AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > July > 09 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTex and Holliday have things in common, including Boras
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This isn’t directed at most of you, just those who’ve been beating the Matt Holliday drum for weeks on end. And I only bring it up because with the trade deadline just 22 days away and the Mark Teixeira speculation and rumors increasing, it’s relevant.
And that is: Seems a bit ironic that so many on this blog rip the Teixeira trade, and yet many others propose that a trade for Colorado outfielder Matt Holliday is exactly what the Braves need.
They need an outfielder with a good bat, yes, but there are reasons this doesn’t compute.
One year after the Braves traded a handful of prospects to get Teixeira and lefty Ron Mahay, and were subsequently ripped by many fans and media members despite Tex’s nearly one-RBI-a-game production in his tenure with the Braves, some would have you believe the Braves should … basically repeat themselves?
Because that’s what it would be, more or less. The Braves probably wouldn’t have to give up quite as much young talent as they gave up to get Tex and Mahay, but they’d have to give up several prospects or young players to land Holliday, provided the Rockies are even willing to trade him by July 31.
And for what? The Braves would be getting a hitter with similar stats to Teixeira, only Holliday’s put up big numbers for only about half as long as Teixeira has. They’d be getting a player who’d be under their control for the rest of this season and for 2009, just as Tex was for the rest of 2007 and 2008, who’d make more ($13.5 mill) in that second season than Tex ($12.5 mill) is getting this season.
Did we mention that Holliday is represented by the same agent as Tex? Yeah, some dude named Scott Boras. Ring a bell?
Did we mention that Holliday has played his home games at Coors Field, and that his home/road differential is quite severe? He’s hitting .368 with a .638 slugging percentage at home this season, and .313/.489 on the road.
Last season, Holliday hit .377 with 25 homers and a .723 slugging percentage at Coors, and .301 with 11 homers and a .485 slugging percentage on the road.
For his career, he’s hit .364 with 78 homers and a .659 slugging percentage in 327 games at Coors, compared to .278 with 39 homers and a .452 slugging percentage in 306 road games.
Folks, that’s a huge disparity. And Turner Field is not Coors Field, by any stretch of the imagination. It’s a pitchers’ park more than a hitters’ park.
Teixeira also benefited from playing home games in a hitters’ park (Arlington) for most o his career, but his 102 homers and .568 slugging percentage in home games and 85 homers and .489 slugging on the road isn’t anywhere near as pronounced as Holliday’s. It’s fairly typical for most hitters, actually.
Last season, Teixeira actually had slightly better power numbers on the road than at home, with 16 of his 30 homers coming in road games and a .565 road slugging percentage compared to .560 at home.
So far this season, he’s had nine homers and a .495 slugging percentage at home, and eight homers and a .490 slugging percentage on the road.
In other words, there is no question whatsoever about the “legitimacy” of Tex’s stats. They are what they are, with little or anything to do with ballpark.
Holliday is a fine hitter at home or on the road, but he’s a much scarier one at Coors Field. He’d probably adjust to whatever home park he goes to, but until he does, we won’t know that for sure, will we?
Anyway, that’s not the main part of why I question the logic. It goes back to the fact that he’d only be under control for one more season, he’s represented by the same Dark Knight that so many here have suggested the Braves should avoid at all costs, and, oh yeah, Holliday isn’t nearly the defensive player that Teixeira is.
So some of you really want the Braves to give up young talent for the second season in a row to get a guy that Boras could take to the free-agent market a little over a year later? Really?
If you ask me, the Braves should increase the payroll to $120 million next season and tell Teixeira they can afford to give him a backloaded contract in the range of six or seven years at an average of about $20 mill per season.
He’s worth that even if he’s a slow starter each season, even if he’s a bit robotic and doesn’t produce as many huge clutch hits as you’d hope someone of his big stats would. Why is he worth it? Because he’s durable as hell and he’s a Gold Glove-caliber first baseman, on top of the 30-40 homers and 120-140 RBI.
But if it goes much higher than that, you bid adieu and take the draft picks — that is, unless the team is 7-8 games back on about July 20.
In that case, I’d say if you’re the Braves, you hope, you need, to have couple of teams at the ready with trade offers, and you have them on notice that you’ll be ready to pull the trigger close to the deadline if the Braves don’t make up ground quickly in that final week.
Is that possible, to get a couple of teams with good offers, and have them wait until you know for sure whether you have any realistic shot at winning the division? I don’t know. That’s why the GM is paid a lot more than me, and why he can’t wear Chuck Taylors to work.
In case you missed it: I just filed an item about Jair Jurrjens getting NL Rookie of the Month.
Three days after being left off the All-Star team, the Curacao Kid at least got some consolation. A day after getting his ninth win with a solid performance against the Dodgers, he got the NL Rookie of the Month award. Nice couple of days.
He went 3-0 with a 1.63 ERA in four June starts, including no earned runs allowed in his last three after missing one start due to a sprained ankle. He’s 9-4 with a 3.00 ERA in 18 starts heading to the break.
Jurrjens, 22, was injured when he slipped on clubhouse steps on June 10 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, the night before his scheduled start. He returned for his next start and pitched 21-2/3 innings without surrendering an earned run during the rest of June.
As you all know, the Braves got Jurrjens and center-field prospect Gorkys Hernandez from Detroit in an offseason trade for shortstop Edgar Renteria. That’s the kind of trade that you can hang your hat on as a GM. Wow, what a steal it’s shaping up to be, as much as I like Edgar as a person and player.
They’re saying “‘Druuu…” and not “boooo…” No actually, they’re saying “Booo,” actually. The reception that Andruw Jones gets at Dodger Stadium is not something you’d wish on anyone. Seriously, it’s uncomfortable just witnessing it, so I can’t even imagine what it was must be like to be living it.
