Braves

By Renegator

July 29, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

1st?

By bulldogbubba

July 29, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

first

By Steve

July 29, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

first

By Mike

July 29, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

How about a rotation of Sheets/Perez, Jurrjens, Adenhart, Reyes and Morton/Hanson? It could happen.

By Steve

July 29, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

can get in line for Sheets or CC…man can’t believe we have to talk about next year already!…It sucks…too manh holes in Atlantas line-up tho…just please tell me we’re not going to end up like the Nats or Royals or Pirates in the next couple of years

By McFann O

July 29, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

First?

Thanks for the new blog, Chief.

Hey, just a quick question: Was McCann at the game last night? (I know you were too busy with all the Tim Hudson stuff to answer last night. No prob.)

By Bill in VA

July 29, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

DOB, I haven’t heard anyone talking about how much Ohman will command on the market. Are the Braves exploring the possibility of keeping him?

By Tomas

July 29, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

I don’t think the Tracy, Micah Owing deal is a good Idea. Owing has lost it and to tell you the truth his stuff isn’t that good. His fastball is only reaching the 89 mph mark, and havind serious control issues.If Wren really has the biggest weapon on the market right now he should get something better. The D-Backs are trying to play chicken like Seth Everet(from mlb.com) said, so Wren don’t fall for it, they need a power hitter, and their race is pretty tight.

By Vol4ever

July 29, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

The Braves have become a 2nd rate organization from top to bottom! Nuff said

By bulldogbubba

July 29, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Please do something to improve this team! Get some pitchers that don’t look afraid to be on the mound. I don’t see them pitching with confidence on their face,just a look of concern. Gonzo is the only one who goes to the mound and pitches with a determined look on his face. We need our starters to do that.

By SR

July 29, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

I have tickets to both the August 5 and August 6 games against the Giants at beautiful AT & T park in San Francisco. Taking the wife and kids and still going.

I do have a question however. Why the willingness to move Will Ohman, is there no chance of re-signing him? After all, he is one of the only consistent relievers in an otherwise underwhelming bullpen.

By RAR

July 29, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Well friends, now you all get to experience what we Braves fans of the 70’s and 80’s went through when we finished last almost every year and didn’t have but one starting pitcher we could count on for a win and only 2 or 3 hitters who hit more that their weight.

It has been a wonderful run since 1991 and I hope the Braves can rebuild in a hurry, but I doubt if we will be a contender anytime soon, unless the management goes after the same type of players the Florida Marlins have acquired, then maybe a run or two at the East title.

Just remember, what will be, will be and brother this is going to get brutal.

By tr

July 29, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

DOB

What’s up with Diaz? I thought he wrapped up his rehab appearances and pronounced himself ready, but haven’t seen or heard anything since.

By Graham

July 29, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

DOB

Now that the white flag has been raised, do you see the Braves doing a total overhaul of both players and coaches for next season? Or do you think that only minor changes will be made, pitchers excluded?

By StingerSplash

July 29, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

(Plug in Ohman or Tex here), we hardly knew ye.

thanks, DOB, for dredging up the specter of that truly godawful 1986 team. thanks a bunch. here’s my dog, wanna shoot him while you’re at it?

By N8

July 29, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

67th?

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

McFann, I don’t know. We didn’t get to talk to him before game, never saw him in clubhouse.

By Shaun

July 29, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Most similar players to Casey Kotchman through age 24 according to baseballreference.com similarity scores:

1. David Ortiz

2. Nick Johnson

3. Connor Jackson

Now, these aren’t perfect because they are comparisons based on stats—which are affected by playing time among other things—and not necessarily ability. So odds are probably against Kotchman putting up seasons as big as Ortiz’s best seasons.

But these are not players who played 15-20 or 50 years before Kotchman. These are recent players. So there is probably at least a little bit of something to the comparisons. I think it’s safe to assume Kotchman would likely turn into a very good firstbaseman.

By McFann O

July 29, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Wait a minute—Micah Owings? Micah Owings?

Micah Owings had a 2-homer, 6 RBI game against the Braves at Turner Field last year!

Besides, what’s he done this year? 6-9 with a 5.93 ERA? Please no.

By Mike

July 29, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Tracy and Owings might be better than two draft picks, but that is still a sorry return for Tex.

Unfortunate that this is what it has come down too.

By Shaun

July 29, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

tr, I think Diaz had a setback during his rehab stint.

By bgvt

July 29, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

I’ve never seen him pitch or read a scouting report on Adenhart but his AAA pitching stats from this year are pretty dreadful: 6-10 record, 6.18 ERA, 106.1 IP, 52 BB, 82 K, 1.72 WHIP.

His numbers from AA Arkansas last year are much better: 10-8, 3.65 ERA, 153 IP, 65 BB, 116 K.

However, if you want good AA numbers, why not just gamble on Todd Redmond (who we got for Tyler Yates). At Mississippi this year (not 2007 like Adenhart), Redmond’s numbers are: 10-4, 3.33 ERA, 137.2 IP (already), 23 BB, 104 K. That walk number is nice and low — he can throw strikes!

By Jim Hertel

July 29, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

I’m a Braves fan for too long for most to remember that far back. Through thick and thin, I’ve always pulled for them. This year’s injuries are unbelievable. As much as I feel sorry for the team for the things that have happened, if there is a silver lining, it is this: If it causes us to sell off this team, that is good. This wasn’t a team that ever jelled. It wasn’t good when we were still hoping it was. It’s time to reload for the future. I hope we have a sales bonanza.

By bravesfan08

July 29, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

from MLB.com’s Jim Molony.

Will Ohman suitors: the Marlins, Red Sox, Rays, Tigers and White Sox. Molony says the Braves aren’t highly motivated to trade Ohman, as they might want to re-sign him for ‘09. Odd.

By Taylor S

July 29, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Dob what do you know about Brandon Moss from the Red Sox? He seems like a potentialy good return for Ohman. Hes a young outfielder with some power. No real place for him in Boston. Plus hes a local kid. What do you think ?

By ellaguru

July 29, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Dave, I think it’s prudent for you to stay off your motorcycles until this whole wave of injuries passes. Dinged-up and underperforming players are one thing but without the blog for people to bloviate about it there may be some suicides. Take care of your fingers, dude.

And Lew, wow—thanks for the Alejandro portrait. I am supposedly finding out tomorrow whether I’m relocating my shop and if I do there will be a place of honor for it. Thanks again.

By nolie

July 29, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

. He’s a developing hitter, and if he were moved to a team that appreciates patience he should put up killer numbers.BFIR

might be true, but I’ve seen little indication that the Braves value plate discipline that awful much. Frenchy?Diaz? He might improve, he might not. I think he is the weakest of the 4 that were originally mentioned, but definitely stronger than Tracy who plays in an offense-oriented park thus skewing his stats. Away numbers are .270/.329/.434 nothing special.

By Doc Holliday

July 29, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

What Im about to post is not a joke………….

This division is so freakin bad and lacking of any kind of dominance from any team, that Id say that even if Braves deal:

1. TEX for a fairly good replacement at 1B or SP

2. Ohman included in trade bringing good OF or 1B

Braves can still win some games…………

TEX has not been key to this season wins braves have had………..

Ohman………well, while irreplaceable right now, he is not a whole team by himself.

We have played well without chipper lately.

Hudson has been up and down during the season.

What I mean is that this team cant be much worse than it is right now and we were sooooooo close to sweeping the phillies…………it even sounds as a joke.

Might even end up in 2nd place, LOL.

Thats how bad this division is right now.

By ppaddy123

July 29, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

DOB Any update on hoe McCann is feeling? When he might be back in the line up? I ask because I have suggested before that McCann needed to be moved to 1st to keep him healthy and to keep his bat in the line up everyday. I’m all for trading Tex if it makes our team better. Chad Tracy does not make this team better. TEX NEEDS TO BE TRADED FOR BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE! I can’t see where the Diamond Backs would move Conner Jackson and “weaken” their line up. Someone already suggested moving Kelly Johnson back to left field. Why not right field? The Braves need to use the rest of this year to find answers for next year. The Braves will have money to spend in the off season, but let’s face it, they have a lot of hole to fill.

By Mike

July 29, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Shaun

A bit of something to those stats is the key words in your statement. A bit. He is a good first baseman, but I do not believe he has the talent of the three players you listed above. He hasn’t shown me their plate discipline/strike zone management.

Braves need a pitcher back in these talks, a good one. Not a hitter, who appears to be a pitcher(Micah Owings).

By Glen W

July 29, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for the detailed update. It seems that the Braves are fortunate in this one case of timing. Isn’t it a night and day difference to know of Huddy’s potential siutation now before they make a couple of possible deals involving Tex, Ohman, etc? Doesn’t this change everything in terms of what they are looking for as a center piece in the deal? From my view, getting a 1B is far secondary to getting ML-ready starting pitching now.

By TennesseePaul

July 29, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the Blog DOB.

I’m not impressed with Tracy and Owing for Teixeira. Sure, the team could do worse, say accept a deal of Tony Pena Jr and cash. And the draft picks could tank… But Tracy isn’t all that great. He’s average. And Owings… I like his bat as a pitcher. Perhaps he could be converted to an outfielder one day and be solid, but I don’t want to sit around and wait to find out. Especially with Hudson staring down the knife. This team doesn’t have the time to let yet another young pitcher, “figure it out”. We already have James, Reyes, and Morton trying to figure things out along with the journeymen Carlyle and Bennett. This team needs a proven starter or a high upside young starter waiting to break onto the scene, a la Jurrjens.
So, I’ll continue to hope for something more than an average player and a struggling young pitcher.

We’re going to find out how good Wren is in the next few days…

By Hometown Hero

July 29, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

From Last Blog BC

If we just got Loney and no one else from LA, I’d be happy.

In fact, I’d give them Tex, pay the remainder of his salary this year, and give them KJ (to replace Kent next year), for just Loney.

Then I’d find an outfield bat with power. I’ve said no to Bay, but I’d take him. Offer Pitt Lil, BJ, Morton or Jo Jo, and other prospect,maybe Schafer, and take the deal. Why give away Lil? Because Prado will be a fine 2nd baseman, and his bat is years ahead of Lilibridges. You’d have a lineup showcasing Chipper (infante his backup), BMac, Escobar, Loney, Bay, & Prado. That’s pretty sweet. Then you use your money to extend Bay, lock up Esco, resign Hampton for like 3 mil if he stays healthy, sign a top notch starter, and a reliever or 2 (maybe Ohman).

Problems solved. Wren is right, he’s still in a position of strength.

That would be sweet. I think you forgot to mention to lock up Loney too if we got him?

By BravesFanInRockies

July 29, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Preferences for 1B in trade in this order: Jackson, Loney, Kotchman.

Most likely to happen: Kotchman.

With Kotchman, though, you may also be able to get a better pitcher or a closer-to-ML-ready pitcher than in a deal involving Loney or Jackson.

Given yesterday’s news, the Braves are hoping for quantity and quality.

By HighCheese

July 29, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

I just hope we can keep Julian Tavarez. (Insert rolling eyes here)

By bgvt

July 29, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

People are down on Micah Owings because his recent results haven’t been so great. But, you might compare him to some alternative 2009 Braves starters.

Jo-Jo Reyes’ major league numbers over the last two years: 5-11, 133 IP, 5.67 ERA, 1.61 WHIP.

Micah Owings’ major leagues numbers (all in the last two years): 14-17, 257 IP, 4.97 ERA, 1.32 WHIP.

Is it just that Jo-Jo hasn’t been as good as his minor league career would suggest? Well, Owings has at least as good of minor league career numbers:

Jo-Jo is 23-10 with an ERA of 3.38 in the minors; Owings is 17-3 with a 3.14 ERA (with less time in the minors).

Stats are everything but the Braves will need some starting pitching options for next year.

By Doc Holliday

July 29, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Moving KJ to RF?

We would be lucky if he is the answer to LF.

But RF??? dont think so………

By Bobby's Cox

July 29, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Glad the Dodgers are interested now. That should increase Arizona’s offer a bit in a 1-game race out west.

Wren’s playing it good…getting all the competition involved. The Dodgers should be favorites like Bowman said yesterday on radio here in LA. Coletti needs to save his job, the Dodgers have a lot of cash at the end of the year, Torre needs a veteran type player & not kids, and they aren’t afraid of Boras.

By Michael

July 29, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

DOB: Do you think the Braves will resign Campillo and/or Infante? Also, what kind of money would Campillo command? I doubt it would be a lot, but he has been unbelievable. Thanks for the blogs.

By Salty

July 29, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

*Micah Owings had a 2-homer, 6 RBI game against the Braves at Turner Field last year!

Besides, what’s he done this year? 6-9 with a 5.93 ERA?*

Why not? He could be the Braves’ Ankiel, with better control. Let him learn another position…clearly an athlete and a hitter. And…in those blow-out games that come along, let him pitch an inning to save a pitcher. How’s that for (way) out of the box? Then again, who’s to say he isn’t just another struggling pitcher…89 mph fastball isn’t the only determining factor.

By Shaun

July 29, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Mike, Teixeira has only two months left on his contract. What do you expect? Again, teams don’t just trade for players; they trade for players and the players’ contracts. And teams have to give up players and those players’ contracts.

So do you seriously think the Braves should get as much for Tex when he has two months left on his contract than what they gave up when he had a year and two months left on his contract?

By Drummerdad

July 29, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

I think this deal is going to happen between the Braves and the Dodgers. I can hear it now. “Okay, Okay, we’ll give you Loney and Jason Schmidt for Tex, just please take Andruw Jones back. How about if we pay most of his salary for the rest of the season and all of next? Please?”

By Plate Appearance

July 29, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

THANKS

Thanks for the update and insight on all the trade and injury information DOB.

I’m glad to hear that Wren is holding out for the best deal possible, rather than simply taking the first one offered.

You’ve got to feel badly for Hudson though. I can well understand his feelings of disbelief at this news.

By Michael

July 29, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

Also, for all the bloggers out there: I read the blog and comment a lot, but my handle isn’t exactly unique, so many probably don’t realize. However, a lot of you have great information, so I was wondering if you could give me advice on any Braves websites, especially where there is information of the farm teams. Thanks.

By Chief

July 29, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

RAR, I might agree with you if we had poor management and an empty wallet. But we’ve got a stocked minor league system, 3-4 big contracts that are about to go off the books and give the Braves more cash to spend (Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton, Tex), a manager who knows how to handle young talent, and a GM that’s studied under the best (and the best is hanging out nearby). We’re not going to contend this year, and we’re not going to contend next year, but we shouldn’t expect anything less than a Marlins or Arizona-style reversal.

If the Braves have failed lately, it’s because their minor-league talent hasn’t panned out like they expected (Francoeur, LaRoche, Langerhans, Davies, James, etc.) and they haven’t been willing to trade lots of minor-leaguers to get the big-money guys to fill the gaps. That’s not fun to watch, but it means that we’re only the latest youth movement away from contending again — and that’s a lot easier to manage than a Yankees-size payroll of aging veterans.

My only beef with the Braves is their inability to gauge/say no to middle-aged, low/middle-talent players (Kotsay, Norton, Infante, Ring) who have zero trade value and a limited ceiling. These guys aren’t this year’s Otis Nixon or Terry Pendleton — and it’s those diamonds in the rough that the Braves just haven’t found in a while. I’d rather bring up a young guy and see if he can play than plug in ole reliable Norton and his steady .230/12/26 annual output.

By Kevin C

July 29, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

DOB

Any chance that Bay will be moved? Also is anyone inquiring on Soriano?

Thanks

By tr

July 29, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

1) Shaun - Thanks!

2) Taylor S. - Re: Brandon Moss Athletic outfielder with a very strong arm. Excellent approach at the plate - good swing with a refined power and on base ability. Hits to all fields. Slightly above average speed for a right fielder. Solid in the field. Tough competitor. Fantastic teammate and individual who takes joy in playing the game. Moss possesses a good mental approach to the game, able to evaluate his mistakes while still not harping on them. Moss began a transition to becoming a part-time 1B in late 2007, and he’s handled it rather smoothly.

By j-school dropout

July 29, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

We need to get pitching for Tex and move Chipper to first when he’s healthy. All that matters now is getting ready for next year. If Chipper makes errors at first, who cares? We need to get ready for next year. And I would lay down a week’s pay that Chipper is our starting first baseman next year, regardless of what he says or the management says. It just makes sense. If he can play third, he can play first, and good third basemen are easier to come by than good first basemen.

By Tomas

July 29, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

Owings has had an awful year especially because he is nl west were there is only one team with good hitting and that’s the rockies which have struggled this year. So how can you have an ERA close to six in that division.

By Alan

July 29, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

If we can’t get more than full value for Tex, keep him and take the draft choices when he goes free agency. I like Ohman, but we can get a pitching prospect and maybe more for him. Anyone else can go except McCann, Escobar, Chipper and Jurrens. Norton, Ring, Boyer, Miller just need to GO! Francoeur needs to go to Richmond or Mississippi to finish the season and then come back for Sept. call up. If he can get his head straight, AND BECOME A HITTER, then he’ll be fine.

By Mr. Enigma

July 29, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

I nominate a ban for all the “First” idiots.

By Taylor S

July 29, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Tex and Kelly for James Loney is a terrible idea. James Loney isnt all that much better than KJ.

Kelly is Hitting .264 with 9 home runs and 43 RBIs, Loney is hitting .299 with 9 homers and 58 RBIS.

When you factor in Kelly is a second basemen and Loney is at first Im not even sure we should give them Kelly and Ohman. Let alone Tex and KJ.

By Different Take

July 29, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

TennPaul

Perfect description of Chad Tracy and Micah Owings. An average bat(below average at first base) and a pitcher still trying to figure himself out. One that a lot of people think can be no better than a back of the rotation starter.

But of course, someone on here will poin to the fact that Owings is young and anything can happen with pitchers. I say Owings is a filler for the rotation next season. Braves make that trade and they receive nothing of impact there. Not even close to impact.

By Bobby's Cox

July 29, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

One broadcaster said to me last night that, if there’s anything whatsoever that could be a positive in this season gone awry, it’s that perhaps the Braves needed such a pile of bad developments to convince them not to try to band-aid this thing at the trade deadline, and instead to point toward the future

Well said.

Kinda like a bad breakup with your girlfriend. Asking God WHY WHY WHY?! Only to find out there’s a hotter, sexier, smarter, and more polite one waiting.

Just had an earthquake here in LA btw. Maybe a 6.0?

By Jeff321

July 29, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Stock up on the young bucks!

Who cares if they won’t be ready for a couple years? Nothing short of a major overhaul starting with the engine AKA Cox will do.

By Kashi

July 29, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Chad Tracy + Owings from D’Back for TEX is like giving TEX for nothing. I rather take two prime draft picks who could be a trade bits for future if we need someone to fill immediately. If we trade Tex -at least we must get 1 solid injury free player who can be an “impact” player. We have too many holes in next year. 1B,LF,CF,3B,starting pitchers, bullpen, closer and week lineup. How can we fill all these holes by next year? -IMPOSSIBLE. Get one solid player + AA player for TEX but not a garbage from other team. Else…keep Tex and take draft pick or resign TEX (25M for 2 years) and he can test free market again in years.

By bgvt

July 29, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

paddy123 —

You only want to trade Tex if he makes “this team” better? Do you mean the 2008 Braves? If we want the 2008 Braves to be as good as possible, we should keep Tex. The problem is that being as good as possible (given reality) means probably not going to the playoffs. Only contenders want Tex (non-contenders can buy him in the winter free agent market). Contenders will not be giving up players who are currently as good as (or better than) Tex.

This isn’t difficult: the point of the trade is to get younger players who are under contract. Note: players implies more than one — not a player as good as Tex (with the bonus of being around for a couple of years) plus someone else.

By Cecil34

July 29, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Hope our boy Mac is recovering nicely…made me absolutely sick to see him lying on the ground, basically knocked out and unable to move….

That wasn’t his first collision - and won’t be his last. And his bat is such a hot commodity, we must have it as much as possible. We cannot risk further injury to this man. McFann I am suggesting this to save him.

Good Lord, we batted Kotsay cleanup last night…..Is that what you want?

Now that the season is in the tank, we need to move him to first, and just let him learn ojt since it won’t matter whether he makes some errors.

Let Sammons catch the rest of the year and see if his bat ever comes around. The boy is 25 years old - time to hit or get off the pot. If he doesn’t hit, get another catcher over the off-season.

Catchers can learn the nuances of playing first. If Lo Duca can do it, Mac can. How many years do you think it would add to his career?

There is more than one catcher out there who can call a good game.

All of you naysayers - talk to me after he breaks an arm, or damages an ankle, and is gone for a season. No Mac, no bat.

Hush up, I know catching is hazardous - but when you have a hitter like Mac who is only getting better - to the point of being a yearly all-star - then he needs to be protected.

The concussions and injuries that the catcher suffers take their toll - believe me. Remember Ray Fosse?

By AZBravoFan

July 29, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Hey, if the Braves get Owings and resign Hampton then the days of the great hitting pitchers could be back. Then they really could drop Frenchy down to the nine slot while he tries to find his stroke. Of course they’d need all the offense they can get with Owings in there, he hasn’t exactly been lights-out as a starter this year.

By rupert

July 29, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

agree with the idea that the dbacks are bluffing right now, connor jackson is a good player, but not worth standing between a deal for tex, who would basically give them the west (that team is offensively strapped), you don’t start out with your best offer and obviously they would rather move tracey because he plays first while jackson is currently getting time in left, it would be questionable for them to lose tex because of jackson not being included, especially if he was to go to the dodgers (another offensively challenged team), best thing for the braves would be to try and drum up the dodgers interest and that might get airzona up, bottom line is the braves don’t have to trade tex for whatever the hell the dbacks want to give, for a team that gave up a ton for dan haren, one player costing them such a weapon seems funny, can’t see them explaining that to the fans or players “sorry we could have gotten the best hitter available but we ddin’t want to give up this one guy who good, not great numbes because we can control over him….you got us, were cheap”

By Bobby's Cox

July 29, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Maybe that quake was bigger than I thought. The server for the LA Times is down.

By P. Rose

July 29, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Smells Like Team Quit It

Load up young guns

Please, Frank Wren!

It sucks to lose and rarely win

This team is lower than a turd

(I know, I know a dirty word)

Hello, hello - HOW LOW??

Without Chipper, we’re less dangerous

Let the tool race entertain us

Ticket prices are outrageous

Let the big cow entertain us

Gregor Blanco? A mosquito!

Martin Prado? No libido! Yeah!

It’s good to get this off my chest

And for this blog I feel blessed

Our little team has always been

Contenders up until the end

Hello, hello - HOW LOW??

Without Hudson, we’re less dangerous

Let the kiss cam entertain us

Cause the beer price is outrageous

Let the cap thing entertain us

Gregor Blanco? Too petite-o!

Martin Prado? Bean Burrito! Yeah!

And I forget just why I came

A parking place is hard to find

Unless I want to walk a mile

Oh well, whatever, nevermind

Hello, hello - HOW LOW??

With Mike Hampton, we’re less dangerous

Let the tool race entertain us

And the losing is contagious

Let the big cow entertain us

Gregor Blanco? Holy sheet-o!

Martin Prado? We concede-o!

In denial! In denial! In denial!

By who cares

July 29, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

If Morton, and Reyes are in the starting rotation next year, this will be a .500 team again. When you only have a chance to win 3 out of every 5 games you play, you have no chance. These guys are AAA talent at best, along with Ring,Boyer,and Acosta. That being said, it want matter. because one of the 3 stooges will show why his name is Curly when he makes a couple of terrible trades in the next few days, and probably strips team of more young talent instead of stockpiling it like Fl. did twice. Sorry Braves fans but until the 3 stooges (Wren, Cox, and Pendleton), are gone, this team will play with the heart and fundamentals that the teams did in the 80’s. Funny how the mets got tired of playing .500 baseball, and they fire their manager, look where they are now. Braves ownership should only look to their eastern division rival to see what needs to be done for this team to succeed. Get rid of Larry, Moe,and Curly

By LivininAL

July 29, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Trade Tex and Ohman today!!!!! Before one or both are injured and out for the year!!

By Braves blow

July 29, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

I say trade Chipper over the winter because he always ends up hurt

By Mike

July 29, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Shaun

So do you seriously think the Braves should get as much for Tex when he has two months left on his contract than what they gave up when he had a year and two months left on his contract?

They gave up Salty, Andrus, Harrison, Beau Jones, and Neftali Feliz.

All I want back in Jarrod Parker or Max Scherzer plus Chad Tracy.

From the Angels, I want Kotchman and Adenhart or Walden.

To me, Feliz is the guy that hurts. So why not get a Low A ball pitcher back like Walden or Parker.

That’s it. I think it is fair for 2 months of Tex AND 2 DRAFT PICKS.

By Brian

July 29, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Could Micah Owings be the answer for LF? I don’t think he’s much of a pitcher but he raked at Tulane and has been a pretty good hitting pitcher thus far. Could he be like the guy from the Cards?

I think Kelly Johnson needs to be traded. Supposedly, Wren received some high interest in him before the season and he is mediocre at best. Infante could play second and put up a lot better average than KJ and could possibly be the leadoff man we so badly need.

We are going to HAVE to get a #1 starting pitcher in FA if we don’t trade for one now. That means Sheets or Sabathia. This need will only increase if our ace (who would at best be a #2 on almost any other team) will be out at least until midseason next year with a tommyjohn surgery.

By spotts

July 29, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

DOB, you think we’ll call up Tommy Hanson to get some experience? What about Schafer?

