games I saw in August. He’s got a great stroke to the opposite field. One of my lasting impressions was in the first AB I saw of him and the shot he deposited into the LF corner for a double.

I don’t expect any deals with Tex unless the Braves are well out of sight of the lead in the division by the break, and I believe that any deal before then unless the return is a #1 starter AND someone to plug into the cleanup position that could give us 30-35 homers. Tex hit 17 alone in two months and hit .317, so to give up what would have been the polar opposite in the four hole from what we had in AJ before that doesn’t make much sense to me unless we get a deal that is just too sweet to turn down. And I don’t see that happening for what could be a one year rental for another team. Just doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.

Chipper could move to first if he wanted to do so after next season if Tex bolts for greener pastures. I guess much of that would be dependent on how JC Holt progresses in ‘08.

Awards are coming up this week, should be interesting to see how they shake out. Even with the fact that votes had to be in before the postseason and how well he played in October, I think Troy Tulowitzki deserves the NL ROY just barely over Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun. Braun certainly looked very David Wrightesque in the field at times this year. An no Mets fans, that isn’t supposed to be a compliment. Braun committed 26 errors, leading all third sackers in the NL and only five more than the NL “Gold Glove” Award winner for 2007 for that position.

By mo in the boonies

November 10, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Gil Re:Andruw Perhaps if he had made the realization that based on performance, his salary demands where unrealistic, we would not even be having this discussion but he didn’t so we are.

And I would like to remind you that he wasn’t even allowed to talk money with the Braves about his contract…so how does anyone on here even know for sure what he was asking? The only offer that JS heard was the one made by Boras last winter. He then was too arrogant to even give Andruw a chance to lower his price after the season was over. He had already taken a lower amount of money the previous contract, with Boras as his agent, why not give him a chance to see if he would again? Nothing lost by asking. Someone posted earlier on the blog an article about JS, and him saying, that “Frank talks to agents, then he talks to Frank”. How arrogant can a guy get? Or do I mean ignorant? If JS had talked money with Andruw and his price was too high, then I would not be as upset about his leaving. I just like everyone to get a fair shake. And I don’t think Andruw did. Leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Also I think they a different batting coach would have done a world of good with Andruw. We’ll see with his new team, where I wish him the best of luck.

No 1 football team got beat today!

By AdirondackDave

November 10, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Mike - Since when can’t a player tell the truth? That’s all that Chipper did. I don’t think he exaggerated or misrepresented anything and I’m glad he speaks up now and then. I’m tired of the bland cliches we get most of the time.

By mike

November 10, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

Dave, I just don’t think he should speak up and complain to the media, thats never been the way the braves have done things. If he thought the umpiring or schedule was unfair he should have verbalized this in the clubhouse and used it to inspire his teamates. It just came off, at least to me, that he was looking for an excuse in case the Braves didnt win

By Wayne

November 10, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

Poor Chipper …………. arffff, arfff, arfff!!

By chrisklob

November 10, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

And I would like to remind you that he wasn’t even allowed to talk money with the Braves about his contract…so how does anyone on here even know for sure what he was asking?

Mo, the Braves and AJ were allowed to talk about money because he was under contract to them. Players sign extensions to existing contracts all the time. AJ was not able to(and still can’t until Tuesday, I believe) talk with another organization about money.

By Lew

November 10, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this

Mo-Dude, Schuerholz and Wren and any other GM negotiate with the player’s rep and when that rep comes to you and says “This is what it will take and don’t even think of making a lower offer, they can’t go running, crying to the player “I don’t like the number your rep gave us, offer something less.” When Andruw negotiated his last extension he made the decision to negotiate with JS-not the reverse. If Andruw did not want to abide by his agent’s figures, then HE should have told his agent to shut TF up or to contact JS himself. You’re WAY off line on this. There is absolutely no way you can possibly blame the Braves for this. This is the way the process works now that almost all players have outside representation-whether, you, me or the clubs like it or not.

By Chris Reitsma

November 10, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

I am a free agent and I am willing to come back to the Braves at a cheap bargain price,I will sign a one yr contract to be a starter for them for the league min salary.Remember I use to be a starter and I have been working out.Contact me Frank and lets talk.

By McFann

November 10, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

Sorry, I’ve been gone all day and just now saw Met Fool Who Drools other comments. “Bagadoosh” yourself, dumdoor!! I wish he was still here so I could tell him off GOOD!! McCANN didn’t steal a spot in the All-Star game, he was voted there ‘cause not even his Met boys were good enough!

By mo in the boonies

November 10, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

chrisklob I meant JS refusing to even talk to Andruw about his contract. Not that Baseball wouldn’t let him. JS said since the winter offer of Boras was too high, he wasn’t even going to discuss price with Andruw or Boras after the Braves were beat out this year. Didn’t even give them a chance to see if they would take a lower amount of money. Just couldn’t be bothered. That is what leaves a bad taste in my mouth. And everyone on here blaming Andruw for asking for too much money, when they really don’t know what he might have taken, if JS had even deigned to talk to him.

By Braveheart

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

former-Braves GM and current team president John Schuerholz appeared as a guest on Colin Cowherd’s ESPN radio show.

Schuerholz, on super-agent Scott Boras, and his suggestion that Alex Rodriguez could be worth $30 million per season, while speaking to Cowherd…

“I think it’s obnoxious…for someone to suggest that this is a valid salary level for a professional athlete, no matter what kind of voodoo economics they can do in analyzing the books of MLB, it’s absolutely asinine…

“When he presented us with that kind of offer with Andruw Jones, we found it so ridiculous and obnoxious we didn’t even respond. It didn’t even rise to the level of requiring a response. It’s just idiotic.”

By Braveheart

November 10, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

former-Braves GM and current team president John Schuerholz appeared as a guest on Colin Cowherd’s ESPN radio show.

Schuerholz, on super-agent Scott Boras, and his suggestion that AlexRodriguez could be worth $30 million per season, while speaking to Cowherd…

“I think it’s obnoxious…for someone to suggest that this is a valid salary level for a professional athlete, no matter what kind of voodoo economics they can do in analyzing the books of MLB, it’s absolutely asinine…

“When he presented us with that kind of offer with Andruw Jones, we found it so ridiculous and obnoxious we didn’t even respond. It didn’t even rise to the level of requiring a response. It’s just idiotic.”

By chrisklob

November 10, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

mo, this is from an mlb.com article from October 2:

*While there hasn’t been any further discussions or contact between the parties, Schuerholz says this belief began to strengthen over the past few months, when he read articles that quoted Boras as saying he intended to land Jones a contract that would recognize him as a top-tier player.

“It started high and stayed high,” Schuerholz said of what he viewed as contractual requests. “We didn’t get a subsequent e-mail of a different evaluation. It was reiterated — that belief in the value of the player — in articles that I’ve read within the last 10 days.”

Schuerholz didn’t provide specifics regarding what was included in this e-mail. But he acknowledged that Boras is seeking a contract similar to the ones received by Vernon Wells and Alfonso Soriano before this season began. Both of them gained contracts that consisted of at least seven years and included an annual salary of at least $17 million. *

Mo, I have absolutely no problem with the way JS handled this situation. Bora$$ is a hard-azz negotiator and JS knew that he wouldn’t lower his contract request. The reality of the situation is that AJ is NOT worth whatever Borass is going to ask for him, at least based on what he did the past year and a half. His defense is still well above average but frankly, he is a liability at the plate and he shows no hustle on the base paths.

AJ gave this team nine and half outstanding seasons and one and a half decent ones. If he was serious about remaining a Brave he could have told Borass to strike a deal, any deal, with Atlanta so he could stay. But he didn’t. So he’s gone. I hope he does well but he really needs to consider some lifestyle changes and an attitude check.

By mo in the boonies

November 10, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

Lew Mo-Dude, Schuerholz and Wren and any other GM negotiate with the player’s rep and when that rep comes to you and says “This is what it will take and don’t even think of making a lower offer, they can’t go running, crying to the player “I don’t like the number your rep gave us, offer something less

How do you know they said, “Do not even think of making another offer”? Of course they expected Shuerholz to make another offer, who ever takes the first offer in any deal?… When you buy a house do you take the first price or do you dicker on it? That is negotiating….

Shuerholz was just too full of himself to make an offer. He doesn’t like Boras, and made up his mind he wasn’t going to deal with him no matter how much he needed the player. That is cutting off your nose to spite your face. And I’m firmly believe that is why Frank Wren is the GM today and not Schuerholz. The owners know someone is going to have to deal with Boras when Tex’s turn comes up.

By chrisklob

November 10, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

Phillies just inked J.C. Romero to a three year, $12m deal.

By mo in the boonies

November 10, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

chrisklobok, you have the right to your opinion of the way JS handled the Andruw deal, I happen not to share the same opinion. He states in the above article that he never received any other correspondence after that first initial E-mail, (which he refused to even answer.) And the fact that JS was so convinced by “articles” by sports writers, that he felt there was no use to even try to negotiate, I find laughable. He should have been smart enough to realize that Agents plant those kind of articles all the time with the press, and not been snookered by them into not negotiating. No, I think that was just a handy excuse. The truth is in the article posted above where JS states, “he thinks that amount of money is obnoxious”. I wonder if he would think that if someone offered it to him?

By Greg in TN

November 10, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Oh, and happy belated birthday to Chuck James who turned 26 yesterday.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 10, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

Poor Dave O’Brien , soaking in the sun , watching some of the best prospects in baseball. I’m jealous , no really , it’s cool to be reading some in game blogging in November. looking forward to the article about Jordan Schafer on Sunday and I’d trade places in a heart beat with you , Dave. How bout dem DAWGS !! WOOF WOOF ! A forty spot , third game in a row. It’s to bad they already have two losses , otherwise we might be watching a really special football team.

By chrisklob

November 10, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

Mo chrisklobok, you have the right to your opinion of the way JS handled the Andruw deal, I happen not to share the same opinion.

Fair enough. I do NOT disrespect you or your opinion, nor have you me or mine.

Frankly, I am happy that AJ is gone. He was such a liability to this team. I knew that if he was coming to the plate with RISP, that he’d strike out or GIDP.

Just for the sake of discussion what would you have offered him as a contract?

By Lew

November 10, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

MO-Well, I disagree with you totally, but I doubt anyone will change your mind, so have it as you will. Andruw was not even worth what they were paying him now and deserved no raise at all, as far as I’m concerned. The way I heard it was that Schuerholz didn’t want to pay what was asked for and said so. It’s up to them to make a lower offer, not for JS to try to lowball them. Boras has been saying all along, publically that it would take $20 mil to sign Andurw. I would have told him that was out of the question, too. BTW-If Andruw really wanted back, I would bet you anything that his or Boras’s call would be taken by the Braves

By Lew

November 10, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

MO-One more thing. You’re a Braves’ fan, so I assume you have an idea of what they say their salary plans are. They have already boosted payroll, by bringing Teixeira over, knowing he would get money in arbitration equal to what Andruw made this year and giving raises to Hudson, Smoltz, et al. They are also going to attempt to sign Tex long term, which will cost around $20 mil-or so everyone says-per year on a long term contract. Exactly where would you fit Andruw’s raise into this equation, especially considering you had a kid you though was a year or so away from replacing Andruw anyway for a whole lot less?

No matter whether or not you like JS and the Braves’ stance on Andruw’s contract desires and the Braves’ refusal to acquiesce, do you think he was in their plans anyway? If I were the GM, he wouldn’t have been in mine.

By AdirondackDave

November 10, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

Thinking about Andruw for a while now and it occurs to me that he would have been the perfect designated fielder this year, if there were one.

By rainman

November 10, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

Even if we lose tex well still have a ton of cash to go after one of my fav players in peavy. Would love to have him huddy, Jojo, an Jara over the next few years. Maybe thorman and another right handed hitter could fill in at first with upgrades in center and left on offense. Its not great having a hole at first but 20 to 25 homers out of your eight hole is not bad either.

By rainman

November 10, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

I also like moving chipper to first with lilly at short and esco at third.If you have a great rotation then that would work. Lilly ss esco 3b kelly2b chipper1b mac c frenchy rf Diaz-B.jones lf schafer cf

Again not a great lineup but a decent and very fast team good if not great defense and again we would have to go out and get great pitching and maybe smoltz is back for another year would not put anything past him. peavy huddy smoltzy jojo jara

By r1U

November 10, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

Why no mention of Frenchy’s contract…Mac has one…Frenchy AND Mac are the new faces of the Braves!!!

By David O'Brien

November 11, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this

r1U, there’s been several mentions of Francoeur’s (lack of) contract. We discussed it at length a couple of times. Not really an issue with the team or Francoeur, and they did talk prelimarily last spring when they also talked (and signed) McCann. Francoeur’s rep wasn’t keen on the terms, I’m told. Sides weren’t close, so Braves didn’t spend much time on it because there’s no real urgency.

Bottom line: He’s not even eligible for arbitration for the first time until after the 2008 season. Might cost the Braves more the longer they wait, but there really is a lot of time to get this done. And the important thing: Braves want to do a multi-year deal with him, and Francoeur wants to do it. It’ll happen eventually.

Coach, it is too bad your Dawgs got two early losses. Sure is nice watching my Jayhawks be a major factor this late in a football season (or at any time in a football season). Never thought I’d see the day. Had about 10 people clapping and pulling hard for KU at this dive OTB/sports bar in Tempe tonight where I went to see the game. Pretty cool.

By David O'Brien

November 11, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

“How ‘bout writing from Planet Earth?” I’m sure there’s something funny or witty in that line, but I ain’t getting it, Miss An.

For the record, please tell us: In the obviously stellar elementary school you attended, were North Carolina and Tennessee “Yankee” states? Seriously? Because if they were, you were in an even deeper Deep South than most of us are aware of, ‘Thrope.

I spent my childhood in N.C. and Tennessee, before attending high school and college in Kansas. Then I lived a year in California, 13 years in Florida and the last six in Altanta.

Just stating that, so we’re clear. Don’t know, maybe that’s not cool enough for you, or “Southern” enough for you. Whatever.

I do know it helped me to not live in one place my whole life, in one region. It can make you appreciate your roots more, when you’ve moved and seen the good and bad in some other areas of the country. And some of us like being exposed to a broad range of people.

I wish I had lived in a couple other places along the way — would love to spend a few years up in Oregon, maybe a couple on Cape Cod, certainly would’ve liked to have studied abroad for a year. But just never had the opportunity or made it happen.

You, of all people, could really have learned something living in a couple new places during your obviously rich, dynamic, interesting life, rather than being stuck in whatever place you live in, probably up in Ohio or Indiana, using this blog to try and win over people by claiming you’re a Southerner or a Braves fan (if you really believe anyone here thinks you’re a Braves fan, or a fan of any baseball team, or any sports team for that matter….)

C’mon, it’s obvious the only things you hate more than pets are people — and man, do you hate folks, judging from your toxic posts.

Then there’s the thing with you deriving some odd pleasure out of calling people who’ve never lived anywhere close to the Mason-Dixon Line “Yankees” (here’s a clue: people who live in Kansas, 10 miles north of the Oklahoma border, might be termed “Midwesterners,” but have never been confused with “Yankees” (well, except in your narrow world; did they not have a geography requirement as part of your GED?)

By the way, we’ll let your post sit and ripen, for all to see. Why would anyone censor that gem?

“Spreading the message among the faithful?”

I’m crying to keep from laughing. Spread that message, you representative of the faithful, you. Go get ‘em.

By Mets Beat Braves '08

November 11, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this

Chipper is such a crybaby. All he does is whine, whether it’s about Smoltz being injured, the umpires and their strike zones, the Braves’ interleague schedule and now the Gold Glove.

By Greg O.

