AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > July > 11 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USAre Braves to be buyers or sellers?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With the July 31 trade deadline looming, and the Braves’ division-title chances diminishing with every series lost, and contending teams eager to know exactly who’s available from non-contenders … yeah, this could be a big weekend of determination for Los Bravos.
Yes, their series that starts tonight in San Diego could determine the course of the rest of the Braves’ season and beyond. These three games could ultimately decide whether they keep Mark Teixeira and Will Ohman and add another piece or two to try and make a run at the title in a not-very-overwhelming division.
Or whether they, for the first time in a long time, throw up the white flag on this season, get some young talent back for Teixeira (and perhaps Ohman), and watch the three teams ahead of them fight it out for what once, not long ago, seemed a birthright for the Braves and their fans - the division title.
Of course, there’s also a pretty good chance the Braves could win just two out of three this weekend, and remain 6-1/2 games out of first place, or perhaps 5-1/2 out — albeit with three teams ahead of them — with 67 games to play after the break.
In which case they’re still in that difficult area, as they see it. Do you think Frank Wren, in his first year as GM, and Bobby Cox, in perhaps his next-to-last as manager, would lean toward pulling the plug on this season if they’re 5-1/2 or 6-1/2 back at the break? How ‘bout if they’re 4-1/2 back?
I really don’t know which way they’re leaning and I don’t know that they do. This weekend, to me, seems like it could be a deciding factor, but probably only if it veers sharply in one direction or the other. If the Braves sweep the Padres and gain a game or two on the division lead, I don’t think they’ll make a decision on Teixeira until at least another series or two after the break.
But if they were to lose two out of three or get swept by the lowly Padres, who’ve lost 10 of their past 11 home games, and dropped 17 of their past 22 games overall … well, then all bets are off.
In that event, the Braves would probably be heating up the phone lines during the break, trying to flame the bidding war for Teixeira, who’s of course eligible for free agency after this season.
Conversely if the Braves come in to San Diego, play well and win the series, they might look at the possible return of Mike Hampton and/or Tom Glavine after the break, and the possible return of closer Rafael Soriano from his perplexing elbow issues, and decide that a piece or two might give them a very real chance to make the kind of good — not historic, just good — run that would be required to reel in the teams ahead of them in the race.
Yes, Xavier Nady has been on the radar for weeks, if not months. The Pirates outfielder has hit .320 with 24 doubles, 12 homers and 55 RBI, and his splits are as good or better against lefties (.318/.432/.530) than against righties (.320/.360./533).
Braves badly need an outfield bat to give them some more pop, particularly against lefties. And he’s one who could be had without mortgaging the farm to get him. Unlike, say, Jason Bay, who’s not only going to cost more in return because of his power numbers and affordable contract for 2009, but who also has only a .222 average and two homers and a .403 slugging percentage in 72 at-bats against lefties (he’s .310 with 15 homers and .561 slugging vs. righties).
If the Braves aim a little lower, they might make a run at someone like Cincy’s Ryan Freel, who could platoon against lefties.
Ohman’s attractive: He’s a veteran lefty who’s a free agent after the season, just like Ron Mahay last July, when the Braves got Mahay in the Teixeira deal.
Ohman has been outstanding for the Braves, and they don’t even think of trading him if they’re serious about making a run after the break. But if they decide to abort and aim for the future, he’s just behind Tex on the list of likely-to-be-traded.
He’s tied for ninth among NL relievers in opponents’ average (.200), which is stellar for a situational lefty who’s limited lefty hitters to a mere .147 average and .205 OBP. He’s only allowed one homer in 135 at-bats against all hitters.
Only four major league relievers have made more appearances than Ohman (47).
But I’m looking at next season and thinking that the Braves aren’t going to pay for both Ohman, who could get $3 mill or more per season in a multi-year deal, and Mike Gonzalez, who’ll be a fifth-year arbitration guy.
With Gonzalez’ price tag cheaper and with Gonzo being a closer option, it seems more likely to me they’d keep him. I just can’t see teams offering a bounty in a possible trade for Gonzalez so soon after Tommy John surgery.
Did we mention…. The Braves have 70 homers and a .426 slugging percentage in 2,097 at-bats against right-handers, and only 19 homers and a .382 slugging percentage in 1,066 at-bats vs. lefties.
That’s a homer every 23.3 at-bats vs. right-handers, and one every 56 at-bats vs. lefties.
The no-support matchup: Something’s gotta change tonight for either Jake Peavy or Jo-Jo Reyes. One of them has to get a little run support, doesn’t he?
Well, not necessarily. Could be a 1-0 game, of course ( Braves must cringe to think of a 1-0, or 2-1, or 3-2 game, etc., considering they’ve lost 24 consecutive one-run road games since mid-August, one stat that makes me shake my head in wonder every time I type it).
Anyway, regarding Padres ace Peavy and Braves youngster Reyes. What they have in common is a lack of run support. Big-time.
Get this: Peavy is 1-3 in his past six home starts … despite a 2.08 ERA. He’s pitched six conscutive quality starts in that stretch, including three games with no runs allowed. But the Padres have supported him with zero or one support runs while he was in five of those games.
Peavy went 0-3 in three starts against the Braves in 2006, despite twice allowing only two runs in seven innings. In each of those two games the Padres scored no runs while he was in. He didn’t face the Braves last season.
In the case of Reyes, he’s just 1-6 in his past nine starts, getting barely two support runs per nine innings pitched in that span.
He’s got a 4.50 ERA in that period, but seven of the 27 earned runs he allowed came in one five-inning start on May 23. Since then he’s posted a 3.67 ERA and five quality starts in eight game — and has a 1-5 record to show for it.
The Braves scored no runs while he was in four of his last eight starts, including no runs at all behind him during his current three-game losing skid.
By the way, Chipper Jones is 6-for-12 with three homers against Peavy, and Jeff Francoeur is 5-for-9 against the Alabama native.
The Braves have won 16 of 20 gainst the Padres, including a three-game sweep May 6-8 in Atlanta. But the Braves are coming into this streak as cold with the bats as the Padres are.
Actually, colder in the past week or so.
The Braves are just 3-8 with a .206 batting average since June 28, and they are 9-24 on the road with a .234 average since April 26.
That includes this remarkable stretch in their last four road games: 1-3 with a .163 average and 10 runs, with 12 of their 20 hits and nine of their 10 runs in that stretch coming in one game, Tuesday’s win at Dodger Stadium.
In the other three road games in that stretch, one at Toronto and two at L.A., the Braves have hit .094 (8-for-85) and scored one run, that on a homer. Staggering.
“CALIFORNIA SNOW” by Dave Alvin & Tom Russell
I’m just tryin’ to make a livin’
I’m an old man at thirty-nine
With two kids and an ex-wife
Who moved up to Riverside
I’m workin’ down on the border
Drivin’ back roads every night
Mountains east of El Cajon
North of the Tecate line.
Where the California summer sun
Will burn right through your soul
But in the winter you can freeze to death
In the California snow.
I catch the ones I’m able to
And watch the others slip away
I know some by their faces
And I even know some by name
I guess they think that we’re all
Movie stars and millionaires
I guess that they still believe
That dreams come true up here.
But I guess the weather’s warmer down in Mexico
And no one ever tells them ‘bout the California snow.
Last winter I found a man and wife
Just about daybreak
Layin’ in a frozen ditch
South of the interstate
I wrapped ‘em both in blankets
But she’d already died
The next day we sent him back alone
Across the borderline.
I don’t know where they came from
Or where they planned to go
But we carried her all night long
Through the California snow.
Sometimes when I’m alone out here
I get to thinkin’ about my life
Maybe I should go to Riverside
And try to fix things with my wife
Or maybe just get in my truck
And drive as far as I can go
Away from all the ghosts that haunt
The California snow.
Where the California summer sun
Can burn right to your soul
And in the winter you can freeze to death
In the California snow
Comments
By ricflair
July 11, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
DOB who would play first base if Teixeria leaves?
By rupert
July 11, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
DOB, Kotsay would seem to be attractive, if he can play consistently over the course of the next few weeks, would the braves try to move him just to get something for him or do they see him as an option for next year? (the back problems would be a major red flag i would think)
By Scott from Fairburn
July 11, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
first?
By denizen 61807
July 11, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Who says the Braves can’t trade Tex and still win the division? Sure, it takes a big bat out of the lineup. But, winning is sometimes less about one bat than it is a spark to get you going. Do they get pitching back in return? Pitching hasn’t been their problem this year. Situational hitting has. At what point does some of this blame fall on Terry Pendleton?
By pfunkatl2
July 11, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Drum-roll please…which team shows up this weekend? JJ is not pitching, neither will huddy…we are gonna NEED sum MAJOR runs. We’ll see..
By N8
July 11, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
DOB
Good call on the Ohman/Gonzo talk.
I sure hope they’re not interested in dumping Gonzo. He’s gonna be relatively cheap, and he’s already under contract. Add to the fact that he’s looked very good (even without his max out velocity having returned yet).
He’ll be the closer next year, IMO.
That being said, if somebody were to ridiculously overpay for him, they’d have to listen.
I have one question for you though.
For a guy that is consistently saying there is “so and so” amount of games left (and 67 left is still a good chunk of games), I’m a little baffled at how you can predict that this “might” be a make or break series?
Really? What’s any different about this series, or the one two weeks ago?
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve been saying that these series the past few weeks are ALL make or break series (while we’re close now, if the Mets and Phillies make some moves - we’ll fall even further back, IMO), before the deadline. So I actually agree with you.
Just curious at what has happened to make a 3 game series in mid-July any more important than one in late June (when the Braves have actually gained ground since then)?
By jukeandjive
July 11, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
First?
By Evan
July 11, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Can the Braves please fire Terry Pendleton. Every year under his watch the teams hitting in crucial situations gets worse and worse, not to mention the complete regression and collapse of talent in some hitter’s in his tenure. He’s basically responsible for the destruction of 2 promising young star’s carreer’s: A. Jones and French
By michael
July 11, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Miller need to be drop from the team. No position player has no business on a major league roster batting.095.
Michael
By Herschel Talker
July 11, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Like the Dukes in Trading Places, SELL, SELL, SELL.
By Logic of Bonds
July 11, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Logic of Bonds: That was a whole lot of keystrokes wasted on convincing no one, I’m gonna guess.
Actually, it wasn’t a waste of keystrokes. It got everyone off Holliday for a while didn’t it? :o)
You’re right that no amount of talk is gonna change people’s minds as to how they feel about Bonds. I know the chance of the Braves even looking at Bond’s picture in an old Giants media guide are zilch much less actually talking to his agent.
Ooooppps. Forgot one more thing in my “howling at the moon” waste of keystrokes.
Bonds is a “cash money” deal. You don’t lose draft picks. You don’t pick up a multi-year deal and you don’t have to worry about betting the farm with prospects only to have him walk away to free agency. (See Tex’s profile)
Now about Nady or Bay or some other names that have been bandied about… The Braves need a changer. They don’t need to add another bat who will fall in with the rest of the team when they aren’t hitting and hits when the rest of the team hits. There are already too many of those guys. I don’t think Nady or Bay are the type of players who are going to pick the team up when they aren’t hitting and be offensive leaders when the offense needs a kick in the pants. And Nady/Bay are going to cost you players in return, Bonds won’t.
There are lots of teams out there who don’t need Bonds….. yet. There are teams at the top that like their lineups. There are teams at the bottom who don’t like their lineups but Bonds won’t get them out of the cellar. There are borderline teams, the ones who should be contending but they are lacking something from the offensive side of their game. The Braves are one of those teams. And of course, the Braves will continue to have those breakout games where the offense pounds out 14 hits and 9 runs and some fans and writers will declare that they are ready to breakout of the team slump……and of course they will break everyone’s heart the next night by being limited to a couple of hits or a near no-no. That’s this team’s MO. There is no one that the Braves currently employ that will make a difference in that aspect of the offense.
Woops, I guess I wasted more keystrokes. But this I’m confident in: Barry Bonds will play for someone who is trying to make a run at it before the season’s end. And yes, I’m sure it won’t be the Braves. Someone who is a piece away from the playoffs will be willing to take a chance that Bonds just wants to play out the string without too much of a stink and not cause a problem in the clubhouse. I also DON’T believe collusion is a factor. The owners and MLB aren’t that stupid. Think they want to go before congress and possibly lose their anti-trust exemption status if it were proven?
By Mr. Snrub
July 11, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
fourth?
By Mr J
July 11, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Ricflair:
I think we would see Scott Thorman back for the remainder of the season.
They might possibly try Kelly Johnson at first and insert Prado at second, depending on the risk tolerance of all involved.
If Johnson was tried there and found wanting, then look for a trade or a free agent signing during the off season. Heck, if we want a free agent, Mark Texeira’s available!
By Shaun
July 11, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Could be more complicated and less black-and-white than buyers or sellers. With the position they are in, if some team offered them say three or four outstanding prospects for Teixeira, would the Braves refuse? Not sure if there are any teams that could or would give up three or four outstanding prospects for Tex but I’d imagine if the Braves are “blown away,” they’d jump on it. I just don’t think it’s a given that Teixeira finishes with the Braves at this point. I think as the season progresses, they’ll take less and less for him (although I don’t think they’ll every be a scenario where they’ll “give” him away).
Forgive me if that was a point to obvious to even bring up.
By NCBravesFan
July 11, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Well if we trade Tex then we HAVE to get a MLB-ready 1B in return for him. Thorman obviously isn’t going to cut it, and we really don’t have much (comparitively speaking) corner IF depth in the minors, and certainly nobody that’s ready to play. Even if we are out of it, it may be best to hang on to him and keep the draft picks.
By USMC DAWG
July 11, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
The important question is, how long will Terry Pendleton get to keep his job? What purpose does he serve. They had to send Frenchie to Mississippi to change his technique. Chipper and McCann regularly go to their Dad for batting tips. So what is TP doing? My guess is, he’s been told he’s #1 or 2 on the list to be BC’s replacement.
By northbeach Scott
July 11, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Prediction, Braves either lose 2 of 3 or are swept by San Diego and fall 9 games out for the break. Then it should be clear it is time to work the market and sell. No shame in that, it is just the reality of this strange and injury-palgued season.
FW set us up for 2009. Going for 2008 will set the Braves back for years to come.
By alan
July 11, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Glavine is a waste of $$. He simply cannot pitch without getting help from the umpires with the faux strike call off the plate. Get rid of him now & look to next year. I like Tex but if we can stock-up with some young players, we have to do it. Same with Ohman. Release C. Miller, make Diaz and someone from Richmond the catchers. Getting Tavarez is someone’s idea of a joke. Smacks of total desperation in the front office. Bobby needs to light a fire or go away. Same with McDowell.
By DaleMurphy4HOF
July 11, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
DOB, Can the Braves be a seller and a buyer? Send Tex to Red Sox for Buchholz or Masterson and a top hitting prospect and then turn around and pick up Rich Aurilla or Ty Wiggington to play first base down the stretch. They should not cost much and would not be on the line for contracts next year.
By Mr J
July 11, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
N8,
Not to speak for DOB, but I think the answer to you question is that we’re getting that much closer to the trade deadline. Also, I would think that the All Star break would be prime time for trade negotiations. It would be good to know if you were buying or selling by then.
By BamaBrave
July 11, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
The way this season has gone, we’ll sweep the Padres - meaning we hang on to Tex, Ohman, etc. for a title run. But then Chipper and McCann will get hurt, Glavine will finally admit he’s done and so will Hampton and Sore-i-ano. We won’t have enough offensive punch to play above .500, and we’ll get nothing for the free-agents-to-be. As has been the case all year, injuries will screw us.
You can’t plan for the snakebit mojo this team has had in ‘08. Pack it in and at least retool for ‘09 and beyond.
By Scott from Fairburn
July 11, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Hey, if we are going to sell, let’s sell and load up on prospects. Tex, Hudson, Ohman …
In regards to an Ohman trade, while a reasonable suggestion, I would prefer not to be back here a year from now decrying our lack of an effective left-handed reliever outside of Gonzalez.
I personally get tired of the reclamation projects in the bullpen year and year out. With the justified concern over limiting pitch counts (yeah, those guys who used to go nine and pitch 300 innings loaded up with every available substance at the time), teams can’t afford bargain basement pens.
Hudson (although I do not advocate it) is the only one that will bring a bounty of prospects. If you use the Sabathia trade as a measuring stick, Tex will yield a double A prospect. I doubt seriously Boston will give up Youkilis. Sean Casey and Coco Crisp, maybe.
By dh
July 11, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Keep Tex and get Nady….with the return of glavine and possibly hampton i believe we have a chance to make a run in the second half of the season
By Chop Chop
July 11, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
N8,
The All-Star break would seem to be a period of time where teams can get everyone together and make firm decisions on what their plans will be before the trade deadline. I don’t think a three-game series against the worst team in the National League should be the barometer for what the Braves are capable of this year, but it’s the last series before the break. It will be fresh on the minds of everyone while some important decisions are made. If the Braves lose this series in San Diego, how can anyone in the organization realistically believe this team can make a run?
So, yeah, it’s important. What the Phils, Mets, and Marlins do before the break is also important. The good thing is that we won’t have to wait much longer to find out what the hell Frank Wren is going to do.
By AZ Braves Fan
July 11, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
This is a tough year to be Braves GM: too many DL trips, not enough production, not enough payroll to fill the gaps. Sadly, even if the Braves sweep in San Diego, there just maybe too many variables to overcome without a masterful acquisition or two plus a whole lot of things going the Braves way. It’s clear to me that the front office just doesn’t have enough info to be buyers or sellers yet. And by the time they do, it might be too late.
Oh well. I’ve already paid my $160 for Extra Innings. Might as well enjoy watching my favorite ex-Brave tomorrow — Maddux, the greatest pitcher of our time.
By Shaun
July 11, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
N8, I’m with you in that I don’t think any one series is more important than another. If they’d won more series in April or May, it wouldn’t matter as much what happens this weekend or for the next three weeks. I think all games are equally 1/162nd of the season.
But obviously they can’t replay the games up to this point. In the very unlikely event that the Braves sweep the Padres and all the other NL East teams get swept or lose the majority of their games, the Braves would have to be aggressive in the trade market.
This series is not any more important than any other regarding their place in the standings. It is important to determining what they are to do from here on out with regard to roster decisions.
I think that’s what DOB means.
By keylargo
July 11, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
N8
I think what makes this series crucial is that the All Star break is here and the trading deadline in at the end of the month. What happens will have to happen before August.
I know Richie Sexson is not an answer, but if the Braves are going to get ready for next year they could use him at 1B the rest of the season. No cost to acquire and league minimun for salary. And Scott Thorman is available. At least we would know if he had made any progress in Richmond this year.
By Plate Appearance
July 11, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
BONDS AS A LF OPTION?
There’s been some talk in the news lately about the Diamondbacks first considering and then rejecting the idea of having Barry Bonds play for them this year.
But what about Bonds as an option DOB?
In spite of all the allegations against him and his upcoming court case in March, he certainly would bring a legitimate power bat with a high OBP to the LF position.
It would certainly be fun to see him in a Braves uniform. JS did at one time attempt to trade for him.
And importantly, no prospects would be lost in signing him. And I’m willing to bet he’d come at a relatively cheap rate.
Moreover, irrespective of some the negative comments about Bobby that I read in these blogs, he’s certainly a great players manager – and could handle Bonds and the media circus attached to Barry.
There’s no disputing he’s one of the greatest players ever to play the game.
What are your thoughts about this possibility?
By brian
July 11, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Tony Clark is available as well - he is no Tex but could finish out the season while awaiting a replacement in the offseason
I agree some of the above posts that the Braves could be sellers and buyers. They may trade Tex for the right package that would give them a good shot next year and make a move for a replacement to help next year and give them somewhat of a shot this year
By Shaun
July 11, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Evan, yeah, Pendleton really ruined Andruw’s career, didn’t he?
It’s not like Andruw has a decent shot at going to the Hall of Fame or anything.
Granted, he’ll probably go largely because of defense but he still hit enough in his career to justify him being a pretty good Hall candidate.
By NCBravesFan
July 11, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
DOB Hey, is there another NCBravesFan? And here I thought I was special. (The post above is not me.)
By rlinaug
July 11, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
DOB, you shouldn’t shake your head in wonder when you type the braves have lost 24 straight one-run road games. The don’t play fundamental ball, and teams that lack fundamentals lose close games. And it’s not just a matter that they don’t, i believe it’s a matter that they can’t. They don’t bunt well, they don’t hit to the right side to move a runner from second to third, they make a lot of outs on pitches out of the strike zone. I blame Cox. I wish he’d leave.
By Rick
July 11, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
The word is that the Braves are not getting very good offers for Tex which shows they are already shopping him around . They need to let teams talk with him about signing a long-term contract prior to a trade because no team is going to give up much for a guy that can leave as a free agent .
This is what the Braves should have done when they traded for Tex and then they would not be in this mess.
The big question for tonight is : Will the Braves have a hit or even a baserunner by the 7th inning ?
By Milton Jeff
July 11, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Bonds will never play in the NL. Only AL teams are looking at him for DH position. I think it will be hard to get rid of Tex bc/ teams know his agent is going to demand a lot of money for him next year. I think DOB is right in deciding the Braves fate over this weekend. I like Ohman and would keep him but definetly unload Tex for some great prospects. Do you think the Giambi ‘stache’ would work on any of our players??
By Jon1
July 11, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
If we trade for Nady, why not try to get him packaged with Laroach. It would take quite a few mid level prospects plus a top prospect then we could trade Tex and replace those prospects. The question is will Tex’s and let’s say Blanco’s production be higher than Nady’s and Laroach’s for the rest of the season?
By Raleigh Brent
July 11, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
What is the point of simply trying to squeak into the playoffs? The goal should be to win the World Series, and I doubt anyone but the most optimistic Braves fan would say that this team has any chance to win a World Series, with or without Tex, and with or without another LF bat like Jason Bay.
Because the goal of a World Series is almost certainly unattainable this year barring one of the bigger miracles in the history of MLB, the Braves should make Tex a last, best offer and if it is not accepted (which it almost surely won’t be), trade him for the best young player/prospect we can get who may help us to win a World Series next year or going forward.
That is the goal — to win the World Series. I hope Liberty Media, Wren, JS, et al see that as the goal and do not make decisions based on a desire to simply try to squeak into the playoffs this year or keep attendance up.
By Chop Chop
July 11, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
BamaBrave,
Your prediction is surprisingly close to my natural inclination…except for the McCann injury. I could absolutely see all of that stuff happening in the second half. The one hope for Braves fans will be that the team will have money to spend in the offseason.
Here’s a worst-case scenario prediction:
Liberty Media will cite the struggling economy as a reason for a “significant reduction of non-core asset expenditures.”
By keylargo
July 11, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Let me express my feeling about Barry Bonds playing for the Braves as succinctly as possible.
Barry Bonds is a no good SOB.
I don’t want a no good SOB playing for the Braves.
By BamaBrave
July 11, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
This is what happens, Frank Wren, when you acquire a sleazeball like Taverez…denizens actually begin to think you may also consider signing Barry Bonds.
By gg
July 11, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Let’s get real.
I don’t like giving up, but this season is just a continuation of the previous two. The Braves aren’t going to get better until they can restructure their roster/payroll. They have too much money in players who can’t physically produce up to their salaries.
They need Chipper and one other healthy hoss, and then a good mixture of veterans who earn their salary and know how to play plus several young players who are really ready for MLB. Somewhere in there they need some small ball savvy…bunting and base stealing.
I say start now. Even if they did make it to the post season, do they really have what it takes to really make any noise in the playoffs? No!
By Jon1
July 11, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
As far as corner infeild depth in the minors, I agree it’s not deep but Freeman is putting up some real good numbers in A ball. Granted he’s not ready for the bigs yet. .305avg/.516slg/.879ops/13 HR and 64 RBI
(info obtained from milb.com)
By N8
July 11, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Mr J
I “get” the logistics of why the date on the calendar is significant in knowing if we are buyers or sellers.
But for weeks DOB has been stating that the Braves won’t give up on the season because they are only “x-amount” of games back, with “x-amount” of games to go.
He’s stated that their chances of getting back into the race are very fair, and not that far out of the question (to which he is correct - mathematically), so I wanna know what changes that. The trade deadline?
There’s still 2 months of the season left after the deadline, right?
It just seems that now that the deadline is about 2 weeks or so away, it’s an easy call to start talking about possible trades, where just 2 or 3 weeks ago, DOB wouldn’t have warmed up to that conversation.
Like I said in the previous post, I don’t disagree with him. Anybody that has followed what I have stated since mid-June, knows I’m all for dumping Tex to build for the future (since he more than likely, won’t be part of it).
I also agree with the poster who asked why is it so far out of line to ask whether the Braves might not play better if Tex is traded for multiple pieces to the puzzle…THIS YEAR?
I’m not saying that Tex is the reason that we’re not winning at a better clip than .500 ball, but if we were to get a decent 1B back in the deal, and some pitching (not to mention Hampton and Glavine maybe coming back), who’s to say that adding two above average players in exchange for one “stud” (Tex), wouldn’t improve the lineup?
It’s happened before. A team trades off it’s “star” mid-season and goes on to have a decent run of games. With us being only so far back it’s NOT out of the question. Probable? No. Impossible? Not any more than winning with him, IMO.
In 1990 when the Braves traded Murphy at the deadline, they were 40-61 (.396), after the trade they went 25-36 (.400).
Not sure why this team couldn’t continue to play .500 ball with or without Tex. Especially if Chipper is healthy after the break.
Now, THAT all being said. There is nothing wrong with feeling out trades for Tex over the break, and seeing what happens after the break leading up to the deadline. If we’re close and Wren wants to make a run…go for it.
If things go south (starting this weekend in SD), pull the trigger.
However, doing so might actually hinder possible trades as well. Let’s say there is a team willing to give a LOT for Tex, due to being “close” to making a move (say the Dodgers for example), and in the next two weeks THEY fall flat on their faces, and then back out of the proposed trade…
Timing is everything, in any line of work. But what happens to ALL of the MLB teams in the races over the next two weeks will also dictate what happens with Tex. Not just what the Braves do.
By Shaun
July 11, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
rlinaug, they don’t play well enough fundamentally to win one-run games, but they play well enough fundamentally to be one of the best teams in baseball in two-run games and one of the best team in games decided by two or more runs? I think if they weren’t fundamentally sound, they’d be a lot farther back than they are.
By Brave2theGrave
July 11, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
What about Tex and Ohman to the Red Sox for Lars Anderson 1B (20 yr old prospect with power potential and currently has a .324 average)Michael Bowden(SP)(rhp) and Daneil Bard (RP)(rhp)
also what about putting Diaz on the market? You hvae to figure this is his last year as a brave. He is dues for a raise next year and quite franly we have enough young outfielders to fill his place
By Raleigh Brave
July 11, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
How many make or break series/games can there be? The Braves have been toast for a long time. Done. Finished. Caput. Over. Out. Stink. Stank. Stunk. Boring. Awful. Lackluster. Terrible. Call it a season please. It’s over.
By Jon1
July 11, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
DOB Have you heard anything about Heyward or Freeman? Are the Braves talking about promoting them to MB or even Mississippi? They have both been tearing the cover off the ball in Rome.
By sooner
July 11, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
PLEASE no more Bonds talk. It’s not going to happen, nor should it.
By A-ville Ranger
July 11, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Jon1, Would we be buyers AND sellers ? Trade away Tex and trade for Nady,I don’t see that happening myself.
By N8
July 11, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
keylargo
I was thinking the same exact thing, regarding Sexson.
Sign him. Platoon him with Thorman (or Norton) at 1B, and trade Tex NOW.
They could still make a run, if things go well.
This team isn’t built to win in the playoffs anyhow. Unless you think there is a team that has been as pathetically bad as the Braves (0-24 in road 1-run games), and done anything in tight (low-scoring) October baseball games.
If we were just one or two players away from being significantly better in said close games, I’d say be buyers and make a move.
But I don’t think that’s close to the case.
Then again. We are only 6.5 back with 70 to play. Two good weeks of baseball could “change” the past 4 months or so of baseball. I’d feel more confident about that theory if this team had played anywhere near two weeks of good baseball in the past calendar year. LOL!
By LT-AA Blogger
July 11, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Dude- the Bonds thing ain’t happenin- give it a rest.