By McFann O

July 29, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Chief! I was just curious. (Obviously I’m clamoring for updates or whatever, my apologies. Boy, I was mess two years ago when he had his first collision and I didn’t use the internet. Went insane waiting for updates from the TV guys!)

BravesFanInRockies (in response to your post on the last blog)—

Yes, it really showed what a good guy Bobby is. Mom taped it last night, and we watched it this afternoon. Just an excellent program! I like hearing Bobby’s story of how he came to be a manager.

By Bobby's Cox

July 29, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Taylor

Loney is this lineup would have 70+ RBI’s like Tex, and he’s younger. I’m sure he’s the type of ML ready bat Wren is looking for.

By ppaddy123

July 29, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Doc Holliday the point I’m trying to make…….the braves have questions for next year, but not many answers. These next two months are a time to experiment……ie KJ in right field. Personally, I would like to move him back to left and let Prado finish the year at second. I don’t think he ever really got a fair shot at the job after Bobby cox announced KJ would move to second.

By JB

July 29, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

For all of those out there who think that Chipper would stay healthy if he played first instead of third, please think back at his past injuries. I can only think of one that took place due to playing third base. The rest occured while running the bases. Chipper doesn’t want to play first anyways.

By gayle

July 29, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

…if there’s anything whatsoever that could be a positive in this season gone awry, it’s that perhaps the Braves needed such a pile of bad developments to convince them not to try to band-aid this thing at the trade deadline…

I really hope this is true. When you function in a world of denial like the Braves have these past years, you need to really get a shock to forget the band-aids and really do what is necessary.

Trading Tex or Ohlman or Frenchy are just more band-aids.

This team needs an intervention and it starts from the top.

By cabravesfan

July 29, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox- it was a 5.6

By coach k

July 29, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Now that this season is over start by flushing bobby cox and pendleton, we need someone with a little fire , not my rocking chair grandpa, keep chipper,escobar, kelly and mccann, infante and blanco, flush the rest, yes that means frenchy, I like huddy, campillo, jurgens, flush the rest. I don’t care if the entire Richmond braves come here they will be more exciting than these Braves, This team should have been in a better position than it is now and I blame management, yes we have injuries but so does everyone else and the winners seem to be able to plug in guys. This team has had no passion since they got rid of Justice, shame on you. Time to find some guys who love this game, not get paid by it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By keylargo

July 29, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

DOB

You left out Puhols out of your first basemen comparison. He might be the one to whom all are compared.

I think it would be good for the Braves if they could keep Tex if they could pay him inline with what those 5 you mentioned and Puhols make. But there is no way you can tear apart a teams payroll and pay one man 25% of its’ budget. We are not the Yankees with a $220 million payroll. That might be why they have the two highest paid players - they can afford them.

By Taylor S

July 29, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Guys I am all for getting Loney. He is a great player. But Loney alone for Tex and KJ is not a good return.

By Shaun

July 29, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Mike, of all the players in the Teixeira deal the Braves gave up, you are worried about a pitcher who hasn’t even turned 21 and is barely out of A-ball? Do you know how risky pitchers are and how often they get hurt?

By Bill in TN

July 29, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

The last time I looked, the Braves had 4 minor leaguers hitting over .300 in the top 3 levels COMBINED. That, plus the failure of the young Braves to produce tells me the whole system is broken. What happened to the organization that was known to be strong, top to bottom? The philosophy of trading top prospects for past-their-prime major league talent for a 1 year run has ruined the team.

By ppaddy123

July 29, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

bgvt maybe you should read the whole post….or remove your head from..well you know where. The Braves need to get the best player they can for Tex. That means a good player and a good contract

By jmart1951

July 29, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

One move that I know everyone opposes but in my opinion is the best thing for the Braves is to move McCann to 1st base. Then we get 155 to 162 games out of him at full production. The 30 or so games a year he misses due to 5th starter, day game after a night game, bangs and bruises and injury will only shorten his career. McCann is a potentially great hitter who needs to be in the lineup everyday (healthy). McCann’s defensive skills behind the plate are only average and his throwing out base stealers is not very good. I believe that we can find a serviceable catcher that is better defensively and that can hit in the .250s

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Michael, yes I don’t see any reason Braves wouldn’t re-sign Campillo. He’s dirt-cheap, relatively speaking. Not even arb-eligible yet. He’ll get half a mill or so in 2009, probably.

And yes, I’d pencil him in the rotation for ‘09.

By Dadgum

July 29, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Micah Owings played at Georgia Tech.

By Josh

July 29, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

I hope we have some pitching prospects ready for next year, because if Huddy has to have Tommy Johns Surgery the only solid pitchers we will have are Jurrjens and Campillo, and Campillo is far from a sure thing.

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Mike, you can want it, but I’d be shocked if you get any of those top pitching prospects you cited. Not unless a team gets absolutely desperate to land Tex and prevent a division rival from landing him.

By Shaun

July 29, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Wow. Lots of ill feelings on here towards a 26-year-old who’s hit .264/.354/.432 in three seasons in the majors and .281/.366/.464 in parts of seven seasons in the minors. To me, that looks like a pretty good player.

By RC

July 29, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

How about we trade Tex for the best offer, whatever that turns out to be. Then, spend all this “extra” money we should have in the offseason to make a VERY competitive offer to Tex as a free agent, for something like 5-years at $20 per? That might not get it done, but it’s worth the gamble. Plus, if the Braves finish as low as it appears they will this year our first round pick won’t be sacrificed by the signing, we’d have to give up our 2nd round pick instead.

By BA

July 29, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Nice tune, DOB!

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

keylargo, yes, Pujols was an inadvertent omission. I just went back in and added it.

By 18 Wheels of Love

July 29, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

First?

By geauxbraves2000

July 29, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Whomever the Braves may get in a Tex trade, consider the Braves trading Salty, Andrus, Harrison, Beau Jones, and Feliz for those players (and the sandwich pick for Mahay??). If Ohman goes, then add Ascanio into the mix (though the Braves still have Infante).

Getting interesting.

Hope all is okay in CA.

Geaux Braves!!

By Doc Holliday

July 29, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

We are going to HAVE to get a #1 starting pitcher in FA if we don’t trade for one now. That means Sheets or Sabathia. This need will only increase if our ace (who would at best be a #2 on almost any other team) will be out at least until midseason next year with a tommyjohn surgery. Brian

Id say half the teams,……..thats not almost any other team.

By Mike

July 29, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Shaun

Mike, of all the players in the Teixeira deal the Braves gave up, you are worried about a pitcher who hasn’t even turned 21 and is barely out of A-ball? Do you know how risky pitchers are and how often they get hurt?

I understand how risky pitchers that age are, but you can’t ignore them and not try to trade for them or try to keep them. Even the Braves felt that Feliz was the one prospect that could come back and haunt them. DOB has said this.

Let me guess, you would trade a 18 year old like Columbian kid straight up for a guy like Owings because Owings is a somewhat established major league pitcher. Come on man.

Anyway, you still didn’t really respond to what I brought up earlier. I don’t want 5 prospects back for Tex. I want one pitcher, a prospect at that, and Kotchman or Tracy, obviously depending on what team they deal with. That fair enough? Is that too much for 2 draft picks and 2 months of Tex? Nope. I don’t think it is. Will Arizona or LA want to give up a “pitcher who hasn’t even hit the age of 21” yet?

Well, according to you, so many of them get hurt, so they should just be a throw in.

By Salty

July 29, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Micah Owings played at Georgia Tech. …and finished at Tulane, I believe.

By Jack G

July 29, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Make any favorable trade you can dream up——-still wont make a bit of difference as long as Bobby—-Terry—-and Mc are on board. They screw up the field so badly no one can play a decent game. But as long as management is screwed up in their devotion to Bobby and his crew, you might as well forget the Braves. I for one dont intend to support them until wholesale changes are made.

I know , I know the players and his peers all sweet talk and tell you how great Bobby and his crew are but that is just BS. How often will the baseball fraternity critize on another——answer——NEVER.

By Shaun

July 29, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Dadgum, he played two years at Georgia Tech (2003-2004) then transfered to Tulane (2005).

By s1c2s4t4

July 29, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

MAYBE THE LA EARTHQUAKE WAS REALLY ANDRUW FALLING OFF THE DODGERS BENCH

By Jeff

July 29, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

At least Owings could be a better pinch hitting option than Corky.

By bulldogbubba

July 29, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

could we bring Julio out of retirement for a third time? He at least carries a big bat and was a pretty good defensive player and a great leader in a clubhouse. maybe even a good HITTING INSTRUCTER.

By Tomas

July 29, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Would the braves consider movin mac to first if they don’t include a first baseman in the mark texeira deal. Mac is such a great hitter than they can’t afford to give him too many day’s off, and being a catcher is no easy task, you get hit hard be foul balls, bats, and collision like the one we witnesed the other day in philly.

If they can get a catcher like jesus montero from the yankees, or bobby wilson from the angels.

By keylargo

July 29, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

DOB

At least you spelled Pujols right. More than I accomplished.

By joe

July 29, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Trade Tex for whatever you can get, cut Corky for gosh sakes and get a real backup catcher. Let Norton handle 1B for the rest of the year to see what he can do. Rest the top pitchers or leave them on DL for next year as this one is GONE. Smoltz, Glavine, Hudson, Hampton do not need to pitch again this year at all. Those 4 and JJ would be a great rotation next year, and Gonzo, Soriano and Moylan in the bullpen would be a great staff…

By Bobby's Cox

July 29, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

ppaddy123

2007 Spring Training

Prado: .354/.407/.479 (sent to AAA - led team deep into IL playoffs)

KJ: .254/.347/.413

2008 Spring Training

Prado: .342/.407/.452 (backup)

KJ: .226/.305/..264

Fielding:

2007 Prado: .995 fielding % in 87 games in AAA

2007 KJ: .978 fielding % (near last for MLB 2nd baseman) 2008 KJ: .977

I’d say Prado never got a fair shot either.

By Mike

July 29, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

DOB

Mike, you can want it, but I’d be shocked if you get any of those top pitching prospects you cited. Not unless a team gets absolutely desperate to land Tex and prevent a division rival from landing him.

I understand that. I really thought we would be able to get half of what we gave up for Tex, especially if we added Ohman. It doesn’t seem like that is possible.

But really, Casey Kotchman? Impending free agent Juan Rivera? It just really suprises me that no one is willing to offer a bit more than that in terms of prospects, especially with a reported 4-6 teams involved.

Maybe Wren works some magic.

By Walter

July 29, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Is this your homework Larry?

Is this your homework?

Is this your homework Larry?

By McFann O

July 29, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Cecil34 All of you naysayers - talk to me after he breaks an arm, or damages an ankle, and is gone for a season.

Please don’t say things like that!!

Salty—

Hmm…If Micah could play the outfield, that be sweet. Maybe playing everyday would boost those power numbers! (“Yeah right,” right? But I’m just sayin’…)

Cecil34—

I know you’re saying the move would save his career, but gee…Johnny Bench played for 17 seasons! (2,193 games…1,741 as a catcher) His numbers decreased, but most players’ do when they’re reaching the end.

I just don’t see them moving him to first…but I’ve been wrong about almost everything this season, so heck! I guess it’s possible…But I don’t see it…

By Robin

July 29, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

My head hurts from all this “trade speculation.” Lets just get on with it.

waits impatiently for breaking news

By Mike

July 29, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

By the way, how in the world did Cleveland get Matt Laporta back for Sabathia?

Especially considering Laporta is a hitter and isn’t as risky as a pitcher. He is much more of a sure thing. I understand Sabathia is a dominant pitcher, but again, one elite prospect is needed here in these Tex talks.

I am guessing that they Braves wanting Kotchman is making Tony Reaggins refuse to part with Adenhart of Walden then.

Can’t we just sign a Kevin Millar type hitter as a stop gap next year? Just a season? With Huddy out, I don’t think they are contending anyway.

By His dudeness

July 29, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

These deadline trades are always complicated…a lot of ins and outs, a lot of what have yous.

By coach k

July 29, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

I DID FORGET ONE GUY i LIKE PRADO, HE CAN STAY, AND i LIKE THE MOVE SOMEONE SUGGESTED MCCANN TO FIRST SINCE HE DOES HAVE LITTLE TROUBLE THROWING GUYS OUT.

By Shaun

July 29, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

Mike, I don’t know if I’d trade an 18-year-old for Micah Owings. Possibly, if I thought just halfway decent innings would get me to the playoffs. Depends on how talented the 18-year-old is.

But I wouldn’t hesitate to give up an 18-year-old pitcher for a year and a couple of months of a player like Teixeira, if I thought he would significantly increase my team’s chances to make the playoffs and I felt I was very close. Which is why I’m not too concerned about Feliz.

Anyway, I think this is getting way off topic.

I do think the Braves will get probably a firstbaseman and a decent pitching prospect. Maybe not a top pitching prospect, but a decent one.

I don’t think a team will give up a top prospect of any kind for two months of Tex. I think this is the main issue of our disagreement. You think a team should give up that much.

If the Braves were still in it, would you want them to give up their top prospect for two months of a fairly young, very good Boras client if they already had a decent player at that position?

By bgvt

July 29, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

Okay, ppaddy123 — I read your whole post. I expect we agree with each other more than we disagree about trading Tex. The statement in bold is key — trade Tex for the best player we can get. I’m still not sure what you would suggest doing if the best player we can get doesn’t make the team better (which team? when?). Maybe your reference to Chad Tracy is that he isn’t better than the two draft picks we would get (though I don’t think anyone is suggesting Tracy-for-Tex as a straight up deal).

On your other two suggestions, I disagree. It is not clear that McCann would be very good defensively at first base. I’m not sure how agile he is. (Think about the big cat, Andres Galaragga.) McCann is a catcher. He isn’t great at throwing out runners but has a much better than average understanding of his pitching staff. He calls a very good game. He should stay a catcher for several more years — even if he sits every fifth game.

I can see putting KJ back in left field — though I don’t think it is a great idea since his power numbers aren’t what the team really needs from a corner outfielder. I don’t like your of trying KJ in RF since I’m not sure that he has the arm (or power #’s) for RF. KJ’s .423 SLG percentage is pretty good for 2B but it ain’t much for a corner outfielder (unless he had gold glove defense and/or lead-off batter speed).

The solution in RF is either 2008 turns out to be a big bump in the road for JF or go outside the organization (unless you want to wait for Heyward). There is some chance that 2008 is a fluke for Francoeur — see Pat Burrell’s year-to-year stats for an example of a player who had a bad year early in his career.

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

If Ohman goes, then add Ascanio into the mix (though the Braves still have Infante).geauxbraves

Well, that’s certainly the first time since opening day that I’ve heard ANYONE even hint that the Braves didn’t get the better of the Ascanio for Ohman & Infante deal. Seriously, you’ve got to be kidding me?

The way that some people judge trades, with so much depending on whether the team gets to the playoffs or whatever, is just patently wrong.

Ohman has been outstanding for the Braves, done everything he could do to help them win. Infante has been very solid since getting over his winter-ball injury (he was hurt after the trade).

Ascanio? Ascanio has a 4.23 ERA in 28 appearances Triple-A and a 7.94 ERA in six games for Chicago.

Gimme a break.

By Bobby's Cox

July 29, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Wow. Lots of ill feelings on here towards a 26-year-old who’s hit .264/.354/.432 in three seasons in the majors and .281/.366/.464 in parts of seven seasons in the minors. To me, that looks like a pretty good player.

Shaun, Do you think it’s a chemistry issue with the Braves? I do. When Prado starts the braves score like 7.14 runs per game, 3 more runs per game than when KJ starts. Maybe its a small sample size, but when I watch, I see the lineup flow more with Prado starting. I still don’t think Prado ever got a fair shot. .978 Fielding % last year and .977 this year isn’t cutting it at 2nd, especially when Prado’s hitting over .300 in his starts, .408 with RISP, and is hitting for extra bases every chance he gets. Plus he’s a RH bat in an overly LH hitting lineup. KJ is the 4th most expendable guy on the team IMO, behind Tex, Ohman, and Kotsay, especially with the depth at his position.

By You see...

July 29, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

You see what happens Larry!? This is what happens Larry!

By Goodoleboy58

July 29, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Manny Ramirez Rumors: Tuesday By Tim Dierkes [July 29 at 2:36pm CST]

2:36pm: Joel Sherman of the New York Post has the Dodgers in the lead for Manny. The Red Sox would eat most or all of the $7MM remaining on Ramirez’s deal, and then receive a player like Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier. Such a deal would enable the Sox to enter the Mark Teixeira bidding.

I say we try a 3 way trade with the Redsox and Dodgers… Dodgers get Manny, Red Sox get Tex and Ohman, we get Youk and Kemp/Either… I’d be tickled pink with that… Ok I’ll stop dreaming now

By bravos2249

July 29, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

McFann

Javy played atleast 10 years of good baseball…so I think Mac’ll be okay….whatever he and DeRo did this offseason is keeping his stamina up…maybe Frenchy should try that…and also did Frenchy admit that before last season he watched tapes of Mac? Safe to say he didn’t do that this year. :)

By Jack G

July 29, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

WHY DO WE BOTHER

I dont know why we bother to tell it like it is—Braves management dont read these Blogs.—-and if they do they dont care what we say, they are going to keep on doing (or not doing)anything to solve the problems.

Ignoring the fans and their input is——STUPID

By Shaun

July 29, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Mike, if the Braves were still in it, they had the opportunity to get an upgrade that they know is going to command a huge contract in a couple of months, and they already have a halfway decent player at that same position, would you want them to give up a top prospect for that guy?

That’s what we’re dealing with here. All the contenders have at least halfway decent firstbasemen/DHs already. Sure, some would love to upgrade but they know they are getting a guy for two months or for two months then a huge contract, if they keep him.

By TennesseePaul

July 29, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Well NPR blasted it as a 5.8. Bloomberg reports a 5.4. I’m sitting in Costa Mesa about 25 miles from the epicenter up in a high rise. Felt like a lot more when your office is in a tuning fork.

Hopefully that put a jolt in the LA GM’s to deal now as if the world is coming to an end.

By Mike

July 29, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

Shaun

If the Braves were still in it, would you want them to give up their top prospect for two months of a fairly young, very good Boras client if they already had a decent player at that position?

Yes, because that Boras client would bolt and give us two draft picks. The Brewers will be getting two draft picks for Sabathia. Yes, the Brewers got a pitcher for the playoff run, a potentially dominant one, and gave up a great prospect in Matt Larporta. How did Cleveland get them to do this? The Brewers arenpt signing him long term, not with a 70 million dollar payroll.

I understand what you are saying and where you are coming from, but I think the Braves are going after the wrong thing here. A first baseman shouldn’t be the target. A high upside pitching prospect should be. If no team is willing to give that up, then keep the draft picks and stock the farm.

By Goodoleboy58

July 29, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

Jose Guillen Wants To Be Traded By Tim Dierkes [July 29 at 2:50pm CST]

According to ESPN’s Enrique Rojas, Royals outfielder Jose Guillen is unhappy in Kansas City and wants out. He is reportedly not on speaking terms with manager Trey Hillman. He also doesn’t think the Royals are doing enough for build a contender for 2009-10.

Guillen would even defer some of the $24MM owed to him for 2009-10, if it would increase the chances of a trade. He is hitting .260/.287/.446 in 408 plate appearances, which is actually pretty bad. 29 left fielders have been more productive this year, including Willie Harris.

ESPN’s Jayson Stark wrote on Thursday that the Braves asked about Guillen but the Royals wanted a cornerstone-type player like Gorkys Hernandez in return.

By BravesLover

July 29, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

Still can’t see the Braves putting a minor league team on the field and expecting the public to pay major league prices. Attendance goes down, revenue goes down, and we don’t have enough money to go after players to bring us back up to elite status. Losing Tex and Ohman for second tier players will set this franchise back for years.

By MDBraveFan

July 29, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

DOB - Cassandra Wilson’s version of Tupelo Honey is nice; on “Blue Light ‘Til Dawn” album. mmp

By TheCutMan

July 29, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

So everyone is in a lather to churn and burn? Okay. I think all us Braves’ fans need to look at the larger picture.

And that is, this team won’t be in the hunt again, probably, until the 2010 season. Look at the personnel roster, the on-field management and the liklihood of excellence through those lens.

I’m a lone voice (or so it seems) calling from the wilderness extolling the Braves to hold onto their young talent, open negotiations with Teix and his agent NOW, keep what’s been working, get rid of what hasn’t been, and look to 2010.

One more thing? I’m out.

By Shaun

July 29, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Mike, how in the world did Cleveland get LaPorta?

Well, first Sabathia is a pitcher. He wasn’t a guy at a position where the Brewers had a good player.

Second, LaPorta plays leftfield or firstbase. The Brewers already have two of the most talented players in baseball under 25 at those positions.

So the situation is completely different than them trading a guy for an upgrade at a position they weren’t really all that desperate to fill.

By Kenneth Simpson

July 29, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

The braves have no decent pitchers in their farm system because of the stupid trades they made in the past few years and gave the farm away for Tex and 2 good starting pitchers to rent JD Drew for one year. Both of the trades were about as stupid as they could get. When you finish in first place all those years like they did and not being able to draft good players and the ones you do draft you give them away in lopsided trades. It is a pitiful situation and they don’t deserve to win. I hope they finish in last place and maybe, just maybe the upper management will look at what has happened in prior years and wise up in the future. Go ahead and try to get something for Tex because next year he will be playing for the Yankees or Mets.

By McFann O

July 29, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

bgvt—

Agreed! McCann is a catcher!!

He isn’t great at throwing out runners but has a much better than average understanding of his pitching staff. He calls a very good game.

Oh so very very true!

By ManOfTeal

July 29, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

All I can say is….the Braves…..LOL…….Go Marlins!!!!

By Randy

July 29, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

I hate to say this because I love him but I believe it is also time to trade Chipper.This team will be rebuilding with prospects for 2-3 years and we need to get something for Chipper while we can,and we could probably still get a good package for him now.Surely there are AL teams who would love to have a 3B/DH for this year and next.He might bring a bigger return than even Tex.Trade Tex,Chipper,Ohman,maybe even Gonzalez for a load of young prospects and begin the rebuild.If Tex is gone and Hudson is out next year,keeping Chipper when he is 37 and has value,is silly

By bravos2249

July 29, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

ESPN’s Jayson Stark wrote on Thursday that the Braves asked about Guillen but the Royals wanted a cornerstone-type player like Gorkys Hernandez in return.*

but since he’s got a little injury and is causing trouble wouldn’t they take 2 other players to get rid of him?

By fastasballs

July 29, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Seems like a few more teams are getting in on the Tex rumors. If Arizona really wants Tex they are going to up the offer for him with the Dodgers & Yankees involved. With Posada gone for the year they will be looking for offense.

I like that Wren is holding out until the last minute, his patience will be rewarded.

I’m hoping for Conner Jackson in the deal for Tex. He’s going to be an elite player & can play 1st or the outfield. He has more walks than strikeouts. Good all around #’s & he’s still improving.

This is Wren’s time to shine & put his stamp on this team for years to come. Let’s see what he can do.

By Mike

July 29, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Shaun

That’s what we’re dealing with here. All the contenders have at least halfway decent firstbasemen/DHs already. Sure, some would love to upgrade but they know they are getting a guy for two months or for two months then a huge contract, if they keep him.

No team is signing him if they trade for him. Where did you read that? Why not just take the draft picks? Especially if you are a team like the D-Backs or Rays. I’m not even sure if the Angels want to meet Boras’s demands. Hence the draft picks that Tex will give you when he signs elsewhere.

By Chop Chop

July 29, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

McFann,

You don’t want your best young hitter to be playing a position where he needs 20-30 games off a season. McCann should still be a catcher, but he shouldn’t be playing there as much as he is now. The Braves have to get a good, veteran catcher (Varitek is old, but he’d be perfect for a team that needs leadership) to take on more of a load next year.

In the meantime, McCann should get some games at first base this year to acclimate him to the position. It will keep his head from getting knocked in and allow the Braves to see if he cann (ugh) be adequate over there. There’s nothing wrong with looking out for a long-term investment that is better offensively than defensively.

By Lew

July 29, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

J-School Dropout-How is Chipper going to play first? If he has to stretch for a ball, he may fall down with a torn hamstring and never get up again.

By TennesseePaul

July 29, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

As the Braves consider offers on a possible deal for first baseman Mark Teixeira, they’re faced with the real possibility that the injury to Tim Hudson’s pitching elbow is significant. According to sources, the early indications from teams in talks about Teixeira are that the Braves are asking for some form of pitching in return.
—Buster Olney

Excellent!

By Mike

July 29, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

Shaun

So the situation is completely different than them trading a guy for an upgrade at a position they weren’t really all that desperate to fill.

Then why are we dealing with teams that could care less. Looks like they have the bargaining power, right? Of course, DOB suggested that Frank Wren has the bargaining power. And Frank Wren thinks so too.

If there is no desperation at all from other teams in trade discussions, then maybe we really should just keep the guy and take the picks at the end of the season.

By JB

July 29, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

BravesLover

If the Braves attendance does go down dramatically these last 2 months, you could also make the argument that it sends a message to Liberty Media a quality team needs to be fielded in order to make a profit, which would enspire them to spend some money this offseason to get the Braves to be competitive again.

By Mitch

July 29, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

I hope that Wren does the right thing and trades Tex in the next 48 hours. We are never going to re sign him. The idea of using Mike Hampton’s 15 mil that will be freed up to go after Tex is intriguing, but I highly doubt the Braves can afford him anyway. Trade Tex and move on.

