Braves

By gobraves

November 16, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Thanks DOB, ummm… I don’t know if I would count on this guy being the center-fielder to replace Andruw Jones. They might as well go on and let Jordan Schafer take over.

By BraveNess

November 16, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

12th?

By Ray

November 16, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

DOB, It will be very interesting to read what Wren’s take is on Anderson. Will he be that stop gap or will he be platooning with Diaz in LF or both. Wonder what that means to Willie Harris if anything. Also speaking of Glavine, I found a sports site that apparently Glavine is involved in. Its called MySportVideos.com It appears to be a MySpace meets YouTube. It seems to be pretty cool for youth sports.

By specialkindofstupid.com

November 16, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Assuming this Josh Anderson kid isn’t a Joey Gathright clone (all speed, nothing else), I like the idea of the Braves going the defensive-speed route in CF. Low cost, decent upside. He’s a much better alternative to Coco Crisp, and he could always slide into the 4th OF role if the team acquires someone more experienced.

By Bobby

November 16, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

What about Bill Hall? Could man CF and serve as backup SS. Worst case is quality utility man.

By Patrick

November 16, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

That’s it for center field?

I’ve never heard of him…

By Lyn

November 16, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

I’m perplexed by this trade. Why would we have made this move if Anderson is NOT

By dcarp23

November 16, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

I will be surprised if they brought this guy in thinking that he will be the starting CF next year. My guess is that they don’t want to pay Villareal what he would be making and see this guy as the best prospect available in a trade for ol’ Oscar. Just my two cents though.

By Braveheart

November 16, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Well, with Oscar gone, who’s gonna help Yunel Escobar find his way to Queens when the cab driver drives him to the Bronx?

By sri

November 16, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the updates DOB. Any inside information on the contract deal offered to Glavine? Josh who????Does this relegate Chuck to long relief as someone said here on the blog?.

By Lyn

November 16, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

I’m perplexed by this trade. Why would we have made this move if Anderson is NOT going to be our “stop-gap” center fielder. I would think we already have our corner outfield slots taken care of. On the plus side, we didn’t have to give up a ton, he’s cheap, and he does have SOME major league experience. Looks like he has good speed as well. Leadoff hitter? Don’t know. What’s your take on Anderson DOB?

By Brave Fan

November 16, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

He’s another Willie Harris. Seen him Play. He’d be great on the bench as a great speed guy and backup OF. Could this mean Willie is out?

By Lyn

November 16, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

I’m perplexed by this trade. Why would we have made this move if Anderson is NOT going to be our “stop-gap” center fielder. I would think that we already have our corner outfield spots taken care of. On the plus side, we didn’t give up a ton for him, he’s yound w/ good speed, and he does have SOME major league experience. Leadoff hitter? Don’t know. Needless to say, I didn’t see this one coming.

By semiballcoach

November 16, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

how effective will any “stopgap” cf be?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 16, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

As usual, the Braves come up with someone most of us have never heard of. That is not a bad thing, just shows that we are not as wise to the real baseball world as we would like to think we are. At least it sounds like the new kid has some speed and I expected Oscar to move along. Look for one of those eight possible starting pitchers Wren mentioned to be the long relief guy. Bennett is a prime candidate.

So now it is time for some of the blog to research this kid and let us know what to expect. Richmond does not play Round Rock so I cannot comment.

By MikeS

November 16, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

I like the trade. Villareal has been great in the long relief role, but moving him will save us a bit next year. With all of these guys battling it out for the last couple rotation spots, this way maybe one of the losers can stick around as the long man/spot starter.

I remember when this Josh Anderson kid came up last year and went 5 for 5 early on. I’m going to go look for his stats, but i remember him keeping that high average the whole time he was up with the ‘Stros at the end of the year. I didn’t know he had the speed or great glove like DOB mentioned at the end of the last blog, but those tools coupled with a high avg. sounds like a perfect fir for CF.

By beki

November 16, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

That makes me wonder if there will be a bigger ” two-for-one,”or vice versa, deal coming from the Braves before the winter meetings in Nashville.

By Mac

November 16, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Yuck. 15 career minor league homers. A career slugging percentage under .400 and OBP in the .330s. You might as well give the job to Willie Harris.

By Novice Ned

November 16, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Wren did say he was looking for speed for CF and evidently, this guy has it. But is a 25-year old a stop-gap? Clearly, I’m a novice because I figured Wren was referring to either a long-in-the-tooth vet or someone who is cheap now but a few years away from a big pay raise. How is a 25 year-old with little major league experience a stop gap? Sounds more like a 4th outfielder-type who can “survive” out there for a year or 3. Yuck!

DOB, which oft-injured reliever will land Villareal’s spot? Boyer? Stockman? Devine?

By Patrick

November 16, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Apparently the offer from the Braves was rejected.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&hl=226383&id=1488

By Braveheart

November 16, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

josh anderson?!?!?!?!? you must be joshing.

By tylerwoods

November 16, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

This sounds like a good trade to me. Oscar was due a raise in arbitration and long relievers really have minimal value. It sounds like this kid has some talent based on baseball america’s ratings. It would be nice to have a little speed on the team.

By Dennis

November 16, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Like what I have read about this kid. He will cetainly be an option. This is a typical Braves move, take someone from another club with great talent and maybe give him a shot. Kind of like Matt Diaz. He has worked out.

By Jared

November 16, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Braves make Glavine an offer.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3114107

By john

November 16, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

hey DOB- why not offer arbitration to Andruw, espically since we are ‘flush’ with cash. Seems like a pretty good stop-gap to me. I asked this question to Frank yesterday. I got no response. I don’t think it would be a bad idea. On second thought, if we are flush with cash, why not re-sign Andruw and let Shaffer get another year, and trade him for a pitcher once Tommy (assuming we sign him) retires.

By MikeS

November 16, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Some stats on Anderson from his September callup last year: Hit .358 with a .413 OBP and .403 SLG with 10 R’s, 10 RBI’s, 3 2B’s and 0 HR’s in 67 AB’s.

He was used primarily as a leadoff man once he began starting and hit .322 with a .359 OBP in that role (the 5 for 5 game I mentioned earlier came out of the 2-spot).

He only had 2 SB attempts and was thrown out once.

Hopefully someone else can find his minor league numbers, but I like the sound of him so far…

By JC FROM UT

November 16, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

With this trade there are now 3 speedy centerfielders. I would tjink something else is brewing. One of them is going some where else in some sort of package. As far as Oscar goes, he makes too much money for what he brings to the table. Maybe his salary will be used to add to the Mahay offer.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

November 16, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

Interesting trade the Braves made. I don’t think Anderson is the replacement either. I do know this kid is super fast. Living in the Oklahoma City area the Fox Sports Channel here shows a lot of Astros games. The Astros announcers showered the kid with praise and said he was the fastest prospect in the orginization. That’s good I suppose. He looked good in the last series of the year against the Braves.

What this trade tells me is that its very possible Matt Diaz could be part of a trade. I still say keep an eye on David Murphy from the Rangers. If the Rangers can sign Hunter, Andruw, or Rowand (and many believe a deal with the Rangers is as good as done)then that would make Murphy somewhat expendable. I could see a straight up deal being made with Diaz for Murphy. Diaz could slide right into the Rangers’ DH role and would be terrific there. He certainly would be cheaper than paying Swinging Sammy or Bail bonding Barry to be the DH. I liked Murphy when he was with the Red Sox and was really surprised they went with Crisp over him in CF. He is a good hitter and a solid defender. He played well in his stint with the Rangers last year. Just saying keep an eye on it.

By geauxbraves2000

November 16, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

The Braves are obtaining all of this minor league talent, and are going to package them for — are you ready — Carl Crawford!!

Sorry, I couldn’t resist bringing his name up again on the blog. :)

As far as the SEC - Just kidding again :)

Thanks DOB for the updates, excellent job as always.

Geaux Braves!!

By DOG THE MAN

November 16, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

No Andruw Jones, but more more money an injury proned 3rd Basemen who willbe hurt by the 20th game.. Andruw showed up everyday and played through whatever, I cannot say the same for Chipper. When all those balls start falling in Center Field we will remember this day…

By Braveheart

November 16, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

[josh anderson minor league stats]http://minors.baseball-reference.com/players.cgi?pid=481)

By Ray

November 16, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

Lets not go bashing this trade when practically none of us have a clue who this kid is. I have the confidence in the Braves scouting and Wren. Just because you have not heard of him doesn’t make the kid a player. I am guessing if DOB finds out more about him via a scouting report and he is a player most of us will be changing their tunes.

By Braveheart

November 16, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

josh anderson minor league stats

By Greg in TN

November 16, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

It never fails, I post right after the new blog is up, but that’s cool. I can cut and paste with the best of ‘em. Thanks for the new slate DOB!

Oh, and to add a thought to DOB’s latest and greatest, I’d be very happy to see Chipper get an extension.

Now to the paste job…

Afternoon everyone…

Ask and ye shall receive denizens. Suddenly there is more baseball to talk about in terms of the deal to send Villareal to Houston for Josh Anderson.

Anderson was a September call up for the ‘Stros and hit .358 over 21 games and 67 ABs and knocked in 11. He spent the remainder of his time at AAA Round Rock where he hit .273 with a .325 OBP and .666 OPS. He walked 32 times and struck out 75 times, which is something I would rather not see, however in Round Rock he appears to have played mostly LF while in Houston, Anderson played 15 games in center.

Shawn, I don’t know that anyone is calling the Black Sox saints, certainly not I and I was referring to only Jackson and not the rest of his teammates. I think Chick Gandil is certainly more culpable than most everyone else, but at this point, the argument is moot since everyone involved from a player’s standpoint got the heave ho from Landis. I’m actually fine with the ban just from the appearance of impropriety and for the integrity of the game. Now, certainly, an indictment is not a conviction, if Bonds ends up being convicted I am also fine with the idea of MLB taking a long hard look at doing something tangible against not only him, but also players that have proven to have juiced up. I take the opinion that what Bonds did also strikes at the integrity of the game. Same for Sosa, same for McGwire, same for Palmeiro, same for Giambi and same for Sheffield. And rest easy, I didn’t get my take from Hollywood, haven’t even seen the film version of Eight Men Out.

Folks, in my opinion, everyone is just as culpable as Barroid is, and as soon as Mitchell’s report hits the street, I guarantee you we haven’t seen anything yet. We are in the middle acts of what has and will continue to prove to be a very troubling saga for this sport, regardless of how financially sound the sport is at the moment.

By PHIL

November 16, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

so far 3 moves made andruw, edgar and now oscar all gone propects in return sure looks like our payroll is going up

By MikeS

November 16, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Oh, and Anderson got a hit in 14 of the last 15 games he played, all starts [with 14 of them leading off (all but the 5-for-5 game)].

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

November 16, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Hey, Dog, Chipper may have been hurt but when he played he raked. Can’t say the same about Andruw, can you? And I have said this a 1,000 times on this blog and will say it one more damn time. For as great as Andruw’s defense is it does not offset his anemic and pathetic offense. It just doesn’t. Andruw caused more outs and killed more rallies in two weeks than his glove saved runs for the enitre season. Its just true.

By TJ

November 16, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

DOB

The thing i wanna now about this trade is : THAT’S IT for CF or is Wren planning to trade for someone else???

By BamaBrave

November 16, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

Only time will tell about these moves, of course, but I gotta say I like the job Wren has done adding some speedy players to the mix. Between this Anderson kid and Gorkys Hernandez, we might actually be able to steal bases and play some good National League smallball…

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

November 16, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

Greg, I wouldn’t be so sure any names will ever surface from the Mitchell report. Lets get real okay! The entire point of that low rent Dateline wannabe investigation was to nail Bonds. At the time it appeared the federal government had no chance of nailing Bonds so Selig decided to take matters into his own hands. Selig could care less who else used steroids. He wanted Bonds and now he has him. That Mitchell investigation was a jokey. I guarantee you that as soon as Selig heard the news he popped open a bottle of Cristal and told George Mitchell he didn’t give a damn if that report was ever completed.

By Braves4Ever

November 16, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

Here is a minor league link on Anderson http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Josh%20Anderson&pos=LF&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=461811

By Wide Right

November 16, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

Guys,

I read on Astros.com (article posted on 9/15) that they were strongly considering Anderson as their leadoff man and centerfielder for ‘08. Sounds like exactly what the Braves needed.

And Villareal…something was up there. I remember reading a DOB blog way a few months back where he said Cox was lamenting he had no body to put in the 5th spot…no one was good enough. DOB said he suggested Villareal and Cox wouldnt even give him a vote of confidence. Cox was down on him…there had to be a good reason.

By Mr. Roper

November 16, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

Only two third place Cy Young votes for John Smoltz?

Judging from the comments of Joe Simpson, countless bloggers and Smoltz himself last season, I thought he was a lock for the award.

By When in Rome

November 16, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

DOB. Just curious…when a player is traded, how do they find out? Does the gm call him up and tell him or what?

By mo in the boonies

November 16, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Was away from home for three days this week, geeze you guys blogged a bundle this week, took all afternoon today to read the last blog, was very interested in the Notorious one’s reports from Arizona.

DOB is this the first time in your memory that Cox and the GM, and pitching coach have ventured forth to see kids play in the fall games? From the air of excitement about it, I figured it had probably never happened during JS’s regime. Also JS never had a chat room right? It sounds like Frank Wren is a lot more accessible to the press than JS. Just curious.

Random LOL, that is exactly what I said to my spouse during a game where we watched Polanco, his head definitely looks like a “roid” head.

By BraveNess

November 16, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

just shows that we are not as wise to the real baseball world as we would like to think we are

LOL. Blog plays tic-tac-toe while Wren plays chess.

While some dissect Josh Anderson and find out his great-grandmothers favorite knitting stitch, keep in mind - the kid’s either a minor trade piece or a roaming utility at best. But don’t let that stop you from looking for clues.

On toppa that - Willy’s trade value now is more than his actual value if you throw in enough blue-sky for a good month and a good catch while the big A was on his cap.

Then again, if DOB throws a little fresh red meat in the playpen what else are you blog dogs gonna do?

By John

November 16, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

DOB, could you explain why we keep hearing about the Braves having a bigger budget next year but they continue to dump salary?

By CARDOG

November 16, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Chipper had enough at-bats to qualify for the batting title. The injury wasn’t even his fault. He won the title out of all the players playing at normal altitudes. Still had 100 RBIs. Shut the fck up, you never have the right to talk down about him. If you do, then get out of our town.

By Tyler

November 16, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

It looks to me like Wren is flipping the guys that can be replaced for less money for prospects. Looks like two more trades are on their way to me. We need to sign Glavine, Affedlt (Or Mahay), and find a CF, at the least. Maybe another trade is on the way?

By Bobby

November 16, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

TRADE LOGIC

“This is a situation where we were able to get an outstanding player that we liked and he’s more advanced than the options we have in our system,” Wren said. “But at the same time, we’ll keep looking and possibly find an even more experienced option.”

Villarreal, was targeted as a definite trade prospect throughout this fall. He is heading into his second arbitration-eligible season and was deemed more expendable than younger relievers like Boyer and Devine, who is out of options and must remain protected on the 40-man roster.

By Tomahawkin' Since 1982

November 16, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

…great. Another off-season and half-season or so where the uninformed masses here develop man-crushes on a minor league prospect. Last year it was Salty-this and Salty-that… this time it’ll be Schafer-this, Schafer-that… “start Schafer now” over more sensible thoughts.

Can’t wait. Like the trade with the Astros, personally.

By StingerSplash

November 16, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

Nick Cafardo in the Globe had the same thing 7Sports did. I wondered about that too, since the Braves have Chipper (close in age, greater production over the long term) and Teixeira (still don’t get the Lowell to the Yanks rumors to play 1B). All I ask for Christmas is that Johan Santana (a bad-a$$’s bad-a$$) NOT go to the Bronx Stumblers.

By rammerjammer

November 16, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

Move Chuck James to the pen. There’s your second lefty. Since he’s whipped after five innings, he might be ideal for long relief.

I like the Anderson deal. Everyone here harped on the speed dimension lacking last season, and this addresses that. And with all the other bats, we can hide a light hitter in CF. Bat him eighth.

By BravesFanInRockies

November 16, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

Denizens,

Anderson should be a better option than Willie because he’s played the OF throughout his pro career (Willie was mainly an infielder before ‘07) and he was successful 83% of the time stealing last year (Willie had an awful percentage). He may wind up the fourth outfielder if FW makes another acquisition, but he should be a more productive player however he’s used.

By Your OK - I'm And Techno-Idiot

November 16, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

Someone please tell me how to grab a link from another site and customize/shorten/paste the link here.

By Big Bird

November 16, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

Just curious…when a player is traded, how do they find out? Does the gm call him up and tell him or what?

Elmo goes over to Oscar and tells him it is time to clean out his trash can.

By phil

November 16, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

i agree with john so far all the moves have dumped salaries for prospects

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

November 16, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

While I think Villareal’s trade smells like a salary dump, it is a wise salary dump. The trading of Renteria and Villareal and the decision to let Andruw go doesn’t mean the Braves are salary dumping just for the sake of freeing up money with no intention of raising payroll. These moves are wise moves.

Escobar is ready to take over. His progress would only be retarded if he sat on the bench. So, Renteria had to go. Villareal was going to make more money than what he is worth, so he had to go. Just overpaying guys to keep them is the kind of crap the Yankees do. That is why they are stuck with so many guys who are making more money than what their onfield performances command.

Now, with Andruw people need to just get real. Boras was asking for a six year/$20 mil a year deal. Andruw is NOT worth that kind of money. Anybody who thinks he is needs to have a psych evaluation. Why in the hell would any sensible team pay that kind of money to a guy who hit .222 last year and while it may have been a “off year” he still is only capable of hitting .255 or .260. With that salary Andruw would be making as much as ManRam and more than Big Pappi. Who here thinks he is better than either one of those guys. The Braves made a sound financial decision. I’m willing to be if Andruw and Boras were to agree to a 5yr/$80 mil or even a 5yr/$85 mil deal the Braves would sign him. But, Boras and Andruw didn’t do that. And while that is exactly the deal they will have to settle for it will be too late to come back to the Braves. Whether its Schafer or Lillibridge in CF they will be way cheaper options and both have a high ceiling offensively.

Just because a team dumps guys who are making a bit of cash doesn’t mean they are “salary dumping” or not increasing payroll. One of the things that has made the Red Sox so good is they know when to cut the ties and not overpay (sans JD Drew). But, even with Drew its too early to tell if that was money wasted. Drew sure earned that money in the postseason where it counts the most. But, look at guys the Red Sox let go. How smart do they look right now not giving in to Johnny Damon and Kevin Milar. Trot Nixon?

By JohnGTFan

November 16, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

I swear some of our “fans” in ATL do nothing but whine. Pay overrated players (Andruw) too much money…they cry. Let him go without an offer…they cry. Chipper had a phenominal year…yet still cry. Make a trade for something ATL hasn’t had since Furcal(and he really wasn’t that good at this)…a speedy leadoff guy that CAN and probably WILL(key word) steal bases…they cry. Have a little faith in the Braves scouting and management…I mean, they haven’t done too bad for the past….what…..18 - 20 years! lol

DOB great blog as always and thanks for the update…much appreciated.

By adolf oliver knipples

November 16, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

Lawls.

Y’all say these moves were “salary dumps” like that is a bad thing.

With this move, we “dumped” both some salary and some feces.

By quint

November 16, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

OK, so Josh Anderson doesn’t have a lot of power. Ever heard of Kenny Lofton? He had several good power years (11-15 homers a year for 7 of his 16 years). He had a great major league career and even played in ATL one year (boy, I never thought I could dislike a Brave so much).

Maybe Anderson can be that type of player. Some players play better in the majors than in the minors. Hopefully the Frank Wren and his people know what they are doing. Like others have posted, he might still become the 4th outfielder.

By Tony

November 16, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

I saw some videos of this kid Josh Anderson. The kid can HIT. Has a great swing, nice stroke on the ball.

By Tony

November 16, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

I saw some videos of this kid Josh Anderson. The kid can HIT. Has a great swing, nice stroke on the ball, great vision on Wren trading for this kid.

By Doucheatron5000

November 16, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

Who The F* Cares??

We got nooses in our schools and little black childrens being neglected by they daddys.

By Edgar

November 16, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

NICE!!!! Kenny Rogers fires Scott Boras!!!

By adolf oliver knipples

November 16, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

Good point, 5000.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 16, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

I kind of figured that Villarreal would get non-tendered , instead , the Braves get a young outfielder with some speed and solid defensive ability who can play all three OF positions. Not a bad trade at all and I view this kid as a potential fourth outfielder. Willy Harris is probably gone too. The Astros acquisition of Michael Bourn helped to make this trade happen.

By mr baseball

November 16, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

This trade is right out of the Schuerholz playbook. The former GM absolutely refused to pay for a bullpen, and Villareal was going to get more in arbitration than the Braves think middle relievers are worth. The team has enough depth in the bullpen to make Oscar expendable, and Anderson could be a decent acquisition.

Given the offense the Braves have at non-offensive positions (2B, SS, C) they can afford a speedy, light-hitting CF in the lineup. If he hits great, he could bat leadoff; more likely he’ll hit 8th.

One possible problem: The Braves now have 4 candidates for LF and CF. 3 of the 4 are lefty hitters. Not an optimal situation. Willie’s roster spot is probably gone, especially with the need for someone who can back up at SS. Look for another minor deal for a RH hitting OF who can play CF.

Those paying attention down the stretch probably noticed that Oscar fell out of favor with the manager and was rarely used the last few weeks. The Braves have 6 spots pretty much set in the bullpen (Soriano, Moylan, Acosta, Yates, Ring, Devine). Dotel & Mahay will cost more than the Braves will pay and I’m guessing they can count on Gonzalez as much as they can on Hampton. With the excess of candidates for the No. 5 spot in the rotation, one of those guys could take Oscar’s spot as the long man.

Given the salaries the Braves are unloading, you have to assume that Glavine will be back in an Atlanta uniform shortly. Or all the talk about how the team is flush with cash is PR BS.

By Braveheart

November 16, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

HUGE difference between Kenny Lofton and Josh Anderson. Lofton has a very good OBP combined with a respectable SLG for a leadoff hitter. Anderson does not get on base and his SLG is horrendous. He’s fast but other than that he’s garbage. Yep, traded a man in a trash can for garbage.

KENNY ROGERS FIRED SCOTT BORAS And the hits keep on coming……

By ncscoots

November 16, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

I don’t know anything about the kid, other than he’s a different name than the usual (scrub) suspects. The key words about him to me are “can play all 3 OF positions”. If he can hit the least little lick, then maybe Frenchy can finally take 10 days off next year, along with the other everyday OF. Something that was an impossibility with the personnel the last two years.

I don’t have any idea if he’s an everyday, but I’d settle for a 4th OF who can actually play the OF. Besides, I’ve been offering to help Oscar pack for months, how can I not like the trade, LOL?

By TK

November 16, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

Robert JISTB I agree with you on AJ. Do you really want to pay him that much money and soon…VERY SOON be saying a few years ago AJ would have got that. It was time to say “Thank You” to AJ and “good luck wherever you end up.” I would also like to ask. Is Brandon Jones not in the mix for CF? I have only seen him in a couple of spring games and he played CF.

By A.J.

November 16, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

The Braves have acquired a stopgap stopgap centerfielder…

nice.

He sounds interesting.

By TennesseePaul

November 16, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

Wow. Not too surprised to see Villarreal go. He wasn’t all that impressive this last season. Now it’s Cormier and Anderson from the long family line of the Kevin Millwood trade.
For recaps, Millwood sent to Philly for All-Star catcher Estrada who was sent to Arizona for two young pitchers, Villarreal and Cormier, of which Villarreal was traded to Houston for a week bat, fast running center fielder named Anderson. Wonder if Cormier will stick around or be traded for another potential CF prospect.

Wren likes speed over pop so far. Gorkys and Anderson both are fast guys with little to no power. With this the the dynamic of this team for the future will certainly be changing. So perhaps Wren has listened to the majority voice on this blog concerning the desire to have speed at the top of the order. Hopefully he pulls in a more experienced option.

So far this offseason has been a bit of a disappointment as far as trades in my opinion. Braves could have used a better, younger pitcher than Glavine and a more accomplished CF than A baller Gorkys or 25 gamer Anderson. And on top of all that, we have the constant promise that payroll is going up which we are forced to marry to the constant trading of high dollar players for players with next to no experience making the league minimum if they are even on the team. Actions speak louder than words. So far the actions are saying the payroll will stay the same. Fine with me if we are built to win the WS. But this team is shaping up more an more to maybe win the division and flop in the post season. But I’m starting to wonder if the division or wild card are really in reach.

All this penny pinching this winter better reap some major benefits next winter. If not, Wren will be an official bust. Of course, all this penny pinching and we are still getting word that 3 or 4 million a year for Mahay is out of the Braves price range.

By Braveheart

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

Well, maybe that garbage comment was a tad bit strong. Compare his stats to Scott Podsednik

That’s probably the best Josh Anderson will be. Which ain’t all that awful for a stopgap. I probably would have settled for Podsednik being the stopgap except that Podsednik ain’t that good anymore. Hopefully, he will be like Podsednik was in 2003 and 2005. Other than that this Anderson trade ain’t a big deal.

By DonCoburleone

November 16, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

People if you are getting excited about this Josh Anderson kid please don’t… We basically traded a long-reliever who was going to be too expensive and who could be easily replaced for a FRINGE major-leaguer. If he somehow is our starting CF on opening day he won’t be by the middle of June, I will guarantee that. This is nothing more than a salary dump - We are clearing up money so we can land Glavine!

Look for Yates and Harris to be nontendered soon (unless for some reason a team actually would trade for them)…

By Ben

November 16, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

Hey Tennessee Paul,

You’re being too nearsighted. The Braves payroll may be expanding, but probably (and hopefully) just enough to keep Teixeira long term. He’s more important to lock down than it is to sign Mahay for a couple years or pay $5-8 million per year on a guy like Crisp or whoever. Don’t you agree?

I’m fine with our bullpen minus Mahay, Dotel, and Villarreal. I would’ve liked to keep Dotel, but he’s going to get probably $3-4 million per season, and could get even more if he’s promised the closing job. I think we’ll be good with our young crop.

Nothing wrong with a butt load of prospects in the OF positions. More trading pieces, should we need help.

By David O'Brien

November 16, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

Here’s story I just filed on trade. Section is tight so I had to keep it relatively short:

By DAVID O’BRIEN dobrien@ajc.com

The Braves traded reliever Oscar Villarreal to Houston Friday for a singles-hitting speedster who could be the temporary replacement for center fielder Andruw Jones.

Josh Anderson hit .358 in 67 at-bats for the Astros last season and .273 with 40 steals in Class AAA.

Braves general manager Frank Wren said the 25-year-old rookie, a prototypical leadoff hitter, would provide insurance in case they can�t acquire a more experienced center fielder this winter. But he made it clear the Braves were still looking and that Anderson wasn�t assured of the job in center.

“We may get to March and he may be the guy,” Wren said. “We felt it was important that we made this move now, to get a player who was more established and had played some at the major league level.”

Anderson was impressive in a September callup. After going 0-for-3 in spot duty over six games, he moved into Houston�s lineup Sept. 14 and hit .375 with three doubles and 11 RBIs in his last 15 games.

The Braves decided not to re-sign 10-time Gold Glove winner Jones � because of his expected asking price, and because they didn�t want another long-term commitment to Jones or any center fielder when top Braves prospect Jordan Schafer could be ready to take over in 2009 or sooner.

Anderson is a strong defensive player who was the Astros� No. 16 prospect last winter. He�s played all three outfield positions, mostly in center field. He played center and hit almost exclusively in the leadoff position during his major league callup, his first stint in the big leagues.

He couldn�t be a much different offensive player than Jones, who totaled 92 homers and 257 RBIs during the 2005-06 seasons before slipping to 26 with a .222 average in 2007. Anderson has a .290 batting average and only 15 homers in 602 minor league games over five minor league seasons.

Anderson stole 237 bases in the minors, including 78 in 2004 to lead all of minor league baseball.

Villarreal was 2-2 with a 4.24 ERA in 76-1/3 innings of 51 relief appearances last season. He made $925,000 and was due for another raise in his final year of arbitration eligibility, but Wren said the salary wasn�t a key factor in trading the right-hander.

Wren said it was more a case of the Braves having several young relievers who�ve progressed, including some who are out of minor league options and must be kept on the major league roster.

By ncscoots

November 16, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

The Braves now have 4 candidates for LF and CF. 3 of the 4 are lefty hitters

Preaching to the choir, mr b, even if there are only a few voices who can carry the tune. :-) Some posters here have for some time been touting an OF/1B righty, with some pop, for the bench. I’d settle for that, since Randy Winn now seems to be not in any plans.

By Bobby

November 16, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

Sign Glavine…Trade Pena+Yates+??? to MIL for B.Hall…Take my chances…Ready for Disney.

Lineup 1.Escobar 2.Johnson 3.Jones 4.Teixeira 5.Francoeur 6.McCann 7.Diaz 8.Anderson

Bench C-Sammons: spell McCann once a week against lefty 1B-Thorman: spell Teixeira once a week against righty 2B-Prado: spell Johnson once a week against lefty 3B-Aybar/Prado: insurance for Chipper injury SS-Hall: insurance for Escobar sophomore slump LF-Harris/Jones: spell Diaz once a week against righty CF-Hall: straight platoon with Anderson RF-Harris/Jones/Hall: insurance for Francoeur injury

DOB/Others, What do you think?

