Braves

By Goodoleboy58

August 14, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

I’m being patient with Kotchie but I would like to see a few more line drives from the guy… How many ground outs has he had since he’s been here?

By DAP

August 14, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

what kind of contract do you guys think casey blake is likley to get? i think he could possibly be a very good pickup for us.

he can play 1st and 3rd, left and right, he is a righty, and pretty good power. he couild play left field most of the time, 3rd when chipper is out, 1st if kotchman needs a day off and RF is jeff doesnt recover and has to play in the minors next year. i think he would be a good alternative if we cant get a big time power bat for the outfield. what do you guys think it will take to get him?

By Lucas Land

August 14, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Can we trade everyone except JJJ, Chipper and McCann?

By DAP

August 14, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

yeah, kotchman will have to do better. i think he will. he is so young still, and he has had a pretty solid track record. i think he will do his part next year.

By sportsmandh

August 14, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

Greetings ol’ Braves blog denizens.

Yesterday was painful. What a beat down. I say this b/c after that day yesterday, it’s pretty obvious how far the Braves have to go. After some possible momentum winning 3 out of 4 in Arizona, we come home with a chance to show something against another division leader. And what happens? Nothing good, 2 spankings. Not that I would think the Braves would necessarily win both games, but I thought they definately had a decent chance against Marquis. Anyway, that was bad.

Much has been said on the ol’ blog, and even in several articles about the Braves having a lot of money becoming available in the offseason to sign some people. And also, what big name stud starters they should go after. I agree that is a need, and they definately should target that, and it’s good that there are going to be quiet a few good pitchers on the market, but my question is what power hitting outfielders are going to be on the free agent market. The Braves need to make a serious effort to get a good outfielder, and should not spend all their available money on pitching, if that is their plan. (We are pretty well set in the infield regardless of what combinations they decide to go with, and I’m not worried at all about Kotchmen even if he’s getting off to a slow start here).

Does anyone know some names? Any Carlos Lee, Raul Ibanez, Pat Burrell, Jason Bay, Bobby Abreu types coming available? It is painfully obvious the Braves need some pop in the outfield. Even if Francouer recovers and has a good season next year, they still need more pop in the outfield. I like the players they have in the outfield, and I even think they should bring Kotsay back if he’s cheap, but they’ve got to add some pop. If it’s not obvious after watching the Braves play against the best teams in the NL (Cubs, Brewers, lost 3 of 4 to St. Louis) that they need to add some offense, it’s only going to become more apparent the rest of the season. There is no power boost in site from the outfield.

And on the lighter side, what is the most amazing stat of the Braves strange season? (I only happened to pick up on this one b/c he’s on my fantasy team) How in the world has Brian McCann managed to steal 4 bases? Think the opposing catchers who McCann has stolen on take some serious ribbing in their dugout/clubhouse? I’ll bet they do.

By Phil

August 14, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Carroll,

I dreamed Bobby Cox announced he was voluntarily stepping aside for the betterment of the team after this season. Then I awoke into the nightmare that is this season and that he is going to be back again next year…

By Goat Horns

August 14, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

I know Kotchman is reputed to be a Mark Grace type of hitter but he sure has not shown anything close to that ability as of yet.

It seems like he never hits anything on the “sweet spot”.

I do like his defense and his “grit”.

However he is a .280+ hitter with 15-20 home run/85-95 RBI potential along with gold glove defense at an affordable price.

I think he will be a fan favorite when he relaxes and plays up to his potential!

By Steve from OH

August 14, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

DAP, I wouldn’t expect Blake to get a huge contract, but I’d expect he’ll probably be overpaid by somebody. His career line is .265/.335/.448, which doesn’t represent an upgrade over either of our corner infielders (Kotchman/Chipper)…he’s about equal to Kotch, but will be paid alot more.

As far as outfielders go, he does represent an upgrade over Blanco in slugging, but Blanco’s better defensively and from an OBP standpoint. Blanco’s also cheaper. They’re pretty close in EqA. I doubt the Braves would sign him to play righfield over Francoeur, no matter how bad he’s been this season.

If we sign him in a utility role (a bench with him, Prado and Infante looks really nice) for a reasonable price, it’s a great pickup. But if we sign him as a starter, I’d be pretty upset, because there are better options (Burrell/Dunn/Ibanez) available. I’d suspect he’ll get a contract as a starter from someone, though. I really don’t see a fit for him as a starter unless we miss on all of the other options out there.

I’d look for Schafer to get called up in September, and to compete with Blanco for the CF job next season. I could see an OF of a free agent guy in left, Schafer in center, and Frenchy in right, with Blanco as a 4th outfielder/insurance if Frenchy keeps stinking up the place.

By DAP

August 14, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

sportsmandh my question is what power hitting outfielders are going to be on the free agent market.

basically there is dunn, and there is burrell. here is a list of all 2009 free agents

By Steve from OH

August 14, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

DAP, Blake is also making close to 4 million this season, so look for a FA salary equal to or above that. Considering Blanco/Schafer will be making the league minimum and Frenchy won’t be getting the arbitration salary he’s been hoping for, I’d say he’s a marginal fit at best, salary wise.

By lewie

August 14, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

this team is so far away from being good that it’s laughable. wren’s got his work cut out for him this offseason

By Original Jon

August 14, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

I think we have to give Kotchman a little more time to adjust to a new league and to new pitchers, remember, he has played his whole career in the AL, whereas Tex spent his whole career in the AL, came to the NL, and is now back in the AL, where he started it all. Now, I know some of you are probably like, well, Tex was able to come over to the NL last year and put up great numbers, why cant Kotch, well, Tex is a beast, no doubt about it, and Kotch is NO Tex. So let Kotch get his feet wet, and look for him to put up his normal numbers next year.

By Sony Boi

August 14, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

I had a dream Bobby Cox is managing with a wooden head! And it jumps off his body and runs around the field yelling and screaming at everyone. Sometimes the guys play a little pepper with it too…..Maybe that explains some of the Braves bad decisions. I don’t know just throwing it out there.

By David O'Brien

August 14, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

I’m looking at the cover of SI’s College Preview issue, and thinking, who is it that Matthew Stafford reminds me so much of, and has for so long? And it finally hits me: Jason Isbell.

Surely I’m not the first to note this separated-at-birth resemblance, right? I mean, it’s pretty amazing, now that I’m holding up pictures of the former Drive-By Truckers guitarist and the UGA quarterback.

OK, carry on. Sorry to intrude. Just had to share that.

By merrydawg

August 14, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Wed night at the park was painful…more Cubbies in the stands than Braves fans. The Skip tribute throughout the game made it bearable, barely. While enjoying a cool Budweiser, I was approached by a couple of Cubs’ fans who asked if I thought we’d be able to ” come back ” in the Wed night game, against the BEST team in the league, featuring the BEST pitcher in the league…I advised them to act as though they had “been there” before, then had to apologize because it HAS been 100 years. Go Braves.

By Lee in S GA

August 14, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

basically there is dunn, and there is burrell

Unfortunately with this current spending trend with Braves ownership I see Raul Ibanez, Juan Rivera or Craig Monroe’s name on a check instead. I’ll believe otherwise when I see it.

By NCBravesFan

August 14, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

My take: Blake is old, and his only selling point is he plays multiple positions. We have a younger, cheaper version of that in Omar Infante (but Infante has more of an upside than does Casey).

Pass!

By DAP

August 14, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

steve from OH i was thinking blake for LF. with blanco in center. kotsay isnt on my list for next year. he will be cheaper than dunn or burrell, and is righthanded, and much more versitile than ibanez. he would also be a pretty good back up for the infield corners. id give him as much as $24mil for 3 years. do you think that would get it done? (he is making just over $6mil this year.)

By TexasBrave

August 14, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

I know the Braves are virtually although not mathematically out of the playoffs. But why would you bring back Tommy to pitch against one of the best teams in the N.L. when even he says his stuff is not back yet? Why not leave him down for another start in the minors to try and get his mechanics down. I don’t like to be a Debby Downer but Tom is going to get crushed today, in fact I can’t see him making it to the fourth inning.

Tommy may well figure things out sooner or later, the set back he gets today at the hands of the Cubs its more likely later rather than sooner.

By rich

August 14, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

As much as I like Smoltz and Glavine, I think they both should take one for the team and retire after this year in order to free up as much money as possible for free agents. This team needs to be drasticly rebuilt.

By TexasBrave

August 14, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

Carroll any word or thoughts about who will be sent down to make room for Tommy? Bueno or Nuenez?

By DAP

August 14, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Lee in S GA ibanez would be ok. if rivera or monroe is signed, im revolting.

NCBravesfan blake is better now than infante is now. more power, more experience. he isnt high on my wishlist either, but he would be a much cheaper alternative to burrell and dunn, and would not be a bad player for us at all.

lewie re: your 12:58 post…ditto, brother.

By Robin

August 14, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Boy, this would’ve been a great week to gain some ground …. the way Philly’s been getting handed beat-downs by L.A. If only ……..

Lucas Land: Add Infante and maybe Prado to that short list too. I think they want to win too.

By McFann :Ô:

August 14, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Wayne—

Haha…I don’t know how we’d go about doing that.

sportsmandh—

Oh, I bet they got ribbed big time! Definitely the most amazing stat…Well, that and his Triple.

By Braveheart

August 14, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Here is an old Sports Illustrated article from 1992 about the Caray (or Carabina) clan:

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1004443/1/index.htm

By Carroll Rogers

August 14, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

sportsmandh, funny you should ask about free agent outfielders because that’s what my braves insider is for this sunday. i had done both starters and outfielders for last week, but the boss man decided to break it up and run it separate weeks. the teasing worked, apparently.

the big names i threw out were dunn, abreu, and burrell and then it got thin real quick, but raul ibanez and juan rivera were two other names that came to mind. more so ibanez than rivera. (but with brian giles, mike cameron and so many others having options for next year, there don’t seem to be a ton of guys on the free agent market. so perhaps a trade will be the best way to approach it ultimately.)

ok, phil.

By KenDawg

August 14, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Ditto on Smoltz and Glavine retiring. Their best years are long past. Isn’t it interesting that the Braves had them plus Maddux for 12-15 years and did not develop a single quality pitcher during that period? Do the Braves actually pay their scouts?

By Steve from OH

August 14, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

DAP, if Blake’s the only one available, for that price he wouldn’t be a terrible pickup. I would rather pick up Pat Burrell or Adam Dunn considering our financial flexibility next year. I agree that Kotsay isn’t in the picture next year, and Blanco in center is acceptable to me. I’m not really sold on Blake as a bonafide fix to our OF problems, though.

Southbeachdietfreak (from the last blog, sorry to post twice):

Baseball Prospectus defines EqA as “A measure of total offensive value per out, with corrections for league offensive level, home park, and team pitching. EQA considers batting as well as baserunning, but not the value of a position player’s defense.” You can look up the rest of their definition in Baseball Prospectus’ glossary.

Everyone interested in said stats should read this page, which is a really good analysis of which stats are better than others, and why.

Prado’s Stats

Read this, please

By Supes

August 14, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

As far as free-agents, or other outfielders that can be gotten in a trade for upgrading the Braves outfield in 2009…I’d say an under the radar guy with some upside is Raul Ibanez. I saw 2 mariners game in person (when visiting friends in pacific northwest) and along with Ichiro, he was the only guy worth watching.

The word was that the Mariners were asking for a lot in return this year (before the none waiver trade deadline) so they couldn’t move him.

However, if the price is right, he should be a legit option to replace Jeff FRANCINE in RF. Infact, in a trade scenario, I hope the Braves offer Jeff as the center piece of the deal along with a prospect or two.

About LF…I’m hopeful the Braves go after Adam Dunn (if the price is right), an already established power hitter, or someone who is under the radar…maybe one of the young players from the Marlins…Josh Willingham or Jeremy Hermida.

So Ibanez, Hermida, Willingham…get some young OF with talent and on the up and coming and drop the baggage that is Jeff FRANCINE in 2009.

Let’s face it…Jeff was in a slump…May, June, July…now August…this is more than a slump. It’s a career ender with the Braves. He isn’t snapping out of it. Time to completely upgrade the Atlanta Braves OF for 2009.

Stars by saying good bye to Jeff, and acquiring a young OF or two with upside. Ibanez, or Hermida, or preferrebly both would be ideal.

Keep Kotsay for CF, if he’s healthy he’s a servicable player, if not you have Gregor Blanco, who has proven he can be a quality sub in CF.

By Bobby's Cox

August 14, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Chiming in on the Prado talk from last blog.

Gotta agree with DOB, the kid is good enough to start.

Comparing minor league stats to me is erroneous. Here’s why:

Many of you have the impression KJ will keep progressing. Why I wonder. The dude is streakier than jeff blauser, and K’s very often. What leads you to believe he’ll keep progressing? Prado has progressed through every level in the minors, and again here in the bigs. What makes you think he’s not progressing here?

Prado has shown that he doesn’t K much. He stays back on the ball and can drive it to the opposite field. This characteristic leads me to believe he won’t be nearly as streaky as KJ and that he’s a better situational hitter…something the lineup has been victim of all year and last, and something Prado has already shown.

More….

Someone from last blog said Prado didn’t hit the ball to right field in the minors. Isn’t this proof then that he’s progressed and his numbers aren’t fluky due to a limited number of PA? Your arguments are just too easy to shoot down at this point.

KJ’s monthly BA splits last 2 years:

2007

april: .326, may: .259, june: .256, july: .356, august: .269, september: .200

2008

april: .235, may: .355, june: .250, july: .224, august: .238

KJ’s hit over .269 in just 3 of the 11 months the last 2 seasons. 11 of his 26 HR have come in those 3 months, and 41% (35 of 85) of his extra base hits have come in those 3 months

By BravesFanInRockies

August 14, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Blake at $4 mm/year for 2-3 years may make more sense than Burrell at $10-12 mm/year for 5-6 years. Blake may have one full season remaining as a LF before he becomes a part-timer.

In actuality, I’d rather have Burrell at a slightly higher price if the contract were for no more than 2-3 years (by then Heyward and who knows who else should be ready for the bigs). But I bet Pat the Bat will get a lengthier contract from somebody. And perhaps even for the kind of money Dunn wants.

By Bobby's Cox

August 14, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Adding on from my last post,

I hope the Cox bashers aren’t the KJ supporters.

KJ wouldn’t be playing nearly as much.

I have faith in Kotchman too. His contact % is a ridiculous .938.

KJ’s is .737. Prado’s is .901.

These numbers are as of Aug 6.

By DAP

August 14, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

steve from OH I’m not really sold on Blake as a bonafide fix to our OF problems, though.

ill agree with that. the real fix is for our young guys to become who wehope they will be.

if jeff rebounds next year to hit .280 with homers,

if mccann continues to hit .300 with 25 homers

if kotchman can hit .280 with 15 homers

if kelly can have a .370 OBP and hit 15HR

if yunel and hit near .300 with 12hr

if blanco can increase his slugging about .050 points and maintain his current OBP

and if chipper can play even 135 games the way he is now….

than we wont need a big time hitter like dunn or burrell, and blake would be a good compliment.

we NEED alot of stuff, including the players we have to be what we thought they would be. im starting to feel like it will take a miracle for this team to win next year. wren has alot of work to do. good luck wren!

By Steve from OH

August 14, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Supes, I agree on Ibanez and Dunn. I doubt that the Marlins would trade within their own division, especially if its a piece that makes us significantly better. As for Francoeur, I don’t think the Braves are ready to give up on him yet, despite what many here have hoped. He’s still got a lot of upside. If he has a bad few months next year, though, I’d bet he’ll be on his way out the door then.

Well, its standardized testing time, so I’m out for a while. I’m sure this stuff will be beat to death by the time I get back.

By brent a.

August 14, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

rich

both smoltz and glavine are free agents.

the Braves front office knows how to handle these things. If they don’t think it is worth it to keep them around, then they won’t.

That is why Glavine is pitching now, so he and the Braves can figure out if he has enough left in the tank for him to pitch next season. He won’t command much salary (from the Braves), and if he wants too much, then he’ll be urged to go and get it from someone else.

As far as Smoltz is concerned, it is very likely that no decision will be made on him until the spring, at a minimum. It could be during the season.

Rest assured, if Smoltz can come back, he will do it, and it will be in Atlanta. But again, decisions regarding the payroll/team will be made aside from the Smoltz situation.

If we get to the spring and Smoltz can pitch, then he will sign a contract (probably not that large). If Smoltz can go next season, be certain that both parties will find a way to make it happen, and salary will probably not be a huge issue.

By bravos2249

August 14, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

So can you tell me why that seemed a bad decision to have him hit leadoff to start this season?

plenty

1) he got kicked out of the leadoff spot last year

2) he also got platooned last year

By bravos2249

August 14, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

DOB or Carroll any news on who will start Sunday?

By Rick

August 14, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

I have come to the realization the last few weeks that the Braves will not be making the playoffs again this year. I admit I got spoiled by the 14 playoff appearances. Now that it’s been 3 season without the playoffs, I expect the team to get better and better but it hasn’t. Although their is some promising talent on the team (Escobar, McCann, Campillo, Jurrjens and Morton), it’s not enough. Plus, the Braves need to think about life after Chipper. Injuries and age are catching up with him. The departure of Andruw Jones and the terrible year of Jeff Franceour has left a void on who will pick up the slack and make the offense a consistent one. I dont see the Braves landing a big time free agent pitcher (Sabathia, Sheets, Lackey) because someone will out bid them. Hopefully, they will make some good moves and the fans will see improvement in 2009.

By Carroll Rogers

August 14, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

texasbrave, i would assume bueno.

By Shaun

August 14, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Don’t know if anyone brought this up: How ridiculous was the lights fiasco yesterday? What are the umpires going to do, stop the game during sunset to ensure each team gets equal innings in the daylight and darkness. Obviously you want things be fair for both sides, but come on… Isn’t tinkering with the lights three or four times in an inning going too far? No wonder Bobby got ejected. What a joke!

By N8

August 14, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Anybody else notice that Tex had 2 more HR and 3 more RBI for the Angels last night……in a LOSING effort?

Man alive. Does anybody put up more meaningless stats than Tex?

Somebody is gonna be “fooled” enough into paying a TON of money for that guy to NOT come through when it matters most.

Good luck with that.

By DAP

August 14, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

supes raul ibanez is a good option i think. he has been mantioned alot on the blog. he will be 37 years old, and is a free agent. i may have misundestood but it sounded like you were saying he is a young OF we should trade jeff francouer for.

By Cecil34

August 14, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Gosh, Carroll, that is an ugly stat you posted there at the end of your entry……

I know the urge is to jump on Kotchman, but let’s all give him some grace - this year doesn’t matter anyway.

Let’s see what he can do next year, and if he fails to produce, then we can look at other options at first.

By Carroll Rogers

August 14, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

texasbrave, i’d think bueno

By lewie

August 14, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

DOB*you nailed it! i’ve been wondering who he reminded me of as well….isabell is a perfect call. listen for me yelling at him as isabell when uga gets upset in week3 at carolina!

By Bobby Cox The Genius

August 14, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Guys,

I want to apologize for getting thrown out of the game yesterday. But dang it, I was trying to sleep in the dugout and they kept turning those blasted lights on! They were right in my eyes and I couldn’t sleep! But I’m sorry about getting thrown out.

By TexasBrave

August 14, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Wonder if Frenchy will be setting again today? Needs to, although since we are facing a lefty he probably will not. Also with a lefty going that means KJ will get the night off, although I would like to see if his current slump includes hitting against lefties. KJ’s current average against the southpaws is .346.

Tonight’s 5 thru 8 line up should be Kotchman, Infante, Kotsay and KJ but I can see Bobby going with Frenchy in the eighth spot instead.

Any word on how Chipper is feeling?

By N Nine®

August 14, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

McFann ever since the hit on mccann he’s been strikingout more. Have you noticed this? He might become mcfann himself.

By gayle

August 14, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

After a very sad week, it’s nice to be back.

First of all, before everyone goes crazy beating up Kotchman, the poor guy was dropped from a likely World Series team to a fourth place finisher about to embark on the painful process of rebuilding. As much as I can feel badly for someone making millions, I feel badly for him.

As for free agents, in the 90’s, Atlanta was a desired destination. The team was aggressive, played well, had a new stadium full of fans - Braves fans. Did anyone take a count yesterday to see how badly the home team’s fans were outnumbered?

It just ain’t like that now.

I say that because so many mention Ibanez - as dreadful a season as the Mariners have had this year, why in the world would he want to go to another terrible team? And yes, he is a good, solid player - the kind of guy who can anchor an outfield and a lineup - but it won’t be here.

As painful as it is to watch the Braves get manhandled by better teams, the silver lining in that cloud for me is the hope that a very poor showing in the standings will finally force this team and management to drop the pretense of being contenders (oh please!!!) and really begin the slow and laborious process of retooling.

Consider that the Braves will go into next year with Hampton as a player (if for some reason he is resigned) with Smoltz, Glavine and Hudson the question marks.

Other teams have done it - and it is way past time that this team face reality and do the same. There is a great core of solid young players to build around - one key addition would be a manager who can work with and guide the youngsters.

Bobby’s time is past. He is right there with Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux - great in their day, but those days are in the past.

If this team has any hope of turning something around within the next few years, it has to start at the top.

This is not Bobby bashing, this is reality. Fourteen “titles” aside, this team has not won a post season series since 2001. Without management heaping the same loyalty upon Bobby that Bobby heaps upon underacheiving players, Bobby would have been gone years ago - he should have been gone years ago.

I have my fingers crossed.

By McFann :Ô:

August 14, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

N Nine®—

Yes, I have noticed it. It’s been buggin’ the heck out of me, too. He had only struck out once after the All-Star Break until he came back from the concussion. He’s already struck out 7 times this month, after K’ing only five times in July.

He might become mcfann himself.

Ha…really…But let’s hope not.

By lewie

August 14, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

what draft pick are we going to get? seems to be the only thing to pull for since this team is nothing but a bunch of AAAA talent+heap and hoss

By N Nine®

August 14, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

N8

You can say that but is it his fault the pitcher gave up runs. He approaches every at bat the same. He’s a professional. He would have had those HR no matter what the situation was. Yes, it seems he gets most of it when they are down.

By brent a.

August 14, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

rich

both smoltz and glavine are free agents.

the Braves front office knows how to handle these things. If they don’t think it is worth it to keep them around, then they won’t.

That is why Glavine is pitching now, so he and the Braves can figure out if he has enough left in the tank for him to pitch next season. He won’t command much salary (from the Braves), and if he wants too much, then he’ll be urged to go and get it from someone else.

As far as Smoltz is concerned, it is very likely that no decision will be made on him until the spring, at a minimum. It could be during the season.

Rest assured, if Smoltz can come back, he will do it, and it will be in Atlanta. But again, decisions regarding the payroll/team will be made aside from the Smoltz situation.

If we get to the spring and Smoltz can pitch, then he will sign a contract (probably not that large). If Smoltz can go next season, be certain that both parties will find a way to make it happen, and salary will probably not be a huge issue.

By Wayne in Utah

August 14, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

I originally brough up the subject of Casey Blake, cause we really need somebody who can fill in at all the corner slots. Infante is a great utility player, and for my money, should be left in that role. He can play the outfield, but he is not the best out there. I see him being more of a middle infield guy, with an ocassional game at third or in the outfield.

Blake will get a raise over his current salary of $6 million per.

As for Dunn and Burrell, those guys hit a ton, but they are going to come steep in price. Do we really want 4-5 years of those guys “D” in left field?

I would prefer Ibanez or Rivera for 2-3 years, or Blake for 3 years.

We have some potential studs coming up to play OF for us. We might have to wait, and hope Frenchy rediscovers his swing.

As the Wendy’s girl says, “We have WAAAYYY to many holes to actually think they can be filled in one off season! We gotta remember, we are competing with about 20 other clubs for most of these free agents.

By brent a.

August 14, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

rich

both smoltz and glavine are free agents.

the Braves front office knows how to handle these things. If they don’t think it is worth it to keep them around, then they won’t.

