Braves

By Braves4Ever

November 12, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

Looking forward to the report on the game. As usual great work DOB Morton sounds like he bears watching for sure.

By Canadian Brave

November 12, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

Morton sounds good! Any relation to Carl Morton?

By bravesfan

November 12, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

Good blog DOB, keep me updated on how Schafer does tonight and if Bobby says anything about the upcoming season or the 5 Braves players in the lineup and have you heard any trade rumors?

By raindawg722

November 12, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

Great blog. Does Bobby have the nails on?

By dadgum

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

Here is hoping Frank & Bobby will view these players as the future and not trade pawns. The Braves need to develop and keep young talent. Of such dynasties can be made.

By TennesseePaul

November 12, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

Awesome. Thanks for the blog DOB. Enjoy the game

By NorthBeachScott

November 12, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

DOB, I am flying into PHX on Wednesday and hope to catch the afternoon Javelinas game. Really would like to check out Schafer. Look forward to your game observations and BC/FW update. Thank you for the terrific perspective and patience with the blog.

By David O'Brien

November 12, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s eating popcorn. You should see the steady procession of folks who walk past, then do a double-take. Several of them stop to say hello.

First inning Morton retired the side in order, after his fellow Braves did not quite so well in top of inning — with a runner on, Holt hit into a fielder’s choice for the first out, Schafer flied to medium center for second out, and Holt was thrown out trying to steal third to end inning.

By Braves4Ever

November 12, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

http://www.mlb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=l119&t=l_sco&lid=119

Game is on Gameday if anyone is interesting in tracking it.

By Bo

November 12, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

Great job DOB. You and the two Bosses have fun. Look forward to your report.

By AdirondackDave

November 12, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

Great new blog, DOB. We love this stuff, keep it coming.

By Braveheart

November 12, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s eating popcorn.

since JJS is not here lately, I will have to say it for him. DOB tell Frank Wren to not put his hands in that popcorn. he might end up with some having a little more flavor than he wants.

By Braves4Ever

November 12, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

Way to Go Sammons! Go Braves…uh… Javelinas!

By David O'Brien

November 12, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

Wow — CLINT SAMMONS, after getting behind in count 0-2, worked it full and then pulled a double deep down the left-field line to drive in the first two runs of the game. Second inning.

He did a nice job turning on a high-and-in fastball from Cincy lefty Benjamin Jukich, who came in with a 9.20 ERA and 24 hits allowed in 14-2/3 innings. Still, it was impressive…

Jukich then struck out Brandon Hicks to end the inning. The young SS from Texas A&M has some work to do — that was Hicks’ 21st strike out 55 at-bats out here. He came in batting .185 before tonight.

By bravesfan

November 12, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the link *Braves4Ever *.

By superadam

November 12, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

DOB Frank give any news on how hampton is progressing, if I am correct he lives in the phoenix area? Did you ever see American Ganster?

By David O'Brien

November 12, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

Morton is huge, by the way. Every bit of 6-5 and has the wide hips and shoulders, like a Brad Penny, only not as chunky as Penny.

Morton just came off the mound and smoothy fielded a little comebacker and threw to first for the first out of the second inning.

Then he struck out KC prospect Kila Kaaihue for the second out before walking Cleveland OF Brad Snyder and getting Angels C Ben Johnson on a popout. No hits for Morton through two.

Hey, just think if Kila Kaaihue and Braves 1B prospect 1B Kala Ka’aihue played on the same team? Braves need to trade him to Royals for DeJesus, and throw in another guy if necessary to make it happen.

Not necessarily because Braves need a CF, but because Kaaihue and Ka’aihue MUST play for the same organization, with the possibility of someday being in a lineup together. It’s gotta happen.

By Braves4Ever

November 12, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

My pleasure bravesfan.

Thanks for the EYE WITNESS detailsDOB

This is Cool. We even have at least one guy on the other team too!

By rainman

November 12, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

thanks man for the post and the updates on the kids on the farm. 96-97 that is the kind of stuff i like read about. Again thanks so much for your hard work and we hope you have a safe trip home.

By David O'Brien

November 12, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Holt just struck out and Schafer grounded out (they’re batting second and third) to end the third inning.

Morton has a big ‘ol bender of a curve, threw it in third-inning warmup just now and that baby had a huge break on it.

By MEB

November 12, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Great stuff DOB! I think an Arizona Fall League game will be more exciting than this 49ers vs Seahawks game. Speaking of excitement… I can’t wait to hear what moves the Braves are going to make. I’m glad we have a man on the scene to keep us informed. Take your own popcorn down when you visit Bobby, not a good idea to share.

GO BRAVES!!!

By Bo

November 12, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

DOB what your thought on Cubs trading J Jones to Tigers for Infante.

By David O'Brien

November 12, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

Morton had a 3-2 count on Angels SS Sean Rodriguez, then threw him a changeup that he fouled back, then a 95-mph fastball (they have the gun reading on scoreboard) that he grounded to short for first out.

Then he induced grounders from the next two guys to get out of inning 1-2-3. He hustled over to cover first on grounder to 1B by speedy leadoff man Chris Dickerson (Reds) for third out. Big man Morton can move.

That’s three innings, three K, one walk, no hits, Javs up 2-0 still.

By Derrick

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

Whats J Shafers swing like? Is he scrawny or strong, did he impress you???

By GoBraves

November 12, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

So Dave….is Thorman being traded a possibility.I personally like Thor and know he could be a good replacement if Tex leaves after next year.But I had heard that rumor.

By batcork

November 12, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

If Mahay’s market price is >$3M, let him walk. Sounds like the sparse lefty reliever market is similar to what it was the year we had to let Remlinger walk. That loss was far more painful to the team at the time, but ultimately was the right choice, because after a year or so, Rem wasn’t the same guy anymore. And Mahay is nowhere near the pitcher Rem was at his peak.

By Efrim

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

Did Morton change something mid-season to get better results? Is his fastball a two seamer/sinker? Morton is from nearby Redding CT. Not too far from where I live. Glad to hear him doing well.

By Steve McP

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

Lots of doom and gloom on the site for the Braves in 08 it seems to me, but by what DOB says we have quite a few really good prospects, not all of which have to make the team, but if impressing others can be useful for trades.

The season next year could really hinge on Hampton, if he comes back anywhere near the rotation would be incredible and give the bullpen the chance to cover if anyone has an off day - imagine the bullpen after June in Gonzo comes back strong.

We have a good hitting line up even without a CF there (see what happened last year when our CF didn’t deliver - still high in runs), hopefully we can land somebody that will be consistent. For me the most frustrating thing was not the pitching but the batting inconsistency, scoring huge numbers one day then failing to deliver the telling hits with RISP. Of course some of that may have been the mind setof the hitters going in with Redman et all pitching they thought they had to score 6 or 7 to be in the hunt, so they were probably trying too hard for the big play too often.

By Darren

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

DOB - 96-97 with three above average pitches. Sound like a young Johnny Smoltz, remember Smoltzie had high ERA’s in the minors as well.

By David O'Brien

November 12, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

Just got back up to pressbox, was down sitting with Cox, Wren and Roger McDowell (didn’t know McDowell was here until I got down there) and saw the kid Brandon Hicks CRUSH a two-run homer over the L-C fence, about 390 or so.

Cox was applauding the kid, and Wren remarked that as a just-draft guy (third round out of A&M in June), he’s done well.

Morton has been EXTREMELY impressive. Just got another strikeout. He’s got a no-hitter going with one out in fifth, but will probably come out after this inning, definitely pitch no more than six innings.

Some local guys here who work for the league said Morton’s been as impressive as any starter out here. Folks, this might be his coming out party, so remember this tonight. I admit I knew nothing about the guy before tonight.

But I’m sold. He’s hit 97 two or three times on the gun here, has a nasty curveball and changeup, a very good slider, and good command. If he keeps this up, I can see him being considered for a spot out of spring training, since he’s going to be on the 40-man.

Someone asked about Schafer — nothing scrawny about him. He’s not tall (only about 5-10), but he’s not skinny (solid build, 202 pounds) and he’s got a nice, compact stroke. Hit some balls very hard in B.P. And he can fly. Stole another base tonight, giving him 10 in 12 attempts.

I was talking to Cox and Wren when he stole that base, and Cox knew it was his 10th steal without looking at the sheet. Wren then showed him the catcher’s time to second base, which apparently was pretty quick. They were impressed looking at it, impressed that Schafer beat the throw.

OK, Morton just threw another 97 mph fastball, fifth ining, then struck out Angels catcher Ben Johnson on a 95 heater, his third straight fastball to him. Still no hits against Morton.

By Bo

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

DOB after watching CJ Sammon from Decatur. Ga and UGA…do you think he could be the back up catcher or does he need more time in minors. I know he needs to work on BA. What about his arm? Is JC Holt a year away or more?

By David O'Brien

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

Just struck out Sean Rodriguez looking at a big curveball to end the fifth inning, his sixth strikeout with two walks and no hits in, by my count, 82 pitches. I’m sure that’ll be it for him.

Quite impressive. Quite, quite impressive, folks.

By David O'Brien

November 12, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

Forgot to mention, Schafer glided over to easily get under and catch a hard-hit ball to the left-center gap, which I thought was a sure double when it left the guy’s bat. That was in the third inning.

Kid can absolutely go get it. And he made a couple of long, bullet throws in B.P. — which Cox pointed out to me that he’d seen.

Yes, they’re definitely sizing him up.

By David O'Brien

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

Bo, Sammons could definitely be the backup catcher. Braves really like him for that role. wouldn’t surprise me, though they say they’re at least looking around for a veteran to fill it. I think it’ll be Sammons, though. Really do. If you can save $1 mill or so there, why not?

OK, Morton’s out of the game, as expected. And that’ll be my cue to leave. I gotta drive an hour to the other side of Phoenix, get my stuff together at the hotel, get to the airport and return my rental car, etc, before my flight.

Good talking to you folks, who are definitely hardcore fans. Great to see people paying such attention to fall ball. And certainly am glad I was here tonight, of all nights, to see that kid Morton pitch with Cox and Wren and McDowell in attendance. It’ll be interesting to see how that plays out, to follow his progress from here.

I’ll try to check in again after I get to the airport.

Later

By WarParty

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

Excellent information, good hustle and an account of a live game in progress? Good work, Mr. O’Brien. We appreciate your efforts.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

November 12, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

DOB:

Great post, timely info, as usual. Thanks for keeping us up to date on Braves doins’.

I don’t object to bringing Mahay back next year. Overall, he did well. However, I want a clause in his contract that $10,000 to $20,000 gets deducted from his pay for every walk with fewer than 2 outs. Watching him was like watching Russ Ortiz. Early walks, walking a tightrope for the entire inning, sometimes with success, and sometimes not. The only good thing that comes out of a free pass is the possibility of a double play. Otherwise, it portends doom, disaster, and freebie runs.

Is Lillibridge playing winter ball? If so, where, and at what position?

Thanks again for keeping MIB blog current.

By BravesFanInRockies

November 12, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the updates, DOB. I saw a couple of Spring Training games at that Surprise stadium a couple of years back. Really is a great place to watch — esp. on a warm March day. Nice scenery …

By David O'Brien

November 12, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

Oh, and I didn’t realize (should have) until someone told me tonight, that the two Hawaiians are brothers (the Braves’ guy uses an apostrophe in the middle of his last name, so that threw me off, I guess).

Superadam, Frank told me nothing’s changed on Hampton, he’s supposed to start next week in Mexico.

And saw American Gangster and really liked it. Denzel’s terrific, as usual. I’d give it an A- or B+. Definitely worth seeing.

I still thought Denzel was even badder in Training Day.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

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

DOB Don’t you just love watching history in the making? Seeing these young kids grow and give you a glimpse of their potential. It is the one thing I love about minor league baseball.

By Steve McP

November 12, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this

DOB - sounds like a great outing for Morton - he is clearing making a name for himself if the Braves hierarchy were there to see him (and the other good prospects too of course). To throw such a good game is excellent, but not sure of the quality of the opposition, what kind of level were they? The Javelinas seemed to have several potential fringe major palyers, but was this also true of their opponents?

It was fun watching a game on gameday again - if the mlb keeps records it probably had more coverage than most of these fall league games!

By Ben

November 12, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this

DOB, greatly appreciate your blogging from the game. You got me pumped about this Morton kid! Hopefully he can keep up the good work.

Keep coming with the offseason updates man.

By fastasballs

November 12, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

Wow great blog. Almost made me think it was a March spring training game. Who knows, maybe 2-3 of those guys will be on the roster. I didn’t know anything about Morton, knew the name, but that was about it. I guess he kind of slid under everyone’s radar.

With all of the attention from the brass & Cox you have to think they are high on the kid, especially after his performance tonight.

Great stuff DOB

By Matty O

November 12, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the update, always look forward to reading the blog. I noticed Morton had pretty good numbers going in but didn’t know anything else about him . Sounds like he’s putting it together and we should keep an eye on him. Not a bad way to watch a game with Wren, Cox, and McDowell. I would love to be able to do that. Keep up the good work DOB.

By chrisklob

November 13, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this

DOB, thanks for the new blog and the in-game commentary. Didn’t get home from work until too late to tune in but it was fun reading your remarks.

Glad to hear that Charlie Morton is back on the radar. He spent two full years (2004-5) at Rome, as I recall, followed by a year at MB. I remember him as being a hard thrower, but with too many walks. But he’s a really nice kid. I enjoyed many conversations with him. His parents relocated to one of the barrier islands near Charleston so he was always happy to play here. I’m glad that they think enough of him to put him on the 40-man.

n the AFL, before tonight he’s 3-1 with a 3.48 ERA in five games (four starts), with 14 strikeouts and six walks in 16 innings.

Those are some pretty decent stats, especially since AFL is considered a hitters league.

Hey, some prospects take a while.

I’ve always found it interesting to watch these kids that have a ton of natural talent. For some of them, it’s like a lightbulb turns on and they suddenly “get it”. Either they finally get comfortable with their bodies (many of them are still growing) or they start to put the mental part of it together or they flame out somewhere along the road.

Oh, and I’m ALWAYS happy to see Elvis Costello get a little love!

Gil, greetings good denizen. Regarding your 11.12 post, I totally agree. Of course, you get to see them with a lot more polish than I do! But it’s fun nonetheless.

By Henry

November 13, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this

Like Spring Training in November. Days are getting shorter, but this blog was an extra couple minutes of sunshine, Dave, muchas gracias.

Henry

By Braves4Ever

November 13, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

DOB Thanks for the live coverage dude. For a few hours the brown grass turned green and the smell of baseball was alive and well. Winter is a tough time for baseball fans and tonight, thanks to your effort and the potential of a few kids, all was well in my world. THANKS!

By Missouri Bravesfan

November 13, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this

Dave, great post. Thanks for keeping us up to date. It is nice to hear whats going on with the Braves prospects. I would really like to see the Schafer kid get a chance this year. Great story on the Morton kid. Sounds like he could be something special. Could be a big battle for the pitchers next spring. That can only be good for us. Keep up the good work for fans that are starving for any Brave’s news we can get.

By uga-brave

November 13, 2007 1:30 AM | Link to this

DOB,

once again thanks for the blog. we are really lucky to have you. would of loved to been there and listen to the first hand critiques from cox and wren. pretty special stuff.

By MikeS

November 13, 2007 2:00 AM | Link to this

DOB, ditto all of the comments here. Thanks for all of the insights from AZ. That was pretty cool, to be able to get in-game blogs with all of our prospects going out there tonight, not to mention some comments/reactions from the Braves brass as well. Very much appreciated. Keep up the great work!

Sounds like great reviews on Schafer and Morton, and more likely that we’ll be seeing them at some point in 2008 (which should be a good thing, as long as they get enough at bats/appearances. I definitely don’t want to stunt their development by having them ride the pine at the ML level).

I saw Posada signed a 4 yr/$52 million deal with the Yanks. Seems a bit high to me for a 36 year old catcher who hit 60 points above his career average in his contract year. When’s the last time a catcher has been productive pushing 40 (much less $13+ million/year productive)? Definitely going to be overpaid the last couple years of that deal. But, since it’s the Yankees, they can afford to take risks on guys like Posada (not to mention they probably couldn’t afford to lose him too after losing Arod).

By David O'Brien

November 13, 2007 2:09 AM | Link to this

My pleasure, folks. It was a fun night. How lucky was my timing? Get to see Morton dominate for five no-hit innings, and to do so for a couple of innings with Cox, Wren and McDowell, in an incredibly laid-back atmosphere with a few hundred fans in the house. Great stuff.

By the way, you should’ve seen Frank’s face when I told him how many of you guys were out there blogging live, checking in on this game. He loved it. Could hardly believe it, but he loved it.

I checked the boxscore after I got to the airport, and it looks like I saw all the action there was in that game. It was 4-0 when I left, and that was the final. A combined one-hitter for four or five Peoria pitchers, but the Braves Japanese guy didn’t get in.

Schafer 0-for-4. This late-season funk’s dropped his average from .397 to .333 in past six games. But I tell you, folks, just watching him and listening to Cox and Wren as they watched him, it’s clear this guy’s going to get his chance. They really like him a lot, it’s obvious.

Sammons sure didn’t hurt his stock tonight. And Morton, obviously, is putting himself into the spring-training mix for job competition.

OK, my flight was delayed from 12:35 to 1 a.m., but looks like it’s gonna be here and we should take off by then. I know, it’s shocking that a Delta flight coming from Atlanta would be delayed. Must be that awful weather in Atlanta, all the rain and storms and all that (wink).

By David

November 13, 2007 2:20 AM | Link to this

I was just casually checking in since I hadn’t read the blog in a few days. What a pleasant surprise this turned out to be. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrreat information, Dave. Thank you so much.

It sounds like Schafer in CF in April is a much bigger possibility than I had anticipated.

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 2:21 AM | Link to this

Thanks Dave. What an life! Just hangin’ with Bobby, Roger and Frank!!!!

I guess I gotta move Charlie Morton from my minor league spreadsheet to the roster spreadsheet!

Do you guys think Glavine will be the first move, or do you think that centerfield or the utility infield position will be filled first?

JS was always coming up with something unexpected, I wonder if Frank W will follow suit.

DOB, sorry I missed out on the live game blogging. Traveling from SLC to Boise tonight. Let my XM at home, what a bummer!

Nite all….

By Adoro los Bravos!

November 13, 2007 2:27 AM | Link to this

DOB…now you’ve gone and gotten everyone here all giddy.

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 2:32 AM | Link to this

DOB Thanks for “taking one for the blog team” with the red-eye.

If you get a chance, at some point can you speak of Alexei Ramirez, as to the Braves interest, and your thoughts on how he might fit in with the Bravos. (backup SS/2B? or potential CF’er??)

I have seen bits and pieces, but nothing substantial about him.

Anyone else have any more indepth info on the Cuban dude? I suspect the info is sketchy.

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 2:40 AM | Link to this

BTW, tonight (technically earlier tonight), it was Charlie Morton’s 24th birthday!

What a b-day present! An audience with the big boys!

By joe

November 13, 2007 2:50 AM | Link to this

DOB….dont know the asian pitcher, but he is Korean and not Japanese, for whatever its worth.

By joe

November 13, 2007 2:50 AM | Link to this

DOB….dont know the asian pitcher, but he is Korean and not Japanese, for whatever its worth.

By mike

November 13, 2007 2:53 AM | Link to this

I echo everybody else’s thoughts, great job DOB. I thought I was happy with my career choice but now Im very envious of yours. I can’t wait to see these guys in spring training. Im curious, does Bobby Cox read these blogs at all?

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 3:03 AM | Link to this

Do the Braves have any interest in F U Dome, the Japanese outfielder?

I can see the placards and banners now……

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

November 13, 2007 4:18 AM | Link to this

I just got caught up on the latest blog and like everybody else , I envy the opportunity to see some baseball in November alongside Wren and Cox. Great stuff , O’Brien ! Anyway , speaking of great pitching. Seen the latest numbers on Jeff Bennett ? He has made six starts in Venezuela. He is 3-1 with a ridiculous ERA of 1.50 . In thirty innings he has given up just five earned runs while striking out eighteen. Bennett is the real dark horse candidate to make the rotation out of spring training. This Morton kid just adds depth to the Braves stock of good arms. I’m beginning to wonder if the Braves even need Glavine….. I’m kidding of course. But the depth and breadth of starters is getting scary , the rest of the N.L is in deep dodo in 2008.

By TURTSNAP

November 13, 2007 5:33 AM | Link to this

DOB Just woke up (couldn’t sleep a wink last night) and read your entire blog. EXCELLENT! Pitchers and Catchers report time in February can’t get here quick enough for me! I know the future is extremely bright for my Braves (I live in Henry County, where the kid Heyward came from) and just reading about the kids tonight has me psyched, especially about Morton. The Braves need a fireballer arm in their rotation to help offset the finesse that they have. Sure Hudson can bring some heat, but I mean a guy that can take over and dominate opposing hitters. Sounds like Frank, Bobby and Roger were impressed with what they saw. Can’t wait until February!!!!

By ssiscribe

November 13, 2007 6:58 AM | Link to this

Top of the morning, everybody. And what a nice way to wake up, reading about the game last night and the prospects and the Braves’ briantrust on hand in what sounds like a perfect setting for baseball.

Sometimes, it’s nice to strip away all the other stuff and watch baseball at its purest form. That’s why I always enjoyed writing about high school baseball (and all prep sports, for that matter).

The Morton kid really sounds promising, if he can hit mid to upper 90s with the heater and a big bender. And indeed, DOB, good timing with Cox and Wren out there in Arizona to size up Schafer. I think he’s going to at least get a good, solid look early in camp, although I think Lillibridge is the most likely candidate from within to take the center field job.

Great, great stuff. I picked the wrong night to go to bed early (taking the crew to see the Thrashers tonight, and know we’ll get home late, so I crashed way early last night).

Again, many thanks for the reporting. Maybe Wren realizes just how much these fans love this baseball team, to have so many checking in on a November fall league game three time zones away. Great stuff.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Braveheart

November 13, 2007 6:59 AM | Link to this

more of what everyone else has been saying. very cool info.

morton is tall - maybe he has had trouble coordinating his limbs early in his career - like randy johnson once did. but maybe he is starting to figure out his body. i have no idea. just speculating.

must have been cool to sit there just kicking it with a HOFer. must have also have been weird to be at a ballpark and not have bobby decked out in his uni. you got to see a different side of him than others see.

very interesting to hear you say bobby knew that was schafer’s 10th stolen base. that was a sneak peek into how cox prepares and analyzes and what he is seeing he could do with the kid. i could almost see cox sitting there saying maybe the kid won’t be able to hit the way i want him to next year but if he can play good D and steal 30, 40 bases I’ll make the kid useful enough. alot of people also always believe cox does not like stolen bases. that comment shows that might not be true or simply shows that he knows he might need to improvise in center next year to get enough production.

as much as we complain all the time, it is nice to see the manager, gm, and pitching coach working as a tandem. it always seems too many teams like to act like the GM should pick the players and the manager should just shut up and play the players the GM gives him. Omar and Willie anyone? Never hurts to have all of them sitting there together breaking kids down together as a team rather than a bunch of self-interested egomaniacs trying to get credit.

i have often wondered why bobby cox is so willing to play rookies and young guys sometimes. most managers like joe torre absolutely hate playing young guys. but now i see. cox seems like he likes to keep his ear and eyes and mind closer to the minor league street than many other managers. i guess he has never quite stopped being the GM/talent evaluator he used to be. by the time they called up he knows all about them because he has been paying attention to them since they entered the minors.

well, this version of where in the world is DOB has ended. what’s next? australia to interview moylan? a trip to the carribean? a trip to mexico? ya gotta sell it DOB. it’s more than just a baseball trip. we get info about places like jerome, arizona. it will be sports section meets travel section meets music review section meets movie review section meets restaurant review section.

By Braveheart

November 13, 2007 7:04 AM | Link to this

yeah wayne. if we used to have the langerhans hands, i would hate to see what they do with the F U Domes. at least that corny goober traditiion of some of our fans could finally take a very sinister twist to it.

By GeorgetownKid

November 13, 2007 7:22 AM | Link to this

This has been a fun one! Thanks David!!

By Braveheart

November 13, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this

if we sign glavine next season, it is imperative that we have great infield defense. KJ will have to step it up next season. maybe it is a good thing we traded edgar since yunel has more range.

in 2007, the braves were reliant upon some flyball pitchers like Chuck James and Buddy Carlyle. Their ground ball/flyball ratio for those pitchers leaned heavily in favor of flyballs. Hence, less work for the infield and more for the outfield.

Next season, the rotation will be some combo of Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, James, Jurrjens, Hampton, JoJo.

For the last few years, Smoltz has had a GB/FB ratio in the 1.3s. Hudson’s GB/FB ratio has been in the 2.5s. When Glavine is going right, his GB/FB ratio is in at least the 1.4s. A problem last year for him is that it slipped down to 1.18. JoJo had a 1.11 GB/FB ration last year. Jair had a 0.86 but in such a small sample he gave up 36 ground balls and 42 flyballs. When Hampton is going good, his GB/FB ratio is over 2. When he is at his absolute best is when his GB/FB is over 2.5. Chuck on the other hand had a 0.65 GB/FB last season. Maybe Glavine or someone can teach him a new pitch which causes more grounders. Buddy had a 0.70 GB/FB. Moylan had a 2.50 GB/FB. Soriano had a 0.63 GB/FB. we do have to expect that he is gonna give up an untimely homer or two with that ratio.

Looks like the Braves will have alot of worm killing starters next season. Great infield defense will be the key. Anyone wanna take bets on whether Chipper’s range factor increases with more ground balls being hit? KJ has got to step up next year though defensively. Also, maybe the need for a great defensive centerfielder will not be as important if less balls are gonna be flying out there.

It will be very interesting to watch Tim Hudson next season. A huge reason for his improvement in 2007 as compared to 2006 was that he gave up way less flyballs which led to 17 less doubles and 15 less homers. If he can continue to keep throwing nasty stuff down and inside and out then we can expect more of the same next year.

By Joe Fan

November 13, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this

DOB,

If the barves choose to go for a vetran backup catcher and if Johnny Estrada is non tendered, what do you think the chances are that they sign him?

By todd h

November 13, 2007 8:09 AM | Link to this

DOB, you rock dude. my gosh, what a fix for us hardcores. i’m excited to see what happens with the roster in the next few weeks.

By Arkie Fan

November 13, 2007 8:09 AM | Link to this

We all know the needs of our Braves. I think that one of our major problem areas is over all team speed and the lack of fundermental basball skills. Sometimes you have to manufacture runs. Bunting, moving a runner, hit and run, etc., are things that we do poorly. I would like to see more coaching help along these lines. This could help us win many more ball games in 08.

By Braveheart

November 13, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

One other very good thing about the timeliness of Morton’s emergence: Trade Bait! The Braves might not need to sell one of their so-called top 10 prospects. In getting what the Braves need, the Braves might be able to convince another team to take Morton instead because of the timeliness of his emergence.

By Jim

November 13, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

David, where did you attend college? I enjoy your work tremendously! It is thoroughly enjoyable & informative!

By flange1

November 13, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for the in-game blog. You have given us far more in site with your discussions with Braves Brass then we could have ever hoped for!

By superadam

November 13, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

DOB Did not really like ganster myself, thought Denzel has great screen presence in it, i thought it was long and not as ganster as say Scarface or Carlitos way, not enough action for me. Thanks for all the updates. Clint Sammons name sure is getting brought up a lot I dont hear any mention of Bryan Pena. I think he is a good hitting backup and I liked what he did in atlanta till the injury and we did not see him back till sept. I know he was learning more positions in Richmond, any chance of him being a utility guy or backing up McCann

By Dave Caldwell

November 13, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

Check out playerprofiles.com for a look a little closer look at Sung Ki Jung. He is a sample player

By Efrim

November 13, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

It is official. Keith Law from ESPN.COM is a Braves hater and a Dayn Perry clone. Here is what he has to say about Tom Glavine:

Glavine may try to pitch one more year, but he’d be wise to remember the ignominious end of another lefty’s career, that of Steve Carlton. Carlton didn’t know when to walk away, and after a terrible 1987, Carlton tried to come back one more time and gave up 19 runs in nine-plus innings before he was released. Glavine’s 2007 wasn’t as bad as Carlton’s last full season, but he posted one of the worst earned-run averages of his career, one of the worst groundball rates of his career and one of his worst strikeout rates of his career. Glavine’s stuff is down. His fastball is 80-84 mph, his change at 74-75 with visible slowing of his arm, his slow-roller curve at 75-77 — and none of it able to miss bats. Glavine has to pitch hitters away and avoid contact; if he’s not getting something extra on the outside corner, he’s doomed. He’ll get an offer if he wants to pitch, but even in a big park in the National League, he’s a 50-50 shot to get released or retire midyear. It’s been a great run, Tom — don’t push it.

Law ranked him #50 out of his TOP 50 free agents. He did have 23 quality starts last year, did he not. Boy that is A LOT of luck for one guy to have. Again, I don’t expect Glavine to have an ERA of 3.50. But I expect the guy to have an ERA of around 4.00 and give us 200 innings. Law is right about one thing though, Glavine can’t miss bats anymore. Not even pitchers bats.

