Braves

By BillsNV

February 26, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the update DOB! Go Braves!!

By GermanBravesFan

February 26, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Second?

By TennesseePaul

February 26, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the Blog DOB.

the Braves didn’t rank among the top six teams in any major offensive statistical category during last year’s final two months… The fact that Edgar Renteria was lost for nearly five weeks [and was replaced by Yunel Escobar] just one day after Teixeira’s arrival certainly prevented the opportunity to know how good that lineup really was.
Mark Bowman

By GermanBravesFan

February 26, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Great Blog, DOB!
From what it sounds like, chances of re-signing Texeira are slim, especially with Scott Boras as his agent! Let’s enjoy it while it lasts and hope that Tex will take the Braves all the way into October!!!

GO BRAVES!!!

By Daybed Wagmoe

February 26, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Good to read all of this about Tex. It’s sounding more and more like Tex’s “walk year” will be the exact opposite of Andruw Jones’.

Went and saw “The Diving Bell and Butterfly” last night — amazing, beautiful movie.

By ncscoots

February 26, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

So, Tex knows Coach Yoc, you think, LOL? Bodes well for leotard-strapping in 2008.

By Epinephrine

February 26, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

TennPaul,

I think that was exacerbated, too, by KJ’s decline and Andruw’s awfulness. I truly believe our lineup this year, without a gaping hole in the clean up spot, a ready to go KJ, and a jacked up Frenchy, is better than last year.

By N8

February 26, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

“He raises his leg until it’s parallel with the ground, straight out to his side. Then the other leg.”

WOW! That’s amazing. Like a real live Matrix special effect, right before your very eyes?

OH….I be he puts the other leg down, before he switches, right?

Never mind.

By McFann

February 26, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Pretty simple, really: Francoeur hit 29 homers in his first full season but hit for a low average/OBP. He hit 19 homers his second season but hit for a much higher average and improved OBP.

Beat that, McFanny,…whoops!…I mean, McFann. That’s why your man will NEVER bat in front of my man Hardcoeur Francoeur.

Still think he shoulda won that Rookie of the Year Award, cried when I learned he lost to Howard. :(

Beat what, Fan-coeur? He’s trying to improve his numbers? Good, so is the rest of Major League Baseball. Oh and, hey, my man bat in front of your man 314 times last year. We’ll see how it goes this year, dude! We’ll just see!

(Sorry for the entire repost, but with the new blog, I had to.)

By Chris

February 26, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Tenth!

By N8

February 26, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

On a serious note. The way I see it, one way to make the “odds” better that Tex stays in Atlanta (at some sort of discount), is to win the WS (or even get there).

Dude has been stuck in Texas (and out of the playoff race most of the time), his whole career. So if the Braves do really well this season, and go deep into the playoffs, (and of course make a reasonable offer), he may just choose to stay.

The other thing that could greatly help, is if the young pitchers REALLY come around (JJJ, Chuck, Jo-Jo). Because if Glavine and Hampton aren’t expected to be back next year (which is not too far off base), Their money could be used to pay for tex (along with Kotsay’s money - assuming Anderson or Schafer are ready to play full-time next year).

Wren could back load the contract, so when Chipper and Smoltz are done, Tex’s money won’t be that bad.

Add to that, we don’t really know how much LM will allow payroll to be raised. If this team wins the division, and goes deep into the playoffs, maybe enough tickets get sold, and money made, that allows Tex to get an offer from the Braves that is on par with the Yanks, and Sox (among others).

After all, if we DON’T do well with Tex in the lineup all year, what’s the difference, right? More than likely won’t be Tex’s fault. Which means the TEAM had many more holes, than it appears we do right now.

Meaning, the money ear-marked for Tex should probably be spent on multiple players, rather than on one guy. Plus, if Escobar, KJ, McCann and Francouer improve we might not need Tex. (I’m only half kidding - I would like him to be THE centerpiece of our lineup for the next half decade - but I’m trying to be realistic).

L8r.

By ncgary

February 26, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

we were discussing tex contract offer the other day we came up with 10 million sign bonus, 15 first year 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, with an option at 30, would be one of the largest ever , but one that wouldnt be unrealistic or untradeable after 3 years if no world series rings,but it probably insures chipper hof first year numbers, the 7 yr tex contract w/o option would be around 22.4 million annum , and with the option over 23.3, may be more than liberty wants to spend , but if he delivers like he has in past this would probably be a bargain, and the merchandising sales alone would probably justify the salary and if you want to trade after 3 years he cost you 20 million a year basically

By louisville slugger

February 26, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Hoping to put a positive spin on the “Tex is likely to leave” scenario, I’m hoping that the Braves sprint out of the gate in April and get the fan base energized (and in the seats at the Ted) early in the season. The resulting revenue increase might give the folks at Liberty pause about letting Tex get away after this season.

By Jim

February 26, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

We hear that baseball salaries are increasing at well above the rate of inflation because the rich teams can afford to pay the luxury tax and the less well-off teams are making money from luxury tax payouts and MLB merchandising revenue. Why aren’t the Braves tapping into this stream?