I believe Smoltz will be back. As for others, I’m hopeful that maybe Glavine can pitch one more year. Yes, he’ll be 43, but the guy can still pitch when healthy. For another 8-9 mil, especially if Smoltz is gone until July 2009, and if heaven forbid Huddy needs Tommy John surgery, and is out all or most of 09, it’s a gamble Wren should take.

I keep hearing conflicting reports on Tex.  Some sources say he is history in 48 hrs or less, while others say the Braves are asking too much for a guy who will probably leave whatever team he's traded to after this season, and that teams would rather let him finish the season with the Braves, and get him after the season for nothing but a loss of draft picks.  

Tex will probably end up with either the Yankees, or maybe Baltimore.  The Mets would be intriguing too.  Delgado is getting up there in years, and could easily be traded to hte American League to be a DH.  With new stadiums next year, and an influx of cash from them, both the Yankees and the Metropolitans have the cash to afford Tex and his 20 mil salary.

A few days ago, I’d say I would have been shocked to still see Tex as a Brave on Thursday at 4pm. Now, I dont know. Teams may not bite to trade away prospects, if they can get him after the season for a couple of draft picks.

 Mitch

By Different Take

July 29, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

Buster Olney:

As the Braves consider offers on a possible deal for first baseman Mark Teixeira, they’re faced with the real possibility that the injury to Tim Hudson’s pitching elbow is significant. According to sources, the early indications from teams in talks about Teixeira are that the Braves are asking for some form of pitching in return.

Seems like the Braves are incredibly vulnerable right now and are just going to look for stop gaps in 2009. Chad Tracy and Micah Owings fit the bill.

Braves fans should be really happy and blessed that the D-Backs would even give them such a package. Especially considering all they are getting back is a player who will be with them for 2 months…..and 2 draft choices, maybe 24(Yankees selection) and 31(first supp. pick).

Chad Tracy and Micah Owings are winning ball players that will lead this team to the World Series in 2010……Mark it down………

By TennesseePaul

July 29, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

Rotoworld predicts Teixeira will stay put in Atlanta due to weak trade proposals and no contenders need for a first baseman…Trade listing:

To Diamondbacks for RHP Micah Owings, OF Gerardo Parra and RHP Barry Enright
To Red Sox for RHP Michael Bowden, OF Brandon Moss and RHP Daniel Bard

By Bubdylan

July 29, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

P. Rose, crackin’ me UP!

By Kevin in Chattanooga

July 29, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

DAVID O’BRIEN

Any chance the Braves would consider offers for Chipper? He is aging, at the top of his game presumably. He would be able to bring in a bevy of prospects, especially since having a 3rd baseman with his hitting prowess is somewhat rare. What do you think? I know he’s an ikon but he’s hitting his upper 30s and his health is declining. What are you hearing on Kotsay? Could he be a throw-in?

Your thoughts?

By Kentavo

July 29, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Varitek makes mega millions and is BoSox’s captain. Do a little research before you post.

By McFann O

July 29, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

bravos2249—

I agree. I mean, all catchers get banged up—and they know that’s a risk they take, but someone’s got to do it.

His off-season program does seem to be paying off. He said he believed it would help him to not feel as much fatigue in his hips during the latter part of the season as he had for the past two years.

Yeah, I’m guessing Francoeur didn’t watch the tapes this year. ; )

Chop Chop—

I know what you mean…I see EVERYbody’s point about this, but…I don’t know if he would work as a first baseman.

I don’t know…maybe he could play like…10 games a year there…

By Different Take

July 29, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

How about we shift the focus to a major league ready pitcher over a major league first baseman?

How about Nick Green straight up for Mark Teixiera?

Or Billy Buckner straight up for Mark Teixeira?

Maybe the D-Backs or Angels could bless us with such an arm for a player and two draft choices?!?!?!?!

By Cecil34

July 29, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

McFann

Would you be less of a Mac fann if he played first? Of course you wouldn’t…

I know you love him as a catcher, and I agree he is a darn good one, but I want to see him around 15 years.

Oh, and you know ol’ Johnny played first too! Makes sense. Great talent rises to the challenge….

By keylargo

July 29, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

I think some of you people so sure that we will not get a couple of good nearly ready or ready MLB players are forgetting that we are trading Tex AND the two high draft picks.

Say we trade Tex to the Angels and he walks. The Angels get the picks from whoever signs him. So they are getting a two month rental, two high draft picks and the chance to negotiate with Boras exclusively for two months.

By bravos2249

July 29, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

McFann

his ankle doesn’t seem to be an issue either…with thos 3 stolen bases, a triple (should be 2), running 1st to 3rd, and tagging up….I’d say he’s Stepping Up big time…though the numbers are expected :)

By Wayne in Utah

July 29, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

The waiting is the hardest part!

A couple of points:

Tex Get the best deal that can be had, and worry about filling in the holes this winter. I like the 4 firstbasemen being discussed, but I have my doubts any of them will be offered, unless we sweeten the pot. I also like Chad Tracy better than most on the blog. He is probably on a par with someone like KJ. Also, Micah Owings (Boras or no Boras) is a hechuva outfielder/firstbaseman who happens to also pitch. Dude has 25 HR potential! Also, he has pitched 2 decent half seasons, and really sucked otherwise. Youth?? He might be a decent back of the rotation arm, with some assistance from McDowell.

McCann (why do my fingers want to spell McFann instead of McCann???) Not saying the Braves should do it, but I bet there have been discussions in the past two days as to whether he could handle first base. Someone with more time than me can spit out all the numbers of catchers who have missed significant time due to collisions or knee problems behind the dish. Dude is a hitting machine. If we could increase his utility by moving him to first, it might be worth an experiment.

Other Firstbasemen

Doug (eyechart) Mientkiewicz, Kevin Millar, Dan Johnson, Rich Aurilia, Sean Casey. We don’t have to get a first sacker in the Tex deal.

The waiting is the hardest part!

By Different Take

July 29, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Looks like we can center a deal arond Micah Owings.

Is he going to play the field or pitch for us?

Let’s convert him into a left fielder.

It makes perfect sense.

By McFann O

July 29, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Cecil34—

Of course I’d still be a McCann fann if he moved to first! And I’d love it if he could play more, but I don’t see them moving him to first.

I’d love to see him around for 15 years—especially with the Braves…but…but…

Yeah, towards the end there (and somewhere in the middle) Johnny Bench played some games at first (some third, too…a couple in the outfield…). But he was a little bit faster, right? (Course, 3BMac has 6 SB in his career now…)

Besides, the pitchers love to throw to McCann!

By LivininAL

July 29, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

To break from the upcoming departure- would anyone re-sign Hampton for next year? If so, what would be your top offer?.

By RC

July 29, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Kevin,

Braves will not trade Chipper. As a 10 and 5 player (10 years in league, 5 with same team) he can veto any trade, and probably would. Also, I think there is a rule against teams trading players who are on the disabled list, which Chipper is. Plus, he’s worth more to ATL than he would be to anyone else. He’s the most untradable player on the team I’d say.

By Wayne in Utah

July 29, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

How can you guys say the team that gets Tex are getting him AND two draft picks? It would be Tex OR Tex for two months and two draft picks. If they signed him, they wouldn’t get the picks.

By Lauren T.

July 29, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

Mac’s too young to consider moving him to 1B. He’s only 24, and I can’t imagine the organization would consider moving him unless they had no choice.

By skip

July 29, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

“Varitek makes mega millions and is BoSox’s captain. Do a little research before you post.”

Um Varitek’s contract is over this year, he may be the captain but offensively he could not be worse and his defense is not enough to pay him the millions he will be seekin (Boras client). The Sox have shown they are willing to cut ties with aging veterans rather than break the bank. I’m sure they would love to keep him but if another team swoops in a much bigger money/much longer term contract, the Sox would let him go, and I’m sure Jason would take the money and run. The original poster wasn’t that far off the mark.

By TennesseePaul

July 29, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

He’s the most untradable player on the team I’d say.

Well, he and Mike Hampton but for entirely different reasons.

By Different Take

July 29, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

John Heyman:

The Diamondbacks, Rays and Angels appear to be the most enthusiastic players in the Mark Teixeira Sweepstakes. Atlanta has said it doesn’t absolutely have to have a first baseman in exchange, but they’d get one back from Arizona (Chad Tracy) and probably also from Tampa Bay (Carlos Pena). But the big question now is whether the Angels will trade their first baseman, Casey Kotchman. The Angels have always been relucant to deal their young players, but there are differeing reports about whether they’d surrender Kotchman. One Angels person just characterized their chances for a deal as “remote” now, so perhaps they wouldn’t. If not, Arizona, which has been shown to be a deal-maker, may wind up with Teixeira.

Carlos Pena? No thanks.

How about for just Chad Tracy? Would everyone do that? I mean, I think that is better than two draft picks that have very little shot of making it ot the majors.

By Chop Chop

July 29, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Kentavo,

Varitek is a free agent and will be 37 years old next year. The man is hitting .218 in the walk year of a 4-year, $40 million deal. He’s probably looking at $4-$5 million a year on the open market, if that. Boston might pay him more to stay, but Theo Epstein doesn’t seem like the type of guy who is so sentimental that he feels obligated to sign ‘Tek to a two-year “Farewell to the Captain” tour worth $8-10 million.

P.S.: The Red Sox have leaders on their team. They can overcome the departure of Jason Varitek.

P.P.S: One thing I left out up there is that Tek is a Boras client. However, I have no doubt that Tek will be making the decision on what contract he accepts. Boras knows that he’ll get his big money off the Tex deal. Boras also knows that 37-year-old catchers (well, other than the Yankees paying 52.5 million over four years for a 36-year-old Jorge Posada!) are not going to get the big bucks.

So…Tek would be affordable for the Braves, but I don’t think he will end up in Atlanta or anything. For one thing, he’d like to retire in Boston. Another thing is that he would like to know that his team is going to have a shot at the World Series. The Braves can’t give him either of those things.

By RC

July 29, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Here are the two scenarios involving Mac:

Scenario A C- McCann 1b - replacement (no worse than Thorman)

Scenario B 1b - McCann C - replacement (no worse than…Corky?)

It is MUCH easier (and cheaper) to find a decent hitting first baseman than C. Based on what’s best for the team, it makes way more sense for Mac to catch. There is a higher risk of injury, but that is going to be the case for whoever catches. And it’s probably better career-wise for him to catch, since with his bat he has a real chance at becoming a Hall of Fame catcher if he can avoid injury…he would NOT be a Hall of Fame 1b.

By Braves20

July 29, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Know that rumors are five cents a dozen this week but one that has popped up on a few sites that is disturbing is Mike Gonzalez.

Let’s see - he last blew a save when Bill Clinton was president. Moving him would not only raise the white flag for this year but next year as well.

By Tomahawk Kris

July 29, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

LivininAL,

The only way the Braves keep Hampton next year is if he agrees to play for free - and while he does owe us for all the money he has stolen that ain’t gonna happen. Hampton days as a Braves are done after this year and good riddens!

By Jake

July 29, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

DOB

Considering what the Braves can do at the trade deadline and the money they will have free this offseason, how do you think they will approach the 2009 season? Will they still see it as rebuilding or will they go out and try to get one of the big free agents. I mean we still have a pretty good nucleus of players in Escobar, McCann, Chipper, and either Prado or Johnson. We could have a pretty good bullpen with a healthy Soriano, Gonzalez, and whenever Moylan returns. Obviously with Hudson’s injury it hurts us, but we still have a pretty good young nucleus with Jurrjens and Campillo. Maybe Smoltz or Glavine. I don’t know which one has the better chance of returning.

By keylargo

July 29, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah

I didn’t imply that the new team would get both even if they signed Tex. I think it was clear that you get Tex and if he walks then you get the draft picks.

In other words, you get exactly what the Braves would. So why should the Braves expect only compensation to be in the “two draft picks” range?

By the Donger

July 29, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Yo Hometown Hero:

For Jason Bay, you said, “Offer Pittsburgh Lillibridge, Brandon Jones, Morton or Jo Jo, and another prospect, maybe Schafer, and take the deal.” — You sir, are a moron. WTF is Jason Bay gonna do? He looks comical against lefties.. but go ahead and give up our best young players to get him. That’ll work…dipsh*t!!

By Chop Chop

July 29, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

skip,

I didn’t explain myself, you see. A single comment like that sets off alarms in some people’s minds that ol’ Chop Chop might not know what he’s talking about.

Anyway, thanks for the backup there.

By Doc Holliday

July 29, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

If Braves cant trade TEX ……………because of lack of good offers…………..all that it would mean is that our “luck” is still at its best…………it sukz

By Patrick

July 29, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

I’d rather get one draft pick than have to watch Chad Tracy

By BravesFanInRockies

July 29, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

Just for Chad Tracy? No. Wren would have a hard time showing his face at Turner Field if that’s all he got for Tex.

By brian

July 29, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why many are giving Wren a hard time about not already trading Teixeira and Ohman. Wren will trade them when he feels that he has an acceptible offer. He cannot make a trade happen by saying I will take x,y,and z players from your team and give you Tex. If there are no good trade offers I hope he keeps them and uses the draft picks wisely. The Braves are under no obligation to trade them to contenders. It also is foolish to trade them just to trade them.

By Original Jon

July 29, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Kevin in Chattanooga you said I know he’s an ikon but he’s hitting his upper 30s and his health is declining Tell me, would you make that trade if you were on the other end after making that statement?

By rammerjammer

July 29, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

I dunno…there’s something really sad about all this. It’s kinda like having to sell your big house for a smaller one because you’re out of money.

I suppose there’s some enthusiasm about the new house, but the old one had lots of good memories. The new one is just…small.

(Sigh)

By McFann O

July 29, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

It’s hard to keep up this end of the argument…Except to keep saying I don’t see them moving him.

Maybe it’s worth a shot! What the heck do I know? But how well would he handle the infield? Maybe a couple games a year at first…but I don’t know about all the time…

It’s not that I’m against the idea entirely…I mean, I’d love it if he could play more, and I’d love it if they could “keep him healthy”—for lack of a better way to word it—but…he’s a catcher…

I’m all for a longer career, don’t get me wrong—Long play McCann!

But like Lauren said, he’s still young.

This year he’s been hit with foul balls and swinging bats, and his numbers are still up…Of course, now he’s got the concussion, but that was a freak thing, not gonna happen every year—though it may linger this year…I pray it doesn’t pull a Ryan Church. (I keep picturing his first game back, and a batter fouls one off his mask…)

Wayne—

Maybe they wanted to spell my name because I’m the one being a pain about the situation…

RC—

Hmm…good point. But isn’t it a little early to be talking HOF?

By geauxbraves2000

July 29, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

DOB - you misundertstood, I wasn’t saying it was a bad trade, I was just naming names, that’s all. (A lot of prospects were given up for Tex, but I’d do it again if the Braves were in the same position last year) The Ohman/Infante trade was a steal for the Braves. I was just mentioning who the Braves have given up for whomever they trade Tex for and possibly Ohman.

What I’m trying to say is, I like to see who trades turn into, ie, Marte turned into JJJ, etc.

Salty turns into (fill in the blank)

Geaux Braves!!

By skip

July 29, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop No problem, you and I are definitely of the mind set that the Sox would love for Tek to stay but at a reasonable rate. I differ from you though in that I think Jason, in what will probably be his last major league contract, will want the $$, he already has two rings so I cannot imagine that be will leave a bunch of money on the table for one more. Plus he lives in GA in the offseason, I could totally see him finishing his career as a Brave. But as with everything, we shall see.

By Ed Glennon

July 29, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

I was going to comment on all the injuries but I just strained my pectoral muscle and my groin has been tired all week. If I knew what my quad muscle was I think that is sore too.

By varoadrunner

July 29, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

One thing’s for sure - We’re going to see if our GM has the barungas needed to be a MLB GM.

I pray he does…..

By McFann O

July 29, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

bravos2249 (sorry to leave you off the last one, I got carried away)—

Yeah, the ankle seems to be holding up nicely. That bone spur hasn’t been a problem. I’m sure it still hurts once in a blue moon, but apparently it’s not that bad. He’s been better at running the bases this year than I cann remember from the last two years.

By G-man

July 29, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

How about Lilibridge or Prado for Maddux? Maddux can help eat up some innings next year with Huddy out. We seem to be good with middle infielders.

By Jason

July 29, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Build the deal around Chad Tracy.

I keep seeing that everywhere I look.

Is that what the Atlanta Braves have become? Building the deal around the likes of Chad Tracy.

Well, at least we have found our clean up hitter for 2009.

Chad Tracy.

Maybe if we are lucky our opening day starter will be Micah Owings!!!!

By Mike

July 29, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

Just for Chad Tracy? No. Wren would have a hard time showing his face at Turner Field if that’s all he got for Tex.

But that will probably be all we get for him…..

By IgCognito

July 29, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

DOB, you burning up the phone lines for the latest updates?

By varoadrunner

July 29, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Kevin in Chattanooga

I feel like I’m back and we’re discussing trading Dale Murphy. I’d guess that it’d freeze over before that happened.

Not a terrible idea if you get the right reward, altho, he’s about the only thing to watch this year.

By Mike

July 29, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

If the Red Sox could trade Manny, and get into the running for Tex, I’d like to ask for Lars Anderson in any trade talks. Considering the Red Sox don’t really need Anderson, I’d say it would be a great trade for the Braves.

Let’s hope the Red Sox ship out Manny, although it is highly unlikely.

By bravos2249

July 29, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Braves have already stated they wouldn’t trade GONZO…that’s all just talk

By StingerSplash

July 29, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

The Man in Black/Braves blog … our one little respite from the Brett Favre all day/all night coverage on ESTN. (The T is intentional, not a misprint. It stands for that thing Beavis said you can’t polish ….)

By Jeff R

July 29, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

The smart thing for Wren may be trying to obtain the best available talent for Super Tex and Ohman (and, perhaps, others), rather than trying to fill needs. Don’t forget, there are winter meetings upcoming. Granted, it would be nice to obtain a Connor Jackson or a Loney, but it’s hard to see how Wren does that unless the package the Braves offer is expanded or both teams involve more players in a deal.

But, ideally, I’d place a premium on pitching. I’d rather have plenty good young arms in the pipeline. Position players are typically easier to come by, via trade or free agency.

By Tomas

July 29, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

Mac is a great catcher, but if you think about the future, and he kepts having a beating like the one his gotten the last few years he wont last very long. I mean remember the Erick Byrnes collision with Mac, he was sidelined for a couple of weeks and got a bad ankle from that point on. And being that crouch for at least 145 games per year is not going to help him. Remember when Darrin Erstad knock down former all star johnny Estrada. He never did recover from that, and was designated for assignment two weeks ago.

First base is arguably the easiest position. I mean look at Tex, he is not fast and plays fantastic defense and has a gold glove to prove it. Or look at pujols, he isn’t fast either and has a gold glove too. And by the way Mac legs. For Mac’s sake move him to first before he gets seriously hurt.

There is a reason catchers don’t normally hit, or else they wouldn’t be catcher. They’re normally very good defensively and anything they can get offensively is a bonus.

By brian

July 29, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

Wren will not make the deal for just Chad Tracy. He would take the draft picks. Tex does fit in well in Arizona and would probably take them to the post-season, but Arizona will not have Tex unless they give something up in return that the BRaves want. We are not just going to give Tex to them for fringe players and prospects. If we get Tracy plus significant prospect(s) then yes the deal will be probably worth it.

By bravos2249

July 29, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

sorry but LOL

LaRoche on DL

and Gonzo just got off about a month ago

By Wayne in Utah

July 29, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

McFann Your not being a pain at all. All your points are valid. I think what you are reading on the blog concerning BMac is the heartfelt love/appreciation for him as an extremely important member of our team for the next 10+ years. Everybody is just concerned and want him around and healthy for as long as possible.

He might not be capable of being a decent first sacker. Many think that just anybody can play first. Well, they can for a short period of time, but over the course of a few games, it becomes painfully evident just how important a good first baseman is to a team.

I like the idea of adding Mientkiewicz if we don’t get a suitable first sacker in trade. Dude can pick em.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 29, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

Mike, if that’s the best offer the Braves get they will keep Tex and take the draft picks. Mark my words.

Now Wren could make an awful deal for Tex involving several players. But the only one-for-one I would see would involve Loney or C. Jackson. Even then I bet another player at least is included by both teams.

By T to the D

July 29, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

DOB- This Sir is what it must have looked like from the Padre’s perspective the week we got McGriff.

By blueridge

July 29, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

This trade, for Wren, could very possibly be what the Alexander/Smoltz deal was for Shurholtz. Pitching needs to be the top priority. I understand that teams aren’t lining up to give away top young arms, but I’m pretty sure Detroit wasn’t eager to trade away Smoltz at the time either. Please go after arms. Here’s to sticking with the formula.

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

Just up from the clubhouse, and it’s absolutely pouring here. Torrential downpour. Dark and windy.

By RC

July 29, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

McFann O,

It’s VERY early to be talking HOF for McCann. But based on what he’s done so far in his young career, I think it’s DEFINITELY a possibility, which is more than you can say for 90% of players who have been in the majors for less than 3 years.

By AZBravoFan

July 29, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

The comment about Murph reminded me what a dud deal the Braves got out of that. Ozzie Virgil and Mike Parrot right. Of course Murph, unlike Tex was on the downside of his career. But really, Chad Tracy is not much better than Virgil. The upside of the Murph deal was that it cleared room for a nice young outfielder named David Justice.

By TN-MAN

July 29, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

DOB you not on the radio today?

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Those hoping that the hulking rooftop bovine might get struck by lightning, it hasn’t happened yet.

By Lee

July 29, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

I really don’t agree with this desire to move McCann to first.

-I understand the fear of injuries, but the risk is no less at first (remember Derek Lee?) Besides Sunday’s game, how many collisions has he had? Not many. Honestly, he’s at more risk getting hurt by HBP or running the bases, which he would be doing regardless of position.

• Its nt a simple thing to switch positions. I think there is a misconception that anyone can play first. I think a lot of people take for granted what a great defender Tex is because of this. Its equally as difficult to field as third, except for the long throw. Any change for Mac would be a gradual process over a couple years.

• There aren’t many catchers better at calling games than Brian. You notice we’ve had pretty good pitching out of our B-team staff this year. We don’t get that without McCann behind the plate IMO. I know he is a great hitter, and he hasn’t been great at throwing out runners at times (more mechanics than lack of ability) but the first job of a catcher is to call the game for his pitcher, and there aren’t many better than #16.

By Wayne in Utah

July 29, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Really, can anybody believe that the Dodgers would actually be interested in Manny Ramirez? While Manny is a great hitter, he is getting old, he is expensive, he is a lousy outfielder, and he is a disruption in the clubhouse.

But then again, they signed Juan Pierre, Nomar Garciaparra and Andruw Jones!

:-)

By Memphis Fan

July 29, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

Espn Trade blog just reported that Kotchman pulled from pregame work-outs. They think the deal is done. Any truth to this?

By skip

July 29, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Sox website says Tex traded to LAA for Kotchman

By Get well soon, Heap, Get well soon!

July 29, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Great song choice.

The rain and dark skies over Turner Field are apropos. Maybe a huge clap of thunder will knock that damn cow over.

Raining here in Oxford, AL too. At least I think it is, very dark and thunder/lightning when I came in from work just a few minutes ago it hadn’t started to rain yet but it sure looked like it wanted to.

I noticed a couple typos in the above but didn’t want to be rude…would you rather us tell you or no, DOB ? I mean, it’s just a blog and I know they are just “in a hurry” errors…

Dayton? Take our French Fry, PLEASE!

By 57braves

July 29, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

ESPN just reported that Kotchman was pulled off the field during pre-game warmups. All indications are that he is our new 1st baseman. No other details regarding what else is in the package.

By Travis

July 29, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

ESPN just reported that Kotchman was pulled off the field during practice just now and that a deal is basically completed. Tex for Kotchman and a lesser player is the apparent trade…we’ll see if its true.

I think Kotchman is a far better option than Chad Tracy…

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

Lee, beyond that, how special is a 1B who hits .320 with 30 bombs? Not too. At catcher, he might be the best hitter at his position since Johnny Bench, other than dude named Piazza.

By Wayne in Utah

July 29, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Really, can anybody believe that the Dodgers would actually be interested in Manny Ramirez? While Manny is a great hitter, he is getting old, he is expensive, he is a lousy outfielder, and he is a disruption in the clubhouse.

But then again, they signed Juan Pierre, Nomar Garciaparra and Andruw Jones!

:-)

By Get well soon, Heap, Get well soon!

July 29, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Ha! DOB read my mind on the cow.

By used cars

July 29, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

RUMORS THAT KOTCHMANN WAS PULLED OFF THE FIELD FOR ANGELS…ANYONE HEAR ANYTHING ELSE….LET’S HOPE THERE IS PITCHING IN ADDITION TO KOTCH….

By DHD

July 29, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

LA gets Lugo, Manny and Ohman

Boston gets Tex, James and Andruw

ATL gets Crisp, Kemp and Loney

I know….it’s stupid, but I like it.

By IgCognito

July 29, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

the reports are that Tex is going to the Angles for Kotchman and another player…I hope it is Adenhardt!!!!

By Lee

July 29, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Looks like its the Angles. Kotchman pulled from pregame warmups.

By Lew

July 29, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

No more Maddux for next year. No more Glavine for next year. Smoltz only on a minor league contract (IF he looks like he has comeback capability).