By mark

November 13, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

You are a true Baseball fan..Thats easy to be that way living in Atlanta..

By 3trees

November 13, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

Great reporting, DOB. Good comments from the peanut gallery too. I appreciate all you stat folks. I’m too lazy, but it makes for interesting reading. Thanks for the update on Bennett, Coach. He really impressed me at the end of the season. He’s got a nice curve and goes right after ‘em.

A buddy at work loaned me the Band book/box set (the thing that Robertson put together). No surprise here, but its an excellent piece on one of the coolest, most unique groups to ever come along.

Later

By Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

November 13, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

efrim, law is right about some of those things but that is also a lazy conclusion he jumps to. there is nothing risky about that prognostication for law. it’s not like anyone thinks glavine will win the cy young next season. everyone knows he will be an innings eating average or slightly above average pitcher. and everyone knows it has the potential to blow up in the face of the braves. he’s picking gloom and doom for glavine because that is quite easy to predict. if glavine sucks, he can say see i told you so. if glavine ends up with an ERA somewhere in the 4s, law can still say oh well not as ugly as i predicted but he is clearly in decline and not pitching that great so i was not that far off.

plus, i am not sure law hates the braves. he’s in the business of making people like you respond to what he says. if he just does boring objective analysis, no one reads and no one cares. he has to try to pi$$ people off or else he pi$$es his editors off.

By Lional

November 13, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

Dave, there have been numerous rumors floating around the league for possible center fielders. With names like Mike Cameron and David DeJesus listed as possibilities, why don’t the Braves look at Kenny Loften. Sure he’s 40 yrs old, but he can still hit and steal bases (7hr, 38rbi, 23steals, .296). Why would the Braves consider Cameron, a guy who’s going to set out a significant chunk of the start of the season? They would have to trade for DeJesus who had has a long term contract. With Schafer possibly being ready to man CF the following year, it seems odd not to think of signing a guy like Lofton to a one year deal.

By TBraveFan

November 13, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

Open letter to Tommy Tommy, for the past five years, my birthday wish has been that you return home - where you belong…
My birthday is Sunday — please make my wish come true this year!

By James D Feely

November 13, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

The Braves will offer Glavine an incentive heavy contract with a moderat front end, if they sign him at all. I can’t se them matching soe of the crzy offers that might be out there. Maybe a big second year high end option might just do the deal when tied in with the primary contract.

By Anders

November 13, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

Efrim I know you guys think I’ve been just trying to rain on your Glavine parade but I watch as many Mets games as you guys do Braves games and I’m telling you Keith Law assessment isn’t far off. I’ve been innundated with the quality starts number etc.. but this is one of those cases where you had to be there to see how inneffective Glavine has become. I think this guy is a little over the top about Glavine having to walk away mid year but I don’t see him as major factor for the Braves next year. As a fan I attended no less than 5 of Glavines starts last season and they are absolutely excrutiating to sit through. He just nibbles and nibbles for inning after inning. It’s like watching continous Steve Trachsel versus Mike Hargove at bats. I realize that doesn’t matter if he wins but he absolutely puts the defense behind him to sleep and takes the fans out of the game as well. Folks -save all your TG numbers from last season -I’ve seen them all.

Plus keep in mind Glavine had a Gold Glove third baseman and CF which he won’t have with the Braves! - Just kidding - everyone relax.

By Efrim

November 13, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

Yeah yeah yeah

He has knocked our top prospect repeatedly and is now knocking Glavine. Can’t wait to see his 2008 NL East predictions.

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

Lional I am not sure of the details, but Lofton burned his bridges with Bobby Cox and the Braves on his last trip through Atlanta.

Coach Thanks for the update on Bennett. I am stoked about our possibilities. We do need to exercise a measure of restraint though. I have often thought we need 3 prospects to be able to expect one to come through reasonably, considering all factors. So, if we count Bennett, Lerew and Reyes as all prospects, then maybe ONE will come through for us. James and Jurrjens are in a similar category, of having some success at the bigs (James to a larger degree). Hampton is a wild card long shot.

So, if one of Bennett/Jurrjens/Reyes/Lerew comes though as the #5 starter, then I am good with Smoltz/Huddy/Glavine/James as the 1-4 rotation guys.

And, that’s not considering there is always the possibility of an upgrade to someone like a Blanton, Haren, Snell type. I am not counting on another deal, but with JS record (assuming Frank is a true disciple), stranger things could happen.

Morning Dave, whenever you get up! I am darn jealous guy after last nights posts!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 13, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

What’s the old axiom? You are only as good as your last start? Never is that more true than in New York……

Great to hear the good reports on Bennett. He is the guy that holds the most promise for the Braves for next year if you ask me. he has already proven he can get guys out at the major league level, he is just working on arm strength and stamina now continuing his comeback from arm surgery.

Yes, we need to petition the AJC for more road trips for Dave O’Brien. Maybe even a human interest story by Carroll Rodgers to Curacao. Hey, inquiring minds want to know…..

I am not Latino nor Hispanic by any stretch of the imagination but a good look at the Cuban baseball system would be a great read to.

Folks, if you are a Braves fan and you know of a budding balplayer with talent, do not be afraid to let the Braves staff know about him. Scouts can only cover so much ground and usually rely on high school coaches to alert them to talent but you never know when you might be the one to spot the next Jason Verlander or Andruw Jones.

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

Efrim and Yeah, Yeah: Who really gives a crap about Law and Perry anyway. Let them diss TG and the Braves. That makes it all the more sweet when we top the beloved Mets next season!

I almost hope the Mets sign Pay-Rod. I think they deserve a choker like him. Then let them go out and get Santana. The victory over them would be even better! Maybe Wright could win another GG at second next year!!

By Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

November 13, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

So, efrim, what you are trying to say is that as deep as law thinks schafer’s load at the plate is, law’s writing is as deep as a load of you know what?

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

Gil My 15 year old is a lefty with a strong arm. Scrawny at this point, but prefers to be a point guard! Oh well!

(None of my 3 sons have been baseball fans like their old man. They all gravitated to football and basketball!)

By Braveheart

November 13, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

Yes, Gil, nothing would be cooler than DOB talking and smoking cigars with Fidel. Well, I don’t know if it would be cool exactly at all but it would be a unique experience for the notorious one. Something I imagine all journalists would want the opportunity to have. Mr. Notorious meet Mr. Notorious. DOB could even help smuggle a Cubano out on the way back for the Braves.

BTW, how did Livan get out of Cuba? I know his brother El Duque likes to claim some b.s. story about being on a little raft or something but I can’t imagine Livan gittin’ over here on a little raft or boat. That big boy would capsize that sucker.

By BIG DADDY

November 13, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

I’m an old dude (77) who has been watching pro baseball for well over 60 years, minors and majors. Obviously I love the game.

And with that I want to add that I really appreciate the job David O’Brien does on a continuous basis and particularly today. This is a real inside the park homer with the basis loaded. Fabulous job Dave.

Sounds like the Braves may well have unearthed another winner in Morton. That many top execs. didn’t go to Arizona by accident. They were there to see Morton and Schafer and it sounds like they were not disappointed.

Dave, I don’t write much but I do enjoy your work and that of most of the bloggers here. Great baseball knowledge you guys and you too are appreciated by people like me.

By Efrim

November 13, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

Yeah Yeah Yeah

I like Law a lot, but I think he is wrong in both cases. Thats all.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 13, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

On backup catchers…… I loved Jonny Estrada but I get the feeling he may have burn a bridge or two with the Braves. I think he would do well to dedicate himself to a workout regime to take off a few pounds. There is no question the guy can hit but he sure can’t run and he is not the guy you want to try to throw out baserunners.

Bryan Pena’s future with the Braves depends on the number of options he has left. Again, the kid can handle a bat but the Braves feel less than enamored by his catching prowess. Not that the Braves feel that Brian McCann is a threat for a gold glove but appear to feel he can catch well enough to allow for his bat to stay in the line-up.

Dob I wonder if the Braves’ brain trust paid a visit to Mike Hampton while in town? It would seem a perfect opportunity to me.

By Anders

November 13, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

Hey Gil As for your old axiom, keep in mind Glavine had the $13 mil option that NY left open for him that he humbly walked away from. That’s a lot of cash . I understand he wanted to go home but I think even Glavime feels he can’t justify those type of $’s and he doesn’t have the confidence anymore to try. He certainly was within his rights to take it but didn’t because he knows the Mets have been more than fair and generous with him. So before you go bashing NY, how about considering your teams stance of your only as good as the home town discount you’ll give us approach?

I await the Tex bashing by mid August when it becomes apparent he’s leaving for big $’s up north like many do.

By Lew

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

Well, Keith Law is entitled to his opinion, surprising though it is that he gets paid for it. It totally amazes me that so many base their view of Glavine’s abilities on three starts during a time when the entire team sucked- When the entire team was falling apart (note several nights in a row of 4-5 errors per game). During a time when the team was experiencing a toxic locker room atmosphere, with morons blowing up (Yeah, the Mets will find suitors for Milledge-sure they will). NO ONE on that team was producing at this time. It is absurd in the extreme to take this microcosm of a season and predict a player of Glavine’s tenure and durability on those three games.

I’ve got to agree with Coach again, though. Yes, I think Glavine should be signed, but suppose he does flame out and retire (a la Carlton) at mid season? The more reports we here tell us how good our kids coming up are throwing the ball, just reinforces my belief that wer DO have pitching in the pipeline-lots of it. Charlie Morton-so much for us only producing soft tossers. With him (who wasn’t even on the radar, Rohrbough, Hanson and others (yes, that Korean reliever has been looking awesome,as well) on the horizon. Pitching in the organization is quite promising.

Imagine. Agreeing with Coach yet again. What is the world coming to?

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Anders: The only way as a Braves fan I can look at Tex is as a 1.5 year rental. If I have lots of fun with the rental, then it was a price well paid.

If it is his desire to chase the big bucks and the bright lights of the big city, then that opportunity will present itself.

Personally, I am hoping that Scott Boras two moves this winter flops badly (opting out of Pay-Rod and not resigning AJ to a reasonable contract last winter). Maybe it will give others reason to pause. BUT, alas, there are always some idiotic owners who’s wallets are larger than their brains!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 13, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah I have to be very careful not to say things off the top of my head as I could get banned. However, unless he can hit a lot of 3 point shots tell him not to get his hopes up on the basketball. Of course there are lots of devision III schools looking for kids just like him.

As much as I love baseball, I did not begat a single boy who could play baseball worth a darn. I still have hope for one of my many grand sons though as he has potential. He has the makings of a great second sacker.

Realistically, I would rather he become a doctor…….

By ncscoots

November 13, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

I am good with Smoltz/Huddy/Glavine/James as the 1-4 rotation guys.

If Hampton can pitch just the least little lick, you can kiss Chuck goodbye…on the bus he goes. One of the right-handers will get his slot, unless they are total spring busts.

Had planned to a blog vacation until the CF issue is settled, but I couldn’t resist an in-game AFL blog, LOL. Are you kidding? Try getting something like that on any other sports blog but this one.

Besides, no one mentioned a CF other than Schaefer, so I can live with that. :-)

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Lew/Coach

Wow, guys! It’s end of the world stuff, cats sleeping with dogs and so on……

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Gil I hear you, although there was John Stockton!

By itsouttahere

November 13, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

THANKS DOB !!! Some of the coolest reporting ever!!

Signing Glavine is a huge risk. Certainly the Braves brass have to know it.

The Mets huge collapse was no mistake. With their pitching (other than Maine) who did they have?? It will take them years to recover from the monumental collapse anyway.

All of us loved Smoltz, Glavine, Avery and Maddux. But, this isn’t 1993 anymore!! Look to the future, not relive the past!!

Go Hampton, Jurrjens, Bennett, Reyes, Cormier, Lerew & Morton > if Hampton can handle # 4, then somebody in this list can handle # 5 !!! Probably Bennett!

By David-ATL14

November 13, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Outstanding job DOB. Thanks for the in game updates and all the other pertinent info.

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Agreed Scoots. I wouldn’t be too surprised to see an upgrade of James. Package him with another player or a couple of prospects for someone with a tad bit more upside. I think that is 50/50 right now.

I would be awesome to see one or two of the righthanders really shine this spring (Lerew, Boyer, Cormier, Jurrjens, Bennett, and gotta add Morton to the mix). I don’t expect Villarreal to be around next year. He might not even be tendered.

How would “two-pitch Chuck-it” be as a long reliever???

By kdbanks

November 13, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Good news that there are still some hidden gems in the farm system. I’m real nervous about the Braves starting pitching beyond this season, since Smoltz, Hampton, and Glavine will be nearing the end.

Looking at BA’s projected lineup or 2011 doesn’t help, since most of the pitchers have limited big league experience, if any. I do like the assumption that Tex is still with the team, though. Here’s the lineup if anyone hasn’t seen it:

PROJECTED 2011 LINEUP Catcher Brian McCann First Base Mark Teixeira Second Base Kelly Johnson Third Base Jon Gilmore Shortstop Yunel Escobar Left Field Jason Heyward Center Field Jordan Schafer Right Field Jeff Francouer No. 1 Starter Tim Hudson No. 2 Starter Jair Jurrjens No. 3 Starter Cole Rohrbough No. 4 Starter Jeff Locke No. 5 Starter Jo-Jo Reyes Closer Rafael Soriano

By dave o'briens bff

November 13, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

DOB - do you really think the braves are settling on soriano as their closer? that would suck.

By Shaun

November 13, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

I actually half agree with Law. But I think Glavine could be a fine fourth starter for a team with a good defense and a good offense.

I know I defended Glavine before with the quality start stat but you look at his game log for last season and he had a lot of starts that were just on the right side of the quality/non-quality borderline.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 13, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Anders I was not bashing New York, just making a comment. Sorry if you have a complex. To be honest with you, I think the Mets have missed their opportunity. This is not about Glavin, it is about having depth and spending money on player development. I only throw a little smack at some of the trolls who don’t have a clue.

Personally, I feel Tom Glavin is past his prime but realistically, I know he is still a pretty good pitcher. Yeah, he is going to lose some games, maybe even get blown out of a few but bottom line is every so often you have to take that chance. Honestly, I would rather have Andy Pettit but that’s not going to happen either.

As for the money, I have never seen or heard of a single player say he did not deserve or earn his money. Maybe it was all those long bus rides in A ball or the shabby motels they stayed in while learning their craft while coming through the system. Don’t know for sure but I think that as long as the owner’s are willing to shell it out, the players will gladly accept it.

By Efrim

November 13, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

NCScoots

I agree on James.

If Hampton is anything near 100%, Hampton will be in the 4 slot behind Smoltz, Hudson and Glavine.

Jair Jurrjens will be the fifth starter next year. James will be on the bus to Richmond, or more likely taking Oscar Villareal’s spot as the long man. I expect Oscar to be non tendered. Jurrjens is flat out better. People will see this come spring training. I will be glad not to see James in the rotation. It always pained me to see him pitch once the opposing hitters came to bat for the third time.

By Braveheart

November 13, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Alright, Anders, enough. We get the point. You don’t like Glavine. Your team’s mistake? Paying the fella back in 2002 thinking he was still a Cy Young candidate. The Braves were smart enough to think he no longer was so they were not gonna pay him Cy Young candidate money.

The Braves and the none of the bloggers expect him to be Cy Young now just like we did not expect that out of him back in 2002. You were the dopes who expected that.

You know what? We watched a horrific collection of horrendous pitchers in our fifth slot last season who gave us a 10-26 record when they started with an ERA well in the 6s. We therefore have gained newfound appreciation for a mere innings eater who can be average and give us an ERA in the 4s and give us a bunch of quality starts. That is all we expect from Glavine and about all we need from him.

We watched our pen suffer like heck in July and August because of the very lack of quality starts from our starting pitchers. Until Acosta and Ascancio came up and gave this team a much needed shot in the arm by allowing Cox to finally rest up Soriano, our pen was hurting something bad (except for Moylan) ….. not because they are not good …. but because the starting pitchers were abusing the relievers. Glavine can help remedy that somewhat.

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

itsouttahere

You make some valid points. But consider this. If the Braves do not sign Glavine, who is left? Silva, maybe. A long shot. Lots of suitors. Make a trade? Then you have to give up something of great value to get a true #3. They are out there, but they are costly.

Lastly, if you don’t sign Glavine, what could you do with the cash. Realistically, you are NOT going to sign a $10 mil for a one year free agent. The big CF is out, due to Schafer and Hernandez in the wings. What other great need do you have that you would spend that kind of money on? (again, because pitching is a premium)

You could take a flier on a few big name pitchers that most were hurt last year.

Personally, I think the Glavine signing is a low risk, high reward signing (if 8-10 million could be thought of as low risk!!!).

But, I think this is probably what the Braves are thinking, although I have been wrong on ocassion.

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

Maybe TG will win the “Cy Old” award next fall!

Gotta run…

By ncscoots

November 13, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

Wayne, I don’t know about Chuck being traded, just that it will be harder for him to make the big club with two other lefty soft-tossers already at the back of the rotation (Glavine if signed, Hampton if healthy). Slim chance that three lefties, all with the same type of arsenal, will go back-to-back-to-back.

As for Lerew, don’t know if his rehab will be far enough along for him to be considered in the spring, or am I off on that calendar? I’d love to see that guy healthy in body and mind.

By Jared

November 13, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Keith Law of ESPN has a “top 50” free agents list out (it’s free). Glavine is #50 (yes, out of 50).

SOURCE

Glavine may try to pitch one more year, but he’d be wise to remember the ignominious end of another lefty’s career, that of Steve Carlton. Carlton didn’t know when to walk away, and after a terrible 1987, Carlton tried to come back one more time and gave up 19 runs in nine-plus innings before he was released. Glavine’s 2007 wasn’t as bad as Carlton’s last full season, but he posted one of the worst earned-run averages of his career, one of the worst groundball rates of his career and one of his worst strikeout rates of his career. Glavine’s stuff is down. His fastball is 80-84 mph, his change at 74-75 with visible slowing of his arm, his slow-roller curve at 75-77 — and none of it able to miss bats. Glavine has to pitch hitters away and avoid contact; if he’s not getting something extra on the outside corner, he’s doomed. He’ll get an offer if he wants to pitch, but even in a big park in the National League, he’s a 50-50 shot to get released or retire midyear. It’s been a great run, Tom — don’t push it.

I still support signing Tom Glavine for on a low risk, one year deal for 2008.

By Efrim

November 13, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

I will say that I thnk we need to keep James in the organization though. Jurrjens had shoulder problems in August of last year, if he gets hurt, we need some backup. Proven backup not named Buddy Carlyle. Sure, we have Jeff Bennett and Jo Jo, but that is a combined 70 innings of Braves major league experience between the two of them. James has about 270 innings.

By TennesseePaul

November 13, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Wayne: if you don’t sign Glavine, what could you do with the cash

I’d suggest making that trade which requires giving up something so as you can acquire a pitcher who will be around for more than 1 year. Lest we all forget, Glavine is a 1 year deal. Hampton is gone after this season as well. That leaves us with Smoltz, Hudson, and fill in the blank. I’d be happier if it was Smoltz, Hudson, and Something more.

By ncscoots

November 13, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Efrim, we also agree on Oscar, and I’m happy to help him pack his bags, frankly. I guess Chuck in long relief makes a kind of weird sense, one time through the order, and so forth. But I might be more intrigued by Cormier in that slot. I’ve bashed Lance early and often here, but there IS something about him that makes me want to see him on the squad. Go figure.

By Blog Monitor

November 13, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Jared, get with the program. Old news!

By TennesseePaul

November 13, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Keith Law of ESPN has a “top 50” free agents list out (it’s free). Glavine is #50 (yes, out of 50).
—Jared

143 players who have filed for free agency
Sports Illustrated.

Now, 143 free agents and Keith Law has a list of the Top 50. Yes. Top 50 out of 143. Glavine is ranked at number 50, better than 93 other options out there.

By rich brave

November 13, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

GIL:

How about PENA as a backup at !st while he tries to learn the position?? Didn’t he play some 1 sack in Richmond this past year??

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 13, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Here is what I don’t understand about Mets fans bashing of Glavine. If he is so terrible and washed up, why is their “genius” GM wanting to resign him? That doesn’t make sense.

By Efrim

November 13, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

Scoots,

I’d rather have Jeff Bennett in long relief than Lance. I think Lance is behind Buddy, Chuck, Jo Jo, Jurrjens and Bennett for a rotation spot next season. I think Chuck makes sense in long relief and spot start duty. He’ll get a lot of innings. Again, I do not expect Mike Hampton to give the Braves anymore than 20 starts.

By Braveheart

November 13, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

Anders, you also keep making this point about Glavine walking away from $13 million in New York.

You keep making the completely absurd point that he does not think he deserves it. Do I personally think he deserves it? Uh, no! But do I think Glavine bases his decision on thinking he does not deserve it? Only a dope would think Glavine has that sort of mentality. That is a fan approach. The mentality of a geek who does not play the game.

Did you ever stop to think that Glavine can make more money following retirement by closing out his career in Atlanta? There are many more opportunities available following retirement to him if he comes back here and retires as a Brave than if he retires as a Met.

He and his team are extremely calculating. They are not a dumb bunch at all and will never walk away from a dollar - which he should not do. I’m betting that Glavine has thought this through pretty well and has forecasted that whatever money he loses by walking away from the $13 mil from the Mets will be easily made up for in retirement.

To increase post retirement financial opportunities, he needs to reinvigorate the Glavine brand name back home in Atlanta.

By Anders

November 13, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

*Lew

NO ONE on that team was producing at this time. It is absurd in the extreme to take this microcosm of a season and predict a player of Glavine’s tenure and durability on those three games.

But you repeatedly use this microcosm of a season to predict what you expect from Beltran, Wright, Reyes, Wagner, Delgado, Alou et al.

You see Lew, The Mets may very well sign Castillo and Loduca again (especially since Posada re-upped with the Yanks)and then they have only a change in right field for their position players. Shawn Green produced 46 RBI in right last year. I’m gonna go out on a limb and say they’ll find a way to meet or exceed that production even if they put the Master Rapper out there. Glavine’s gone but I expect Pedro will give us as much or more than Glavine did (13 wins). Perez, Maine, el Duque - say what you will about them but they’re the same guys who led the east for 95% of last season. Same with the bullpen.Plus Sanchez will be back and I think Schoenweis will give them more now that he’s pitched in the NL for a full season (strictly gut). Are there other issues in the Pen? Sure. Show me a team not named the Red Sox who doesn’t have bullpen issues. As you’ve remind me of daily Lew, it was a historic collapse that caused the Mets to lose the division by 1 game and still finish ahead of the Braves. Do you really expect this historic collapse to repeat itself next season- based on a 3 week microcosm? I don’t - I do expect a season long division race between the Phils, Braves and Mets. I haven’t seen where the Braves or Phils have made themselves markedly better as to change the balance of power drastically. I also expect the Mets to make some type of splash this offseason should the oppurtunity present itself. They have $20 mil that came off the payroll for Glavine and Green alone.

By T

November 13, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

Glavine would help this team, but….

If he is going to play other teams against the Braves contract negotiations, than I say no thanks. Everyone in the media talks about how the fans can’t forgive Glavine for the the ‘94 strike comments… That is INCORRECT. My problem with TG is the lack of loyalty on his part. To play the Phillies against the Braves and then the Mets against the Phillies & Braves is the problem. Glavine did it bad when he left the Braves. He did it last year when deciding whether to forgo his option with the mets, which was the extra year the Mets offered that TG said was the deciding factor for singing with NYM in the first place. I personally think a lifetime position with your original organization is worth more than a few more millions of dollars (I say this as I would see myself in Tom Glavine’s position as already having millions. I really can’t relate).

Strike 1 (‘94 strike stance), you can forgive. Strike 2 (signing with NYM & dissing Braves fans with complete lack of loyalty), very hard to forgive. Strike 3 (TG plays the Braves with other teams for more money and doesn’t sign with Braves this season), Completely DONE.

I might already be there, but stop blaming the fans for Tom Glavine’s actions. He is the one that slapped the Braves organization and the fans in the face for a few extra million.

By Efrim

November 13, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

Not sure if you all knwo this, but if the Mets offer Glavine arbitration before he is signed by the Braves, and the Braves then sign him, we lose our 1st round pick to the Mets. The 18th overall pick. Kind of sucks.

By Lew

November 13, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Anders-Seems to me that the Mets’ Nation (small though it may be), is just cheering their heads off hoping Tex signs elsewhere. If he signs long term in Atlanta, it will probably be at least ten years until the Mets contend again, won’t it?

It’s time that you and many others come to the realization that NY, Boston and LA can’t sign every Boras client. It is just a financial impossibility. We’ve tried to tell you numerous times that we will have plenty of cash after 08 to sign him long term-way more than enough. We’ve also told you and many others that we’re not the same financially restricted team that Time Warner left us with. Management has said we will spend whatever is necessary and they have. You may think that Tex and Andruw are an even swap financially-they’re not. Andruw’s salary is gone with the 100% increase in Hudson’s salary, Smoltz’s raise and other raises given key players. The Braves have ALREADY added whatever Tex receives in arbitration (quite possibly $13 million). We’re also seeking to sign Glavine at multiple millions. This will add to payroll, as well. This is hardly a financial wash with the players who have departed, no matter what you think. Payroll has been added and more will be as well. Maybe there will be no boost to $125 million, but there is and will be a significant increase-whether the Mets like it or not and I’m certain they’re thrilled.

Besides-the Braves are not the Mets. They HAVE a farm system that has been providing a steady stream of players when we need them. We’ve been doing it for going on two decades, now. We can field a home grown team if need be. The Mets can field the left side of the infield, right field (if they don’t trade Milledge) and a pitcher or two (that have done nothing of significance. Of course, they did sign Scott Kazmir, but look how THAT one turned out. Sorry Anders, if Tex leaves, then he leaves. We still have options at first (Chipper, Kelly Johnson, or others). We still have a productive Farm System, despite what we gave up to get Tex. We’ve had players leave before and look how well we’ve done anyway. Don’t you wish the Mets could say the same? Mo Vaughan anyone? Perhaps Jeromy Burnitz? Victor Zambrano? Yeah right. That worked, didn’t it?

By Anders

November 13, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Robert Where are you seeing that the Mets want to sign Glavine? I haven’t. As a matter of fact I’m sure they exhaled greatly when he passed on the $13 mil. Anything else being said pulicly is mostly out of respect for Glavine. I believe both the Mets and Glavine have moved on.

By Braveheart

November 13, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

Did Bobby pass out on his seat watching a young pitcher actually make it through 5 innings?

By Rick Roberts

November 13, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Great blog, Dave!! Would like to see more of this with more prospects next year in the minors. Morton has always had the promise and very glad to see what he is doing—through your eyes! We have Tommy Hanson, Cole Rohrbough, Morton, Steve Evarts, Dan Smith, Devine, Ventors, Evans, Parr, and many more. Keep us updated on prospects, Dave.

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

T that is what makes it hard for me to swallow my pride and say I am willing for the Braves to bring him back.

If he screws around with the Braves this time, then to heck with him and the horse he rode in on!

As Forest Gump said, “That’s all I have to say about that.”

By David-ATL14

November 13, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

I agree with richbrave.Pena can help, he would be a much better option as a pinch hitter and backup 1b than Thorman. A switch hitter that could back up at 1b and be the 3rd catcher in a pinch, that has hit everywhere he’s played.

By Efrim

November 13, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Anders

If the Braves sign Glavine, they are a better team. Plain and simple. Personally, I think re-signing Lo Duca and Castillo are the wrong moves. If you look at the stats, Sanchez wasn’t all that great when he was around, not to mention he hasn’t pitched since mid-2006. I agree with you that it will be a race to the end. The Phillies have definetly improved their pitching staff. Please look at it from a non-Mets fan perspective. Lidge is an upgrade to their staff. The key to the Braves season will be their bullpen’s performance and the progression of Francouer, McCann and Johnson. Johnson needs to keep doing what he is doing but McCann and Frenchy need to have much better years if the Braves are to contend next year.

By ncscoots

November 13, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

Efrim, re the number of Hampton starts, you seem kinda in-between on him. Is that because you don’t expect him to be ready in the spring, or because you think he’ll break down during the season?

IMO, if he’s healthy in April, he’ll stay healthy. If not, then he’s likely done for good. So, he’ll either make a lot of starts or very few.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 13, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

rich brave I think Bryan’s future with the Braves is going to be very dependent on how he does in spring training. Yes, he played a variety of positions last year in Richmond. Third base, left field, first base as well as catching and DH.

I have a sneaking suspicion that he will be traded this winter. He is not a bad guy, just the Braves now have more options coming up. The emergence of Sammons as the heir apparent as a back up catcher may be the hand writing on the wall for Bryan.