I think DOB is right on the money with this series being a huge deciding factor. Also, I think what teams will offer for him will be the other. I don’t see teams offering a whole lot with his contract situation. The Braves may be better off just using the draft picks or trying to resign him. As young as he is, I don’t think a 7 yr/150 mil deal would hurt the team financially, but it will all depend on how high the Yanks/Mets or other teams are willing to go. I am betting they’ll go a little higher than the Braves but not a whole lot higher than that.
If there is not a good enough offer, bring up Schafer and throw him in left and see what happens.
This team is not that far away- could easily have been 6-7 games over .500 sitting in first if Franceour had done what he had in previous seasons. That and I think there’s a mental block on this team.
I don’t know where or why it has happened but there seems to be an aura of inevitability in any close situation. That and the bench is totally inadaquet which FW needs to be accountable for.
The biggest bright spot for this team has been Jurjens and Reyes- here’s to their further success. Jair is easily making his case that he’s a future 1-2 guy with Reyes right behind him. Plus Morton looks like he could easily be an extremely good 3.
Gotta have the sweep but I don’t think it’s happenin’.
By coach k
July 11, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
FIRE FREAKING PENDLETON, AND GET BACK TO THE BASICS, SMALL BALL, MOVE UP, OVER AND IN, IT IS NOT THAT HARD. THIS IS ANOTHER YR WE HAVE TO ACCEPT MEDIOCRITY AND THIS TEAM IS WAY BETTER. BIG CONTRACTS, NO SENSE OF URGENCY OR PASSION. IF MY NUMBERS AT WORK WERE THIS SORRY I’D BE FIRED, SEE YOU TERRY AND TAKE BOBBY AND GET ME MATTINGLY AND VALENTINE
By BamaBrave
July 11, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Yep…that would be the nail in the coffin Chop Chop…
That would be like having Liberty Media go on the DL…
By JCSmalls
July 11, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Sellers?….We Suck!!!!
By N8
July 11, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
DOB
My question wasn’t meant to come across as “snippy” or a “gotcha!” type of question.
When I read it back after it posted, it comes across that way.
It was a serious question. Though after reading the denizen’s responses to me “speaking for you”, I get where you are coming from. I was just asking.
Anyhow. Off to work for a while. I’ll complain to you all later during the game. Yup. That’s right. I’m watching tonight. That about guarantees a horrible display of baseball, right? LOL!
By Charlie
July 11, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
The Braves need to be sellers. Teixeira is a pseudo-cleanup hitter. He gets a few RBI, but his average with RISP is poor. He is NOT a clutch/money hitter. The trouble is, the 2008 Braves don’t have ANYBODY that is a clutch hitter. That’s why they waste so many fine pitching performances. Lousy, minor league caliber offense. Get what ever possible for Teixeira. The Braves are under .500 since he arrived (although not all his fault). Cut the Bora$ Boy loose. He’s in the game for personal stats and money. The end. This team has been such a frustration to watch this year. Break ‘em up. Start over. And for as much as I’ve backed Bobby Cox, he done a poor job in 2008. Maybe it’s time for Bobby to retire to his tractor on a full time basis.
By Retch
July 11, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
If the Braves convince themselves they are in it and aren’t sellers, they will be under .500 again next year when Tex walks.
Rebuild. Trade Tex, Ohman, Kotsay and yes even Hudson if someone will overpay!!
By AGTfan
July 11, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
I think the silliest piece of logic I can imagine is saying we should give up on the season because the odds are against us winning the World Series this year. There have been a lot of years where the best team in the play-offs isn’t the eventual WS winner. Anything can happen in a 7 game series. Get there, get hot at the right time and even a mediocre team can end up being the World Champions.
By Renegator
July 11, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Boo
David Wright just got into the All Star game as a reserve.
By Evan
July 11, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Shaun, Your right he could still go to the hall and people 20 or so years from now will recall that he was a decent player who played great defense. But how many of us thought when he first came up and then again in ‘05 (an apparent fluke of a year) that he would not go down in the books with his name next to or closely behind or in front of the names of Mays, Ruth, and Aaron? Remember Andruw got to 300 homers quicker than Aaron, so its not to far of a stretch to see how good he could have been had it not been for some ridiculously poor coaching on how to hit.
By bravesedandconfused
July 11, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
I doubt the Braves would get much more for Tex now than at the end of the year because Boras ALWAYS wants his guys to hit the open market. He does everything he can to get his clients to go that way. All of the GMs know this so they’re just not going to give up that much for a short-term rental.
May as well keep him and hope things turn around for the 2nd half.
By Jon1
July 11, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
A-ville Ranger We could be both buyers and sellers if the total production we get back in trade is greater than what we give up. The goal is to score more runs I don’t care if it takes two guys to do it or just one and I don’t care what name is on the back of their jersey either. Nady has been hot all season and Adam is notorious for getting real hot after the all-star break (he has all ready started to heat up). It could be that the total run production with out Tex could be higher than with him if the right role players are found.
We are already sellers when it comes to Tex anyhow. We sold the farm for him last year. Don’t get me wrong I liked the move but now it’s time to hedge our losses a little if the right deal is out there.
By Mr J
July 11, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
N8,
I don’t dispute any of that, even the part about the Braves possibly playing just as well without Tex as with him.
That being said, tempis fugit. This is the last series before the break, and I think the brass will have to have made an organizational commitment by then. And a 2 game swing in the standings may well be the last deciding factor either way.
Its not complicated, just common sense.
By Tomy Fournier
July 11, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
yeaaa,….Bond,Glavine,Sexson,Cox,Pedelthon.and why not…Bowa,Thomas,Galarraga and maybe Welch and Madux and Clemens…and I do not know…maybe Reggie Jackson…and yeaaaa,,they won the WORLD SERIES…YEAAAAA…THAT THE ATLANTA FANS NEED.!!!!!
By Jon1
July 11, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Retch I’m not sure that trying to trade Hudson is a good ideal. We need some experience to anchor the rotation for the rest of the year and next. On top of that, we got a discount when Hudson resigned. I don’t think you would be able to replace his production or his intangibles for the same price.
By Bravetiger
July 11, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
DOB - Know that Hampton has completed all the rehab starts that were scheduled, do you see him in the rotation after the break and if so who will he replace? Morton seems to be the logical choice. And have you asked Bobby Cox about that subject?
By Lennie G
July 11, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
I noticed that Tony Clark might be available. I’d love to see the Braves pick him up. He’s always worn the Braves out and I think he’d be a great backup 1st baseman and power off the bench….
By kirknga
July 11, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Liberty Media will cite the struggling economy as a reason for a “significant reduction of non-core asset expenditures.”
Why stop there? Why not just pack up and leave Atlanta? :)
What I want to know is, why stop with Tex and Ohman? If you’re giving up shouldn’t there be no untouchables?Why not trade McCann, he’s young, has signed a favorable contract, and like the trading of Tex, there’s no apparent replacement in the organization.
And Hudson, couldn’t we get a very nice package for him?
Shouldn’t we at least ask Chipper’s permission to be traded?
Yes, I am being sarcastic, but only so much. It seems to me that once you start rationalizing the trading of difference makers, why stop?
Once you’ve made the decision to quit, why wouldn’t you make everyone available? There’s always a case to be made for someone younger, or someone cheaper; once you have quit and started trading people who could possibly help you beyond this season, as Tex and Ohman could, can’t we make a case for trading anyone who draws interest?
By Random
July 11, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Nice non-answer, DOB.
I can see you’ll have a fine future as a Braves beat writer (until you find something better).
Thanks, chrisklob — I had noted the same event to BravesFanInRockies two blogs ago.
Way to keep up with the goin’s on over here.
By Train Wreck Bystander
July 11, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Barry Bonds… that’s funny.
ESPN reported last night that no major league team has expressed an interest. The only way you will see him play again is to watch ESPN Classic.
As for resigning Tex, I think it would be money well spent. I doubt the Braves will win out in the bidding at the end of the year, though. But I am looking forward to a few torrid months to close out this season from our favorite free-agent-to-be.
I am not ready to give up on Braves ‘08 just yet.
By Jon1
July 11, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
To bad we aren’t still in the NL West. Even this line up would stand a chance of winning the division out there.
By Ramblin Wrecker
July 11, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure why everyone automatically assumes that the Braves HAVE to trade Mark Teixiera. Will he command a hefty price tag this winter? Of course. But remember this my friends, the Braves have a lot of large commitments coming off the books next season. Mike Hampton is sure to not have his option picked up for ‘09, so that drops his $15 million salary down to a $6 million buyout of his $20 million option (even IF the Braves wanted to keep Hampton, it wouldn’t be for $20 mil). John Smoltz had an option that kicked in if he pitched 200 innings in ‘08 for $12 million. His career is in doubt, so even if he rehabs to the point that he might return, he won’t be here at $12 million. Tom Glavine doesn’t have an option on his $8 million 1 year deal and given that he has missed half the season (or possibly more) he would only be back at a cheaper rate, especially since he isn’t leaving Atlanta to pitch for anyone else. Mark Kotsay is a free agent and the portion of his contract that the Braves are paying, $3 million will be off the books. While Kotsay is likable and a good player, with the outlook for the team decidedly younger, I don’t know if they’d spend a lot to keep Kotsay if they have Jordan Schafer ready for the show for next season. (In fact he might see some time this season if the Braves do fall out of it.) If you add the savings up from those contracts it comes to $35 million dollars that is being spent in 2008 that won’t be in 2009 plus options that won’t be vested or picked up. So take the $12.5 million that Tex is making this season and give him a raise to $20 million in the first year or two of a contract. For 2009 that only takes away $7.5 million of the $35 million I just tallied up that we know won’t be spent next season. And that doesn’t even address whether the payroll might go up a bit from it’s present levels, which Liberty media has expressed is a possibility. That leaves you with $27.5 million dollars to sign free agents, re-sign a Glavine/Smoltz to reduced deals if they are healthy and/or willing and pay for arbitration and raises for the little guys on the team. On that note, Chipper’s salary for 2009 is based on performance bonuses but tops out at his same ‘08 salary of $11 million. So he appears to be holding static. McCann will get a bump up to $3.5 million from $800k, so take away another $2.7 mil from the surplus and you still have around $25 million to fill your needs even after keeping Tex. The only other players who could stand to see a significant (by $.5 million to $1 million) raise in their salaries are Jeff Francoeur and Kelly Johnson. KJ has shown himself a solid ML player and is likely to get up into the $1million range for next season. Francoeur just by service and his relative performance could be that as well, but I forsee his relationship with the Braves not lending itself to signing a long term contract to stay. Let’s be honest, the Braves and Frenchy were already far apart on their opinions of his value and performance. McCann took a similar deal that was offered to Francoeuer, that has McCann not breaking the $1 million barrier until 2009, year 3 of the deal. Frenchy balked at that deal in 2007 and isn’t likely to have the deal sweetened by the Braves given his huge slump and apparent bad attitude. (I think Chipper’s tongue in cheek analysis of Frenchy this spring was very apt. “Lose an Andruw, gain an Andruw.” I think part of his demotion was to prevent that do-it-my-way attitude from solidifying the way it had with Andruw.) And this sort of souring of the relationship between Jeff and the Braves is also another reason to keep Tex. If Francoeur isn’t going to be a long term face here, then why not preemptively spend that money on a proven commodity?
I know what the immediate criticism of my idea will be: the contract that it would take to keep Tex would be prohibitive to the Braves constructing a winning roster. At first glance I would tend to have agreed with this belief. However, if you go thru the numbers like I did above you realize that a) the Braves roster is very young and most of the payroll was held by Chipper, Hudson, Hampton, Smoltz and Glavine. 3 of those 5 will not be back due to injury or will be signed to reduced incentive laden contracts to hedge against those injuries. But even that possibility is low for Smoltz and Glavine. Chipper is likely to finish his career with the Braves, but his run is likely over before a Tex contract would kick into high gear. That also goes for Hudson. With the arms the Braves have currently (Jurrjens, Reyes, Morton, Campillo) in the rotation and those on the near horizon in Tommy Hanson, Jeff Locke, etc., the chances that Hudson won’t be back after his contract is up is pretty high. And with McCann locked up thru 2013 (with a salary that won’t top the $10 mil mark until 2013) you have a salary dynamic that could support the signing of Tex. Also the young position players the Braves have in Escobar and KJ, plus prospects like Lillibridge and Schaefer, Gorkys Hernandez, Jason Heyward, points to not having to dip heavily into free agency to fill a whole lot of needs. They could safely add a power bat, possibly LF at at $10-12 million range and not break the bank. But I’ll let everyone else debate it.
By CONNECTICUT BRAVES FAN
July 11, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
I agree with Raleigh Braves, the season is over. Trade Tex and anyone else (except Chipper, McCann, and the young starters) for quality minor league
prospects. Fire Cox and his entire coaching staff and start to rebuild the Braves for the future. No more signings of anyone over 34 years old (injury prone) and pay for better bench and role players. No more Woodwards, Miller’s, Gotay’s, Norton’s, (the bottom of the barrel). Get younger and faster and stress fundem- entals and aggressiveness on the bases.
By Moby Grape
July 11, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
S.I.COM
says that the Snakes & the Cardfs are both in hot pursuit of Bay, and that the Pirates are demanding teams top prospects.
By Logic of the White Flag
July 11, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
There are three kinds of players.
Difference Makers: These guys are the clutch players. They thrive on pressure situations. They seem to pick everyone up and make everyone around them better.
Part Players: These are the guys that every team needs. They are steady, do their job, and occasionally come through with the big play or hit when the team really needs it.
Scrubs: They’re fringe players. Sometimes scrubs are thrust into the starting lineup because they’re all a team has to fill the slot.
Difference Makers can put a team on his back and carry them all the way to the playoffs considering there are adequate Part Players around them.
Part Players can be difference makers if they go to a team that has a hole somewhere in the lineup that needs to be filled by a steady hand. For a team that is contending, plugging a small hole can be the boost they need to get to the promised land.
Scrubs are always scrubs and never make a difference.
A team full of Difference Makers (true difference makers, not just big stats guys who fold under pressure) can win the World Series.
A team full of Part Players ain’t winning the World Series without a Difference Maker.
A team full of scrubs is/are The Washington Nationals.
The Moral of the story is if you don’t have true Difference Makers on your team (Braves) don’t go out and spend your prospects on Part Players (most outfield options talked about here) If Difference Makers are too expensive, then trade for or try to develop your own future Difference Makers. Trade Tex, get high prospects, and build for the future.
By Pat
July 11, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
why do people think that Mike Hampton is going to return? talking about that as even being a possibility is simply ridiculous. the guy is done. wake up!
By jake
July 11, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
The Dodgers are in need for offense, we could trade tex for kemp and loney and we would get two major league ready players and fill in the need of corner outfield and replacement of tex.
By Novice Ned
July 11, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
SELL. Trade Tex to Boston for a top prosepct and Sean Casey. Let Casey play 1B for the next 1-2 seasons.
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
I agree with Raleigh Braves, the season is over. Trade Tex and anyone else (except Chipper, McCann, and the young starters) for quality minor league prospects. Fire Cox and his entire coaching staff and start to rebuild the Braves for the future.Connecticut Braves Fan
So, you think a subtle tweak here and there will do the trick, huh?
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Nice non-answer, DOB.
I can see you’ll have a fine future as a Braves beat writer (until you find something better).Random
Just got back from lunch. I must’ve missed something. What question did I non-answer?
Regarding that Braves beat writer position, I’m thinking of applying. Thanks for the confidence boost.
By Jon1
July 11, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Ramblin Wrecker
You hit the nail on the head as far as the future of the Braves payroll because of all those young players either already on the club or on the horrizon. They are the reason you trade Tex. Have you seen Heyward? If not think Adam Dunn. There is no way he plays the OF in the big leagues. He will be converted to 1B at some point in his development. If we sign Tex for the 8-10 yrs that he and the agent of doom are going to be asking for you just blocked your top hitting prospect.
By Hit, Heap, Hit!
July 11, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
I’m disgusted that David Wright is getting to go to the ASG after all. Booooooooooo.
By VAroadrunner
July 11, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
I keep reading about Terry Pendleton not meeting his expected objectives and finally I am not the only one that sees through the Pendleton mistique. I really think that after only three days in the minors, Frenchy has adopted a new approach at the plate. He is trying to hit the ball where it is pitched. Now, will he continue to look like he has a clue (and he has looked better lately and not because he hit a HR) who knows?
BUT, in three days, the AA Mississippi Braves have accomplished something that Pendleton has been onable to do ALL YEAR!
To me, it is evidence that Pendleton does not have what it takes to be ahitting coach. It’s Bobby just handing TP a bone for his help in the past. He needs to be the bench coach or fired….anything but our HITTING coach.
As far as TEX and the firesale….. I’d keep him and resign him. Whatever it costs. I feel good about our young pitchers and as they develop into winners, we’ll need a supporting cast behind them. TEX, KJ, Escobar, Chipper, BONDS, Kotsay (this year)/ Shafer (next year) and Franceour. Not bad!
But if we refuse to resign him for his $20M or so, GET SOMETHING IN RETURN.
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
The Braves have been toast for a long time. Done. Finished. Caput. Over. Out. Stink. Stank. Stunk. Boring. Awful. Lackluster. Terrible. Call it a season please. It’s over.Raleigh Brave
I like the Dr. Seuss tone in the middle of this (Stink. Stank. Stunk.)
OK, Raleigh, I’ll bite: It’s over. I’ve called it a season. There, now you can wash your hands of this, not waste any more time reading this blog, and look forward to college football (wait, you live in Raleigh? OK, then you can look forward to the basketballs being rolled out for first practice in October).
By geauxbraves2000
July 11, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
2009 FA 1B as per mlbtraderumors.com
Ben Broussard (32)
Sean Casey (34)
Tony Clark (37)
Carlos Delgado (37) - $16MM mutual option for ‘09 with a $4MM buyout
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Jason Giambi (38) - $22MM club option for ‘09 with a $5MM buyout
Scott Hatteberg (39)
Eric Hinske (31)
Doug Mientkiewicz (35)
Kevin Millar (37)
Richie Sexson (34)
Mark Teixeira (29)
Maybe trying to sign Tex would be a good idea.
Geaux Braves!!
By Jon1
July 11, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB what about Freeman and Heyward, have you heard anything about Promotions for them to A+ or AA?
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Shaun: Your 3:04 p.m. answer was perfect. It’s beyond me how someone reasonably intelligent and objective couldn’t understand what I meant. But honestly, I also don’t care. I think most here get the point and grasp it….
DaleMurphy4HOF: you bring up an interesting point. Yes, I think they could be buyer and seller, to some degree. If you got a good young 1B in return for Tex, and filled another need or two, you might still have some outside shot, with a whole lot of help from other teams down the stretch.
By BossLady
July 11, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
KeyLargo, I could not have said it better in your defining Bonds. Thanks
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Shaun, just saw you also had weighed in on the possibility of being buyers and sellers. Good that some folks here still understand how a lot of situations are still grey areas, rather than black-and-white simple solutions and explanations that a few always seem to demand.
Ricflair, they’d have to get a 1B back in the package for Tex (or in another planned trade if they decide to go that route).
By CC73
July 11, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
If the Braves decide they must trade Teixeira, then I say call his homestate Baltimore Orioles and see if Brian Roberts is available. What about a Teixeira and Kelly Johnson for Brian Roberts and Aubrey Huff swap between the teams? Thoughts (and DOB, take it easy on me, I’m just thinking out loud here, not being overly serious.)
By Paddy McGillicutty
July 11, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Can we PLEASE stop w/ the whole “well if we don’t pick up Hampton’s option, so that’s $15MM off the books, combined w/ not picking up Glavine’s $8MM option, that’s $23MM off the books, so that’s plenty to sign Tex”??? We all know at least 1 of those (mostly likely both) will not be picked up, we all know that the bidding for Tex will start around $20MM per year, and we are all ecstatic that there are a handful of people on this blog that can do simple 3rd grade addition. But seriously, it’s not needed—WE KNOW!
Sorry, been pi$$ing this guy off for a while. Sure hope the Braves right this ship soon—the Rangers are starting to tug at my allegiances here (kidding of course).
By semiballcoach
July 11, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
get off tp, the hitting coach can only make suggestions, it’s not his fault the players don’t do their jobs, i.e.—runner on third less than 2 outs and striking out looking…not hitting the ball to the right side…the players are the ones who don’t make the adjustments..as far as small ball, that has never been one of bobby cox’s strong points—which leads to the disappointment in the post season
By Cooper
July 11, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Buyers.
Keep Tex for 21mm/yr for 7yrs
Sign Sheets or CC and a AS level LF with HR pop.
Win the WS in 09.
I am going with the positive route.
By Bitter Believer
July 11, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
Why would they fire Bobby Cox? REALLY? He just signed a one year extension. TP is hanging around to take over after Bobby steps down. Believe it. So the WHOLE STAFF is not going to be cleaned out. That’s an insane idea.
The injury plague has nearly demolished the Braves this year. That’s the single worst thing to happen to the franchise in the last 18 years.
I blame the Ownership for all the problems though. Liberty Media is slowly strangling the Braves and I don’t believe that will change anytime soon. We needed two big offseason player signings to boost this club and that did not happen. And it’s not likely to happen this offseason either.
So what if we have a Tomahawk Chopping Cow in the Outfield! I want some top notch players! Not fireworks. Not bobbleheads. Not T-shirts. Not all you can cram down your throat seats. Keep the hot braves girls please but GET SOME FREE AGENT or TRADED TALENT ON THIS TEAM LIKE THE OLD DAYS… McGriff, Sheffield, Maddux, Pendleton. So-So and Mediocre isn’t getting us over the top!
Go JOJO!!! GO BRAVES!!!
By sooner
July 11, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
I am on board with the buyer and seller line of thinking, I think you absolutely have to trade Tex b/c we all know he’s not re-signing here, but that doesn’t mean we’re throwing up the white flag. if you get the right mix of young guys and ML ready guys for Tex, plus make a move for an OF you can still have a shot at winning this division.
By Jeff R
July 11, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
If the Braves take the Padres series, what does that mean, exactly? That they can beat a poorer team? Got to win those games, sure, but got to win games against the contenders, which the Braves haven’t done with any regularity this season.
Management needs to position this club for next season. Super Tex is a “Dead Man Walking.” He’s gone, and the team needs more value for him than a back of the pack draft choice. It would be nice if the team can keep Ohman, but, as DOB writes, his price tag is going to be higher than reasonable.
In Super Tex and Ohman, you have two very capable, very attractive players. Their value should be leveraged to the max.
By Coach Smith
July 11, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
I’m so SICK of 99% of you who are calling for the BRAVES to “trade everyone” “rebuild” etc
I’m sick because you are talking out of your @zzes
As a roster the Braves are the FOURTH (4th) YOUNGEST team in MLB
We have a HOLE at Left Feild and we need 1 or 2 STARTERS
THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE a REBUILD and if you go trading everyone…YOU WILL JUST MAKE MORE HOLES!
You are better off to sign TEX for 4-5 years and then when the contract is up, You’ll have JASON HEYWARD to step in at 1st Base
All you need to do to FIX the BRAVES can be done in 3 SIMPLE STEPS
Trade for a cheaper but good LF like NADY or BAY
SIGN TEX
Sign SHEETS or SABATHIA in the offseason
Then…This year and next year your lineup would be
Blanco/Kotsay
Escobar
Chipper
Tex
McCann
Nady/Bay
Frenchy
KJ
and NEXT year you would have HUDDY, JAIR, and SHEETS/SABATHIA at the top of the rotation
Now can someone explain why in the hell we need to ship off everyone when they are really just a couple steps/peices away??????????/
NO you can’t!!!! Most of you are just letting frustration override COMMON SENSE
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Jon1, no, but haven’t asked. Just so much other stuff to keep track of right now that affects the team on the field and the rest of the season.
By sportsnut4
July 11, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
http://www.total-e-sports.blogspot.com
By VAROADRUNNER
July 11, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
OH and BTW, why David Wright for Soriano? Holliday moves to starter and he is replaced with a third baseman. Why not a pitcher, like JJJ?
I am beginning to hate NY and Chicago or should I just hate the ATlanta fans for not voting more, like our NY and Chic counterparts!
By Tomahawk Matt
July 11, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Awesome job with the 1st baseman free agent info geauxbraves2000!
We better re-sign TEX! Who else is there? NO ONE OBVIOUSLY!
DOB - KING OF BLOG & RADIO GUESTS
Here’s my best Carson Carnac impression: The Atlanta Braves The Pittsburgh Pirates The Washington Nationals.
Name a Buyer, a seller, and perennial cellar dweller.
GO JOJO!!! GO BRAVES!!! I BELIEVE AND I’M CRAZY!!!!!!
By kirknga
July 11, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
I keep reading about Terry Pendleton not meeting his expected objectives and finally I am not the only one that sees through the Pendleton mistique.
I don’t know why I bother to ask anymore, but do you even know TP’s record as hitting coach? Are you even aware that the club has set franchise records under his tutelage? If he gets blame for JF and Andrew, shouldn’t he get credit for Andrew’s near MVP season?
And why would you fire a hitting coach whose team produces the 3rd most runs in the league two seasons running?
Did JF lead the league in 2-out rbi’s for most of last year? That’s clutch hitting isn’t it?
Sorry, I just don’t get why you want to fire a guy who has produced record numbers for you. Who runs their business like that?
By Coach Smith
July 11, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Paddy Mcgilicuddy
You are forgetting that in addition to that 23 million you spoke of…The Braves are already paying TEX 12.5 million…
So actually, you need about 10-11 mil of that extra 23 million to sign him
Then take the the other 12 mil and go after Sheets/Sabathia..yes you might have to add 2-3 mil to that to get one of those guys but they should be able to do it…Especially if SMOLTZ doesn’t come back or doesn’t come back at full price
as an add on to my previous post I think SCHAEFER will be here with BLANCO next year…Kotsay will proabably be gone
By Cramer
July 11, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
SELL! SELL! SELL!
By Tomahawk Matt
July 11, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Coach Smith… I love you and your words of wisdom (in a friendly way only).
Go JOJO!!! GO BRAVES!!!
By N8
July 11, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
DOB
I knew what you meant. Believe me. But I thought my question was simple enough. Maybe I didn’t phrase it correctly.
It’s wasn’t meant to argue with you, nor to attack you.
I was just simply asking why you feel the Braves would possibly be “sellers” if this series doesn’t go well (worst case - they would be 9.5 out with 67 to go), when two weeks ago, they were 7 out with 75-80 to go.
If two weeks ago, you (and Wren) thought that some better luck and good health could help this team make a run, why would that change just two weeks later?
I may argue with you, whether I think it’s gonna happen (I will never argue on something being impossible), but I just wanna know what has changed (other than 10 or so less games to play), that makes you think their “chances” would be lessened with a bad series against the Padres.
Nothing more, nothing less.
For the record, I’m ALL FOR being sellers and buyers at the deadline.
While I never thought the Tex trade was worth it at the time, it CERTAINLY was a move that had the stretch run last year and ALL of 2008 in mind.
I think with other teams in a better position to make a run, that those teams “desperation” to make a move now, might allow the Braves to make a better trade NOW for next year, than they might be able to do over the upcoming winter.
And at the same time, with some luck and some “ready to contribute now” kind of players (that also fit into next year’s team and budget), this team could STILL make a run in the last two months, even if Tex is dealt.
Common sense says it would have to be a GREAT deal. Is that deal out there to be had? I doubt it. But you never know.
By VAROADRUNNER
July 11, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Maybe we put KJ back in left and sign a second baseman. I like KJ’s bat, although he can be streaky.
By Paddy
July 11, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
DOB my stance has always been try and sign Tex. But Scott Boros is the key. If he does not give you hope, trade him. Tex is the lynch pin in this whole deal. If Tex goes, start the sale right now. And guys stay off Cox and the coaches, you have no idea what happens in a clubhouse and how respected these coaches are by players. If they don’t have respect, Wren will know and changes will be made.
By ncscoots
July 11, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
So, you think a subtle tweak here and there will do the trick, huh?
I laughed out loud, man. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you looked for the perfect spot in the blog to insert that little jewel.
geauxbraves gives the “we’ll have money in the offseason” crowd a peek into the future, if the Braves rely on that premise. The FA crop in nearly ALL respects, well, bites. Beeg time. Don’t go there, my friends. Bad idea.
And while the blog is good for many moments of humor on even its worst day, I’m going with the reasoning of “signing Tex long-term would block Heyward” as my favorite for the week.
