AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > August > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDoh! Braves’ homers lacking
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We’ve talked aplenty about how much punch has been missing in the outfield this season. Well documented. But I wanted to have a look at some of the home run numbers team wide. I know it ain’t pretty, and I’m right.
Heading into this afternoon’s game against the Giants, the Braves ranked 13th in the National League with 108 homers. That puts them ahead of only the Dodgers (96), Nationals (86), and these Giants (68).
The 23 homers by Braves outfielders is worst in the majors, worse than the Nationals (33), worse than the Andruw Jones and the Dodgers (39), worse than the Royals (26) and Twins (25).
You have Jeff Francoeur way off this year (10 homers vs. 19 last year and 29 in 2006) and you have Gregor Blanco (1 homer) who’s not a home run hitter, getting a ton of starts in center and left field. You lost whatever punch you might have had in left field when Matt Diaz went down.
But wait, that’s not all, there’s more. At other positions?
Brian McCann is pulling his weight with 21 homers, which leads all major league catchers. He’s off the hook. Mark Teixeira and his 20 home runs moved on to Anaheim, and Casey Kotchman has yet to homer in his first 18 games here. Again, not really his game, but it adds to the power void, and it’s something the Braves have to consider as they put together their lineup for next year.
Chipper Jones, having the year he’s had hitting for average, has 19 homers, which puts him on pace for 25, which is in the neighborhood of what he had the two years he played only 109 and 110 games (21 in 2005 and 26 in 2006). It’s not shabby by any stretch, but it’s not him at his best in terms of power either.
But we’ll stop the picking on Chipper there, because with his next home run he’ll tie Eddie Mathews as the only player in baseball history to start his career with 14 consecutive seasons of at least 20 homers.
From there, let’s go down the line:
Escobar: 6 homers. Not showing the pop some thought he might have, a least not at this stage in his career, and not without Edgar Renteria reminding him that he’s got it (hey, that’s just my theory. And no I didn’t say a word about Brayan Pena).
Johnson: 9 homers. He’s well off his pace of last year when he hit 16. He’s hit nine homers in 114 games. He hit nine homers his rookie year in 2005 in 87 games.
Kotsay: 6 homers. At his healthiest with the A’s, he was hitting 15 in a year. It’s not the strength of his game but missed time with the back injury cost him here.
I think I got all the regulars. Greg Norton has four homers, Omar Infante has three homers, and Ruben Gotay two.
So what am I saying? Not only do the Braves not have many big boppers, the hitters they’ve got have not carried even their usual power load, and not just Francoeur, although he’s the most glaring one.
So go ahead and salivate over an Adam Dunn, or Pat Burrell or the free agent power-hitting outfielder of your choice, because the Braves need to add some pop this winter - either by signing or trade - or it could be another long offensive season.
I’m thinking Milton Bradley’s chances are as minimal as my gut instinct first told me when I left him off the list of potential free agents I wrote about over the weekend.
I’m thinking it’s not a good sign for Bradley that when I first mentioned his name today in the dugout, what immediately came to Bobby Cox’s mind was the story earlier this season about Bradley storming up to the press box to have it out with a radio announcer because he didn’t like what he’d said about him.
I’d forgotten about that one.
Anyway, surely this blog means the Braves will hit a bunch of homers this afternoon against Barry Zito. I’m fully prepared for that. Just know that I hit send on this thing before the game started.
OTHER THINGS: Gregor Blanco is out of the lineup today. He gave us a little revelation - once he figured out the proper English word for it (thanks Greg Norton), he has been playing with a bone spur in his right ankle for a couple of months. It’s been pretty sore and he’s toughed it out. Bobby wanted to give him a day to rest anyway but also because the ankle is an issue. I don’t think it’ll stop him from playing the rest of the way, but it might be affecting his speed to some degree.
Bobby was asked about Jo-Jo Reyes going tomorrow and he didn’t sugar coat anything about his desire to see Reyes get things turned around after his 0-5 stretch his last stint up here.
“I like Jo-Jo, but there comes a time when you’ve got to be on charge on the mound,” he said.
I thought some of you would appreciate hearing that.
Reyes will go tomorrow in New York, when DOB picks the team back up. As strange as it’s been to have this team out of contention this early, how weird is it going to be for them to go into New York without a ton on the line?
Spoilers now. And maybe that’s about as good a motivator team-wide as you’re going to find at this point. And the Braves are 7-2 against the Mets this year. Hard to imagine, isn’t it?
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Comments
By Roman Gal
August 18, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Efrim
I didn’t ask him about it. But I have noticed that his numbers have tailed off a little bit recently. Then again, I don’t think he’s thrown this many innings in pro ball before.
They probably moved him to the starting rotation to let him get more opportunity to work on his secondary pitches, but he’s thrived there so they probably won’t move him from that role unless he starts struggling.
By How many homers does Blaine Boyer have?
August 18, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Hey - tubs of goo have lots of latent power!
By Carroll Rogers
August 18, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
John Bell of Widespread Panic just sang the national anthem….Is DOB a spread head? …I gotta say I’ve heard them in concert a time or two, though it’s been a while. Last time was new years’ maybe 2002. He sounded pretty good. though it’s never easy when you strip away all the instruments and it’s just you and the mike,
there’s that’s my attempt to talk about music.
Kotchman is hitting seventh today for the first time. lineup goes: escobar, Kotsay, Jones, Infante LF, McCann, Frenchy, Kotchman, Prado 2B and Campillo
By Mr J
August 18, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Regarding next year’s outfield:
Let’s assume the Braves aquire a power hitting left fielder during the off-season. If the Braves also retain Kotsay as a part-time outfielder/fill-in 1st baseman/lefthanded pinch-hitter (a possibility DOB discussed a couple blogs back), does that mean Matt Diaz is through in Atlanta?
It would be great to have him off the bench as a RH pinch-hitter, but can you have 5 outfielders on the roster?
By Joe Dawg Alumni
August 18, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Re-sign Ryan Klesko, the big thumper.
By Señor Blanco
August 18, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Señor Blanco está de vuelta otra vez.
Yo no soy la misma persona que Gregor Blanco.
Gregor Blanco ha lesionado el tobillo. Eso me hace triste.
By Carroll Rogers
August 18, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
in case you were wondering, there’s nobody here…..apparently i’m not the only one weirded out by a 4:30 start.
By Nelson
August 18, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Are we going to have a real baseball team for the next year or not?, please let me know to cancel my subscription to mlb exta innings.
By pat
August 18, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
I look forward to a very active off season. It is time to retool.
By Nice
August 18, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
Pitching, defense, speed. Power cost to much and the Braves have some coming - two or more years away
By Da Mick
August 18, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Now that’s more like it Carroll. I don’t think it’s just being negative to focus on the mysteries behind the varying problems this team has, as they have been flatter than Kansas for some time now. Power would certainly be welcome, but they seem to have forgotten how to play baseball in general. They looked lacking in the weeks leading up to their surrender of the season, but since that time, with the only difference being Tex’s departure, this team looks like a cellar club. Frankly, I have no clue what’s happened to the team that looked competitive in the first half of this season. Few of them seem to be able to even hit the ball squarely, never mind drive it for a home run. On the rare occasions when we do get men on, the next batter invariably hits a pop-up or slow grounder to short — usually on the first pitch. I don’t see any point in naming names here — if you watch, you know what I’m talking about. All I can say is that I’ve become a big Infante fan over recent weeks, and can’t say how thrilled I am with Mac. Just hope our manager doesn’t kill the guy, as he is prone to riding any horse that produces until it’s worn out.
I see lots of folks on your blog with ideas for answers on how to fix this team next year. I don’t have the answers, but I think first we need to find out what’s become of some of the key components of this team that we are counting on in the future. Beyond trading Tex, with the way this division has played all year, some diligence, focus, and desire relflected in their play, might have quietly brought this team back up in the standings of the NL East. Instead, they just flushed the season. When you can’t beat the Giants and you were hoping to compete for the division, something deep inside is wrong.
By Tomas
August 18, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Campillo, needs to get out of the first inning without giving up a lot of runs. It always seems he settles down after that 1st inning. Looks like Kelly is in a platoon, not because he can hit left handers, but because Prado hit lefties very well, and Kelly is struggling.
By hydee
August 18, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Carroll, What’s your best guess for how many people are at the ballpark today?
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
What a start, leadoff triple and a HBP.
Come on Camp, gittum out!
By Carroll Rogers
August 18, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
i know DOB brought up the possibility of Kotsay coming back as a part-time/fourth outfielder type and some players have kicked around the idea. I asked Kotsay about that today, whether he’d be willing to do that to come back to the Braves next year, and it sounds like the answer is no.
“I don’t see coming back here as an option if I’m not an everyday guy,” Kotsay said. “My family situation and time spent away from me is very important. To be away from them and not to be playing every day – to be a four-hour flight away – would be a real challenge from a mental aspect. “I’m not going to say that I would close my options off. If it was my only option, I’d have to think really hard about it.”
His family lives in San Diego….
By Kentavo
August 18, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
A guy with 3 homers is hitting cleanup?
all i can do is is say, “ehhhhhhhhhh.”
By ben
August 18, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
This Braves team is one of the worst in the history of the organization. They need some restructure from the top down. This team was done when ole Kelly Johnson missed that little league pop fly that lost the game to the Phils.
By Tomas
August 18, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Blanco had a bad ankle, and got a lot of bunt base hits, it makes me wonder how fast can he really go with a good ankle.
By VaBravesfan
August 18, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
I live in Lynchburg, Va. I came to Atlanta over the weekend and attended Sunday’s game against the Giants. Even though the game stunk, there was a bright spot for me. I brought my 8 year old daughter to her first MLB game. She has a chronic illness and is not able to enjoy all the same activities that most children do. Mark Kotsay, not knowing the situation or story, gave her his warmup ball in the top of the 9th. It completed a great day at the park. He will forever be my favorite player.
By Lew
August 18, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox-Dude, you act like Kotsay is blocking us from evaluating talent-in particular, Josh Anderson. Excuse me, but is there any doubt what type of player Josh is? He’s a similar type player to Gregor Blanco, a decent singles/doubles hitter, a fast guy with great defensive skills and stolen base potential. Do you perhaps think that if we jettison Kotsay and bring up Anderson, that he will all of a sudden turn into Jason Bay and start hitting Home Runs?
Seriously, though, we already pretty much know what to expect from Anderson. Two more weeks on the team won’t tell us anything we don’t already know. Nor will his presence turn us into a winning team.
By Mike
August 18, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Another stellar start by the Bravos…
By JimD
August 18, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Looks like Campillo is coming back down to earth. Oh, well.
By Renegator
August 18, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Looks like the league is figuring out Mexican Maddux. Time to take him off my fantasy roster!
By retired scout
August 18, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
The Braves aren’t going to have a “real team” for quite a few years. When you look at them objectively, they probably have the worst talent in the National League at this point. You can only add so much through free agency, and the farm system is not too impressive. If they were looking for a quick rebuild they would not have given Texeira away for a weak player like Kotchman…he would have been a great cornerstone to start rebuilding.
By StingerSplash
August 18, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Apparently, Campillo was thrown off by the abnormal start time, too. Wow. That was one bad inning. Thank God we have Barry Zito to hit off of today.
By Tomas
August 18, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
I don’t know what is happening to Campillo, is he getting tired this late in the year, or is he finally coming back to earth after that fantastic start, or is he having bad luck.
By the way Carroll what’s the reason of this 4:30pm start? Is it because the Giants are in town, and they wanted to give there fans a chance to watch the game.
By TennesseePaul
August 18, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
What’s Prado’s excuse on that one?
By IVSPORT
August 18, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Let Kotsay go to San Diego to be with his family. Not that his contributions haven’t been appreciated but he’s old and does not need to be a part of a rebuilding project this late in his career. The Padres would actually be a perfect fit for Kotsay and would open up a spot for a powerful free agent like Dunn or Bradley (assuming he’s open to ditching the DH role and actually exercising) or a young guy from the farm.
By Arvo
August 18, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
OK, so the Braves were down 2-0 but our rightfielder was grinning because he made a nice throw to the plate (to keep the runner at third, but who scored, eventually, anyway).
What a team player. Keep on grinning Jeff!
By Original Jon
August 18, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Are you fricking kidding me? Carroll, do you by any chance know how many games we have lost in the past few weeks were our starting pitching has given up 2 runs or more in the first inning? I cant be for sure, but it seems as if every one of our losses in the past few weeks were because we were down before it ever began.
Correct me if I am wrong
By TROTTINGHOMETUDD
August 18, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
3 nothing, Giant’s in the first.
Has next years manager been announced?
By N Nine
August 18, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
senor blanco this is an ENGLISH ONLY blog!!!!!!(please)
speaking of blanco, So sad to hear he’s been hurt for a while, makes me wonder were he’s full potential is. We dont know since this would be his first year. Then again who is NOT hurt this year. MAN.
Guess its safe to say Mexican Maddux has been figured out lately. You still my boy and have a spot for next year. He’s dirt cheap for a while!
No holliday or pujols today, It’s time for you to shine chipper jones.
By Tomas
August 18, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Real fast inning by Zito, need to slow him down, make him lose command. The key to hitting him is when he leaves that big curveball up.
By Original Jon
August 18, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Oh, and I guess we are going to make Zito look like Cy Young as well. This team just SUCKS!
By Carroll Rogers
August 18, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
hydee, i’d say 10,000…..no kidding.
this from the guys sitting behind me in the press box. zito needed nine pitches to get thru the first inning- the same number of pitches campillo threw to the first hitter he faced in a three-run first inning.
By TROTTINGHOMETUDD
August 18, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Zito will look like Cy Young today
By Renegator
August 18, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
And, of course, the Braves go 1-2-3 in their home half of the first.
By jerry
August 18, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Well, Campillo is starting to come back to the pack with the rest of the Braves. He has been super most of the season…one of the few bright spots, but his last couple of starts, have been average.
By brent a.
August 18, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Jorge Campillo is showing us that he is good for at least 1 bad inning a game.
Just can’t have that with this team/offense.
By BL
August 18, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Arvo 3-0 in the 1st inning doesn’t mean it is time to pack up and pout. We had to watch Andruw’s BS grin for years.
By One Man's View
August 18, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
One thing about this year is that next spring we are not going to have to listen to how the Braves have just been in a lull from the good years. They have truly become a team that belongs in the bottom third of the league. Their talent level is mediocre to say the least. And Bobby Cox et al presided over a lot of that. Their decisions for a pitching staff this year were terrible and lot of us knew that in March. Outside of Jones, McCann, and Escobar the Braves don’t have much and Jones can’t stay on the field. Get used to 4th place.
By McFann Ô
August 18, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
No offense, but
Let’s see my man do THAT!
Nice play, Kotchman!
By jerry
August 18, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Zito just made Campillo throw 1 pitch less than all three Braves batters in the firs inning. What a joke.
By N Nine
August 18, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
those calling zito cy young type: keep in mind his last start. He was super for 4 or 5 inn then the wheels fell of in a HURRY.