If the Braves are to keep pace with the other teams in their division, they must be able to increase their payroll more than what they have over the past four year running average. The Mets will have a new park next year, and the Nats have a new park this year (and will probably be out-spending the Braves soon), even the Marlins are getting a new park — not to mention the increased revenue a new Yankee Stadium might do to the overall salary structure. With Hampton and possibly Glavine coming off the payroll next year and Smoltz nearing the end of his career. The Braves must be able to sign someone they paid such a high price to get in future talent. Not only did we lose the three players you mentioned, but we also “threw in” a young pitcher with a tremendous upside as one of the hardest throwers in the minor leagues and another guy that was a sandwich pick 3 years ago. To add to the irony, Baseball America projects Salty to move to first base for Texas.

By eware

February 26, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

I like our chances of resigning Tex. Take away Hampton and Glav’s salaries and we’ve got $23M. That should cover his contract. Plus, FW is known for his structuring of contracts. It’s all good, shorty’s. Spring Training!!!

By Epinephrine

February 26, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

The way to re-sign Tex is pure and simple: putting butts in the seats. If Liberty thinks revenue is going up because of Tex-people like him, team does well, and people go to the games-then he would be a cost effective investment for them. If not, then I’m not hopeful.

Still, I would be surprised if attendance didn’t continue its upward trend this year. By how much ought to play a role in our future payroll.

By David

February 26, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Tex seems to fit in so well as a Brave that I hope somehow, someway a long term deal can get worked out. I liked a few other Braves short-timers, but Tex seems like more of a true “Brave” than, say, Sheff.

By timthebrave

February 26, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Hampton’s money could be used to sign Tex. You could easily move that 15 million to Tex next year. I say sign him and add him as a center piece for the braves in 2009 and beyond.

By GeorgetownKid

February 26, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

I really like Tex and he’s a fun player to cheer for, and it goes without saying that he’s an absolute stud on the field. I think it also says a lot that everybody seems to like him, from the players to the press corps.

However, we will learn a lot about him this coming offseason. The Braves will probably offer him more money than they have ever offered any other player - enough money to ensure that his great-grandchildren never have to work a day in their lives.

Several teams will undoubtedly offer more, however, such as the Yankees. If Tex leaves, it will be hard to be disabused of the impression that he cares only about the money and he’ll play for the highest bidder.

I very much hope that the Braves make an earnest attempt to resign him, and I hope he proves that some ballplayers are motivated by more than money.

I’ll climb down off my soapbox now.

By N8

February 26, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

T-Paul

Let’s not forget (since Bowman apparently did), that Willie Harris still managed to get 147 plate appearances in August and September, despite a .181 Batting average and an abismal .272 OBP.

I wonder if THAT had anything to do with the overall numbers of the team dropping a bit.

Bowman makes it sound like losing Edgar, was the reason we dropped.

Edgar from April through July (up to the Tex trade:

454 PA’s with an OBP of .389

416 AB’s with 140 hits (.336 BA)

Yunel in August and September:

203 PA’s with an OBP of .403

179 AB’s with 60 hits (.335 BA)

Hard to fault Yunel, when Edgar went down, since his numbers were pretty much IDENTICAL to Edgar’s, huh?

Now I will say this much. Edgar was consistent last year. He OBVIOUSLY wasn’t gonna lose his job, if he hadn’t got hurt. So with Edgar in their, and KJ and Yunel platooning at 2B, we might have been better, since KJ did happen to tail off later in the year.

But it is HARDLY Yunel’s fault. In fact, I’ll be SHOCKED if Yunel doesn’t have better numbers than Escobar this year (or at least keep up with him).

By ncgary

February 26, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

now the other run on sentence bloggers need not worry

By TennesseePaul

February 26, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Epinephrine: That could be. That was when KJ hit 2nd, Escobar 8th and AJ was 7th. Leadoff was Willie Harris. That line up was doomed from the get go. A guy that can’t hit at all is backed by a guy that strikes out a ton.

By N8

February 26, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Forgot to add in my last post, that we STILL had Andruw’s pathetic bat in the lineup in August and September, didn’t we? No matter how good Tex and Chipper were together, it’s hard to make up for having two guys like Andruw and Harris (along with the pitcher’s spot) in the lower third of your order. Yikes.

Andruw’s numbers in Aug-Sep?

202 PA’s, with an OBP of .297

181 AB’s with 43 hits (.237 BA)

Hey!! His BA for the entire year was .222, and the OBP was .311.

So I guess he was “consistent” too, huh?

Good luck Dodgers.

By Braves20

February 26, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

The odds of signing Tex are what 75-25 against? A lot of what the Braves front office will be willing offer will depend on how he performs in his first real pennant race. Will he be Chipper-like or Sheffield-like in the clutch?

And if not Tex - who? Perhaps the biggest question the Braves will face in the second half and the next off season.

By Epinephrine

February 26, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Lord, I forgot about Willie Harris, who hit below .200 during the months of August and September combined. In September is OBP was .204. Andruw hit .207, OBP .277 in Sept. Kelly, .200, .282. Wow.

How could our lineup be worse?

By Shamus Thacker

February 26, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Wren has a more congenial relationship with Boras than, well, pretty much anybody. I doubt it provides an edge with scoundrel Boras in signing Tex, but it sure can’t hurt…

By DAP

February 26, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

alright, DOB, no more secret blogs! :-)

By TrboDawg

February 26, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

N8 says: “But it is HARDLY Yunel’s fault. In fact, I’ll be SHOCKED if Yunel doesn’t have better numbers than Escobar this year (or at least keep up with him).”