That is why Glavine is pitching now, so he and the Braves can figure out if he has enough left in the tank for him to pitch next season. He won’t command much salary (from the Braves), and if he wants too much, then he’ll be urged to go and get it from someone else.

As far as Smoltz is concerned, it is very likely that no decision will be made on him until the spring, at a minimum. It could be during the season.

Rest assured, if Smoltz can come back, he will do it, and it will be in Atlanta. But again, decisions regarding the payroll/team will be made aside from the Smoltz situation.

If we get to the spring and Smoltz can pitch, then he will sign a contract (probably not that large). If Smoltz can go next season, be certain that both parties will find a way to make it happen, and salary will probably not be a huge issue.

By brent a.

August 14, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

rich

both smoltz and glavine are free agents.

the Braves front office knows how to handle these things. If they don’t think it is worth it to keep them around, then they won’t.

That is why Glavine is pitching now, so he and the Braves can figure out if he has enough left in the tank for him to pitch next season. He won’t command much salary (from the Braves), and if he wants too much, then he’ll be urged to go and get it from someone else.

As far as Smoltz is concerned, it is very likely that no decision will be made on him until the spring, at a minimum. It could be during the season.

Rest assured, if Smoltz can come back, he will do it, and it will be in Atlanta. But again, decisions regarding the payroll/team will be made aside from the Smoltz situation.

If we get to the spring and Smoltz can pitch, then he will sign a contract (probably not that large). If Smoltz can go next season, be certain that both parties will find a way to make it happen, and salary will probably not be a huge issue.

By Tim Scott

August 14, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

kotchman, chipper, mccann the 3 corner stones of next yr..everyone else should be expendable. you hate to give up on young talent like frenchy but i really think the kid needs a change of venue. buckle down braves fans for several more years of frustration. it is going to take a while to rebuild what Time Warner destroyed. it is time for some of the old war horses to call it a day, Smoltzie and Glav..let mike fragile hampton run not walk away. bring up the farm we will be back. go braves.tim in middleburg

By N Nine®

August 14, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

NOT his fault..

By Bobby Cox The Genius

August 14, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s time is past. He is right there with Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux - great in their day, but those days are in the past.

This is not Bobby bashing, this is reality. Fourteen “titles” aside, this team has not won a post season series since 2001. Without management heaping the same loyalty upon Bobby that Bobby heaps upon underacheiving players, Bobby would have been gone years ago - he should have been gone years ago.

Gayle, I am still in my prime, how dare you say those things. Just ask Carroll Rogers or DOB, I am the GREATEST manager in history! (ok, just don’t count the post season). But anyway, I know what I’m doing. I might just decide to stay another 10 years.

By Wayne in Utah

August 14, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

How about offering Manny $40 million for 3 years?

By DAP

August 14, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

gayle why in the world would he want to go to another terrible team?

because that team would pay him. geez. your way off base with your post.

By brent a.

August 14, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Consider that the Braves will go into next year with Hampton as a player (if for some reason he is resigned) with Smoltz, Glavine and Hudson the question marks. gayle

this statement is confusing.

It sounds like you are saying we are going to have a rotation next season of Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton, and an injured Hudson.

You don’t really believe that, do you?

By Lew

August 14, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

I couldn’t begin to count all of the times the past two years, when trades were mentioned, Kotchman’s name came up as a “must do deal”-along with Figgins or whichever pitcher du jour happened to be in discussion at that particular time. Ad nauseum, so it seems.

Now it’s already started-Kotchman isn’t the answer. Kotchman isn’t as good as Tex. Kotchman needs to be traded to someone else. Why did we get Kotchman? We should have taken the draft picks.

Y’all-a cursory inspection of his numbers would have told you he wasn’t “All That”, but no one wanted to listen. Let’s hope that he does hit in the high .280’s and provides those 20-25 HR that we kept hearing about. I don’t really doubt he can do it, but he sure hasn’t shown it yet. Maybe we should just have gotten Coco Crisp when we could have acquired him. Right?

By Bobby's Cox

August 14, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Steve from OH

I read your article that you recommended regarding Prado’s stats. Here’s what stood out.

1. Cumulative stats are negligible. Percentages weigh more than cumulative stats.

So, the fact that KJ has more power than Prado is also negligible. True KJ has and will hit more HR than Prado. But, Prado has a higher SLG and OPS because he hits more extra base hits (doubles, triples) per PA more often, thus far this year.

1. The best stat is OBP because it considers how many outs the batter makes at the plate

Well, considering the OBP of both players this year, the contact % of each (KJ .797, prado .901), the K-rate of each (KJ 4.9 AB, prado 10.1AB), and the BB rate of each (KJ 8.6 AB, Prado 7.1 AB), it seems to me Prado has more pull as well, if that’s what you were implying by post that link Steve.

Btw, I made a couple of errors from my previous posts. Kj’s contact % this year is .797 not .737 (typo), and he has 90 extra base hits in 2 years, not 85. So 39% of his XBH have come in those 3 months, not 41 %. My bad.

By DAP

August 14, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

brent a. got it, man.

By N Nine®

August 14, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

N8 I had to look it up. Your statement about TEX meaningless HR is false! 1st hr put them ahead..2nd HR was in 9th that tied it..AGAIN you cant say what you said..NOT his fault pitchers suck

By Shaun

August 14, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Wayne, do the Braves really want any part of Manny for over $13 million a season at ages 37-39?

By Chop Chop

August 14, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

N8,

Tex hit a game-tying solo HR in the bottom of the ninth in that Angels-Mariners game last night. K-Rod had blown a two-run lead in the top half of the inning. That gave the M’s a 7-6 lead. Tex led off the bottom half with a homer. Can’t complain about clutch hitting in last night’s game, I guess.

By TIMEFORCHANGE

August 14, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Glavine has not helped this team one bit. If they try to resign him next year I will have to find another team to root for. At that point I would acknowledge that the Braves have no interest in signing players to help this team win.

Just the fact that they went and signed a 42 year old to sit beside the worst injury case in the Majors and Smoltz and his shoulder tell me everything I need to know. This was a ego trip and they kept simple players to fill in because the money was not spend wisely. Its a terrible thing to happen to a once championship team. It really shakes up to this. You want to win you get some (not all) but some of the best. Other then Chipper (sometimes) and McCann, can anyone tell me who we have. I can, and its nothing. Nothing at all.

Dump Glavine, Hampton, and all the other dead weight and start signing players to compliment the team. We need three outfielders, a second baseman and three pitchers. Thats the facts. To heck with Glavine, I just dont care.

By Wayne in Utah

August 14, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Amen Lew. No matter how well (or poorly) a player does, he is only as good or as bad as his last AB with many here on the blog.

Perfect example: Blaine Boyer was lauded as a decent setup man earlier in the year, and now after being overused, he is nothing more than a “tub of goo” to some.

The player that really frustrates me the most is Rafael Soriano. Is he really hurt? What happened to that “new and improved color version” of the MRI???

Or is this guy just a whiny b!tch?

By Lew

August 14, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox-Dude, you’re right about Kotchman’s contact %. Unfortunately when he makes contact, so far all he’s done is kill worms on the first base line. I sure hope he turns into the player everyone hopes he will be, but I sure have not seen anything yet to indicate this will happen. I know it’s still early in his career in Atlanta, but I wish he would perfect something other than 3 Unassisted.

By Wayne in Utah

August 14, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Shaun Actually, I would be strongly opposed to adding a guy like Manny, but at $13 million per year for three years, he might be a better investment than Dunn or Burrell???

Just trying to get some conversation going. Personally, I take Blake for half the money.

By Lew

August 14, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Shaun-It could be even worse than that. Just heard Holden Cushner talking with someone on XM and they were claiming Boras would be looking for 4 years at $100 mil for Manny. Maybe those dreads are worth more than we know.

By THB

August 14, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Those advocating Casey Blake or Juan Rivera: If we pick one of those two up as our corner outfield fix, we will be in line for another rough season. We have a lot of big holes to fill. Those are stopgaps.

By h8thecold

August 14, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Hey N8! Did you know Tex’s 2nd homerun was to tie the game in the 9th? Did you know that? Did you know he hit a grand slam in the 8th at Yankee Stadium to put his team up by 1? Was just curious if you watched baseball at all…

By Train Wreck Bystander

August 14, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

The thought of another year with a patchwork rotation makes me queasy. I have a lot of respect for what Smoltz, Glavine & Hampton (before he turned to glass) accomplished for the Braves, don’t get me wrong.

But I really think it’s time to turn the page and start the next chapter of Braves history.

By gayle

August 14, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

DAP How many bidding wars have the Braves won recently - or even participated in? A player like Ibanez will have his choice of more than one team - and chances are the other suitors will have more to offer besides money. At 37, there would be value for Raul to play for a team that has a legitimate chance to contend.

Brent a My bad - I did not say that very clearly.

This year, the Braves went into the season counting on Hudson and to a lesser extent - Smoltz and Glavine - with Hampton the question mark.

Given the fact that Hampton has not put himself on the DL shaving, he might be the smallest question mark of the four going into next season (IF he stays). Smoltz and Hudson have both had major surgery and Glavine has spent half of this year on the DL.

I know that many of us here feel that Hampton should stay here and play for the minimum just to make up for the three-year free ride he’s been on.

By Wayne in Utah

August 14, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

TIMEFORACHANGE It is darned easy to second guess a teams moves from the comfort of your keyboard, after the fact. What would you have done? There was limited funds available, and everybody knew it was a long shot, albeit a decent long shot at the time.

Come up with some solutions next time, besides “back up the truck”

By Run Heap Run

August 14, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Has Chipper’s belly ache been discussed yet?

By TexasBrave

August 14, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Wayne I think Soriano has been talking to Hamption, on how to get money for nothing.

By Bobby Cox The Genius

August 14, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Lew,

You’re an idiot. Me and Frank know what we’re doing. That’s why we are in the positions we’re in. Kotchman was a great pick up for us. He and Frenchy are the building blocks for next year. I see another World Series run for us with these 2 great players leading the way.

By Freud the Fraud

August 14, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

I dreamed last night (yes, it’s safe to read on, don’t worry) that Charlie Morton, skinny-legged rookie pitcher Charlie Morton, has been pitching with prosthetic legs, from the knee down. And the Braves have been hiding it.

Interpreting your dream, the prosthetic legs symbolize Charlie’s false confidence. Increased confidence caused his rise to the majors. But he had no confidence a year ago. So like how a man with no legs gets fake legs, a player with no confidence gets false confidence. Legs can be attached, detached and reattached. Confidence? Not so much. There can be nothing prosthetic about one’s confidence. It’s either real or it’s not. A player with prosthetic confidence doesn’t have a leg to stand on. One shouldn’t knock on a wooden leg to believe in one’s self. Charlie’s confidence ain’t nuthin’ but wooden legs he feels the need to knock on too often. Tell the kid it’s okay to be cocky and to believe in one’s self. No need to be knocking on wood after saying something good about yourself. Pitchers who need to knock on wood before every pitch see too many pitches knocked off the wood.

By Dream Interpreter

August 14, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

I have interpreted your dream Ms. Rogers, and I regret to inform you that the AJC will not allow that sort of substance on it’s blogs!

You must get a life and quit dreaming about skinny young ballplayers!

:-0

By Nice

August 14, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

The Braves are at a crossroads in the organization. This off-season the Braves have to decide if they want to spend the money to win now or wait for the prospects to mature. The Braves do not have a legitimate cleanup hitter ready to step in. They don’t have enough starting pitching to separate themselves from the pack. The Braves would need a pitcher that could be counted on for 18+plus wins and another pitcher who could be counted on for 12+ wins. These new pitchers would be needed in addition to keeping Jair Jurrjens. I don’t think the Braves are ready to spend the money to get a cleanup hitter, a pitching Ace, and an innings eater. By the time the prospects are ready to step in Chipper Jones will be too old and another power hitter will be needed. My recommendations would be the following: Trade Chipper Jones for the best young pitcher offered. Trade Casey Kotchman for a true leadoff hitter with base stealing speed or a great defensive catcher. Move Brian McCann to first base (only if he can become a serviceable defensive first baseman). Brian McCann is legit and maybe the next number 3 hitter. Get as much quality young pitching as possible through free agency For now, try to win with pitching, defense, and speed (no more weaver ball). Wait for the prospects to mature to get the additional power that will enable us to play weaver ball again

By J.D. Phillips

August 14, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Manny is only going to play for a contender and that will not be the Braves next season, unless MLB moves them back to the N.L. West. Of course signing Manny would be enough to make Cox retire. TBS must have saw this coming; the “Family Guy” provides better entertainment these days.

By Wayne in UT

August 14, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

I know it probably won’t happen, as some team will offer more, but wouldn’t it be poetic justice if Manny got less than he could have gotten by staying with Boston and keeping his mouth shut.

That would make my day to see Scott Boras screw up again. But he is smart, there are idiots out there that will probably pay Manny more.

By DAP

August 14, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

hey gayle! How many bidding wars have the Braves won recently

how many times recently have the braves had tens of millions of dollars coming off of payrole? how many times recently has a particualr free agent been EXACTLY what the braves need? hunh? how many?

also, tell me what contending teams that ibanez would be willing to sign with since he wouldnt sign with the braves because they suck. contending teams that need a left fielder. give me a list.

I did not say that very clearly.

tell me about it.

By Martin Luther King

August 14, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

I had a dream once….

By Tim

August 14, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Lucas Land - trade all but JJ, Chipper and McCann???? that’s pretty much the dumbest thing i’ve ever heard. stop wasting your time and ours and quit posting. you want to trade one of the most dominate relievers in the game right now (gonzalez)??? you want to trade 2 bright young players up the middle with johnson and escobar? you want to trade a young, cheap first baseman who has a lot of upside??? someone please stop the non-sense posts!!!

By sri

August 14, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

What do you folks think about trading for Aubrey Huff from the Orioles?. He is in the third year of 3 year contract he signed in 2007. His salary for 2009 is $9M. I know he is over achieving this year, so we may have to overpay for him (.301/.358/.553, career - .286/.343/.480). He can play OF/1B/3B (though he last played outfield in 2006 for the Astros, dont know how good an outfielder he is).

But he bats left-handed (we have enough of those in our lineup already). His splits are bad against lefty pitchers (this season - against Lefty - 135 AB - .267/.306/.437, against Righty - 317 AB - .315/.378/.603)

By Braveheart

August 14, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox, can you please stop with this Martin Prado nonsense? I’ll bet you $1000 right now that at no time during Prado’s career in a season when he gets over 550 plate appearances, will he ever have an OPS over .750. Kelly Johnson’s worst season at the plate will always be better than Prado’s best season at the plate when given a sufficient number of plate appearances. Prado is a 25 year old second baseman without speed, without power, without significant range and without a big arm. While he hits for a decent average, he doesn’t hit for an outstanding average and he doesn’t draw alot of walks. While I am not in love with Kelly Johnson like some on here are, I would be pretty ticked if the Braves went with Prado instead of KJ in the future.

By Pete Rose

August 14, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

You guys need me to manage if you want to win.

By Ingemar Bergman

August 14, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Carroll

Sometimes we get brilliant ideas in dreams.

Maybe the interpretation of your dream is that Morton has some flaw in his delivery related to how he steps toward the plate or positions his legs - hence the “artificial” legs from the knee down.

Maybe you (or better, the Braves) should look at video when he pitched well compared to not so well to see what he was doing with his feet, etc.

By sri

August 14, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Now that I read my post.. forget Huff.. he is another Infante..

By Renegator

August 14, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

TBS and Schuerholz got off this sinking ship just in the nick of time…

By lewie

August 14, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

bring in the donkey

By monty

August 14, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

THis team without Chipper is miserable. In those 2 losses yesterday the Bravos didn’t even compete. Both games were decided after 2 innings which is a shame. It’s tough trying to watch a game and pull for your team when you know that if they are behind after 2-3 innings they quit playing. Just not enough fight in those dogs! Individual statistics arent that bad but this team really doesn’t play team ball well.

By Coach (I'm too stupid to tell the difference)

August 14, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Nice blog, O’Brien. I’ll do my part by continuing to be the only idiot here advocating a Chipper Jones trade.

By Braveheart

August 14, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Has Chipper’s belly ache been discussed yet?

When you’re facing Rich Harden and Chipper starts shartin’,

Diarrhea, Diarrhea!

When Chipper’s saying bye to Skip and he feels something slip,

Diarrhea, Diarrhea!

By Wayne in UT

August 14, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

sri: look it up. Huff and Infante are polar opposites.

By Bobby Cox The Genius

August 14, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Pete Rose,

Get out of here man. I have all of these fans believing I’m the greatest manager of all time. Whether we win or not, they still love me! I can just sit in the dugout and pick my nose, doesn’t matter if we win or not! I have job security no matter what I do! This is the life man, now go away and don’t ruin it for me.

By pinkygonzales

August 14, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Let’s cut through all the bull about Kotchman. Anybody who thought that he was going to be comparable to Tex this year or would ever be the player that Tex is at any point in his career was deluding themselves. To paraphrase Denny Green, Kotchman “is who we thought he was.” A solid major league first baseman, a hitter who, ideally, would be best in either the 2 or the 7 hole. But not a guy that anybody would fear. The fact is, in the National League, you need four threatening bats in your line-up in order to be a playoff-caliber team. Not necessarily power hitters. But four threatening batters. Look at the Mets. They have Beltran, Reyes, Wright, & Delgado. That is the basis of their line-up. All are threatening in their own way, and the only reason they have not run away with the division is because Beltran and Delgado (early in the season) have been major disappointments. Look at the Phillies. They have Rollins, Utley, Howard, and Burrell. And it’s the inconsistency of Rollins and Howard that have kept them from also making a run. Right now, at this moment, we are two bats short. We have nice pieces to work with for the other four spots in our line-up for next year. Kotchman, Escobar, and whoever ends up playing 2nd (Infante or Johnson) would be great assets if our line up was either deeper or faster. Francouer is our number 1 issue. We’ve been talking all year how we needed a right-handed threat in the line-up. Frenchy was supposed to be that player. He hasn’t been, and it looks like he might not ever be one. Still, I believe this season to be something of an abberation and we should try to sign him this year to a four-year, very club-friendly contract, because he honestly will never be cheaper. But that aside, we are two threatening bats short, and the player that makes the most since for us in the offseason is Pat Burrell. We have a hole in left field, and we need a right-handed power bat to deepen the line-up. That seems like a no-brainer, but it remains to be seen just how much money he’ll command this offseason. But that still leaves us a bat short, so the next question is what do we do with Gregor Blanco. I like him, too. He gets on base and plays hard. He’s unafraid to lay down a bunt when necessary. But he is not a “threatening” bat. He doesn’t hit for a high enough average or steal enough bases to considered as one. So the question is what do we do? We don’t have the money to buy two power hitting corner outfielders and to buy a frontline starter (which we also need, but that is a discussion for another time.) So even if we get a bat like burrell, the fourth threatening bat must come from within. And I don’t see it here, which is why I’m not optimistic about next season. Either Frenchy, Escobar, or Kotchman will have to have a huge year for us to make a run at the playoffs.

By Renegator

August 14, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

monty

Well said. It is tough when after the first inning - you know the game is over. Once the Braves get down by 4 runs - they mail it in.

That, by the way, is the managers fault. What good manager would allow players to mail it in?

By Sony Boi

August 14, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

I just can’t watch this trash anymore. Changes need to be made but the Braves are known to a fault for their loyalty. Its time for the Owners to step up and put a good team on the field or be loyal to all these old players and be average. How can anyone in their right mind start another season with Hampton, Glavine, and Smoltz. Its time……It wouldn’t surprise me if they signed Brett Favre!

By DAP

August 14, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

i have a question some of you may know.

i thought that the olympics were going to stop having baseball as an event, and i also thought thats why the world baseball classic started. am i way off?

By Paultb

August 14, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

I agree with much that has been written and I will leave the specific trades to those of you who get into the details. My concern is the overall focus of the team and I would love to see Bobby make moves that indicate that he is aware that this is a different bunch than the ones that won 14 titles.

If you have superstars then your management focus is one way - maybe you let them in the lineup when they slump. Maybe you stay with them on the mound when they get roughed up. Maybe you let them swing away in a close game with men on base. Over time they will win for you - so the thinking goes.

But this is a very average group of ball players. (at least the position players are). They spend half their time on the injured list, they cannot bunt, they cannot hit with runners on base and they play very average baseball. They need to be treated as such.

Management needs to work on boosting their play to higher levels rather than treating them like they are division winners. They CANT WIN HALF THEIR GAMES!!!

You need to yell at the ball players at least as much as you yell at the umpires. You need to demand that they learn how to bunt, how to hit the cutoff, how to TRAIN so that they don’t come up lame or crippled every other week.

I fear that Bobby is still using the managment style that assumes too much and demands too little. The old days are over and they are not coming back. The front office is NOT going to buy top notch players. You are going to have to build them.

They are NOT coming out of Richmond. Especially with the uprooting of that team and the shuffling that Atlanta does, using AAA like an extended bench rather than a farm team.

I think Bobby is a very savvy manager and I think he could rebuild a contender with some of the young talent we have coming. But I wish he would show signs of adopting his style to the quality of player he now has.

This season is over. Now is the time to try some different things.

By Nice

August 14, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

I agree with you pinky. I think it is time to look more long term. It is going to take a few years to get setup for a division run like the last one. Trade the older players and start trying to win with pitching, defense, and speed. Kind of like 1991

By Shaun

August 14, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Shaun Actually, I would be strongly opposed to adding a guy like Manny, but at $13 million per year for three years, he might be a better investment than Dunn or Burrell???

Wayne, Actually, I’m not so sure at this point in their careers. Dunn is only 28. Pat the Bat is only 31.

According to some metrics, Burrell has been better than Manny with the bat this season. And Dunn is not far behind either player. Given a choice between the three, I’d probably take Dunn if we are talking three-year deals. Dunn will be 29-31 and he’s probably the cheapest of the three. He has a significantly higher OBP and SLG than Burrell in his career.

By Carolina Matt

August 14, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Baseball and softball will not be events at the 2012 Olympics, altough there is a chance they will be back for 2016…

By THB

August 14, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Either spend the money on the big free agents or let go of Bobby, Chipper, Smoltz, and Glavine. We’d be fooling them by signing Casey Blake, Jon Garland, and letting Francoeur play and bat #6 or #7.

By Shaun

August 14, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

DAP, baseball will not be an Olympic sport in 2012 in London. They may reinstate it in time for the 2016 games (which could be in Chicago). There are discussions going on to reinstate it but no one knows if it will happen.

I say let the major leaguers play. But the logistics are probably just too difficult for that to happen. Bud Selig has said he would not interrupt the major league season.

By STRETCH

August 14, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Shows over. These guys are horrible. Though mathmatically they are not eliminated, mentally they are through!

This past off-season was the worst management job i have ever seen by the Braves since the 80’s. But worst off all, they gambled on old tired arms and then got nothing from the outfield offensively. Add that to all the other injuries…NO team could have withstood that.

But its time to spend some money and get some proven starting pitching for sure.

By Bobby Cox The Genius

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

Paultb,

You’re an idiot just like Lew. My managing skills of 1991 are just as relevant today as they were back then. I gave you people 14 Division titles in a row and ONLY 1 World Series title. What more do you people want?? Geez………..

By I dreamed I saw Blaine Boyer last night...

August 14, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

I was dreaming. The Braves were ahead 4 to 2 in the bottom of the seventh. Campillo was tiring so Bobby Cox went to the mound. After a brief discussion he made a little motion with his right arm. Next thing is a member of the grounds crew came out of the bullpen area pushing a red wheelbarrow. He slowly trekked to the mound and then dumped the contents of the wheelbarrow onto the pitching rubber. It was a large ammount of gelatinous substance. Bobby placed the ball on top of the pile of goo and walked towards the dugout. McCann stood near the pitching mound scratching his head, wondering how the heck a pile of goo was going to warm up, let alone throw actual pitches. Roger McDowell yelled words of encouragement from the dugout. The next thing I saw was the scoreboard. The Braves were now behind 5 to 4. Yikes!!!

