AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > July > 27
Sunday, July 27, 2008
No apparent hangover from brutal losss
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Good day, denizens. And believe it or not, around the clubhouse this morning, it seemed like a good day.
Guys were hanging around, laughing, being loose. They didn’t take batting practice, so players were out at their lockers, or on the couches watching TV and chatting. Chipper and Smoltz normally play their backgammon game in the players’ lounge, away from media traffic. Today they played in the center of the clubhouse.
In short, I didn’t see a big hangover effect from yesterday’s brutal loss.
And that goes for a conversation a couple of us had with GM Frank Wren as well. Despite what happened in last night’s game, I came away feeling like even still, given what happened yesterday, the Braves are still taking an aggressive approach and looking to add via trade.
Chipper said as much.
“I think Frank is doing everything he can to try and get us some help, based on some of the conversations I’ve had with him the past few days,” Jones said. “I think he’s definitely in a buyers’ frame of mind. We’ll see what the next few days offer up.”
Wren might have given a clue as to his mindset when I asked about the timing of a potential trade, if they were on the verge of pulling the trigger today or if it would be more likely they’d hold off until closer to the Thursday deadline.
“From our perspective, we could have one today,” he said. “We’re ready to move. We’ve been ready.”
Think they’d move Teixeira before they had to during this stretch run?
They enter today’s game 6 ½ games behind the Mets. That’s exactly where they were when they opened the second half and started this nine-game stretch against the Nationals, Marlins and Phillies. Of course they have that many fewer games left to work with, but do you trade Teixeira if you’re not positive you’re out of it yet?
Anyway, more Wren.
“I think other clubs, for whatever reason, especially clubs that are moving players, they look at the deadline as their ally, to put more pressure on teams. If you want him you’ve got to give this. You might get an extra player in a deal. The later you wait, it’s ‘either you get him or you don’t.’”
Translation, buyers want guys now, sellers want to wait to raise the price.
Wren indicated that the Braves still might buy on some level up to the last minute, regardless. The price just has to be right.
“If we saw an opening to really improve our club, we would do it - the present club,” Wren said. “Are we going to go all in for that deal? No. We’re not in a position to do that. A team like Milwaukee, they’re in a position where they’re going all out and that’s great. You’d love to be in that position. They are one or two pieces away. I wish we were.”
It’s also a distinct possibility the Braves can add a piece as well as sell, picking up an outfielder, say, while also trading Mark Teixeira for value greater than two draft picks.
IN OTHER NEWS: Chipper said he’s seen no real improvement on the hamstring. Bobby and Frank both say they want to wait before they disable him to give him a chance to heal. Frank did say if things don’t change in the next day or so, they could DL him. Chipper thinks it might take longer.
“I think the longer we go where I’m not available to do anything, play, hit, run. Yeah. It’s still bugging me just walking around.. anything baseball related is still a couple days away, at least.”
DIAZ UPDATE: Matt Diaz had a setback with his knee while on rehab assignment in Richmond and returned to Atlanta for an MRI earlier this week. It showed no structural damage, just inflammation, but he’s going to take some time off to let the knee calm down.
We’re expecting some showers today, so be prepared. The way the sky is looking off in the distance and how much the breeze has picked up, I’m actually a little surprised they’re starting. Not too good for those of us trying to get out tonight, but hey we do what we have to do.