And to think, these have been relatively small crowds, in his first homestand after six weeks away for knee surgery. How rough must it have been in those last weeks before the slumping center fielder went to the DL? How rough is it going to get if he doesn’t start hitting?
I mean, he’s got another season left on that two-year, $36.2 mill contract. And it’s not like the Dodgers are going to be able to trade him if he’s hitting under .200 with no power and a strikeout every three at-bats.
Oh, well. Of all that’s gone wrong with the Braves this season, at least they haven’t had to deal with another season of Andruw on the downward slide. Or do some of you believe things would’ve been different if he’d stayed in Atlanta?
Because I don’t feel that. Not watching him flail away. He looks lost at the plate, really does. The way he did for most of last season and much of the year before.
OK, but enough about Andruw. Braves have plenty of their own worries.
Did want to bring him up, though, to point out that now, not even Dodgers or Nationals outfielders have as few homers as Braves outfielders do. Atlanta outfielders have a not-so-grand total of 18 homers. Yes, 18. Or, one fewer than pitcher-turned-outfielder Rick Ankiel has for the Cardinals.
Hard to believe, isn’t it. For so long the Braves got so many bombs from the outfielders, including 70 from Andruw and Jeff Francoeur alone in 2006.
Now, they have 18 homers with 91 games gone and 71 to play. Braves outfielders rank 13th in average (.254), 13th in OBP (.316), 14th in RBI (111) and 15th in slugging (.370).
With all due respect to Matt Diaz, his pending return ain’t the answer to that problem. And how many believe that Francoeur’s going to have a huge second half?
They need to get another outfield bat. A right-handed bat. Easier said than done, I know. But it really needs to happen.
Blanco keeps going: On a positive note, rookie Gregor Blanco continues to provide a spark in the leadoff role and slowly raises his average against lefties.
He’s 18-for-50 (.360) with seven walks in his past 12 games, including two walks and an RBI single in Tuesday night’s win. For the season, he’s hitting .276 (21-for-76) with a .375 OBP in the leadoff role.
And after hitting under .200 against lefties for much of the first half, he’s got the average up to .231 (15-for-65) with a .320 OBP against them now. Still not good, but an improvement.
Against righties, Blanco is hitting .279 (50-for-179) with a .387 OBP. Platoon, anyone?
I won’t bring up Freel’s name, because I know it makes some folks light-headed.
Day off Thursday: Bunch of the Braves are going to play golf as Mark Kotsay’s guests at The Bridges, an exclusive club near San Diego.
By the way, Kotsay’s three-hit game Tuesday was a big sigh of relief for him and the Braves. After missing five weeks with his back troubles, it’s taken him a week to get back in the swing of things.
He was 1-for-17 in five games before that 3-for-4 outburst last night.
Oh, and the San Diego series won’t be an easy one for the Braves, with Jake Peavy and Greg Maddux scheduled to pitch the first two games. At least they don’t have to face Peavy in the last game before the break - the Braves get the far less formidable veteran Randy Wolf (5-8, 4.59) on Sunday.
Chipper, for those who might have forgotten, does quite well against Peavy. Hoss is 6-for-12 with three homers off the ace from Alabama. Oh, and Francoeur is 4-for-9 against him.
You think the Braves have struggled lately? Talk to the Padres, who’ve lost 16 of their past 21 games.
Gonzo in a groove: It’s early to jump to conclusions, but Mike Gonzalez appears to be rounding back into game shape quickly, wouldn’t you say?
After giving up three runs (two earned), three hits and a homer in his second appearance back from the DL, the lefty has allowed one hit and no walks with 11 strikeouts in 6-2/3 innings over his past six outings, including give straight perfect appearances.
He got two strikeouts last night to get the Braves out of the ugliness that Julian Tavarez constructed in Tavarez’s Braves debut (and if Tavarez doesn’t have more than he showed last night, he won’t be around long).
I went back to Gonzalez’s Pittsburgh days, when he moved into the closer role late in the 2005 season. Check out his eye-popping stats since Sept. 7, 2005:
92 games, 1.72 ERA, 30-for-30 saves, 94 innings, 66 hits, 18 earned runs, 2 homers, 47 walks, 111 strikeouts, .196 opponents’ average.
Wow.
In eight games since returning from his 12-1/2-month rehab for Tommy John surgery, Gonzalez has allowed a .129 opponents’ average with 13 strikeouts, no walks and four hits in 31 at-bats.
Right-handers are 3-for-23 (.130) against him, with nine strikeouts. Lefties are 1-for-8 with four strikeouts.
In five night games, he’s given up nothing — no hits, no walks, six strikeouts in 4-2/3 innings.
”CALIFORNIA COTTONFIELDS” by Merle Haggard
My driftin’ memory goes back to the spring of ‘43,
When I was just a child in momma’s arms.
My daddy plowed the ground and hoped that someday we could leave
This run-down mortgaged Oklahoma farm.
And then one night I heard my daddy sayin’ to my momma
That he’d finally saved enough to go.
California was his dream of paradise, for he had seen
Pictures in magazines that told him so.
California cottonfields,
Where labor camps were filled with worried men with broken dreams.
California cottonfields,
As close to wealth as daddy ever came.
Almost everything we had was sold or left behind,
From my daddy’s plow to the soup that momma canned.
Some folks came to say farewell or see what all we had to sell;
Some just came to shake my daddy’s hand.
Yeah the model A was loaded down and California bound,
And a change of luck was just four days away.
But the only change that I remember seeing for my daddy
Was when his dark hair turned to silver grey.
California cottonfields,
Where labor camps were filled with worried men with broken dreams.
California cottonfields,
As close to wealth as daddy ever came.
Comments
By Carolina Matt
July 9, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
First? Thanks for the new blog DOB.