By gayle

August 14, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

DAP - Misspellings aside, I don’t understand the vitriol. The Braves’ ills go far beyond a solid left fielder.

I’m just making the point that if a free agent - be it Ibanez or someone else - had the choice of signing with a contending team or one that is rebuilding - for roughly the same money - I submit that most would go with the contenders.

I can’t give you a list of left fielders who are free agents, but that isn’t the point. Free Agents - who by definition are free to choose their destination - came to the Braves in the 90’s because the team was contending.

Now that they are no longer contenders, it will be more difficult to sign those same kinds of players.

I’m sorry this team is on it’s way down, but Atlanta just ain’t the destination it once was.

By Hoosier Aaron

August 14, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

A month or so ago - people were complaining because Yuney played “a little out of control”.

Yesterday, Francisley Bueno buzzed Soriano’s tower for showing him up.

I’m thinking we need to figure out a way to get some more of Yuney’s buddies on this team to teach the rest of these guys some attitude.

When you’re getting beaten around like the Cubs did us yesterday - there needs to be more than one tower buzzed.

Give the kid the ball again tonight! Now, dig in there Fonzy!

By NCBravesFan

August 14, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Cut all the old, dead wood. Bring up or sign all new, young position players. Spend all the team can on pitching and just accept the fact that we will be a bad team for, hopefully, afew more years until the new, young players come arround and the pitching comes along. I HATE revisiting the 1980’s!!

By Jamie in Richmond

August 14, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Agreed Hoosier Aaron More guys with Esco’s intensity would never be a bad thing.

By NCBravesFan

August 14, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

The NCBravesFan at 4:44pm is not the same as me.

God I wish the AJC would get a better blogging platform.

Oh, and Casey Blake is old and mediocre and should not be signed. ;)

By Kentavo

August 14, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

I think the Braves have to build up some depth, as we’ve seen how injuries have taken their toll. For next year, I like the idea of Blake to spell Chipper, or when Chip gets hurt, but also being able to backup Kotch, and play in the OF. I don’t think he should be signed with the intent of being everyday OF.

The Braves were at their best when there was more depth; when finding a place to get Klesko’s bat in the lineup was a problem - a good problem to have.

So, I don’t see anything wrong with KJ/Prado platoon, or working in Infante at several positions several times a week.

But I think Chip needs a legit backup, a veteran 3B with some power, so we don’t have to put an out-of-position middle infielder over there.

I don’t see the Braves paying $100 for Dunn or whatver ridiculous sum Manny asks for.

By Facts Is Facts

August 14, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

And the fact is, no matter how uncomfortable it is, the Braves had zero chance of signing Tex! End of story! Boros will make sure Tex goes to the highest bidder. Can the Braves compete monetarily with the Red Sox, Yankees, Orioles, Angels, Mets or perhaps another couple of teams for the services of Tex? If you answer yes, then pass me whatever you’re smoking! Not saying all those teams mentioned above are interested in Tex but it only takes one of those teams who can afford to break the bank for Tex to outbid the Braves.

Kotchman has quite honestly stunk so far. He seldom seems to really square a ball when he hits it. (think Frenchy) Still I’m not prepared to make final judgement based on what I’ve seen so far. I totally agree with those who have posted above when it’s been pointed out that Kotchman numbers shouldn’t even be compared with Tex’s offensive production. He’s not that player. Never was supposed to be that player. He is supposed to be a solid first baseman who will put up decent offensive numbers. He’s young, could improve. To me, that beats the two unknown draft picks the Braves would have received for Tex, especially when there is no major league ready first baseman in the organization.

I’m hoping Kotchman is just undergoing some adjustment. No matter what he says publicly, he was traded from maybe the best team in baseball to a team just playing out the string. Kotchman was a regular contributor to the Angels, in fact being called their MVP this season by some in the press before the trade. You don’t go from that to looking like he looks now unless something is going on inside your head…. or body.

I just hope Kotchman doesn’t get too discouraged playing on this team. The Braves need him to contribute if they are to even get to the “don’t suck everyday” level. It’s evident on this team that sucking is contageous.

By Jeff R

August 14, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox and Braveheart, who knows who will be playing 2B next season? Wren’s focusing foremost on rebuilding the rotation. Who knows who he’ll be willing to move, or have to move, to acquire the pitching (provided he doesn’t go strictly with free agents, which he probably won’t, given cost considerations). Plenty of personnel could be moved in the off season. We’ll see.

Carroll, earlier, you mentioned the possibility of moving Escobar to 3B - eventually. Not a bad idea. He played a capable 3B in 2007. That would certainly open up a spot for Lillibridge, whose hitting, I believe, was effected by bouncing between Richmond and Atlanta so much.

By Jake

August 14, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand the battle of the stats when it comes to Prado or KJ. Put the two on the field and let them go head to head to battle for the spot by platooning them. It’s not like it matters at this point in the season and KJ may need a break like Frenchy now because he’s striking out at a rate worse than Frenchy this month(KJ has 16 Frenchy has 9). Worse of all he taking a lot of called third strikes and his so called patient at bats at the plates have given way to some Frenchy like at bats like striking out at balls in your eyes and pitches low and away. Once again i’m not asking Cox to bench KJ, simply platoon him. This is the second year in the row where he has been very streaky from month to month. Prado is on this team, why not see what he has before we decide what we eventually want to do with him. Give him a chance to see if he can play consistently before he sentenced to being no more than a utility player like some of the people here have suggested. Give him a chance like we gave Willie Harris. When Harris slipped off last year in his platooning duties Diaz got more starts and came in this year as the starter. For all the KJ supporters what’s the matter with that. If he truly is as good as you advertise then he will rise to the top. I mean why keep a young player like Prado buried on the bench with occasional starts here and there and a few pinch hits.

By Efrim

August 14, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

Thank you for your 3:20 post. Some people need some sense knocked into them. Prado is a fringe regular, best utilized as a backup.

By Jamie in Richmond

August 14, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

Jeff R , Would you really want to move Escobar from shortstop? I don’t understand that thinking. We’s got more range than any shortstop we’ve had since “the run” began. We’ve got Eric Campbell and others in the minors who don’t have the SS range that Esco has but do quite well at the hot corner. Why you’d want to move Esco from short doesnt make any sense to me. Lilly’s a nice player, but he’s not somebody you’d move Escobar for, in my opinion.

By Efrim

August 14, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Jeff R

You are right, there is plenty of time to wonder who will be at 2nd base. But can we just settle on the fact that there are more pressing needs that 2nd base, where we have an solid baseball player? This Kelly bashing has gotten out of control. It seems to me that people are tired of screaming about Francoeur, so they need someone else to pick on. Plenty of other problems to worry about……like 4 rotation spots and 3 OF spots.

By DAP

August 14, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

gayle I can’t give you a list of left fielders who are free agents, but that isn’t the point.

not what i asked for. contending TEAMS that ibanez might be willing to sign for. the teams. and there is a point. give me a list.

the braves arent far enough from being contenders that a 37 year old outfielder wouldnt want to sign with them.

By Jamie in Richmond

August 14, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

I’d be curious to hear you explain why you think Prado is a “fringer” player… I couldnt disagree with you more.

By Efrim

August 14, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

I haven’t been very impressed with Kotchman, but it is a sample size of 55 PA’s. Plenty of time to right the ship. As far as some other Braves go, I think they need to use next year as a evaluation period. We’ll know a lot more about Yunel Escobar, Kelly Johnson and Jeff Francoeur after 2009. I suppose we can add Casey Kotchman to that list as well.

By Roman Gal

August 14, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

DAP They’ve been playing Olympic baseball, I just don’t think they’ve aired any of the games yet. The US team lost to Korea a few days ago and beat the Netherlands today.

The World Baseball Classic starts in the off-season and goes into spring training.

By McFann :Ô:

August 14, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Ms. Rogers—

That’s certainly a bizarre dream. Sounds like one I’d have (no offense)…I’m always having weird dreams like that (well, not just like that…I’ve never dreamed about Charlie Morton, or somebody having prosthetic legs, but you know what I mean.)

But that’s kinda funny…them trying to hide it…I don’t know it just struck me funny…

By Steve from OH

August 14, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox

Good Points. I was actually posting it for the dude who was pointing to Prado’s BA as “evidence” (i.e. read the point that BA is only useful when viewed in tandem with OBP and SLG) that he is better, but you got more out of it, I think. Did you happen to read the other link I posted?

However, I think Perry’s point about counting stats was that they’re negligible in the sense that without knowing the amount of time a player has played (i.e. 600 PA vs. 100 PA) and the context (i.e. cleanup vs. leadoff, weak team vs. strong team, this is especially true for RBI) it’s impossible to tell which player has a better rate of hitting HR, for instance. This would make Martin’s 2008 HR total negligible compared to Kelly’s 2008 total, because Kelly has so many more AB. When you consider that Kelly had more HR in one major league season (2007) than Prado had in 6 minor league seaons, I don’t think this is negligible any longer because KJ is homering at a much higher rate i.e. percentage than Martin.

As for the OBP, using percentage stats across a career, as opposed to a season, where sample size comes into play, is more applicable. Perry stated that while percentage stats are more valuable than counting stats due to lack of context dependancy, you still have to consider sample size when considering percentage stats. Martin’s career minors OBP is .352, Kelly’s was .364, so Kelly has a slight edge. They have almost identical major league OBP’s, although Kelly’s is over the course of many more PA. This is why I bring up why percentage stats are only “good” in the presence of a sizeable data sample, which Martin’s 2008 stats by themselves are not. This is why I and others often cite career data.

There’s no question, to me, that Martin is having a better season than Kelly, sample size or not. Like you said, any number of stats can bear that out (like EqA, which Martin leads in). However, if you consider the context, and use career numbers, I don’t think Martin is capable of sustaining this success. To me, Kelly seems more likely to revert back to 2007 form than Martin is to keep playing at this pace, just for the simple fact that Kelly’s career minors numbers are closer to his 2007 season than this one, and the fact that Kelly’s career SLG (minors) is significantly higher than Martin’s.

Like I said, I really only posted that to show the guy that batting average is one of the least efficient ways to evaluate performance, but you did bring up some interesting points.

By flange1

August 14, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Efrim and Braveheart,

I am hoping all of talk and hype over Prado is being seen by other GM’s and that they are salivating over picking up Prado over the winter.

This team has quite a few holes to fill in areas where there is not much FA talent, so F Wren needs as much ammo as he can get to make those trades happen.

As most would agree, I see the team needs as 2 pitchers a number 1 and a number 3 and a RH bat for LF.

Of that group, I see the Braves signing someone like Derek Lowe to fill the #3 slot in the rotation.

The LF bat and the #1 starter will have to come from trades.

Hopefully Prado will have some value, because the Braves need all the ammo they can get.

By Efrim

August 14, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

Jamie- Because he hasn’t shown me anything to think otherwise? 90 at bats this season is going to make me think he is a better player than Kelly Johnson?

Fringe regular may be a bit harsh, I’m sure he could start for a few teams. But not on this one. Not if you pay attention to his minor league track record- larger sample size than 90 at bats.

By Paul Muad´dib

August 14, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

Why don’t Prado and Johnson settle their differences like real men in a knife fight.

By bruce

August 14, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Hey what’s this I hear on network radio news about Russia taking over 1/3 of Georgia? Did Turner Field get taken over too? Sure seems like it yesterday… :)

By Efrim

August 14, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Flange 1

A left field bat with power potential is a need as well. I think the Braves can do fine with Blanco/Schafer/Anderson in CF. All of the other positions are fine, unless those current players are used to upgrade the starting rotation.

I’d say 2 starters, minimum. Not sure you can count on Campillo. I think he deserves a shot at starting though. I wouldn’t get too caught up in saying we need an ace. There really isn’t one on the free agent market, other than Sabathia, that is worth it. Through trade, you would have to pay A TON for an “ace”. So maybe just filling the rotation with solid durable starters is what they should look at. Right now it is Jurrjens and a lot of question marks(I don’t think the Braves should completely count on Campillo).

By flange1

August 14, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

Your 5:13 says loads about the Braves! I think folks have to get a priority on “fixing” the Braves problems.

Everyone is screaming to get rid of Frenchy. Who will take him and what will they give us? If the Royals will do a Frenchy + JoJO + Chuckie for Greinke and Teahan, then pull the trigger!

But the reality is that Frenchy will be in RF next year to sink or swim.

CF will be Blanco or Schafer.

The only OF position that will be dealt with is LF.

KJ might get traded and Prado might play 2B ONLY IF the Braves can get a stud back.

But without Hudson for AT LEAST 1/2 a season and probably more, the rotation has got to be addressed first.

What to do about a backup 3B is not even a small thought at this point. In fact with the way Infante has played I am amazed that folks are so worried about a backup 3B.

By Steve from OH

August 14, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

flange, I don’t think this team needs to fill all of its holes via trade. The #1 starter, sure. We’ve got no shot for CC or Sheets, IMO. But I think this team has the resources to go out and get a guy like Dunn or Burrell. Of course, I don’t think they will if Dunn gets 100 mill like he wants, but I don’t think he will get that much.

By Donald F*

August 14, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Roman Girl

When you come home

Are you good?

Are you the pride of your neighborhood?

Are you the raw flame?

The live wire?

Do you pray like a Roman with your eyes on fire?

By N8

August 14, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

You guys defending Tex are WAY too easy to get all wound up.

Dude’s never been to the playoffs. His teams usually don’t win more games than they lose.

Until he carries a team on his back (to the playoffs), he’ll be nothing more than a guy that piles up stats for losing teams.

Kinda like Dale Murphy. Except, Murphy actually won 2 MVP’s and DID carry his team to the playoffs at least once, and almost did the following year.

What’s Tex done again? Oh yeah. He’s put up enough “numbers” that will net him more money in one season, than Murphy made in his entire career.

Yikes.

Let’s put it this way. Tex has a better shot at helping teams win with his glove, than his bat. I was as impressed with his leather this year, as much as I wasn’t with his bat. Expecially with Chipper out.

But yeah. He’s clutch. My bad.

By Donald F

August 14, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox

Can it be the sorry sun is rising

Guess it’s time for us to book it

Talk about the famous road not taken

In the end we never took it

And if somewhere on the way

We got a few good licks in

No one’s ever gonna know

‘Cause we’re goin’ out of business

Everything must go

By flange1

August 14, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

I see JJJ as I 2, Morton or Campy as a 4 and 5. I would rather have Campy in the pen as a long man, but you are right, you ought to give him a chance.

For some reason I see the Braves going after Brad Penny.

Steve from Ohio,

Dunn wants over $100 million. I agree that he is not worth it. He is LH and we need a RH bat.

I don’t now nor have I ever liked Pat Burrell. He is also going to cost a ton.

Other than those 2 the OF FA are not really that great, and those 2 have their own flaws.

I would love to be able to buy what we need in the FA market, but I just don’t see the right players out there.

By monty

August 14, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

compare Kelley Johnson’s numbers to last year and they are going to be very close to last years. A couple of categories are up, like doubles, and a couple are down, OBS. and HR’s; but all in all nothing drastic. THE same can’t be said for Frenchy. THe dissapointing thing for Kelly is he hasn’t shown improvement. Ideally you would like to see an upward rise in young players, ala McCann!

By Carroll Rogers

August 14, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

roster move was bueno….

lineup is: 1. Escobar SS, 2. Prado 2B, 3. C Jones, 4. infante LF, 5. Kotchman 1B, 6. Frenchy RF, 7. Kotsay CF, 8. Sammons C, 9. Glavine

braves haven’t announced starters for sunday and monday because of the DH yesterday, but expect it to be morton on short rest Sunday and Campillo monday

By N8

August 14, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

h8thecold

“Hey N8! Did you know Tex’s 2nd homerun was to tie the game in the 9th? Did you know that?”

Yup. I knew that. What was the final score?

” Did you know he hit a grand slam in the 8th at Yankee Stadium to put his team up by 1?”

Yup. I knew that. Again. What was the final score?

“Was just curious if you watched baseball at all…”

I sure do. I watched Tex do a FANTASTIC Andruw Jones (circa 2007), impersonation, from April until around mid-June. It was a hole that this team would never recover from. What was our record in 1-run games during that stretch? 1-22? Sorry if the numbers are a bit off. To “round it up” (or down) for you, let’s just conclude that the team (and Tex) SUCKED AZZ during that stretch. OK?

Maybe you’re the one who should be asked if you watched any baseball this year. Too funny.

Shaun

Do you really take your numbers THAT seriously, as to try to imply that you would rather have Pat Burrell at the plate instead of Manny Ramirez with the game on the line, just because “some numbers” suggest that he’s (Burrell) is having a better season?

That’s the most insane thing I’ve ever seen you type.

Go “poll” 25 big-league pitchers (Aces, closers, set-up men, rookies), and ask THEM who they’d rather face, regardless of what numbers say Pat’s having a better season.

Simply amazing. I’ve used the following quote from Oliver Stone’s JFK at least two other times, but third time is the charm, right?

“Theoretical physics can prove an elephant can hang from a cliff with its tail tied to a daisy, but use your eyes — your common sense…..”

I don’t care what numbers say about Pat vs. Manny. Taking “Manny being Manny” out of the equation, and club-house distractions, and leaving nothing more than man-bat-pitcher-ball, I’ll take Manny at the plate, probably over any other hitter in the past 20 years, including Chipper. Maybe not over Bonds (or McGwire in 98), but the guy has been that good, and THAT feared for a LONG time.

If Jeff Francoeur was 1/10 the hitter of Manny in his worst season, we’d be in good shape for many years to come in RF. But alas….

Make zero mistake about it. Manny will have more impact on the Dodgers lineup, than Tex will on the Angels.

Both LA teams made big splashes at the deadline. One team over-spent and got the lesser of the two, IMO. Not talking defense. Just the stick.

By BostonBravesGirl

August 14, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

Manny? No no no no no no no… Although if anyone can turn Manny around, it’s Joe Torres, but better Joe than Bobby.

By McFann :Ô:

August 14, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Weird Stat of the Day (OK, maybe this isn’t a “stat”, but it is weird):

Last time the Braves faced Ted Lilly was the night Tom Glavine hurt his elbow that led to this DL stint.

Weird, huh?

And just had a thought—if the Braves would’ve had to place McCann on the DL after his collision with Victorino, he would have been activated yesterday.

That series in Arizona wouldn’t have been as entertaining had that been the case…

Thanks for the lineup, Ms. Rogers. This should be int’resting…

Gotta split. I should be back sometime during the game.

By N8

August 14, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

flange1

You 5:38 says volumes about what the Braves brass thinks about the short and long term future of the Braves.

You claim nobody is gonna give us anything for Jeff. I have to totally agree with you. His “stock” is at an all-time low, since his call-up. Period.

But then you claim that he’ll be in RF next year to “sink or swim”.

Why is that? The dude doesn’t cost much money, and he has options left. Angel Berroa (sp?) won the rookie of the year in the AL a few years back, and was REPLACED by Tony Pena Jr.!!!!

If we have better options already in the system, and (or) can improve RF by signing a player or trading other players for a RF, why can’t Jeff go back to Richmond?? I mean, don’t get me wrong in comparing Scott Thorman to Jeff.

But he was in the “show” all of last year, and didn’t get a sniff this year? If Jeff can’t contribute to the ATLANTA Braves winning games, and he has remaining options available, and nobody wants to give Wren any “value” for him, he should be playing for the RICHMOND Braves.

Thank goodness, he didn’t accept that offer two springs ago. Imagine that.

If the Braves DO put Jeff in RF to start next year without him showing serious signs of being a better, more patient hitter, then they are truly saying that he is bigger than the team. That will be clearly stating that they are NOT about putting the best team forward.

He should have NEVER come back up to Atlanta this year. The only thing worse than taking so long to send him down, was only leaving him down for 3 games.

Speaking of AAAA players…..

By Carroll Rogers

August 14, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

Major League Baseball announced Francisley Bueno has been suspended three games and fined for intentionally throwing at Alfonso Soriano’s head in game 1 yesterday. Bueno was just optioned to Richmond, so pending any appeals, I don’t think he will not serve the suspension until he’s back in the majors…..but i am checking on that

By Original Jon

August 14, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

Hey guys and gals, un-Braves related, but did you hear that Bud Selig and a couple of other people say instant replay is pretty much a done deal in baseball. There’s an article on ESPN.com about it. Teams will only be able to dispute whether or not a ball was fair or foul and if it actually went over the fence. Plays on basepaths and balls and strikes will not be part of the replays.

Kinda good news.

By Jeff R

August 14, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Efrim… I’m with you. Wren is going to prioritize pitching first. My point was that to get that pitching we may end up seeing a very different line up from what we had in 2008.

Jamie in Richmond. Just thought Carroll’s guesswork about moving Escobar to 3B was interesting. I’m not wed to the idea.

By the way, what does anyone think of Neil Walker, 3B prospect in the Pirates organization? With Andy LaRoche at 3B now, and should management sign top 3B prospect Alverez, might Walker be available this winter? And would he be worth having?

By Bobby's Cox

August 14, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

Steve From OH

Let me first say that I agree with Jake’s 4:59 post wholeheartedly. If anyone wonder’s my stance on this debate, that’s it 100%. Got that Braveheart? People need to stop sentencing him as backup until the dude gets a shot. That’s it. I’m not saying Prado is the next Placidio Polanco, but you never know till you know. Since KJ has struggled a lot more than he hasn’t, why not at least try at this point? It’s pretty obvious one or the other will be a bonafide trade piece for next year, so again, why not try let the situation play out on the field?

Now Steve….Great post in response to mine. Too bad every blogger can’t have a conversation without taking things personal.

I agree with what you say wholeheartedly. I think we both agree that until Prado gets more PA under his belt, that it’s entirely speculation what he’s capable of.

Thanks for understanding my points. Something some people are afraid to look deeper into. Btw, I read your other posts and enjoy all of them.

By john

August 14, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

It’s just funny how Francouer had supposedly found his swing in Mississippi. Well, guess what, going to the minors didn’t do him any good. He’s hitting .196 since coming back. What a joke. He should have stayed in Mississippi.

By Steve from OH

August 14, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

flange, so true about the weak FA outfield market. Sadly. I just can’t see us trading for both a LF and a frontline starter. It would just cost way too much, and it would deplete our system considerably.

As for Burrell, his career numbers are actually pretty close to Dunn’s. Burrell’s career line is .259/.369/.488, with a .293 EqA. Dunn’s career line is .247/.380/.520, with a .301 EqA. They’re both not very good in the field, so that’s probably a wash.

I think what determines which one (if any) we get is the price. For a reasonable price, both are great pickups.

By song

August 14, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

Glavine is a nice guy and all, but the Braves need pitchers with some gas.

Not a single Brave on the efastball Top Gun list. The slowest is 98 mph.

By bravos2249

August 14, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

Carroll

You gotta be kidding me. Bueno got suspended for that but Lilly never got suspended for 1) throwing and hitting Renteris in the neck and 2) when Lilly threw at Mac’s head in Chicago?

By song

August 14, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

The last time I saw Frenchy it looked like he finally stopped opening his hips when the pitcher let go.

He will come around if he keeps this up.

By Steve from OH

August 14, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox:

Thanks alot man. I figure that since I ask people to keep an open mind when considering my ideas it’s only fair that I do the same for them. I hope nobody takes any of my posts personally, because I don’t intend them to be.

By Jeff321

August 14, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

The lineup tonight looks somewhat interesting. But, I can’t help but notice McCann is missing!

By Original Jon

August 14, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this

Jeff321 McCann missing is what you notice? lol. First thing I noticed was Jeff batting in the 6 hole, what a crock of sh………………… Guess Bobby will never learn.

By semiballcoach

August 14, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

carroll i can’t beleive you have odum in your dreams and/or have enough nerve to mention it..

By Bobby's Cox

August 14, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

wow.

pretty impressive by Glavine right there with Soriano.