The time for reliance on these pitcher’s past records (no matter how great they WERE, is way past and if nothing else, this year absolutely proves we need to move in another direction and quit trying to patch things up or get the last drop of blood from a player.

We have a basic core of good young guys with Jair, Yunel and McCann. We do have a lot of holes, too, as well as question marks for players like Frenchy (I’m not ready to give up on him, but I’m not counting on a comeback until I see it, either). Let’s fill these holes with younger, rather than ancient players-even if vets are signed, let’s have them be mid career rather then one foot in the grave guys-it didn’t work.

We will have the cash, as salaries like Hampton’s will be gone, but let’s not head down the same road. We’ve seen it ain’t gonna work that way.

By TommyP

July 29, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

If we deal for Owings, I hope we do it with the idea that he’s a project and we’re grooming him as a 1B or LF in the minors.

Yusmeiro Petit. Remember the name. He could be the pitcher the Braves acquire in a D’back deal.

By MBPELICAN

July 29, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

Kotchman and more for Tex per Stark

By Original Jon

July 29, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: TEX TRADED TO ANGELS FOR KOTCHMAN AND ANOTHER PLAYER.

By IgCognito

July 29, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

Posted by Jayson Stark Angels first baseman Casey Kotchman was pulled off the field during pregame warmups this afternoon at Fenway Park. And there are strong indications he is about to be traded to the Braves for Mark Teixeira, according to a source with knowledge of those discussions. Details are still being finalized, and additional, lesser names are expected to be involved. But Kotchman for Teixeira is the core of this deal.

The latest: A second source with knowledge of these discussions says the Braves will get Kotchman, plus a second lesser name, for Teixeira in a 2-for-1 deal.

By blazerpunter

July 29, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Tex trade already made?

DOB, have you heard anything to substantiate this rumor from The Almighty Stark?

By Original Jon

July 29, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

NOW ITS BEING REPORTED TEX FOR KOTCHMAN AND STEPHEN MAREK. if this is true, Wren got ripped on that one.

By Interested Observer

July 29, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

ESPN reporting Tex to Angels for Kotchman and I don’t know what else.

By Tomas

July 29, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Teixeira for Kotchman, Marek close According to an American League source, the Angels and Braves are close to a deal that would send Mark Teixeira to the Angels for first baseman Casey Kotchman and pitcher Stephen Marek.

It is not known if the Angels have had an opportunity to explore contract extension talks with Scott Boras, Teixeira’s agent. The slugging first baseman is set to become a free agent and is said to be seeking a deal for as many as eight years and upwards of $20 million per year.

Kotchman, arguably the MVP on the team with the Majors’ best record, would be under the Braves’ control through 2011. Marek is a hard-throwing reliever.

— Lyle Spencer

By IgCognito

July 29, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

MLB.com’s Lyle Spencer says the second player is relief prospect Stephen Marek…

Who?????????????????????????????????

By brian

July 29, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

I agree Lee

McCann is much more valuable as a catcher. His stats as a catcher are top in the league. At 1B his stats would be good but would not stand out so much. It is a lot easier to find a good hitting 1B than a great hitting catcher. Besides as you mentioned it is not that easy to change positions. Focusing on the position change will likely take away from the hitting.

Same thing with Chipper. His stats as a 3B are much more impressive there than if he played 1B. If Chipper decides to move to 1B towards the end of the career then we will move him. Chipper has earned the right to play where he wants.

As far as people mentioning trading Chipper above, what are you smoking? Chipper will never be traded and should never be traded. Besides being a future Hall of Famer, how many players have given up money to help the team improve. Granted with his injuries the guaranteed money was good for him but he took a big cut. Atlanta owes a lot to Chipper and people should be thanking him, not talking about trading him for prospects.

By Chop Chop

July 29, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

1B Casey Kotchman and P Stephen Marek to the Braves for Mark Teixeira.

Here ya go, folks

By Mike

July 29, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

Casey Kotchman and Stephen Marek traded to the Braves for Mark Teixeira.

A simply terrible aquisition for the Braves.

By Im

July 29, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

i guess casey kotchman is better than chad tracy. i don’t know how much that’s really saying, but it’s something.

By Tomas

July 29, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

Kotchman for Teixeira in works

Tuesday, July 29, 2008 | Print Entry

Posted by Jayson Stark Angels first baseman Casey Kotchman was pulled off the field during pregame warm-ups this afternoon at Fenway Park. And there are strong indications he is about to be traded to the Braves for Mark Teixeira, according to a source with knowledge of those discussions. Details are still being finalized, and additional, lesser names are expected to be involved. But Kotchman for Teixeira is the core of this deal.

The latest: A second source with knowledge of these discussions says the Braves will get Kotchman, plus a second lesser name, for Teixeira in a 2-for-1 deal.

By P-Town Brave

July 29, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

According to ESPN’s Jayson Stark, Mark Teixeira is headed to the Angels for Casey Kotchman and a prospect.

WOW…so thats all we got for him?

I hope Wren does better selling on Ohman!

By jjb

July 29, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Tex is an Angel!!

By bulldog20

July 29, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Bill Shanks just confirmed on his afternoon radio show, that the trade is official. Angels get TEX, and the Braves get Casey Kotchman and a RH relief pitcher that is currently at the Angels AAA club.

By TommyP

July 29, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

We got Kotchman. Ugh.

By Interested Observer

July 29, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Rosenthal says Tex for Kotchman and AA RHP Stephen Merak.

By Jake

July 29, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Kotchmen and a minor league pitcher for Tex.

By cabravesfan

July 29, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

According to ESPN:

Confirmed: Mark Teixeira to the Angels for Casey Kotchman and Double-A left-handed pitcher Stephen Marek.

By J.D.

July 29, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

SportsCenter says Tex traded to Angels for Kotchman and Stephen Marek

By TennesseePaul

July 29, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Kotchman and and Class AA right-hander Stephen Marek are headed to Atlanta in exchange for the power-hitting first baseman.
—Ken Rosenthal

By jed

July 29, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

yep, deal’s been announced on mlbtraderumors.com. kotchman & marek for tex. sounds like a good deal to me.

By McFann O

July 29, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Wayne. I know everybody is thinking of his health when they talk about this, and I like that.

But it’s like you said, a good defensive first baseman is very important to a team. And I’m not sure if McCann would be a very good defensive first baseman—and that’s obviously nothing against him, it’s just the truth. First basemen aren’t usually fast, but they have to have very good footwork or they’re in trouble.

And maybe right after a concussion is not the best time to teach a catcher how to play first base. His coordination might be a little off.

RC—

Point taken. If he keeps this up, it’d be a strong possibility. (Don’t think that’s never entered my mind.)

Lee—

I agree with every word you wrote in that 5:42 post.

DOB—

Torrential downpour? Nice. We got some weather here, too. Good point about 3BMac.

Any news outta the clubhouse?

By Halo Nation

July 29, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

Wren got fleeced!!!!

HAHAHAHAHA.

Marek is an OKAY prospect and Kotchman has warning track power!!!!!

HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

BRAVES SHOULD OF TAKEN THE DRAFT CHOICES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

I’m told it’s true, Tex to the Angels. Gotta confirm. but yes, i believe it’s happened.

By Matt

July 29, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

According to LA Times, it’s Marek and Kotchman for Tex. Come on DOB, get us some info!!

By Robin

July 29, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

FINALLY! It’s official - Tex is gone. Now lets get on with playing some ball. This is the only move we’re gonna make.

By Shaun

July 29, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox, Prado has made 12 starts in his big league career. I think it’s clearly a matter of such a small sample.

ESPN is reporting Tex-for-Kotchman and a double-A pitcher is a done deal.

By OrlandoFan

July 29, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

ESPN just confirmed Tex to Angels for Kotchman and lefty pitcher

By logwat

July 29, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

ESPN.com reporting that its a confirmed deal - Tex for Kotchman and Marek…

By Wayne in Utah

July 29, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Word on ESPN is that it is going to be Kotchman and Stephen Marek? for Tex.

Again, not confirmed at this point, but supposedly Kotchman has been pulled from the pre-game workouts.

XM is now reporting this….

By Ray

July 29, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

ESPN is reporting the trade is done.

By TennesseePaul

July 29, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

Stephen Marek

Career Minor League
ERA: 3.53
SO/BB: 348/130

By Tomas

July 29, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

it certainly beats the chad tracy deal.

By Original Jon

July 29, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

Those of you wondering, Kotchman actually bats better against left handers than he does right handers.

By TommyP

July 29, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

Marek is apparently a power arm, potential closer. Interesting prospect.

Here’s what I don’t get and I was NOT one of the ones crying about Wren taking so long.

Why not wait ‘til the 31st and see if anyone panics and ups the ante?????????????????

By McFann O

July 29, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

If this rumor is true about Tex, I am TICKED!

By prattvillenolzfan

July 29, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

If the game is delayed tonight due to rain….any chance Kotchman can get to ATL in time to play……

By Train Wreck Bystander

July 29, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Yeah, they are announcing the trade on the radio pre-game.

Thanks Tex for all the good work. Wish it could have turned out differently.

By TennesseePaul

July 29, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

This is the first year of relief pitching for Marek. Wonder if the Braves are thinking of putting him back in a Starters role. Angels may have changed his role for this season due to the impending Free Agency of K-Rod (hate that nick name). Marek is supposed to be a hard thrower.

By rupert

July 29, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

don’t give me this kotchman is a terrible s**, i bet most of the people on this blog have never seen him play, there is a report of someone with the angels saying he was their team mvp so far, he plays really good defense, is getting more comfortable at the plate and hitting for more power, better than two hit or miss draft picks and the braves control him through 2011, the reliver is hard throwing and averages well over a strikeout per inning, not sure about his back story

seems like the braves liked kotchman much more than chad tracey and i would agree, better d, more consistent at the plate, younger… not a tremendous deal, but seems like wren took the best offer, and will now have 2 days to look at deals for ohman, kotsay, maybe frencouer and johnson

By Ed Glennon

July 29, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

Goodbye Tex

By Braves fan born in 1987

July 29, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

Thank god it’s not Tracy. Much better than two draft picks. Good haul, IMO. They weren’t going to get Conor Jackson or James Loney. I do wish they had gotten a staring prospect, but perhaps Ohman and Kotsay could bring that.

We’ll miss ya, Tex. Nothing but a class act. And some denizens can say what they want, he is not the reason the BRaves’ season is in the tank.

By bravos2249

July 29, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul

WOW dude’s averaging almost 100 SO/yr

By JEB

July 29, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

TEX for Kotchman and Stephen Marek is a WHOLE LOT better than TEX for 2 first round draft picks!!

It gets us a 1basmn. for 2 - 3 years after this and a reliever that is just about major league ready! All this for RIGHT NOW and next year. Not 3 - 4 years away!

By SeaAtl

July 29, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Sick to my stomach. The Braves are obviously much worse after this trade than before. That’s no surprise. But what worries me is the trend - looking back at what Atlanta gave up to get Tex, and now what Atlanta got in this trade. The Braves are continuing to get worse each season. The two draft picks next year would have been more valuable than these two players. Very sad so see the Braves dynasty end. Tragic to see them continue to get worse, and worse, and worse, to the point that they won’t be remembered as an elite team by anyone but old die-hard fans. Bad trade, but not sure FW could have done much better.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 29, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Yowza. Marek is 24, huge strikeout guy.

By TommyP

July 29, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

Now it gets really interesting.

Let’s see what we can get for Ohman.

Let’s see what we can get for Kotsay.

Let’s see if a trade for a Jason Bay or some other OF materializes.

Let’s see if a suprise trade is made (Franceour or Kelly).

By Wayne in Utah

July 29, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

For those thinking this is a bad deal, are you kidding me??

Kotchman is going to be a welcome addition to this Braves team. He is a definite know commodity, an average to above average player, and Marek looks like he throws hard. It seems he has been moved to a bullpen role this past season.

If the D’backs weren’t offering Jackson and the Dodgers weren’t offering Loney or Kemp or Ethier, then Kotchman is a pretty good bounty, and a much more immediate return than 2 draft choices.

By Rayman

July 29, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

I don’t see how we could expect more since everyone knows that he and his agent intend to go to the highest bidder this winter.

By Shamus Thacker

July 29, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

DOB Torrential downpour. Dark and windy.

Kinda reminds me of this season…

By Steve in Utah

July 29, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Well goodbye Tex. Thanks for helping make Chipper a near .400 hitter and McCann a 20-HR catcher this year. Well it’s good to know now that the next two months of my calendar has freed up now the Bravos are waving the white flag. I’ll still watch them here in Utah, but it won’t be appointment viewing until next April, unless Chipper catches lightning in a bottle the rest of the way.

By Steve from OH

July 29, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Here’s a little bit of info on Marek from an Angels blog…

“As a starting pitcher Steve Marek ranked in the 30-40 range of our Top-50 Prospect Report. But, as I said in an edition of our “Ask Angelswin.com” segment, he’s easily ranked a lot higher as a reliever with two plus pitches. Marek pitches in the low to mid 90’s, touching 97 MPH, and has a hammer curve. When the Angels converted him back into a reliever it was the right move as his lack of a consistent changeup was hurting his value as a starting pitcher. The results of the move have spoken for themselves so far this year in Arkansas.

Marek has a 3.00 ERA, but has held opposing hitters to a .218 batting average while fanning 46 hitters in 36 innings as the Travelers setup man. He has a good chance to be a part of what looks to be a dynamite bullpen for the Angels in the future.”

By Original Jon

July 29, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

MLBTraderumors.com seems to believe it is a solid return and that it beats a couple of draft choices of unknown position. I seem to agree. Come on folks, if you seriously thought the D-backs were gonna part with Conor Jackson, or if the Dodgers were gonna part James Loney for a 2 month rental, you are sadly mistaken. Neither the D-Backs or the Dodgers would have been able to re-sign him at the end of the year, something that the Angels surely will be able to do. Kotchman, in my opinion is better than Chad Tracy and the Dodgers were smart to hold on to Loney. So, this seems to be the best we could get. The Angels sure as heck were not going to give up the farm just incase they cannot re-sign Tex. So we got a good deal. Give it a rest already.

By Dan_in_NC

July 29, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Well, hate to see Tex go but its a business and the Braves are officially sellers for the first time since the Dale Murphy era.

We got Kotchman through 2011, that enough makes this a good deal IMO. My guess is that this isn’t the only trade we will make between now and Thursday. Let’s see how this all pans out before we jump on Frank Wren.

By Goodoleboy58

July 29, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

I like the trade…

Some of yall already had your hate posts prepared… It wouldn’t have mattered who we got in return

By Lee

July 29, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

I like the deal. Kotchman is a plus defender hitting his prime and under team control through 2011. And the guy puts the ball in play (23 Ks in 373 ABs)

Even if Marek never pans out I think Wren did a good job. Now the team can focus on getting a pitcher this offseason.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 29, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the stat link, TennPaul. Marek may be able to contribute next year.

By AdirondackDave

July 29, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Good deal FW — Kotchman and anybody for 2 months of Tex is just fine. He’s under control for 3 years and should enable us to put serious money/players into a couple top rung power outfielders or one outfielder and one #1-2 pitcher. We can be very competitive next year if this kind of management continues, and I think it will.

By fastasballs

July 29, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Believe me Wren could have done a lot worse than Kotchman. He’s solid & from the 10-15 Halo games I have seen this year, he’s fairly clutch. Last night included.

He’s a good piece. Now Wren can work on getting a power bat for left field.

By Josh M

July 29, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Good lord, what are you people complaining about? This was a great deal to help our staff immediately, and through 2011.

Did you think we were getting Manny? A-Rod?

By Duane

July 29, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

Kotchman is a solid pickup. He’s young, still maturing physically, cheap, durable, and improving every week. He is also a slick fielder. Pencil him in for .290, 20 HRs, 85 RBIs batting in the 5 hole (McCann moves to cleanup). The Angels have showed that you can win with Kotch at 1B. Now, if we can use some money to upgrade CF and our RF gets his head out of his ###, all we have to worry about is pitching. Forever an optimist….

By IgCognito

July 29, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

TommyP, I was thinking the exact same thing!

By BravesFanInRockies

July 29, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

As someone commented on the mlbtraderumors blog:

Boston, it’s your move.

The bidding will now open on Mr. Ohman and Mr. Kotsay (just to mention a couple of names).

By spotts

July 29, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

We could’ve done A LOT better. I think I’d rather have the draft picks. If we couldn’t compete this year with Tex, how are we gonna compete next year (or any year) with Kotchman and an average AA arm?

By Original Jon

July 29, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

SeaAtl Dude, seriously try to grip the reality of the trade. Atlanta gave up all of them prospects hoping and thinking that Tex would lead them to TWO playoff berths. He’s lead them to NONE. The Angels were not going to give up the same number of players, that we did, for a 2 month rental. Get that straight, they are getting 2 months of Tex, we got him for a year and two months. We had to give more than them because we got him longer. How hard is that to understand? Oh and it is not a bad trade in the least sense? You would have rather Tex walk and we get 2 draft picks of unknown choices? Not knowing when or if they would ever even make it to the majors? That there would have made the trade for Tex last year seem like a bigger bust, just letting him walk for 2 draft choices, SHEESH!

By Steve from OH

July 29, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

Not a terrible haul. Got a cheap 1B for a few years and a good relief guy. Lots of money free next year to sign a starter. Perhaps an OF acquisition and/or Ohman trade in the works.

By Shamus Thacker

July 29, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

HEX IS HISTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There IS a cure for cancer!!!!!!!!!!!!

YEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

By Jake

July 29, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

Stop the trades now. We are obviously not dealing from a position of strength as Wren thought. Teams are kinda dictating to us.

By bravos2249

July 29, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

rupert

maybe you haven’t noticed but WE PLAYED THE ANGELS THIS YEAR….PEOPLE HAVE SEEN!

By SeaAtl

July 29, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

I do wish Tex well - he had a good season. The slow start drove me crazy, but he can’t be blamed solely for this painful season. Maybe this pitcher is more than a “throw in” and turns out to be the steal in this trade - looks like he throws hard & racks up K’s. Guess another silver lining is that Kotchman is here for a couple of years, so 1B shouldn’t be a concern as it would have been had we kept Tex only to lose him as a free agent. Still a bit sick, but on more thought I guess it’s probably as good as we had any right to expect.

By Calvin

July 29, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

Looks like Tex got traded for a defensive 1B and a bag of balls…oh, my bad, a relief pitcher. Amazing.

By Different Take

July 29, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

If that is all we can get, than that is all we can get.

Salty, Andrus, Harrison, Feliz, Jones = Teixiera, Ron Mahay

Ron Mahay = Brett Devall

Teixeira = Casey Kotchman and Stephen Marek

So we got Kotchman, Stephen Marek and Brett Devall for Salty, Andrus, Harrison, Feliz and Jones…………………………….

By Wayne in Utah

July 29, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

Thanks Tex! Woulda, coulda, shoulda aside, it wasn’t your fault. Just some bad luck, and some decisions that didn’t work out.

Lew Good points about 2009. Gotta get away from the old guys. I would only be interested in Smoltz in a bullpen role, and maybe (HUGE MAYBE) Hampton as a back end starter, if he comes around, and IF he comes cheaply.

Huddy is the big question mark. JJJ, James, JoJo, Campy, Morton, Hanson, Lerew, Redmond are all young, and could go either way (JJJ less iffy than the others). We need to add at least one more arm next year, or a prospect for Ohman. 2009 might be a long shot for being competitive, or setting up 2010.

It will be an interesting winter, as they all are!

By Goodoleboy58

July 29, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

Does the torrential downpour mean the press boxes wont be catching fire this evening?

By Braint

July 29, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

I like KJ to left — the guy can flat out rake and he’s only 26. Prado playing 2B the rest of the year would be great.

Please get Loney or Jackson for Tex. Chad Tracy would be a disappointment.

We are fine here in LA but the shaker lasted a LONG time. Very unsettling (no pun intended.)

By DesiBrave

July 29, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

FANTASTIC TRADE. FRANK WREN HAS PULLED ANOTHER GREAT DEAL. I LOVE IT .

By Chad

July 29, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

Good trade Mr. Wren!

Kotchman is just as good as Tex…

Most of Tex’s stats were just that, just stats.

When he was needed the most HE DID NOT PRODUCE

I would have done the deal straight up.

By Richard Hamilton

July 29, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

This is actually a pretty solid deal for the Braves. No one was going to pay through the roof for a two month rental. Might as well get over that one people. You can’t cry about what we gave up for Tex and compare this with that deal. Kotchman is actually a very good defensive 1B, who is a solid hitter, and he’s only like 24 or 25 and locked up through 2011. This should allow the Bravos to go out and get a good outfielder and starting pitcher this off season.

By Bilal

July 29, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

I am not impressed. I though that we could have gotten Brandon Wood somehow if we included Ohman in the dead. Wood is a heck of player….

By Angels Fan

July 29, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

Congrats Braves, you made it hurt out here in CA. If you play your cards right, you may have just landed a guy who will be solid at 1B for you for the next 10 years. Casey is a good guy, too. He may not be Teixeira yet, but he’ll be a stud in a few years. Sweet swing!

By TommyP

July 29, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

Wren now has to upgrade that OF significantly at every spot.

LF? Must be improved.

CF? Blanco can be short term but deal Kotsay and see what we can do to upgrade there.

RF? Is Franceour the answer? If we can get a Zack Greinke for him, it might be time to do that. Jeff just looks horrible now.

It’s like Franceour caught the hitter’s version of the “Steve Blass syndrome.”

By J.L.

July 29, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

The Braves did great.

By Keb Mo4

July 29, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Great deal. Very happy with this one. Surprised with got a strong player in Kotchman!!! Good job Frank!

By Shamus Thacker

July 29, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

I’d be happy if they’d traded him for a dozen cat-head biscuits and a magnum of maple syrup, so needless to say I’m elated with Kotchman and what’s his name.

YEAH!!

By Wayne in Utah

July 29, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Who’s next???

What can we realistically get for Ohman and Kotsay?

If I thought we could/would resign Ohman for 2-3 years, I would love to keep him.

I don’t think Kotsay brings much.

As for others, I really don’t expect KJ or Frenchy to be dealt, unless something breaks loose in the winter.

The lineup will be interesting tonight, for sure.

My guess: Blanco, Escobar, Kotsay, KJ, Norton, Francoeur, Infante, and Sammons.

By Mr J

July 29, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Good-Bye Tex.

You’re a terrific player, and appear to a good guy. Thanks for your effort, and good luck with your career.

By bulldog20

July 29, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

This deal is looking much better than I first thought.

Kotchman has a bright future and is above average both offensively and defensively…and this young pitcher, Stephen Marek, looks like he could be a future closer or a solid starter. Good numbers in the minors.

He was moved from starting to the bullpen this season because he was being groomed as a potential replacement for the Angels closer, Rodriguez. The Braves are most likely looking for him to be a middle of the rotation starter in the next year or two.

Once again, good job Frank Wren!

By Dan in NJ

July 29, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

Great trade.IMO. Infield SET for a few more years…and cheap at that. Now with Tex/1B off the books…and others(hampton,glavine,etc). The Braves WILL have money to spend on Starting Pitchers.

Hope they can land a legit OF(Bay?) and maybe get one (OF) with Ohman or whoever else they decide to trade. The B-Pen will be fine next season. SO the Braves WILL compete next year. I’m content and confident that with an addition of an Ace during the offseason,plus maybe Smoltz coming back. The Braves will be fine come next season.

By Chop Chop

July 29, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

Here’s an alternative view of Stephen Marek:

Baseball Prospectus Article

Check the “Don’t Believe the Hype” section for the Angels.

By Renegator

July 29, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

I don’t know much about Kotchman. Does he become our clean-up hitter next year or does FW still need to trade for one?

McCann (gonna miss 35 games) and anyone else on the roster are not good clean-up options.

By Jeff321

July 29, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

The new lineup has been updated on mlb.com. And Norton is playing first base.

By chipdip

July 29, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

Quit the crying…its a very good deal.

By Taylor S

July 29, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

Kotchman is a great pick up. Many people said we could never get this much for Tex. We got this guy for 3 and a half seasons. Hes only 25 and making peanuts.

Aparently he had mono the season before last and is still developing. All reports iv seen say he is clutch and a total gamer.

I dont know much about the pitcher but he has a very high strike out rate. Looks like another power arm for the bullpen.

We just filled a major need for next season and you people are complaining ?

By Shamus Thacker

July 29, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

Chad, you’re a DAZZLING mind reader!

By Lee

July 29, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

*Steve from OH * good info on Marek. Wren may think he can be our post-Gonzo closer.

The thing I don’t like about this trade is that Tex won’t get his well deserved NL Gold Glove. I think we got all we expected and then some out of that guy! At least he gets to play for another great manager in Scioscia

By Chad

July 29, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

Stats over the last 30 days:

Kotchman: 4 HR’s 16 RBI’s 7 K’s

Teixieira: 4 HR’s 16 RBI’s 16 K’s

By Josh

July 29, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

That “bag of balls” has struck out over a batter per inning this season.

By Mr. Optimistic

July 29, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

this trade appears to be the best they could get. i will say this. they keep knocking off payroll. they MUST now spend some money on players. no more of this cheap stuff. just knocked another 10 mil off wit tex being traded.its time to bring up some of these Triple AAA players in CF to see what we have. also GET a bat in LF a power bat in the offseason.Smotlz isnt coming back as a starter. Bullpen for him. if we have a pen of smoltz in the 7th,soriano in the 8TH,gonzo in the 9th,moylan insures smotlz,carlye and or benett in mop up duty or when a starter gets injured and acosta & boyer and a rotation of JJ Campillo glavine maybe Hudson if he is healty a big time free agent SP this team can contend in 09. no way can there be as many season affecting injuries as this year.