By True Bravaes Fan
July 9, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
There is a reason pitchers like Mark Redmond and Julian Tavares are available, and JT really illustrated it last night!!!Send him down Richmond and bring Jason Perry up…….to pitch!! It would be an imporvement.
Braves need to sign Tex, unless the bidding becomes absurd. In addition to his bat in the lineup, his performance in the field last night was phenominal. The one downside, in my opinion, is how do you justify paying Tex more than Chipper?
By ALAGT
July 9, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Thanks for information, really do enjoy your BLOG; althought I only look for snd read your comments!! GO Braves … I still believe we are going to capture the Division title. Then off to the post season, where anything can happen.!! Oh, I believe when Diaz comes back it will be a 4 man rotation (Blanco, Kotsay, Jeff, Diaz) in the outfield! With Blanco playing the most due to his recent excellent leadoff showing.
By ernesto
July 9, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Can’t imagine what the Dodgers are going to do with ‘Druw. Release him and eat the dough? As bad as that sounds, paying him 18 mil to take up space on the bench and be a locker room distraction might be worse.
I feel bad for ‘Druw, but not too bad, he’s making almost 18 million dollars more this year than I am.
By JJ
July 9, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Your blog is great as usual but it begs the question - if not Holliday (and I agree with that btw), then who? Personally, I would LOVE Jason Bay or even X Nady but I’m not holding my breath that Pitt will part with those guys. You hearing anything?
Thanks
By Taylor S
July 9, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
DOB, I have heard rumors of the Red Sox being interested in Tex, if we were to trade him is it realistic to ask for one of their MLB ready young pitchers like a Lester, Bucholz, or Masterson ?
By MEB
July 9, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
I’m not first! GO BRAVES!!!
By ernesto
July 9, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Are the Brewers and Red Sox really so stocked in their pens that they could release a stud like Tavares?
Didn’t he accept a demotion to the Sox AAA team and still get released?
We must not think much about the talent evaluating skills of Milwaukee and Boston.
Either that, or we are reeeeeeeeeeally desperate.
By gobravez
July 9, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
bring up Jorge Julio and send Tavarez to richmond!
By ernesto
July 9, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
I should clary my ‘Druw post, I meant, I don’t know what the Dodgers will do with him NEXT year if he continues to struggle.
I think they’ll stick with him this year and hope he pulls out of it.
By pfunkatl2
July 9, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
GREAT game last night…Yunel and JJ have shown all year that they are the REAL DEAL. Now let’s win a few more on this trip and MAYBE we won’t be hearing about Tex being traded, and INSTEAD hear about a decent right handed BAT coming here!
By Carolina Matt
July 9, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
yeah, I gotta say I’m also worried about this Julian Tavarez experiment…I know he has some talent and we really just need a fresh arm, but the last thing we need is a hole in our bullpen, especially since everyone else has been battling and pitching well. Lets hope last night was shaking off the cobwebs and not dangerous foreshadowing.
By Epinephrine
July 9, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Call me crazy, but I honestly believe Frenchy is going to have a big second half. Huge? Nope. But I think it will be a big one.
By brent a.
July 9, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
I was saying “Druuuu”.
By Del
July 9, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
DOB… Would agree completely with your thoughts on the Holiday situation. Appreciate the newsy blog.
By KC
July 9, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Supes: I’m not saying it will be easy. I’m not saying it’s likely. However, winning this division it is not the “highly unlikely” or unreasonable objective for the Braves that some here have suggested it is. There are a few factors that tell me the Braves are still in it:
1 - All of the Braves competitors in the East are highly flawed, and none of them are likely to approach 90 wins.
2 - The unbalanced schedule gives the Braves 9 more head-to-head opportunities against each of their division rivals.
This give the Braves an opportunity to partially decide how many wins it will take to win the East. And the unbalanced schedule is something that has only come to pass in recent years, and I think it gives the “It’s never been done” argument far less credence. It’s far more doable with the unbalanced schedule than it’s ever been.
3 - I know a lot of people are going to strongly disagree with this, but… this Braves ball club isn’t that far away from being the best team in the East.
I think we all say that the Braves just haven’t been able to get any sort of lasting rhythm or momentum going yet, and I think that quite largely due to the injuries. IF the Braves can get Soriano back, this team will really only have one hole. One. That’s it. And of course we all know what it is… a big right-handed bat.
I mean… the pitching looks completely set, with the exception of the lack of a true set-up man (who could also serve as a back-up closer). Soriano’s the guy, if he can stay off the DL. And The lineup , when all the starters are actually healthy, is really very solid top to bottom.
In the end, it doesn’t really matter how many teams are ahead of you. It just matters how many wins the team with the best record in the division ends up with. I think there is a considerable chance that 86 or 87 wins the division or forces a playoff game. To get there, the Braves would have to go 43-28 or 44-27 (that’s a little over .600 baseball) between today and the end of the season.
The Braves really need only add one piece (unless Frenchy gets going – in which case they don’t need to add anyone)… and start firing on all cylinders. That, in my opinion, is all they need to do to be a team that can play .600-650 baseball over the final 10 weeks of the season… and I’m pretty sure that would get it done.
By TheCutMan
July 9, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
The problem with many teams in MLB is they get caught between contending and pretending to the extent that they are consistently average, making an occasional trip to the post season.
The pressure to turn things around quickly mounts, so there’s no time to be patient in developing a young team into one that can consistently play with the better teams in the league.
I think the Braves are such a team at present. If you don’t have enough or the resources to go ‘all in’ for a post season run, then the wise thing would be to invest in youth and be in a stronger position down the road.
By rupert
July 9, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
DOB,
do you get the sense the braves are actively pursuing an outfield bat? or are they in wait and see mode right now?