If Yunel has better (or worse) numbers than Escobar I’ll eat my hat…. ;)

By Bay Area Steve

February 26, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

I miss the “New blog is up.” Those of us with “teetering sanity,” or teetering sobriety, need the help.

Braveheart, I think you should repost that here.

Scoots, I’ve seen the point that you’ve continually made regarding rotation slots, and agree in this case.

But I’m curious if you’d ever separate your 1,2. Let’s say you had two heavy right-hand sinker, slider guys (two Hudsons), and a lesser 3. Do you think, as I do, that an opponent may fare better on the second day, if the pitchers are not separated.

Similarly, would you split Glavine and James, even if they were clearly the 4th and 5th best starter?

By TI

February 26, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Mark Bowman is a bum!

So second-rate compared to David O’Brien.

By Alan

February 26, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

DOB, great job, as always. My take on Tex is simple. If the Braves don’t sign him before the end of this season, he’s gone. You can crunch numbers ‘til the cows come home (no Hampton, no Kotsay, no McGriff, no Covington for us old timers who fondly recall the ‘57 Braves) — it won’t matter. There’s no way the Braves will be able to compete with the Yankees, the Red Sox, the Orioles and probably the Mets, all of whom will engage in a bloody bidding war for Tex’s services. He’s very likely to receive the richest contract in baseball history. Therefore, I suggest that we all sit back and enjoy the show, and I do think it’s going to be enjoyable. With this lineup and the vastly improved pitching staff, the Braves are a serious contender this year. I’m looking forward to it, and I’m not going to worry about next year. It sounds like Mark Teixeira and Frank Wren feel the same way.

By mcgary

February 26, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

n8 4 a stickler , i would also be surprised if yunels numbers dont compare to escobars too, probably be better than renterias too, lol

By N8

February 26, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

TurboDawg

Wow! I must be on crack. What flavor hat do you have? I’ll take some too?

Obviously, I meant Yunel will have equal to or greater numbers than EDGAR. (too many names beginning with “E”, I guess)

By 22oz

February 26, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Reports always speculate that the Orioles will make a push for Tex, but i absolutely can’t see him going there. The Orioles are in EXTREME rebuilding mode, and Tex wants to win, he’s played on enough losing teams. Even though he’s from Baltimore, i can’t see them being major players for his services. I think the Yankees will be the Braves fiercest competition for Tex, and of course the Scott Boras “mystery team.”

By TennesseePaul

February 26, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

N8: Yunel hit eigth last year when Escobar went down. If there is fault to be handed out it belongs to Cox for keeping Willie at the top of the Order and to a lesser extent KJ for slumping when he was needed most. (Though in fairness KJ’s slump could be attributed to always starting off with 1 out in the first, sort of the handicapped leadoff man)

By Fan-coeur

February 26, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

McFann:

Do you know what ‘coeur’, the french word means? It means ‘heart.’ The guy sure does have a lot of heart, and his name sounds better than ‘hey, my name is mac cann, yes I can’ that is so pathetic compared to a guy who has ‘heart’ in his name.

Beat that!

300-something yeah so what, you’ll see that number decrease each year.

2008-200 2009-120 2010-85 2011-none….

(at bats batting in front of Hardcoeur Francoeur)

By Braveheart

February 26, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if I read too much into it, but reading Mark Bradley’s column this weekend about Chipper, there was the following:

Until July 2007, Mark Teixeira was one of those outside observers. Today he hits behind Jones and says, “He’s the most underappreciated player in the game … No doubt Alex [Rodriguez] is the most talented player I’ve played with, but Chipper is right behind him.” And then: “Chipper could get a lot more attention in New York or L.A., but he’s a country boy who likes to hunt and fish.”

To me, it tells you that whether Tex signs or not is not entirely about money, it is also about respect, appreciation, name recognition and also a lifestyle choice. I think Tex craves those things even more than Chipper and Smoltz do. That may be because Tex has never had his greatness respected at a young age the way Chipper and Smoltz did at a tender age.

But you can also tell that those things bother Chipper and Smoltz as well. Smoltz seems perturbed about all the talk that Schilling and Beckett are better postseason pitchers since Smoltz has not really had a chance to prove his postseason greatness deep into the playoffs in almost a decade now.

Chipper seems to get ticked that has not made more All Star teams, did not win the Gold Glove last season, and has not received more MVP recognition.

I think those are things obviously weighing heavily on Tex’s mind in addition to the money.

As pointed out by DOB above, Tex has put up great numbers over the last 5 years but until he became a hot topic because of his trade last season, he was rarely talked about the way similar players are.

And I don’t think Tex will make the lifestyle choice to hunt or fish or not move his children at this stage of his life or career.

I say Tex is long gone. We’d better just hope he hits 50 homers, wins an MVP, and the Braves get a few draft picks for him next season.

By TennesseePaul

February 26, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

N8: The complaint was AJ was in the clean up spot. There was no chance he would be benched for a third of the season. Pushing him to 7th was the best you’d get. But even without him in the cleanup spot and Teixeira in the cleanup spot the Braves didn’t really go nuts with the scoring. That could be due to Willie Harris leading off. KJ’s slump didn’t help.