By Supes
August 18, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Lew
Not only is Kotsay blocking someone by the name of Jordan S. in CF, but by those comments we read from Carroll asking him about a part time player/backup role, it’s clear that Kotsay is done as a Brave. I can’t see any reason why they would bring him back next year. (Unless he was brought back as an insurance player for a younger who struggles a lot early on)
I seriously doubt that less than 10HR and 40RBI is the kind of production the Braves are expecting from CF (Let’s not forget, until the last year when Andruw stunk it up) we were used to 30HR and 100RBI from that spot.
Blogger who said that Matty Diaz is through as a Brave, probably so. Unless he is willing to come back as a back up/pinch hitter type, which maybe a perfect role for him with the knee injury. It seems to be more serious now.
The book is out on Campillo. Take the singles and work the count. I don’t see him projecting anything more than 5 starter in the bigs, and I hope the Braves know this and recognize this and don’t pencil him as a solid 3.
From the last blog, someone said they don’t remember the last time the Braves farm system produced a front line starter. I do. His name is Steve Avery. Yes, it’s been that long ago.
Shame isn’t it. I couldn’t care less about “draft posititon” crap. It’s all about scouting, and developing. You can only do so much with talent. The rest is taugh in the minors, and comes with experience. Although it should be noted that a Tim L. is a very rare find of a player.
NOTE…Braves can’t compete with Omar Infante as a cleanup hitter. What a joke. No disrespect to Omar who is a fine super utility guy, but nothing more.
That in a nutshell has been the problem with the Braves. Guys are being asked all season long (due to the injuries and lack of production) to be something they are not. Failure is to be expected.
By Mighty Have Fallen
August 18, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
There is no way I would have predicted that the Braves would go from one of the best teams in baseball to one of the worst in baseball in 3 short years. I repeat, one of the WORST TEAMS IN BASEBALL!
Yes there have been injuries, but this team started the season praying that the geriatric crew of Smoltz-Glavine would be healthy and effective. They also prayed that Hampton would be back and effective. He hasn’t been. They expected the never impressive Chuck James would again fool someone and win a few. He didn’t. Soriano hasn’t been right in almost a year now and had some health problems last year. Oh enough of that.
What about next year? Well just have a look at next year….. it’s on the field now! The Braves might add a couple of free agents, but there aren’t enough free agents on the market to fix this team in the off season.
The Campillo mirage seems to be fading. Another soft tosser who does it with smoke and mirrors. He’s not Glavine in his prime. He’s not Maddux. I don’t have anything against soft tossers, if they are the above mentioned in their prime or even a Jamie Moyer, but these guys are exceptions. A power pitcher can get by without being as fine. He can be a little off and get by. If a soft tosser isn’t hitting his spots, he’s meat! If Campillo is the future of this rotation, be afraid…..be very afraid!!!!
That’s enough for now. I’m just really frustrated with the Braves organization right now. Injuries or no injuries, there’s no way a winning organization allows itself to get to the point that what you see on the field today is the best you have. McCann is for real. Francouer, KJ, James, Boyer and the other golden future boys are for the most part a bust. The future is now and the boat left without these guys!
By Bill
August 18, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
This is pitiful. Looks like the Braves are going to lose the series to the lowley Giants. Campy is just not a starter. They have figured him out. He’s best suited for the pen in long relief. He will be pushed to make the team next year.
By N Nine
August 18, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
by the way Zito leads MLB in losses!
By Efrim
August 18, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
Carroll, I understand Bradley isn’t the most liked baseball player in the world, but I really would rather have him than Raul Ibanez(bad defensive outfielder, left handed bat, 37 years of age) or Juan Rivera. Rivera is more of a platoon outfielder to me and I’m not sure the Braves should go that route…again.
But if Cox doesn’t like him, than he isn’t coming to the Braves.
But the LF options just aren’t that appealing to me. Dunn and Burrell are far too expensive(Burrell is due for some regression).
By Carroll Rogers
August 18, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
original jon, i know that happened in two of the cub losses (the other they have up two runs in the second, two in the third) and the last loss in arizona
By Supes
August 18, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
One Man’s View
I refuse to “get used to 4th place”. This isn’t the Thrashers, Hawks or Falcons. It’s the Atlanta Braves. I rather proud franchise that is about 2 years away from being loaded with top talent from the minors coming up and contributing.
Everyone who follows the sports say 2010 is when the Braves will be back in a big way (if players continue to develop and they acquire the missing pieces via Free Agency)
By Goodoleboy58
August 18, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
TRADE FOR ZITO!!
this is ridiculous
By hydee
August 18, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
zito needed nine pitches to get thru the first inning- the same number of pitches campillo threw to the first hitter he faced Bullpen is going to get a workout again today :(
By jerry
August 18, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Zito has an era approaching 100, and has been horrible. I know he’s a lefty (the Braves’ weakness), but if they don’t hit him, I give completely up.
By N Nine
August 18, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Folks, remember when we traded for Kotchi and all we would hear is that he was a tough tough guy to strike out? That has proven false so far.
By Dre
August 18, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
There is nothing intimidating about the braves pitching and batting these days.
By Carroll Rogers
August 18, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
as it was just explained to me, the 4 p.m. start was a combination of it being getaway day for the giants and also the braves marketing department wanting to experiment with this game time…..i guess the idea is with school back in session, families could still bring their kids to a 4 p.m. game.
i’d say the experiment is failing. but it’s thickening up a little down there now. maybe 12,000 - 13,000? really hard to say when everybody is spaced out
By Arvo
August 18, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Zito versus Francoeur
Battle of the Superunderachievers
By Efrim
August 18, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
This really does look like one of the worst teams in baseball.
That is really quite difficult for me to say, but they look awfully punchless.
By N Nine
August 18, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
Kotchi 2008 strikeout ratio:
Angels- 373 AB…stikeout 6% of times
Braves- 64 AB….strikeout 12% of times
what has happened here? Is he adjusting? Is TP making him adjust too much? Something has changed big time so far!
By bravos2249
August 18, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
This is pitiful. Looks like the Braves are going to lose the series to the lowley Giants. Campy is just not a starter. They have figured him out. He’s best suited for the pen in long relief. He will be pushed to make the team next year.
I’ve never seen a Starter just lose it at the end of the year, when he has never pitched that much in the Bigs, and be brought back to the same team.
Wait…. Buddy who?
By doug
August 18, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
it is hard to count when you’re spaced out, i agree.
By Goodoleboy58
August 18, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
N Nine
Can you figure out Kotchie’s ground ball percentage since being Brave… I’m sure it’s 95%
By cabravesfan
August 18, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Folks, remember when we traded for Kotchi and all we would hear is that he was a tough tough guy to strike out? That has proven false so far.
I feel the need to point out- in 5 year in the majors (1200 at bats) Kotchman has only struck out 115 times…and only 7 in 18 games as a Brave
By Goodoleboy58
August 18, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure who does Giants radio but he’s pretty good
By Italia
August 18, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
What’s not to like about this Prado kid.
The kid hits the ball to left, center, and right. Hits fastballs, breaking balls, etc..
Hasn’t shown great D and 2nd yet, but he’s young. Young players are expected to make a lot of errors, but he was pretty good his last year in Richmond.
Also doesn’t have much power, but he hits tons of doubles. It always seems like he’s on base.
By 1957 Braves Fan
August 18, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
We’re playing for a top 10 pick in next year’s draft.
By Wayne
August 18, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
THE braves are SADDDDDDDDD!!!!!!
By Mighty Have Fallen
August 18, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Just an observation: Whats up with comments like Campillo will have a tough time making the team next year? Where are the pitchers coming from that are going to unseat him? Chuck James? JoJo Reyes? The Braves currently have ONE quality pitcher penciled in for next season and that’s JJ. Free agent pitcher? Ok what if you get one? What about the other 3 spots? As you can probably tell from my previous post, I think Campillo is not the answer, but he’s no worse than the others I mentioned. That’s the problem. The Braves will continue to try and fill their holes with “promise” rather than proof. So far, promise hasn’t produced too well for Atl the last couple of years (with the exception of McCann)
As for running Kotsay out of town on a rail, I don’t care one way or another. But again you have folks saying he’s blocking other players. How about Francouer is blocking other players? How ‘bout Blanco is blocking other players? You need some power out of your outfield, but don’t expect all three positions to be bashers. So who is your basher going to be next year in the OF? Francouer? I’m laughing at that one! Blanco? He’s no better than a fourth outfielder in my book. If you’re going in total rebuilding mode, then let Kotsay walk, but don’t act like you’re going to get from Kotsay’s replacement (Jordan S or Anderson) lots of bombs cause it ain’t gonna happen with either of them…..unless you decide you know how to slip Schaefer some juice again. Notice his power numbers since he was caught? Maybe you better check them out!
C’mon guys. You can be frustrated just like I’m frustrated, but dreaming that you have a whole host of guys in the minors who are gonna step up and be the stars of tomorrow is just fantasy! Want to know how far REAL offensive help is away in our minor league system? Try Jason Heyward in A ball! How ‘bout pitching? More up in the air and things could change but there aren’t any can’t miss prospects on the immediate horizon.
By jerry
August 18, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
At one point we could still watch the Braves to root for Chipper and his quest for the batting title, but it looks as if even he has given up.
By proeye
August 18, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
Well, you know there is a serious power shortage all around the league. Hummm… Lack of steroids me thinks?
Sure, the Braves have been hit harder than other teams. WELL OBVIOUSLY! There is a serious lack of talent on this team so clearly, homers tend to take a back seat.
I think you are kinda stating the obvious. Not that it didn’t need to be said, but there is no question that the team is really mediocre.
We know what the needs are so the questions now are: Will Liberty Media let us build this team the right way, and secondly, will Frank Wren pull off some amazing signings and trades in the off season? There are 29 other clubs all vying for the same things: Power, outfielders, and starting pitching. Everyone has this need. So Mr. Wren is going to have to either do some really slick dealing or he’s is going to have to overpay to make the deals work.
We need at least 5 players. That’s a lot of work!
By N Nine
August 18, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
If we lose to the biggest loser in MLB (15 losses already) I’m GOING TO LOSE IT! This is disheartening. I’m telling myself it’s early..gulp
By A-ville Ranger
August 18, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Has any team ever been more obvious about just going through the motions ? How many still think Cox can motivate anymore ?
Frank Wren must see it by now.I’m guessing he’s regreting the extention given to Bobby.It’s weird how the team quit almost to the day of that contract
By Carroll Rogers
August 18, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
efrim, i agree that things get pretty thin on the free agent market pretty quick. the braves don’t have to go that route tho. they could trade for a left fielder.
By Rick Dyer
August 18, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
Braves should sign Bigfoot.
Dude is seven feet tall and can play first base. I hear he is more articulate than Chuck James.
By KND
August 18, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
Tomas, Blanco is doing pretty well for having a bad ankle. Funny that’s one of the poor excuses that Francine has been giving for his lousy year. This year is so reminiscent of the 80’s Braves, it’s sickening. I’d really like to see a total overhaul next year. Get rid of Cox and his whole staff, bring in a manager who doesn’t baby players and waste 4-5 pitchers every night on matchup possiblities that don’t pay off. But for now, go ahead and start calling up some of the guys in the minors and see now how they fare in this wasted season instead of trying to find out next season when we’re not out of contention. And for some of these guys (Francoeur and KJ) who are having down years (although I think teams just caught up to Franceour’s inability to be disciplined and make adjustments) have them play winter ball to work out their problems. If they don’t want to, they need to start the season in AA ball.
By Mike
August 18, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
Barry Zito???? Seriously??
By McFann Ô
August 18, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
So, BMac, what’s with the strikeouts?
It’s getting old…That’s 8 already this month.
By Tomahawkin
August 18, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Supes Were You Referring To Avery as the last Upper-tier Starter to be drafted by the Braves and Developed through the system…?
If so, Then Millwood, Jason Schmidt, Jason Marquis, among others (The guys who didn’t pan out like Bruce Chen, Terrell Wade, Brad Woodall) have been brought through the system. So there have been many who have come through, they were just Roadblocked by Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz
Even Guys like Justin Speier have come through our system, I believe that they were just roadblocked by the veterans who were being paid a lot more money to produce than the guys who were developed…
By Tomas
August 18, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
The last three starts, the problem for Campillo is the first inning, after that he settles in.
By jerry
August 18, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Braves’ scouts can find a diamond in the rough like the White Sox did with Carlos Quentin. I just don’t expect the Braves to bring in any of the outfield FA that have been named.
What big time FA have the Braves ever signed, other than Maddux, and that at less than he could have gotten from some other team?
By Italia
August 18, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
ESPN radio yesterday was talking about the Rays and how they’re too dumb & young to fold. They said once you get to this point in the year, they just keep playing ball and having fun.
They compared the Rays to the Braves in the late 80’s and early 90’s, how the braves stocked up on young talent with their early draft picks, then mixed those guys with some veterans. They said the braves succeeded earlier than expected in 1991, much like the Rays this year, but were “too young and dumb” to know how to lose. Pennant race pressure didn’t affect those guys or the Rays.
They said with the steroid era behind baseball, you don’t need power to succeed. I think the braves need to take this appraoch. They have a lot of good hitters without power (infante, Anderson, Prado), and if you mix those guys with Chipper, BMac, Kotchman, that could be a formiddable lineup. Francouer may break out, you get a few starters in the offseason, a reliever, and a left fielder, and that could be a good team.
By Tomas
August 18, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Kotchman just roped one to first base. That’s just bad luck.
By bobby
August 18, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Face it, the Braves are a lousy team from the top to bottom. There is not one area where you could say that they play winning baseball. Begining with BC and his handling of the pitchers, basic fundamentals (Can’t bunt with the exception of Blanco), defense, and just basically lackadaisical play.
By THB
August 18, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
1957 Braves Fab-I believe we’re in a four way tie for 5th worst record in the majors. So we could either get a 5th or 9th. Who knows.
By Seriously
August 18, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
And for some of these guys (Francoeur and KJ) who are having down years… have them play winter ball to work out their problems.
Seriously. Winter ball is not going to help them “work out their problems”. They are clueless and they are pressing. If there is any hope for them at all it is for them to chill out over the winter, forget about this year and start from scratch in ‘09. Seriously.
By Steve from OH
August 18, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Another interesting name on the starting pitching trading block is Ian Snell. I read where he was available this July. He could be a cheaper alternative to a Peavy/Halladay type, even if his numbers are down this season.
By Drunk
August 18, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
This team makes me drink large quantities.
By kirknga
August 18, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
Which ever option(s) the Braves go with to improve the offense, let’s all hope that it includes the ability to hit lefthanders.
I would like to see Kotsay return next year. When he’s healthy he is as good a bat and tough out as there is. If we want to get better offensively, is it really the time to have a rookie in CF? Especially a guy who still has some question marks in the minors?
I think Jordan Schafer needs another season in the minors, I don’t think he has had the kind of season that would make you say that you absolutely have to bring him up and hand him the starting CF job on a team looking to recover offensively.