By Anders

November 13, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

Braveheart I have no idea what Tom Glavines retirement plans are but to say he’s leaving $3 to 5 mil on the table in a grand scheme to rebuild his image in Atlanta in the hopes of selling tires or something is asinine. That aside, Glavine has a tight relationship with Jeff Wilpon (The Mets owbers son and team President). They are about the same age and their young families socialize together - I know this because it fairly public and has been written about. Part of why he passed on the $13 mil was out of respect for that relationship, knowing he wasn’t worthy of it. Those are not my thoughts but those of the local Mets writers surmizing.If Tom Glavine wants to make some cash on the side after baseball he could play corporate golf 5 days a week and do grip and grins via Wilpons connections on Wallstreet. He doesn’t need to put on a chicken suit and make commercials for Chick Filet.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 13, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

T Give me a few million and I will slap Mike Tyson around. Abet only once but I would try….. Okay, maybe that is a bit over the top, who else would you like slapped? Call me…….

By chrisklob

November 13, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

DOB, any word on whether Cox was ejected from this game? :-)

By Overlord

November 13, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

Hamptonis Scheduled to arrive mexico on nov 18th and start playing for the “tomateros de culiacan” in the pacific league.

Manny Acosta is also going to play in that pacific league for the “obregon yankees”

Woodward is already there, but he is in the DL. I wonder why didnt he hit the DL in atlanta.

By Salty

November 13, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

Scoots Maybe it’s just that so much time has passed between starts :-{ but I don’t recall Hampton being Glavine-esque. Granted, he’s know Randy Johnson, either, but aside from being leftie, the comparisons are few (in my cavernous mind!). Now…Chuck and Glavine…that wouldn’t work, at least back to back…too much like James going through the order for the 6th or 7th time…double ugly!

Been to The Valley this year? Big night this Saturday!

By Braveheart

November 13, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

I can never understand Braves fans who say Glavine showed disloyalty by not taking a pay cut to stay here. Does anyone ever remember it is a two way street? Did the Braves show loyalty to Glavine by not paying him the money the market said he was worth? Were the Braves loyal to Justice, McGriff, Grissom, Andruw, Maddux, Glavine, Rocker, Javy, Giles, Furcal, Dale Murphy, and all the others? Uh, no, they were not.

The Braves as an organization are about the most disloyal team to their players that there is. The Braves love their players like Donald Trump likes his women: good, young, and cheap. When you are good, young, and cheap, the Braves love you. Otherwise, see ya - well, at least until you become old, cheap and somewhat still decent to look at.

The relationship between the Braves and Glavine is like a relationship between between two gold digging lesbians that got shot to hell because neither found each other as attractive when the money ran out.

By Captain Obvious

November 13, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Anders: clutching the Linus security blanket and looking for any reason to hope and say Glavine is not coming back to pitch for the Braves next season, only to soon have that blanket ripped away sometime between now and the winter meeting when, around 2-5 PM EDT, DOB frantically posts on this very blog:

BRAVES SIGN GLAVINE

By Lew

November 13, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Anders-I use a microcosm to talk of the Mets? Dude, as usual, you are so far out in left field that Juan Pierre couldn’t even hit the cutoff man from where you’re standing. You don’t pay a bit of attention to what people really say, but bulldoze ahead as if nothing penetrates you brain but your own thoughts (probably nothing does penetrate, but that’s another blog).

I’ve said all along (and the stats back me up), that the Mets had a lousy record from the end of May until season’s end. THAT is not a microcosm. That is two thirds of the season. Look it up, Dude, nothing made up there.

In my post about the state of the Mets yesterday (which was factual and indisputable), I gave DelGado’s stats-he had his worst SEASON in 12 years. SEASON, Anders, not last month. I mentioned that Alou missed 75 games. He did. Also not a microcosm-it was HALF a season on the DL. I mentioned the Mets’ infield defense-more than 50 errors for the SEASON, not the last month. I mentioned Wright’s errors-for the entire SEASON. I mentioned Pedro missing more than a YEAR-not the last month. The only players I mentioned as to the a partial year’s performance were Maine (who, if you’ll notice, I called an asset), I just pointed out how he faded down the stretch and he did. I said the same for Oliver Perez-he faded down the stretch (look it up, he did). I also quoted their stats for the last TEN games (not three as with Glavine), or ONE THIRD of their SEASON-not a microcosm. Same with Wagner. Is his arm still viable? It sure as hell wasn’t the last month of the season. If he were my closer, I’d damn well be concerned. He has, by his own admission, a dead arm.

So Anders, as usual, you open your mouth and the point you attempt to make is useless and invalid-which makes sense, because you are just trying to give me a hard time and not make valid points. You’d think after all this time in our presence that you’d realize we see past your obfuscation continually.

As far as resigning Castillo and LoDuca. Go for it. Where, exactly did they get you last year? Is LoDuca any younger? Are Castillo’s legs any younger? Will El Duque be younger than he was last year? Will he miss any less time than he did last season? I think not. Are any of them likely to show more durability in their dotage? How exactly did Sanchez do last year without the roids? Not too well, but you could go check out the numbers. They’ll back me up. Yes, Anders, the Mets will definitely field a team with nine guys on the field every day. I know they will. So will the Rays. So will the Royals and the Reds. So will every team in MLB. That’s doesn’t mean the Mets will win a damn thing-just like they didn’t last year. One and out. That’s it. Spin it any way you want, Troll, you’re wrong and pig headed as usual. And uninformed. But, then again, we already knew that. Too bad you can’t figure it out without our help. And no, I don’t expect a repeat of the Mets’ collapse (and you better damn well believe I’ll remind you of it at every turn). I don’t expect the Mets will be in a position to collapse. Like I pointed out yesterday, they could end up in third or fourth place in the division-EASILY. Maybe last if the Marlins aren’t stupid the way they run the team. They are old. They are losing players. They have no kids to replace them with. They don’t apparently, have all this money we keep hearing about, because they haven’t spent it, despite a dire need to do so. In other words, they are a team in major decline, ever since June of last year. Not a microcosm, but sad anyway-If you’re a Mets’ fan, that is. We all have come to expect this underperformance by the Mets. No microcosm there, they have a twenty year record of futility with only one Division to show for it. They will add to the futility in 08. NO ONE has enough $$$$ to fill all those holes. There’s just not enough 40+ year old players available.

By chrisklob

November 13, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

Part of why he passed on the $13 mil was out of respect for that relationship, knowing he wasn’t worthy of it.

Anders, that is just ridiculous. Union men don’t leave that kind of money on the table because they aren’t “worthy of it”. Glavine signed a contract that gave him the option to earn $13m next year. He has some other motivation to opt out of that contract — probably family, but who really knows beside him.

Either way, they don’t opt out of deals because “it’s the right thing to do”.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 13, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Braveheart I bet you just fell off both The Donald’s and Rosie’s Christmas card list in one blog post…… LOL

By McFann

November 13, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Yeah, it would be nice for McCann to have a better-than-2007 year. His problem last year was that he kept getting hurt. :,(

By Lew

November 13, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Anders-Excuse me. I meant Mota with the roids. As someone pointed out, Sanchez hasn’t pitched since 06. Another microcosm?

By T

November 13, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,

Name me the last player in baseball (and the specifically the Braves from all those players you listed) that received a “lifetime position” with the organization as part of the negotiations? As it was reported, the difference between the NYM contract that Glavine signed and the Braves contract was 1 extra year from the Mets vs. the Braves “lifetime Position”.

I haven’t seen that kind of loyalty offered by any other team in sports. So while I agree with you that the Braves do like their players young and cheap. It does not apply in this case. Glavine already had made millions prior to signing with the Mets. If TG truly wants to play for the Braves, shut up and sign for fair market value. If you respect someone, you do not “play” them against someone else.

By Anders

November 13, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Lew Timing is everything. Delgado and Giambi are both up after next year as well as Tex. You think Boras isn’t salivating over that? I understand the Braves have $’s available for Tex but the relevant question is wether they’re willing to get in a price war with the NY teams - especially the Yanks? Last week of July on this blog will be consumed with “Do we trade Tex for prospects now because the Yanks will offer him 6 years at $130 mil+ or do we hold him and hope for a playoff run this year?” The Braves have produced a steady stream of major leaguers - I couldn’t agree more. But the heart of their success was on the backs of 3 HOF’ers in their starting staff. Those days are over. Unless they bring back Maddux too and then you’ll have MLB’s version of Cocoon on your staff.

Bottom line imo - Hampton’s the key. If you can get 3/4’s of what he used to be next season I think that will have a big impact on the race. He can be a horse when he’s right. Add him to Hudson and you have a reliable top of the staff that will allow Cox to manage Smoltz and Glavine’s health. The Mets did that 2 years ago with Pedro. They would manipulate the starts to allow Pedro 6 days off periodically or even skip his spot in the rotation which kept him fresh . Getting someone like Haren would have the same affect of course - depending on what they have to give up.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 13, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

It could be worth noting to keep an eye on the Tigers as far as a possible CF goes. The Tigers have quite a log jam in the outfield. Ordonez is in LF. Granderson has CF. Marcus Thames, Jacque Jones, and Cameron Maybian are all competing for left. Assuming that Sheffield will be the DH. The Tigers will have a hard time finding playing time for all three. I wonder if the Tigers didn’t acquire Jones in hopes of moving him and absorbing some of his contract in the process. Just a thought.

Also, David Murphy with the Rangers is somebody to look for. If the Rangers are able to sign Hunter or Rowand (both of whom are supposed targets) that could make a guy like Murphy expendable to them. Murphy is a solid OF who put up good numbers in his time with the Rangers.

By chrisklob

November 13, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, I don’t know that I would call the Braves disloyal for not resigning certain players. I believe that most of those players were not brought back because of business decisions that were made by JS. Some, like Rocker, were sent out because they were headcases and locker room disruptions.

When you consider the very tight budget constraints that he was under the past few years it’s easy to see how someone like Giles doesn’t get brought back for $4m or so when there is an in-house candidate who can do the same job (or better) for league minimum.

JS was trying to field a competitive team while at the same time adhering to a budget that severely limited him to who he could actually afford to hire. Because of that, I don’t think any disloyalty was shown to (at least most of) these players. Can’t recall the specifics of Murphy’s departure so he may be the exception.

By Efrim

November 13, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Scoots

Even if Hampton is healthy in April, there is no guarentee he stays healthy. Inflammation of the elbow could very well happen. He may have to be shut down for a month. This is very possible. I think he will reach the 120 inning plateau and then have to be shut down for a little while.

By David O'Brien

November 13, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Just flew in from Phoenix, and man are my arms tired…. Hey, couldn’t resist the world’s oldest and lamest joke.

Joe, don’t know why I wrote Japanese. Obviously I realize he’s Korean, as I wrote in the original post that he’d done three years mandatory in South Korean military. But thanks for pointing it out. I’ll fix that….

Man, I’m freakin’ exhausted. Getting too old for redeye flights. Fortunately, I’m pretty certain Braves won’t be doing any deals today, at least none big enough (i.e. Glavine) to have a press conference. Wren and Bobby are out in Arizona for another couple of days.

I’ll talk to Frank and a couple agents later in day, just to make sure no offers have been made (I don’t think that’ll happen with Glavine or Mahay for a while longer, as I wrote in original post).

And someone asked about Soriano — yes, I’m fairly certain Braves are going to “settle” for him as closer. But I wouldn’t call it “settle.” I think he’ll be one of the better closers in the NL, provided he stays healthy.

By ncscoots

November 13, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

Salty, I lump all those guys who can’t break 90 in the same boat :-). Hampton throws a sinker to Glavine’s change, but they both rely on hitters to get themselves out; guess that was the point to which I was alluding.

Down to the hills only once this year, but I plan to be there Saturday, if nothing gets in the way. Maybe this is the year we can return some of that last-minute voodoo to BC, instead of the other way around!

By rich brave

November 13, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

GIL:

We haven’t had the advantage of see ing Schafer in person(at least, I haven’t), but his late batting funk is troubling. I noted DOB’s mention of singles to the opposite field( just a few - not all the time). Usually when a youngster’s BA nose-dives, a book is beginning on the kid. I’m not convinced that he’s quite ready for prime-time, and if that’s true, the Braves shouldn’t rush him to the majors like Devine. It’s good that the operations team took a personal look at him in Arizona. My take on Bobby’s and Frank’s trip to the Southwest was more “where is he now” than “is he ready now.” Ops would need to seriously evaluate the status of all the farm prospects where needs exist on the major level at this time. Then they are better informed on what’s needed to be accomplished in the Nashville meetings. I’ve got a lot of faith in this organization despite the $$$$ limitations which are not Wren’s fault. “If you have lemons make lemonade” seems to be their operative slogan. And I’m not implying that Schafer is in any way to be considered as such. Just that AFTER Nashville we’ll have a clearer picture of where things stand all ‘round

By Saltywoody

November 13, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

DOB- Thanks for the great info on the Fall League Game. That was awesome stuff.

Certainly got me jazzed about this Morton kid…and Schafer, as well. And thanks for putting in good words for everyone with Frank. Maybe all the bloggers will start getting contracts, too. You know, with the burgeoning payroll and all…

I hate to say this, but if Smoltz and Huddie stay healthy…even without Hampton, it looks like we might actually be able to field a really solid rotation this year and in years to follow.

Chuckie/Jojo/Jurrjens/Morton/Carlyle/Bennett?

There’s gotta be 2-3 average to good arms in that bunch, right? And if you throw in a moderately effective Hampton and a good-verygood Glavine?

That’s a staff, man.

AND……it’s October. So, pardon me for being over-exuberant.

By Russell M.

November 13, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Many concentrate soley on what Glavie will bring to the Braves on the mound, and looking at his career numbers and the numbers from last year he should contribute greatly and put the Braves in a position to win many of the games he pitches. One thing that is not being mentioned on here is the impact that he will have on two young left handers who are very similar in pitching style to Glavine when he was coming up, Reyes and James. Go back and read what Maddux did for San Diego, and recall what Glavine did in the end of his first stint with the Braves. With Glavine and Smoltz there to help influence the younger pitchers along with McDowell, I think that the bottom end of the rotation (4 and 5 spots) will drastically improve, even without Hampton healthy.

By Andy

November 13, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Dave, do you get the feeling that Wren will allow NO TRADE CLAUSES in order to keep Tex. I know JS would never do that. What are your thoughts regarding this?

By David O'Brien

November 13, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, and the thing about Morton was, he was still throwing 95-97 in the fifth inning after 75-80 pitches. He could easily have gone another couple innings, at least. Dude was filthy…

Chrisklob, you beat me to the Cox ejection thing. I was thinking of that driving back to airport last night, how funny it would have been if Cox had thrown his popcorn disputing balls and strikes rom the stands and gotten tossed….`

COACH, thanks for update on Bennett. That had slipped through cracks with me. Yes, I believe he’ll compete for the fifth spot, especially if Hampton isn’t able to go (no reason to believe Hampton won’t be … well, except for history. Repeated history).

I do think Braves will be done when they sign Glavine, as far as starting pitchers. Don’t think they’ll be pursuing another, unless one comes in a deal for a center fielder or something like that. But I think they’ll be satisfied with the starting pitching with Glavine added.

By FJR

November 13, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

saying Glavine declined the $13 million offer out of respect for the mets is just the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of. The Mets owners are multimillionares, they are much wealthier than Tom Glavine. Even if he likes them, you think he really is going to leave 5 million on the table out of respect? This guy has represented the players union. And further more, I can not imagine the Mets owners would EVER hold it against him if he did exercise his option. Glavine has his reasons for not taking the deal, we can only speculate, but the msot ridiculous idea is that he is doing it out of respect for Wilpon and not wanting to take money he does not deserve. Hell, I am 100% sure that Glavine truly believes he will return to form and be worth 13 million next year, you don’t win the awards he has without that kind of mentality. Please, get real.

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

WW I didn’t write down all the names you mention in your loyalty post. But, I seem to recall it being Dale Murphy’s suggestion that the Braves trade him for the good of the team.

Also, others are not kept as they outlive their usefulness, or as just recently happened with Edgar, we had someone else as good as, if not better, for less money. Smart baseball management.

As for Glavine, he followed the Boras/Union model. Chased the highest dollar amount. The Braves were looking for a discount, and offered him just that to stay with the team he came up with.

Smoltz could have gone to the Yankees years back for 50% more money. He took the hometown discount. I can’t see where the Braves were anything but loyal to Tom.

Does all that make him a bad person. Nah. If he comes back, I will be OK with that. If we had other options, I would prefer them instead of Tom, but I can see where this could work for both sides.

I just hope he and his agent doesn’t start pulling out offers from the Astros, Cards, Nats, Mets, etc and then trying to fleece the Braves. If he does, then I would let him walk.

Whaddya think??

By Anders

November 13, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Lew What major leaguer is younger this year than last? Smoltz, Glavine, Chipper? Why is that question only relevant to the Mets? With all the issues you pointed out the Mets still finished ahead of the Braves and only one game out of first. Could they have finished 4th? I guess so, but they could have finished 1st too. What’s your point? They finished where they finished. Moving forward I expect more out of Delgado (worst season of his career last year - your words). Possibly more out of Alou, if not we’ll have Chavez to fill in as a 4th outfielder this year. I certainly expect more out of the right field position. I even expect Reyes to have a better full season. But if only half of these things happen then they’ll still be better than last year. Why is that so hard to grasp? You are blinded by your Met hatred. I’ve agreed that the Braves and Phils will be in the race - not sure why you’re so sure the Mets won’t be. But hey, that’s why they play the games. You have no CF, a left field platoon, a short stop playing his 1st full year there, a closer with 12 career saves, 2 40 year old starting pitchers, etc.. Not sure why this is such a virtual lock for you but the Mets are in such trouble.

By David O'Brien

November 13, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, regarding your comments about Cox in 6:59 a.m. post — your read on him is quite accurate.

By David O'Brien

November 13, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Andy, let’s put it this way: I don’t think Wren would let a no-trade clause be the deal-breaker with Tex. I think Frank would be willing to consider no-trade clauses in some cases, but haven’t asked him about it yet. I will, but don’t know that he’ll want to go on record with his response to that. Or whether he’s really got a firm answer. Frank is more, let’s see how things go, make adjustments as we move along. Which I think is a good way to be in this era.

By Efrim

November 13, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Anders and Lew,

The Phillies, Mets and Braves are all pretty good teams and should all, if things go right, have a shot at making the playoffs. They have the talent. The offseason hasn’t started, the Mets could very well trade for Haren or Blanton, and the Braves could acquire a solid CF option. Who knows? All I know is that those three teams aren’t that much far apart from eachother.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 13, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

Keith Law just talks to talk I think. He says that Aaron Rowand is nothing more than a fourth outfielder who will get paid above average outfielder pay. What the hell is this moron talking about?

One interesting thing he did say was that Brad Wilerson could be a very good pickup for some team. He ranks him 18th on his top 50 free agent list. Now, that is just asinine, but he did say that Wilkerson could be a passable in CF. Wilkerson could be a good option if he can stay healthy and he wasn’t a Scott Boras client.

By Anders

November 13, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

You guys are naive if you think Glavine doesn’t value his relationship with Wilpon well beyond his career. Let’s see, he can cozy up to a family owned and operated professional sports team in the biggest city in the world or he could go back to Atlanta and get in good with a faceless ever changing coporate entity. You do the math. I do believe he wanted to go back home - but not for the board meetings.

By DAP

November 13, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

anders Plus keep in mind Glavine had a Gold Glove third baseman and CF which he won’t have with the Braves! - Just kidding - everyone relax.

funny, funny :-)

listen, man. one thing you have to understand is that somewhere deep down, the braves and thier fans LOVE tommy glavine. its a sentimental thing. he doesnt pitch that much different than he ever did, with the nibbling and the relatively slow pace (not nearly as slow as traschel)… but as braves lovers, we love glavine (even if we hate him to) i wouldnt expect a met fan to feel the same way about him, even though he was a met for a few years, he always was and always will be a brave.

if glavine had not been a brave for so many years, people on here probably wouldnt even be considering him for our rotation.

my point is, people on this blog arent just talking about some pitcher, we want one of our own, our prodigal son, BACK! his shortcomings are overshadowed by that, i think. plus, i do think he will be good for atlanta for alot of reasons.

By Braveheart

November 13, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Anders - you told on yourself with your thoughts about Southerners like all Glavine would do is sell tires and chicken in retirment. BTW, Wall Street is not the only place they actually conduct business in this world if you did not yet know that. There are many prospective groups of investors who would like to use the Glavine brand name down here to get the doors to board rooms opened up to them. In NYC, that same prospective group of investors would rather call about 500 other legends. The Glavine name brand is just much more marketable down here. But he needs some closure with the community to regain some marketability - as you can very well see by the reaction any time his name is brought up on here.

By Peewee

November 13, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

I agree with Tenn-Paul, Fjr and Utah about Glavine. Would rather have pitcher for 3 or more years instead of quick fix one year. If Braves get TG I hope he lives up to their expectation are the Booooo …..will be real loud and crazy. Great job last night DOB. We the Fans are lucky to have you. AJC may need to raise your salary.

By OrlandoFan

November 13, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

Today’s whole blog felt like the first day of spring training. The kids getting their chances. Bobby saying all the positive things. Everyone getting excited about the new prospects and dumping on the Mets. Oh, and, of course, the No. 1 reason: Questions about when we’ll see Mike Hampton. Sincerely, this is a lot of fun, and the contributors to this blog generally know their stuff. DOB obviously does, but all the other Braves intellectuals as well, too.

By Braveheart

November 13, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

This Wilpon thing is so freaking hilarious.

By Jared

November 13, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

This:

Smoltz-Hudson-James-Hampton-Bennett

screams LOSER rotation to me. The Braves have tried depending on Hampton to be healthy before. The Braves have tried James at #3. Bennett is a journeyman who was let go by the Brewers for a reason. All of them were in the Braves’ organization in 2007. It didn’t work. Everyone was complaining about how horrible the backend of the starting rotation was and how many games they were costing the Braves and how they kept the Braves out of the playoffs and now some (itsouttahere mostly) are content with the same dang group (plus Jurrjens, who no one here currently seems to have in their “fave five”).

“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

-Albert Einstein

By geauxbraves2000

November 13, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Agree with some of the comments on here about Glavine. I think give him one contract offer, if he balks he walks. One and done. (and all of those other rhyming things)

Geaux Braves!!

By Braveheart

November 13, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

Mike Vick overvalued his relationship with Arthur Blank a bit too much ….. or was that the other way around? Never mind me. I’m still laughing about this Wilpon silliness from Anders. What a silly guy.

Gil… that was funny. Yep, don’t think the Donald or Rosie are inviting me over for Thanksgiving. Not sure which house I would want to go to. With Donald, there would be alot of hot women around that I would have no prayer of getting any action with. But with Rosie there is a chance I could see some lesbian action…. I would have to know more about the quality of what is being offered to eat at Rosie’s Thanksgiving. Alright, I’m going too far now.

Klobber, T, Closer, your points are well taken. I just think loyalty is a two way street but fans too often think it only applies to the players and that the owners are just making shrewd baseball and financial decisions when they are disloyal themselves just the same as the owners are.

By ncscoots

November 13, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

I do think Braves will be done when they sign Glavine, as far as starting pitchers

As I feared. So the road to the WS is paved with a 40+ thumber and some CF scrub…you betcha.

Here’s hoping Brandon Jones is ROY and that somebody on the roster already is a third starter wolf in back-end sheep’s clothing.

By RC

November 13, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

Jared,

Who has said that James is going to be the #3 man in the rotation next year? Most bloggers seem to be of the opinion that the Glavine deal will get done, inserting him at #3. Also, I think most would view a HEALTHY Hampton as #4 over James, but that is a big if. I think that if anything Chuck James is going into next year somewhere in the #5 starter mix, along with Bennett, Reyes, and Jurrjens. I’d give him the advantage because of experience, but not much of an advantage. I also think of the 4 pitchers that should compete for that last spot, James is by far the most likely to be traded.

By rammerjammer

November 13, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

You know if the unbelievable happens and Hampton is healthy and (reasonably) good…same for Glavine…the Braves could put Chuck James in the pen for long relief. Nothing wrong with an extra lefty in the pen. He learns new tricks from the two old dogs and comes back to the rotation in 09 when Glavine and Hampton move on.

By bravesfan16

November 13, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

DOB, I think it’s interesting all the times you’ve mentioned talking to Frank. Is he more forthcoming than JS was? Or is it just right place right time for you talk with him now?

Thanks for all your great work.

By David O'Brien

November 13, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Wren, Bobby and McDowell watched Hampton throw a bullpen in Arizona (where he lives) this morning. Frank said he looked great.

RC, agree with your outlook (1:42 p.m.), for the most part. That’s about how I see it going down.

By DAP

November 13, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

anders ….chick-filet??? you are from new york…. geez.

By David O'Brien

November 13, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Robert (JIB), I have no idea what he’s talking about, either. Rowand will probably get a four-year deal worth well over $10 mill a year, maybe about $12 mill a year.

By OrlandoFan

November 13, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Remember that to have a good season you only need about 1000 quality innings out of your starting rotation. If you have 6 or 7 arms — good arms — divide that number, it’s not so bad. Most years the rotations for most teams are 2 or 3 decent arms and then question marks. Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Hampton, James, Reyes, Bennett, Jurgens sure seem capable to me of supplying the 1000 innings.

By Lew

November 13, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

Anders-Well, you just go along your merry little way worrying about what the Braves do or don’t do. Who they will re-sign and who will walk. I guarantee you’re worrying a lot more than we Braves’ fans are. Like I said earlier, if Tex leaves, then so be it. We can always move Chipper or Kelly Johnson over there and we have a kid name Kai’ahue in the minors with some potential. We will also have plenty of available salary if Tex leaves. We will have a good first baseman, no matter what. I’m not real sure why you are so concerned about what may happen to the Braves.

As for this season-again, just go on your merry way thinking that Pedro returning to form, DelGado returning to form and Sanchez coming back after more than a year off will carry you to the promised land. You have an old team-very old. You have no young pitching besides Maine and a couple of rookies (if you don’t try to trade them) who have not impressed at all since coming to the bigs. You have few prospects of any note in the pipeline. You (and others) keep talking about spending all of this money, yet there have been no major expenditures forthcoming since y’all signed Beltran, making the existence of all that cash a doubtful proposition. You need a 2B, a catcher, a RF (if you trade Milledge), at least another starter and some kind of a backup system for when your guys like Moises go down. Where is your additional pitching if El Duque and Pedro end up hurt, which is a serious probability?

No, seems to me that no matter how you look at the situation and no matter what spin you care to put on it all-the Mets are in much worse shape going into the season than the Braves are. There’s just no other way to put it. Claiming otherwise is nothing but an exercise in futility-a burying of your head in the sand. You better hope Omar has a better plan than you do. Re-signing LoDuca and Castillo? Well, I suppose-if you really have to. Let us know how that turns out for you.

By DAP

November 13, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

since when has hampton not been able to break 90? maybe its been to long, but i was pretty sure he hit the low 90s consistently.

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

I’d sure love to see Hampton have a decent comeback. I suspect that with another year of experience, guys like James, Jurrjens, Reyes, etc will be more prepared to help out. Also, with Glavine on board, the pressure should be lessened.

Like what I see with guys like Bennett and now Morton.

My wish list for 2008: Sign Tex, keep Hoss healthy, get something from Hampton, TG signed, and something from Lillibridge and Schafer, if even a half years worth.

Is that too much to ask????

Could Alexei Ramirez be our utility answer?

I have a strong suspicion that we might have seen the last of Brayan Pena and Oscar. Together, could they bring an OK centerfielder?? A Chris Duffy or Mark Kotsay type? I know it is a popular thing to suggest, but maybe we could throw in Prado??? (only half kidding!)

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 13, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Keith Law is one of those guys that believe his own hype. If Rowand is a “fourth outfielder” he must think David Wright is an overhyped 3B who has the benefit of playing in New York. Oh, wait. He is.

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

My last wish for 2008: That J Heyward, Cody Johnson, G Hernandez or Schafer DON’T turn into rappers!!!

By OrlandoFan

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

Amen, Wayne.

By Southerner

November 13, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

Who’s up for Chick-filet followed by a pig pickin’ with hushpuppies, grits, fried green tomatoes, BBQ, chicken fried steak, brunswick stew, black eyed-peas and okra with sweet potato pie, red velvet cake and sweet tea?

By Jared

November 13, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

1) Sign Teixeira

2) Sign Glavine

3) Extend Chipper (‘08 is his final year plus option for 2009)

4) Let Lillibridge play center field in 2008

By Thrillhouse44

November 13, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Aww, come on Wayne, you don’t want to see MC J-Hey or “O”G Hernandez?

By Jared

November 13, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

I’d like to see the Braves trade Prado actually, if for no other reason than to keep Cox from being tempted to start another absurd second base platoon.

By Another Arkansas Braves Fan

November 13, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

DOB, Thanks for the live blog. The future looks bright with Morton. I hope we sign Glavine and I like our chances this year with all the new blood coming in. Baby Braves Part II??

By geauxbraves2000

November 13, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

I could go for some plain old crawfish, or some type of etouffe, or a seafood platter. Loved it in Southern Louisiana, can’t get it good it IL. :(

Geaux Braves!!

By TDub

November 13, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

DOB, a thousand thanks for the updates from Arizona. Very exciting stuff…

By Braveheart

November 13, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

I’d like to see the Braves trade Prado actually, if for no other reason than to keep Cox from being tempted to start another absurd second base platoon.