November 11, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this

DOB, As I said last weekend, beware of Iowa State next weekend - it’s clearly a trap game. ISU’s streak of solid efforts continues. 17-7 loss against Oklahoma (tied 7-7 going into the fourth). Kept it close at Mizzou (42-28, even closer than that for a good portion of the game). 31-20 win over K-State last weekend and a come-from-behind 31-28 win over Colorado today (down 21-0 at the half). it’ll be the last game in the careers of Bret Meyer (longest consecutive games started streak for QBs in the country) and Todd Blythe (6’6” deep threat at wideout). If Mangino and Co. overlook the Cyclones, it could be a sad day for the Jayhawks next Saturday in Lawrence.

By Jared

November 11, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

As the Mets improve…

Improve? The Mets went backwards from their 2006 season in 2007.

By Oregon_Braves

November 11, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this

Dave - You really should take a vacation up here in the NW. It is a great place. We’re transplants from FL and AL and have been up here almost two years. It’s gorgeous.

If Portland ever gets an MLB franchise, you’ll be able to make the trip. Maybe then everyone will stop talking about the Blazers. But, I guess, if that is all you have going, there’s nothing else to discuss.

By David O'Brien

November 11, 2007 1:31 AM | Link to this

Oregon Brave, what do you mean, all they’ve got? You got Eugene, “Track City.” That’s the track & field epicenter of North America. Don’t laugh. I’d love to go to a big meet at Heyward Field. I’ve got a few shirts and running singlets with “Pre Lives” and “Oregon Track,” etc. I was a huge track geek in high school, and Steve Prefontaine was my idol.

Oh, and me and my ex-wife went to Seattle, Vancouver and Whister/Blackcomb for our honeymoon, which was in January, great skiing (when you cover baseball, you don’t get married in June).

Absolutely stunning, beautiful terrain and cities up there….

Greg O, you don’t have to tell me — I know Iowa State’s far better than their record indicates. But I think Mangino’s been very, very good at seeing to it that his team doesn’t look past anyone. They destroyed all the patsies on their schedule, and the “trap” game, for me, was O-State, which they won tonight and controlled most of the way.

If Iowa State game was in Ames, I’d be more worried. Seems like they always play KU tough up there, in football and basketball.

I remember going up to Ames to cover a KU game when I was still in school, when KU had Mike Norseth at QB and had moved into the national rankings. Iowa State spanked them in freezing conditions (of course, this was back in the ’80s, when November games often meant freezing conditions in many parts of the country.)

By mike

November 11, 2007 2:43 AM | Link to this

How come so many people assume when Lillibridge is ready he is going to come in take over shorstop and Escobar is going to move to third? Escobar is the Braves shortstop. If the Braves didn’t see Escobar as their future shorstop then thet wouldn’t have traded Renteria. If anyone is going to be changing positions to accomodate another player its going to be Lillibridge. Lillibridge may be a great shortstop in the major leagues but it may be with another team. If he’s going to play everyday for the braves its either going to be at 2b, 3b or the outfield. He may backup at short though

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 11, 2007 8:02 AM | Link to this

Morning all, Wow, just what I love. All the upsets in the college football world. Time for some of the voters in all the polls to actually watch a few games rather than phone in their picks every week. How much is NBC losing by being the flagship network for N.D.? I love it…..

Mo Just making an observation on Andruw was all. Some folks negotiate differently than others. You just have to know with whom you are dealing. I think the real reason however, was it gave the Braves an easy out. As much as I loved watching Andruw all those years, I knew it was time for the Braves to move on and maybe for Andruw too. Anyway, it is done and gone….. I hope he resurrects his career and does well but it was not happening in Atlanta.

richbrave It’s a date. I prefer the day games so we will set it up after the schedule comes out in the spring. Who knows, might even ride up to DC to see the Braves play the Nats.

DOB Don’t forget you still need to push for coverage of Mike Hampton’s return. In winter ball. Keep your passport up to date.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 11, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

mike Yes Mike, I would agree that Escobar has pretty much put a lock on the SS position for the foreseeable future but I don’t think I would pencil him in yet to play third. For whatever reason, he does not look comfortable when playing the hot corner. I am not saying he can’t play third, just he does not appear to like it there very much.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 11, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this

“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” Mercer coach Mark Slonaker following their upset of USC.

Post that one on the bulletin boards folks. It ranks right up there with “pulling on the leotards”

By richbrave

November 11, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

Brother Dave:

High-ho it’s off to Flagstaff we go. Man did I love that place. Tried to convince my wife that we could take one or two year contracts and teach at Flagstaff U. Too cold for her in the winter. “No skiing for you” kinda’ like the Soup Nazi on Seinfeld. Haven’t done that for twenty years, but man what fun!! Cultural diversity is what you’re pining for. Should have married a beautiful Cuban lady like I did. That will broaden your horizons. And that’s one of the reasons I did it, amongst others.

By bravesfan in england

November 11, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

cost of slingboxx 180 dollars cost of mlb.com 14.95 per month

cost of mets fans saying wright better than chipper = irritating

look on wrights face after mets loss-sept 30——————PRICELESS

By richbrave

November 11, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this

GIL:

New stadium and all. Sounds great. I’ll pack my warm-ups now.

By Tim Gunn

November 11, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

DOB likes his college football teams like he likes his music ….. obscure but supposedly very good.

Not that I should be talking. My alma mater lost to stinkin’ Mississippi State for crying out loud. Oh the indignity! How is that any different than what Shula was doing? Fire Saban! They lost to the guy they should have hired instead of Shula after the Dubose/Fran/Price travesties. And then my boyhood team Notre Dame goes out there and gets spanked again by yet another military school. Oh, how the mighty have fallen! At least the Dawgs won though. Knowshon! BTW, Athens was rocking this weekend. I had to park 3 blocks from my apartment because my lot got filled and there was nowhere to park.

DOB, which Prefontaine movie did you like best?

Good stuff on Schafer. That post you had about what he is like off the field reminds me of an old quote of Scheurholz that is on baseball-reference.com about Frenchy: “This kid has a chance to be the next face of the franchise. He’s got a lot of refinement already-his character, his confidence, his brightness, his intellect. He’s the complete package. A remarkable package.”

And Lew, that was me talking about Nettles, Brooks, and Clete Boyer. I wasn’t saying that Brooks was overrated defensively. Only an idiot could say that. But Clete and Graig are peers with him defensively from what I have read and heard even if they were a shade below. If Brooks is in the HOF, then why not Nettles? Nettles did have 390 homers and played on multiple World Series teams. The .245 lifetime average may answer that but …… my pops always says that Nettles was no HOFer but he also says the same about Brooks. But my father is biased on that because he is a Yankees fan and because …. well, my mother named my brother after Nettles which always made pops wonder how deep her crush on Nettles was … Hey, look, I’m just defending the honor of the guy who just might be my brother’s father.

By richbrave

November 11, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

GIL:

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard?? Man, that’s a GOLD-GLOVE KEEPER!! Classic. We’ll be repeating that one till you and I stop suckin’ air.

By richbrave

November 11, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

Dave:

Francouer hasn’t signed on yet because he knows he’s got the Braves by the shorts. What’s his agent’s name - Darth Boras?? Whomever, S-M-A-R-T. Francour will bring a Brink’s truck to the autograph session when he does sign.

By Corey

November 11, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

Chone Figgins has to be the guy next season. He is a switch hitter and finished the season with a .330 average which would have been higher if he didn’t bat .156 in May (after missing most of April due to injury) and end the season with an 0-22 slump. He also had 58 RBI and 41 steals. An added bonus is that he is one of the most versatile players in the league and can play 3B and 2B as well as OF. So, if Chipper or Kelly went down, he could step in and Schafer could get some playing time in center field.

Crisp would be the next best option, but I think he will end up replacing Torii Hunter in Minnesota.

De Jesus would be the next best option after Crisp, but KC will not trade him.

And, Freel is just not that good.

By Braveheart

November 11, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

Well, Tim Gunn was actually me. Forgot to switch back from another blog where a very special project runway review of the dawgs latest fashion statement was given. can’t take the braveheart jersey out on the road to other blogs. gotta remember to switch back when i come here.

btw, fellas, don’t let your women trap you into watching that project runway show. it’s a hell you may never escape. we’ve broken up now but she still called me yesterday making plans to watch the season premiere this week. i didn’t have the heart to tell her that i can’t stand the show and that i was faking the enthusiasm for the show to make her happy all those years because i don’t want her turning around and telling me how much fake enthusiasm she showed about certain things to make me happy. No, no, I really don’t. So this Wednesday, I will fake my enthusiasm and hopefully she will reciprocate.

By richbrave

November 11, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

Bravesfan in england:

No dude. What’s PRICELESS is your highly imaginative play on the T.V. ad!! Way to go. A perfect 10.

By richbrave

November 11, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

Commentary on Andruw:

Slider low and away. Swing batta’-batta’ swing. One year, two; one decade two….Some people NEVER learn, or don’t think they need to. A good hitting coach is needed you say - at least for Andruw. Bring back Don Baylor. He only had one year to work his magic, but my vote says he’s the best hitting coach we’ve had since TBS started.

By David O'Brien

November 11, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Mike, I’m with you on the 2:43 a.m. post regarding Lillibridge/Escobar….

Gil, you mean you haven’t been a faithful viewer of “Notre Dame Football on NBC?” That might be the second-worst money spent in college football, right after the 10-year extension given to Weiss during his FIRST season at N.D.

What’s amazing is how little uproar their seems to be from Irish fans, who act like Weiss has some foundation of talent in place for a remarkable turnaround. I mean, they’ve had highly rated recruiting classes the past several years, and look what he’s done with the talent….

OK, got my man Favre and the Packers facing Adrian Peterson and the Vikings today. Love watching old man Favre do his thing, then catch his postgame interviews, which are the best, most informative (his answers, that is) in pro sports. He is The Man.

By chrisklob

November 11, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

richbrave, how many times did we AJ flail away at that slider that was twelve inches off the outside corner? I, for one, won’t miss that. His defense is another story though.

Maybe the most frustrating thing about him was the fact that he was so stubborn that he refused to change and refused to listen to TP.

By David O'Brien

November 11, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Tim Gunn, I liked both of the Pre movies that came out around same time, “Without Limits” probably a bit more than “Prefontaine,” but liked ‘em both.

Have you seen “Fire on the Track,” the documentary about him? I heard that’s the best movie on Pre, though it’s not a mainstream movie like the other two….

The Mercer hoops coach must have seen that motivational quote in a Lady Yoc book or something. That’s got to be from Suzanne Yoculan. It’s too good not to be….

Corey, agree on Freel. Just not that great a player, regardless of the full-throttle style….

Oh, and RICHBRAVE, I married a beautiful Colombian woman, and that didn’t work out so well (divorce after six years, and not my fault, none of it. None. I was a perfect husband…. OK, I might have had the occasional bad attitude…)

Congrats and continued bliss with your lovely Cuban.

By David O'Brien

November 11, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Just FYI, the BBWAA awards announcements start Monday with the Rookie of the Year awards at 3 p.m. (AL) and 3:30 (NL).

Then it’s…

Tuesday, AL Cy Young at 3 p.m.

Wednesday, AL manager at 3 p.m., NL manager at 3:30.

Thursday, NL Cy Young at 3 p.m.

Monday (Nov. 19), AL MVP.

Tuesday (Nov. 20), NL MVP. (Hey, maybe the deserving David Wright will make it a clean sweep, huh?)

(OK, gotta say that was sarcasm, for any who might have missed our dialogue here about Wright winning the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards for NL 3B, neither of which he probably deserved.)

By Tyler

November 11, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

*By Braveheart

November 10, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

richbrave, chrisklob is just about the most chill brother on here. he’s just really sick of tyler and those silly trades. Knob Creek all around.*

I promise you that was not the same Tyler who said that who normally blogs here, it was a different Tyler.

On a side note, what would be probably have to give up for Figgins?

By A grateful American

November 11, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Just want to say a heart-felt THANK YOU to all who are in service and to all the veterans who have served on this Veterans Day.

I’ve heard it said that if you can read, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English, thank a soldier.

You are more deeply appreciated by more people than you can ever imagine.

Thank you from this American.

By richbrave

November 11, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

Yo Dave:

Can you hear my belly-laugh from your car on the way to Flagstaff?? Bro’ that’s a BIG-G-G laugh. You seem to have a ton of energy. Use it wisely and well. See all you can see and be all you can be. Was dreaming about Flagstaff last night. I really liked that town. Is your noteblook green?? I’m sure my envy is spilling onto your site as I type these covetous words. Enjoy my friend.

By chrisklob

November 11, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

DOB, how does Wright look in the NL Cy Young race? Any idea on his chances there too?

Tyler, it’s cool, bro. You might want to add something to your handle to identify yourself a little better so you DON’T get mistaken for trolls!

A grateful American, I’ll drink to that!

Aw hell, I’ve got a “honey-do” list as long as my arm. Gotta get on it before she gets on me!

By AdirondackDave

November 11, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Richbrave — Couldn’t agree more, Don Baylor was a real asset when he was here. Since then I’ve been hoping he would return as hitting coach or manager when Bobby hangs them up. I wonder if there as any chance of that happening?

By chrisklob

November 11, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

Okay, one more thing before I head off to the hardware store….

Interesting article about Boras, ARod, and collusion written by Mike Lupica (no, not my favorite). Yes, Boras is already talking about the “c-word”. Seems he’s upset that not everyone is willing to talk to him about his overpaid, overrated client.

Cue the violin music.

I hope NO ONE signs him and Boras looks like an idiot and then loses a bunch of other clients.

Read the article from the NY Daily News here

By richbrave

November 11, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

Crisklob:

I’ll second Boras coming in last for a change.

By Braveheart

November 11, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

hey tyler, my bad. you should get a crazy colorful name so that no one can imitate you and we don’t get confused. i need a new name myself on here. gotta think of a new one. this one is played out.

i liked both prefontaine movies myself. i watched them back to back after renting them 10 or so years ago so i have a hard time distinguishing one from the other. crudup and leto did a real good job with those roles i thought. have not seen that other one you are talking about.

i have a friend who got inspired after watching those prefontaine movies. lost about 125 pounds in 6 months running 15 miles a day like a maniac. he’s down to 5 miles a day now and has kept the weight off for 10 years. if not for his wife, kids, and job, he’d still be running 15 miles a day like a wacko. he gets pretty down on himself that he can’t run as much as he wants to. i have never known a satisfied runner.

By Lew

November 11, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

It’s like Buck O’Neil, a former player himself during the collusion years said on the XM Home Plate morning show the other day. Now is pobably not the right timer for players to try evoking sympathy for crying about being broke and making more money.

By richbrave

November 11, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

AdirondackDave:

What’s he doing on color-commentary T.V.?? Even out of his element he’s good. Come on Braves make him a minor league roving hitting instructor. At least he’s back with the Braves. Frank Wren - help.

By David O'Brien

November 11, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

Just got tickets for The Swell Season next weekend at Variety Playhouse. They’re the girl and guy in the movie “Once,” and he’s lead singer of Irish rock band The Frames. Anyway, if you’ve seen the movie, you know how cool it’ll be to see them perform those tunes live. I’m sure it’ll be a great “date” show, just like ti was a great date movie….

Alright, time to drive to Flagstaff. And try to find a place showing Packers/Vikings game along the way….

By Braveheart

November 11, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

To hell with David Wright. Any official response yet from Wright?

The rumor is this is David Wright’s unofficial response to hearing Chipper’s remarks about Wright stealing awards

By wjones

November 11, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Lew, you didn’t really mean Buck O’Neill, did you? The old Negro League star who died a few months ago?