By GLEP
July 11, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Based on performance, omitting the love affair we have w/ hopeless wonders who have failed with their shot at the bigs, the Braves should do what teams are supposed to do. Evaluate and send down the underachieving bunch, trade the expensive glory seekers and call up the rest of the farm. They too deserve a shot at the bigs.
By cb
July 11, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
I hope we are buyers
By Ben
July 11, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Trade talk is fine. We aren’t going up in the standings until we get more runs. Only two guys really hitting (Chipper and McCann) use their Dads. We need a batting coach!!
By Coach Smith
July 11, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
LOL
Thanks Tomahawk Matt
A few FACTS and a little calm COMMON SENSE is all that are needed here sometimes
A simple VOICE OF REASON
By richbrave
July 11, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
DAVID O’BRIEN:
Do you think one or two top-notch youngsters could be had for TEIXEIRA considering where he currently is offensively?
I thought he’d be bumping .300 by now. RBI’s are good and homers O.K. Not drop-dead great, but solid. Anyway, any thoughts?
Any inside poop on why PHIL STOCKMAN didn’t stick with Atlanta after doing so well here in Richmond?
And a final question. I see my man CHARLIE MORTON’s getting lessons in becoming a pitcher instead of a thrower from ML hitters. I haven’t seen or heard any game he’s pitched. Where’s his main weakness at this point?
If you’ve got the time, thanks. If not, later.
By Al
July 11, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
“Did we mention…. The Braves have 70 homers and a .426 slugging percentage in 2,097 at-bats against right-handers, and only 19 homers and a .382 slugging percentage in 1,066 at-bats vs. lefties.”
A big reason for this is the tampering Cox does to the line-up. He doesn’t know McCann is 2nd in the league lefty vs lefty so he sits him; It’s 2008 not 1958. Bobby Cox is past his prime and holding this team back with 50’s style of managing.
Tommy Lasorda said long ago “A good manager was worth one run pergame to his team”.
Cox is a minus one per game obviously.
By N8
July 11, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
On a whole other topic, it IS a shame that JJJ isn’t on the All-star roster. He’s deserving. But I guess if he keeps this up this year and starts next year the same way, the manager that has to “pick” the pitchers won’t be able to ignore him next year too.
By Jon1
July 11, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Coach Smith
There are a few problems with your logic. First,Tex is not going to sign a 4-5 year deal when other teams are going to give him 8-10. Second, Sheets is a great pitchers and I would love to see him in a Braves uniform more than just about anybody. He’s a few years younger than I am but we played against each other twice in the Louisiana state high school tournament and ended up going to college together at NLU (ULM now). So personally, I would love to see my favorite pitcher on my favorite team but he is injury prone. The last thing we nee is another high paid talented SP who stays on the DL (Hampton)
By AGTfan
July 11, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
A simple VOICE OF REASON
Coach Smith, That’s a true rarity around here.
By rupert
July 11, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
i think it is reasonable that if the braves got a bidding war going and were able to get a young first baseman and another good prospect or two for tex they could do that, then turn around and make a move for an outfield bat, who could bat cleanup or 5th, this would be a mixed signal, but the braves management probably isn’t too concerned with what kind of singals they are giving out, more with what helps the team this year and the years to come
DOB, what about loney from LA, kid is young and can really pick it at first, they no doubt need a bat and have some good young arms in their system (as well as position players, do you think the dodgers would part with loney?
By Chop Chop
July 11, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Optimism would have me believe that the tide of victories we’ve all been hoping for is about to flow.
Pessimism would have me believe that the Braves are going to get worse before they get better.
My common sense tells me that the Braves ain’t going anywhere this year.
By VAROADRUNNER
July 11, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
As my posts have indicated, I agree totally with Coach Smith
We have the basis of a good/great team and TEX is an important part. Look at his defense lately, not to speak of his offense. He is a slow starter, everyonje has seen that. But he is a winner, IMO, and we cannot afford not to sign him.
If we trade/sign an ace, we have Huddy, JJJ, Reyes, morton, campillo, ACE (lol) and a decent bullpen.
We have been building the last three years. When, at times, you have a rookie playing LF, CF, SS, and three of your pitchers are young/rookie, you are building. And the Braves are playing like it. We can see potential, but to date that have not clicked as a team. Francoeur looks better, if only it lasts. IMO, we have very little of winning this year, but we look set for the future with a couple deletions and additions. KEEP TEX !
By Cramer
July 11, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
I think Chippers Mom should be the Braves hitting coach.
She is the real reason for his success. And her pies are delicious!
By Coach Smith
July 11, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Jon1
The consensus from everyone..DOB, ESPN, etc..is that the TEX market will be a 5-7 year deal
Nobody has come close to mentioning 8-10 years…for the most part, deals that long DO NOT EXIST
Offer TEX a 5 year 115 million dollar deal
If you don’t like SHEETS then go after SABATHIA…I’m OK with either…they’ll be close to the same money
By kirknga
July 11, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
We have a HOLE at Left Feild and we need 1 or 2 STARTERS
THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE a REBUILD and if you go trading everyone…YOU WILL JUST MAKE MORE HOLES!
You would think it would be so easy to see, but it isn’t Coach Smith.
Never underestimate the need to punish or lash out at players/coaches because it seems to consume some people.
By McFann Ô
July 11, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Al He doesn’t know McCann is 2nd in the league lefty vs lefty so he sits him; It’s 2008 not 1958.
Eh…He hasn’t sat him that much.
Hey, Not wRight’s going to the ASG after all. Gotta replace A. Soriano.
By VAROADRUNNER
July 11, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
kirknga
I truly appreciate YOUR ignorance. Did TP correct Andruw’s ATTITUDE? NO!
Has he had any impact (positive) on Franceour’s ATTITUDE? NO!
Hitting Coaches need to be able to influence young hitters and clearly, Fraqnceour listened to Wellman and his staff in Mississippi and has yet to listen to TP.
As a former hitting coach, he does not have what it takes. With his approach to hitting - totally his and no one else’s - I’m pretty sure he is not our answer to hitting.
But please keep posting, your ignorance gives me a chuckle and a chuckle is always a good thing.
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
Anyone heard this band The Duke Spirit? What a rockin’ outfit they are. Got their new CD Neptune after hearing it on the LA station Indie 103.1.
Also got the new collaboration by Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis, and I’m telling you, it’s outstanding. Marsalis’ band sounds like they’re having a blast on this thing, playing some New Orleans R&B, and Willie’s voice works perfectly with the material.
By weso1
July 11, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
Bay has hit lefties better than righties over the course of his career. I think it’s pretty likely that this season is just a blip on the radar in regards to his splits.
I hate the thought of trading for a player who is having a career year (Nady). Especially for a player whose agent is Scott Boras. I’m willing to give up a better prospect to get Bay, especially since the chances of signing him long term are far from impossible.
I think we should be buyers and sellers. Sell Tex and Ohman, but still try to trade for Bay. I know it’s unorthodox but Bay would certainly help us replace Tex’s bat next season.
By jim
July 11, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
Boras clients typically do not negotiate a long-term deal with a single trading partner. He has all the interested teams bid up the player’s value during free agency. Given that an interested team is not too likely to give up their best prospects for a 2-month rental, I would just as soon see the Braves keep Tex for the year and get the 2 prospects they would receive for him in next year’s draft. As I have posted before, names like Joba Chamberlain, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Rick Porcello, to name a few, were still available late in the first round in the three previous drafts. College talents like Ellsbury and Chamberlain were able to reach the majors within 2-years of signing. The Braves will have a wider selection of talent to choose from if they wait and take the picks. The Sabathia trade to Milwaukee was a special case. Milwaukee is a small market team with a legitimate shot at making the playoffs and beyond this year, and they have a lot of young talent both on their roster and in their organization. They could afford to give up their top pick from last year because they have a third baseman and a short stop that are significant prospects and are almost ready to play at the major league level. They are taking their shot at this year, and not really mortgaging the future in doing so. The teams interested in Tex are not the small market teams that will be so willing to give up significant talent for a chance at Tex. Would you be happy with the players the A’s got for Harden?
The Braves are not the Pirates or Royals, constantly rebuilding from scratch. They have a talented nucleus of young players on the roster and in the organization and could contend within a year or two. If the Braves do decide to unload Tex and/or Ohman, then who cares who they have playing first base for the rest of the season. If you are not going to make the playoffs, you might as well finish as close to the bottom as you can and get the best selection of draft picks.
By The GM
July 11, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
No sense in trading TEX unless the Braves are overwhelmed with an offer. They are guaranteed two first round draft choices if they just stand pat. The sad thing besides watching some of the moves that Bobby makes is that the Braves appear to be just sleep walking through the season. What a waste of of their time and the team’s money.
By VAROADRUNNER
July 11, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
and BTW Kirknga
It’s very easy to take the credit when things are going well, but it’s tougher to hide when things go wrong. It’s our love for TP that clouds our vision ( and I like TP as a player, he just cannot teach! Chipper is a better hitting coach than TP.
By keylargo
July 11, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
This was posted yesterday but some people must not have seen it.
Try reading the part The ex in Tex
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&page=rumblings
By N8
July 11, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
ncscoots
“The FA crop in nearly ALL respects, well, bites. Beeg time. Don’t go there, my friends. Bad idea.”
I’m not sure how Wren will work compared to his “mentor”. But if you take the nostalgic (and logical at the time) move of bringing Glavine back as a free agent, Wren seems to think like JS.
By that, I mean that free agency is NOT the way he will build this club for the short term and (or) long-term.
The only significant free agents that were brought to Atlanta since 1992 (not counting re-signing guys we traded for), have been Maddux, Galarraga, Weiss and Paul Byrd.
Every other major acquisition, has been via the trade market, or through our farm system (which is obviously a big part of trades…past, present and future).
McGriff, Neagle, Sheffield, Hudson, JD Drew, Kotsay, Renteria, JJJ, etc… were ALL trades.
As for free-agency, JS was always good about re-signing said traded for players (along with our own prospects that deserved to be retained and given raises), when given the opportunity to do so.
To me that is MUCH different than signing a big name from another team.
So while I’m not really arguing with you (you are right the upcoming free agent class is pretty pathetic), it has no bearing on how JS in the past has done it, and I’ll assume that Wren is gonna follow that blue-print pretty closely. So the week class that “bites”, as you say, should have zero bearing on us replacing Tex.
That being said, it WILL have a huge impact on Tex being over-paid, IMO. Due to the weak free agent class, those who WILL spend big-time on a free agent, are gonna over-pay for guys like Tex, Sabathia, Sheets etc…
By Jeff321
July 11, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Did ya notice the Rangers are playing better without Tex than we are with him? Ah!
Texas 48 45 Atlanta 43 49
And please people, I told ya to put those checkbooks away. Tex wants to play for a winner.. money really is secondary or he would’ve taken Texas’ loot.
By DonCoburleone
July 11, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
As far as trading Tex goes, there are really only 2 teams who would be legitimate trade partners for him - Dodgers and Angels. The Red Sox and D-Backs I guess could get interested, but thats only if Ortiz isn’t going to come back or if the D-Backs consider Tex a HUGE upgrade over Conor Jackson (which I don’t). Ideally, we would trade him to the Dodgers for Loney + a couple of prospects. But lets face it, when you factor in service time and money even a straight up Tex-for-Loney swap seems like a steal for the Braves. I think if we could sweeten the deal, maybe throw in uber-utility man Omar Infante (assuming he gets healthy) so he can be the Dodgers new Shortstop (he is a HUGE upgrade over Angel Berroa/Chin Lung Hu) then we’d be able to get an additional prospect or two… So basically, here is my trade proposal:
Dodgers get: Mark Teixera (1B), Omar Infante(SS/2B/3B/OF).
Braves get: James Loney (1B), Jonathan Meloan (AAA SP - Dodgers #3 rated pitching prospect and #8 rated prospect overall).
The only problem I see here is that the Dodgers would have to take on 2 pretty big salaries while not ridding themselves of any. McCourt is known to be a little tentative about adding salary this year (which was part of the reason they didn’t get Sabathia)…
By Ace350bm
July 11, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
I don’t think that there’s any way that the Braves will be sellers unless they’re 8-10 games back in the final week of the trade deadline. Yes, Teixeira and Ohman have great trade value but even if the Braves don’t trade them, they’ll still get draft picks if they leave as free agents.
By Chop Chop
July 11, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
richbrave,
Thanks. I’ll take your questions.
Yes, I think a couple of top-notch youngsters could be had for him, but the Braves may be more likely to seek major league talent for his services. Tex’s overall numbers are not too far off his career stats. The only number that is down significantly is his slugging percentage (.488; that’s down about 50 points from his career average entering this season). That number has gone up 70 points since late June. He’s historically been a heavier hitter July through September, which makes him a very attractive bat for any team struggling with offense.
Stockman has an injured hamstring and is on the DL in Richmond. Bobby Cox accidentally ate Stockman’s ‘roo ‘nads. Stockman is bad news. Stockman is cursed. Forget about him.
Charlie Morton’s main weakness at this point is that he is a rookie. His stuff looks good and the defense hasn’t always helped him out, but Morton is just taking the usual lumps that most rookie pitchers get when they make it to the Show. Only time will tell whether he’ll be able to absorb what he’s learning now and put that knowledge to good use.
By DonCoburleone
July 11, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
And as far as the Angel’s go, I just don’t see them trading for Teixera. The ONLY thing that makes me think a Teixera for Kotchman + prospect trade would be possible is that Stoneman is finally gone as GM. However, his replacement, Tony Reagins, was Stoneman’s right hand man for years and has already stated his intention of not making any moves at the deadline (and why should they? They have the biggest division lead in baseball)… I really think a trade with Arizona is more likely than a trade with the Dodgers, getting Conor Jackson would be huge.
By Cramer
July 11, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Can the Braves buy Bay on eBay? Or do they have to go to OLD NADY to get Nady?
By DHD
July 11, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
Sell. In the off-season, sign Furcal. Here’s next year’s lineup:
Furcal, ss Blanco,lf Chipper, 1b McCann, c Francoeur,rf Escobar,3b Johnson,2b Schafer,cf
Lots of speed for a change. Young pitching will be stronger next season.
By Fan since 66
July 11, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
For all the people who advocate trading Hudson, get your brain examinied.
By Chop Chop
July 11, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
You’re absolutely right, N8. All the big free agents will be overpaid this year, which brings me to Coach Smith.
Coach Smith,
You say the Braves should offer Tex a 5-year, $115 million deal. That’s a $23 million average per season.
You also say the Braves should go after Sheets or Sabathia.
According to the Indians’ team website:
The Indians made a contract proposal to Sabathia over the winter that was believed to be a four-year extension, through 2012, with an average annual value between $17 and $18 million.
Sabathia reportedly wants an average of $20 million a year. He’s young and good enough to get it. Do you honestly believe that the Braves will sign two players this offseason to $20-million-plus/year contracts?
Ben Sheets would make more sense, but I think he’s likely to crack $16-18 million a year in his contract.
At most, the Braves would make one signing like that. More than likely, they won’t sign anyone to a contract that large.
By DonCoburleone
July 11, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
Correction to 5:50 post: I really think a trade with Arizona is more likely than a trade with the *Angels, getting Conor Jackson would be huge.
By bravos2249
July 11, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
for those that can’t remember Boras also thought he could get Andruw $140/7 yrs….even though Andruw struggled he was an established player allbeit.
ARod got a $252/10 yr contract becasue he was a 5 tool player…Tex is not…but times have changed.
By Jack G
July 11, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
DOB
This is not a make or break series.
This is just a series where two bad teams are playing to see which one is worse
By desibrave
July 11, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
I don;t believe in this “gotta make a decision by trade deadline”. We still got 67 games in the second half. With a healthy Kotsay and Diaz giving support to Chipper and Teixeria Braves can put up one decent winning streak against the division and they are back among the contenders. Mets were 6 games out of first place a couple of weeks ago and are now just a game and half out. It all depends on the schedule. If Braves can win 2 out of 3 against Padres and sweep nats at home they are back within 3 to 4 games. The current pitching we have is good enough if the hitters can consistently score 4 or 5 runs per game. So get someone like Nady and we are all set. I would say give the best shot and see what happens in the second half. Go Braves !!
By Chad
July 11, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
A link to The Duke Spirit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkymJsrUkt0&feature=related
An edgy, kind of dark alternative band with a pretty blond lead singer.
Thanks DOB
By DirtyDawg
July 11, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
When will observers here get it though their heads that Kelly Johnson is a lousy second baseman and hasn’t improved one iota all season. He’s incapable of making anything but the most routine play and can’t make anything close to a quality ‘turn’ on the double-play. Someone mentioned here a while back that he probably needs to go back to LF and platoon with Diaz or maybe even start everyday. I love his swing but he’s a big liability in the field..speed, yes but no hands and no arm.
By Jon1
July 11, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
Not a bad ideal DHD as far as moving Chipper to 1B if Tex is not around but I like Yunel at SS and Furcal’s back may be a long term issue. Back injuries are tricky and surgery may or may not fix the pain. Just ask Kotsay. Only problem with this is Chipper has been opposed to a move across the diamond and I don’t think that’s going to change. If he thinks it’s in the best interest of the team he’ll do it though.
By ncgary
July 11, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
barry bonds is a cancer to baseball, that being said i sign him tomorrow if i am braves gm, he could help you win hed cost bare minumum and aarons record already has an asterik next to bonds name and thanks to the fashion designer who bought the ball, so does the ball now in the hall sign bonds if he is a detriment release him, if he helps embrace him, people can change, even a%%*les
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Desibrave, good points. And a lot does depend on schedule. That’s good in a way for Braves, because they’ve got a pretty tough couple of weeks after the break, might help them made a decision.
But you’re right — there’s a very real chance they could be, say, five games out of first at the deadline and decide they’re going for it, or at least that they’re aren’t trading Tex.
By SaltyDawg
July 11, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Please stop detailing the Braves’ split stats in future blogs as it makes me want to vomit every time I am reminded how god-awful this team is against lefties (and overall for that matter).
Thanks
By ObiWanKobe
July 11, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
The first The Duke Spirit disc is pretty good too. They really progressed from their first album. You ought to try streaming KCRW instead of Indie. Indie sucks now, they threw everyone that helped start it under the bus.
By SaltyDawg
July 11, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Here is a thought…
3-team trade that will allow us to ship Tex to a non-division team in exchange for Nady and, wait for it, Adam LaRoche. Roachy is starting to heat up in a big way and we all know he has the potential to be a big-bat game changer. Couple that with the consistency of Nady and you have the kind of spark that could get this offense going. As someone stated earlier, a power hitter like Tex isn’t necessarily what sparks offense.
By kirknga
July 11, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
VAROADRUNNER
So in other words, no you don’t know what TP’s record is as hitting coach.
If you knew his record you wouldn’t say stuff like he just can’t teach.
A coach that cannot teach doesn’t produce a team that has set franchise records. If TP can’t coach how is it that’… “The 2005 Braves became the first team in history to reach the postseason with six rookies who had 100 or more at-bats..”?
Here’s a link for you. Read it and then come back and tell us where the real ignorance lies. http://mlb.mlb.com/team/coachstaffbio.jsp?c_id=atl&coachorstaffid=510102122849
By Scottcho
July 11, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Dave, What are your thoughts on musician Hayes Carll?
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
Chris Young throwing a sim game on the field now. Hasn’t pitched in a game in nearly two months since Pujols hit him in the face.
By tr
July 11, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
I really don’t see the Braves trading Tex unless they’re overwhelmed with PROVEN talent that’s better than the prospects they’d get with two high draft picks!
And I don’t think that trying to sign him is so far fetched. Offer 3 or 4 years at $23 - $25M range. That’s affordable while so many of our players are young and relatively inexpensive. And if Bor@ss insists on a longer contract, it runs up the price for whoever signs him while we still get our prospects in the draft.
As much as I’d like to see more power numbers out of our outfield, I think I’d rather see a more consistent spark for our offense. I think that would be a better bridge for the huge gap we have between the no/low scoring games and the big run games.
The most viable prospect for that may already be on the team with a Diaz platoon. Kotsay (CF) against righties and Diaz (LF) against lefties. Keep Blanco in the line-up (he has been getter better of late at lead-off) and move him to LF when Kotsay plays.
I know Diaz struggled before the knee injury, but he wasn’t in his usually productive role as as starter against lefties and a PH in key late spots when righties start.
And I know I’m beating a dead horse around here, but the second half addition I’d like to see is an un-named veteran slugger with an unreal OBP/SLG/RBI for those game-changing pinch hits late in a game. The percentages say that the worst case scenario with his play is that he walks if they refuse to pitch to him. And I think that Bobby, his staff, and his veteran players can keep this guy’s distraction-laden personality under control like they did his use-to-be best friend, GS, while we USE him as a difference maker down the stretch.
Hey, I’d pay to go boo and heckle the guy when he comes to bat, and cheer like crazy when he gets the game-winning RBI - just in case you think I actually like the guy. And even if you (probably) dislike/hate the guy like the rest of the world, you’ll have to admit the guy is the kind of force we need late in all these frustrating one-run games.
It’d be for less than half a season. I think I/we could ignore my/our distaste for him long enough for a run in the NL East, Wild Card, NLDS, NLCS, and World Series!!!
By A-ville Ranger
July 11, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
Ketch,I don’t see why you’d trade Hudson.The guy is a still relatively young top of the order pitcher.
There’s an old saying ”don’t throw the baby out with the bath water”.Ok, Tim would make one scarey ugly baby but my point is, he should be a cornerstone for wherever the team is heading,not currency for trade.
By bravos2249
July 11, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
I found this and it seems to me that after Tex had stated he wanted to WIN with Texas they put him on the trade market. It also states that around the time the Texas GM put Tex on the market he made him a “contract offer”…that seems like a slap in the face to me..I don’t blame him for turning it down.
text to be linked
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
Scottcho, we love him here on the ol’ blog. To me, that’s one of the best 4-5 country albums of the past year.
OK, going down to the clubhouse. Gotta ask about Hampton’s start, since it was solid and I think his last scheduled one.
Chance he could be in rotation next week, I’d think.
By McFann Ô
July 11, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
So, is Maddux pitching tomorrow or what?
Thank you!
By Bravissimo
July 11, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
RANDOM THOUGHTS. Why all this furor over retaining Texeira. The plain fact is he’s not worth $20mil.
Miracles do happen but it’s not a good idea to bet on it Attempting to improve this team enough to beat the three teams that have now bested them for three months is simply a waste.
The point should be made to Liberty Media that putting a serious contender on the field in the near future would require an infusion of millions of dollars. Otherwise they must resign themselves to several mediocre seasons and declining attendance while prospects can be developed in the minor league clubs. The attempt to shore up this team by trading young players for temporary help can no longer be productive. It’s trading away the future in a vain attempt to temporarily shore up a shaky present. The Texeira deal did not produce a winning team and a lot of young talent was squandered.
Henry Aaron was traded. Dale Murphy was traded. David Justice was traded. Chipper Jones must not be traded. He is the heart of this club
Those who are crying for Bobby Cox’s head apparently don’t remember that it was he, as GM, who put together and then took over as field Manager of the team that gave us 1991ant Atlanta’s first World Series and 14 years of dominance.
REMEMBER 1991
By bravos2249
July 11, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
DOB
I don’t want to sound cruel…but I read on mlb.com last night that B. Giles isn’t slated to play this weekend; I never want a player hurt, but him being a Braves killer is good for us. Anyway is he still not going to play this series?
By DonCoburleone
July 11, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
How’s Chris Young look from where you’re at DOB? I have that guy stashed on the DL on my fantasy team…
By monty
July 11, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Terry Pendleton is instructing his players to take called third strikes of which I have seen too much of lately. I don’t think he is telling batters to not work the count and try to make the pitcher throw you something you can hit instead of swinging at anything thrown early in the count. I don’t think he is telling hitters to fly open with your hips as soon as the pitcher releases the ball and try to yank one out, like too many Braves hitters do. I don’t think he is instructing batters to try to pull outside pitches and hitting weak ground balls, instead of taking the pitch to the opposite field. If you can prove he is doing that, then by all means let’s fire him. Other than that, TP probably knows a thing or two about hitting.
By Kamac
July 11, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
Fire Frank Wren and make Ramblin Wrecker the GM. I like the way he thinks.
By Ed Glennon
July 11, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
FIRE TP FIRE TP FIRE TP
By SaltyDawg
July 11, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
Those who keep calling for T.P. to be fired are, I believe, making an incorrect assumption. It is not his job to teach guys how to hit. If they didn’t know how to hit they wouldn’t be in the majors. T.P.’s job is to analyze performance and make suggestions to work through problems. If he player cannot make the necessary adjustments that is his fault, not the hitting coach. Do you really think T.P. is sitting around with this thumb up his a*? And what about the guys who are making the necessary adjustments? You don’t think T.P. had any input there? The fact is that our offense is in a perfect storm of injuries and slumps. There is no reason at all to think this team can’t come together in the 2nd half and vie for the division at the very least. Nine times out of ten I would say that pitching wins in the playoffs and if nothing else we have had some pretty good pitching. On paper our offense should be pounding the ball. When the cylinders click and they start getting some situational hits to go with the good pitching this team CAN compete. Can we win the World Series? Probably not. But 31 teams don’t win the world series every year. You can’t blow up a team just because you aren’t going to win the WS. We already have a lot of solid young players and what we need is to acquire a couple of consistent, veteran hitters that can provide a spark. If we get that and some of the fellas like Frenchy shake off their funk this team can do quite well.
P.S. Everyone who is suggesting that we trade Huddy is possibly retarded. He could very well be the only veteran pitcher we have left next year and he is without a doubt the ACE of the staff. Who do you think will guide all of the young pitchers if you let Hudson slip away??? And by the way, you can’t “get rid” of Glavine or Hampton other than to release them and eat their salaries. If you are already paying them, might as well wait and see if we can get some production out of them come August and September. If nothing else Hampton could pinch hit.
By monty
July 11, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
I’m all for trying to pull this thing out this year but if the right offer comes in for Tex then I think you have to pull the trigger and make the deal. It doesnt gaurantee winning the division with Tex(see last year) or that we can’t win without him. Depends on everyone else doing their part. I like Tex but I can’t see signing him to a huge contract and tying up so much of the payroll.
By Steve from OH
July 11, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
I don’t know if anyone has posted this, but if anyone is a Baseball America subscriber, could you please tell us if any Braves made the midseason top 25 and post the little blurbs about them?
By braves70
July 11, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
A Tex trade to the Yankees might land a platter of prospects including 1B Juan Miranda. He is not a big HR guy but is developing. Sort of a Willie Montanez for old time Braves fans. He is one of the Cubans that the Yankees signed so he could be good company for Escobar. In 2007 he hit .265 - 16 HR - 96 RBI. This year he is .296 - 5 HR - 29 RBI in just under 200 ABs. I would want Brett Gardner and a top pitcher like Jason Jones, J.B. Cox or Tyler Clippard in addition.
By rupert
July 11, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
it would seem that maybe tp is not the reason for the offensive woes, it would also seem that he hasn’t done much to end said woes, statistically speaking
By SaltyDawg
July 11, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
Fire Frank Wren and make Ramblin Wrecker the GM. I like the way he thinks.
Any you think a Tech fan knows anything about how to win???
By Wayne in Utah
July 11, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
Just a quick note or two. Knowing how the Braves operated under JS, I don’t see them trading Tex, unless we lose all three this weekend; and maybe not even then. I am not sure if FW is a JS clone, or not.
I don’t think there are too many clubs out there that actually are thinking “boy, we could use Teixeira for the stretch run”. Maybe I am wrong. If someone did want him, I really don’t see us getting more than one prospect for him. He would only be a 2.5 month rental. Maybe the Dodgers would send Loney, but I doubt it. Same for the D’back’s Jackson or Angels Kotchman. (although if I am the Braves, I would do either of those three deals straight up.)
Also, no way does Hudson go. Maybe Ohman, but I expect him to go about a day or two before the trading deadline.
I sure like the idea of getting a guy like LaRoche back, but I don’t think we could do a deal with them until the winter. I heard they have a youngster who is a potential first sacker, who might be very close (can’t remember the name). They would want Reyes or Morton for LaRoche, I believe.
Win or not; trade Tex or not, I won’t give up until we are mathematically eliminated.
By JC from UT
July 11, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
DOB: is there even the slightest of chances that FW contacts Boras and makes an offer to Tex? If Tex/Boras refuse the deal then try to trade him?
By DonCoburleone
July 11, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
Nice article on the Braves struggles this year vs. last year
The one question I have is how are the Mets starting Endy Chavez in RF and Fernando freaking Tatis in LF and getting more production than we are from those 2 spots??? ANYONE?