By TexasBrave

August 14, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

Man you know it might be a long day when you intentally walk someone in the first inning. I guess Bobby doesn’t hold much hope of scoring many runs.

By Bobby's Cox

August 14, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

next 2 batters faced, not so impressive.

By Couch Tater

August 14, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

Any Atlanta fans @ Turner tonight?

By Pointing out the Obvious

August 14, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Despite what Cox may say or think, Infante is not a middle-of-the-order hitter.

If we go into the 2009 with Infante slated as an everyday 4-7 hole hitter, we’re in trouble.

By Jeff321

August 14, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Carroll Rogers

Can you ask Bobby Cox how that intentional walk is working out? It seems to me like 8/10 times it comes back to bite. Perhaps you have the stats on that? Thanks.

By Jake

August 14, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if that’s rust or just a typical Tom Glavine first inning. We’ll see the innings to come I guess.

By Carroll Rogers

August 14, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

28 pitches for glavine in the first inning - 17 balls, 11 strikes. not sharp. but he wouldn’t be glavine if he didn’t work his way out of a first inning jam by drawing a bases loaded double play.

bobby said his pitch count would be anywhere from 75-90 pitches depending on how glavine felt.

By N Nine®

August 14, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

wow at this rate Glavine: All clear to retire.

Derosa just saved you as i write this

By Kelly Johnson

August 14, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

Hi guys, I lead the majors among left-handed hitters against left-handed pitchers with a minimum 100 at-bats with a .350 batting average. And yet Bobby only sits me against left-handed pitchers.

Not too bright, is Cox?

By TexasBrave

August 14, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

Gameday is showing Tom’s fastball at 82 mph. In my high school days, and especially not in college, I rarely saw a pitcher with a fastball below 85. If that is the best Glavine has to offer I would rather take my chances with Buddy.

By N Nine®

August 14, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

can Bueno come in and throw at shane victorino’s head? I’d love him for life then

By Braveheart

August 14, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox, no one got personal with you. It’s just that you have never once justified the infatuation with Prado. KJ is superior in the ability to hit for power, draw walks and run. Prado can probably only slightly hit for a higher average which means nothing with his inferior OBP and SLG skills. KJ probably has more range and a better arm than Prado —- there is after all a reason why one was a shortstop in the minors while the other was always nothing more than a second baseman in the minors. Despite not having better range, Prado will be prettier with the glove and seem more sure handed even if he really isn’t.. Is there anything else you need to know? KJ is a better player. The stats say so, the way they’ve historically been treated by the organization says so, the scouts say so, the trade demands other teams make says so, our unbiased eyeballs tell us so. Prado is a nice little player. Could be an invaluable backup on a contender and maybe a starter on a bottom feeder team like the Pirates. But stop getting carried away with the fella. KJ never had his path to the majors blocked by Orr and Woodward like Prado did. Tells you something about Prado.

By Tomas

August 14, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

Tommy is a little rusty, and this cubs hitters are being very pacient and not hitting the ball hard but finding holes. Tough, especially when he is on a pitch count, and the bulpen is a little bit short after yesterday’s double header. This hitters have to get something going. That is esencial if they want to get a win, at least 7 runs.

By southbeachdietfreak

August 14, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

I hope no one here really expects Glavine to last more than 4 innings… first night back off the DL. Hammered in the first, I don’t think they’re gonna want to push him hard his first night back.

By Tomas

August 14, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

Tommy is a little rusty, and this cubs hitters are being very pacient and not hitting the ball hard but finding holes. Tough, especially when he is on a pitch count, and the bulpen is a little bit short after yesterday’s double header. This hitters have to get something going. That is esencial if they want to get a win, at least 7 runs.

By N Nine®

August 14, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

Our “CLEANUP” hitter has 3 HR’s ouch Our OF features no guys with 10HR’s ouch

By southbeachdietfreak

August 14, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

Kotchman 9 for 43 this month—- yikes!!

By Goodoleboy58

August 14, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

Do we have the only cleanup hitter that bunts?

By A bemused observer

August 14, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

One of the signs that you have entered the twilight zone:

your cleanup batter tries to bunt his way on base.

By southbeachdietfreak

August 14, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

JF swung at the first pitch and got a hit?….

By Goodoleboy58

August 14, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

Kotchie with a groundout

By Goodoleboy58

August 14, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

There we go.. On the board!!

By Jeff321

August 14, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Is it possible Mr. Kotchman is playing hurt? Because he was sportin’ 107 hits in the American League.. And all I recall is weak grounders to first or second.

Oh, and my other guess is he’s still mad about getting traded from a first place team to the Braves, eh?

By southbeachdietfreak

August 14, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

Way to go Tommy!!! Draws a walk!

By Bobby's Cox

August 14, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,

Agree to disagree before i barrage you with more stats.

Deal?

By southbeachdietfreak

August 14, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Way to go Tommy!!! Draws a walk!

By N Nine®

August 14, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

CHIPPER JONES WATCH

Holliday finished day 1-3 HR .345

Pujols curr.. 0-2 .344

Chipper curr..0-1 .369

By the way Lilly loves throwing at braves players

By Tomas

August 14, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

Man this team is flat out horrible withthe bases loaded lately. Whether it be Frenchy or not.

By southbeachdietfreak

August 14, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Would’ve been nice to score with the bases loaded, but I know better.

By Bobby's Cox

August 14, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

BTW,

the bottom feeder pirates have the same record as the braves.

By southbeachdietfreak

August 14, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

Did I say 4 innings… meant 2… clearly not ready tonight.

By MattyRoss

August 14, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

That hurts. Aramis Ramirez is a big dude. Not to be “that guy” but if I’m Yunel, I might be taking a pitch or two after seeing Glavine walk. Don’t think he swung at a single strike it that AB…

Side note: I’m currently drinking a Sprite for the first time in…years. It is delicious. How could I have forgotten? Nice play by Chipper.

By southbeachdietfreak

August 14, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

5-1… will take 18 innings for braves’ hitters to catch up.

By Tomas

August 14, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

Tommy must really miss that 90mph fastball. Not a bad pitch to Aramis, but that guy just love to hit against Glavine, and knew the ball was going to be in that spot.

By Ned

August 14, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

SOMETIMES a BASEBALL PLAYER HAS TO WONDER…When is time TO HANG IT UP…im watching it right now…your DONE,Glav…retire, before you RIDICOULIZE yourself…your going to be a HOF’er soon, you dont HAVE ANYTHING ELSE TO PROVE…PLEASE DONT COME BACK IN 2009…those 8 MM their paying your 42-year old arm could come in handy for a Power OF or a No.3 Pitcher…

By flange1

August 14, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

N8,

I totally agree with you. I believe the Braves front office will go with Frenchy to sink or swim.

I think you agree they will do they same.

Not saying it is right or wrong, but that is what they will do.

Same for alot of the comments on this blog, we might hope they will happen, but if we put on our Braves management hats we know hey never will.

In this situation, the Braves have little of no outfield depth in the high minors with power.

That is what they need in LF and in RF (especially when 1B is now not a power position).

There is NO WAY the team can trade for 2 power outfielders. NO WAY if you have to add 2 pitchers….

By southbeachdietfreak

August 14, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

Having Kotchman up is like having JF having 2 ABs in a row.

By Uh-oh

August 14, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

Uh-oh, a Prado hit. With under at-bats, his average has probably shot up 50 points.

That faint squeal of delight you hear is Prado’s #1 fan; his mom…er, no…Bobby’s Cox.

By jerry

August 14, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

When did Ted Lilly become Cy Young? The Braves should be hitting him just as bad or worse than the Cubs are Glavine.

By Tomas

August 14, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

two good things that I’ve seen in this game, is that Glavine isn’t hurting, and although Aramis hit that homer, he’s command has been better, and Frenchy has the approach of going the other way, and has a single already.

By Uh-oh

August 14, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

Uh-oh, a Prado hit. With under 100 at-bats this season, his average has probably shot up 50 points.

That faint squeal of delight you hear is Prado’s #1 fan; his mom…er, no…Bobby’s Cox.

By N to the N

August 14, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

Hey N-9

don’t forget about Lance Berkman: 2/4, HR today and back to .333.

By Carroll Rogers

August 14, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

freud to fraud. i love it….you win the prize

bravos2249, guess those guys up at MLB have a short memory. and wanted to make a move before this series continued. maybe bueno would have helped his cause by waiting until, um, the second pitch. but hey, he made a statement to his teammates. ….so when he comes back he serves three (or maybe two if he wins his appeal) for games he probably wouldn’t have pitched anyway and that’s that.

By southbeachdietfreak

August 14, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Ned,

a little harsh… Remember it’s his first time back! He has nothing to prove, but he DOES have a contract which requires hime to do his job when called upon.

By Tomas

August 14, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

did i say 7 runs i meant 11.

By N Nine®

August 14, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

The guy(7) just doesn’t get it. He swings at 1st or 2nd pitch every time. He is the best thing for pitchers. Remember it took him forever to get that FIRST career walk…shoulda told us something.

The guy just will not adjust. It’s sad and disappointing. He’s a 15 year old swinging at anything that comes close to the plate. what a loser

By Bobby's Cox

August 14, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

in regards to Aflac trivia question:

Hopefully Glavine retires before he falls below 100 games over .500 for his career.

He’ll be 305 and 203 after tonight.

By MattyRoss

August 14, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

My my, Soriano tears the Braves up. Where’s Bueno when you need him…Tommy might not get that 85 mark.

By Dumb Blonde

August 14, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

umm Wait…

Did the braves change their name to the Cubs….cause everyone’s chanting “let’s go cubbies” and I’m pretty sure they’re playing in Florida.

By Blaine Boyer is a versatile pile of goo

August 14, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

Blaine Boyer for starter in 2009?

Bobby loves him (God knows why) and it will be easy to stretch his arm out (hint: it’s made of goo like the rest of him).

By TennesseePaul

August 14, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

So looks like Anders and Sniper were correct, Glavine is toast. This is bad. Chuck James bad. I certainly hope the Braves don’t bring him back next year. I’d rather have my memories of Glavine be happy, jolly, memories filled with lots of wins and low ERAs. This Glavine Version 2.0 stinks.

But on the other hand, this team needs him to take some innings off the shoulders of the young guys as much as possible. That’s pretty much the only use I can see in Hampton and Glavine. But man is it brutal.

By braves70

August 14, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

I love these old timer games. Glavine pitches tonight. Is Phil Niekro scheduled for tomorrow and Buzz Capra the day after that?

By southbeachdietfreak

August 14, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

Matty,

Did you say hi to Steve Bartlett like I asked? Can’t wait till 100 years from now, when his grandson “ruins” the Cubs’ next chance at a WS!!

By Jake

August 14, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

Well that’s one more hit than Kelly’s had in ……………………………………………………….. wait trying to remember

By Brad

August 14, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

One thing (only) I am going to say I like seeing is…..Prado chasing balls into mid outfield. French has called him off twice in the midfield. I get so sick of lazy KJ when he will not attempt and to see Jeff cant get makes me sick. BC give Prado a chance he earned it last year in SPRING TRAINING and this year when he has played!!!!

By Better than 2 draft picks?

August 14, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

Casey Kotchman?

I mean really?

A light hitting first baseman who obviously has lost what plate discipline he had in the minors….basically because he can’t adjust to major league pitching.

Kind of like Kelly Johnson….

and Jeff Francoeur….

By southbeachdietfreak

August 14, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

I reall am sad for TG, know he wanted to come back strong, but he’s just not ready yet.

Did Gotay forget his bat when he went up to the plate?

By Supes

August 14, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

flange 1 are you saying the Braves management can’t trade Jeff b/c we don’t have outfield depth in the minors?

That is about as flawed a point as I’ve seen on this blog (and there have been many)

If Jeff is going to continue to stink up (he had a single tonight, so what?) he should be moved. It’s time to move on.

I was watching the broadcast and Joe Simpson made a comment that a scout and him were talking about Jeff, and the scout said something to the accord of “If the Braves would be willing to put Jeff on the trading block there would be 29 teams lining up?” What the frak? Is that scout serious? Have they not been watching in 2008 or just replaying Jeff’s games from 2006-2007? If that is the case…that there would be such a “market” for Jeff…the Braves would be foolish not to trade the man in the off-season.

A fresh start is needed for Jeff (never going to live up to expectations here) and for the Braves.

Entire OF needs to be rebuild. You start by trading Jeff, and Matt Diaz. Kotsay can be brought back if he wants to stay, but at a reduced rate. I wouldn’t pay Kotsay more than 500,000 K in a one year deal b/c he gets hurt and misses more than 1/4 of the season with injuries.

Keep Blanco as the CF, but in September…bring up the following players as the roster expands.

Brandon Jones, Jordan Schaifer and Josh Anderson. Make them your starting OF for 2-3 week period. You have to throw these kids out there for a while and see what we’ve got now, not in spring training 2009.

I mentioned Ibanez as a 2 year option in LF/RF until Brandon Heyword is ready to play in the bigs.

I know the Marlins maybe hesitant to deal within the division…but I’d pursue Josh Willingham or Jeremy Hermida.

From the FA class…pursue Adam Dunn of LF is still not solved (after taking an extensive look within the organization, which is why you have to play these young guys now! Enough with the “what about the fans who paid to see a major league team” crap. This season is over. Realize that. They aren’t competitive with the OF we have now…why not try the kids? What do you have to lose?

So Joe Simpson, if there are suitors for Jeff Francine in the off-season, I sincerely hope they trade him and close the book. Move on. Jeff is finished as an Atlanta Brave (as we know it…it’s just sad to watch)

By Lew

August 14, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

Just like Carroll’s Blog heading declares, it’s reality time for Glavine and I’m pretty sure we’re all seeing where that reality lies.

No Hampton or Glavine in 09. If Smoltzie, who I’ve learned never to count out, can come back and pitch in relief for a reduced contract, then fine and well. That being said-No More Old Ex Great Players in 09. Between Glavine and Hampton, what is their composite ERA since coming off the DL? About 14 Runs per nine? The writing is on the wall and I sure hope the Braves’ Brass can read it.

By Prado is the Shiznit

August 14, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

HE REALLY IS!!!!

Why is the “mute” playing 2nd base?????

Prado will be better than him!!!!!

Trade Kelly Johnson asap.

Give Prado 600 Plate appearences!!!!!

By southbeachdietfreak

August 14, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

TennPaul.

Never thought of it that way… Glavine sucking up some innings to give the young guys a break. Didn’t work out so well, though.

As i type, Prado knocks one in!

By Tomas

August 14, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

Prado, Kotsay, and Infante are just begging for playing time. I hope Bobby stays with the players who are hot. If they suddenly go on a cold streak, give Kelly and Blanco a start.

By Carroll Rogers

August 14, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

line on glavine: four innings, seven hits - including two homers, seven runs, all earned. four walks (one intentional) three strikeouts….threw 70 pitches, 33 balls, 37 strikes

By Efrim

August 14, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

Yea, lets take more power away from the lineup by trading away Kelly Johnson and replacing him with Martin Prado.

By southbeachdietfreak

August 14, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

Matty,

hows’ it feel being a fan of the second-best team in Chicago? Just curious.

By uh oh - oh NO!

August 14, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

get used to prado buddy.

a-u-t-o-m-a-t-i-c.

By Tomas

August 14, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

This cubs have to be the best team in the NL. This year the nl central has the best teams. The Cards dont have big names in that lineup except Pujols(of course) and no big names until Carpinter cameback to that rotation. The Brewers have the best 1-2 combo in CC, and Sheets, and can hit it.

By southbeachdietfreak

August 14, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

Lew,

I don’t think anyone expected Glavine to come back next year anyway… Hampton maybe, but not Glavine.

By Jake

August 14, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

I don’t think I’ve seen that happen in forever with one of our outfielders. Just another sign that it is definately not our year in every which way possible.

By TennesseePaul

August 14, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Let’s hope that he does hit in the high .280’s and provides those 20-25 HR that we kept hearing about.

I never heard about these 20+ HRs. I always heard he was a 15-20 guy if that. And it appears he’s on pace to do that. Kotchman obviously isn’t the best thing out there, but he works. He’s certainly better than Thorman or Franco. He’s cheaper than Teixeira and he’s just as good of a fielder. This deal was done to best a draft pick and it probably did. Who’s to say what the draft pick would have become. But he doesn’t fill any holes in the line up. He only filled a hole in the field. Solid. Not great. Jackson would have been the best out of the three (Kotchman, Loney, Jackson) but he wasn’t available. And as far as Kotchman vs Tracy… Tracy would have been more disappointing to watch for the next few years.

The Braves will have to trade for either a big bat or a #1 starter. Which ever they don’t trade for will be picked up on the FA market. I’d hope for the pitcher to come via trade just on the contract basis alone.

By N Nine®

August 14, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

give Goat-i and Glavine back to the muts/sniper for some cracked maple bats. I’ll even pay their salary.

September will be nice..new fresh faces from minors..will be a pleasure

By Tomas

August 14, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

Tough break on the fly ball to Kotsay. Carlyle hasn’t thrown a good pitch since he came into the game. The Braves really need more bulpen help, although injuries have been a big part of the overwork and inefectivess at times, they need more help for next season.

By georgiagent

August 14, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

My God, get the retread Glavine in as an advisor as a bullpen caoch and off the mound. Mind boggling. The guys has zero left.

By bravesfan54

August 14, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah - concerning two players you commented on: you asked about Soriano and “is he really hurt?”, and, my gut tells me that he’s riding out this contract (perhap’s not as a conscious decision, but, as pain is both perceptively and subjectively perceived, the suspicion is that his mind is telling sending the messages)- cutting to the chase, the dude is not a gamer, plain and simple. Next, you seem to suggest (without elaboration) -very correctly, I might add- that a guy like Manny isn’t your ideal, but yet seem to blithlely suggest that $13mil x 3 eases your concerns considerably. With respect, I disagree. I am old school, you get paid, you play…and you play your best. Manny gamed and whined. Even AJ did’nt play any of the Soriano/Manny riffs. He had different issues - he took 36m x 2 and showed up 30lbs heavier after a bad year.

My point being - you need gamers (whatever that shopworn cliche means)who have a good work ethic. Neither Manny nor Soriano have this. Have you not noticed how little drama you get from people who are not arbitration or FA eligble. I have, and they don’t deserve multi-mil contracts.

No Manny, no Sorry, no mas!

By McFann :Ô:

August 14, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

Jeff321 But, I can’t help but notice McCann is missing!

I don’t wanna sound rude or whatever, but…so? He caught 15 innings yesterday. He also hasn’t had a game off since he came back. And I think this was the perfect night to give him off, after a bad night at the plate last night.

By McFann :Ô:

August 14, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Oh, BTW—Cann they please quit giving up doubles to Grove? They shouldn’t be helping him pass 3BMac in two-baggers!

Sheesh-a-loo…

By Tomas

August 14, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Tom Glavine is not the same pitcher he was in the 90’s for the Braves. I know he is 42, but in my opinion if he was sharp in an outing it was because the umpire gave him that ouside corner(over the last 5 years). Jamie Moyer, and Glavine are just a replica of each other right now. If I was him i’d hang them up.

By What Bobby Cox will say

August 14, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Tom Glavine is fine. His location is a little off, that’s all. The umpire wouldn’t give him the corners.

By Jake

August 14, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

Efrim

What power are you talking about because the last time I checked this team seems to be lacking that tremendously. I guess some people just prefer flyouts to the warning tracks than doubles to the warning track.

By N Nine®

August 14, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

(7) out on first pitch! why does he do this to himself? why doesnt he see some pitches?..mind boggling

Im over this clown. what a loser

By McFann :Ô:

August 14, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Uh-oh…Francoeur’s gonna try the toe tap again.

By Goodoleboy58

August 14, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

Come on Kotsay hit for the cycle

By southbeachdietfreak

August 14, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

Just depressing to watch.

By Efrim

August 14, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Jake, Kelly Johnson has more power than Prado. Some here want to start Prado over Kelly.

By crusty old coot

August 14, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

I don’t care if this Brave catcher McCain fella was shot down and tortured by the Phillies. I won’t vote for him for the all star team. He’s too old. Probably retire when his contract is up.

By Lew

August 14, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

SouthBeach-Dude, even Glavine hasn’t ruled it out. Said he’d base it on how he pitched. Hope he realizes it’s time to call it quits and Coach Pee Wee Hockey games. Nonetheless, it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Braves try to re-sign him, though-or Hampton. Lord knows I hope not, but……..

By Steve from OH

August 14, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Jake, Kelly Johnson hit more home runs in one season (2007) than Martin did in six minor league seasons. Also, Martin’s career minor league SLG is .393. Kelly’s is .464.

By southbeachdietfreak

August 14, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

Obviously, there are more holes in this team than what we can plug them with. Question is, how do you prioritize, where do you start? Hitting, pitching? I don’t think this team has the resources to make the necessary repairs over the off-season financially.

By asinine

August 14, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

Yea, lets take more power away from the lineup by trading away Kelly Johnson and replacing him with Martin Prado.

Well, that is an asinine statement if i ever saw one, and I know asinine.

There is more to power than HR. The score would be 9-2 right now if KJ were playing instead of Prado. Prado has 2 doubles tonight thus far, which has accounted for 2 runs. Doubles, triples, they count as power. Your are and idiot efrim

I’m all for “Less Power” if extra base hits come on a more consistent basis than the occasional HR and much lower batting average. Because, that will produce more runs.

By Goodoleboy58

August 14, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

Efrim

Are you afraid of missing out on KJ’s current 1 home run every 44.22 plate appearances?

Or his career mark of:

1 per 35.56 plate appearances?

By McFann :Ô:

August 14, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Who thinks the Braves will retaliate? (Actually, Escobar didn’t need to act quite that way…that was a bit much, but why didn’t Lilly get ejected? Sheesh, I mean, really…)

Uh, back to my original Q…and if they do retaliate, why didn’t they do so against Chase Utley? I’d rather they go after him…if they have to go after anybody…

By Robin

August 14, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Note to Cubbies:

You do NOT want a piece of us right now.

That’ll be all.

By N8

August 14, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Efrim

Did I see you use the words “power” and Kelly Johnson” in the same sentence earlier?

Are you talking about the guy, who in his last 62 games, has 3 HR and 21 RBI???

Because, if so…..you’re right. That’s the kind of Rafael Belliard power that this team can’t do without.

There are 14 other 2B that have more HR than his total of 9 for the year. There are another 4 that have 8 HR.

So excuse me if I’m not gonna cry if we lose KJ’s (ahem!)…..er….power.

On a side note. IT’S ABOUT DAMN TIME THIS TEAM SHOWS SOME SIGN OF LIFE!!!!

I’d be a little nervous if I’m sliding into 2B tonight on a DB. I’ve got the feeling that Escobar might throw one right at somebody’s noggin.

By Get Real People

August 14, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Less than 100 at-bats and you people want Prado to have the NL MVP award.

He has been good in his 90 or so at-bats this season, but nothing in his minor or major league history says he is a .380+ OBP guy, a homerun hitter or a .500 slugger. And he is simply not a real good option in a 162-game season given 600 or so at-bats.

Calm the hell down. And wipe that blood off of your mouths where your knees you Pradoites jerked hit.

By Jake

August 14, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Yeah and he hit more than Renteria last year too. You telling me that Kelly johnson was better than Renteria last year. Come on man, you’re comparing apples and oranges man. Just in case you didn’t get that you’re comparing a player with a little pop and so so average with a player who was never expected to hit for power. It’s like saying well KJ has 10 steals and Mac only has 4.

By the way you are taking this way to personal. I never said Prado was a better player than KJ. Go back and read my earlier post. I simply said I want to see Prado given the chance to see what he can do with our season being basically over. Last time I checked in 2006 and 2007 we had a lot of power. Yet we still managed to get shut out quite a few games because power isn’t everything. You gotta know how to manufactur runs and hit when you are behind in the count. Prado and his inside out swing affords himself the opportunity to be late and still get a hit. I mean what’s so bad with giving the guy a chance. What are you afraid of man? The season for all extensive purposes is over.