By David O'Brien

November 11, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

Several NY writers and countless fans are now overwhelming the Sports Illustrated office with e-mails and phone calls pushing David Wright as SI Athlete of the Year, and many have reportedly begun suggesting GQ name him its Man of the Year….

By Alex

November 11, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

So anyone got any more news on the Chone Figgins rumors to the Braves that passed through here a few days ago? I’d love to have him on the Braves…great player, can play CF (as well as a whole host of other positions) slaps the ball around and would be a great lead-off guy. I’m curious as to what the Halo’s would want for him…I guess it depends on who they trade this winter (with Stoneman out of there they finally ought to start using some of their chips) I can see it being a more likely scenario if they trade for Miguel Cabrerra rather than sign A-Rod…perhaps we could have Figgins for Prado & Thorman?

Also anyone see Lions for Lambs? I thought it was an incredibly thoughtful and fair look at the war and our response to it as a nation…very impressed that a major studio had the guts to put it out and actually challenge us to ask some hard questions about how we are living right now. I despise Tom Cruise (because he is a terrible actor) but even he can’t detract from the film…

By Lew

November 11, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

wjones-No, I had a late night last night and am slightly brain dead this morning. It happens on those rare occasions when my Dawgs wipe out someone who usually turns the tables on us. I meant Buck Martinez. Thanks for pointing that out. I’ll go back to bed now, Thanks.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 11, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

Good luck on finding the game… You are in Cardinal’s country for sure. One real advantage to being in Arizona is the time difference. However, remind us not to pi$$ you off when you get back to Atlanta because of the jet lag….

Trying to decide if I want to watch the football game, blog, work on my gun collection or paint the spare bedroom….. I may just take a nap. There is always tomorrow.

By Braveheart

November 11, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

remind us not to pi$$ you off when you get back to Atlanta because of the jet lag….. Trying to decide if I want to …. work on my gun collection

holy crap gil. i believe that sounded like a threat.

this just in: chipper shot a deer this morning but david wright has the head of the deer hanging over his mantle right now, of course, claiming credit for the kill.

david wright has even been overheard talking to one of his honeys, imitating deniro in deerhunter: “if I found out my life had to end up in the mountains, it’d be all right, but it has to be in your mind. One shot. Two is wu$$y. You have to think about one shot. One shot is what it’s all about. The deer has to be taken with one shot. I try to tell people that - they don’t listen. Chipper’s the only guy I go huntin’ with, you know. I like a guy with quick moves and speed. I ain’t gonna hunt with no a—holes. Right Chip?”

Chipper rolled his eyes and told the honey he shoots like he throws: scattershot.

By cmk

November 11, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

A lot of insecure Braves fans yapping about David Wright here. It’s a stupid award….get over it. Oh wait…..I forgot about how the Braves are always so disrespected by the rest of the country and the persecution complex this blog seems to have so often.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 11, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Braveheart There is a difference in a gun collection and a collection of guns….. No sniper am I. :-))) I stopped hunting many years ago for a verity of reasons but still love to shoot. I tried to teach the wife how to use a hand gun but figured it was a lost cause. One cannot reasonably expect to have success when they close their eyes before yanking on the trigger. No kidding, fist person I have ever met that really could not hit the side of a barn, and it is a BIG barn….

There is only about three pieces I am looking for and then will likely give it a rest, a Winchester Model 21 being the foremost. Since I am on a limited budget it will have to be a “find”.

Hey, everyone needs to have some type of hobby….. The sad thing is knowing that it all will likely be sold when I am gone. Then again, I won’t be around to care so whatever.

Now baseball….. Duh……

By Marty

November 11, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

cmk, whining and moaning is irrelevant — the straight-up facts clearly show that Wright shouldn’t have won either award. I’m sorry if that hurts your feelings.

By Tyler

November 11, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

Let’s compare last year’s Bravos to what we’re expecting this year.

Starting Pitching 07: Smoltz, Hudson, James, Carlyle, Davies/Reyes/Cormier

Starting Pitching 08: Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, James, Jurrjens/Reyes/Bennett

08 is the better rotation, but let’s pray Smoltz or Glavine doesn’t go down. And it’s not far-fetched to think that they might. I’m excited to see Jurrjens. I truly think we need a better #3 like Snell or Blanton, but it’s not going to happen.

Bullpen 07: Wickman, Soriano, Gonzalez, Moylan, Yates, Villarreal

Bullpen 08: Soriano, Moylan, Acosta, Ring, Yates

Soriano is the closer. We will be getting Gonzo back which will be huge. Depending on how Acosta and Ring do will probably be important too. I left Villarreal and Mahay our since both will probably be gone. My bet is that Devine will come in and do pretty well. This is still only an average bullpen, only because it’s very young. If Devine or Acosta really step up, we’re golden.

Positions 07: McCann, Thorman, KJ, Renteria, Chipper, Harris/Diaz, AJ, Frenchy

Positinos 08: McCann, Tex, KJ, Escobar, Chipper, B.Jones/Diaz, Figgins (Idealy), Frenchy

We are losing Renteria which will show in our play. Escobar will do well but he is not Rent, at least not yet. A full year of Tex will be nice, but we are losing some power in CF. I’m still gonna say that this year’s offense will be better than last year’s. When I say better, I mean better at producing runs. Last year the offense was so lopsided it wasn’t even funny. Score 13 one night, 1 the next, and so on. Our CF acquisition may be bigger than we think, though. I’m happy with Figgins, DeJesus or Crisp. Figgins is the best option.

I think this year the bullpen will play a huge role in our season. We have a good offense, we’ll have at least an above average rotation, but our bullpen is being left alone. Mahay and Dotel will go elsewhere, and Gonzo won’t be back until after the all star break. Time to bolster our bullpen. Maybe go after LaTroy Hawkins? I don’t know. What are everyone else’s thoughts?

By Lew

November 11, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

CMK-No, it has nothing whatsoever with being a Braves’ fan or Chipper not winning. As Chipper pointed out, there were two players on different teams-other than Chipper-who were more deserving of the award than Wright. What is it with Mets’ fans anyway? All those years of ending up behind the Braves has made them so bitter that they think because they had ONE whole good season (that ended with that stupid look on Beltran’s face) that they are the greatest thing to hit the baseball world since batting helmets or Rally Monkeys?

Guess again, Trolls-one and out. Y’all are a mere footnote to baseball history yet again, likely to be remembered more for the worst collapse in Major League History as opposed to the Dynasty Mets’ fans thought they were getting. Oh well, if you want to equal the Braves streak, looks like you will have to start all over again-looks like even the Yankees-the REAL NY team-couldn’t equal the streak, either. Looks like Wright better win lots more awards. Apparently those two weren’t enough to extend your “winning streak” now, was it? Yeah, yeah, I already hear it coming-“But you only won ONE World Series.” You’re right-but it’s still one more than y’all have won in the past twenty something years, now, isn’t it. Later Trolls. How does it feel to be totally irrelevant?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 11, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

I honestly think the Braves should try and re-sign Mahay. He will not be cheap but you cannot continue to shop the bargain bin and hope to come out with jewels. I have not forgotten how it turned out for the Braves in the ‘06 season with that collection of quad A pitchers.

If the Braves do well he will be worth every penny, if they tank then he is going to be picked up by a contender anyway along with Texieria.

By cmk

November 11, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

EvEveryone knows he probably didn’t deserve it. My point is you spend three days whining about it - who cares? Why are you so concerned about who wins the Gold Glove award? Chipper Jones certainly didn’t deserve it and the Silver Slugger could have gone either way. If Chipper is so bent out of shape about that he should try staying on the field a little bit more. Cabrera is probably a better hitter than either of them at this point.

By Sgt.

November 11, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

To all you Vets. I appreciate you for your service to our country. What you have given and done for our freedom. To the troop that put their lives on the line as we blog, May God Bless you and keep you safe from harm. I remember in 1968 VN, brother mailed a tape of Braves playing cards, everyone wanted to hear it. Go Braves.

By TennesseePaul

November 11, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Went to see No Country for Old Men last night. I’m a Coen Brothers fan. I’ve liked nearly all their movies and loved most of them. The Big Lebowski being my favorite comedy of all.
This new one… I don’t even know what to say. Just see it. It’s worth every effort and penny it takes.

By Hilble

November 11, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

cmk; Wright had more errors than chipper had missed games. You don’t get GG for hitting but chips 341 was pretty damn good.

By Matt

November 11, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

DOB, I never post on here but love reading your stuff and had to add my support for Brett Favre. He is a stud.

By mo in the boonies

November 11, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

chrisklob Just got back on line, but how much would I have offered Andruw?
* Schuerholz didn’t provide specifics regarding what was included in this e-mail. But he acknowledged that Boras is seeking a contract similar to the ones received by Vernon Wells and Alfonso Soriano before this season began. Both of them gained contracts that consisted of at least seven years and included an annual salary of at least $17 million.*

I did a little research:

Wells’ pact, the sixth-largest in baseball history, would give him a $25.5 million signing bonus, no-trade clause and guarantee him the right to opt out of his contract after four years. In addition, he could earn bonuses of $250,000 for MVP, $200,000 for World Series MVP, $150,000 for league championship series MVP and $100,000 for receiving the most votes in his league in All-Star game balloting.

Wells is due $5.6 million next season in the final year of his old contract. The extension calls for a $25.5 million signing bonus, payable in three $8.5 million installments each March 1 in 2008, 2009 and 2010. He will receive a salary of just $500,000 in 2008 and $1.5 million in 2009, but his salary jumps to $12.5 million in 2010 and $23 million in 2011. Wells receives $21 million in each of the final three seasons.

Under the extension, Wells has the right to terminate his agreement after the 2011 season and become eligible for free agency. In addition, he will donate $143,000 annually to the Jays Care Foundation.

Wells hit .303 with 32 homers and 106 RBI last season and is due $5.6 million next season. He would have been eligible for free agency after next season.

The contract value trails only those of Alex Rodriguez ($252 million), Derek Jeter ($189 million), Manny Ramirez ($160 million), Todd Helton ($141.5 million) and Alfonso Soriano ($136 million). It is the 13th $100 million deal in baseball history and the third of the off-season, following those of Soriano with the Cubs and Carlos Lee ($100 million) with Houston.

Alfonso Soriano made 10,000,000 in 2007, for the Cubs. Andruw made 14,000,000. So according to the prices Wells and Soriano got Andruw was going cheap for $20,000,000. Wages like water seek their own level. Apparently that is the going rate for Centerfielders. Do they deserve that amount of money? Probably not! But they are getting it.

So you see by looking at Wells contract, there are ways to negotiate contracts so the huge amt. is pro-rated over several years and in different ways. What kind of deal the Braves could have worked out with Andruw is debatable. The main problem as far as I’m concerned, even if the Braves didn’t mean to give him a huge contract, or even no contract, they at least owed him a change to talk about it. He was the best center fielder in baseball for nine years. And probably still is. He has ten gold gloves. He had one off year at bat, and gets “thrown under the bus” to quote one of Lew’s favorite sayings. They showed him no respect for all he has done for the team. They treated him like crap! And he deserved better than that. A lot better!

Lew, So apparently you were A-ok with the Braves treating Andruw like a piece of garbage that they were only too happy to dump? So we will just have to agree to disagree. Lots of players have a bad year and go into batting slumps. But they aren’t treated the way Andruw was. You said, The way I heard it was that Schuerholz didn’t want to pay what was asked for and said so. It’s up to them to make a lower offer, not for JS to try to lowball them

I think if you go back and do some research you will find that Schuerholz said, “he got an e-mail from Boras concerning Andruw’s future salary, and he found it too obnoxious to even answer”, So no, he didn’t tell Andruw or Boras it was too much to ask for. He simply said nothing, and then at the end of the Braves season, he just told Andruw that the Braves were turning him loose. No need to even negotiate. Any way you look at it, that is pretty Sh!tty. And as for Andruw and/or Boras calling the Braves if he really wanted to stay with the team, I think Schuerholz made it pretty clear he wasn’t interested in even talking to them.

Where they would find the money for Andruw? Where are they going to find the money for Texeira? They probably aren’t. And they will have had “a rent a first baseman” for a year and a half. And when they lose him….. where do they go? They have already lost Mahay, so they will have traded Saltalamachia for nothing.

As AdirondackDave says, why not have kept Andruw at least for another year or so, until the youngsters are ready, and then swap him for some one else we need? And let them pick up some of his salary. Everyone on here has been naming CF players to replace Andruw, who can either field but not hit, or can hit but not field. I wonder how much the Braves will have to pay for them?

Gil It wasn’t so much that they let Andruw go, as it was the manner in which it was done. He was owed a lot more respect than that for all he did for the team in the past. One lousy batting season, and he is a piece of garbage? Remember how some pitchers couldn’t learn to pitch the way that Leo thought they should pitch? Well maybe, just maybe, TP isn’t the world’s greatest batting coach either. Sometimes just because a guy is a good batter himself, doesn’t necessarily mean he can teach it. He could have been screwing Andruw up royally, and no one noticed.

Ok, I’ve taken up enough space here today.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 11, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

My take on the Andruw /Teixeira connection. In case no one has noticed , they have the same agent and you can bet your left nut that Boras will stick it to the Braves and deliberately price Teixiera right out of the Braves budget . Schuerholz didn’t even bother negotiating with Andruw and Boras will return the favor next year because Boras has an ego even bigger than Schuerholz.

By richbrave

November 11, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Braveheart:

Need the name of that taxidermist. He’s quick. A lier, but quick. Brave heart, that was nice. Way Cool. Very amusing.

By mo in the boonies

November 11, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Coach You are exactly right about the Texeira deal next year, but I don’t know about Boras having a bigger ego than Schuerholz. It is pretty much a toss-up.

Ok, this is really it for me today.

By Steamboat

November 11, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

From what I read on mlb.com Scheurholz personally met with AJ to inform him of the Braves’ decision not to try to re-sign him, before going public with it.

A personal meeting with the GM is not what I’d call being thrown under the bus. Beyond that, what point was there in feigning interest in AJ? Just to help drive up the market? That makes no sense at all.

We had already committed about $13 mil to Tex, and knew we needed additional $$ to sign a pitcher.

I’m not sure just what motivated JS to be so direct in his comments about Boras, but I really assume it wasn’t off the cuff. He’s a smarter businessman than that.

Boras can’t prevent the Braves from making offers to Tex; if we send an offer, he’s required to inform Tex of it. He may not steer him our way, but it will be Tex’s decision.

Boras will price Tex just as high as he can next year, hurt feelings or not, just like he will all of his clients; but if the Braves make a sound offer for Tex, Boras will be all ears, I guarantee you.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 11, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

mo I am not going to disagree with you completely on this one. My point was not how Andruw parted company with the Braves. You are exchanging communications with a guy who served as a union rep for 20 years. One of the things that stuck with me when companies got away from understanding the importance of loyalty was the statement made to me that they “the company” was not in the business of providing life long security to their employees. When they did not need them any longer then they were gone.

I am not agreeing that the Braves acted with class, only that Andruw made it easy for them to let him go. If ESPN thought they could get away with it, we would be watching Japanese and Chinese baseball while they charge the advertisers the same price.

As far as the coaching staff, I think it was part of the problem that Andruw would not listen to anyone else. Again, he just gave the Braves another reason to let him walk.

Again, a classic example of a waste of talent on Andruw’s part. I have seen it many times where a veteran refuses to listen to advice because he thinks he already has all the answers.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 11, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

The latest rumors about Johan Santana involve the Yankees. The names of Phil Hughes , Melky Cabrera , Robinson Cano and a prospect are involved. Ken Rosenthal has a story about some more rumors :http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7432422

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 11, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Steamboat , it comes down to simple common sense and math. If Boras wants 20 million a season for Andruw (he won’t get it) , you can bet your right nut that Teixeira will command in the neighborhood of 22-25 million a season(he will get get that much). I’m betting that Mark Teixeira will be a Yankee in 2009.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 11, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7432422

By Steamboat

November 11, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

Coach, first, Boras might want $20 mil for AJ, but he won’t get close to it. I’d bet $15 mil for 4 years, or 5.