By rupert
July 11, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
jayson stark in his recent article on espn.com said boras is sending out hints the bidding on tex will START at 23 mil, for 8-10 years, he also states that nady is the braves clear preference for a bat, he says the week after the break will decide the team’s fate, but doesn’t think they can resign tex with those numbers
that’s a little rich for my blood on tex, it’s just funny how he really doesnt strike you as the kind of guy who would do that, he seems more like a guy who would take a little less ala hudson in ‘05, but with boras i guess not, it is a business
By DonCoburleone
July 11, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
Looks like Jason Heyward is turning people into believers:
Our top prospect jumped up to the top-5 prospects in all the major leagues according to Baseball America. Outfielder Jason Heyward, last year’s first-round draft pick (number 14 overall) is having a spectacular season at the low-A Rome Braves club. He is hitting .331 with 8 homeruns and 14 stolen bases in his first full-season in pro baseball.
On the mid-season top-25 prospect list, Heyward is ranked fifth overall behind Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers), David Price (Rays), Matt Wieters (Orioles), and Colby Rasmus (Cardinals). Heyward’s ranking represents a significant jump in his prospect status in just half a season. He was ranked 28th on Baseball America’s preseason list, and only 8 prospects in front of him have graduated to the majors and lost their prospect status. That represents a raw jump of 15 spots on the prospect list for Heyward.
Mississippi outfielder Jordan Schafer was ranked 25th on the preseason list, but was not present in the top-25 of the midseason list. Pitcher Jair Jurrjens was ranked 29th, but has since lost his prospect status (of course, he did just win the Rookie of the Month award for the month of June). Brandon Jones was ranked 70th on the top-100 preseason list, and Gorkys Hernandez was ranked 92nd.
The article also alludes to three other Braves prospects who are strong contenders for the top-100 should they continue their current rate of success; pitchers Tommy Hanson and Julio Teheran and first baseman Freddie Freeman.
Hide the women and children, the Braves have a monster coming…
By DonCoburleone
July 11, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
And SaltyDawg I completely agree with you about Hudson, no way we can trade him… I was kind of for it after last season cuz I figured his value was as high as it could get, but he’s proven this year that he can be a true Ace, year in, year out. And especially after losing Smoltz and probably Glavine after this year he needs to be heading the rotation…
By bf54
July 11, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
Scott from Fairburn - you’re new to the blog. Stop the “first?” crap, ok!
By Kelley
July 11, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
To Salty Dawg: I’m sorry, I’ve seemed to have missed the era in which Huddy has become the “ace” on this team. If anything, I am still anxiously awaiting him to take this role. He frustrates me as much as anyone on this team, he is just so inconsistent, and YES, he should take the ace role, but he just hasn’t. The other night for example against LA, pitching a great game, gives up the homer. Fine I can live with that. But then to give up run number two to Andruw Jones for goodness sake (turned out to be the game winner also). I could get Andruw out, three low and away out of the zone and he chases them, and I’m a girl for Pete’s sake. But Huddy lets Andruw get an RBI off him, just so frustrating!
Huddy makes way too much money to not pitch more consistently than he does, he has yet to prove to me he is worth what he makes. When we got him from Oakland, I expected Cy Young seasons from all the hoopla, he has yet to deliver on that. I get frustrated with the amount of payroll he takes up, not to be more consistent.
Who is this Mike Hampton you all speak of????
By LT-AA Blogger
July 11, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
I think Tex is in NY next year with either the Yanks or the Mets.
Does anyone think Kelly Johnson could play first? If KJ could play first, we could let Prado or Lillibridge play second.
Is that a stupid thought?
By bf54
July 11, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
I don’t think a 3-0 series vs. San Diego should factor too strongly into the ‘buy-sell’ decision. So what if we load up on a team with more problems than we have - but Washington follows the all-star break, and does afford opportunities to make a run.
I love this team, of course, but, it’s always “if and when” this year, and I find that I can’t get excited about this year’s edition. Glavine and Hampton just ain’t gonna save this team, Soriano is not a gamer, and so, reluctantly, I throw in the towel. I promise to be the very first to say, “I was wrong, I gave up too soon”- I just don’t see this team as a winner of anything in this season of injuries and ancients. Ciao, Tex!
By bf54
July 11, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
jukeandjive (2:41)- this was your introduction to this blog, “first?”- dude you made your point - you got nothin’ to say, so, go away!
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
Hampton will make one more start during All-Star break, then could join the Braves next week. Cox said he didn’t know who’d be displaced from rotation if/when Hampton gets here. “We’ll cross that when we get to it,” he said….
Regular lineup tonight, with Mac hitting fifth and Francoeur sixth, ahead of KJ and Kotsay in the 7-8 holes….
LT-AA Blogger, I said earlier this year that I thought Kelly would be a legitimate option to replace Tex at 1B next season, given an offseason and spring training to work there I think he’d be at least average defensively, maybe more. And he hits enough to play the position. But I don’t know that it’s an option they’ve considered at all….
By braves70
July 11, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
Correction on my previous post: I meant Chase Wright as Tyler Clippard was traded to Washington. Another pitcher to covet would be Dave Robertson, a bigtime reliever who played for Alabama in college. He had an ERA under 1.00 last year.
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
Oh, and Cox said Soriano is supposed to be ready to rejoin Braves after the All-Star break….
Rupert, I’d be shocked if anyone went beyond 7 years for Tex or any other player. And $23 mill per? Can’t see that unless it’d possibly be a shorter deal, five years….
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
Bravos2249, B Giles not in lineup tonight. I’ll ask their beat guy when he gets up here whether he’s planning on playing at all this weekend….
McFann, there’s never been any doubt that Maddux was pitching Saturday. As I said, despite what might have been written elsewhere, Maddux has been scheduled to pitch Saturday since they put out their pitching plans. And still is pitching Saturday.
Wolf on Sunday. I’m told they want him to pitch at home again, where he pitches well, in order to heighten his trade value.
By Desperado Dave
July 11, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
I say they need to be sellers at this point. This team is just not very good at all. Their pitching is serviceable. Their hitting including an ability to produce runs is attrocious and their defense is below average at best. I understand the injuries have had some things to do with both of these but this team just doesn’t have what it takes to win. Start reloading and preparing for next year.
By SaltyDawg
July 11, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
Kelley
By no means am I suggesting that Hudson is an elite pitcher. But as far as what we have, he is the ace of this staff. Going in I would have said Smoltz by a mile, but we know where that ended. I agree that Hudson is overpaid for his production, but if you look back at his starts he could easily be at 14 or 15 wins right now if not for poor run support. If you get rid of Hudson, who then becomes the anchor for our starting rotation? He is really the only healthy guy left with any experience. And he has shown flashes of being a lights-out starter. My point is that he is not the problem we need to be addressing and getting rid of the only experienced starter we have left would be disastrous. Go get the guy a couple of consistent hitters that can win the games where he is solid and put him on their backs the days when he is off. Every pitcher has off days and I can really only remember 4 or 5 this season where Huddy wasn’t at least keeping us in the game.
By bf54
July 11, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this
Logic of Bonds, your name defines you. I could concede point after point that you made, but, then again, to this baseball and Braves fan, I wouldn’t care that you are right about this man helping my team in a time - let’s face it- that we have need for a bat. But I would rather that this be one of the 100 plus seasons that my team DIDN’T win.
Here’s why:
I was born in Milwaukee in 1946. In 1953 the Braves moved there, but I wasn’t a fan. I moved to Columbus, Georgia and grew up ‘southern’. I was a fan in 1954 -go look up Henry Aaron. By 1956 I “knew” Henry Aaron would break the Ruth record - it wasn’t a “prescient” thing, either. I was young and stupid, but I “knew”!
Look at a picture of a young Henry in Mobile, Alabama circa 1951, at the train station.
My man, read a few books about the history of the game - and yes, there were ALWAYS a—holes like Bonds - but there were always the Musials and Aarons of this world. Do I postulate “good” vs. evil” - no, unfair to Bonds, who is not an evil man-but he’s not a good man in my book.
So, how I’ve loved this team for 54 years-oh, yeah, but, Barry Bonds on this team (even if he could help) no, no.
But-you made some points and I hope I did, too!
By Hit, Heap, Hit!
July 11, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
I hope Soriano doesn’t unseat Gonzo as the closer.
What are the chances?
By Drummerdad
July 11, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
In DOB’s last blog he said: “Did we mention that Holliday is represented by the same agent as Tex? Yeah, some dude named Scott Boras. Ring a bell?” Xavier Nady is represented by the same “dude”.
By A-ville Ranger
July 11, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
If the team decides to be sellers giving Hampton a spot in the rotation would make no sense at all.
Unless management goes bat-s* crazy Mike won’t be on the team next season.Why would Cox sit a young guy like Morton or Reyes when they need experience and management needs to evaluate them ?
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
B Giles is doubtful for the weekend, other than pinch-hitting duty.
By bf54
July 11, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
Rick at 3:13
Hey, “the word is that that the Braves are not getting very good offers for Tex’
Where’d you get that word? This isn’t the kind of blog where statements like that go unchallenged!
By Raymond
July 11, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
The reality is the Braves are going nowheres. Beating the Padres (a disaster this year) proves nothing. Braves can’t put together any consistency. Trade Teixeira and Ohman and retool. Neither is coming back. High draft picks for the Braves become 18 yr old high school pitchers who are a 5 year projects. I agree that the best trade options are Dodgers (Loney), Red Sox (Lars Anderson) and Angels (Kotchmann)This Teixiera deal will turn out to be one of the worst ones ever and will be talked about forever-see Feliz, Andrus, Saltalamacchia and Harrison
By Spider29
July 11, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
For all the folks calling for the Braves to sell and rebuild, it seems to me that they are already in that mode. It has been pointed out several times recently by some of our more knowledgeable bloggers that most of our players are young. There is one veteran left in the starting rotation and two over-thirty guys in the starting lineup. Injuries have hurt this team more than anything else. I am glad I am not the GM. This is a tough call. I really would like to see the Braves keep Tex for the remainder of the year and then re-sign him for the future. That probably won’t happen and in that case, it would be better to trade him and get several good prospects in return. If I had to choose though, I think I would rather be buyers than sellers. I just hate giving up on the season when no other team above the Braves in the standings is clearly better than us. (Yes, I recall that Philadelphia won 7 of the 8 games played between the two.)
By SaltyDawg
July 11, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
Drummerdad,
Boras or not, Nady will still be a damn sight cheaper than Tex but offers more value, IMHO. Plus Nady seems like the kind of guy that would sign a reasonably priced long-term contract for a good home after being kicked from team to team over the years.
By BravesFanInRockies
July 11, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
1) if Hampton is returning to the rotation, the obvious guy to replace is Morton. Make him the long reliever. Reduce some of the pressure on his psyche and his arm. As I”ve said countless times, he’s already pitched more innings this year than last.
2) As for signing Tex — I’d say offer him $18-20 mm per year, tops. Anything more than that and he’ll eat up too large a percentage of the payroll (unless the payroll is going up a lot) and if I recall correctly, no team with a single player chewing up more than 1/6 of the payroll has ever won a title. (Plus, Chipper doesn’t deserve to be the second-highest paid guy on the team by a significant amount.)
3) If the Braves were able to somehow reacquire LaRoche, remember folks — he starts out slower than Tex. Are you ready to have a player who may hit .120 between Opening Day and Memorial Day? I like him a lot and think he was underappreciated in Atlanta, but man does it take him awhile to get going.
4) Both buyers and sellers? I can dig it.
By dgd
July 11, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Braves70—Yankees traded Tyler Clippard to the Nationals in the offseason. Still, they could be a potential trading partner, though I think the Dodgers make more sense……..
By BravesFanInRockies
July 11, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
Also, those suggesting that the Braves should shop Hudson because of the haul Sabathia drew — there’s a difference. Sabathia will be a free agent at the end of the year. Huddy’s signed through 2010 (option that season) and is quite affordable in today’s market for the effective innings he gives you.
Unless the Braves got lucky enough to stumble across another JJ in a deal, you keep Hudson if you want to field a competitive team the next two years. No question.
By Mark T.
July 11, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
DOB, You were in LA this week watching the games live and the defense Tex played this week. I am not confident that KJ would be able to dig out the throws that the rest of the infield gives. I have always heard and been taught that good teams have strong defense up the middle(C, 2B, SS, CF) and also that corner infielder are replaceable. However, you must always have a strong fielding 1st basemen, for obvious reasons.I can’t remember a championship team that had a poor fielding 1st baseman in my 21 years of watching baseball. I am 31 and my mom would late me stay up - what can I say, Mom Rules Out Always. But, My question is, if we are trying to field a competitive team on offense and defense, why would we discuss moving KJ or Chipper for that matter to 1st base? This would seriously weaken our defense even with a winter long tutorial. And I would also say this would mean we are in a rebuilding mode. This is only Kelly’s 2nd year as a 2nd baseman, and I actually think he will be a good one, in time, as early as next year. But I feel if we are going to lose Tex(I agree with you, he wont get more than 7 yr. - I think 7yrs w/ a team option is what he get and sign for), wouldnt it be best to get another strong fielding 1st baseman versus attempting to experiment with a position switch and face the possibility of attempting to another 1st baseman at the trade deadline again? Could give me your thoughts
By Mark T.
July 11, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
DOB, You were in LA this week watching the games live and the defense Tex played this week. I am not confident that KJ would be able to dig out the throws that the rest of the infield gives. I have always heard and been taught that good teams have strong defense up the middle(C, 2B, SS, CF) and also that corner infielder are replaceable. However, you must always have a strong fielding 1st basemen, for obvious reasons.I can’t remember a championship team that had a poor fielding 1st baseman in my 21 years of watching baseball. I am 31 and my mom would late me stay up - what can I say, Mom Rules Out Always. But, My question is, if we are trying to field a competitive team on offense and defense, why would we discuss moving KJ or Chipper for that matter to 1st base? This would seriously weaken our defense even with a winter long tutorial. And I would also say this would mean we are in a rebuilding mode. This is only Kelly’s 2nd year as a 2nd baseman, and I actually think he will be a good one, in time, as early as next year. But I feel if we are going to lose Tex(I agree with you, he wont get more than 7 yr. - I think 7yrs w/ a team option is what he get and sign for), wouldnt it be best to get another strong fielding 1st baseman versus attempting to experiment with a position switch and face the possibility of attempting to another 1st baseman at the trade deadline again? Could give me your thoughts on this?
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
BravesFan, they’ve got a long reliever — Carlyle’s been outstanding. Morton should go back to Richmond if he’s moved out, and I agree he’s the obvious guy.
By Mark T.
July 11, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
DOB, You were in LA this week watching the games live and the defense Tex played this week. I am not confident that KJ would be able to dig out the throws that the rest of the infield gives. I have always heard and been taught that good teams have strong defense up the middle(C, 2B, SS, CF) and also that corner infielder are replaceable. However, you must always have a strong fielding 1st basemen, for obvious reasons.I can’t remember a championship team that had a poor fielding 1st baseman in my 21 years of watching baseball. I am 31 and my mom wouldnt let me stay up - what can I say, Mom Rules Out Always. But, My question is, if we are trying to field a competitive team on offense and defense, why would we discuss moving KJ or Chipper for that matter to 1st base? This would seriously weaken our defense even with a winter long tutorial. And I would also say this would mean we are in a rebuilding mode. This is only Kelly’s 2nd year as a 2nd baseman, and I actually think he will be a good one, in time, as early as next year. But I feel if we are going to lose Tex(I agree with you, he wont get more than 7 yr. - I think 7yrs w/ a team option is what he get and sign for), wouldnt it be best to get another strong fielding 1st baseman versus attempting to experiment with a position switch and face the possibility of attempting to another 1st baseman at the trade deadline again? Could give me your thoughts on this?
By matlanta
July 11, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
just heard the braves got xavier nady for adam coe and jeff locke. has anybody else heard this? i read this on the braves message board.
By LT-AA Blogger
July 11, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB, I must’ve been subconsciously stealing your ideas. I’m thinking outside of re-signing Tex if KJ could do it, it would be the best move for next year.
I’m thinking the next 3 wks is definitely going to be interesting.
By Bill
July 11, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
The Braves don’t need LaRoche. I think KJ could hold down first until Freddie Freeman is ready in about 2yrs. I would hate to trade Hudson but he would bring back more than Tex. The Braves need at least two experienced pitchers in their rotation.
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN: Escobar scratched, not sure why yet, but probably shoulder. Waiting for word from clubhouse.
KJ batting second now, with Lillibridge hitting eighth and playing short. Kotsay moves up to seventh.
By McFann Ô
July 11, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Chief. I thought I remembered you saying so, but I just wanted to make sure.
That stinks! I wish he was pitching on Sunday, or that tomorrow’s game was on in the afternoon! (Well, I’ve always wished it was an afternoon game. 10 o’clock on a Saturday night? Come on…)
Thanks for the lineup, too, BTW.
By bf54
July 11, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Shaun 3:09 - you are insane if you think Andruw Jones has anything close to a HOF career - but, let’s go off-line ‘cause I wanna smoke what you smoke!
By JimD
July 11, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
matlanta
The same guy who posted that on the Braves’ message board came back later and said it wasn’t true, he only did it because he was dared to.
By Hit, Heap, Hit!
July 11, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
Ah man. Hope Esco is feeling better soon.
By drummerdad
July 11, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
SaltyDawg, I understand your humble opinion. But, historically speaking, can you think of any situations where the Braves have good dealings with a Boras client? We managed to dodge the bullet when Andruw went around his agent and signed his last contract with Atlanta. Read Schuerholz’s book. He doesn’t come right out and say it, but the inference is that he despised dealing with Boras. Remember the way things got messed up with Maddux? It stung. And things have gone steadily down hill since that fiasco. Or we could mention the J.D. Drew deal.
But obviously the Braves aren’t afraid to deal with Boras’s clients. They have to be open to any angle. Just seems to me that the team keeps getting burned when dealing with his players.
By drummerdad
July 11, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
SaltyDawg, I understand your humble opinion. But, historically speaking, can you think of any situations where the Braves have good dealings with a Boras client? We managed to dodge the bullet when Andruw went around his agent and signed his last contract with Atlanta. Read Schuerholz’s book. He doesn’t come right out and say it, but the inference is that he despised dealing with Boras. Remember the way things got messed up with Maddux? It stung. And things have gone steadily down hill since that fiasco. Or we could mention the J.D. Drew deal.
But obviously the Braves aren’t afraid to deal with Boras’s clients. They have to be open to any angle. Just seems to me that the team keeps getting burned when dealing with his players.
By Hit, Heap, Hit!
July 11, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
btw am I just totally unobservant or didn’t frenchy have a beard before he went to AA? And why isn’t the rat on chipper’s chin covered in the weird beard’s section?
and what’s frenchy doing in a “all star” facial hair gallery anyway?
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
yes, it’s the left shoulder again for Yunel.
By Robin
July 11, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
I hope we’re buyers too. Sorry, I’m just not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
By NO MORE BOBBY
July 11, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Can we just give Bobby Cox away and his mediocre coaching staff?
By brent a.
July 11, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
I just don’t see a lack of motivation. If there was a lack of motivation, it seems we’d see a lot more underachieving by individual players, a worse record and a worse run differential. Shaun
Shaun, all you have done is speculate that certain players “may not be underachieving”, while also stating that a couple “might be overachieving”.
I think we’re all in agreement that the starting pitching has been a very pleasant surprise. But please, do not include Hudson in that group. He was fine last year, and we had good reason to beleive he would continue to pitch well.
But, to your point above. We have the third best run differential in the National League, yet we have one of the worst records in the league. Why?
Other than Chipper, no one has consistently played “above” expectations this season. All you have said is that McCann is playing as well as he ever has, and the others (other than maybe Blanco) are playing about as well as expected.
So, we have Chipper and McCann playing great, and Tex rounding into form.
We have Francoeur and Diaz seriously underachieving, Corky Miller providing us with nothing (and again, whose choice is it for him to be here? Is it Frank Wren, or is it the same guy who sent up Todd Pratt to pinch-hit for Brian McCann with the bases loaded two years ago? I really would like to know).
We have been fundamentally bad on defense, have a poor road record, and an historically bad record in 1-run games.
In all seriousness, do you believe that this team coudl be “managed” to perform better?
If you don’t, that’s fine.
But, I don’t see a positive run differential working in favor of your argument, in any size, shape or fashion.
The positive run differential only seems to lend credence to the theory that we have some very talented players, who only seem to perform well when things are “easy”, and are very quick to pack it in when facing a tough pitcher, when the team falls behind by a few runs early, or when the team fails to score early (like in games 1 & 3 of the LA series.)
In fact, the LA series is sort of a microcosm of our season.
Two horrendous games, wherein, we made two pitchers look like Cy Young, and one blow-out win.
Now, this is strictly my opinion, but it certainly seems to me that a motivated team, would not allow itself to go six innings without a base runner, just two days after the same team one-hit them, and pitched 7 perfect innings against them.
By Hit, Heap, Hit!
July 11, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
Oh no the navy jersey’s of disaster!
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
Just talked to Frank Wren (it’ll be in notebook that should be posted on our site soon tonight). He said Soriano is scheduled to throw tomorrow and Tuesday for the Braves’ Dominican Summer League team, then rejoin the Braves after the break.
By Hit, Heap, Hit!
July 11, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
My bad, Kotsay must’ve still had his BP jersey on when they showed him from the back on the braves live show just a minute ago.
By keylargo
July 11, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
Here is the story of how Bor@a* cost the Braves Kevin Millwood. Maddux was not supposed to accept the arbitration but did and threw the Braves payroll into a turmoil.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/news/2002/1219/1479721.html
Braves got very little in exchange for Millwood (johnny estrada).
By McFann Ô
July 11, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Hit, Heap, Hit! and what’s frenchy doing in a “all star” facial hair gallery anyway?
It’s the only All-Star thing they could put him in.
Sorry. That was mean. I apologize…
By bf54
July 11, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Let me make it clear: I don’t know Ritchie Sexson or his pride, but I do know human nature. This man was released from his 2005 50 million dollar contract ( there’s a lesson here folks!). He gets paid this year lots and lots of money, whether he fishes, monitors the stock market, campaign’s for the whales, Obamo, breast cancer, or McCain.
If the Braves ring him up, they he gets no more money, but Seattle gets a prorated 387K for his services. Now, (keep in mind I don’t know the man and don’t judge him) Ritchie is a 12-year career .260 hitter with 305 HR’s - unlike, Fred McGriff who had 493 HR’s and and close to .300 BA. You tell me, bloggers, why you so blithley suggest Sexson for our duesuitidinal season. Do you thing Ritchie (who has been relaxing with his slightly above career averages) is waiting for a ML team to call for his services? I doubt that - he is not in the same situation as Barroid, who has “issues” shall I say. I do believe that Mr. Sexson fully believes that he deserves to stay home, collect his salary, and observe the game as you and I do. I, for one, do not believe he should be faulted for this, simply because I cannot honestly say that in a similar situation I would not rationalize the same.
If I am wrong and he wants to smell the leather, the dirt, the tobacco, and all the rest of “the show”, I will be amazed. (I will show up at his next ML game with a “I love Ritchie” sign, if he ever plays again!) Promise!!!!
By JJMB
July 11, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
DOB, stay out of jail there. Don’t be boozing or druging and driving in SD. The Sheriff’s deputies will f you up if you get in their faces, or act like a smart a—.
Just a friendly tip.
By Robin
July 11, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
Too early for scoreboard watching? I can’t help it.
Phils & ‘Backs deadlocked at 5-5, bot. 9th.
By chuckw/deadjournalist
July 11, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
DOB - RE: The Duke Spirit. I picked up their first album that came out either in late ‘06 or ‘07. I couldn’t stop listening to it for a week or so. I can’t remember if I took a stab at an interview with them or not.
The band I haven’t been able to stop listening to is The Mary Onnettes, a swedish group that sounds a lot like My Bloody Valentine/Joy Division.
I also jut put up and interview with Albert Hammond, Jr. It isn’t the best interview, but it is timely.
One Texeira-related question: What is the assumed level of draft compensation if he is not traded or resigned? The first round pick of the signing team and a sandwich pick? Assuming he’s a “A” free agent?
By bf54
July 11, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Coach K - None of us will ever read an “ALL CAPS” post. Please apologize and promise never to do it again. Don’t scream at me, MF! There is nothin’ I want to hear from you in all caps!
By Hit, Heap, Hit!
July 11, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
Tough break there but I have to say KJ really works his at bat every time he is up.
By JimD
July 11, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
There you go Coach, Mr. Speed Kills. That strike ‘em out, throw ‘em out DP really is a boost to the offense isn’t it.
By Plethora
July 11, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Blanco got a terrible jump on the attempted steal. No wonder he was thrown out with ease.
By Hit, Heap, Hit!
July 11, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
Never too early for scoreboard watching in the NL east. Keep us updated.
By Hit, Heap, Hit!
July 11, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
Ah Jo-Jo you give me ulcers, boy.
By Coach Smith
July 11, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
Down 1-0 immediately…just great
By Hit, Heap, Hit!
July 11, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
Is JoJo at 100 pitches yet? lol
By Wayne in Utah
July 11, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
bf54: Why would you make assumptions about a person you know nothing about? I also no very little about Richie Sexson, but I have heard he is a very pleasant person.
Do you not believe that the peer pressure to perform is great for these players, especially those with high salaries? I bet you think (as many here do) that Hampton is milking his contract.
I get so tired of reading of the jealousy of some….
Maybe Sexson will never catch on with another team, and he may never play again, but shame on anyone who would assume the worst about a person they have absolutely no idea of.
keylargo Besides Boras pushing the Arbitration button in Dec 2002, he also did Greg absolutely no favors the following winter, when he would not negotiate with Atlanta (I don’t remember the numbers being offered and rejected, but they were over $10 per season, I believe.) Scott ended up getting Mad Dog a big 24 million over 3 years with the Cubbies, much less than the Braves were offering.
By keylargo
July 11, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
Go for three BMac!!
By Thor
July 11, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
Not to be negative, but what are the odds that McCann is stranded after that was off the wall.
Well, I guess that was negative, but who can blame me…
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
That was a shot. That thing clanged off the Cox sign (Cox our company, not the manager) in right field. Gonna send Mac a bill to fix that dent….
By ijonathan
July 11, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
If Jeter makes that catch falling into the first row, that Kouzminoff did last inning, we see it for the next 500 years on sportscenter.
By McFann >Ô<
July 11, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
JUST missed a homer!
Nice double!! That ball was crushed! ;Ô;
Aw, Jeff! Productive out…
By Steve in VABch
July 11, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
I have seen people ask the question that if we trade Tex, who will bat clean-up? After watching Heap this season, I really believe he would be one hell of a clean-up hitter.
By bf54
July 11, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
DOB: What’s the clubhouse (off the record feel)? Doesnt’anyone trust you enough to give you this sense?
I know you are not a fan, but, there’s got to be some indications that the team is looking forward to either the fall or the spring. We look to you for this, not the pap stuff about “playing better”, “making better pitches”.
I don’t mean to call you out- as I have great respect for you - but, honestly, I don’t get a ‘behind the scenes’ sense of what this season is about.
what’s the plan for the next 67 games or so? Hey, please give us something. (I mean I have given up on the season, but have “they”?)
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Chuck: Oh, he’s definitely a Type A free agent, so they’d get a first-rounder and sandwich pick.
By Thor
July 11, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Oh well, staying negative with this team means you’ll be right alot.
Another runner stranded. At least the Bravos got a hit in the first four innings to break the 0-for-LA streak.
By keylargo
July 11, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
bf54
ALL RIGHT Braves Fan for 54 years I’m going to start a Richie Sexson watch!!
Where shall I notify you with your travel itenerary when he signs? LOL 8)
By tanky
July 11, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
DOB, Heard the new Snoop Dogg/Willie Nelson song? Pretty amazing.
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
Drummerdad: Apples and oranges, that Boras represents both Nady and Holliday. Because in Holliday, you’re talking about a guy you’d have to give up multiple young players and prospects to get, similar to Tex a year ago. And you know how folks feel about giving up multiple prospects for a guy they don’t re-sign.
With Nady, you’re not gonig to give up anywhere near what it’d take to get Holliday. The re-signing part isn’t important, not to the degree that it can be for a guy you give up so much to get (unless that guy helps you win a title, in which case people will accept it as price for doing business).