By N Nine
August 18, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
Goodoleboy58
reply to Ground ball question: He’s at a 38% groundOUTS
Groundout and strikeout=50% of time doesnot include ground ball hits
Zito has a .283 BA against him …and…we are getting shutdown
By Tomahawkin
August 18, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
Oh Yea, After watching the Brewers game on TBS Yesterday, Is there anyone other than myself who wishes that the Braves F.O. should’ve went hard after Mike Cameron last offseason…?
I was against it at the time but he has as many homers as our entire outfield combined…He still strikes out way too much, but his defense is better than Kotsay’s…
Oh yea He did get banned for HGH So some of those numbers and his range on defense may’ve been an abberation…
By N Nine
August 18, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
So if we lose today, that would be losses to Giants in BOTH series…more ouchie news
By Homer
August 18, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
Hey Carroll, there’s a homer for ya!
By THB
August 18, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
Now that the Rangers signed Justin Smoak, they have a problem at 1B. Chris Davis has some serious power, and he put up some ridiculous numbers in AAA this year before his callup. I believe he’s 23. Smoak could take his spot as the 1B. I’m not sure I could pass up getting Chris Davis. The Rangers want young pitching…not sure if Morton or Reyes would interest them. Maybe Morton plus a low prospect? We would be able to flip Kotchman for an outfielder or a starter. I don’t see Kotchman being the long term answer anyway.
By Homer
August 18, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
Francouer may break out…
Yes, if he doesn’t wash his face frequently. He should also keep plenty of Clearasil on hand.
By jerry
August 18, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
Prado just single…here comes the dreaded double play.
By McFann Ô
August 18, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
This is REALLY irritating!
McCann’s AVG is right at .300 now…
He’s been scuffling of late…
By kirknga
August 18, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
Look at the stadium today it looks like a crowd from the 80’s, back at Atlanta-Fulton County when you could buy a cheap ticket and moved down to a great seat.
The Braves are playing like a team from the 80’s as well.
By Tomas
August 18, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
The braves hit line drives all over the place and they get turned into double plays, the giants hit flairs all over the place and drop for base hits.
By JimD
August 18, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
Carroll,
So … everyone is spaced out? Hmm.
By TROTTINGHOMETUDD
August 18, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
ZITO JUST WON THE CY YOUNG
By Arvo
August 18, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Oh Nice! McCann throws the ball into left field (on ball four) and then stands there grinning just like his buddy.
The lovable, wacky grinning Braves.
By Tomas
August 18, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
Mac what the hell was that. Please in your next turn at bat hit a grandslam. 5 runs(possibly two more) for Campillo, but very deceiving because he pitched great after the first inning. The offense need to hit, this is getting old.
By Jeff321
August 18, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
Wow, McCann has trouble throwing to third base now too?
By Italia
August 18, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
McFann’s not gonna like that play by McCann.
threw the ball to left on ball 4?
Now it’s really looking like the 80’s.
Ouch.
By Carroll Rogers
August 18, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
head’s not in it today. infante didn’t realize there were only two outs in the first inning on rowand’s sacrifice line-out.. now mccann throwing ball four into left field allowing a run to score
By Raleigh Brave
August 18, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
It’s so refreshing to see the Braves, professional atheletes, playing with the same kind of zeal, optimism and determination that we’re seeing in Beijing. Not!!!!! Braves are done for decades. They are an embarssment not jus to Atlanta but to sports in general. What an awful team! I mean, awful bunch of players. They are not a team.
By Arvo
August 18, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
So … everyone is spaced out?
It’s Brownie day at the Ted. Braves are better when you’re slightly buzzed.
By jerry
August 18, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
It’s time for COx to take Campillo out. He’s given you a good effort.
By Efrim
August 18, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
Carroll
I’m down to trade for one. But I would rather not trade for an outfielder who has a lot of years on their contract. I really believe Jason Heyward will be ready around mid season 2010.
By kirknga
August 18, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
I hope McFann doesn’t yell at me for saying this, but throwing to 3rd is a real weakness of McCann. He’s got to do better, much better. I hold my breath every time he throws over there.
By Goodoleboy58
August 18, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
I mean Barry Zito has us shut out through 7 innings… Are we going to score the rest of the season?
By bravos2249
August 18, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
Joe needs to be informed that Zito’s not better in this start; he’s facing worse hitters in this start.
By McPun
August 18, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
In defense of McCann, McFann will now fire off an esoteric pun that will fly over everyone’s heads.
By jerry
August 18, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
Kotchman has been very good at moving the runners over during his short stint with the Braves, so I’ll cut him some slack there…but the Braves have to get better at getting there hits in bunches. they’ve been out hit 7 5, but trail 5 - 0.
By Carroll Rogers
August 18, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
efrim good point. tho as with edgar renteria, you can also trade somebody away again to make room for a youngster.
By Arvo
August 18, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Braves are playing like they have a plane to catch.
By THB
August 18, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
Efrim-Right. If we’re trading for anything, it’s for an ace. LF can be filled by FA. We should be able to land one of Bradley, Dunn, or Burell. All 3 would be a huge upgrade. It’s really that simple. Now, if we were to get CC or Sheets, we could trade for the LFer and try and sign Dempster or Lowe. Our priorites need to go starting pitching, cleanup hitter, bullpen. We need 2 frontline starters, a LFer (Preferably one to hit cleanup), and resigning Ohman or someone else.
All who are down on Schafer: I think he’s pretty close to being ready. His OBP is .367 with a respectable .263 AVG and 7 HR. If he gets his numbers up to .275 AVG, .375 OBP, 10 HR, and gold glove outfield while missing 50 games, I’d say he’s still a top prospect ready for the bigs.
By N Nine
August 18, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
There we have it folks! Zito’s (finest) eeeh outing of the year. Thanks AAAA Braves. Richmond braves would have done better. Chipper BA is dropping like the DOW Jones stocks. Is there anything positive these days? Good Grief we are horrible….Doh! Braves homers lacking no kidding you can add offense and pitching and defense and bullpen to that too…am i missing any other parts???
By N Nine
August 18, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
Carroll just curious..Do you still like your job?
By McFann Ô
August 18, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
kirknga—
Yes. Huge weakness. Not doubt.
That was really bad. Don’t know what’s wrong with him today.
McPun—
No I won’t. There was nothing funny about that play, no matter how you spin it.
By Biff Pocoroba
August 18, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
LOOKS LIKE WE NEED A FIRSTBASEMAN IN 2009, ONE THAT CAN HIT ABOVE THE MENDOZA LINE. IS TERRY TEACHING KOTCHMAN EVERYTHING HE TAUGHT ANDRUW & FRENCHIE ? AT SOME POINT BOBBY OR TERRY HAS TO BE MADE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THESE PUNCHLESS WONDERS !
By Goodoleboy58
August 18, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
jerry
I agree with you about Kotchie moving the runners over… But it’s also because most of his outs are ground outs to the right side regardless of the situation
By Giuseppe
August 18, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
This game has made me hungry.
Think I’ll make some baked Ziti.
By Goodoleboy58
August 18, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
Giants radio announcer is pondering if this is the smallest crowd we’ve ever had at Turner Field…
Ouch
By First to Worst.
August 18, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
like they went from worst to first in ‘91, this team has gone from 1st to worst here in ‘08.
Predicted by many to win-it-all at the beginning of the year, this team is one of the worst in baseball.
Seriously, who’s worse than this team? Pittsburg? No. The Reds? No. San Francisco? No. Maybe. Kansas City? Maybe. Washington? Maybe.
The only worse teams in baseball may be San Diego and Seattle.
By Lew
August 18, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
Supes-I don’t think Shafer is ready for a jump from AA to the bigs-especially after missing those 50 games. Just why should the kid have even more pressure put on his young shoulders right now, anyway? He’s been hot and cold all season since coming back from the suspension. Struggle at the Major League level will help him how? Because the blog needs someone else to give unreasonable and inordinate amounts of grief to? Have you tired of the Francoeur Baiting and need new fodder, perhaps?
If the Braves seriously thought that he was ready, or that Josh Anderson was going to make us an appreciably better team at the moment, then you can bet either or both would already be here-especially considering the new revelation of Blanco’s ankle problem. Kotsay is blocking no one-whether they bring him back or not.
By Vic Correll
August 18, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Why would Sabathia or Sheets come to a LOSER like Atlanta, an organization obviously going in reverse that has not been to the post-season since 2005? Adam Dunn? Another .230 hitter to join the likes of Francouer and Kochman? Pendelton could really work his magic then ! What a collection of RIFF RAFF. Reminds me of the 70s or mid-late 80s. The Braves are now small market. ed Turner, his deep pockets & TBS are long GONE !
By Vic Correll
August 18, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
Why would Sabathia or Sheets come to a LOSER like Atlanta, an organization obviously going in reverse that has not been to the post-season since 2005? Adam Dunn? Another .230 hitter to join the likes of Francouer and Kochman? Pendelton could really work his magic then ! What a collection of RIFF RAFF. Reminds me of the 70s or mid-late 80s. The Braves are now small market. Ted Turner, his deep pockets & TBS are long GONE !
By keylargo
August 18, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
I have to think Kotchman is disappointed in being here. You know he can’t say so but how would anyone feel about going from a 10+ game lead in the division and a legit shot at winning the World Series to a situation he finds himself in here? His team gave him up for a better first baseman and he’s just in a “funk”. He’ll be back at full speed next spring.
By Tomas
August 18, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
7 shutout innings by Zito. Wow, this is just embarrasing.
The Braves need a great hitter to play left or center. Manny Ramirez comes to mind, but he is 36 years old and represente by Boras. But who cares the Braves have some money, and they just need a couple of years of manny, until Heyward is ready. Look at the Dodgers, that awfull offense is suddenly gotten good, he changes a team completely. Or trade for a power hitting outfielder.
Need an ace, or a good starter like AJ Burnett, Ryan Dempster, or Oliver Perez.
Need to resign Will Ohman, and another reliever, because Soriano can not be depended on. Maybe Juan Cruz or Jeremy Affeldt.
Resign Hampton if he doesn’t hit the DL for the rest of the year.
Send a non-roster invite to Smoltz, to see if he can pitch, and if he can do it pain free, sign to a one year deal worth one million.
Thats how I would spend the 60 million left by the players ending those big contracts like Hampton, Smoltz, Glavine, and not having to resign Texeira.
By Goodoleboy58
August 18, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
According to the radio “Francoeur looked like he was swinging with his eyes closed”
By N Nine
August 18, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
mmm Think I’ll make some baked Ziti
By jerry
August 18, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
Well…at least the Braves have the same number of hits as the Giants.
By McFann Ô
August 18, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Barrett! Man! Still no 70th RBI! Dang! Glad he finally got a hit today, but…
When the heck is gonna knock another one in?
Last RBI for him was 8/09, when he knocked in four.
By kirknga
August 18, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
I’m not down on Schafer, I just think he needs another full season in the minors. He’s just 21? 22? so I don’t see how he would be hurt by it.
If the Braves go out and fill the holes they have and there is not enough left in the budget to resign Kotsay, then yeah bring him up, but even then maybe Blanco and Anderson could hold things down.
By Booby Cox
August 18, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
Our farm system sucks! Our pitching sucks! Our hitting sucks ! Our scouting system sucks ! How is a living legend like myself supposed to win games surrounded by these jokers ! Now I know why Schuerholz resigned as GM to become team President, a big do nothing job. He saw the disaster coming. Its time for a post-game toddy !
By paid attendence
August 18, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
are there more cubs fans at the game today?
By Jeff
August 18, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
This is the worst team I have seen In many years.. The past 3 years have been a Joke… This team sucks in every fasset of the game.. No pitching, no clutch hitting No speed, One of fewest teams with stolen bases. Hello Bobby Cox wake up and smell the The 21st Century.. Its Time for Him to go.. and What a Joke Our GM’s Have been the past 2 years.. Wren is the worst of the the 2… You trade Tex for kotchman man what a great tradeee… NOTT..Until There are people committed to winning again in ATLANTA this team will suck and miss the playoffs and be a cellar team for years to come.. Its time for a HUGE shakeup of Leadership…. The experiment for Frank Wren is Over.. Get rid of him please…. and why is Josh Anderson still in Richmond..
By Jake
August 18, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
It’s obvious that all the injuries to the pitching staff caught up with the Braves right about the time we got back from the all-star break. Overworked bullpen arms and young starting pitching has given way to the struggles of the pitching lately. The struggles of this team offensively though is another story.
1.Gregor is a rookie who was suppose to be nothing more than a 4th outfielder this year. Because of injuries he was forced into playing and has done pretty well. He adds an element to the lineup that we havent had in a while and that’s speed. He bunts great, works the count and can have some great at bats. He needs to work on his defense some more, add more steals(although being hurt might have to do with that), and get more extra base hits(which could come with experience) and he could be a very good lead-off hitter for us.
2.Yunel needs to get back to driving the ball the other way. His shoulder injury may have something to do with the way he’s played. I knew some inconsistency was expected because this is still his first full year in the league. I didn’t expect him to step in and be the way Renteria was for us the last two years.
3.Chipper has been Chipper. Only complaints would have to be him getting injured, but we knew he wouldn’t play the full season.
4.Kotchman still looks a little shell shocked. I know he is a better player than what he has shown us so far. He’s needs to stop pressing and just relax. It’s not like he came here with the pressure of helping us make the playoffs or something.
5.Mac has been great this year. He has struggled lately since coming back from the concussion but otherwise has been great.
6.Frenchy has obviously struggled greatly this year. No need to go into detail about what his problems are becasue I think we all know by now.
7.KJ has been very streaky at the plate this year. His strikeouts have picked up this year and he has struggled of late. His power numbers have been down too.
8.Kotsay has bascially done what we brought him in to do. He has missed some time due to injury but we knew his injury history coming in.
The bench has been ok. Because of injuries though they have played a little too much for my liking. Norton has been good as a pinch hitter, Prado and Infante have been good as utility men. Who knows, if players had performed the way they were suppose to offensively maybe we wouldn’t be looking at so many holes that we have to fill next year. This lineup as a whole, even with Teixeira, was very punchless for the most part of the season. When our pitchers pitched badly they got beat up on. When we faced those kinds of pitchers we couldn’t do the same. I understand the trade for Kotchman and I think he is a good player but we already have quite a few players like him. We need someone who can punch back. I’ve heard the McCann has been the vocal leader for this team. We need more than that. We need a veteran who could also feel that role. I have no idea who that would be, but I hope when we are looking to feel those holes in the offseason that that is something that is considered. This team needs some veteran leadership in that lineup.
By uga-brave
August 18, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
1-6 homestand, more cubs fans in the park then braves fans, and 10,000 people at the park today.
this is on the front office. marginal talent producing putrid results. it is not just the injuries, scouts and minor league coaches just are not developing major league talent.
no quick fixes here. it is gonna take a lot of time to fix this. really kinda sad to watch.
with every at bat casey kotchman is doing frank wren no favors.
By Efrim
August 18, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
Carroll and THB
Yes, but I am not quite sure if we have an Edgar Renteria to trade this year. Most of our players are underperforming 24-27 year olds(Kotchman, Escobar, Johnson and Francouer). I don’t think it is wise to trade any of them this offseason unless it is for pitching. And I really believe that the Braves need to hold onto their prospects right now, unless we are talking Zach Greinke or Matt Cain.