By DonCoburleone

November 16, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

I kind of figured that Villarreal would get non-tendered , instead , the Braves get a young outfielder with some speed and solid defensive ability who can play all three OF positions. Not a bad trade at all and I view this kid as a potential fourth outfielder. Willy Harris is probably gone too. The Astros acquisition of Michael Bourn helped to make this trade happen.

Great points Coach, I completely agree…

By ChrisfromSacramento

November 16, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

People get over it! ANDRUW IS GONE! Finally!! He has lost a step, and is unwilling to make any kind of adjustments at the plate. He is thirty, but his body is 35 and gaining more lbs. He is not worth some suker team will pay him, Like the Giants or Rangers. As for Glavine for a hometown one year discount sign him up. He eats up innings and should be good for 13-15 wins. Trading Oscar is kinda wierd. It tells me that they are going to try out as many as they can to fill in CF. That is fine just make sure Braves that you spend the money on Relievers or the Rotation. Oh ya, and give Chipper his extension so he can finsh is career as a Brave.

By David O'Brien

November 16, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

John, this wasn’t about dumping salary. This was about creating room to protect some up-and-coming pitcher who is out of options (Braves have a few of those). You want to keep a guy like out-of-options Joey Devine, you have to have a spot on the roster.

By Lew

November 16, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t get all worked up over this whole trade. The biggest ramification is that Willie, who was arbitration eligible, will likely be gone and so now is Villarreal, who was also arbitration eligible. Oscar didn’t even really pitch the entire month of September, if I remember correctly. Moylan is more than capable of long relief and so will Chuck James or whoever else doesn’t get #5 in the rotation. They dumped some about to be somewhat more expensive players for someone cheap, who has a good glove and can run. Maybe he will compete for CF-maybe not. He saved us money and is yet another pick up with blazing speed. Do we see a new trend here?

By TennesseePaul

November 16, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

Ben: It isn’t the parts that concern me so much, though I’d rather have Mahay than Dotel, it’s just the actions. We have money they say, we’ve reduced payroll in various areas, but still are told players are out of the price range. How much of a boost in payroll is that supposed to be?
For the record, I was never a fan of Coco coming to town. I’d agree though that not allocating 7-8 million to Crisp or Mr. Mediocrity is a good move. I was just hoping for more experience than Gorkys, Anderson, Jurrjens, and Resop (which cost Paranto, Villarreal, and Renteria).

As for signing Teixeira, I think there is more money coming off the books next season than there is so far in all these trades and non-tenders. Hampton will be gone. And most likely Glavine is a one year deal. No matter how the team registers Hampton on the books this season, it’ll be 15 million freed up plus whatever Glavine gets next season. Signing Teixeira may still prove impossible though considering both NY teams will be looking for a firstbaseman and I believe he will be the best one on the market. Could be wrong about that but I can’t think of a better 1B heading into Free Agency.

By DonCoburleone

November 16, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

From my man Tim Dierkes on mlbtraderumors:

“Villarreal is not a closer type, so look for Wade to sign one of Linebrink, Cordero, or Percival to handle the ninth inning. Chad Qualls would then take the eighth.

Villarreal has been a respectable reliever when healthy. The 26 year-old righty has a 3.71 career ERA. I imagine the Astros view him as their seventh inning guy. Wade was able to part with Anderson because he has a better version in Michael Bourn. Wade also oddly gave a Major League deal to a defensive-minded minor league free agent center fielder named Yordany Ramirez. Quite a commitment.

The 25 year-old Anderson is a burner who doesn’t hit much. Most view him as a future fourth outfielder. I imagine the Braves acquired him to use a stopgap solution in center field for a year or two.

I’d give a slight edge to Wade here, as we’re going to see teams locking in relievers similar to Villarreal for three years and $10MM+.”

By David O'Brien

November 16, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

Guys, are some here failing to recognize that Frank made it clear this kid isn’t penciled in for the job, that he’s a fallback in case they can’t get anyone else later this winter. Seems a pretty good move to me, so they don’t end up scrambling and having to sign the center-field equivelent of Brian Jordan and Raul Mondesi after Christmas, as they did a few years back….

Stinger, I’m pretty certain Cafardo merely cited that report, he didn’t say he’d heard same thing. That report has been shredded repeatedly since it came out, simply because it was nonsensical, especially in regard to the Braves….

By Lew

November 16, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

Well-As long as he can run that fast, there’s always the chance that he could be the one guy that TP could teach to bunt and hit the ball through the infield holes on the ground and then run like hell. Hope springs eternal.

By Stuart

November 16, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this

Villareal was terrible. What was his inherited runner allowed to score? 85-90%. How many of those were on 450 ft. 3 run HRs? He was terrible. He cant throw strikes. I am shocked the bravos got anything for him. If Anderson hits .250 or above it is a notch in the win column for Wren.

By DonCoburleone

November 16, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

Villareal as the 7th inning guy? That should be interesting to watch…

By Niekro35

November 16, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

This was a good trade. It strengthens Wren’s hand when it comes time to wrangle with another team for a more desireable CF option. It frees up a roster spot for Devine, or someone else, as DOB points out. And who knows? The kid could be another Otis Nixon. In any case, it’s good not to expend much on a position in transition. I still like one of the backups in Colorado.

By ncscoots

November 16, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, don’t know that we can pigeonhole Wren as a speed-over-pop guy just yet. So far, he’s only made trades impacting on CF, routinely a non-power position. If he starts picking up corner OF with no pop, then we can scratch out heads, LOL. Hey, only bloggers can envision an OF with both Schaefer AND Gorkys; I’m pretty certain those sugarplums aren’t dancing around in Wren’s head. Besides, he’s still got four months to come around, no? :-)

By David O'Brien

November 16, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

Don’t forget a guy like Bennett for possible long relief and spot starts.

Folks, Oscar was a good dude and pitched very well for the Braves in 2006, especially as a spot starter and emergency long reliever. But let’s not pretend he was anything special this past season.

He had a 4.24 ERA with 32 walks and 75 hits in 76-1/3 innings, and lefties hit .315 with an ugly .896 OPS against him.

After the All-Star break he had a 5.02 ERA with more walks (15) than strikeouts (14) in 28-2-2/3 innings.

His opponents’ average went from .173 in May to .239 in June, .243 in July, .300 in Aug., and .368 (with a .455 OBP) in Sept.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 16, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

As far as comparing Anderson to Willie , they are both outfielders and bat left / throw right. The rest is totally skewered , Willie is 5-9 175 and has 251 stolen bases over his entire nine year professional career with a wet noodle for a throwing arm. Josh Anderson is 6-2 195 and he has stolen 237 bases in five minor league seasons and possesses a strong throwing arm. Not to mention that Anderson is four years younger and the Braves will control his rights for the next four or five years. Like Willie , Josh Anderson is still viewed as a fourth outfielder until he proves otherwise.

By gobraves

November 16, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

DOB, do you have any idea what the Braves offer was that they gave to Glavine?

By Longwood's Finest (Formerly "John" but there are more "John'" on here now

November 16, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

I like the move. Kid sounds promising, the Johnny Estrada trade keeps on giving.

Who goes into long relief now? If (when) the Braves sign Glavine how will the rotation shape up tentatively? Can we really have Smoltz and Huddy and then three lefty’s, or maybe go to a 6-man rotation and have a righty in there to split up the lefty’s? Of course that is assuming Hampton will pitch next year…

IMO, Hampton, Chuck or Glav cannot be a number one option, and I don’t see ANY REALISTIC reason to push Hudson or Smoltz to #3.

Oh, it’s not even December yet and I love the way this offseason has started.

What’s Next Mr. Wren?

By Greg O.

November 16, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this

I love the deal. Villarreal pitched in mop-up, long relief duty all year and, if the Braves sign Glavine, they’ll have 8 starting pitchers and one of them will assume Villarreal’s long-man position in the pen. As DOB noted, there are guys out of options that needed Villarreal’s roster spot, and whether it was the point of the trade or not, the Braves will save a small amount of money with it. Even if Anderson proves to be little more than a fourth outfielder, he’s a speed burner off the bench who can steal a base late in a close game - something the Braves haven’t had in some time. He’s averaged over 47 stolen bases a year in his five years in the minors, including 68 in 2004. Not to mention that if he doesn’t immediately work, he’s got options - last season was his first call-up. One more thing. What is Tim Dierkes of mlbrumors.com smoking? If by “relievers similar to Villarreal” he means they have an arm attached to their body and have traditionally used it out of the bullpen, I’ll give him that. But there’s no way a team is going to dump eight figures-plus over three years for Villarreal unless he undergoes a huge transformation in Houston.

By DonCoburleone

November 16, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

Maybe Anderson is the guy for this season. I mean, even if he stumbled to a .270/.320/.350 line his OPS would only be .054 less than what Andruw put up in 2007 (.724 vs .670) and if he can steal 25 bases that would help compensate for the loss in power a little bit…

But then again, I really just see this guy as another Ryan Langerhans… Like Coach said though, I thought there was a good chance Villareal was going to get non-tendered anyway; so getting anything for him is a good thing in my opinion.

By David O'Brien

November 16, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

Greg O, thinking same thing about that line about “relievers similar to Villarreal” getting $10 mill multi-year contracts. Who are the non-lefties with Villarreal’s stats getting $10 mill contracts?

By Brad in MT

November 16, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

I like this trade…Villareal was going to make way too much for his job. He was a guy who did fine when the game was a blowout, but never seemed to do much in close games. If this guy is a backup, minor leaguer, or stopgap, this deal is still good to me. No reason to spend that kind of money for a long reliever.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 16, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this

Some of you just kill me. DOB is right. Wren said Anderson was a fallback in case they don’t get another centerfielder which I think they will. I also believe if the opportunity arises they will go after another pitcher. I think if the A’s are willing to give up Joe Blanton and throw in Kotsay to boot the Braves would do it. One thing acquiring Anderson does besides giving them a fallback option is to possibly shop Brandon Jones. Jones could be packaged with somebody like Chuck James and Martin Prado to get what they need. Believe me guys like Jones and Prado are right up Billy Beane’s alley. I also believe Ryan Church could be a possibility although I’m not that hot on him. The Giants could be interested with Lowry or Cain being the target. I don’t see that package getting Lincecum. Especially if the Giants are able to sign Hunter or Andruw they would likely be more willing to throw in Fred Lewis or Rajah Davis.

And, of course, the Cardinals are always an interesting possibility. If the Braves could sign a fringe starter in free agency, a package like that could land Jim Edmonds. Or the Cards could throw in somebody like Anthony Reyes. Remember that rumor was hot and heavy the latter end of the season.

Maybe even that same package to the Rockies for Cory Sullivan and either Taylor Bucholz or Jason Hirsch. Both could be expendable with late season emergence of Morales and Jimenez and the Rockies fascination with bringing Jason Jennings back.

By Tomas

November 16, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB,

What are the possibilities of trading for Jim Edmonds. He is not the same player he was 3 years ago but still can play. He is owed 8 million for the last year of his contract, and if traded Cardinals have to take a portion of his salary, so the Braves would probably pay him 5million. If we sign Glavine we would have 8 starting pitchers, we can trade Lance Cormier, and another guy that it is not part of Atlanta plans, for Edmonds. That would be a good one year solution.

By DonCoburleone

November 16, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

“One more thing. What is Tim Dierkes of mlbrumors.com smoking? If by “relievers similar to Villarreal” he means they have an arm attached to their body and have traditionally used it out of the bullpen, I’ll give him that. But there’s no way a team is going to dump eight figures-plus over three years for Villarreal unless he undergoes a huge transformation in Houston.”

Dude, what are you smoking? JC Romero just got $12mil over 3 years… Granted he is a lefty but go look up his stats over his career and tell me he is that much better than Villareal. Go look up David Riske also, that guy is a FA and is expected to land that kind of 3year,$10mil salary…

Anyway, back to Anderson, according to Yahoo! stats he had a .413OBP with Houston and a .403 slugging?!? I didn’t know it was possible to have a higher OBP than slugging %… Ouch.

By DonCoburleone

November 16, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

Ok ok, maybe not $10mil over 3 years for Villareal, but I bet he could land between $6-$8mil over 3 if he were a free agent…

By CC

November 16, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

DOB

J.C. Holt was mentioned in an earlier blog as looking impressive in the AFL. I know he’s a second baseman, but he did play centerfield for LSU in college. And I think he did it for two years, as well. Any chance at him being considered for the centerfield job in spring training? From what I remember he’s an above average fielder with tons of speed. His drawback is a lack of power. In fact, any chance of him ever being considered for ANY position in spring training?

By True Braves Fan

November 16, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

TRADE — Great move, we basically got something for nothing. We were not going to (and shouldn’t have, based on 2007 performand) sign Oscar for 2008. We picked up an outstanding prospect instead of releasing Oscar. Although most of the conversation seems to be Anderson in cf; I think it is a real possibility of Diaz/Anderson platooning in lf next year, with the cf yet to be determined.

GLAVINE I have been anti-Glavine since 2003 for two reasons 1. His union activities, and 2. I don’t feel he negotiated in good faith with the Braves in 2003 and last year. HOWEVER; if he is now willing to actually negotiate with the Braves in good faith, I will welcome him back as a Brave…Why? Because I think he can be an effective #3 in 2008. (I would prefer Maddux, but not at $10,000,000 that he got from the Padres, and we don’t need more Boras.

By Salty

November 16, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

Edmunds @ $8 million…hmm…I don’t know. Still can’t get over the K’s. He11, if we’re gonna get 100 K’s from CF, at least don’t pay $8 mill for it…give a kid a shot…Anderson, Lillibridge, … Schafer.

Braveheart If I were Lew, I’d demand the Wurlitzer be returned! ”…are you joshing?” You’re made of better stuff than that!!! :-)

I know…just couldn’t resist, right! Flip Wilson-esque?

By Allen

November 16, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

Maybe Chipper will stay healthy for the simple fact that he will not have to continuously break up double plays that andruw grounded into.

By David O'Brien

November 16, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

CC, no on Holt in CF.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 16, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

Speaking of that wide gulf of opinion concerning Glavine. Folks , you just have to let it go , it’s water under the bridge. Well , I’m 22 hours into my day , time to crash. See y’all on the Flipside.

By diehard texas fan

November 16, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

I can tell u guys first hand how this guy is no Sizemore but he is definitely a candidate to be the stopgap and a good one at that. I live in Corpus Christi, where the Astros double A affliate plays, the Corpus Christi Hooks and he was on the team for about 2 years. Watching him play over the years, I have grown accustomed to watching him play at a high level and always aggressive whether it is on the base paths or the field. He is very good defensively and is a line drive hitter but yes with no power but do we really need power? I think he could bring some much needed speed to the team and especially in the lead off spot and I think he hit between .280 and .300 which would be good enough in this line up with probably around 35 steals. It’s not forever but he is a better solution than what we have right now and could save us some money for maybe another pitcher besides Glavine. Hey we can all dream can’t we.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 16, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

Okay, here is a possbile trade scenario. Lets say a team like the White Sox are able to sign Andruw, Hunter, or Rowand. That could make somebody like Jerry Owens available. The Braves could offer a package of B. Jones, James, and Prado for Garland and Owens. Prado and Jones would fill in holes for the White Sox and the addition of Garland would greatly improve the rotation and the speedy Owens would be one helluva of a stopgap in CF and could move over to LF once Schafer is ready to take over in CF.

By Canuckbravesfan

November 16, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

DOB—you’re very welcome for the Cash clippings—thought they might interest you. I must say it gets a little tiresome reading all the blogs trashing Chuck James. Obviously, those people have not looked very closely at his performance. Yes, he needs a third pitch to get more ground ball outs. BUT, folks, he has been in the bigs for 1.5 seasons and has great composure, something most young pitchers have still to learn (Davies, e.g.) Chuck kept his team in the game for at least 5 innings most nights, was the only starter to beat the Red Sox (no mean feat !) and in 14 starts (86.1 IP) had an ernie of 1.56—for heaven’s sake, most young lefties don’t start to get it until their 3rd seasons.

By Greg O.

November 16, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

Don Coburleone, the market and a player’s performance can obviously change extremely quickly. One man’s trash (J.C. Romero with the Red Sox (released in mid-June 2007) and the Angels (6.70 ERA in 2006) is another man’s treasure (Romero in half a season with the Phillies (1.24 ERA, 22 Holds). But he’s a different story. He’s a left-handed setup man who was stellar last year. Same goes for Riske, minus the left-handed thing. He’s been a healthy set-up man throughout his career and is coming off a 70-inning, 2.46 ERA year. Villarreal is a right-handed long relief man who hasn’t given any indication of returning to his 86 appearance, 2.57 ERA rookie year. It’s going to take one heck of a year this year for him to get a three year contract, let alone eight figures.

By Marty

November 16, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

Owens sucks, Garland is mediocre, and if we sign Glavine, WE DO NOT NEED ANOTHER STARTER!

By TommyP

November 16, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

We traded for a young, speedy CF in exchange for a journeyman reliever we weren’t keeping anyway. What’s not to like?

I mean, c’mon. Think about the GM that just acquired Villareal: Ed Wade. What a joke. Ed Wade is the type of front office joke that adds fuel to the fire for minorities arguing about front office jobs. A recycled retread.

Good job, Wren.

Still looking to see McLouth in a deal, my friends.

For SS, see if we can net Izturis on the cheap OR maybe we can do a deal for Ronny Cedeno of the Cubs as he seems to be expendable now with the Infante pickup. (and he’s dirt cheap as far as salary)

By JB

November 16, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

DOB according to Bowman, Wren says he’s also going after a guy who’s not exactly a vet, but has been around a few years for CF. Any idea who that could be?

By TennesseePaul

November 16, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

Scoots: Perhaps you’re right. Hope more is on the horizon. We now have a CF at all three levels. Guess that’s something.

Like Willie , Josh Anderson is still viewed as a fourth outfielder until he proves otherwise
Sheeeesh. Not sure I agree with that. I don’t know that Willie is much of a 4th outfielder. Maybe a late innings pinch runner. But mainly just a waste of a roster space.

DOB: Positioning this as a means to open roster space is an interesting way to look at it. I don’t know much about the rule 5 draft. What type of player is “exposed” in Rule 5? I’d image it has something to do with minor league years of service and major league appearances. I could be wrong. But I’m curious to know how Anderson fits into this rule. Would he be “exposed” if he were not on the roster?

By Tomas

November 16, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

Okay If the season started tomorrow this would be the team. (If Glavine agrees, and Hampton recovers).

Starting Lineup:

• CF Josh Anderson

• 2B Kelly Johnson

• 3B Chipper Jones

• 1B Mark Texeira

• RF Jeff Franceour

• C Brian McCann

• LF Matt Diaz/ Brandon Jones

• SS Yunel Escobar

• P Pitcher

Bench:

• C Clint Sammons

• 1B Scott Thorman

• 2B Pete Orr

• 3B Willy Aibar

• LF Brandon Jones

Pitchers:

• SP John Smoltz

• SP Tim Hudson

• SP Tom Glavine

• SP Mike Hampton

• SP Jair Jurrjens

• LHP Chuck James

• RHP Jeff Bennet or Jo-Jo

• RHP Joey Devine

• LHP Royce Ring

• RHP Peter Moylan

• LHP Mike Gonzalez

• RHP Rafael Soriano

Thats my prediction if I were manager for tommorow.

By doug

November 16, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

wouldn’t anderson need a roster spot too? or would he only need it if he makes the team in the spring?

By I'm And Techno-Idiot

November 16, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

By Your OK - I’m And Techno-Idiot November 16, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this Someone please tell me how to grab a link from another site and customize/shorten/paste the link here.

Thanks anyway dudes. That’s quite alright, really. I know you’re busy posting your own thoughts and ideas. Never mind. Not important. I’m nobody. Carry on.

By Steve McP

November 16, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

Couple of things on the pitchers Tomas, do we think that jurrjens will really start out of spring training? Reviewing soem of the comments following the trade seemed to indicate that he probably needs a bit more seasoning.

Also Gonzo is out until June at the earliest.

On the position players - we still wait on Aybar to prove that he is restored to health. Not sure if he will be acceptable to the Braves unless he can demostrate a complete recovery as they do not put up with that sort of behaviour and those players usually leave sooner rather than later.

By Braveheart

November 16, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

Stop joshing around with me Salty.

By David O'Brien

November 16, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

Braves offered about $7 mill, and Glavine made a counterproposal tonight. Not sure what that was, but I think it’s pretty close. This could get done soon, no later than next week but as early as the weekend.

I think it’ll end up being about $8 mill in a straight one-year offer, don’t think an option will be included.

By JB

November 16, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

DOB, would Nate McLouth make sense?

By TNRON

November 16, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

I have seen Tavarez’ name brought up here on the blog.This is what Houston management had to say about Anderson last September. “Anderson was the 2006 Texas League All-Star Game Most Valuable Player and was the team MVP at Double-A Corpus Christi last season, after batting .308 with 26 doubles and 43 stolen bases while scoring 83 runs. His presence was one of the reasons the Astros were willing to trade Willy Taveras. Anderson is considered to be faster than Taveras and, unlike Taveras, Anderson bats left-handed and has more power.” In as much as he (Anderson) bats lefty it still leaves the possibility of a Brent Lillibridge making the team as a utility guy,playing CF against LHP’s and backing up the other middle infield positions.I would much rather have him as Pete Orr.DOB is this possible?

By chrisklob

November 16, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

Techno-Idiot, if you look carefully at the text just above the comment box you will see instructions directing you how to add a link. It’s not that hard. Seriously.

By dadgum

November 16, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

Hey I will take the higher batting averages, OBP, steals everyday over the CF guy who hits 30 homers and bats .250 ( or .222 ) and strikes out every 3-4 at bats. Seems we upgraded big time.

Have I mentioned that Barry Bonds is a joke. A big asterisk should permanently reside by his name and I feel all major sports publications should go on record demanding the asterisk. My guess is they will pending the outcome of his indictment. The HOF will be out of the question if he is found guilty. Hey by then A Rod will probably have passed him anyway. Makes me so damn mad. To hell with Barry! One washed up dude.

Rock on….loving XM Led. Tune in Channel 59. The song remains the same.

By Scooter McNutts

November 16, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

DOB: great blog, lot’s of good info. Just the stuff we’ve been waiting for!

I, for one, like the trade. Didn’t figure Oscar would be with the Braves in ‘08 anyway. Like others I feel we got something for nothing since I doubt he had a future with the Braves anyway.

Tomas Okay If the season started tomorrow this would be the team. (If Glavine agrees, and Hampton recovers).

If the season started tomorrow WHY is Gonzalez on the roster? It’s been reported many times that he’s OUT until midseason, All Star break, July or so.

I disagree with Orr being there, but things will change as Wren has given every indication that more trades are coming. I think it’s very safe to say that the projected roster is still very much a work in progress, far from being settled yet.

Doug wouldn’t anderson need a roster spot too? or would he only need it if he makes the team in the spring?

My question also.

What say you DOB?

I’m And Techno-Idiot good question—-and btw I have no idea :-)

By chrisklob

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

This is from USAToday regarding Braves prospect/Oregon QB Dennis Dixon:

Dennis Dixon will have surgery on the left knee that buckled early in second-ranked Oregon’s upset loss to Arizona, spoiling his chance to win the Heisman Trophy.

The quarterback tore his anterior cruciate ligament during Oregon’s Nov. 3 victory over Arizona State, according to coach Mike Bellotti, but he had rested it and felt as if he was ready to play Thursday night against the Wildcats.

Now Dixon will miss the rest of this season.

By BravesFanChris23

November 16, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

I’ve been away and busy (formerly BFC22 lol), so I’ve not been posting, but I’ve been reading it every day.

My take on the Renteria trade is that it give Braves what they need. A young pitcher with a nice upside and a speedy CF of the future to compliment Schafer or back up for him. I will miss Renteria in a Braves Uniform, but this trade is a good thing in my view.

What I was thinking is once Gorkys is ML ready, they could bring him up into LF and Schafer be the CF or vice versa. DOB Do you think that would be possible? I would think Braves would like to keep both of them and having them in same lineup would be astonishing in my view.

Also, With Glavine coming back (more than likely), I think with a healthy Hampton (iffy) and Hudson/Smoltz and with depth in the starting area, I think perhaps the rotation will be fine. There’s always the July 31st deadline to get another pitcher to carry Braves in the rest of the season.

DOB Also, if you had an idea, a realistic one. Who would Frank try to get to be the back up SS?

By Erik

November 16, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

DOB, are the braves really going to stick with soriano as the closer? amid the glavine, lefty relief, center field, and backup shortstop talk, there has been no mention of looking for another closer. i undesrtand there’s not much on the market, but i’m not comfortable with soriano as the closer. what say you?

By Travis

November 16, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

DOB…i don’t know if this has been addressed or not, but is Chuck James a possible long relief candidate? He is so good the first time through the order and then deteriorates as people figure him out, so it seems like in a 1-3 inning stint he would be more effective. He could also be the starter if any of the 5 guys (cough hampton cough) go down. I doubt they would do this because of hoping to develop Chuck for the future as a top of the rotation starter, but in the present time this seems to make sense. This would solve the 3 lefties in a row problem and let Jair get some immediate work.

By Ben

November 16, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

Erik, I’ll handle this one for DOB. He’s already answered the Soriano question, and he said that Soriano will be the closer.

What scares you about Soriano?? That 4 game spell or so where he gave up about 13 game-winning 3-run homers? I think reports came out that his shoulder was bothering them, and if you take out that tiny part of the season, he was basically dominant. I can’t wait to see him with a chance to save 30-40 games. He’s lights out.

By JFGHamer

November 16, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Could we PLEASE NOT get Glavine? I just don’t feel he’s worth losing a #18 pick to the METS next year!

By chrisklob

November 16, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Sorry if this has been posted before but I found it interesting especially since we get a few Mets trolls on here telling us how good their farm system is. This little nugget is from Baseball America’s NY Mets Top 10 prospect list. You can read the whole article here

Scouts from other organizations say the Mets have little immediate help on the way in the farm system. The jury is still out on how much Pelfrey and Humber can be counted on, and there’s not much in the way of upper-level position players behind outfielders Lastings Milledge and Carlos Gomez.

Next time one of those idiots comes around telling about how they’re going to get Santana or whoever for prospects, please repost this and tell ‘em to shut up!

By Bobby

November 16, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Tomas-Braves have to have backup SS and Gonzo will not be ready at season’s start. I assume Chuck will be used as 2nd bullpen lefty until Gonzo is ready (assuming Hampton is ready to start season). No way, Braves throw 3 similar lefties in a row.

I like idea of Lillibridge as CF/SS backup. Of course, I like the idea of trading Pena/Yates/Carlyle for BILL HALL best!

By tyrone

November 16, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

why don’t the braves move mccann to center field and let mike hampton catch?

By minookadawg

November 16, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

RE: CJ extension- No win situation. Keep for remainder of his career and risk tying up tens of millions of $$$$$ on DL. Don’t keep him until retirement and you’ll alienate large percentage of fanbase, due to sentimentality. Took me a long time to adjust to Braves w/o Glav, Maddux,Furcal, and now AJ is gone! Good luck Mr Wren. The $$ would rock, but having to do your job would drive me insane.

By David O'Brien

November 16, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

Chrisklob, I hadn’t seen that synopsis. But I swear, I was going through the new BA with the NL East’s top 10 prospects for each team, and I’m reading through the Mets thinking, damn, is this it? Every one of them seemed to be either 19-20 and three years away, or just not very impressive statistically if they were at higher levels of the minors.

By David O'Brien

November 16, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

JFGHamer, that ship has sailed. Or rather, that ship has returned. Get used to Glavine being back….

Ben, thanks for answering the once-a-blog Soriano question. I appreciate it. And you answered it well.

By David

November 16, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

If Anderson and Glavine are Wren’s answer to catching the Phils and Mets, they’ll spend another year looking up at them and another year watching the postseason from home.

By johnbama

November 16, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

I love both of the trades we have made so far this season. Just looked at the Baseball America rankings and both kids we got in the Renteria deal are now ranked in the top 5 or 6 of our prospects. This is not to mention we are now allowing a guy in Escobar to take over at SS. Sure he is young but folks he is ready to make a impact….defensively of offensively he is going to special….fun to watch.

That reminds me….what about the NL East…look at the ss there….great young ones.

Ramirez Reyes Rollins Escobar

Or 3b where you have Wright Chipper Zimmerman Cabrera (for now at least). Talk about left side infield talent

By chrisklob

November 16, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

DOB, I consider myself a fan of minor league ball and attend approx 30-40 games per year between Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Charlotte, Greenville, and Jacksonville. I read as much as I can digest on the subject. When I looked over the Mets’ prospect list I was a little shocked as I’d only heard of about three of the guys on it.

By rich brave

November 16, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

DOB:

Thanks for the article and updates.

By Sir Stealth

November 16, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

The Gringo’s Tale is such an awesome song.

GO BRAVES

By Roger

November 16, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

More on Dixon:

*Dixon first injured his knee in Oregon’s 35-23 victory at home over Arizona State on Nov. 3. While he knew the extent of the injury, he felt he could still play.

“He asked us on behalf of himself and his family to keep that quiet,” Bellotti said in a conference call with reporters Friday afternoon.

It was Dixon’s intention to delay the surgery until after the season, the coach said. He continued with the understanding that any further instability in the knee meant he would have to stop playing, the coach said.*

Curious whether the Braves were in the loop. I doubt it.

By johnbama

November 16, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

DOB

ever see bb king in concert…unreal. best 2.5 hours of my music life. i would encourage anyone that is a music lover to pay the price and do it before the chance is gone.