(totally agree with you on the payroll and signing tex, 20 mil is a very good offer and he is worth that, not much more than that though)
By BraveJL
July 9, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Taylor, As much as the Braves would like to get back one of those guys, I don’t see them doing so for a half year of Tex. Maybe Masterson but he strikes me as a super-reliever more than a starter. Not so sure the Sox “need” Tex since Ortiz is likely to come back
By Renegator
July 9, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Please - no - more - Tavarez!!!
By brent a.
July 9, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
KC
Good point on #2 above.
By GSU-Lee
July 9, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
DOB, this is a bit vague, but if you were GM for the Braves, what would you be going after right now, if anything, as far as trades are concerned? And yes, i can write sentences with lots of commas.
By gotigers72
July 9, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
I’m with you on trying to resign Tex. His bat and glove for the next 6 or 7 years is a GREAT deal if they can pull it off.
That weenie Boras is a cancer on the game IMHO. A jock sniffer wanna be who couldn’t cut the mustard in trying to make it as a player, now takes his bitter ego and tries to take it out on baseball in general. I guess the players he represents like him, even though a couple [A-Rod and Andruw] kind of took on their own negotiations when they didn’t like the way Boras was managing their careers at a certain point. Then they relented and gave control back to him. Good move for Andruw.
As far as GMing, Mr. Wren got off to a good start with the Renteria/Jurrjens & Gorkys trade. But he is in a slump rivaling that of Frenchy. Why sign a pitcher like that ragarm Tavares who was released by TWO teams, has a 7.20 ERA and a .356 BAA? So he could see what happened last night? BC best not put him in with less than a 10 run lead. And Corky, my God, Corky. He has left him there all year with a BA below .100 for most of the year. I can’t believe he can not do better than that. If .200 is the Mendoza line, what is .100, the O’Brien line? Just kidding Dave.
By GT80
July 9, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
I read Bisher’s article from a few days ago and he nailed it. Why do we have our bench stocked with other teams rejects? Is this a result of the overtaxed payroll due to having 25M on the DL in Smoltz, Hampton and Glavine?
And now we pick up another reject in Tavares? Frank Wren, you should be embarassed. Please tell me Tavares is not better than Stockman.
By Mike
July 9, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Tavarez is garbage…what a joke
By Hit, Heap, Hit!
July 9, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
WTG JJJ!
And don’t miss Yunel on the cover of Sporting News magazine.
By StingerSplash
July 9, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Great, GREAT tune selection today, DOB. Out-stinkin-standing. Let me throw this name out there for Braves trade baiters: Rocco Baldelli. Rocco Baldelli. Rocco Baldelli. Do I want to trade for him? Lord, no. But it had been so long since Mr. Baldelli was either mentioned on the MIB blog or been relevant that the young lad probably needed to see his name again without the words “oft-injured” in front or “on a rehab assignment in xxxxx” behind them.
By Renegator
July 9, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
KC
Dude, you are delsuional…
The Braves record as it stands right now is 43-48. They would have to go 42-29 just to get to 85 wins which is the minimum it will take to win the East.
Have you seen the Braves play the Phillies? I’ll give you a hint - they are 1-8 against them and showed in the last home sweep that they are vastly inferior to the Phillies.
Keep dreaming KC. This team will be lucky to finish at .500 for the year - most likely will finish about 5 or 6 games under.
By Random
July 9, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Shaun: “Spilborghs does look like a solid player. His .423 slugging away from Coors is nothing to write home about but he’s a solid player. I just don’t know if the Rockies would trade a quality, cheap outfielder in case they lose Holliday. And I’m not sure how great he will be in the future. He’s not all that young for a ballplayer.”
That being said, how do you think he would fit in a CF platoon with Kotsay? Are you not impressed with his performance against LH pitchers?
By LA Dawg
July 9, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Just what you want to hear, your starting center fielder with a history of back problems and recently off the DL is hosting a golf tournament?!?! What a joke.
By I was a teenage Francophile
July 9, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Right handed bat in the outfield?
But we already have Frenchy and Diaz. Do you mean someone to platoon with Kotsay? Or someone to replace Diaz?
If the French one was pulling his weight, especially powerwise, then we wouldn’t be needing another righthanded bat, now would we?
By BlackberryCobbler
July 9, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
The Brew gets CC. The Cubs go out and get Harden. The Braves go get JT. Enough said. This team is not yet serious about winning anything.
By McFann Ô
July 9, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Here are the answers to your Q’s from the last blog:
Original Jon McFann, what the heck are you talking about?? That was last nights game, but you are acting as if it’s todays.
We were watching the replay on SportSouth. Since I didn’t get to chime in last night (or at all this week. Dumb scheduler), I thought I’d do it today.
Ernesto McFann, what’s up with your posts?
Yep. Doing Greatest hits. No! I’m kidding. See above response.
Bobby’s Cox McFann What is that oval symbol next to your name? (Ô)
That’s a Rally Turtle. He’ll pop up every now and then (when we need a rally, right?) Just thought I’d break him in today, kinda introduce him to everybody.
By roman88
July 9, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
great point, i wouldn’t touch any scott boras client, as soon as tavarez was released i knew atl would get him, enough with the retreads, i doubt pitt. would part with nady or bay at all. gonzales looks great, shows alot of spirit to be out there, which is not shown by many others. jurjens and campilla are bright stars with alot of potential, i hope atl locks them up for many years, remember after the 95 series tavarez bawling in the dugout, i’m waiting for a emotional breakdown with him. no one in the race will part with any starters, a top catching prospect would be nice and hopefully a outfielder. go young and get some spirit on this team. the entire bench could be replaced, give canazares a chance at 1st,
By Jeff321
July 9, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Soriano’s the guy, if he can stay off the DL
Initially I was fooled concerning Soriano! But, I do recall quite a few jacks he gave up last year. Which isn’t my idea of a good time, especially in the 8th or 9th inning.