By brent a.
July 11, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
ijonathan
If Jeter makes that play, it gets called “the best defensive play in the history of major league baseball**
By SNIPER-69
July 11, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
7 in a row……NICE!!
By TURTSNAP
July 11, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
At this rate, Padres will finish the night with 9 triples!
By Hit, Heap, Hit!
July 11, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
McFann-
Ahem I’m just saying….
It’s shaping up to be another 3 inning night in San Diego for JoJo.
By Robin
July 11, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
Not JoJo’s night tonight. They’re gonna beat him like a drum! Yeah, the Pods alright. Wonder how long Bobby’s gonna go with him?
Man, this is some sad stuff!!!!!
By N8
July 11, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
“Plethora*
“Blanco got a terrible jump on the attempted steal. No wonder he was thrown out with ease.”
Blanco looked back to home plate while running towards second. I’m gonna assume it was a hit and run. With KJ striking out, Blanco was a dead duck.
If I’m wrong, you are correct. It was a horrible jump.
ijonathan
“If Jeter makes that catch falling into the first row, that Kouzminoff did last inning, we see it for the next 500 years on sportscenter.”
When Kousminoff makes about 2 or 3 of those catches a year, and his team wins 4 WS in a 5 year stretch, while making said plays for those teams, he’ll be on sportscenter nightly, as well.
Never fails to amaze me the flack that Jeter takes. Not one of you out there that wouldn’t want that guy (or wouldn’t have wanted him in his prime), on the Braves.
Not one of you.
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
Mark T., you’re right about Tex’s defense. It’s been phenomenal on this trip. At least five great scoops he’s made that I can remember, including that one just now.
By McFann
July 11, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
Nice double play!
Night, all!! **”Ô”
By Why Us
July 11, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
Is it a Petco rule that the Padres are allowed to lead off each inning with a triple?
By Interested Observer
July 11, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
Hey, the Padres need a veteran catcher. I wonder if they’d have any interest in a defensive specialist. Of course, their “not really ready for the majors yet” catcher is hitting .158 to our beloved defensive specialist’s 0.95 or whatever it is now.
By N8
July 11, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
JimD
“There you go Coach, Mr. Speed Kills. That strike ‘em out, throw ‘em out DP really is a boost to the offense isn’t it.”
How was it that Blanco got on base again, to be part of the double play? Besides, as I stated before, it appeared to be a hit and run gone bad.
By Why Us
July 11, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
No wonder the Padres are in last place! That’s pathetic to have a catcher in the lineup hitting .153.
Wait a minute.
What?
60 points higher than who?
Ok, nevermind!
By Interested Observer
July 11, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
If I’m not mistaken, in order to get the draft pick compensation, the Braves would have to offer Tex arbitration, something they have not been willing to do since Maddux burned them on it.
By Eric C.
July 11, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
A look from the balcony…
Perhaps I missed this…please enlighten me if I have. Has anyone done a study on the Braves injuries the past few years? Perhaps it is age? Perhaps it is something else? Is it bad luck? Perhaps it is a combination of all. Is the rate of time on the DL higher with the Braves that the MLB average?
Just curious…
By brian
July 11, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
Nady can play first base too, correct?
By bf54
July 11, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
Wayne,
Glad to hear from hear from you!
I said in my post: “Let me make it clear: I don’t know Ritchie Sexson or his pride.”
Does this satisfy you? Please read and consider the rest of my comments.
By TNScott
July 11, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
If Tex wins a Gold Glove he will have his fellow infielders to thank for it. It seems they think Eddie Gadel is playing first instead of Tex.
By keylargo
July 11, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
Nah, they have to throw in a double every third inning.
By eman
July 11, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
“this could be a big weekend of determination for Los Bravos”
i get the feeling that this team will stay offensively dead even if they are fighting for the rest of their regular season lives.
if it hasn’t been important yet nothing from this series is going to make them change.
By La Jolla Dawg
July 11, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
DOB—Okay, I take it back. Peavy is due. I am not worthy. Darn it.
By Hit, Heap, Hit!
July 11, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
Yiyiyi JoJo is so frustrating to watch.
By SaltyDawg
July 11, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
Too bad he didn’t make a play for home. I think Frenchy had him nailed there.
By TURTSNAP
July 11, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Braves should offer the Padres a deal for Hairston……. Maybe Bobby will take Jo-Jo out soon, he is getting thumped
By Robin
July 11, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
Told ya, this is gonna be uglyyyyy. Get the pen ready!
By VAROADRUNNER
July 11, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Kirknga
Your STUPIDITY amazes me. The prrof is in the pudding. I was going to say Pendleton takes credit for the Braves success, but he doesn’t…. It’s ignorant people like you.
When the Braves were rolling, we lived by the Homerun. We through it out there and either lived or died by the homerun. What we didn’t do under Pendleton was hit situationally. Now that our homerun numbers are down, we still cannot hit situationally and WE ARE LOSING! Teach people to hit to the off field…..hell, he could do it in fine fashionm but he cannot teach it. AGAIN, Franceour going to Mississippi and within three days he was hitting the other way and ON BALANCE. Something Pendleton cannot teach and apparently does not have the whole respect of teh young players. Pendleton plays great and teaches to mediocrity.
Get off your high horse - you sound like an a$$. Numbers can be twisted and spun to read anyway you want, but the proof is in teh pudding and in BASEBALL the pudding is a WIN.
I got another chuckle tho….you’re doing great! lol
By keylargo
July 11, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
I’m watching the Padres announcers so I can get HD and have an observation.
NO WAY THAT VOICE SHOULD BE COMING OUT OF TONY GWYNN’S BODY!
By A-ville Ranger
July 11, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
Something I see posted alot is the idea that Boston could be a bidder for Tex.It ain’t gonna happen,they’re set at 1st base and DH.
I also see post suggesting Hudson be traded.To me that would make little if any sense .What could be more valuable than a top starter ? People seem to forget most young pitching prospects fall short of expectations.I’ll save the drama,not all of the young starters we’re counting on will pan out.
By Horatio Ramirez
July 11, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
Jo Jo had a few bad outings, then seemed to find himself and throw some nice games. Now Jo Jo is struggling again. It’s too early in his career to say for sure, but he may just turn into ME!
By Savannah Guy
July 11, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
There are five words being said too often by Joe and Boog at the end of way too many innings this year:
“Braves go, one two three”.
That phrase is beginning to roll off the tongues of our announcers way to easily, with no inflection indicating disappointment or surprise. That’s not a criticism of the game calling… just the non-hitting habit causing it.
By Original Jon
July 11, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
I say that if the Braves cannot beat Peavy, we should be sellers. The reason being, is that if we cannot beat pitchers of Peavy’s caliber, then we wont make the playoffs because the pitching in a playoff race is only going to get better. So the Braves need to beat Peavy to know they can beat a good pitcher, if not, this season is done. IMHO.
By phil
July 11, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
jordan schaffer just got traded away
By TURTSNAP
July 11, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
Hey, atleast we have 1 hit through 4 tonight, tons better than LA.
5 K’s already, the Braves strikeouts have really been on the rise lately.
By N8
July 11, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
brian
“Nady can play first base too, correct?”
Nady has played 75 career games at 1B. But none last year or this year.
But I like your angle.
By Original Jon
July 11, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
Who is Horatio Ramirez?
By Robert S
July 11, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
Wayne in Utah - there’s already reports that the Yankees might be kicking the tires on Sexson due to their poor output against lefties. That’s one thing Sexson has done well this year - he can hit the southpaws.
As for the topic itself, since I’ve worked all day:
I agree with those who advocate the “buy and sell” philosophy. The Braves could trade Tex and yet still bring in some folks that might shake things up a bit. As good a defender as Tex is, and as good a run producer as he has been, I just can’t shake the thought that he’s not as clutch as we all thought he would be. He’s given Chipper some great protection, but I wonder if the Braves might do better by trading Tex, getting some young players and a replacement for him (Kotchman? Youkilis?), and still trading some players who are blocked in the minors to get a Xavier Nady or a contact hitter who can take the pressure off Chipper and McCann, as well as whoever they bring in to replace Tex.
Who just struck out. And strikes out as often as Francoeur does. Ouch.
By Plethora
July 11, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
I could be wrong N8, but if it were a hit and run, then Cox had Kelly doing that with two strikes on him. It was a strike’em out, throw’em out.
By Horacio Ramirez
July 11, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
Horatio Ramirez
If you’re gonna pretend to be me, at least spell my name right.
By Hit, Heap, Hit!
July 11, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
HoRam! How ya been? Uhh..you still pitch anywhere?
By VAROADRUNNER
July 11, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
saltydawg
With all due respect, I do believe it is Pendleton’s jpb to effect change. As in Franceour’s case, he has now “effected” change. But it was due to the staff in Mississippi and not TP. As McCann said the other night, “Chipper is the best hitting coach there is…” (near quote). “Three swings and he told me what was wrong” I do not see TP changing anyone. And BTW, it only my opinion, but situational hitting is missing from the Braves’ repertoire and I think that is the hitting coaches job to teach and ENFORCE!
By Tomas
July 11, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
Man, with guys like mcann, texeira, chipper, and kelly you would think this is a good offense, but in the last 4 games the first four innings have horrible only one hit.
By Horatio Ramirez
July 11, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
If not for some really nice defense from the Braves and some timely DP’s, Jo Jo could easily be 4 or 5 runs down instead of only two.
By Smokey
July 11, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
1 for 48 in the last four games of the first four innings. What a complete joke this team has become.
That lack of production at the major league level is pathetic.
By VAROADRUNNER
July 11, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
Well there goes Franceour - groundball to short
By Robert S
July 11, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
Phillies just won.
Mets won.
If the Braves lose…..
yikes. Pack your bags, Tex.
By Hit, Heap, Hit!
July 11, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
“Jeff had a good at bat in the 1st inning”
“Jeff looked great in BP”
“Jeff has a beard let’s make it the leading story on ajc.com”
Enough already. Sheesh.
By Wayne in Utah
July 11, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
bf54
These are the rest of your comments:
Do you thing Ritchie (who has been relaxing with his slightly above career averages) is waiting for a ML team to call for his services? I doubt that - he is not in the same situation as Barroid, who has “issues” shall I say. I do believe that Mr. Sexson fully believes that he deserves to stay home, collect his salary, and observe the game as you and I do. I, for one, do not believe he should be faulted for this, simply because I cannot honestly say that in a similar situation I would not rationalize the same.
Sounds to me like you are making some assumptions about someone you state you know nothing about. It sure sounded to me like your mind was already made up about Mr. Sexson. Was I wrong? Or, were you just generalizing about folks that you believe will milk it?
If I have read you wrong, sorry about that.
By Chop Chop
July 11, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
Phillies win 6-5 in the bottom of the 12th.
Jayson Werth with an RBI walkoff single.
By La Jolla Dawg
July 11, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
Peavy is not quite as sharp this inning. There is hope yet.
By Horacio Ramirez
July 11, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
Anybody that doesn’t think McCann is capable of being this teams clean-up hitter next year is flat out crazy.
What do you know. McCann works the count, and gets a hit (beating the shift), and Jeff swings at the first pitch.
You know what would be fun? Watching Maddux in his prime CARVE UP Jeff (btw: Kotsay walks after Jeff’s one pitch groundout), up for 4 AB’s in a game.
Jeff may have broken his back had he had to face Maddux 10 years ago.
Yikes.
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
Not a lot of power coming from the “ugly stick,” as someone called him.
By Tomas
July 11, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
I would have prefered to se reyes hit than norton.
By Horatio Hornblower
July 11, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
Perhaps Jo Jo will turn into me and captain a sailing ship instead of a sinking ship.
By Metallica0785
July 11, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
Dave, I know that you’ve known Bobby Cox for quite some time so maybe you can answer my question…
Bobby has never really been known as a “speech” giver and when he does it’s usually considered to be something pretty special as when he did earlier this year. several players spoke about how he pretty much said “what needed to be said” and the team played great for several games and it seems to me that another speech is long overdue
Do you know if Bobby has given any speeches recently and if they just weren’t publicized or is there a veteran on the team that gives the ocassional speech? it almost always seems to work when Ozzie Guillen does it for the White Sox…and I believe the Braves are in desperate need for some sort of fire to be lit under them to get them going.
By Joe
July 11, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
I hope the Braves get swept.
Maybe that’s what it will take to get the front office to quit hanging on to this silly notion that they have a chance.
We have seen a slow and steady erosion over the last five years, and it is clearly time to blow it up and start over.
By N8
July 11, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
Glad Jo-Jo came out for that stellar AB by Norton.
Plethora
“I could be wrong N8, but if it were a hit and run, then Cox had Kelly doing that with two strikes on him. It was a strike’em out, throw’em out.”
I went back and watched it again. I don’t think it was a hit and run, but Blanco “glanced” back after his first few steps.
That being said, it was a full count, so even though KJ had 2 strikes on him, it wouldn’t have been that odd to have a hit and run on in that spot.
By Robin
July 11, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
GW RBI single by Werth to beat the ‘Backs in 12.
By N8
July 11, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
WOW.
It appears as though Horacio Ramirez has some of the same sarcastic thoughts as I do.
Neat.
By gotigers72
July 11, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
Jo Jo is this year’s Kyle Davies. Million dollar arm, 5 cent head. Gives you hope because every 4th or 5th game, he’ll pitch a beauty, but the others between those are just horrible. Just can’t locate. It’s pretty obvious that the Braves aren’t going anywhere now, so package Jo Jo with some others [Lillibridge, B. Jones] in a trade and try to get a head start for next year, because Jo Jo is never going to be more than a 5th starter. Same as Davies. What a shame. Put Carlyle in his spot for the rest of the year.
Lillibridge is this year’s Chris Woodward, except Woodward was a better hitter. Now that’s saying something. Any mid level pitcher just knocks the bat out of his hands, plus he swings at a lot of bad pitches. Don’t know what scout thought he would hit enough to play MLB, but he should be fired. He’s an above average fielder, even though he’s already bounced one tonight to Tex that Tex saved him an error on, but not good enough to be able to put up with his .150 BA.
The Braves seem to be signing a lot of ragarm pitchers and not up to snuff position players the last couple of years. This year’s bench with Norton, Gotay, etc. is about to the low level of last year’s, which I thought would be impossible. The only way that this year’s is even considered a TINY bit better is Infante’s presence. He is a baseball player if he can play long enough without going on the DL. [Mike Hampton syndrome?] And Tavares? Wren should be suspended w/o pay for 30 days for even THINKING abput signing that has been. I’d bet EVERY pitcher at Richmond would be considered better than him.
I guess you can tell I’m frustrated, but it’s usually been a LITTLE closer to college football season for the last 3 years before I’ve felt this bad about the Braves. I may try to hibernate until late August when my Clemson Tigers play the Crimson Tide in the Jawja Dome. Watching Chipper chasing .499 was keeping the frustration down some, but now that’s going by the wayside too it looks like. GO TIGERS [CLEMSON TIGERS THAT IS ].
By Wayne in Utah
July 11, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
Robert S I suspect that Sexson will be traded before the 10 day period is over. At league minimum, he is a good platoon against lefties, as you state. He is too good of a potential power source to have fall to the waiver wire. I might be wrong, but…..
Besides, what if the guy got straightened out on your team??
Sure hearing Nady’s name bandied about. I believe for this year, it might be too little, too late. Hope I am wrong.
By Robert S
July 11, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
*”1 for 48 in the last four games of the first four innings. What a complete joke this team has become.
That lack of production at the major league level is pathetic.”*
Which reminds me of what Branch Rickey said to Ralph Kiner after Kiner asked for a raise, citing his league leading homer totals:
“We could’ve finished last without you.”
Likewise, the Braves stink with Tex, and so they’d still stink without him.
Wonder if Frank Wren’s working the phones yet…
Also just heard this on XM MLB Live Late Edition:
“Yeah, nothing says excitement like the Braves and Padres playing.”
How far the mighty have fallen,.,….
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
The Budster does not mess around. Damn, he’s been solid.
By Horatio Hornblower
July 11, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
I agree that first AB by Frenchy was a classic. The result was a weak fister to 2nd base. Didn’t seem to be any attempt to move the runner up, just jammed badly. Those are real stingers too!
By kirknga
July 11, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
VAROADRUNNER
Again, in other words, the record makes it clear that you have a low information opinion that makes no sense.
So rather than have a discussion, and even disagree, you resort to calling me “ignorant”, “stupid”, say I’m on a “high horse”.
People with strong convincing arguments don’t have to make personal attacks.
I do agree with you that,The prrof is in the pudding.
If you have a coach that is getting franchise-best* results. Who was able to coach 6 rookies with critical at bats, who players credit with getting results for them, that’s some good pudding in my estimation.
People who can’t teach, or coach don’t luck up into success season after season. People who can’t teach or coach aren’t considered for managerial positions.You will never have record setting results from someone who can’t teach.
I didn’t “twist” any numbers. The numbers the Braves produce, are a matter of record. In other words don’t turn away when someone shows that pudding!
And how many times did you call for TP to be fired before this season? I’m betting you didn’t. Why, because there was no need. There was no need because scoring runs was not an issue. The Braves scored more runs than all but 3 teams.
Hopefully you’ve gotten all the name calling out of your system and are ready now to have a conversation befitting adults.(Yes I am assuming you are an adult, my apologies if that is an incorrect assumption)
By BossLady
July 11, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
I’m watching boxing and Larry David, it is Friday and this start does not look promising. Why does all the bad teams look good when playing the Braves? When I checked the game it was 2-0 from a team that is last or next to last.
I didn’t give my answer to buy or sell. Play the season man, just play the season and end up where you end. We got too comfortable with our long winning history and now it is too hard to accept not winning.
Considering all we gave up for TEX we should get our money’s (players) worth. Will Ohman can make for some excitement down the road. I do not like tavares and wonder who was smoking what when they brought him here.
Bobby has used all resources given to him by Liberty, JS and Wren. This is the first season I saw so many minor league players. They tried to replace Francoeur, but, Perry ah man failure.
All I can say is those minor league players were given ample opportunity to make it in the majors and they could not cut it.
My, my this is our team and we need to support them win or lose. I and many other people spent the 70s and 80s doing just that, so I would not recommend something that I have not done myself.
By uga-brave
July 11, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
time to start realizing that k.j.’s offense is not quite good enough to offset is defensive problems. tex has bailed him out a ton on the double play.
time to start realizing that besides mac and escobar, our young position players are very overated.
said it all winter that this outfield would doom this team and it has.
kelly johnson is pretty darn average.
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
Is everybody AWAKE!! (I am … barely.)
By Original Jon
July 11, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this
I say we trade Tex anyways, whether we are out of it or not. We could get some prospects and who knows, maybe that prospect could hit .270 with 11 homers and drive in some runs. God knows we could play this bad without Tex. He certainly doesnt seem to be helping all that much today.
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this
Hey, whaddya know, the Phils and Mets each won a one-run game….
By Shamus Thacker
July 11, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this
I believe more than one of you deserve “crazy papers.”
By Chop Chop
July 11, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
The Padres have two of the most foul-mouthed pitchers in baseball in Jake Peavy and Greg Maddux.
I think Peavy drops an F-bomb on every pitch he figures is a ball.
I think that’s great.
By BossLady
July 11, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
Now, I’m watching Jay Leno. The Braves will not spoil my weekend. I’m checking on them but not watching play by play.
By N8
July 11, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
That dive by Kotsay couldn’t have done his back any good.
Looked painful.
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
Washington also won, which means Braves would be as close to Nats as they would be to Phils if they lose this game to the Padres.
By bf54
July 11, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
Wayne, you missed my point. Tell me what possible reason Ritchie Sexson would want to get the call from (the Atlanta Braves, etc.) any team?
I make no moral or other judgement about Mr. Sexson, but I must say, I have always heretofore found your views cogent and compelling, and wonder why you take issue with a rather obvious point, that Mr. Sexon won’t make a dime more income if Mr. Wren asks him to put on a Braves uniform. Tell me I’m wrong! Dare ya’!
By kirknga
July 11, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this
Lillibridge is this year’s Chris Woodward, except Woodward was a better hitter.
Can we wait until Lillbridge has had at least 100-200 AB’s at the major league level before we make judgments about his abilitiies?He’s only had, what 28-29 AB’s for his major league career? That is not enough to know anything.
And where are all the people who were saying how great Lillbridge was,in the minor leagues where’s the support?
By La Jolla Dawg
July 11, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
Carlyle looks really good, that’s a plus, right?
By Chipper Breaks Out
July 11, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
Now that last hit Chipper got was similar to the way he was hitting earlier in the season. He just flicked the bat at a pitch away from him. Ugly but very effective. I think Chipper could still be at around the .400 mark right now, but he is trying to be an offensive catalyst now providing some instant offense rather than just being a baserunner. I understand his logic but it’s a shame his average has suffered.
I remember the good old, bad old days when you watched the Braves to see individual performances of the players rather than expecting a win. You watched to see if Hank would hit a homer. You watched to see if Rico Carty would get a couple of hits. You watched to see Ralph Garr fly! You watched to see if Murphy and/or Horner would have big days. In a couple of months, we’ll be watching the Braves primarily to see if Chipper can win a batting title.
By MBPelican
July 11, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
why do teams play their best baseball against us? the Pads were 1-10 in their last 11 home games. what is wrong with the Braves?
By Chop Chop
July 11, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
UH OH.
Blanco with a boneheaded play.
What a revoltin’ development, denizens.
By SaltyDawg
July 11, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
Wow, i think that might have been the fat lady warming up there. What a mental error. That goes to show you what a lack of experience gets you.
By Robin
July 11, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
Ballgame!
Thanks Gregor! ‘Preciate that man. Don’t let them tweeners eat you up now!
By Hit, Heap, Hit!
July 11, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
Are you kidding me? I love this team but man are they a disaster on the road (and at home too lately).
Well this one is boom. Done. Outta here. We all know the Braves won’t come back from 4 down. So this will put us what, 8 games out?
By TURTSNAP
July 11, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
Going to bed now DOB…. Looks like Blanco fell asleep as well….. Atleast it doesn’t appear that this will be a one run loss now.
By La Jolla Dawg
July 11, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
That was lame. That’s it, game ovah.
I say the Braves get swept and I get ridiculed—by fans of a basement dwelling team.
By Coach Smith
July 11, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
KOTSAY and BLANCO have look foolish and overmatched in the outfield tonight
Say what you want about AJ…but those two guys can’t carry his jock strap defensively
By Oh My
July 11, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
And Blanco continues to impress in the outfield.
Ah Heck, it doesn’t matter. What’s two more runs? Lose by 1 or lose by 10, it’s still a loss.
By N8
July 11, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
DOB
I didn’t pay much attention to Buddy’s velocity when he was starting. I know it wasn’t “eye-popping”, by any stretch of the imagination. But has he always hit 91-93 on the gun this consistently, or is him pitching in relief, allowing for him to air it out a bit more?
Either way, his fastball appears to have much more zip on it, and his location has been dead on (including the buzz job on Kouzmanoff), so far.
Hmmm. Wonderful play by Blanco in LF. 4-0 game against Peavy, in SD with our offense (road or not)?
I do believe it’s time to change the channel. Yikes.
Any chance we can trade Tex before this game is over, and have the replacement in LF for the 9th?
Does everybody realize that when (not if) we lose this game, the Braves will have only 1 more win, and only 2 less losses than the Royals?
I hate to use the word twice in one post, but……..yikes.
By BossMan
July 11, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
Now, I’m watching a movie. The Braves will not spoil my summer. I’ll check the boxscores in the morning paper.
By Drummerdad
July 11, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
DOB, I think most Braves fans are feeling the prospect pinch when talking potential trades. Nobody wants to watch the team give up prospects for a player like Nady only to see Boras “take him to the market” in the fall and make like a leaf and blow. I understand that Nady and Holliday are 2 different levels of player. But your answer begs the question, what do the Braves trade to get him? And do you agree with the assessment of the losing history the Braves have when dealing with Scott Boras?
Also, seems like Chipper is not hitting well since he took the fouled BP shot to the face.
By Robert S
July 11, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this
Big, bad error by Blanco. If that’s not a microcosm of this season, I don’t know what is.
DOB, I’m forsaking the caffeine tonight. This game doesn’t appear to be worth staying awake for. Maybe the XM guys disparaging this game had a point…..
And yeah, it’s amazing how good teams can win those one-run games, eh?
I forgot what that’s like.
By Coach Smith
July 11, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this
This team injuries or not…is too talented to be performing this way..
It is imparative that COX or someone do something to shake things up, get guys going, and make sure everyone knows empahtically that this IS NOT ACCEPTABLE
By Hit, Heap, Hit!
July 11, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this
We have above average pitching and our offense, on paper, is above average as well but night after night we trot out the bad news bears. I don’t get it.
By John
July 11, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
You can definitely tell that Francouer’s 3 day stint in Mississippi helped. He is hitting .182 since coming back.
By Deep Throat
July 11, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
why do teams play their best baseball against us? the Pads were 1-10 in their last 11 home games. what is wrong with the Braves?
The 1-10 thing in against non-Braves teams though. This team is awful, they make so many bad and below average pitchers look like staff aces, blow so many great pitching performances, fail so much in scoring position that this may just be the worst NL team, record be damned.
The Braves are making the light-hitting Padres look like an offensive juggernaut.
But it’s all good. They have a build in EXCUSE tonight; Jake Peavy. They can pretend to care and completely suck, and know that another inexcusable offensive night can just be explained away to the media as “it was Jake Peavy.”
No word though on the reasons A.J. Burnett and his over five ERA, Dave Bush, that Japanese guy, etc, etc. etc., etc. looked so good against them…and hardly anyone else.
By A-ville Ranger
July 11, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
MBPelican, I don’t think they do,I think the Braves are just really BAD now.Earlier in the spring they beat some of the very best pitchers in the game,Sabathia and Santana among others.
By SeattleBravesFan
July 11, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
I just looked at the lineup for the Padres. Wow. Who are most of those guys? Really. Wow. I thought a few of our lineups this year were cause for consternation. But dang imagine being a Pads fan and having to root for that collection. And they are beating us? What has happened to this team…………………….
By Gandolph
July 11, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
Is Lillibridge a hobbit? His name even suggests it.
By uga-brave
July 11, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
blanco’s error will not even matter.
so what’s the excuse tonight. i dont even think peavy has had his A stuff.
kinda getting tired of tipping the cap to opposing pitchers.
oh yeah, when you have a outfield of francoeur, blanco , and kotsay. this is gonna happen.
so blame BOBBY all you want you supper genius’s.
time to realize the offensive talent is not there, and it ain’t gonna be there next year either.
By Original Jon
July 11, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
This team is done, just done. I mean, how many times can you get shut down by teams that are worse off in the standings than you are? Its so ridiculous to think this team has any shot of doing anything. Only once in a great while will the offense come out. But the young pitching is just that, young. It cannot always bail our non existent offense out all the time, pretty soon they will wear down, and its showing now. Trade Tex, Ohman, and whoever else you can get a prospect or 2 out of. Build the team around Escobar and McCann. Stop going out and getting all nostalgic by signing pitchers that are not who they once were. We probably could have used that 8 million we are paying Glavine by signing someone like Fogg. But hey, whatever. Apparently they have money to burn, just not on the right people. I knew the rest of this year was a wash when Wren was standing pat on his rotation of Huddy, Jurrjens (the only good pitchers of the group), Campillo, Reyes and Morton. An Ace, a future ace, a journeyman, and 2 unknowns. Yeah, thats the staff of a playoff caliber team, give me a break. But whatever, this season is definitely toast, Goodnight.
By SaltyDawg
July 11, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
Wayne, you missed my point. Tell me what possible reason Ritchie Sexson would want to get the call from (the Atlanta Braves, etc.) any team?
How about pride???
If you were a pro baller would you go home and sit on your a* when you could be playing and trying to redeem yourself? I wouldn’t. Just because he is basically getting free money is no reason to sit around watching soap operas all day eating jiffy pop. That is called welfare.
By Tomas
July 11, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
I know they’re playing against the nl reigning cy young winner, but this offense can get anything against anyone.
By Wayne in Utah
July 12, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
bf54 It’s called pride, and self respect. I will guarantee you that Sexson will bat again this year. Now, whether he is finished or not, I do not know.
I just don’t want to make assumptions about a situation that I don’t know much about.
I have yet to hear anybody explain that just decided to tank, and take his paycheck.
I still think most are wrong about Mike Hampton. Dude does not keep trying to come back, silly as this last injury seems. Man has always been a warrior.