By wjones

November 16, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

I just read that Kenny Rogers fired Scott Boras as his agent! Scott’s most excellent winter vacation just keeps getting better! Let’s summarize what we know so far:

1. Gave Braves a contract proposal on Andruw. Braves laughed in his face.

2. Announced during World Series that A-Rod was opting out of his contract. Yankeees told both to take a hike. A-Rod is now groveling to the Yankees to take him back, and taking his wife with him instead of Boras.

3. Now Rogers.

Sweet!

By chrisklob

November 16, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS.

By True Braves Fan

November 16, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

There were questions about the 40 man roster…Here is what is listed on the Braves site on MLB.com. I only count 38 names. Can you update us on this DOB?

40-Man Roster Pitchers(21)
46 Manny Acosta
57 Jose Ascanio
30 Jeff Bennett
48 Blaine Boyer
38 Buddy Carlyle
40 Lance Cormier
50 Joey Devine
51 Mike Gonzalez
32 Mike Hampton
15 Tim Hudson
36 Chuck James
— Jair Jurrjens
50 Anthony Lerew
58 Peter Moylan
— Chris Resop
37 Jo-Jo Reyes
34 Royce Ring
29 John Smoltz
39 Rafael Soriano
57 Phil Stockman
33 Tyler Yates
Catchers (3)
16 Brian McCann
8 Brayan Pena
18 Clint Sammons
Infielders (8)
14 Willy Aybar
19 Yunel Escobar
2 Kelly Johnson
10 Chipper Jones
4 Pete Orr
1 Martin Prado
24 Mark Teixeira
20 Scott Thorman
Outfielders (6)
— Josh Anderson
61 Gregor Blanco
23 Matt Diaz
7 Jeff Francoeur
22 Willie Harris 28 Brandon Jones

Also, DOB, could Carlyle fill the long relief job left open by Oscar trade?

By I'm And Techno-Idiot

November 16, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

ChrisklobThank you sir. You are a gentleman.

As much as I appreciate the help, I’m still unable to figure out how Braveheart creates and names a link like this:

By Braveheart November 16, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this josh anderson minor league stats

(his last line was a link). Much cleaner than an entire http. www. thingy.com

By atl_fan

November 16, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

DOB

Are the Braves going to be actively looking for a CF, or are they going to take a wait-and-see approach and see what CF become available throughout the offseason?

And, what pitchers are out of options that the Braves are trying to hold onto?

By TennesseePaul

November 16, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

DOB: How’d you find out the size of the offer?

By chrisklob

November 16, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

TrueBravesFan, FW is probably keeping a couple of spots open on the 40 man for some kids that are eligible for the Rule 5 Draft which will take place over the winter meetings.

From Baseball America: Major league teams must protect players on their 40-man rosters within three or four years of their original signing. Those left unprotected are available to other teams as Rule 5 picks.

*Players who were 18 or younger on June 5 preceding the signing of their first contract must be protected after four minor league seasons. Players 19 and older must be protected after three seasons. *

I’m too tired and lazy to look over their minor league rosters but I’m sure that there are several guys that would qualify (Charlie Morton, perhaps). There are some players that they will want to protect from being picked up from another organization because they see them contributing in the future, but just not right away. Click here for the full article. The rules aren’t simple for either side so I won’t try to re-word what BA has written.

By geauxbraves2000

November 16, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this

Techno:

[name the link here inside these brackets, whatever you want to name it]

Inside (the actual link itself, ie, www.ajc.com)

Atlanta Braves Home Page

I inserted Atlanta Braves Home Page inside the bracket and www.atlantabraves.com inside the parenthesis. Also I used no space between the closing bracket and the opening parenthesis.

I hope this is correct, if not this will be quite embarrassing.

Geaux Braves!!

By uga-brave

November 16, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

BRAVEHEART,

the back pedaling has already started. look i have no problem getting rid of oscar, other then the story of him and escobar ending up at yankee stadium rather than shea he pretty much is replacable. what a great story. escobar speaks no english and oscar broken english and they get into a cab in new york and the cabbie takes them to yankee stadium instead of shea. the best part is esco got out of the cab and started to go in. he had never been to either, did not know the difference.

probably the funniest blog DOB ever wrote.

THIS JUST IN, mcQUIRK just released a statement regarding our current new found wealth. the comment was released by liberty media’s public relations firm DEWEY, CHEATEM, & HOWE.

By chrisklob

November 17, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

uga-brave, you’ve been pretty critical of some of their moves. I would like to know, and I’m not being a sarcastic jacka** what you would do if YOU were the GM of the Braves.

DIFFICULTY: You can NOT include Andruw Jones in your plans. He is NOT coming back no matter how bad you want him to.

Seriously, I’m not being a jerk, I sincerely want to know what you’d do.

By Greg in TN

November 17, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this

Evening again gang…

Robert (JITB), you could be right. I just have a hard time believing that Mitchell’s work in the last year and a half and if that’s the case, I think Selig is a bigger waste of time in the Commissioner’s chair than I gave him credit for.

Nothing wrong with having Josh Anderson around as plan #2 if we’re not able to make a move for a more established CF’er.

By uga-brave

November 17, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

CHRIS,

yeah maybe i am critical. i just dont trust corporate ownnership that has no dog in the the fight. (sorry peta) look i dont think this is the solution in cf. and getting someting for nothing is not bad, especially if it frees up some peices for future trades.

CHRIS, what i would do is is try to make a package trade to the brewers. they have said ben sheets is available (i know he has trouble staying healthy) BUT the guy i want is CORY HART. package whatever it takes to get HART and put him in center. the guy is on the verge of becoming a superstar. we now have a ton of potential players, but nothing proven. get HART AND SHEETS that sure would shake thing up.

what you think CHRIS?

By MEB

November 17, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

Hate to see Oscar “The Vulture” Villarreal traded away but that’s life in the big leagues. I never understood why the Braves didn’t give him a chance at the 5th starter position but Bobby must have his reasons. To think we might have someone in the lineup who can steal a base on a regular basis. I still like the three run home run but scratching out a run here or there is good baseball.

GO BRAVES!!!

By uga-brave

November 17, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this

CHRIS,

one other thing, i have read many of your posts and you definitely are a astute baseball fan. i want impact. the tex trade was impact. the glavine signing is comfort. hey i love glav, but if thats our only move this off season it stinks with sentimentality. look there is a difference with putting butts in the seats and actually trying to win.

By David

November 17, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this

Would someone please tell me how this move will help the Braves overcome New York or Philadelphia? You have plenty of money sitting there this year. That’s no problem. Why not go get a solid veteran where you know what you’re getting until these young studs get ready. I’ll give a little and say IF Glavine can pitch 200+ innings and win 13 games, then it’s a good move. They just have got to do something else in center.

I’m also a huge proponent of moving Kelly Johnson back to left and putting Martin Prado at second. Prado has a career .302 average in the minors and is good defensively. Can Brandon Jones play center. If so, go with that. Just don’t bring in Willie Harris minus a few years and call him the center fielder.

By uga-brave

November 17, 2007 1:03 AM | Link to this

if we go into next season with a stop-gap in cf next year, a first year starter at ss, a platoon in lf, it spells trouble. that means HOSS must be healthy all season and francoeur and b’macc must be better. the only real constant is tex. as for everyone else you just dont know.

mcQUIRK has said we have money to spend. well actions are louder than words. i have said this before, i hope we dont here words like, prudent, not in our best interest, and not fiscally responsible, in two months.

By chrisklob

November 17, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this

uga, I like Corey Hart but it seems that Sheets has health issues and I’m pretty sure we’ve depleted our allocation of DL time for pitchers lately.

Don’t know that I agree with you when you say that ownership doesn’t have a dog in this fight. They have a legal obligation to their shareholders (I’m assuming LM is a publicly held company) to generate profits, increase stock value, or both so I don’t think your claim is completely valid. Further, they have publicly stated that they will sell the Braves in 3 to 4 years. In order to maximize a selling price then they will have to do certain things to increase the value of the franchise. Perhaps the easiest/fastest way will be to put a winning team on the field.

FW said something to the effect that the trade for Anderson was a fall-back in case they couldn’t pull off something better (I’m defintely paraphrasing here). They aren’t settling for him. They picked him up for basically nothing. Villareal was an extra piece in their eyes and some have said that they were lucky to get anything for him. Worst case scenario is that he relaces Willie Harris and all you have to do is compare their numbers to realize that this is an upgrade.

I really like this trade because I like Anderson and what he brings to the mix. He has no power but he’s a good CF with speed and he can steal bases. Without looking at the numbers, I can’t remember a good base stealer since Furcal around 00 or 01. His OBP isn’t great, but if he’s hitting in the 8 spot it doesn’t have to be. Anderson isn’t the “answer” but he should fill in just fine in CF.

I understand criticism becaue that’s what makes a blog like this interesting. We all have our own unique ideas about what FW et al should do for next year and in future years. Many of the ideas bandied about here aren’t very good (mine included) but that shouldn’t stop us from expressing ourselves.

By CharlieAlphaBravo

November 17, 2007 1:05 AM | Link to this

Dave: Did you really have to use bold text when referring to Woodward and Wilson? If I had been casually scanning through the article (as opposed to reading it) I might have soiled myself. Or perhaps that was the plan all along to get the dinks who don’t actually read the blog to stop posting such garbage… Well played O’Brien, well played…

By David O'Brien

November 17, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this

Chrisklob, thanks for referring to that BA explanation of Rule 5 draft and such. Hopefully those who asked me saw your 11:50 p.m. post. If not, check it out, folks. There’s your complicated explanation (hard to simplify it any further).

And yes, Morton is one who will be added to the 40-man, who must be added or else be exposed (and absolutely taken quickly) in the Rule 5 draft.

Among others, I’m pretty sure 3B prospect Van Pope and lefty Dan Smith will have to be added to the 40-man or be exposed to the Rule 5 draft.

By xxxx

November 17, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this

ok

By David O'Brien

November 17, 2007 1:11 AM | Link to this

TennPaul, that’s part of the job: Ask the right people.

By chrisklob

November 17, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this

uga, I have to disagree with your comment that Glavine’s resigning has to do with sentimentality. Please look at the free agent pitcher list and tell me who would be better. Also look at the pitcher’s that would be available via trade and tell me what we would have to give up to aquire them PLUS the salary that they would be due.

When was the last time the Braves signed someone for sentimental reasons? Think about how many good or great players the Braves have allowed to leave or have traded bacause they retaining them was not a good business decision. Maddux, Lopez, Millwood, Giles, the list goes on and on.

Glavine is a one-year signee, two at the absolute most. Look at his numbers. Look at his Elias Sports Bureau ratings and tell me that he’s not a good signing. He’s been offered $7m. He’ll get more, perhaps $8-9m. Compare that to what is available AND the cost to trade for them in prospects and you’ll see that he’s a damn good bargain.

By Greg O.

November 17, 2007 1:29 AM | Link to this

DOB, Do you see the Braves going with five outfielders this season? I’m trying to figure out a way that Brandon Jones can truly compete for a spot on the 25-man roster with Josh Anderson in center but without another viable center field option on opening day. Gotta think they’re going to bring in another guy who can play center. Or could they make Lillibridge that back-up guy? Could this mean Diaz everyday in left? It’s early, I know…

By Patrick

November 17, 2007 1:33 AM | Link to this

Dave: Chances Glavine’s done tomorrow by 3:00?

By uga-brave

November 17, 2007 1:38 AM | Link to this

chris,

well there was julio, brian jordan, castilla, brian hunter, among others who did two tours with the braves.

look, i think glav is a great option for us. he is a innings eater, and i believe, which is incredible that he has never been on the DL.

i respect your point of view, i just want us to make a “wow” kind of move. one that goes outside the so called box. we have finished 3rd two years in a row, philly is getting better and the mets are now the UBER payroll team in the NL. we have to get this payroll up to 100 million in order to really compete.

By #2bravesfan

November 17, 2007 1:40 AM | Link to this

DOB once Glavin signs back with the braves and if hampton can stay healthy who do you believe would be the front runner for the 5th spot? Jair Jurrjens? Chuck James?Jo-Jo Reyes?..I also read up on what you wrote about Charie Morton and it sounds like he has pretty nasty stuff - will he get his shot at the rotation?

By uga-brave

November 17, 2007 1:42 AM | Link to this

chris,

you miss my point. i want glav, i just want something else.

By Bo

November 17, 2007 1:44 AM | Link to this

I like the trades Wren has made so far. Josh Anderson will do good and fit in nice with other players. after all his middle name is ARRON People give FW time to put the puzzle together before you come down on him so hard.He has a plan and he is working with Bobby and other to make it work. I believe he will pull off a bigger trade shortly that will make you smile. If not look at the kids he has in stock to trade. I like the fact he talks more to DOB so we know whats going on. Keep up the good work DOB I don’t like Glavine but if he signs with Braves I will pull for him 100% hope he wins 20.

By uga-brave

November 17, 2007 1:46 AM | Link to this

hope everyone is watching a pretty good football game on the deuce. nevada is leading 20-19 going into the 4th qtr. only important because haw. is projected into the bcs if they go undefeated.

By chrisklob

November 17, 2007 1:55 AM | Link to this

uga, I really don’t think any of those guys were signed for “sentimental” reasons. Just because they did “two tours” with Atlanta doesn’t mean that they were brough back for that reason. They were pieces needed to complete a puzzle at the time. One could make a better argument that Glavine will be signed for sentimental reasons more than any of those guys were. None of them were ever major players in ATL for any real stretch of time.

Personally, I could care less about a “wow” move. This ain’t New York and we’re not competing with the Yankees like the Mets have to do. We have finished third the last two years, and probably should have finished there in 05 too. While payroll is reportedly going up, I don’t know that it will reach the $100m+ mark. LM will require that FW maintain some sort of fiscal sanity.

Yes, the Mets have tons to spend. Will they spend it wisely? History says NO! See Mo Vaugh, Jeremy Burnitz, Pedro Martinez, et al as examples.

I’ve got to go to bed. Long week, 60+ hrs at work. I’ll check back in the a.m. for your overnight posts and respond then.

What kind of pinot you drinking tonight?

By uga-brave

November 17, 2007 1:56 AM | Link to this

DOB,

how much money do the braves and other teams get back from the luxury tax infringers?

By uga-brave

November 17, 2007 2:24 AM | Link to this

opines from the graveyard shift,

well it sounds like glav is done for around 9 million, no problem with that.

CHRISKLOB is convinced that liberty media has an obligation to their shareholders to spend money on the braves in order to build up the franchise value. YEAH RIGHT. chris you are correct on the point that they are gonna sell the braves when they can. the tax money they saved in the deal with time warner far out weighs any capital gain they can make on the braves in 3 years.

my point is dont hold your breath expecting to be a real player in the payroll game again.

we need a bat, period. dont care where he plays. we just dumped in my opinion, the most consistent hitter we had in edgar, and a long ball, rbi guy in andruw. not to mention 20 million in payroll. that money better be earmarked for TEX or it is time to call out mcQUIRK.

By Wayne in Utah

November 17, 2007 2:30 AM | Link to this

How’s this for a wow move? Barroid Bonds pleads guilty, is put on probation if he will sign with the Braves for 1 million. (the judge is a Braves fan)

He platoons with Diaz, we trade BJones, Chuck James, and Cole Rohrbough (or pick one of the top 3 pitching prospects, Rohrbough, Hanson, or Locke) to the Giants for Winn and Cain.

OK, uga, is that WOW enough for you??? Hey, I dislike Glavine too, but if he and Barroid are Braves, we might win it all!

Gotta go to bed before my brain implodes…..

By uga-brave

November 17, 2007 2:30 AM | Link to this

chris,

enjoyed the banter, actually a nice bottle of RODNEY STRONG PINOT NOIR. see you again.

By uga-brave

November 17, 2007 2:44 AM | Link to this

wayne,

sorry to tell you this but i have always loved glavine. he has earned the right, obviously. he probably is the last 300 game winner in the so called modern era.

By uga-brave

November 17, 2007 2:46 AM | Link to this

must of been a good bottle because i cant spell worth a shi.

By Kevin

November 17, 2007 4:14 AM | Link to this

Andrew Jones still not sign any team because he stupid in hittin n stuff n never listens to coach i hope he likes no baseball this season n enjoys alaska!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 17, 2007 5:03 AM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah Seriously dude, you need to lay off the wacky weed late at night, it is affecting your judgment… :-)))

All this three run homer and long ball envy is starting to worry me. Yes, it’s nice to have guys who can hit with power but you have to get guys on base first before you can drive them in. Having the table setters at the top of your line up is what enables the big boppers to put up those gaudy numbers everyone fawns about.

Guys like Blanco, Harris and Anderson do their team a disservice if they try to hit the long ball rather than just put the ball in play and use their speed.

Furcal was exciting when he got on base because you knew he was going to steal. Every single he hit became a potential double because of his speed. Everybody complains that Bobby does not employ the running game enough but when you get guys with warning track power trying to hit one out all the time you play into the pitchers’ hands.

Stop worrying about slugging percentage and look for on base averages. A new era is dawning in baseball with the crack down on steroids and HGH so there is going to be a decline in homeruns to those who can legitimately hit them and not by some 5’7” guy who thinks he is the second coming of Babe Ruth.

The Braves already have enough long ball hitters in the line up. The last thing a team needs is a bunch of guys playing homerun derby every night. Ask Thorman about that one and how it worked out for him last year.

I used to play a lot of golf and really admired it when someone could crush those tee shots 300 yards. However, I learned that being able to hit those 150 yard approach shots was just as important as driving off the tee, and it didn’t really make any difference how far you could hit the ball if you were constantly having to three putt every green.

Their are some who will say the “West Coast” offense in football is boring but it sure has won a lot of ball games. Those short underneath passes my not be as pretty as those 50 yard bombs but they keep the other team off the field and allow you to control the clock.

So stop it already with the “but he doesn’t hit for power” and look for “he is always on base”…….

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 17, 2007 5:26 AM | Link to this

Man, that was a long post….. Okay, back to reality. Pitching is still the deal. I really hope Blain Boyer finds himself but he has not impressed me much. Perhaps it is from the arm injury but there are guys in the minors that are much better than him right now so his only real plus is he is still young.

If Gonzalas can return to pre injury form next year, then the Braves will have a very formidable one two punch in the bull pen but I expect to see him in Richmond for a month before he gets back to Atlanta. I’ll let you guys know when he is coming. His pending return though is why I think the Braves don’t want to sign a long term deal with Mahey. Personally, I say give him the money and ride him as long as he will go.

The last thing we should be hearing out of Atlanta is budget concerns. After all this talk about spending many millions more to improve the team. I am not saying throw money away but don’t use it as an excuse. I have had enough of being just good enough. Time for Braves to be the hunted and not the hunter again.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 17, 2007 5:32 AM | Link to this

Alright, Dr. “Feelgood” is starting to take effect so I think I can go back to bed now. Have a good day ya’ll and I will catch up with you folks later.

By CharlieAlphaBravo

November 17, 2007 6:46 AM | Link to this

Gil, Great post, but I believe the correct nomenclature is “wacky tobaccy.” Just a thought.

By ncscoots

November 17, 2007 7:34 AM | Link to this

Gil, re your 5:03, the obverse of your argument is this: runners on base mean nothing until they cross the plate. We agree that OBP is important (dare I say it? out-avoidance!), but there’s a reason OBP and slugging are weighted equally in OPS. Big bats maximize scoring.

And, no, I don’t think every position player has to have 20-HR power, but they do have to be able to hit the ball hard. Low slugging is an indicator that a player does not do so (relatively). That’s not a good sign.

The days of 3.50 staff ERAs are over, and the simple truism is “big innings win ballgames”. Bangers (or players with at least the potential to hit it out for any given AB) are essential. A position player who fails that standard simply isn’t as valuable, regardless of his other offensive capabilities.

By Braveheart

November 17, 2007 7:36 AM | Link to this

ugabrave, preach on bro. for a team trying to win the world series that is supposedly flush with cash and willing to spend many millions more, they sure are spending alot of time selling stuff at the pawn shop.

villareal makes sense. like the guy and he was nowhere near as bad as many are making him out to be but, bottomline, he was just another decent reliever - not great, not awful. he was expendable. but i don’t want to hear one fan concern themselves with how much money they saved. who freaking cares?

so many fans are waaaaaaaaaaaaay too concerned with whether glavine costs 7 mil or 9 mil or whether andruw gets paid 13 mil or 16 mil or whether oscar make 500k or 2 mil or whether mahay costs 3 mil or 5 mil or whether hampton is pocketing all that money.

that is not a fan’s concern. move on from that mindset. i can’t believe AOL/TW was able to brainwash so many into that sort of mentality. how gullible can you be? liberty media needs to SHOW ME THE MONEY!

as a braves fan, it is okay to demand things from your faceless corporate owners. you don’t have to blindly believe every single piece of corporate propaganda they put out there. too many of you are too blind to see that alot of their corporate propaganda conflicts with the corporate propaganda they put out there last week and usually conflicts with the actual baseball and financial decisions they make.

how would all you sec football fans feel if mark richt started acting like uga was a mid major or an ivy league school? how would you feel if he said oh we are not gonna go recruit knowshon moreno and matt stafford because it is too expensive to recruit kids from jersey and texas because of all the long distance phone calls and how much we would have to use the private jet and all? plus, it is too expensive to offer scholarships doing away with out of state tuition as compared to scholarships offered for in state tuition? you would all be screaming bloody murder. or maybe you would be happy. i dunno about some of ya.

as a fan, all you should worry about is did this move make sense from a baseball standpoint? who friggin cares what sense it made from a financial standpoint? heck, you would think you would be more outraged about your tax dollars being spent to get prize recruits from texas and jersey.

the villareal trade made sense from a baseball standpoint because he was expendable and the braves, to me, already have a plethora of young guys who can do his job just as well. but cut the crap about how good anderson is. you don’t have to justify every trade like the braves just pulled another genius move. this anderson kid does not get on base and has no power. a leadoff man he is not. speed is useless unless it finds a way to get on the basepaths. doesn’t mean the trade was bad at all. it was what it was - just a different way of cutting or waiving a guy like Villareal because he wasn’t needed anymore.

For the time being, same ole Discontinued Operations and Non-Core Assets of Atlanta.

TO HELL WITH AOL, TO BE FREE FROM LIBERTY!

By True Braves Fan

November 17, 2007 7:43 AM | Link to this

Chrisklob: Thanks for the excellent response to my question about the present 40 man roster. (Sorry for the delay in response, but went to bed after posting.)

By d-rock in Scotland

November 17, 2007 7:44 AM | Link to this

ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK. I like our chances against ISU today, and things are looking good for a #2 ranking this week. Crazy. Would they be undefeated in the SEC? Nope, but they’re not in the SEC. If they beat Mizzou and OU, that’s as thought a two game stretch as anybody in the country has played, and we’d deserve a shot at the title.

By rich brave

November 17, 2007 7:47 AM | Link to this

GIL:

“Time for the Braves to be the hunter and not the hunted again??” You’re beginning to sound like me buddy. Let’s go Braves. A #1 pitcher and a steady hitter in CF. That’s what they need to be back on top. 115+ million payroll will get it done.

By I'm And Techno-Idiot

November 17, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

Chrisklob and geauxbraves2000 very nicely tried to help but my moniker says it all. Still can’t figure out how to create a customized link. Sorry to keep pestering about this but am just trying to learn how to link bloggers to a baseball site or three and don’t want to use the entire url of the site on my posts. If someone can give step-by-step I would really appreciate it. Won’t bother you guys any more with this techno-issue. Braveheart and DonCoburleone, I’m talking about one like you’ve done below:

Like this:

By Braveheart November 16, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this Well, maybe that garbage comment was a tad bit strong. Compare his stats to Scott Podsednik

By DonCoburleone November 16, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this From my man Tim Dierkes on mlbtraderumors:

Not this: (sorry Braves4Ever)

By Braves4Ever November 16, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this Here is a minor league link on Anderson http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Josh%20Anderson&pos=LF&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=461811

By I'm And Techno-Idiot

November 17, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this

After I learn to link I will lose my current moniker and make up a fitting name like you guys.

By TommyP

November 17, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this

Someone mentioned Lillibridge could be the backup SS that we’re looking for.

That’s an interesting thought but something I don’t see a contender doing.

When you have an established, young, stud SS and you’re looking for a backup, you generally are looking for a slick-fielding veteran. Someone that you’ll never worry about in the 8th or 9th innings. Someone that can help the defensive progression of Yunel. Not saying Yunel will come out in the 8th/9th innings but that’s the kind of backup SS you look for.

Cesar Izturis: Definite slick fielder and the Pirates just bought out his option at $300 thousand. He was due millions but that was a ridiculous contract from the time he received it.

Ronny Cedeno: This goes against my opinion of having the veteran SS as a backup but this kid does have some talent, is still pretty young, and is cheap as can be. A small deal could be made to net Cedeno.

It’s not like the Cubs really value him too much. They have Ryan Theriot as the starter, Infante was just acquired to backup and Fontenot also played some SS last year.

CF: Nate McLouth

By Jeff R

November 17, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

My beef about signing Glavine has nothing to do with his past union activties. It has to do with the fact that he closed the 2007 season poorly in New York (when the Mets needed him to pick it up). He’s in his forties, and pitchers in their forties are hard to peg in terms of performance from one year to the next. But, I suppose, given the thinness in the market, signing Glavine makes sense. I just don’t hold high expectations for his performance. Wait and see.

As to Chipper, who do the Braves have in the pipeline to replace him? Chipper’s numbers were superior for having played in only 134 games. But given his injury history, there’s no guarentee with him. Just curious to know if mnagement is positioning for he future.

Villarreal wasn’t an outstanding performer but he did eat up innings in middle relief. Anderson’s a speedster. The Braves need some more speed in the line up, so if he lands the everyday job and leads off, it might just be the thing.

By JasonInMaine

November 17, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

DOB,

At th sake of annoying you, do you think there is a chance we sign #47 today?

By Braveheart

November 17, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

Technoman,

[put the brackets around what it is you want to say]

(do this with the web address for the link you want people to go to)

then put this ] right next to this ( so that it looks like this ](

so, for example:

[more atlanta hawks frustration]

(http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=271116001)

but take those two and put them right next to each other on the same line with no space in between and this is what appears

more atlanta hawks frustration

hope that helps although there has to be an easier way to explain that.

By KC

November 17, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

Chuck James should replace Villarreal as the long reliever.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a James-hater. I’m not anxious to get him out of the rotation. Many people forget that prior to his shoulder problems and his stint on the DL… at the end of August (which of course is 2/3 of the way through the season) James was in the top 15 in the league in ERA. And he was our second best starter in 2006.

Having said all of that, I think Jurjens or Reyes may have even greater potential, and I’m anxious to see one of those guys get a shot in the rotation.

By KC

November 17, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

I don’t mean to say I told you so but…

I’ve tried to convince a number of people in this blog over the last few months the we do in fact have a GOOD ownership situation now. Given recent reports about the resources the Braves have at their disposal, and the fact that Liberty is NOT involved in operations (always a good thing)… well, I’m never one to say “I told you so”. =)

By I'm And Techno-Idiot

November 17, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

Thanks Braveheart

Testing now. Bobby

By JasonInMaine

November 17, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

KC,

I agree as far as the upside being greater with the other pitchers. I am excited to see the new guy. I am also excited to see Morton. It sounds like he has some potential as well.

By Andy

November 17, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

I would go after Marlon Byrd for CF. He went to college at Georgia Perimeter and lives in FLA. He is a cheap option. Hit .307 last yr with Texas and plays EXCELLENT defense. I think he’s an awesome stopgap for a couple of years. Haven’t read his name on this blog. Torii Hunter may go to the Rangers and make him expendable.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 17, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

If Dan Smith , Charlie Morton and Van Pope are added to the 40 man which is currently at 38 players and the Braves are still looking at adding a veteran at SS and CF , the following three or four players might get the Axe. Willie Harris , Pete Orr , Phil Stockman and Buddy Carlyle. I Think Orr still has options left or maybe not. Then again , maybe somebody gets traded like Villarreal did and Glavine still has to be added to the roster. Georgia vs. Auburn today ! Hunker down DAWGS !

By Now I'm Less of And Techno-Idiot

November 17, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

YES!!!!!!!!!! ………….It worked!!!!!!!! : )

Thanks Braveheart and chrisklob and geauxbraves2000 for helping and apologies to all you other guys that had to read through my techno education. Now I have to come up with a catchy moniker so I don’t give away my techno-deficiency every time I post. Maybe UTBATI-Brave? No. I’ll think of something more original than that. Too many acronyms already.

Thanks again!!!!!!!!

By TK

November 17, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

I see the Braves in a year or so having the same problem with starting pitching that they are having with CF. No bridge to get to younger pitchers. With Smoltz, Glavine, and Hampton you have to wonder how much longer they can go. Plus, last year in spring we heard about having too many starters. And the Braves needed Buddy to come in and keep their heads above water. This year they have a lot of questions in their starters…when does Smoltz start showing his age…does Hudson pitch like last year again or the year before…can James pitch like he did the year before…can Hampton show up period after being out so long…how far away is JoJo & Juries. My point is if the A’s are fielding offers for Haren (do not like Blanton as much as Haren) let them think about Chuck James, Martin Prado, and Brandon Jones to begin with. Haren is under contract for three years. In 3 years he would look even better than he does now. If the A’s want to throw Kotsay in the trade you hope he can hold up until June and bring up Schafer like they did with Escobar & Salty.