Couldn’t agree more.

By TennesseePaul

November 13, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Scoots: As I feared. So the road to the WS is paved with a 40+ thumber and some CF scrub…you betcha
Here! Here! Wren picks up Glavine and thinks he’s scored. Sadly we have only procured a AA pitcher so far this off season. 1 AA pitcher and, if all goes well, a 42 year old looking to retire on a high note. Would have loved 1 MLB pitcher of notable caliber.
The good news, Mr. Mediocrity is not an option.

By Braveheart

November 13, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Wayne rumor has it Frank Wren is gonna pull a Mark Richt and go Soulja Boy on ya so he can get Bobby Cox to dance like Richt got Verne Lundquist dancing this weekend.

By Braves4Ever

November 13, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

WILPON???? I thought Chipper OWNED the Mets.

By David O'Brien

November 13, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

Just talked to Frank, who’s with Cox and Roger at another Peoria Javelinas game, this one a day game that’s already underway.

Hampton came out to the stadium in Peoria and threw a regular bullpen for the trio, and Frank said he “looked great, threw great” and is progressing toward making his first start next week in Mexico.

Said he’ll throw another bullpen Friday, then probably one more Monday before making his first start.

As for Glavine, no update from Frank. He said he won’t get into doing daily progress updates on Glavine or other free agents. Said that suffice to say they’ve contacted the free agents they wanted to contact.

He said he doesn’t have a sense of how long Glavine might take to make his decision. Me, I’m guessing sometime in the week before the winter meetings, but it also wouldn’t surprise me if he got it done before Thanksgiving.

Oh, and Morton’s fastball was clocked at 98 mph once last night, Frank said. And several times at 97. He works at 95 on a regular basis.

By ncscoots

November 13, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

TPaul, at least the hot stove is only just now hitting lukewarm. Maybe the rest of the offseason holds more profit than we currently see. I’m hoping.

But you and I are decidedly in the minority on this one, my friend, LOL. It appears most of the blog equates “Glavine” with “Grail”. :-)

By Lee in S. GA

November 13, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

I would like to see the Braves dangle Prado as trade bait also and maybe throw in Chuck James and see if a decent CF’er can be obtained for these two via trade. If Hampton is healthy and Glavine signs it seems to me Chunky is the odd LHP out of the picture. Prefer him not coming in middle relief in a close game….a hr just waiting to happen there.

By raindawg722

November 13, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

I was at an event this morning where Bill Hartman (the sports broadcaster here in Atlanta) matter of factly proclaimed that Glavine would be signing with the Braves, probably in the next few days.

Let’s see, I have all these hypothetical unhatched chicken eggs here … that would be one chicken, two chickens, three chickens …

By Saltywoody

November 13, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Well, you can scratch Todd Jones off the wishlist. (Thank the good Lord)

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3107039

By Josh H

November 13, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Man, exciting news coming out of the Fall League. It looks like we’re finally going to have pitching depth next season.

The only glaring need we really have is CF (provided we sign Glavine), and am I the only one on here who really hopes we give Shafer and/or Lillibridge a shot?

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 13, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

I just read on mlbtraderumors.com that the Cubs are putting toegher a package to go after Carl Crawford. Now, I know people get tired of hearing about trading for Crawford but hear me out on this. What if the Braves traded a package of B. Jones, Devine, James, and Thorman for Crawford. The Braves can then put Blanco in CF. With Crawford in the lineup he is going to give more offense than what is expcected out of the likely B.Jones/Diaz platoon. With Crawford in the lineup the Braves can afford to not have a lot offense out of CF where Blanco would be. Blanco could hit 8th in the lineup where I doubt it would matter a lot if he has any power or not.

Also, getting Crawford would serve as some offensive insurance if Tex isn’t resigned. And, Crawford will still be cheaper or as cheap as any likley trade replacement or free agent pickup.

By GeorgetownKid

November 13, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

I have two questions for anyone that may know.

First, what will Bennett’s status be next year? Will we have the option of keeping him in Richmond? Or will we have to let him go if we don’t keep him in Atlanta (if he’s out of those proverbial “options”)?

Bobby seemed so high on the guy, but I don’t see him beating out the rest of the field (which will include James) for the 5th rotation spot. He might, I would simply put my money on one of the other guys.

Second, if Schafer is going to get a serious look for the CF job in the spring, doesn’t that preclude the possibility of trading for a veteran CF before the spring? What if we pull the trigger on a trade, giving up a few good prospects, but then Schafer outperforms the vet in the spring? We’ll be stuck with a 5th outfielder that would either be cut or would take the place of Diaz or B. Jones.

By Lew

November 13, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

Scoots and TenPaul-Picking up a veteran pitcher is not the answer? Picking up a young pitcher is not the answer??????? Can’t have it both ways, y’all. It just doesn’t work that way. Just who in the hell should we get? At what price should we get them? If y’all can’t see that we have pitching talent galore on the horizon, without going and trading every single prospect we have to get someone (probably overhyped and over rated to begin with, or some well worn bozo who had one good season four years ago), then neither of y’all are as smart as I’ve always thought you were.

No one here is proclaiming Glavine savior. No one here is claiming Jurrjens is savior. However, they are two pieces, that had they been inserted into the lineup last year, would have led us to the playoffs. Pitching these days is at an ultra premium. It is hard to come by-great top of the rotation pitchers are few and far between and expensive as all hell. We are hardly the only team that can’t afford any or that is looking for it. It must be developed in our own system or acquired when young-just like Jurrjens and just like all the kids we have coming up the next several years. Glavine is a stop gap measure at best and no one claims any differently. Just because so many feel this to be our one and only chance to regain World Series status, just doesn’t make it so. Wren is doing EXACTLY what he should do. He is picking up pieces that can help now, while trying to maintain some Farm System integrity, until our own young guys are ready to go. He got two excellent pieces in return for Edgar. Why such a dismal outlook? Like I said-who would you get and what would you be willing to pay for them? And, Good God, if either of y’all tell me Carlos Silva, Dontrelle Willis or Jeremy Bonderman, I swear I’ll never look at anything y’all post ever again.

By ssiscribe

November 13, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Top of the afternoon, folks. Figured I’d toss this your way, but the AFL game is on Gameday on the MILB.com site if you wanna follow it.

Schafer just singled in a run (he’s 1-for-3), and Javelinas is pounding Saguaros (sounds like two soccer teams, doesn’t it?) 9-0 in the top of the fourth inning. Schafer just got erased on a double play.

Shortstop Brandon Hicks is 1-for-2 with a run scored and an RBI. J.C. Holt and Clint Sammons are not in the lineup.

To the bottom of the fourth, it’s 9-0.

—30—

By Braveheart

November 13, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

i don’t think glavine is the “grail.” i think glavine is moses.

By Renegator

November 13, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

Hey Lew:

Carlos Silva, Dontrelle Willis or Jeremy Bonderman

:D

By Jared

November 13, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Discussion of trades for Devil Rays’ outfielders should be banned.

The Rays are interested in maybe trading an outfielder because of the team’s huge surplus. So why would Brandon Jones tickle their fancy? And why would they want a first baseman who put up a .260 OBP in his first year in the majors? Or a relief pitcher that Bobby Cox clearly doesn’t trust? Or a pitcher who went on the DL with “dead arm”? Maybe last year the Rays do that because of James, but not now. His stock has fallen. Do you really think if Crawford was available that would be the best package for him?

The Devil Rays demanded Saltalamacchia, Escobar and James for Rocco frickin’ Baldelli last year. They always overprice their players. They got lucky once in getting Scott Kazmir, but the Mets were desperate at that time.

By Lew

November 13, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

RJIB-Four players for Crawford who we don’t really need? Two pitchers for Crawford when we need and will always need pitching? Brandon Jones? You’re going to give up on himafter what? 20ML AB’s? Thorman-who no one wants? Let’s get real here, Dude. That’s flat out absurd-and then you still need a centerfielder? You want to use Blanco, who the Braves are obviously uncomfortable with?

Crawford is a fine player. However, he did miss 19 games last year. He also is scheduled to make $5.25 million this year., $8million next year and $10 million the year after. Talk about filling in for Tex? You can kiss Tex goodbye if you have to pay Crawford that kind of $$$$ in the interim. Sorry, Dude, that one just doesn’t fly. We need a one year option in center and more pitching-IF we need anything we don’t already have. Doing a deal with the Rays for anyone on their club, except Kazmir, is a waste of time.

By Efrim

November 13, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Lew

I must agree with you. Who are we suppose to get???

I understand, go for it while Chipper and Smoltz can still move, I say f*** that. Need to think about the future as well.

We aren’t getting Erik Bedard, Johan Santana, or Tim Lincecum folks.

For the money, Tom Glavine is the best bargain. One year commitment. Solid.

So we don’t have an Ace? Who cares?

We have 2 #2’s and 3 #4’s. Better than about 90 percent of the teams in the NL. Especially the ones on the East Coast.

A rotation of Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Hampton and Jurrjens is very good. With Bennett, Reyes and James backing them up, we have the depth to be set for the year if injuries occur.

I would much rather not trade Rohrbough, Hanson, B Jones and Lillibridge to the A’s for Dan Haren. NO THANKS!!!! I’m all cool on selling the future, even if Haren is signed through 2010.

By Lew

November 13, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

Rene-It figures a Gator Fan would suggest those three pitchers. No imagination or knowledge of the game. Typical. No clue. Reptiles-Hah!!!!

Georgetown Kid-as far as I can tell, Bennett has only spent two stretches in the ML. He SHOULD have at least another option left. As should Reyes. As should Jurrjens. As, for that matter, should Chuck James. But I could be wrong.

By Tyler

November 13, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

No Rays talks here. I saw something about a trade with the Angels though. I read that maybe C.James for Figgins, and maybe add in B.Jones and Ascanio for Santana. I don’t know if we need Santana or want to give up B.Jones, but Santana did have that great year 2 years ago. What do y’all think?

By Jared

November 13, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

O’Brien, there are a lot of rumors that the Braves are going to try and sign Japanese relief pitcher Masahide Kobayashi. Think Wren might say anything on that front?

By TennesseePaul

November 13, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Picking up a young pitcher is not the answer

Who said these were the only two options?
Lew, I’m talking about a Haren or Blanton or some other MLB caliber young arm. Something more than (AA) Jair. I’d be happier if Glavine was coming in to fill out the 5th spot because the 3rd and 4th were filled with 25 year old solid pitchers several years away free agency with the ability to be top of the rotation guys. I don’t see that in JoJo or Bennett. Not sure about Jair yet either. Certainly not sold on Lance, Oscar, Kevin Berry, or even this Mullett guy DOB saw pitch for the AFL.

By ssiscribe

November 13, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Ah heck, can’t resist one more update before getting ready to go see the Thrashers tonight:

Brandon Hicks drew a five-pitch walk and later scored on an error in the top of the fifth. Hicks is 1-for-2 with a walk, two runs scored and an RBI.

Jordan Schafer grounded out to first, moving a runner from second to third, in the top of the fifth. Schafer is 1-for-4 (he’s at .330 for the fall) with an RBI.

Javelinas up 15-3. As Skip would say, “you may go walk the dog.”

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Lew

November 13, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Jared-James’ stock has fallen? Says who? You? The guy just won 11 games for the second time in his two year career. Until he DID go on the DL, his ERA was about 3.85, or about half a run lower than the league average. Yes, he needs to learn another pitch, but come on-22 wins in two years and the Braves have won about 60% of the games he started. Go ask GM’s just whether or not he’s scrap heap ready. Might just surprise you to find out how wrong you are. Lot’s of teams would be thrilled to have a 11 game winner every year.

By DAP

November 13, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Robert(JIB)

i would argue that the braves can already afford to have blanco batting 8th and playing CF. and we wouldnt have to give up 4 young, promising(minus thorman) players.

i guess some people on here see crawford as a god, but i really dont think he is worth that.

By Lew

November 13, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Efrim-I agree 100%. We can’t keep dumping our young players without giving them a chance to perform. We need to keep it all in perspective. We have such a great young nucleus of players, with more on the horizon. It’s time to let them play and develop. If we don’t win this year, at the very least, we will be set to excel in the VERY near future.

By ncscoots

November 13, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

It is hard to come by-great top of the rotation pitchers are few and far between and expensive as all hell.

Exactly. And getting one should have been (or should still be) a priority, at any price short of total larceny. Lew, I think some of the young minor league pitching has a shot, sure…but there are pitchers out there for whom I’d give up at least two of those minor league studs in…a…heartbeat. Without blinking. Because those are pitchers with proven success, as opposed to potential.

As far as affording such a pitcher, you’re gonna have to pay the freight for one (or two) at some point in any event, unless you think the Braves are going to develop five home-grown stud pitchers who will all arrive at around the same time, LOL. The reason that stud pitching is so expensive is that it IS rare; no team is going to develop all the starting pitching it needs to contend. Braves are no different.

I’ve said it before, I’d be more than happy with signing Glavine for a last hurrah if the Braves were already solid at 1-4. But the expectation that he can provide 22+ team wins in his starts at 3 is just a little much for me.

And the signing masks the reality that the rotation will soon be in need of a major infusion of talent and experience. Smoltz will retire, Hudson’s contract will run out, Hampton and Glavine will be loooong gone, and your top starter will be, well, I don’t know who it will be.

That’s kinda the point.

By ssiscribe

November 13, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

OK, another update (this is like spring training, good stuff!):

The Javelinas still are batting in the top of the fifth. Hicks just reached on another error, the third of the innings. It’s 17-3 …

Now the inning is over. Eight runs in the inning. Former Georgia Bulldog and Braves prospect Will Startup, who went to San Diego in the Royce Ring deal, got the final out of the inning for the Saguaros. He gave up one hit in his 1/3 of an inning.

OK, I’m going to get ready for the hockey game now … seriously.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Gary

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

If Hampton does come back ready to pitch in 08, why are we penciling him in at #4? We are paying the guy over 15 mill to pitch, seems like he should be higher in the rotation than a 42-year-old pitcher who may not have much left in the tank. Doesn’t it make more sense to put Glavine in the 4-spot if we sign him? I might even put him in the 5 slot so he can get more days off.

By Saltywoody

November 13, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

even this Mullett guy DOB saw pitch for the AFL

10Paul- Does Morton really have a mullet? If so, I say we immediately insert him into the rotation. We’ve been missing a good Kent Mercker-esque mullet on the mound for a while.

By Esmerejindo H. Vargas

November 13, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Jared:

COACH, thanks for update on Bennett. That had slipped through cracks with me. Yes, I believe he’ll compete for the fifth spot, especially if Hampton isn’t able to go (no reason to believe Hampton won’t be … well, except for history. Repeated history).

(Also, see what COACH said.)

This was posted by D.O.B. a while ago, and I haven’t had a consistent internet signal, that’s why I didn’t post earlier, although I’ve been dying to.

Now compare what D.O.B. said with what JARED said:

**Smoltz-Hudson-James-Hampton-Bennett

screams LOSER rotation to me. The Braves have tried depending on Hampton to be healthy before. The Braves have tried James at #3. Bennett is a journeyman who was let go by the Brewers for a reason. All of them were in the Braves’ organization in 2007. It didn’t work. Everyone was complaining about how horrible the backend of the starting rotation was and how many games they were costing the Braves and how they kept the Braves out of the playoffs and now some (itsouttahere mostly) are content with the same dang group (plus Jurrjens, who no one here currently seems to have in their “fave five”).

“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

-Albert Einstein**

Ok. Enough said.
We can also apply what Einstein said about ‘insanity’ with someone like Jared.

Talk to you later.

P.S. (with Glavine) Throw in Jurjens and any one between Reyes, Bennett, or James, and that is arguably the best starting rotation in the majors (for 2008). What more can you ask for?

P.P.S. YOU are the biggest loser, making stupid comments like these.

By Ed Glennon

November 13, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

DOB Great job. I love reading baseball game updates in November. Made my day.

By Lew

November 13, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Ten Paul-You didn’t say who you’d give up for Blanton or Haren. Given the market for pitching these days, the A’s will hold someone up to Highway Robbery-count on it. Also, Jurrjens is not a AA pitcher. He pitched a number of games at the ML level last year, performing well. Every single GM and analyst I’ve heard discuss the kid (and I’ve heard AT LEAST 12-15 opinions on XM Home Plate), consider the kid a #2-3 starter with lots of potential and excellent control and command of ALL his pitches. Same goes with JoJO Reyes. He pitched much better his last 4 games and BC, and he is projected as a #3-at the very least. They are both EXTREMELY young-which is what most have been screaming for us to have in the rotation.

It’s time for Braveheart to pull the stats out again. If you take all the starts last year by Smoltz, Hudson, James and Carlyle, the Braves were more than 20 games over .500. We failed because of a lack of a consistent 5th starter. Well, with Glavine, you can move Chuck James to #4 (where he can pitch 5-6 innings without it hurting the bullpen) and you still have Jurrjens, Reyes Bennett and Hampton (even Cormier) fighting it out for #5-all of whom will stand a much better chance of succeeding than any of the Redman types we had there last year. I just don’t see the problem. It’s time to A. Trust that Wren and the front office know what they are doing and B. That we really have plenty of good pitchers coming up in the next year or two. I just refuse to give in to the dismal view of our future.

By Jared

November 13, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

Says who?

Anyone not wearing rose-colored glasses?

I like James, I don’t want the Braves to trade him. But his stock has fallen. You cannot possibly believe James has even the same trade value now as he did this time last year.

By MikeS

November 13, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

I do not want to see a trade for Ervin Santana. The guy CANNOT pitch on the road. Check out his home/road splits in 84 career games (82 starts): Home - 25-9, 3.14 ERA, 1.18 WHIP Road - 10-21, 7.14 ERA, 1.64 WHIP

Now home/road splits don’t always mean something, but in this case you can’t ignore those staggering numbers (with a large enough sample size of 3 years). And they were even worse this year with an 8.38 road ERA. That’s not the kind of pitcher I want to be trading for, especially with his likely high price tag.

Now if the Angels were trying to unload him for virtually nothing, I’d certainly take him as a throw-in in a deal for Chone Figgins, who I think would be the absolutely ideal person to target in a trade.

By ncscoots

November 13, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

P.S. (with Glavine) Throw in Jurjens and any one between Reyes, Bennett, or James, and that is arguably the best starting rotation in the majors (for 2008). What more can you ask for?

the name of the crack dealer? :-)

By ssiscribe

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

Last one, I promise: Schafer pops out to short to end the top of the sixth, a perfect 1-2-3 frame from Will Startup. Schafer’s now 1-for-5 today.

The dude hitting in front of him, right fielder Dexter Fowler, is having quite a day: 4-for-5, three runs scored, five RBIs. Startup struck him out in the sixth.

17-3 going to the bottom of the sixth, and I’m going to Philips. Later.

—30—

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 13, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Tyler, I don’t know about the validity of those rumors only because I would think the Angels would want BOTH B. Jones and Chuck James for Figgins. I would imagine it would take a lot more to get Santana in a deal. The Braves would likely have to add at least Devine or Ascaino and possibly Johnson.

By TennesseePaul

November 13, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Scoots: What gives? You’re over 3,000 miles away and you’re still reading off of my notes!

Saltywoody: Not sure. But you make a valid point. The mullets have proven worthy over the years. Randy won 4 straight Cy’s with his Samson Mullet.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 13, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

DAP, I actually agree. I don’t get what the orginization has against Blanco. DOB keeps saying they tell him that Blanco isn’t seen as a viable option for CF but nobody says why other than his power sucks. Who cares if it sucks? He would hit 8th in the lineup and has shown the ability to get on base. His defense is superb and those same people concede that. Something just doesn’t add up there.

By Esmerejindo H. Vargas

November 13, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Jared, I’m sorry I have to comment again, but I have to since I’m leaving for a while.

Bennett only pitched during the final weeks of the season, beat Milwakee while surrendering just one run, struck out 5 straight Houston Astros, and continued to impress all the way til the end. I only wish the Braves had used him way earlier than that. I think Milwakee made a huge mistake.

Also, that moron who said Bennett is like a Travis Smith doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

Bennett may make the starting rotation next year (considering we won’t have Hampton, JoJo doesn’t impress and something happens to James). That’s the dead truth, deal with it.

By TennesseePaul

November 13, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Lew: You didn’t say who you’d give up for Blanton or Haren

That’s pretty irrelevant. I’m not making the deal. My point being, I’d be happy with such a deal if it procures a young top of the line type pitcher who can carry the team past the Smoltz/Hudson days.

By Forrest Gump

November 13, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

It must be great to be watching baseball right now. I hope the Braves sign Glavin. It would be nice for him and for Braves fans if he retired from Atlanta.

By ncscoots

November 13, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

What gives? You’re over 3,000 miles away and you’re still reading off of my notes!

sorry, man, but it got me through college, and that’s a hard habit to break, HA!

By Lew

November 13, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

Scoots-You answered it all yourself-Any price short of total, larceny. Dude, Total larceny doesn’t begin to come close to the price that will be asked. Two of our home grown kids? Stop a second and realize that it cost FIVE home grown kids to get Tex and Mahay (including a couple of damn fine pitching prospects)-for how long? Sorry, Scoots, what you’re looking for is NOT going to be available for the price the Braves will be willing to pay. Maybe-just Maybe, you could get Arroyo for a couple of kids (doubt it, though), but Haren or Blanton? Dream on. Sometimes you just have to let the kids play and see how it shakes out. I think it will be fine. The quality of young pitching in the organization is MUCH better now than in the past fifteen years.

By Renegator

November 13, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Lew

I was just messing with you because those were the three names you said you didn’t want to hear.

Easy there - you must be a Dawg fan

By David O'Brien

November 13, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Georgetown Kid wrote: “Second, if Schafer is going to get a serious look for the CF job in the spring, doesn’t that preclude the possibility of trading for a veteran CF before the spring?”

GK, Frank Wren has been as clear as he can without coming out and saying, Schafer and Lillibridge aren’t really serious candidates for opening-day CF. He has said more than once that the Braves want to get someone to fill the gap until Schafer (or Lillibridge) is ready, perhaps later in the season, perhaps in 2009.

But they AREN’T going to acquire a veteran CF who’d block the path of their young talent in a couple years or sooner. Sounds like they’d really only consider a veteran CF they’d get to a one-year contract or a guy who could play other positions when they turn CF over to one of the kids.

By Don

November 13, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

From Dave’s report above…an oxymoron “Hampton looked great”. Start the watch for the season ending injury any day now.

By Esmerejindo H. Vargas

November 13, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

ncsscoots:

No, thank you, I don’t do that. But I can tell you use it by not visualizing that with these young pitchers in the rotation we could sweep the N.Y. Mets a couple of times at least, and the Nationals, and the Marlins. It may not be the best, but it will win a lot of games.

By MikeS

November 13, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

I wanted to follow up my last post with why i think Figgins would be such a good pickup.

Figgins can play CF for the short term, and if one of the kids wow us in spring training or early in the season in the minors, Figgins can slide into any other position besides 1B & C that might be lacking in production, either by injury or inability to produce (if Chipper gets hurt, if KJ can’t hit lefties, if LF doesn’t give us enough, etc.). He’s played 27 games or more at LF, RF, CF, 3B, 2B, & SS. Talk about versatility.

He can also hit leadoff, in the 2 hole, or in the 7 or 8 spots. Again, great flexibility to have (could lead off with Escobar, with Figgins following in the 2 spot [where he hit .366 last year and has posted the highest BA there of any lineup spots he’s hit from regularly (.306)]).

He gets on base at a good clip and can steal 50+ bags a year with a good success rate.

When you throw in the fact he’s relatively cheap and 2 years away from free agency, he seems like the PERFECT fit to me.

The real question is what do we think we could get him for. I’d love a James for Figgins deal, but I’m not sure the Halos go for that.

DOB, what do you think, any idea what it might take to get Figgins? Any chance James could do it?

By Jared

November 13, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

P.S. (with Glavine) Throw in Jurjens and any one between Reyes, Bennett, or James, and that is arguably the best starting rotation in the majors (for 2008).

With Glavine, I like it. Not the best in the majors, but I really like it. But genius, I was talking to someone, you even QUOTED me naming the person, who advocates not signing Glavine and says Smoltz-Hudson-James-Hampton-Bennett can get it done. I don’t believe so.

(Thank God for people like “Esmerejindo H. Vargas” that literacy tests aren’t required to vote any longer in this country.)

YOU are the biggest loser, making stupid comments like these.

I didn’t know you were a subscriber.

By Lew

November 13, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Jared-What makes you think he had trade value last year? The fact the Rays wanted to trade Baldelli for him, Salty and Escobar? Don’t know I heard of any other potential deals for him-unless it was idle blog speculation.

It’s not a matter of rose colored glasses. I’m more than fully aware of who we have, what they’re capable of and what we might get if we were stupid enough to trade a guy who won 22 games in two years. Just how many such paragons are there floating around the big leagues? Does EVERY team have someone like that-in the fourth or fifth slot in the rotation? It really chaps my behind that you and so many are willing to throw 22-25 year old kids under the bus because they don’t have Gooden or Dontrelle like rookie seasons. It takes time for players, particularly pitchers to develop. Two years experience is still a young and inexperienced pitcher by ML standards. This is real baseball-not a fantasy league where you change players when they have a slump or don’t develop quite as fast as you think they should.

By DAP

November 13, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Jared

your homework assignment for the night is to find a pitcher with no more than 38 starts in the major leagues. they must have a better record than 22-14 and an ERA under 4.00. this pitcher also needs to have a K/BB ratio of about 2/1.

please post this on the blog some time tomorrow morning, and at that time we can talk a little about chuck james.

By David O'Brien

November 13, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Robert (JIB), you must’ve missed the most recent comment I had from Frank about Blanco, which is that he’s done a lot in the last year to increase his stock in the Braves’ eyes. They think he’s a good player, but sounds to me like he’d be more a fourth-outfielder candidate, though Frank hasn’t said that exactly. Haven’t heard him mentioned as a starting-CF candidate.

But that doesn’t mean he couldn”t be. Just doesn’t sound like he’s regarded as future competition for Schafer, the way Lillibridge could be.

And yes, power does mean something. Big different between zero to two homers and 15-20, which is what Braves believes Schafer or Lillibridge could do, a bit like Kelly Johnson did in his first full season, though not quite that much power.

By DAP

November 13, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Robert(JIB) totally agree with you on blanco…i guess we have to let the bosses earn thier money. they must just not see it in him.

By MikeS

November 13, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Oh, forgot to mention that Figgins is also from South Georgia…

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 13, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

Scoots , your not paying attention , probably because you have this habit of reading off notes :) According to Elias , a rotation of Smoltz , Hudson , Glavine and James already ranks as the top starting four in th entire National League.

By Randy

November 13, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

There is a little 3 minute video rundown of the Braves prospects out in Arizona on atlantabraves.com. Nothing special, but gives you a chance to put a face (or swing or wind-up) with the names.

By ncscoots

November 13, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Lew, sorry, but you and Efrim often overvalue players from other teams. GMs who are actually trying to trade a player tend to be a little more realistic. Two of an organization’s top ten prospects, plus a mid-level “filler”, is a HUGE offer. Especially in the offseason, rather than at the trading deadline.

And, yes, the Braves do have depth on pitching potential; another reason that losing a couple in trade for a proven stud wouldn’t gut the farm.

I don’t know the long-range vision of the Braves’ front office. Perhaps they feel, as you, that the upcoming pitching, if it reaches potential, will be better than anyone they could get in a trade; maybe they think that they’ll be players in the FA market in 2009 and 2010; or a combination of the two, or none of the above.

This whole thread started with a remark that signing Glavine is not the panacea that many here think it is. That’s my opinion. If that’s all that Wren is ABLE to do, then so be it. If that’s all he’s TRYING to do, I consider that bad news.

By Anders

November 13, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

DOB’s Prospect of the week. Oh, and Morton’s fastball was clocked at 98 mph once last night, Frank said. And several times at 97. He works at 95 on a regular basis.

Does this qualify for tearing up the AFL as well? Should we expect Morton to be throwing in the high 80’s by next week? Just asking.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 13, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

DOB, I did miss that comment. Sorry. But, does power really mean that much. If he can go get the ball in CF and get on base in front of the pitcher which is a big deal for the #8 hitter, is him hitting 15Hrs that much of an issue? I just don’t see why?

By BossLady

November 13, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Then that accounts for his name (Figgins)Is is Sean spelled southern?

By Jared

November 13, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Bennett only pitched during the final weeks of the season, beat Milwakee while surrendering just one run, struck out 5 straight Houston Astros, and continued to impress all the way til the end.

The guy threw 13 innings against major league hitters in 2007. Thirteen. Sorry if 13 innings of three-and-a-half ERA pitching, a big chunk of which came against a bottom tier NL offensive club (Astros were 13th out of 16 NL teams in runs scored in 2007) when the Braves were already out of contention doesn’t make me drink the kool-aid (is it grape?) and scream that somebody is a viable candidate for the rotation next season.

The only way Jeff Bennett makes the rotation is if something goes horribly wrong with a few other pitchers. The odds are Bennett never starts a game for the Atlanta Braves in 2008 before rosters expand in September. Deal with that. I also have to go now, so don’t expect a prompt response to whatever tripe you post to me after this Coach….er…”Esmerejindo H. Vargas”.