By Couch Tater

August 14, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Carol-

Put on the boxing gloves. I think you can take Carrie Muskat.

By Jeff321

August 14, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

That was pretty lame when Lilly hit Escobar. I mean, Escobar’s “single” only missed his forehead by 1/10 of a second!

By braves70

August 14, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

I say Ted Lilly is a racist. Bueno is from Cuba. Since he was not around to hit, Lilly took it out on our other Cuban Escobar. Plant Mr. Lilly in a prison in Havana.

By Goodoleboy58

August 14, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

Are the Cubs really this good? Because I was pleasantly surprised with the Bravos on the road trip… I hope this isn’t back to reality…

By N8

August 14, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Efrim

Let me make myself clear. I don’t think that EITHER Prado or KJ are the answer at 2B next year.

One doesn’t hit enough (Prado), and one can’t field the way I would like my “up the middle” defensive guys to play (KJ).

THAT being said, in his 16 “starts”, Prado has batted .349 with 9 RBI in 63 AB (1 RBI every 7 AB’s). Where KJ has a .265 Average, with 41 RBI in 388 AB’s (1 RBI every 9 AB’s), in his 100 starts.

So if the ONLY choice, as Braves fans, we have is to choose between KJ and Prado….I’m going with the better defense, because when it comes right down to it, KJ’s “production” isn’t THAT MUCH better than what Prado can offer. Pretty damn close (other than HR), if you ask me. And the defense is NOT close.

In other words, Prado will save more runs for the pitchers with his defense, than KJ would create with his bat.

Just my opinion.

But when it comes right down to it, it’s like being asked if you would like your sh!t “on a stick” for lunch, or just have it in a bowl with a spoon.

Not very appetizing from what ever angle you look at it.

By braves70

August 14, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

More proof Ted Lilly is a racist pig. He got thrown out last year for hitting Edgar Renteria.

By Bobby's Cox

August 14, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Jake,

I told you yesterday to be ready.

nice points.

By Leigh

August 14, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Can someone please give me 1 good reason why Boyer is still on this team. The guy has an ERA of 5.00 after his league leading 65th appearance today. Why do you want to have a guy with a 5.00 ERA pitching in over 50% of your games?? Isn’t the guy you pitch almost everyday supposed to be a good pitcher if you want to win?? Maybe I am missing something here. Can DOB or Carrol please ask Cox why he continues to use Boyer; I would love to hear a logical explanation. S**, my 75y/o mom w/MS could pitch better than that.

By Interested Observer

August 14, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

Maybe we should spend some of our offseason money to sign Gerald Perry. The guy has all the Cubs swinging a mean bat!

By N Nine®

August 14, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

“I come to the park upbeat and confident, and then after one or two at-bats, you go, ‘Here we go again’ #7

hey clown head its all in your empty headed mind. You swing at first pitch (pitchers know) you get out and then sit and get yourself down the rest of game..all on one pitch,,your a nut case %$%^&% what a loser

By Goodoleboy58

August 14, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

There you go Kotchie I dont mind the ground balls when they find a hole…

Lets get a double Kotsay

By Jake

August 14, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

Get Real People

See post at 4:59 and 9:18. Read Carefully, then Post. People just want to see a little competition. You know something this team hasn’t shown lately. What are you afraid of? Competition only makes you better. Unless you cower away from it like a punk.

By N8

August 14, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Well said at 9:18 about Prado.

This season is OVER.

We have seen what KJ can do over a full season.

Time to see what Prado (and others) are capable of.

That’s what teams that are out of the race do. They start to assess who not only WANTS to be here, but who DESERVES to be here when next season starts.

Perennial losers continue to play the SAME losers that choked the season away for four months.

BTW, in my last post I said that the “choice” between Prado and KJ was similar to deciding if you want your sh!t on a stick, or in a bowl, when making your choice for lunch.

My bad.

That analogy should have been saved for the question of who you’d rather have in the rotation……Glavine….or…..Hampton.

By Efrim

August 14, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

N8and Goodoleboy

It is still more power than Prado. Who has 1 home run in those meaningful 94? at bats this season…….(I actually like Prado…as a BACK UP)

Don’t give up on Kelly. He has at least shown us what kind of hitter he can be over the course of a full season. 832 OPS last season. Unlike some other Braves hitters who really never put together a very good full season.

He has had a bad year, like basically everyone not named Jair, Chipper or Brian.

By Steve from OH

August 14, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Jake…and I never said that Prado was a bad player either. If you read any of my previous posts, you might have noticed where I said that Prado was having a better year than KJ without question. But how am I comparing apples to oranges? They are both secondbasemen, and they’re both competing for the same spot. I want the best player to play, which is Kelly Johnson.

If Prado’s not a better player than KJ, then why are we even discussing this?

As for power isn’t everything…over the course of major league history, slugging percentage correlates more closely with team scoring than batting average. So, it logically follows that if you add players with high slugging percentages, you increase team slugging, which would, of course, increase team run scoring.

I don’t see a problem with giving him a chance, though. I’m not “afraid” (why use this word, I wonder?) of anything, I believe me I’m rooting like heck for Martin. (hey Jeff just homered! All right…) Anyway, I just think this whole debate is pointless because if you truly think KJ is better, playing Martin is, in itself, kinda pointless becuase you of course assume Kelly will be the starter next season.

This whole debate is pointless.

Wow. Kotsay hits for cycle. Maybe I should make long, rambling posts more often (drumroll please…)

By MJ

August 14, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

A hit for the cycle … something to cheer for!

By Couch Tater

August 14, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Congrats to Kotsay!

By McFann :Ô:

August 14, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

KOTSAY HIT FOR THE CYCLE!!!!!

CAREER HIT NUMBER 1,500!!

WAYTAGO, Z!!

By cabravesfan

August 14, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

Escobar getting hit seems to have fired up this team…first Francoeur hits a 3 run bomb and Kotsay hits for the cycle- maybe some life left after all…

By Knee-Jerk Time

August 14, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

SIGN FRANCOEUR TO A 10-YEAR DEAL!

By N Nine®

August 14, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

braves70 very funny note! For some reason Lilly hits braves players every year and he never get ejected! its amazing. I hate lilly and victorino so much. Ya how ironic its escobar..its clear lilly int. hit escobar..and we just accept that..sad…

Oh frenchy’s HR first pitch thats on you Bob Howry —-you should have known

By Jeff321

August 14, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Congrats to Kotsay on the cycle..

Oh, and to Frenchy for having a 2 hit game including a jack!

By Interested Observer

August 14, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Poor Albert Hall. He has now finally lost what little bit of relevance he had left.

By DAP

August 14, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

good for jeff. he really turned on that inside fastball. it wasnt even a strike.

By fastasballs

August 14, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

Holy Cow! The French hits a homerun & Kotsay completes the cycle!

I remember watching the game when Albert Hall hit for the cycle 21 years ago. Amazing fact that Kotsay is only the 2nd Atlanta Brave to ever accomplish that.

By Goodoleboy58

August 14, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Albert Hall had 5 career homers

By Carroll Rogers

August 14, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Mark Kotsay became only the fifth player in Braves franchise history to hit for the cycle and the second in Atlanta history. Albert Hall was the last to do it for the Atlanta Braves on Sept. 23, 1987. Kotsay picked the most dramatic of ways to reach 1,500 hits going 4-for-4 with a triple to right in his first at-bat, his sixth homer of the year in his second, a single past second base in his third and a double to the right field corner in his fourth. It was the first time he’d ever hit for the cycle.

By Robin

August 14, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Goodoleboy58: Yup, they really are this good. This is what a good-lookin’ ball club looks like. They hit, catch the ball, and pitch. They’re hitting on all 8 cylinders right now too.

I, like you, saw some “just maybe” on that last road trip as well. Now the Phils are floundering …..figures.

By Charlie

August 14, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

Tom Glavine proved tonight that his signing was an 8 million dollar mistake. Time for Tommy to become a full time Little League Dad. This 2008 Braves team is such a disaster, here’s hoping that at least 15 of the 25 man roster is gone in 2009. Kotchman is a real beauty. He’s got to hit 50 points higher to get Thurman numbers. He fits right in though, with this collection of minor league level talent. Kelly Johnson is a joke at second base and at the plate. Soriano is a weenie. Escobar is inconsistent offensively and defensively. We have the least productive outfield in the majors. When the Braves make their September call up, I figure they’ll be more interesting to watch than the clowns that they Braves have put on the field most of this year. We have a catcher, a third baseman, and a rookie starter. The End. Our pitching staff has the worst ERA in the league since the All Star break. I’m done watching the Braves for the season. It’s too hard. On the positive side MLB Extra Innings puts on a lot of games everyday, and they are MAJOR LEAGUE games, not like the garbage the Braves put on the field.

By Chuck

August 14, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Interested Observer: that’s what I was thinking. We still remember Albert Hall’s name 25 years after his career was over. Now he loses his marginal status as the answer to a trivia question. Tough luck for him, I guess.

By Tomas

August 14, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Did I say 11 I meant 15.

By N Nine®

August 14, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Pujols 0-4 .342

Congrats Kotzi , Maybe we should keep him?

By chuckw/deadjournalist

August 14, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

albert hall. i always enjoyed that footnote when someone came close in the past …

By Jake

August 14, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Yes Steve, and Ryan Howard and Albert Pujols are both first basemen so we should obviously compare them. But we don’t because they are two different types of hitters, thus the Apples and Oranges statement. I’m not saying you are wrong. I agree with N8. The season is over so why do we have to continue to see what Kelly can do if we have already seen it before. Neither of these people may wind up being the second baseman, but as long as we have both of them(and we have already seen what one can do) why not see what the other can do. You are right, this debate is pointless. You are most definately entitled to feel that KJ is better. I on the other hand would rather reserve judgment on what Prado can do until I can at least see what he does on a consistent basis on the major league level. Until then you can never tell me that he isn’t good enough. Debate Over.

By Goodoleboy58

August 14, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

Efrim

I’m not saying Prado has more power or should get the outright job at 2B… I’m not ready to give up on KJ but I dont think citing his “power” numbers are appropriate… I think he’s a good line drive hitter and has slumped… But to say that we’ll miss his power is a little misleading.

By Jeff321

August 14, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Did I miss something? Why is Escobar out of the game?

By Tomas

August 14, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

Charlie, unfortunately that is the truth on glavine.

By braves70

August 14, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

Hey who is this guy scheduled to pitch on Sunday for the Braves? His name is Tobe Announced. I am sure he will be an improvement on recent efforts.

By Goodoleboy58

August 14, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Props to the Braves OF tonight…

Hit for the cycle and we finally have someone hit double digits in HR’s…. If we had this kind of OF production all year… who knows where we would be

By Tomorrow's AJC Headline

August 14, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

‘The Braves and Kotsay Cycle their way to another Loss’

By Goodoleboy58

August 14, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Jeff321

Swelling from getting hit by Lilly earlier

By TennesseePaul

August 14, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Got the call on my way home. Kotsay hit for The Cycle! Fresh! I’m stoked for that guy. That’s gotta be pretty cool for him as well. He’s done well this season despite the back. I’d have liked him to play more but understand the limits are there. It would appear Cox has figured out his playing/resting schedule as there haven’t been any set backs lately.

CONGRATULATIONS KOTSAY!!

By Goodoleboy58

August 14, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

Jeff321

Swelling from getting hit by Lilly earlier

By Steve from OH

August 14, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

Yes Steve, and Ryan Howard and Albert Pujols are both first basemen so we should obviously compare them.

??? Of course we should, especially if we’re trying to decide which one is better in order to decide which one would start for us. I don’t care if one of them tries to hit the ball with his helmet instead of his bat, if we’re trying to decide who the better player is then we will of course compare them.

I on the other hand would rather reserve judgment on what Prado can do until I can at least see what he does on a consistent basis on the major league level. Until then you can never tell me that he isn’t good enough.

Fair enough. You’ll get no argument from me on that one.

By Tomas

August 14, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

Who has more fans. The Cubs, the redsox, the cardinals or the Yankees. Tough, but i think the Yankees, cubs, or redsox. jejeje, No seriously I think the Yankees.

By TPM

August 14, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

I know it is not popular to tell the truth about the jurassic park rotation, but it is time to move on. Hometown Discount Tom Glavine has an era of 5.54 and can no longer get enough outs to qualify for wins anymore. Even before tonight’s return from a 2 month layoff, he averaged less than the required 15 outs a game.

He had a great career but it is time to go. Take Bulldog Hampton and John ( I hurt my shoulder in 2007 and then signed an extension ) Smoltz with him.

By Goodoleboy58

August 14, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

I hate the Cubs… And Cub fans… And their stinkin chants

By N8

August 14, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

Goodoleboy58

“I’m not ready to give up on KJ but I dont think citing his “power” numbers are appropriate… I think he’s a good line drive hitter and has slumped”

I think the kid can hit. Doesn’t mean that he ever will consistently. But to call what he’s done a slump, is a stretch, IMO.

As DOB has pointed out earlier this year, this “slump” started last August.

In the last “365” days, he’s played in 147 games (starting 133 of them), he has hit .252 during that stretch, with 12 HR and 55 RBI, with 36 doubles, 2 triples, and 10 SB in that same time frame, while racking 60 walks and 120 K’s and 82 runs scored. His OBP percentage in that time is .330.

I’d say that is closer to what he can “offer” over a 162 games, than what his past has shown. Not sure why I feel that way.

Maybe it’s just his approach. Nothing there to remind me of the hitter who had a GREAT approach after his initial cold start in 95 and for most of last year.

In 1993, Mark Lemke had 9 HR and 49 RBI in 151 games, while ironically batting .252.

I remember a LOT of the 90’s, when it comes to Braves baseball, and I can NEVER recall anybody referring to Lemke as “having power”.

Just sayin’.

By gotigers72

August 14, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Braves70 - Your 8:20 post was a beaut. Buzz Capra indeed.

Nice job by the pitching staff this series. I think tonight and Hampton’s last start should be indicators that Glavine and Hampton should not be se-signed for next year. The only oldie that needs signing is Smoltz. Because before he had surgery, he was pitching well as usual. ERA under 3, winning record. Lots of strikeouts. Still a power pitcher at 42. Glavine had maybe 2 good starts, Hampton 1 and the others were pitiful.

I am personally tired of the Braves signing all of the old guys/rejects. It worked a couple of times with Burkett and Jaret Wright, but more times than not it ends up being a Mark Redman type. Ragarms that are done and will never get it back. I would sign Hampton for middle relief if he would pitch for free.

KJ had another horrible at bat tonight. He is a mess at the plate lately. First pitch - right down Peachtree. Took it for strike one. 2nd pitch - breaking ball, but down the middle and very hittable. Took it for strike two. 3rd pitch - In the dirt, but he had to swing. He was behind 0-2 and it looked like a strike. This is his pattern lately. Takes pitches early in the count, which pitchers know he is doing so they groove it. Then he is behind, so pitchers throw him a pitch off of the plate and he has to swing because he’s behind. it’s usually a swing and a miss. Like I said, a mess right now.

By Jake

August 14, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

On a lighter note. A sincere congratulations to Frenchy and Kotsay tonight. They both hit their lights out tonight, but unfortunately the pitching just wasn’t there. Kind of the tail of the second half.

By Jake

August 14, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

On a lighter note. A sincere congratulations to Frenchy and Kotsay tonight. They both hit their lights out tonight, but unfortunately the pitching just wasn’t there. Kind of the tale of the second half.

By McFann :Ô:

August 14, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

DANGIT! I can’t stand the Cubs…especially that…that…that…catcher of theirs!

Oh, well. Still not mathematically eliminated!

Night, all!

By Goodoleboy58

August 14, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Well props to Frenchy and Kostay tonight both were definitely not the problem.. If we had this kind of OF production on a daily basis we wouldn’t be arguing over who is playing 2B or who our 12th pitcher is

By Tomas

August 14, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

Kotsay way to go man, congrats. Frenchy you to he was due. Sammons looked bad at the plate, but everything is better than Corky.

By Wayne in UT

August 14, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

bravesfan54 Is that “since 1954” or is that a birth year. (close to mine, if a birth year).

Agreed on players with work ethic. I think the only time a guy like Manny works for a team like the Braves, would be on a 2 month rental. He seems to have just enough discipline to play it straight up for a couple of months.

He is the type of player I love to see have the “wheels fall off”.

I put AJ in a similar category, but for different reasons (no self discipline and too much of an ego).

Tough series with the Cubbies. When do we get to audition some of our youngsters?

(Anderson, BJones, Schafer, Lillibridge, Prado, Hanson, Medlen, etc)

By Kash

August 14, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

By pinkygonzales August 14, 2008 3:52 PM

You said the gem. I agree with you 1000000%. We just don’t have a scary bat in line up. I still regret not openning up contract talks with Tex after the spring training. Stupid handling of Wren. Nothing embrassing in business. At the end either you get it or not. Are we going to brink back BOYER goat next year? This guy make me sick and I can’t sleep when he pitch and gives up runs even in no runner on base situation.

By Robin

August 14, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

Boyer, not only is he a pathetic excuse for a relief pitcher, he’s also a PU$$Y. Shoulda put someone on their a$$ after that Escobar plunking.

By Wayne in UT

August 14, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Carroll Any buzz on Kotsay getting a ticket to a contender? With his display tonight, and with Giles reluctance to go to the BoSox, I thought Kotsay would be the logical next piece moved.

Several team could use a decent bat these last 6 weeks.

By brl

August 14, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

I’m a met fan, and i followed this blog all last year. At a star of a this year baseball all of You braves fans were so happy and ready to burry my team. Look YOU ARE IN THE 80’S.Go to the history books, and read about D.Murphy. See YOU IN 20 years from now. BYY.

By Wayne in UT

August 14, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

KASH: Try to keep up. The Braves were never going to sign Tex before he filed. He is a Boras client. If you think otherwise, then you are sorely misinformed.

As for Boyer, he has been streaky, and has fallen to the Tyler Yates of 2007 category, of being the most overused piece in the pen. Cut the man a little slack. He takes the ball whenever Bobby offers it, which is a ton more than I can say for Soriano.

By pruss

August 14, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

I lost a ton of respect for Boyer tonight. Protect your teammates. Put a fastball in the earhole of a Cubs player. If I were Yunel I would have words with Boyer.

By N8

August 14, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

Obviously, I realize that KJ started in 2005, not 95.

By edward

August 14, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

Smoltz himself said that if he can live a normal life without the pain, he will come back. If it affects his personal life, he will bow out himself. The Braves don’t have to make the decision and it is really not theirs to make. He has earned that much. Glavine is a different story. If the elbow is better without major surgery in the offseason I think he can come back. He can still win 10-12 games when healthy and give us about 5-6 innings. Keep Hampton too. For way less though. He is still a good pitcher and he hits like an outfielder! Just making contact is better than our outfielders this year… I still say no to getting Bay or someone like him. He is not that good. Maybe Francoeur finally hit on it, he bulked up too much this offseason. That much muscle all at once had to have messed him up mechanically. Center and left fields are the problems. I still am not sold on our option at SS. Will Ohman should be kept at all costs and get rid of Boyer. Lose Soriano and keep Gonzo. Didn’t Smoltz say he would come back as a closer?? Hmmm..I seem to remember he did a decent job before…right? :0)

By Jeff321

August 14, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

Braves’ Jeff Francoeur: ‘I just flat out stink’ (Posted on the AJC Braves page)

Wow, Frenchy, now was that really hard to admit? Seriously, he’s finally starting to take some responsibility for absolutely stinkin’ up the joint.. So, I’ll take it easy on him for the rest of the season!

By Bob Hartley

August 14, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Emily…I had this very strange dream that I was at Turner Field and this French man had three hits including a homerun.

By Beatlejuice

August 14, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

Just heard Bobby on the Braves postgame show. According to our clueless leader: “Tommy wasn’t getting the calls on the black tonight”

Yeah, that explains it all.

For one thing, he has the worst vantage point in the place when it comes to judging what a strike is.

But he’ll keep coming up with this postgame nonsense, game after game, year after year.

Hopefully, next season will be his final one.

By Jake

August 14, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

Yes sadly, brl, we knew you were a Mets fan from the first sentence. Now go and Pray that your team doesn’t choke it all away like last year. Not so easy winning those division titles as you thought. I know, I know,we made it look so easy.

By Wayne in UT

August 14, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

To start off, I really like Mark Kotsay, and I think on a winning team, he can be a great asset.

Now, what are we waiting for in not dealing him to a contender, and getting Josh Anderson up here POST HASTE!!

What more can a guy do in AAA than what he has done lately???? Maybe he will fall on his face, and never be more than a AAAA player, but this is the perfect time and season to find out.

Same goes for guys like Brandon Jones and Lillibridge. Why do we keep guys like Gotay and Norton around, when we need to find out what these young guys can do.

The handwriting is on the wall. Is anyone in Braves Central reading?

Also, what would be the harm in getting a few starts for a couple of our AA or AAA arms (Hanson, Medlen, Redmond, etc). I don’t think we are going to destroy their tender psyches (sp) with a trip to the big club. If we do, then they weren’t the people we need anyway.

Can I get an A-men!!

By gotigers72

August 14, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Well Boyer’s ERA is now at an even 5.00. That should be the watermark for him getting a ticket to Richmond or a DFA. It’s not all BC’s fault for using him so much. I’m sure BC or McDowell asks each relief pitcher if they’re ready to go for that particular game. Boyer needs to “Just Say No” some. He definitely has a tired arm recently. Not much zip on his fastball. BC has said that Boyer could be a closer, but I disagree. He has good velocity on his fastball, but it is as straight as a string. Plus he leaves it up and over the middle too much. He has a nice curve, but he tends to hang it too much. Send him to Richmond and let their pitching coach work with him. He’s supposed to be a good instructor.

I knew this team wasn’t too good by about the middle of June, but I didn’t know they were this bad. I know, injuries have been unbelievable in their severity and the number of players that have been injured. However, there are TOO MANY PLAYERS that have underachieved.

Oh well, college football, my second favorite sport, [Can’t stand pro football or basketball, but college basketball is ok] starts in a couple of weeks. I’ll still watch the Braves except on Thursdays and Saturdays.I want to keep up with Chipper’s chase for the batting title, and see any new players they bring up in September. Otherwise, it’s wait until April 2009 and hope Mr. Wren does a good job this winter.

By Chop Chop

August 14, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

Why in the holy hell didn’t Escobar charge the mound after Lilly hit him?

I mean, what good is pointing a finger going to do? Get out there and beat that SOB into the ground, Yunel!

Damn, son. That staring into the dugout crap was useless. You don’t play the Cubs again this year. Beat some fools down!

I agree with some of you about Boyer. He should have hit someone. He didn’t. I have no idea why.

Again, this was the last game against the Cubs. Why not have it out tonight?

I hate to say it, but this team appears to be neutered.

By willie

August 14, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

Amen!! Tell it all…

By Robert S

August 14, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this

Wayne in UT, I live here in Mobile, and tonight I watched Kris Medlen pitch for the M-Braves against the BayBears, and while Medlen clearly has good stuff, he still isn’t quite ready for the bigs just yet. He gave up a massive 450-foot homer to Javier Brito, and his stuff seemed a little flat tonight. A lot of hard hit balls.

I do think he has upside though, and should get a look next spring, as Hanson and Redmond should. If anyone should get a look this September, I’d like to see what Hansen can do. I’m with you there.

And yes, the Braves should try to shuffle Kotsay off to a contender. I have no idea if he’s on waivers or even cleared, which I don’t think will happen - someone will claim him. He would be a big asset to someone like Boston or maybe even Tampa, with Crawford and Longoria out. He can’t possibly make up for their loss, but he’s a solid veteran who can provide leadership and some timely hits for the Rays.

By Chop Chop

August 14, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

The Braves haven’t truly been a bad team since I was ten years old. I’m not used to having to prioritize my sporting interests during baseball season, but I’m doing it this year.