By flange1

November 17, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Morning All,

My take on the Braves moves to date:

I like the Renteria deal. In looking at other teams that needed shortstops, Detroit was the best match up for the Braves. I like JJJ and hopefully the young CF speedster can mature into an every day player.

I also like the Villareal deal. I agree with Coach from a couple days back that Oscar very well might have been non-tendered. I know Baseball economics are changing, but I think he will be making too much money for a long reliver/ mop up guy. Him not being used the last month of the season was definately a telltale sign that something was up. The youngster we received is fast, a decent contact hitter and a good fielder. A perfect 4th outfielder.

Signing Glavine is also a good deal. I hear all of the detractors, but I don’t see anyone else in the free agent market that is better and or cheaper that we can sign to a short contract. He will stabalize the #3 spot in the rotation.

I also agree with some that until proven otherwise, I am skeptical of Liberty spending big bucks. BUT, I also think it is WAY to early to complain about salary dumps and not spending money. We have only started the FA period, and if Glavine signs, we have helped solidify the rotation, added a nice bench player and added a top prospect.

We have to give the Braves and FW some time for the “big, impact” deals others are wanting. Yes, I would like a nice new CF that can run, play defense and hit. Yes I want a new back up shorstop that can hit. Yes I want a LHRP to add to the mix, but you can’t fix every problem with each trade and you can’t do any of it overnight.

Before Glavine signs, I give Frank Wren a B+ for his moves so far. After signing Glavine, I give him a solid A. You have to give FW credit, he has made 2 moves almost 3 quickly and efficiently.

I hope KC and Lew are right that Liberty will be the best corporate owner ever, supplying an increasing amout of money to invest in the team and letting the baseball folks run the operation. We should have a good feel (or better feel) for this by spring training.

We just need to keep the Hot Stove burning and not get frustrated that things aren’t happening quick enough!

By p

November 17, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Geez Dave, don’t be a moron. Who would give a perpetually hurt 35 year old guy a contract extension when he is already UNDER contract for the next two years?

We shouldn’t be emulating the Mets. Try looking at it like the best GM in baseball, Theo Epstein, would. Even IF - a HUGE IF - Chipper had a good year in 2010, we’ll be in the cellar without spending money on pitching, since the Braves are hopeless at developing any.

By Ray

November 17, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

DOB, I look forward to the new blog that starts with the heading Glavine coming home. Braves sign Tom Glavine. On another note, Mr Bonds and his 4 purjury charges is regarding his answers about being tested for steriods. MLB tested approximately 140 players-Bonds being 1 of them at an independent lab. Their was a raid by the authorities on this lab and all samples were taken. MLB was supposed to have destroyed the samples after they did their research. They never got around to destroying the samples before the raid took place. There are 4 samples with Mr Bonds. He was asked 4 different times about being tested and he said all 4 different times no I was never tested. Never ever. I can assure you this isn’t a conspiracy theory or a dream I had last night. I would not be surprised if Mr Bonds comes to a plea bargain. And eiher way he was and will not ever do the max time.

By TNRON

November 17, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

Hey Coach,I hate to tell you but the Dawgs dont play Auburn today,they play Kentucky.They played Auburn last week and did in fact HUNKER DOWN!Make no mistake about it, I am a Tennessee fan,but I really like Georgia’s Coach and program.Coach M is a classy guy.

By Lew

November 17, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Flange_I don’t know about the best corporate owner ever, but I do think many are gun shy after our encounter with TW. Now I’ll take McGuirk at his (and Liberty Media’s) word until I learn differently, not to. There are several reasons for this. First, if you followed the negotiations leading to the sale of the Braves, and paid attention to MLB’s concerns and demands, you (not just you, Flange, but everyone) would know that a.LM is not allowed to take part in daily operations-that’s TMcGuirk’s domain b. LM can’t sell the team for (I believe) 5 years to preserve some continuity c. LM made a fortune in tax savings, which actually, when you get down to it, gave them the Braves for next to nothing-a $450 million throw in, so to speak. d. The appreciation of a franchise in these times could easily, with the expenditure of extra $$$$ each year, lead to a massive appreciation of the Brave’s resale value when the time comes for LM to sell, especially if the Braves return to their winning ways e. TW never really lost all of that money they claimed on the Braves to begin with f.there are immensely huge amounts of revenue available with current cable, DTV and regular TV contracts g.The Braves, due to a considerable increase in attendance, are making much more $$$$$.

Now salary-UGABrave (as usual) was griping earlier this morning about all the $$$ we have after dumping Andruw, Wicky and Renteria. I don’t know how many times this needs to be pointed out, but that is NOT a financial windfall-the $$$$ is already spent. Andruw’s $13.5 will be spent on Teixeira’s arbitration boosted salary, to the point of being damn close to even. LM increased payroll last July to sign him, but this year we are responsible for his entire salary-AJ’s $$$$$ is a wash. Now Edgar’s $7 mil. It goes to pay Hudson’s $7 mil raise. Wicky’s $6 mil. It goes to cover raises for Chipper, Smoltz and other arbitration raises. There is no huge windfall from saying goodbye to these players.

Now this is several times this offseason, that Terry McGuirk has said publicly that money is not a problem. LM’s president said that the Braves would be run aggressively with a view to bringing them back to where they were. They have been aggressive since they took over (Tex, Mahay, Dotel, etc.) and show no signs of sitting on their thumbs and doing nothing-they are players. It’s time to give the new owners a chance and to take them at their word until they show us differently-not before.

By chrisklob

November 17, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Anybody have any idea about what Dennis Dixon is planning to do after college? Is he a bigger football or baseball prospect?

Recovery from knee surgery is about six months which would sideline him until well after the start of baseball season.

I know he was a Heisman candidate but don’t know what sort of pro career he may have had in football. I’d be interested in hearing from some of you football-savvy folks.

By Jared

November 17, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

I support a contract extension for Chipper Jones sometime between now and before he can become a free agent.

He has to retire a Brave. Plus his career OBP is over .400, he just had the best OPS in the NL and he’s worth more wins for the money than any pitcher. Extend him!

By flange1

November 17, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Hey Lew,

I agree with you on the Liberty Media purchase of the Braves. You have said since day 1 that money was not going to be a problem. I agree that if they do 50% of what they say, we should be in good shape.

My point, which as usual I am poor at expressing, is that Braves fan shouls not expect every Braves deal from now on to be adding more expensive players. I wanted to say that every deal does not have to be for Johan Santana and then signing him to a $300 million extension!

I think we are making the same point that: 1. Brave fans have benn burned for awhile by Time Warner 2. We are hearing the right things from Liberty 3. The moves last year suggest that more money will be spent 4. The moves this year are more baseball related and not money related 5. We all hope that the Braves can and will sign Tex and any other higher payed player they choose to sign/acquire.

My second point was give Wren and Liberty a little time before we start talking about cheapstakes and salary dumps.

Hope I made my point better this time!

By bevsouth

November 17, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

DOB Given the Boras “backlash” what if AJ went to FW and said let’s do a realistic deal say 5 for 75.Would you think this would be viable? Also what if the Braves offered arbitration to Jones, if he accepts they are only on the hook for one year and he has another year to prove he’s worth the big contract. Who knows he might even change his approach and hit to right field.If he declines we get two draft choices. As far as the Villeral deal it’s a no brainer we were going to non tender him any way, we got the kid from Houston for free

By chrisklob

November 17, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Who knows he might even change his approach and hit to right field.

What has he ever done to give you an indication that he might consider changing his approach?

By JasonInMaine

November 17, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

Any deal where a prospect can be had for Oscar is a good deal…the Braves have many arms capable of taking his role

By Steve McP

November 17, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

Looking at the 40 man roster - posted 11.31 - it is interesting to consider who is going to make way for the players the Braves want/get.

Of the 21 pitchers, room will need to be made for Glavine, Morton and Dan Smith (according to DOB).

So at least 2 of those pitchers listed will have to leave the list, maybe Stockman and Lerew?

For position players it looks like a straight replacement of Willie Harris by Van Pope (Chippers sucessor one day?) and a CF to be signed, of whom we have probably seen 20 names suggested here.

By Braveheart

November 17, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

patience and blind faith in LM, blah, blah, blah. What’s the plan, Lew?

The plans I hear are some scrubby stopgap in center, a rookie in left, a scrub at backup short and catcher, a weaker bench now that yunel is a starter, same collection of unknowns and scrubs at the back end of the rotation, a much more expensive version of Chuck James as the third pitcher who only eats 5.88 innings per start, soriano at closer which he may not be suited for, mahay is too expensive, dotel is too expensive, and on and on and on. they have made it clear they are pretty much done after glavine and after they get themselves a scrubby stopgap in center and a scrubby backup at short and catcher. and oh yeah - a cheap lefty reliever.

that does not sound like a “player” willing to spend many millions more. sorry. i’m stupid but not blind.

don’t wait until they sell the team to figure out who they are and what they are about.

To hell with AOL, to be free from Liberty.

By Paula

November 17, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Braveheart, it’s only November 17th. You’re a glass half-full kind of person, aren’t you?

By David O'Brien

November 17, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Bevsouth, a five-year, $75 mill contract for Andruw? When the Braves have stated a few dozen times since the Andruw-ain’t-coming-back press conference that they won’t block the way for their talented CF prospects by signing a CF to a long-term contract? Bev, they’re not just pulling our legs on that. They’re not going to say, well, we reconsidered and we’ll just have to find new positions for, or trade, Schafer and the new kid we just acquired in the Renteria deal, Gorkys Hernandez.

The Braves have two of the top CF prospects in baseball, one who could be ready inside of a year (Schafer). They’ve moved on past the Andruw era. They really have.

And arbitration? Andruw, now that he’s seen how limited the market is for him (every single team that’s got money and needs a CF has named Hunter and/or Rowand as targets ahead of Andruw, if they’ve even mentioned Andruw), the Boras/Andruw team would be much, much more inclined to take arbitration and a salary that would be higher than he made last season ($13.5 mill).

You think the Braves can fit an unexpected $14-15 mill salary into their budget, when they don’t even know today whether Hampton’s $15 mill salary will have to be paid fully by them (assuming he’s healthy)? No. Andruw’s not coming back on an arbitration-set salary, not coming back on a five-year, $75 mill deal.

By stew

November 17, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

If the market for Andruw has come down to around 17 million a year for 5 years, why can’t the Braves get back in the market. Signing Tex is not going to happen. Both NY teams will overpay for him. Andruw even with his .222 average in 2007 has to be a first ballot hall of famer with his 550+ home runs and 15+ gold gloves. Does anyone really believe that Anderson, Lillibridge, or Schafer could ever dream of hitting 51 homers or driving in 130 runs. Well Andruw has already achieved that! If he did it once, he can do it again! I don’t want to hear about the defensive prowess of the 3 replacement candidates. None of them is half the defender Andruw is! Andruw is the greatest defensive centerfielder of all time! Why give up on him? He wants to stay. At 17 million for 5 years he’s the biggest bargain on the market right now.

By Lew

November 17, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

Flange-You made your point fine. I just took your post as an opportuinity to make my statement, mainly because so many (not necessarily you) have been discounting everything McGuirk has said. Actually, your point about every deal not having to be a blockbuster is true to the max.

Another thing many need to realize-if you look at the Brave’s financial statement, they list future $$$$ owed for contracts-the amount becomes considerably less over the next two years, to the point of virtual disappearance. Some, if not a major portion of the Brave’s expenditures may very well be long term- locking up Francoeur and Tex long term. That will likely take (at least for Tex), considerable $$$$$. Just because you have money available, fans need to realize that it’s not good to spend foolishly. Just ask the Mets about that, or maybe the Diamondbacks. How long will they be paying for their foolish spending? Aren’t the Rangers (until about two weeks ago) still paying for ARod? How about the Rockies and Hampton?The Braves have no such committment.

I’m also seeing a trend towards the pick up of players with speed. Now someone mentioned that this may be because we just got two CF candidates and it may well be, but look at Lillibridge’s acquisition, as well. However, we DID just pick up two burners, no matter where they play. Also, if McGuirk was really paid attention to the other day, some might have noticed his mention of a dozen or so kids who throw in the mid to high 90’s coming up. Maybe all of those who are about to have apoplexy because all we draft are soft tossers, should take notice of this. I see a change in the general direction of the talent we are acquiring taking place, but only time will tell. I think the future is bright.

By Ray

November 17, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

AJ is gone. He will not be the braves CF. Frankly, don’t want him. He is not going to change his approach with the Braves. Remember in late April or early May he made the comment that he is a pull hitter and so get over it. Those are the words of someone that just doesn’t get it. I understand if its working. But when its not and as many of you have stated factually that he has killed way too many rallies with his weak groundballs turning into dp’s. For AJ’s sake, I hope he goes somewhere and he is convinced that he does have to change his style of hitting. Time will tell. This Braves team will have a good mixture of veterans and young players. Barring major injuries this is a team that can be dangerous in the playoffs. The older guys will smell blood if they make it to the playoffs.

By David O'Brien

November 17, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Steve McP, that’s not definitive. I’m fairly certain at least those I listed have to be added, and probably one or two others. But I haven’t asked yet on anyone other than Morton (he will be added).

By Salt Lake Brave

November 17, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

Hey David O’Brien, could the Glavine deal get done today?

By bevsouth

November 17, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

Chrisklob; The answer to your question is nothing. Just wishful thinking on my part. DOB; OK just wondering after the bad year whether arbitration numbers would be low enough to keep him for one more year. Guess I’m still thinking about all those great catches.

By David O'Brien

November 17, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

Jason, I hope not (today signing). Because I paid for the GamePlan package in order to see the ABC regional telecast of the KU-Iowa State game, and me and the lady are going to see a concert tonight (going to see the Swell Season, the dude from Irish rock band The Frames and the girl he sang with on the tunes in the movie Once).

Beside the fact, would be a bad day for Braves to make such a big announcement, since it’ll get overshadowed by college football. Don’t know why they wouldn’t wait until Monday to make that announcement (though it could get done this weekend and not announced until then. I’ll obviously be making calls).

By Braveheart

November 17, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

gave them the Braves for next to nothing-a $450 million throw in

just what i need to hear - the Braves were the player to be named later. just great. nothing like being the easily expendable throw in a trade. that always motivates the new team to invest alot in ya. i always cherish that free toaster the bank gives me.

LM can’t sell the team for (I believe) 5 years to preserve some continuity

great. because every owner loves being stuck with something they would love to get rid of.

LM is not allowed to take part in daily operations

oh yeah, owners who are not allowed or are not interested in the daily operations of the team is always a recipe for success. no wonder scheurholz bailed out as GM - he was not gonna be left holding that bag of sh!t.

TW never really lost all of that money they claimed on the Braves to begin with

Yeah, and Liberty Media comes in and does not spend a dime. They rearrange the furniture and have Tex and Glavine in the living room now instead of Edgar and Andruw. If TW was not losing money that means alot of money was laying around and then Liberty came in and boasted they had made alot of money in their few months of ownership. So, what do they do with that money? Of course, they rid themselves of Edgar and don’t compete at all for Andruw - don’t even make an offer - it did not have to be what Boras wanted but they could have made what they thought was a fair offer and said take it or leave it to at least prove they actually were serious about spending money.

The appreciation of a franchise in these times could easily, with the expenditure of extra $$$$ each year, lead to a massive appreciation of the Brave’s resale value when the time comes for LM to sell, especially if the Braves return to their winning ways

The value of the franchise will appreciate regardless. Corporate ownership has developed the model to keep the team marginally competitive in order to keep the team profitable without us waking up to that. Not paying Frenchy yet is a way of taking advantage of his appeal at the gate without paying him and paying Glavine is their way of increasing the gate more. THey care about making the team more profitable - not in making the team better at winning. Losing Edgar and Andruw and bringing in Tex and Glavine does not necessarily make the team better but it certainly makes the team more profitable.

there are immensely huge amounts of revenue available with current cable, DTV and regular TV contracts g.The Braves, due to a considerable increase in attendance, are making much more $$$$$. The Braves, due to a considerable increase in attendance, are making much more $$$$$.

EXACTLY!!!! Then spend the $$$$$$$ already or at least show us a plan to spend the money - not just hollow announcements that at some indefinite point you will spend the money.

I don’t know how many times this needs to be pointed out, but that is NOT a financial windfall-the $$$$ is already spent. Andruw’s $13.5 will be spent on Teixeira’s arbitration boosted salary, to the point of being damn close to even. LM increased payroll last July to sign him, but this year we are responsible for his entire salary-AJ’s $$$$$ is a wash. Now Edgar’s $7 mil. It goes to pay Hudson’s $7 mil raise. Wicky’s $6 mil. It goes to cover raises for Chipper, Smoltz and other arbitration raises. There is no huge windfall from saying goodbye to these players.

who said windfall? i believe people are saying stop rearranging the furniture and pretending you are buying new furniture. as you admitted in your post, there is all of this unused and new money laying around. Present a plan of how you intend to spend it.

They have been aggressive since they took over (Tex, Mahay, Dotel, etc.)

aggression? mahay and dotel walk away 2 months later. WHY? they’re too expensive of course.

It’s time to give the new owners a chance and to take them at their word until they show us differently-not before.

They have shown us differently Lew. This offseason was their chance. Yes, it has only just begun but they have made it clear that after they sign Glavine and a collection of cheap scrubs for center, backup short, backup catcher, and lefty reliever, they are done.

They’ve been given enough time Lew to present a plan. I find their plan wholly inadequate to address the fatal flaws that sunk the battleship the last two seasons.

By bevsouth

November 17, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

DOB; What if AJ was not a frre agent and they had to pay both him and Hampton? Would they not have traded for Tex? Or would they somehow found a way to pay both.

By CharlieAlphaBravo

November 17, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

I’m with KC about trying Chucky James in a long-relief role. I’ve always been a big Chuck J fan, and I’m sure Glavine’s presence will be a huge boost for him, but I agree that this might be a better fit for him. Chuck has always had a knack for being superb through about eighty pitches and then things start to get sticky. Get ready though folks… If everyone can stay relatively healthy and if they perform at even 80% of their capabilities (and those are a few BIG “ifs”)… Then we COULD be looking at the deepest Atlanta pitching staff… EVER. Names? You want names???

Starters: Tim Hudson John Smoltz Tom Glavine? Mike Hampton? Jair Jurrjens/Jo-Jo Reyes (in pencil)

Relief: Rafael Soriano Peter Moylan Chuck James Jair Jurrjens/Jo-Jo Reyes? Jeff Bennett? Tyler Yates Manny Acosta? Royce Ring Joey Devine? Lance Cormier? Phil Stockman? Buddy Carlyle?

Any of those names give you the Reitsma chills or the Kolb cramps? What are we gonna do with all this pitching??? That is IF….

By JasonInMaine

November 17, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

D0B, thanks for the info! Been spending a lot of time in the hospital with my father-in-law, but still read the blog as much as I can on the good ‘ol blackberry! Need to get my Braves fix.

By Braveheart

November 17, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

Braveheart, it’s only November 17th. You’re a glass half-full kind of person, aren’t you?

Paula, that’s fair. It is awfully early. But the Braves have made it clear that after they sign Glavine and a bunch of cheap scrubs to make their needs just a tad bit less needy, they will be done for the winter.

Hard to blame me for giving up on ownership and management so early when ownership and management seem to be giving up so early in the winter.

This team was only an 84 win team last season after being a 79 win team the year before - nothing they have done or have announced they plan to do makes this a better team. For a team with so many fatal flaws, and supposedly so many millions more they plan to spend, you could maybe see where I am more than a little perturbed.

Alright, time to go out and watch football. Just ignore whatever I have said. Keep eating up that corporate propaganda.

By chrisklob

November 17, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Braveheart, you are beginning to sound like N8.

By Wayne in Utah

November 17, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Braveheart and uga: Guys, I’ve got your answer. Just look north. Your team in right there in New York City. If all you want is spending.

It is NOT all about the money. In the past when Ted owned the Braves, he allowed for the expenditures when they made sense and helped the team to win. It sounds like to me that LM is leaning the same direction.

Adding 8-9 million to payroll is no drop in the bucket (the Tom Glavine signing). And would you have them resign Andruw Jones? For me, the answer is FOR ONE FRICKIN YEAR ONLY.

I was only too happy to see them cut ties with AJ. He was way too stubborned and we have talent a year or so away.

The Yankees would have just traded off the Schafers and Rohrboughs and Lillibridges for Mike Mussina and Johnny Damon types.

Let’s surely hope that JS/FW and the guys NEVER get to that point.

So, let’s give these guys a chance. I really don’t want Hunter, Rowand, and these other guys at prices that are way out of whack. And exactly who can we buy as a pitcher that will truly help a lot besides Glavine. Surely Silva is not worth over 10 million per for 4 years.

So, the only other thing we can do is to trade all our prospects for guys like Santana or Bedard or Peavy. After about 3-4 years, when those guys are making a gazillion dollars a year, and winning 16-17 games a year, then you will be complaining about how we can’t develop our farm system.

Let’s put some trust in our management team, that have been more successful in the past 15 years than any other organization in baseball.

I think we have been a tad bit spoiled around here. And puhleeze, don’t give me that sad song about only ONE world series.

Got that one off my chest, so now I can go do my Saturday chores.

I totally expect to come back to the TV/blog later to see we have signed Tom Glavine.

PS: Don’t be too surprised if you see a decent backup coming in, or Mahay being signed. Or if not, a decent lefty traded for that we never even discussed. That is the way they do things in Bravesland.

Last year we added Woodward and Wilson, and very few had ESP and knew that neither was going to work out. Most of us thought those guys would be decent contributors. Let’s just hope for better luck this year.

OK, now I really am done!

:-)

By Braves4Ever

November 17, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

* Lew * Great post. I too am encouraged by the direction the Braves are taking. I am glad things change. Wren may take much from JS but I feel he will do his own thinking. Looking forward to seeing it all play out. The future is indeed bright.

By Lew

November 17, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Braveheart-What the hell has crawled up your intestinal tract this week? Your reactions and proclamations have been nothing but visceral and have damn little logic behind them. LM doesn’t owe you, me or anyone else a “Plan”. The fact that they have one should be enough for anyone to know. Even when Ted was the owner, just when were the fans ever informed of this “Plan”, or what the salary level would be?

First of all, if nothing else, you are reacting to less than one month’s dealing (you do recall that the WS lasted almost until Novemeber? No one, least of all LM, has said anything about this being over and done with, have they? Just because they aren’t likely to go out and get Dontrelle Willis, despite your completely irrational belief that this is the way to go, doesn’t imply that the team is now formed and that they will stand pat. You claim that this offseason was their chance-despite the fact that the offsesaon just started. Have you no realization that there are still three months until Spring Training starts? That there are still five months until the start of the season-that deals are struck right before leaving for opening day? That the Winter Meetings have not even taken place? That just this week were teams even allowed to make monetary offers to other team’s free agents? What are you, Dude? A member of the sitcom generation, where everything has a satisfactory outcome every half hour? Dude, this ain’t the Transformers or He Man. It’s MLB and with the complexity of contracts and with huge, inordinate amounts of money being thrown around, things just take time to shake out. You’re b!thc!ng that they haven’t thrown a complete game and it’s still only the bottom of the first. Chill out. Take a deep breath and go smoke something to calm your young @$$ down. You’ll stroke out if you’re not careful.

By David O'Brien

November 17, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Bevsouth, don’t know answer to that. I’d guess probably not on Tex if Andruw was still going to be on payroll, not unless they knew they were going to jack payroll up significantly (even more than they indicate they’re jacking it up now).

By AdirondackDave

November 17, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Folks, there are good salary dumps and bad salary dumps. Oscar was a good dump. He was more than easily expendible for the braves because of the long list of potential 4-5 starters who can do his job and because we actually got something of value for him that can be used on the 25-man roster. And saving a couple million slightly increases the potential of competing for a star or two (read another quality starter or extending Tex.) Every little bit helps these days.

Like Everett Dirkson used to say “a billion here a billion there, pretty soon your talking real money.” Well, something like that anyway.

By chrisklob

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

ADave, I would further your thought and say that the Renteria trade was a good salary dump too. We moved a guy who was blocking a young, cheap, defensively better player, got two pretty fine prospects and saved money to boot. I don’t understand why some people had a problem with that move.

By Lew

November 17, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

Chrisklob-I’m not so sure what all the griping is about, myself. Like you said, we got two pretty good prospects (if EVERY analyst who has talked about the deal are correct) and we traded a player, who though quite a good performer and apparently a nice guy, as well, was at the point of greatest return. The guy had a career year and his value was at it’s greatest. We cashed in-quite well, I think. Wherer are all of those wanting young pitching, now? Isn’t that exacty what we got? What about all who wanted players with blazing spped, now? Is that now what we got with Hernandez and Anderson? Damn, we get exactly what many ask for and it still isn’t enough-“Yes, we wanted young pitching, but we wanted DIFFERENT young pitching. We wanted speed but we wanted DIFFERENT speed.” Whatever.

As far as having salary levels reported ahead of time-are these malcontents serious? Since when do you go into negotiations telling everyone exactly how much you have to spend unless you’re a bunch of idiots like TW was? They didn’t care-about the team OR what the fans thought about their policies. Liberty Media, on the other hand, has gone out of their way to tell us that they plan to boost spending. They increased payroll last season, almost as soon as they took over. They have shown a willingness to deal this winter. They ARE spending money.

If next offseason comes around and there has been no progress made on roster moves, or if there is still a pitifully small payroll, THEN I will concede we were lied to. However, no one can claim that McGuirk has handed us a lie yet and until he does, I’ll take him at his word. Give the man a chance. Let him find his petard before he is hoist upon it.

By KC

November 17, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

CharlieAlphaBravo and JasonInMaine: Yeah, some people have argued against Chuck James in the bullpen because of his problems with the homerun ball… but that wouldn’t really be a problem for him in a long-relief role.

Chuck James is nearly always fantastic the first time through the order or though at least 4 innings. After that, he has problems. Now again… I haven’t given up on him being able to fix those problems (this was after all only his first full season in the big leagues) and contribute in the rotation… but I think his ability to go 3 or 4 strong and look great is perfectly suited to the long relief role.

He wouldn’t be the kind of reliever you bring in with runners on. If you starter has to leave in the 3rd inning… you bring in a solid situational reliever to finish out the 3rd, and then bring Chuck in to start the 4th.And if Chuck James gives up a solo shot over 3 or 4 innings of work… so what?

He’s clearly shown the ability to pitch quite well for at least 3 or 4 innings at a time.

By David O'Brien

November 17, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Lew, I was thinking same thing about my man Braveheart. Like the alter ego of the usually humorous, level-headed cool-breeze dude I’m used to. Hey, I guess the man feels strongly about these moves.

Frankly, I’m at a loss as to how anyone could be seriously critical of dumping Oscar Villarreal, who by season’s end was a weak link in the bullpen, never used in crucial situations. And getting a player who’s a good fallback, at least, in case they don’t land a better CF.

I mean, it’s Oscar Villarreal, people. Good guy, did some great work for the Braves in 2006. But let’s not get carried away here. Look at his numbers last year. Nothing whatsoever impressive about them.

And how many big moves have been made by Nov. 17 around baseball? The free-agent market has only been open for five days, and some of you act like everything should be done by now. A lot of big trades happen after some teams realize what they can and can’t get through free agency, after guys become expendable, etc.

Most stuff really starts heating up at the Winter Meetings, and that’s still two weeks ago.

Take a deap breath. To me, so far Wren’s been aggressive and sensible at the same time. And if you’ve heard something from McGuirk that can be construed as anything but positive, please tell me what it was.

Some of you would bitch and moan if McGuirk said payroll’s going up, it’s going down, it’s not changing … doesn’t matter.

They’re going to get Glavine for $8 mill. Check how that compares with others who put up his numbers last season and are signing new contracts going into this season.

By ssiscribe

November 17, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Top of the afternoon, denizens, as the Dogs look up at an early 7-0 hole and the housecleaning that occupied most of my morning now is finished.

Time to weigh in on a few topics, as work and other things have consumed the past few days:

— Glavine: As we’ve said, it’s a done deal. For DOB’s sake, I hope it’s not announced until Monday (which would give the Braves the full attention of sports fans here). He’ll be quite a welcomed addition, despite what some of you folks on here have to say about that.

Again, as I’ve opined numerous times, he’s not the 20-win, Cy Young guy from 1991. But he’s a veteran inning-eater, durable, to put in the third slot in the rotation behind Smoltz and Hudson, at a price well below market value, a guy who will help the younger pitchers on this team with his leadership and advice.

What’s not to like?

— Anderson: Josh Anderson for Oscar Villarreal? Advantage Atlanta.

Really, folks, the Braves have nothing to lose in this deal. Atlanta has several good arms who can take Oscar’s spot in the pen, and he wasn’t going to be a starter (not with Glavine soon to be here and Jurrjens here and possibly Hampton coming back and competition among James and Reyes and Bennett, among others).

In Anderson, the Braves get a 25-year-old speedster who plays great defense and has hit at the major-league level, albeit he only was up at the end of last season. At the absolute worst, it gives the Braves a serviceable player to try and bridge the gap to Lillibridge and/or Schafer.

At best, it gives the Braves — with Schafer and Hernandez — three young outfielders who have the potential to be awesome. You can’t play them all, but you can play two of them and use one in a trade.

Again, let me ask: What’s not to like?

— Bonds: Ah, finally. I’ve long contended if Bonds got indicted, the prosecutors would go after him with everything they had, to try and make him the ultimate example.

Now they’ve got what they feel is enough evidence. Personally, I really dislike Bonds for disgracing the greatest record in my favorite sport. Personally, I find it sad an individual who was destined for a Hall of Fame career had to do what many of us believe he did.