I think “$22-25 million” is a bit high for Tex. He’s not Arod; he’s not Pujols; going by OPS, he’s about the 5th best hitting 1B in baseball (behind Pena, Fielder, Pujols and Howard - all about his age or younger, at a position at which it’s not so hard to find strong hitters).

Of course I do think he’ll be expensive. I’m guessing $20 mil for 5 or 6 years. And I explained (in painful detail) above why I think the Braves can afford that, and have pretty much committed to it.

Boras is trying to use Arod to move the bar for “premium” players into the mid-20-millions. I don’t think that’ll happen just yet, at least not for 1B. The teams that have reached that far in the free agent market have been getting burned (V Well, Zito, etc) and I don’t think a huge jump is likely in the next 12 months.

Chipper, Maddux, AJ, and I’m sure others, have given slight discounts to play in Atlanta. I’m hopeful that Tex, with some roots here, and 18 months to get comfortable, will accept a reasonable (not “cheap”) offer, but maybe not demand to go to the highest bidder.

By N8

November 11, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

I agree with you Coach. Not a chance in hell of Tex being a Brave in 2009.

So the Braves have two paths they can go down.

1) GO FOR IT. Talk ownership into spending more money for the sakes of Chipper and Smoltz. By that I mean, that their window is closing. Keep Tex, sign Glavine, trade for another starter (Haren?), and give it a go. Then at the deadline, be buyers instead of sellers if we’re close (or even if we’re ahead). I mean REALLY make a run at winning it all. Leave NO STONE unturned.

or

2) Trade Tex NOW. Get whatever the hell you can for him. (PITCHING….PITCHING….and MORE PITCHING). Of course 1B cannont be trusted with Thorman manning it, so another servicable 1B would be needed. Which technically, if you think about it, would STILL give us a legitimate shot at winning. Face it. When has a ton of pitching (I’d say a rotation of Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Haren and somebody would qualify as a TON), NOT put you “in the mix” for a post-season birth?

I know which way I would go (as do most of you, since I’ve been spouting it for a month - keep in mind I think Tex is a GREAT player to build this team around, but NOT at 20-25 million per year).

But I also, know which way Wren will go.

So enjoy Tex while we have him. Then proceed to WAIT for the draft pick we get from him signing with the Yankees arrives in the big leagues around 2012. LOL!

By Efrim

November 11, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

As far as Tex goes…..

The Yankees will need a first baseman at the end of this season…..

Mark Teixiera is a free agent….

Therefore he will be a Yankee because they can outbid us for him.

Whether we offer 7 years and 126-140 million, it won’t matter.

The Yankees will easily be able to afford a 8 year 176 million dollar deal. At least.

Jason Giambi’s contract is coming off the books after this season. He is making 22 million this year.

Tex will be a Yankee in 2009 and the Braves will have to look for a middle of the order hitter.

It isn’t that bad though folks. With Tex(13 million) and Hampton(8 million? 14 million?) coming off the books after 2008, the Braves should have 21-27 million to play with on the free agent market. If Glavine decides to retire, we can have an additional 10 million to play with as well.

Although the Braves will have a ton to fill in for the 2009 season, Potentially, 2 starters, a 1st baseman/cleanup hitter, and a closer. Will 30-35 million be enough to get all that? I think so.

Smoltz and Hudson should be around for 2009 and I would like to think James/Jurrjens/Reyes will have one of the rotation spots.

Way too early to be even talking about this stuff. Oh well.

By BossLady

November 11, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

Can’t a grown man who earns a sh!t load of money get sh!tfaced in a bar?

By Lew

November 11, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

CMK-No, I have no problem with the way it shook out-I truly don’t give a damn. It confers no status on me or the Braves. It doesn’t take us to the playoffs if he wins it, or the Mets since Wright won. I was responding to YOU-not the situation. You seemingly are the one with an axe to grind-you did after all, bring it up, not me. Quite honestly, the last several comments on the subject were posted by Mets’ Trolls that think Wright should enter the Presidential Primaries. Now I realize y’all think Chipper is your nemesis, but this whining y’all are doing makes you look even dumber than we know you are.

Mo-No I don’t think Andruw was treated shabbily. He knew the writing was on the wall. If he REALLY wanted to play here, then he would not have accepted his agent dictating terms that placed him out of the running. He could have shut Boras up, fired him or simply talked to JS on his own. He did none of this. He and his agent dictated the rules of the game and were quite capable of changing the direction the entire situation was headed. Do you really think a GM won’t negotiate a mid-season contract? It is always the player that takes THAT stance. Don’t even try to tell me that Boras and Andruw Jones had absolutely NO idea which way it all was headed. I mean, Good God, Dude, everyone here on the MIB BBQ Blog knew what was coming down. Is Boras such a cretin he doesn’t know which way the wind blows? All Schuerholz and the Braves did was listen to what was told them, decided they didn’t want to negotiate a contract anywhere near that range and told Andruw (immediately following the season,mind you) that they were not interested. That’s business MO and nothing else. What did they owe to Andruw? Did they not pay him relatively lavishly while in Atlanta? I mean, I suppose they could have offered to buy him another half dozen cars since he gave his all (though you may be the only one to believe that).

Just what would you have the Braves do? Are they going to be able to pay the raises due the others, like Hudson, Hampton (without insurance), Smoltz and the others due arbitration? Would they be able to pay all of Tex’s huge arbitration raise and still afford Andruw? Get real, you know damn well they couldn’t. Quite honestly, I was impressed they told him as early as they could so he had all the time possible to take someone else for a financial fool.

By N8

November 11, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

mo in the boonies

“Lots of players have a bad year and go into batting slumps.”

Wake up dude. It wasn’t a “bad year” and it certainly wasn’t a “slump”.

Since June 1st of 2006 Andruw has the following numbers:

258 Games, 240 hits in 941 AB’s (.255), with 53 HR and 162 RBI

The following are Arod’s numbers THIS YEAR!!

158 Games, 183 hits in 581 AB’s (.314), with 56 HR and 156 RBI

Which one of those guys do you think is worth 20+ million?

I can tell you who I think is NOT.

Please don’t refer to 1 2/3 seasons as a slump again. It’s called a slide in talent level, and it more than likely is gonna get WORSE before it gets better.

JS made the CORRECT move by not resigning him, even if at a discount.

By Lew

November 11, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

Mo-One more thing. Andruw has made $87,706,500.00 as an Atlanta Brave. He has not made under $8.2 million for over six years. I don’t think the Braves owe him a damn thing, though he sure owed them a much better season than what he turned in last year. Gee, I feel so sorry for him.

By bill

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

Yankee bloggers are saying that Tex will be their 1st. baseman in 2009 or sooner. Trade him now because the Braves will not pay what he wants. Should get alot for him.

By Efrim

November 11, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

N8

Well said bro. I agree with your ideas. I personally don’t think the Braves should trade Tex, but I could see why you think they should go that route.

Billy Beane says when you are a small market team. your either in it, or your not. I think when you have an 80-90 million dollar payroll, you can say the same thing. The Braves are obviously in it, because if they weren’t, Chipper and Smoltz would of been dealt by now. The Braves kind of have to be in this state that they are in right now for 2008 and 2009. After that, all bets are off, because as much as I am a fan of Smoltzie and Chipper, I don’t think they will be apart of the 2010 Braves. Too old and/or injury prone.

By Metropolitan Man

November 11, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

Advice to Chumpper: Stay off the DL and you might win that elusive gold glove. Also stop complaining so much, you have become very whiny ever since Maddox left, stop menstruating!!! Dont hate on Wright, hate on yourself for not conditionuing your body in the offseason. I bet your on the couch now with a bag of funions watching the hunting channel if you not posted in a tree waiting for Bambi. You may be a monster when you play, but your whiner when your “not so hard work” in the offseason doesnt pay off!!!

By Efrim

November 11, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

Met Man

Wright didn’t deserve those awards. He has great range at 3rd, but he has a wild inaccurate arm. Offensively he is a great player, but Chipper had a better year than him.

By Lew

November 11, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

But Metro Dude- If Chipper wins it, that leaves the Mets with exactly nothing except a Choke of Monumental Proportions.

By Steamboat

November 11, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

Just for the record (N8, Efrim, Coach), my argument is just that I think it’s reasonable to think the Braves could sign Tex. I’m not saying the world comes to an end if we don’t.

I wouldn’t fall on my sword if we traded him now for stellar pitching and pieces, or at the deadline if circumstances dictate; or even that he walks and we get draft picks and a ton of F/A money to spend in ‘09 (and we would have a LOT!).

My only hope is, if FW doesn’t think we have a good shot a signing him, we should really make a push at winning in ‘08, and to me, that means more than a stopgap in CF and a stopgap in the rotation.

I’m not so worried about what happens with Tex in ‘09 as what the Braves accomplish in ‘08.

By Metropolitan Man

November 11, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

Efrim: I would agree that Wright didnt deserve that Gold glove. I’m as shocked as he is probably. But to knock another guy when you cant even stay healthy enough to garner enough consideration says alot about the man. He is the type of player who wants to win a ring (which he has) and every other individual award MLB issues before he retires. It just killed him to see youngman Wright win, when Old man Chipper keeps complaining about schedules and young whipper snappers stealing his shine.

By Metropolitan Man

November 11, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

No LEW, we still have those super Silver Slugger awards, and braves players won what awards this year??????I’m still dealing with the collaspe because no basebasll fan will let this METS fan forget. But with 2 straight 3rd place finsihes,I wouldnt toot that braves horn so loud. Beleive it or not, the 07 collaspe has me “Jonesing” to see how they respond and what they will bring us fans in 08’, they own us.

By Metropolitan Man

November 11, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

Correction, they OWE us, they OWN nothing……yet!!!

By Braveheart

November 11, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

Chipper should have just said tell Mr. Wright to call me when he has an MVP that he actually earns and when he has 11 division titles, 3 NL pennants, and a World Series title, a lifetime .300 AVG, a .400 lifetime OBP, a lifetime .546 SLG, a 143 lifetime OPS+, and less strikeouts than walks in his career. Until then I will presume he is another Mets third baseman flash in the pan like Howard Johnson and Edgardo Alfonzo.

By Metropolitan Man

November 11, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

After Chumper gets off the phone with Wright and gloats about all his accomplishments, he will still complain becasue he has no gold glove for the man whose best years are behind him. Its the official changing of the guard.

By Efrim

November 11, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

Met Man

Agreed on Chipper, not really sure why he would take a shot on Wright.

As far as the Braves 2 straight 3rd place finishes….

yea, well, okay…..we sucked it up the last two years and looked more like the Phillies than the Braves. But 2008 is a new year with a full year of Mark Teixiera hitting in the middle of the order.

We’ll see what the Mets do this offseason. Signing Jorge Posada will help with the pain of blowing that 7 game lead.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 11, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

Metropolitan Man I think you had it right the first time :-))))

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 11, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this

Let’s be realistic, do we really care which millionaire wins whatever award? I don’t…. No one of them has seen fit to share their loot with me, I have not been invited to go hunting with Chipper, golfing with Smoltzie or whoring with David Wright and likely neither have you. Get a life dude…..

By Niekro35

November 11, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

Signing a 35 year old catcher for top dollar is idiotic. I hope the Mets do it.

Met man: His name is Chipper, but feel free to call him Larry.

By Stingy

November 11, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

There’s a little black spot on the sun today…

By Random

November 11, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

mo in the boonies

Stop pretending that the Braves chose not to re-sign Andruw Jones because he had a bad year. (He had one off year at bat, and gets “thrown under the bus”… Lots of players have a bad year and go into batting slumps. But they aren’t treated the way Andruw was… One lousy batting season, and he is a piece of garbage?)

The Braves are not re-signing Jones because they cannot afford him. (And if he had had no “slump”, they would probably have been even less able to meet his price.)

By chrisklob

November 11, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Wow, the Colts sure look overmatched so far tonight. Three picks for Manning in the first 13 minutes? He looks shell-shocked!

By richbrave

November 11, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

BravesGuys:

Don’t consort with those fools like my son-in-law who root for the Mets. They can do what they can to win, and we’ll do what we can to win.

Remember G.B Shaw’s admonition “when you wrestle with a pig you get dirty, and the pig likes it”(by way of Bay-O-Wolf). Now if any of these Mets trolls want to see the truth, the way and the light and become fans of a truely great baseball organization we should welcome them into our ranks. Go Braves!!

By brian kelley

November 11, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

wow..peyton Manning is making more errors in one game than a certain Mets third baseman…3 picks…what an awful anti american movie Lambs is..Cruise is a putz, him, Redford and that dipshi* Bill Maher are 3 pinheads.

By Efrim

November 11, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

Quiet tonight on the blog…..

By Metropolitan Man

November 11, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

Niekro35: You can keep all those ex atankees and braves right where they are. Glavine is the last experiment that blew up at the last minute. As far as calling him Larry, who do you think gets that chant going at the TED, when they play the METS. Gotta drown out that chop somehow.

By Greg in TN

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

Evening friends and neighbors…

Getting closer and closer to Let’s Make A Deal time with Frank Wren playing the part of Monty Hall.

Andruw said so himself the day it was announced that we were cutting ties. It’s a business decision. I believe that if AJ wanted to be a Brave badly enough, something could have been worked out. As soon as Tex assumed the four hole in the lineup, I think both camps probably saw the handwriting on the wall. There’s no way Bora$ would have his guy return to a club where he’s been bumped down in the lineup and would be in 2008 as well and after AJ’s slide at the plate this year, there’s no way the Braves would pay the kind of money AJ would want.

Don’t know what the future holds with Tex and whether we can sign him or not N8, but I think if we go for broke next year it’s imperative that Tex is at 1B and batting cleanup. But if we’re no where near sniffing the division lead by the time the trading deadline rolls around, I can see a scenario where the Braves ship Tex out for more pitching.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

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

Its been almost two full days and I’m still racking my brain about who the Braves could get to play CF if Wren insists on doing it through trade. DeJesus from KC could be an option but it sounds like Dayton Moore isn’t hot on trading him. Crisp seems to be the most viable option but rumor has the Sox want the moon. No way Kelly Johnson goes in a trade unless the Sox are sending Lester or DelCarmen back along with Crisp.

My personal favorite is Chione Figgins from the Angels. But, until the Arod sweepstakes is decided the Angels are in no position to really trade him and they are likely to ask for a hefty bounty in return.

Baldelli is an issue for several reasons which have been discussed to nasuem here. Another Ray, Elijah Dukes, is an option but not necessarily an attractive one because of his legal and behavioral issues.

Ryan Freel is fragile like Baldelli but not with half the talent of Baldelli. I like Ken Griffey Jr. but I think the point DOB made about his health is more than legitimate and Griffey would be a very expensive risk.

Chris Duffy is a big NO as far as I’m concerned. I do like Nate McClouth from the Pirates, but they are likely not to trade him because they don’t trust Duffy.

Randy Winn is a good option as far as I’m concerned. I think he would fit the bill. He may be a bit expensive.

I say that Wren is bluffing a bit about not going after free agents. I think Corey Patterson could be an option as long as Boras doesn’t ask some ridiculous price for him. Patterson’s offense is not good but it really doesn’t have to be if he is hitting in the 8 hole. His defense is superb. The Braves already have two leadoff hitters in Kelly Johnson and Yunel Escobar thus making the need to place Patterson there unnecessary.

Also, I can’t believe that if Lillibridge tears it up in winter ball that he will not be an option.