By Steamboat

November 13, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

Braves released Matt Esqvivar today… too bad. Though his “peripherals” needed some work the kid had some pop and a chance at a future. Two suspensions in 2 years, for disciplinary reasons, cost him his shot with the Braves. Eric Campbell, paying attention???

By David O'Brien

November 13, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Robert, but what if the Braves don’t want their CF to bat eighth? What if they want a lot more from him, say a leadoff hitter, which is what Schafer or Lillibridge could do. They’ve both got high average and OBPs (like Blanco), but with power and lots of extra-base hits. And Schafer is outstanding defensively, too.

Blanco has no major league experience, just as Schafer and Lillibridge don’t. So if Braves believe that either Schafer or Lillibridge could be ready before or as soon as Blanco, why wouldn’t they want the player who can give them high average and OBP and stolen bases, along with some power, some homers and plenty of RBIs in addition to tons of doubles?

Don’t understand why anyone would think Blanco should be considered ahead of Schafer and Lillibridge, if Braves believe Lillibridge can play OF (they KNOW Schafer’s ready to play defensively in the majors right now).

By Steamboat

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

uh, Esquivel. Guy got released AND had his name misspelled, all on the same day.

By Braveheart

November 13, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

Lew, I will admit that Dontrelle has not been that good the last year. But isn’t it hard for a a pitcher with a ground ball/fly ball ration like Dontrelle to be good when he has suspect defensive infielders behind him like Uggla, Hanley, and Cabrera?

If the price is right, the Braves should take a chance on Dontrelle. Dude is only 25 years old. It’s funny how he had some success when he had a better defensive infield with him until 2005.

Not even thinking about looking at Dontrelle is really an indictment on Roger McDowell and the infield defense. It’s like saying our infield defense is too porous and we don’t believe Roger can have success rebuilding a former star’s career.

If you look at the zone range stats, the Braves infield is much better defensively than the Marlins infield. Uggla has a Zone Range of .754 compared to KJ’s .783 and Yunel’s .843. Hanley has a ZR of .786 compared to Edgar’s .800 and Yunel’s .815. Chipper has a ZR of .797 compared to Miguel Cabrera’s woeful .714.

In his best year in 2005, he had Castillo with a .829 ZR at second, Lowell with a .786 at third, and Gonzalez with a .846 at short. And you wonder why he was pitching so much better then? The infield D was even better in 2003 and 2004 but Dontrelle was giving up too many flyballs back then to take advantage of it.

Between 2003 and 2005, Dontrelle had phenomenal infield defense behind him. As great as the infield defense was in those 3 years is as bad as the infield defense has been the past two seasons for Dontrelle.

Now, he has given up alot more homers which is problematic for this sort of analysis. But maybe, among other things, it is because his innings are lasting longer, more people are getting on base because of the crappy infield behind him and frustrated young pitchers panic and start making mistakes or lose concentration or try to be too fine striking a hitter out so that the ball does not get hit to his horrible infielders but they end up giving up dingers because they are too cute for their own good.

The Marlins entire defense last season made more errors than any other team in the majors. Very hard to believe since they were not getting to many balls in the first place.

To ignore any idea of getting Dontrelle is foolish. Not in this city where he can re-energize the huge Afrian American population that has lost interest in the Braves because there have not been black stars on this team for a long time. This will mean more revenue for the team which means better retention and purchasing of players.

The price for him might be too high in terms of talent but the Braves can make alot of money with increased interest in the team with him on the mound …. they can win alot of games as well if the infield and Roger McDowell help him pitch like he can.

Even as bad as he was last year, the Braves still would have played .500 ball with that ERA when he started because they score 5 runs a game. Buddy and Kyle proved that in their combined 17-13 record with a similar ERA when they started as the fourth starter.

Besides, I think a former groundball pitcher like McDowell will know how to work with a fellow groundball pitcher and make him an even better groundball pitcher (see Moylan and Hudson). And if Roger is worth anything, he can work with Dontrelle on those funky mechanics which can get easily out of whack because there are so many limbs flying every which way to contend with.

Not saying I would get him but a total dismissal of the idea of getting that kind of 25 year old kind of boggles my mind.

Or maybe all of this analysis is dead wrong and maybe all those extra homers are indicative that he is getting the pulp beat out of him and those poor infielders have no shot of catching the darn ball because just as those homers are being smashed, those ground balls are laser beams being smashed right through the infield.

But I tend to believe it has more to do with Lowell, Castillo and Gonzalez as compared to Hanley, Miguel, and Uggla. The Braves infield D is more than good enough to make Dontrelle more than good enough.

By Efrim

November 13, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

Scoots

Lew, sorry, but you and Efrim often overvalue players from other teams. GMs who are actually trying to trade a player tend to be a little more realistic. Two of an organization’s top ten prospects, plus a mid-level “filler”, is a HUGE offer. Especially in the offseason, rather than at the trading deadline.

I’m not sure I understand. What do you think is a reasonable offer for Dan Haren? Personally, I don’t think our pitchers have proven themselves enough in the minors. In a year, yes, we can re-evaluate their status at that time. But when it comes down to it, as good as Rohrbough, Locke and Hanson’s ceilings are, none of them have pitched above Single A. We’ll see how good they are after a full season of High A and Double A ball. If I’m Billy Beane and I am about to trade Dan Haren, the Braves just simply don’t have what I want. The Red Sox, Dodgers, Angels and Yankees do.

I don’t know the long-range vision of the Braves’ front office. Perhaps they feel, as you, that the upcoming pitching, if it reaches potential, will be better than anyone they could get in a trade; maybe they think that they’ll be players in the FA market in 2009 and 2010; or a combination of the two, or none of the above.

Ding Ding Ding. The 2009 and 2010 free agent market is very strong. And with Chipper and Smoltz leaving us at that time, not to mention, I don’t think Tex will resign with us, we are going to have a ton of money to spend. Bedard, Peavy, Kazmir are some of the studs available after 2009. None of which will resign with their current teams. Lets make the smart short term move by signing Glavine and wait for nearly 40 million to play with after the 2009 season. NL doesn’t really have a world beater in it, we can get to the series without a Dan Haren next season. If we were in the AL, obviously, things would be different.

By Dan

November 13, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

Anyone think the Braves would be interested in bringing back Javy Lopez as the backup.? Would anyone have any idea on who are the future aces for the braves? Lets say after smoltz, hudson are done ? which brings me to this, why bother bringing glavine back instead of maybe trying to land a young guy with potential #1 stuff. Maybe even an haren,bedard and try n sign them long term. Just dont see anyone on the staff or coming up from the farm, being an ace and replacing a smoltz type dominant force for years to come. lets not forget that smoltz hudson wont be around much longer and glavine if signed. reyes,james,jj,or whoever else look more like # 2 or 3 starters. I hope i’m wrong, but i really would like to see the braves try and find at least 1 ace for the near future.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 13, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

DOB, I hear you. I personally think that Lillibridge should get a shot but for some reason the Braves don’t feel he is ready. Do you see any real possibilities the Braves could trade for to fill CF without giving up a whole lot?

By Peewee

November 13, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

Desmond Chone Figgins is from LEARY, Ga. Pop.157 west of Albany. Would be my #1 pick to replace AJ in Cf. only my pick don’t count,

By Anders

November 13, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

Lew No one here is proclaiming Glavine savior. No one here is claiming Jurrjens is savior. However, they are two pieces, that had they been inserted into the lineup last year, would have led us to the playoffs.

Your really slipping big guy. Let’s pretend Shaun wrote this. I’ll be Lew. How can you possibly know that the Braves would have won a division based on having these two pitchers? How do you know the Mets wouldn’t have gone out and signed another pitcher? (I’m guessing they wouldn’t have said “aw shucks Tommy G left so we’ll have to play one short” - I digress). Plus -would we have given up Renteria for Jurrjens already? What would the ramifications for that have been? Who would have played third base while our recently gold glove/silver slugger ripped off icon was recovering from various ailments while Escobar was now at short full time? You see where I’m going with this? It’s kind of like asking someone to root for their team to win a wild card rather than the division. While it’s all speculation and can actually be fun it’s not based in any reality or factual evidence and therefore isn’t worth a damn.

I left out all the unnecessary name calling and slurs so you may not actually feel it captures your writing style but I think you get the drift.

By RC

November 13, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

After thinking about a possible trade for Chone Figgins, I got to thinking about Brent Lillibridge. While the Braves have not given any indication that they would do this, I wonder if the idea has been considered to bring Lillibridge up in a Figgins-type role? He obviously has the skill set to play multiple positions on the diamond (2nd, SS, OF, possibly 3rd) and by using him in a super-utility role the team could ensure that he gets enough at-bats to continue improving, instead of sitting on the bench or racking up more minor league ABs. Maybe he’s not ready yet, but it seems like he’s a player who is not the primary option at any position, but is too good to not be playing at the MLB level soon.

By rich brave

November 13, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

O’B - wan:

For my money in ‘08, I keep Lillibridge in Atlanta (Woodward slot), season Schafer one year in Richmond with call up if starting CF (whomever) is injured as the season progresses, and trade Prado in Nashville. Lillibridge needs ML batting experience, but you don’t want to lean on him yet. It sounds like Schafer can play ML leather, but hitting is not ready. Prado’s value probably doesn’t get much better than it is now. Blanco - more of Prado…same-same trade value-wise.

By Efrim

November 13, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

Kazmir is actually available after 2010……

By Anders

November 13, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

Efrim * Bedard, Peavy, Kazmir are some of the studs available after 2009. None of which will resign with their current teams.*

The days of big pitching studs hitting the open market are pretty much over. If these guys don’t re-up with their teams, which I agree is highly unlikely, they will be spun in trades to a team that can sign them. The Twins are in the throws of that right now with Santana. There’s just too much value in trading them rather than waiting for the one possible run at a championship and then gettting draft picks back.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 13, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

Yo Jared ! Jeff Bennet is 3-1 with an ERA of 1.50 in the Venezuelan winter league. The guy has been throwing lights out for three months now in Richmond , Atlanta and Venezuela (aggregate 8-7 with an ERA of 3.00). Your not paying anymore attention than scoots is.

By Efrim

November 13, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

Anders

So wait, are you actually saying that all of those pitchers will be traded to teams that can afford them??? The asking prices will never come down for a guy like Peavy, therefore a team like the Padres will hold onto him, try and sign him to a long term deal, fail, then receive draft picks.

Do you honestly think CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets will be traded this offseason?

No. There teams will keep them and try to win a world series. No reason to think the Indians and Brewers can’t get there.

They won’t be able to sign either of those guys, and both will hit the free agent market next winter and sign big money deals with teams that can afford them.

You’re wrong bro. You can’t generalize like that. Different case for each pitcher.

By BosnianBaller

November 13, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

If the braves think glavine is the answer is wrong, but he is an upgrade over buddy carlyle

By Braveheart

November 13, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

BTW, Anders, David Wright had a lower zone range than Chipper Jones. Chipper had a .797 and Wright had a .771. Tsk, tsk. B.S. Gold Glove given to Wright. Wright actually has less range in his zone than old feeble beat up Chipper. Dude on a cane about to go into a wheelchair like Chipper gets to more balls in his zone than the wonderboy.

Chipper’s like Yoda. He does not need that cane as much as you think he does. Chipper should have used the Kevin Smith line from Mallrats. Silver Sluggers. Gold Gloves. Jedi Master craves not these things. But, alas, Chipper has got a little too much Anakin in him.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 13, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

I’ll put this in a very simple context so that even the knuckleheads can grasp just how improved the starting pitching is. Buddy Carlyle went 8-7 with an ERA of 5.21…..and , the dude won’t even make the Richmond rotation next season.

By roan st

November 13, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

If schafer is ready to play defensively in the majors then give him the job. Heck he can’t be any worse than andruw was at the plate this season. If he shows any ability to hit in spring training then just give the kid the job, end of story.

By puppydawg

November 13, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

Good stuff, DOB. Love the realtime updates. When Sammons and Hicks make it to the show, will Bobby call them Sammy and Hicky?

By Tyler

November 13, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

Coach-Didn’t know you made the decisions around here, since Carlyle is out of a Richmond spot. Just kidding man. But what about Carlyle in the long relief spot? He is an alright starter with descent stuff, and would probably be alright in that spot, no?

By Yeah Yeah Yeah

November 13, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

If schafer is ready to play defensively in the majors then give him the job. Heck he can’t be any worse than andruw was at the plate this season. If he shows any ability to hit in spring training then just give the kid the job, end of story.

But if he fails, do you have another Joey Devine on your hands? A good prospect who has been somewhat destroyed, is not as valuable in the present or future on the field because of it, nor as marketable to other teams in trades because he is considered a bust? Devine has somewhat recovered but it has taken two years and he will still be a question mark headed into next season.

By Steamboat

November 13, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

I know I’m being debbie downer here, but I just can’t get wrapped around Glavine as the best answer for the rotation.

We need a #3 who can possibly step in as a 2, and Glavine is more a #4 (probably) who will become a retiree.

I believe we could work a deal with Oakland for Blanton - probably involving Lillibridge and a pitching prospect or 2. Maybe a bit more - I don’t know.

Before I’m accused of selling out the future, by not signing TG we’d keep our 18th overall pick next year - would you trade this year’s first pick, Heyward, for the right to pay Tom Glavine $8 million? And Blanton would (likely) be a solid mid-rotation guy, for little $$, for at least three years to come. Right now, we’ve got Hudson for three years, the hope that Smoltz continues to defy age, and then a lot of “potential” down the road. Evarts, Locke and Rorhbough are babies who may grow into men.

I like Lillibridge and would hate to lose him, but unless he’s gonna play CF, I just don’t see a place for him to play - and even if he’s gonna play CF, supposedly he’s only holding the spot for Schaffer/Hernandez. Neither he nor Escobar is a 3B (sure they can probably play it, but they’re both shortstops); if CJ goes down, Aybar is the likely replacement.

Last year at this time, the refrain was “if we’d had a bullpen in ‘06 we’d have been fine.” Well, JS (seemingly) overkilled that problem - resigning Wickman, getting Gonzo and Soriano. We ended up with only one of those guys on the roster by August.

Now, it’s starting pitcing. I think more than a stopgap is needed.

We’ll be okay if we go the Glavine route - we’ll have plenty of quantity, if not so much quality. And I won’t complain (too much). Then we’re in a real bind in ‘09, with Glavine likely gone, Smoltz a year older.

I’d rather see us go for Blanton, put Glavine’s $8 mil in the pot to up our offer to Tex, if need be, or spend it on another need like CF or the bullpen, and save the draft pick.

(and I BET that Glavine will demand an option for ‘09, with a $2 or $3 mil buyout, so if we sign him for 8, it’s probably more like 10 or 11… but we’ll see.)

I know the Glavine signing is likely a done deal, so I’ll try not to beat this drum too much. Just my view as an armchair GM.

By DonCoburleone

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

Man!!! I wish I would have planned to be out in Arizona a week earlier… I will be in Surprise from this Friday to next Monday night! I’ve been to that Surprise stadium (home of the Royals and Rangers) a few times before… man, that would have been cool to meet Bobby Cox and Frank Wren and DOB(not so much on McDowell). Can anyone buy tickets to these games DOB?

By Mr J

November 13, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

Yeah Yeah Yeah,

The Devine scenario you bring up is why it might be smarter to go with Blanco initially. If Blanco does the job, then good for him and the Braves. But if he doesn’t, then Schaefer or Lillibridge can be brought up with a little more seasoning. There also might not be as much pressure on them as there might be if they had been annointed as the starter right out of Spring training.

Think of Blanco as a sacrificial lamb of sorts. Gives the younger, superior talents time and cover.

By DonCoburleone

November 13, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

Oh Sh!t, the AFL ends on Thursday!!! Is there a playoff for this league or anything DOB??? (or somebody who knows)… I was gonna go check out a game this weekend…. : (

By Niekro35

November 13, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t be sad to see some competent journeyman in CF would could bat 8th, play decent defense, and have a .700-750ish OPS. Someone who’s in his late 20’s and never held a starting job and wouldn’t cost much to acquire. Someone who would end up platooning with Schaefer or Lillibridge by season’s end. Colorado has two players backing up Tavares, both of whom seem to be able to fit the bill: Cory Sullivan and Ryan Spilborghen (sp?). There are about 10 players out there like these two.

By N8

November 13, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

Blanco sounds like PERFECT 4th outfielder material.

He can play all three positions defensively (from what I’ve read), thus he could could give ANY of the outfielders a day off, or be adequate, in case of an injury.

He has SPEED. Great off the bench as a PR. Not to mention it sounds like he has a good grasp of the strike zone and decent plate discipline, which would make him a decent PH.

If Diaz is still on the roster whether it’s platooning, or if he’s given the LF job “outright”, Blanco would be a great option to PH or PR in a close game, and be double switched for Diaz as a late inning replacement.

Essentially the role that Harris SHOULD HAVE had last year.

Cheaper than Harris, as well.

Welcome aboard, young man. LOL!

By TennesseePaul

November 13, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this

Stop a second and realize that it cost FIVE home grown kids to get Tex and Mahay

Alright. I stopped and thought about this… 5 players for 2… Then I remembered something from another portion of my notes which I don’t think Scoots has pilfered yet, what did it take to get Hudson?
Why do I ask? Because it’s a good case in point of one simple fact, no one here knows what will be asked or of what is coveted in our system. Bean really liked Chuck Thomas, Juan Cruz and a minor league pitcher for Hudson. Who here thought Hudson could be had for those three?
I’ve seen the list of all our Rookie and A ball pitchers. So far they look nice. Could be they take the path paved by Wonderful Monds, or perhaps they take the road less traveled and follow Furcal. Or maybe anything in between. No matter what though, the odds are that they won’t be the top of the rotation in 2009 or 2010. And now is a good time to lock all that up when there is so little turn over and a lot of money coming off the books in the near future.

One AA pitcher and one pitcher heading into retirement is covering exactly both ends of the career spectrum. I’d like something some where in the meaty part of the curve. I don’t think it’s impossible. I’m not sure what it’d cost, but it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be looked into or aimed for.

By Lew

November 13, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

Scoots-No, I don’t overvalue other team’s players-other teams do. You first proposed two young players for Haren or Blanton. Then, all of a sudden, it’s two of our top ten prospects and a mid level guy. That won’t get it done and it has nothing whatsoever to do with my idea of players values. Look at the Tex trade. Five players, including Salty, Harrison (who is damn near ML ready) and three other prospects-and that’s just for a rental of a year and a half for Tex and half a season for Mahay. Carry that a step further with pitching, which is a a much bigger premium than first basemen. First of all, it’s a seller’s market. The teams with the available pitching can pretty well name their price. EVERYONE needs pitching. Besides-why would you give up two of your top ten players when you could very well need them yourself. Sorry, Dude-the price is too high-way too high. We’ve done pretty damn well relying on our farm system over the past 15 years. We should continue to do it.

Braveheart-Dude, Dontrelle didn’t just do badly this year, it’s been a steady slide since 05. As far as the defense behind him-go check out how many hits he gave uop and what his WHIP is. It isn’t just the defense. The guy is not the pitcher he was ONCE three seasons ago.

Anders-I’m not even going to get into it with you. You have nothing worth saying, all you want to do is argue. You’re an idiot.

By TennesseePaul

November 13, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

Think of Blanco as a sacrificial lamb of sorts

HA! Lines like this make me hope our minor leaguers are shunning the blog. They’d be crushed before it even began. Maybe that’s what happened to Marte.

By TennesseePaul

November 13, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

We’ve done pretty damn well relying on our farm system over the past 15 years. We should continue to do it.

Part of relying on the farm system is using its product to procure major league caliber talent. It’s what the Braves have been doing for 15 years. So, yes, I would agree. The Braves should continue to draft well, groom well, bring up young talent, and be willing to trade when a good player is available.

By DonCoburleone

November 13, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

I really believe Dontrelle Willis is just suffering from a lack of motivation… He seems like the type that would turn his game completely around if he were traded to a contender… D-Train is a perfect buy-low candidate in my opinion.

By David O'Brien

November 13, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

DonC, the winners of the two divisions play a championship game Saturday. just one game.

By Tyler

November 13, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

Lew-The Dontrelle thing is sort of how you view Glavine. He’s no savior by any means, but he’s going to come as low as ever now. if he came really cheap, what do we have to lose? I would be against giving up Lillebridge, but maybe some of our mid prospects. Not sure how much it would take, but if it’s cheap, I’d go for it. If he returns to at least descent form, all the better.

By David O'Brien

November 13, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

Oh, and yes, anyone can buy tix to see the games. They’re in nice spring-training parks and tix are dirt cheap, and you can sit anywhere you want, from what I saw. I didn’t even see ushers, much less ushers making people move. You can sit right down behind home plate, or next to the scouts, wherever you want. Good stuff.

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

Lots of interesting discussion today about who will make up our rotation next year.

Who the heck knows what is best to do? We all have our opinions, and while they will differ, in the end, it is Frank Wren and his organizations’ call.

So, while we can speculate all day, rarely do we know what is going on before it happens. (LaRoche being the one exception I can think of)

Personally, I like the Glavine idea. I also would love to see us pick up a pitcher like Blanton or Haren, so long as the price was not too high. I think it takes 3 players. Probably one that is ML ready, and the others would be close, or a top prospect. Blanton would take less. So for Blanton, maybe guys like Brandon Jones, JoJo Reyes, and Blaine Boyer would get it done. Maybe not…. I would not want to give up somebody like Lillibridge or pitchers like Hanson, Evarts, Locke or Rohrbough unless it gets somebody like Peavy or Bedard. With those guys, it owuld take someone like KJ or Escobar too.

So, I am doing a lot of speculating, so please don’t get all excited and tell me how crazy I am about this or that, as I am not the one that gets the deal done.

Again, some CF prospects: Figgins, DeJesus, Duffy, Sullivan, Johnson, Reed, Crisp, Church, Winn, etc. Probably a few others out there that I am not thinking of.

Personally, if we could get Figgins without it costing us too much, I go for it. I would include James in that deal, but the Angels don’t need starting pitching. They are looking for some punch in the lineup. I suspect Figgins would take KJ or Lillibridge. In that case, I would pass, and go for Sullivan of Colorado. DeJesus if he is not too costly.

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Anything new on Alexei Ramirez? When can he be signed? I hear he is about 2 years older than Escobar. How does he rate defensively and offensively?

By ncscoots

November 13, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

TPaul, you dog, I had that Hudson tidbit cribbed all day long, bub…would have used it in my last post, but that sucker was getting a little verbose as it was. Damn. Coach is right, I need Lasik so I can crib more notes, LOL!

Efrim, we’re on the same page re the future FA pitching crop, and I’m not opposed to a strategy that says wait on a shot at some of those guys. On the other thing, I haven’t really pondered specific targets or specific trade pieces it might take to get ‘em. And, hey, it’s not out of the realm that you and Lew could be right :-), I got that.

And because somehow my card in Wren’s Rolodex got misplaced during the office move (I’m just guessing here), I don’t know that the Braves aren’t pursuing parallel tracks that might incorporate ALL of our ideas. Who knows? The front office will work it out, I’m thinking.

‘Course, they could find my Rolodex card, too, and then we’ll REALLY get this motor runnin’!

By Efrim

November 13, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

Scoots

Good to hear we are on the same page.

One thing is for sure, at least I would like to think it is, the Braves will ink a pitcher to a long term deal at some point in the next couple of years. I mean they have too.

All things considered, I wonder which one would you all want. Santana can’t be an option, mainly because he is unaffordable to the Braves. Sabathia is most likely in the same boat as well, although to a lesser extent.2008- Ben Sheets? Oliver Perez? Derek Lowe?2009- Erik Bedard? Jake Peavy? Brad Penny? 2010- Scott Kazmir?

To be honest with you, I can’t see any of those pitchers resigning with their current teams without testing the free agent waters. But who knows, I’m not them or their agent.

By ncscoots

November 13, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

the Braves will ink a pitcher to a long term deal at some point in the next couple of years. I mean they have too.

Agreed. As far as being priced out, heck, many of the guys on your list are going to be in the $15-$18MM range, anyway, what’s an extra $2MM, LOL?

Still gotta have bats, too, though. Even Johan could only make 15-13 this year, and I don’t think it’s because he occasionally forgot how to pitch.

By AdirondackDave

November 13, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

Something important I haven’t seen mentioned… whoever ends up in the 8th spot of the order needs to have a high OBP and decent speed (at least). One of the most effective things the bottom of the order guy do is get in a position for the pitcher to sacrifice bunt. Of course, that means we need to make a special effort in spring training to show these guys how to properly bunt. As I recall, we’ve had a pretty dismal sacrificing record from most of the pitchers recently.

By Lew

November 13, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

Scoots and TenPaul-I guess we’re just going to have to agree to disagree. I think with Glavine as a stop gap until our kids are ready (and I don’t really want to give any more away-particularly the pitchers) that we’ll be ok and you think we need more. That’s fine, I can see your point and IF (BIG IF) we can get someone decent for a relatively long term for a DECENT price, then fine, pull the trigger. However, if this is not a possibility, which I don’t think it will be (and keep in mind there will be more $$$$ available next year and maybe a better FA class), then I feel we’re good to go and some of these pieces we already have-Reyes, Bennett and Jurrjens-will surprise you.

Anders-You’re still an idiot.

By Lew

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

Tyler-You’re flat out wrong comparing Glavine and Dontrelle. You should really do some research before you speak.

Dontrelle’s figures have steadily declined from 05 to 06 to 07. His stats have gone down EACH year in W-L, IP, H, BB, K, HR, ERA, and WHIP. EACH category worse from one year to the next. Considerably worse.

Glavine, on the other hand, has remained almost identically consistent in Wins, IP, H, BB, and WHIP. The only two areas he declined appreciably last year ONLY, was in K (and he never was a strikeout pitcher) and ERA, which was STILL 3/4 of a run per game LESS than Dontrelle’s. Glavine is also 41 and Dontrelle 25. Glavine has had a 300 win career, which we realize nears it’s end. Dontrelle had ONE good season, three years ago. He has been running on the rep of that one year ever since, though steadily declining from one year to the next. Check it out.

By Lew

November 13, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

Tyler-Just so you see exactly what I mean-Dontrelle’s ERA was 2.63 in 05, 3.87 in 06 and 5.17 in 07. Yikes, what a trend. Next year he’s due for an ERA in Kyle Davies territory.

By Metropolitan Man

November 13, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

Please sing that bum glavine 2morrow.

By Mr J

November 13, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

Adirondack Dave,

For the reasons you mentioned I’ve always thought if Diaz is on the team and in the lineup the 8 spot is where he should bat. Also, if that spot comes up in an RBI situation, he’s a tough man to walk. Not afraid to swing at a ball, which is mostly whats coming with the pitcher up next.

By JasonInMaine

November 13, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

Didn’t Eddie Perez say that Blanco was about as good as he has seen defensively this side of Andruw?

By Tyler

November 13, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

Lew-You misunderstood me. I was not comparing Dontrelle to Glavine by numbers in any way. I was pointing out that you said Glavine is not asked to be our savior or ace. That would not be expected of Dontrelle either. All I was saying was that with the pressure of not being an ace with a winning team, he would probably do better. I just want to point out that if not too much is expected of him, and he comes cheap, whatever he brings to the table would be nice. To me, he is worth a shot. He has talent and maybe, just maybe, he would return to similar form.

By TJ

November 13, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul,

I might be wrong, but I think Gregor Blanco would be excited to read that someone was pulling for him to be a starting CF for the Braves. If it were me I’d let people call me whatever if it meant I had a chance to show what I could do. It would have to be better than another year at Richmond.

By TennesseePaul

November 13, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

Lew: I don’t know that I totally disagree with you. I think Glavine will be a good addition to the rotation and the team could make it to the post season, I just want more. I want more because I think now is a good time to stock up. Plus, the whole dynasty thing. We had one for a decade and a half and damn if I don’t miss those days. Acquiring another starter would more reasonably secure such a dream.

Who knows, we could sign some great FA pitcher after next season. We’ll need to. As highly as anyone can see those young pitchers, they are still many years from being top of the rotation aces. They may very well be aces in the long run, but it isn’t going to be 2009 or 2010.

By Charles

November 13, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

Two reasonably priced free agents to keep your eye on as possible CF candidates are Shannon Stewart who had a great come back year in Oakland last year and Corey Patterson, formely with Cubs and most recently with the Orioles (a local kid who played at Kennessaw State Univ). Both would be quite serviceable short term solutions until Schafer is ready for the Bigs.

By Esmerejindo H. Vargas

November 13, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

Jared:

My point was your bragging about the starting rotation being a loser rotation. I didn’t agree, butthead. Then without paying attention to what has been said about Bennett, you make stupid comments about him.

At least I don’t post a quote by Einstein insulting myself like you do.

work on those attention problems too. There’s medicine for that.

You’re still the big LOSER

By Esmerejindo H. Vargas

November 13, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

wow, man, you are really smart!

You figured out my secret identity! What’s yours? wait, lemme guess: Jessica Simpson…er…”Jared”

what a big loser!