I’ve always been a bigger football fan, so it is now time for me to declare it for myself.

Chop Chop, it’s football time.

By Wayne in UT

August 14, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

gotigers Whaddya think about our teams chances this year??? Got some hellatious running backs, and the QB has another year under his belt. Could be a fun fall!

Chop Agreed. Should have gone after Lilly. Why not? Nothing to lose at this point. Thank goodness for Bueno last night! Boyer would have endeared himself to many fans, 5.00 ERA or not if he had gone inside the next inning.

By Robert S

August 14, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop, looks like the one guy who got demoted to Richmond is the only one on the Braves with some onions. I have a world of respect for Bueno and his headhunting after Soriano’s little hot dog act yesterday. That’s the way the game should be played - you show us up, we’ll have a little gift for you next time you come up. Bob Gibson would’ve been proud.

As for “Oh Boyer” - well, if he got suspended for three days for plunking someone in retaliation, it might send poor old Bobby Cox into convulsions, knowing he wouldn’t be able to abuse - er, pitch him in those games. Could have been the best thing for Boyer’s arm all year, and it would’ve been fun watching Bobby without his security blanket for three days..

By David O'Brien

August 14, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

Supes, couple points about your 8:24 post: You’re saying Kotsay can come back, long as he takes a 93-percent pay cut to $500,000? Yeah, I’d say that’s reasonable.

And who is the “Brandon Hayword” you mentioned?

By David O'Brien

August 14, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

In case anyone missed it, this from Carroll’s Braves notebook posted online:

Francoeur tried wearing a contact in his right eye, thinking his vision might have been affected from the 2004 injury when he was hit in the face by a pitch. But a visit to an eye specialist at Emory last week ruled that out.

By Mitchell

August 14, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop,

You’re sounding like an immature teen. Remember me?

Actually, I’m kidding. I couldn’t agree more. I cannot contain my hatred of the Cubs. I think I actually hate Cub fans more than the team. But it shouldn’t have ended like that. Boyer should have thrown at a batter. I am so angry about this. This is not over but we have to wait another year and I just hope we do something significant to get back at them.

I can’t wait to see the Angels sweep those freaking b******* and watch their low-life, disrespectful, deep-dish fans crying while choking on a polish suasage.

I took the liberty as a disgruntled Braves fan of to tally the results between these two teams going back to ‘91. Not counting this year we have a record of 91 and 55. They need to get some freaking perspective and show some respect.

The Braves need to play better and they should have kept the fight going. I’m furious over this.

And hey BRL, 7 and 2 dumbass. The only problem with the Braves is that they can’t play the Mets every day of the year. I don’t want to hear a single Mets fan speak a single word. You should be ashamed. You haven’t accomplished a damn thing.

Call us when you win a World Series, 5 NL pennants, MVP, CY Young, Rookie of the Year, Gold Glove awards out of your a!@!@# or even throw a no-hitter. How bout you win the division more than once in 18 years.

Don’t even open your mouth. WE STILL OWN YOU. IN SPITE OF EVERYTHING. WE OWN YOUR LIFE.

By Wayne in UT

August 14, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

DOB Brandon Hayword is a mutation of Brandon Jones and Spencer Hayward. Very tall, athletic left fielder with a 1968 Gold Medal for sale on the internet.

By Wayne in UT

August 14, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

Mitchell: Got any more of those Jolt cola’s around?

:-)

By Interested Observer

August 14, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this

I have to say I was surprised that Lilly didn’t get kicked out for hitting Escobar. I would like to know what made the umpires think it wasn’t intentional. Bueno got ejected and suspended for a pitch that didn’t even hit Soriano. In fact, I’d like to see those two pitches side-by-side. I’m not sure Lilly’s pitch wasn’t in about the same locations as Bueno’s pitch. The difference was that Escobar wasn’t diving out over the plate like Soriano was.

By Mitchell

August 14, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

Look, the Braves are real bad. They were bad the last two years and yet somehow managed to finish with a winning record in ‘07 and even without all the injuries this year we might still have lost, but don’t everybody just wimp out and start talking about football.

This is obviously already football/SEC country. It always was and will be. But for there to only be 1000 people at Skip Caray’s memorial is just a trajedy. This team deserves better.

Has it ever occured to anybody that if people showed up and exhibited some knowledge of the game and showed the slightest amount of enthusiasm, the team might play with a little more confidence? How can everybody just give up?

Don’t they get the benefit of a true losing season? They can come back next year, it doesn’t look good right now and if Bobby keeps acting like everything’s okay it’s going to be hard but don’t be quitters dammit.

By bravos2249

August 15, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

IO

yeah Escobar was even trying to back out of the way and the pitch hit his elbow. in hinges sight that pitch would’ve hit him in the buttt or would’ve gone behind him if he hadn’t moved.

By Chop Chop

August 15, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

I remember you, Mitchell.

You were the one whining about the Victorino thing. I hope you finally shook that one off…hahaha.

I don’t know, man. This one was a little different to me. A Brave’s manhood was challenged directly by Ted Lilly. Yunel reacted like he wanted to do something…and didn’t. The man’s got to have the stones to go out there and show Mr. Lilly how displeased he was with being plunked. His “staring in the dugout” routine made me laugh. If I were a Cub on the railing, I’d be laughing at the guy. After all, if he didn’t answer the bell when the incident happened, what’s he gonna do? Charge the dugout?

When Boyer didn’t hit someone the next half-inning, I just shook my head in mock disbelief. This crap has happened a lot the last few seasons. I don’t understand why the Braves rarely (I’d say never, but Bueno was muy bueno yesterday) answer any of these kind of situations with a little tenacity and fire.

By the way, you may hate the Cubs, but I don’t have a problem with them. I’d be desperate for any scrap of good play thrown my way if I were a Cub fan. That team hasn’t sniffed a World Series since 1945. I can’t begrudge them their rabidity. It’s up to those Braves fans in the Atlanta area to lock the Ted up and keep opposing fans out of there.

I’d like to see the Cubs win the World Series. That means we won’t have to hear anything about World Series droughts until the Indians and Giants get back there. I like the Angels, but they have Tex now. Sorry, Halos. Gotta go with the North Siders.

By Mitchell

August 15, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

Fresh out of Jolt here Wayne. And for once I appreciate an emoticon.

Peace.

By Carroll Rogers

August 15, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

wayne in UT, the buzz about kotsay tonight was his feats on the field. .just updated this story for the web but thought i’d post it here for those dedicated bloggers pushing past the midnight hour….

By CARROLL ROGERS crogers@ajc.com Mark Kotsay became only the fifth player in Braves franchise history since 1900 to hit for the cycle Thursday night against the Cubs, and the second Atlanta Brave.

He’d very nearly become the first San Diego Padre to do it seven years ago on May 19, 2001, when he needed a triple in his final at-bat against Montreal but stopped at second base.

Kotsay went 4-for-7 that game with a single, two doubles and a homer. It was the ninth inning of a game the Padres won 20-7, and he stopped at second out of respect, he said.

“Graeme Lloyd was on the mound,” Kotsay said. “I didn’t want to show anybody up. But everybody was yelling at me from the dugout that I should have gone for third and hit for the cycle. Nobody had done it in Padre history. I legitimately could have walked into third base and stood at the bag.”

He got his just rewards on Thursday. And he got the hard one over first. Kotsay tripled to right field in his first at-bat and homered for only the sixth time this year in his second. He singled past second baseman Mike Fontenot in the sixth inning in his third at-bat. In the seventh, he sent a line drive to the right field corner, which was a double all the way.

He was given a hearty ovation by 36,365 at Turner Field as he stood at second base. And what was he thinking?

“I was actually thinking about the ball I lost in the twilight and how embarrassing a moment that was,” Kotsay said afterward, referring to a ball he’d lost in center field for a Geovany Soto RBI double in the fifth inning.

Kotsay used the four hits in his first four at-bats to reach 1,500 hits for his career and added another single in his final at-bat to give him a career-high five hits for the third time. The big one was the double, which he hit off right-handed reliever Bob Howry.

“A couple of guys in the dugout had mentioned it,” Kotsay said. “And obviously, when it left the bat I was thinking about getting a double. Fortunately the stars aligned. It takes some luck obviously to do that. I did have some good at-bats, the focus and concentration seemed good tonight.”

Tom Glavine was there both times an Atlanta Brave has hit for the cycle. Albert Hall was the last to do it on Sept. 23, 1987 against the Astros.

“It’s obviously a very rare thing and when you see it, it’s exciting,” Glavine said. “It’s probably as exciting as watching a pitcher throw a no-hitter. You just don’t see it very much. For Mark to do it, for as much respect as we have for him as a player and how he goes about his business, it’s even better.”

Kotsay ended the third-longest drought for a franchise to have a player hit for the cycle. The Padres have yet to do it, since entering the league in 1969 and the Dodgers haven’t had one since May 7, 1970.

By Wayne in UT

August 15, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

Though you speak much truth (The Truth), expect some grief for saying it.

By Robin

August 15, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this

L.A. sweeps the Phils. Yikes!!

If only …..

Ahh what the heck am I thinkin’?

:weeps:

By Chop Chop

August 15, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this

It’s a shame that “Now They Know How Many Holes It Takes To Fill The” Albert Hall was rendered an obsolete piece of Braves history tonight.

Did you know that Albert Hall only had five homers in his career?

Pretty amazing that one of those five came in a cycle.

By Carroll Rogers

August 15, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this

Francouer’s comments after the game, when i asked him about Lilly/Soriano were good.

started out asking about tensions between the Cubs and Braves…

“I think there’s no doubt it’s not going to calm down,” Francoeur said.” For me Lilly threw at Edgar’s head last year. he threw over Mac’s head in Chicago and all of a sudden he’s going to hit Escobar. You can’t do that. What soriano did yesterday with pimping the home run (getting hit), that’s baseball. That’s part of the game. Just like anybody on our team. Down in Florida when Escobar pimped that one home run and he got hit. and he deserved it. That’s part of the game. you going to show them up, you’ve got to be ready to take the ball when it comes in at you. But tonight he did nothing wrong, he got hit, he had every right to be mad.”

either way, Braves70, i don’t see this being a racial thing by lilly. Based on what Francoeur said, wasn’t Lilly the one buzzing BMac in Chicago? (i was at the beach and didn’t see that game, so i’m not sure) and he was also defending Soriano.

By Luke

August 15, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this

Hey The Truth you guys pretty much had the racism and Disease spreading covered for the first 300 years you were here. Your fielthy ways almost killed off a whole nation of people. So easy to point to the flaws of today. Dang, Europeans are some of the filthiest people in the world. It is a known fact. The first gangs in this country were European. The first diseases were brought by you. I guess the blacks just picked up all your bad habits.

By Wayne in UT

August 15, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this

Carroll What do you think? Isn’t it time for some auditions? We have 18 games remaining with NL East contenders (mostly in early September). I would not advocate a AAA lineup against the Mets and Phillies, but we do need to determine exactly what potential we have with some of our youngsters.

I love the way Kotsay plays, but with him, we know what we have. Not so with Josh Anderson, Brent Lillibridge, Brandon Jones, Jordan Schafer, etc.

I just can’t see the logic in not bringing up a few of these guys for teams like the Giants and Nationals.

BTW, how have you been? Even when Dave gets a break, the numbskull can’t seem to stay away from the blog! In the business world, we call those guys “lifers”.

:-)

It’s getting late, even for the MDT. Let’s hope for a better series this weekend!

By Supes big brother

August 15, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this

Dave,

A couple of points about your late March post.

You picked the Braves to win the N.L. East.!!!!!

By pruss

August 15, 2008 1:40 AM | Link to this

Carroll did you talk to Boyer? Why didnt he man up and stand up for Yunel? I still can not believe he did nothing. To answer a previous question about why Yunel didnt beat Lillys @$$, its because he was trying to not disrespect the game and figured that his pitcher would have his back. Im sure that if he would have known Boyer was going chicken out he would have gone out there and kicked Lillys @$$. Again, like I said before Boyer, lost a ton of respect with me and I hope Yunel had a word or two for him.

By Former NL MVP Terry Pendleton

August 15, 2008 1:54 AM | Link to this

Carroll, I agree with pruss. Escobar must have been fuming at Boyer. I swear, in THAT situation, I’d walk off the field! Yes ma’am, I’d walk right into the clubhouse.

By uga-brave

August 15, 2008 1:55 AM | Link to this

as someone that has traded on a equity desk for a major wire house.

it is time to BUY FRANCOEUR, he has bottomed.

you heard it first from one of his biggest critics.

he finally admitted that he stunk and he showed a lot of leadership qualities in his comments about lilly. welcome back.

By Wayne in UT

August 15, 2008 2:03 AM | Link to this

First off, insomnia sucks!

Here is my Atlanta Braves for 2009 (you read it here first, on Carroll’s blog!)

Would the Giants take Escobar, KJ and Teheran for Matt Cain?

Sign Jon Garland ($40 million for 4 years)

Sign Casey Blake (LF and Chippers backup) ($24 M for 3 years)

Sign Edgar Renteria (to play second base) ($15 M for 2 years)

Re-sign Wil Ohman (for good relief, and comic relief) (whatever it takes $$)

That is about 30 million more on payroll for 2009.

Trade Prado and Blanco for Jeff Baker (uber corner utility man)

Lillibridge starts at SS

Infante is backup for second/short

Jeff F becomes a renaissance man, and hits 275/25/100 in 2009. (cross your fingers)

Anderson/Schafer covers centerfield

Decent staff of Cain, Garland, Jurrjens, Morton, Reyes (with Campillo, Hanson, Carlyle in the wings if needed).

Bullpen: Gonzo, Ohamn, Boyer, Acosta, and Bennett (with Soriano, Moylan, Smoltz as healthy)

You go with this group, come hell or high water. You are developing your staff, and adding some decent young arms. You trade off your keystone combo, but get one that is as good defensively, if not better, and if Lillibridge can’t hit 250, then he gets replaced by Infante (or eventually Brandon Hicks)

Blake mans a corner spot until Heyward is ready. If Anderson or Schafer can’t do it, then you ride them until Gorkys is ready.

Pray that Kotchman is a true 280/15/80 man.

Hope the injury bug strikes your opponents in 2009/2010.

On paper this team is slotted for 4th in the division, but has the potential with some good fortune and health to make it interesting. 2010 is another story.

Go ahead, shoot your holes in this team. (if we need more to get Cain, then throw in Locke, BJones, Flowers, and Medlen….whatever it takes short of Hanson and Rohrbough).

OK, there it is, your 2009 Atlanta Braves:

CF Anderson/Schafer 2B Renteria 3B Jones C McCann LF Blake 1B Kotchman RF Francoeur SS Lillibridge

a winner, if I say so myself….

By uga-brave

August 15, 2008 2:04 AM | Link to this

nice job boyer,

not only did you give up runs, you lost all respect. dont care what skip told you, you gotta take care of your own.

By Wayne in UT

August 15, 2008 2:10 AM | Link to this

uga Yes, I too am hopeful that Frenchy has turned the corner.

Best thing he can do this winter is to get out there on the track and run. A little light weight room workk is OK, but baseball players in general do not need to be bulked up, unless their last name is Bonds.

Whaddya think about my 2009 Insomnia Team???

Later…

By Wayne in UT

August 15, 2008 2:19 AM | Link to this

One last thought on the Boyer/Escobar/Lilly thing. Yes, I would have love to have seem Boyer get his teammates back.

One thing we have got to remember, that agressive instinct is something most are born with, and can’t easily be taught.

It’s kinda like disciplining your children. For some it is easy to be strict, others not so.

You can’t make someone be a type of personality you want them to be, merely by hoping it to be so.

So, maybe we should cut Boyer a little slack.

Bob Gibson would have put one in the next batters ear (ala Bueno), and dared anybody to stare back at him. Not all players are made that way.

Now, it is good night for good.

By BA

August 15, 2008 2:20 AM | Link to this

Slow down, there, brother Wayne. Personally, I like Escobar. At his young age, he’s been better defensively than say Furcal or (for us old timers) Blauser at a similar age. I picture Escobar as the ultimate 8 hole hitter in a strong lineup. ‘Lil Bridge hasn’t been able to hit .250 at Richmond all year long. I still like the kid, but I can’t see him starting at short this soon for Atlanta. I do like the idea of getting Cain, but I think you’re giving too many prospects. IF they would move Cain, they’d do it for less than that. Problem is, San Francisco might not want to move ANY of their young arms, at any cost.

I want Sabathia. I’m perfectly willing for the Braves owners to pay a fortune. Casey Blake? Not bad, I’d kind of like a Sheffeild/Drew type of two year star.

Because Heyward IS coming. And he’s going to be a monster.

By uga-brave

August 15, 2008 2:33 AM | Link to this

wayne,

i am on the frenchy train i think he has bottomed out. plus he showed some leadership qualities tonight.

as for boyer, he lost all respect. not that he had any. i know it comes from the top, but he should of buzzed the tower.

they picked who they were going to throw at and it was escobar. dont kid yourself about pinnella he ordered it.

he wanted it, he is a bully. they whipped our arse and we took it for four straight games.

bobby is not a fan of escobar, he tolerates him, but he is not one of his favorites.

either way this was a hard series to watch.

By uga-brave

August 15, 2008 3:01 AM | Link to this

dear TERRY MCQUIRK,

as a long time braves fan, and partial season ticket holder. my company is full time.

i want to congratulate you on the events of the last few nights.

you honored a great BRAVE.

that being said, i hope you realize what you and frank wren have done to a proud franchise.

frank wren’s figerprint is all over this franchise now.

i know this is first year as GM, but unless for the last six years that he has been employed (other then he has been hacking beer in aisle 105) he has been involved in player development.

frank wren has now put us in the same circle as the reds, and the pirates.

i know there has been injuries, everyone has them.

somone has to accountable, frank wren was JS right hand man.

he is going to BABCOCK the the braves.

so enjoy your nice parking space terry and your mini fridge.

tell us about the millions the braves have to spend.

just dont wizz down our ears and tell us that it is raining.

By Coach ( Skip will be missed)

August 15, 2008 3:52 AM | Link to this

Wayne, why would anyone in their right mind trade Escobar? W-H-Y! He’s a five tool stud SS and the best athlete on the team making the league minimum.

Your logic makes about as much sense as trading McCann.

Kelly Johnson is doing just fine, thank you very much and how the hell does it improve the team by trading both of our young middle infielders.

Edgar Renteria is having another bad year playing in the A.L. He will be 33 next year and the Braves have plenty of infielders already. Of course, he may not even hit free agency. The Tigers have an option on his contract for 2009.

Casey Kotchman has been brutal thus far. It’s only fifteen games but I think the Braves would have been much better off in the long run by keeping Tex and taking the two draft picks.

As for Francoeur taking some responsibility, good for him. I just have one question. WHY THE HELL DID IT TAKE THE KNUCKLE HEAD 120 GAMES TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH HIS SWING? For S-T-U-P-I-D. In my business, this is what we refer to as uncoachable.

Word to the wise. Listen to the words of Frank Wren: The Braves are in rebuilding mode.

That means we are gonna get our butts kicked in 2009 exactly like what we are witnessing right now.

Glavine was a one year deal, period. If Smoltz does pitch again, it will be in the bullpen. Hampton? NO, NO and NO. Hudson is out for most if not all of 2009. Signing one free agent pitcher will help but it won’t stop the bleeding.

I’ll break it down:

Jurrjens is money, Campillo is solid, Reyes is inconsistent, Morton is the diamond in the rough, but more polishing is needed. James is meat, Bennett is a fifth starter and Cox won’t let him out of the bullpen. Lerew is coming back from T.J. surgery.

Hanson and Medlen are promising but still in double A ball. So you see, the whole painting is muddled and messy. It is going to take a couple more years before we see the final canvass, if at all.

The Atlanta Braves made one last attempt at recapturing past glory and it failed miserably. So for the last God Blessed time, the Braves are R-E-B-U-I-L-D-I-N-G.

As for Bobby Cox, I really don’t care whether or not he manages next year. It’s just that the man should realize when he is finished.

By Braveheart

August 15, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

If the Cubs don’t win the Series this year, they must be jinxed. I don’t know how they wouldn’t win a 5 or 7 game series with Zambrano, Harden, Dempster, Wood, Marmol, Samardzija, and Cotts pitching 90% of the innings and that lineup being so balanced from top to bottom with solid players and on the bench as well. The Red Sox are the only ones who can stop them.

By brent a.

August 15, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Did anyone else notice that Francouer appears to have switched back to his old bat, last night?

A couple of months ago (before being sent down), he used one of Jorge Campillo’s bats, and said that he like the way it felt. He kept using them, and IIRC, he had a set made for himself.

Last night, he was using a white/yellow bat again (the Campillo bat was black). I am thinking this is probably his old bat, but it could be the Campillo bat, just in a different color.

I bring it up because it always seemed to me like the Jorge bat was too small for a guy of Jeff’s stature to be swinging, if he wanted to drive the ball.

By Shaun

August 15, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Do you really take your numbers THAT seriously, as to try to imply that you would rather have Pat Burrell at the plate instead of Manny Ramirez with the game on the line, just because “some numbers” suggest that he’s (Burrell) is having a better season?

N8,

The conversation was actually about which player you would rather sign for the next three seasons. Not about which player a pitcher would rather face with the game on the line this season.

Ramirez and Burrell have been very close this season as far as offensive value. Over the next three seasons, Burrell and Dunn have a pretty good chance at being more valuable that Ramirez.

Also, facing a guy with the game on the line doesn’t take into account overall value as a baseball player.

By Renegator

August 15, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

The reality is that Glavine is done and does NOT need to come back next year. He isn’t even good enough to be a #5 right now.

Thanks for the memories and the World Championship, Tom. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

Way to fall asleep at the wheel there AJC. Blog down for 6 hours.

By DAP

August 15, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

braveheart If the Cubs don’t win the Series this year, they must be jinxed.

i dont think they will. and, i hope they dont.

By McFann :Ô:

August 15, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Ms. Rogers—

Yes, it was Lilly who threw at McCann’s head on June 10, 2008, in Chicago.

I’m really ticked that Ted didn’t get tossed last night!

DAP i dont think they will. and, i hope they dont.

Ditto!!

The Cubs take over second place on my list of Bottom Five Teams (i.e., The Teams I Despise the Most):

Fillies, Cubs, Mets (although the Braves have beat the tar outta them), D-Backs, St. Louis

By McFann :Ô:

August 15, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Good land…The Braves are 10 games back…

Still not mathematically eliminated!!

By Original Jon

August 15, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Wayne No, that team would and should never happen.

Coach When and where did Frank Wren say this team was in a rebuilding mode, link please.

By Daybed Wagmoe

August 15, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

“Lilly gives ‘em the big brushoff”

Coach: how can you say that Kelly is doing just fine, thank you very much? Since his hot streak a couple of weeks back, he has 1 hit in his last 24 at-bats (.042), including 0 walks and 13 strikeouts. Since June 1st, he’s hit .237 with 3 home runs, 21 rbi, 25 walks and 51 strikeouts.

By Lew

August 15, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

DAP-I’m with you Dude. Let the Cubs wallow in yet more futility. I see no reason to stop at 100years. I wonder who will get the blame THIS time when they blow it? Will it be another fan catching a foul ball in the stands or another goat they refuse to admit to the stadium? Or will it be because Soriano gets another broken hand from hotdogging after an (almost) Home Run? Enquiring minds want to know.

By Doc Holliday

August 15, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Just checking on how bad things are:

Braves currently have a .455 W%, they had a better W% 5 times in the 80´s, make no mistake, F I V E. They had a .447 W% in 1986, so if they keep falling, it could add up to S I X. They also had a better W% 5 times in the 70´s……….F I V E.

Now thats bad.

But you have to wonder, did they had names like McCann, Chipper, Hudson, Glavine, Hampton, Smoltz, Soriano, Teixeira on a single team?

This is clearly the team with the greatest underachievement ever by the Braves.

Since when a team that is expected to win 90 games does exactly the opposite (lose 90) ???