By Robert

July 29, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

I am impressed. An outstanding trade for the Braves

By shoe

July 29, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

He is one that I would have kept. Focus should be on the young guys. I would have traded/ etc the old timers that don’t play anyway during the past off season. Would have been far ahead.

By TennesseePaul

July 29, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

Well this should be interesting. Kotchman is certainly better than Tracy. He’s a sound player. Certainly not a slugger like Teixeira. More consistant than LaRoche with less power. That other kid we’ll just have to wait and see.

Kotchman… they don’t call him “Clutchman” for nothing. Ha! He is solid though.

By Renegator

July 29, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

What does the lineup look like tonight with no Chipper, no Tex, no McCann?

Wow - talk about a AAA lineup

By used cars

July 29, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

For everyone that’s complaining and wanted Conner Jackson…There is not much difference between Kotchman and Jackson…would have been nice to get a right-handed bat, but Kotchy (you figure that’s what Cox will call him) is a gold glove quality 1b and Jackson is really a man without a position…If you look at Marek’s stats in a hitter’s league, they are not bad…10.99 k/per 9 and only 2 bombs…we need starters but we also need a couple of relievers who can miss bats…maybe Ohman, Kotsay and one of our extra infielders can bring lf help and a starting pitcher…

By AMG

July 29, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

Wow!! I go on vacation for the last two months and what happend to the Braves.

I think Wren took the best trade offer.

Have you seen the line up for tonight’s game? I think a team would get fined if they tried that line up in a split squad game during spring training.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 29, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

Renegator,

Heap can be and should be the cleanup hitter next year.

The Braves needed another RH masher while Tex was here. They need one now. That yet-to-be-acquired person can hit cleanup when Mac is resting.

The need remains …

By Chop Chop

July 29, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

Different Take,

The Braves got Kotchman, Marek, and DeVall for Salty, Andrus, Harrison, Feliz, Jones, Mahay, and Teixeira.

(You forgot to add Tex and Mahay in there. Without those two, the Braves wouldn’t have Kotchman, Marek, or DeVall.)

It doesn’t look quite as good the way I put it, does it?

By JEB

July 29, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

Great Trade Frank Wren!! We’ve got Kotchman at 1b for 3 more years - hits .285 against rh pitchers & over .300 vs. LHP! Salary is 1.5 mil. this year -leaves us a WHOLE LOT of money for starting pitcher!! This IS a big deal gang!!!!

By Shamus Thacker

July 29, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

Somewhere, a Legendary Freezer Burnt Head is smiling for us…

By LT-AA Blogger

July 29, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

Nice trade in my opinion- pretty much straight up. Kotchman isn’t Texeria but he seems to be more than adequate.

We filled a hole for the next few years and saved how much over the next 5-7 years? 100-150 million (Whatever Tex signs for minus whatever Kotchman makes).

Seriously, who that reads this blog regularly would want for the next 5-7 years hear folks bemoan Texeria for the first 2-3 months of the season.

By RedEyedAndBlue

July 29, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

If I’m an Angels fan, I sure better hope that the GM resigns Tex at the end of the year.

For the Bravos this is a good trade. As several have stated in past days, the Braves could not expect to get top dollar value for a 2 month rental of Tex. Kotchman and this minor league pitcher provide a much better return than two draft picks at the end of the year.

By John

July 29, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

I have to say, I’m OK with this trade. Kotchman and a strike out AA guy, whether SP or RP is a hell of a lot better than Tracy and whoever else the Dbacks might have tossed out there. Kotchman is steadily improving everyday, and is young and will fit in well with the rest of our young IF (Chipper excluded, of course) Further, this will free up a LOT of money for next season to bring in some high-quality SP and/or OF’s with Hampton Glavin and (I hope not) Smoltz’s salaries coming off the books. I’d say, overall and considering the circumstances, trade market, etc… that this was an OK deal. Not great, but about the best we could have really expected. Screw the draft picks. Too iffy. And if we had taken the picks, we’d STILL have to find someone to fill our 1B position, yet another hole to fill on a team already full of holes that two draft picks wouldn’t help for two or three years, If ever…..

By DumpHampton

July 29, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

Pretty decent move on the part of the Braves. Now if they would just get rid of that gimp Hampton and start spending that wasted money on young talent!! I like seeing the Braves in the post-season. I don’t know why management doesn’t :(

By Najeh Davenpoop

July 29, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Never seen Kotchman play, but all things considered this looks like a decent trade. Kotchman doesn’t seem like a huge drop-off offensively from Tex, and while I don’t know anything about his defense he seems to have a good reputation defensively. Losing the switch hitting bat may hurt a little, but the Braves could have done worse in this situation.

Of course, this only further validates the contention that last year’s Teixeira trade was misguided and pointless.

By 57braves

July 29, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Lee,

Are you serious? Do you think Tex gives a rip about Atlanta? To feel bad that he won’t get a NL Gold Glove is ludicrous. He thinks that Boras hung the moon and I am glad that he is gone. Three teams in 2 years with maybe a fourth team says something about him.

By bravos2249

July 29, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

LOL no wonder they didn’t “want to trade Kotchman

• Son of longtime Angels’ scout and minor league manager Tom Kotchman.*

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

Been downstairs talking to Wren, Teixeira, etc.

Red Sox, Yankees, Rays and Dodgers were also involved, but Kotchman was best player offered, in Braves’ view.

He’s under control for next three years; he’s a “Super Two” arb guy this year, the top 10 percent in service below the three year threshold.

Marek was in Double-A, Braves think he could be here in a year or two.

Tex said he was “open” all year to hearing an offer, never got one.

WREN: “This is obviously not the way we wanted the season to end, and go forward, but we look at it as building for the future. We really believe that this is the first step in going forward, and Casey Kotchman is a player that we can envision at first base for us for the next several years.”

“We feel like he’s still getting better, like he’s a real solid player now, and in watching him he’s gotten better and better. He’s a quality defender, and we also got a good, young arm who we feel like will be in our bullpen in the next couple of years.”

“We’re going to miss Mark Teixeira. But at the same time, as we plan to improve our ballclub, we feel like we got the best player out there. We’re excited about that.”

I asked him if getting a 1B was crucial:

“We wanted to get a player that would be the most impactful for our major league club now and going forward, and we felt Casey was that. He was a guy who fit our needs very well, and he was the guy who would allow us to add to the good mix of players we already have to go forward.”

TEX: “I think I did everything that was asked of me. I came in here and played good defense and drove in runs. Unfortunately, we had so many injuries this year it just didn’t work out. You can’t help that. You really can’t.”

“It’s a little unfortunate that we had those injuries, but it’s just part of the game. I love all these guys, I really do.”

“Very bittersweet. I’m gonna miss these guys.”

When asked if Braves might get in free-agent bidding for him, he smiled:

“I would probably say no. I thought I’d be here the rest of my career. I really wanted to stay here, but business is business and it’s time for me to move on.”

Anaheim for rest of career?

“I’m looking to win a World Series, then we can talk about that later. I’ve played six years and I’ve got two months before free agency, and we’ll see what happens.”

Excited about testing free agency?

“I am. It’s something not many guys get to do. I’ve been very blessed in my career and lucky to have health and have success. We’ll see what happens.”

“I’ve got a flight in the morning, and I’ll be ready to play tomorrow.”

I was always open for it. This whole year I was open for it. But that’s business, it just didn’t work out.

By P-Town Brave

July 29, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

Renegator

This is why I still see us trying to make another run @ Jason Bay…

Look at this lineup next yr:

1) Blanco rf 2) Escobar ss 3) CJones 3b 4) Bay lf 5) Mac c 6) Kotchman 1b 7) Schafer cf 8) Prado 2b

I see this as having some potential if we can find a way to send out Francoeur and KJ and get a decent return…maybe some pitching..young pitching

By TennesseePaul

July 29, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

DOB: Has Wren suggested more trades to come or is he done?

By McFann O

July 29, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

So much for Tex winning the Gold Glove.

Good trade—bad trade…time will tell, I guess.

By What A Crock

July 29, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this

Casey Kotchman and pitching prospect Stephen Marek with a 2-6 and 3.66 ERA. This what the Braves end of with after the Texas trade for Tex. What a crock. The Braves are now destine to repeat the 1970s and 80s again now. They have broken down veterans and nothing prospects. Their minor leagues which are suppose to be so darn great have not turned out a decent pitcher in years. They had to trade to get JJ. Now, they are stuck with a 40th round prospect and another 1B who has little power. They made this trade KNOWING FULL WELL they would never get Tex the mega contract he was wanting, and they have millions on broken down veterans. They are not going to hit the free agent market because this years market is not that great. They will never pay the cost for CC in Milwaukee, so what good is having millions saved. They save Hampton’s mega millions next year, but maybe now Hudson is the new Hampton with elbow problems and a huge contract. And Chipper, don’t get me started. Enough with his silly, endless list of injuries. How many Braves have been on the DL this year? How many done for the SEASON!!!? This must tell you something about the QUALITY of their players. This is going into the pockets of those great new owners. Well, I am for one, finally tired of it. I am truly finished buying their crap, coming to the stadium to watch a basically AAA team of kids and broken down vets for major league prices. No thanks. No more. I have barely hung on to watch them this season. I am finished watching. It is time for the real sport anyway, football. At least I don’t have to root for the stinking Falcons. I have never rooted for them, or the stinking Hawks. Now, I can add the STINKING, broken down, rookie, cowardly ownership, lousy Braves to the list. Good bye Columbus, I am out of Dodge.

By ExATLinPDX

July 29, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Good job getting Kotchman. I was concerned we were going to end up with Conor Jackson, who’s 3 years older and statistically the worst 1B in baseball, instead. And that pitcher’s minor league stats are decent, so perhaps he’ll pan out.

But with the prospect of a devastating injury to Hudson looming, it’s the rotation that’s starting to give me nightmarish visions of the mid-to-late ’80s Braves. I certainly hope the Braves plan to spend some of that money they’re saving next year by not re-signing Tex, having Hampton come off the books, and possibly Glavine and (I hope not) Smoltz too.

Otherwise, the 2009 Braves will be DOA. Jair Jurrjens and pray for rain. Rick Camp, anyone?

By rupert

July 29, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

bravos2249

three games can’t give anyone an idea of how a player is night in and night out, that was my point, oh yeah he hit the homerun that beat the braves in the sunday night game, so he must really suck (granted it was a cheap homer but still), kid is sollid at worst

By uga-brave

July 29, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

this whole sequence of events would of been avoided if the braves just would of stepped up and paid the arbitration eligible la roche after the good season in 2006.

By Shamus Thacker

July 29, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

Hex was an enigma wrapped in a riddle and stuffed with barnyard droppings. He’ll have a good, long, off-season, since he doesn’t play till June.

I’m gonna take this opportunity to get drunk!

Bye

By Logan

July 29, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

More Marek Stats

milb.com player search for Marek if the link doesn’t work. avg. with runners on and runners in scoring position is a bit alarming.

By A bemused observer

July 29, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

Micah Owings = Adam Dunn under a delusion that he could pitch

By RC

July 29, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

*”The Braves got Kotchman, Marek, and DeVall for Salty, Andrus, Harrison, Feliz, Jones, Mahay, and Teixeira.

(You forgot to add Tex and Mahay in there. Without those two, the Braves wouldn’t have Kotchman, Marek, or DeVall.)”*

Chop Chop, you didn’t do too well in high school algebra did you? Tex and Mahay would be on BOTH sides of the equation, so it cancels out. Different Take got it right.

By uncle peepot

July 29, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

This is a very good trade.I don’t care if we had gotton 10 players for Tex you guys are gonna b*** and complain.You don’t know nothing about baseball.FW mad a good trade.This trade is better than just getting 2 draft picks for Tex.you b*** and complin that it is Bobby’s fault for all the loses this year but as Chipper said don’t blame Bobby,it is not his fault,it is all the injuries.You Morons complain that Chipper should be traded and you don’t even realize that Chipper is the important part of this team,trading Chipper is just down right dumb and stupid idea. Kotchman is gonna be here for 3 years before free agency.he is gonna help us.Good job FW.

By Jon F.

July 29, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

Great Deal! Now we’re set at first for a while with plenty of cash to sign a great starter and get a consistent power threat in the outfield. I’d like to see us keep Ohman, just because he’s signed for cheap next year. If it turns out we don’t need him, fine, but you can never have too many good arms in the ‘pen. He’s a great situational lefty. In some ways, though, we might be able to get more for him than Tex.

By fastasballs

July 29, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

We’ll see, but I think The Krotchman will be more our liking than Tex. He’s use to playing winning baseball & the Braves can use all of those type players they can get.

Now the Braves need a power hitting left fielder, a couple of starters & a bench. That’s not hard to accomplish is it?

There should be at least 30 million to spend next season so Wren will have a shot at making things work.

There is no way they go into next season with a bench like they have had for two seasons. Lack of back ups have cost this team dearly. Granted Infante being hurt early in the year didn’t help matters, but Miller?

By Steve from OH

July 29, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

Boy I sure hope Kelly isn’t the next one to go.

By AdirondackDave

July 29, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

This is a fine start for the club re-build. More than adequate offensively and defensively at a price that gives us more flexibility at other positions. Wouldn’t surprise me to see the Braves negotiate a 5-6 year deal with him buying out a few years of free agency. He seems to be our type of player.

By RC

July 29, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

A couple of promising stats on Kotchman:

Career K vs. BB: 108 vs. 100. Career K vs. AB: 108 vs. 1137.

The guy simply doesn’t strike out much at ALL. For a team that can be so frustruating at times with men in scoring position, I view this as a BIG positive.

By Wayne in Utah

July 29, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

Tex comments about considering a contract (that was never offered) is pretty disingenuous. (or better stated, BS)

By Robert

July 29, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

Our initial offer to LA was Tex and Cox for Kotchman and a sack of dogshit. They countered with Kotchman and a prospect for Tex

By Mike

July 29, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

I hope Tex has a fun time in NY getting booed off the field for his poor first halfs. I am glad this cancer is off the team. Now he can go be just like his Idol Mattingly and never win a playoff series.

By flange1

July 29, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

WELL IT’S DONE.

good bye Tex.

Thanks for the season of good baseball. You came in a did exactly what was asked of you. It would have been great if you hadn’t started so slow, but you always do so that SHOULD have been expected.

Welcome to Casey Kotchman. He has always reminded me of Mark Grace. I think he will be a great contact hitter, able to work counts, not many strike outs and a little pop in his bat.

A very nice piece to add to the Braves puzzle.

And it is always nice to get a hard throwing kid with control. Maybe he needs some more work, but that is OK.

Now let’s see what we can get for Ohman. And maybe Kotsay, Norton and Gotay.

Bring up the kids and lets have some fun for the rest of the year.

Let’s see Lillibridge some at second.

Let’s see KJ back in the outfield.

Let’s see B Jones back in the bigs and see how good he really is.

We have to get ready because this winter is going to be a lot of fun for Braves fans.

MANY deals to be made..

Folks complain all you want to, but this is a good trade.

By The Truth

July 29, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

Like the deal to be honest with you. I said this would happen more than a month ago along with some others who were getting beat up by “real braves fans” when talking about trading Tex. Some of the guys were saying that we should trade him to the Rockies for Holliday. I didn’t think that trade would happened. I either figured it would be the Angels or the Dodgers because both the Yankees and Red Sox have nothing we could use.

Anyway, why I like the trade is the fact that we get a young first basemen who we don’t have to worry about losing for a few years. Meaning that we have what should be a starter at first base for the next 3 seasons which will end the rotation of first basemen we’ve had the past few seasons in LaRoche, Thompson, and Tex. Getting the pitcher in the trade doesn’t hurt neither. You can never have enough arms (just take a look at our pitching staff this year).

By bravos2249

July 29, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

DOB

you mean TEX had it out in the open he would listen to offers and the Braves didn’t offer him any deals?

But he still wanted to stay….well that makes EVERYONE feel better.

By Supes

July 29, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

FRANK WREN did NOT get enough in return. I don’t mind basically exchaning 1B with the Haloes but it’s disappointing to only get a AA reliever prospect as the additional piece.

I wish Frank was more aggressive, maybe even packaged Ohman, or someone else, try and get another top prospect in return that can play the OF.

Braves have a big need for power hitting OF prospects who are close to being ready to play everyday in the bigs.

Without TEX this team needs to play hit and run, small ball and we know Bobby will never do it…Braves are designed to lose a bunch more games from now on. Injuries combined.

By Plate Appearance

July 29, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

COMMENTS FROM TEX

I was certainly surprised to hear Tex’s comments about wanting to stay a Brave for the rest of his career and being open to an in season offer from the Braves.

I never heard that before — at least in what I read.

I can’t help but wonder if his comments don’t reflect more negative “fallout” from having Boras for an agent. For Boras always seems to be much more about the money than a client’s happiness and well being.

So I wonder if Tex had been merely spouting the Boras “soon to be free agent” script early on — and now has second thoughts based on his felt desires and has finally openly voiced them.

I do hate to see Tex go, but I don’t believe the dollars Boras will attempt to get for him can be justified.

What did Gary Sheffield once say? That he would try to warn other players about not signing Boras as their agent.

I guess Tex didn’t get the warning.

It’s too bad for Tex and the Braves — if that is, he might have signed with the Braves at a more reasonable salary, which still seems unlikely.

By Robin

July 29, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

Casey seems like a “whole year” player, none of that “wait till the second half when I get hot” crap.

Never liked Tex’s goofy running style either. Straight-up, high-knees …..GOOFY!

But, thanks Tex and good luck. There’s yer ring big fella!

By CaliChopper

July 29, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

That wasn’t a quake we had out in the LA area, caltech just reported the tremors centered in the ravine, it was just Andruw falling off the bench…

By bravos2249

July 29, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

Utah

Tex said he wouldn’t per se sign/ talk contracts before…he never said anything about not listening for offers.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2009)

July 29, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

N-U-T-S !

Frank Wren sold this team short. He never should have focused on getting a replacement for Tex because that is essentially all the Braves got.

Casey Kotchman is a fine player in his own right and the Braves can control him for the next few seasons without breaking the bank. His defense is nearly as good as that of Teixeira.

However, he isn’t worth what the Braves gave up. Which is, two first round draft picks and Mark Teixeira.

By sri

July 29, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Why the hell is Corky in the lineup today? Is there something that we are missing about Sammons?

By Martin

July 29, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

DOB

Is there anyway the braves are still talking to the bucs for jason bay?

By A-ville Ranger

July 29, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

I’ve been calling for this trade for a month.After hiking I turned on the game to see Tex traded for Kotchman.

Kotchman and a young pitcher is a very good move in my opinion.So now 1st base is covered next year and who knows we may end up a good pitcher to boot…well done.

By Chop Chop

July 29, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

ExATLinPDX wrote this:

“Good job getting Kotchman. I was concerned we were going to end up with Conor Jackson, who’s 3 years older and statistically the worst 1B in baseball, instead.”

Okay, dude. Here’s what 26-year-old Conor Jackson (about 8.5 months older than Kotchman) has done this season:

12 HR, 56 RBI, 7 SB, .322/.404/.510

That’s a .914 OPS for those who don’t like math.

(I don’t like math.)

Those numbers are comparable to (if not substantially better than) Casey Kotchman’s numbers this season.

RC,

My point is that the Braves currently only have three players in the organization (Kotchman, Marek, DeVall) to show for seven players (Salty, Andrus, Harrison, Feliz, Jones, Tex, Mahay).

I should have stated that in my response to Different Take. Sorry for the confusion.

(I’ll let the hurtful slight of my algebraic prowess slide…this time.)

By IgCognito

July 29, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

anyone see Casey’s comments (from Sportsline.com):

” “I’m just excited to go to Atlanta and play for (manager) Bobby Cox,” Kotchman said before leaving Fenway Park for the airport. “At the same time, my teammates here, to leave them, I’ll be pulling for them. Other than that, there’s really not a whole lot I can say.”

By 57braves

July 29, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

Sure Tex wanted to spend the rest of his career in Atlanta. What a crock! I am certain that if that concept was floated, we would have kept him after giving up the farm for him. BorASS does what he does well and those players that want to turn their career over to him deserve 3 teams in 1 1/2 years.

By Rayman

July 29, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

Real easy for Tex to say he wanted to stay here for the rest of his career now that there will not be a contract negotiation to worry about.

He will go to the highest bidder.

Bet on it.

By Thunderdan2000

July 29, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

Folks, come on now! I think we got a great deal out of this. As others have said, this frees up some solid cash flow for next year, and while it feels that they are waving the white flag, Kotchman can come in immediately and play solid D, put wood on the ball and get some timely hits, and maybe, just maybe still salvage what’s left of this season. All of you whining that the Braves got taken are living in la-la land. This isn’t fantasy baseball where you can take your buddy for his stash b/c he knows nothing. GREAT TRADE Mr. Wren!

By Wayne in Utah

July 29, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

How about this idea: Trade KJ for Micah Owings. They need a second sacker for next season, and we need a power hitting outfielder, who can also be our 5th starter!

Look at Owings numbers extrapolated to 500 AB’s: 22 HR’s, 80 RBI’s, 313 BA, 350 OBP, and 545 SLG%.

We need a powerhitting right-handed bat for left field. Think outside the box Braves, it could work.

Pitch the dude in the 5th position, unless he improved. If he continues to hit, and becomes a .500 pitcher, it is a win win.

(Tongue only halfway planted in cheek….intriguing, no less)

By Lew

July 29, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

We got a slick fielding first baseman who will produce about like LaRoche would have at his best (how many of y’all b!tched he was gone until Tex got there?). He is under contract for at least the next three years, is only going to first year arbitration (maybe not even-I’m not sure since he only has two full seasons), and we will still have about $42 million to spend filling holes.

Trading Kotsay and Ohman will net us even more. I’d say we’ve started to head in the exact direction we need to go. Kotchman may not have been my first choice, but he will do jut fine. Definitely better than two draft picks that may or may not be what Kotchman is or can be-ever.

By Efrim

July 29, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this

I like it. Although I wish we could of received a better pitching prospect. Go Braves in 2009….

By Interested Observer

July 29, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

Al Hrabosky was talking about the trade on the Cardinals telecast. He said the Angels got the bigger bat and the Braves got the better player.

For whatever that’s worth.

By bravos2249

July 29, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

Wren just said of tv that they offered Tex a deal…AT THE BEGINNING of ST.

1) Tex didn’t lie he said season

2) Hello you offered it to him in ST…not during the season after he said he’d like to stay…he didn’t say that in ST.

By Get well soon, Heap, Get well soon!

July 29, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

Damn. We still have Frenchy.

I’ll miss Tex’s glove for sure. Is Kotchman a comparable defensive player?

By Chop Chop

July 29, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

I saw that Kotchman quote about playing for Bobby Cox.

That goes away after 2009, folks. Whether you like Bobby or not, players love him. Losing him will hurt the Braves in future free-agent negotiations.

By Ron Roberts

July 29, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

Guys, we got a quality 1B we have for more than just two months, plus a good young pitcher, in exchange for a guy the Angels only get to keep at 1B for two months, before having to try and re-sign him.

We got about what I thought we’d get.

Now that we’ve addressed one potential hole at 1B for this offseason, we can focus on LF, CF and the rotation.

And we’ll have $30-40 million to address those positions with. We should be major players, this offseason, and with Sabathia, Milton Bradley, Pat Burrell, AJ Burnett (owns his option), Brad Penny and Ben Sheets out there.

Good deal. I’ll take it.

By Different Take

July 29, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

Keith Law’s take:

The Angels get exactly what they needed in Mark Teixeira — an impact bat who’ll add power, patience, and a legitimate threat against the super pitching they’ll face in October.

Teixeira is a true switch-hitter with a great approach who works the count, has power from both sides of the plate, and has no trouble turning on good fastballs or adjusting to good offspeed stuff. The Angels don’t have another hitter in their lineup who comes close to that description, not with Vladimir Guerrero apparently still not 100 percent physically, not with Torii Hunter unwilling to work the count, not with Garret Anderson’s bat slowing noticeably. Teixeira is also a plus glove, which is critical for the Angels, who have built a great run-prevention team with strike-throwing pitchers and good defenders all around the diamond. In exchange, Atlanta gets its first baseman of the immediate future in Casey Kotchman. Kotchman hasn’t performed well this season, but it’s not consistent with what I’ve seen from him in the past. This year, he’s swinging earlier in the count and trying too hard to push the ball to the opposite field. In the past, he was more of a take-and-rake hitter, working the count well, taking his walks, taking advantage of his good hand-eye coordination to make contact, and showing average power. Like Teixeira, he’s a great defender at first base.

The second player going to Atlanta, AA right-hander Stephen Marek, is a live arm attached to a bad body. Given an $800,000 bonus as a draft-and-follow signing, Marek works with a low-90s fastball, a curveball that flashes plus with good bite, and an average changeup that he doesn’t use as often now that he’s working as a reliever. His delivery isn’t smooth and his command is below average, especially of the breaking ball.

By Why Us

July 29, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

Hey Tex!

About that offer “that never came”. Are you 100% sure ole Scotty would have told you about one since he’s dead set against taking in season offers for pending free agents?

But then again, if you were looking for an offer why didn’t you speak up & tell the Braves you would willing to consider an offer?