Oh, and what do we have this year? A guy that isn’t giving up many jacks because he can’t find the plate!
By BamaBrave
July 9, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Sorry…I just can’t get past this Tavarez acquisition. And not just because he stunk like mid-August roadkill last night. There’s no doubt in my mind that his time in a Braves uniform will be as infamous as Jeff Reardon’s and Dan Kolb’s…unless he’s dumped by the All-Star break…
By john hoar
July 9, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
I have a question. Is Josh Anderson injured or what? I can’t think of any reason he hasn’t been called up unless there is something that isn’t apparent.
By Carolina Matt
July 9, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Stinger, you do realize that Rocco is fighting a very serious and mysterious disease that may prevent him from playing baseball again, right?
By glorydays
July 9, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
Do we even think about Barry Bonds? I personally don’t like the guy, but maybe his head has diminished in size to not be such a jerk but can still hit the ball. He could be a 3 month wonder and that’s all we need.
By ernesto
July 9, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
This team hasn’t shown the ability to play .600 ball for the last 3 years…but what the hell, it don’t cost nothin’ to hope.
By Mike in LA
July 9, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
I’m with you gotigers 72 on resigning Texeira. I went to the game last night and some of the plays he made were incredible and go completely under the radar. Without going into offensive stats which are very consistent on a year to year basis he’s the best defensive first baseman the Braves have ever had. On another note, I’m wondering if anyone else is getting nervous every time the ball is hit to Kelly Johnson with runners on and how Mccann seems to be dropping so many pitches?
By Chris
July 9, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
I dont really see how the signing of Tavarez is really going to help that much. He has an ERA over 7 and that was before the game last night - it’s got to be over 8 now.
But re-signing Tex is a must. There is no way anyone can convince me that the Braves cannot go up a little on the payroll and re-sign this guy. He is pratically guaranteed .300, 30, 100 and Gold Glove defense at first. How can you not want that? The Braves have not had a ton of consistent first baseman over the last few years (Franco, Thorman, Fick, Brogna, Joyner…just to name a few).
As far as LF goes, Matt Holliday is not the answer. Has anyone seen this guy play defense? And the stats given about his home/away production are pretty typical of guys that play for the ‘Rocks. I wouldnt mind us going after Ibanez or Nady (Jason Bay may be a nice bat, but whats the point if the guy cant play a lick of defense?) And Diaz coming back wont solve any problems either. Anyone remember what he was doing before he got hurt? Exactly.
Has anyone heard anything about the Braves and the trade deadline? I know that typically you’ll hear stuff about a month, month and a half before the deadline about the Braves and their interests - and then in the two-three weeks leading up its dead silent. I wouldnt be surprised if it continues that way. I dont expect to hear much - but I think something will happen withint 3-5 days of the deadline. Wren wont stand pat with what we currently have.
By DOG THE MAN
July 9, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Its time to recognize that the Braves are a mid level team with no way to compete unless it gets alot younger and alot more hungrier. We need to take a page out of the Tampa Ray Devil Rays book. We need to go ahead an cut ties with Mike Hapmton. Let’s trade Chipper and start to actually develop the youngsters in the minors. I am sure Bobby Cox and get the most out of them and THEN WE WILL BE ABLE TO CONTEND!!!
By ernesto
July 9, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Julian Tavarez release watch, day 2.
By Random
July 9, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
DOB — you’re beating a dead horse in re Holliday. Quack Quack & Moby Grape put the final nails in his coffin a couple of days ago.
But what do you think of Spilborghs platooning with Kotsay in CF?
By ernesto
July 9, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Glorydays, his head may have diminished in size figuratively speaking, but physically? I don’t think it’s possible for the Braves to sign Bonds, unless we can get a specially-made size 14 1/2 cap for that ‘roid melon.
By Lew
July 9, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
GT80-Dude I’ll save you the bludgeoning you’re likely to get from others. Stockman is injured and on the DL. He was not doing well on the injury front while with the Braves, either, which is probably why he wasn’t used when there and isn’t called up instead of Tavares.
By Ramblin Wrecker
July 9, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
JASON BAY
By StingerSplash
July 9, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Yes, I’m aware Rocco is fighting effects of fatigue from an unknown ailment. Hope he gets better and can get back to playing. Anyone 6-5 with his arm, speed and bat is fun to watch. Think about the OF the Rays had, briefly, with Baldelli, Crawford and Gathright. That’s the first three legs of a bodacious 4x100 team.
By Milton Jeff
July 9, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Im still miffed about how the Braves only got 1 hit after 14 innings against the Dodgers. WE NEED MORE OFFENSE!! I dont see Tex getting traded at all. He’ll stay w/ the Braves for the remainder of the year. We need another great bench player to pinch hit in clutch situations. Let Boras deal w/ Tex next year.
By prattvillenolzfan
July 9, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
KC
I actually agree with you regarding the talent of our team. ON PAPER we match up with everyone in the NL East. HOWEVER something just isn’t clicking with this team.
We can speculate whether it’s TP’s fault, Bobby’s fault, certain players fault…whatever….The fact is, this team is just too Inconsistant to be playoff calibar material.
Once again, on paper, we are just a couple of 6/7 game winning streaks to overtake the Phillies, but are we capable on the field to overtake the Phillies.
Hearing many of us play the proverbial IF game is sometimes quite amusing…IF Hampton comes back…IF Glavine comes back IF we get insert any outfielder IF Franceour gets hot….Well you know what they say about if…If a frog had wings, he wouldn’t hit is a55 when he jumped
Too much of our success depends on too many IF’S
I love the Braves as much as anybody, and yea, I think it’s possible we can get hot, but so far, the Braves haven’t shown it….