This may be crazy talk, and I am known for that, but with the Braves current state, I would rather trade one or two of Brandon Jones/Brent Lillibridge/Charlie Morton/Josh Anderson/Jo Jo Reyes than top 10 prospects like Jordan Schafer/Jason Heyward/Julio Teheran/Freddie Freeman/Tommy Hanson/Cole Rohrbough/Jeff Locke. The four prospects I would talk to teams about are Tyler Flowers, Gorkys Hernandez, Kris Medlen and Brandon Hicks.
If you can get a #3/#4 starter from a mix of the closer to the majors prospects(Brandon Jones, Brent Lillibridge, etc,) and add in a one or two of the other prospects that may be blocked(1B/C Flowers by Kotchman and McCann, with Freeman on his heels, Hicks by Escobar, Hernandez by Schafer) than I think that would be the route to go. Especially if you have already signed a guy like Ryan Dempster, who is #1 on my Braves offseason wish list. I also like Milton Bradley a lot too, at least his game. If not Bradley, then I suppose I could deal with Juan Rivera(I’d rather him than the 37 year old LF from Seattle).
By jerry
August 18, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
Kotchman is an official Brave now…He’s batting a whopping .149 with 9 K’s in 19 games.
Welcome aboard the Braves’ Express Mr. Kotchman!
By McFann Ô
August 18, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
Keylargo—
So, you survived the storm so far? That’s good.
By Casey Kotchman
August 18, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
I’M SO DEPRESSED ! I GO FROM FIRSTPLACE TO THIS ! WHAT HAPPENED TO MY BEAUTIFUL SWING ! MY GOD, I’M HITTING .149 ! MY POST-SEASON BONUS MONEY IS GONE !
By Steve from OH
August 18, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
Efrim, good post at 7:12. Another prospect I think some teams would be interesed is Kala Kaaihue. He’s got a .411 OBP and an .859 OPS in AA this season. He could possibly fetch some value in a deal.
By Tomas
August 18, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
Bench:
Pitchers:
The braves would still have 15million to arbritation negociations. I think it would fill all the holes on the team.
By Blaine Boyer will eat almost anything
August 18, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this
I think some teams would be interesed is Kala Kaaihue
And Blaine Boyer is salivating at the prospect of putting him on the grill.
By Art Lover
August 18, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
Hey, Lew, can you paint me a picture of McCann throwing the ball into left field after that walk?
By MR MET
August 18, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
GET READY FOR AN OLD FASHIONED A*-KICKING IN SHEA STADIUM ! KOTCHMAN LOOKS LIKE MARV THORNBERRY ON FIRST. BRING BACK ANDRUW JONES, & THE MIDDLE OF YOUR LINEUP MIGHT HIT .160 !!! LMAO !!!!!!!
By Original Jon
August 18, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
Are you FRICKING kidding me????!!!!!!! ZITO SHUT US OUT THROUGH 7??????????? MOTHER EFFIN BARRY ZITO, THE MAJORS LEADER IN LOSSES, SHUT US OUT????????? THE GUY WITH AN ERA OVER 5, AND WHO HAS GIVEN UP MORE THAN 3 RUNS IN 10 OF HIS STARTS THIS YEAR, SHUT US OUT??????????!!!!!!!!! THIS TEAM SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By dgd
August 18, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
As bad as the Braves are—and they’re terrible—they don’t hold the distinction of being the worst team in the National League. That title belongs to my Washington Nationals. Boy, do they stink. They’re a perfect example of team that even though they’re building by “the plan”—Stan Kasten’s term—need desperately to sign someone like Sabathia or Sheets so the fans will have some reason to come to the game (other than the new park, which is great)……Went to the game at Nationals Park yesterday and there were FOUR former Braves in the lineup: Odalis Perez, Ryan Langerhans, Pete Orr, and Willie Harris. Triple A players all and a borderline servicable fifth starter………YUCK
By McFann Ô
August 18, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
Art Lover—
Yeah…why would anyone want a painting of that?
Not funny, dude. Just not funny…
By semiballcoach
August 18, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
kotsay cleared waivers
By John Smoltz
August 18, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
If I’m coming back to these bozos in 2009, I’d better get more than a paltry $1 million ! Is this the respect I get after over 20 years of LOYALTY to this organization ! Tomas, WHY would Manny come here ? If the Braves are too CHEAP to pay Texeira Manny bucks, WHY would they pay Manny Manny bucks ???? Who would Manny drive in? Re-SIGN Mike Hampton? Are you NUTZ ? Hasn’t he stolen enough money ?
By Del
August 18, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
Shame on you Braves — You ought to hang your head after this one, or better yet refund the ticket cost to those foolish enough to attend this so called baseball game. You have provided the ideal video tape to show youngters how NOT to play the game.
Four mental errors, no hits with RISP, no sign of life either on the field or from mgmt, no reason to hope for anything better. What a waste of three hours. Pitiful !!!!!
By keylargo
August 18, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
Thank you for thinking about me McFann. The storm never gained any strength after it passed over Cuba. It rained several inches and the winds got to 60 but no damage. The tide scared me some as it came up to within 12 inches of the top of my seawall but it retreated after 3 pm.
Most of these storms are so hyped by the media and government agencies looking for funding, that you have to look at them really hard to see what’s actually there.
By It's Super goo!
August 18, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
Slower than a stationary structure.
More powerful than old sweatsocks.
Able to be rolled from the bullpen with some assistance.
Look! There on the ground!
It’s bird droppings. It’s something that fell off a plane.
It’s Super Goo!
Yes, it’s Super Goo - strange visitor from another planet who came to Earth with powers and abilities far below those of mortal setup men.
Super Goo - who can change the course of close ballgames, bounce curveballs with his bare hands, and who, disguised as Blaine Boyer, slovenly, inarticulate ballplayer for a declining mid-market team, fights the never ending battle for Money, Endorsements and love of his doddering old manager, Bobby Cox.
By Jeff321
August 18, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
Tomas — Do you really think Manny Ramirez wants to play for this team?
By Corky Miller
August 18, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
After watching Kotchman the past couple of weeks who’s now hitting a whopping .149, I think I’ll put on my old firstbaseman’s glove from high school, and give Bobby Cox a call. I think even I can do better than that, only if I totally ignore Terry Pendleton’s advice !
By bravesfan54
August 18, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
I am sorry to hear that Kotsay is not interested in 4th OF/PH role. Skilled veterans are needed even when rebuilding (he;; yes we’re rebuilding), and Kotsay’s age is not the problem his lack of power and his are. I am tired of injured players and we need more than 6-9 HR’s from our OF’s. Good luck, Kots!
By song
August 18, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
Only 1.7 home runs per game have been hit at Turner Field this month see Hitters Park at eFastball. One of the lowest in the majors.
The Braves need some pop.
By Country Song
August 18, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
The game is now over, the Braves are in a pickle
But Cox sits in his whirlpool, sipping his George Dickel
The loss is so bad, the players are all smarting
But Cox just sits in his whirlpool drinking and farting…
By kirknga
August 18, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
Looking over the list of free agent LF’s as it stands now, I would bet that the Braves would likely go after Raul Ibanez.
He’s 36 but that is about the only drawback with him. Not a big power guy. He’s going to give you about 20Hr’s and 80-100 Rbi’s and hit you better than .290.
Seems to me he would be a guy you could put out there for a couple of years while we give Heyward or someone else, time to develop.
He’s only making $5.5 million so he could be the best value out of the bunch.
By Efrim
August 18, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH
Kala would probably be a throw in, but yes, he could, and probably will be traded at some point. Should be very interesting offseason.
By fastasballs
August 18, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
Well the Braves are making a real run a top 5 draft pick for next year. Sadly that’s about all we have to look forward to.
The team looks like crap. There isn’t any other way to put it. Cox should be ashamed to have a team he manages go out there & throw in the towel as soon as the game begins.
Who is giving it their all out there anymore? September can’t get here fast enough so we can see some guys who actually want to play baseball.
By ccrider
August 18, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
JUDGEMENT DAY IS NEAR! This has been a sad year for Braves Fans. A organization that for the last 20 years has been one of the premier franchises in the history of sports has fallen to near the bottom of the barrel along with the Clippers in the NBA, Cardinals in the NFL and the Rangers, Mariners, Expos/Nationals of Baseball. Yes, the injuries have contributed mightily to the decline, but poor decisions on personal, trades and drafts have also been critical to this decline. Ownership in the recent past and present bear the burnt of the guilt for this sad state we find our team in. I have been a loyal fan since 1966, through the bad days and the glory days. There has been so much good to come out of the Braves recent successes, but I fear the road ahead could turn all the recent good to the bad old days quickly. We go into next season with 1 proven starting pitcher, a lineup short on power and run scoring ability, an erractic bullpen with some potential and a farm system tha is not ready to fill the needs of it’s parent team. Ownership and management: IT”S TIME TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE! Commit the resources to make this team competitive again or you will find the Turner Field looking near empty like Fulton County Stadium Did in the 70’s and 80’s. Spend the money, trade the prospects and compete with the other teams or get out of the ballgame as soon as you can. The fans HAVE been spoiled, I agree. But, they won’t settle indefintely for a poorly run product that the ownership doesn’t care or believe in enough to spend their on money on! IF YOU WANT US TO COME, BUILD IT!!
By Jeff in Alabama
August 18, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
Of note from today’s game, Campillo’s 6.2 IP qualified him for the league ERA leader’s list with 126 IP. His 3.29 ERA places him 13th, between Cole Hamels (3.22) and Carlos Zambrano (3.38). If Burriss had not scored, his ERA would have been 3.21.
McCann’s throwing error didn’t do his pitcher any favors, but in the scorer’s opinion, Ochoa’s fielder’s choice grounder would have scored Burriss anyway. Tough break on the scoring for Campillo to be charged with that run.
By Ben Bernanke
August 18, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
Tight monetary policy by the Braves Management to control inflation has ultimately led to another recession.
By Supes
August 18, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
Only the gutless and wretched 2008 Braves can “go back in time and face Barry Zito from 3 years go”:)
This team has quit on Bobby Cox. Maybe not everyone, but enough people have quit to drag down the rest with them.
September can’t get here fast enough.
It’s plain that some young, hungry guys are needed in the lineup and in the field, to get experience and fire up what’s left of this sorry bunch to finish strong.
It’s still important that the Braves have a winning last month of the season. Gotta finish on a positive note.
Oh, and Lew…by that post of saying that Jordan S. isn’t ready, if not next year then when? He’s as ready as he’s going to be. Several people have already posted some numbers. Yes he missed 50 games, etc but after he gets called up in a couple of weeks, and gets some experience up here, and plays winter ball (which he probably will barring injury), by that time he’ll be ready to compete for the CF opening.
I’d rather go with Jordan S. in CF in Spring Training than an aging and injury prone Mark Kotsay (who is by all means a serviceable OF but not a long term solution in CF. Here is the problem…the Braves aren’t winning anytime soon. So play youth now, and the payoff in 1-2 years will be big. Instead of patching up the team with short term vets like Kotsay)
Braves don’t need a complete “re-build”, just the OF, and starting rotation. Pen and infield should be set pretty much.
By BravesFanInRockies
August 18, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
Efrim,
Agreed for the most part on your 7:12.
Also, why is everyone so hesitant to consider Schafer for a starting role next year?
If he’s as good as he was supposed to be before the HGH suspension and as good as he has played in recent weeks, why not invite give him the opportunity to win a regular job on the team?
Don’t hand him anything, of course, but give him a chance to compete for a starting role or at least part of a platoon.
You act like he’s 12 years old. It seems like last fall everyone was ready to anoint him the Next Big Thing. Now you’re afraid you’re going to hurt his feelings.
Sheesh.
By CONNECTICUT BRAVES FAN
August 18, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
The attendance figures will just get worst. This is the worst team in the majors as far as fundamentals are concerned. They are also listless and have no energy. Blame Bobby Cox and his terrible coaches for this. With a lousy farm system and ownership that won’t shell out big bucks for prime free agent pitchers, a long stretch as cellar dwellers is on the horizon.
By southbeachdietfreak
August 18, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
keylargo
Glad everything’s ok in the keys. Better than the hurricane that’s rolled through Turner Field this week.
By Efrim
August 18, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
Lew
I wouldn’t be that down on Schafer man. His batting average is low, but his peripherals are solid. My only problem is that he doesn’t seem like he can handle lefties yet. I wouldn’t give him the job in April, as I still think he needs development time, but mid season would be fine by me.
By BravesFanInRockies
August 18, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
Kotsay has cleared waivers (according to Rosenthal) and he doesn’t want to be a part-time Brave next year.
So fearless prediction: He’ll be moved before Aug. 31.
By Steve from OH
August 18, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
I agree that Schafer should be given a look as the starting CF’er next season (I hope he gets a cup of coffee in September, too). His overall line in Mississippi has been overall very good, and even better when you factor in the 50 game suspension and his slow start upon his return from the aforementioned suspension.
He’s also homered again tonight for Mississippi. I’d say he’s playing like he wants a call-up.
By McFann Ô
August 18, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
You’re welcome, Keylargo. Glad all is well!
By Logan
August 18, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
Carlos Rivas perfect thru five @ myrtle beach.
By McFann Ô
August 18, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
What does cleared waivers mean in this case???
By Steve from OH
August 18, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
Efrim, I agree that Schafer’s ability to handle lefties is a bit worrisome. Does anyone have his career lefty/righty splits?
By hydee
August 18, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
I agree with alot of the posters that this team looks very listless and defeated, with the exception of my favorite player, Julian Tavarez :) Question: Does anyone else see a problem with Mike Gonzalez not pitching for such an extended period of time?? I know he has that whole “closer’s mentality” thing going on, but c’mon, it does not look like there are going to be alot of save opportunities for this team down the stretch, he really is going to have to get over that. And if there is a save opportunity how on earth is he going to be sharp when he is needed??
By Country Song (cont.)
August 18, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
What will turn things around?
It could take some voodoo.
Cause’ the guys on this team
Are stinkin’ like doo doo.
What will turn things around
and resolve all these troubles
while the manager gets drunk and blows underwater bubbles?
By Tomahawkin
August 18, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
I’ve been away for awile (Been moving into a new house, and partying…)
Any word On Will Ohman being put on the Waiver wire? Since this season is a lost cause (And I’m putting it lightly) we need to at least get something in return for next year…
And since the mets Blow-pen is so bad don’t be suprised if they go hard after Ohman in the offseason…
By Steve from OH
August 18, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
McFann, here’s a good explaination of waiver trade rules.
By Efrim
August 18, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH
I don’t know his splits but for a team that has stuggled so much against lefties the past couple years, Schafer probably wouldn’t help the O either. I’d like to see him finish strong and have a good spring, but I still think he needs some time in Triple A next year.