Here’s what the Dodgers are dealing with

By Epinephrine

February 26, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

I think Escobar has a chance to be a real leader if Yunel can’t step up. I also feel good about McCann if Brian should go down, and Frenchy in case Francouer gets hurt.

By David O'Brien

February 26, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN:

TOMORROW’s LINEUP, or at least the first part of it (Bobby didn’t know if Diaz would be here because his wife had birth induced today)

Anyway, here’s the part most of you care most about anyway:

1. KJ

2. Escobar

3. Hoss

4. Tex

5. Francoeur

Sammons will catch tomorrow (Dawgs thing, you know) and McCann will travel to Vero to catch Huddy on Thursday.

Bobby’s plans to take the outfield to Vero, but probably not many if any starting infielders. The infielders work out at Dark Star in the morning Friday. (Dodgertown infield isn’t very good, and it’s hard to pick up the ball because of all the fans directly behind the plate, no screen, etc)

By sri

February 26, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

a funny read..

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/tom_verducci/02/26/baseball.shape/index.html?eref=T1

By Fan-coeur

February 26, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Look, McFann, don’t get me wrong. I respect your man. When was the last time we had a complete player as catcher?

I can’t even remember. Maybe Joe Torre was our last ‘complete package’ catcher (I’m sorry, Estrada fans, he fell short).

It’s just that I really can’t see McCann batting in front of French. French is more patient now, he can get on base more often than before, he can hit for average (MAC struggled with his average last year, even though I know, his average ain’t bad for a catcher). We really need to look at the stats of each batting fifth and compare first before we get into a discussion, but I think Francoeur is just more effective at No.5. That’s all.

By FJR

February 26, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

one thing that really irks me is when people lambast guys for taking more money. It would possibly even be different if Tex had come up with the craves and had been here for like 10 years or something. But jesus people, he was traded to the braves last year. He owes no real loyalty to this team. You can bet that if the braves somehow imploded and were out of playoff contention halfway through the year he would be traded faster than you could say “If Tex leaves, it will be hard to be disabused of the impression that he cares only about the money and he’ll play for the highest bidder.”

The funniest thing about all of this is that there is not a single person here, who, if they got transferred to a new job in a new city wouldn’t take 5-7 million dollars per year more a year later.

Sure, it would be nice if Tex took a discount, but get over yourselves criticizing him for “going to the highest bidder.” He has no reason not to. The Braves have done nothing but trade for him. Its not like they took some sort of chance and revived his career. They traded for a premium player in the heat of a pennant race.

By Braveheart

February 26, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

Francouer OBP was higher because he hit for a higher average. He took about 10 more unintentional walks in 2007. I guess that is improved- although its still a terrible OBP for a corner bat.

OBP is the best way to create and score runs. But your OBP being raised by an increased batting average as opposed to walks is not a bad thing. A higher batting average leads to more total bases and more runners being shuffled around the bases than a mere walk. It also leads to more execution in RISP situations.

As for Frenchy allegedly having a terrible OBP for a corner bat, that is not true either.

The average NL rightfielder last season had a .275 AVG, a.344 OBP, and a .442 SLG, 21 homers, 87 RBIS last season

The average NL #5 hitter had a .269 AVG, .339 OBP, and .438 SLG, 38 doubles, 21 homers, 92 RBIs.

The average NL #6 hitter had a .273 AVG, .342 OBP, and .442 SLG, with 34 doubles, 22 homers, 88 RBIS.

So, saying his OBP is horrible is just wrong. Saying his OBP and SLG for his position and lineup slot is just average is more accurate.

But people seem to forget that he was only 23 years old and that last season should have been his true rookie season. He most likely should have spent all of 2006 in AA and most of 2007 in AAA.

Where Frenchy is not horrible or average is with RISP. Sure, he gets more opportunities as we are constantly reminded, but he also executed last season in those opportunities well above how the league average hitter did.

The fact that he does not draw many walks also helps him in those RISP opportunities to get the run in. I believe the Braves would rather have Frenchy try to get the run in himself rather than draw a walk to pretty up his OBP to the detriment of the team because he passes that responsibility on to the incompetent and truly horrible likes of Scott Thorman, Ryan Langerhans, Craig Wilson.

Frenchy had a .341 AVG, .389 OBP, and a .527 SLG.

The average NL hitter hit .269 with a .357 OBP and a .423 SLG with RISP.

By TennesseePaul

February 26, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Yunel hit eigth last year when Escobar went down

Ha! Doesn’t help me one bit that our shortstops both had a name that started with E. That should have read “Yunel hit 8th last year with Edgar went down”. But I’d imagine you picked up on that.

By Fan-coeur

February 26, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

*Anyway, here’s the part most of you care most about anyway:

KJ

Escobar

Hoss

Tex

Francoeur*

AMEN!

Heard that, McFann??

By FJR

February 26, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

I really don’t see the mets commiting 50 million per year to two players. It would handcuff them way too much down the road and they don’t have the farm system to allow them to spend that much (since they are going to have to pay FA pitchers down the road).

So, its probably between the Braves, Sox, dodgers and Yankees. I see the Angels having already locked up too much money.

Another wild card is C.C. Sabbathia, as virtually the same teams will be bidding for him as well. The Red Sox probably have less interest in him, but may again drive up the bidding because they can.