Not sure what to make of that statement but I’m thinking that a good possible response to it might just be BS.

Have fun in Anaheim, wish you the best. Loved your glove & total stats, but sure wished you would’ve showed before July. If the Braves can’t be there, then I wouldn’t mind seeing the Angels win the WS. Certainly don’t want the Yanks, RSox, Mutts or Filthies winning it.

Ta Ta.

By Savannah Guy

July 29, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

Did Tex get a parting song?

OK, I guess that was cringe worthy. Sorry. How about this one?

But in all seriousness, best of luck to Mark and a big welcome to Casey.

By Wayne in Utah

July 29, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

bravos2249 Gotta respectfully disagree with your point. While Tex and Boras would have “listened”, the only way a gum-dipped Boras client would have ever signed a contract before filing for free agency, is if the offer would have been MORE than Boras was spouting. EVEN then, I think they would have waited.

So for Tex to suggest he would have looked at offers, after all the posturing this season, is a load of crap.

There have been a few Boras clients who have bucked the “take the cash” approach, but when they spout the party line like Tex did, they don’t go against Boras.

Scott Boras does NOT represent the best interests in his clients. That would mean he would factor in opportunities to go to the WS, fit for a player in the community, etc. Boras goes for top dollar.

By Morticia

July 29, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

Chip and Dip just “congratulated” Frank Wren on his wonderful trade today.

By TheBigDawg

July 29, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

Wren did a great job! If Conor Jackson wasn’t available, Kotchman was the best player that the Braves could get. Marek will be “Wild Thing” in the ‘pen, but that’s gravy. Teixeria put up huge stats - at the least important times. He’s out in L.A. now with the last Brave who was good at that - Andruw. With the salary savings, let’s hope Wren can get an ace for the rotation over the winter.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2009)

July 29, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Look at the whole picture.

This what the Braves gave up: Salty (1st rounder), Andrus ( amateur free agent), Harrison (3rd rounder, Feliz (amateur free agent), Jones (1st rounder), Mahay ,Teixeira and two 1st round draft picks.

This is what Atlanta got in return: Kotchman (1st rounder), Marek (40th rounder)and Devall (1st rounder).

Thats three players in exchange for N-I-N-E. Two 1st round picks for five 1st round picks.

The Braves GOT H-O-S-E-D, R-A-P-E-D and taken to the damn cleaners. somebody needs to be fired. Immediately.

By THWG

July 29, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah- Good call on getting rid of Kelly for Micah Owings. He is an impressive hitter and I was hoping we could have gotten he and Conor Jackson for Tex, but getting Jackson wasn’t a reality.

Now, let’s get to trading Ohman!

By brian

July 29, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

next up - Ohman. Looks like a much bigger market for our lefty reliever. Hopefully Wren will be able to squeeze out a good return on Ohman.

By RC

July 29, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

No worries Chop Chop. I still disagree that we only have 3 players to show for 7….we only have 3 to show for 5. Mahay and Tex were transition pieces that took us from the prospects in their deal to the players we have today. And we are obviously simplifying it too much, since there were millions of dollars involved as well, but essentially we started out with Salty, Andrus, Harrison, Feliz, and Jones and ended up with Kotchman, Marek, and DeVall. It doesn’t matter who we had in between, the starting and ending points are all that matter.

By Michael

July 29, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

Yea, I wish we had Salty, what with his .232 BA, and 3 HR in 164 AB; 3 HR in 164 AB in Texas? Wow, I wish we had him so he could start over McCann. Or, wait, no, we should put him at 1st. Um, I’ll take Kotchman. Tex did his job last year, the Braves didn’t make the playoffs. Coach, why do I care where in the draft a player was taken? You take Todd Van Poppel, I’ll take Mike Piazza.

By rainman

July 29, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

heres the way i see it. we are set at c, 1b, 2b, ss, 3b, and rf. our bullpin if healthy will be a plus. i think we have to go hard after dunn to play lf and draw in fans. may be shafer will be ready to play center but i think this has the makings of a good team if healthy that is the big question.

By RC

July 29, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Coach,

Like I was saying earlier, you can’t include Mahay and Tex as players given up and not include them as players acquired. So we either got 5 players for 7, 7 for 9 if you are including the Tex draft picks, or what actually happened, 3 players for 5. To call it 3 for 9 is simply incorrect.

By JJ

July 29, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Wow…..just wow. All you fools thinking they traded nine players for three are just idiots. How about the chance at TWO playoff runs? What is the value of that? It didn’t work out (due to injuries and other externalities) but you can’t act as if it wasn’t part of the equation.

You paid a hefty price for Tex to make a playoff run, it failed and you have to salvage as much as you can out of it now. It’s pretty simple really. IF Kotchman is the best they could get, then it’s a good deal. Last year’s trade has NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS TRADE!!!!!

By Wayne in Utah

July 29, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

Coach and others who are talking about what we got for our NINE players. Your math sucks. We gave up FIVE, count ‘em, FIVE players for Tex and Mahay.

The idea was to use Tex and Mahay in two pushes for another shot at the World Series. That didn’t work out. There were no guarantees.

So, if you want to criticize Braves management for “going for it” last year, then that is OK. Personally, I prefer a confidence that says, “Heck yes, we are going to go for it!”, especially when we have a shot, which we had last year.

How many of those guys we traded will ever make it to the big leagues and contribute?? Maybe a couple or three of them. Maybe not.

To be honest, what we got for giving up TWO months of Tex, was Kotchman and Marek. We didn’t trade those 5 players for these 2 players. We used Tex and Mahay for a stretch run that didn’t work out.

And how in the hell can you count the two draft picks as players we gave up. Now, to be accurate, you can say we traded two draft picks for Kotchman and Marek. I do that deal every day, and twice on Sunday.

So quityerbitchin and spitting out “facts” that do not resemble the truth. Your statements are a stranger to the truth.

By A-ville Ranger

July 29, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

A couple of observations.The ESPN guy who said just yesterday The Angels wouldn’t trade Kotchman for Tex wasn’t thinking it through.

Arte Moreno is one of the most aggressive owners in the game.I also feel Angels management believe they can put on a good sales pitch to Tex.

You could look at it as them already having the best record it baseball.If you’re thinking playoffs though Tex in the middle of the lineup had to make them salivate.

From The Bravos end this was a very good move to my way of thinking.Kotchman doesn’t commit errors and he doesn’t strike out.He’s 25, still improving and he’s under control for three more seasons.

As for Marek yes he’s 2 - 6,that’s just surface wash though.He is 24, he has 57 ks in 46.2 innings and he gets lefties out.I’ll take a dozen like that in the system.

By Lee

July 29, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

For those obsessed with draft picks: Please take the time to go back and look at the first round picks from the last decade and how many of those players even made the majors, much less became impact players. You might be surprised. Even a lot of “can’t miss” prospects fail to pan out (hello Wilson Betemit)

By Wayne in Utah

July 29, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

Coach The Braves GOT H-O-S-E-D, R-A-P-E-D and taken to the damn cleaners. somebody needs to be fired. Immediately.

Maybe I should have just said, “Coach, your fired!”

By DP

July 29, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

Coach is hereby assigned to the remedial algebra/logic class with Chop Chop.

By Different Take

July 29, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

Saw this on another blog:

CASEY KOTCHMAN RANKS AMONG 27 MLB FIRST BASEMAN

OBP: 23rd SLG: 19th OPS: 21st RC/27: 23rd ISO: 22nd BB%: 27th LD%: 26th

By fastasballs

July 29, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Who should they fire Coach? Tex was leaving reagrdless at the end of the season. It was either take an established first baseman who is under control for 3 years or a couple of draft picks, who even if they panned out wouldn’t be here for 3-4 seasons.

They gambled with Tex & lost. At the time they were only 3 games back, without a first baseman & had a legit shot at winning the division. At the time it didn’t look like a bad move & you probably didn’t either.

At this point Wren got what he could in a limited trade market for Tex. The team has to go forward regardless of how the Tex deal turned out & quite frankly it’s too early to tell how those prospects traded to Texas will contribute, if ever at the big league level.

By mesmo

July 29, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

I don’t see how the Braves are going to get better by swapping deluxe players for average players. Outside of Chipper and McCann the Braves have no deluxe players, just a bunch of pretty good hands. Look at the Phillies and Mets, lots of deluxe players.

You don’t win pennants with rookie pitchers, a bullpen full of sore arms, and a lineup of pretty good hands. Let’s face it, it will be quite awhile before the Braves can compete with the leaders of their division. And it will ultimately cost a lot of money just as it is currently costing the top teams.

Just because a guy has some major league talent and is cheap doesn’t mean he can outplay the likes of Chase Utley, David Wright, Henley Ramirez, etc. The Braves are outmanned and there is apparently not the kind of talent in their minor league system they need to compete.

The “Baby Braves” are OK but McCann is the only deluxe player among them. Gotta do better than that.

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

Wren says Braves made him an offer in spring training and it was rejected, that it would have made Tex “one of the highest paid players.” But he didn’t give any figures.

You guys will love this. Guess where Tex and his wife are going to stay when they get to L.A.? Boras’ guest house. I kid you not.

Boras has a mansion in Newport Beach, if I’m not mistaken.

Anyway, here’s story I just filed. Gonna rewrite for later:

By DAVID O’BRIEN dobrien@ajc.com

Not quite a year after they traded for star slugger Mark Teixeira, the Braves exchanged the pending free agent for a scaled-down model of first baseman they can afford to keep a while.

The Braves traded Teixeira to the Los Angeles Angels for first baseman Casey Kotchman and minor league reliever Stephen Marek on Tuesday, two days before the non-waiver trade deadline and one day after deciding it was time to turn the page on the team’s disappointing season and focus on the future.

Kotchman, 25, has batted .287 with 24 doubles, 12 home runs and 54 RBIs in 100 games for the Angels, after hitting .296 with 11 homers and 68 RBIs last year in his first full season in 2007.

“This is obviously not the way we wanted the season to end and go forward, but we look at it as building for the future,” Braves general manager Frank Wren said after announcing the trade an hour before Tuesday night’s game against St. Louis at Turner Field.

The Braves also had serious trade discussions about Teixeira with the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays and Arizona Diamondbacks. Wren said Kotchman was the best player offered.

While getting a first baseman in the deal wasn’t a prerequisite, he said it did give an advantage to any team offering a good one.

Teixeira, acquired along with reliever Ron Mahay from Texas in a July 31, 2007 trade that cost the Braves five prospects, hit .295 with 36 doubles, 37 homers and 134 RBI in 157 games for Atlanta, with a .395 on-base percentage and only six errors.

The former Georgia Tech star, who is married to a Georgia native, called the trade “very bittersweet.” “I think I did everything that was asked of me,” Teixeira said while standing at his locker in the Braves clubhouse, wearing a Georgia Tech polo shirt with his bags packed, while his teammates sat nearby in uniform, ready to play the Cardinals.

“I came in here and played good defense and drove in runs,” he said. “Unfortunately, we had so many injuries this year it just didn’t work out. You can’t help that. You really can’t.”

He said he looked forward to joining the Angels, whom he called “the best team in baseball…. I’ve got a flight in the morning, and I’ll be ready to play tomorrow.”

The Braves, after finishing third last season in the National League East, are in fourth place this season, 7-1/2 games behind division leader Philadelphia before Tuesday.

They had a 76-81 record in the games that Teixeira played for them.

Some believe Teixeira, a 28-year-old switch-hitter and two-time American League Gold Glove winner, will command a long-term contract worth at least $20 million annually on the free-agent market.

There are reports that Boras could ask for $23 million annually in a seven- or eight-year deal. Teixeira said he and his wife plan to initially stay in Boras’ guest house in Southern California.

When someone asked Teixeira if he thought the Braves would get involved in a free-agent bidding for his services, he smiled knowingly.

“I would probably say no,” he said. “I thought I’d be here the rest of my career. I really wanted to stay here, but business is business and it’s time for me to move on.”

Teixeira said he had been “open” to hearing offers from the Braves all season, but hadn’t gotten one since the season began.

Wren said the Braves didn’t believe they could afford to re-sign Teixeira after making what the GM called an “aggressive” offer during spring training and having it rejected.

Wren didn’t give figures, but said the offer would have made Teixeira “one of the game’s highest paid players.” He is making $12.5 million this season in his final year of arbitration eligibility.

Wren called Teixeira a “super player and super person” and said any team would like to have individuals like him on it.

“We’re going to miss Mark Teixeira,” he said. “But at the same time, as we plan to improve our ballclub, we feel like we got the best player out there. We’re excited about that.”

Kotchman, a left-handed hitter, is making $1.45 million this season and has three years of arbitration eligibility left before he can become a free agent after the 2011 season.

By StingerSplash

July 29, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

You know things are bad when Omar Infante is batting fifth. He wouldn’t hit in the five-hole in a spring training B game. That’s what that lineup looks like tonight. And the Angels are up 4-0 without Teixeira in the lineup.

By McFann O

July 29, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

I think the Braves need to hang on to what they have.

All the positions: 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, C (duh), OF…keep them. Maybe center could change (really like Z, but given the injury…you know).

Keep them all! Fix the starting pitching a little bit, and there you go!

BTW

By WKUbrave

July 29, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Has anyone seen what Cincy is looking to trade for Dunn right now?

By The High Cost of Pre-Natal Care, Geriatrics and Preexisting Conditions

July 29, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Wren told Chip and Joe that an offer was made to Tex during spring training. Tex says an offer was never made. Who’s telling the truth?

If they made an offer, why haven’t they told us before now? Was the offer in fact never made? Or did they know their offer was so laughable that they shouldn’t tell people the actual offered terms for fear of looking as out of touch as they have been over the last few years? If they made an offer, did Boras tell Tex as he was ethically obligated to do?

Good trade but they never should have traded him without trying to sign him. Many millions more. Who are they kidding?

By ncscoots

July 29, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

Nothing wrong with Kotchman, he’s an OK, young player who might get better (or not, who knows). But he’s certainly not a masher. More Mark Grace than Mark Teixeira. McCann’s power can cover that over with plus offense from C, but you folks who want Johnson in the OF can kiss that baby goodbye. Braves will need an actual thumper in LF, not a 2B.

People tend to forget that this team has most of the same offensive personnel that forged an 800-run offense last year. A big bat to hit cleanup, and some progress from Escobar, Johnson, and Francoeur, and the team could be right back there.

But my fear is that Johnson will be moved for pitching, Blanco and Prado will get 500 AB each, some 20-HR journeyman will play LF, and every bunt-happy, steal-crazed, speed-berserk blogger here will be happy, watching 5-2 losses four times a week. ‘Cause the Braves will have to “manufacture” like maniacs.

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

By the way, when someone asked Wren if this was about rebuilding, he was adamant about the Braves not needing to rebuild, that they have a “solid nucleus” in place and can contend next season.

He mentioned Kotchman and Chipper on the corners, McCann, Escobar, Kelly Johnson … and I thought he was going to send a red flag by not mentioning Francoeur.

Alas, he not only mentioned Francoeur, he said, “I’m sure this is an aberration with him, and he’s going to bounce back” in 2009.

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger, agreed. And as I said all along, I thought Angels or Dodgers made most sense because Boras, who has season tix to both of those teams, has a great relationship with Moreno (they have regular lunches togetherle, I’m told) and probably let him know there’s a good chance the Angels can re-sign him with a competitive offer.

By Mike

July 29, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Rainman, you said it. We are set at those postions. Probably set at CF too, with Schafer waiting in the wings. But something tells me the Braves will look for more impact at either 2b/LF/RF in the future. Not that Kelly and Frenchy don’t have bright futures, just a hunch on my part.

By Wayne in Utah

July 29, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

After trading Kotsay (if not traded, then release him) and Ohman; and when Heap gets better, we need to do the following; release Gotay, Norton, Miller, and Tavares.

Leave Sammons on the roster (get him in there every 2-3 days for a while).

Bring up the following positional players: Lillibridge, Anderson, Jones and Perry. Bring up Chuck James and Todd Redmond.

When not playing playoff contending teams, give those players some time. Sit Frenchy (or send him down). Let’s see what these kids can do.

Put Chuck James in the rotation and give Redmond a few starts.

When September rolls around, lets add Medlen, Schafer and Hanson.

Lets get a little preview of what we might have for 2009.

What say ye, my friends? I should be Frank Wren’s “left hand” man!

By N Nine

July 29, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

so the loss of payroll where is it going liberty media??? no TEX—no glavine—no smoltz(might resign)—no hampton—plenty of cheap players we have now.. thats millions that i expect to be spent in off season-that is IF you expect seats somewhat filled next year.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2009)

July 29, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

According to the logic of Wayne the crack smoker, Teixeira and Mahay don’t count because evidently they never played in a Braves uniform.

The future draft picks don’t count either.

Wayne, just go ahead and put a damn gun to your head and get it over with. that would be doing the world a favor.

There is a S-U-C-K-E-R born every minute and Wayne, YOU are that guy.

By justafan

July 29, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

Great job Frank Wren! Now continue to get rid of the dead wood .(Frenchy to Royals) Go Braves, a better day is coming.

By fastasballs

July 29, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

I’d love to know what the Braves actually offered Tex. It would probably shut anyone up who thinks the Braves were bring “cheap” again.

I would venture a guess in the 17-18M per season offer. If he’s already making 12.5. Maybe Wren will let out what the offer was one day. Not that it matters, but I’m sure Borras turned his nose up at it & now Tex is playing the victim.

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah: Any savvy blogger and fan knows you’re correct. Why bother debating a guy who months ago slipped from any remaining position of relevance on the blog? That dude hasn’t had a logical thought since he got all angry about the Braves’ woeful start.

Fire someone! Yeah, whatever.

By Toddlers, Geriatrics & Preexisting Conditions

July 29, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

Don’t know about the rest of your but when a weird, emotionally unstable loner like Cooch starts throwing around words like rape, I start to believe he is admitting to something he has done or wants to do.

Cooch, you need a woman.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 29, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

ncscoots,

Thank you.

I’m more optimistic about Kotchman because he used to work counts and try to mash the ball. Hope he returns to form now that he’s with a team that believes in big innings.

By Jerry

July 29, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Good for Tex to play with a winner for the rest of the season. He played well for the Braves.

When you evalute the trade to bring Tex to Atlanta, don’t discount the time he spent here. He provided hope for last season, and some thrills this season. He made it fun to go to the park and watch the Braves.

This is entertainment…that why it’s a business.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2009)

July 29, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

Ten years from now, we will all look back on the Teixeira fiasco with the exact same derision with which the Len Barker trade is viewed.

By Jerry

July 29, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

If the Braves can get Escobar to hit when Blanco is having a night like tonight, they could really score some runs.

By Robin

July 29, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

Alas, he not only mentioned Francoeur, he said, “I’m sure this is an aberration with him, and he’s going to bounce back” in 2009.

He mentioned that up in the booth as well. :( I winced a little too.

Whatever they do next, I wish they’d hang on to Infante. There’s some talent in that guy.

By Salty Dawg

July 29, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

There will likely be strong debate over the outcome of this trade over the next couple of years. Tex is Tex and he will likely continue to put up big numbers in LA and wherever he finally lands. Kotch is a solid replacement at first and has the potential to be a pretty damn good player as he continues to mature. To me the kicker here is the price differential because I don’t see Kotchman as a significant drop off offensively nor defensively from Tex. He is a young guy with a lot of talent, more potential, and a very reasonable price tag for a few years. We definitely need to loosen the purse strings this winter to pick up a legitimate ace to cement the starting rotation, possibly two depending on Huddy’s prognosis. Plus we have glaring needs in the outfield and desperately need a backup catcher. Point is we have a lot of needs, limited funds, and spending the $20M plus that Tex will command is just not good business sense. I say kudos to Wren for making this deal happen. This could be the first step toward a strong team for years to come.

Fearless Prediction: Braves roll off 12 wins in a row to overtake the Mutts and Pharies, meet up with the Angels in the WS, and Kotch hits a walk off bomb in game 7. Hey, anything can happen.

By Steve from OH

July 29, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

ncscoots, your 8:15 hit the nail right on the head. Well said.

By Jeff321

July 29, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Not familiar with Kotchman.. But, am glad the Braves got a decent player. Also, very happy they didn’t package Ohman with Tex. I feel his deal should stand on its own and bring back additional quality talent.

Ya gotta love how Campillo makes these hitters look awful.

By Salty Dawg

July 29, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

When you evalute the trade to bring Tex to Atlanta, don’t discount the time he spent here. He provided hope for last season, and some thrills this season. He made it fun to go to the park and watch the Braves.

He also sold tickets and jerseys. Tex paid for himself, easily. If we gelled last season and went to (or won) the WS people would be talking about what geniuses we have in the front office. In hindsight, it didn’t work out that way. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t a smart move at the time. The biggest chip we gave away was Salty, who was blocked by McCann and wasn’t very good at first. It was smart to trade for him and it was smart to trade him away.

By T-Town Mike

July 29, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

With Wren making comments about doing what’s best for the future, I think we can count on seeing Kotsay, Ohman, and maybe some minor leaguers like B Jones being traded, also. Hopefully for pitching. But, the team should also have some cash on hand in the offseason even after the bumps guys on the roster may get next year. I do like the Tex/Kotchman trade though. Even if Kotchman never lives up to his potential it is less than a gamble than draft picks would have been. I think the fact that McCann and Frency came in the same draft and had such positive impact on the club that drafted them in the same year was rare. I doubt the two draft picks the club would have gotten for Tex would have produced in a similar way.

Anyone heard any rumors who the other guys were that had been offred, as Wren said he ‘believes’ Kotchman was the best out there?

By DP

July 29, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Yeah, the Braves can contend in 09 with that kind of “solid nucleus”. It’s exactly what they had this year with Kotchman (whose stats suggest he’s pretty much another Kelly Johnson as a hitter) substituted as a major downgrade from Texeira. And this year’s team hasn’t scored runs. Francouer looks about as ready to break out next year as Andruw Jones did a year ago.

And there’s the need to find virtually an entire starting pitching rotation other than Jurjjens. They have budget to work with but aren’t going to spend what it takes to get a front line pitcher, not that there are many available.

But take it from Braves management, they’re not rebuilding, they’re reloading! Do they really believe such crap? If so, maybe watching this team battle it out for the Nationals for last place in late September will inject a dose of reality. But I doubt it.

By uga-brave

July 29, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

well i dont think we need anymore left handed everyday players.

anyone else wonder what would happen if infnate got to play second base everyday?

i only say that because we really need a middle of the lineup RH outfielder.

By JJMB

July 29, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

Great info DOB, as usual. I think once Tex gets a taste of a young millionare’s life in Newport Beach, he’ll never leave. (Although the surfing lineup is choked with rich-kid punks).

By ncscoots

July 29, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

BFIR, you’re correct, in that Kotchman changed his approach somewhat over this season. He may have felt that was more in keeping with the Angels’ style of play. Though had he still been swinging from the heels a little more, he might still be there, LOL. Vlad, Hunter, and Anderson aren’t exactly Murderers’ Row. :-)

Anyhoo…I’m fine with Kotchman, as long as the Braves don’t pencil him in for 30/120 during ST. Make him a complement for run production, and, if he exceeds that, all the better.

By MAV

July 29, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

David O’Brien Nicly said at 8:26.

Coach lives in a world most of us will never know….It’s called fantasy land!

By slugger393

July 29, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

yunel didn’t run the broken bat gb out and held the handle all the way to 1b. how about some fire? lets sign ohman. ohman soriano gonzalez in the pen looks nice for next year… kotchman will help us financially this off season. tex can go get paid elsewhere. bring up hanson and medlin!!!

By beachcomber

July 29, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Way to go Frank Wren! Watched the Kotchman kid play H.S. ball down here in Florida and have followed him since.

Solid kid, solid hitter - will play with a little more intensity than Tex. Braves fans will love him.

By Robert

July 29, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

” saw that Kotchman quote about playing for Bobby Cox.

That goes away after 2009, folks.”

Reading that made me smile

By Steve from OH

July 29, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

DOB

How long is Infante under team control for?

By N Nine

July 29, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

LOL has anyone mentioned anything about tonights game? Campillio!!!

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2009)

July 29, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox

28 years as a manager.

15 playoff teams.

One single solitary championship.

Go ahead, defend it O’ Brien, Show us your infinite IQ.

You got nothing.

By Why Us

July 29, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Glad to see that some are thinking of this as a good trade. Much better than 2 draft picks if Tex had stayed.

Also seems some that say the Braves don’t spend enough are crying about this trade. Why? We now have even more to spend this offseason anyway you look at it. First Tex’s 12.5M comes off the books (minus of course what it takes for Kotch’s arby raise). And we’ll also have the millions available it would’ve taken to sign 2 high draft picks who would’nt show up in Atlanta for 5-7 years since the Braves draft HS kids.

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

Hey, don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned this, but guess who’s another client of Boras? Jair Jurrjens. Hey, he represents a lot of the best players.

(And Boras represents his Curacaco countryman, Andruw).

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

Here’s some Kotchman quotes:

“I’m excited to go to Atlanta and play for Bobby Cox,” said Kotchman, a left-hander who was raised in St. Petersburg, Fla, the son of former minor leaguer player and manager Tom Kotchman.

“The Braves are an East Coast, Southern team. Bobby Cox has been there forever. Seeing how he handles players, pulls for them, I’ve got to believe it’s a blessing for me to start a new chapter in Atlanta.”

By McFann O

July 29, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

MAV—

I’ve been to Fantasy Land many times. It’s a very fun place.