When I hear complaints about those guys, then all I think is “jealousy”.
Now, if you want greed, then let’s talk Scott Boras!
:-)
By Hit, Heap, Hit!
July 12, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
Look at Tex. Damn I wish the Braves could keep him.
By ryan
July 12, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
I SEE WHY SHUREHOLTZ AND TBS GAVE UP ON THIS CRAPPY TEAM. GET RID OF COX TP AND THAT STUPID PITCHING COACH. LETS HAVE A BIG FIRE SALE WITH TEX AND NEXT TRADE HUDSON. LETS START OVER THAT MEANS GOOD BYE TO KOTSAY NORTON GOTAY CORKY AND SICK OF WATCHING KELLY AND BLONCO
By Duh
July 12, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
The highlight of the game so far is watching the ExTenZe commercial.
By Coach Smith
July 12, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
Look at the effort that TEX gave for that pop-up late in a 4-0 game…yeah I can see why you guys don’t want a guy like that (sarcasm)
On the contrary..that is the type of guy we need more of
Props to BUDDY and McCann for busting it over there too…
Buddy has been pitching his butt off lately
By StingerSplash
July 12, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
One hit Monday. Two hits Wednesday. Four hits (through 7) Friday. Granted, Lowe’s not bad (dude did throw a no-no in Fenway) and Peavy is a bad mother…. (Cue line from “Shaft”) Kuroda? Japanese for enigma? Still, this offensive output, which is an insult to offensive outputs anywhere, is bad.
By bruce
July 12, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
wow what a play by Tex and slide/effort by Buddy… keep playing like that I’ll keep watching! no matter how many we are out
By Robin
July 12, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
Tex is showcasing the leatha for potential suitors. Buddy continues to shine.
Those are my two “highlights” so far.
By N8
July 12, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this
Man. I gotta say. As disappointing as Tex had been earlier in the year with the stick, his glove has been VERY solid all year long.
I’ve read you guys talking about his play on the road-trip, but this is sick. Dude can use the leather that’s for sure.
He still isn’t worth 20-25 million to this team though. But gotta give the guy props when it’s called for.
After all, I’m an EOB (equal opportunity blogger). I can’t claim to call it like I see it, and only rip them when they suck.
I guess he’s just raising his trade value, huh?
BTW: Earlier today I claimed that this team sucks when I watch, and they haven’t disappointed tonight. So, I have to apologize to all others watching. My bad.
What? Did y’all actually think I was gonna change the channel? What, and miss a play I could gripe about?
Not a chance.
By Drummerdad
July 12, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this
Coach Smith, I had similar thoughts about the Braves outfield. But Andruw was like a 100 year storm in hurricane terms. They don’t come around like that very often. We’ve been terrifically spoiled.
Doesn’t look like Schafer is exactly tearing it up since his ordeal.
By Robert S
July 12, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
“it is imperative that COX or someone do something to shake things up, get guys going, and make sure everyone knows empahtically that this IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.”
The only way that’s going to happen now is if the Braves bring in some outside help. There are some who are really trying (McCann, Chipper, et al) but this team just looks listless. I’m talking “downward spiral” kind of stuff. To look this bad against the lowly Padres?
Now I’ve moderated a bit on my “get rid of Cox” stand, but changing the culture of this team (and several of its players), like what happened with the Mets and Jerry Manuel, might be the only thing that helps at this point. This is rapidly becoming a black hole.
I can see this team going 72-90 right now. That’s how bad it is………..
By SaltyDawg
July 12, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
*so blame BOBBY all you want you supper genius’s. *
I think what you meant to say was, so blame bobby all you want you super geniuses.
By A-ville Ranger
July 12, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
This team is finally breaking out of their .500 rut.South wouldn’t have been my choice of directions though.
By Wayne in Utah
July 12, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
gotigers 72 My Tiger friend, do you think the early Phillies are happy they didn’t give up on their 1973 thirdbaseman, after he hit only 196, with 18 HR’s and 52 RBI in 367 AB’s? Mr Schmidt ended up having a pretty good season.
Gotta give these youngsters more than 30 AB’s. (remember KJ from 2005) As uga says, a pretty average secondbaseman.
By Deep Throat
July 12, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
Top 10 Reasons Braves’ Suck:
Lighthitting, no homerun power outfield. Adam Dunn alone has, at last check, five more homeruns by himself than the entire Braves’ outfield (including Norton with Braves, Diaz, etc.) does combined.
Bad bench.
Injuries.
Overworked bullpen from young staff.
Cox’s favoritism, i.e. his refusal to play good guys like Phil Stockman and his insistence to play “his boys”, even if they suck.
Jeff Francoeur.
Corky Miller.
Frank Wren…mostly for keeping Corky Miller over Brayan Pena.
Unclutch offense.
The sub-.700 OPS corner outfield and leadoff man Gregor Blanco.
By brian
July 12, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this
one of the arguments against trading Tex is that our offense is hurting enough already, why trade your cleanup hitter?
Barring a rally here, we will have been shut out 3 out of 4 games against teams with losing records on a critical road trip. We could not do much worse. If this keeps up, trade him as teams are trying to outdo one another on the trade market. At the very least the chemistry needs a shake up.
By Wayne in Utah
July 12, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
Gandolph: Check the feet man….. It could be true.
By uga-brave
July 12, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
bobby treats every player that puts on the uniform like a pro.
he respects them, has their back in the media, all he demands is show up on time, play hard, and respect the uniform.
their are only about 16 guys on this roster that deserves to be in the show.
By Duh
July 12, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
Dr. Wren,
The patient is showing no sign of brain activity. Think it’s time to take them off of life support and give the do not resuscitate order.
By N8
July 12, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this
Now that Chipper hit into an inning ending DP, is there any takers that Tex hits a solo HR to lead off the top of the 9th?
By Kim
July 12, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
This offense is an absolute joke. And now that Chipper is coming back to earth, I see this team averaging no more than 3 runs a game.
Sure they will have a game that they score 9 or something, but those will average out with exactly what we are seeing in the last four - 0 to 1 run.
Pathetic.
By Kim
July 12, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
This offense is an absolute joke. And now that Chipper is coming back to earth, I see this team averaging no more than 3 runs a game.
Sure they will have a game that they score 9 or something, but those will average out with exactly what we are seeing in the last four - 0 to 1 run.
Pathetic.
By Crabby Bill
July 12, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
Ryan,What is the ALL CAPS thing about ? Is it meant to prove how whacked out you are ? If so don’t bother, the words are enough to make that point.
By Hit, Heap, Hit!
July 12, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this
*so blame BOBBY all you want you supper genius’s. *
I think what you meant to say was, so blame bobby all you want you super geniuses.
I was wondering who the breakfast and lunch geniuses were. ; )
I think I found one
By AuburnBrave
July 12, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this
Well Tex, hope your bags are packed. It’s been nice knowing ya. Have fun in New York, or L.A. or where ever you end up in a few weeks.
In all seriousness, it was Jake Peavy we faced tonight, but wow, we get blanked 3 times in a week? This team isn’t hitting a lick, and hasn’t for a long time this season. I seriously doubt it’ll happen since I believe they’re grooming him to take over when Bobby calls it a career, but I think Terry Pendleton needs to find something else to do with the organization, because these guys can’t hit, and with two major meltdowns by star players in the past two years at the plate (Andruw and Frenchy) and the total lack of hitting lefties or hitting with men on base something’s gotta change if we want any chance of being competitive.
Man this is frustrated. I remember just a few years back my interest in the Braves in the 2nd half used to wain because they’d already pretty much wrapped up the division and were playing the kids to give them experience. Now my interest in watching them is lessened because they’re falling on their faces night after night and it’s painful to watch this rapid decline.
By NO MORE BOBBY
July 12, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this
*Notice that the Mets are now winning after firing their manager? *
By Wayne in Utah
July 12, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this
Geez, N8, maybe instead of getting Nady, we need to get you to tune in some old Lucy reruns instead of the Braves games, if you think that might help. Then we could just give you the updates later. Or maybe TiVo it??
Totally agree on Tex. Great glove man, but is he truly worth $20M plus per? I would rather spend the 20 on two 10’s. Problem is, there is not much on the free agent front for first sackers. Would have to be a trade.
By Jerald Holcombe
July 12, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this
Look at the bright side. Next year, we will have a ton of money to spend on some good players, if Liberty is serious about how the team does. We won’t be paying Kotsay’s 7mil, Glavine’s 8mil, Tex’s 12.5mil, Hampton’s 15mil, and a very real possibility that Smoltz may just retire and that’s another 14mil. All totalled, that’s 56.5 million that can be used shore things up. We have a decent enough starting staff with only Hudson making serious dough, and Gonzalez and Soriano anchoring the pen. I’ll be looking forward to next year because right now, that’s all we have to look forward to.
By Jamie
July 12, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this
OK I am going to say it! When are the Braves going to hire a hitting Coach!???? Ever since TP has join the club the batting average for the team has went down!!! I sorry but when you have to send a player to the minor to get hitting instruction something is wrong!!! And the team is getting steadly worst in hitting! Something stinks!! Were is Don Baker???
By David O'Brien
July 12, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this
Mac has three hits including a double. The rest of the team has four singles.
It’s fugly.
By Robert S
July 12, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this
Brian,
My 11:24 post should answer your question. They’re not hitting or winning with him, so what difference would it make? And I really believe bringing in some outside talent, along with a change in culture (meaning the manager - wishful thinking I know, but you can only hope) are the only things that will turn this around.
I just don’t see how things will change now with the way this roster is constructed, and with the way that roster is managed. We need some new guys and a new attitude…….
By John
July 12, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
Francoeur is now hitting .167 since coming back.
By SeattleBravesFan
July 12, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
Hands in the air from anybody who thought 3 days in AA was helpful for Francoeur?
By Coach Smith
July 12, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
Maybe the Braves just need to play the Mets and Marlins to get this season turned around..
They are a combined 11-4 against those two teams…go figure
By Phil Wellman
July 12, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
Jeff my son, see ball, hit ball. Don’t let them take your agressivness away from you. Be yourself. Close your eyes, think happy thoughts. Imagine the ball is as big as a pumpkin.
Damn Jeff! Don’t close your eyes when you swing!
By TheAntiMe
July 12, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this
The Braves are getting shut out 4-0 in the 8th by the lame San Diego Padres.
Bye Tex
By Wayne in Utah
July 12, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this
Jerald Not to be too picky, but we are only paying 2 mil to Kotsay, and about 8 mil to Hampton. BUT, you are correct in your assumption that we will have a few bucks to spend. Problem is, the pickings might be slim on players who could really help us.
Gotta run. Got an early plane to catch in the AM. Heading off to South Carlina tomorrow, and to Myrtle Beach on Sunday for a week in the sand/sun. Wish you could all be there….wait a minute, you will be. Got my computer and broadband card…..
Too bad the Pelicans are on the road the entire time I am in MB. That sucks.
Will Tex be with us this time next week???
By I said HAH!
July 12, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this
Lillibridge versus Trevor Hoffman?
You gotta be kidding me.
By Robin
July 12, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this
Lil’ Bridge = Ridiculously over matched.
:( See y’all tomorrow.
By Tomas
July 12, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this
A shutout what a surprise. It looks like there going to become sellers.
By keylargo
July 12, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this
We lead the league with 9 shutouts - WITH a guy who wants $23M a year in the lineup.
I bet we could lead the league in shutouts without him too.
By Robert S
July 12, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this
*”Mac has three hits including a double. The rest of the team has four singles.
It’s fugly..”*
Amen, brother. Can’t blame Mac. He’s raking right now.
Hoffman’s facing Lil’ Bridge, and………….he just got carved up by Hoffman. Three K’s for Lil’ Bridge tonight, and 10 K’s by Los Bravos tonight. Yeah, fugly.
7.5 out. The fat lady’s singing a full-fledged anthem by now…………..
Any chance the Braves brass can take that Bobby Cox extension for 2009 back? I’m being silly of course, but it doesn’t hurt to dream……..
By Wayne in Utah
July 12, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
DOB If you gotta be on the road, and your team is stinking it up, at least you are in San Diego. You could be in St Louis or Philadelphia….
By Tomas
July 12, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this
God give Frenchy a breather. He just came back let him get a chance to get in a groove. He had some nice swings and good at bat except for the last one. We do need an outfielder with power. I don’t understand this team, when chipper is hitting nobody else is, and when he is not Texeira steps up but nobody else is joining him and the same story with mccann. It’s always one guy, not everybody at the same time.
By lilman
July 12, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
Has anyone else noticed that the Braves have been striking out a lot lately?
We’ve had 2 years of this hanging around, and then they run out of games before they improve their play. I know that they’ve had a lot of injuries, but the pitching has been good, it’s the hitting that stinks, and it’s been that way pretty much all seasonb long.
Usually they hit when the pitching is bad, or pitch well when the hittings is horrible, but this year they need some hitters bad.
Eight hits tonight, and you score no runs…you have to get timely hits.
By PJ
July 12, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
Are we having fun yet?
By Yo
July 12, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
SELL SELL SELL SELL
In no way, shape or form should Frank Wren be a buyer!
Hell, see what Huddy can bring maybe…
If Wren is smart and plays his cards right, we could be a contender next year for the division and a WS contender in ‘10.
By Frank Lee
July 12, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
Tex is worth 4.3 Adam LaRoches.
By Robert S
July 12, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this
“Will Tex be with us this time next week???”
Not if the Braves can find a taker with a suitable package in return. My hunch is that they’ll put him on the market, but they’ll definitely try to draw it out as long as they can to get the maximum return. It might be two weeks, but one thing seems certain that some of us laughed off last month:
He’s on the way out. Gotta be. It ain’t funny now, folks……..
By Goaltender
July 12, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this
When you think it can’t get any worse the Braves sink to a new level. When you have to rely on a .138 hitter with 2 out in the 9th -wow -but don’t blame Lillibridge. Put all this squarely on the shoulders of management. STINK STANK STUNK!!
By StingerSplash
July 12, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this
Not even listening to The Clash can cleanse this abomination from my mind. But it helps.
By rupert
July 12, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this
let me go ahead and tip my cap to peavy, when he’s pitching like that there’s just nothing you can do, even though that is what you get paid to do as a major league hitter, hit tough pitchers, even though that is what braves team of old would do, nah the braves were lucky to get the hits they did, moral vicotry on having multiple base runners on in one inning, one big hit away, that’s all, still got a chance to take the series by winning next two, that’s all that matters at this point, winning series, just need to get on a roll and start winning some games, taking some series… long sigh that ends in a bottle of scotch
By Duh
July 12, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this
I used to watch the Braves on the West coast and suffer at work for a week. Don’t know why, but I watch all the Braves games. This week, I decided I would watch no more than four innings before going to bed. I stuck with that.
Putting the offensive struggles in context, do you realize that tonight was the first time in a week that I have seen a Braves player get a hit!!!
I repeat, the first time in a week I’ve seen a hit by a Braves player was tonight.
On a side note, I just watched Joe, John and Ron Gant basically say the Braves suck! lol
By N8
July 12, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this
“Francoeur is now hitting .167 since coming back.”
What? Are you trying to say that the 4 days he spent in the minors weren’t enough? Come on man! He was raking down there. They had to call him up, right?
By chipdip
July 12, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this
Why don’t the braves ever try to steal any bases…ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!This team is pathetic !!!!!!!!!!!!
By keylargo
July 12, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this
Could Jeff F. be sent back to Mississippi during the All Star break to get a little more instruction?
By Charles
July 12, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this
I cant believe the Braves still are not sure whether they are going to buy or sell. They clearly are not good enough to win the division. The Mets are one of the hottest team in baseball and the Braves are slipping further behind every day.
By chipdip
July 12, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this
No bench.
By David O'Brien
July 12, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this
CHIPPER JONES: . “Bottom line, we just haven’t been able to overcome early season injuries. Slowly but surely, we’re being exposed.”
By uga-brave
July 12, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this
well it’s GOTTA BE COX’S FAUULT.
the braves have ONE hit in the first four innings of four straight games.
think about that 16 innings ONE FRICKIN HIT. our pitching has been very good.
DOB, i GUARANTEE that superstar will not be the first quote in the clubhouse tonight.
most self absorbed player ever to put on a braves uniform.
kinda funny how he wanted to talk about how the offense WAS letting down HUDDY.
of course he hit a meaningless homerun, but hey he felt good about himself and the RED light was on.
By kris
July 12, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this
Keep Jurgens, Chipper, Campillo,Escobar,Mccann and cut bait with everybody else.
This time has no talent. Time to face the music. We used to get the great talent but no more. we are going to have to buy it like the rest-and they won’t spend the cash.sad
By We're Out of It
July 12, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this
F#$king Idiot Bobby Cox just said “you have to tip your cap to them” again, if he says that one more time this season, I will throw up on myself, fire that useless excuse for a coach and his entire staff now.
By Drummerdad
July 12, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this
DOB, As therapy for watching these guys go through this I would recommend a few things to do. Do the Double/Double from In & Out. Get your favorite size of Macanudo and make the drive up to Point Loma and enjoy the cigar up there. If the Belly Up is still running check out who’s playing.
Do it for me Dave; one of your veteran readers.
By Robert S
July 12, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this
“Has anyone else noticed that the Braves have been striking out a lot lately?”
Oh, you too, lilman? They have a real knack for doing it with runners on base, too. Is the pressure that great on these guys?
“Could Jeff F. be sent back to Mississippi during the All Star break to get a little more instruction?”
Keylargo, he should never have come back. It was only Infante going down that facilitated it, but in my mind he should still be there. He’s had a couple of decent at bats, but the rest have been “same ol’ Jeff.”
We might be looking back at the whole Francoeur-to-AA-and-back-so-soon debacle as a factor in Frank Wren being sent packing after the season. Other than the pickup of Jurrjens, he’s clearly not done well as GM to this point. I mean, come on - Julian Tavarez? Greg Norton? Keeping Corky Miller on this roster over Brayan Pena? Something’s really amiss here……………..
By the way, wishful thinking on Wren being canned after this year. Just so you know………
By uga-brave
July 12, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this
chipper,
just said, well it is pretty obvious that a couple of players on this team have been exposed.
pretty candid stuff, gant said i have never heard chipper be negative like that.
By keylargo
July 12, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this
chipdip
Blanco tried a steal in the first inning tonight. It was really neat. Kelly Johnson was at bat. Kelly swung and almost made contact. Strike three. Blanco, despite a really poor jump, made it a really, really close play. The Padres catcher, someone I had never heard off, and hitting just slightly higher than Corky, made a really, really good throw, only a few feet short of second base. The shortstop, a good looking kid with blonde hair, made a good catch of the throw that was only a few feet short of second. Blanco, by this time was oh, say, 82 feet from first base. He made a beautiful slide. Just like Bobby Cox and Chino taught him in Spring Training. The shortstop though, was waiting with the shorthopped throw from the unknown catcher and tagged Blanco out by only 5 or 6 feet.
DOUBLE PLAY
By Chop Chop
July 12, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this
We’re Out of It,
Give Bobby a little credit. He did say that he “hated to say it again.”
I found the West Coast trip comparison to Marichal, Perry, Drysdale, and Koufax to be a bit of a stretch, but those guys would have shut this team down just the same. I guess it’s not that far off.
Jo-Jo looked like a kid who seemed confused as to why he was taken out so early.
Chipper sounds like someone shot his dog.
Well, we’ll jes go git ‘em tomorry!
By Dan_in_NC
July 12, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this
Fellas, I have seen enough. IMO it’s time to load up the wagons and ship’em outta here.
Tex, Ohman, maybe Kotsay looks like the main group of guys we may be un-loading out. But I get the distinct feeling we might make some overall wholesale changes as well.
In years past teams have expressed interest in guys like Kelly Johnson. I wonder how much value he would hold now that we look to be on the opposite end of the spectrum? I wonder what some teams would give up if we threw Jeff Francoeur’s name out there?
I just think its time to be sellers and regroup.
By Peter
July 12, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this
Now that the Braves season appears to be over, we can all look forward to watching the Falcons.
By Lou Vales
July 12, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this
Dear David and All the Other Sycophants, First of all I can’t believe I read another reference to the fraustrated union organizer from Billerica, Mass and the infirmed left hander from west central Florida. David, there must be a name for a person who waves a bone under the nose of a dog who can’t reach it(Braves fans) and with that reference you have reached that nadir.
Morons,Hampton and Glavine are WASHED UP, salary consuming burn outs!! What can’t you understand about that.
AND for your farther edification, the standing must now be read in a cumulative manner. The Braves are 7 1/2 behind the Philies and 6 behind the Mets and the Fanless, Penniless, Stadiumless, Ownerless, TV revenue less Marlins. They MUST make up ALL those games because Wild Card isn’t coming from the East Division. Thus—and read carefully— IN ACTUALITY the Braves are 7 1/2+ 6 + 6 out of a playoff spot BECAUSE they must pass ALL 3 teams. Understand?? Comprende?? Those numbers add up to 19 1/2 games back—Do you get it?/ Finally??
And, O’brien, you should be ashamed for the Glavine and Hampton mention—Unbelievable!! Cruel!! Sadistic!! Man, have you NO decency??
By Lou Vales
July 12, 2008 1:15 AM | Link to this
Dear David and All the Other Sycophants, First of all I can’t believe I read another reference to the fraustrated union organizer from Billerica, Mass and the infirmed left hander from west central Florida. David, there must be a name for a person who waves a bone under the nose of a dog who can’t reach it(Braves fans) and with that reference you have reached that nadir.
Morons,Hampton and Glavine are WASHED UP, salary consuming burn outs!! What can’t you understand about that.
AND for your farther edification, the standing must now be read in a cumulative manner. The Braves are 7 1/2 behind the Philies and 6 behind the Mets and the Fanless, Penniless, Stadiumless, Ownerless, TV revenue less Marlins. They MUST make up ALL those games because Wild Card isn’t coming from the East Division. Thus—and read carefully— IN ACTUALITY the Braves are 7 1/2+ 6 + 6 out of a playoff spot BECAUSE they must pass ALL 3 teams. Understand?? Comprende?? Those numbers add up to 19 1/2 games back—Do you get it?/ Finally??
And, O’brien, you should be ashamed for the Glavine and Hampton mention—Unbelievable!! Cruel!! Sadistic!! Man, have you NO decency??
Oh, But maybe it’s July 12 that turns this season around?/ Right, David??
By A-ville Ranger
July 12, 2008 1:19 AM | Link to this
This lineup is either seriously flawed or management is burned out,or both.Bottom line is wise management would be very close to looking beyond this season…yeah the Tex thing again.
I’ve been checking the contender-spenders to assess who may need a top 1st baseman.The list looks very short,perhaps as short as one.The Angels with Casey Kotchman and maybe the Dodgers with James Loney look to my eyes to be the most likely bidders.
Does anybody else have a better grasp on which teams may need him and be willing to make a move for Tex ?
By Robert S
July 12, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this
Chipper needs to speak more, if what uga-brave said is accurate. He’s the only one telling the truth. This is a winner who’s had it with the bunch he’s gotta play around. This ain’t the first time he’s called out his teammates, he just hasn’t named names. But I think most anyone can read between the lines and take a good guess…..
By David O'Brien
July 12, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this
Escobar’s out for the series, unless he just plays some late-innings defense. He hurt the shoulder again in LA tagging Kent on a steal.
Cox: “Hopefully it’s nothing serious,” Cox said. “He’s got some issues in there.”
CHIPPER on other matter: “If we get to the trade deadline … if we get to 10 [games back] I’m sure we’ll probably be sellers as opposed to buyers.”
CHIPPER on being 1-for-14 on the trip, with an infield single: “You’ve got to give some credit to those [pitchers]. I haven’t seen a pitch over the middle of the palte in a week. I’m really struggling to get something generated offensively myself.
“With me struggling, hopefully somebody will swing the bat. Mac’s swinging the bat, but other than that, it’s slim pickings.”
By Deep Throat
July 12, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this
Keep Jurgens, Chipper, Campillo,Escobar,Mccann and cut bait with everybody else.
Okay, timeout. Are you actually suggesting keeping Escobar and not Kelly Johnson when Johnson has been better this season and they’re basically the same ages?
Kelly Johnson: .273/.349/.438, 8 homeruns, .787 OPS and 110 OPS+.
Yunel Escobar: .286/.355/.383, 6 homeruns, 738 OPS and 99 OPS+.
An OPS+ of 100 is consider exactly average. Going by that stat, Kelly Johnson (110 OPS+) has been 10% better than the league average player this season. Yunel Escobar (99 OPS+) has been 1% below the league average this season.
By We're Out of It
July 12, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this
That shortstop for the Padres is Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High”
By David O'Brien
July 12, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this
A-Ville, Angels look like a good match on both sides. They could also use Ohman, since they’ve only got D. Oliver as a lefty in their pen.
So think in terms of a package deal with Angels and it starts to get interesting. Maybe Kochman and another lesser player off their current team, plus a prospect or two, perhaps four players total for Tex and Ohman.
By David O'Brien
July 12, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this
Drummerdad, I just pulled a Cohiba out of my computer bag. Gonna walk the mile or so back to the hotel, checking out the scenery on the way. Right through the Gaslamp District. Point Loma would be a possibility if I hadn’t already turned my rental car in.
Highlight of this night might have been the Cure’s “Friday” playing over stadium speakers in the seventh inning.
By Lou Vales
July 12, 2008 1:30 AM | Link to this
O’Brien, See what I mean. Because of your prose, a guy named Dale Murphy mentioned earlier—“Why not send Tex to Boston for Masterson or Bucholz AND a top hitting prospect” and maybe they can send him to the Yankees for Cano, Cabrera and Hughes or to the Marlins for Josh Johnson and Scott Olsen—-The possibilities are endless!!!!!
By David O'Brien
July 12, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this
Small Bridge is just in over his head at this juncture. Not a good night to go without Escobard. Bridge was 0-for-4 with three Ks, left five on base.
By uga-brave
July 12, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this
time to start placing the blame on wren who constructed this outfield.
the other part is on superstar. but superstar is back, he figured it all out.
for the love of sanity, whether you hit .400 or .200, step back from the mike.
By drummerdad
July 12, 2008 1:35 AM | Link to this
I think that Jimmy Carter has come out of retirement. Seems like I read something he said about the Braves being in a general state of “malaise”. Or was that “mayonnaise” ? Either way it’s depressed or greasy.
Robert S., Frank Wren leaving ain’t the answer. The man has a huge job. On top of all these injuries, he hired an assistant to do what he did for John Schuerholz. As soon as Bruce Manno comes to work his (Bruce’s) wife gets cancer. Seems like I read that she passed away. Tough times. Makes it hard to do your job as well as you’d like. Kind of keeps me closer to the “it’s just a game” axiom.
By bravos2249
July 12, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this
I hate to say it but I think it may be time to facilitate another Prado/Kelly platoon just to get another frickin RH bat in the lineup..Prado won’t hit many homers but he can give good ab’s and is a good gap hitter.
But it may need to be the other way Kelly vs LH…Prado vs RH…because Kelly is hitting .322 vs LH and .252 vs RH..which is weird.
Prado in limited time is hitting .276 vs. RH.
By Deep Throat
July 12, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this
Count me in the “keep Mike Gonzalez” camp. Don’t care how bad the Braves fall out of it, they won’t be conceding 2009 too, and Gonzalez should absolutely be the team’s closer next season. Unless you think the Braves should count on Soriano and his creeky elbow (ha!) or find someone else (yeah right).
Everyone on this team besides Chipper, McCann, KJ, Escobar, Hudson, Jurrjens, Gonzalez and Reyes can JUST GO.
By A-ville Ranger
July 12, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this
DT,You have to consider the fact Escobar is a far better fielder than Johnson.Also Yunel doesn’t have the big league experience Kelly does.I’d keep Escobar over KJ for sure.Since they don’t play the same position it’s really a false argument though.
By FaninFaytown
July 12, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this
Lillibridge just really has no business in the majors right now. Maybe he’s still the prospect he was projected to be, but I’m not seeing it. Either way, he isn’t helping us right now. Then again, who else do we really have.
By StingerSplash
July 12, 2008 1:55 AM | Link to this
This team’s being exposed. Surely, yes. Slowly, no. It’s rapid, and it’s been happening for a couple of weeks now. Chipper is 8 for his last 35, a .229 batting average. After a win over Florida on June 5, the Braves were 32-29 and he was hitting .421. They are 11-21 since. There’s listing, there’s taking on water, there’s sinking and there’s this plummet straight to Davy Jones locker.