By Tomahawkin
August 18, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Conn. Braves Fan I will definitely cosign about your last post, and It seems like they don’t care about going out there and getting Clowned by one of the worst teams in the league…
Since UGA Is ranked #1 expect a lot of 10K-20 Attendance figures at the TED since the Team and the F.O. doesn’t care that the team looks, and plays like crap…
By Steve from OH
August 18, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Check that…Schafer has two homers tonight for Mississippi. Todd Redmond also throwing a nice game, 4 scoreless innings with 4K.
By Tomahawkin
August 18, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
After reading a facebook.com group/braves/addicts/global/ I was really amazed at how many people wants us to go hard after Ben Sheets…I’ll admit the man in Cold When HEALTHY, If we go after him and acquire Him, I have a Felling he will be another case of Mike Hampton Part 2…I’d rather go after Two #2 Starters either via Trade and/or Free Agency…
Anyone See any Rationality in this….????
By Carroll Rogers
August 18, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
Chipper has some strong words to say after the game; thought i’d share
“I don’t know what to say,” Jones said. “It’s just bad, bad baseball. Bad. A lot of mental mistakes, forgetting outs, forgetting the count, and it’s everybody. I did it in Arizona. This is the point of the season where you’re going bad and you’re falling out of it, that you really got to bear down and take some pride in going out there and playing. we had a couple games this homestand that were pretty embarrassing.”
“It’s hard to hit with both hands wrapped around your neck, and that’s what it feels like when you walk up there,” Jones said. “The weight of the world, the weight of the team depends on you to drive in a big run, get something kick-started. Once you don’t do it a time or two, the pressure mounts each and every time you have that opportunity. Hopefully we can get a game here pretty soon that everybody in the lineup gets a hit, drives in a run, multi-hit games, those are things that breed confidence.”
By Carroll Rogers
August 18, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
And Bobby Cox on Kotchman:
“He’s probably pressing a little bit, trying to do too much. He’s a good kid, and he’s a good first baseman and he’s a good hitter. It’s just a matter of time I think before he starts to relax a little bit. He’s got to get to know the pitchers too. He’s facing pitching he’s never faced before. People would say that’s crazy but it’s not. Manny is doing really well in the National League, but Manny is Manny. It takes a while to adjust to certain things.”
By Tomahawkin
August 18, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Steve From Oh I totally agree in trying to get Ian Snell in the “A” Next Season, Instead of Going after the Big Boys (Sheets and Sabathia)…I rather go after decent #2, and #3 type starters, since they will be less taxing on the payroll…
All Things Considered (Injuries) Our Rotation isn’t that bad…plus all the 1-run losses make our staff records look decieving…I’d rather the braves F.O. go after some corner ourfielders with some speed and fundamental hitting skills
By McFann Ô
August 18, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Steve…
Ms. Rogers—
Great stuff from Chipper. Thanks for sharing.
That was prob’ly the second ugliest game of the year…Scratch that; It was the second ugliest…no doubt.
By hydee
August 18, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
**Carroll”“-I’d love ya forever if you’d get a quote or two from Julian about the Manny trade. The Boston papers loved Julian and I miss reading his incredibly entertaining thoughts! Thanks in advance :)
By Steve from OH
August 18, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
In other minors news, Manny Acosta pitched a scoreless inning for Richmond, James Parr threw six scoreless, and Brandon Jones hit two home runs.
By Tomahawkin
August 18, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
Good 411 Carroll Hoss’s Statements should have come out of Bobby C.’s mouth long, long, ago. Its about time someone Comes out of the Closet, because I was so P’d Off At the Way My Boyz went out during both the Cardinals and Cubs Series, I didn’t get violent, probably because I was so embarassed…It Was long overdue that Hoss came out, especially for a team that ESPN had Picked to Face the Indians in the World Series
By Bring Mr the head of Francisco Cabrera
August 18, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Hopefully we can get a game here pretty soon that everybody in the lineup gets a hit, drives in a run, multi-hit games, those are things that breed confidence.
Every starter Saturday got a hit, Chip. Drove in 11 runs. Yet the Braves managed one run Sunday and none today.
Maybe if Rowand had dropped three easy flyouts, the Braves could have gotten on the board and kept that confidence rolling.
By Steve from OH
August 18, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
Tomahawkin, speed and “fundamental hitting skills” (whatever they are) are fine and dandy as long as our new corner OF’s hit for power and get on base. But no doubt we’ve got to pursue free agent outfield solutions.
I don’t think Snell would be too bad either, as he’s got some upside and would come cheaper than Peavy and Halladay. We just can’t deplete our farm system for any one player.
By ALERT
August 18, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
Maddux to the DODGERS
By Efrim
August 18, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
Schafer has hit his second homer of the night. Seems to me that Schafer has had one bad month, July. Ripped it up in June and now in August. He needs a little time in Triple A to start next season, but let us not act like this 21 year old is washed up as prospect or something.
By ncscoots
August 18, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Notice [Schafer’s] power numbers since he was caught? Maybe you better check them out!
Why, yes, now that you mention it, he’s homering at about THE EXACT SAME RATE AS LAST YEAR! Maybe you better check THAT out.
Efrim and Steve, Schafer struggled early in his season against lefties (first trip at AA, above age level, and missing 50 games, not surprising). But I don’t have the sense that he’s overmatched against them, not at recent viewing, anyway. AA is always the first big test, and I’d say he’s passed it.
And you guys don’t even think about touting a trade for my Hawaiian buddy, LOL. Kala can bring the thunder, and Braves will need SOMEBODY at AAA next year!
By Tomahawkin
August 18, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Steve From Oh Its definitely true about the OF Dilemma, but man this team is so F’d from top to bottom I wouldn’t doubt at all if we see a 180-degree makeover of what the roster looks like this time come next year
And while I watch The Rangers game(Because Monday Nite Football Sucks) their Commentators are even haring on the fact of how bad this braves team has been this year…
But I will co-sign that even though the Mets gave up half of their Farm System to get Santana, I don’t think it’s even worth it to follow suit…
By kirknga
August 18, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
That’s good news about Acosta and B Jones. Of course people talked them up last season and now don’t care much for either this season. The same thing happen to Lillibridge, Davies, CJ, Boyer, Blanco, etc..
I hope Schafer doesn’t suffer the same fate.
I think the last three seasons are a testament to remaining skeptical and patient when it comes to players transitioning from the minors to the majors.
By NO MORE BOBBY
August 18, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
Is Terence Moore watching the same Braves team we all are?
By gayle
August 18, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Citing low home run production as a problem with the Braves is like saying the wood panelling is chipped in the dining room on the Titanic.
There are so many issues with this team as it stands now, it might be better to focus on what is good.
All this talk about free agents needs to be tempered with the reality that good players, particularly those in their late 30’s are not going to look at Atlanta because they know coming here - no matter how much money might be throw at them - means they will not see the post season for a few years at best.
This sounds like a broken record, but the changes on this team must start in the dugout. I don’t know what it will take for team ownership to clean house? I went to the game last Wednesday with a friend from Chicago and her comment about the Braves was they looked like a team lacking oxygen, without any sign of life.
Until Captain Cox goes, the SS Titanic will continue it’s cruise (3 years now and counting) into oblivion regardless of who the passengers are.
By Steve from OH
August 18, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
Tomahawkin, I don’t necessarily think that it’s quantity so much as quality. When you look at the bounty the Mets gave up, they didn’t give up that much top-tier talent, persay. I mean, they held on to Fernando Martinez and didn’t give up a true blue-chip pitching prospect.
When it comes down to it, we can trade all of the Brandon Joneses and Brent Lillibridges we’ve got and I won’t have a problem with it. But when we start talking about dealing true blue-chippers like Heyward and Hanson and projectable young pitchers like Locke, Rohrbough and Cordier, then I’m a bit more hesitant.
I also don’t think the team is “F’d up from top to bottom.” Sorry, bro.
By StingerSplash
August 18, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
No Manny Ramirez for the Braves next year. Please no. The man is beginning to make Richie Zisk and Greg Luzinski resemble Garry Maddox out in the outfield. And if that clubhouse and Big Papi couldn’t save him in Boston, just how bad must it be behind the scenes? The guy essentially quit on the team with six weeks left in 2006. He’s playing hard now because Boras has him smelling a $20M a year payday, and once he puts his name on that, he will play hard only at his leisure.
By Wayne in Utah
August 18, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
Quick comment or two: Ian Snell might be a cheaper pickup. He might be a gold nugget, or a lump of coal. Worth a shot though.
Jordan Schafer: I would DEFINITELY love to see him up here in September. What if he took off like McCann did 3 years ago? We won’t know if he doesn’t come up for sure.
Frank Wren said they wanted to get a look at 2-3 players in September on XM today. Which 2-3 of this group do you think that would be? Anderson has got to be one of them. I would sit Blanco, and give Anderson a shot.
Other possibles: Lillibridge, Brandon Jones, Schafer, and maybe Hanson.
I am not worried about babying these guys. If they are fragile, then heck, we don’t need them. Most of these guys have been the top players everywhere they have gone up until right now. Let’s see if we have any McCann’s in the works here!
It would sure answer a few questions before we start spending money on free agents.
Milton Bradley, not no, but HELL NO! We don’t need a broken down DH with an attitude.
I still like Casey Blake. He can be a decent LF’er, with more power than Kotsay. He can also be a corner utility man, if all our other players work out (our youngsters, and our ability to get another LF thumper). Dude can play first, third, left and right. Has 15-20 HR potential. Is 35 years old next month or so, and wouldn’t be here long enough to block anybody.
Let’s call up Anderson, BJones, Schafer, Lilly and Hanson. (Maybe even Redmond too!)
If Kotsay doesn’t want to be open to being a 4th if our youngsters come through, then get something for him now. He would be a good addition for the Bosox or Rays. The Rays have a lot of good looking pitchers at AAA.
Well, I am out of here. Got my fill of Zito on XM today. We love making flunkies look like Cy Young.
Evening all….
By Efrim
August 18, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
Scoots
Didn’t know that about Schafer, thanks for the info. I still would like to see him in Triple A for April and May next year. And as I wrote that about Kala, I did think about our Triple A first base situation…haha.
By Wayne in Utah
August 18, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
Terrance is in his own little world. Please do not disturb him, or we will hear about some ratio or another that is not being adhered to.
Stinger Amen on Manny (Milton Bradley is probably worse for a clubhouse than Manny would be.)
Those guys are great when everything is perfect. I agree that Manny has MANNY times layed down on his team. When you are as good a natural talent as he is, a lot if forgiven, but there is always a limit.
Sounds like BJ Upton is sure screwing up in TB.
By Tomahawkin
August 18, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
No Manny To Atlanta!!! In 2000 I wanted it to happen but 2009 we need to squash that talk about Manny Coming to The “A”…
Why Don’t We just call the Barroid Bonds show to come out here…
Steve In Oh Rite on about not selling our Prospects…there’s still a lot of assessment that needs to be figured out from now to the Winter meetings, I have a feeling that them team, come next August will barely resemble the clowns we have now…
And I’m venting from getting Punked out by Zito and one of the Worst teams in the league. I Can’t believe we went out like that…
By Wayne in Utah
August 18, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Wild idea on a long drive earlier today. What if the Braves offered CC $30 Million per year for 3 years, with a $20 million option and $10 Million buy out for the 4th year. He could get his $100 million and still be a free agent again in his early 30’s. This would protect the Braves against him gaining another 200 pounds in those three years (OK, so maybe he would only gain 100 lbs in the next 3 years.)
Would that blow away him and his agent, and make the big boys come up with mega bucks if they really wanted him.
Something similar happened to me at a Boy Scouts fund raiser this past spring. It was a silent auction, and one gentleman who makes FANTASTIC salsa, was auctioning 12 pints of his salsa. I put the first offer in of $40 bucks, and NOBODY else bid! I shut them down, baby, and the salsa is great, plus I helped the BSA.
We could do that sort of thing with CC.
(I know I will catch a bunch of crap for that idea!)
By N Nine
August 18, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
Attention Liberty Media: You will continue to have 10k at stadium, unless you strike BIG and I mean real BIG. That is if you care more than a Freakin Write off.
What if Time Warner sold this “write off team” to someone who don’t care? That would just top it off. Time Warner was terrible for this team.
There is plenty to spend and don’t give me the “out of our payroll range”, there is some good FA. I’m tierd of hearing: that player is out of our range.
You will lose EVERYONE. YOU MIGHT AS WELL SCHEDULE EVERY GAME AT 4PM CAUSE NOONE WILL SHOW UP.
We are all fed up. Get some players here NOW (offseason) or be the next florida marlins.
Libert Media= Atlanta Spirit
By HGH Schafer
August 18, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
Sure, bring that kid Schafer up. Sign Barry Bonds while you’re at it!
Bunch of desperate, pathetic, junkie lovers!
By David O'Brien
August 18, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
Just skimming over the posts tonight, after watching too much of the unsightly mess of a game this afternoon.
Out-of-it-in-August, wave-the-white-flag baseball fever … catch it!
Steve from OH, thanks for the updates. Good to hear about B. Jones.
Folks, Schafer shouldn’t be written off by anyone for next season. If the Braves don’t sign or trade for an established CF, I could definitely see Schafer competing for the job in spring, though it’s probably more likely he’ll start out in Triple-A, right up the road in Gwinnett County (where they might be working round-the-clock by late winter, I suspect, to get that ballpark finished in time for next season).
By David O'Brien
August 18, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
Stinger, you needn’t concern yourself with Braves signing Manny. Not happening….
By the way, as punchless as this OF (and team in general) is, in two or three years the Braves could have added a stellar young, slugging trio of Heyward, Freeman and Schafer. That’s promising, indeed. But the Rome boys are still awfully young.
By David O'Brien
August 18, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
Wow, looks like Ned’s gonna keep Sabathia in for the ninth. He’s thrown quite a few pitches, but he’s a horse. This would be his fifth CG in nine games since coming to Brewers, if he does it.
By N Nine
August 18, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
2008: Time has caught up to the Big 3
Maddux only 6 wins! this guy always wins 15games per/y.. padres do suck
Glavine 3 DL’s and possibly done!
Smoltz major shoulder surgery…(1st time to win 1st three games however)
Libery Media = Atlanta Spirit
Prove me wrong Liberty Media
By DOB the BLOB
August 18, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
A 1-6 homestand, including three losses to the Giants in which the Braves totaled two runs, tends to put a damper on the tomahawk chopping and rah-rah optimism, Dave.
At least YOU get paid to watch this sh!t. You might not be so smug and condescending otherwise.
By Letter To Chipper
August 18, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Chipper, you have a chance to win a batting championship. It’s admirable that you aren’t quitting and feel like it’s all on your shoulders to drive in runs and hit situationally. I know if you come up late in a game down by 3 with the bases loaded, you feel you need to drive the ball and clear the bases.
Chipper, just screw the team and your team mates! They have to grow up and help carry the load. If they don’t, to heck with them. Just flip your bat and serve a few of those oppos you were getting earlier in the season. The team is out of it this season. I’m sure when things are tight and the team needs some runs, everyone looks to you with those big sad eyes like some whipped dogs and expects you to produce for them. They’re all big boys now. They’re getting paid to produce. Let them sink or swim on their own. Just get your hits. Win a batting championship. Don’t worry about winning games because you can’t do it alone. If you drive in a few runs, that’s great. If not, so what? It’s not like you’re fighting for the wild card or anything! Just get your hits and let some of the other guys do their job for a change and drive in some runs or contribute some timely hits.