By David O'Brien
July 9, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
GT80, we’re not going to tell you again that Stockman is on the DL again with more hamstring problems. There’s no reason for us to tell you this, because the information obviously just does not register with you. Your brain does not process that sentence, that info. So we’re not going to repeat it for the 17th time in 36 hours on the blog.
So nevermind. Don’t know why Stockman’s not here. No idea. Must be something wrong with him. Don’t know what. Haven’t heard. Di-di-dum.
By BamaBrave
July 9, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
No…we don’t think about Barry Bonds, glorydays. I didn’t even like typing his name…
By ATLiens
July 9, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
dog man…….trade chipper….yeah that makes since… hes only been our most consistent player for the last 12 years…..yeah lets trade him for another inconsistent guy, at least it would make the entire lineup for the braves consistent…..ly poor that is
By bravos2249
July 9, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
GT80
to be technical Smoltz,Hampton, and Glavine lock up 37 million not 25…but that’s worse.
WOW..add Smoltz,Hampton,Huddy,Glavine,Chipper and Tex= around 74 million
So 19 other players are playing on about 28 million
By SeaAtl
July 9, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Holy smokes, what an awsomely long, good blog!
By BostonBravesGirl
July 9, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Regarding a Tex trade to Boston - Sox manager Terry Francona, on record in the Boston Globe last week, said it wasn’t going to happen. Who needs Tex when you’ve got Youks?
Regarding Tavares, the Sox radio announcers yesterday were incredulous that the Braves picked up Tavares. I’m paraphrasing here, but they said they didn’t think Tavares would fit in the Braves clubhouse, and Cox wouldn’t take long to figure that out.
Tavares was a source of frustration to Red Sox Nation; how lucky am I to have to go through that again?
By Ron Roberts
July 9, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
DOG THE MAN… where, then, do you presume the Braves “get younger?”
The catcher, LF, RF, SS, 2B and four of the five starters we’re currently using are all under 30, and the 3B and 1B are over 30 but all-star caliber players carrying their weight.
Now, if you, and those who also say this franchise needs to “get younger” want to endure a nice five-to-ten year swoon where your team racks up nearly 100 losses each season while “getting younger” with draft picks, then by all means….
….become a Royals’ fan. The Rays are a nice story - this year. Wasn’t such a warm-n-fuzzy in the 1990s or most of this decade.
By Dan
July 9, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
If the Braves want to returning to a winning tradition, the Braves will have to trade for a powerful right-handed bat for LF at the deadline. Sign Tex to a long term contract and build a team around Mc Cann and Tex. They will also need to dump salary in the form of Smoltz, Glavine and Hampton. Dump Traveras and bring up Stockman to enhance the pen and sign a #1 or #2 starter in the off-season to help out the starting pitching.
By Squire to Knight
July 9, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
If we have to get rid of Tex, I propose to trade him for a proven outfield bat. That would leave us a hole at first base. Then we trade back for Adam LaRoche.
By ATLiens
July 9, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
dog man…….trade chipper….yeah that makes since… hes only been our most consistent player for the last 12 years…..yeah lets trade him for another inconsistent guy, at least it would make the entire lineup for the braves consistent…..ly poor that is
By Random
July 9, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
KC: “The unbalanced schedule gives the Braves 9 more head-to-head opportunities against each of their division rivals… . This give the Braves an opportunity to partially decide how many wins it will take to win the East. And the unbalanced schedule is something that has only come to pass in recent years, and I think it gives the “It’s never been done” argument far less credence. It’s far more doable with the unbalanced schedule than it’s ever been.”
Good point — nice thinking there, with your head and all.
8-)
By BostonBravesGirl
July 9, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Another thing on the Sox - Masterson and Buchholz are not exactly MLB ready. Both have spent time down on the farm this season. Another season and they’ll be consistently stellar, but now they’re just inconsistently stellar (sometimes).
And I think it will take a LOT to loosen the Sox’ grip on Lester. Before the season started, he was definitely trade bait, but not anymore.
By Christy
July 9, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
I’m thinking some of your are making too much of the Tavarez signing. Acosta got hurt right before all-star, on the 15 day DL with a bad hamstring. Stockman is hurt in AAA, also on the 15 day DL.
needed an arm to get us through until All-Star, and then Manny comes back, if all is well, and we can bid Julian adieu.
It’s not like their trying to build the bull-pen around the guy. he’s a stop gap.
By Anders
July 9, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Julian Tavares = Bench clearing brawl.
Count on it. Of course it might be his own bench coming out to pummel him but count on it none the less.
By AGTfan
July 9, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
OK DOB so why did we sign Tavares instead of bring Stockman back? ;-)
I’m not sure what the harm is in giving him a quick look. He’s being paid a pro-rated portion of the MLB minimum. Maybe Roger sees something and can turn him back to being the dominating pitcher he used to be. If not, we can cut him loose like the Bosox and Brewers did.
By Kentavo
July 9, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
HEY DOB, you still going to be around SoCal for the weekend? You should check out VH1 Rock Honors at Pauley Pavilion honoring The Who with performances by Foo Fighters, Flaming Lips, Incubus, Tenacious D and Daltrey/Townshend.
By Chop Chop
July 9, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I’m reading what you’re saying, but I just can’t figure out why Stockman’s hamstring is keeping him off the big club. Could you ask Frank Wren about Stockman’s hamstring? Better yet, why don’t you ask Chipper’s quad about Stockman’s hamstring? We need answers. Stockman should be with the big club. Why isn’t he? I’ve yet to get a definitive answer about this. I mean, is the guy just letting his hamstring rule his life? That seems kind of sad. In that case, we need to corner this hamstring and get the real dirt about what’s going on here. The hamstring knows what the real scoop is. I think he’s holding out on us, man. The hamstring has hamstrung this franchise for too long. The hamstring has hamstrung my mind up in a noose made of hamstring and is hamstringing me along until I find out the inside info as to why Stockman’s hamstring is FUBAR.