I mean, missing the playoffs is one thing, but this embarrassment is ridiculous.

I want to think positive but whats for next year?

Smoltz and Chipper will be 1 year older.

JF WILL PLAY in RF

KJ WILL PLAY in 2B

Soriano will be sore all year.

Hudson will miss all year.

Moylan will miss at least half.

Kotchman…….. if he is supposed to be our clutch man, thats scary.

Campillo could soon start showing he is human, Cubs already did that.

We have no LF and I would be surprised Braves end up trying one of their lousy experiments there also.

We only have 1 SP for next season (morton, jojo, james are not ready) and Glavine and Hampton should be gone.

This could get even worse before it gets any better.

By DAP

August 15, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

coach wren is not going to conceed 2009. he is going to try to build a team that can win. it will be tuff, but not impossible.

as bad as we have been playing, this team has some really good pieces to build around.

it would be so much easier to field a winning team next year if we had tim hudson in the rotation. that one hurt.

By sixfourthree

August 15, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Congrats to Kotsay. I didn’t realize he was such a Dane Cook fan…

By Alan

August 15, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Glavine cannot be effective unless the umps give him a VERY WIDE strike zone. Given that Glavine has to have this to pich, it’s time te retire. This is never addressed by columnists & I wonder why.

By DAP

August 15, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

hwy guys, i know weve talked about casey blake as a less expensive alternative to fill our needs…what do you guys think about mike cameron? dude can play all 3 outfield spots, and he is still a good defender. he doesnt hit for average, but he has some pop…could come in handy, if we could sign him for a reasonable price.

By Wayne in UT

August 15, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Coach and others, if not Escobar and KJ, who is going to bring the type of pitcher/bounty that we need?

One or both will be gone. The Cain thing was pie in the sky for me. Good young arm, but the Giants have LOTS of holes.

Please, let’s not say Francoeur, and sell low.

Also, I think Campillo might be coming back down to earth. (I hope not) A lot like Willie did last year???

Let’s keep our prospects for a change.

Escobar shows 5 tool potential, but will he ever put it together? He is 26 now. The time is now.

BTW, where did Frank Wren EVER state the Braves are rebuilding.

Have a great day folks….

By DAP

August 15, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

alan Glavine cannot be effective unless the umps give him a VERY WIDE strike zone.

i think your pretty spot on here. glavine still has good control, and can put it where he wants it, but he has lost enough on his pitches that they are easy to hit. guys hang over the outside corner(think aramis ramirez’s homerun last night), knowing they can easily react to a pitch inside because it is only 84mph, plus, glavine doesnt get the call on the edge, which forces him to throw more hittable pitches.

glavine is still the man, and maybe his pitches will have a little more life his next time out…but unless he is getting movement, to keep guys from squareing up, hes gonna get hit.

By Carroll Rogers

August 15, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

the blog was down for six hours? my apologies, night owls. not good.

mcfann should have known you’d know about lilly and june 10. thanks.

DOB is back on the clock today keeping you guys straight….(ha)

By Lew

August 15, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Doc-No, those 80’s teams didn’t have all those players, but then again, neither did the 08 model. Of those you mentioned, Smoltz, Hampton, Glavine, and Soriano missed almost the entire season. Chipper has missed almost a month and Hudson will have missed two months by the end of the season. Teixeira, when all is said and done will not be with the team for two months and wasn’t there all that often during the first two. I really wonder if they had all been healthy what the results might have been.

A better comparison would be did those teams have a Campillo, Morton, Reyes, Ring, Gotay, Norton and Resop. They DID have a Murphy, Chambliss, Neikro and Horner, though.

Coach-While I liked the exuberance and positive outlook of your post, I’ve got to tell you that Yunel, as good as he is, is NOT a Five Tool player. Six Home Runs does NOT qualify as hitting for power. Sorry, he’s a Four Tool Player-when healthy and keeping his emotions in check.

Also, while Bennett may be a decent number five starter, I seriously doubt that things would be much different with him in the rotation. Decent number 5 guy does not equate to missing piece of the puzzle or difference maker to a team 11 games under .500.

By BravesFanInRockies

August 15, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Score seven runs, a player hits for the cycle … and you lose.

A microcosm of the season?

Some interesting fodder for the rumor mill. Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News says the Tigers may slash payroll from $138 MM toi $100 MM. Probably means that Maggio Ordonez would be available.

The Tigers may think we ripped them off in the Edgar deal last year, but if Mags is out there, Wren should really try to get him.

I like him better than Burrell and he’s not outrageously priced for an impact bat: $18 MM in ‘09 and $15 MM each in ‘10 and ‘11 (according to Ringolsby).

Denizens?

By Anders

August 15, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Lew

What’s up big fella? Can’t say I didn’t try to warn you guys about Glavine. I know DOB tried to paint me as this crazy Glavine hating guy, but now I think most on here would agree with me that he’s done. He just can’t be as effective without the wide strike call. I watched him try for 5 long years. He had his moments but was not near the pitcher he was pre-Met days - Just look at the numbers if you like.

He can’t even be the innings eater you guys hoped he would be. And this is not about his injury this year. No one saw that coming, he’s just old throwing slop that doesn’t sell anymore.

By Shaun

August 15, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Doc Holliday, certainly the Braves have underachieved. But the greatest under-achievement ever?

First of all, a lot of the objective projections had them in the high 80s in wins, not 90+ wins. Baseball Prospectus, for instance, had them winning 87 games.

Second, you imply that they underachieved because no team with names like McCann, Chipper, Hudson, Glavine, Hampton, Smoltz, Soriano, Teixeira should lose as many games as they may lose.

But Chipper is 36 (and had a great year so I’m not sure you can blame the losing on him). Hudson got hurt; there is no way to predict that. Glavine is 42 and hasn’t been a great pitcher in five years. Anyone that hasn’t lived in a cave for eight years knows Hampton’s situation. Smoltz is 41 and of course had injury problems in the past. Soriano got hurt and has pitched all of 14 games this season. Teixeira preformed pretty well.

The Braves were somewhat hanging on by a thread to begin the season. It shouldn’t be all that shocking that things could have gone the way they did. Is that really underachieving? When I think of underachieving I think of a team not having any injuries or issues yet losing a lot more games than expected.

By DAP

August 15, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

wayne in UT i hope you arent leaving us yet, though im sure you need to get some sleep!

i think the players who played in atlanta this year who may be on the block are kelly johnson, brandon jones, gregor blanco, charlie morton, campillo, jojo reyes, lillibridge, prado, and matt diaz. im thinking everyone else is pretty safe…i could be wrong though.

i dont see any good reason to trade escobar. the guy is a special player. we wont be abel to field a better defender, and even though escobar has issues with bunting, he is a very good offensive SS. it would be hard to part with a good player like him.

By Steve from OH

August 15, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

Coach, I agree with the first 3 or 4 paragraphs of your 3:52, but I’m not sure if “rebuiliding” is the right word to use. We’ve got a bunch of young, cheap talent in Bmac, Yunel, KJ, Kotchman and yes, even Francoeur. We do have holes to fill, but a full-out “rebuild” seems a bit strong, since we’re deep in the farm system to begin with. I think right now is a case where we can actually justify filling a few holes through free agency.

Daybed Wagmoe, you could make that very same statement about almost anyone on the team at one time or another.

Wayne: We’ve got plenty of minor league talent that we could spare so we really can’t justify trading Yunel, and especially not Yunel AND Kelly together.

Not that I disagree with you saying that we need to give talent to get talent, I just thing there are other means to get to our desired ends.

By Renegator

August 15, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

Lew and Coach

I’m not sure what the 5 tools are but if speed is one of them - then Escobar is just a 3 tool player because he has only 2 stolen bases all year.

By Steve from OH

August 15, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

BravesFaninRockies:

Magglio would be awesome. I think I read a rumor like that a while back, but if he’s on the block I’d hope we would make a hard push to get him. That would probably kill our hopes of getting a starter thru the trade route, though.

By Efrim

August 15, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

Here is a question for the blog:

The contract amount is 3 years and 30 million. Who would you rather have, Jon Garland or Ryan Dempster?

Garland is obviously more durable, with less dominant stuff.

Dempster has front of the rotation type stuff, but he has an injury history.

Which one for the Braves this offseason?

By David O'Brien

August 15, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Wayne, I gotta say, your 2:03 a.m. suggested lineup looks like it’d be lucky to be anywhere near playoff contention. That’s just not a formidable lineup to go into a season with. Very little power. Lillibridge over Escobar? Renteria, who’s one of my favorite players, but might well be nearing the end of his career, as your starter at a position he’s never played?

Keep the day job, bro. But we do like the passion.

By DAP

August 15, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

bravesfaninrockies mags is the star outfielder this team needs. if a player like magglio ordonez is available, the braves better bust it trying to get him. seriously. high average, hits homers…he is a little pricy, but id say go for it.

lew i think escobar’s power will come. id bet he can hit 15 homers every year pretty soon here. his offense has been off this nyear because of his shoulder injury, i think. what he really needs to work on is stealing bases. hes been caught 5 times in 7 tries. thats terrible. if he can just steal 15 a year, but pick his spots wisely and not get caught, i think that would be great. he also needs to practice bunting.

By McFann :Ô:

August 15, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

You’re welcome, Ms. Rogers! (They did re-show that play last night, but I also happened upon the boxscore when I was looking up how the Braves did against Lilly that night.)

Yes, June 10 is an important date if you’re a HUGE McCann fann…

Later!

By Jack G

August 15, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

At the risk of repeating myself, it really dont matter who we sign in the off season. As long as the braves management sticks its head in the sand and keeps Bobby, Terry, and Roger, we are doomed to repeat the last 3 years. Looks like Terry screwed up Kotchman’s swing instantly!

By Wayne in UT

August 15, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

You guys might be right on Escobar. He might be safe. I am a huge Escobar fan, ever since he stole second TWICE with the pitcher holding the ball!

All I am saying is that the other prospects we have to trade will not make ANYBODY salivate and want to send over an ace for them. KJ, Brandon Jones, JoJo, Morton, Prado, Lillibridge, etc. None of these guys would be the major piece in a blockbuster trade.

So, if we are to go after a big time pitcher, it has to be Escobar, or back up the truck with guys like Heyward and Hanson. I hope we don’t go there.

In the end, I doubt we go for that stud starter in a trade. More likely a 2-3 type starter.

Also, no way do I see a John Schuerholz trained Frank Wren pay over $20 million per year for 5-6 years for an overweight ace pitcher. I see that one turning into a Mike Hampton revisited.

Anyway it shakes out, 2009 will be interesting, and the winter will bring some potential surprises.

Honesty, I gotta run for a while.

By DAP

August 15, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

efrim The contract amount is 3 years and 30 million. Who would you rather have, Jon Garland or Ryan Dempster?

id take the chance on dempster, given the braves’ situation. if hudson was still with us, i might go garland, though.

By DAP

August 15, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

i say next year, when the braves play the cubs, lilly needs to get plunked on the first pitch of his at-bat. dont hit soriano or one of thier good hitters. go right after the guy who is throwing the pitches.

By Lew

August 15, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

Anders-Given the Braves’ salary structure for 08, Glavine was pretty much the best we could do, so I was in favor of it. Sure didn’t work out, but I’m not really certain there were many other options at the time that looked as good. Ya rolls the dice and sometimes ya loses. We did this time. Ain’t snake eyes a b!tch?

However, that being said, I’ll be highly upset if the same mistake is made in 09, when there should be a bare minimum of $45 mill to spend with salaries coming off of the books. NO MORE Hamptons, Madduxes or Glavines. No more Furcal , Sheffield, or other former Braves that are no longer as good as they were. If Smoltz feels himself capable of a return (and I’ve learned never to bet against the Dude when he says he can do something), then a smaller contract as a reliever (not necessarily closer-that should be Gonzo) would be fine.

We DO have a good nucleus of a rotation already in place, though. Morton, while still inconsistent, has a great upside. Jair Jurrjens is a jewel in the making (if we don’t let his arm fall of the last month and a half). Campillo is a fine bottom of the rotation guy, who we have under control (apparently) through 2010. Reyes still needs seasoning, but he has shown bursts of absolute brilliance. Not a bad start. There are a couple of stud pitchers that should be ready within the next year or so. Losing Hudson hurts. They must find a replacement for him.

BravesFanInRockies-Magglio would be a pretty good option, IF he doesn’t cost a fortune to acquire. I’d sure like to spend the $$$$$ on top flight pitching-even if we needed to go with Kotsay (given his healthy performance this year, I’d offer him a two year deal), Blanco and Francoeur again-with Josh Anderson in the wings. Looks like Matt Diaz may not be coming back soon and I would doubt they would offer him much of a contract in 09 -if ANY contract at all. However, we REALLY need strong pitching, first and foremost. That should be our targeted area, even if we go with a two year plan instead of trying to do it all in 09.

Sure hope last night was the turning point for Frenchy. His admission of his state of Stinkhood and his three hit, 3 Run HR night was a breath of freshness from the Dude. Hope he can keep the momentum going. If he could raise his BA to .250 with 15-20 HR and 75-80 RBI by season’s end, I think we can call him cured and look forward to a good 09.

By Braveheart

August 15, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

While I liked the exuberance and positive outlook of your post, I’ve got to tell you that Yunel, as good as he is, is NOT a Five Tool player. Six Home Runs does NOT qualify as hitting for power. Sorry, he’s a Four Tool Player-when healthy and keeping his emotions in check.

Escobar had 36 doubles and 11 homers in his first 700 plate appearances in the majors ………….. for a shortstop that qualifies him as possessing the power needed to be a 5 tool guy. When not fighting busted fingers, knees, and shoulders, he has proven that he has gap power with the ability to jack one out every 10 games or so. 40 doubles, 15 homers will become the Esco norm next season when he is healthy

By Wayne in UT

August 15, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

DOB and DAP

I admit, my lineup last night was not a playoff contention type lineup. It was a bridge to the future, without sacrificing our best prospects. That is the way I am leaning with the Braves, and I hope FW is also.

As far as power. Where did I lose power on my suggested lineup. Tex is gone. Escobar has not displayed power. Who is to say Lillibridge couldn’t do what he has done? Certainly not proven, but not outside the realm of possibility.

I admit the Renteria thing was a stretch, but he has NEVER played well in the AL.

Anderson/Schafer over Blanco…a wash.

Blake over Diaz/BJones or Blanco… a win.

Granted, I didn’t aim for a big time slugger for left field. Do we really think the Braves will land one this fall??? I have my doubts.

The basis for my early morning adventure was to use 2009 to build for the future.

Escobar, as much as I love the passion, needs to give us more than 280 w/ 10 HR’s and 5 SB’s before he is anything but an average hitting SS with a gun for an arm.

Let’s win in the twenty-teens (2010-2019) with our old tried and true pitching and defense.

PS: If Ordonez can be had without giving up one of our best prospects, then let’s get him. Remember though, he is getting old. He will be 35 on 2009 opening day!

By DAP

August 15, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

lew Losing Hudson hurts. They must find a replacement for him.

that was the worst blow of all. if we still had hudson, we would be 1 good starter away from having a very good rotation again. now we need two. this will be a tall order for wren.

By Big Easy

August 15, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

You know, for work, I love my office.

We occasionally have employee lunches, when we finish up projects, or when we win a bid, etc. Today we are having one, catered by the new Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q in the Duluth/Suwanee area (they have been discussed here before). Very good stuff. The cheese biscuits are awesome.

Just figured I would bring some BBQ talk to the blog.

~E~

By Doc Holliday

August 15, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Shaun

I never said 90+, I said 90, which is really close to 90.

And I know that you will disagree (and many other denizens also will, including Lew) on the following:

I think the injuries Braves have had are part of the underachievement. Keeping yourself in good shape, doing more stretching than weightlifting in order to stay away from injuries are basic things to do in order to at least stay par with what is expected of players (and team).

You are not going to tell me all this injuries are bad luck. No way. They are the result of not doing things the way people that win millions of dollars are expected to do them.

To me it is obvious that Hamptons comeback was not well guided, you only have to take a look at Carpenter to know. Setback after setback.

Look at Chipper.

Glavine and Smoltz are really old, their injuries wont make me scratch my head, but it adds up on the pile.

Moylan. Thats on Bobby.

Soriano. Not even good knows what wrong with him.

Gonzalez and Hudson.

Infante and Yunel.

KJ and Prado.

Boyer and Bennett.

Jair and Campillo

Francoeur, Matt and Kotsay.

James.

Insane. Keeping the team healthy is part of their job.

I understand it is a sport and injuries have to be present. But more than half the team in one year? This is not bad luck Shaun.

Keeping yourself in shape.

Not overusing your pitchers (bennett, moylan, etc) not overusing already injured players (Kotsay). Starting players that are injured (JF and James).

By Anders

August 15, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Lew

Couldn’t agree with you more on Smoltz. If he says he can still go, you give him the ball and never look back.

On a different note - where do you think Chipper’s head’s at for next year? I know you say you have a good nucleus but I don’t think it’s realistic to expect to come from where they are now to being a contender next year. I’m not saying impossible but not very likely. Is Chipper willing to sit back and watch the Braves re-tool for another season or two? By the time they’re ready again he might be pushing 40.

Chipper’s got DH written all over him at least 50% of the time. Not sure if he’s locked up next year and beyond but would the Braves dare approach him about being traded this off season? He’d bring back some real value from an AL team in my eyes.

I know this is sacrilegious on this blog but so was saying anything negative about Frenchy just six months ago and now look how he’s treated on here.

By southbeachdietfreak

August 15, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

missed the game last night… Props to Kotsay for hitting for the cycle!! And to #7 (ala N Nine) for hopefully getting our of his funk.

Question: why are we talking about trading Kotsay, and who do we plan to replace him with in CF?

By Original Jon

August 15, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Wayne in UT You said That is the way I am leaning with the Braves, and I hope FW is also.

Boy oh boy, am I ever glad you are not the GM.

I think the Braves will land a Raul Ibanez type player for left field next year, and land a second tier starter such as Dempster or Lowe to have two Co-Aces in Jurrjens and either of those two. I dont see them trading a bunch of prospects for another teams Ace unless that player is under control for more than 3 years.

By nolie

August 15, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

ON THE GREAT- WHY HAS FRENCHY BEEN SO ROTTEN ?-DEBATE From Bowman

• If Jeff Francoeur manages to finish this season strong, he can happily live by the adage “better late than never.” Over the past couple of months, the struggling outfielder realizes he has literally been late.

While getting a chance to look at video of himself and some other Major Leaguers on Tuesday and again when he was out of the lineup for the first game of Wednesday’s doubleheader, Francoeur clearly saw that his swing has simply been too slow.*

This fact was solidified during Wednesday’s second game, when he went hitless in four at-bats while essentially seeing nothing but fastballs.

The pitches I should be hitting, I haven’t been getting the bat head to the ball, said Francoeur, who had hit .169 with a .209 slugging percentage in his previous 40 games entering Thursday’s series finale against the Cubs.

Looking to regain some of the power he possessed while hitting 29 homers during the 2006 season, Francoeur will now use a toe tap while striding toward pitches. The timing mechanism seemed to work on Thursday night, when he enjoyed a three-hit game that was highlighted by his first home run since July 9. “

By southbeachdietfreak

August 15, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Doc

good 11:53. That’s a point I hadn’t seen made very much, but one I made a couple weeks ago. Our “luck” with injuries is a little too bad, if you ask me. What are these guys required to do as part of their strengthening/conditioning program?

By Shaun

August 15, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Doc Holliday, you seriously think that it’s impossible for athletes to keep themselves in great shape, stretch well, stay hydrated, etc. and still get injured? You are dreaming if you think people can always stay injury free playing a professional sport against the best players in the world almost daily for six straight months (or more).

By David O'Brien

August 15, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Anders, Chipper told me a few weeks ago he’s not changed his view at all about wanting to finish his career with the Braves. Said if they believe they can be better without him, he’d be willing to accept a trade, but that this is where he wants to be. He thinks they’ll work out an extension before next season.

Wren’s said they’re set with Chipper and Kotchman on the corners for next season.

Oh, and it’s quite a bit different, criticizing Francoeur six months ago compared to suggesting Chipper be traded now, in my opinion. He’s hitting .367 with 19 homers, a .464 OBP and a .591 slugging percentage, and he made a barehanded defensive play last night that he makes routinely, a play that no one else on the team could make on a consistent basis.

By DAP

August 15, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

anders Chipper’s got DH written all over him at least 50% of the time.

what makes you say that?

By Shaun

August 15, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Keeping yourself in shape.

I really hope you’re just trying to antagonize. Surely you can’t think “just keeping yourself in shape” solves any potential injury problems.

By DAP

August 15, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

DOB did frenchy use a differnt bat last night? maybe a lighter one that he can swing faster? seeing the quote above about just being to slow on fastballs made me wonder if he decided to swing something lighter.

he really got around on that inside fastball last night that wasnt even going to be a strike.

By Anders

August 15, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

Doc Holliday

Soriano. Not even good knows what wrong with him.

His agent knew what was wrong with him way back when he agreed to have him signed to a ridiculously under valued deal for a guy who was slated to be the Braves closer going into his walk year. Not sure you were around when I brought this up to DOB the day it was signed and DOB ripped me for having no idea what I was talking about. Sure enough Soriano show’s up with a sore wing in ST and well, you know the rest.

Sorry, but that deal should have raised more than a few red flags imo. He could have signed for the whole value of that deal for just 2009 if he pitched well this season and was a FA this off season. I don’t buy the whole he’s from an impoverished town and he wanted security for his family. The few million he would have made last year regardless would take care of generations of his family in the DR.

He appears to be turning into the poor man’s Mike Hampton.

By DAP

August 15, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

shaun everybody knows that if you keep yourself in shape, you arent going to get hit in the hands on a bunt attempt, or rip up your knee on a metal fence while making a sliding catch. and nobody who is really in shape has ever strained their hamstring. duh.

By BravesFanInRockies

August 15, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Lew,

Howdy. If Francouer puts up those season ending numbers you suggested, then I’ll sure be off his case.

I don’t want them re-signing Kotsay next year. He still doesn’t have enough power to offset Blanco’s lack of it. And I’m a big Blanco fan because he does everything you want a leadoff man to do. (Power is a bonus in that spot if you have excellent on base skills.)

Maggs would be the perfect addition if the Braves don’t have to surrender too much to get him. They need a bat like that in LF (or RF if they surprisingly moved Francouer).

Anderson as fourth OF? I’d prefer a bigger bat off the bench, but I could be persuaded. (I’d rather have him on the bench than Ruben Gotay, for what that’s worth.)

By THB

August 15, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

This is my philosophy for next season:

Either spend money on the best free agents (Sabathia, Sheets Burell, Bradley, Dunn) and make another trade, or don’t trade away any prospects and instead, trade most of the veterans. Don’t fool Chipper, Bobby, or Smoltz by signing Juan Rivera or Casey Blake and Jon Garland. This is the first season in a long time that we should be able to get some big names without giving up a ton of talent in the minor leagues. If the Braves were serious about winning next year and looking toward the future, they would look to free agency this offseason.

I would sign Milton Bradley for LF. All behavior problems aside, he leads the AL in OBP and SLG. That’s exactly what we need. Not to mention he’s hit 19 HR and is hitting well over .300. I would go after CC, although he might be a little unrealistic. I would see what Sheets commands. The only trade this offseason we might need to do is for an ace. But if we included a Kelly Johnson in it, I’m sure our farm wouldn’t be depleted at all. Kelly’s solid, I just don’t like his future with the Braves. Then I would make a strong offer to Lowe and Dempster. I’d like to stay away from Garland. He only has one season with an ERA under 4. Not worth 10 million.

With these signings, I’d let Schafer earn his way into the CF spot. He’s going to have to beat Gregor out for it though. Hanson and Medlen will be worked into the rotation, most likely midseason when a starter misses some time.

By the way, two prospects we should be high on that most aren’t are Tyler Flowers and Eric Campbell. Both have high OBP, SLG, and hit a lot of HR.