Coach does not appear to be in a fun place.

By McFann O

July 29, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Ouch:

The Cubs dropped Grove to the #8 spot in the order.

By doug

July 29, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

8:26 post by DOB, Nice. I bet someone will be havin some posts deleted once their bender gets going.

Sheets and Burrell next year and no Tommy John for Huddy, then everything will work out just fine.

By Shamus Thacker

July 29, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Someone above [too lazy to go back to see who] compared Kotchman to Mark Grace in ability. I’ll take a Mark Grace type any day. Solid as a rock is a good way to describe Mark Grace. Look forward to seeing Kotch in a Bravos uni!

By RedEyedAndBlue

July 29, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

Any hint that the Braves are picking up some of Tex’s remaining contract for ‘08? There had been some rumors to that effect.

By waterst

July 29, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Three lines of thinking on Frenchie:

1) baseball has figured out how to pitch him 2) it’s just mental 3) a combination of 1 and 2.

We’ve had a lot of injuries over the past three years folks, but I believe there is something to be said for the Marlins way of doing business, although, you obviously can’t build a fan base like that.

By JC from UT

July 29, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

DOB: Are you hearing if anything else is in the works with Ohmam? Also is there a market for Kotsay,when taking his back problems into consideration?

By varoadrunner

July 29, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

Seems like their stories vary… Tex and Frank Wren.

Tex says :”*Teixeira said there was time when he would’ve signed a deal with Atlanta and bypassed the possibility of free agency.

“I was always open for it. This whole year I was open for it. But that’s business. It just didn’t work out,” he said. “I loved it here. I really did. I wanted to stay here for the rest of my career”*.

I’d rather have Tex than Kotchman - but Oh Well. Seems our GM has some barungas. Cool

By Salty Dawg

July 29, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

Alas, he not only mentioned Francoeur, he said, “I’m sure this is an aberration with him, and he’s going to bounce back” in 2009.

He mentioned that up in the booth as well. :( I winced a little too.

Whatever they do next, I wish they’d hang on to Infante. There’s some talent in that guy.Robin

That really doesn’t mean much. The fact is that Francoeur has ZERO trade value right now, so there really isn’t any reason to try moving him. If spring training rolls around and Frenchy has resolved some of his problems (you can bet he will be working overtime this offseason to get his stock back up) then we have an average to better than average LF. If not, they can try to trade him in ST or send him down. They have no long term commitment at this point. Personally, I agree with Wren that this season is likely an aberration as far as Frenchy is concerned. He may never be a 30/.300 guy, but he is better than he is playing now. Once he gets away from the pressure of the game he will most likely shake the funk in which he finds himself. They would have been better off to let him do that this season instead of calling him up after 3 days. And I can think of at least 3 positions that need more attention than LF, so again, no sense in trying to unload Frenchy now for what little return we would get.

By Supes

July 29, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

DOB

I watched the TV interview FRANK did, and I had to crindge when he mentioned Jeff as a “cornerstone” type player.

I guess Frank is seeing something NOBODY else that is watching this 2008 Braves team is in Jeff, b/c he has shown nothing worthy of such high praise.

What if Jeff doesn’t “rebound” next year and hits like he’s hitting this year? What then? What will the Braves front office spin be at that time?

Even when Jeff had solid years, they were not “corner stone” type years that made us say, yeah, that guy could carry this team in the future at some point. Jeff’s swing is too inconsistant, and while he’s benefited from hitting with a lot of RISP to reach good RBI numbers, his overall swing has a lot of holes. He’s too aggressive of a hitter and there is too little payoff.

Look at a Ryan Howard or Adam Dunn types…yes they have low batting averages like Jeff, and they fan a lot…but they can hit for power.

With Jeff, we get a low average, decent power (If he finished with 15 or so HR) and that’s about it.

So with all due respect to Mr Wren, I’m going to agree to disagree with his statement about Jeff being someone they can “build around”:look:

Thankfully we’ve got BMac.

On to something positive, I know Jorge just gave up a bomb to Albert…but the guy can pitch. He’s like the poor man version of (in his prime Maddux), and that isn’t bad at all. I’d be glad to have him in the starting rotation next year.

Both him and JJJ have proved that they can be counted on.

At least Frank Wren acknowledged the need for a power hitting outfielder and another top tier starter…something posiitve to take out of his comments after he tried to do the political thing and defend Jeff at all costs (when the numbers in 08 speak otherwise)

By beekay

July 29, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

I like the trade. With JJ and Campillo we have 2 definite starters…Huddy’s injury hurts real bad. Hopefully if has surgery right away he can come back during the All-Star break next year. Smoltz will either be gone or in the pen, Glavine-gone, Hampton possible back end starter if he agrees to a 2 year 6 million deal. That leaves Morton,Reyes,Chucky and maybe Hanson fighting for 2 of the spots. We need a #1 or #2 starter and we should go ahead and offer CC 110 mill for 5 years with the money saved from Tex and Glav. Take the other 15 mill and go after a power hitting left fielder. I like Blanco in center…The pen is set with Gonzo,possibly smoltz, Moylan,Acosta, Boyer,Stockman,soriano and this new cat we just got from the Halo’s

By Goodoleboy58

July 29, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

DOB-

JJJ/Boras say it aint so

By DP

July 29, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Hey Coach, I can see why you got confused into thinking the Braves gave up 9 for 3. That totals 12 and you’ve only got 10 fingers. Pulling down your pants still leaves you one short. Try taking off your shoes.

By doug

July 29, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

Way to go McFann at 8:52, no the guard shack is never a happy place.

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Kotchman is left-handed but has hit well against lefties, in fact for a much higher average than against righties. An Angels writer told me he was a bit peeved early on this season when he wasn’t played against some lefties.

He’s hitting .349 (29-for-83) with three homers, a .393 OBP and .566 slugging percentage against lefties this season, and .269 (78-for-290) with nine homers, a .307 OBP and .414 slugging against righties.

Last season it was .315/.378/.397 with no homers in 73 at-bats vs. lefties, and .292/.371/.481 with 11 homers in 370 at-bats against righties.

By Shaun

July 29, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

Coach, you still have to take into account contracts. I’ve said this several times today: Teams trade contracts, not just players.

If you are going to do your kind of analysis, you also have to evaluate what the Braves are going to do with the money they save by replacing Tex with Kotchman and the extra players it allows them to sign.

And as Wayne correctly points out, you have to include what Tex, Mahay, even Salty contributed to the Braves in addition to the players they received in your imaginary 12-player trade.

But no one evaluates trades this way. You evaluate one trade at a time. Every situation and every season is different. It’s foolish to pretend otherwise.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2009)

July 29, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

When it comes to sheer smarts, talent,education and flat out brilliance, Bobby Cox can’t hold a candle to Tony LaRussa. It’s not even close.

Cox is the most overrated manager in major league history.

Tony LaRussa is the least appreciated and most distinguished. The man has won it all with two different teams in both the A.L and N.L.

It’s like putting a donkey next to a racehorse.

By Salty Dawg

July 29, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

“The Braves are an East Coast, Southern team. Bobby Cox has been there forever. Seeing how he handles players, pulls for them, I’ve got to believe it’s a blessing for me to start a new chapter in Atlanta.”

Yeah, right. Who in their right mind would be happy about going from SoCal to Atlanta.

By YankeeDawg

July 29, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

Yes DOB, I acknowledge you think my handle doesn’t fit, like a hybridhummer. But it’s a long story… What are the chances that we will one day know what Wren offered in the Spring for Tex $ wise. How far off were we? And then of course did Wren even think of taking what the $ amount might be to Liberty and ask for permission to go that high?

By Shamus Thacker

July 29, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

Sure wish we could hang on to Ohman.

By CARTZ

July 29, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

JUST SAW ON ESPN:

DEAL IN THE WORKS TO SEND KOTSAY TO DBACKS FOR RHP YUSMEIRO PETIT

By Goodoleboy58

July 29, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

Yall watching Lackey’s no-hitter for the Angels? 2 outs in the 8th

By RedEyedAndBlue

July 29, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

DOB

Oh boy, after yesterday I really, really didn’t need to read your 8:50. I mean, I woulda skipped it, but you gotta give me a little warning.

Braves are gonna need to go get a clean-up hitter for ‘09. Or maybe Mc can slide in there.

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Supes, but you know, about Francoeur: What else is he gonna say. I mean, maybe he feels that way. But if Wren HADN’T said that, after mentioning those other guys, then how glaring and blatant would the omission be?

If the Braves had any thought of trading Francoeur (and I honestly don’t know if they’re considering it), then you certainly wouldn’t want other teams knowing you no longer view him as a cornerstone.

And if they’re even on the fence and hoping Francoeur turns it around, they still need to say what Wren said to make him feel good about his situation, etc.

All I’m saying is, any way you slice it, he pretty much had to include him in that conversation once he went down that road of naming cornerstones.

By MAV

July 29, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Coach I guess you think the Angels are STUPID as well, because they just gave us a first basemen that could have had for the next few years, for a guy they will ONLY have for 2 months. Think about it. Who got HOSED. I think L.A.

By ncscoots

July 29, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

I can’t help it. I watch Campillo and I can only think of Jorge Sosa’s one-year wonder. I know that’s probably my bias for hard throwers showing up, but there it is. I can’t picture Campillo as a fixture, no matter how much I enjoy watching him pitch this year.

By JEB

July 29, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

Well, denizens, we can now turn our attention and suggestion away from first base. Now let’s begin the Ohman chapter of suggestions and thoughts!

By MAV

July 29, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Hey Coach I for got to mention….. YOU’RE AN I-D-I-O-T!

See i can use hyphens too.

By Shamus Thacker

July 29, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Salty Yeah, right. Who in their right mind would be happy about going from SoCal to Atlanta.

Me. Though the “right mind” part is prolly debatable.

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Wren said nothing else was close, but only because they had spent so much time on this one. He said that two hours ago; in the interim, they might have gotten close to another deal. Won’t take long once they zero in on teams that won’t Ohman or others.

Ohman really would like to stay here, he said. He loves playing for Cox and the Braves, and said if he hits free agent market he’d definitely consider coming back here.

Of course, he’ll probably get some offers worth $3-4 mill annually. Don’t know if Braves would consider that, but they should, if you ask me. Solid reliever.

By Shaun

July 29, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Coach obviously has no where to go to make his argument.

He’s resorted to insulting the one person who could probably kick him off this blog.

Here are some of Marek’s rate/ratio stats:

0.87 HR/9

2.96 BB/9

7.93 K/9

Seems like a live, raw arm that just needs to be harnessed.

Coach, how about you tell us why all those regular season games count so much less than the relative few post-season games. And why don’t you tell us how many managers regarded as pretty good ones, never won that many regular seasons games nor more than one championship?

Why don’t you tell us why Bobby Cox is a major league manager that virtually every player and every baseball insider respects and loves while you coach wherever you coach?

By MGL

July 29, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

Coach, you are a flaming idiot. If you made it to the 3rd grade, I’m sure you could not handle the math. Your analysis of the trades has to be the most stupid post I have ever read on any blog. You make no sense whatsoever.

By Harry

July 29, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

Good riddance, Tex. Go west and bump fuzzies with Scotty Boras. Take your silent stats with you, as well. For someone with such gaudy numbers, I’m hard pressed to recall a hit that was meaningful.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2009)

July 29, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

David O’Brien is Braveheart. The man is a coward who hides behind his tiny little you know what.

DELETE

DELETE

DELETE

COWARD.

By bfan54

July 29, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

The “Mendoza” line obviously refers to Mario Mendoza, who, ironically dodged the “line” which bears his name by compiling a .204 average in 441 AB’s between 1974 and 1978.

Corky (and I disavow any intention to creat a “Corky” or “Miller” line) is below .100 as I post this. Is there a name for a player who achieves this distinction.

BTW - I was disappointed when Javy was let go, and, admitted, then, that sentiment played a part of it, but I thought then that he was highly serviceable as a backup, was motivated at the time, and probably would find an acceptable level.

The Braves chose “Corky” - and while not a “post hoc, ergo propterea hoc” situation, the season has been a calamity of poor luck AND poor choices. I am not a BC basher, but, quite apart from matters well beyond his control, he has not impressed me in the least, but rather than stand apart from difficulties not of his making, has seemed very much to be part of the problems. I say this with both respect, perspective, and much regret. To paraphrase Cicero, ‘Carthago delenda est’!

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

A woman who works in the Braves’ museum or somewhere over there, had a great line about this year’s rotation. Wish I had thought of it myself:

“Campillo and Jurrjens and call for the surgeons.”

By Savannah Guy

July 29, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Tex went from damn near worst to way out front first, from NL East to AL West, from Atlanta burbs to a condo in Newport Beach. From 12.5 mil to what… 24 a year when he tests the market? Quite a transition. That’s livin’ large.

And now it’s reported that Jair has Boras as his agent. That’s the worst news I’ve heard today. I’m afraid to ask, but how long do we have Jurry locked up? If he improves even a little bit with experience we need to make him love Atlanta and pay up when it’s time.

By Why Us

July 29, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Don’t look now but the Angels, Tex’s new team is taking a NO HITTER (Lackey) into the bottom of the ninth.

Hope he gets it.

By Toddlers, Geriatrics & Preexisting Conditions

July 29, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

THe only thing that ultimately matters when evaluating trades are the production numbers put up in the majors and the bang for the buck given by the players involved in the trades who play in the major leagues.

When evaluating the two trades you have to start with the numbers Tex put up and the numbers Mahay put up here. So far they are off to a huge head start. Kotchman will give them an even bigger head start. Tex’s numbers with the Angels will only slightly discount the value because Kotchman will be producing as well.

Looking at it another way. Last year, the market gave free agents $4 per win above replacement. This year, it was $4.40. The average overall market value the last two seasons has been about $2.1 million per win above replacement paid to players.

The Braves paid Tex about $11.5 million over the last year and paid Mahay about .4 million. We’ll just round it up to $12 million. That means the Braves were looking for about 3 wins above replacement production combined in free agency dollars and/or 6 wins above replacement in overall market dollars out of Mahay and Tex.

According to baseball-reference, Tex gave the Braves 4 batting wins above average. Give him another win above replacement for being a first baseman., He has 5 wins above repacement. Add another half a win to a win for being a good defensive first baseman who saves 5 to 10 runs a year, Tex provided the Braves between 5.5 to 6 wins above replacement. Mahay had a 189 ERA+ in 28 innings, which means he was about 1.2 wins above replacement while a Brave.

Combined, Tex and Mahay gave the Braves about 7 wins above replacement for $12 million dollars. Or in other words, for $12 million dollars, the Braves got about $28 million dollars worth of production in free agency dollars and/or $14 million dollars of production in overall market dollars.

Matt Harrison’s 7.37 ERA in 19.7 innings as a major leaguer thus far is the lone major league production the other teams have gotten out of these Tex trades thus far. Harrison has provided about 0.3 wins below replacement thus far in his career.

That’s right. The Braves have received 7 wins above replacement thus far in these trades. The other teams have received 0.3 wins below replacement thus far in these trades.

These other teams have alot of catching up to do if they want to make up for the major league productivity and bang for the buck gained already by the Braves in these Tex trades.

By Wayne in Utah

July 29, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

A couple of points:

Sign Jair Jurrjens in winter of 2009 to a 6-8 year contract. If not, then trade him a year or two before he becomes a free agent.

Sorry to have rattled your cage Coach, but you asked for it with your stupidity!

Dave: Thanks for the advice, but sometimes it is so fun to stick in the knife, and twist it a little! :-)

You can’t write off a guy like Francoeur after one bad season. You get little for him if you do, and you risk him putting it together for somebody else. Gotta ride it out a while.

I sure would love to see some of our youngsters up here in August and September, to see what they have.

Hang in there Campy!

By Get well soon, Heap, Get well soon!

July 29, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

• I thought he was going to send a red flag by not mentioning Francoeur.

Alas, he not only mentioned Francoeur, he said, “I’m sure this is an aberration with him, and he’s going to bounce back” in 2009.*

Or maybe he’s just blowing smoke….we still have 40 some odd hours left before the deadline….mwahahahaha

By Jeff R

July 29, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

Kotchman is a good acquistion. He’s not going to post super numbers, but he’s going to give the team steady production and good defensive play.

Should be interesting to see what Ohman fetches.

By Goodoleboy58

July 29, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

Lackey 1 out in the 9th no hitter intact

By RedEyedAndBlue

July 29, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why the Braves don’t offer Ohman an extension, pronto. I mean the guy has suggested he wants to stay a Brave and doesn’t have an agent named Boras who refuses to negotiate reasonably. Why not make him an offer now?

By Get well soon, Heap, Get well soon!

July 29, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

BTW, McFann I love the title of the article you linked. Heap in No Hurry….you don’t say.

: D

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

This is classic: Hudson and Smoltz are going to travel together tomorrow to Birmingham to see Andrews, Smoltz for a scheduled checkup, Hudson to have his worrisome MRI results examined.

When asked if Smoltz was going to fly them up on the jet he charters, Hudson quipped: “If Smoltz wants to fly us, I’ll fly. With our luck, we’d probably go down [crash] somewhere. I’ll make sure I have my parachute.”

By Braveheart

July 29, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

No, sorry, Coach, David O’Brien is not Braveheart.

By StingerSplash

July 29, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Don’t know if this was mentioned earlier, but didn’t Tom Kotchman (Casey’s dad, I believe) play his college ball at Georgia Southern?

By Shaun

July 29, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

Coach, according to your logic, I suppose Scott Brosius is a better thirdbaseman than Chipper Jones. Brosius won three World Series while Chipper only won one.

Chipper must be the most overrate thirdbaseman in history, right Coach?

By ncscoots

July 29, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

All I’m saying is, any way you slice it, he pretty much had to include [Francoeur] in that conversation once he went down that road of naming cornerstones.

Exactly. It’s the order of the naming that is probably more significant. A year ago, Francoeur would have probably been mentioned early in that list.

Get the ankle fixed, clean out the head, and change the offseason regimen (I would think). Then, the kid either progresses or he doesn’t, and the Braves can plan accordingly.

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

Well, the Corkster might not be able to hit, but he can sure play some D!

By Lew

July 29, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

Coach-Moronic as ever. You either get the draft choices OR the deal with the Angels-not both. How can you give up something you never had to begin with and won’t have because you took the deal?

I guess Coach would have taken door number one and claimed a loss on his income taxes of doors number two and three. Probably claimed a deduction for the lipstick he gave Monty Hall for the chance to choose, too.

I would have taken the Reds, Man.

By Get well soon, Heap, Get well soon!

July 29, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

* “Campillo and Jurrjens and call for the surgeons.” *

Priceless. She needs to put that on tshirts.

By A-ville Ranger

July 29, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

My gosh, how do let AP beat you by stealing third ? I hate to be a broken record but The Braves are not fundamentally sharp…at all.

By uga-brave

July 29, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

scoots,

must be a jorge thing.

braves still cant do the little things no matter who is in the line up.

escobar has no interest in sacraficing himself.

sorinao looks like has zero interest in being out there.

pujols could of walked to third base.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2009)

July 29, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Yea Baby !

Tony LaRussa picks the pocket of Bobby Cox just like Charlie Manuel did the other night.

Stealing third base, forcing the error and putting the Braves in the position of losing one more GAME BY ONE RUN. Brilliant managing on the part of Tony LaRussa.

By Goodoleboy58

July 29, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

Is this a good time to complain about Corky? Ehh too easy

By Jeff321

July 29, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

The defensive specialist Corky Miller just lost us the game. Are you happy Cox? Because no one but you would even have this loser on the roster.

I would just like to hear you say Corky Miller sucks. And promptly resign for pushing this nonsense on the loyal Atlanta fans!

By Robert

July 29, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Why is Dorky Miller on this team?

By dwaynerice

July 29, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Pujols hits a double, steals 3rd and comes around to score on an errant throw by our defensive genius, Corky Miller. Congratulations, besides not being able to hit worth s**, you now have probably times as many errors, passed balls, etc. as McCann, in about 1/5 the playing time. Gotta give the Cards credit for an outstanding scouting report on being able to throw on you, not just to be safe at 3rd, but knowing in all liklihood you would throw it away. what was that about keeping you because of your “defensive prowess?” you might be a nice guy, terrific. But you are a p** poor ballplayer.

By dwaynerice

July 29, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Pujols hits a double, steals 3rd and comes around to score on an errant throw by our defensive genius, Corky Miller. Congratulations, besides not being able to hit worth s**, you now have probably times as many errors, passed balls, etc. as McCann, in about 1/5 the playing time. Gotta give the Cards credit for an outstanding scouting report on being able to throw on you, not just to be safe at 3rd, but knowing in all liklihood you would throw it away. what was that about keeping you because of your “defensive prowess?” you might be a nice guy, terrific. But you are a p** poor ballplayer.

By Corky

July 29, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Corky is trying to match his error totals to his hit totals. Horrible excuse for a major leaguer. He should have been the one driving Tex to the airport tonight.

By bgvt

July 29, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Kotsay for Petit? Petit has had some pretty good minor league numbers. Not many walks, more than a K per inning. His ERA is a bit high but that could be a PCL thing (lots of hitters’ parks).

Kotsay would be a good 4th outfielder for a contender. He wouldn’t have to play every day; late inning defense; some pinch-hitting. Plus, a free agent at the end of the year.

By Heath

July 29, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

So…Dave. Since we didn’t get pitching for Tex… Here’s a questions:

Assuming that Smoltz, Glavine, and Hudson are out most or all of next year for whatever reason (retirement, injury, etc.)…do the Braves dare try to bring back Hampton if he pitches well the rest of the year? We’d be left with Jair and Jorge…and well…???…

By Anders

July 29, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Tex for Kotchman and some mid range minor league guys?

And you guys have the b*lls to rag on Minaya?

This morning Wren says he has the best player available to trade and is dealing from strength and the best player he’s offered is Kotchman? Kotchman’s strengths are he has three years of control left and doesn’t make much money. That appears to be the desired player tools for Braves management.

BTW- Delgado just hit his 23rd. Apparently Minaya’s geriatric’s can still play this game.

By JC from UT

July 29, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

if jason Bay cannot be aquired, how about signing Pat Burrell in the off season

By flange1

July 29, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

Wow Coach,

Now you are acting like Braveheart and DOB are demons.

In fact, one of the main reasons I read this blog is to read DOB and Braveheart.

If I remember correctly, Braveheart is the MAN that started calling you Cooch.

He told you he could school you on baseball with one at bat.

But of course, you ran away for a couple of days with no response and came back as obnoxious as ever.

Now you are on the Robert kick.

Bobby Cox probably created cancer and caused the 9/11 attacks.

In fact, I have heard from reliable sources that Bobby Cox actually was the guy on the grassy knoll.

You come in and give us “my work is done”.

What work have you ever done here but cause problems and run your retarded big mouth?

None.

oh sorry.

BOOM.

My mistake! I forget that your attention span is shorter than, sorry family blog here, well shorter than a sawed off midget…

Just go away for awhile.

You add nothing here.

Nothing at all….

By Goodoleboy58

July 29, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

when you’re being pinch hit for by a hitter batting .213 and you aren’t a pitcher you should be ashamed

By northbeach Scott

July 29, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

NorCal to Atlanta was has been a big downer as well. Seems like a great fit for the trade given the circumstances. The Angels are in a better position to sign Tex to a longer term deal and he will be going to his first playoff. If he helps the Halos win the series, all bets are off on how big that contract will be. Good for Tex.

Glad Wren is dealing with the reality of the situation instead of trying to bandaid things. He did well considering, the situation. Looking forward to an investment in pitching and being right back in the thick of it in 2009.

By Toddlers, Geriatrics & Preexisting Conditions

July 29, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

I forgot to mention Salty in that last post. Salty has -0.8 batting wins. He gains about .7 wins for being a catcher, !B, DH who has only 350 plate appearances over the last year. That brings him to about -0.1 wins below replacement over the last year. His defense is horrendous. He’s probably cost Texas 0.5 wins with his poor D. That is about -0.6 wins below replacement.

Combined Harrison and Salty have combined for about 1 win below replacement over the last year while Tex and Mahay provided 7 wins above replacement. That means the combo of Tex and Mahay has been 8 wins better than Salty and Harrison thus far.

By TK

July 29, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know where or what Don Baylor is doing??? I wonder if he would come back to the Braves as a hitting coach if management told him he could replace Bobby when he retired? I think Baylor could help Frenchy. No offence to Pendelton but he does not seem to be able to help player’s make adjustments. Every player goes though slumps in a season. Player’s should also have some hot patches. Except for Chipper at the first of the year and Tex & Brian lately I can not think of another player who got hot for any lenght of time. Pendelton could not help AJ last year and has not seemed to help Jeff this year and I think Kelly has taken a step backward. I liked TP as a player….not sure he is the best for the Braves as a batting coach.

By N Nine

July 29, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

very funny on the plane flight! fitting flight for braves 08 season. Our past ace and our current ace.

By uga-brave

July 29, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

NITRAM ODARP.