By Metropolitan Man

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

Hey Gil, its a slow reporting offseason, I take it you have more pressing things to discusss…please share!!!!! Other than that, make a trade or sign a player so that can be discussed!!!

By Logan23

November 11, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

Gil

If you should get that David Wright invite it would be wise of you to revisit your theory on the wifes ability to hit the broad side of a really Big barn.

By Metropolitan Man

November 11, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

Chumper could be so humble:

Wright wasn’t exactly devastated by Jones’ comments. While talking to The Post yesterday, the Mets’ third baseman said he paid no attention to Jones’ remarks.

“Chipper Jones plays for the Braves,” Wright said. “Honestly I could care less. I respect what Chipper does in this game. I respect Chipper as a player. But what he says to the papers doesn’t mean anything to me personally.

“I don’t take anything he says to heart. Obviously I think I can be better defensively. There’s no doubt about it. But I have a Gold Glove, and that’s the bottom line, and that’s something I’m very proud of, and I feel like I’m getting better and better defensively, and obviously managers and coaches have seen that.”

By chrisklob

November 11, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

He had a couple of seasons where he was the big dog, but no one has ever been willing to bet the farm on his ability to lead a team by example at the plate.

You see, this where they all had it wrong. He could always lead with the dinner plate!

By Efrim

November 11, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

The gold glove is a joke of an award and everyone knows it. David Wright should not of won it. Feliz, Ramirez and Atkins had better years with the glove.

By Random

November 11, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

Stinky

What if anything does your 9:21 PM have to do with my 8:59 PM*??? I put forth no opinion nor took any position that your first paragraph could possibly be construed as even addressing, let alone refuting. In fact, I don’t disagree with any of your first paragraph’s assertions.

What’s the beef?

By brian

November 11, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

I still think the Braves should go all out this year and do all they can next off season to sign Tex.

If they trade Tex this offseason it does seem like the Angels would be the best fit with Figgins, Kotchman, and a young pitcher (or two in a dream world) Saunders/Santana/Weaver

By Niekro35

November 11, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

This Kelly Johnson for CoCo Crisp rumor got started on this blog by some denizen speculating about trades. DOB asked someone in the Sox organization about it as a mere hypothetical, and then it got picked up by ESPN and the rest as being something actually on the table.

Mets Man: If you and your ilk started chanting “Chumper” instead of “Larry”, maybe then he would start working on personally owning your individual asses and those of your mothers. He’s certainly done that to the Mets; maybe he should branch out to the rest of Metsie Nation. For coming up on twenty years, he’s beaten your team like a rented mule. Few players in baseball history have continuously flogged and broken an organization the way Chipper does the Mets. Your fixation on him suggests that you secretly enjoy being flogged.

By A.J.

November 11, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

Brian, there is no way they’d get that, I don’t believe, as that is about what the Angels were offering Texas in July (maybe more). He’s not worth as much now because he would have been of great worth to the Angels heading into the playoffs and that ship has sailed, and sunk.

He’s still worth quite a bit for a year though.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

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

Who deserves the awards? Well, the gold glove really should have gone to Zimmerman if a few errors did not seem to matter. Cabrera of the Marlins is a better hitter but maybe the attitude was the deal with him.

I just can’t take a guy seriously who can wear those “Gadstone Duck” spats he calls baseball shoes. If he would wear a Zoot suit then his clown outfit would be complete.

As for trades, well, it is too early as free agents are still confined to talking with their original clubs and one does not have to make moves before next spring.

There are certainly more important things to get stressed out about than what moves the Mets are going to make as far as I am concerned. The Braves finished about where every pundit predicted last spring, so what happened with the Mets? It should make you Met trolls even more depressed to know that with all the talent you had you still choked.

It shows me that the devision can be had pretty simply.

And Logan23 the wife will not let me take my testicles without her permission so the trip would be wasted anyway…. :-)))

By Metropolitan Man

November 11, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

Niekro35: His momma named him Larryyyyyyyy, so ima call him Larrrrrrrrrrry!! And lets keep mommas out of this so it doesnt get personal. Now N35, yes I despise the ballplayer Larry “Chumper” Jones and as a METs fan have every right too. Yes he has at times single handledly hurt the franchsie but those were the Franco, Benitez days. Now he is a former shell of himself, mad at the youngins’becasue he cant win that elusive gold glove. So take his wanker out of your mouth and relize you might need to root for somebody who will play a majority of a season. Or at least have him go to AAA after an injury so he wont be on the DL again after coming off of it. He comes off and goes on the DL more than Boobie gets tossed from a game!!!

By Metropolitan Man

November 11, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

Gil: The “CHOKE” will never ever go away. Its still new now but you have about to spring training for it to be relevent for 08’. True METS fans know the ups and downs of this crazy squad so to be a fan you have to have some gumption. So stay in your quiet braves corner and be happy with their past!!!

By Braveheart

November 11, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

hojo and alfonzo were decent for 4,5 years like wright. the expiration date on little david wright will be coming soon enough metro man. the curse of hojo and fonzo dictates it. as skip caray would say, larry that one buddy!

By chrisklob

November 11, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

Now he is a former shell of himself

Have you actually looked at him numbers the last couple of years? Or are you just talking out of your rear end? Chipper’s numbers, both offensively and defensively are as good as ever.

That’s what I thought…..

…relize you might need to root for somebody who will play a majority of a season

Chipper has NEVER missed a “majority” of any mlb season he’s played in.

You really need to look at the actual numbers before you post a comment. Seriously, Metro Man, you’re better than that. You’ve never come on this blog and been disrespectful or rude (that I can remember). Don’t start now.

By wjones

November 11, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

Andruw not only picked a really bad time to have a bad year, but he picked a REALLY BAD TIME to do those silly commercials where Dion is counting all of his cars at his mansion. Every single night, about 10 times, Andruw was rubbing it in our face how little he was contributing, but how much money he had that he apparently didn’t so much need as he could blow on a fleet of vehicles! Why, oh why would he agree to do those commercials, and why on earth didn’t Boras stop him?

By Metropolitan Man

November 11, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

Chris, I’ve watched the NL east every year for who knows how long. Even without looking it up, I know for the past 5 season he has been off and on the DL. Not counting the few days off he takes for routine aches and pains but that obique and quad cant have many more miles on it. Heck its braves fans who complain about him missing time, not this METS fan and thats where my info comes from. Die hard braves fans, not METS hating Larry fans!!! All you gotta do is read the braves vent to get this notion!!!

By Niekro35

November 11, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

Yes, with a 1.029 OPS, he’s a mere shell of his former self.

Franco, Benitez, Choo Choo Coleman, Cleon Jones, Lastings Milledge, Shea stadium bathed in the sounds screams of profanity and low flying jets, Mets fans who don’t understand basic rules of grammer and punctuation — it’s all the same to Chipper. It’s just one big carnival of freaks and losers. Either way, he owns the Mets. He obviously owns your psyche, Mets Man. You should get some therapy. Going through life with some baseball player named Chipper being your personal Moby Dick is not good.

By brian

November 11, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

I do not like the KJ for Coco Crisp rumor at all. Hopefully it is just wishful thinking from Boston. There better be another prospect if that trade were to happen - I would ask for Craig Hansen. I assume they would say no, but they can keep Crisp.

If we trade, Figgins should be the man. He would be a much better addition in the short term and will be much more versitile in the long term when Schafer is ready.

Great observation by DOB about the impact of AROD on the Andruw Jones agency. AROD will break the bank and then Boras will go to the losers and peddle Jones. I wish more people thought like Schuerholtz

By Braveheart

November 11, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

those were the Franco, Benitez days.

ah, yes, these billy wagner daze have been so different and glorious. wagner has never seen a big game he could not choke away.

By brian

November 11, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

nobody mentions Brayan Pena as a possibility for back up catcher. What happened with Pena????

By David O'Brien

November 11, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

Smelly Misanthrope: Since you asked, I’m a little over 5-9, about 170 pounds. But I’m kinda uncomfortable with you asking about my proportions, seeing as you are the one who brought up k.d. lang and all a day or two ago.

Lupica’s about 5-6, and Costas and Kurkjian are at least an inch shorter. And yet, they all tower over you in every conceivable way, save for perhaps physical height (at least you might have that to cling to — good for you, big guy).

Now, to serious matters: Richbrave, you get huge kudos for sending me to Jerome, Ariz. I’d have never thought to take that route, through Jerome and Sonoma, to get to Flagstaff. And I’d have missed out on one of the coolest towns I’ve ever seen, Jerome. What a great little place. As one of the T-shirts being sold on that main drag said, “Jerome, a hard drinkin’ biker town with an artist problem.”

Don’t think I ate at the place you were referring to, since I didn’t see some of those restaurants on the lower part of the street until I was driving out. I ate at Haunted Hamburger, which also had outstanding food on top of an incredible view of the valley below (it’s in that big old building above that tiny little park).

Anyway, the switchback-filled mountainous drive from Prescott to Jerome was great. Just wish I’d have been on my motorcycle (there were dozens and dozens of folks riding today, the weather was so nice up there).

Thanks again for the tip. Made for a great day. Met some cool people up there.

By chrisklob

November 11, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

Metro Man, yes, it is true that Chipper has had health issues the past few years. However, he has NEVER missed a “majority” of games in those years.

You are correct in saying that Braves fans, and some of the denizens here, have complained about his health in recent years. He’s become brittle in his old age, not Rocco Baldelli brittle, but brittle nonetheless.

But my main point is, please look at his numbers, both offensively and defensively and you’ll see how good he’s been.

By David O'Brien

November 11, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

Brian, when asked specifically about backup catcher, Frank Wren mentioned Clint Sammons as the guy if the Braves can’t find a veteran this winter. He never mentioned Pena.

Oh, and the Braves aren’t trading Kelly Johnson for Crisp. Repeat, they’re not trading KJ for Crisp. Not saying they won’t trade for Crisp, but KJ isn’t going to be in the deal, not unless it would expand and Braves get more than Crisp (and I haven’t heard anything along those lines yet, or even that the Braves are talking seriously about Crisp at this stage, but he is one of the many CFs they’ve discussed).

By David O'Brien

November 11, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

How ‘bout my man Favre today? Don’t want to see anyone break Marino’s career yardage record, but if someone’s gotta do it, good that it’ll be Favre.

By chrisklob

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

brian, I wouldn’t worry too much about a KJ for CoCo trade. What would they do with him? They’ve already got a good 2b and they seem pretty set in LF (offensively speaking)!

If they traded for KJ, I’m sure they’d have to flip him for someone else.

By Baseball Fanatic (Go Braves!)

November 11, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

Did you ever think the reason we complain about him missing time is because we know how valuable he is to the lineup and team as a whole when he is out there?

By David O'Brien

November 11, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

Niekro, Chrisklob: I’m thinking this Metro Man is an imposter. Maybe I’m wrong, but as outrageous as a few of his statements have been in the past, he’s never been quite as absurd as saying a player with a plus-1.000 OPS in over 500 at-bats is “washed up.” That just could not be a serious statement from someone who watches baseball. Can’t be.

By the way, Chipper had 75 extra-base hits and 102 RBIs in 513 at-bats this season. David Wright, who’s a decade younger, had 73 extra-base hits and 107 RBIs in 604 at-bats.

But Wright did pile up much higher totals in two stats — stolen bases and errors. Wright had more than twice as many errors (21 to 9).

By Adoro los Bravos!

November 11, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

Did you ever think the reason we complain about Chipper being hurt is because we know how valuable he is to the lineup and team as a whole.

By Adoro los Bravos!

November 11, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the double post…my computer is doing some wierd things here lately.

By chrisklob

November 11, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

DOB, you may be right. But what jackal, in his right mind (assuming he had a “right mind”) would want to hijack the name of “Metro Man or any other Muts fan?

Hope you’re having fun in AZ. Don’t speed. I got pulled over on I-40 some years ago for doing 61 in a 55 zone. Cop thought we were hauling either drugs or guns back east and gave us a pretty hard time. Of course, we were clean but he raked us both over pretty good!

By chrisklob

November 11, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this

DOB, you may be right. But what jackal, in his right mind (assuming he had a “right mind”) would want to hijack the name of “Metro Man or any other Muts fan?

Hope you’re having fun in AZ. Don’t speed. I got pulled over on I-40 some years ago for doing 61 in a 55 zone. Cop thought we were hauling either drugs or guns back east and gave us a pretty hard time. Of course, we were clean but he raked us both over pretty good!

By chrisklob

November 12, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this

Sorry for the double post. Computer is acting very strange…..

By David O'Brien

November 12, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this

Matt, thanks. Just saw your post from earlier.

By cmk

November 12, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this

DOB can’t help but get in jabs against Wright in his posts. Is is so bad to have comparable stats to Chipper Jones? So what if Chipper is still a better hitter? He’s only going to be in Cooperstown in 8-10 years. That doesn’t make Wright chopped liver. Obviously, I’m a Met fan - I come on here to see what’s happening with the Braves from time to time and try not to say anything too stupid or inflammatory - and Met fans hate Chipper because he has killed them for years. But real fans still recognize how great he has been. Even so, you don’t see a lot of pro athletes dumping on their colleagues, especially on guys like Wright, who is one of the good guys in pro sports. The Mets and Braves both underachieved this year - I still can’t believe the Phillies won the division. It will be interesting to see how the off-season goes.

By Joker

November 12, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this

Sorry for the double post.

Sorry for the double post.

By Jared

November 12, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

Keep Teixeira and go for it in 2008. Smoltz and Chipper can’t stay around for all eternity. Try to sign him, if not be content with the draft picks.

Moneyball talks of how A’s GM Billy Beane keeps his low-payroll team competive by taking the draft picks even over trading players sometimes. It’s one of the reasons why Beane kept Barry Zito in 2006 when it was obvious to everyone they weren’t even going to try and sign him. What the heck is wrong with the draft picks? Saying the Braves get nothing if they don’t trade Teixeira is a huge misnomer.

By David O'Brien

November 12, 2007 1:00 AM | Link to this

CMK, I should be clear: I think David Wright is an outstanding player. No question about it. I merely pointed out Wright’s stats in relation to Chipper’s to underscore the absurdity of calling Chipper “washed up.”

Because you can’t be “washed up” and at the same time produce virtually identical hitting stats to one of the best young young hitters in the game, which Wright is.

By Oregon_Braves

November 12, 2007 1:49 AM | Link to this

CMK - If any of us Braves fans are ragging on Wright, it is probably just out of protection for own, Chipper. Hopefully, no one here truly believes that either Wright nor Chipper are anything less than two of the best third basemen currently playing.

You’re post was actually one of the more level-headed I’ve read from an opposing fan on these boards. Appreciated.

By Oregon_Braves

November 12, 2007 1:53 AM | Link to this

CMK - Your 12:22 A.M. post, being the appreciated one I just mentioned. The rest of the time, you are batsh!t crazy… :)

By Randall Garlock

November 12, 2007 5:40 AM | Link to this

The main decision about signing Tom G. should rest with the progress of Mr. Hampton.

I think I am the only Braves fan in here that thinks adding Glavine is not a smart move. It seems that the Braves brass, DOB, and all long time Braves fans want it to happen, so I guess I might as well get used to the idea. But I think we have enuf arms without…

DOB > thanks for the details provided regarding phone calls with FW, and the updates from AZ. Fabulous work, Sir!! Sedona is one of the prettiest places in the entire USA!!

Hong Kong is one of the busiest cities in the world > but extremely overcrowded!! There are some beautiful women in China!! 90% are NOT overweight!! But the country is crime ridden and overwhelmingly poor! The Chinese would copy their mother and sell her if they could!!

The Muts are the official Buffalo Bills of MLB !!