By TennesseePaul

November 13, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

I will say this much Lew, and perhaps this is where we disagree, I don’t know that simply adding Glavine and a mediocre CF will make the Braves WS winners. For that I think another top flight starter would be needed. But adding Glavine and a mediocre CF I think will get the Braves to the post season.

By Braves Fan 79

November 13, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

What do you think of the top50 thing on espn DOB where they said Glavine would probably retire or be released midseason? I think…and hope there dead wrong! But Maybe Smoltz and Glavine should be used kinda like how Clemens extended his career by taking it easy the first half of the season.

Us having so many 5-6 inning pitchers now makes us keeping Ron Mayah even more important!
Lets hope that this year we use our $ on helping the bullpen, or 2 resign tex….rather than on bringing in crappy “vet” backup infielders!

If we had relyed on our minor league stars to be backups last year instead of having woodcrap, orr and wilson play ever other day we would of made the playoffs!!

By DAP

November 13, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

DOB Don’t understand why anyone would think Blanco should be considered ahead of Schafer and Lillibridge, if Braves believe Lillibridge can play OF (they KNOW Schafer’s ready to play defensively in the majors right now).

because lillibridge is a SS and schafer is to talented to rush to the majors. blanco spent the whole year in AAA. besides, the braves have two players right now that can leadoff, and i havent heard much talk about centerfielders that would actually be leadoff guys. it is not a bad idea to get a defensive guy that will bat 8th. i still have not seen one good reason blanco shouldnt be cinsidered, except he cant hit for power, which doesnt seem like a good reason.

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Lew: If we can pickup somebody like Haren, Blanton, Snell, or somebody similar, I would think that would be a good move. IF, and this is a big IF, we don’t have to back up the truck or destroy our lineup for it.

For instance, if we give up two “maybe” pitchers (James, Reyes, Bennett, Morton type guys), and either a decent prospect or a regular we could live without (Diaz, BJones, KJ) we could still put a top notch team on the field, and increase our likelihood of post season play with a rotation of Smoltz, Hudson, “Mystery Acquisition”, Glavine, and Jurrjens.

The pitchers we didn’t NOT move to get the pitcher in question would be decent backup options. I am not even counting on Hampton in this scenario.

If it would take more, then I would say let’s go to war with what we have. There is always the mid-season pickup route.

I would even take a flier on Dontrelle Willis, but I would not overpay for him. Maybe JoJo Reyes and Thorman??

By Steve Avery

November 13, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

Reading about these prospects really gets me pumped about 2008. DOB, thanks for the update. I’m one of those who is opposed to trading any of our young talent. I also hope that the Braves hold on to Hoss and Tex for awhile to provide some leadership on the team for the youngsters. What a sick lineup with those two and McCann, Francoeur, Schaefer, Escobar, etc. The Braves also need to think about picking up a few pinch hitters that are better than what they had last year. Finally, if Hampton can give us 25 starts next year (maybe unlikely), we may actually have a pretty impressive rotation. A post-season rotation of Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, and Hampton doesn’t sound too bad. Also can’t wait to see what happens with C. Morton.

By flbravesgirl

November 13, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

Great stuff, DOB. Thanks for going to all that trouble to get us a firsthand report on the Braves’ kids out there. I love finding out about the guys that are the potential future of the team.

By BnB

November 13, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

Man, OBrien really does an excellent job covering the team and dispensing the info. Obviously loves his job. thanks.

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

Braves Fan 79: Good points on using the farm hands vs the experienced guys on the bench. I suspect Brayan Pena might be traded, but I would hope that he could be a backup C, 1B, 3B, PH super utility guy. I also see Aybar being a big part of the team, if he can return. Lillibridge might become next years version of 2007’s Escobar. I like Sammons as the backup catcher.

Problem with Mahay is that at 36, how many years and at what yearly salary are you willing to give up. I think if you can get him for 3 years (2 guaranteed) for about 8 million, while it might be more than you want to spend, but it might be worth it in the long run. Would he sign for that amount? Is he in it for the payday? Maybe, since it will probably be his last big shot at the brass ring. Too many clubs have signed relievers for too much, and been sorry for it later (Kyle Farnsworth comes to mind)

Problem is, what will that do to your other relievers in regards to salary?

Just thinking out loud.

By N8

November 13, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

Metropolitan Man

“Please sing that bum glavine 2morrow.”

Here goes. Since it’s getting close to the holidays, I’ll be SINGING this to the tune of The Little Drummer Boy….

That bum gulavahin, pa rumpa a pum pum.

2morrow -oh a oh oh, pa rump a pum.

I could keep going, but my guess is you get the picture.

Sorry. Had to spin your typo for some fun.

L8r.

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

Braves Fan 79: A final thought on the bench. If we rely on rookies and others we now have, we might not have the right batters to bring off the bench. Can Pena, Aybar, Lillibridge, Sammons do it off the bench? We really don’t know.

Good points on pinch hitters Steve Avery!

DAP and others that are on the Blanco bandwagon, I think the one and only thing I would say to refute your theories is that the folks that matter have been watching Blanco play. If these true baseball me, evaluators of talent, don’t think Blanco is a starting CF candidate, then to be honest and a tad brutal, you are wasting your breath.

One day I floated the idea of trading Francoeur for top flight pitching. Dave quickly told me I was wasting my time even thinking about it. So, no more “what if we trade Frenchy” talk from me.

So, if I were one of you “Blanco Buddies”, I would do the same. Ain’t gonna happen.

Kinda like wishing we had Phil Neikro again. Ain’t happening.

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

BnB DOB probably worked hard for a long time to get to where he is: an overworked, underpaid, underappreciated, super blogmeister and beat writer.

Many of us are jealous.

Keep up the pretty OK work there, Dave!

from mediocre and jealous Wayne being Wayne!

Go Jazz!! :-)

By Braveheart

November 13, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

DonC, I hear ya. Dontrelle is pitching in an empty stadium playing meaningless games in front of a horrible defensive infield.

And yeah Lew something ain’t right about him. he’s walking more batters, giving up more homers, and hitting more batters. Sounds like something is wrong mentally and mechanically. A change of scenery and a new pitching coach may do him some good.

McDowell was a groundball pitcher who has had success in improving other groundball pitchers like Hudson and Moylan. Perhaps he could do the same for Dontrelle.

It’s gotta suck when you keep seeing balls that used to be outs between 2003 and 2005 become hits in 2006 and 2007 because your infield defense absolutely sucks. See what that does for a young pitcher. See how that makes him frustrated. See how that maybe makes you wanna overcompensate as a young pitcher and get your mechanics out of whack, lose your control, hit more batters, walk more batters and throw pitches in bad locations which go for homers. It’s a little deeper than just saying he’s in decline. Ya gotta consider the circumstances and the players surrounding him.

Lew, would you rather have Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Dontrelle, Hampton, and Jurrjens or Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, James, Hampton, Jurrjens, Bennett, JoJo?

If you offered the Marlins James, JoJo, and Bennett, would they take it? If so, make the deal. If not, then what does that tell you about how good James, JoJo, and Bennett are?

Would you have refused to trade for Smoltz when he was 24 in 1991 because he was in a downhill trend over the past two years since 1989? Adjust the numbers for the offensive eras and you see the comparison ain’t much different. WOuld you have refused to consider trading for Smoltz in 1994 when he was 27 years old because he had been in decline since 1992? Smoltz never fully became Smoltz once and for all until 1995. Well in the regular season I mean.

I am not saying Dontrelle will ever be as good as Smoltz but both had moments of greatness as young pitchers but also frustration. Smoltz had to receive extensive help from Mazzonne and a shrink to get his mechanics and mind right. Perhaps a change of scenery and McDowell could help Dontrelle here.

I know one thing will help Dontrelle - getting the hell away from bad defensive infielders like Uggla, Hanley, and Miguel. When he had Lowell, Castillo, and Gonzalez, he was pretty darn successful. You keep talking about this two year trend thing. Do you think it is just a mere coincidence that it has occurred when he lost a great defensive infield and had it replaced with a really bad defensive infield? The huge dropoff this season as compared to last season was certainly not helped by Cabrera and Uggla playing much worse defensively as compared to last season. The Marlins replaced a great defense in 2005 with a bad defense in 2006 which only got worse in 2007.

Ask yourself what happens if the Mets and Peterson get their hands on Dontrelle? Peterson willperhaps turn Dontrelle around like he did Oliver Perez. Why couldn’t McDowell perhaps be able to do that?

Remember this as well: With Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Dontrelle, you are looking at some innings eating sons of b!tches who will give you about 850 innings combined with only 150 innings needed from Hampton and Jurrjens combined.

With Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, James, you are only looking at about 780 innings and you need to get 220 innings out of Hampton, Jurrjens, JoJo, and Bennett in their 30 or so starts. Not gonna happen. The abuse of the pen will happen again with that crew.

By David O'Brien

November 13, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

DAP, center fielders are often leadoff hitters on teams, as I’m sure you’re aware

Just off top of my head, from Grady Sizemore to Ichiro Suzuki, Kenny Lofton to Eric Byrnes, Curtis Granderson to Jacoby Ellsbury and Willy Taveras, there are a ton of current or recent CFs who hit or have hit leadoff for long stretches, not to mention the endless number who’ve done it in the past, including the likes of Johnny Damon, Otis Nixon, Lenny Dykstra, etc.

When you say there hasn’t been much talk of center fielders who “would actually be leadoff hitters,” talk among who? Don’t know who you’re talking to or what you’re referring to there. Talk here? Talk among Brave officials?

Remember, Braves are going to need a No. 2 hitter now that Renteria is gone. It’s gonna probably have to be Escobar or Kelly Johnson.

You don’t even know that Blanco can hit for a high average and OBP in the majors, as he’s done in the minors. Won’t know until he does it. But you do know this: If he does or doesn’t hit for a high average, there’s a very good chance he’s not going to hit for any power. And he doesn’t have great stolen-base numbers, either.

Braves won’t more offensively from their every-day CF than what Blanco provides, is what I’m saying. If that guy hits first or eighth, doesn’t matter. They won’t more if they can get it.

By DAP

November 13, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

wayne in utah yeah, i understand that, which is why i told robert we would have to let the bosses earn their money.

but, there been no good answer to the question about why blanco isnt an option. he plays great defense, gets on base, has good speed…

a couple of popular candidates for center field, crisp and dejesus seem to be similar player to what blanco is in the minors. they dont hit homeruns (very few) they get on base, and the play defense.

i still havent heard a good reason for him not to be considered, and i actually havent heard that he isnt being considered. i dont think DOB has ever been told by wren that it wont happen.

besides, wayne, you cant compare suggesting trading frenchy to this, its not even close to similar. trading a outfield fixture and a fan favorite vs. bringing up a young player to fill an empty spot isnt even close.

By David O'Brien

November 13, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

Braves Fan 79, it wasn’t a “they” who said that about Glavine. It was one person on ESPN.com. How do you comment on that? I’ll go out on a limb and say Glavine will not retire or be released at midseason by the Braves (or an other team that signs him).

By Clarice Starling

November 13, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

Think of Blanco as a sacrificial lamb of sorts.

one morning I just - ran away… I heard a strange sound… I went to look… Screaming! Some kind of - screaming…… Got dressed without turning on the light. I went downstairs… outside… I crept up to the barn… I was so scared to look inside - but I had to… Lambs. The lambs were screaming… They were slaughtering the spring lambs …… They were screaming……. First I tried to free them… I opened the gate of their pen - but they wouldn’t run. They just stood there, confused. They wouldn’t run… I took one lamb. And I ran away, as fast as I could… I had no food or water. It was very cold. I thought - if I can even save just one… but he got so heavy. So heavy… I didn’t get more than a few miles before the sheriff’s car found me……….. The rancher was so angry he sent me tolive at the Lutheran orphanage in Bozeman. I never saw the ranch again… I still wake up sometimes, wake up in the dark, with the lambs screaming. I think if I saved Gregor Blanco, I could make them stop….. I think if Gregor Blanco lives, I won’t wake up in the dark, ever again, to the screaming of the lambs.

By tom

November 13, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

This is the second blog of yours I have read and I dug them both. Usually I just read all the stuff on braves.com, but I will be reading a lot more of your coverage.

Love the adding on of music review. My Morning Jacket isn’t a reference you hear every day. Plus it makes you real- out there on the road… working .

thanks

t

By DAP

November 13, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

DOB Just off top of my head, from Grady Sizemore to Ichiro Suzuki, Kenny Lofton to Eric Byrnes, Curtis Granderson to Jacoby Ellsbury and Willy Taveras, there are a ton of current or recent CFs who hit or have hit leadoff for long stretches, not to mention the endless number who’ve done it in the past, including the likes of Johnny Damon, Otis Nixon, Lenny Dykstra, etc.

ok, DOB, how many of these guys are the braves trying to get? which ones are realistic trades for the braves?

what i meant was, among the possible centerfielders weve discussed on the blog…cameron, dejesus, crisp, ect… these arent guys that will lead off. they arent leadoff guys.

thats why ive reasoned that whoever plays centerfield for the braves next year will probably not leadoff.

youre right, DOB…no one knows that blanco can repeat his minor league numbers in the majors, and i dont want my opinion to be misunderstood to mean i think blanco is the answer. i simply see blanco as an option, and i hope he is an option. if the bosses dont think he can play in the majors…well, thats thier job. its just my opinion that he deserves a shot.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 13, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

Greetings all, It is with great sadness that I report the passing of a local sports reporter, Vic Fulp, Vic was a native of Athens Georgia but grew up in the tri cities area of central Va. He was truly a great scribe and well respected by those who knew him. Vic was 65 at the time of his passing. His obit can be view with this link. Vic Fulp

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this

Dang, DAP, are you so dense as to not understand that the Braves do not want a centerfielder that is a punch and judy hitter. It has yet to be proven that Blanco can or cannot hit major league pitching. The Braves are not going to waste their time on somebody they deem not capable. If they did, then maybe they would give ME a tryout. Besides, it has not been proven that I CAN’T hit major league pitching. Don’t they owe it to me to give me a tryout. Heck no!!

The folks that know more about baseball than you and I combined are not talking about him as being a candidate to start in center. That really says all that needs to be said, at least for me. I really don’t think you are going to get a better explanation.

So then, what is it that you don’t understand? They are not going to come right out and say, “We think Gregor Blanco is not major league caliber.” They will keep him on-board until they are certain he won’t make it, OR until they don’t need him anymore. Then, if he hasn’t changed their minds, he will be released.

I remember years ago when the Citadel was in the playoffs for the College World Series. The coach (I can’t remember his name, and I am not sure if he is still there) was a very colorful man. He was asked if he thought one of his players had a career in major league baseball. I loved the answer he game. He said, “I think he is going to be a great Army officer!”

I think Gregor Blanco is going to be a good __ (you fill in the blanks).

By Wayne in Utah

November 13, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

N8: I can’t believe how negative you are man!!!

(sorry, it has been so long, I couldn’t resist!)

:-)

how goes it?

By Hannibal Lecter

November 13, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

Well, Clarice, have the Gregor Blancos stopped screaming? WIll you let me know if the lambs stop screaming?

By chrisklob

November 13, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this

Wayne, was that coach’s name Chal Port?

By joebrave

November 13, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

So, in signing Tom Glavine, all we may be getting is an older, more experienced Chuck James. Is that worth several more millions a year in salary? Is that worth a spot in the rotation that could be used to develop and grow a Reyes or a Jurrjens? Is it worth it just to have Glavine end his career in a Braves uniform?

By joebrave

November 13, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this

the attraction of the Braves (and many Braves fans) to Glavine seems to be more nostalgic, and not an attraction rooted in good baseball sense.

By DAP

November 14, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

wayne in utah

ok, man, excuse my denseness…i didnt know that the braves had let you know exactly what kind of hitter they were looking for to play center, and i didnt know they told you they werent considering blanco. if i had known that you had detailed conversations with the braves bosses i would have just asked you.

by the way, all knowing wayne, if youve been in the minor for five years and have a .273 average and a .749 OPS, plus you play outstanding defense…then yeah i think they absolutly should give you a chance! you really oughta bring that up to the bosses next time you guys are hanging out talking about what they are going to do with the team.

By joebrave

November 14, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

Glavine may try to pitch one more year, but he’d be wise to remember the ignominious end of another lefty’s career, that of Steve Carlton. Carlton didn’t know when to walk away, and after a terrible 1987, Carlton tried to come back one more time and gave up 19 runs in nine-plus innings before he was released.

By TennesseePaul

November 14, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

Sheeeeesh. I’ve said what I said about Glavine. If the Braves don’t sign him for what ever reason, I’d love to see him go back to NY just for the sake of the trolls on this blog. It might actually be pleasing to see Tommy in a Met uni after hearing all these guys moaning about him since the end of the season.

Now, that said, I just went and read Keith Law’s list of top 50 free agents. He has Glavine #50. I read through it and realized it’s a pretty shody list. He has Weaver as a better FA pitcher than Glavine. (shaking my head). Weaver. Not the young one.

By chrisklob

November 14, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

DOB and Wayne in DAP’s defense, why wouldn’t they want a “slap and judy” type player in the lead-off spot or perhaps in the eight hole? Blanco IS unproven, yet how do we know what he is capable of as he has not been given an opportunity to prove himself in the bigs.

Surely with his experience in CF he is a more obvious option there than Lillibridge (no recent experience) or Schaffer (no experience above A+ ball) offer right now. Using Blanco at CF doesn’t require a big salary, long contract, or moving prospects.

In roughly a year and a half he’s hit roughly .285 with a very good k/bb ratio, which, by the way, has dramatically improved since his days in the lower minors. Granted, he has very little power but by all accounts he can play very good defense. The Braves need a stop-gap CF, not a star, and I’ve heard nothing to indicate that he can’t at least keep the spot warm until Schaffer or Hernandez or whoever is ready to take it over.

What do the “home boys upstairs” know that we don’t?

By DAP

November 14, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

joebrave i agree that nostalga has alot to do with bringing glavine back, which i dont think is a bad thing. but i also think it makes baseball sense.

By chrisklob

November 14, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this

10Paul, read that list too and got some pretty good laughs from it too.

joebrave, please go back and look at Glavine’s numbers for the past few years. Then get back to us. No, he’s not dominating as he once was. But he’s a solid pitcher still and an innings eater which the bullpen sorely needed last year.

Bringing him back is not for the sake of nostaligia. It’s a business decision, plain and simple. Nothing more, nothing less. He’ll pitch his 200 or so next year with a 4.50 or so ERA and teach some of the youngsters how to do their business too.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 14, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

mlbtraderumors.com is reporting a potential trade that could have huge ramifications for the Braves. Apparently, the Dodgers and Angels are in the lead for Miguel Cabrera. The fact the Angels are in on this is potentially great news for the Braves. Here’s why. If the Angels get Cabrera, it makes Figgins expendable. Now, the supposed bounty the Marlins are asking for would open the door for the Braves to have what the Angels are looking for. The Marlins are reportedly asking for Howie Kendrick, Joe Saunders/Erwin Santana, Nick Ardenardt (sp?), and an outfielder (likely Reggie Wilits or Terry Evans). What could make this great for the Braves is that the Braves could offer Kelly Johnson and either a mid level prospect or somebody along the lines of Tyler Yates or Joey Devine for Figgins. The Braves could plug Prado, Lillibridge, or Aybar into 2B.

Its just a thought and something to keep an eye on when the winter meetings arrive in three weeks.

By joebrave

November 14, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this

A.J. Burnett, Blue Jays starter. No. 1 stuff when healthy and focused. A Blue Jays person said they’d listen if someone blew them away. Doesn’t seem overpaid at $11 mil per anymore.

By joebrave

November 14, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this

Glavine’s stuff is down. His fastball is 80-84 mph, his change at 74-75 with visible slowing of his arm, his slow-roller curve at 75-77 — and none of it able to miss bats.

By Wayne in Utah

November 14, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

10Paul If the Braves want Glavine back, you know its because they believe he can pitch effectively, and help get them into the post season. Let’s just hope they are right.

joebrave Are you kidding me? I totally dislike the man, because of his penchant for chasing the almighty dollar. BUT, the guy does NOT throw hard like Carlton did. He does not stress his arm like a lot of power pitchers do. Could he be a big mistake? Sure. Do the Braves want him back for nostalgic reasons? Heck NO! Do you think they brought Methuselah Franco back just for fun. THEY do nothing that is not rooted in trying to better the team, and increase their chances to get to the WS.

DAP What the heck does DAP stand for: Dense A$$ Person? Let me give it to you straight. I have no silver ball. I do not talk to Frank Wren. I have never met John Schuerholz (though I would love to!)

But, I read Braves sports articles, I listen to interviews on the radio, and I frickin add two plus two and usually come up with FOUR!

Dang, man. Read, listen, and if you still think the Braves aren’t being fair to not consider Blanco as their starting centerfielder, then I don’t know what else to tell you.

Just because I might want Lillibridge to be the super sub next year, doesn’t make it happen, unless two things happen: One, the Braves have to believe he can do it and give him the shot. Second, he has to prove it to them when given the shot in the spring.

If Blanco NEVER gets past #1, he will NEVER get to #2. Have you read or heard ANYTHING to indicate otherwise????????? I sure as heck haven’t!!

Does that make me all knowing? If it does, then I will wear the hat. It just makes me somebody who tries to read, listen, and interpret. But if it makes you feel better to stick your head into the proverbial sand, please do not let me hinder your efforts.

Sorry to have offended you, my Braves blogging compadre.

By joebrave

November 14, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

Klob you’re right,The Last Few years.I agree,but those are past Years….9mil,I don’t know,I think it’s a Huge mistake….

By Wayne in Utah

November 14, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

10Paul If the Braves want Glavine back, you know its because they believe he can pitch effectively, and help get them into the post season. Let’s just hope they are right.

joebrave Are you kidding me? I totally dislike the man, because of his penchant for chasing the almighty dollar. BUT, the guy does NOT throw hard like Carlton did. He does not stress his arm like a lot of power pitchers do. Could he be a big mistake? Sure. Do the Braves want him back for nostalgic reasons? Heck NO! Do you think they brought Methuselah Franco back just for fun. THEY do nothing that is not rooted in trying to better the team, and increase their chances to get to the WS.

DAP What the heck does DAP stand for: Dense A$$ Person? Let me give it to you straight. I have no silver ball. I do not talk to Frank Wren. I have never met John Schuerholz (though I would love to!)

But, I read Braves sports articles, I listen to interviews on the radio, and I frickin add two plus two and usually come up with FOUR!

Dang, man. Read, listen, and if you still think the Braves aren’t being fair to not consider Blanco as their starting centerfielder, then I don’t know what else to tell you.

Just because I might want Lillibridge to be the super sub next year, doesn’t make it happen, unless two things happen: One, the Braves have to believe he can do it and give him the shot. Second, he has to prove it to them when given the shot in the spring.

If Blanco NEVER gets past #1, he will NEVER get to #2. Have you read or heard ANYTHING to indicate otherwise????????? I sure as heck haven’t!!

Does that make me all knowing? If it does, then I will wear the hat. It just makes me somebody who tries to read, listen, and interpret. But if it makes you feel better to stick your head into the proverbial sand, please do not let me hinder your efforts.

Sorry to have offended you, my Braves blogging compadre.

By joebrave

November 14, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

4300+ innings on that 42 year old arm,Wayne,I personally have nothing against Tom Glavine,I just think this is a bad move….There is no way He pitches 200 innings,no way….dead ring finger=shoulder woes.He is on the D.L. before the all-star break or Retired….mark my words….

By joebrave

November 14, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this

At 42 He is a 5 inning wonder!!!

By chrisklob

November 14, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this

joebrave you gotta quit reading that Keith Law garbage. That list of his was a complete joke.

By joebrave

November 14, 2007 12:44 AM | Link to this

Sorry Guys,I just don’t advocate this move…He11 if the Braves want to play Nostalgia ball,why not Bring back Darrell Evans to play first,and let Gaylord Perry pitch the season Opener!!!!!! Tom Glavine isn’t the answer to the Braves problems,and whether I agree,with it or not,He will be here next year,I only hope He is playing this Team again,and signs with the Nats….

By DAP

November 14, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

wayne in utah

i read and absorb as much as i can man, and im no dummy when it comes to baseball and especially the braves.

ive got an opinion, and ill give it. thats what this place is designed to be. ive tried to be very careful about how i post my opinions and i dont think they are way out there at all.

you have interpreted one thing from what youve heard and read and the stats youve seen, ive interpreted something else. keep in mind ive never said that blanco should absolutly without a doubt be the starting center fielder for the braves in 2008. ive only said that all things considered, cost, “stop-gap” theory, availablility, and what we will actually need out of center, blanco should be considered. neither you or i have ever heard or read anyone say blanco is absolutly not being considered, or that he is.

if you dont know what to say to me, then just shutup, wayne.

and i dont believe you would be sorry at all if you offended me. i think thats a lie, based on your posts.

By joebrave

November 14, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

and please No Freakin Baldelli trades…..that sonsabitch is a walking accident!!!!! waiting to happen!!!

By Wayne in Utah

November 14, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this

joebrave And Burnett would not be an equally if not potentially larger mistake??? Why would we want to blow them away for someone that costs more, has been injured frequently, and pitched inconsistently? Yeah, Tommy could blow up on us. But odds are that he would NOT blow up before a guy like Burnett.

Chris I asked myself the same questions last August/September about Blanco. After a while it has become fairly clear that the Braves are not high on him. Otherwise, with the opening, they would be talking about him. Personally, I think they are going to pull the trigger on another CF’er in the not too distant future.

RJIB I would give up KJ or Devine for Figgins (plus one more player, maybe a Villarreal or Yates), but certainly not both. I think Devine has the capability to be a very good major league closer in the next 2-3 years.

By joebrave

November 14, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this

Beckett,Sabathia,Webb,so on and so forth,no junkballers in the postseason this year…Except J Francis,and look what happened to Him!!!!

By Wayne in Utah

November 14, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

joe: Last year, it was how many, 22 or 23 quality starts??? That is 6 innings minimum. Will he repeat his performance of 2007? Who knows. I wouldn’t be against him.

I do NOT like Tom Glavine, but I do think he makes the Braves better next year. Besides, with the knowledge of what happened to him down the stretch, the Braves could probably limit his total starts to try to minimize the late season woes he had this year. Heck the Mets didn’t have anybody else to run out there. I suspect the Braves will.

You can’t count on Hampton, but if he comes around, that is a HUGE bonus. You gotta figure that James (or whoever we upgrade him to) will be at least as good as last year, maybe better.

Unless they fall to an injury or sophomore jinx, then Jurrjens and Reyes will be better. Both are highly thought of.

Bottom line, if we pick up Tom G, and dodge the proverbial injury bug, then we could have the best rotation in the National League. Don’t believe me, ask Coach!

Come on man, your starting to sound like N8 in July/August!

couldn’t resist N8!!!

:-)

By MikeS

November 14, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

As much as I would like to see us acquire Figgins, I don’t think I’d trade Kelly Johnson to do it. Folks, KJ had a great year and isn’t someone i’d be looking to trade at all. He had an OPS of .831 in his first full year in the bigs, is dirt cheap, and should continue to improve (all while playing a new position and spending a good bit of time in a platoon).

DOB, do you have any idea what it might take to get Figgins? And what are your thoughts on KJ’s value to the Braves (i think he has more value to us than he does on the trade market)?

I guess I’m saying I’d rather have KJ over Figgins (and as I mentioned earlier today, I would LOVE to get Figgins). But I’d rather have KJ at second with Lillibridge/Schafer in CF, than Figgins at CF with Lillibridge/Prado at 2B. I guess I’ll just be hoping for a deal that gets us Figgins without giving up KJ…

By joebrave

November 14, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this

On to CF,here’s one scenario,for you guys,Corey Patterson,and let the Kid Schafer platoon with Him. that would seem to be right up Bobby’s alley….

and I would’nt say a complete no to Glavine but the only way He’s in my rotation,is at 4….. Jurrjens/reyes 5.

Wren has to deal for something Better..I just don’t think the way he is leaning is enough….

By joebrave

November 14, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this

What becomes of the two,super 2’s on this club if all these kids show up???????????how many spos on the team are there for CF????so far I see B.Jones,G.Blanco,B.Lillibridge,J.Schafer,etal…….what about Diaz,Francouer,only so much room on the Roster…

Somebody is Gone I don’t know who or to where but someone is outta here,and not just Andruw!!!!

By joebrave

November 14, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this

Maybe give Doug Mirabelli a look for the backup catcher’s position…..

By joebrave

November 14, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this

And is there any chance Damaso Marte could be had for the pen???