So, it could be a case of you can get one. As much as I love Tex, in the N.L. East, it may be more valuable that we get a dominant lefty like CC. He’s young and none of our young guys projects as a #1. Hudson is a GREAT #2, but not really what I consider a true #1.

So maybe the Tex money is better spent on CC, but I’d be thrilled with either one.

By Austin

February 26, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Thanks again DOB, for Soriano’s and Moylan’s debut.

The Braves could probably find the money to resign Tex. But at what cost? They likely wouldnt have any money to spend after that.

Tim Hudson did the Braves a huge favor for signing for a much cheaper cost. He said back when they signed him that he would have commanded 15 million a year as a free agent according to ESPN.

McCann will be making about 2.7 million more next year from 800,000 to 3.5 million.

These are the current 09’ contracts

Soriano 6.1 Million (Up 3.7 Million) Hudson 13 Million (Same) McCann 3.5 Million (Up 2.7 Million) Smoltz 12 Million (Down 2 Million) Chipper 8 Million

All in all I think the money will be there.

By Braveheart

February 26, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

He most likely should have spent all of 2006 in AA and most of 2007 in AAA.

Not that anyone cares but I meant to say that Frenchy should have spent most of 2005 in AA and most of 2006 in AAA before starting his true rookie season in 2007.

By Fan-coeur

February 26, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

My bad, about my last post. McCann won’t catch that game, Simmons will. My bad, again.

But either way, ain’t it cool to see Frenchy hit fifth?

By The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy

February 26, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

DOB,
Here’s the spoken intro I keep talking about at the beginning of “18 Wheels of Love.” Tells the story of Mama, and Chester, and R&D Trucking. The Alabama A*-Whuppin’ version is better, but you get the idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Njni_Z5HtlY&feature=related

“And there was this one truck-driver. He was the biggest-meanest ######-###### at R&D Trucking. His name was Chester,….and Chester weighed 350 pounds, and he was solid muscle and gut.”
Only Patterson Hood could pull this story off. Love it.

By Daybed Wagmoe

February 26, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Braves20 — you said, “If not Tex, who?”

I saw a list of free agents for 2009 at this website. Not sure if the Braves are likely to sign a free agent 1B, but who knows…

By Braveheart

February 26, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

What is this silly debate about who should hit 5th or 6th? Cox bats McCann fifth against righties and Frenchy 5th against lefties. And with very good reason.

For their careers, against righties, McCann hits .304, .361, .499 while Frenchy hits .265, .302, .431.

For their careers, against lefties, McCann hits .273, .324, .470 while Frenchy hits .317, .361, .545

By N8

February 26, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

FJR

For the most part, I agree with you about Tex and taking the highest bid. Just so long as the highest bid comes from a team, that is better suited to contend, than the lower bids are.

Not that Tex (or any marquee player), shouldn’t feel that THEY are the “missing link” to making a perenniel loser contend.

But is say, Tex would get offered 20 million to play with the Braves, and 23 from the Yankees, and then all of the sudden, the Orioles (after moving Bedard and Tejada), would step in and offer 25 million, and he took that offer. That would bug me. What if Texas makes the highest offer, would he go back there, even though they haven’t won anything?

It would make it purely about the money. Which is his decision. Not mine.

But then SAY THAT. Just say it.

“IT’S ABOUT THE MONEY. I don’t care WHERE I play, just so long as my agent takes the highest offer.”

Some people might still rag on him. Others would commend him for his honesty. But do you REALLY think that Neagle went to Colorado because he liked the schools? Come on!

If Tex chooses the Sox, Yankees, Dodgers, or any of the other HUGE market teams (even the Mets), over us. I really have no problem with it. Those teams that have all that money, will ALWAYS do what they can do (in terms of free agency and trading for other team’s expensive players), to put themselves in a position to compete.

But if he takes the biggest offer, and it comes from a team like the Twins, Royals, Rays or Marlins (teams that if they gave ONE PLAYER that much money, would handcuff themselves from keeping up with others), then it was NEVER about anything but the money.

I actually believe Tex, when he says he wants to win. Guys like Sheffield, Schilling, Randy, even Glavine when he left for the Mets, had already won Championships. They wanted to get paid, and their new employers to show that they REALLY wanted them.

Tex appears to be VERY hungry to be in the post-season. So we’ll see what happens come contract time.

By ncscoots

February 26, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

BASteve, one thing for sure…I gotta stop making the point to which you allude, if I’m getting “continually” for an adverb, LOL.

Re splitting starters, guess it depends on how much “lesser” the lesser pitcher might be. :-) But I’m certainly more in favor of throwing two good pitchers back-to-back, regardless of pitching style, as opposed to creating an artificial “balance” in the rotation based on the hand with which they shave.

Though I admit, too, that I wouldn’t want three lefties back-to-back. Call me schizoid, I guess…I want it both ways. HA!

By Austin

February 26, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Thanks again DOB, for Soriano’s and Moylan’s debut.

The Braves could probably find the money to resign Tex. But at what cost? They likely wouldnt have any money to spend after that.

Tim Hudson did the Braves a huge favor for signing for a much cheaper cost. He said back when they signed him that he would have commanded 15 million a year as a free agent according to ESPN.

McCann will be making about 2.7 million more next year from 800,000 to 3.5 million.