It will be very, very interesting to see how this plays out. But I think if there was any doubt about Bonds’ future in baseball, it’s now official: Nobody is going to touch this guy with a 50-foot poll now. His playing career is over.

Back to the Dogs, now down 10-0.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Jared

November 17, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

You are correct O’Brien. Some people here will complain about anything.

No matter what the Braves do, someone here will complain. Is there anything that 100% of the blog readers here could get behind that is realistic; meaning nothing like Thorman for Johan Santana?

(Selling Pete Orr?)

By Lew

November 17, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

DOB-I think it’s really that TV thing. Charley Sheen goes through a relationship or solves a life problem in a half hour-every week. In real life, trials last for weeks or months. On Law and Order, Jack McCoy and the cops find a culprit, bring them to court and prosecute them in an hour. All nicely tied up and ready for next week.

Baseball in this day and age just isn’t like that. Complexity rules the day-never to return to the era of simplicity and the Reserve Clause. Deals take time and you don’t show your hand until you have to. Believe me-they’ll all get over it-or not. Things will still go how they will and time will take as much of itself as is necessary-whether they like it or not.

By Random

November 17, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

Hey, David (not DOB)—

“If Anderson and Glavine are Wren’s answer to catching the Phils and Mets … They just have got to do something else in center… . Just don’t bring in Willie Harris minus a few years and call him the center fielder.”

Exactly what do you not understand from the following?

DOB: “Just talked to Frank right after the release came out, and he made it clear to me that this kid will compete for the center-field job, but isn’t necessarily “the” replacement. Braves wanted to get him now in case they can’t acquire another, more experienced guy this winter.”

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 17, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Two good trades and Glavine is about to be a Brave again.

So Far , so good.

Kentucky ?? I need some caffeine.

By GeorgetownKid

November 17, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

I think we got a pretty good haul for Villareal, who is a respectable middle-reliever. I’d rather have a talented and supremely athletic young CF prospect than a right-handed middle reliever with an over-4.00 ERA who, by the way, will cost over a million dollars per year.

But I do agree with those who note the fact that we don’t really seem to be spending our increased budget allocation for player payroll. But I suppose that all of our extra cash will go to Glavine.

By Godot

November 17, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

* Regarding Rule V*

The laws were changed last year. Now 4 yrs for a 19 yrs + signee and 5 yrs for younger. And since it is minor league players, the Players Union didn’t give a **.

By chrisklob

November 17, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Don’t know if anyone’s seen the story about Lou Brissie on ESPN.com but I definitely recommend it. Brissie is a WW II vet and former mlb’er who was seriously wounded in battle, nearly losing his leg. Now he spends his time thanking our service people.

I once met Brissie at our local ballpark. He is a friend of a friend of mine who asked him to come for a celebration of our armed forces. Brissie spent most of the game walking around and thanking all of the fans that had turned out in uniform that night.

With so much talk about Bonds and A-Rod lately, it’s refreshing to see a really positive story related to baseball.

Oh, here’s the link

By AJ 25

November 17, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

I feel betrayed. They let me go and they bring back Greedy Glav. What’s up with that? Mark my words. I will haunt the Braves for the next 10 years. They will rue the day they let me go.

By True Braves Fan

November 17, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

DOB: What are your odds on Kansas and LSU meeting in the BCS Championship Bowl?????? (Apologize for the football question…)

By JasonInMaine

November 17, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Man, some papers will say anything:

“The Braves offered the 300-game winner a one-year deal speculated to be in the $10 million range.”

Article can be found here

By TennesseePaul

November 17, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

he probably is the last 300 game winner in the so called modern era

I’d agree with this if this was to imply a “Contemporary Era” was next or some other named Era beyond the Roid Era. There will be another 300 game winner. We haven’t seen the last of them. I think the longest time between 300 game winners is 20 years. We have some time.

chrisklob: Thanks for posting the BA Rule 5 info. I looked it up. It wasn’t too clear with a guy in Anderson’s situation. He’d be eligible for sure if he were with the Astros and not on the 40 man, but I’m still not clear on his “exposure” with the Braves if he isn’t on the 40 man. He’ll be entering his last season of minor league play from what I can figure. 6 years in the minors and then free agency. He has 5 years down there already. Depending on what the Marlins can get for Cabrera our need to protect CF will change. Apparently we have all the top CF prospects in baseball now.

Braveheart: Quite the rant on Liberty. I’m not totally upset with Liberty’s wheeling and dealing yet, just a little let down I guess. They did allow the acquisition of Teixeira, which I sincerely doubt would have happened under Time Warner.
But this line Not paying Frenchy yet is a way of taking advantage has to be put in prospective. All reports had Francoeur turning down contract offers. It takes two parties to agree to a contract. At least long term deals. And every thing that was written on this subject was that Francoeur rejected the deal because he thought he could put up better numbers than he did in 2006. This under the idea that better numbers would be a better way to bargain for a contract. Don’t forget, Francoeur has the highest signing bonus in Braves history. He’s a good player, but he also knows the phrase “show me the money” and knows that the large amounts of money come only with good performance. So he, according to reports, is playing for a better deal. Fine by me.
Braves being a throw in and yadda yadda yadda. The deal valued the Braves at 450 million dollars. This value was derived from the lack of taxes on the deal. The point of holding the team a certain length of time is to ensure the tax benefit is fulfilled. This is as business as it can get in baseball. But I don’t think this should be a point to empty half the glass. The way I see it is, this type of deal allows them the flexibility to put money into the team. I think they will, or I still hold on to hope that they will. But obviously this isn’t the off season in which they will do it. That could change if long term deals are struck with Teixeira and others. The prospects are slim on this though.
Next off season does have more capable free agents. And there is a ton of money coming off the books. Hopefully we will see some impact players brought into the organization then. Until then, this is the off-season of stop gaps and asset shedding. It’s not a very exciting way to introduce yourself to the fans, that’s for sure. Maybe they should lower beer prices to make up for it.

DOB: I see how it is. Keeping the sources sealed. That’s fine. Guess I’m just so used to the phrase “according to a source familiar with the situation who wishes to be unnamed due to the fact that the situation has not been officially released” following the nitty gritty deteails that I was curious when it didn’t appear. I just figured all scribes had that little sentence in a word macro or something for quick reference.

By vip123

November 17, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

does anyone know what teixeira’s salary will be for 2008

By Salt Lake Brave

November 17, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

vip123, Tex and the Braves have not gone to arbitration yet. So no one knows

By Greg O.

November 17, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

If I remember correctly, I think DOB said Tex can expect about $12-13 million in arbitration.

By AdirondackDave

November 17, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

vip123 —- the correct answer to your question is: about 50 x the total salaries of all current bloggers here.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 17, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

Are people still on here b*** and moanin about salary dumping and saying McGirk is lying when said the payroll is going up? Use some common sense, folks. The Renteria deal had to be done. Escobar is ready to play NOW and it does him no good to be playing one or two times a week and he is obviously too far advanced to go back down to Richmond. While I love Renteria, I am also sure the Braves would have been living on borrowed time to keep him. He will have a good season for the Tigers in ‘08 but I really doubt he will duplicate his ‘07 season. Besides teh Braves got TWO OF THE TOP FIVE prospects in the Tigers orginization. An orginization that is right up there with the Braves, Red Sox, Angels, and Devil Rays as being on the most talented. I saw Jurries pitch on a Monday night game against the Yankees and was stellar. I don’t know much about Hernandez but if this kid can hit just a little his speed will take care of the rest. That trade was solid and quite frankly I think when its all said and done the Braves will be seen as stealing from the Tigers.

Now, for yesterday’s trade, again its a solid smart move by Wren. One that I think he may have pulled a fast one on the Astros. Lets not make Villareal out to be Scott Shields or Joba Chamberlin. He was good in ‘06 and inconsistent in ‘07. He is a freakin long reliever for God’s sake! He isn’t a guy with the ability to be a consistent starter and doesn’t have the stuff to be a setup guy or a closer. In other words he was more than expendable in that bullpen. Now, this Josh Anderson kid may turn out to be useless. But, even if he does, who cares? No harm. No foul. I do have to wonder why Astros chose to trade for Micheal Bourn instead of using him. But, then again, they traded Lidge and ONLY received Bourn as anything that would actually be useful. So, I have to wonder just how wise Ed Wade and the Astros are.

You guys need to calm down. Anderson will only be the CF if nothing else develops and I don’t think that will be the case. Solid moderately cheap veterans like Mark Kotsay and Coco Crisp will be available. Less experienced and cheaper options like David Murphy, Nate McClouth, Cory Sullivan, David DeJesus, and Jerry Owens could become available depending on how the big three (Hunter, Rowand, and Jones) turn out in free agency. I still think its possible that pricer veterans like Jim Edmonds and Johnny Damon could be had if their respective teams are willing to eat about 50% or 60% of their contracts which I think they very well could do. Especially in Damon’s case with the Yankees. They are going to have to trade somebody because there just isn’t enough playing time for everybody and quite honestly Damon would be a wanted man. I can’t imagine anybody wants Matsui or Giambi. Also, Ryan Church, Chione Figgins, and Reggie Wilits are guys to watch for but it could take a lot to get any of those guys.

I think Wren has done one helluva job so far. I’m excited about Glavine being close to signing but I think another starter needs to be sought and acquired if possible. I know some on here think we will be fine but I don’t think you can ever have enough starting pitching. The rotation will be: Hudson, Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton (?), and likely James, Jurries, or Reyes with Carlyle and Bennett lurking in the wings and Lance Cormier there as well. But, I have to be really honest. I would rather see somebody like Joe Blanton in the rotation or even a Sean Marshall to fill out the rotation and send Jurries, Reyes, and Cormier down to Richmond along with Dan Smith. Now, that would be a solid roation with solid fallbacks. Lets be realistic. Even if Hampton is back he is likely to be injured at some point and have a stint on the 15 day DL. Glavine is as durable as they come but he is 42. Lets not even get into the possibility that Smoltz could wind up on the DL. You can NEVER NEVER NEVER have enough pitching.

By chrisklob

November 17, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

10 Paul, no problem. The Rule V draft is pretty confusing and BA has the best explanation of it I’d ever seen. I’m not certain about how Anderson was going to fit, or not fit, into the Astros plans so I don’t know if he was moved because he didn’t fit on their 40-man roster or not. He’s currently listed on the Braves 40-man, and I believe they can still send him to the minors in March if they want because he still has options. They just can’t take him off the 40-man or they’ll have to put him on the waiver wire where he’d probably get picked up by another team.

At least I think that’s how it works!

vip, Tex is arbitration eligible. He’ll negotiate with the Braves sometime over the winter on a contract. If they can’t reach a deal, they’ll go to arbitration. Tex will submit a proposed deal and the Braves will counter with a lower one. It’s an either/or situation as the arbitrators will decide which one of those two deals he gets. There won’t be a compromise reached at arbitration.

That was the long answer to your question! The short one is that he’ll probably get $12-$13m, but as I said, it hasn’t been determined yet.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 17, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

I had a bit of a hunch that this past season and the ongoing winter has been anything but ordinary. Checking the stats and trades , some 21 players have already come and gone in less than a year with more sure to follow. The turnover is astonishing but considering the talent coming through the pipeline , it’s inevitable.

By TennesseePaul

November 17, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

Robert (JIB):
Are people still…saying McGirk is lying when he said the payroll is going up? Use some common sense, folks. The Renteria deal had to be done…the Braves got two of the top five [Tiger] prospects.

So common sense says payroll goes up when you trade Renteria for 2 prospects. Gotcha.
Wonder what Renteria, Paranto and Villarreal would have returned as a package to some other team. Oh, that’s right. No team needs a short stop and 2 pitchers. Well, except for the Tigers, Blue Jays, Twins, Giants, and possibly Orioles (if they really want to move Tejada). Not enough? Salary to high on Renteria? Not to worry, Braves have increased monies they could ship some off with the players to lower salary costs for the trading partner and improve returns. Possibly getting a major league experienced young quality pitcher that will be here for multiple seasons.
Or we could increase salary by adding more minor leaguers to the system.
Whatever. I’m not sure how the actions of the Braves so far this offseason have shown that they are expanding payroll.
The Villarreal and Paranto deals are not really bothering me. I wanted Tonto gone. I figured Villarreal would be shipped out. The Renteria deal I thought would return a player or players with more MLB experience. And in all of this, I thought a player of higher caliber (usually more expensive) would be returned which would work because the payroll expanded. So far, it’s all money going out with minor leaguers coming back. But hey, I’m glad the farm is stocked. That’s something I guess. But I’m still missing how the actions so far of the team have shown that payroll is increasing. I’m not looking for the Braves to turn into the Yankees and start throwing money around. But so far the actions of this team don’t match the words of this team.

By chrisklob

November 17, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Whatever. I’m not sure how the actions of the Braves so far this offseason have shown that they are expanding payroll.

The key words in this sentence are “so far”. The free agent signing period JUST STARTED FIVE DAYS AGO!

Just talked to Frank right after the release came out, and he made it clear to me that this kid will compete for the center-field job, but isn’t necessarily “the” replacement. Braves wanted to get him now in case they can’t acquire another, more experienced guy this winter.

That was from DOB’s original post. They aren’t done dealing yet, from what FW was quoted saying just yesterday. Give ‘em time to work things out.

I’m not saying that they’re going to increase payroll $30m over last year. What I am saying is that it is too soon to start screaming at “the man” because the only moves they’ve made so far have reduced payroll.

By TennesseePaul

November 17, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

chrisklob: He’s currently listed on the Braves 40-man, and I believe they can still send him to the minors in March if they want because he still has options. They just can’t take him off the 40-man

This is what I was thinking as well. I think Anderson has one more year of options due to his service time in the minors. Could be wrong on that though. Nevertheless I believe you are right on the need for the Braves to keep him on their 40 man roster. This too could be a mistake which is what I was wondering. But, if he must remain then trading Villarreal didn’t open any space on the 40 man for any additional pitchers or players to be protected.

this wasn’t about dumping salary. This was about creating room to protect some up-and-coming pitcher

Just trying to figure that one out. So far none of these moves has opened any additional space. Perhaps the space has been reallocated with some guys being dropped from the roster to be replaced by new acquisitions. Or perhaps younger players who are now getting attention are replacing older players who’ve fallen from grace so to speak. Don’t really know. Just curious mainly on how that would work with the moves made so far.

By Lew

November 17, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

TenPaul-Joey Devine is out of options. They either have to dump him or let him pitch. He would take Villarreal’s roster spot. I wouldn’t have re-signed Oscar for arbitration, either. We got more for him than if he was non tendered. Keep your shorts on, Dude. It’s still real early. Like DOB said-it’s still two weeks before the Winter Meetings. No one has done much of anything yet-except ARod and The Circus and Bonds getting indicted-unless you consider the Giants re-signing Visquel that big a deal.

By Lew

November 17, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Vandy is beating Tennessee 24-9 going to the fourth quarter. If the Vols lose, that puts Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. Who would have even though that possible after losing two conference games as early in the season as they did?

By TennesseePaul

November 17, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

Lew: Joey Devine is out of options

This is true, but he has been on the 40 man since he was signed (almost any way). These moves didn’t open any spots on the 40 man roster. Perhaps on the 25 man roster though but that wasn’t specified in earlier posts.

Chrisklob: The free agent signing period JUST STARTED FIVE DAYS AGO.
True, but I believe Wren has said he will be looking to fill this position with trades, not with FA.
At least you picked up on the right key word. Not sure what’s left to trade though to acquire an impact bat for the next couple of seasons in CF. From reading the blog, all trades require way too much and are therefore not worth it. This to go along with none of the FA being priced in the right range to be worth it either. Couple all of that with sending off our best trading chips for minor leaguers and you got a pretty solid foundation of a non-expanding payroll. Again, I don’t want this teams payroll to expand for the sake of expansion. Just boils down to actions are louder than words.

By TennesseePaul

November 17, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Lew: Regarding your point on Joey Devine. I see what you’re saying. But I can’t help but wonder if Devine will actually be on this team come Spring. He goes up and down every year and throws 2 or 3 pitches. I get the impression Cox isn’t a believer in Devine. Maybe he has come around. I like the guy though and think he’d be a great addition to the pen.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 17, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul, you are smarter than that. Villareal would have recieved close to $2 mil in arbitration this year. Do you really think he was worth that? Why wouldn’t the Braves trade him? So, you’re telling me it makes sense to keep a pitcher who was barely even used late in the season for God’s sake for $2 mil. Yeah, gotcha. That makes perfect sense….if you are the Yankees. As for Renteria, I agree the Braves could have possibly received more. But, again, would the salaries that would have been possibly incurred been equal to the production of the players acquired. I doubt it!

Also, a package of Renteria, Villareal, and Paronto would have likely not yielded much more than what the Braves got in those two seperate trades. Lets not forget that Paronto is a journeyman pitcher who wasn’t even brought back up in September after getting sent down in August. That should tell you something right there. And, I sure as hell don’t see how releasing Paronto was a salary dump (if that’s what you are inferring). The guy was making barely above league minimum. Besides Renteria wasn’t traded as a salary dump. He was traded to make room for Escobar. The kid is ready so why make him wait. That is the kind of crap teams like the Giants, Pirates, and Orioles do. We see where that has gotten them.

Fact is, there is salary dumping and then there is good financial decisions. Teams who salary dump often replace those players with way inferiors players. Now, do you think Escobar is an inferiior player?

By Mr J

November 17, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul,

If the winter meetings come and go without the Braves making significant upgrades, then I think your fears are valid. But until that time, geeze louise, its just too early to know what’s going on. I think the Josh A trade was just Wren picking up a player they liked in exchange for one they no longer had much use for.

By TK

November 17, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Tennessee just beat Vandy 25-24.

By rich brave

November 17, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

Richmond beats William & Mary to win the southern division CAA title. Ranked #7 I-AA

By TennesseePaul

November 17, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

Robert (JIB): I’m lost as to your point in that post. You originally were responding to the issues concerning Wren’s moves and the word of new found payroll flexibility. However, ever since that point you’ve listed multiple reason suggesting payroll isn’t being expanded which was all I was trying to say to begin with… that so far none of the moves (actions) reflect the statements (words) of Terry. That is, the actions do not support the words that payroll is going up. Again, I’m not wanting this team to spend like the Yankees. Just curious as to how to reconcile the two.

Now, you are smarter than that Robert. You can read all of my posts regarding Villarreal. I’ve never once said the team should keep him. I’ve stated multiple times that I expected him to be moved. I don’t miss him, and don’t think the team should have kept him. My only point about him was, it freed up salary. You confirmed it with this Villareal would have recieved close to $2 mil in arbitration this year. Thanks. What we got in return was a minor leaguer. If he makes the team, we’re looking at a savings of 1.5 million or so.
A question that comes up frequently is, what are the Braves going to do with Mahay? The response is, it looks like he’ll be too expensive for the team. That’s fine. It’s reasonable to say. But it doesn’t really match up with all the words from Terry and the obvious reduction in payroll by Wren.
For a brief summary, Terry said payroll will not be going down. There is room for it go up by millions. Wren has made moves which have reduced payroll obligations by shipping out Renteria and Villarreal. Asked about Mahay, the response is he is too expensive. Asked about FA possiblities for CF, they are too expensive and/or block the path of a guy in A ball.

That’s all I’m saying. They seem to be saying one thing and doing another. Again, I realize it’s early. Hopefully something better happens. IF this is the path they go, fine. Use that extra cash flow to reduce beer prices and I’ll be happy.

By Endless waiting

November 17, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

Consider: The Braves sign Glavine! The Braves sign Glavine!

Excitement level: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Geez. I sure hope there’s some talk about a really good, young pitcher who the Braves can actually sign to fill out their rotation. They really do need a YOUNG star to go with the old timers. Right now it looks like Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine(?), Hampton (?) and somebody else. Geez. Then again, I guess it’s still early (I hope).

By David O'Brien

November 17, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

TennPaul: Let me say I always have enjoyed your posts. Always.

But in the past 12 hours, I swear, my man, you have been the blogging equivelent of a manic cat chasing his tail around in circles.

I mean, really, you’re practically hyperventilating here about moves made and not made — and it’s NOV. 17!

The damn free-agent period began TUESDAY. How many have signed with teams other than their own so far? How many? Please check and find a few big names who’ve signed so far.

If the Braves sign Glavine on Monday, how many other teams will have signed one of the top available guys at any position before them?

Seriously, two of my favorite bloggers here, you and Braveheart, sound so unlike yourselves, so completely irrational the past 12 hours.

There’s absolutely no reasoning with either of you on these points. Every time anyone tries to point out something subtle, something along the lines of, it’s early and McGuirk really has no reason to say the Braves are pumping up payroll if they don’t plan to do exactly that, you guys shoot them down with some response that really comes from your … uh, from your hip. With no basis other than, “I’m going to be skeptical of everything until it happens, and maybe even after it happens.”

If that’s the way you want to be, hey, it’s cool. No worries. But really, you’d have a hard time convincing any impartial observer than the Braves have made any wrong-headed moves so far this winter.

They’re NOT spending big money on overpriced free agents, they’re NOT keeping relievers with mid-4.00 ERAs and plus-.300 opp batting averages when they have younger, cheaper and quite possibly more effective guys who need to be protected on the 40-man roster. And they traded Renteria for a pitcher who they believe can be a solid No. 4-5 starter right now, not in two years, and a center-field prospect who will either be playing in their outfield in a few years or will bring something quite attractive in another trade by then.

And sorry if you don’t understand my explanation of the workings of hte 40-man roster, but I said they moved Villarreal to open a spot for an up-and-coming pitcher (or someone else) who needs to be protected or lost in the Rule 5 draft. A guy like CHARLIE MORTON the 97-mph throwing pitcher I watched pitch five no-hit innings against prospects last week in Arizona.

The kid they just got from Houston has an option left, I’m fairly certain, which means Braves can send him to Richmond to begin the season if he’s not the center fielder or a fourth outfielder. No problem. He does nothing to alter their ongoing search for a stopgap CF, nothing but give them some insurance in case other teams simply want too much in return for such a CF.

And I don’t even know how to address your mind-numbing rants about the payroll.

The payroll WILL BE HIGHER. It’s already higher, with the raises that are going to the likes of Hudson and Smoltz, the $8 mill probably going to Glavine, the $12-13 mill that Tex is likely to get, plus a few other arbitration raises and all the smaller raises going to the Francoeurs and Kelly Johnsons.

It’s ALREADY HIGHER, OK? It just is. Sorry if you don’t grasp or believe that, but it is.

Like I said, love your posts — usually. But you’re making my head spin with the hysterics about the big bad corporate ownership running some game on you. I mean, what the hell reason do they have to mount some conspiracy or subterfuge?

Think about it. McGuirk has been so open, so outspoken, about them having more money and making a profit and how the payroll will rise, why would he put himself in that position when we’re all going to be able to count the payroll come opening day? You think he’d really say that knowing he’s going to have to answer why they didn’t raise payroll in a few months? Come on, man.

Not everything said is said for an ulterior motive. Some here were so sure of themselves when they proclaimed that new ownership would reduce payroll and have a fire sale. Then some where so sure when they said payroll would be stagnant. Now that ownership (through liason/prez McGuirk) has come out and uncharacteristically stated its intention to spend more on payroll, some just will not accept it. Well, sorry guys, but until opening day arrives and payroll is not raised, they really don’t have anything to answer for.

By David O'Brien

November 17, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this

DAP, La-Monroe? And 25-24 over Vandy? Just another typically rough day in the bloodbath?

By Pete Townshend

November 17, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

We’ll be fighting in the streets With our children at our feet And the morals that they worship will be gone And the men who spurred us on Sit in judgement of all wrong They decide and the shotgun sings the song

I’ll tip my hat to the new constitution Take a bow for the new revolution Smile and grin at the change all around Pick up my guitar and play Just like yesterday Then I’ll get on my knees and pray We don’t get fooled again

The change, it had to come We knew it all along We were liberated from the fold, that’s all And the world looks just the same And history ain’t changed ‘Cause the banners, they are flown in the next war

I’ll tip my hat to the new constitution Take a bow for the new revolution Smile and grin at the change all around Pick up my guitar and play Just like yesterday Then I’ll get on my knees and pray We don’t get fooled again No, no!

I’ll move myself and my family aside If we happen to be left half alive I’ll get all my papers and smile at the sky Though I know that the hypnotized never lie Do ya, Lew?

There’s nothing in the streets Looks any different to me And the slogans are replaced, by-the-bye And the parting on the left Are now parting on the right And the beards have all grown longer overnight

I’ll tip my hat to the new constitution Take a bow for the new revolution Smile and grin at the change all around Pick up my guitar and play Just like yesterday Then I’ll get on my knees and pray We don’t get fooled again Don’t get fooled again No, no!

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Meet the new boss Same as the old boss

By rich brave

November 17, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

DOB:

Didn’t you explain that payroll already higher thing to me a week age? Thought so. People sometimes have short memories, or maybe thay’re not paying strict attention. Keep going fearless leader. We’re with you.

By Braveheart

November 17, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

Okay. Okay. No mas. I’ll leave it alone now. I’ll let Pete Townshend deliver my parting shot on that issue and stop letting the fear of the unknown overwhelm me.

And, oh, no one ask DOB to post a new blog for a couple of days. 10Paul and I ticked him off so much he cranked out a new one while watching a Jayhawk game and preparing for a date. DAMN! The Man is committed and has got some serious skills.

How about Kansas kicking some serious booty right now?

By BravesFanChris23

November 17, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

DOB Do you think once its finalized (Glavine being signed I mean), that Frank will start the pursuit for the other needs immediately or wait for the Winter Meetings?

Also, my question earlier was this….

Do you possibly think that once Gorkys is ready and they have him and Schafer both on the same 25 man roster during a regular season (barring any trades of either), would they move one to left and other stay CF?

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

November 17, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

Thank you, DOB. You said it so much better than I did or could. Yes, TP, the trade of Renteria freed up some money but the trade wasn’t made to free up money. It was made to give a young SS, who is ready to play now, a shot to play everyday. I don’t think since the Braves received prospects that it means the trade was a salary dump. As DOB stated, Jurries is a solid #4 or #5 starter RIGHT NOW and very likely will be a solid #2 or #3 some day. Isn’t that what we all want? Isn’t that what so many on here are always complaining we don’t have in the farm system. In Hernandez the Braves received an OF that is super fast and will likely be playing full time within two years or as DOB said could be used as trade bait to fill a future need. That trade was great and mark my words. In two years we’ll see who got the better end of that trade. It won’t be the Tigers.

As far as Villareal goes, why pay a middle reliever who at best is incosistently average $2 mil. Look at a team like the Red Sox whose payroll is almost double that of the Braves. They don’t keep guys like that. Yes, they have the money but spend it wisely. Was it “salary dumping” when they decided to not resign Damon or Milar? Was it “salary dumping” when they were on the verge of saying no to Curt Schilling who wanted $13 mil? No. Theo Epstein employed wise economics. That is why they have two World Series titles in four years and are on the verge of a dynasty while the free spending Yankees or the irresponsibly spending Dodgers and Orioles have barely even sniffed an opportunity to get to a World Series. Seriously, free agency started five days ago. It is yet to be determined if payroll will increase or not (which it will if that’s what McGuirk is saying). Why would he lie about it and go on and on about how the Braves made a great profit and have “many millions” to spend? I have to say for being executives the Braves have been very honest about payroll. Lets not forget last year they were very upfront about the fact payroll was going to be tight.

I know you didn’t bring this up, TP, but I want to get it out of the way. Nobody please bring up Andruw Jones. The decision to not resign him had nothing to do with not expanding payroll. It had to do with showing some common sense and paying a guy who hit .222 $20 mil a year for the next six years. That is called smart!

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 17, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

The payroll is already in excess of 90 million and it will rise even more before spring training. The Braves don’t have a hard salary cap anymore , they will spend for what is needed and trade for the rest.

By TennesseePaul

November 17, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

November 17, 2007 4:33 PM: Vandy is beating Tennessee 24-9 going into the 4th quarter
November 17, 2007 5:22 PM: Tennessee just beat Vandy 25-24

Sheeeesh. Didn’t even see this game but from these two posts it sounds like one helluva come back.

DOB: you’re practically hyperventilating here

Had a feeling my posts were being mis-read. Not that meaning was lost, but the sense of urgency, or tone of voice wasn’t making it through. Just a casualty of the black and white I suppose.

To be clear, I’m not frantic or hyper ventilating. I’m just following what’s going down and so far it isn’t matching with what’s said.
It’s simple really. My expectations have not been met. They were not met on the first trade of the offseason, Renteria. Yes I expected more out of the Renteria trade. But I was willing to inlcude more in the trade to get more back. (whatever that is supposed to mean. Seriously, I have no say in the matter to begin with)

I’m not disappointed with the Villarreal trade. I was not attached to him. Glad we got something. Don’t want to have to rely on this kid as the replacement in center though. I read the sentence that said he was a fall back option. I hope so. I look forward to the real option coming. Hopefully it will be quality enought to prevent the fall back from rising to the surface.

Regarding payroll, from my calculations of current payroll from where it ended last season it appears to be about the same even with including the raises. I found this due to the loss of AJ, Villarreal, Wickman, Wilson, Woodward and Renteria (full priced) and including the cost of Hampton (8 million, not the 15 million. I’ve absorbed that point full well). Maybe I didn’t carry the one. I’ll go back and look at it again.