By David

November 14, 2007 1:20 AM | Link to this

I am ready to see some of this young talent on the big league level. I think you can do this and still win the division. I’m with Kevin S. to a certain extent. I think that the Braves should see how Martin Prado performs in spring training. If he does well, make him your second baseman. Move Kelly Johnson back to left field. I really feel that Prado is ready. The word I get is that he is solid in the field and his bat speaks for itself. That leaves center as the only position of question. I would trade for Chone Figgins in a heartbeat. If not Figgins, then Ken Griffey Jr. I don’t want some second rate body just to fill the position. I want someone who can add some punch. Figgins would be ideal because he could lead off. He also plays some third base should Chipper Jones need time off. If Willie Aybar ever gets his act together, he could provide some backup in the infield. Their bench was horrid last year. That must improve. Back to center. If Figgins and Griffey aren’t options, I’d say give Gregor Blanco a shot. Don’t trade for some dead beat like David DeJesus. I really think that by the end of the year, some of that outfield talent will be ready. Pitching-wise, I am a Tom Glavine detractor. At this point in his career, Glavine is comparable to Chuck James. He is not the Glavine of the glory days. There have been names that the Braves have been linked to that I would go after before Tom Glavine. How about Carlos Silva? How about Dan Haren? I would take either or both of those before Glavine. As far as Mike Hampton goes, I would sign my pitching as if Hampton doesn’t exist. If he returns, you have some trade bait. The bullpen will be fine. I can see Joey Devine, Charlie Morton & Sun Ki Jung being added to the bullpen. I think Jurgens will be looked to for long relief. Don’t forget Royce Ring. I think the centerfield issue is the biggest the Braves have. Oh, by the way, when does Brandon Jones get a shot?

By Wayne in Utah

November 14, 2007 1:24 AM | Link to this

DAP What has Dave O’Brien written about Blanco? Without trying to put words in his mouth, I believe Dave has written that he doesn’t think the Braves believe that Gregor Blanco is starting material.

Maybe you haven’t read that? I don’t know. I thought it was abundantly clear. If they thought he could do it, why would Frank Wren have told Dave that the Braves were going to look via trades to fill the centerfield option. He also states that we have internal options. BUT, nobody has talked about Blanco being one of them.

Dave, help me out here! Am I way off base? I don’t think so. If I am, then I owe a LOT of folks an apology. But, I don’t think I have misinterpreted concerning Blanco.

And, I AM sorry if I have offended you. I do not think you are technically dense. Actually, I use a lot of sarcasm in my posts. So, when I asked if you were dense in my first post to you, I was trying to be sarcastic, while making my point.

Like saying, DUH, or HELLO! Are you listening to what is being said around you.

The Braves goal is to field the best team possible, for the most reasonable amount of money possible. Hence, the release of Marcus Giles last year for KJ.

So, while Blanco will probably get a shot to prove himself next spring, they are NOT talking him up, like they are guys like Schafer and others. To me, that is not opinion, that is fact. They are NOT talking him up.

It might be your opinion that he can be a decent candidate for the starting job next year (not that you are saying he WILL be), but from everything they are saying and more correctly NOT saying tells me they do not believe in him.

Again, I am not trying to offend. I do get forceful and sarcastic when trying to make my points sometimes. If I have offended you with my humor, sarcasm and truth, I am truly sorry. Believe it, or don’t believe it. I guess we can agree to disagree on all these points.

So, if I have offended you, I do apologize. I have been told I can be an a$$ sometimes. I suppose it is true.

Ask DOB about Blanco again.

Case in point: Just because I think and want Joey Devine to be our top set up man next year, doesn’t make Bobby Cox trust him anymore than he does.

I have overstayed my welcome….. Good night folks.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

November 14, 2007 1:27 AM | Link to this

In spite of joebrave and his revisionist history , I must digress. Tom Glavine averaged 5.89 innings a start in 2007 , which is closer to six innings a start for those deficient in the math department. Glavine for his career , has averaged 6.5 innings per start.

By Lew

November 14, 2007 1:30 AM | Link to this

TenPaul, et al-If we could pick up one of those pitchers like Snell or Blanton without giving up the farm, then that’s fine. I just don’t think it can be done without giving up the farm. For once I’d like to see Rohrbough, Hanson and a couple of others actually pitch for Atlanta for a change instead of shipping them off for someone’s left overs or one or two year rentals. I think the crop of young guys we already have up and those coming in the next couple of years can be pretty good if not outright special.

Braveheart-I would much prefer Reyes and Bennett to Dontrelle. For that matter, James had an ERA of almost a complete run a game better than Willis did (4.24 to 5.17). Chuck gave up 32 HR, but Dontrelle gave up 29. Why in the world would you give up players (and believe me, the Marlins would want payment for an ace) and pay his several million $ salary in addition? That makes damn little sense. Jurrjens, Bennett and Reyes are signed for the ML minimum and can put up a 5.17 ERA just fine (though I’m thinking they’ll do much better than that), for a whole lot less. We don’t have to give up anything else to get them or pay them as much combined as Dontrelle makes.

Tyler-No I don’t think that Dontrelle not being the Ace will make any difference. In three years, he has gone from 22 wins to 10, an ERA of 2.63 to 5.17 and 11 HR to 29 HR. He’s pitched consistently fewer innings, given up more hits, more walks and struck out less each year. His WHIP has risen steadily each year. I think batters just figured out his tricky windup and now just hit him hard.

By joebrave

November 14, 2007 1:36 AM | Link to this

And what was Chuck James ip per start Coach?

By Wayne in Utah

November 14, 2007 1:43 AM | Link to this

I don’t think Bobby will platoon CF.

By uga-brave

November 14, 2007 1:47 AM | Link to this

wayne,

i agree with you on your assesment of blanco. i dont see him in the mix. he would have to have a blowout spring to be with the club in april, just dont see it.

By CC Rider

November 14, 2007 1:49 AM | Link to this

HEY DOB, I was wondering? Everybody on the blog expect little if anything(I understand their doubts) from Mike Hampton this year. BUT, what if he returns to the old Mike Hampton? I know his contract expires after this sesaon and he has a $20 million dollar option,which we will refuse, and Colorado is on the hook for the $6 million dollar buyout. My question to you is, After Colorado pays the $6 mill Buyout are we allowed to resign Hampton at a reasonable figure? This idea may be a mute point if he decides to play for Arizona where he has moved.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

November 14, 2007 1:53 AM | Link to this

Keith Law is a little weasel. He listed Glavine as the 50th best free agent , never mind the fact that Elias ranked Glavine 16th out of the top 105 starting pitchers in the N.L. Never mind the fact that Kyle Lohse(9-12 / 5.62 ERA) ranked 57th and Law ranked him the 11th best free agent. How about law’s ranking of Bartolo Colon at 22nd ? Colon was 6-8 with a 6.34 ERA. Then there is Kenny Rogers ranked at 33rd , never mind the fact that he only threw 63 innings in 2007 after coming back from surgery. Lets look at Randy Wolf , ranked by Keith Law at 41st with a record of 9-6 while posting an ERA of 4.73 in 102.2 innings and spending the entire second half of the season on the D.L after having shoulder surgery. These four pitchers all had inferior season when compared to Tom Glavine and yet they are ranked ahead of him. In a word , Keith Law is a total J.A.C.K.A.$.$. who cannot see beyond his own personal bias.

By MikeS

November 14, 2007 1:54 AM | Link to this

Lew, I’m with you on Dontrelle. Just a bad career progression and while I do see the point that maybe a change in scenery could help his career, he is certainly not worth the risk (in players to give up [Marlins will certainly ask for the farm] and salary owed [will get $7-8 million at least in arbitration]).

I think the Dontrelle proponents here are thinking that he might be able to return to his 2005 form, but even if he does that, he’ll price him self right back out of our plans through arbitration in 09 and then as an FA in 2010.

By uga-brave

November 14, 2007 1:55 AM | Link to this

comparing chuck james to tom glavine is like comparing vintages of two buck chuck to a fine bordeaux.

cmon guys, do any of you have more faith in chuck james or glavine. kind of a rhetorical question.

By Blog Monitor

November 14, 2007 1:55 AM | Link to this

Wayne, quit offending people and go to bed already.

David, are you Terrence Moore in disguise?

Lew, you may go back to bed. Nothing here worth discussing tonight, unless you want Wayne to offend you too.

Coach, for the sake of the blog, please do not pick up where Wayne left off.

joebrave, no the Braves do not want to trade for Rocco Baldelli.

DAP, is your last name Blanco?

Please resume normal blogging.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

November 14, 2007 2:05 AM | Link to this

Chuck James averaged 5.37 innings per start , which rounds out to five. Elias ranked Chuck at 20th , probably because he won eleven games while making thirty starts and posting a respectable 4.24 ERA. Personally , I believe James underachieved in 2007. Mainly due to the fact of his sticking to the two pitches (fastball and change up) , he got hammered for 32 HR’s because , when he couldn’t locate his change up for strikes , MLB hitters sat on his 88-90 fastball and ate him up all season.

By uga-brave

November 14, 2007 2:12 AM | Link to this

one sidebar note on glavine, if he chooses to sign somewhere else, even if the money is comparable i think it will be because he does not want to destroy what legacy he has left in atlanta.

think about it, he left atl. and ticked off many of us. what if he comes back and lays an egg. i dont think that would happen, but what if it does. this sport is built around what have you done for me lately. if he failed miserably his reputation would me marred permanently. would kind of be tough for a 300 game winner who is a pemanent resident to take. i for one believe we will sign him and i believe he will win 13-15 games, but if he had a collosal melt down it would be a sad way for him to end his storied career.

By Tommy Gee

November 14, 2007 2:24 AM | Link to this

To atone to the Atanta Braves fans for my disappointing behavior for the past 5 years, I will offer to sign for a hometown discount of 75,000 per win. So, only if I win 15 or more games, then my salary for next year would be over 10 million. Would that satisfy my former fans?

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

November 14, 2007 2:36 AM | Link to this

I think the Braves are in no hurry when it comes to CF. Mainly because they already have Schafer , Blanco and Lillibridge. The Brave are probably waiting to see whether A-Rod ends up an Angel or Dodger due to the fact that Chone Figgins mainly played 3B last season. The Braves are keeping both the trade and in-house options open , obviously. I think the Braves and Angels are a good match for a trade. We need a veteran lead off hitter with speed who can play CF and they need pitching.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 14, 2007 6:41 AM | Link to this

Keith Law is no idiot, he has done exactly what he wanted to do and that is to generate buzz about his comments. Best way to deal with him is to ignore him.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 14, 2007 7:02 AM | Link to this

“The thought of the whole thing almost is like embezzlement — getting paid to cover games and meet people like [Hank] Aaron and [Dale] Murphy,” Vic Fulp former sports writer for the Richmond Times Dispatch and Georgia native.

Isn’t it wonderful to have a job where by you love the task at hand. DOB may be overworked and underpaid but I bet he still loves his job too. Throw in a few free CDs and I bet he would do the entertainment section too.

The blog is icing on the cake. So, thanks Dave for all you do, we will take you bad hair days and all……

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 14, 2007 7:16 AM | Link to this

And while I have the floor to myself this morning…..

Just a few comments about Blanco…… Again, just the nicest kid you would want to meet, however, I just cannot say he is special when it comes to outfield defense. He is a bit on the chunky side, not fat but about the same size as Willie Harris but stockier. He has decent range and a great arm. He does not knock down the fences with his bat but is decent. The problem is there are hundreds of players just like him scattered through out minor league baseball. I am sure Mr Brundage sent reports on his progress to the front office everyday during the season. Maybe he needs more time to develop, maybe he has reached his apex, I don’t know.

I would love to see him get his shot at the “Show” but only time will tell. I just don’t think he will make it except maybe with another club.

By Braveheart

November 14, 2007 7:45 AM | Link to this

hey lew. i am not sure exactly how passionate i am about looking into getting dontrelle. i was just throwing the devil’s advocate thing out there because you were so extreme in your lack of interest in him. i do think if the price is right, the braves should not hesitate to obtain him. but i gotta admit that increase in homers, walks, and hbp and hits is rather alarming. i wish i knew more if it was a loss of velocity or lack of bite on breaking pitches or just simply poor location and poor mindset.

the funny thing about using those ZOne Range stats is what does it really tell you? Does it tell you that the pitcher has suffered because of poor defense? Or does it tell you the infielders have suffered because the bad pitcher is giving up laser beams through the infield? Who knows? I guess I can’t have it both ways. I can’t say that the Marlins infield D was so great between 2003 and 2005 without also considering that the pitching was better which led to more feeble ground balls that made it easier for the infielders to get to.

By JasonInMaine

November 14, 2007 7:48 AM | Link to this

For the record, I have no idea how good Blanco is. I have never seen him play. I just remember people mentioning his D, so I thought I would throw it out there, so if someone had seen him play; they could offer an informed opinion.

By Anders

November 14, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this

Braveheart You posted that Chipper had a higher Zone range. I guess so. I took my defensive stats from the MLB site. They don’t even list Zone range so I’m not sure what that is. They do however list Range Factor which Wright did get a higher range than Jones in. Being the MLB site I assume these are the sanctioned numbers that should be used when gleaning what can be determined by numbers.

By rich brave

November 14, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this

GIL:

I posted to you last night. Did you read it??

By Ray

November 14, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

DOB, Asking for speculation here. Its reported that Clifton and Wren are meeting today in Phoenix. Are these talks just prelimanary or are they really talking. I would think the Braves know what it would take to get Glavine. Speculating on my part, with Glavine and Smoltz being such good friends what are the chances that they have talked and Glavine telling Smoltz if they offer me X amount I am there. Two close friends talking. Ask you to speculate once again. Wren said he has contacted the free agents that they have interest in, do you know who they may be?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 14, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this

rich brave I apologize for missing it and I still cannot find it. About what time was it posted?

By Anders

November 14, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

Lew Just read your response (?) to my 5:35pm post to you yesterday. Let me know when your done holding your breadth until you get your way and bulldoze everyone in your path so we can discuss your revisionist crystal ball version of what “would” have happened had the Braves had Glavine and Jurrgens last season. I’m working on my Met’s model of 2007 where we have Johan Santana and Jake Peavy - we can compare, it’ll be like stratomatic.

As for calling me an Idiot. I See the word “idiot” in your world to mean - Refuses to bow down to Lew even though Lew rides shotgun for DOB in many matters, does not accept all of Lews principles and thought processes wether consistent or not as gospel, does not run and hide when Lew calls him names and slurs him (nor does he respond in kind), has made a good argument or point that Lew would prefer not to propagate further.

As for all I do is argue - OK, but that makes us birds of a feather. You sit there like this is your blog denegrating every thought that doesn’t align with yours and I don’t have a single problem with that. But when someone doesn’t just cave in to you they’re labeled an idiot (see above). To say I don’t belong here is wrong. Much of what is written on here is about the Mets. What rankles the likes of you is hearing the other side from time to time. For you to sit there and say the Mets don’t have a shot next year (which is what you infer) says one of two things. You have no clue what you’re talking about, which I don’t think is the case or you’re not being objective because of your blinding hatred for most things Mets.

By Braveheart

November 14, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

Anders Zone Rating is one of those stats that is pretty popular. There are some limitations to it that one has to consider. But overall it gives you an idea of how many balls hit within a certain zone a player got to. It also gives you an idea of how serious you should take Range Factor - hard to catch more balls when less are hit your way.

For example, if you just look at Range Factor and Range Factor per 9, your boy Jose Reyes is not very impressive at all. BUt if you look at Zone Rating, he is actually quite impressive. His Zone Rating is .863 which means he was getting to 86% of the balls within his zone on the field which makes him one of the top shortstops. BY comparison, Jeter only gets to 76.5% of balls within his zone.

here is the link to the espn stats page if you want to look at it

and don’t concern yourself too much with what stats mlb sanctions. they are usually more than a few days (or years) behind. now i’m starting to sound like shaun. save my soul!

By Efrim

November 14, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

RobertJITB

Why would you trade Kelly Johnson for Chone Figgins?

Figgins is more of a long term solution at CF. Not to mention, he is kind of the super utility guy for the Angels. I doubt that they would even want to deal him.

Lillibridge has never had a major league at bat, Martin Prado isn’t a regular, he is marginal at best.

Kelly Johnson had an OPS that was at least 50 points higher than Frenchy or Heap. He had 79 walks. 79!!! Do you think Frenchy or Heap will ever have 79 walks in a season.

I’m sorry, you don’t trade guys like Kelly Johnson. He is quite possibly our most patient young hitter and he will be 26 next season.

He is a keeper…..just as much as McCann and Francouer are keepers.

If we are trading any of them, it is going to be for pitching. Front of the rotation type starting pitching.

By Chris Reitsma

November 14, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

Hi,Frank, Bobby and Roger,I miss you guys,I am willing to sign real cheap contract for the min salary,i will be a big help to the bullpen,hurry I am waiting for your call and the contract we spoke about.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 14, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

I just don’t know about Dontrelle Willis. His mechanics are less than ideal but his stuff is still electric. Willis pitching numbers have gone backwards for the third season in a row. His walks are up , strike outs are down , his innings have dropped , hits are up and the ERA has risen steadily. Nevertheless , he is still better than ninety percent of the starting pitchers in the major leagues.

By Tone Loc

November 14, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

Who is Sung Ki Jung? Glad you asked. He’s a Braves pitching prospect who spent three years in mandatory service with the South Korean Army before pitching for high-A Myrtle Beach and Double-A Miss this past season. In 40 appearances, all he did was post a 1.30 ERA with 23 saves, 57 strikeouts, 13 walks and 31 hits (two homers) allowed in 48-1/3 innings. Yowza. Something tells me the South Korean Army let him throw a little on the side over the past three seasons. Might be a bullpen candidate, if not this spring then during the season. Also looking forward to him possibly getting into the game tonight, since Wren described his delivery as “funky” but left it at that. Anyone out there see him pitch this season? If so, what’s the funk?

DOB, it’s the Funky Called Medina. The Beastie Boys say it is a Funky Monkey called Brass Monkey. There’s your scouting report for today.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 14, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

Anders , Lew is completely correct. Had Glavine alone , been a part of the Braves rotation in 2007 , they would have made the playoffs. You and a lot of other fence sitters need to get a clue. The massive improvement in the rotation is already evident to me and a few other hardcore fans. Get on the bandwagon already !

By Steve McP

November 14, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

Fun to look at the Zone Rating stats for the Braves, according to those Scott Thorman - the statuesque figure, or that be statue, at first base - had an excellent .873, but he was headed by the infrequent players Craig Wilson and the ever youthful Julio, both were over 900.

Looking at other positions Willy Harris had very good numbers in CF & LF. I don’t really know why he is not on anyone’s list as a back up or even temporary starting CF until the new guns break through. He tired towards the end of last season but to discard him for that seems a bit harsh, or is it that the view is that his amazing form earlier in the season was just a flash in the pan.

I thought he always fielded well and made some really good catches and generally played with a lot hustle and heart.

By Wayne in Utah

November 14, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Funky: what my kids used to say when I would remove my sneakers.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 14, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

On the D Train….. Still sounds like arm trouble to me. It is hard to give up all that money when you are young so I doubt he would confess to anyone. I just think it’s physical, however, I have not had a chance to examine the MRIs to date…..

He would be a good trade for someone willing to wait a year or so for his arm, elbow, shoulder (take your pick) to heal from surgery.

By Braveheart

November 14, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

He would be a good trade for someone willing to wait a year or so for his arm, elbow, shoulder (take your pick) to heal from surgery.

if so, then maybe the yankees and joe girardi need to be the ones who wait since girardi probably caused it. but i wouldn’t wish girardi back on dontrelle. poor phillip hughes, ian kennedy, and joba chamberlain. they are not gonna know what hit them.

By rich brave

November 14, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

GIL:

I only posted twice yesterday, and my short-term memory failed me. Post time 12:23P.m. Sorry amigo.

By Anders

November 14, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Braveheart Fair enough on the Zone rating explanation. Listen, I don’t view Wright as a Gold Glover at this point, but I don’t think he was an outright ridiculous choice over Chipper. I do believe the 300+ inning differential played an underlying role against Chipper. Should one of the other guys mentioned have gotten it? Probably. I was just suprised at Chippers direct response to it. Not that big a deal on his part though. I definetly admire Chipper and would be happy if Wright has 3/4’s of his career.

By Double J

November 14, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

DOB, i frequent this blog a lot, and enjoy the plethera of information keeping fans up to date and as well as the others. I thought I was a big braves fan, then I started reading this daily.
On another note, Matt Murton doesn’t seem to be in the cubs future plans, I think we could snag him as a great fourth outfielder. And possible spell center. He is a great player, and he happens to be from the same area I live. And Jason Heward at first base as some have mention makes good sense, he played there in HS a good bit. He is gonna be solid wherever he plays.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 14, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

After watching Willie Harris play in Richmond last spring, I was amazed by his performance immediately following his call-up. What we all witnessed towards the end of the season was more in line with my expectations. It has been hinted that Willie was playing through some type of injury so I don’t know. Maybe he blows the doors off everyone this spring.

He is not a bad player, just not the guy you would expect to carry your team. He would be a better bench option than Woodward but that could be said of a lot of players.

I still think the Braves would rather have Lillibridge play everyday instead of being a role player off the bench at this point of his career. Escobar could handle that role much better this past season because he is a more mature player.

I know one thing, the Braves sure wish Langerhans could have hit better than .200 last year. No question he had the glove to play center.

And Wayne in UT Alexis is still waiting on his paperwork to clear in the Dominican. I understand that happens a lot down there…..

By Lew

November 14, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Braveheart-Dude, Dontrelle has given up steadily more hits, more walks and more Home Runs each of the past three years. He has struck out progressively fewer batters. These are all aspects of a pitcher’s game that have nothing whatsoever to do with the defense behind him. Yes, I know Shaun will find a reason why this is not so and Anders will argue with me about it because that’s what Anders does, but ithat doesn’t negate the fact that Dontrelle’s numbers have been steadily worse over the past three seasons. At the very least, this is an alarming trend.

Is it possible a change of scenery would help? Is it possible his mechanics are off. Of course it is-after all, Joe Girardi, the Destroyer Of Young Pitchers was his manager for a year. However, why pay his increasingly exhorbitant salary for two more years, hoping he will turn things around? After all, don’t we have enough question marks with the talent we’ve already assembled? Whywould you go looking for another potential problem?

By Wayne in Utah

November 14, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

With the acquisition of Tex as a 1.5 year rental, and with the age of Smoltz (and Glavine) and the health and assumed eventual demise of Chipper, it is clear the Braves are in a “win this year” mode.

With that having been stated, when you are in that mode, you don’t usually take a flier on a guy that might eventually be a good trade down the road, like a Dontrelle Willis. Especially, if it will cost you somebody that could help this year.

The Renteria trade, while sound and excellent for the long term health of the team, is a bit puzzling in that regard. The only reasoning I can see is that the Braves did not believe they could have gotten a starting pitcher that would have been better in 2008 that Jurrjens can possibly be. In addition, the addition of Gorkys Hernandez was like icing on the cake, or trade fodder to bring along another piece to the puzzle??

I again think back to my ascertion that you really need two or three prospects for every position you want to eventually fill. Case in point: Hernandez and Schafer for CF, Heyward and CJohnson for LF (or first base), Campbell or Pope or Gilmore for third base, etc.

So, as DOB states, the Braves might have a budget that would allow them to get whoever they feel will put them over the top. In other words, if another pickup will increase their payroll by 10 million for a year or so, they would not rule it out if it is an integral piece to winning.

I suspect this might come into play with Ron Mahay. I would love to see him. I don’t think he gets 4 million per for 3 or more years, but you might see them anty up a bit more than expected to get him locked up for a couple of years, with an option.

I could also see a deal for a centerfielder like a Randy Winn or a David DeJesus being a good move. I suspect that CoCo Crisp will come at too high of a price, as many teams are in the “cereal derby”.

Would Alexei Ramirez be a piece to the puzzle?

What say ye, my friends on the blog?

By rich brave

November 14, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

GIL:

Vic Fulp must have been a great soul. Just look at his picture in the paper. I never saw a kinder-looking visage. He’ll be missed.

Also, check my 5:41 p.m. post to DOB. I see you feel Lillibridge should play everyday. Well with the way guys are hurt, I think he’ll get his chance.

I’m with you on Harris. I felt he overachieved far longer than I ever expected. Maybe he can reinvent himself to be effective once again. He’s 32?? A wealth of minor league experience. He could close the hole in his approach to hitting that ML pitchers obviously found. And if hurt, that could make quite a difference as he’s a marginal ML position player.

By Wayne in Utah

November 14, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Thanks Gil for the Alexei update. As for Willie Harris, I think he might be in line for a utility role, but a major downer for him (and also the same goes for Aybar and Prado) is that he doesn’t play shortstop well enough to back it up.

That is the ONLY reason I look to Lillibridge as a possible uber-sub. I think you gotta get him into the lineup enough though.

Gil You are our minor league super reporter. Any other players in our farm system that are close enough, and good enough with the glove to play both middle infield positions? Lillibridge stands out first, but what say ye about Diory Hernandez?

The thought of a year of someone like Woodward are scary. Some of these available or free agent major league experienced shortstops are available for a reason.

By Wayne in Utah

November 14, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

When does Neifi Perez come off suspension? Maybe somebody on the Braves can show him how to HGH without getting caught (only partially kidding)

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 14, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

rich brave I cannot disagree on Schafer. Frankly, it’s more often the bat rather than the glove that stops a player in the minors. I remember seeing Brett Butler when he first came up to Richmond. Even then I knew he was going to be a star. Didn’t know he was going to be someone else’s star.

Perhaps it is why I feel so strongly about Lillibridge. Some guys you watch and you just know they are going to be stars when the make the big time.

I have seen Brandon Jones play some stellar defense in left field and he is a decent looking prospect but I cannot honestly say he is the next Ken Griffie Jr.

Some players just have that certain something. Seeing a guy in person allows for you to get so much more of an idea of his potential. TV takes away the sense of speed and quickness of the game.

Do you remember when Luis Tiant played in Richmond and posted an ERA of around 13.50? Next thing you know he is picked up by Boston and becomes the second coming of Cy Young. It was so obvious he did not want to be in Richmond or with the Braves and he was tanking it.

Those things don’t always show up on the stat sheets but your own eyes seldom deceive you.

By Wayne in Utah

November 14, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

When is lunch time in Phoenix? A shame DonC is not there today! We need a spy in town.

By David O'Brien

November 14, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

Wayne, you wrote: ‘It is clear the Braves are in a “win this year” mode.’

Sorry to disagree, but they are NOT in that mode. You don’t trade Edgar Renteria for two very good-but-very young prospects if you’re in strict “win this year” mode. And one might argue you don’t let Andruw Jones go without even making an offer if you’re in strict “win this year” mode.

By DAP

November 14, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

wayne in utah thanx for the lively discussion last night, no harm done. i just see him as a cheap option, thats all. maybe the braves dont want to go cheap, which i actually hope is the case. but if you go cheap, do it right. anyways, youre still the coolest person i know from utah :-)

By Lee in S. GA

November 14, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

Not jumping on this keep Harris bandwagon and certainly not for starting him. He had the high point of his career for a 2 month year period after being called up. Not down on the guy just not sold on him remaining a Brave. I see Lillibridge as the back-up infielder. This team will be better off minus Harris and Woodward

By eddie

November 14, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

DOB: maybe your best effort ever. You are our (true Braves fans) MVP.

By David O'Brien

November 14, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Ray, the Glavine thing could happen any time, that’s all I can tell you. What’s “preliminary” and “really talking?” You’re splitting hairs. In my view, Glavine’s 99-percent certain if, not completely certain, to be coming back to the Braves.

Just a matter of finding price both are comfortable with and then doing it. Clifton is based in Phoenix and Wren (and Cox) are out there this week, so it only makes sense they meet face-to-face.

And no, Frank didn’t provide a list of free agents they’ve talked to. He’s got a bit of Schuerholz in him in that regard, and can’t say I blame him. Not many GMs reveal the guys they’re talking to, on or off the record.

I know they’ve contacted Mahay and obviously Glavine, probably Affleldt. But I think they’ll fill most needs via trade. Frank’s made it clear many times that they’re not expecting to get their center fielder on the free-agent market. So I doubt they’ve contacted any of the free-agent CFs.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 14, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah I have not seen Diory Hernandez. I will let you know what I can find out.

There was a kid who was a late season call up who played second for the Braves after Prado was promoted to Atlanta. I only got to see him a couple of times so it’s too early to make an honest assessment. However, he made some pretty athletic plays in the field.

I still look for Atlanta to rent a veteran catcher for the coming season. Again it is a matter of wanting the young guys to get as much experience as possible by playing in the minors rather than riding the pine in Atlanta.

And don’t think for a second that the Braves brass wasn’t watching every player on the field the other night in Arizona and not just the Braves’ farmhands.

By DAP

November 14, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

wayne something about randy winn really makes me like him for us. the bad thing is he will cost us 8mil AND prospects, which i hate. but, we just lost a steady veteran in renteria, and it might not be helpful to a young team to have a veteran guy like winn. also, winn has a very steady bat, and he batted in the 2 hole for the giants alot. he could be versatile in our lineup which i think will be important while trying to find roles for all the young guys.

i just wish the price wasnt so steep for him.

By Anders

November 14, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Lew I hope you’re sitting down. I happen to agree with you on Dontrelle. I’ve always found his motion troubling and a risk for injury. That aside he’s been less effective each season. He’s living off his overrated rep.I wouldn’t touch him unless I’m the Yanks who can afford to take a chance on him and just throw him in the “Didn’t work out mulit-millionaire pitchers” pile they have down in Tampa if it turns out bad.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 14, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

Okay guys, would love to stay and play but I need to drive across town to check on my mom. Will get caught up later.