By ssiscribe

November 12, 2007 6:56 AM | Link to this

Top of the morning, denizens, on this chilly morning along the southern rim of the capital city.

This frosty start to the week follows an absolutely beautiful weekend here in North Georgia. And while I enjoyed some good times the past 48 hours — did a little scribin’ for some friends, saw my parents, ate at my hometown barbecue joint (still the best on the planet to these taste buds), enjoyed a great morning at church, saw my alma mater play basketball for the first time in person in nearly a decade, the best of it all was yesterday afternoon.

Two gloves. Two little boys. One big boy. One baseball. One pleasant afternoon that turned progressively chillier as the sun began sinking in the Western sky.

Don’t know exactly when it was or what sparked the thought in my mind, but as I took a break and watched my double play combination toss the ball back and forth, I couldn’t help but think toward March.

I turned toward my wife and said those words I find myself saying a lot this time of year: “I can’t wait until spring training.”

Even as the temps are hitting the 30s at night on a regular basis now, even with the bouncing of basketballs taking over at high schools, even with the prep football playoff brackets ready to unfold, there’s just something about that little white ball with the red stitches that gets to me. There’s something about your 5-year-old letting it rip from 30 feet and making the old man’s glove pop. There’s something about your 4-year-old actually gloving a ground ball and the smile of delight on his face when he finds he actually snagged one.

There’s something about baseball. I love it so dearly. So on this day, I hope all of you find yourselves happy and content with the knowledge that this grand old game that brings us here keeps on giving, after all these years.

DOB, thanks for the reports from the Fall League. Gets us one step closer to reconvening this thing at Dark Star in three months, and I look forward to more of your postings on this second Monday in November.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 12, 2007 7:20 AM | Link to this

Most Honorable Sscibe, treasure the time and the memories as they become all too fleeting with the rapid passage of time. I can remember to days dragging by waiting to qualify for my driver’s license or special holidays like Christmas. Now the days, months and years fly by with ever increasing rapidity. I stare into the mirror each new day and wonder who the old man looking back at me is and how the time has flown by so quickly.

As always I look forward to you post as you allow me to remember not only time well spent with my children but that shared with my beloved father who instilled in me a life long love of the game of baseball.

By richbrave

November 12, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this

Dave:

You sound like a brother after my own heart. Glad Jerome was to your liking. Having been there myself I feel there’s not much to dislike, but you know - different strokes for different folks. All the locals I met while there were really nice. Quite a few expatriates from various parts of California. Maybe the local Arizonians felt this was the “artist” problem they referred to. “Wind in your hair” IS Jerome. I can’t think of a more apt slogan for the place. You and I should travel sometime. My favorite mantra has always been “what’s over there - let’s go see.” Using the map in my head, and the sun or stars if available. There’s nothing like the sense of adventure in it. And the people you meet are usually great because they don’t have to deal with a gazillion tourists. England, France, Italy Spain. Always rent a car(OR BIKE IN YOUR CASE) and GET OFF THE BEATEN PATH. Life’s a gift my friend and this is just another day in paradise. Enjoy Arizona. Keep sending those great reports on fall ball.

By richbrave

November 12, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this

Dave:

You sound like a brother after my own heart. Glad Jerome was to your liking. Having been there myself I feel there’s not much to dislike, but you know - different strokes for different folks. All the locals I met while there were really nice. Quite a few expatriates from various parts of California. Maybe the local Arizonians felt this was the “artist” problem they referred to. “Wind in your hair” IS Jerome. I can’t think of a more apt slogan for the place. You and I should travel sometime. My favorite mantra has always been “what’s over there - let’s go see.” Using the map in my head, and the sun or stars if available. There’s nothing like the sense of adventure in it. And the people you meet are usually great because they don’t have to deal with a gazillion tourists. England, France, Italy Spain. Always rent a car(OR BIKE IN YOUR CASE) and GET OFF THE BEATEN PATH. Life’s a gift my friend and this is just another day in paradise. Enjoy Arizona. Keep sending those great reports on fall ball.

By Daybed Wagmoe

November 12, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

It looks like we’ve got an idea for how much Mahay will cost: JC Romero, left-handed reliever of the Phillies, just signed an extension worth $12 million over three years with an option for a fourth year. I can’t see the Braves paying a non-closing reliever that much.

By TK

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

I threw a name out for CF a few nights ago…it was late at night. With the White Sox looking at Hunter or Rowland. How about Brian Anderson? I have not seen him much since he was in AA ball. I have read he is excellent on defence in CF. He has had problems with his hitting. But, he is young and a new home might help him with his hitting. What I would really like is for the Braves to make a big trade with the A’s for Dan Haren and Mark Kotsay.

By Anders

November 12, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

DOB I’ve sat quietly through all your Wright bashing since the GG and Silver Slugger awards came out. As you stated to me in the past the accuracy of baseball stats is very important, I assume by accuracy you mean the inclusion of all relevant stats as well. You repeatedly fail to mention that Wright played 300+ more innings in the field than Chipper (25%) and also had a higher range factor. While these two numbers shouldn’t garner the award on their own merit they can’t just be dismissed because they don’t help Chipper’s case. I’m ceratinly not one who feels Chipper is washed up and as a matter of fact if I had to field a team for one winner take all game today I would have Chipper at third over Wright. That said, I’ve always viewed Chipper as a first class professional guy but I have to admit that his recent penchant for complaining about everything from strike zones, teammates committment, and awards certainly cast him in a different light than I had when winning came regularly to him and these types of things seem to roll off his back more readily. - Just saying.

By David O'Brien

November 12, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Headed back out to the western Phoenix ‘burbs this afternoon to see Schafer again, this time in a night game at Surprise, Ariz. If he’s not in center, I’m gonna go have a word with the Javelinas manager (Tony Franklin, from the Yankees organization).

Could be a big week in baseball, with the free-agent bidding starting in earnest on Tuesday and the BBWAA awards starting their drawn-out presentation process (obviously the purpose of one-a-day awards presentation is to draw max interest and covered in each award, and keep baseball in the news, but it’s kinda silly if you ask me. Not necessary in this day and age of year-round baseball news.

We should announce both Cy Young awards one day, both league MVP awards another, and all the other awards on a single day.

By AdirondackDave

November 12, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Have to repeat, I see nothing wrong with Chipper or any other athlete saying honestly what’s on his mind. It’s certainly refreshing when compared to the bland pablum we hear far too often. I seem to remember a Smoltz reference to the homeboy upstairs and maybe something about Chipper in and out of the lineup a year or two ago. That wasn’t a big deal. Way better than silence.

By DAP

November 12, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

TK i saw your original post about anderson…i think that if thats the kind of guy the braves wanted to field, they could get a guy like that from thier own organization. i doubt they will go for him. if they dont want one of our own guys, they are going to go to someone with experience.

By David-ATL14

November 12, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

great blog DOB! Thanks for the tireless efforts.

By Lew

November 12, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

Anders-No one is ragging on Wright. I sincerely doubt you will find anyone here who doesn’t think Wright to be the future of NL third baseman while Chipper winds down a great career. What we have been discussing, however, is the fact that he just won a fielding award and was nowhere near the best qualified player to win the award-actually nowhere close to being the best. Even Chipper mentioned players from two other teams that had better fielding records, who were more logical choices.

Now you do have a point about the number of games played. But Wright had a .954 Fielding % to Chipper’s .971-not even close and despite the extra innings played by Wright, he made 21 errors to Chipper’s 9-Wright did not play more than twice the innings of Chipper. Even you have to admit that Wright is not an exceptionally good fielder, much less the cream of the NL crop. Those errors were a major factor in the Mets slide-not only DW’s but those made by the entire team during the collapse. What was it-like 3-5 errors per day? No one on that team should have been vaguely considered for a fielding award. Defense is definitely an area the Mets seriously need to address this winter.

Now as far as the Silver Slugger. Well, that one is hardly as clearly defined. Wright did have better overall figures (HR and RBI), but only barely and, as you pointed out, in a considerable longer time frame, as he played more games. Chipper was more productive in the time he played. However, arguing this award is really a tossup. It could have gone either way and either side could have been right (or Wright, I suppose).

Whatever. These awards didn’t put you in the playoffs and had Chipper won them, wouldn’t have put us there either. They are merely nice things to have. But you seriously can’t believe Wright was deserving of the Gold Glove. A .954 FP and 21 errors? That’s really bad. Mets fans are just ticked that someone called them on it and that the competition was Chipper, who they hate with a passion.

By Braveheart

November 12, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Well, I like Chipper’s approach. If he likes his trophies, he should not be ashamed to make that clear.

I love Derek Jeter but there is nothing more annoying than the dishonest guy who says oh golly gee I don’t want the MVP, all I care about is championships. Yeah, yeah, we know that. But if that was Derek’s attitude then why did he refuse to change positions for arod?

Chipper at least moved to left when he thought it might be best for the team and was not ashamed to demand being moved back to third when the Derosa experiment failed.

As much as I hate Urban Myer, sometimes you gotta throw a stink like he did last year to get your team the recognition you feel they deserve. And that’s what I think Chipper is doing. You know those damn Gators like Chipper and Urban - always complaining to get what they want.

Sometimes being a leader ain’t just about being the b.s. rah rah guy in the dugout and clubhouse. Sometimes it means complaining about your schedule, strike calls from umps and lack of proper recognition from award givers. Part of it is selfish of course. But part of it is probably an increasing frustration with him and his teammates always coming up short when it comes to postseasons, awards, and money being given to the team and players by the owners so they can compete as best they can.

It sounds to me like Chipper, beneath that ever calm demeanor, is seething about alot of things he sees going on around him that he feels ain’t right. Taking hometown discounts and watching AOL/TW do what they did probably does not sit well with him.

Alot of people think he is alot dumber than he is as well. He knows he could have vented this way to DOB but told him this was off the record but ….. Chipper first made himself available to DOB so he could comment like this and then did not tell DOB it was off the record. There was a message Chipper wanted sent.

Sometimes leaders have to cuss, whine cry, scream to get what they want. Go watch a Duke basketball game and watch and listen to Coach K - the most foulmouthed abusive mofo in college basketball.

Leadership ain’t always about waiving white towels and bear hugs and back slaps and fist pumps and hooting and hollering.

By DAP

November 12, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

anders about your 9:34am post…DOB gave the opinion that wright was not deserving of the gold glove…i dont think he ever said that chipper should have gotten it. there are a number of players that were more qualified than wright to get the award.

who cares about his range factor!!! 21 errors is way to many for a gold glover! all the balls got got to that would have gone for a hit otherwise are negated by his 21 errors.

chipper never even said he should have gotten it, he mentioned armis ramierez and pedro feliz. and hes obviously correct that they didnt judge it using errors and fielding percentages!

chipper is an outspoken veteran and has earned that right in alot of ways. smoltz is the same way. of all the things chipper got heat for talking about, i think the only thing he was out of line on was the exchange between him and smoltz, and some might say smoltz is partly to blame on that as well.

By AdirondackDave

November 12, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

Does anybody out there have access to past Gold Glove records? I’ll bet David Wright’s 21 errors and .947 fielding average are the league’s worst since there started giving the award. That would be tell a lot.

By AdirondackDave

November 12, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

Sorry, meant to say .954 fielding average for Wright. Same difference.

By Peewee

November 12, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

What about S. Chacon pitcher free agent from Pits. He wants to return to starting. mid-ninty speed.x- yankee. Wouldn’t he be a good 4th or 5th starter. or maybe FOGG from Rockies? Just thinking, what your thought. Have a great trip DOB>* Wren said he would try to sign Tex this winter, Pray!*

By Mets Rule You Drool

November 12, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Just checked out the standings today, looks like your still in 3rd. hahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Within 3 weeks Santana will be a Met. Tick.Tick. Tick. The time is getting nearer. Oh no! What will the Brokes do?

This is why your GM Sureholtz quit, he couldn’t compete anymore with no money. Go Brokes! Litarally. Hahahaha!!!

By geauxbraves2000

November 12, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

The Braves could resign Tex if Tex wanted to. If it’s up to Bora$ I don’t think he resigns, not after what JS (applaud applaud) said. But maybe Tex will have the FA year we all thought AJ would have.

I think it’d be quite funny if all the teams snub ARod, and all of them decide not to get into the sweepstakes. Not going to happen I’m pretty sure, but that would be the best of the best this offseason if it did happen.

Geaux Braves!!

By DAP

November 12, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Peewee as far as getting chacon…i dont see the point in getting a pitcher like that. we have 3 or 4 pitchers alot like him ready to battle for a spot, and they are alreay with the team, so i dont see a reason to trade players, or sign a guy like that to a contract. just like the CF situation…if we are going to trade for someone, or try to sign someone, its needs to be someone who is clearly a better option than what we have on the team already.

By TNRON

November 12, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Mornin’ Drool glad to see ya back.Isnt it a little early to be hitting the bottle? And what sources are you paying attention to as most national media do not think PayRod will end up in Flushing.Most likely Omar is getting played like a cheap fiddle by Boras.And those standings you looked at still have you in second too by the way.But hang in there.Its always good to have hope.

By Anders

November 12, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Braveheart I do agree Chipper may be some frustration over the sacrificies he’s made that others haven’t (i.e. the soon to be re-coronated Tom Glavine).

You want to see leadership personified I suggest you watch “The Captain” Mark Messier’s induction into the hockey HOF tonight. There will never be another like him. You’ll hear testomonials tonight describing his leadership qualities that are beyond reproach. He wasn’t called the Messiah for nothing. I gaurantee he never b*** publicly about being slighted on an award - always took the high road and tipped his cap.

DAP Chipper did say he was more dissapointed because Wright got it. A poorly veiled swipe IMO.Saying he was suprised Wright won it over the other guys is would have been one thing, but saying he was more dissapointed for himself because Wright won it over the other guys says something else altogether.

BTW- Wright took the high road when confronted with Chippers remarks - no suprise there.

By chrisklob

November 12, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

I see that Kosuke F******* has declared free agency and is ready to come to America to try out mlb.

No, I don’t think the Braves will be trying to get F*******. I just think that the name F******* is fun to say. It’s also funny what the filter does to the name F*******. I mean, come on, F******* is the dude’s last name, not some bad word.

F*******!

By Mets Rule You Drool

November 12, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

TN(Mo)Ron - Didnt say we were getting ARod - I said we were getting Santana. Nice reading skills you got there buddy.

Of course, well get ARod too, but thats besides the point.

The Amazins will DOMINATE the off season and then DOMINATE 2008 because of it.

The Brokes tapped out payroll will be EXPOSED in the offseason leading to them getting their Broke azzes EXPOSED next season. How do you not follow that logic?

Or do you think Tom “Put it on a T” Glavine is really going to be as big as the Mets signing Santana AND Colon? If you do you are a moron.

By flange1

November 12, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

Morning all,

Seems like our usual Mets losers are back. Guess they forgot something about being the BIGGEST CHOKE IN MLB HISTORY. Guess that is easy to forget..

The whole Gold Glove thing is absurd. While it is hard to believe that Wright won the thing, it is interesting for Chipper to speak out. I think he was trying to say the system is flawed NOT that he deserved the award. I also agree with Braveheart that sometime the team leader HAS to say something even if it is not positive.

I have been reading all of the thoughts on Tex. WHen the Braves acquired him, I thought the Braves would be able to sign him. After Arod and AJ, I really don’t thing we will be able to get anything done until after the 2008 season when he is a FA. It is very telling to me that he has not sold his house in Texas.

While I can see both sides of keeping Tex VS trading Tex, I wonder if FW and JS should see what kind of offers are out there. If we could trade Tex for super prospects + some proven talent, I wonder if we could flip the prospects into a STUD pitcher.

And yes DOB, I am talking about a Jake Peavy or a Dan Haren.