Did Stockman step on ‘roo nads?
I bet that’s it.
Call him up already, DOB. You’re taking too long. You’re the worst GM ever!
Stockman should be with the big club. Can’t you see that?
By Jerald Holcombe
July 9, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
I agree with DOB that we should make an effort to sign Tex before trading him him or letting him walk at the end of the year. Even when he was having troubles at the plate, he was still the best 1st baseman we’ve ever seen in Atlanta, with all due respect to Gallaraga, McGriff, and LaRoach. If not for all the scoops he’s made this year, we might have the worst infield defense since the 80s. Personally, I’d give him 20mil per year and hope that he takes it. And as a side note, does the signing of Taveras reek? He’s the kind of loser we used to sign back in the 70’s and 80’s. The only difference is that Taveras has never ever been a consistantly decent pitcher.
By Chop Chop
July 9, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah…
DOB?
Could you please ask Stockman’s hammy if Thorman’s out of options?
Thanks.
By KC
July 9, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
renegator: “This team will be lucky to finish at .500 for the year - most likely will finish about 5 or 6 games under.”
Would you care to wager on that? Seriously. If so, email me at embassypro@hotmail.com, and we’ll work out the terms.
By Random
July 9, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
McFann — I liked Rally Turtle better with his legs out. He (she?) looks kinda cautious and defensive with just his/her head peeping out. Not desirable traits for a Rally Turtle.
What do you think?
:Ô: relaxed
=Ô= alert
;Ô; dancing
%Ô% tipsy
<Ô> applauding
>Ô< doing the “Wave”
“Ô” bye-bye
By Bobby's Cox
July 9, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Maybe with the Taveras signing, Boras will be a little more empathetic in dealing with the Braves in regards to Tex and Holliday.
Ha. Maybe in 10 years when both players are old, washed up, and rich.
By Squire to Knight
July 9, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Also, what about dropping Corky and allowing Canizaris and Sammons to come up. They are killing the ball in Richmond. Then you have two better right handed bats on the bench. Drop Tavares, (AND SINCE STOCKMAN IS INJURED!!) bring back Ridgeway or Schreiber.
By Phil Stockman is on the DL
July 9, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Breaking News … this just in
Phil Stockman is on the DL
Phil Stockman is on the DL
Phil Stockman is on the DL
Dan, GT80, and astute fans, no sense to bring up a pitcher who is on the DL … yes, that’s right …
Phil Stockman is on the DL
Phil Stockman is on the DL
Phil Stockman is on the DL
Yes, and in case you missed our top story for the last 36 hours, breaking news from Richmond … Phil Stockman is on the DL
By Einstein
July 9, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
DOB and baseball fans, I agree with you about signing “cast-offs”, “has-beens”, and “washed-up” pitchers, but my concern is how MLB computes the ERA for relievers. Currently, it’s not an accurate number of what they have done. In fact, it’s like a golf handicap and very biased IN FAVOR of the player. What if it was changed so that any runner the relief pitcher inherits on first (and he scores) counts as .75 of a run. For inherited runners on second and third (and they score), .50 and .25 respectively. This might just show the true abilities of bullpen pitchers. Just a thought…after all, I’m not the shapest pencil in the drawer.
By Numb3rs
July 9, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
The probability of the Braves making the playoffs (as of today) is 14.7%. Probability of winning the division is 11.0%.
The numbers come from the web site “coolstandings.com” which calculates the odds for every major league team, updated daily, based on a mathematically rigorous computer simulation.
Check it out:
coolstandings
By Shamus Thacker
July 9, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t want Hex’s spring training nonchalance [and obviously not giving a damn] to influence young players. His stats are are a mirage. By the time he gets going, the hole [to nowhere] has been dug.
By champ
July 9, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
How’s this far fetched idea Trade Tex at the deadline to the Angels for Kotchman, Figgins, and a minor league pitcher. Kotchman and Figgins still keep you competitive for a shot at the division. Then have Liberty pony up and sign Tex in the off season. One can dream…
By GSU-Lee
July 9, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
DOB, Could I get a stockman update? I mean, why isn’t he here? Thanks….just kidding dude, couldn’t resist
By A-11
July 9, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
I heard Stockman is having trouble pitching because he cannot see over those giant moles on the side of his face.
As for Tavares, did someone throw hot grease on his face? I can barely look at the TV when he pitches, throws or whatever you call what he does. Guy is a joke, let’s hope DOB is right and send him back to the circus or rehab clinic.
Excellent Merle choice DOB, Buck Owens is right up there with him for me.
By King521
July 9, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Who cares about Stockman??? Where is Anthony Lerew?
By Lew
July 9, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
Anders-I seem to remember something about Tavares and a feud with the Rays. Is that what you meant?
Does anyone want to tell Dan about bringing up Stockman?
By Evan
July 9, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Dave I really hope that wasn’t a Carlos Mencia reference you just made in your response to GT80. I’m sorry but I have to say I lose respect for anyone who likes that joke stealer, and he’s not even stealing good jokes either is the sad thing.
By semiballcoach
July 9, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
why worry about playoffs? look how the power arms have abused the braves this year and avoid the shame of post season
By serge
July 9, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
Why is the AJC elimianting Franceour qoutes from the website? http://www.sabernomics.com/sabernomics/index.php/2008/07/where-did-the-frenchy-quotes-go/
pressure by the Braves front office to make it seem like its not a serious issue? Wheres the journalistic integrity
By bravos2249
July 9, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Numb3rs
also based on those numbers on 11/6/07 Phillies had 2.9% chance of winning the divison.