By David O'Brien

November 14, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

CC Rider, yes, they could re-sign Hampton at a reasonable price after the buyout. No, I don’t think 30 seconds of thought has been spent considering the possibility. Let’s wait until he pitches a season, which he hasn’t done in quite a while.

By DAP

November 14, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

i made this challenge to Jared yesterday afternoon:

Jared

your homework assignment for the night is to find a pitcher with no more than 38 starts in the major leagues. they must have a better record than 22-14 and an ERA under 4.00. this pitcher also needs to have a K/BB ratio of about 2/1.

please post this on the blog some time tomorrow morning, and at that time we can talk a little about chuck james.

i havent seen a response from jared, so i assume he blew me off, which is fine. i decided to do it myself. i didnt do alot of research, just what i could easily find on mlb.com. i just searched for active players’ career stats, and started to narrow down some comparison’s to chuck james. i ended up with one player that i think compares to james the best. here is the player he has the most similar stats to. if we had that pitcher, im sure bloggers here would not want to trade him for anything.

By Lew

November 14, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Anders-Hold my breath until I get my way? What are you? An over emotional teenager? I couldn’t care less if you ever agree with me, or not. I couldn’t care less if I never saw you post here again. I would actually have to respect you and your opinion to care what you think. How many times have I told you that I don’t believe you ever read an entire post? How many times have I told you I don’t respect your thought process? How many times have I told you that what you cherry pick to argue about does not impress me in the least? How many times do I have to tell you that you miss the main point of everyone’s posts so often that it is almost uncanny? How many times do I need to tell you in the future before it cracks through your thick Mets’ Fan skull that I hold you in no esteem whatsoever? Is this not clear enough?

Now since you must have a response to your latest inanity, I guess I will tell you what my rationale was. Glavine had what? 23 quality starts? If you were to add those starts to the Braves in the #3 slot in our rotation last year-a slot taken by Chuck James, who by rights should have been a #4-5 starter, and taken a decent young pitcher such as Jurrjens, who has good control and command of his pitches and substituted him for our steady progression of futile #5 starters, I think we would have won, at the very least, another 8-10 games, which would have put us in the playoffs. Would we have progressed very far? Doubtful, but we, not the Phillies and certainly not the Mets, would have won the division. That is all the point I was making-trying to show why I felt we would do well with adding those two in the rotation this coming season. Would the Mets have won it all with Peavy and Santana? Of course they would have (unless the dysfunctional atmosphere of the Mets’ clubhouse doomed them, as well). Actually, I have no idea why this was such a big deal to you. Revisionist history? Are you serious? It was shown as an example of what small changes in our rotation could have led to and nothing else. Any rational person should have easily seen this. The real question is exactly why didn’t you?

You also questioned my well researched evaluation of the Mets needs for 08. Funny, wasn’t it, that at least a half dozen denizens AND David O’Brien chimed in to commend me on my evaluation? You, however, hold the distinction of being the only one who disagreed with what I posted. THE ONLY ONE. I suppose everyone is out of step except you. I certainly hope you glory in your sore thumb status-positively revel in it. I mean, we’re all just so proud. Couldn’t happen to a nicer (or more contentious) person.

If you are so concerned about my supposed disrespectful treatment of you, then I will repeat the one way you can avoid it. Quit making your posts personal. Almost every post you make on this blog contains my name somewhere in it. A very large majority, if you would care to go back and count them all. It is quite obvious to me and should be to you as well, that we do not agree on much of anything. The only major difference is that I actually do research to back up my points and you just run on at the mouth spouting inanities, absurdities and outright garbage. How many Denizens have told you the same thing? How many of the Denizens ever agree with what you have to say? How many times have many of us called you to task over your replies? How many Denizens commend you for your thoughts? Hell, even DOB has reamed you for being superficial and illogical in your posts-on more than one occasion.

You constantly gripe about how I think all are idiots and am nasty to everyone and am intolerant of differing opinions. This is certainly not so. How many argumentative posts went between Nc Scoots, Tennessee Paul, Braveheart and myself yesterday (and today)? Did I call any of them idiots? Did I make any personal slurs to any of them in any of my posts? Of course not. I respect the three of them quite a bit. I have ever since we’ve all posted here. I communicate with them and quite a few others on the blog privately as well as here. We disagree upon occasion and argue with each other. Nonetheless, I respect them all and consider them friends. They, I believe, consider me the same. You, however, not so much.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 14, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

DOB, do you see any viable options for the CF the Braves can get through trade who are cheap and whom won’t require a hefty bounty? I just don’t see it. Guys like Crisp and DeJesus are going to cost the Braves in good players because those two teams (Red Sox and Royals) know the Braves need a CF and there is a market for them.

By Anders

November 14, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

Coach Anders , Lew is completely correct. Had Glavine alone , been a part of the Braves rotation in 2007 , they would have made the playoffs. You and a lot of other fence sitters need to get a clue. This is all based on the assumption that the Mets wouldn’t have made any moves to make up for the loss of Glavine which is a ridiculous assumption and completely without merit. Lew would shoot this type of surmizing from me down all day long - That was my point. If the Braves had Glavine and everything else in the world was exactly the same maybe they would have won the division I guess. There’s no way to know that and it’s total conjecture and therefore pointless. BTW- who would you have removed from the roster to pay Glavine or are we assuming in this revisionist theory that additional payroll would have been available.Clued in enough for ya?

By DAP

November 14, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

in my 10:47 post, i meant to say that it WOULD be helpful to have a veteran.

By DAP

November 14, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

i meant to say 48 starts in my challenge to jared. im terrible to day.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 14, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Wayne , the Braves are going to win in 2008 barring some massive debilitating injuries. I would describe what Frank Wren and Schuerholz are doing as this , they are maintaining a competitive team , keeping the payroll in check and building a young solid core of players for the future. It’s a tightrope to walk and the Braves brass are doing an excellent job of it.

By Wayne in Utah

November 14, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

Dave Gotta disagree with you. Maybe my semantics were not 100% correct. There is the NYY version of “win this year” and there is the Marlins version of “win this year.” With the Yankees, it is with very little regard to payroll (some, but not much) and with the Marlins it is ALL about payroll.

The Braves clearly fall in between these two teams. I think the Tex trade last year was all about win in 2007. Keeping him, will be ALL about win in 2008. Otherwise, he is traded this winter. Likelihood of him signing is minimal for next winter.

The reason as you have stated that Tex is here, is that the price of legitimate, effective starting pitching was price prohibitive (price in players) and is probably still that way. So, we got the best we could to win now with Salty, Harrison, Elvis, etc. Why else are we talking to a 42 year old starting pitcher for next year to upgrade our staff.

Again, in my earlier post, I mention that the Renteria trade was puzzling from that standpoint. I really think the Braves believe that Jurrjens is capable of being as good as ANYBODY that they could realistically get otherwise.

So, while payroll is not necessarily limited, it is not unlimited. WOuld we have been better off with Garland for Renteria in winning in 2008? Maybe. Could we have gotten him for Renteria?

So, while I do think we are in a win this year mode, it is also with the caveat of don’t let the farm go to he!! either.

Whether Tex stays or goes this winter tells me a lot about our stance for 2008. While we could make a stand without him, it would be much easier with him.

I equate the Andruw Jones thing with it being a Scott Boras issue. I don’t think the Braves had any illusion that Andruw would have stayed for what he is making now. He is NOT worth more. Somebody will pay him though.

I see it similarly to the Johnny Damon situation. Good leadoff bat, no D. Andruw is excellent D, with a powerful, yet risky bat. Do you want to pay that much of your salary for that much of a one-sided player. There are NO guarantees that AJ will ever hit again, like he did in 2006.

So, yeah, if Tex stays, I believe that is the clear signal that the Braves are in a win this year mode.

By Wayne in Utah

November 14, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

DAP: how many people do you know in Utah???

It’s all good!

:-)

By Wayne in Utah

November 14, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Well said, Coach. And in about a gazillion words, that is what I was trying to say.

Not as wordy as my friend Willy Wally, but not as consise as you!

By Wayne in Utah

November 14, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Gotta run. L8’r.

By BravesFan2

November 14, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Glavine is a Brave!!!!!! You heard it here first. Contract talks went well. Glavine is getting 9 million (with incentives based on number of starts)and a club option for 2009 for 9.5 million. So glad he’s back.

By Jim

November 14, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

Reading the appraisal on the Brave’s top prospects is very encouraging for the (not too distant)future. It seems that Heyward, Schaeffer, and, at a very early stage, Teheran could be major league all-stars. Rohrbaugh and Locke could also become big-time pitchers, and Lillibridge and B. Jones may also have promising futures.

The most impressive part about the list, however, is the people who are not on it: Cody Johnson, Morton, Sung Ki Jung, Evarts, Devine, Chad Rogers, Diory Hernandez, Gilmore, and several others that would be on the top 10 lists of most other teams. With young talent like McCann, Francouer, KJ, Escobar, Acosta, and Jo Jo that are already here, and what is in the pipeline, I hope we don’t do anything to make a quick fix this year at the expense of the future.

By DAP

November 14, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

just you, wayne…you caught me!

By Marc

November 14, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

Nice try, BravesFan2. Wren and Clifton are meeting over lunch about Glavine—in Phoenix. It’s 9:40 AM in Phoenix.

Shut up.

By Anders

November 14, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

Lew My point remains that surmizing the addition of Glavine to the Braves lineup with no other ramifications i.e. payroll, what pitcher would have been removed? and what would the Mets have done knowing they wouldn’t have Glavine? is pointles fodder. No different than me asking you to root for your team to win the WC. As you said many times to me “how does hoping something to happen make it happen”. Well adding and subtracting players from teams past is just as pointless. I will not review this again - I promise to all others.

Lew - I am not an idiot an neither are you. If you disagree with something I say - fine. You can be a vigorous as you like but have some respect. I would ask you to go back and read through our posts and check your tone versus mine. If you’re objective and can turn off the Mets hating gene for just a little while I think you’ll see it in a different light. As for spouting insanities and garbage i believe I posted the following thoughts: Wickman is overweight and over rated - many felt he was good enough to win the division. Dotel was fragile (the Mets had him I should know) many said it was sour grapes on my part because the Mets needed relief pitchers. I viewed Tex as a rental from day 1 because he’s a Boras player and many felt he would give a home team discount. I don’t believe this is the consensus anymore. Have I made some wrong statements and factual innaccuracies? - Absolutely yes. Who hasn’t? The difference is I’m in enemy territory and when I slip the denezins pile on. No problem - I come here of my own free volition so I can take it - but don’t think for a minute I won’t fire back when given the chance. Again, I live in a two team city where the Mets are a distant second fiddle to the biggest organization of them all- this is nothing compared to the last ten years dealing with Yankee fans around the water cooler.

By TrueBlueBravesFan

November 14, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

Three Words

Six Man Rotation

I’m Feelin it with this team.

By Braveheart

November 14, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

I hate to argue with my boy Lew, who is a friend, but here goes ….

Lew, Dontrelle is actually not striking out less batters. His K/9 rate has remained constant for the past 4 seasons: 6.35, 6.47, 6.45, 6.40. It is not a great K/9 rate - he is too overly reliant upon his defense. However, the consistency in K/9 rates tell me his stuff has not not gotten worse - he’s just missing too many spots.

As for the innings pitched, yes, they have decreased. But he is still pitching 200 innings a year which is much better than Chuck James. And Dontrelle was pitching worse, hence, less innings pitched. Hard to leave a struggling pitcher out there too long. The idea however is to make him a better, more efficient pitcher which would cause even more innings to be pitched.

As for the increased numbers of hits, he has Uggla, Hanley, and Cabrera behind him. More balls are sneaking past that bad infield than were sneaking past the wonderful infield of Lowell, Gonzalez, and Castillo. That explains at least some of the increased number of hits.

As for the increased homers, HBPs, walks, and wild pitches, that screams mechanical flaws causing bad pitch locations.

The important thing is to figure out what is causing the mechanical flaws.

Is it poor attitude? Is it frustration pitching in an empty ballpark for a forgotten team in meaningless games with a pitching coach who may have lost the ear of his prized student?

Is it injury? Is he overcompensating mechanically to deal with injury? If he was, wouldn’t his stuff have decreased and wouldn’t he be striking out less hitters per 9 than he usually does?

Is it poor conditioning? Dontrelle seems to have some conditioning issues when I look at him. Poor conditioning can cause lack of muscle control which causes a lack of consistency in mechanics which causes wildness and poor pitch locations which causes more homers, wild pitches, walks, and HBPs.

Can the mechanical flaws be fixed in a way that does not change who he is mechanically but just makes him more consistent mechanically with arm slots and the like that only people like McDowell really know what to do with?

A change of scenery will do him good. McDowell can figure out what the mechanical flaws are so that he is more mechanically consistent and hits his spots better.

Playing meaningful games for a relevant team in front of a supportive Atlanta crowd with Bobby putting his arm over his shoulder, with Smoltz, McDowell, and Glavine taking him under their wing, with McCann lending a helping hand will be just what the doctor ordered for getting the D-Train back on track.

Don’t quite know what to do about the poor conditioning. That for some inexplicable reason never seems to be a priority with the Braves. On second thought, keep him the hell away from McCann. Sammons will get the D-Train assignment….. Just kidding.

By BravesFan2

November 14, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Believe what you want, Glavine for 9 mill and club option. Done deal. I guess it was for Brunch eh?

By d-rock in Scotland

November 14, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

trueblue: i’m with you, I think a 6-man rotation is looking pretty likely. They probably won’t call it one, but I think smoltz and Glavine will both need a week or two off during the season, allowing some of these young guns to get a start or two.

Anders: you can’t blog your way out of a wet paper bag. that is all.

By Skeptical

November 14, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

BravesFan2

Dude, you gotta name your legitimate source for this information. Otherwise, shut the heck up.

By Legit Source

November 14, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Greg Clifton called me personally and said definitively that …… he was having a BLT for lunch.

By BravesFan2

November 14, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

WOW, so much hatred. You’ll see. Like I said you don’t have to believe me. Anyways, it wasn’t for you trash throwing retards who frequent the blog and use it as a place to show your dirty laundry. This was for the hundreds of other braves fans who read the blog but don’t post, for fear of having it picked apart by the “too big for myself” egos that patrol these parts.

By Renegator

November 14, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

Braveheart:

Is Dontrelle your cousin or do you just have a man-crush on him?

By TennesseePaul

November 14, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

The D-Train. If this guy can be fixed, or at least, improved with a better defense behind him, then don’t trade for him. He’ll be a free agent after next season. One more season of miserable performance should push him down into the more affordable relm of pitchers. At that point you can acquire him without trading any talent and perhaps for a short term deal. If he works out or improves any, then great. If not, it’s only a short term deal.

By P. Little

November 14, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

I haven’t been this upset since the Spice Girls broke up….

By Jim

November 14, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

TBF,

I agree about the 6-man rotation. Glavine and Smoltz are old and can not be as effective pitching over 200 innings, Hudson wore down at the end of last year, Hampton is returning from injury, James was OK last year until mid-July when he developed a tired arm and had thrown too many pitches, and Reyes and Jurjjens need to pitch (in the majors if they are going to be ready to carry a bigger load after 2008) but have never thrown more than about 150 innings in the minors. Instead of a 6-man roatation, what might be more effective would be having the “6th starter” used on a rotating basis. Every sixth start he would be used instead of the usual starter and could be by-passed if Smoltz or Hudson were not in need of an extra rest. The “6th starter” would also be the long-reliever when needed.

Assume a rotation of Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Hampton, Jurjjens with JoJo or James as the 6th man. The rotation would be

S, Hud, G, Ham, Ju

S, Hud, G, Ham, 6

S, Hud, G, 6, Ju

etc. I would replace Villareal with Reyes, or James and go with 6 starters on a rotating basis.

By Lew

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

Braveheart-I’ll give you the fact that Dontrelle’s K rate has remained steady. I did not take into account that he pitched less innings and that this would have a direct effect on the number of K’s. However…….His innings pitched (05, 06, 07) were 236, 223, and 205-quite a drop off for a healthy(?) 25 year old pitcher. His hits have gone up-213, 234, 241-despite pitching fewer innings. His walks have increased-55, 83, 87-despite pitching fewer innings. His HR’s given up have increased-11, 21, 29-despite pitching fewer innings. His WHIP has increased as a result-1.13, 1.41, 1.60. His ERA has risen ALARMINGLY-2.63, 3.87, 5.17. Can we afford the next logical step? An ERA of 6.35 or higher? That’s how he is trending.

Dude-These are staggering increases and there is no way they can be blamed on the defense behind him. That is what ERA is-Earned Run Average-It does not include unearned runs because of errors made behind him. It’s runs HE gives up per nine innings. The defense does not walk hitters. The defense does not give up base hits. The defense does not hit batters (which have also risen). The defense does not surrender Home Runs. Come on-You KNOW that.

Dontrelle’s trend, which is what should be looked at-not that ONE good year he had several years ago-is God Awful. It is far from encouraging. It is frightening. Combine that with the fact that his salary will be escalating considerably and I think it would be foolhardy in the extreme to sign the guy-especially giving up players to get him. It’s time to face reality. The guy had ONE good year. That’s it. That’s all. Nothing more.

You speak of the number of innings he pitches-many more than Chuck James. So what? Of what good are extra innings pitched if the pitcher will give up that many more hits and runs? Exactly how does this benefit a team? Sorry Braveheart-time to let this one go. Hell, even Anders agrees with me.

Anders-One last time, very clearly so even you can comprehend what I’m saying. The allusion to Glavine’s and Jurrjen’s addition to last year’s team was an example of what their presence MIGHT HAVE meant to the Braves and might mean to the Braves this coming season. That is what I meant. That and nothing else-a what IF situation. As far as the Mets adding Santana and Peavy-so what? The Braves actually CAN add Glavine and HAVE already added Jurrjens to their roster. The Mets will NEVER ink Peavy and/or Santana, so that is what is known as a totally MOOT POINT!!! Disingenuous, as usual.

By Double J

November 14, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

BravesFan2 I dont post on this blog much because I don’t have many reliable sources, but I do read, and I, as a non-poster, don’t believe you.

By Jenny Craig

November 14, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Hopefully McCann is toning that body up some and not keeping McDonalds in business. We need exceptional seasons from him and Francoeur with Chipper getting older every year and the loss of A.J.

By rich brave

November 14, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

GIL:

I’ll definitely go to Braves games more often this year, especially as my grandsons are getting older and their baseball knowledge is greater. With no TBS, and pay-per-view imminent I’ll pay closer attention to live personalities rather than the box scores in the paper.

By David O'Brien

November 14, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

Hey, if you want to try to ask Frank questions directly, he’s doing an online chat Thursday at 3 p.m. (EST) on mlb.com.

Just looking out for the peeps here.

By Braveheart

November 14, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

Lew, Anders agrees with you because he is a shallow and superficial idiot. :-)

Lew, you are also not questioning enough the why of the trend. The result is not so much important as the why if you want to do a bit of a reclamation project with him. Ask yourself this: Would Mazzone be able to fix him?

But you also said that the defense does not give up base hits. Yes, they do Lew. When he had a good defense, he gave up less hits - YOU KNOW that having infielders with a lack of range like Hanley, Cabrera, and Uggla means more base hits happen because they do not get to balls the way that Lowell, Castillo, and Gonzalez did.

And no the defense does not cause more homers, wild pitches, walks, and HBPs. Mechanical flaws and inconsistencies do. They lead to poor control which causes poor pitch locations which causes those other results. What you are basically saying is that you don’t have faith in McDowell to fix those mechanical flaws and make him more mechanically consistent. Then fire McDowell.

Plus, I thought the Braves were gonna spend more money (wisely). I see zero evidence of that. ZERO! Signing Glavine but then removing Chuck James from the rotation is the biggest waste of money there is. Chuck was not the problem last year. Davies, Buddy, JoJo, Cormier, Redman, and Larew were. Glavine was supposed to replace those guys and not Chuck James. YOu might as well not sign Glavine if Chuck is not gonna be a starter and if you are not gonna get a legit #3 or #4 starter. This Glavine signing is a waste of money unless further things develop with the rotation. The Braves are no better right now with the rotation even if they sign Glavine than they were at any time last season. You still have 3 quality pitchers and a bunch of unknowns with no recent track record of success. The bullpen will get slaughtered again in July and August because the back end still sucks.

Renegator - go eff yourself my friend. :-) But that was a funny comment.

Alright, I am as sick of myself in this Dontrelle thing as everyone else is so I will stop now.

By Ray

November 14, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

Dave, You are right I guess I was splitting hairs. The more accurate question I have for you is do you think the Braves know the $$ amount it would take to sign Glavine. I know about the game of negotiation but do you think Wren knows if he offers Glavine 9 mil a year would do it? Apparently A-Rod has been in talks with the Yanks and now they are saying they will talk and negotiate ONLY if Boras is not around. You know Boras is still in his ear. And also that A-Rod would have to meet one on one with the Steinbrenners. Pretty funny. Maybe the landscape is not so high as they had thought.

By rich brave

November 14, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

JennyCraig:

Tone that body up!! Stop keepin’ McDonald’s in business??!! Jenny marketin’ again?? What’s your take on McCann’s muscle mass. Hmmm???

By David O'Brien

November 14, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Wayne, you’re putting (way) too much emphasis on Tex’s future in determining Braves’ “win this year” mode. Simple as that.

Boras almost NEVER has his players sign before taking them to free agency, and especially not a player who’s been with his current team only half a season. I haven’t even heard that the Braves have made an effort to sign him this winter, and Teixeira and Boras have said several times that Tex will play the 2008 season and then see what happens.

Wayne, they did NOT trade five prospects, including their then-top three, to get Tex for two months (Aug-Sept) and then trade him again this winter. They NEVER intended to do anything like that, and wouldn’t do that. Not an option.

Sorry, but team decision-makers just look at the situation entirely differently than you do. So do I. When deal for Teixeira was made, it was made to have him for two playoff bids and hopefull two postseasons (won’t be more than one now) and if you could sign him long-term, that’d be perfect. But it was made knowing you might just get the two playoff runs and no be able to re-sign him, too.

They’re going to try. But won’t know until later, after seeing how market develops, how Tex plays this year, how Braves’ payroll might rise for this year and more for 2009 (or might not). These are decisions that team officials can’t make now, without knowing how all the factors involved will play out.

You can keep suggesting they should trade Tex now if this and if that, but they’re not going to. Just to let you know.

Only way he’ll be traded is if they’re completely out of the playoff picture this summer. That’s the only way, barring perhaps some ridiculous offer made by another team, one that would fill immediate needs for the Braves if Atlanta had an injury or something went wrong at another position early on. (Just thinking aloud here; bottom line is, there is NO plan to trade Tex, not unless, as I said, Braves fall out of playoff contention before July 31).

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 14, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

rich brave Glad to hear that. I will introduce you to my wife who I think is a more shewed evaluator of talent than myself. I have tried to get her to join the blog but no luck yet.

On cold days I like to sit on the third base side and warm days along the first base line. As much as I love to see Atlanta play, I actually like going to the Diamond better than Turner Field.

By rich brave

November 14, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

Dave:

Just went to braves.com to sign up. Appears to be a commercial site where the Braves sell advertising. Am I wrong(naughty, naughty, naysayers - NOT as always)?? Did I miss something (which I often do)??

By David O'Brien

November 14, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

No, Ray, Braves don’t know what it’ll take to sign Glavine. I’m sure they have a pretty good idea.

They know they can’t offer $7 mill and expect him to take that, which is $6 mill less than the Mets’ otion he declined and at least 3-4 mill less than he could get from a team like the Nats or Phillies — or from the Mets, who’d still take him back in a heartbeat, if he told them quickly that the Braves’ offer is way too low and he’s open to return to NY.

I think the one thing that’s completely out of the picture is retirement. He’s not retiring.

I’d say it’s about, oh, 99 percent certain he’s signing with Braves, one percent he’d go to any other team. Call me presumptious, but that’s my feel for the situation.

And I think he’ll sign with the Braves next week or right after Thanksgiving.

By DAP

November 14, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

i dont see anything on braves.com about the q&a…any body know how to get to it and how it will work?

By David O'Brien

November 14, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

Quick music recommendation: Anyone who liked The Hives’ first couple of albums, you’ll LOVE their new one. To me, it’s their finest yet….

And the Dylan tribute/movie soundtrack, “I’m Not There,” has got some great stuff spread over two discs, 34 songs in all.

It’s got great performances from artists ranging from Sonic Youth to Willie Nelson, Eddie Vedder to Roger McGuinn. Most cuts have as backing bands either the excellent Calexico or a supergroup of sorts called Million Dollar Bashers, which includes, among others, Wilco guitarist Nels Cline, Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo and Steve Shelley and keyboardist John Medeski.

By rich brave

November 14, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

Brother Dave:

No need to apologize for thinking out loud. Everyone else here does. We’re perfectly cool with that. Yours is a well informed thinking out loud fearless leader, while we merely “think out loud.”

By ncscoots

November 14, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Those things don’t always show up on the stat sheets but your own eyes seldom deceive you.

Oh, man, I said something similar in a post re Blanco (in response to some forgotten poster…sorry), and the guy basically said YAI.

Gil can do this unscathed, though, because he’s not known far and wide as a note-cribbing pilferer (as are certain bloggers who shall remain nameless).

By Steamboat

November 14, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’m not so excited about signing Glavine, but forgetting that for the moment, and assuming we are going to (and I’m sure you’re right about that):

Wouldn’t it make sense to reach a gentlemen’s agreement with Glavine, but hold off on signing him until after Dec 1? Force the Mets to choose to offer him arbitration?

As it stands now, the Mets probably would offer arbitration; but, if they make a move or two between now and December, to add starting pitching, they may be reluctant to do so… risk getting caught in the same trap we did with Maddux, which forced the trade of Milwood.

Just thinking that we have an off-chance of salvaging the first round pick next year; as long as we have an agreement on terms, and Tommy’s word that he’ll sign with us (which I’m sure would be good enough for FW), what’s the downside in waiting a couple of weeks?

(maybe such an approach would be unethical on TG’s part, but I don’t think so).

By David O'Brien

November 14, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

sorry about that address. that was where e-mail came from, actually.

try putting this in your address field. it’ll bring it up:

http://click.mlb.com/ct/click?q=e7-2y~GQmVYo3SdCK0VqkA7z3VR9RdR

By BetterBravesFan

November 14, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Glavine just inked to 8.9 million Deal with Club option for 2009

By gobraves

November 14, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

DOB who do you think is the most likely centerfield canidate? And who do you think would win a UGA vs KAN matchup?

By DAP

November 14, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

thanx for the link, DOB.

By Randy

November 14, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

DOB - Thanks for the heads up on the Wren Q&A. Always appreciated, unfortunately I’ll be on 85 heading down to New Orleans for a wedding. I’ll say hey to a Port of Call cheeseburger for ya.

By Lew

November 14, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

Braveheart-Why are you continuing to push Dontrelle? Nothing you say makes him any less a risk. The guy has had one good season and he’s been making at least 27 starts a year since 2003. ONE GOOD SEASON. What part of this are you having troubles with?

Why should I care what his problems are? Why should I try to figure out why he has had only ONE GOOD SEASON? He is not my problem. He is not the Braves’ problem. Let the Marlins figure out why he tanks more with each season. He is THEIR problem, Dude-not ours.

The guy put up a 5.17 ERA last year. I’ve pointed all his escalating stats to you and all you can come up with is his defense is bad? Are you really Anders posting as Braveheart? Come on. Your position is basically indefensible.

Let me go over this again. You want to sign a pitcher who has a contract for $6.5 million this coming season, who will be free agent eligible next year (or if not, certainly Arbitration Eligible) who has trended downward since his ONE GOOD SEASON. You want to throw all that money in his direction, when you have Bennett, Hampton, Reyes, Jurrjens, Cormier and maybe Morton already competing for the one opening on our staff-the lot of them (minus Hampton, of course) making far less cumulatively than Dontrelle makes all on his own? You have James whose ERA was almost an entire run under Dontrelle’s last year AND the year before. These are facts, not assumptions, projections or speculations. You’re an intelligent person. Why are you having difficulty in realizing the guy never really has come close to that ONE GOOD SEASON, in the other four years he has pitched in MLB and has steadily gotten worse in the interim?

The guy is not a good investment for the Braves. There is absolutely NO WAY for us to know what can be done to remedy his performance. He is too expensive an investment to make just on the off chance that your third year pitching coach can turn him around. He already has to teach Chuck a third pitch and see to the continuing development of our own young pitchers. Just why do we need a reclamation project who is also expensive? Believe me, the money could be better spent in other areas.

BTW-Did I mention Dontrelle has only had ONE GOOD YEAR?

By Alan

November 14, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Braves Reveal New Team Logo for 2008

By David O'Brien

November 14, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

Gobraves, I’ll steer clear of that KU question in this forum. I know how quickly it can change — Mizzou and OU are both games they could easily lose. But if KU plays well, those are games they can win, though.

UGa has UK on its schedule, not KU. Your boys should be able to handle the Wildcats pretty easily at home, correct?

By TennesseePaul

November 14, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

note-cribbing pilferer (as are certain