By Steve from OH
August 18, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
I dunno DOB, CC’s still hitting 94 in the 9th….a workhorse, indeed. After that Hardy error I’d probably get him out, though.
By David O'Brien
August 18, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
CC goes CG (again), throws close to 130 pitches, gets two hits, drives in two runs … what a performance. Wow.
By chrisklob
August 18, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH, here’s a website that you might enjoy if you aren’t familiar with it (and I’m guessing you aren’t based on your post at 8.30-ish).
minorleaguesplits.com
By Roman Gal
August 18, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
By the way, as punchless as this OF is, in two or three years the Braves could have a stellar young, slugging OF of Heyward, Freeman and Schafer. DOB
Do you think Freeman is going to end up in the outfield?
By Steve from OH
August 18, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
Thanks alot, klobber! Good stuff.
By Baseball America
August 18, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
Isn’t Freeman a first baseman?
By David O'Brien
August 18, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
DOB the BLOB: I resent the implication that my smugness and condescension can be bought.
By uga-brave
August 18, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
c.c is probably gonna be in the n.l. cy young race. what is that five complete games?
credit the brewers for getting him well before the deadline. sabathia and sheets could pull a schilling and johnson. power pithers tend to dominate in the postseason.
By Barry Bonds
August 18, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
Hey I was just in the neighborhood and thought I would drop by and see what was up! I notice you guys need a little “pop” in the outfield. Hey, I can probably hit 25 or 30 next season for ya even after taking the year off! My legs feel good, I think I could play a little LF for you guys next season. You got plenty of guys to come in late innings to play some D for me. In fact, your entire current outfield is made up of 4th outfielders so that shouldn’t be a problem.
Now about that little steroid thing, it’s good to see you fans don’t hold that against a guy. Just think, you get me, bring that Schafer kid up and maybe sign Mike Cameron. Wouldn’t that be a hoot? Maybe you could put white coats on us, dress us as pharmacists and do some kind of promotion. Call it, “Better Living Through Science” day or something?
Just keep me in mind, ok?
By David O'Brien
August 18, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
N Nine, time’s caught up with two of them, but Maddux really is still a good pitcher. If you look at his numbers this year, the run support was abysmal in at least 10 of his starts. he was going 6 innings or more a lot this year, not the 5-and-out he did so often last year.
With decent run support, he could easily have won 11-12 games this season. Seriously.
By David O'Brien
August 18, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
Freeman’s a 1B, yes. And will likely stay there, unless he’s with Braves in a couple years. Should’ve made that clear.
I’d imagine he stays at 1B. But looking at it from the Kochman perspective, might need to move if Freeman is ready within a couple years, assuming Kochman develops as expected, plays the way he was starting to play with Anaheim. If so he should be there for next 2-3 years.
By David O'Brien
August 18, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
By the way, Freeman actually played 3B most of his HS career, but he kept growing (6-5, 220) and is much better suited to the other corner now.
By David O'Brien
August 18, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
N Nine, just to follow up on that Maddux thing. I just looked at his day-by-days, and in his past eight starts he was 3-3 with a 3.88 ERA. In the three losses, the Padres scored a total of three runs during his 20 innings pitched. He got a loss Friday against Philly when he gave up one run, five hits and no walks in seven innings (Padres gave him zero support runs).
By JC FROM UT
August 18, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
DOB: If the Angels fail to re-sign Tex, do you think they would have any interest in trading to bring Kotchman back? And if so. would they give up a pitcher such as Nick Adenhart?
By Brett Butler fan
August 18, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
I hope it’s not too late to add that it was “cap tipping time” at the ole ballpark today. Barry Zito??
By TheAntiMe
August 19, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this
Forgive me but I’m forced to come to Carrol Rogers’ Braves blog once again to respond to Terence Moore’s latest column:
Braves don’t lose hustle despite losing
my comment: If I were a GM I would not sign Manny Ramirez to any more than a 1 year contract. If he didn’t pull any crap that year, then we could talk about a 1 year contract for the next year. Fry Boras!
In regards to Terence Moore, it appears that he doesn’t follow the Braves example that he cites in his most recent column. Obviously, he has decided to just mail it in these days as it has become customary for him to close his columns to commenting after only 2 hours or less. His current column has only 4 comments and is already closed - although it doesn’t show that commenting is closed.
Perhaps Mr. Bisher should check into what has become a routine practice as maybe Mr. Moore is pulling a fast one. In any event, I will no longer waste my time on anything pertaining to Terence Moore.
By ccrider
August 19, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this
After reading through tonight’s postings, I see two general propostions for the Braves. Either Spend big on Sabathia, Dunn, Etc. OR go cheap and pickup maybe bargin players that may turn into something, like Ian Snell. I offer a 3rd proposal. I honestly don’t believe the Braves parent company will spend the kind of money to get enough of the players that could make us contenders next year. Sabathia and Texiera are too expensive, Sheets, Dempster and Burnett have proven to be injury risks. Abreau, Ibanez, D. Lowe are too old to give a 3-4 year contract to and that’s probably what it will take or more short term money than their worth. Pat Burrell and Jon Garland are erractic and mediocre. I disagree with those that think 1 starting pitcher and a big bat in left will get us back in contention. THE REALITY is: We have a #2 or 3 in Jair Jurjjens, Maybe a #5 in Campillo (his era has risen 1 run in his last 5 starts) Morton has shown flashes, but can’t be counted on to hold down a spot yet. THAT IS IT FOR STARTING PITCHING. We have no NO.1 or really a NO.2. Our Lineup has 4 guys that I believe are here for the long haul: McCann, Escobar, Franceour(AT LEAST I THINK THE BRAVES THINK HE”S HERE FOR THE LONG HAUL) and Chipper until he retires. Kotchman is Sean Casey Lite, Blanco-average Defense, weak arm, no extra base power, low average, modest steals(Only positive OBP), Kelly Johnson-below average defense, ERRACTIC offensively, poor in the clutch, and LEFT Field is a black hole. The bench is thin and the bullpen is shallow. IN SHORT: To contend next year we would need- NO.1 and NO.2 starting pitchers and either a 2nd base/left field power combo or 1st base.left field power combo. If, we trade for a NO.1 and NO.2 starters we decimate are farm system and the bats are still not there. We could try to trade for the big bats, but then the pitching we need won’t be there. The 3rd alternate is to trade away the marginal players that have value: Kelly Johnson, Blanco, Kotchman and minor leaguers that the Braves don’t figure into the long range picture for quality prospects. Two years from now, Flowers, Heyward, Freeman, Schafer, Hanson will probably all be ready, as well as, players like Gorky, Medlin, Kimbrell, Brandon Hicks, Travis Jones and others. McCann, Escobar and Franceour(hopefully) will be entering their prime and the money saved over the last 2 years would help attract and pay for top quality free agents. I would prefer to wait 2 years and build a team capable of winning big than to continue being mediocre!
By Quit Wasting My Time on Terrence Moore Years Ago
August 19, 2008 1:56 AM | Link to this
He’s the biggest idiot in print, don’t read that s**
By Thjank Goodness That Loser is Gone
August 19, 2008 4:19 AM | Link to this
Braves with Tex 49 - 57 .462
Braves without Tex 7 - 12 .368
Damn good thing that Tex was sooo over-rated & worthless, or we might be playing some REAL ugly ball now that he’s gone.
By Original Jerk
August 19, 2008 5:19 AM | Link to this
Are you FRICKING kidding me????!!!!!!! ZITO SHUT US OUT THROUGH 7??????????? MOTHER EFFIN BARRY ZITO, THE MAJORS LEADER IN LOSSES, SHUT US OUT????????? THE GUY WITH AN ERA OVER 5, AND WHO HAS GIVEN UP MORE THAN 3 RUNS IN 10 OF HIS STARTS THIS YEAR, SHUT US OUT??????????!!!!!!!!! THIS TEAM SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!OJ
why don’t you post like a 12 year old about it, that will help. Oh yeah, you are a 12 year old -at least mentally -ain’tya? Sorry..I knew that already.
By George Lombard Redux
August 19, 2008 5:34 AM | Link to this
Efrim, I agree that Schafer’s ability to handle lefties is a bit worrisome. Does anyone have his career lefty/righty splitsSteve
the next George Lombard, mark my words. lotsa tools, no ability to hit lefties.
By TommyP
August 19, 2008 7:02 AM | Link to this
This team is disgusting to watch. Just got destroyed by the Giants AAA team. Not a big fan of Brian Sabean but at least he gets it. When your team is out of it, audition the young talent for next year.
Kotsay is officially gone with that quote from Carroll. Thanks, Carroll. Maybe we can quit talking about Kotsay’s return next year.
Brandon Jones? Josh Anderson? Am I alone in thinking the Braves would be a lot more intriguing to watch if we got a shot to see these guys everyday?
Chipper’s comments prove that a lot of ‘em are going through the motions. If your argument is, “People pay a lot of money for these tickets….they don’t want to see minor leaguers,” then you’re mistaken. People have already quit going to these games. It would be refreshing to see a little youth out there, a little hope.
Again, August pitching is quite different than September pitching. Let’s see what a few of these kids can do!
By nolie
August 19, 2008 7:03 AM | Link to this
Steve
Schafer is a career .235/..311/.330 hitter against lefties. not so good with little pop.I’m not sold on him, but hope springs eternal & all that :-)
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this
Nolie, Schafer’s career numbers overall aren’t impressive, against righties or lefties. That’s because until 2007, he really hadn’t done anything. He moved from about 26th or 28th on the Braves’ prospect list to No. 1 in one year, based on a brilliant 2007 season.
Now you’ve got basically lost season due to the 50-game suspension and probably pressing too much in the weeks after he returned, etc. So really, we just aren’t able to judge him to any definitive degree. All I can say is, he was very impressive when I saw him in the Ariz. Fall League and again during spring training, and scouts felt the same way.
So I’d go by that more than any career numbers because, as I said, he wasn’t all that until 2007. Now we’ll have to see if he can do it post-drug suspension. He’s certainly shown flashes since he returned, flashes of the elite prospect we saw in the spring and that scouts and team officials (and opposing managers who rated him so highly in Baseball America surveys).
By BravesFan79
August 19, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this
CARROLL: How can you even dare to ignore the slump that Escobar went into after the Pena screwup. I predicted he would go into a slump when i saw his reaction, and i was %100 RIGHT!
Anyone who wants to trade Escobar is a fool…..the guys one of the best SS in the NL…and no doubt hell have a good season next year. I mean common even when the guys cold hes STILL better than most of the weak bench that Bobby seems to now love to carry the first half of the past 2 seasons. I say we trade Kotchman, and go ahead and pull up Heyward when rosters expand. If he does good up here….. put him at first to start next year. That will solve part of our power problem.
By IGivUp
August 19, 2008 7:45 AM | Link to this
Can someone explain to me how TP keeps his job? We cannot score a single run against Zito who is a glorified batting practice pitcher?
By Jeff R
August 19, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this
Sabathia shouldn’t be considered out of bounds by Wren. The Braves are freeing up nearly $47 million next year in payroll. The guy’s dominant and a workhorse. The $18-20 million you’d have to give Sabathia annually (DOB’s guesstimate) is money well spent. Pairing Sabathia with Jurrjens anhors the rotation nicely. If Morton continues to progress, or the team can acquire a solid #3 starter, then the rotation begins to look strong.
By David
August 19, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
Good blog Carroll,
Bobby Cox manages for the 3 run homer and this team his very few. We sacrifice and steal bases less than any team in the major leagues. We are a terrible bunting team. Cox manges his teams the same every year and that is just plain wrong.
The other major issue is more for the entire franchise. They haven’t developed a front-line starting pitcher in 15 years! I am talking about an ace. Out of 15 years of drafts, they couldn’t find and develop one ace?? They have done great on positions players but this franchise has gone downhill for that reason more than any other.
By southbeachdietfreak
August 19, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
JeffR
What about bats? Need some money to lure in good-hitting FA’s. Can’t ignore that entirely (see SD Padres)
By Shaun
August 19, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
David, three questions for you:
1) Are there any teams that win without hitting homers (besides ones with outstanding pitching or defense)?
2) What is your definition of a front-line starting pitcher?
3) How many franchises over the past 15 years have developed a front-line starting pitcher?
By Shaun
August 19, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
DOB and Nolie, I would argue if you look at some of his career numbers (in addition to what scouts and opponents say), Schafer looks promising.
Namely, his power and his walk rate are quite impressive for a player who is just now about to turn 22.
I don’t think you can read too much into what he did in 2005 or 2006. He was still a teenager playing pro baseball. And he was still hanging in there where it counts—extra-base power and drawing walks.
By Elmer
August 19, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
Jordan Schafer hit 2 homers last night in Miss. AA ball at Caolina. Reid Gorecki went 4/5, 2 doubles and a triple. Our future bats are looking good.
By TIMEFORCHANGE
August 19, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
I read the article that the team wants Kotsay back and thats great, but they had better do something about the other glaring holes before they worry about Kotsay. This team is the worst I have ever seen the Braves field. The starters went down, the lineup is lazy and does not play good defense. The coaching lacks the abiltiy to do their jobs. We need a 2nd baseman, a backup catcher, two starters, a left fielder, maybe a right fielder and they are talking like this whole team is coming back. Please, if we start the season with this blob on the field I will puke.
This is a team made up of utility players some having a good month or two. It time to put quality players back on the field and they can start with two top pitchers under the age of 45. This just blows.
Kotsay, hes a fifth thought if you ask me. We got real problems that need fixed. Oh and dont forget the pen in that equation. This team should be dismantled and build back around Chipper, McCann and Jurrjens. The rest are no better them A ball minors. They dont cut the mustard against Philly and the Mets. They spend money on good players, its time the braves do the same. Clean house and start over with talent, heart and desire. The team of the 90’s is over and nobodys left. The team we have now does not know how to win.
By TIMEFORCHANGE
August 19, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
I read the article that the team wants Kotsay back and thats great, but they had better do something about the other glaring holes before they worry about Kotsay. This team is the worst I have ever seen the Braves field. The starters went down, the lineup is lazy and does not play good defense. The coaching lacks the abiltiy to do their jobs. We need a 2nd baseman, a backup catcher, two starters, a left fielder, maybe a right fielder and they are talking like this whole team is coming back. Please, if we start the season with this blob on the field I will puke.
This is a team made up of utility players some having a good month or two. It time to put quality players back on the field and they can start with two top pitchers under the age of 45. This just blows.
Kotsay, hes a fifth thought if you ask me. We got real problems that need fixed. Oh and dont forget the pen in that equation. This team should be dismantled and build back around Chipper, McCann and Jurrjens. The rest are no better them A ball minors. They dont cut the mustard against Philly and the Mets. They spend money on good players, its time the braves do the same. Clean house and start over with talent, heart and desire. The team of the 90’s is over and nobodys left. The team we have now does not know how to win.