By James
July 9, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Stockman and Schreiber are not playing. They are not available.
From the Richmond Paper:
Reliever Zach Schreiber found out he doesn’t need reconstructive Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. On Monday, Schreiber saw orthopedic surgeon James Andrews, who recommended rest and rehabilitation for inflammation. Schreiber thought he was dealing with a partially torn ligament.
By David O'Brien
July 9, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
Champ, I like it, but Angels wouldn’t do it. At least I don’t think they would.
A-11, no doubt. Been listening to Buck a lot back home, you forget how great he was. Got back to his stuff after listening to the Yoakam covers album of Buck tunes for several months.
By AGTfan
July 9, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
This just in…There has been no change in status. Stockman is still on the DL.
By David O'Brien
July 9, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
Kentavo, we’ve got a series to cover in San Diego, then I take a redeye overnight flight from S. D. to New York Sunday to get there for the All-Star stuff on Monday.
By Lew
July 9, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Someone earlier mentioned picking up Adam LaRoche. His bat might be a slight improvement on Francoeur’s numbers, but not by much. He’s only hitting about .015 better than Frenchy with two more HR and no more RBI than Jeff has. His OBP is .330. He is not hitting like he did in Atlanta and Pittsburgh is much more of a hitter’s park.
By David O'Brien
July 9, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Alright, had time to scarf two Baja Fresh fish tacos and half a Macanudo in a 20-minute stint by the pool. Now duty calls. Gotta hustle over to the ballpark.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves IN 2009)
July 9, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
Speaking of the division, those Mets have awoke from the dead. Jerry Manuel has them winning (7-3 in their last 10 games). Carlos Delgado is thumping again and Pedro Martinez looks like the Pedro of old. Mike Pelfrey has suddenly turned the corner on his career to.
It’s amazing what a managerial change can do, isn’t it?
For those unaware, tonights game is HUGE as in GIGANTIC. If Tim Hudson brings his A game and the Braves win, it will be the first time that the Braves have won back to back series since May 22nd.
I have to agree, the Braves need another big bat. Francoeur is still an automatic out and Cox WILL NOT take him out of the lineup.
Isn’t it incredible what happens when we have a bona fide lead off hitter like Gregor Blanco at the top of the order? Ditto for McCann in the five hole as the RBI guy behind Tex. Of Course, it only took Cox 77 FRIGGING games to figure that out before he stuck with it.
Jason Bay seems to be the perfect fit for the Braves. He’s 29, swings from the right side, plays LF, hits for power(17 HR’s in 2008) and AVG (.292). He plays an above average defensive game in LF and won’t embarrass himself with the leather. Did I mention that Bay is under contract rather reasonably for 2008 (5.75 million) and 2009 (7.5 million). I’m betting that Frank Wren is on the phone with the Pirates right now.
By Paddy McGillicutty
July 9, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
Once Stockman’s hammy finds out if Thorman’s out of options or not, DOB, can you have the hammy tell Wren that if we get Hampton’s $15M off the books combined w/ Glavine’s $8M after this year that gives us $23M worth to sign Tex and that should be enough!!!
By Anders
July 9, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
Lew
I wasn’t referring to any particular incident, just my general perception of the guy. He can be El Duque like when he’s on (The magical El Dugue not the Queens version) but when Tavares is off, especially over a period of time he becomes selfish and does something stupid like throws at a guy for no reason or loses it with an ump etc.
No big deal. Just my thoughts on the guy.
By ScottBravesfan
July 9, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
Does it even matter who wins the east or the west? No one in the NL stands a chance against the Cubs or the Brewers. The Brewers 1-2 is insane. If they lose a 5 game series there would be some serious choking going on somewhere. They are probably going to be the NLCS teams and Boston and Tampa are probably going to be the ALCS teams.
By McFann :Ô:
July 9, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Random—
I like all your “moods” for the Rally Turtle. <Ô> He does look kinda scared with his legs inside his shell. Maybe he’s upset about Tavarez. =Ô=
Got Timmy on the mound tonight, so there’s no reason to doubt a series win, is there?
;Ô;
By brian
July 9, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
DOB - who would you target for the OF in a trade? Who would be a realistic trade option and what would they cost us?
By JJ
July 9, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
JASON BAY!!!!!!!
By Chuck
July 9, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Not sure if any of you guys read the Dugout, but they had a pretty good bit involving Chipper and Francoeur today. Worth a look if you need a laugh…
http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2008/07/09/the-dugout-since-u-been-on/
By Anders
July 9, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
ScottBravesfan
We are talking about Ben Sheets on the Brewers and Rich Harden on the Cubs. Odds are one will be hurt come playoff time and possibly both. I wouldn’t bet the ranch on either team cake walking to the WS just yet.
By ernesto
July 9, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
From MLB trade rumors “With the Diamondbacks looking for help against left-handed pitchers, one name that has come up is Barry Bonds. “He and maybe a couple of others are sort of sitting out there,” said Arizona GM Josh Byrnes said. “I think it’s a bit of assessing any players’ readiness, then knocking somebody out of the lineup, dollars, etc. I don’t want to talk about him specifically, but, believe me, we’ve considered a lot of options.” “
I don’t know if this would be a good fit or not, because I haven’t seen their clubhouse…is there enough room for the Lounge Chair?
By KC
July 9, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
ScottBravesfan: “Does it even matter who wins the east or the west? No one in the NL stands a chance against the Cubs or the Brewers. The Brewers 1-2 is insane.”
Here are the combined numbers of the Brewers and Braves 1-2 starters this year:
Sheets/Sabathia: 17-10, 3.30 ERA
Hudson/Jurrjens: 18-10, 3.09 ERA
As for the Cubs, Hudson/Jurrjens also matches up