Nevertheless, giving players raises really isn’t a cause for rejoicing when it comes to payroll increases. In a way I guess it is, we need not trade some players who are still valuable. But it lacks that certain bling bling aesthetic I was seeking in offseason acquisitions with a new and improved payroll.

And sorry if you don’t understand my explanation of the workings of hte 40-man roster, but I said they moved Villarreal to open a spot for an up-and-coming pitcher (or someone else) who needs to be protected or lost in the Rule 5 draft. A guy like CHARLIE MORTON the 97-mph throwing pitcher I watched pitch five no-hit innings against prospects last week in Arizona.
No need to appologize. I was simply trying to figure that one out. Wasn’t a big deal. I found it to be an interesting point and was just looking for all the information I could to fully grasp it. But to be the hyper ventilating sonuvab!tch…
This was about creating room to protect some up-and-coming pitcher who is out of options (Braves have a few of those). You want to keep a guy like out-of-options Joey Devine, you have to have a spot on the roster.
No word of Mullet in there, just Devine =) I was the one who mentioned Rule 5 though. And trading Villarreal for Anderson didn’t open an aditional spot on the 40 man if Anderson must also be on the 40. The trade was a swap, which only opened space on the 25 man roster which could eventually be used for Devine or Mullet or whomever. But I get the point. I think I have a firm grasp now of what that type of move could do for roster spots. And I appreciated you making it to begin with. It was a way of looking at it that I had not used before. So thank you.

Let me say I always have enjoyed your posts. Always
Like I said, love your posts — usually
Ouch. Half way through the post the love started slipping away. What a zing! HA! =)

For the record, I get that it is Nov 17th. Probably why most of these posts aren’t that pertnent. Just trying to find something to talk about.

And in closing, I do not wish we had Villarreal back. Or Tonto. Not sad that they are gone. I will wish Villarreal well. I will hope Tonto gets hit by a mack truck.

By TennesseePaul

November 17, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

10Paul and I ticked him off so much he cranked out a new one while watching a Jayhawk game and preparing for a date

Sh!t totally forgot about that. I’ll have to keep that in mind next time. Appreciate the sacrifices DOB.

Now to hit the bike. A few hours of light left and then I’m out on the town for good.

By IAmNotLegend

November 17, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

DOB, please stop wasting our time with this lame songs you keep quoting from. We are not here to discuss music. We are here to discuss the Braves. Go Braves!

By IAmNotLegend

November 17, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

DOB, please stop wasting our time with these lame songs you keep quoting from. We are not here to discuss music. We are here to discuss the Braves. Go Braves!

By TennesseePaul

November 17, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

Jurries is a solid #4 or #5 starter RIGHT NOW and very likely will be a solid #2 or #3 some day. Isn’t that what we all want?

No. Actually I’d rather have Jurrjens projecting into the top of the order. That juicer Jurries can hang up the cleats for all I care. Certainly don’t want to see him on the mound come Spring. To borrow a line from some other posts… if [Jurries] is in the rotation come spring, something serious has gone wrong. Don’t know that there is anyway to refute that.

As far as Villareal goes, why pay a middle reliever who at best is incosistently average $2 mil

Again, never wanted to pay him. Why you keep phrasing it this way is baffling. I don’t have the time right now, or the state of mind, to discover what was typed earlier. Perhaps in an earlier post I hyperventilated and proclaimed the trade a travesty due my desire to keep Villarreal and pay him 5 million. I don’t recall though. I’m thinking I never typed that.

By TennesseePaul

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

We are not here to discuss music

Actually we are. We’ve solidified that portion of the blog several years ago. Baseball, Braves, Music, Movies, Pie, BBQ (possibly others I’ve forgotten). No Politics.

By stynes

November 17, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

DOB makes some good points about the Braves moves so far, even if I was sad to learn that I’m not his favorite blogger. I guess I need to post more instead of just reading!

The thing that DOB said that really made sense to me was the bit about Wren being proactive. I think JS was so accustomed to having “the perfect deal” fall into place that he never had a Plan B. And the last couple of years, not having Plan B bit him in the Plan A. Or something like that.

Anyway, Wren is making sure he’s got options. I think we all knew he was going to move Renteria just because we’ve got a great alternative that saves so much cash that can better be spent elsewhere. Resigning Glavine (assuming that happens soon) addresses need #1. Trading Oscar gives at least a Plan B option for need #2 and from the sounds of the dude’s stats, might not be a bad Plan A. He’s more of a protypical CF / leadoff. Gets on base more, runs more, etc.

I like what Wren has done so far. I really enjoyed his chat the other day. He was far more direct (and I believe honest) in answering questions that I’ve grown accustomed to hearing JS. Not that JS wasn’t honest but he was seldom as straight up as Wren was in the chat. JS was always very closely guarded even when everyone around him seemed to have a pretty good idea of what was going on. Wren didn’t beat around the bush. Yeah, we want Glavine. Yeah, we’re going to get a CF. No, not one of the top tier guys but a stop gap. I rate Wren’s moves very highly so far. I can’t wait to see what else he does and to see the season start!

By David O'Brien

November 17, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

[AmNot]legend: No, you certainly aren’t.

And after some consideration, no, on your request.

Wait, should I post this twice?

By chrisklob

November 17, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

*DOB, please stop wasting our time with this lame songs you keep quoting from. We are not here to discuss music. We are here to discuss the Braves. *

This is DOB’s blog. He’ll discuss whatever he damn well wants to discuss. If you don’t like it then you should learn to use the scroll button on your mouse or find another blog.

Two things not permitted for discussion: religion and politics. Everything else is fair game. Those are the rules. Love it or leave.

By Lew

November 17, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this

How about that. I made it into the lyrics of a Who Classic. No we hypnotized never lie.

By Efrim

November 17, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

DOB

I just heard a Bill Hall rumor. He makes a decent chunk of change. Do you think he is a possibility for the Braves? Although I am sure there is about 15 possibilities on this point.

By Bob

November 17, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

Two words for ya: Corey Patterson.

By Metropolitan Man

November 17, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

No Yorvit Toreallba for the METS, thank goodness. Hey, what would it take to grab Mcann from you guys, he might like it in NY.

By Brad in MT

November 17, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

DOB…feel free to throw in all the music you want. You do a great job and go way above and beyond what your job entails, and that makes this a great blog.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 17, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

Tennessee definitely looks beatable next week against Kentucky. My Bulldogs should take care of business playing Georgia Tech and hope for some help from the Wildcats.

Anybody remember Rajai Davis ? the young CF the Giants pried away from Pittsburgh for Matt Morris (that was a terrible trade for the Pirates).

Wouldn’t it have made more sense for the Braves to have acquired him instead of Brent Lillibridge ? Hindsight is 50/50 , I wanted him last year but the Braves probably had plans to trade Renteria all along and replace him with Lillibridge. Instead , Escobar stole the show and here we are.

If it’s true that the Braves are shopping for a veteran SS , I am starting to believe that Lillibridge is either going to CF or he will be traded. Otherwise , why would we need another SS ?

Chuck James is looking more and more like trade bait with all the depth the Braves are building. I don’t want to trade him , but if he could bring both a backup SS and starting CF along with a minor leaguer(third player), it might be worth exploring because he might not even make the 2008 rotation.

Although , there is that 50/50 hindsight thing to consider. Glavine and Hampton(both lefty’s) might not be in the 2009 picture. So , trading a young lefty is really risky unless the return(trade) is two or three young players.

By Bravesfan101

November 17, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

DOB..i know this is already done with but do think Jacque Jones couldve been a good fit for the braves - hes going into his contract year and only makes 5mm in 08 - iam sure the braves couldve came up with a little more then Omar Infante. what do you think?

By chrisklob

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

TO WHOEVER POSTED UNDER MY NAME AT 8.06 pm, you need to grow a set of nads and use your real name you freaking pansy.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 17, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

Metropolitan Man Corky Miller is available…..

Ah, what a good day…. Va Tech crushes Miami…. Made a very good pick up at a sale. A V24 Sporterized Mauser for a great price. The wife bought a ton of Fenton glassware.

Still waiting for the Braves to agree to Tom’s counter offer. And yes Richbrave UR has made it into the playoffs… Watching the BC vs Clemson game. In honor of Wayne being Wayne I guess I’ll go with the Tigers tonight.

By LOST BRAVE

November 17, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

DOB-LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT,GLAVINE WOULD BE A GREAT FIT AS THE THIRD STARTER,AND A GREAT INFLUNCE ON THE YOUNG LEFTY PITCHERS? WHY PAY FOR THAT DUMMY PITCHING COACH. JUST LET GLAVINE DO HIS JOB, AND WHILE THEY ARE AT IT JUST GO AND BRING BACK ROCKER.McWILLIAMS,HELL EVEN GAYLORD PERRY IF THEY CAN FIND HIM.TRADE AS MANY PROSPECTS, TO GET ALL OF THE OVER THE HILL PITCHERS THE BRAVES CAN GET, LETS JUST GO ALL THE WAY ROGER CLEMMINS,NOLAN RYAN,SPARKY LYLE,PAST GLORY DOES NOT WIN GAMES GLAVINE MIGHT WIN 8 TO 10 GAMES A YEAR FOR THE BRAVES,SAME AS HE DID WITH THE METS.IF HE WANTS TO BE A BRAVE AGAIN INVITE HIM TO CAMP WITH NO PROMICES,NO CONTRACT,JUST A CHANCE TO MAKE THE TEAM,THEN IF HE REALLY EARNS A SPOT ON THE TEAM, OFFER HIM A CONTRACT BAISED ON PROFORMANCE,NOT WHAT HE’S DONE IN THE PAST.THE BRAVES REALLY HAS ENOUGH PITCHERS THAT OVER 40,AND ONE THAT I REALLY DON’T CARE WHAT ANY ONE SAYS HAS PITCHED HIS LAST GAME AS A BRAVE,OR IN HIS OVER PAID CAREEAR.BIG NAMES AND PAST GLORY WILL NOT PUT THE FANS IN THE SEATS NOR WILL IT EVER WIN A DAMN GAME.

By JasonInMaine

November 17, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

What Bill Hall rumor are you referring to?

By atl_fan

November 17, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know which of these pitchers still have minor league options left?

Joey Devine Blaine Boyer Royce Ring Chris Resop Lance Cormier Jeff Bennett

By Dr. Jay

November 17, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

“should I post this twice”…. ahhhh-ga-ga-ga-ga-ga

What a lovely Saturday…South Carolina didn’t lose.

By Ben

November 17, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

It’s posters like LOST BRAVE that bring to life the problem with our education system here in the U.S. The loss of our hegemonic status in the world is the real deal, people.

By Metropolitan Man

November 17, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

You cant sign a Miller if his first name is Corky. The signing of a Corky means its was a slow offseason.

By TennesseePaul

November 17, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

atl_fan: I think they are all out of options. However, maybe Bennett is signed to a minor league deal. Not sure on that end. But I think this ends all options on every one of them.

We could make more room. I wouldn’t be upset of Tyler Yates was shipped out of town as well. Perhaps another Center Fielder or Short Stop anyone?

Whatever it takes, I’d rather have Devine than Yates.

By You just can't make this stuff up

November 17, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

These were just too good to read once.

You sound like a brother after my own heart. You and I should travel sometime. My favorite mantra has always been “what’s over there - let’s go see.” Using the map in my head, and the sun or stars if available. There’s nothing like the sense of adventure in it. And the people you meet are usually great because they don’t have to deal with a gazillion tourists. England, France, Italy Spain. Always rent a car (OR BIKE IN YOUR CASE) and GET OFF THE BEATEN PATH.

Yours is a well informed thinking out loud fearless leader, while we merely “think out loud.”

Can you hear my belly-laugh from your car on the way to Flagstaff?? Bro’ that’s a BIG-G-G laugh. You seem to have a ton of energy. Use it wisely and well. See all you can see and be all you can be. Was dreaming about Flagstaff last night. I really liked that town. Is your noteblook green?? I’m sure my envy is spilling onto your site as I type these covetous words.

Should have married a beautiful Cuban lady like I did. That will broaden your horizons. And that’s one of the reasons I did it, amongst others.

i hate the braves, and i HATE chipper jones for precisely this reason…he must have the biggest hairiest (female anatomy reference deleted) ever…

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

People sometimes have short memories, or maybe thay’re not paying strict attention. Keep going fearless leader. We’re with you.

…ticked him off so much he cranked out a new one while watching a Jayhawk game and preparing for a date.

Sh!t totally forgot about that. I’ll have to keep that in mind next time. Appreciate the sacrifices DOB.

I will hope Tonto gets hit by a mack truck.

By joebrave

November 17, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Okayyyyyyyyyyy,calling all @ssclowns,SETTLE DOWN,it’s only Nov.17,He11 we ain’t even reached Turkey Day yet… BTW…Mr Wren,has already given more off season action in his short tenure Than J.S. did in 17years!!!! lightebn up folks,This Team will be O.K. in spite of the love fest,over Tom Glavine!!!

By Sue D Nym

November 17, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

DOB - Long time lurker first time poster. Do you think the excitment for Glavine’s emminent return is muted because of familiarity? I was vocal in my displeasure over his union stance and contract dealings, but find myself thrilled to have him back home closing the rotating door of 3,4,5 starters open the last two years. His signing allows the incubation of a talented group of 09 contributors in Reyes and JJ and Lerew. I realize a free agrent hired gun is sexier than a proven vet coming home, but this move should evoke more fanfare. I’ll take this deal over a more exciting addition of Dontrelle.

BTW how sweet would it be for Andruw to agree to a one year scr*w Boras (Rogers-Arod)discount and let the CF crop age? I’d be happy with his defense and #7 bat at $8 million. It’ll never happen but would enjoy watching the pomposity of Boras getting further deflated. I’m not against an agent or player getting “theirs” but his histrionics are unbearable.

People like baseball in part because there is comfort in ability to provide an accurate measure of a players performance in a statistically significant way. Baseball doesn’t require the shameless self promotion Boras has promulgated.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 17, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

ATL_fan , I’m pretty sure that Devine , Boyer , Ring and Resop are out of options. Cormier has an option for 2008 and Bennett might have all his option years left or at least two of them.

By Steve McP

November 17, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

That Caps key is a pain is it not?

Anyway on this blog - leotards, T-shirts, Sandwiches (sammichs), Wurlitzers, and especially any kind of music - although probably to be more accurate that should be any kind except anything riding the white line - or should that be yellow line in this country? Not sure how you define middle of the road here, only been resident for three years, but I have got very attached to baseball.

By Braveheart

November 17, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

Okay, you folks thought I was very irrational before but ……. LOUISIANA F*** MONROE?!?!?!?!?!? FIRE SABAN!!!! This is not any different than Shula. Fine, I’ll be patient about the Braves but Louisiana-Monroe?!?!?!? A week after losing to Mississippi State? Chrissakes. Friggin’ horrendous. No alumni donation this year from me. What happens if he loses to Auburn next week? Somewhere down in Miami Don Shula is laughing his a@@ off. Too bad for him that his son still trembles any time a darn War Eagle shows him a thumb.

By joebrave

November 17, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Okayyyyyyyyyyy,calling all @ssclowns,SETTLE DOWN,it’s only Nov.17,He11 we ain’t even reached Turkey Day yet… BTW…Mr Wren,has already given more off season action in his short tenure Than J.S. did in 17years!!!! lightebn up folks,This Team will be O.K. in spite of the love fest,over Tom Glavine!!!

By Braveheart

November 17, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

it’s refreshing to see a really positive story related to baseball.

Klobber I take it you were not talking about any of my posts from the last few days. :-)

By chrisklob

November 17, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

*Braveheart, no buddy, more referring to all the A-Rod/Bonds talk that has been covering the tv/radio/internet the past week or so, ad nauseum.

Don’t worry about losing to UL-Monroe. I’ve always heard they had a pretty decent football program. In fact, they’re probably going to win the Louisiana AAAA State High School Championship this year! :-)

You’ve seemed a little un-Braveheartlike the past couple days. Everything alright (short of tonight’s game)? Do I need to pour you a little Knob to make things better?

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 17, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

Louisiana-Monroe 21 Alabama 14 and Bear Bryant is rolling in his grave.

By joebrave

November 17, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

One has to wonder,with all the minor league talent Wren is amassing,if it leads to a multi-player deal somewhere down the road???????? there are only 25 spots on the big league roster!!!!! The astute Mr.Wren,may well be the smartest grasshopper in the bunch!!

By chuckw/deadjournalist

November 17, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

foxsports.com is reporting the glavine deal will be announced tomorrow. 1 year at $8mil

By Lew

November 17, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

Braveheart’s back-I knew those mushrooms would wear off eventually.

By TJ's PJ's

November 17, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

The Braves likely will formalize their long-awaited reunion with left-hander Tom Glavine on Sunday.

“We’ve made significant progress throughout the day,” Glavine’s agent, Gregg Clifton, told FOXSports.com on Saturday night. Glavine, 41, is expected to sign a one-year contract in the $8 million range. He earned a total of $10.5 million with the Mets last season, but is willing to give the Braves a discount to complete his career in Atlanta.

I Wonder if this is true…

By Lew

November 17, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

It has been reported that Kenny Rogers just fired Boras. He wants to negotiate a new contract to treturn to the Tigers. Boras wanted to shop him around. Not the best offseason for Boras so far. He just isn’t getting any respect.

By chrisklob

November 17, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this

Lew He just isn’t getting any respect.

He’s getting all the respect he deserves.

By Patrick

November 17, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

GLAVINE TO SIGN SUNDAY! http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7420188

By TN-MAN

November 17, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

Wonder if the fox sports article is true. Hopefully it is. Im sure DOB will be on soon to give us the low down.

By David O'Brien

November 17, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

Sunday or Monday, it’ll get done. Even if it gets done Sunday, they probably won’t announce it until Monday.

By David O'Brien

November 18, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

Sounds like they’ve already agreed to basic terms, but don’t expect an announcement until Monday at the earlies. Braves know that they’d get a lot more coverage if they wait and do this Monday, not on an NFL Sunday.

I’m guessing Monday or Tuesday.

By David O'Brien

November 18, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this

By the way, for the “Legend” guy earlier, the music hater (and for all you good folks who actually like music): We saw a terrific concert tonight at Variety, the Frames (Irish rockers) along with the girl who sang all the tunes from the movie Once with the Frames lead singer (they go by Swell Season, the two of them). Played for two hours. The place was sold-out, and i don’t think a single soul left until the second encore was over. Great, great show.

By DJ

November 18, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

DOB-Are the Braves in a “win right now mentality”?. With Glavine for a year, Smoltz ( as good as he is) getting older and Bobby in possibly his last year, do you see the Braves pulling out all the stops this year to win the series?

By fastasballs

November 18, 2007 1:08 AM | Link to this

Good stuff DOB, as usual. We’re getting spoiled with all of the Braves knowledge you provide. Seems Wren is a bit more forthcoming than JS was. Is it me or does he make it a point to be more accessible to you than JS was?

Everybody needs to take a deep breath & realize it’s the middle of November, not March, so there’s plenty of time for other moves to be made & I’m sure more will be made. Oscar was not going to be here next year regardless so be glad Wren picked up a speedy 4th OF. I doubt this guy will sniff centefield next year on a full time basis, if at all, but he does have much more upside then an over priced Oscar would have provided.

Glavine will be a Brave once again tomorrow according to what I’m reading. I think it’s a good move. With him this year the Braves probably made the playoffs. He won’t be a regular on the DL & will give them innings. If signing him makes the team better I’m all for it.

I think Wren has made some good moves to this point. Stocking up on some prospects especially ones like JJJ & Gorkys is never a bad idea. The farm system is plum stacked with talent, regardless of what a few idiot Met fans think.

I don’t think Wren is going to go for broke next season trying to win it all at all costs. Reason being is the long term future looks very good. Most people’s feelings (including mine) that the Braves have a problem with developing pitching will probably change in the next 2-3 years once these kids develope a few more years. Also the position players the organization has under it’s control is very encouraging.

I hope like hell they win it all next year, but I know the Braves are going to be a force for years to come in the NL. Look at the shambles the Mets are about to be in. Their farm is vacant & the team is full of aging players being paid market price. It’s going be the 1990’s all over again for the Mets within a few years. I’ll take the Braves situation any day of the week.

Sure I’d like the Braves have a 120 million payroll, but it’s not going to happen. I’d rather see this organization continue to build the farm system & play for the long haul which is what’s happening.

I really think they will sign Tex. A perfect storm is brewing against Boras so it may just happen. They can easily backload a long term deal. Hampton is off the books next year, Chipper & Smoltz are around for 2-3 more years & then their salaries are gone. Basically every position is filled with youth that’s here or will be shortly.

Also a just awarded Cy Young award winner has Atlanta at the top of his short list when his contract is up after 2009.

I know no body wants corporate ownership, especially after TW, but what can you do? Quit rooting for your team? Just have to wait & see how Liberty does it. I’m sure they can’t be worse than TW was, fingers crossed.

Go Braves! Go Hokies!

By uga-brave

November 18, 2007 1:21 AM | Link to this

BRAVEHEART,

I feel your pain. you and i are the only people that believe that LIBERTY MEDIA is gonna wizz down our

By Patrick

November 18, 2007 1:25 AM | Link to this

DOB, question:

Do you think it’s $8.5 million or $8 that Glavine and the Braves agreed to? Or is it more?

By uga-brave

November 18, 2007 1:36 AM | Link to this

braveheart,

you and i are the only ones that believes that LIBERTY MEDIA is just wizzing down our throats.

sorry lew, i just dont trust them. look i dont need a impact move. i just need a move that says we are gonna compete. well i am very hammered. just got back from athens. watched the end of the TENN. game. TENN. SHOULD OF LOST.

By DJ

November 18, 2007 1:41 AM | Link to this

For anyone that hasn’t seen it yet, check out the mark texiera tribute on youtube. Good Stuff!!!!

By uga-brave

November 18, 2007 1:53 AM | Link to this

BRAVEHEART,

with all do respect. SEMPERIE FIE. i heard your nephew went into the core. good luck to him in difficult times. like i said BRAVEHEART you are the pulse of the blog.

sorry LEW, you and braveheart have seniority AND no mattter our batter about this or that, it is your place.

By Bravo Nam

November 18, 2007 1:54 AM | Link to this

I’ve been impressed with the sensible, proactive approach of Frank Wren to date. All his deals to date have made a lot of sense. In some instances, these trades had to be done to free up $ to pay for anticipated pay and arbitration rises of a number of players. Let’s not forget that there are also three fairly significant commitments the Braves are going to have to make in the near future- Francoeur, Teixeira and Gonzalez. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the Braves pull out from pursuing Mahay…he is going to want a multi-year commitment, and I think the Braves will ferret that money away to retain our lefty Gonzalez who has a much higher upside. Despite all the gnashing and grinding of teeth about the Braves slashing rather than increasing their budget…if you do the sums…you’ll see that’s impossible…in fact I’m predicting that this upcoming year’s budget will be 10 million higher than 2007.

A concern I do have (assuming we sign Glavine) is with the age of the top end of our rotation. Smoltz, Hampton and Glavine…three key pieces…probably only have them around for a year or two. Wren has done a nice job of securing a few trade pieces the last few weeks. I think it’s absolutely critical that the Braves bring in a number 2 type ace…a young pitcher…whom can benefit from Glavine, Smoltz and Hampton…and later under Hudson. I would make a trade now…not in a year’s time. Now is the perfect time for a young pitcher to exploit the accummulated knowledge of our veteran pitchers while at the same time putting in place a plan to cover the gaping hole left when we lose the three big guys.

DOB

Two questions:

1). Phil Stockman- Has he fully healed? Is he going to figure in the Braves bullpen plans for next year?

2). Why is everyone talking about Sammons as McCann’s back-up? Isn’t Brayan Pena currently the second best catcher in the organisation?

By uga-brave

November 18, 2007 1:59 AM | Link to this

LEW,

YOU remeber the MAYFLOWER in athens, or yudys?

By Braveheart

November 18, 2007 2:25 AM | Link to this

good morning bravonam. as for sammons, i think dob quoted wren saying that if the braves are unable to sign a vet for backup catcher, they plan to go with sammons at backup catcher.

the sammons kid has a great arm and is a good defensive catcher from what i hear. his bat is weak though. but he seems to have a good eye and gets on base enough down in the minors.

plus, sammons was frenchy’s QB1 in high school. always puzzled me that an athlete with an arm like frenchy was not a qb in high school. the fact that sammons was frenchy’s h.s. qb should say something about how smart sammons is and what a good athlete he is and what a good arm he must have and what a leader he must be. plus, he’s a dawg.

backup catcher is a concern for me though. the braves are 165-132 when mccann starts the last 3 years. 89-100 when he does not start. but good catchers are so hard to come by that you rarely are gonna find a backup catcher that provides similar enough production to a star catcher like mccann.

i guess it’s a curse and a blessing when your catcher is such an important part of your offense. you love it when he is in the lineup but it hurts when he is not - even more so it seems than other positions.

By DJ

November 18, 2007 2:28 AM | Link to this

It seems nobody is really high on Chuck James. I realize he is a bit wishy washy at times but if he develops another pitch, I think he is the real wild card for the braves next year. Glavine being around is going to make him in to a 15-18 win pitcher sooner than most would think

By uncle peepot

November 18, 2007 2:30 AM | Link to this

I might be 90 yrs old,but I still have enough sense to know that small ball wins bal games and this Anderson trade will help the Braves.it is a good trade.after all what did we have to lose.nothing.villareal was not much and very unreliable. This Anderson kid can bat leadoff and steal bases.I don’t see Andruw doing much to help but hitting into double plays.after all you have a better chance to score a run when you have a guy at the leadoff position who can steal and breakup the double play.it allows you more chance to score runs and if you look back over Andruws career most of the time with a runner on base he either strikes out or hits into a double play.small ball over the years have been one thing that has hurt the Braves.this is something they have needed for a long time.yes they need to play more small ball.i will take small ball anyday over the homers.it just makes more sense. Andruw was a good centerfielder but he was a liability when it came to hitting in the clutch. clutch hitting is what wins ballgames. stop condemming the Braves for letting Andryuw go,it was a wise and smart move.best move they could make.let andruw realize that greed often backfires.lets see if he gets what Boras projects for him. I don’t think so.andruw should follow Kenny Rogers and fire that scum Boras,then maybe he and his dad can get a better contract.

By Braveheart

November 18, 2007 2:41 AM | Link to this

what’s going on ugabrave? good win today by the dawgs. can’t wait ‘til thomas brown is gone. richt seems to do better when he has limited options at qb & rb. when he gets too many, he has to make everyone happy and put them all in to keep them all happy. we saw it with dj & greene. there was one florida game in particular where he put dj in right after greene had driven the dawgs down for 2 scores on the first two drives of the game and the dawgs never could get their momentum back once greene went back in. the dawgs are just a much better team when they feed knowshon the darn ball. but the thomas brown love affair continues. brown is just a good average college running back. knowshon is special.

bama sucks. LA-Monroe for crying out loud. Now I gotta listen to my brother who went to LA-Monroe laugh at me from here to eternity. I should be a good sport on Thanksgiving and wear the Northeast Louisiana tee he gave me back when he was an undergrad there. They changed their name from Northeast Louisiana to LA-MOnroe and changed their mascot from the Indians to the Warhawks. Guess I can no longer get away with the jokes about the school being like one of those apartment complexes where they change the name because a bunch of bad stuff went down and try to fool people into moving in.

Fire Saban! Bama needs a 6th coach in 8 years.

By uga-brave

November 18, 2007 2:54 AM | Link to this

BRAVEHEART,

I FEEL YOUR PAIN.

i guess this is not the the year of 2007 saban.

By Braveheart

November 18, 2007 3:08 AM | Link to this

yeah, ugabrave, my little cousin is over there right now. seems like yesterday when he was 12 years old and stole my tupac and biggie smalls cd collections and swore he didn’t do it and i wanted to kill him. but he’s grown into a fine young brave man that has made me proud. it’s amazing what the marine corps can do for a kid and what these kids can do for the marine corps and our country.

Ugabrave, i also appreciate your sentiments but no one here has seniority. it’s best if we all think of ourselves as rookies so that no one thinks they are above the blog or better than any other blogger. the danger for all of us is when we let our egos get too big. and this is dob’s place. the rest of us just visit alot. and i don’t think any one of us is the pulse of the braves fan. i think as a group we are the collective pulse, heart, soul, brain, and conscience of the braves fan. no one has a viewpoint any more valid than anyone else’s. some are more rational, irrational, optimistic, pessimistic, creative, humorous but as a collective I think we all help each other and the readers of the blog understand what the hell is going on with this team we obsess over.

By uga-brave

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

braveheart.

i cannot forget the pick that shock threw. i was always a greene fan. richt always loved,. thst 3rd series thing. came back to haunt us. either way richt has reinveted himself.

By uga-brave

November 18, 2007 3:22 AM | Link to this

braveheart,

i still dont trust the gwinett county all-stars. you gave me a pass and i will use it. peace to you. and i am with you on our view of libery MEDIA.

DEWEY, CHEATEM, & HOWE.

By uga-brave

November 18, 2007 3:36 AM | Link to this

GREAT line on that pawn shop call,

we keep trading guys like edgar for nothing. if anyone here believe that jjj is nothing more than DAVIES we are being rooked.

look at some point i will believe that management has our best interest in heart, but i just dont see it. if liberty wants our pulse. SIGNN TEX.

By Braveheart

November 18, 2007 3:51 AM | Link to this

you kill me with that gwinnett county all stars thing. even when i don’t agree with ya on that, i always get a good laugh out of that.