It will be interesting to see how this winter plays out!

By Tyler

November 12, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Drool-I’m sorry but I just can’t take you seriously when you spell “your” instead of “you’re”. You do it every time man. Maybe if you weren’t too busy watching your Muts collapse you’d be getting an education.

By David O'Brien

November 12, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Chrisklob, that Japanses dude’s name is epic, isn’t it? Absolutely hilarious. Couldn’t make that up.

By Peewee

November 12, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

DAP Thanks. What pitcher you think the Braves will try to get beside glavine? Mahay?

By Anders

November 12, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

Flange This Mets loser told you back when the Braves acquired Tex that he was going to cost a bundle as Boras would be focusing on A-Rod this year and Tex would be his major off season project next off season. I believe the Braves braintrusts that post here proceeded to tell me I have no idea what I’m talking about and that Tex wanted to move back home and would give a discount blah, blah blah. Well I’m glad to see you coming around to reality like some others on here. Tex will be manning 1st base at the New Yankee stadium by 2009. They’ll pay him enough so he can take his whole family to NY and it won’t matter where he lives.

BTW- Next and the $’s hit parade - Frenchy. He’s right where Wright was last year when he signed his $55 mil deal. Everyday the Braves wait to match that (Which in reading Frenchy’s praises and the anti-Wright sentiment on here I assume most agree is reasonable) the price will go up - I believe DOB alluded to that in an earlier post.

Wonder if Chipper will tell these youngsters to not make the same sacrificies he’s made? Especially when guys like Glavine get to come back home as saviors with huge piles of $’s from another land. Chipper is the most underpaid star in baseball - now that’s the award he should be griping about.

By Braveheart

November 12, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

yeah, yeah, yeah, messier. great leader. great player. but a piece of turd in my book. and as we have talked about before i am saying that from experience with him. i was just a stupid teenaged parking lot attendant but messier was a jerk. i know a few police officers who work braves games who talk very highly of chipper and what a regular dude he is. most are amazed that he even bothers to talk to them because alot of players don’t.

By met-u

November 12, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

flange 1 Biggest choke in MLB History (2007 History) was named GLAVINE who will be a brave.

By Daybed Wagmoe

November 12, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

AdirondackDave (and others),

Wright’s errors aren’t the most ever for a Gold Glove. In looking up third basemen alone, here’s what I found on (www.baseball-reference.com):

In 1992, Robin Ventura made 23 errors and had a .957 fielding percentage for the White Sox. What’s even worse is Ken Caminiti’s three “Gold Glove” years in 1995, 96 and 97 when he was with San Diego. Check out these stats:

95: 27 errors, .936 fielding 96: 20 errors, .954 fielding 97: 24 errors, .941 fielding

And although I don’t like to do it, but Terry Pendleton had some similar Gold Glove numbers, though only one year was with Atlanta:

87 (STL): 26 errors, .949 89 (STL): 15 errors, .971 (pretty good) 92 (ATL): 19 errors, .960

If anyone would like to research it further, head to baseball-reference.com.

By David O'Brien

November 12, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

Rule/Drool: Do you really believe the Mets are getting Santana? Who are they going to trade to the Twins, who want a bounty of young, affordable talent, preferably pitching, in any deal. They going to trade them Pelfrey? Humber?

They couldn’t get Santana if they traded BOTH of those guys to the Twins, who can get far more from a number of other teams.

I’d be surprised if Santana ends up a Met.

By TNRON

November 12, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Sorry Drool I am at work (some of us do have to work for a living) and got distacted,but as I remember you have been predicting Arod as well.Equally dullusional but quaint none the less.Of course what will probably happen is you will get Colon and pronounce him the equal of Santana.And by July both he (DL) and Willie (FIRED) will be gone.HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

By Anders

November 12, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Braveheart To be honest I wasn’t alluding to the parking lot attendants where Messier played as the testomonials. Think Leetch, Gretzky, Lemieux just to name a few. I’m sure every superstar has some roadkill along the way. Hell, even little old me ignores the garage attendant when I pick up my wheels from time to time.

By Shaun

November 12, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

DOB, the rule/drool guy can’t believe a lot of the stuff he spews.

Mets may end up with Santana but I don’t think they’ll trade for him; it will be as a free agent, if it’s going to happen with the Mets. I’m guessing Yankees (as a free agent) will be his next team, just because they can afford to give him the biggest contract for a pitcher in history. Mets probably can but they won’t beat the Yankees’ offer.

By Mets Rule You Drool

November 12, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

The Twins would take Humber, Pelfrey and Lastings in a second - that’s 2 stud pitchers and a replacement for Hunter for a guy they know the cant resign. How doees that not make sense. We could even through in El Duque if we had to - thats 3/5 of a great rotation for 1 guy. Theyd be fools not to take it. So they will.

Omar, thank you in advance. Ladies and gentelmen, meet the newest member of the Amazin’ New York Mets…Johan Santana!

By Canadian brave

November 12, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

Spectacular plays are what win gold gloves. Those 6 or 7 tremendous hilite real grabs! Remember Rafael Belliard, steady as they come, like a vacuum, at SS but he couldn’t dive and flip like Ozzie or Vizquel. Managers and players remember those diving stabs and into the stands catches when voting! Steady just doesn’t cut it!!!

By TNRON

November 12, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Watch it DOB or he will start calling you names too.Good question and it has been posed to him before.Would he trade Jose Reyes,The most exciting player in baseball? LOL.The thing is the Yankess have BOTH the desire and the mechanisms in terms of players the Twins would have to have in return.You have to think they will want to do something big to even out losing ARod (but not to the Mets).And good luck to your Jayhawks.I watched a little of their game on TV the other night and they certainly are exciting offensively.

By chrisklob

November 12, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, I can also vouch for Chipper being a nice guy in person. I’ve had the chance to chat with him on three or four occasions at Disney. He doesn’t always stop to sign autographs but when he does stop he’s not afraid to chat with us common folk. I’ve never seen him NOT speak and certainly never seen him be rude or disrespectful to anyone. I’ve seen plenty of big leaguers and ex-big leaguers be complete jerks to people for no good reason. J.D. Drew is one example. Johnny Bench is another. What a shame.

I remember one year we saw Chipper talking to a couple by the dugout for probably half an hour or more. When he finally made his way over to the gate where we were, someone asked him who she was. He replied that she was a baseball fan that he’d met years ago when he was in the minors and they’d become friends and kept in touch in the years since. That told me a lot about him.

My father used to always say “it doesn’t cost extra to be nice to people”. It’s true and it’s a shame more people don’t buy into that philosophy.

By David O'Brien

November 12, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

Canadian Brave, you’re exactly right. Managers and coaches vote on Gold Gloves, not “peers” (as someone suggested here last night). And a lot of those managers and coaches remember the plays that a guy made against their team, or plays they saw him make on ESPN highlights, when they hurriedly fill out their Gold Glove ballots….

Shaun, agreed on Santana. I see Yanks. I also see dead people, but that’s another story entirely….

By Lew

November 12, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

Mets Trolls-Another thing about resigning Teixeira. He will make about $13 mil this year in arbitration-about what Andruw was paid last year. So what if he costs $20 mil a year on a long term contract? Hampton’s salary ($8 mil, minimum) is off the books after this season. Does that add up to more than $20 million? Since I realize y’all attended P.S.I Don’t Know Crap and Likely Never Will, I’ll tell you-it’s MORE than $20 million, which makes it do doable.

I’ve also got to agree with DOB on this one-just who exactly are y’all going to trade for Santana? It’s really getting old and lame to think y’all will get aything, much less possibly the best pitcher in MLB for Milledge The Malocontent, Humber(wow, we’re all really impressed) and Pelfrey, who won what? One game last year? The Twins will be absolutely bowled over.

By Shaun

November 12, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

DOB, yeah, it is kind of silly about the awards. I guess I can understand waiting until after the World Series so you don’t have the media asking about them during the playoffs and the possible controversies overshadowing the drama of the playoffs, etc.

Seems like baseball could get more attention and a little extra revenue from announcing them all in one day. They could have an awards show or something. Even if the players wouldn’t go to a ceremony, it would still seem like they could do something like a Baseball Tonight Awards Special or something similar on another network to earn some dough.

By TNRON

November 12, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Amazin’ is right.It is hard to find a word to describe that choke job they pulled.

By Josh

November 12, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Mets Drool or whatever…

Twins really don’t want Lastings. His unrhythmic rapping would sound HORRIBLE in the metrodome. Echos like a warehouse…really poor acoustics in that place.

By AdirondackDave

November 12, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

Daybed —- Holy Smoke… Looks to me like somebody other than managers and coaches should have been doing the gold glove voting since the beginning!

By David-ATL14

November 12, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

I don’t usually waste my time repsonding to the “met fool” on this blog, but that package you mentioned for Santana would be “laughed at” by the Twins.

15 Organizations can and will make better offers than that. 2 middle relievers and a headcase outfielder? get real.

By Greg in TN

November 12, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

Afternoon gang…

If there’s a logjam in a drive through somewhere in Queens, it must mean drool is here. Fries can wait, right drool? But hey, you need to be prepared for 2008 now, so check this site out so you’ll be ahead of the curve for next season.

Loved reading scribe’s post this morning about watching the junior scribe’s tossing ball. Brings a smile to this denizen’s face to see that there are still kids out there learning the game from their fathers. It’s that generational bond from father to child that built the sport of baseball and that same bond is rebuilding interest a child at a time. Thanks for bringing that smile to my face today, scribe. February can’t get here soon enough for me, either.

By BIG DADDY

November 12, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

A couple of comments:

I always thought the silver slugger was awarded on the basis of hitting a baseball.

And I always thought the gold glove was awarded on the basis of catching and throwing a baseball.

And I thought the most valuable player award went to the player who did both those things as well as contribute the most to his team’s success.

Obviously I have been wrong all these years.

AND NOW FOR TIMING:

Can anyone imagine how much Andruw would command if this was 2005 instead of 2007? And Andruw is not a slump. He has a condition, a condition of deliberately ignoring coaching to try to get him to hit to right field. He was convinced home runs were the only thing that mattered when it came to contract gazillions and now he is finding out that Terry Pendleton was right all along. It should not be difficult finding a player who can hit more than .222. Of course they will miss his glove but not as much as two or three years ago.

Andruw has never been presented as someone overly intelligent. I now know why. Goodbye Andruw.

AND NOW A THROWAWAY LINE ABOUT MARCUS GILES.

Marcus thought he was 6’2” and weighed 220. And he thought he could hit tons of homeruns with an uppercut swing. He ignored those who told him that swinging on an uppercut plane gives him only one spot where he can hit a baseball. While swinging a level bat he has all sorts of additional contact points. He may hit it to right or left but at least he has a chance to hit it. Again, ignorance overcame good advice and now look at him, out of a job.

By Steamboat

November 12, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

Stud Pitchers? Humber and Pelfrey? Guess that makes Chuck James a superstudly he-man! Wow!

Throw your SS into the mix and you might get something done.

Twins already have Slowey, Garza, Baker and (marginally) Bonser, all as young, and better, than your young studs.

By Anders

November 12, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

Lew I’m not on the Santana bandwagon however, I do believe there is a chance the Mets could get Haren for Milledge, Heilman and others. That’s not unrealistic and it’s been widely reported that Billy Beane does have designs on Milledge. I know most of you think he’s all gangster and what not but playing up how he acted as a teenager is a bit naive. If you watched him as much as I did last season you would know he’s cleaning up his act. He still has raw skills that need to be harnessed. Heilman is a reliable middle relief or possible mid range starter who has a remarkable amount of time under control left for someone who seems like he’s been around forever. As for tex, my issue isn’t that the money will be available it’s wether the Braves can and will committ $20 mil or so per year to one guy?

By TNRON

November 12, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

Lew,PLEASE educate the Drool!!!!!

By phil

November 12, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

Question about the braves outfield, has anybody heard if the braves are looking at the a Japanese player Kosuke F******* the book on him is he is a on base machine and is as good in the outfield as is Ichiro. He is a free agent and they wouldnt need to pay a fee to get to deal with him. He is 30 years old. I live the the pacfic northwest so we dont get all the rumors and talks about th e braves so again I was just wondering if anything had been brought up about him and the braves.

By Lew

November 12, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Anders-The Mets can’t afford to give up Milledge or Heilman. They have more holes on that team than a Premium Swiss cheese that need filling. I’ll elaborate if you’re up for it.

By JohnGTFan

November 12, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Mets getting Santana is a pipe dream probably created by some goofy N.Y. publicist with serious delusion problems. Santana may end up in N.Y., but it won’t be with the Mets.

DOB Based off your experience and what you know/heard…do you think ATL will improve the team more via trades or free agency. It seems to make more sense, financially, to attempt via trades. However, I know we are a little thin from the TEX trade. Just wondering your thoughts. This of course, assuming ATL ponies up around 8 - 9 mil for Glavine.

By beachcomber

November 12, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Chris - I guess it depends on the day how a MLB player will react. Met Johnny Bench several times when the Reds trained at the old Al Lopez Field in Tampa and he was a heck of a nice guy.

Also time for my yearly vent on the Gold Groves. Hit .320 and not completely butcher the position and you win - see Craig Biggio - when he was hitting .300 and couldn’t catch a cold while we had the best guy at turning the DP since Mazeroski in Atlanta but alas he was a .245 career hitter. That’s my vent - until next year!

By DAP

November 12, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

im sad to see there is a precedent for giving gold gloves to guys with alot of errors. i guess since its not done with a computer just evaluating stats, but by managers and coaches, its alot more subjective. so, whatever, congratulations david wright, at least you arent the first to get one without deserving it. chipper was “wright”…what a head scratcher.

By Jack Bauer

November 12, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

You have my word.

By Canadian Brave

November 12, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

It would be nice to see the Braves get a centre fielder with some credentials in the field! A veteran who could instill confidence in the pitchers. I remember about six or seven years ago when one of the Braves pitchers, Glavine or Maddux, I can’t remember, said that having Andruw in Centre created a relaxing atmosphere that made it easier to pitch. If we go with a young guy or an average fielder, we won’t have this intangible. We need CF to come in and provide that confidence! A leader who can direct the outfield. Someone who can give us what Devon White gave the Blue Jays. Lillibrige or Shafer would not provide that quality, at least not this year. Remember the Braves were not that good defensively last year, before they lost Jones and Renteria!

By DAP

November 12, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

Peewee other than glavine, any other pitcher the braves get need to be a proven winner. someone who has been in the big leagues for a few years at least and has performed well. if its not a guy like that, i dont see any reason to make a trade for him or sign him to a contract. i hope the braves feel the same. there is no reason to make a deal just for the sake of doing something.

By Efrim

November 12, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Anders

Milledge still has terrible makeup for a big leaguer. He scares every team’s GM. He does have great skills though. Pelfrey and Humber are pretty useless. Their stock has dropped more than any propsects in baseball. Milledge,Heilman and Fernando Martinez for Haren. Yea, I could see that. But I bet Beane trades Blanton before he trades Haren. That package for Blanton seems like what Met fans should expect.

By DAP

November 12, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

i believe the braves WILL be able to resign tex if they want to. someone mentioned earlier that almost 30mil is coming off of the books after ‘08. if tex has a great season, he is young enough and good enough to be a guy we build the team around for the next few years. im tired of the revolving door at first base. the braves at least need to negotiate with tex after the ‘08 season.

By OrlandoFan

November 12, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

I think it’s far more likely the Mets could get A-Rod than Santana. DOB’s right that they don’t have the trade bait to make that deal, but they can ante up with the best of them. Probably more likely that A-Rod goes to the Angels, but I’d just simply say he more likely would be a Met than Santana. The Mets likely will get Posada, I guess, which will be significant enough. But it looks like they need at least one corner outfielder more than anything. Can’t count on Alou to play so well again next year. Their cracks of the final 2 weeks of the season seem to me to be expanding in the off-season.