These are the current 09’ contracts

Soriano 6.1 Million (Up 3.7 Million) Hudson 13 Million (Same) McCann 3.5 Million (Up 2.7 Million) Smoltz 12 Million (Down 2 Million) Chipper 8 Million

All in all I think the money will be there.

By OrlandoFan

February 26, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Don’t know if anyone posted this before today (I’ve been away), but the Braves must have a little red face because a full-page ad in Sunday’s Orlando Sentinel spelled their first baseman’s name as “Teixeria.” It was only in the “headline” of some copy. It was correct a few other places. But a very poor error (especially considering you can read the back of his jersey just below that). E-marketers.

By Fan-coeur

February 26, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

*For their careers, against righties, McCann hits .304, .361, .499 while Frenchy hits .265, .302, .431.

For their careers, against lefties, McCann hits .273, .324, .470 while Frenchy hits .317, .361, .545*

Oops…enough said.

Ok, McFann, truce? I think we have a tie.

By tee

February 26, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

here is a suggestion for resigning tex. DB could charge each of you for posting on his blog. Say $1 a post. By the end of the year he could raise enough money to help the braves foot the bill. For a few dollars a day, teh denizens of this crazy little world could change the real world where the braves play. what do you think?

By DAP

February 26, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

N8 I’ll be SHOCKED if Yunel doesn’t have better numbers than Escobar this year (or at least keep up with him).

is this like a jeckl and hyde thing? N8, ill be shocked if Yunel doesnt have the EXACT SAME NUMBERS as Escobar this season. :-)

to me, the only way we afford tex is if pay role goes well over $100 mil. if we can raise payroll 15mil i think we can afford the guy. to raise payroll like that, we need to win the world series.

our mission is clear.

By ncscoots

February 26, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

sri, thanks for that Verducci link. Had me rolling in the floor.

By TNRON

February 26, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Hey McFann, It doesnt matter where you hit its WHEN you hit and Brian is clutch.I’ll even go one farther abd say I think McCann would drive in more runs from the 7 hole behind Tex,Frenchy,and Kelley.Think about it,both Tex and Kelley can get on base so the opportunity for 3 run homers would be great and Frenchy and Kelley can both score from first on one of Brians many doubles.Again its not where he hits but when.And he most certainly will.

By DonCoburleone

February 26, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

I’ve been thinking about life after Teixera, and we are really going to have a problem on our hands at first base for 2009. The 2009 1B Free Agents are backup level players at best: (Sean Casey, Scott Hatteberg, Richie Sexson are probably the best ones available after Teixera, YIKES!).

So far, I’ve heard one good suggestion from this blog: Move Chipper from 3B to 1B, Escobar from SS to 3B, then Lillibridge will be our starting SS in 2009. This move makes some sense (assuming Chipper would agree to move to 1B) because it allows us to save alot of money which can be applied to other areas of need; but it also creates alot of uncertainties - Can Chipper be good enough defensively and can he stay healthy at 1B? Is Lillibridge capable of being a solid everday SS in the major leagues? Can we afford a mediocre power hitter (Escobar) at a power position (Third Base)? Does it give us too many extremely young positional players? (That would give us 3 regulars with 2 years or less of major league service time - Escobar, Lillibridge, Schafer)…

I think alot will depend on how good Escobar does this season. If he can produce a .310-.330 BA with a boost in power numbers (maybe 18-20 homers and a .460-.480 slugging %) I think one could easily justify moving him to 3B. But if Escobar shows some growing pains this year, or if Chipper rejects a move to 1B, or Lillibridge fails to pan out, the decision becomes much more difficult…

By midtownBrave

February 26, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

I couldn’t help but agree with Austin and say that we will have enough money to re-sign Tex. We going to erase Hampton and Glavine’s salary from the payroll next year, if Hampton doesn’t re-sign (he will have a great year) and i think Glavine is going to retire. That frees up around 15+8 = 23 million add to that tex’s 12.5 and you have 35.5 million. We can afford to give Tex around 20-24 and still have enough to go out and get a pitcher capable of handling the 3rd spot. Maybe Jurrjens will prove this year we might not need to do that. I will be confident with 1. Hudson 2. Smoltz 3. Jurrjens 4. Morton 5. Jo Jo (Hampton, if he gives us a huge discount) for next season, if that will allow us to keep Teixeira. Plus with the extra money we can finally give Francoeur a contract and account for the rise in salary of other players. Anyway, this year looks good so far and we’ll see what happens next year when next year comes around. GO BRAVES!!

By TBraveFan

February 26, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Speaking for this female who sits in the 3rd row by 1b… watching Tex stretch is a work of art… a true masterpiece!!

By Bay Area Steve

February 26, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the response, scoots. I wasn’t trying to be derogatory in any way. I have the same problem; Smoltz and Hudson are clearly the 1,2, in any order. But, I don’t want the three lefties in a row.

It occurs to me that at least 2 of the 4 lefties we’ve got will probably end up on the DL, so this is all pointless. (As if my blogging wasn’t anyway)

Speaking of continually, DOB, I need the “New blog is up.” I’m not that bright.

By midtownBrave

February 26, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

maybe i am too crazy to think 10-15 million should be enough to sign Francoeur and Hampton (with his discount), and still be able to account for other players’ salary rise. Hopefully guys like Morton, and Jo Jo can step it up in the minors this year.

DOB, how long till guys like Locke and Rohrbough be major-league ready?