By uga-brave

November 18, 2007 3:57 AM | Link to this

way too many boat drinks tonight, i pretty much enjoy all of your opinions, shaun, lew, chrisklob, tnman, wayne,and the pimp in the box DOB. this is why we all love baseball. i defintely like the exchange we all have here. night all.

By uga-brave

November 18, 2007 4:32 AM | Link to this

opines from the graveyard shift,

first of all BRAVEHEART is the pulse, not trying to kiss up but i believe it. the hot stove is what it is. we are gonna end up with glav, and not much else. then here comes the so called excuses. mcQUIRK is gonna tell all us season ticket holders that it was not in our best interest, or it was not in franchises best interest, look at that outfield sans #25, and are we really gonna compete?

By Braveheart

November 18, 2007 4:52 AM | Link to this

ugabrave, no, you da pulse man!

we’d better stop talking about pulses. this is usually the time the vampire serbok shows up. if he hears about a pulse that vampire is gonna think there is some blood around he can suck on.

By Braveheart

November 18, 2007 5:28 AM | Link to this

ugabrave, at this point, i think our objections are duly noted for the record. I suspect our objections will prove to be, as Yogi once said, “the earliest I’ve ever been late.” But of course, we’ve set up our excuse, like Yogi once said, “I knew I was going to take the wrong train, so I left early.” But then again the ones saying it is Too Early, Too Early sound like that guy in the Major League movie who said the homer was Too High, Too High.

By Braveheart

November 18, 2007 5:35 AM | Link to this

alright, signing off from the graveyard shift. stay tuned.

next up on our radio program will the usual sunday morning vinnie from brooklyn and his cousin guiseppe from staten island being obnoxious and giving you really bogus gambling picks for all of the sunday nfl games followed by an absolutely boring fantasy sports radio show.

but have no fear your boys the esteemed gil and scribe will most likely be here posting something in the 7 or 8 o’clock hour.

g’nite.

By TK

November 18, 2007 7:42 AM | Link to this

SEC football gotta love it You can have a Tennessee team win the east and have two teams in the east ranked higher than them!? Something for you Bulldog fans to think about. Do you really want to play LSU? If you lose you will go into bowl selcections ranked lower than you would be if you don’t play. More than likely a lesser bowl also.

By JasonInMaine

November 18, 2007 7:49 AM | Link to this

I wasn’t big on the Glavine signing at first, excluding anything to do with the fact that he left, but now think it is a pretty darn good move. The price for the type of pitcher is outstanding. He was 5th in the NL with 23 quality starts. You take out his last 3 starts of the season, and he was even better. I know you can’t, but he was pretty darn good for 98% of the season. Factor in his leadership and influence he may have on Chuck, Jo-Jo, and the other young pitchers; this is a GREAT move…made possible by Glav’s willingness to take less money to come back home!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 18, 2007 7:54 AM | Link to this

Good morning all, Folks, you know you are in trouble when you work all night in your dreams. And to think, the night before I dreamed of playing golf. Of course when I awoke this morning my back felt as if I had been toting re-bar for 16 hours. I am going to have to dream into a better line of work.

Sorry Wayne, I guess Matt Rayn broke your heart too….. I ‘m hoping for a rematch, I bet Beamer spends one entire practice working on the on side kick. Problem is Tech cannot look past Virginia which is finally play up to their potential.

So many upsets, so few voters…. Bama fans, another classic example of taking your opponent too lightly. Don’t worry though, their will soon be some other coach you can throw under the bus available. Gone are the days when one program can dominate college football.

Sorry for the none baseball post but not too much to say other than to rehash the same old same old. Even Metro Man missed my dig last night about Corky Miller.

I expect Richmond will have a speedy outfield next year, plays right into the hands of Richmond manager Mike Brundage. He is a baseball purist in that he loves the running game. No three run homer guy is he…..

As for Bryan Pena, moving down the depth chart is an occupational hazard in the “what have you done for me lately” world of baseball. I don’t know if he has options left but if so he will likely start the year in Richmond. If not I would expect for him to be traded for some “A” ball prospect or a draft choice. For what ever reason, he has been tagged with the dreaded “poor defensive backstop” label.

Have a good day folks.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

November 18, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this

And by the way Dave O’Brien pray that KU does not the the curse of the number 2 in the BCS poll before they play MIZZOU next week. Only thing worse would be the cover of Sports Illustrated.

By Yars

November 18, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this

DOB….do you see KJ being the everyday 2B next season? Do you think he’ll get the chance to start against both LH & RH pitching? I ask this because according to rotoworld.com, Prado is one of the candidates going into next season as starting at 2B against LH pitching. I hope Bobby starts KJ at 2B regardless oh who is pitching, except for the occasional day off.

By Aaron

November 18, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

DOB, I rarely post, but I lurk every other day. By far you have the best insight on my favorite team that I am unable to get anywhere else. You make my daily corporate grind a little less painful. thanks man, Aaron

By wjones

November 18, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

Has anyone else heard much on the story of Kenny Rogers firing Scott Boras? I had read this morning that the Tigers had made some offers, but Boras did not let Rogers know about it, and made public statements to the effect of him testing the market. Apparently Rogers talked to some Tigers people, heard about the truth, got ticked off, and fired Boras! Don’t you love it?

By JC FROM UT

November 18, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

I have 2 trades to think about: 1.Tyler Yates to Florida for Cody Ross 2. Chuck James and Scott Thorman to Kansas City for David DeJesus and Jimmy Goble

By DTC

November 18, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this

I love Tom Glavine. He should be a Brave, he should end his career here and he should go in the Hall as a Brave. But he is a .500 pitcher now. Is that what is going to rescue our pitching staff? I think we should be more agressive here. Younger, more powerful, Dontrae Willis? And why all the hard thinking about center field? Willie Harris can play there which then allows Matt Diaz to play left. Both deserve to play everyday. In fact Harris spelled Andreuw a few times in center. If we are only looking for a bridge for Schaefer, then how easy is this?

By rich brave

November 18, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this

GIL:

Brundidge just takes what the ballpark here gives him. A three homer offense would lose practically every game small ball to one.

By JC FROM UT

November 18, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

How about Marl Loretta as the veteran backup shortstop?

By p

November 18, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

Forget crisp unless the braves offer major prospects. $4 or $5 million for him is a steal considering AJ was making 3 times that.

crisp will be backing up a rookie CF in boston. we all know how long the season is, and that rookies often tail off. wouldn’t surprise me if he was starting again by july.

By JC FROM UT

November 18, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

DTC: you cannot be serious about Willie Harris.Granted he had a fairly good year (for him it was a career year). Once pitchers adjusted to him he was unable and never has been able to make any re-adjustments.As far as Dontrell Willis goes: no way. There is something going on with him he realy got hit hard this past season and has only had 1 above average year. Willis’ trade value is all based on reputation and not talent.I don’t think Matt Diaz is an everyday outfielder either. If he played everyday pitchers would get better looks at him and figure out a weakness. He is great at what he is and that is a platoon player and pinch hitter.

By Austin

November 18, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Braveheart Why would you fire Saban? If I remember correctly one of his teams during his LSU run lost to UAB. Saban’s recruiting class is ranked in the top 10. Besides Kareem Jackson, all of his players are riding the bench or redshirting.

There is no way that you can be a bigger Bama fan than me. Wait till 2009 my friend.

By Elmer

November 18, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

The problem with Glavine is age. He has no stuff. See his last 2 Mets starts.

By todd h

November 18, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

dtc: glavine is much better than .500. we have in house starters that will be ready to go in 1-2 yrs and it will be a short term solution. options are limited in the market and i see it as a smart move. and it especially cool that it is tg we are bringing back.

By Braveheart

November 18, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

austin, i was not really all that serious about firing saban. more of a joke. that’s why i threw in the 6th coach in 8 years comment. more of a commentary on the the irrationality of bama fans and also a way of playing with the irrationality rep I developed over the past few days with respect to my comments about liberty media. if bama fired saban after a year, we’d be a national joke for a very long time. that would not go over well after the dubose, fran, price, shula fiascos.

but still. la-monroe?!?!?!? makes you take a good long hard look at his record and realize that he has only had 2 ten win seasons in 14 seasons as a head coach in the professional and college ranks and that outside of the national championship season where all the stars aligned, were the results all that impressive? not really.

i was otherwise very pleased with saban but losses to mississippi state and la-monroe are inexcusable. those two losses leave a really bad taste in my mouth. and he better beat auburn and break that damn thumb they kept taunting us with last season.

By AdirondackDave

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

FASTASBALLS —- Everything you said makes sense to me. I like the Braves current moves and apparent strategy for the future also.

I must have been dozing… which Cy Young winner has said Atlanta is on his short list after ‘09. Thanks.

By Braveheart

November 18, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

austin, i was not really all that serious about firing saban. more of a joke. that’s why i threw in the 6th coach in 8 years comment. more of a commentary on the the irrationality of bama fans and also a way of playing with the irrationality rep I developed over the past few days with respect to my comments about liberty media. if bama fired saban after a year, we’d be a national joke for a very long time. that would not go over well after the dubose, fran, price, shula fiascos.

but still. la-monroe?!?!?!? makes you take a good long hard look at his record and realize that he has only had 2 ten win seasons in 14 seasons as a head coach in the professional and college ranks and that outside of the national championship season where all the stars aligned, were the results all that impressive? not really.

i was otherwise very pleased with saban but losses to mississippi state and la-monroe are inexcusable. those two losses leave a really bad taste in my mouth. and he better beat auburn and break that damn thumb they kept taunting us with last season.

By rich brave

November 18, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

To ALL apologists for BB:

STRIKE BOND’ NAME FROM THE RECORD BOOKS; by Paul Woody, sports editor Richmond Times-Dispatch. This headline and long(too long to repeat here) article appeared in Nov. 18, 2007 Sunday paper. You may reach Mr. Woody for comments at: pwoody@timesdispatch.com. Mr. Bonds is under indictment for lying under oath. Martha Stewart did the same. Billy Clinton too. Why not just man up and say “I did it and I’m not glad.” Canseco, Giambi did. McGwire took the fifth. That’s better than saying I didn’t and being caught. It’s not nice to fool mother nature or our national government.

By chrisklob

November 18, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

Braveheart, what is this “thumb they kept taunting us with last season” all about? I heard someone else mention it. I don’t really follow college football so I feel I’m a little out of the loop.

By KC

November 18, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

JC FROM UT:

Pitchers have seen him plenty over the past couple years, and every team in the league has an adequate scouting report on him by now.

He has hit about .340 as a Brave in well over 500 at-bats over the last two years, and you can’t attribute that to pitchers not having discovered his weakness.

The word is out. Because he kind of dives out over the plate in his swing, The best way to pitch Diaz is to set him up out away, and then try to jam him in on his hands. We saw plenty of opposing pitchers doing that this season… particularly in the 2nd half.

But excellent contact hitters, which Matt Diaz IS, don’t really have true “weaknesses”. They’re capable of hitting it wherever you throw it… and that is most certainly true of Diaz.

Diaz had a period this year where he had to start adjusting to the adjustments pitchers made to him. But he did just that.

If you play him every day, Diaz will hit .300-plus, with at least 15 homers, at least 70 RBI, and close to 200 hits. I’d be more than happy to put money on it.

By JMF

November 18, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

It will be good to get Glavine back. He is probably the best free agent pitcher on the market this year. Centerfield is not going to be a problem. We still need another starter to make a run for the championship, or are we only playing for the playoffs. Did you know the Braves were the only team in baseball to have a player average over .330 (Diaz) for the last two years and average less than 400 at bats each year (with the exception of injury)?

By chrisklob

November 18, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

ADave, fastasballs is talking about Jake Peavy, who is originally from Alabama, and has said he would like to play in ATL when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. I’ve heard this a couple of times.

However, just this week, I saw him saying that he wanted to stay in SD forever. Of course, that might have been nothing but the “high” from his new Cy talking.

By Richard Tomei

November 18, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Andruw if you read this blog why don`t you do what you did before make your own deal.get rid of this pompusass borass make your home here with the braves

By Random

November 18, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

uga-brave

4:32 AM — ‘opine’ is a verb, not a noun. The noun related to ‘opine’ is ‘opinion’ — have you yet to make that connection?

By Lew

November 18, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

UGABrave-Braveheart’s right-no seniority here. Besides, I’m just Head of the Art Department-that’s all-I’ve even given the Enforcer position to Joe Brave. Yes, I remember the Mayflower-Chow Goldstein’s too (the World’s only Jewish Delicatessan Chinese Sir Fry restuarant I’ve ever heard of). Used to eat down at Helen’s all the time too since it was real close to the Art Department. I knew Lance Uhde, owner of Yudi’s very well. He had a framed poster of my painting of Herschel breaking the SEC scoring record hung there for years. His brother Bob owned the Sub and Steak (Little Five Points) where I painted the SEC mascots eating sandwhiches and the like. That was what I wondered if you remembered. I also used to paint houses and signs for Classic signs and knew Pete Buck when he worked at Wuxtry-they used to exhibit some of my art after they moved out on Baxter.

Re: Liberty Media- I know you and many others are gun shy after TW’s tenure and I don’t really blame you. However, my BS meter is usually placed on the lowest setting and McGuirk just isn’t setting it off. There is absolutely nothing to be gained by lying to us at this point in time. I say that if things are the same and we’re having the same discussion NEXT year at this time, you’ll hear me raising hell, too. I’m going to give them a chance before I hang them out to dry, though. I’ll take TMG at his word until he proves I shouldn’t do it again.

Keep in mind, Dude-It’s still early and there hasn’t been much of anyone doing blockbuster deals yet. Wait until after the Winter Meetings and see what shakes out. These front office people are like card sharks-you never know what is really in their plans until they place their bets. You also have to consider that those “many more millions” might just refer to re signing Tex and giving your favorite right fielder a long term extension-a la McCann-both moves I would make if I could.

I also wonder about Brayan Pena and have often wondered why he and Joey Devine seemingly get no love from BC.

By dadgum

November 18, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

DOB,TennPaul,Braveheart….it’s all OK. I alwAYs enjoy the bantering and opinion stating. DOB has the facts man no arguing that. My thought is that the talent level now at the under 20 age is so incredible that you have to trade in the direction of youth and to the fan that might not be sexy.

To date the only move the Braves have made at all really was the Renteria trade. Absolutely great move by the Bravos. We get youth for a guy that wasn’t in our plans after ‘08 anyway. Ditto the Villareal deal. Who knows…next year these guys may be front and center. Similar to McCann and Francouer now. Ah youth…bring me the fan’s no name talent today and a couple of years down the road they will seem like they have been a Brave for a long time.

Kudos to Paul Woody of the RICHMOND TIMES DISPATCH (pwoody@timesdispatch.com)for getting on his soapbox calling for the removal of Barry Bonds from the record books in today’s article. In addition if found guilty he should not be in the HOF.

Barry Bonds was a great player(I think he will never play again)in his Pittsburgh days. He won 4 MVP’s and over 400 dingers prior to any bulking up. In other words he was HOF material already. His arrogance and desire to be the best led him down the wrong path of steroid use. Like McGuire before him the voters will always bar his HOF ticket. The very least we as fans can do is denounce the home run record.

Mitch Albom on today’s SPORTS REPORTERS said it best. Perjury is so hard to prove. You have to prove what was in someone’s head. Regardless the record is for ever tainted and at best Bonds will not make it in on the first couple of ballots. Maybe the 10th and final year. Depending on the outcome of the trial…. maybe never.

Yeah Barry had HOF numbers early but you vote a guy in for a career. A grand jury doesn’t give an opinion if they aren’t sure they have a conviction on the other end. 99% of them are found guilty. If Barry is allowed to enter the Hall and keep his records intact then Pete Rose should be allowed in and may the ghost of Shoeless Joe Jackson forever haunt the Hall Of Fame.

Rock On…….remembering Hammerin’ Hank Aaron.

By Anders

November 18, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

The Braves are preparing to welcome back Benedict Glavine and the AJC uses a picture of him with a Mets shirt on and absolutely surrounded in orange and blue after his 300th win? This must make the Braves faithful feel good while downing their Sunday brunch. Hopefully they put a picture of him leaving the mound with his head down after his glorious 1/3 of an inning last start as a Met behind the podium at his signing announcement next week so you can see what they’re buying.

By Random

November 18, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

uga-brave, Braveheart, TennesseePaul

Oh, I get it — y’all want LM to ‘put their money where their mouth is’ and prove they’re willing to spend more on payroll by immediately paying too much for someone/anyone regardless of whether they fit our needs, right?

Idiots.

By chrisklob

November 18, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

richbrave, I can’t stand BB but I can’t see his records being erased from the books. Too many other guys were cheating too and it isn’t fair to ONLY take out BB’s numbers. I have had this feeling for a while that the baseball steroid situation is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. We are going to hear a lot more names of players that are suspected of using PED’s. Selig would be forced to remove A LOT of guys records from the books.

Another issue to consider is this: do you take out ALL of Bonds’ numbers? He isn’t really suspected of cheating until after the McGwire/Sosa HR race in 98. Should the first ten or twelve years be removed?

And finally this is something that I’ve been wondering how they’d handle for a long time. If you erase all of BB’s hitting statistics, do you also erase the opposing pitchers’ numbers when they faced each other too?

By joebrave

November 18, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Here is a soluion for stop-gap CFer,Brad wilkerson,this give Bobby the perfect opportunity to platoon,Anderson,which we all know is gonna happen!!!!!!!

By rich brave

November 18, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

LEW:

I used to wonder the same about Jeff Treadway which we acquired for $50,000. Maybe something in the clubhouse - who knows?? Guess we’ll find out when BC’s book comes out. I always felt he was the best #2 hitter we’ve had since the franchise began winning in ‘91. That is until Renteria. On well, so much for setting the table. Seems to me Pena can hit. He played some first base here last year. Why not have him on the bench as PH and let him work on the leather at first for awhile. Is he playing in the winter leagues anywhere?

By chrisklob

November 18, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Anders, you’re just bitter because the best FA pitcher on the market JUST LEFT YOUR TEAM and you don’t have the prospects and/or pieces to go get someone as good to replace him. In spite of his last three starts, you people would have taken him back in a New York minute!

By rich brave

November 18, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

DADGUM and KC:

Good post on Bonds. Remember Hank A.

Diaz is a keeper. The dude can hit. I’m not sure about #2, but if he fits there BC will do it. The more ML pitching he sees the better he gets.

By Braveheart

November 18, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

klobber, gimme some knob creek. but the thumb thing is from the whole very obnoxious Fear The Thumb slogan Auburn had last season.

Auburn has won 5 Iron Bowls in a row against Alabama. Hence, the one for the thumb kind of thing. Saban will break those damn thumbs next weekend.

look at that picture of tuberville with 5 fingers held in the air and tell me that’s not obnoxious.

By rich brave

November 18, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

CHRISKLOB:

You’re probably the best contratian writer I’ve ever seen. Keep up the good work.

By chrisklob

November 18, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Braveheart, thanks for clearing that up.

Knob Creek, it’s not just for breakfast anymore!

By Anders

November 18, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

Chrisklob If you think I’m bitter about losing TG you know nothing about me. I offered him to the Braves fans back in August. What I am bitter about is how he spit the bit for three consecutive starts in September. Water under the bridge at this point. I wish you all well in your reconciliation. I also look forward to to the I told you so’s I’ll be launchung by the 4th of July.

By Braveheart

November 18, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

Oh, I get it — y’all want LM to ‘put their money where their mouth is’ and prove they’re willing to spend more on payroll by immediately paying too much for someone/anyone regardless of whether they fit our needs, right? Idiots.

Yeah whatever Random. Learn to frame issues in a more intelligent manner before you call people idiots.

By Jared

November 18, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

If Glavine agrees today, but the Braves don’t make a formal announcement, will we still know?

By uga-brave

November 18, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

RANDOM,

its not that i want money thrown away, its just i want us to be in the hunt. if you cant see that i feel sorry for you. there was a time that we had guys like santana, hunter, and rowand on our short list. now we are relegated to the B list. oh and before you call me an idiot at least have the stones to introduce yourself.

By KC

November 18, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Lew: Agreed. There is no rational reason to doubt our ownership/management situation right now. We’re in a good position. We need to send a Hallmark card to whomever the person was at AOL/TW that originally suggested selling the team!

By David O'Brien

November 18, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

Jared, I can assure you right now, a deal will be done if it’s not already. This is a fait accompli.

By David O'Brien

November 18, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

Anders, thanks for “offering” Glavine. That was mighty nice of you. Frank Wren would also like to thank you, I’d imagine.

As an unofficial representative of Braves fans, I’d like to offer to you Chris Woodward. No, really, it’s the least we can do.

By Random

November 18, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

Braveheart==

Here’s your effin’ “frame”, all from this blog:

for a team trying to win the world series that is supposedly flush with cash and willing to spend many millions more, they sure are spending alot of time selling stuff at the pawn shop.

too many of you are too blind to see that alot of their corporate propaganda conflicts with the corporate propaganda they put out there last week and usually conflicts with the actual baseball and financial decisions they make.

The plans I hear are some scrubby stopgap in center, [ETC, ETC]… that does not sound like a “player” willing to spend many millions more.

Yeah, and Liberty Media comes in and does not spend a dime… . Liberty came in and boasted they had made alot of money in their few months of ownership. So, what do they do with that money? … THey care about making the team more profitable - not in making the team better at winning… . Then spend the $$$$$$$ already or at least show us a plan to spend the money - not just hollow announcements that at some indefinite point you will spend the money… . there is all of this unused and new money laying around. Present a plan of how you intend to spend it.

Hard to blame me for giving up on ownership and management so early when ownership and management seem to be giving up so early in the winter.

Idiot.

Like Lew says, LM doesn’t owe you their “plan”. And why would you think that they should reveal to all and sundry the specifics of what they might be trying to accomplish in the off-season?

By JasonInMaine

November 18, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Do you think KJ will get a chance to start everyday? I am thinking the lineup will be something like the following depending on whether a righty of lefty is on the mound:

CF KJ Chipper Tex McCann/Francoeur McCann/Francoeur Diaz/Platoon Mate (B. Jones?) Escobar

Of course, Bobby may decide to bat Escobar in the 2-hole vs lefties.

By TexasBrave

November 18, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

DOB Congrats on your Jayhawks victory. Goodluck next week with Missouri at Arrowhead. Will you be going?

Wasn’t that supposed to be a home game for you? Whatever Kansas official made that decision must be kicking themselves now.

Anyway I hope my Sooners are still in the hunt for the Big Twelve South after their meltdown last night and get a shot at your Jayhawks.

By chrisklob

November 18, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

richbrave, I’m not sure if you meant “contraction writer” or “contrarian writer” or something else so I’m not sure if you’re taking a dig at me or not!

By Lew

November 18, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

Anders-I also wondered about that comment. You offered him to us? Why didn’t you offer him before the trading deadline? Could it be because you would have finished in third if you had? Exactly when did you become the GM? I guess it’s ok-you can’t be any worse than Omar has been. Where is all that cash we keep hearing that the Mets have? You do remember that the last big deal Omar signed was to pick up Beltran-you know, the guy who can’t hit a curve? Oh yeah-check out the Braves page. Nice picture of Glavine in a BRAVES’ uni. MIght just use it for a drawing to get TG to sign this spring.

By David O'Brien

November 18, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

DTC, I’m not quite seeing what you mean when you say Glavine a “.500 pitcher now.” He was 15-7 in 2006 and 13-8 in 2007, including 5-0 with a 2.99 ERA in his last 11 starts before those horrendous final two starts of the season.

And you said you don’t understand why all the “hard thinking” on center field, why they don’t just play Willie Harris there until Schafer’s ready.

Well, I’d suggest it’s because Harris is a .247 career hitter with a .318 OBP and .321 slugging percentage. Or because he’s got a .195 career average in 200 at-bats against lefties, with a .253 OBP and zero homers.

And if you want to give him benefit of the doubt and suggest last year’s .270 season was his turning point, then I’d counter by pointing out that Harris was the worst regularly used offensive performer on the team in the second half. That’s really not even open for debate.

Harris hit .204 (44-for-216) in 71 games after June 26, with one homer, 20 RBIs, a .297 OBP, 50 strikeouts and 7 stolen bases in 14 attempts.

And he only got worse later in the season, batting a hard-to-fathom .105 (9-for-86) with one steal and a .194 OBP in his last 31 games. Those stats are not typos. The man hit .105 with a .194 OBP in his last 31 games.

Oh, and against lefties last season, he hit .191 (9-for-47) with 17 strikeouts and a .234 slugging percentage.

And you’re suggesting he’s a good option as the stopgap center fielder?

By Lew

November 18, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

Jason In Maine-I sincerely doubt that Yunel will be hitting eighth in the batting order.

By TexasBrave

November 18, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Jason Are you counting on Anderson to be our starting CF? If he is OK he leads off but otherwise I would think it would have to be Escobar. I would also think you would want KJ in the latter half of the line up to drive in runs.

With Anderson, Escobar, Chipper, Tex, Frenchy, McCann, KJ, Diaz

Without Anderson - Escobar, KJ, Chipper, Tex, Frenchy, McCann, Diaz and CF.

Oh by the way Diaz has proven himself to be an everyday LF defensively as well as offensively. I know everyone is high on BJ but Matty should get to play everyday.

By Tyler

November 18, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Random-Chill out. You’ve made your points to Braveheart, no need to call anyone an idiot.

The Braves are in a good position right now. Payroll going up, no matter what anyone says, at least it’s not set at 84 million. Got some good prospects so far, Glavine soon to be signed. Some bullpen help, a good CFer, and MAYBE another starter (unlikely) puts us in great position to win the division. Let’s go Braves!

By David O'Brien

November 18, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

TexasBrave, yes, it was supposed to be a KU home game. Hey, who could’ve possibly imagined this would be the year — or any year would be the year — when they’d be 11-0 heading into the game?

And besides, next year it would’ve been a Mizzou home game, and instead will be at Arrowhead. And if you look closely at these two teams, you know they have underclassmen at a lot of key positions and that both should be tough next year (not predicting anything like this season for either, but both should be ranked next year).

Mizzou scares the bejeezus out of me. Don’t feel very good about that game, but hey, I’m sure the KU players have a lot more confidence than I do.

Did you see the formation KU used yesterday when they have FIVE receivers clumped together on one side? Mangino is creative, for sure. And the backup QB Meier led an impressive drive late in the game, throwing for a TD after catching a TD pass earlier in the game in his (now) usual role of receiver.

Anyway … don’t want to bore all the SEC folks here with KU talk. What the H happened to OU last night, by the way? (Though I ask that knowing Texas Tech is a lot better than people realize; at least offensively they’re very potent).

By Lew

November 18, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

JasonInMaine-I believe Texas Brave’s lineup is closer to what we’ll see. KJ is quite capable of hitting up in the order, but he can also (without b!tch!ng) hit lower just as well. I do think that Brandon Jones will platoon with Diaz, though. Diaz, though a much better fielder than I’ve ever given him credit for, just isn’t going to get the full time position. For two years he has been masterful in his assigned role. No reason to change it now. Why mess with success when Brandon is ready for his shot?

By JasonInMaine

November 18, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

Lew, fair enough. We know that 3-6 is set. I think whoever they get for CF will bat leadoff, but maybe not.

So, where do you think Escobar is going to hit, say against righties? For the sake of this argument, let’s pretend the CF they get will hit in the leadoff spot.

By JasonInMaine

November 18, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

TexasBrave,

I am suggesting that whoever we play in CF, whether it is Anderson or we make another trade, will most likely bat in the leadoff spot. I think any CF that FW targets will be a leadoff type.

But, I don’t necessarily disagree with KJ batting down in the order to drive in runs. But, he is a patient hitter and wouldn’t be bad in the 2-hole either. Escobar is aggressive which is sometimes a good think in the 8-hole.

But, I agree with you and Lew that he is a good hitter, but so is Diaz. IMO, Escobar either bats 2nd or 8th.

By Lew

November 18, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Jason-I still have Yunel batting second. Like I said, KJ is fine at #7, #2, or leadoff. Diaz/Brandon Jones won’t hit that high in the order, so #8 falls to that platoon. I’m happy with this lineup, though. We’ll just have to see how CF shakes out.

By rich brave

November 18, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

CHRISKLOB:

Contrarian Chris. It’s not a dig. People need to see more than one side of things. When you make a counterpoint with Bonds as an example, it makes me think. I don’t just arbitrarily dismiss your thoughts simply because I haven’t had them or don’t agree with them. I’m saying we can all learn a lot from discussions that are multi-facited. You are very good at showing others a side of a position they haven’t considered before. That’s certainly helpful to myself and others I’m sure.

By nOLIE

November 18, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

With his rather mediocre OBP history I kinda doubt that Josh will be the regular lead-off hitter all season even if he wins the CF derdy. More likely to be KJ or YE IMO. I like KJ there with YE in the 2 hole at least as of now.

By JasonInMaine

November 18, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I can see that lineup. Escobar does have a flair for the dramatic and isn’t intimidated in the least to be up in big situations.

I would prefer KJ in the 2-hole, but with his ability to drive in runs; I can see him hitting down. But, I am not sure I would bat Escobar leadoff. If the CF doesn’t bat leadoff, I would rather have KJ there than Escobar. Escobar is a little too agressive to bat leadoff, no? He walked 27 times in 319 ABs. But, he did have a good OBP. I think KJ is a better option to hit leadoff…

By dadgum

November 18, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

That shot you heard last night was a Mountaineer shooting his rifle in salute to Texas Tech.