By Mets Rule You Drool

November 12, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Yeah, yeah yeah, like you bagadooshs always know what your talking about.

How many times did I hear the Braves will catch the Mets by the end of the season last year? The only thing the Brokes caught was a quick flight home after the last game of the season. Hahahahahahaha!!!!!! Jagoffs.

And dont be surprised is your boy Texiera ends up in NY after next year, but playing for the good guys.

Can you imagine that team, ARod, Reyes, Wright, Texiera, Beltran, Castillo (or maybe David Eckstein), Moises (if we resign him) - your pitchers will have nowhere to hide - except 3rd place! hahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!

By Choppy

November 12, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Dayton Moore says he doesn’t want to move David DeJesus, but what about Joey Gathright? He’s cheaper than DeJesus and very speedy according to what I’ve read. No one will confuse him for an offensive force, power wise, but he hit .307 with a .371 OBP last season in a part time role. If the idea is to get a major league CF who can play defense and isn’t pricey, then he sounds like the type of guy who could get the Braves to Jordan Schafer. I guess the question is, what is his upside and how much does KC value him? I by no means think he’s some great pickup if they got him, but I think a guy who can play defense, hit above .280 and steal a base or two would be a good stopgap. What do you think?

By BraveNess

November 12, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

yeah, yeah, yeah, messier. great leader. great player. but a piece of turd in my book. and as we have talked about before i am saying that from experience with him. i was just a stupid teenaged parking lot attendant but messier was a jerk.

Is your “book” titled, “Lingering Teenage Observations, Misconceptions and Prejudices”?

I happen to know Mark Messier and find him to be a true gentleman, but thanks for sharing your unflattering and graphic, body excrement description of Messier and parking lot attendants. Now that we all know how you really feel about him, them and yourself, pray tell - do you think we bloggers need to know your perception of anyone or anything else that made an impression on you when you were a teen? Fascinating stuff. Really is.

By flange1

November 12, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Anders,

Yes, I remember what you and others have said. I do believe that things have changed since the trade and our friend Mr Boras is pushing hard everywhere to maximize dollars.

We might get lucky if the ARod thing blows up in Boras’s face and if AJ doesn’t get the huge money that team Boras thinks he is worth, but I doubt it.

In terms of Frenchy, I am sure the powers that be will talk again over the winter to Frenchy’s people about a lonf term deal. Maybe they will be closer this time around.

And yes, even us GA rubes understand the price is going up.

And yes, we do have new ownership that has suggested our payroll will rise. Maybe you could tell drool boy that?

Anyway, I am looking forward to the YEAR OF REVENGE. I juts hope that we don’t get a new Revenge of the Nerds movie……

By TNRON

November 12, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Thats it! Drool and Anders is really Gilbert and Lewis.

By DAP

November 12, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

we all have good days and bad days, right? i think its probably a good idea not to use one brief interaction with someone and create a picture of that person as a whole.

its a good reminder to always try and be on your best behavior, because you never know when you might influence someone’s perception of you forever.

By JasonInMaine

November 12, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

Actually, some are speculating that the Twins feel good about their young starting pitching and that they may want a star position player, possible an outfielder, in a deal. From MLBTraderumors:

“While Santana isn’t up for bidding quite yet, he should be soon after the Twins make their token offer. The Yankees will certainly be in on him. Davidoff says a package of Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera, and a prospect wouldn’t cut it, even though those players are very valuable. The Twins are one of few teams that actually feel good about their pitching, so the focus is on acquiring a star position player.”

By Efrim

November 12, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Mark Bowman brings up Mark Kotsay’s name as a possible CF candidate for the Braves next year. He is owed 8 million dollars next season…..

I can honestly say I never thought of Kotsay in CF for the Braves, simply because I thought the guy was out of the league. He only had about 200 at bats last year because of back pain. If the Braves did get involved with talking to Oakland about Kotsay, I would hope they would ask Billy Beane to eat about 6 million of the 8 million owed to him next year for us to give him anything that resembled a decent prospect.

Bowman can’t be serious about Mark Kotsay. Not for 8 million. Even if they did eat 3/4’s of the salary, he just isn’t a good option for us.

By flange1

November 12, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Hey Lew,

I am interested in hearing about the holes in the Mets line up! Please tell us about them!

By Kenneth Simpson

November 12, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

To Lyn,

You mentioned Lofton not being a team player with the braves. That is a good reason for that I think. I believe that deal was rigged from the beginning with Lofton being assured he would return to the Indians after one season with the Braves so in my opinion he didn’t try with the braves because he knew he didn’t have to knowing all along with would not be with the braves the following year. That deal still stinks!

By NCBravesFan

November 12, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Wow, Chrisklob … that Japanese pitcher does have quite the name, doesn’t he? If/when he comes to America to pitch, it’ll almost be worth watching SportsCenter again to see the anchors deal with that.

Almost.

By N8

November 12, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Drool

You said that our payroll will expose our broke azzes in the offseason?

How much more can one’s azz be exposed than finishing in 3rd place?

Not only was our azz “exposed”, it very well might have been pressed up against the window as you drove by us on your way to YOUR METS AZZES being exposed for their choke job.

What more do you need, than that? Would you like us to spread the…..well use your imagination.

You seem to have a good one if you think the Muts have enough talent to aquire Santana (AND stay competitive), because I do believe that the Twins are proof enough that just HAVING Santana on your roster, isn’t enough.

I’m now thoroughly convinced you are 12 (if that).

By Kenneth Simpson

November 12, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

I am sick and tired of hearing these overpriced free agents say “It not about the money”. I somewhat agree with them. It is GREED and MONEY. They have no loyalty to the teams who signed them and put up with their performance in the minors and they jump ship when the $$$$$$ hits their eye. MONEY and GREED. I only wish all the free agents would have to sit out one year or more because no team would be dumb enough to sign them.

By flange1

November 12, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

I have been intrigued with Kotsay as well. He would be an interesting addition to a trade for a pitcher.

I hear he is a great clubhouse guy and is liked by Braves management (DOB told us that)

What if we got him as a backup if the Lillibridge/Blanco/Schafer thing doesn’t work out?

I have been thinking about a trade for Kotsay and Blanton (I would like Haren but we don’t have the prospects to spare for Haren)

You are right we would need some salary relief…

By Braveheart

November 12, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Bravesness Let’s just say I saw a different side of the man. Take it for what it is worth. You made it clear it was not worth much to you —— which is cool and fair.

Bravesness, truth be told, I think if I troll enough with this story, Messier will get sick of it and invite me to have fun for a week at his estate on Hilton Head so that he can convince me to change my pathetic teenaged impression. Never gonna happen but ….. There’s always an angle Bravesness. Nothing is ever as simple as it appears.

By Lew

November 12, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

While I realize that The Drooling Moron is not real, but a cartoon caraciture of a human, his proposed Mets’ pick ups are a flipping joke. Let’s look at the Mets’ needs and evaluate how much Santana and ARod would even help.

First, the infield. Carlos DelGado at first just had his worst season since 1995. Do y’all Trolls understand this? His worst season in TWELVE years!!!!!BY far his worst season-it’s not even close. To top this off, he missed 23 games. Who will y’all have playing 2B? Will it be Valentin, who missed 71 games? Gotay who only played 37 games at 2B before fading out for the balance of the season? Or maybe Luis Castillo, who is a free agent? Yes, I realize that you’re set at short and third, but your infield made over 50 errors last year-that sucks. Your pitchers already need all the help they can get-your defense does not help.

Now the outfield. You need a right fielder. If Lastings Milledge is the answer, I guess you can’t trade him. Carlos Beltran, while putting up another good power showing, missed 18 games and is a leg injury waiting to happen. Your left fielder, Moises Alou, whose option was just exercised, only played 87 games. He is ancient and missed almost half a season last year. Let me know how THAT one shakes out.

You need a catcher. You don’t have one.

Pitching-You just lost a 13 game winner, who no matter how much you castigate him for his last couple of starts, led your team in most categories for 9/10ths of the season. You will again count on a pitcher, well past his prime (Pedro), who has pitched only 5 games in over a year, is accident prone with chronic foot problems and shoulder problems-not to mention he is hardly the pitcher he was 5 years ago. John Maine is an asset and I wouldn’t mind having him on the Braves. However, he was only 3-4 with an ERA of 5.46 in his ten starts in August and September. Hardly noteworthy. The same goes for Oliver Perez, whose ERA rose almost a 1/4 run per game with his 4.74 performance the last two months. Again, hardly noteworthy. That’s all y’all have at this time.

So let’s see now. Y’all need a catcher, a decent 1B (yours is getting old and frail), a second baseman, infield defense, at the very least one more starting pitcher and probably two, a fourth outfielder who can step in and give you a half season performance without getting hurt himself, a bullpen (your’s sucked all year and Wagner sucked the last month and a half) a bench and a farm system. ARod and Santana will settle these problems? Are you serious?

Now let’s look at this “we’ll get Arod and Santana” thing a bit more closely. Now, just for argument’s sake, let’s say y’all pull off an impossibility and actually pick up Rodriguez and Santana. This will open up yet another outfield position, because you keep talking about trading Milledge. It will also, if you trade Humber and Pelfrey, take all the young pitching you have left that is ML ready (maybe they’re ready). This will hurt you in a couple of years, if not sooner.

Now, all of that aside, if you do sign Arod, Santana and now Tex (y’all are such a laugh)-ARod will cost $30 mil, Santana another $20mil and Tex, at least another $20 mil. That right there is $70 million on only three players-PER YEAR!!!!!! It’s very much time for a reality check Trolls. Y’all don’t have anywhere close to that kind of money. I still contend that if it were there, y’all wouldn’t have settled for Jorge Sosa, Chan Ho Park and Aaron Sele last year. You certainly would have gotten pitching help at the deadline-Omar didn’t. Also, where are all of your prospects for trade purposes? In well over a year, exactly where has this money we keep hearing about been? All you spent it on (if it exists, which I sincerely doubt), why was Moises Alou the only purchase? Come on Trolls, Enquiring minds want to know.

By David O'Brien

November 12, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Just talked to Mahay’s agent. Braves are talking to them, but haven’t talked money yet. Looks obviously like both sides are going to see what market is for him; I’m sure Braves knew any low offer would be spurned before other teams could make bids, but at same time Braves don’t want to offer Romero-level money, and are probably hoping they won’t have to after seeing what market is for Mahay.

By Steamboat

November 12, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

flange1, taking Kotsay (and his $8 mil contract for ‘08) might just be the sweetener to get the A’s to deal Haren instead of Blanton. A package of prospects beginning with Lillibridge, and maybe a pitcher and an outfielder, for Haren. The A’s save $8 mil… who knows?

And Kotsay’s 1 year deal would actually suit us quite well, even though the $$ are high, it’s just one year. Get Haren and forget Glavine!

By Lew

November 12, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

N8 Mooned the Mets Trolls. Coolest thing he’s done in a long while!!

By Efrim

November 12, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Flange1

Well if we received both Blanton and Kotsay in a trade, I would expect us to give up, at the very least, Brent Lillibridge, Brandon Jones, and Jo Jo Reyes/Chuck James. Even that may not be enough to secure Blanton in a trade. As much as I hate to admit it, the Mets package of Milledge, Pelrey/Humber/Heilman, and Fernando Martinez would be more enticing to GM Billy Beane. Apparently, he likes Milledge. And on upside, Milledge is more valuable than Brandon Jones. So is Fernando Martinez for that matter. As a guy who dislikes the Mets, I hope they part with the following this offseason:

Deolis Guerra

Fernando Martinez

Lastings Milledge

I hope they keep the following:

Aaron Heilman

Phil Humber

Mike Pelfrey

I would like to see the Braves pummel Pelfrey, Humber and Heilman for many more years. The other three youngsters have high ceilings and it would be nice to see the Mets trade them away in a deal.

By David O'Brien

November 12, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Lew, I’d say that’s a pretty thorough assessment of the Metropolitans. Hey, he asked, right?

By TennesseePaul

November 12, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Saw some comments alluding to Chipper complaining and all. Then I found this by John Donovan of SI:

• Braves third baseman Chipper Jones, in comments to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, was flummoxed with the Gold Glove awarded to Mets third baseman David Wright. Jones isn’t one to fly off the handle with these kinds of comments. He obviously thought it through. And you know what? He’s right.

By Efrim

November 12, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Lew

Nice breakdown.

They should easily be the most busy team this offseason. Without a doubt in my mind. Several holes to fill. I suppose they could re-sign Lo Duca and Castillo, but would they really want to add two guys who hit around a 700 OPS and stick em in their lineup???

It will be interesting to see how Maine and Perez come back after poor 2nd half showings in 2007. For many who don’t know this, Oliver Perez is a free agent at the end of 2008. With a good showing, he could command a big money deal when he hits the open market. Delgado is washed up and can’t hit a fastball anymore. Their middle relief needs to be addressed as well.

By McFann

November 12, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

Hey, that Met guy is back! Now’s my chance:

I would like to appologize for exploding over your comments, no matter how much I still disagree. If I would’ve taken time to cool off, I’d have been able to argue my case more humanely. So if you’ll take the time to read this, maybe you’ll come to terms with reality.

As far as McCann being overrated is concerned, I still don’t know where you got that from. No one ever claimed his defense was above average. In fact, in an article on atlantabraves.com from June 7, 2007, the writer specificaly said that Saltalamacchia was better defensivly.

He didn’t steal a spot in the All-Star Game, he was voted there because he is respected, not overrated.

In ‘06 he hit .333, and his career average is .296.

So call me what you like, Met fan. Sticks and stones can break my bones, but your names can’t hurt me. But when you start insulting someone else like that, I cannot let you get away with it.

By E

November 12, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Chipper Jones needs to quit crying about not winning the gold glove award because he did not. You get paid to play, just do that. Find a way to stay on the field first and stay healthy, then maybe you can talk about winning the gold glove.

By WadeDawg

November 12, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones’ quote today:

“I wish I could bring back the season from last year. But I can’t. It just didn’t work out,” he said. “I think I have a really good idea of what went wrong. About a week after the season, I think I figured it out. I wish I could have fixed it during the season, but I didn’t. So we’ll see what happens.”

That’s a great thing to say. Why don’t you try listening to your coach’s DURING the 162 GAME SEASON!!!!

We’ll see…..

By TNRON

November 12, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Good assessment Lew.

By Ed Glennon

November 12, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Chipper is the best bargain in baseball. I don’t care how many games he plays.

By Mets Rule You Drool

November 12, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Yeah, we’re in rough shape…at least were not waiting for Mike (havent’ pitched in this decade) Hampton to be our savor.

Idiot.

Adding Santana and Colon will give us the best rotatin in BASEBALL.

Getting ARod makes the best line up in baseball even more powerful.

Alou tore you up last year.

Keep worrying about our situation at catcher - were not. Well have an All star back there, youll have fat overated Baby Huey.

And what about the Brokes pinning all their hopes on guys like Willy Harris, AAA call up ptichers, out of position rookies, and Lar…(he only plays half the season we only need half his name) Hahahahaha!!!!!!

The Brokes sucked last year. You will suck next year. Deal with it.

By Mets Rule You Drool

November 12, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Hey BLew - lets talk about your’ stellar rotation for a second - Older than dirt John Smotlz, Even older than him Tom “Choke” Glavine, Mike “just waiting for a few more paychecks to retire because I have nothing left” Hampton, Chuckie “That on’es outta here” Jones, and a AAA call up/week.

Yeah, you have a chance next year. Hahahahahaha!!!

By McFann

November 12, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this</