By Shaun
August 19, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
TIMEFORCHANGE, don’t play good defense? Only three teams in the National League and only seven teams in the majors have turned more batted balls into outs.
And the lineup has it’s problems (namely in the power department) but what are you seeing that makes you think it’s lazy? They rank third in on-base and fifth in batting average in the NL.
By Lew
August 19, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Efrim and Supes- I’m not down on Shafer at all. I saw the kid play a fair amount in Orlando last Spring and was extremely impressed. The kid is one hell of a fine outfielder and is FAST. However, I just don’t think he’s ready yet.
Not all players do well straight from AA to begin with and Jordan has had basically a half season there, running hot and cold. It’s just not time for him. I think this has been an extremely emotionally draining and hard season for him. Why throw all that extra pressure on him until he gets a little more experience under his belt?
As for Kotsay. No, I don’t look at his as a long term answer for any of the Braves questions. However, the guy has (despite the one stretch on the DL), done everything asked and expected of him. He’s hit close to .300, played good defense and we have played better with him in the lineup than without him. Even if Shafer were to come up mid season (IF he is ready-I see no reason to rush him), then Kotsay can get some additional rest and be an option off the bench. No one is claiming he should be signed long term or is the solution for years to come.
I’m not seeing our rebuilding (retooling If you prefer) as the function of one season-there are too many holes as things stand now. Had Hudson not been shot for most, if not all of next season, the story might be somewhat different. Now that we need to acquire And Ace, The House Wren’s job becomes much more difficult (if not downright impossible) and it may just take two seasons to fix. If Shafer is indeed the answer to our center field problems (though I don’t see him as a power hitter), then waiting until late 09 or 2010 should be no problem. Pitching will be the hardest need to address and should be first priority. Let the kid develop.
As for
By Original Jon
August 19, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
Original Jerk Haha, you got your name right at least, jerk. But you see, this is a blog, I am allowed to vent how I feel necessary. The Braves were shut out by a pitcher that totally blows this year, so I vented. You don’t like it, I really could give a crap less. But for you to sit there and re-post my post and then talk crap on a blog, and then say I have a 12 year old’s mentality, is kinda like the pot calling the kettle black, don’t you think? So I will leave you by saying this…………
Hello Pot, my name is Kettle.
By DAP
August 19, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
timeforachange you were right both times. this team needs ALOT to get back to winning. it has been pretty pathetic lately.
also, i dont want to bring up a bunch of kids in ‘09 and hope that we can win on 2010. i want to try and win next year.
i hopw ren feels the same way. im sure he is already putting together a plan of how to make this team better, and it involves getting some outfielders, im sure. i still think cameron and ibanez would be nice additions, because this team needs to pitch, but this team needs to score runs as well. it is just pitiful right now.
By BlackberryCobbler
August 19, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
Losing 3/4 to the Giants and only 1 win on this homestand……………. Geez!!
What the hell is wrong with this teame……. Oh, wait— no power, no pitching….. nothing.
We apparently got nothing for Tex. Kotchman is a joke!!
By Renegator
August 19, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
What is sad is that the Braves aren’t even playing a AAA lineup. That lineup in yesterday’s game is probably going to be the starting lineup in 2009 with the exception of adding one big bat in the OF.
Does that lineup look like it is one big bat away from competing? Hell no. They were shut out by the worst pitcher in the NL and scored on by the AAA San Francisco team. Sad, sad, sad.
The good news is that they are facing Oliver Perez tonight so we will probably see back to back shutouts. Might even get no-hit tonight!
By Goodoleboy58
August 19, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Jorge Julio picked up his ninth save, striking out three of the four hitters he faced.
By Shaun
August 19, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Lew, Schafer won’t turn 22 for a couple of weeks. Of course nothing is a sure thing but it looks like he could become a very good player and hit for power in the majors.
He hit 49 doubles, 10 triples and 15 homers last season. His extra-base power has been pretty good throughout his very young pro career.
I do agree, he probably needs at least another half season of growth in the minors, maybe more, before he’s ready. But I imagine they’ll give him a chance to wow everyone in September and in Spring Training. If he does, I think they may give him a spot in the outfield next season.
By Braveheart
August 19, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
How can you even dare to ignore the slump that Escobar went into after the Pena screwup.
How can you continue to dare to ignore that Escobar also busted his finger on a botched bunt against the Mets right about that time ………… then busted his knee off of Church’s concussed head ………… then busted his shoulder diving into first …………. then has a messed up elbow from repeated beanings …………. those injuries are what caused his average and power to slip because fingers, shoulders, knees and elbows are pretty important in driving a baseball.
Brayan Pena isn’t that good at driving the ball himself so I don’t see how he could help Escobar drive the ball
Also, how can you continue to ignore that Pena wasn’t even here last year when Escobar performed well? Or is it your theory that just playing in the same organization with Pena, even if Pena is hundreds of miles away playing in the minors, makes Escobar better?
Pena also left Cuba years before Escobar left ………… When Escobar spent all of those years away from Pena and was constantly hounded by Castro’s goons partly because Pena left, how was Escobar strong enough mentally and emotionally to cope and develop into the kind of player that became a second round pick and was playing in the majors within 2 years of being drafted?
If the Braves could get a backup catcher back from KC, Pena would not be the one I’d want ………… I’d try to get Miguel Olivo ………. bad avg, bad obp but he would at least somewhat match McCann’s power in the 30 games Mac takes off …………. and Olivo nails basestealers at a good rate
By Lew
August 19, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Shaun-Yes, maybe he will turn into more of a power hitter, but I’m sorry, 35 HR in a four year minor league career does not speak volumes to me of major power potential.
His speed, which is exceptional, will enable him to hit lots of doubles and triples if he nails the gaps, but I just don’t see him developing into a “Power Hitter”. I don’t see 25-30 HR potential.
However that being said, I’m perfectly content with gap power. I don’t really see that we have to be a 3 Run HR type of team and given that we seem to be drafting (or in the case of Gorkys, trading for) speed, then I’m comfortable with that-IF we let the kids run, which I haven’t seen as much as I’d like.
By Shaun
August 19, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Renegator, I doubt Infante will hit cleanup next season and Kelly Johnson is likely to be the starting secondbaseman and likely to bounce back from an average season.
And I actually think the Braves could be a big bat away from contention, depending on the bat. The only weakness in the lineup is power.
By McFann Ô
August 19, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Braveheart and Olivo nails basestealers at a good rate
Huh, that’d be nice…
By Braveheart
August 19, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
what are you seeing that makes you think it’s lazy? They rank third in on-base and fifth in batting average in the NL.
Shaun, I don’t think the Braves are lazy but I don’t get the logic you are using that the Braves aren’t lazy because they have a high OBP and batting average. That really doesn’t make any sense at all. In my school days, I could pull down a high GPA but be the laziest student around. So I don’t get the logic that high rate stats equals not lazy.
By southbeachdietfreak
August 19, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Anybody see that catcher from China that got body-checked on a throw home last night? Thought it was SWEET!!
By Goodoleboy58
August 19, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Carl Pavano is starting today for the Yankees… Can we all agree that even if he throws a no-hitter tonight we have no interest in this guy… Before his start regardless how it goes…
By carmatter
August 19, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
As bad as this team is, I’ve seen much worse Braves teams. Just ask Glenn Hubbard!
By Efrim
August 19, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
Shaun
Yes, power is the weakness, but saying that acquiring the bat will make everything better is a bit much. And by making everything better, I mean contention. This team also needs some starting pitching. And in projecting next year, I don’t think you could view our ERA this year and think that we project to be as good next year. Power and a couple of starters is probably what we need if we want to contend next year.
By Goodoleboy58
August 19, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
whoops meant to say Saturday for Pavano
By Braveheart
August 19, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Grady Sizemore had 1 homer at 17 years old in 55 games in rookie ball, 2 homers in 123 games at 18 years old in A ball, 3 homers at 19 years old in A+ in 122 games, 13 homers in 128 games at AA at 20 years old, and 12 homers in 144 games combined at AAA and the majors at 21 years old. Schafer had 3 homers in 49 games in rookie ball at 18 yo, 8 homers in 114 games in A ball at 19 yo, 15 homers in A & A+ combined at 20 yo in 136 games, and now has 9 homers in 71 games at 21 yo in AA. Sizemore has gone on to hit 22, 28, 24, and 27 homers in the majors the last 4 years. Schafer has the power and should get the chance to take the job from Blanco next spring
By Renegator
August 19, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
Ok Shaun,
Take Prado out of the lineup (1 hit) from yesterday and add Kelly Johnson.
You are right - that makes the lineup so much better (sarcasm). I can’t wait to see that lineup next year (more sarcasm).
True. Infante won’t be batting cleanup but just changing 1 batter out of 9 isn’t going to change the team that much. Especially at when you look at who is available out there to play OF for the Braves next year.
I think we are all realizing that this team is going to suck next year (too many holes) and will hopefully be able to put a quality product on the field in 2010.
By Lee in S GA
August 19, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
And I actually think the Braves could be a big bat away from contention, depending on the bat.
This of course would be the case only if Escobar and Escobar improve offensively, only if Francouer would improve drastically, only if Kotchman ever shows up, only if Chipper stays healthy. Also no way this team can be considered contenders nest season w/o an ace starter acquired. Something tells me more is needed than 1 big bat.
By southbeachdietfreak
August 19, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Renegator,
Regarding your 10:22, yes I think everyone knows the Braves will suck in 2009. It’s basically going to be an extra 6-7 months of spring training. It was bound to happen sooner or later, with us trading away high-level prospects all those years. It’s just a cycle that hopefully will begin its upswing soon.
By LivininAL
August 19, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Well if you have no power in the lineup..time to play small ball.steal bases etc. .Oh forget that.. Blanco leads the team with 11..McCann has nearly half that many stolen bases..well that = Braves are SHUTOUT SHUTOUT SHUTOUT
By southbeachdietfreak
August 19, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Lee in S GA,
Not if it were a bat the size of the cow in CF!!!!
By southbeachdietfreak
August 19, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
livininAL
Maybe our baserunners should get a head start at third whenever we get a hit or a walk. LOL
By DAP
August 19, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
this team needs a couple of solid veteran bats, as well as some pitching. many of our offenseive stats are pretty good, but we have struggled to score.
i dont think a BIG bat is the answer…i really dont think that kind of bat is available anyways. dunn and burrell are big power hitter, but not the kind that can carry your team like we need. we should get two veteran players that have good power, and know how to hit. we should add two of these 4 guys: ibanez, abreu, blake, cameron. these guys are good players.
By jim
August 19, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
I root for the Braves to win each game, but at this stage of the season, I’m not unhappy about losses. Since we are not going anywhere, we might as well finish below as many teams as possible to improve our draft position. If we pick in the top 7 positions, we should be able to get one of the elite pitchers in next year’s draft, plus we will draft earlier in the later rounds (where we often do better than with our first pick.)
I think the first year that the Braves may be competitive again will be 2010 or 2011. I don’t want to see us add big-name or middle-name free agents for next year, but to develop and trade for prospects that will be ready to contribute in 2 or 3 years time. For those wanting to trade Tex before the deadline for the best deal available, you cannot complain about Kotchman. Will he be better than the 20-29th pick in the draft, or just a place-holder until Freeman is ready? Time will tell.
By McFann Ô
August 19, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Baseball-reference.com has a game-by-game-log for a player’s hitting…Is there somewhere that I cann get a game-by-game-log for a player’s fielding?
Thanks!
By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
August 19, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
And I actually think the Braves could be a big bat away from contention, depending on the bat.
That bat would have to be Babe Ruth, and he’s dead, Shaun.
By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
August 19, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Stop obsessing, McFann. He’s a very good player, and we love him enough that we’ll accept the occasional throw into left field following a walk. So what if he’s not much on smarts?
By Left Field
August 19, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
FW will not employ a rebuilding team for BC to coach in what most likely will be Bobby’s last year.Not with 40 + million to accuire two very good sp and a couple of power bats.With our current groupe of young players to sort through having another years experence,the return of Moylan and maybe even a healthy Soriano. The farm may even uncover a real jewel. The winter meetings should be great to watch.Braves big winners in 09.
By jim
August 19, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
If I were an opposing GM evaluating the Braves system for possible acquisitions in a trade. I would rate my wish list for each of the positions, based on current and potential future contributions to my team, as follows:
C: McCann, Flowers, Sammons
1B: Freeman, Kotchman, Flowers (or Flowers, Kotchman)
2B: KJ, Prado, D. Hernandez
SS: Escobar, Infante, Lilibrdgte, Hicks
3B: Chipper, Gilmore, Pope, Campbell
OF: Heyward, Shaeffer, Kotsay, Francouer, Blanco, G. Hernandez, Cody Johnson, Anderson
SP: Jurjjens, Hanson, Teheran, Hampton, Hudson, Morton, Campillo, Smoltz, Locke, Reyes, Rohrbaugh, Medlen
RP: Gonzalez, Moylan, Kimbrel, Ohman, Soriano, Boyer, Acosta, Stockman
Overall: (1) Heyward, (2) McCann, (3) Jurjjens, (4) Escobar, (5) Freeman, (6) Hanson, (7) Teheran, (8) Gonzo, (9) Chipper, (10) Shaeffer — Next in value (no particular order) : Hudson/Hampton, Morton, KJ, Moylan, Kimbrel, Infante, Ohman, Campillo, Locke, Kotsay, JF, Gilmore
If this list is pretty accurate, only 4 players on the current roster would be rated in the top 10 most desirable list, and two of them are young. In the next in value group, only Kotsay, Ohman, Hampton, Soriano, Hudson, and Infante are older players who may/will not be on the roster in 2011.
The 2011 roster (without trades, FA signings, or a major league ready player in the next draft would be: C: McCann, Flowers 1B: Freeman, Flowers 2B: KJ, Prado 3B: Chipper/Gilmore, Prado SS: Escobar, Hicks/Lillibridge OF: Heyward, Shaeffer, Francouer, Blanco SP: JJJ, Hanson, Campillo, Morton, Locke RP: Gonzo?, Kimbrell, Acosta, Boyer, Moylan
I expect Freeman and Heyward to be ready by 2011. A top college pitcher in next year’s draft and Teheran should be ready by mid 2011 or 2012. Cody Johnson is an interesting wild card. If he could hit 240-250, he could supply Kingman-like numbers as a corner outfielder. The bullpen clearly needs strengthening, but that is usually something that is done on a short-term basis. I think that the Braves have to look at something like this as their 2011 lineup, decide that that is the first year that realistically they will be ready to contend, and add pieces where this group is weak.
By McFann Ô
August 19, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Bring Me the Head—
I’m not obsessing. I’ve just been wondering about where I could find one of those for some time.
He’s a pretty smart ball player, BTW. Don’t know what the heck his problem was yesterday.
Haha…Now, my frantic search for Cherry Gatorade that has been going on for almost two months—that’s obsessing!
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
The eagle has landed.
We’ve arrived safely in NYC. Got about an hour to get settled into hotel and do a blog before I head out to Flushing.