By TennesseePaul

July 29, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

ncscoots: I watch Campillo and I can only think of Jorge Sosa’s one-year wonder

I understand the position. Camp came out of no where and it doesn’t seem possible that he could be this good and continue at this level for an extended period of time.
But, there is a huge difference between the two. Camp can make it through the lineup multiple times without melting down and thusly he lasts until later in the game with relatively low pitch counts and few runners on the base paths.
Sosa would go 5 innings, throw 100 pitches, walk the bases loaded inning after inning, and escape by the skin of his teeth. He spent the entire “miracle year” performing miracles, teetering on the edge of oblivion. The following season he fell off the edge and into oblivion.
I think Camp has a better chance of survival. I wouldn’t pencil him in as the #2 or #3 starter for next year, but damnit if he isn’t impressing. 7 innings, 2 runs. I’ll take that from a back end starter. Now this team needs to get another ace. I’d be excited about Sheets or Sabbathia for about 1 year, 3 years max, but I have a hunch they will be seeking Santana/Zito money and that’s scary considering injury history and forecast.

By Robert

July 29, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Cox vs LaRussa - aka Bozo vs Einstein

By dwaynerice

July 29, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Gotta love your last comment DOB!!! but tell me, i am a faithful reader but may have missed it. As often as has been asked on this blog (which rocks) of you, whether you know or have ever asked what it is Corky has or had over any other backup catcher (either in the organization or not, one we could acquire), what has been or is the answer, pray tell?

By Renegator

July 29, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Just in this game

Escobar can’t get a bunt down to move a runner into scoring position. Soriano completely ignores Pujols at second and allows him to steal 3rd. Corky (why is he even on a major league roster) Miller throws the ball into RF to let the winning run score.

Who is teaching this team fundamentals? I mean this is absurd. Do we not hold the coaching staff accountable for this miserable execution of basic baseball fundamentals?

Someone, please defend this team’s udder failure of executing simple baseball fundamentals that are taught at the little league level. This has been a re-occuring theme for several years now. Where is the accoutability from either the players or the coaching staff?

On a side note, does anyone actually think they can come back from this one run deficit. I mean, lets be honest - there is no fight in this team. This game is already over.

By Tomas

July 29, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

I know Frenchy didn’t get a hit in that at bat, but it may have been his greatest at bat of the year. His mentality was to go to the opposite way, he didn’t chase the high fastball, nor did he chase the sliders off the plate. But damn prado, and Gotay failed to deliver.

By Billy (TBFnB)

July 29, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

Tex had the numbers obviously but he did not appear to be a clutch player. But I dont see many games anymore. I’m glad he gone and we recieved something in return…unlike AJ.

By Goodoleboy58

July 29, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

Kotchman please hurry to the ATL we need a glove at 1B

By A-ville Ranger

July 29, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

NCscoots,Other than both speaking Spanish and being pitchers Jorge Sosa has little similarity to Campillo.

My god another bad throw,I call’s em like I see’s em.This team is very,very sloppy,that’s always management’s responibility.

By bgvt

July 29, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

I suppose the Angels pick up the remainder of Tex’s $12.5 m for this year and the Braves pick up Kotchman’s salary? If so, the Braves just saved $3.5 million — about what it would take to sign Ohman for a year.

By McFann O

July 29, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Get well soon, Heap, Get well soon!—

Ha ha! So true…

Glad to read he’s improving—and that they aren’t rushing.

By GeorgetownKid

July 29, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Coach

You are a mean-spirited jerk. And you’re not even clever, you’re just a jerk.

When you’re being rude, at least try to be funny.

By StingerSplash

July 29, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Can’t get a bunt down. Can’t defend a bunt. Can’t throw out a first baseman stealing third. This. Is. Bad.

By uga-brave

July 29, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

you guys need to give coach a pass tonight, he is in mourning.

his fred mcgriff, tom emansky video “play like a pro,” got stuck in his vcr.

no more clever terms like “roll the hole.”

By kirknga

July 29, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

Well good-bye to Tex. I like the deal though. I think Kotchman makes the most sense.

I really was having some serious anxiety about seeing something like Thorman/Norton combination at 1 st base, even if it’s a lost season.

You have to like that Kotchman only has 23 k’s the entire season..wow! Also you have to like that he is hitting .293 RISP, including .300 w/bases loaded; .357 RISP and 2 outs!! The Braves need a guy who is a tough out and they got him.

I hope we hang onto and pay to keep Ohman. As we’ve seen, there is no lefthanded bridge to Gonzalez. Ridge is not the answer and Ohman has been the best leftie we’ve had in the pen since Remy.

Even with some expected raises coming to several players, the Braves do have the money to spend on a frontline starter.

I agree with those who say that a frontline starter is now the Braves priority. I know we’re waiting for Dr. Andrews’ report, but the way the season has gone, I wouldn’t expect good news.

It’s a melancholy day, but with a big glimmer of hope on the horizon.

By Steve from OH

July 29, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Typical Coach Post:

1. Insult one or more bloggers while hiding behind a screen name.

2. Reduce an assortment of baseball plays from a variety of complex factors to a simple “Bobby Cox is stupid (or other adjective of choice).”

3. Insult more bloggers. Insult DOB.

4. Assert the correctness of your own post.

5. Criticize every baseball person within the organization.

6. Top it all off with onomatopoeia of choice, followed by another assertion of the foolishness of Bobby Cox/Frank Wren/random Braves player.

What do you have? An angry, possibly drunk, little man hiding behind a screen name on an internet forum who must validate himself with arrogant assertions of “truth” while somehow taking offense to any and every post with an opinion diffent from his own.

Am I in the ballpark?

By Tomas

July 29, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Man Tony Larrusa has this cardinal team looking sharp no wonder they’ve played so good this year. Thank god the braves will have a different 1B tomorrow. The problem with the Braves lineup now that they got casey is that they add another lefty to the mix, but he hits lefty’s well as kelly and Mac do.

By Kashi

July 29, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

DOB, do you hate Boras or what? I always read negative comments about Boras from you. So what do you you saying….we won’t afford to give JJ or even if we offered him it will be a laughable offer? I WANT TO KNOW WHAT FRANK WREN OFFERED TO TEX. If is it 18M and it was turned down, WHY THE HELL HE DIDN’T COME BACK TO TEX AND ASK WOULD YOU CONSIDER OUR SPRING TRAINNING OFFER BEFORE THE DEADLINE? I bet Tex would give it a thought because he didn’t had a great year as he thought during spring trainning. THIS IS A BS BUSSINESS BRAVES ARE DOING. You don’t start a conversation with your player and just go blah blah on media that Tex will NOT resing with Braves. SHUUUUUUT up. I hate it the way Braves are conducting their business…at least he could have conversation with TEX before the the trade talks. “…From now on never draft or trade Boras client to our organization cuz DOB says we won’t be able to afford them…or resign them”. Bullshiiiiiiiit!

By TexasBrave

July 29, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Man Skip just said that he has been on the wagon for more than a year, but these games are beginning to test me.

Funny

I guess the Braves would cause just about anybody to drink. Pass the bottle!!

By brian

July 29, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

looks like the Dodgers are trying to obtain a utility player who can fill in at SS while awaiting Furcal’s return. I wonder what they may offer up for Infante. Infante though has shown the Braves how valuable he is. He has been huge for the Braves this year

By texmex

July 29, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

any news on whether the braves are still trying to get jason bay? they need someone like bay for the future now that tex is gone and chipper is not getting any younger - i like the tex trade i just hope wren can pull something off for bay and hopefuly get sheets in the offseason

By kreedham

July 29, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

I knew Casey’s dad in college. He played at Georgia Southern in the early 70”s for Ron Polk. We tried to get him to join my fraternity but he never did but he remained our friend. Good Guy! He was drafted and played awhile before managing. I know he managed Macon 1 year (I think it was a Cardinals farm club then). Welcome to Atlanta, Casey and tell your dad hello!

By Supes

July 29, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

Anders I will hold you accountable to SHOW UP here and comment IF your NY METS choke again.

Enjoy it while it’s good.

BTW…How do you know if this deal is a “bad deal” for the Braves? Aren’t you supposed to wait a year or two before you declare it a bad move? For all we know TEX doesn’t sign with the Angels, and all they get is 2 draft picks.

While Casey is better than average, he isn’t in the all star caliber type player yet, but he is only 25 years old. He has upside and has steadily improved year to year…while making very little money.

Ask yourself this…your mighty NY Mets are fighting for the NL East with what…how much of a payroll…and look at the FLA Marlins with a bunch of “Casey Kotchman” types on their team, good young players who are all relatively cheap are COMPETEING right with your NY METS.

So please don’t come in here and tell me how bad of a GM Frank Wren is.

Give it some time.

Meanwhile…Delgado has been excellent of late, but it doesn’t dimish the fact that YOUR GM sells the farm for overpriced and over the hill mercs who just wanna get paid.

DOB

On second thought, after reading your response, you seem to be correct sir. It appears that Frank was cornered into including Jeff into that group. He was being very careful with all of his words, not to tip his hand, etc about who is available and who isn’t.

Personally, I don’t see Jeff as a “none tradable” building block for the future, and wheather Frank Wren feels this way or not, he shouldn’t say it in public on TV.

I’m letting my frustartion with Jeff’s lack of production cloud my judgement.

On, and why is everyone pilling on Coach?

If you look carefully, he does have (some) good things to say. I just dislike how quickly people can turn on and just pile on a fellow Braves fan (and yes, he is a Braves fan, right?) It’d be different if that no good Sniper shows up, pile on all you want (No offense Anders, but Mets fans are still not officially welcomed here!)

By Greg

July 29, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Question for all denizens: Is this now the worst team in the Majors? I mean we’re now batting our pinch hitter at clean up.

Without Chipper and McCain, I say the Atlanta Braves are now the worst team in the Majors. I also believe it will take five to 10 years before this team can compete again.

For those of you who don’t remember, the mid-80s team was worse than this one, but this is looking really bad.

By Braveheart

July 29, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Roll the ahole

By ncscoots

July 29, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

But, there is a huge difference between [Campillo and Sosa] the two.

Oh, heck, yeah, I didn’t mean to imply anything otherwise, LOL. I’m just leery of 30-year-old-rookie soft-tossers becoming mainstays. Doesn’t mean that Campillo couldn’t be the exception to the rule, but you have people here penciling the guy in for 18 wins next year. I find that kind of confidence, at this stage, a wee bit optimistic.

The Braves, in fact, could be above average from the middle to the back of the rotation next year. Jurrjens, Reyes, Morton, Lerew, and, yes, Campillo, filling up 3 to 5 ought to be pretty good. Force any of those guys to the top of the rotation, and not quite so strong. Does that sound like any of the conversations you and I had last offseason, LOL?

By Tomas

July 29, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

What’s the ERA of the bulpen this last 3 games I bet you it’s over 15 or something.

By McFann O

July 29, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

doug—

Thanks.

Yeah, Coach is a little to uh…unhappy to be in Fantasy Land…

By StingerSplash

July 29, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

Forget about catching the Phils, Muts and Bait. Braves better worry about not getting caught by the Sand Gnationals at the rate the Braves are going.

By Reid in EAV

July 29, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

Coach, you keep talking and all I hear is BLAH BLAH BLAH. Please advise the little league which employs you so I can keep my kids out of it.

I thing the Tex deal was a good one, given the circumstances. I didn’t think the Halos would part with Kotchman given all the organizatinal ties.

I’ll keep tabs on the Bravos but I think I’m a Rays fan the rest of the way. Why aren’t there more of their games on the national broadcasts?

By JB

July 29, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Anders is back. Mets must have won today.

By McFann O

July 29, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Well, this could be a rally…

Gotta go! Night, all!

By N Nine

July 29, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

corky .096—good work

By keylargo

July 29, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

This game can be analyzed by Blanco being 4 for 4 and followed by an 0 for 5 by Escobar and a 1 for 5 by Kotsay.

You have to move those guys along with CJ and BMac out and Tex gone.

By Robin

July 29, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

Another ugly loss. : (

By AP Report

July 29, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

B-L-O-G B-U-S-T-E-R TRADE

Mets Blog get Coach(alias 1) Coach(alias 2) Coach(alias 3) Coach(alias 4) Coach(alias 5-9)

DOB Blog gets

Sniper

Consensus is well worth it considering

By dwaynerice

July 29, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Tomas, if Kotchman hits left handed but hits lefties well, let’s not hold our breath..Bobby might very well platoon him. It’s not a lefty/righty thing, so it calls for a platoon. Seems perfect to me. lol being sarcastic

By Justo

July 29, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

I think who the braves also need to trade is for sure Chipper Jones. Like the guy, good ball player, great hitter but he is clearly breaking down in my opinion. I trade his a* in the offseason and get what I can for him.

By RedEyedAndBlue

July 29, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

Kashi

Stick to cereal. That thread made no sense.

Supes

Anders should be more worried about Maine’s arm than our trade for a 1B.

Greg

Not sure if they are the worst. But there are definitely more disappointed fans out there in other cities. Cleveland, Colorado, Detroit, among them. Mariners are the worst team in MLB imo with a tip o’ the cap to the Nats (although they kicked our arse recently so what does that tell ya).

Apples and oranges to compare the plight of the current Braves to the mid-80s teams. Our team is ravaged by injuries - those guys weren’t and still stunk. With the possible exception of Rick Mahler (who was terribly underrated in his day), there were no starters for years on those mid-80s teams that came close to the talent of JJ.

By Anders

July 29, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

From DOB’s 8:52 post:

*“I’m excited to go to Atlanta and play for Bobby Cox,” said Kotchman, a left-hander who was raised in St. Petersburg, Fla, the son of former minor leaguer player and manager Tom Kotchman.

“The Braves are an East Coast, Southern team. Bobby Cox has been there forever. Seeing how he handles players, pulls for them, I’ve got to believe it’s a blessing for me to start a new chapter in Atlanta.”*

OK let’s review. He’s leaving a team that’s basically locked up a playoff spot, that’s located in one of the nicest areas of the country, is loaded with talent, has rabid fans and an owner who is the Steinbrenner of the new millenium when it comes to spending money to go to a team that will most likely play .400 baseball the rest of the way and will only spend the third most money in their division. Come on. Listen, I truly believe players respect Cox and all but Soscia is no slouch to play for either. What else is the guy gonna say, but why report this drivel? We all know Kotchman’s gonna stare at the ceiling when he goes to bed tonight and think about what could have been.

By kirknga

July 29, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

Greg

Heck no! This is not the worst team in the majors. The pitching has disappeared, separate and apart from Hudson, but I would expect it to return to a much better level than it has shown to start the second half.

We can expect, base on his career track record, for Hampton to improve. If he remains healthy, he will help ease the absence of Hudson. We still have JJ, Campillo is still on a run(though it is not the best option to pencil him in a rotation spot next year yet), so that is 3 serviceable to good starters.

That’s 3 good chances to win or be in games through your rotation. Bad teams don’t tend to have 3 good chances in their rotation.

Chipper and McCann will return, and the new guy is pretty good as well. Add to them an ever intriguing Blanco,Escobar, and a healthy Kotsay and you’ve got a good line up,not great, not powerful, but good.

We should be ok at the back end of the pen, but what comes before those two guys is scary right now. We need to get Acosta healthy and back in there. He certainly was better than a couple of guys we’ve got now. Boyer needs rest, but he’s going to be good if his arm isn’t hurting.

No, this isn’t the worst team.

By Andy

July 29, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

I hope that Furcal can get back to health. I wonder if he would be an option to play the outfield for us next year? Playing cf could help him stay healthy…Furcal leading off would give us the dynamic top of the order that we have been lacking. Blanco is okay, but I just don’t see him as a stalwart option. I am really looking forward to Heyward getting up here. I also hope that Schafer can get his act together. Please just deal frenchy to the royals for greinke. After jurrjens, we just have ?’s. I love campillo, but we shall see. I do think we will absolutely need to sign a fa sp. Derek Lowe? I would love sheets or sabathia, but we are cheap. Even lowe isn’t cheap. We are never players in the fa market hardly ever, anyway.

By northbeach Scott

July 29, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

Yhe Braves are officially in the race … for #1 overall pick in the 2009 amateur draft. I think we have a heck of a chance to compete with the Nats, Mariners and Indians. Go Braves!

By northbeach Scott

July 29, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Yhe Braves are officially in the race … for #1 overall pick in the 2009 amateur draft. I think we have a heck of a chance to compete with the Nats, Mariners and Indians. Go Braves!

By SNIPER-69

July 29, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

It’s back to the 80’s for the braves. Many forget how awful they were before their run. I see many of the regulars are absent from the blog. That could only mean one thing…….LETS GO METS!!

By Supes

July 29, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

JB

Yeah, Mets won again and Delgado hit a run shot late in that game, hence why he brought it up.

Don’t expect any Mets fans to be here if they choke away the NL East again in September.

By brian

July 29, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

I still have not figured out why someone hitting 0.096 is still in the major leagues at the end of July. It is not as if he is the end all defensive catcher either.

Remind me why we released Bryan Pena and kept Miller.

I have to think there may be a roster spot for Sammons next year

By InCognito

July 29, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

DOB, why noy take it to the deasline to see if someone increased their offer? I doubt the Halos would have pulled their offer.

By DAP

July 29, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

is it just me, or has coach recently become a fan of whoever the braves are playing that night? youre nothing but a troll at this point, coach.

i would have liked to have gotten more for tex, but were werent gonna get loney, and we werent gonna get connor jackson. i like kotchman better than tracy at least. to me, the most dissapointing part is the minor leaguer we got as well. i thought we would be able to get kotchman and a couple of prospects at least.

By Anders

July 29, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

Supes and JB

I was here all winter after the historic collpase so I’m not sure what either of you are talking about. I’m here more than most. I even made a point of posting the day after the Mets collapsed against the Phils last week just so guys like you couldn’t accuse me of ducking the blog after big losses.

I wasn’t here lately because I was up in Boston over the weekend at the Yanks/Sox series and in the twin cities the last two days on business. Now there’s a town that knows how to run a small market team. I have the utmost respect for that organization.

By bravos2249

July 29, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

Someone needs to inform B. Olney that Wren said there was a big market for him

By TNJeff

July 29, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

Is anyone else sick of seeing Kotsay pop up to left - he is definitely not the answer in center.

Other holes to fill - Right field / 2nd base / 1st base / back-up catcher who can either hit or play defense since Cox’s pet can’t do either currently / 3 starting pitchers & relief pitching core

By Flower Man

July 29, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

Well I see the Braves have taken another step in their attempt to overtake the Nats. I didn’t expect much from them tonight, but a little effort would have been nice.

To this point I think Wren has done a good job as GM, but every single time I see Corky Miller’s name on this roster I shake my head. He has no business in the big leagues, hell maybe any league for that matter.

This team has been littered with guys on the bench who didn’t belong in the majors. Is that from Cox’s pull or the front office being cheap? No sane group of baseball people would agree to have the likes of Orr, Woodward, Miller, etc on the Braves roster for the entire season, would they?

Regarding Frenchy, you can’t expect Wren to throw the guy under the bus do you? If he is viewed as a “cornerstone of the franchise”, then this team has a lot more problems than I thought. I have no doubt a lot was expected of him this season & rightfully so, but plans change & quickly.

By TennesseePaul

July 29, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

that’s located in one of the nicest areas of the country

Bit of an over statement there. The weather is favorable, but the surroundings aren’t that pleasant unless you like Concrete, asphalt, metal, dirt, a palm tree, stucco, and more contrete.

By Tomas

July 29, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

Let’s review Frank Wren’s trades orfree agent signings since he become the GM:

• ¡Jair Jurrjens, and Gorky’s Hernandez for Renteria! Superb……

• Will Ohman and Omar Infante for Jose Ascanio. Superb…..

• Signing Tom Glavine to 6 million dollar deal. Doubtfull…..

No offence to Tommy but he is old, the braves were just asking for their pitchers to get injured when they had 2 pitchers over 40 and one over 35.

• Mark Kotsay for Joey Devine.

Bad….

Devine has a lot of talent, and if you would have added him to that bulpen they might have been better off. Everybody knew Kotsay’s back was an issue, and frankly he was not worth giving up Joey Devine. Granted he didn’t know Blanco would have been this good.

• Adquisitions of Norton and Gotay.

Horrible…..

Sorry for being honest but Norton and Gotay are pathetic.

• Adquiring Julian Tavarez.

Good….

He hasn’t been as bad as I thought, and they did need a veteran reliever in that bulpen.

• Mark Texeira for Casey Kotchman and Stephen Marek.

Good…..

It beats the hell out of chad tracy and Micah Owings, but I would have demanded Brandon Wood to be in the deal instead of Marek. But it’s a good trade I don’t know if the angels would have included Wood in the deal, and I hear Marek has closer stuff so it’s a good trade. Good

By kirknga

July 29, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

Anders

I think the reason you report it is because it shows that the guy at least has enough sense not to alienate his now manager and teammates.

How many times have we’ve seen players traded and they bash somebody, or say something less than enthusiastic?

He could’ve said nothing, and tongues would’ve wagged and questioned if he was feeling sorry for himself now that he left a contending team to come to one that isn’t at the moment.

But he found something positive to say that will ease his transition to his new team and maybe gave his new teammates a little lift by coming in positive instead of suspect.

By Supes

July 29, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

Sniper

I don’t remember the 80’s will you remind me what it was all about?:smirk:

On second thought, it’s OK. Your NY Mets aren’t running away with it, beware the Phillies and Marlins. It’ll go down to the end, and we know how well your NY Mets handle pressure?

Anders

I said I better see you blogging if your Mets choke again this year. That’s all sir. No selective “appearances” allowed by other team’s fans on the Braves blog, right?

Nothing more low class than showing up when your team wins to tease the fans of the team that is just drowning right now.

Well, I know the pen blew it today, but I believe it’ll be interesting to see how September will shape up. I’m conceding August for sure. Curious to see some of the young players get their chance to play, to see if Chipper can stay healthy and contend for the battling title again, will JJJ get to 15 wins in his first year as a Brave? There are some positive things to look forward to, as well as how does Casey do with the 2 months remaining as a Brave.

I hope the Braves approach August/Sept as a 2 month audition/stepping block for 2009 season.

DOB any reason why Clint Sammons wasn’t catching tonight, other than maybe Bobby wanted him to sit or wanted Miller to catch Campillo?

By TennesseePaul

July 29, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

ncscoots: A black cat went past us and then I saw another that looked just like it.

By Anders

July 29, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul

Bit of an over statement there. The weather is favorable, but the surroundings aren’t that pleasant unless you like Concrete, asphalt, metal, dirt, a palm tree, stucco, and more contrete

You realize that the players don’t live in RV’s in the stadium parking lot- right? Trust me, I’ve been there and there are more than a few incredibly upscale neighborhoods in the area.

BTW-John Heyman just reported about a 50% chance the Phils and Red Sox make a Manny deal and it’s heating up.- Wow! Him hitting in that ban box is a scary thought.

Hmm. Wonder if Wren should have sat tight to see if some three way deal could have been brokered to bring back more than Kotchman? Just a thought. Then again I suggested Wren publicly shake the trees three weeks ago when DOB told me I don’t know what I’m talking about - again.

By Tomas

July 29, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

60 % of braves trades have been good. And hopefully he can get some young talent from Ohman and Kotsay.

By Mike

July 29, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

I expect Kotsay and Ohman to be dealt in the next 36 hours. No reason to keep them.

I’m sure we won’t get anything much in return for them though. Similar to Marek. Minor league pitchers with decent shots at being okay in the bigs. But why not just keep Ohman and take the supp draft pick? I’d rather draft a kid like Devall and develop him in our system.

By Braves blow now for sure

July 29, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Maybe they will trade JF next (fingers crossed)

By Anders

July 29, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

Supes

Ay ay Captain.

By uga-brave

July 29, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

over or under 90 losses for the season?

i think we are going over, somewhere in the vicinity of 69-93.

the braves have not been able to do the little things for the last 3 or 4 years.

THIS FRANCHISE has been rotting from the inside for a while. ever since AOL cut the minor league budget it was only a matter of time before the creaks started to show.

we have mediocre players, that really lack some basic fundamentals.

somehere in the minors they are not getting what they need.

then again we have a AA manager that crawls around the mound and throws fake hand grenades.

gotta pay people to get quality results.

By David O'Brien

July 29, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

Anders: you don’t. again.

By Greg in TN

July 29, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

Evening folks…

I say we forklift the cow off and replace it with Knock-A-Homa’s teepee pronto. A season of ridiculous amounts of injuries just gets better. Hudson going on the DL is bad enough, but now he may miss ‘09 which really puts the franchise behind the 8-ball.

So long Mark T and good luck out on the west coast. I’m really disappointed things didn’t work out, but it happens. Tex did everything asked of him and is a class act. He said all the right things today in wanting to stay and all, but realistically, his tenure with the club wouldn’t have lasted beyond this year.

Having said that, I like the Kotchman trade. Not sure how Marek will fare, but it sounds like Chuck James with a little more zip on the heater and it sounds like he does a better job of missing bats.

Another night to forget at the ‘ol ballpark. Looks like we have more in store before the curtain falls on the 2008. Really hope the news on Huddy’s trip to Birmingham is better than what it likely will be. I am sure there are fine folks there and there’s lots to see and do, but it’s the last place in the world that pitchers want to go during the season, well, unless you’re playing for or against the Barons that night.

By N Nine

July 29, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

new season high! 8 1/2 back new season low cork’s BA! ..096

best wishes huddy

By Anders

July 29, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

Supes

Nothing more low class than showing up when your team wins to tease the fans of the team that is just drowning right now.

Actually there is. How about how quickly the Brave faithful have turned on Golden local boy Frenchy? Or the way many now didn’t see Tex as the answer anymore when it became apparent the Braves were done and he wasn’t re-signing? Suddenly he was viewed as a compiler but not clutch or a winner -pretty self serving stuff.

For the record I’m here more than you so perhaps that’s why you view my being here as me just parachuting in to tease.