By rupert
July 12, 2008 1:57 AM | Link to this
general question: is there anyone else in the system who might be able to play short at a major league level?i’m guessing diory doesn’t, they don’t like prado there obviously
lili plays good d, but is ovrmatched at the plate, maybe he’ll figure it out later
By Lou Vales
July 12, 2008 1:58 AM | Link to this
Is anyone else disgusted that a team with Chipper, Tex, McCann, Hudson, Juir, Escobar is 6!!!!!!! games back of a team that drawa 5,800 ACTUAL people for weekday games??? The fact that same franchise also has more World Championships in last 11!!!! years than the Braves, Falcons, Hawks and Flames/Thrashers have COMBINED since 1966 should also be cause for a pro franchise cleansing of Atlanta.
By StingerSplash
July 12, 2008 1:58 AM | Link to this
Yeah, Little Bridge to face “Hells Bells” at the end of the game … mismatch from the get-go.
By Roman Gal
July 12, 2008 1:59 AM | Link to this
DOB or anyone else…
Between Kotchman and Loney, which would you rather have?
By bravos2249
July 12, 2008 2:04 AM | Link to this
FaninFaytown
Prado’s played 2 games @ SS this year, not the say innings as Lillibridge,same amount of errors (1)….but
.269 who can hit 2nd or .133 that hits 8th
not too hard of a choice
By StingerSplash
July 12, 2008 2:05 AM | Link to this
FaninFaytown,
I think you hit the nail on the head.
By Lou Vales
July 12, 2008 2:05 AM | Link to this
PLEASE Check The Standings—YOUR Atlanta Braves are as close to the Nationals as they are the Phillies. WoW!!!!!!
Should we be a buyer or a seller?/ Should we wear a blindfold when we cross 85 in rush hour or remove it?/ Compelling questions require deep analysis.
By uga-brave
July 12, 2008 2:06 AM | Link to this
N8,
gotta tip your cap to peavy, we had no chance.
the guy was dominant. how he ever lost five games is a miracle.
the braves hitters did their best, tried really hard, but peavy was just too good.
so bobby is at fault, he should of told his big leaguers to try harder.
he has that control, he is the MANAGER,
it has to be his fault, no one else could be accountable.
it has to be his fault. it must be bobby’s fault.
who else could be blamed. he only won 14 straight divisions.
no way is it the fault of the players on the roster.
gotay, norton, lillibridge, prado, francouer, porky, kotsay, blanco, and k.j.
it could not be THEIR FAULT. they are to good, right?
By We're Out of It
July 12, 2008 2:11 AM | Link to this
Wonder if Kotchman’s dad being a long-time and well respected scout and employee of the Angel’s organization will factor in a potential deal?
By A-ville Ranger
July 12, 2008 2:11 AM | Link to this
DOB,Thanks,I’ll take a longer look at The Angels prospects who may interest Wren.With Tex and Ohman they might be odds on favorites to make the WS.
By Car Wreck
July 12, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this
Listen to yourselves!!! This is like watching a good wreck on 95. You’re discussing Prado and Lillibridge at 2:15 AM—I’m not going anywhere until you idiots solve it. This may be most amusing blog in America.
By Car Wreck
July 12, 2008 2:18 AM | Link to this
Hey uga-Brave, Bobby Cox has made a lot of money and has received a lot of accolades when Braves have played well. NOBODY ever says at those times—Hey, he isn’t out there hitting and pitching why is he getting the credit?? Pefectly willing to not blame him for the BAD times if we DON”T have to pay him a lot of money and give credit for good times. Deal???
By Drummerdad
July 12, 2008 2:20 AM | Link to this
DOB, There used to be a park on Shelter Island that had a great view of the harbor and North Island. it was simple. Not too far past Humphrey’s. Anyway, enjoy your stay. I’ll look in on Sunday. Got a percussion gig tomorrow night.
Oh…been seriously thinking about making it up to Myrtle Beach to see Gorkys play.
By StingerSplash
July 12, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this
Lou Vales, Dale Murphy,
Masterson and Buchholz aren’t going anywhere. The Sox don’t need a 1B, especially with Youkilis (though even with his .300-plus average, he seems to end the inning a lot, even more than Varitek). And that Ortiz fella will be back before the end of July. The Sox have stockpiled talent at High-A and AA right now, ready for when it will be time to move some of the older, higher-priced veterans on. If the Sox wouldn’t part with Lester, Ellsbury, Masterson/Buchholz for Don’t Mess with the Johan, why would they create a similar package for a first baseman they may not keep come January?
The White Sox are about to get Konerko back, if he’s not already back, so they won’t have a need at 1B. All the other contenders are fairly well set with a thumper at 1B (though Carlos Pena’s batting average is paltry, dude is still hitting bombs and knocking in runs). The Angels are the most logical trading partner at this point - if the Braves shop Teixeira - though one of those three or four team deals could be swung and may need to be.
By Chop Chop
July 12, 2008 2:23 AM | Link to this
Lou Vales,
The Braves stink. Big surprise. Tell us something we don’t know.
Here’s one that’ll make you salivate:
The Yankees are 49-44 at $209,081,577.
The Marlins are 49-44 at $21,811,500.
By uga-brave
July 12, 2008 2:23 AM | Link to this
so whose fault was it tonight frenchy,
could not be your fault right?
you said wednesday that this team p** you off beacuse they did not score runs for HUDDY.
of course that came after you hit a pretty much meaningless dinger.
but you felt rich, i wonder how does it feel to hit .195 with .risp.
you have the most at bats with .risp.
but then again the braves have strained their relationship with you.
By uga-brave
July 12, 2008 2:36 AM | Link to this
this team is only surviving because the guy at the helm.
By bravos2249
July 12, 2008 2:39 AM | Link to this
uga-brave
so true and even if Frenchy’s still here next season if he stinks he’ll still have options…lol :)
By GT
July 12, 2008 2:51 AM | Link to this
Just when I was starting to take DOB seriously…
“Conversely if the Braves come in to San Diego, play well and win the series, they might look at the possible return of Mike Hampton and/or Tom Glavine after the break”
I think any mention of Hamptom returning has at this point become pure aphorism for Quixotic hope, along the lines of hell freezing over or pigs flying.
By My 2 Cents
July 12, 2008 2:59 AM | Link to this
Face it folkes: The Dynasty ended in 2004. We had a helluva good run,but its over and its been over since TED sold us basically. We dont have an ownership that is willing to buy some big dudes. We are just mediocre. Baby Braves=McCann only. We got one awesome player out of all that. Esco may have talent but he is injury prone. We have good ole HOSS,MCCANN,and Esco sometimes and thats it. Hopefully J.J. will hold up as the second coming of Johnny Smoltz/or Glavin……but outside of that…..thats it. We don’t have the talent and/or speed to compete.
The only new BLOOD in the coaching staff we have brought in is SNITKER(who?)……and ROGER may have redeemed himself this year,but what about last year? What made the BRAVES hungry in the past,from the coaching staff perspective, is gone. These guys have just been to complacent for too long. Anybody remember last year in JUNE? We only one like 3 games all month. This is very similar to what is going on now. What did the coaches do then ….Nothing. What are we doing now….Nothing.
This year is over and if FRANK and our frikin scouts don’t get off their azz, we will be mediocre for years to come.
I luv CHIPPER.. but this is just too excrutiating to watch.
By uga-brave
July 12, 2008 3:05 AM | Link to this
graveyard economics,
not saying i was right, but lehman is close to going out. i said bear stearns was done and they are. jp morgan now owns them, not that bear is worth anything.
well that was last summer.
fannie mae and fredie mac, the largest holders of morgages are now close to government protection.
think about this, bear stearns the fifth largest investment bank went out.
jp morgan saved the day by guarateeing their trades.
that happenned on march 17th. the big bull is in trouble.
merrill lynch’s stock has gone from 89 to 27.
they have more cmo’s and SPECIAL PRODUCTS on their books than they want to make public.
merrill is on life support. the gov will not let them go out, because they are mother merrill.
our credit markets have pretty much seized up.
goldman sachs will be the only investment bank left.
By We're Out of It for Good
July 12, 2008 3:10 AM | Link to this
By uga-brave
July 12, 2008 2:36 AM | Link to this
this team is only surviving because the guy at the helm.
Now that’s funny as hell
By We're Out of It for Good
July 12, 2008 3:10 AM | Link to this
By uga-brave
July 12, 2008 2:36 AM | Link to this
this team is only surviving because the guy at the helm.
Now that’s funny as hell
By nolie
July 12, 2008 3:15 AM | Link to this
BASEBALL AMERICA -PROSPECTS ON THE RISE 2008
By definition this group is disparate, a group of all kinds of players who weren’t in the Top 100 coming into the season but are strong contenders right now. Tommy Hanson, James McDonald and Jess Todd have big arms and have had similar success at the Double-A level. Two other groups find themselves represented regularly: young international prospects, such as outfielders Engel Beltre (Ranges) and Greg Halman (Mariners), catcher Jesus Montero (Yankees), shortstop Wilmer Flores (Mets) and* righthander Julio Teheran (Braves); and 2007 draftees establishing themselves in their first full seasons, such as Marlins prospects Matt Dominguez and Mike Stanton, Blue Jays lefthander Brett Cecil and *Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman.
Jake Arrieta, rhp, Orioles
Engel Beltre, of, Rangers
Peter Bourjos, of, Angels
Michael Burgess, of, Nationals
Brett Cecil, lhp, Blue Jays
Jhoulys Chacin, rhp, Rockies
Chris Coghlan, 2b, Marlins
Matt Dominguez, 3b, Marlins
Sean Doolittle, 1b, Athletics
Alcides Escobar, ss, Brewers
Wilmer Flores, ss, Mets
Freddie Freeman, 1b, Braves
Jaime Garcia, lhp, Cardinals
Greg Halman, of, Mariners
Tommy Hanson, rhp, Braves
David Huff, lhp, Indians
Will Inman, rhp, Padres
James McDonald, rhp, Dodgers
Jesus Montero, c, Yankees
Logan Morrison, 1b, Marlins
Gerardo Parra, of, Diamondbacks
Josh Reddick, of, Red Sox
Ben Revere, of, Twins
Michael Saunders, of, Mariners
Mike Stanton, of, Marlins
Julio Teheran, rhp, Braves
Daryl Thompson, rhp, Reds Jess Todd, rhp, Cardinals Chris Valaika, ss, Reds Nick Weglarz, of, Indians
By N8
July 12, 2008 3:36 AM | Link to this
uga
“this team is only surviving because the guy at the helm.”
I’ll take some of whatever your drinking tonight. The only guy involved with this team right now that’s responsible for them “surviving” (if you consider being almost 10 games under .500 at the break “surviving” - you need help. LOL!), is wearing #10 and in the midst of his worst slump of the season.
Ask yourself the question. Without Chipper where are the Braves at? Then wonder where they’d be at without Bobby?
I’ll go with Chipper being the main factor, based on the 38-39 record in his starts, and 5-11 record when he doesn’t.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that the team is 7 games under .500 overall, and 6 games under .500 when he doesn’t start.
That being said, we’re STILL under .500 WITH him in the starting lineup. Of course, if they were playing. 500 ball, they’d be only 3.5 out of first in the NL-Least.
As crazy as this sounds, I’d consider moving Hudson too, if I’m Wren.
For those of you that think that’s insane, I point to JJJ.
After all, we got JJJ for Edgar FRICKIN Renteria. You don’t think a team loaded with cash wouldn’t give up a couple (if not more) prospects for a guy like Hudson for the stretch run?
I like Hudson, and he surely could be the ace for years to come (though I think next year at this time JJJ will have that honor), but I doubt he’ll sign another contract to stay in Atlanta.
Trading Hudson, Tex, Ohman, Kotsay and maybe even the golden boy, could bring a slew of talent in the other direction.
Either way, it’s gonna be a very interesting couple of weeks for those of us that have been looking towards 2009 for a few weeks now.
By CatcherInTheWry
July 12, 2008 3:41 AM | Link to this
Plus Nady seems like the kind of guy that would sign a reasonably priced long-term contract for a good home after being kicked from team to team over the years.SaltyDawg
FCS, you got that idea where?? Sheeesh.
By cherokee
July 12, 2008 4:03 AM | Link to this
In a couple of months, we’ll be watching the Braves primarily to see if Chipper can win a batting title.ChipperBreaksOut
what do you mean in a couple of months? It’s the only reason I’ve been watching for 6 weeks already. This team is either boring or frustrating, and just plain bad.
By Bravo Nam
July 12, 2008 4:16 AM | Link to this
Difficult to pull the “sell” trigger
After almost 20 years being buyers at the trade deadline, it’s going to be very difficult for the Bravos to pull the trigger on selling…even if the Braves are 10 out by the break, I think they’re gonna wait another week after the break before they pull the trigger on a “sell”.
Give the Braves credit…they’ve done a mighty fine job with their farm system consistently being in the top echelons of MLB despite not having been sellers for close to 20 years…there is no team that has gone as long without selling as the Bravos.
By TheAntiMe
July 12, 2008 4:28 AM | Link to this
“There’s listing, there’s taking on water, there’s sinking and there’s this plummet straight to Davy Jones locker.”
Well StingerSplash, even though he doesn’t play for the Braves (he plays for the Monkees) I think Davy Jones would be able to give the Braves better advice on hitting than TP.
By Coach ( Lets Go Braves In 2010 ??????)
July 12, 2008 5:05 AM | Link to this
N8 , you my friend are correct. It’s time to rebuild.
This team will not compete. Not now or in 2009. NO WAY IN HELL, not with Bobby Cox at the helm. Blow the damn thing up already ! This team is at is, has laid down and died. Given up the ghost.
Pull the sell trigger? How about the dynamite plunger, BOOM !
By Coach ( Lets Go Braves In 2010 ??????)
July 12, 2008 5:22 AM | Link to this
The Marlins are 49-44 at $21,811,500.
The Tampa Bay Rays are 55-37 at $43,745,597.
The Oakland A’s are 51-42 at 47,967,126.
The Minnesota Twins are 52-41 at 56,932,766.
Our vaunted Braves are 43-50 at 102,365,638.
DOES ANYBODY WANT TO TELL ME WHATS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?
By Roman Gal
July 12, 2008 5:26 AM | Link to this
RISE AND SHINE, BRAVES FANS!!!
We’ve got Charlie (Can’t Pitch Out of the Stretch) Morton going today! None of our Braves went on the DL yesterday and we got a hit before the 5th inning. Things are looking up. Oh, and Dan Kolb is nowhere to be found!
By SNIPER-69
July 12, 2008 5:29 AM | Link to this
MARK, ERNESTO and D!ICK HOLLIDAY….we need to talk. Funny thing is happening here. LETS GO METS!!
By Roman Gal
July 12, 2008 5:30 AM | Link to this
Coach Well aren’t you the optimist?
Somebody give this man a cookie!
By Coach ( Lets Go Braves In 2010 ??????)
July 12, 2008 6:08 AM | Link to this
Bobby Cox puts Jeff (automatic out) Francoeur and Brent ( Over matched) Lillibridge in the lineup. Leaving the Braves with six hitters? HOW IS IT NOT THE FAULT OF THE MANAGER WHEN HIS TEAM CAN’T SCORE DUE TO HIS RIDICULOUS LINEUP.
By the way, Josh Anderson is hitting .283 for the season with 21 stolen bases. He has hit .316 in his last ten games and .322 against left handed pitching.
Jeff Francoeur is hitting .231 for the season and .105 in his last ten games and .207 for the season against left handed pitching.
One player is in the BIG leagues and the other is in the MINORS. WHAT THE F* IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE ? WHAT , FOR GOD SAKES !!!!!!!
Can you say Deja Vu time two?
Brent Lillibridge is hitting .133 in Atlanta while down in Richmond, the OTHER short stop, Diory Hernandez is hitting .291 for the season and .308 in his last ten games. Did I mention that Hernandez is hitting .322 against left handed pitching?
However, Cox wants Lillibridge because of his defense. BUT, ONCE AGAIN, IT ISN’T BOBBY’S FAULT.
I’m LMFAO at Bobby Cox !
By Coach ( Lets Go Braves In 2010 ??????)
July 12, 2008 6:11 AM | Link to this
Roman Gal, well aren’t you the idiot for for drinking the kool aid?
By A Study in Contrasts
July 12, 2008 6:16 AM | Link to this
**By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
March 31, 2008 2:10 AM**
What I predicted five months ago and now firmly believe more than ever, THIS IS A PLAYOFF CALIBER BASEBALL TEAM.
And you can take that to the damn bank and cash it.
**By Coach ( Lets Go Braves In 2010 ??????)
July 12, 2008 5:05 AM**
It’s time to rebuild.
This team will not compete. Not now or in 2009. NO WAY IN HELL, not with Bobby Cox at the helm. Blow the damn thing up already ! This team has laid down and died. Given up the ghost.
Pull the sell trigger? How about the dynamite plunger, BOOM !
By Coach ( Lets Go Braves In 2010 ??????)
July 12, 2008 6:27 AM | Link to this
Yea, that’s right. Bobby Cox has taken a playoff caliber team and turned it into an ABSOLUTE JOKE !
Bobby Cox, you ain’t got nothing on Ozzie Guillen !
By Coach ( Lets Go Braves In 2010 ??????)
July 12, 2008 6:34 AM | Link to this
Bobby Cox, the worst post -season manager in MAJOR LEAGUE HISTORY
66 losses in the post-season, a major league record.
1 for 5 in the World Series.
Fifteen teams in the post-season, one ring.
Bobby Cox has won fewer and lost more WS than any other manager in the 100 plus year history of BIG LEAGUE Baseball.
The man is a walking punch line for who is the most OVERRATED MANAGER in Major League history !
By Coach ( Lets Go Braves In 2010 ??????)
July 12, 2008 6:38 AM | Link to this
How’s this for a STUDY IN CONTRAST.
Bobby Cox will NEVER win another world series, N-E-V-E-R !
And you can take that to the DAMN bank and cash it !
By Coach ( Lets Go Braves In 2010 ??????)
July 12, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this
Between the Braves, Hawks, Falcons and Thrashers. These four professional sports teams have combined for 133 seasons and……..drum roll please,
DUM,
DEE,DUM,
DEE,DUM,
DEE,DUM.
DEE,DUM,
DEE,DUM
ONE SINGLE CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON. Which is why Atlanta , Georgia is the ARMPIT OF THE SPORTS WORLD. Aren’t you proud?
By Coach ( Lets Go Braves In 2010 ??????)
July 12, 2008 7:20 AM | Link to this
Mark Teixeira.
July 31, 2007: Traded by the Texas Rangers with Ron Mahay to the Atlanta Braves for Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Beau Jones (minors), Elvis Andrus (minors), Matt Harrison (minors), and Neftali Feliz (minors).
Can you say BUSTED TRADE.
BUSTED TRADE.
BUSTED TRADE.
BUSTED TRADE.
BUSTED TRADE.
BUSTED TRADE.
BUSTED TRADE.
BUSTED TRADE.
BUSTED TRADE.
BUSTED TRADE, ten times real fast ? I just did !
By carl
July 12, 2008 7:22 AM | Link to this
And before anyone says that only a small vocal minority are unhappy with Cox, Lemme point out the results of AJC’s own Poll:
38% think Cox is doing a poor job 35% think he is mediocre 27% think he’s done a good job
(around 5-6 thousand votes total)
That’s quite a large “small vocal minority” of Cox haters ;)
By David O'Brien
July 12, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this
5:05 a.m. to 6:38 p.m. — Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.
Boom.
By Aaron
July 12, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this
On July 31, 2007, the Braves were 56-51, 3.5 GB in the NL East. But since Mark Teixeira’s debut on August 1, 2007, the Braves have gone 71-77. And on July 12, 2008, they have a record of 43-50, 7.5 GB in the NL East. So far the Braves are under .500 in Teixeira’s stint with Atlanta. It’s obvious that we need to ship him out of here, quickly! Because it seems like the lineup is relying on him too much to do big things, and it’s just not happening. It’s also probably holding this offense back. And it doesn’t look like they’re going to go anywhere, with him on the team. And Braves management needs to make up for this horrendous mistake they made by giving up 5 good young players to bring him here. Especially when they knew that they couldn’t re-sign him after this season anyway.
By David O'Brien
July 12, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this
Oh, wait. He wasn’t done….
By Coach ( Lets Go Braves In 2010 ??????)
July 12, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this
Lets see, O’Brien. You have no wife, no kids, no girlfriend and you live your life out of a suitcase. I’m not impressed.
BOOM !
By ncscoots
July 12, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this
Well, if Escobar is down for any length of time, I guess I’ll have to cash in on the season, too. Just when you think the Braves might be able to put their best 8 on the field, someone else goes down. And there is just isn’t enough experienced depth on the team to cover.
“Too young and too hurt” could be the story line, I guess. Still a lot of baseball left, but the team would have to play way beyond their performance so far to make a run. And they would need everybody healthy to even get to the starting line for that race. I’m beginning to think it’s not in the cards.
So, baby that young pitching from here on out. Bring up Brandon Jones again after the break for a platoon with Diaz, and see if he has any future with the team. Move Ohman, if the right deal presents itself.
Too young, too hurt. But strange things happen in baseball, so I’m not precluding a miracle finish…just not counting on it.
By Aaron
July 12, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this
Text message to the Braves:
“If you think, that you are going to win, with the offense that you have, Then you’re full of sh**! Let’s just be honest.”
Regards, Ozzie Guillen.
By ncscoots
July 12, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this
Get into the ring with me and I’ll make you bleed.
Mostly from the knuckles, I’d guess.
By Lew
July 12, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this
And all that Blowhard Moron Coach has is an alledged group of children and a trailer full of empty beer cans he claims to throw at his TV.
By Coach ( Lets Go Braves In 2010 ??????)
July 12, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
Here is what Chipper Jones had to say concerning Teixeira in February of this year:
As excited as Jones is about teaming with Teixeira for a switch-hitting power duo in the middle of the Braves batting order, he’s not going to get carried away thinking of it as a long-term tandem.
“Tex is one of those guys who’s a die-hard Boras lover,” Jones said, “and that tells me what I need to know right there.
“I’m not going to say there’s no chance [they re-sign him], but he stands behind his guy [Boras], and his guy gets top dollar. And I doubt we’ll be able to offer top dollar.”
It’s July and Boras is floating 23 million per season for ten years out over the radio/internet/news waves.
Folks, Teixeira is gone. As in, he will be traded before July 31st.
BOOM !
By David
July 12, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
It amazes me that Bobby Cox is as bullet-proof in this town as he is. One paper town. Nobody touch Bobby now. The players have been held accountable but how about the manager? He is paid big bucks to get the most out of the team. We steal less than any team in baseball, we hit into more double plays, we stink with RISP and the pitching staff (relievers) are always overworked. We set a MLB record for one run losses.
Yes he is a HofFame manager but this will be 3 years! And 3 years of poor managing. I am not saying he needs to be fired because they would never do that but he needs to answer for the failures of this team and last year’s and the year before…
By Lew
July 12, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
Snipper-Life sucks when talking to you beats talking to alledged Braves fans like that douchebag Coach, but Dude, I’ve got to admit-the Mets stepped up and look like they will contend while the Braves probably will go nowhere.
Injuries have done us in along with a couple of bad slumps, but credit is due to the Mets who overcame their adversity. I’ll probably never say this again, so don’t expect it, but hats off to the Car Strippers from Queens. Maybe it’s their year (I won’t cheer for them-I’m going to root for the Rays and Phillies if the Braves can’t do it)-but its looking like it sure ain’t ours.
By doug
July 12, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
N8,
Hudson will retire a Brave given the chance. He is from down the street, and is playing for his favorite team he grew up with. If the Braves offer him another contract he stays. He wants to be a Brave. That’s the kind of players the Braves need to build around. If you trade him then next year everyone on here will be talking about trading for a proven ace. Well we have one and he ain’t on the table.
Coach,
Why don’t you leave and take your boring trash somewhere else. No one likes you. You were offering something to the conversations earlier in the year, but now not so much. You know what, we get it. you don’t like BC. Well the rest of us baseball fans will continue pulling for our team and if they sell a couple of players then we will continue pulling for those who stay and the new players.
I don’t know whay kind of bender you are on, but please sober up and get some help.
By Aaron
July 12, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
I saw Chipper Jones in the post-game interview on Friday night, talking about possibly being sellers, if they were about 10 games out, at the trade deadline. It sucks, that the players are already thinking about giving up, before some of the fans do!
By Jeff321
July 12, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Its time to stop making excuses for Cox and these mostly lame Braves!
We need to package Tex/Hudson/Ohman for 10 prospects! You heard it here first. Whats the point of keeping any of these guys when the offense as a whole sucks? You can’t win without scoring runs.
And last but not least, allowing Cox to stick around is just making things worse. In other words, its just the SOSDD. At what point does the HOF manager start taking the heat for his lack of judgment and paltry decision-making?
By Lew
July 12, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Doug-Actually Coach is a scientific marvel-Talking Pond Scum. What more do you expect from someone who learned to talk by listening to Bullfrogs and mosquito larvae?
By Lew
July 12, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
Caoch-I DFO apologize. I didn’t realize you lived in the hole in the ground UNDER your trailer.
By Crazy Stats Katz
July 12, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
Cooch, don’t pretend you have a wife, a mistress and kids as you have done in the past. You’re nothing more than a lonely, fat, old middle aged loser with little education, nothing going for you, no woman, no kids, no friends who has to work graveyard shifts in the middle of the night because you can’t get a real job. Yes, we all know why you post more in the middle of the night than during the day. Sadly, this causes you to try to justify your pathetic little nonexistence by overglorifying the creepy way you hang out with children that are not your own at Little League fields. And it also explains why put too much of your self worth into what people think of your asinine opinions on an internet message board.
Cooch, you need a woman but, sadly, no woman will ever need the pathetic likes of you.
By Clemson Paws
July 12, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
Great to see Sweed Lou Vales back in the mix. Welcome back Lou!! Everyone else, you gotta check him out, 3-5 every Wednesday, on the 50-watt squirtgun of the south, WCCP. The guy has some hot sports opinions about stuff that matters, like the Marlins, and the Clemson golf team. Tune in and prepare to be astounded!! What you get on the blog here, and on the Ft. Lauderdale Podunk Sentinel, is a mere taste of what you can get on the radio!!
By used cars
July 12, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
By trading Tex we are not rebuilding, just retooling. I would rather tie 18-20 million in a top of the rotation pitcher rather than a first baseman…There are too many options to replace Tex…If we could get a good young 1b, like Loney, Kotchman or Connor Jackson and add a front line pitcher like Scherzer, Billingsley, Ervin Santana or a top AA or AAA pitcher and take a flyer on a low level prospect (like Neftali was) then I would do it….If Ohman brings us a good AA or AAA power prospect or pitcher, then let him go..We caught lightning in a bottle with him and I would rather sell high…If we floated Hudson and got some big-time response I would consider letting him go..We need top line players who are going to step up in the clutch, not shy away like Tex and Huddy seem to do..
By ijonathan
July 12, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
N8
Your 10:40 pm post last night, in response to my contention that had Jeter made that tumbling catching into the first row we would be seeing it ad nauseum on Sportscenter:
*When Kousminoff makes about 2 or 3 of those catches a year, and his team wins 4 WS in a 5 year stretch, while making said plays for those teams, he’ll be on sportscenter nightly, as well.
Never fails to amaze me the flack that Jeter takes. Not one of you out there that wouldn’t want that guy (or wouldn’t have wanted him in his prime), on the Braves.
Not one of you.*
So…when you say “not one of you out there” are you referring to Jeter’s colleagues in the major leagues. You may have missed it Nathan, but he was recently voted in an SI poll the most over-rated player in MLB by his peers (quote below from a Yahoo sports article):
In a Sports Illustrated survey of 495 Major League Baseball players in its June 23 issue, Jeter was voted the most overrated with 10% of the vote. Struggling Giants lefthander Barry Zito was second at 9%, while Alex Rodriguez and Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew were tied for third with 7%. Mets third baseman David Wright and Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis tied for fourth at 4%.
By Crazy Stats Katz
July 12, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
Nothing says speaking to the target audience more than talking Marlins baseball in Greenville, South Carolina.
By BravesFan79
July 12, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
screw u coach…. i say the Braves sign Tex to a long term deal ….and trade him half way thru after chipper and Smoltz retire (sorry but as long as their around ill always think my team can win it all!)