Kansas (if they don’t trip up)could make the championship game. Somehow I think the voters will do everything they can to bring Ohio State back up the ladder. Sex sells and while I would like to see either Kansas or WVU in the Big Game, well…it just ain’t sexy.

Rock on…..wishing for a playoff system! Name me one sport that doesn’t have a season-ending playoff in place. Preserve the bowls indeed! I say use them to get to the champion. College presidents…get a grip!

By chrisklob

November 18, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

richbrave. Thank you. After I thought about it for a while I realized what you’d said and I realized you weren’t taking a shot at me.

By TexasBrave

November 18, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

DOB Oklahoma basically shot themselves in the foot. I could offer the excuse that our startin QB got knocked out in the first quarter and it snowballed from there, but in reality a true number 3 team in the country has to over come those types of things and get back into the game. They did towards the end, just too little too late.

I still believe OU is better than what we showed last night and at the Colorado game. But it does show that if a team can get us down, then they do have a shot. So needless to say I am really concerned about OSU (Okla. St. not Ohio St.) next week and our chances to go to the Big 12 Championship.

Oh and I have to give some props to your boy Meier. How unselfish is he! Team first. I wish more young people had that attitude.

By David O'Brien

November 18, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Dadgum, it’s pretty simple with KU: They beat Mizzou and win the Big 12 championship game, they’ll be in the BCS title game. Every single national writer or broadcaster I’ve heard address the issue agrees on that. No way they’ll keep a 13-0 KU team out of the title game, “sexy” or not. I’ll guarantee you that.

But getting to 13-0 … that I will not guarantee. And if KU loses to Mizzou or even goes 12-0 before losing in the Big 12 championship game, yes, I’m sure Ohio State or another team would jump over them and into the BCS title game. KU has to go 13-0, I’m pretty certain, barring any more major upsets to the other top 5 teams.

But if they do go 13-0? They’re in in the BCS title game. No doubt about that.

By TexasBrave

November 18, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

Jason I have been keeping up with all the possibilities for our CF starting job that have been mentioned by DOB et. al. and I haven’t seen one that could be utilized in the lead off spot.

I also have this feeling (eventhough I know its early) that we may not get a better option before spring training and that is why Wren jumped at the chance to get Anderson.

With that being said and Anderson is the man in CF, then he will be the leadoff man. Anybody else will bat lower in the order, most likely 8th.

Your right in saying that Escobar is more aggressive than KJ. But for my money Escobar does more for us in the 2 hole than he does down in the line up. Where KJ is an asset where ever you put him.

KJ doesn’t give you the stole base threat that Yunel does if he hits leadoff. And we all know how disrupting a fast leadoff hitter can be. I just think patience will come with age and Escobar will be leadoff if our CF is not.

By Brad in MT

November 18, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if anyone has posted this or not, but Buster Olney has a blog about the 2008 Braves today on espn.com Buster’s Blog

By Yars

November 18, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

Will Bobby start KJ at 2B with a LH pitching? That’s what I would like to know. I see no need for a platoon at 2B next season. I also hope Bobby finds a spot for KJ in the lineup & keeps him there. He’s not a leadoff hitter. I truly believe he could put up some nice numbers in either the #2 spot or #5 spot. However, I won’t be surprised if Yunel hits in the #2 spot. He’s too good to be hitting #8, & doesn’t have enough pop to hit #5. DOB…..shed some light on this if you don’t mind.

By N8

November 18, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

DOB

“As an unofficial representative of Braves fans, I’d like to offer to you Chris Woodward. No, really, it’s the least we can do.”

OUCH! Come on now, that wasn’t very nice. What if Woodward is an avid reader of the MIB Blog? :-)

By SeattleBrave'sFan

November 18, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

DOB…I have to give props to any team that goes undefeated, but hopefully Kansas will schedule a slightly tougher non-conference group in the coming years. That grouping of opening teams is absurd. Like I said, going undefeated would be impressive regardless given the teams they have and will play to get there in the conference, but as a fan you have to be questioning the legitimacy of that team right now.

By Jared

November 18, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

KJ doesn’t give you the stole base threat that Yunel does if he hits leadoff.

Oh bull. The facts and stats don’t back this up at all.

Yunel Escobar: Stole 14 bases in three years in the minors, and was caught stealing 14 times in the minors. That’s a 50% success rate in the minors. In his 94 games in the majors, all of which would be in 2007, he stole nine bases and was caught stealing five times.

Kelly Johnson: 73 stolen bases and 38 caught stealing (66% success rate) in seven minor league seasons. In 234 games in the majors Johnson has stolen 11 bases and been caught stealing six times.

This aura of perfection with Escobar is unreal. He’s good, but way overhyped. Everyone seems to think so many things about him that can’t be backed up. Like this stolen bases thing I just, I hope, debunked. Or some Braves’ fans saying Escobar has the potential to hit 20 homeruns despite only hitting 10 homers in over 800 minor league at-bats. I don’t know where so many Braves’ fans got all these ideas, but no stats back it up.

As for leading off, Johnson would likely be the better one because of his eye and ability to walk. Escobar would also make a better two-hole hitter than Kelly Johnson.

By JasonInMaine

November 18, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

TexasBrave,

Good points about KJ being productive wherever he hits.

As far as the CF options, while less likely, Coco and Figgins both are considered leadoff types as is the guy from KC. Wren even said in his chat that he is looking for that type of player while exploring a trade for a CF. But, I agree with you that they may not find one.

As far as the stolen base threats, Yunel isn’t much of one. In 2007, he had 5 SBs with a success rate of 62.5%. KJ wasn’t much better with 9 SBs and a success rate of 64%. In 2006 at Miss, Yunel was only successful in only 44% of his SB attempts…so, I don’t think the speed/stolen base threat will factor into the decision.

By Jared

November 18, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

Yars, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the Braves and Frank Wren should trade Martin Prado to keep Cox from being tempted to start another absurd second base platoon.

Bobby Cox is just too obsessed with platoons to not start Prado at second base against Oliver Perez if Prado is on the 25-man roster for the Atlanta Braves next season.

By ppaddy123

November 18, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Since opinions seem to be the order of the day….here are mine…..the Dawgs should hope Tennessee wins the east and has to play LSU in the SEC championship. They should be #8 in the next BCS, with teams in front still having games that matter to play. Overall, they will have a better choice of bowl game (Sugar) and a higher ranking.

Now Baseball… Escobar leading off…KJ hitting second. He should have a good year hitting in front of Chipper. I think Willie needs to go. Where do you play him? Brandon Jones will probably platoon with Diaz in LF. That gives us 4 outfielders. Seems to me, a kid like Lillibrige(? spelling) has more upside because he can play both infield and outfield.

Since the Glavine signing is as good as done, and I really think Hampton will be OK, what are we going to do with all these good, young arms? I think we should put them in the bullpen. Where else can they learn to pitch in the majors? I see other teams (Red Sox, off the top of my head) that put good young pitching in the bullpen to give them major league seasoning. For that matter, we could use a 6 man rotation to give the “old guys” extra rest.

These are my thoughts…feel free to pick them apart…that’s what the blog is for!

By rich brave

November 18, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

JARED:

Don’t underestimate Escobar. Speaking with him briefly in his native tongue convinced me he’s got a lot of desire to succeed. That chip on his shoulder will be temporarily replasced by the willingness to learn. But I’m afraid it will return with a vengeance once the man achieves the acclaim he THIRSTS for.

By TK

November 18, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

I was just wondering if at the winter meetings if Tampa may come to the Braves about helping them thin out their OF depth? HEY, I did not say CC!!!I also agree with some that I hope Escobar doesn’t go backward like Chuck James did in his 2nd year. The Braves are putting a lot on his shoulders next year. But, they did that with KJ and I think he had a very soild year. I also think he MAY get close to being a All-Star next year.

By mike

November 18, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

I agree they shouldnt platoon with kelly johnson in 08 but I don’t see what was absurd about getting Yunel Escobar some playing time. He earned it, and Kelly Johnson was tailing off a little bit when Bobby started the platoon.

By ppaddy123

November 18, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

Jared I like KJ a lot. BUT HE AIN’T NO ESCOBAR! Escobar brings a high level of excitement to the lineup. Forget about stealing bases when he’s on base….he’ll score on just about anything hit to the outfield. He’s a doubles machine…..not once but twice he stole bases off pitchers, without a throw. Kelly Johnson doesn’t bring this to the game. He’s solid but Escobar is special. If you can’t see this, I feel sorry for you.

By Jared

November 18, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

He earned it, and Kelly Johnson was tailing off a little bit when Bobby started the platoon.

Bobby Cox started that second base platoon right at the end of June, seemingly because Kelly Johnson struck out trying to bunt in a game against the Tigers.

Johnson at the time: .279/.383/.457

All that time refusing to remove Keith Lockhart from second base and all-of-a-sudden Cox “has to get Escobar playing time” (in Cox’s own words) when he had a second baseman already who had a .383 OBP and eight homeruns in late June?

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 18, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

Willie Harris will in all probability be non-tendered. He could be invited to spring training and end up in Richmond as a reserve OF.

By BraveNess

November 18, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

CHRISKLOB> I can’t stand BB but I can’t see his records being erased from the books. Too many other guys were cheating too and it isn’t fair to ONLY take out BB’s numbers.

Another issue to consider is this: do you take out ALL of Bonds’ numbers? He isn’t really suspected of cheating until after the McGwire/Sosa HR race in 98. Should the first ten or twelve years be removed?

Respectfully, with this line of thinking, would you be willing to let all players in history be cleared of cheating charges or discount only the days/years they were suspected of cheating? Seems to me that one is either a liar or not – a cheater or not. If you are suggesting that all known steroid users should be barred from the HOF as Barry should be, then we agree.

If Barry Bonds is allowed to enter the HOF then we, in effect, let all of the kids out there know that it’s acceptable to lie, cheat and take performance enhancing drugs. Our message would be: cheat, try not to get caught, lie if you do but if you are busted, expect a little hassle, a gentle hand-slap and some temporary embarrassment.

If I interpret correctly what you state as another potential problem, “Selig would be forced to remove A LOT of guys records from the books” to justify BB’s going without suitable punishment, then perhaps Selig should do just that – clean house. Eventually it will have to happen, right? Further, to clear someone simply because others did it is, in itself, a travesty. I understand the mess and logistics nightmare this would cause. I also understand the nightmare of our youth seeing a highly publicized sanctioning of illicit behavior and steroid use.

Bonds would have been a lock for the HOF without steroids yet I seriously doubt that he would now hold some of the records he holds today, particularly Hank Aaron’s - not because of artificially enhanced hand-eye coordination or even increased power (he possessed those talents before drugs), but because the steroids gave him an unfair athletic advantage of overcoming natural, human injuries and increasing age disadvantages. How many seasons, games, AB’s and HR’s might he have missed without steroids? We’ll never know.

For the sake of taking this thinking beyond the edge of absurdity, perhaps as an alternative to allowing cheaters to enter the pinnacle of baseball performance - we offer two separate wings of the Hall Of Fame: one for legitimate athletes that played by the rules, performed well and broke records through inevitable injuries and the ravages of aging. The other wing (Hall Of Shame) would enshrine dubious characters - athletes that put up the numbers and broke records with the help of shortcuts, drugs, cheating and so forth. Preposterous huh?

A mere asterisk is too light for Bonds. Certainly we should forgive the man but we should not reward or enshrine him in baseball’s Hall Of Fame. Let Bonds and all other steroid users sleep in the bed they made for themselves. The choices Bonds made were his alone and so are the consequences for those choices. Fortunately, when voting time comes, the HOF will not be his choice to make.

This issue is important for the sake of those athletes who, due to their God given talent and strength and honesty in playing by the rules, truly brought fame and glory to the game, their families and careers.

This issue is even more important as an example to future generations. They are watching and learning.

By Jared

November 18, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Jared I like KJ a lot. BUT HE AIN’T NO ESCOBAR!

You’re right, Johnson has way more homerun power.

…he’ll score on just about anything hit to the outfield.

Most people say Johnson and Escobar have about the same speed, so I’d really like to know how exactly.

Escobar brings a high level of excitement to the lineup.

100% irrelevant.

Kelly Johnson doesn’t bring this to the game. He’s solid but Escobar is special.

Too bad no stats really back up this statement.

If you can’t see this, I feel sorry for you.

I feel sorry for people who claim one baseball player is better than the other based on emotion rather than facts (stats).

By Ed Glennon

November 18, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Chipper deserves a two-year extension. Name me soneone else on our team offered to take less guaranteed money to help the Braves. It sure wasn’t Glavine. Chipper and Smoltz are the Braves. They both should be here as long as they want.

By mike

November 18, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

Jared Before Kelly had dropped down to that .279 mark he was hitting around or over .300 for a good stretch so he was slowing down a bit although he was still very productive. I had the same reaction as you did when they first removed K Johnson because I thought he was going to hit .290, with 20-25 hr. I still think K Johnson will be that type of hitter in the next few years but its not like he was sharing time with some hack. Escobar came up and produced right away, and the playing time that he got allowed the Braves to see him as a future star shortstop and allowed them to confidently trade Renteria for two very good prospects. If Escobar didn’t get the playing time that he did last year then the Braves wouldn’t have traded Renteria, and as a result may not have had the money to sign Glavine. K Johnson is still young and he’s going to get his chance to play everyday and prove that he has all star potential. Prado is not the same caliber player that Escobar is so I don’t think we have to worry about a platoon. I sure hope not anyway. I would be ok, with Prado getting an occasional start against a pitcher like Cole Hamels when K Johnson is on a skid of lets say 0 for his last 15

By TexasBrave

November 18, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Jared and Jason Thanks for setting me straight on Escobar’s prowess in the SB department. I don’t know why I thought he stole more than he actually did. I am not the stat man that most you are.

So if our new CF is not our lead off man then between Yunel and KJ do you bat lead off? Bobby has shown that he perfers Escobar in that roll. But I am not so sure it should not be KJ.

Jared I am also with you with BC being so obsessed with the platoon situation. Yes it has worked in the past, but both Matt and KJ need to be in the lineup every day.

I also don’t very much care for all the switching of the line up depending whether it is a LH or RH throwing. I think we need a little more continuiety(sp) in our line up.

By AdirondackDave

November 18, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

Ed - Right on the button. Chipper and Smoltz stand out as two guys who have actually tried to help their teams financially. Very few other players in the modern age actually step forward the way they have although most of them say it’s not about the money. Actually I was very proud of Andruw first time around when he stiff-armed Boras and made the deal himself. Unfortunately (mostly for him) he chose to turn it over entirely to Boras this time.

By the way, speaking of Boras, with embarassment from the A-Rod deal and Rodger’s giving him the boot, is this the end of his power or just a temporary blip. DOB, others… any thoughts on this?

By ppaddy123

November 18, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Jared it seems to me you give no merit to players that come through in the “clutch” if their numbers aren’t there. One thing numbers will never show are a player’s intangibles. Some of Escobar’s intangibles will never show up on a stat sheet. Like I said before, if you can’t see, with your own eyes, he is a special player, I feel sorry for you.

By TennesseePaul

November 18, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

BraveNess: Who are all the roid users? What about the pill poppers? Should they go to? Is this banishment for only those who test positive or all those accused regardless of proof? Should the search be limited to just the past 10 years of players or should it go back further in history to root out all the pill poppers and roid users?

Just curious.

By KC

November 18, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Whoever interviewed Mark Bowman for MLB radio is an idiot.

He characterized Glavine as a “#4 starter”, and didn’t even have his facts straight. He said more than once that Glavine turned down 16 million in New York, when of course it was 13.

Glavine’s ERA took a big hit in those last 2 starts of the season. But how do you define whether a guy’s a “#2, or a #3 or #4 starter?

Well, let’s just take ERA. There are 16 teams in the NL, so if you finish in the top 16 in ERA, a case could be made that you’re a #1 starter. If you finish in the top 32 in ERA, one could argue that you’re a #2 starter. Glavine’s ERA was badly skewed by those last 2 starts, but still… he was top-25 in the NL in ERA.

A guy who is top 25 in ERA, gives you 200 innings, and most importantly… 3rd or 5th (can’t remember which) in the league in quality starts (23), is NOT a “#4” starter.

I would say he’s a high-end “#3” starter. Kind of perfect considering that’s EXACTLY what the Braves need him to be.

By mike

November 18, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

PPaddy123 Im with you 100 percent. You can’t measure Escobar’s worth by stats alone, much like how people cannot compare Jeter to other players based soley on stats. Escobar is a far better hitter than K Johnson in the clutch. I don’t have stats off the top of my head but Im sure that his 2out runners in scoring position average was far better than KJ’s. I don’t understand what everyone is griping about though, they both get to play everyday next year and the braves will be better off for it. But just to add to your statement Escobar has just got it so theres no reason to throw numbers out there. I’ve been watching baseball my entire life and not once had I seen a player steal a base when the pitcher had not even started his windup. Escobar did it twice

By Lew

November 18, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Y’all, Guess what? We got Yunel at short and KJ at 2B. We can play both of them and everyone will be happy. It doesn’t make a damn bit of difference who is better. We got em both. Imagine that.

By David O'Brien

November 18, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

SeattleBrave’sFan, you wrote: “That grouping of opening teams is absurd.”

Other than Florida State, which Florida plays annually (and which isn’t exactly the FSU of old by the way) let’s consider the out-of-conference opponents UF played last year on the way to its national title: Southern Mississippi, Central Florida and Western Carolina. Whew.

That’s a pretty rugged group, huh?

KU has no control over its conference schedule, so not playing OU or Texas in the regular season this year was not of their doing.

You also wrote: “Like I said, going undefeated would be impressive regardless given the teams they have and will play to get there in the conference, but as a fan you have to be questioning the legitimacy of that team right now.”

Well, no. Actually, as a fan I questioned their legitimacy when they were beating those opening four opponents by 40-50 points. But as a fan, I stopped questioning their legitimacy at some point along the way as they beat K-State on the road, beat Texas A&M on the road, beat Colorado on the road, hung 76 on Nebraska, and made Iowa State look like … well, Western Carolina.

But as a fan, you’re certainly free to continue questioning their legitimacy. Doesn’t much matter, frankly, but feel free. Thankfully for KU, most pollsters have paid attention and gotten past the out-of-conference schedule.

By Ben

November 18, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Personally I’m happy that we have two young players that inspire an argument like the one transpiring here. Both are talented players who bring a lot to the table offensively; Escobar is fun to watch at short, and hopefully KJ will improve this year at 2B. I think our top four of Escobar, KJ, Chip and Tex are potentially tops in the NL (Philly probably won’t have Rowand at #3 anymore, leaving a hole; Mets don’t like to put Wright at #2, and they don’t have any good options for that spot; Rockies need a leadoff guy).

By skip carey

November 18, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

trade chipper & get what you can while he has some value. P.S. If there bringing Glavine back, why not resign Phil Niekro.

By Jared

November 18, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

There is no such thing as “clutch” hitting!

Baseball Prospectus Basics—The Concept of ”Clutch”

By David O'Brien

November 18, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

ppaddy123, it’s probably a good thing that kelly johnson “ain’t no escobar.” otherwise, the Braves could expect a combined total of only 15-20 homers from their middle infield.

As it is, they can expect that many from kelly johnson alone, to go with the 8-10 or so that escobar, a gap-hitter, might hit.

Kelly will probably have more doubles, triples and certainly about twice as many homers as Escobar, who is a high-energy player and a very strong defensive shortstop, but doesn’t have anywhere near the power that Kelly has.

By Jared

November 18, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

trade chipper & get what you can while he has some value.

It’s official: Skip Caray has gone senile.

(And apparently has forgotten how to spell his own name.)

By Scott

November 18, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

I still would like a more veteran centerfielder until Shafer can take over.

GO BRAVES!

By Efrim

November 18, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

KC

Well, let’s just take ERA. There are 16 teams in the NL, so if you finish in the top 16 in ERA, a case could be made that you’re a #1 starter. If you finish in the top 32 in ERA, one could argue that you’re a #2 starter. Glavine’s ERA was badly skewed by those last 2 starts, but still… he was top-25 in the NL in ERA.

I agree with you, that guy is an idiot. But some teams in the NL don’t have an “Ace”. Nats, Marlins, Pirates, Cardinals(Carpenter had TJ surgery), and even the Mets don’t have what some people would call a #1 starter. They might have some solid #2’s. But no one to be confused by being an Ace.

You could throw me Ian Snell, or John Maine’s stats, but those guys aren’t aces.

I think Glavine is a #3/#4 starter. Regardless, he helps our team a ton.

23 quality starts is the number that is important.

With our offense, I’ll take 6 innings and 3 earned runs from a starting pitcher most days.

By mo in the boonies

November 18, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

SeattleBravesFan Re: Kansas playing out of conference teams (or as you implied wusses.) University of Michigan also played a couple of out of conference teams, one for example was Appalachia State, definitely regarded as a wuss by Mich. fans, but they opened a can of Whip-a* on Michigan. Just proves that on a given day, any team can beat any other team, in conference or not.

By David O'Brien

November 18, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

Skip, those were some outside-the-box ideas you came up with. Good to have fresh thoughts here.

By Braveheart

November 18, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

jared, i agree with most you have said today. but i also gotta say something about escobar’s power.

i was always very skeptical about escobar as a major leaguer because of his lack of power in the minors. some may remember i was always mocking him for hitting about the same number of homers down in AA that michael jordan did back in 1994 in AA. then when he came up and i saw how kind of big he is - big shoulders, chest, legs - I wondered even more about the lack of home run power.

but then as i started watching him play everyday, i realized that yunel does have alot of power. he just hits frozen rope line drives and ground balls through the infield. yunel hits the ball about as hard as anyone else on the braves. his swing is such however that he hits the ball level and down and hits singles and doubles instead of homers.

If you look at his ground ball to flyball ratio, it is 2.50. That’s Hudson-esque and Moylan-esque. Part of the reason for the success last year of Moylan and Hudson was that they kept the ball down so much. This led to lower SLGs against for them. Mcdowell was that kind of pitcher himself so he probably was an immense help with regard to that.

But back to the point about Escobar, despite giving up so many ground balls which often results in more hits given up, Moylan and Hudson were still able to have good numbers against with regard to opponent AVG. That tells you how much lack of solid contact hitters were getting off of them.

But Escobar on the other hand with a similar GB/FB ratio as a hitter had a great average. This tells you how freaking hard Escobar hits the darn ball. Plus, Escobar had a high SLG for a guy with the kind of GB/FB ratio Escobar has. This also tells you how freaking hard Escobar nails the ball.

I think the reason people sometimes project Escobar to be able to someday hit 20-25 homers is because they expect him to perhaps someday get more of an uppercut in his swing which would drop his batting average a bit but would also lead to more homers and power because he would be hitting more flyballs.

So, it’s not that Escobar does not have power. I think he has considerable power. Most of his power however is being used to cause divots in the grass and to kill worms. If he gets an uppercut and starts lofting more flyballs, the homers will come for Escobar.

Imagine how many homers he might hit if his GB/FB ratio dropped from 2.5 to 2 or 1.5 or down to 1.

For example, I think Diaz had more doubles and homers per at bat last season because his GB/FB ratio dropped from 1.95 to 1.31.

Yunel hit 155 groundballs, 62 flyballs last year for a GB/FB ratio of 2.5.

Also, look at Edgar’s GB/FB ratios. You see that Edgar had little power in 1996, 1997, and 1998. Edgar hit 5, 4, and 3 homers those seasons. His GB/FB ratios in those seasons were 1.77, 2.07, 2.17. In 1999, however, his GB/FB ratios dropped down to 1.16 and he started hitting over 10 homers a season for pretty much the rest of his career. His lifetime GB/FB ratio is now 1.55.

The best example is probably the Derek Jeter example every one always uses. Jeter for his career has a very comparable GB/FB ratio to what Yunel had last season. Jeter’s lifetime GB/FB ratio is 2.23.

For the most part, Jeter’s GB/FB ratios have always been over 2.00. And in those seasons he hit less than 20 home runs.

However, Jeter has had three seasons in which he has hit more than 20 home runs. 1999, 2001, and 2004. Not coincidentally, those are the only 3 seasons where Jeter’s GB/FB ratios have ever dropped below 2.00.

In 1999, Jeter hit 24 homers and his GB/FB ratio dropped to 1.63.

In 2001, Jeter hit 21 homers and his GB/FB ratio dropped to 1.96.

In 2004, Jeter hit 23 homers and his GB/FB ratio dropped down to 1.49.

SO, like Jeter, Escobar has very respectable home run power. When he decides to get an uppercut in his swing as Jeter has seemed to decide to do in certain seasons, Escobar could very well have 20 something home run seasons like Jeter has had on 3 occasions in his career.

By rich brave

November 18, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

Mike:

Your post of 3:23 p.m. this day. Last week there was quite a bit of discussion about KJ wearing down over the season due to his change of position, and resultant lack of time off between seasons. This seemed plausible to everyone all round including DOB. So a wait and see attitude seemed to prevail about Kelly. Personally, I thought his reactions at the plate slowed, and his patience seemed to decline noticibly. Anybody got splits on his hitting throughout the season? And if so, where did you obtain them? Stats seem to be big here and several of the regulars appear very well informed regarding them.

By David O'Brien

November 18, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

Scott, the Braves agree with you and will continue trying to get a more veteran outfielder to handle CF until Schafer arrives. But as a fallback, Anderson looks pretty good based just on his one month in the majors. No power, but he did hit .375 with 11 RBis in his last 15 games after moving into the lineup in mid-September.

Which, by the way, is four more RBIs than Willie Harris had in his last 31 games, when he hit .105 with seven RBIs and 22 K in 89 at-bats (I’m just amazed by that stat, so thought I’d take another opportunity to throw it in there).

I agree with you, by the way. They need a more experienced guy with at least a little power to handle CF until Schafer arrives.

By David O'Brien

November 18, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

By the way, those searching for good BBQ in Atlanta have really got to try Daddy Dz BBQ and Blues Joint on Memorial Drive, only about 5 minutes from Turner Field.

Just got back from there, and had some of the best, messiest, meatiest ribs I’ve ever tasted, with sides of collard greens and red beans & rice that were perfection, and some of the best cornbread and sweet tea I’ve tasted.

Place is a total dive, with blues playing on the stereo and pictures of Robert Johnson, John Lee Hooker and others scrawled on the walls. You pay for the food and food only (not for expensive overhead or a trendy vibe), and it’s worth every penny. Served on paper plates.

By rich brave

November 18, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

MIKE:

Regarding Prado. I agree based on the couple of times I’ve seen him and following the daily box scores closely. His value might be as high as its going to get right now. Same for Gregor Blanco as I have postulated before.

By Braveheart

November 18, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

Well congrats to the Jayhawks and to the Dawgs. Both are finishing strong. Bama on the other hand ain’t but so long as Saban breaks Tuberville’s thumb this Thanksgiving weekend, I will be very happy. As for those who doubt the Jayhawks, watch them sometime. They are very exciting offensively. So explosive. That performance I saw against the Huskers was sick. The Colorado game I saw was thrilling and the performance against Oklahoma State was impressive. Their D would scare me if was a Jayhawk fan but that offense can hang with anyone. But their D also rose to the challenge against Colorado and A&M when I expected them to maybe crumble. I think if they end up in the Big 12 championship with Oklahoma, you could be looking at another thrilling matchup like the bowl game last season between Oklahoma and Boise State. That was a game for the ages.

By Yars

November 18, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

If the Braves do trade for a 1 year rental in CF, do they then plan on having 5 OF’s on the opening day roster? Let’s say Diaz/B. Jones platoon in LF, we then will have the stop gag veteran/Anderson in CF, & Frenchy in RF. It seems like there will be 1 too many OF’s. Could it be that perhaps Diaz will see some time at 1B? He could play some 1B when Tex is given the rare day off, & still play LF if Bobby decides to go with a platoon again.

By Steve McP

November 18, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB you make have great skills, the way that you typed that reply to Skip with your tongue so far in your cheek was stunning

By David O'Brien

November 18, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, you’re exactly right about Escobar — he does pound the hell out of the ball, just that his swing produces line drives all over the field. Which is a very good thing, not at all a negative. Just that he’s not going to be a big home run guy.

Great to have both types of hitters in your lineup, guys who have loft power to hit the ball out of the park, and guys that just hammer line drives everywhere. And he is definitely a kid who rises to the occasion, who doesn’t let pressure situations take him out of his solid approach.

I really, really like Escobar as a player, and I saw none of the questionable attitude he was known to have in the minors. Neither did guys like Eddie Perez, who butted heads with Yunel in the minors in 2006 and told me this year Yunel showed tremendous improvement in his attitude and maturity. Bobby, Chipper and everyone else were absolutely impressed by Yunel from the time he arrived in June.

Nothing but bright in his future. And seriously, Braves are already better defensively with him over Edgar, who’s one of my favorite players but isn’t the defensive whiz he was years ago. Edgar’s solid, makes all the routine plays, but Escobar has a cannon for an arm and makes a lot of sensational plays in addition to the routine ones.

People who talk about the Edgar trade being a simple salary dump are absolutely off base on that one.

Escobar is a pure shortstop, not a second baseman, and the Braves wanted him in the lineup, not bouncing between positions and playing three or four out of five days. They wanted him at one position, his position, playing every day. And if they could save nearly $6 mill (their portion of Edgar’s salary), money that can be applied elsewhere, and get Escobar in the lineup in the process, then that was close to a no-brainer, even as great an all-around presence as Edgar was.

By Metropolitan Man

November 18, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

Thank you Glavine lovers. Now maybe Minaya will get off his arse and upgrade those stagnant METS. I must admit, you guys have been the busiest so far and have made a lot of small mov