By Shaun

August 15, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

DAP, right. I’ve never stubbed my toe on anything or hit my head on anything…as long as I keep myself in shape it just doesn’t happen.

By Lew

August 15, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Anders-If Chipper’s injuries in recent years had been a result of playing third base, I might go along with you on the DH thing. However, with the exception of the slip on the infield at San Francisco a couple years back (they shouldn’t have allowed play on that lousy, wet field), none of Chipper’s injuries were as a result of his defensive positioning. Even a DH has to run to first-THAT is where most of his problems occurred- There or at bat. I think that negates your theory.

Rene-Speed is indeed, one of the tools. However, base stealing and speed are two entirely different things. Yunel CAN run.

Braveheart-I’m sorry, but 11 HR’s in this day and age, even for a SS, DOES NOT constitute a power hitter. BTW-Did you receive my email today?

DAP-It remains to be seen if Yunel can hit for that much power. He hasn’t yet and until he does, Im not going to claim he can do so. Sorry. I like Yunel a lot as a player and think he will and should be our SS (or 3B if Chipper goes down for an extended period of time) for several more years at the very least. However, he hasn’t proved to be a power hitter as of today.

Doc-We’ll just have to agree to disagree on the injury thing. You may have a point -up to a point- but the number of injuries and the type thereof, are NOT all a matter of conditioning and they were much more prevalent than is normal for ANY team.

By Anders

August 15, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

*DAP

anders Chipper’s got DH written all over him at least 50% of the time. what makes you say that?

Because his legs keep failing him. I absolutely think when he’s healthy he can still field with the best of them. I just think not having to play the field half the games will save his legs and allow him to hit in a lot more of them than he has the last few years.

What AL team wouldn’t want him based on how he’s hit this year if you think you can keep him in the lineup which I think DH’ing will certainly help do.

By David O'Brien

August 15, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

Big Easy, I gotta try that BBQ joint you described. Don’t get up that way too often, but am going up I-85 this weekend. Is it anywhere close to Jimmy Carter exit, or entirely different area?

By David O'Brien

August 15, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Anders, your consistent references to how you’ve been ripped for saying this or that in the past … can you just list them all here now so everyone can pat you on the back and you can get the recognition you’re pleading for?

By DAP

August 15, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

anders on soriano, youve never addressed the fact that he passed his pysical with a clean bill of health. was the doctor in on it? if soriano knew he was hurt, i dont see how a doctor would have missed it when examining him.

By flange1

August 15, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Afternoon all,

Fun game last night huh?

I agree with uga-brave that Frenchy has bottomed. Admitting that he sticks and then getting a little peeved at Lilly throwing at Yunel helped.

Hope to see Frenchy on the upward trend.

To me no doubt Sweet Lou ordered the hit on Yunel and no better “tool” to carry it out than Lilly.

Next time we face Lilly, he needs to be plunked.

I was disappointed that Boyer did not retaliate. I guess we were short of pitchers at the time though.

DOB, what are your thoughts on Brad Penny? Would he fit with the Braves?

By Lew

August 15, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

BravesFanInRockies-No, Kotsay doesn’t have tons of Home Run power, but he is a steady fielder, and a good .280-.290 hitter with some decent gap power. When healthy this year (which HAS been most of the time), he has contributed quite a bit to our offense-in fact the offense has been MUCH better when he is hitting.

I would like to see a power bat in left next year as well. However, I think pitching is of PRIME importance, and should be the Braves focus-NOT outfielders. Besides, Mags ain’t all that in the power department, either, so I’m not too sure he makes your argument for you..

If we can get two good pitchers-a number one and a number three type, I’ll take my chances on Frenchy returning to normalcy and Blanco, Kotsay and Anderson as our outfield. I have no problem winning 3-2 or 2-1 games. I just want wins and pitching is what will likely get us there-that and a strong bench, which with Infante and Prado, seems to be well on it’s way towards a strength of bench that has been lacking the past few years.

I’d also like to see Ohman signed for a couple years, too.

By Anders

August 15, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

DOB

Said if they believe they can be better without him, he’d be willing to accept a trade, but that this is where he wants to be.

Well that answers my question. He’s willing to go if asked. IMO if Wren doesn’t survey the market to see if he could get a front end starter and maybe plug an outfield spot for Chipper he’s not doing his job. Couldn’t agree more with how well Chipper’s played when he’s played. That’s the problem. When he plays. Is it fair to think he’s going to get healthier as he ages? Sell high - I can’t imagine he’ll play any better than he is this year. If the Braves think they’ll be contending in a year or two you keep him, if not, sell. Too many holes appeared this year - they look like sellers to me.

BTW- David Wright is going to win another gold glove this year. Kind of like I told you about Glavine - you can’t just go by the numbers, you have to actually watch them play to understand their game.

By Efrim

August 15, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

THB

I agree with most of what you said. Let’s be serious on Sabathia though, do you really think the Braves will outbid the Mets, Red Sox and Yankees for him? I really doubt it.

Sheets will probably command a 4 year deal from someone.

Garland is overrated and won’t be worth the 3 year deal he gets.

I’d consider Ryan Dempster. He’s as injury prone as Sheets but won’t cost as much. Of course, he doesn’t nearly have the track record of success Sheets has.

On offense, Bradley makes some sense. More than Ibanez, that is for sure. Burrell and Dunn need to be DH’s in the AL.

By Lew

August 15, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Doc-I think our disagreement lies in the fact that you view injuries and the like as excuses and I view them as explanations. When you are putting a team together or trying to improve a team, you must first understand what your needs are and if players are not performing to preconceived expectations, you must evaluate WHY things did not work out how you had foreseen. THEN you can take action to remedy the deficiencies.

When one views reasons as excuses, then one is doing nothing but seeking scapegoats and when that happens, no positive evaluation can possibly result, leaving one to make the same mistakes over and over. We certainly don’t want THAT to happen now, do we?

By DAP

August 15, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

THB how about if we take a chance, and sign milton bradley for LF and mike cameron for CF. have escobar lead off, and keep blanco for defense and to leadoff when he starts. this will limit what pitchers we can sign, but it will make our outfield much more formidable.

anders i disagree with your chipper/DH thing because when he gets injured its usually accosiated with offense. with a strained hammy, you can play third base easier than you can run to first. obviously, he would make a great DH, but that isnt going to keep him from getting hurt.

By DAP

August 15, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

anders, your so wise. your like a miniature budda, covered in hair.

By Big Easy

August 15, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

DOB, it is further north. It is off the Old Peachtree exit (one exit north of Sugarloaf Parkway). Take a left off the exit, and it is on the right in the Home Depot shopping center, I believe.

Good stuff.

~E~

By Supes

August 15, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Anders

you are missing the point about Chipper. His “legs fail him” when he’s running the bases! Tell me how would that be different if he were a DH in the AL? He’d be batting, so he’d be on base, running to first (how he pulls those hamstrings), runs the bases, how he pulls a quad, etc. Occasionally he’ll get injuried swinging and missing (pulling the oblique).

None of those injuries would be prevented in the AL as a DH.

Chipper Jones is an all star DEFENSIVE 3rd baseman still.

He is the Atlanta Braves.

DOB

nice of you to point out my spelling error last night. I knew you were into cheap shots at bloggers in all good fun, but you get the point.

About Kotsay, the point was he has missed a lot of games (six weeks if I believe) of playing time with the back problems. So you bring him back at a pro-rated rate, at half the salary. I thought he was being paid 1 million this season. That is why I said you bring him at half of that. My mistake on the number.

I think you are avoiding the heart of the issue, which is Braves need to play all of their high end young outfielders (from the minors) in September, b/c I’d rather them see what they have in Brandon Jones, Josh Anderson and Jordan S. right now, in major league games. It’s better than going out in FA and or trading for OF…and in spring training 2009 you see Jordan S. tearing it up, and then you say…wait, he could be starting in the OF. Why did we get this guy instead at the x-amount of prospects/or money.

Lew I’m glad you can proclaim Jeff “cured” when he has 1 good game in a month. I’m afriad I’ll need more proof. As in if he is still a Brave in 2009 proof. If he is still with the organization next season, and starts in RF and comes out and hits like he did the past 2 years (not counting 08) he will have proven himself cured. Until then he is still deserving of criticism and should shoulder the blame for the utter lack of production from the OF as far as power numbers and RBI’s.

Coach

You make a lot of sense. Looks like 2009 will be a “wash”. It’s hard to say though until we see what the opening day roster looks like. So I’ll hold off on predictions. I’ll agree that all of our minor league talent seems to be 2010 and beyond at this point (impact ready)

Wayne in Utah and anyone else arguing about Yunel or Kelly Johnson’s production numbers in 2008. When it’s all said and done, they are a bit below what we all expected. We can all agree on that. However, it’s been more glaring b/c the OF has failed to produce miserably in 2008. I think if the Braves had above average power numbers and RBI numbers from their starting OF we wouldn’t be so focused on the 2B debate of KJ or Prado, or we wouldn’t entertain trades including Yunel.

Remember, this is Yunel’s first full season. A slight drop off from last year’s 2 months production was to be expeted.

By N8

August 15, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Shaun

I got what the conversation was about with Manny, Burrell and Dunn.

But my opinion stands the same.

Dunn is a strikeout machine, and a horrible defensive outfielder. Burrell is in the same vein, but not as bad as Dunn in the OF. Manny is equally bad (if not worse) with the leather (I think playing 81 games a year in Fenway, along with DHing was PERFECT for his defense), but his bat is better than all three, IMO.

And will remain so over the next three years.

If we’re strictly talking about the Braves (or any NL club), you might be right about Dunn being a better option. Due to defense.

Dunn has consistently shown his all or nothing swing in his career, and always has huge HR totals. Burrell is even inconsistent in that regard, averaging 31 HR per 162 games played, against Dunn’s 40 HR per 162 games.

I refuse to believe that Manny will be less “feared” by opposing pitchers, even over the next 3 years, than Dunn and Burrell, dude to them having more “holes” in their swings. GOOD pitchers can get Dunn and Burrell out on a consistent basis.

Even good pitchers with good command have a tough time with Manny. I believe (based on watching his approach at the plate), that when Manny’s bat speed slows down, and he’s not putting up the HUGE power numbers of yester-years, he’ll go a little “Julio Franco” on everybody and take the ball the other way (even though he does that already), and still be well above a .300 hitter, with occasional power.

So, in fairness to your assessment, Dunn and Burrell very well might have better “power” numbers over the next 3 years, but IMO, Manny will still be the better hitter (barring injury).

To put Dunn and Burrell in the same breath as Manny is disrespecting what Manny’s done over 16 years (averaged 80 extra base-hits per 162 games), and while averaging 40 HR over 16 years, he’s managed to ALSO be a .313 career hitter.

He’s a professional hitter, that will continue to adjust as he get’s older. He’s that good, IMO. A sure fire, first ballot HOF player, IMO. Though some voters will penalize him for his shoddy defense.

L8r.

By Anders

August 15, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Lew

Come on. Are you saying playing the field 9 innings a night doesn’t add wear and tear on a guys legs? If so, why does he DH when the play in AL parks during interleague? He’s the best 3rd baseman they have, why take him off the field?

I think we’re done here.

DOB

Anders, your consistent references to how you’ve been ripped for saying this or that in the past … can you just list them all here now so everyone can pat you on the back and you can get the recognition you’re pleading for?

Yeah, because you never like to ram it down bloggers throats every chance you get. Sorry if the truth hurts.

DAP

anders on soriano, youve never addressed the fact that he passed his pysical with a clean bill of health. was the doctor in on it? if soriano knew he was hurt, i dont see how a doctor would have missed it when examining him.

Really? Then why haven’t they figured out what’s wrong with him yet? He’s been on the DL 3 times this year.It’s always inflamed. It gets a little better and then inflames again. I think he felt it late last year when he got all that work. Look at his track record. He had elbow issues his whole MLB career.

By David O'Brien

August 15, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Got it. Know exactly where you’re talking about.

By BA

August 15, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

I see some dumb stuff on here, but this anders guy, what a SCHMUCK! %50 percent? Trade Chipper Jones? And now- tada! A Soriano conspiracy theory? How stupid can you be? Hampton has had TWO TJ surgeries, and a variety of injuries, for THREE years. Soriano has had a bad season, but last year he was almost unhittable at times. I can honestly say, anders has got to be the biggest moron on here who thinks he’s smart.

Here’s a tip, anders- Chipper Jones is a franchise player. A cornerstone in the lineup, Atlanta’s best hitter. What good would it do to trade your best hitter for a pitcher? I’ve heard this half-azz theory before, and it’s just to stupid.

And David Wright sucks. He’s going to grow up to be Ty Wiggington. He deserved a gold glove like anders deserves to blog here.

By DAP

August 15, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

supes * it’s been more glaring b/c the OF has failed to produce miserably in 2008.*

i think the OF producing miserably has been an overwealming success! :-)

anders the braves played 9 games at AL parks. chipper only played in 5 of them, so the fact that he DHed 3 times this season doesnt prove hes got DH wirtten all over him.

on soriano, everyone has the same info about his injury history. what you are asserting is that he knew he was hurt when he signed the contract. if he was hurt enough to know he wouldnt be able to pitch…the doctor would have seen it. in other words, if he was “inflamed” when they signed the contract, the doctors would have noticed.

By Shaun

August 15, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

N8,

You say Dunn and Burrell may have better power numbers. And you say if I put them in the same breathe as Manny, I’m disrespecting what Manny has done in the past. But what Manny has done will not matter over 2009-2011. And you bring up holes in their swing, etc. but you don’t even once bring up each player’s on-base ability (or baserunning).

I agree that Manny is a Hall of Famer and quite possibly a first-ballot one. But that doesn’t mean much when we are talking whether he will be better than Dunn or Burrell over the next three seasons.

And when we are talking about who I’d rather have for the next three seasons, I’m perfectly fine with ignoring “Manny being Manny” and all that. But I think you must take into account which player is going to be cheaper and provide more bang for the buck. I think the most likely candidate is clearly Adam Dunn because of his age and abilities.

By flange1

August 15, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Guys,

Don’t argue with Anders, he is always right or should I say Wright…

Speaking of David Wright, I hear that M. Phelps is actually David Wright in disguise. He didn’t want the Mets to think he was avoiding them, so he wore the Phelps mask.

I have it on good authority that David Wright is likely move past Jesus as the most highly thought of person in the Christian world… No word yet on where he ranks in the Muslim world, but stay tuned for updates….

By Renegator

August 15, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Big Easy & DOB

Jim N Nicks is good but it is expensive. I work like a mile from it and I went there for lunch one day and their pork platter was $14.50. That’s a little bit much to charge for BBQ.

By Thrillhouse44

August 15, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

why does he DH when the play in AL parks during interleague? He’s the best 3rd baseman they have, why take him off the field? Anders

Plenty of other Braves DH’ed this year, Anders. Teixiera did as well, and he was the best 1st baseman the Braves had. You should have just stuck to posting what you were right about. Oh, that’s right, you already have listed everything.

Why did you take my Christmas present back, Anders???

By jefferyvan

August 15, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

So, Might I state that reading of Mark Kostay ‘s cyclic hit last night be the best read/news thus far for our season? Front Office : can we PLEASE keep this pure ballplayer around? What is he thinking about when comin’ outta the box on the double? “I was actually thinking about that ball I lost in the twilight…” Pure ballplayer.Just as Tex had suggested early on….the guy is a real ballplayer . It was refreshing to see him accomplish that on his 1500 hit as well. I vote this the highpoint of our season Braves Nation.Nice play Mark. Thank you from a voracious Braves fan in search of good news related to my favorite team. oh- that Lilly guy and Soriano from the Cubs are the exact opposite of this caliber player. Walking ego’s. Soriano should have his own pitcher throw at his head for pimpin that single out like that. There is your difference in a team skippered by Bobby versus one purchased like Chicago’s.

By jtb

August 15, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Anders

How exactly can playing 3rd base for 9 innings help tweak a hamstring? I’m not an expert on leg muscles or anything, but in all of my time standing, I’ve never pulled or tweaked any muscles. So how exactly would DHing help a player who always seems to get hurt while running the bases? As other have already said, he doesn’t always DH in AL parks. I guess you could say, “I guess you have to watch him play to understand his game.”

And to steal another one of your lines, “I think we’re done here.”

By Doc Holliday

August 15, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

I will agree with Anders on Soriano.

Lew

You just cant expect to have a World Championship team if you are counting on:

Hampton: not active, future unknow.

Glavine: 42 and what comes with it (age).

Smoltz: 41 and with injuries in the near past.

Soriano: arm problems in 2007 and SP 2008.

Chipper: you know he will miss 30 or more games.

Gonzalez: not active and future unknown.

James: Injury plagued.

Kotsay: Back surgery.

I agree nobody could have guessed JF horrible season, but he was not looking like a great RF late last season.

I agree nobody could have guessed Matt was gonna be so much time out and that he was gonna sok so much, but, you were making an experiment with him, trying to make him an everyday player. That was a risk and it took the wrong turn.

What about TEX? How come he is doing so well in LA and he did so average here? He was batting behind Chipper and he could have hit in front of Brian.

What about Plan B for JF??? How come there was no plan B there?

Moylan goes down and all of a sudden our BP cant hold up games……. is there a championship team that can only count in 1 pitcher? no, not even the yankees with rivera. Plan B was soriano and you know the story.

In other words, Braves put themselves in this situation. Too many oldies, too many injury plagued players, too many experiments, too many lets see if he can hold up for the season.

We started the season LIVING ON THE EDGE and as a result GRAVITY TOOK CARE OF US. Cant go against nature.

You can take some risks but you cant have a team full of risks (already injured, rookies (too young) and injury plagued players, experiments) and expect to perform well. We are paying the price, no surprise there.

By ccrider

August 15, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

IT”S THE PITCHING!! The Braves need to acquire as much starting pitching as possible in the off season. Trade for Justin Duchscherer and Zack Grienke. Sign Derek Lowe and Dempster or Garland. Jair Jurjjens rounds out a rotation that gives a chance to win every night and at a cost of about $33 Million. Bullpen: Gonzalez,Soriano,Moylan,Ohman,Campillo,Biemel and Bennett: Cost $16.5 Lineup: Blanco, Escobar, Chipper, McCann, M. Bradley,Franceour, Kotchman, Prado/Infante(Just because Infante starts at second doesn’t mean he can’t move when needed) Cost $32.5 Bench: Prado, Spilboroughs(In Trade), Anderson, Sammons and Canizaires. Cost $3 Total Payroll $92 Million. If , the season goes poorly trade a Starting Pitcher and Bradley to add quality pieces and get one step closer to the Hanson, Heyward, Freeman era.

By ccrider

August 15, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

IT”S THE PITCHING!! The Braves need to acquire as much starting pitching as possible in the off season. Trade for Justin Duchscherer and Zack Grienke. Sign Derek Lowe and Dempster or Garland. Jair Jurjjens rounds out a rotation that gives a chance to win every night and at a cost of about $33 Million. Bullpen: Gonzalez,Soriano,Moylan,Ohman,Campillo,Biemel and Bennett: Cost $16.5 Lineup: Blanco, Escobar, Chipper, McCann, M. Bradley,Franceour, Kotchman, Prado/Infante(Just because Infante starts at second doesn’t mean he can’t move when needed) Cost $32.5 Bench: Prado, Spilboroughs(In Trade), Anderson, Sammons and Canizaires. Cost $3 Total Payroll $92 Million. If , the season goes poorly trade a Starting Pitcher and Bradley to add quality pieces and get one step closer to the Hanson, Heyward, Freeman era.

By cricket

August 15, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

flang1

David Wright has also passed all the cricket heroes in India (1/3rd of world population that cares about only cricket as a sport) and he will represent India as a complete baseball team in next olympics, even though baseball won’t be an olympic sport then.

And yes, Anders has been right about everything. In the spirit of the ancient tradition of the blogs recognizing the wisdom of the points made repeatedly by rivals, I propose that Lew draw His Rightness an acknowledgement of his rightness. This acknowledgement should then be signed (electronically) by DOB and all other bloggers. It can be presented to him the day mets get eliminated from the playoff race.

BTW, God called. He’s looking for Soriano’s agent to find out what the heaven is wrong with his client.

By flange1

August 15, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

On a more positive note,

Watching Kotsay last night at the plate was great. You don’t get to see someone hit for the cycle to often.

I was VERY impressed when asked about the cycle, he brought up the missed pop first.

A class act.

Hope we can resign him to help next year as a backup spot starter.

But I do think he might be traded to the Sox this weekend.

By Braves20

August 15, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

So long Albert Hall as one of the all time Braves trivia question answers.

May I pose another one? I’m not sure about this but is Mark Lemke (the inspiration for my blog name) the record holder for most career MLB at bats 3230, I believe, without ever being hit by a pitch?

By David O'Brien

August 15, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

NEW BLOG IS UP

By Anders

August 15, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

DAP

on soriano, everyone has the same info about his injury history. what you are asserting is that he knew he was hurt when he signed the contract. if he was hurt enough to know he wouldnt be able to pitch…the doctor would have seen it. in other words, if he was “inflamed” when they signed the contract, the doctors would have noticed.

Uhm, yes I’m asserting he knew his arm wasn’t 100% when he signed the contract. That doesn’t mean it hurt right then. It could have bothered him down the stretch at the end of last season and he knew it would continue to hurt as it apparently already had in years past. Just the fact that they keep saying inflamed tells you it’s something that comes and goes (usually with rest)which he had from October until February. No one has addressed why he would throw all that money away he could sign for this off season as a FA if he had a solid year as a closer for the Braves? The guy showed up to ST and was hurting within a week or two and has pitched all of 14 innings this year! If he was a FA what do you think the offers would be based on that? How about a one year flyer at about half of what he’s making. He and his agent made the smart move.

As for all those on here who think that by DH’ing it doesn’t help keep players fresh and save on wear and tear of their bodies - well that’s asinine. Of course Chipper is more prone to getting hurt while running or swinging as that’s when the most concentrated stress is put on muscles. But generally it’s the weakened muscles that give out. Keeping these muscles less stressed and better rested, which DH’ing would accomplish, could only help - imo.

If they added a DH to the National League do you really think the Braves wouldn’t use Chipper there 60+ times a year? Come on - be real.

By cricket

August 15, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

I agree about Kotsay being a class act. The guy actually sacrificed his and Padres’ 1st ever cycle in a blowout, out of respect.

By BBFCFM

August 15, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if anybody has seen this from last night and discussed it, but I thought that I would now.

By Wayne in UT *August 15, 2008 2:03 AM

“…Would the Giants take Escobar, KJ and Teheran for Matt Cain?… …if we need more to get Cain, then throw in Locke, BJones, Flowers, and Medlen….whatever it takes short of Hanson and Rohrbough).”*

so that would be Matt Cain for: Escobar, KJ, Teheran, Locke, B. Jones, Flowers and Medlen.

That has got to be the stupidest proposal I have ever seen in my life.

Carry on

By DAP

August 15, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

jefferyvan I vote this the highpoint of our season Braves Nation.Nice play Mark.

hitting for the cycle is cool, but dont you think smoltz’s 3000 strikeouts was better? i mean, smoltx is a brave lifer, and a first abllot hall of famer. id vote for smoltz’s K.

By BL

August 15, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Supes Your posts are too long and outlandish at that. I love how you think we can just “plug” up the corner outfield spots w/ young talent like Hermida/Willingham and an All-Star caliber free agent (Dunn) that will command mega millions. Please keep in mind that we have to stop the other team from scoring too (PITCHING)! Your plan would be great on my Playstation Braves.

Not to say our young talent will not develop and be good but they (Mgnt) will not call up 3 experiments to start a season. Francoeur had 2 great years before this years struggles. What makes you think an unproven player wouldn’t have the same, if not worse issues once ML pitching figured them out? And they aren’t even proven yet?

Not trying to be an @ss but did you go to Wheeler or a HS around here that rivals Parkview? The reason I ask is that you hate JF and seem to be on the Hermida bandwagon.