Front page of Daily News: “The Lowest of the Low”
Subhead: “Mugger chokes, robs woman, 85 … and even steals her cane!”
Is it just me, or do they parcel out these cases so that they have one ready for any slow news day in The City? Seems like there’s one of those terrible stories here on the cover of the tabloids every time we’re in town.
By Braves Fan Getting Bummed
August 19, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
I can hardly wait until KC flies back in the spring to tell me how great this team’s gonna be, because you naysayers blogging here now are really bringin’ me down, man.
By Shaun
August 19, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Shaun, I don’t think the Braves are lazy but I don’t get the logic you are using that the Braves aren’t lazy because they have a high OBP and batting average. That really doesn’t make any sense at all. In my school days, I could pull down a high GPA but be the laziest student around. So I don’t get the logic that high rate stats equals not lazy.
Well, I think it’s fairly reasonable to assume if a team can do anything well at the major league level, chances are they work at it.
I think we are all realizing that this team is going to suck next year (too many holes) and will hopefully be able to put a quality product on the field in 2010.
Maybe, maybe not. I mean look how quick things turned around for the offense from 2007 to 2008. And I could easily see the Braves’ offense returning to close to what they did in ‘07.
By Shaun
August 19, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
Look at the Braves offense in 2007 and 2008. Some of your really can’t see the Braves returning to close to what they did in 2007 when they finished 3rd in runs?
By Original Jerk
August 19, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
Hello Pot, my name is Kettle.OJ
Ok, now I’m thinking that 12 was too generous…maybe 11?
By WhereIsJoshAnderson
August 19, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
So why hasn’t Josh Anderson been called up? He’s currently got a 25 game hit streak and had a 5 game hit streak going before being sent down to the minors. On top of that, the guy has speed and would be the fastest guy on the team, right in front of Jurrjens. His career batting average in the MLB is somewhere in the .330s and his performance in STL was great too when he was playing there. Is this guy cursed or something? Numbers like that should have Cox and others noticing but he’s still tolling away in the minors. I’ve pretty sure they’ve mentioned that they don’t thinks he’s ready but what else does a guy have to do to show him that he is? He could be the possible answer we needed for a leadoff man - a guy with great contact and insane speed. Sounds like Furcal, no?
By brian
August 19, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
seems to me with the obvious lack of power the coaching staff should have adjusted during the year to try and manufacture runs. Better bunting. More hit and runs.More stolen bases. More speed in the lineup which could have been accomplished by calling up Anderson and playing him in a rotation with our 3 starting OF. If Lillibridge got a look at 2B he would add speed to the lineup.
yes we have no power but there did not appear to be any adjustments from Cox and company. just a lot of waiting for that 3 run HR
l
By Random
August 19, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Da Mick: “My suggestion is that Franceour was a talented player that excelled at every level he played at until he reached this same arena of equals who all find that they have to undergo a process of change to stick in the majors — not just rely on their inert talent.”
Hey! Wasn’t that Corky’s and Woodward’s problem — Inert Talent?
(-8
By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
August 19, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Poor Shaun. He’s really a basket case when his precious stats and tendencies don’t correlate with the lousy team on the field.
Having just watched them score a total of two runs in three losses to the Giants, Shaun, I don’t think ANYONE but you can see it.
By Efrim
August 19, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Look at the Braves offense in 2007 and 2008. Some of your really can’t see the Braves returning to close to what they did in 2007 when they finished 3rd in runs?
Well, they will need better years from Kelly Johnson, Yunel Escobar, Jeff Francoeur, and Casey Kotchman. It shouldn’t be that hard….there is no where to go but up, right?
By nolie
August 19, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Schafer has the power and should get the chance to take the job from Blanco next springBH
I’m more worried about his prowess or lack thereof against left handers than I am about his power potential. Of course he has been really terrible this season against then which has brought his career stats re lefties down a bit, but the few times I got to watch him against them he looked over-matched.
By cooper
August 19, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
The Braves marketing department wanted to play with a late afternoon start time to see if more people would come? Wow.
If they want more people to come I suggest they ask Wren to build a team of ML starters with a healthy smattering of FA stars who actually can start and produce.
Apart from McCann, Chipper when healthy, Escobar (barely) maybe Kotch (if he gets out of his slump) and JJ almost no one on this team would be starting everyday for a contending ball club (given the play of late)
Don’t flame me as I think we have a heck of a core of super utility, 4th OF type players but most are not top flight starters and you cannot win with a team built on substitution players.
They will show flashes and even lull you into believing they should start but when they play every day the wheels usually (not always) fall off.
The team we have today is leftover spare part and walking wounded stew not the basis from which to build a WS caliber.
After three abysmal seasons WS caliber should be on the top of all Braves letterhead and marketing mission statement documents.
Liberty will need to boost payroll by 15-20mm to give Wren the needed flexibility to fix this mess.
By Braveheart
August 19, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Well, I think it’s fairly reasonable to assume if a team can do anything well at the major league level, chances are they work at it.
Shaun, that’s pretty simplistic. I don’t think they are lazy and I do think they work hard but I think that sort of evaluation has to be observational and not based upon a rate stat. There are plenty of .250 hitters who work alot harder than .350 hitters simply because their lack of talent dictates that they work harder to merely stick around.
In their starting lineup, McCann, Tex, Kotchman, KJ, Escobar, Chipper, Frenchy, Kotsay were all first or second rounders. That means they were all believed to be pretty darn talented long before they had really put much work into their craft. A lineup filled with first or second rounders should not have a problem getting on base, hitting for average or power, fielding, running or throwing.
I personally think those guys work and play hard but ………. but I don’t think the fact that they have achieved a certain rate stat reveals that to you .
what the rate stat reveals is talent …………. the kind of talent that made them all first or second rounders when they were in their late teens or early twenties.
By Shaun
August 19, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
Efrim, well there actually is a very good chance they’ll get better years from most if not all of those players. Plus they’ll likely try to add a bat. So I don’t think it’s some fantasy to suggest they could be back to a solid offense in 2009.
Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera, I don’t think what the Braves did in any three games this year can tell us a whole lot about what the offense is likely to do in 2009.
By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
August 19, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
Efrim, don’t forget that big bat to replace Teixeira. And no tailoff in performance or major injury to an aging Chipper. And another equally productive, workhorse season from McCann.
Then to contend, all the Braves have to worry about is coming up with a starting rotation minus Hudson and Smoltz, which means they’ll rely heavily on an injury-prone Hampton, a Campillo who lately seems to be showing why he was a rookie at 30, and young Charlie Morton, who we can only hope can round into a consistent winner (but probably not by next year).
I don’t envy Frank Wren his job this offseason. He should start by putting Sunny-Side-Up Shaun on his payroll as an adviser. Or at least as a cheerleader.
By DAP
August 19, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
shaun Some of your really can’t see the Braves returning to close to what they did in 2007 when they finished 3rd in runs?
not with the team we have right now, but a couple of bats, it is definetly not outside the realm of possibility.
By southbeachdietfreak
August 19, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
What’s going to happen to Josh Anderson when he gets called up, goes 2 for his first 25. How many people are going to call for him to be DFA’d, traded, or whatever. Seems like a lot of people here are instant-results oriented.
By Original Jon
August 19, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Haha, you just don’t get it do you? But I digress, wasting my time on you is pointless. Have a nice day, jerk.
By Efrim
August 19, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Shaun
I think the offense will be more consistent next year, I agree with you. That is, if management makes the right decision by not giving a full 500 plus plate appearences to Martin Prado or Omar Infante instead of Kelly Johnson…..but that arguement is for another time.
Anway, as far as contending, no matter how much better the offense gets, the starting pitching needs to be addressed, and not by pitchers like Jon Garland or some other pitcher whose win-loss record is the reason why he gages interest among major league clubs.
So I’ll have to wait and see what Frank Wren does, obviously, before I declare the team can contend with the likes of the Mets and Phillies.
By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
August 19, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
THREE GAMES? Are you serious, Shaun?
Shaun, Braves are 56-69 this season, and below .500 over the past three seasons. And those, my friend, are the only stats that matter.
By BravesFan79
August 19, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
DOB: no man those headlines are just a sign of the times. Especially young black male culture is so full of ignorance and lack of morals. Everytime i see someone like crack dealin 50 cents selling “vitamin water….which i will now NEVER buy!” i get sick to my stomach…. wow the pple these companys are using now a days to promote their products make me SICK!
What happened to CLASS!!
By Efrim
August 19, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera,
Yes, there is a lot of work to be done. To suggest there isn’t means that you didn’t really take into account what has happened here this season. But again, I equate “lot of work to be done” as finding a right handed hitting left fielder who can post something like a 270/350/500 line and 2 starting pitchers. It isn’t remaking the whole roster, but it isn’t easy. By no stretch of the imagination.
By Shaun
August 19, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, so you believe someone can perform in the majors moderately well without working at it? I don’t think so. But maybe I’m just being “simplistic.”
And, yes, maybe a .250 hitter is a harder worker than a .300 hitter in some cases. What does that have to do with whether or not the Braves lineup is lazy, which is what I’m arguing.
Point is, we both agree. The Braves lineup is probably not lazy. That’s not what is causing any problems.
Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera, in 2007 the Braves had Scott Thorman at first for a huge chunk of the season yet still finished in the top three in runs. (Remember, a lot of people were saying they shouldn’t have traded for Tex because they don’t need offense, they need pitching?)
Also, there is a very good chance Johnson has a much better season, Escobar improves, Francoeur improves at least a little, Kotchman improves, they add an outfield bat and Blanco or Schafer perform well in some capacity. At the very least I don’t think the Braves’ offense is going to be as bad as it’s been this season.
Poor Shaun. He’s really a basket case when his precious stats and tendencies don’t correlate with the lousy team on the field.
I don’t get this. What “stats and tendencies don’t correlate with the lousy team on the field”? Actually the stat correlate pretty well with what the Braves are doing on the field. Don’t know what stats you’re looking at.
By Metropolitan Man
August 19, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Subhead: “Mugger chokes, robs woman, 85 … and even steals her cane!”Is it just me, or do they parcel out these cases so that they have one ready for any slow news day in The City? Seems like there’s one of those terrible stories here on the cover of the tabloids every time we’re in town.
Tsk Tsk DOB and your headlines! I haven’t forgotten your chop shop story of 06’. You sure know how to write some must read material.
Did they mention the old lady had a tomahawk cane and pocketbook. It was personal, done by a philthies fan living in NY who wanted to make sure you guys had nothing to lean on from here on out.
By Shaun
August 19, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera, I thought we were talking about the lineup, which has been pretty good for a large chunk of the last three seasons. What does the lineup have to do with the Braves’ record over the last three seasons? But I guess now we’re talking about everything. Maybe it’s just hard for some to focus on one topic at a time.
By BravesFan79
August 19, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
I for one…. still think the Braves have the talent to push for the playoffs next season. And i want nothing more than to see us go for it all in Smoltz’s last season!
We need a good backup for Chipper so he can get more off days. We need a true ACE….a CC, or Sheets. Get a power bat as well… KEEP Ohman…. stay around .500 the frist half of next year, and make a serious run for the playoffs the 2nd when Hudson and Smoltz comes back! And we have GOT to spend $$ on a decent bench next year….. how come we get backups like woodcrap and corky, yet other teams get backups like Gonzo…who can still hit? Dont tell me because of $$ because the team that got Gonzo has 1/4th the payroll of the Braves.
Something is seriously wrong with the Braves in evaluating these frindge free agents…. and then Bobby giving them CHANCE AFTER CHANCE just runs the team into the ground the first half of the season. (see the first half of 2007).
I know it dosent look good now pple, but the Braves arent this bad. This team has quit on Bobby Cox and isnt playing with HALF the passion it would if we were contenders.
By DAP
August 19, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
braveheart lazy people dont get drafted in the 1st or 2nd round, man. especially in baseball, alot of work is required. kids work hard long before they ever play professional ball. but, i guess it depends on how you define hard work…
By Steve from OH
August 19, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Baseball America did an article on Jordan Schafer today.
By Hoosier Aaron
August 19, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
I’m pretty sure Kotchman was leading the “Best Team In Baseball” in RBI and Average prior to the trade….and he DOESN’T strike out.
PLEASE - tell T.P. to leave him alone before he has him doing the A Jones splits by trying to cut down on his stride.
Just one thought on pitching for next year - the Pirates have 3 or 4 pitchers whose potential is very high and value (at least in my opinion due to this years numbers) low that would be nice picks ups for next year….Duke, Gorzalenny and Snell.
By DAP
August 19, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
efrim finding a right handed hitting left fielder who can post something like a 270/350/500 line
sounds like casey blake…hed be a great pickup. sign him for 3 years $22mil.
By Shaun
August 19, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Efrim, I don’t know if the team can contend with the likes of the Mets and Phillies next season. But I don’t think it’s going to be awful either.
And here we go again with the irrational hatred of Kelly Johnson.
By Renegator
August 19, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Shaun
I think assuming Francoeur, Escobar, Kotchman and Johnson will all take big steps forward next year is a big gamble. So far, the gambles have not paid off with any of those players.
Why would they necessarily take a step forward next year? What if they all take another step backwards like they did this year. We’d be screwed - again!
By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
August 19, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
At the very least I don’t think the Braves’ offense is going to be as bad as it’s been this season.
First reasonable thing you’ve said. But by the same token, there’s very little reason to hope the starting pitching will be good enough to contend next season.
You’re very analytical and reasonable when you post about non-Braves, Shaun, but you’ve got a major blind loyalty problem when it comes to your team. You spent most of last season insisting Andruw’s sorry stats were an aberration and how he’d turn it around because he’d actually improved in areas like drawing walks. Sound familiar? It should, because this season you’re making practically the same argument for Francoeur.
Jeff, Kelly Johnson & Co. might bounce back next season, and they might not. Who’s to say? And if they’re capable of doing better, why aren’t they better now?
Look at the scoreboard once in a while, Shaun. Something is definitely not right. And it hasn’t been right for three years now. And there’s much less reason for optimism in 2009 that there’s been in those other seasons.
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
NEW BLOGGAGE, for the denizens.
By Efrim
August 19, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Sorry if you misunderstood, or if I wrote it wrong, but I am a Kelly Johnson fan and I DO NOT want management to give Prado or Infante his at bats. I want him starting next season….all season. Against lefties or righties.
By Billy
August 19, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Schafer is on fire and driving the ball to all fields lately. He is hitting the ball very well. He is also eligible for the AFL again this winter. Couple that with a month of Spring Training and his play will determine if he is ready or not.
By Beg To Differ
August 19, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Not yet it ain’t, Dave.
By Shaun
August 19, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera, Kelly Johnson, Jeff Francoeur, Escobar, etc. are all younger than peak age for baseball players. That’s the simple reason why they are more likely to be better next season than not.
Why aren’t they better now? Because they are still young and still on the upward slope of development for baseball players.
Sound familiar? Not really. I was wrong about Andruw. But Andruw’s performance wasn’t surprising. It would be surprising if Francoeur doesn’t improve at all next season. Andruw was at the tail end of the typical peak age. Francoeur is still at least two years away from the start of typical peak age.