By DAP

February 26, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

FJR But jesus people

are you talking to us? we’re “jesus people” now? no religion on the blog, dude. and Jesus has a capital “J”.

(see mccann, i do capitalize certain things)

By Ramblin Wrecker

February 26, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

DOB,

So do you put much weight behind KJ being in the leadoff spot in the first lineup of the season, or is the opposing starter a righty which could indicate a platoon flip-flop of the leadoff spot?

By Steve McP

February 26, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Tee - just did the sums on your idea for the blog covering Tex’s salary, sounds like a nice idea, but it would need nearly 60,000 entries a day for the whole year.

The Braves could put $5 on ticket prices as a Tex levy, (in the same the way that airlines add money to ticket prices when they feel like it), but of course the Braves already do that every season anyway and just call it inflation!

By Steve McP

February 26, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Just did another sum, somebody paid $20,000,000 a year earns $2283 an hour (put another they earn over $18,000 during their 8 hours of sleep.

For a baseball player to earn this sum and play every game of the regular season, he earns $123,456 per game.

For a pitcher multiply it by 5, for a relief pitcher the cost per inning is enormous in the light of the crazy salaries that they are commanding now, but hey if that’s market price and teams are willing to pay it, everyone pays more (including the fans)

By bigblackfurrycreaturefrommars

February 26, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

DAP:

I completely agree with you. Not just about escobar, But in the clarity of our mission- WE MUST WIN THE WORLD SERIES.

We might be able to sign tex AND CC then. Eh, but I doubt it.

By ncscoots

February 26, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

A reminder of the actual, true importance of spring games…when discussing the probable date for Martinez’s first appearance this spring, there was some ambiguity expressed in the article because Moreover, the club has been inclined to have Martinez pitch in televised [spring] games.

Archive for use, to be re-posted the next time a poster gets all cranked about the spray pattern of someone’s ST BP, let alone his performance in an actual ST game.

By Ramblin Wrecker

February 26, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

DonCoburleone,

I’ve heard that the Braves could explore moving Jason Heyward (a huge beast) to 1B from RF (since he’s not going to be in RF in Atlanta any time soon). That doesn’t necessarily work for 2009, since Heyward has yet to play a full season of minor league ball, but he’s not likely to stay on the farm long. He went from high school to one of the Braves top 3 or 4 prospects in a matter of moments after the Tex trade last summer. It’s a potential move that makes sense. The Braves have plenty of future outfield options for CF-LF in guys like Josh Anderson, Jordan Schaefer, Brandon Jones, Gregor Blanco, Cody Johnson and the incumbant LF, Matt Diaz or even Brent Lillibridge. What they don’t have are highly touted 1B or 3B prospects. I don’t dismiss the idea of Chipper moving to first, and using a combo of Escobar and Lillibridge for SS-3B, because it’s a good use of available talent. But I think that with the LF experiment, it is obvious that Chipper Jones plays way better when he’s at 3B and happy. So unless moving to 1B is his idea, I don’t see that happening.

By TennesseePaul

February 26, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Daybed: I had posted a complete list of pitchers and 1B 2009 free agents a couple of blogs ago. There was all this talk about how the Braves will just sign a Free Agent with the money saved from not signing Teixeira. After scanning the list that doesn’t sound like the best option. Especially when you factor in the player desire for a long term deal. Most of those guys are guy you wouldn’t want short term much less obligated to run them out there every day for the next 3-5 years. When Teixeira goes to NY, LA, SF or maybe Baltimore, the Braves will have to trade for a replacement. Especially if they dump Thorman. There is no one in the system ready to step in and take over for 2009. Going to have to enjoy it while we can. The silver lining about next year though, the rotation could go from an average age of about 36 to an average age of about 27 depending on who stays and who leaves.

By David O'Brien

February 26, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Ramblin’ Wrecker, I’m not really sure. But if I had to guess, I’d lean toward Kelly as the every-day leadoff guy. But I’m not leaning too severely.

By ncscoots

February 26, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

so this is all pointless. (As if my blogging wasn’t anyway)

There are no pointless bloggers, only points unclearly blogged, my friend. Neither of which seems to apply in your case.

By McFann

February 26, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Fan-coeur, truce. OK…there was really no real “battle” from my standpoint. But that whole thing you did about their names was kinda weak, dude. (Besides, your name seems to be a rip-off of mine) “See the numbers decrease”? Gee, how nice of you to say, ye of little faith. (And yeah, Francoeur is batting fifth tomorrow because McCann’s not playing, heh heh.) But OK, since we are in a “truce”, I guess maybe you could almost be considered slightly off the hook, but watch it, buddy.

Thank you TNRON!!

By DAP

February 26, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

N8 you think tex wanting a championship is gonna keep him from signing with the yankees or the red sox? nope.

By Austin

February 26, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

DOB

Any word on the blue uni’s? How do the majority of the players like the Sunday red?

By 22oz

February 26, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Hampton’s salary has been prorated over the past few years so that he’s only accounting for ~8 mil on the payroll, not 15. So it really only frees up 16 mil for Tex with Glavine’s 8 million. Not to mention raises that will be needed for Francouer, Soriano, Diaz, and others.