Sign someone like Jermaine Dye, (one of the free agents i was calling for) and have Smoltz wait to come back to close games till the 2nd half of next year….and make a run for it all next year!!
By SoWeGa Fanatic
July 12, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
By Coach ( Lets Go Braves In 2010 ??????)
July 12, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
Hey, Doug, F-U. I’ve been blogging here for years. Get in line creep.
Then you need to get a life. Oh, yeah, you’re also an idiot - for years.
By Quack Quack
July 12, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
July 12, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
LEW-SER, you little retarded, gum flapping, cheap cigar smoking, boy loving, screw up! Your life pales in comparison. Eat your heart out, LEW-SER !Coach
this coach blogger has got to be a made up character, somebody’s idea of a joke, right? Nobody could possibly be as big an azzhole and as little a pea-brain in real life right? Maybe Random playing tricks or something like that. I mean this guy couldn’t keep himself alive without help if he is truly as moronic as he prersents himself on this board. Great fun though. :-)
By #1 brave in va
July 12, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
braves officially suck. i cant hardly stand to watch this crap team. i love the braves almost as much as anything in this life but good lord this is awful. I swear a bunch of us message board guys could play better or atleast as good as this team is playing. Its sad when the best person we are going after is nady. other teams are going after holliday and bay the brewers got cc and cubs got harden and who do we get tavarez? its no wonder ted turner sold the braves and tbs didnt want are team on tv no more. we suck. i’ll still watch but theres going to be alot of broken stuff at the house. glavine was a bad move we lost picks and gave the picks to the mets and beside jj and hudson are pitching sucks. ajc said a month back that jo jo was hot? if you call a loss everytime he starts hot than i guess he is. trade jo jo,kotsay,blanco,francour,tex,cjames,jordan schaffer,corky,campillio,morton. the roster needs to be overhauled keep chip,kj,diaz,mccann,escobar, call up bjones,gorkyz,some pitching and fill in some gaps with the people we trade if not this is going to be the longest season as a brave fan that i can remember.
By #1 brave in va
July 12, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
braves officially suck. i cant hardly stand to watch this crap team. i love the braves almost as much as anything in this life but good lord this is awful. I swear a bunch of us message board guys could play better or atleast as good as this team is playing. Its sad when the best person we are going after is nady. other teams are going after holliday and bay the brewers got cc and cubs got harden and who do we get tavarez? its no wonder ted turner sold the braves and tbs didnt want are team on tv no more. we suck. i’ll still watch but theres going to be alot of broken stuff at the house. glavine was a bad move we lost picks and gave the picks to the mets and beside jj and hudson are pitching sucks. ajc said a month back that jo jo was hot? if you call a loss everytime he starts hot than i guess he is. trade jo jo,kotsay,blanco,francour,tex,cjames,jordan schaffer,corky,campillio,morton. the roster needs to be overhauled keep chip,kj,diaz,mccann,escobar, call up bjones,gorkyz,some pitching and fill in some gaps with the people we trade if not this is going to be the longest season as a brave fan that i can remember.
By #1 brave in va
July 12, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
braves officially suck. i cant hardly stand to watch this crap team. i love the braves almost as much as anything in this life but good lord this is awful. I swear a bunch of us message board guys could play better or atleast as good as this team is playing. Its sad when the best person we are going after is nady. other teams are going after holliday and bay the brewers got cc and cubs got harden and who do we get tavarez? its no wonder ted turner sold the braves and tbs didnt want are team on tv no more. we suck. i’ll still watch but theres going to be alot of broken stuff at the house. glavine was a bad move we lost picks and gave the picks to the mets and beside jj and hudson are pitching sucks. ajc said a month back that jo jo was hot? if you call a loss everytime he starts hot than i guess he is. trade jo jo,kotsay,blanco,francour,tex,cjames,jordan schaffer,corky,campillio,morton. the roster needs to be overhauled keep chip,kj,diaz,mccann,escobar, call up bjones,gorkyz,some pitching and fill in some gaps with the people we trade if not this is going to be the longest season as a brave fan that i can remember.
By Crazy Stats Katz
July 12, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
*I’m in the mood to KICK SOME A$$ THIS EARLY IN THE MORNING.!”
That’s only because you got no a$$ last night.
By SoWeGa Fanatic
July 12, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
This season is beginning to remind me of the days of former Braves greats like Roland Office and Mike Lum.
By SoWeGa Fanatic
July 12, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Coach, you’re still an idiot.
By TURTSNAP
July 12, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
I think we all need to practice something in this blog….. If you see a post by Coach (), just skim over to the next blog. His blogs are full of BS and stupidity.
Now, for the Bravos, I try not to be a pessimist, but when I read this from Frank Wren “I think we’re like every other club that is just below the line of being in first place or being in the wild card,”, I wonder how he sees this? I mean, I would think that “just below the line”, would be a little bit above .500, and not 7 games under .500. At any rate, nice notebook DOB
By Runnin
July 12, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
Out out damned coach Please strut and fret on another stage Hopefully to be heard from nevermore
By Coach ( Lets Go Braves In 2010 ??????)
July 12, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
The Marlins are 49-44 at $21,811,500.
The Tampa Bay Rays are 55-37 at $43,745,597.
The Oakland A’s are 51-42 at 47,967,126.
The Minnesota Twins are 52-41 at 56,932,766.
Our vaunted Braves are 43-50 at 102,365,638.
DOES ANYBODY WANT TO TELL ME WHATS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?
ANYBODY?
By ijonathan
July 12, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
I must say, the lack of decorum and civility on the ole’ MIB blog this morning is quite alarming.
Where’s a McFann rally turtle when we need one? We need to rally up some good cheer. It’s a Saturday morning, for goodness sake.
By Tom
July 12, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
The biggest disappointment this season has been the performance of - FRANK WREN. Sure, there have been injuries to the pitching staff. But to go into the season relying on Smoltz, Glavine and Hampton as 3 of your 5 starters is a move made out of hope and/or desperation. Mark Kotsay - even as a one year plug in for Andruw - has been a flop. He’s brittle and even when healthy, he’s a mid-level player tops. Diaz/Blanco is not a major league left field platoon. Brian McCann will continue to wear down because Corky Miller can’t play enough cause he can’t hit a lick. The Francoeur demotion was badly botched - Schuerholz would have handled that much better. I worry if the Braves are going to be a seller this year that Wren will make a mess of that as well.
By Lew
July 12, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
I see a Stinky like reality-break meltdown coming from a certain blogger here today.
The only problem is that when sociopathic douchebags blow, they tend to take the whole city block with them.Watch the news for word of a destroyed trailer park that didn’t get nailed by a tornado. Then again, I guess it’s nothing more than a different type of hot air after all.
By Casey
July 12, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
What Braves fans refuse to recognize is how Schuerholz made one of the worst trades in history at last year’s deadline. They took Tex (widely known in Texas as a cancer in the clubhouse) in return for their #1, #2, and #3 prospects. In addition, Feliz (almost a throw-in) has become the 12th ranked prospect in all of baseball. And what added value has Texgiven the Braves (See last year’s final standings and the current “seven-under situation)?
Let’s face it. Schuerholz knew he was retiring and wanted to go out with one more division title and it has crippled the Braves for years. The local press would never criticize one of their heroes just like it would never be negative in any way about Cox, surely the most overrated manager in history.
By BravesFanInRockies
July 12, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
As I wrote not too long ago, pretty soon Coach will be rolling a pair of ball bearings between his fingers and muttering about strawberries.
By Lew
July 12, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Coach-You will never know about popularity being overrated since it’s more than obvious that popularity will never be part of your CV.
By GeorgiaYankeesFan
July 12, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Time to rebuild the entire team. New manager coaches, new players and new attitude. Braves get shutout again and all Cox can think to do is say how wonderful the opposing pitching is and how it is like facing some hall of famers of old. This is ridiculous, Cox needs to go it is obvious he can’t motivate his players any more and get them focused. The Padres stink, the Braves just got shut out by them so now the Braves stink. If this were any other team, the manager would be gone by now. Even the Yankees ended up parting ways with Torre after a while. I know Cox is a god in this town but does anyone ever wonder how many titles this team would have won if he was let go ten years ago.
By Lew
July 12, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Coach-When they put you into that court mandated AA program, did they include anger management as well? Or did they just naturally assume that self immolation was a foregone conclusion?
By BravesFanInRockies
July 12, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
During the total mob frenzy that took over the blog last night, several denizens are talking about trading Hudson for prospects.
Please get a grip. He’s signed for the next two seasons for a total of $25 million (the 2010 year is mutual option). He’s going to pitch between 220 and 240 innings this year and his ERA is 3.12, nearly one run below the league average.
In other words, he’s an affordable ace. You don’t replace guys like that with prospects unless you get really lucky (see Jurrjens, Jair).
Like I said last night, if you want to field a competitive team the next two years, you hang onto Hudson and thank your luck stars you have him.
Seems to me that some of you would be happier fielding a team full of prospects that loses 100 games rather than a club that has a shot, given the parity in baseball, or making the postseason.
And another thing — about one-run wins, and the claim that good teams do well in them. Then explain your National League Champion Colorado Rockies. Their announcers said that before last night’s (one run) loss, the record in one-run games this year was 15-16. Now it’s 15-17, which means that their record in games where the margin is two runs or more is 24-38.
It’s not Bobby Cox or Frank Wren, folks, no matter how much fun it may be to rail against them. It’s mostly luck.
Sorry about that.
By CatcherInTheWry
July 12, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Coach-When they put you into that court mandated AA program, did they include anger management as well? Or did they just naturally assume that self immolation was a foregone conclusion?Lew
I think that it’s obvious that when they were doing his lobotomy, they took out way more brain mass than they meant to.
By N8
July 12, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
ijonathan
Just say it. Say that you WOULDN’T have wanted Jeter over anybody we’ve had at SS since Jeter entered the league.
That’s all I’m asking.
There isn’t ONE of ours I’d have taken over him, including Furcal. Escobar reminds me of a young Jeter.
As for being overrated (according to his peers)?
25 post-season series (18-7 record in those series), 123 post-season games, 495 AB, 85 runs, 153 hits, 22 doubles, 3 triples, 17 HR, 49 RBI, .309 average.
As for his career .316 batting average? Yup. Totally overrated.
Andruw Jones’ teams, on the other hand, has gone 7-10 in 17 post-season series.
75 games, 238 AB, 65 hits, .273 BA, 10 HR, 33 RBI.
Chipper?
His teams have gone 10-10 in 20 post-season series.
In 92 games, he’s had 333 AB, 96 hits, 13 HR, 47 RBI, and has batted .288.
Again. You’re right (along with his peers)…..Jeter has no game. Never did. He’s gotten all that “press” because of the pinstripes.
The Braves would have been lucky to have a guy like him (another one actually - I think him and Chipper are built from the same mold), on their roster for the past decade.
Again. Answer the question….would you have complained about him if he were a Brave? My guess is you’d have your panties in a bunch over that Sports Illustrated poll, claiming “no respect” for a player NOT in NY.
By Braves never win on the road
July 12, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
i’m so over the Brave’s this year i don’t want to even blog about them anymore
By Original Jon
July 12, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Last year at this time, the Braves record was a reverse image of what it is now after 93 games. The Braves were 7 games above .500 last year after 93 games. But look at the difference a year makes. I thought a year of Tex was supposed to help, but it has done anything but that. I mean, I know the guy will end up with his usual stats at the end of the year, but who cares about personal stats. It’s team stats that matters the most and I cannot remember the last time I read the headlines saying Tex drove in the winning run. But oh well, I am sure we might be able to get something for him. We sure gave up enough.
By Ron Roberts
July 12, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
There are two schools of thought…
1. there’s the Cardinals team that barely made the playoffs and then won the World Series with Jeff Weaver - Jeff freaking Weaver - pitching like Roger Clemens (on ‘roids, of course) when all before, and all after, he sucked. Are the Braves capable of being like that team? Sure.
2. Then there’s the “but if we can’t score with Chipper, BMac, Tex and Francoeur in the lineup, how does this team win?
It’s amazing; we’ve one of the most fearsome lineups in the league, if you ask me, except we don’t get the timely hit; we don’t do the little things (Chipper made reference to it a few days ago - the hit-n-run, the base-swipe, getting a bunt down) to manufacture the occasional run.
Then, with the monumental letdown that Francoeur’s been, coupled with the on-and-off that has been Tex this year, it just doesn’t come together.
On paper, our pitching has good stats, and yet we’re blowing leads or not holding deficits within reach.
In reading the “do we buy or do we sell” article, I read where the Braves point to the (maybe) returns of Hampton, Soriano and Glavine as reasons for optimism. REALLY??? Glavine’s talking like he might not return this season, but he might. Soriano’s talking about “getting used to the pain he’s experiencing and pitching through it.” Oh, that’s reason for optimism. And Hampton… really, we’re back to hoping Hampton returns.
It has to be mystifying to the powers-that-be why this team isn’t at least playing .500 ball. It’s got me; you tell me that a lineup of Escobar, KJ, Chipper, Tex, Francoeur, Bmac, Kotsay, (insert any LF) can’t score runs and I’d be boggled.
No solutions from me; but I certainly don’t think we need to be buyers, at this point. Not even sure we need to be sellers.
Seriously, I think the best thing this team could do is just stand pat. Yeah, we might not get much in return for the eventual Tex departure, and the heir-apparent isn’t there at 1B if we do lose him, but I don’t see any/many tangible trade options out there, save for the Angels’ potential, but that’s our speculation, not theirs.
I’m thinking, “hey, we have all the tools to win, they’re just not all at 100% right now, and if Hammy, Tommy and Sore-iano come back and contribute mightily, who knows?”
Tex is due to go on a real, prolonged hitting tear; Chipper will get out of his slump, and Francoeur won’t hit like this forever. He’s not an overweight Andruw on bad knees, for crying out loud.
I say stand pat and see what it gets us. It won’t cost us any more prospects, that’s for sure. It’ll clear some minds in the clubhouse; it’ll send a message to our guys that they’re our only options and we choose to believe they’re capable. Hell, they are.
Don’t onfuse me with the ever-optimistic K.C. (shout out, my optimistic friend); I don’t think they’ll challenge; we can’t beat the Phillies, and hell, even the dysfunctional Mets are making a run - and we aren’t. We struggle against the Nats…. ehh.
But who knows. Just stand pat.
By BravesFanInRockies
July 12, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
This road trip is a microcosm of the past two seasons. The Braves have been outscored 10-12 but the team is 1-3 (two shutouts hurt).
Based on run differential, this club should be 49-44, 1.5 games out of first. Instead they’re as close to the bottom as they are to the top. Despite having the second best ERA in the league, they stink in low-scoring games.
Somebody must have made Pythagoras really angry.
By Roman Gal
July 12, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
Lew I never realized how truly gifted you are at making someone else look like a complete idiot. Bravo, my friend, bravo!
By tbo
July 12, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
We don’t need to sell off the superstars on this team. We need to get rid of the old fart manager who would be long gone if he were associated with another major league team. He has cost us division titles the last 3 years with his bone-headed bullpen moves, insistence on playing people with below .200 batting averages, etc. We also need to jettison Pendleton and the pitching coach, whatever his name is. Bobby Cox is no legend. He is a detriment. That is obvious to many.
By N8
July 12, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
BravesFanInRockies
Don’t get me wrong. I like Tim Hudson, and this is after being very hard on him his first couple of seasons in a Braves uniform.
After a “slow” start, he’s lived up to billing. Would like to see what he can do in the play-offs again, though.
So I’m not saying trade Hudson for the same reasons as Tex. Meaning, that we have no shot of signing him. Hell, I’m not even concerned about his “next” contract (2 off-seasons away), which will be difficult for the Braves to do.
Think about it. They didn’t do long-term contracts for two HOF guys in their mid-30’s. Tom Glavine was 36 when the let him walk. Maddux was 37.
Hudson will be 35 when this contract ends. The “odds” of them locking him up again, are minimal (a blogger earlier said that he would “end his career” in a Braves uniform - I doubt it).
In fact it’s the 25 million dollars owed to him in 2009 (2010 is actually a mutual “option”), is EXACTLY what makes him a good trade candidate, and one that would/could bring big returns in terms of TOP prospects.
Make no mistake about it, we’d get a LOT more for Hudson than Tex. Tex is a free agent and likely won’t sign an extension before season’s end with a new team he is traded to. Hudson on the other hand, is “locked up” for two years, at a VERY reasonable price.
Like I said. I’m not saying dump him, or saying Wren is stupid for not trading him.
I’m just saying, if they explored it (and with the uncertainty of Glavine and Smoltz returning next year), we might get a king’s ransom for him.
Imagine, if we could possibly get two JJJ’s for Hudson from a team wanting an “established” Ace for a play-off push (think Doyle for Smoltz). Or perhaps another JJJ type of pitcher and a 1B to replace Tex (along with whatever we get for Tex).
As a fan, if you are willing to “concede” 2009 as a total rebuilding year, for the prospect of having a solid core in place for the next half decade after 2009, it’s a no-brainer.
If you are still convinced that this core can and will be a WS contender next year (without Smoltz all bets are off), then I understand you wanting to keep Hudson.
Just throwing suggestions out there. Of course in my “GM world”, I don’t have season ticket holders complaining about a fire-sale. But then again, when have the people with season-tickets in Atlanta actually cared, or complained about anything?
My guess is that they were angry about Murphy being traded too……..until 1991.
By used cars
July 12, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Trading Hudson for real high level prospects is not giving up on anything…It’s reorganizing and moving forward..I don’t think Hudson can ever be considered a true No. 1…but if you someone will give us real No. 1 value back then I think you have to consider it…It’s a similar situation to trading Renteria..Everyone bashed the Braves for that and it looks pretty good for us now
By Savannah Guy
July 12, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
A rare moment of brevity (Scoots would be proud):
“Are Braves to be buyers or sellers?”
Uh… yes.
By nolie
July 12, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Sources: Bowden, Rijo investigated in pair of probes of Dominican signings
By Mark Fainaru-Wada and T.J. Quinn ESPN
Federal authorities and Major League Baseball are investigating Washington Nationals general manager Jim Bowden and special assistant Jose Rijo for their possible roles in a growing financial scandal involving the signing of players from the Dominican Republic, several sources familiar with the probe told ESPN. [+] Enlarge Jim Bowden
Mitchell Layton/Getty Images
GM Jim Bowden says he and other Nationals officials have spoken to both the FBI and MLB’s investigators.
Anyone implicated could face felony fraud charges, sources familiar with the investigation said.
Numerous MLB employees in the United States and the Dominican Republic are under suspicion in the probe, which allegedly involves the skimming of signing money allocated for Dominican prospects. Bowden, a 23-year veteran of MLB front offices and a general manager on and off since 1992, is the highest-ranking official known to be under investigation.
Reached in his office Friday evening, Bowden said he and other Nationals officials have spoken to both the FBI and MLB’s investigators, as have officials from other clubs. But he said neither the FBI nor Major League Baseball has told him he is suspected of taking part in the scheme or in any way suspected of wrongdoing. Bowden said he was never asked about his own activities, and denied having any role in the scandal.
“No, I’ve certainly not gotten that approach from baseball or the FBI,” he said. “There’s obviously no truth to that. As far as the rest of this goes, they’re probably better questions for the FBI or baseball.”
Bowden would not say what he discussed with investigators.
“We completely support trying to clean up the problems that have taken place, but there’s no truth to any involvement regarding anyone here,” Bowden said.
Rijo, who is in the Dominican Republic, did not respond to a message left for him through the club.
[+] Enlarge Jose Rijo
Rich Pilling/ MLB Photos/Getty Images
Jose Rijo, a former All-Star pitcher with the Cincinnati Reds, was the MVP of the 1990 World Series.
Bowden, in an interview with the Associated Press during the Nationals’ game Friday night against the Houston Astros, reiterated: “At no time when I met with the FBI investigators were questions revolving around myself or Jose Rijo.”
Asked whether he had any knowledge of any improprieties within the Nationals organization, Bowden said: “Absolutely not.”
The investigation could be particularly embarrassing for Rijo, who was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. Rijo, a former All-Star pitcher with the Cincinnati Reds who was the MVP of the 1990 World Series, is also the son-in-law of Hall of Fame pitcher Juan Marichal, who once served as the Dominican Minster of Sport.
MLB sources said FBI and baseball investigators have been speaking to numerous officials, however they said Bowden and Rijo were among those specifically under investigation for their suspected involvement.
One source, an MLB official speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the investigation was “in its infancy” and involved allegations about several teams and their employees. It was unclear whether Bowden and Rijo are suspected of receiving money or whether they are believed to have played some other role in the scheme.
The investigation into Bowden and others stems from a tip MLB received several months ago alleging that then-White Sox senior personnel director Dave Wilder and two of his scouts were skimming bonus money paid to Dominican signees, according to the MLB source. Wilder was stopped while trying to re-enter the United States with roughly $40,000 in cash after a trip to the Dominican Republic, a source told ESPN, sparking a broader inquiry. Wilder could not be reached for comment.
In mid-May, Wilder and scouts Victor Mateo and Domingo Toribio were fired by the White Sox, who revealed that federal authorities also were looking into the matter.
Bowden, 46, was the youngest GM in the game’s history when the Reds hired the then-31 year old in 1992. He was fired by the Reds in 2003 season and worked for ESPN before being hired by the Nationals as their GM in November 2004. Bowden and Rijo worked together in the Reds’ organization for six seasons.
The Chicago Tribune previously reported MLB and federal investigators were examining whether Wilder and the scouts had taken cuts off the top of bonuses paid to Dominican players. The Los Angeles Times reported recently that federal agents were interviewing representatives from every Major League team as part of its probe.
After MLB received its tip in March, its investigations department launched a wide-ranging examination of signing practices in the Dominican — a probe that has led to allegations involving employees of several clubs, including Bowden and other Nationals employees, sources said.
MLB also added four Latin American investigators to its staff, each with a background in drug enforcement. At least two of those new hires have been working in the Dominican regularly during the past three months, visiting every club’s Dominican camp within the past month.
The MLB investigations unit is “looking at everything, A to Z, speaking to players, scouts, people that run the academies,” the source said. The unit also is delving into the issue of access to, and distribution of, steroids to ballplayers in the Dominican.
The case of Wilder and the ensuing probe is distinguished from previous improprieties in the Dominican because it involves MLB team employees, rather than simply Dominican street agents, known as “buscones,” or “finders,” who routinely have taken exorbitant shares of bonuses from their players.
By THWG
July 12, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Coach… In all fairness, a good portion of that $102 mil that the Braves are spending this year is going toward players that are not actually playing. When you take into account all the money they are spending on Smoltz, Hampton, Glavine, Moylan, Soriano, Diaz, and every other Brave who hasn’t been able to avoid the DL for an extended period of time, it cuts that $102 down quite a bit. It’s especially painful when the guys going on the DL are the ones we were counting on. I’m not saying that we are the only team to deal with injuries, but when I go to the Ted, it pains me to watch the Injury Report, especially compared to whoever the Braves may be playing that day.
By Goaltender
July 12, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
Regarding this obsession we have for “tipping” our caps to almost every pitcher we see - could it possibly be our hitters. We’ve worn more caps out than the opposition pitching has dictated and tipped a lot of caps to some pretty avg pitchers.
By fats
July 12, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
I am starting to feel like its the 80’s again. Where is the passion to come from behind from this team? Get them down by 2 and this 2008 version is toast!
Quitters never win, winners never quit. - it looks to me like they are already playing the season out.
Fire Terry Pendleton - everyone slumps - as Terry watches from the dugout -
Fire Roger McDowell - we never had the constant serious issues with “soar” elbows and injuries like this before
By Wondering Why? in Louisiana
July 12, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Just saw this article on braves-nation.com. LMAO
Corky Watch: Target: .100 By: Brandon Van Hoesen | Braves-Nation.com
With 100 career total bases just around the corner, Corky Miller is now setting his sights on another 100, a .100 batting average over the course of a full major league baseball season. Can it be done? Currently, Corky is batting .093 with 91 games in the book. That leaves him 71 games to raise his BA by .007. While this seems like a daunting task, I have faith in Corky. One thing we must remember is that Corky is a notoriously slow starter. He’s not necessarily any better after that but that’s besides the point.
Is Corky the man to do the unthinkable and put .100 back in the minds of baseball fans? Is it time to erase Mendoza’s name from our brains and replace it with the Corky line?
I think so. One thing that I believe will help Corky reach this distinct goal is his ability to take a walk. Corky sports a very impressive .090 Iso-OBP for his career. That just reeks of a player who strikes fear in opposing pitchers. The ability to take a walk will help keep his number of official at bats low and take the pressure off trying to get a hit in every ten at bats. If Corky can just break through to triple digits at any point, he could use the walk as a vital tool to keep his average above the sacred line.
Let’s break down Corky’s number so far this season. He has 3 runs batted in, 3 runs scored, 4 hits, for a whopping 7 total bases. Obviously, he is very efficient with those hits. He is averaging almost 2 bases per hit. As I mentioned before the BA sits at .093 to pair with a .170 OBP and .163 SLG. Putting those numbers in perspective, they produce and unthinkable -10 OPS+. For those that aren’t familiar with such statistics, a -10 OPS+ is very rare. I can’t read pitcher’s minds, but I’m betting that number has a lot to do with his high walk totals throughout his illustrious career.
By SaltyDawg
July 12, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Trading Hudson for real high level prospects is not giving up on anything…It’s a similar situation to trading Renteria..Everyone bashed the Braves for that and it looks pretty good for us now
How so??? We already had Esco in house and he had already shown that he could handle the position defensively and put up solid numbers offensively. Getting a prospect in return for our best pitcher is NOT the same. A prospect by definition is unproven. How many prospects have been touted as the next big thing and fizzled out in the majors, or worse never got past AAA. Now if someone was to bring some ridiculous value to the table I guess you have to consider it, but why would anyone do that? Nobody is going to offer enough to make trading Hudson anything more than a crap shoot.
By brent a.
July 12, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
I do find it at least subtly interesting that the Rangers were able to trade a very good young pitching prospect, in exchange for a young, and cheap Josh Hamilton, who is carrying an above average Texas team this year.
Meanwhile, we have the a gold glove, powerful, switch-hitting first baseman, for whom we gave a king’s ransom, and despite the fact that he is having a pretty good season, we are struggling mightily offensively.
It doesn’t matter, in some respects. It’s just that over-all, I am impressed with what the Rangers were able to accomplish via those two trades.
Now, we have some pretty decent young pitching, and we have Tex. Let’s see how we re-work our team this off-season, and what we can become over the coming weeks, and more importantly (at this point), next season.
By BravesFanInRockies
July 12, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
N8,
Well argued. I disagree but I see where you’re coming from.
If we had a crystal ball and we knew the Braves wouldn’t make the postseason in 2008 or 2009, your approach seems like a no-brainer.
I’m not there but could head in that direction. The Braves under Cox have always played for big innings. This year they rank second in BA and third in OBP but are 8th in SLG, 10th in HR and 11th in RS. So they’re getting them on but not getting them in.
It’s a club built for power that doesn’t have enough and what it has is concentrated in three spots (Chipper, Tex and Heap).
I’m not a fan of small ball, or at least of building a team around one-run strategies. And this club isn’t designed for that anyway.
The Braves need a couple more scary hitters and if it doesn’t get them, then N8 you may win me over.
By McFann :Ô:
July 12, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
ijonathan Where’s a McFann rally turtle when we need one?
>Ô< Cheer up, people! They were how many games out at the 1991 All-Star Break?
Bad game for the team, for sure (the worst kind of games—they get only one less hit than the other team, but can’t even score once!). But I’m glad to see BMac get his AVG back to the upper .290’s (.296, to be exact).
The Braves beat Maddux twice last year. The last time, July 8, 2007, they scored five runs off him—four of them knocked in by McCann. Bob Wickman almost blew the game, giving up 3 runs in the ninth, but the Braves held on to win 5-4. (The game was in San Diego. Andruw Jones stole two bases that night.)
By David O'Brien
July 12, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
“Lets see, O’Brien. You have no wife, no kids, no girlfriend and you live your life out of a suitcase. I’m not impressed.”Coach
You shouldn’t be. It’s not a life I’d recommend….
“i’m so over the Brave’s this year i don’t want to even blog about them anymore”Braves never win on road
Understandable. Perhaps the Polyester shorts-wearing buzzsaw who was up all night blogging can give you some of the nasty stuff he’s on. Keep you awake for days, and Braves will just be white noise.