By CARTZ

February 26, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Orlando-fan:

that whole article was chock full of errors. from misspelling tex’s name to referring to johan santana as ‘a powerful right hander.’

they also implied that soriano will be closing, trying to succeed where ‘dan kolb, chris reitsma, and MIKE GONZALEZ have all failed.’

i didn’t know having arm surgery in the first half of the season is failure, or that gonz was ever our closer for that matter?

i was tempted to email the writer, but i didn’t feel like wasting my time. it was just another fluff piece trying to get people in the seats at disney. hence why i love DOB’s blog, man knows the braves!

By Braveheart

February 26, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Scoots, LOL. Spring training BP spray charts. Why not?

I would be more concerned if Frenchy was not able to turn on a Chino heater during BP.

By Greg in TN

February 26, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Afternoon gang…

Whether Tex will be here in ‘09 or whether he’ll bolt for Fort Knox, The Bronx or anyone else with deeper pockets will be a question for the offseason.

I believe one of the factors that Liberty and the braintrust at the Ted will use to determine will be the attendance. Average attendance has been trending upward from a Turner Field low of 29,399 in 2004 to 33,891 last year (source). Money always talks loudest to the folks with the purse strings.

Scoots, DAP, I understand your arguments on rotation slot. To me, if you have a couple strong power guys it makes sense to split them up in the rotation and put in a guy that lives on the corners with offspeed stuff in between. When you have a bunch of guys in the rotation that won’t hit the upper nineties, slotting them turns into more of a gray area. Once off days and rainouts begin, the rotation matches up depending on that team’s rainouts and off days and skipped starts and everything else. First couple weeks of the regular season and the postseason is different because usually you have two staffs that are in sync.

DOB, hope you have power down there, lots of Florida seem to be having issues after the storms rolled through today.

By DAP

February 26, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

i LOVE bobby’s lineup for the first game. thats exactly what ive been saying i wanted all winter, and i never thought it would happen that way. maybe its just a spring thing…but maybe…..

By Random

February 26, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

ncscoots —

Agreed — well put.

As far as how best to maintain a lefty-righty balance, it all depends on the final starting five.

If you’re gonna have 3 righties, then 2 of them will have to be consecutive at some point in the rotation. If so, then why not make them your best 2 — that means there’d be no problem for Hudson and Smoltz to be 1-2.

But if we wind up with 3 lefty starters, it’ll be more critical to separate the 2 righties.

Wonder if this gives us any insight into Cox’s predilections for the 5th starter (as well as his assumption that Hampton will make it) — maybe he “knows” he’s gonna wind up with 3 lefty starters.

By sean in columbus,ga

February 26, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Hi David, So it sounds like you may think the pitching order will be smoltez,glavine,hudson,hampton,jurr. Sounds great. It looks like James wont have a spot unless someone is injuried.One question for you. If the Braves were to trade whoever what do you think their looking to strenghten.Thanks

By Daybed Wagmoe

February 26, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

TennPaul — you’re right, I’m not sure who on that list I’d want the Braves to sign. Unless one of them has a great 2008 season, nobody looks good. And if they did have a great 2008 season, they’d probably get signed by someone who could pay more than the Braves…

I wonder if the Braves would consider moving one of their extra outfielders to 1B for a season or two…

By David O'Brien

February 26, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY:

Braves did baserunning drills to close the workout. They ran home to first, home to second, first to third, and finished with first to home, going one-by-one, the entire position-player roster, on each segment.

They’re gathering to start the drill, and Chipper says sarcastically, in his slow drawl, “This is my favorite, Skip.” And Cox answers, “Got to do it, Chip. Got to get those bunions going.”

So then it starts, and who goes behind arguably the slowest Brave, Brian McCann? None other than newcomer Josh Anderson, possibly the fastest Brave.

There was much debate on whether Anderson would be able to catch up with McCann (each player had about a 15-yard start over the player behind him).

The whole thing was good-natured fun, players poking fun at McCann’s lack of speed (though he’s not nearly as slow as Johnny Estrada was).

On the first-to-home segment, many of the other players who’d already finished or were further back in line were shouting for Anderson to catch him. Alas, a grinning McCann held off the hard-charging rookie.

There was applause from fans. Good stuff.

By Eric from MO

February 26, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

You can take Hamptons 15 mil and Tex 12 mil and easily sign back Tex. The only question is would we rather spend that money another way such as an Ace.

By McFann

February 26, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

RANDOM!! Welcome back, dude.

Good story, DOB. Ya know what they say, “Slow and steady…”

; )

By David O'Brien

February 26, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Oh, and for those who might be wondering when Smoltz will make his first appearance on the backfields, I’ll relay the response I got from the manager: “He’ll tell me.”

By woogidy

February 26, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Here’s my two cents on the leadoff hitter. I think Bobby will use KJ(.278 avg/.378 obp/14 hr/51 rbi - vs. RHP in 363 AB) to lead off in games started by a righty, and Escobar(.355 avg/.409 obp/1 hr/14 rbi - vs. LHP in 141 AB) in games started by a lefty. Bobby may also want to flip-flop McCann/Francoeur at 4 and 5 and Kotsay/Diaz at 7 and 8 in the batting order with lefty righty I’d think. That would be a lineup of L,R,L,L,L,R,L,R against a righty, and R,L,R,R,R,L,R,L against a lefty assuming Kotsay and Diaz bat 7,8. Just my opinion.