Braves

By Dean

November 27, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

I’m just thankful for this blog - period. I don’t know anywhere else fans can get such honest, insightful writing. Thanks DOB!

By Don!

November 27, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Happy Thanksgiving DOB!

As for our Braves, I’m still not excited about Peavy. I see him as a Hampton 2.0. I’d rather see us get one solid free agent pitcher, pick up an outfield bat — and keep our prospects.

Later,

Don!

By superadam

November 27, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

happy thanksgiving DOB! First?

By ccrider

November 27, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

DOB, Have a great Turkey Day. Unlike so many on the blog, I see the Braves as having many different directions they could go: pay big money and sign 2 Starters and trade nonessential parts for a bat or if the best long term pitching options are signed by others they could go short term R. Johnson, Hampton, Glavine, Sheets while the young pitchers mature or they could trade for Peavy and sign a 1 year guy and last of all Letting Hanson, Jurjjens, Morton, Medlin, Reyes, Redmond get their feet wet and determine whose got and who ain’t. The future is bright than most teams and with a few good moves the Braves can be right back in the race. So, all blogafiles enjoy your dinners and wait for the good news to come!

By Samuel Stiles

November 27, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

word DOB. Neil young is the master. Thanks for the blog over the years. long time reader, rarely poster.

By jed

November 27, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

dob

did you mean “obtuse” or “opaque”? i could see either, but i’m supposing you meant the latter. good list, though i’d have included ‘perfect circle’—that song reminds me so much of life in athens.

great job with the blog, friend. we’re all thankful for the fixes we get here.

By Lew

November 27, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

DOB-Have a great Thanksgiving yourself. I’m thankful for my fixed rate mortgage that’s current on payments. Now if I could only find a BBQ place, life would be perfect.

I didn’t realize that the time Burnett missed two years later was scar tissue related. That makes somewhat of a difference on the injury problems that bothered me so much. I thought it was more and different issues. If he can indeed, make 30 or more starts, he would be a good addition. Could you imagine him AND Peavy if both remain healthy? Damn.

By Ronald Millsaps

November 27, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

I posted a lengthy blog earlier on the previous blog that didn’t even get posted.

To recap, I suggested the Braves try Blaine Boyer as a starter. Many will differ, but it’s worth a shot. He has the physical attributes needed to pitch as one and also the velocity. (Remember John Smoltz talking about how this team needs a return to power pitching? He’d provide it.)

Boyer might’ve had struggles last season, but he also had flashes of brilliance. I think he just might be like Jorge Sosa in that he’s more comfortable in the rotation than in the bullpen—and it would be foolish not to try him in this area. The Braves organization owes it to itself to do so. Let the man use his God-given talent where it’s best suited.

I also predicted the Titans to win, 41-10, and for the Cowboys to win, 34-17, and for the Cardinals to win, 30-20. I also went off on verbal tirades on Texas Stadium and the undue hype that Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals are getting. (A lot of their hype is warranted; a substantial part is not, though.)

Ever notice how these “Thanksgiving halftime celebrations” have absolutely nothing to do with Thanksgiving? Not worth watching, especially the ones in that eyesore known as Texas Stadium.

I also said the Falcons, Buccaneers, and Panthers are three of the top six teams in football, and they are (Giants, Titans, Jets).

By BravesFanChris24

November 27, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

I’ve already eaten and waiting for dessert lol. We had Ham, Turkey, Dressing, Yams, Potato Salad, Rolls, Corn, Green Beans, Deviled Eggs, Pineapples and Cranberry Sauce.

I cooked all of it except the dressing, potato salad and deviled eggs. I enjoy cooking and cooking for my family was fun.

Now I can’t wait till some trades are made and FA’s are signed.

By Should have traded Hanson

November 27, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

According to Yahoo Sports. Kevin Towers has found a third team to trade Peavy to the Cubs. DOB is this true? here is the link. link

By Tomas

November 27, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I think the Braves should take the risk of signing Aj Burnett. Think about this:

Before he had Tommy John Surgery:

He played 7 games in 1999, 13 in 2000, 27 in 2001, 31 in 2002, and 4 in 2003. That’s a total of 78 games in 5 years, an average of 16 starts per season. Horrible, almost half of what a starting pitcher usually does when healthy which is at least 30.

After he had Tommy John Surgery:

He played 20 in 2004, 32 in 2005, 21 in 2006, 25 in 2007, and 35 in 2008. That’s a total of 133 games in 5 years, an average of 27 starts per season, that’s pretty decent(3 shy of 30).

I believe since he had TJ surgery, he has been much more healthier and has turned the corner from the career he had before full of injuries.

You really can’t compare his stats with Lowe’s. Derek Lowe is in the NL west, the easiest division in baseball, with teams that can hardly hit. I mean apart from the rockies(who only hit well at coors field), Adrian Gonzalez, and maybe Aaron Rowand, there is no one that can hit.

And as you said Burnett plays in the toughest division in baseball the AL East. Boston, Yankees, Tampa, and the Orioles(who have very good hitting but no pitching). David Ortiz, Alex Rodriguez, Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Aubrey Huff, Bj Upton, Evan Longoria, Nick Markakis, Melvin Mora, Jason Giambi, Hideki Matsui, Derek Jeter, and a lot more quality hitters.

18 wins, and a 4.07 ERA, would mean 23 wins and a 3.12 ERA in the NL West, and in the East 20 wins, 3.45 ERA.

He commands a 95-97mph fatball with good control, a very good slider, (i think he also has a knucklecurve), and a changeup.

He pitched 66 innings against the Red Sox and the Yankees allowing 15 earned runs, that is a 2.04 ERA(and that includes a game in which he gave 5 earned runs against boston) with 67 strikeouts. When a pitchers has more strikeouts than innings pitch you know he is dominant.

I think 5yrs 75 million is a bargain, better than 4yrs 72 million. And I think signing a 32 yr old pitcher, is a lower risk than signing a 36 yr old pitcher(Derek Lowe) to 4yrs 64 million, specially when the 32 yr old pitcher has much better stuff and is dominant.

By Ronald Millsaps

November 27, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

By the way, Dave, thanks for referring to Thanksgiving as “Thanksgiving” and not “Turkey Day.” The latter might seem harmless, but it’s really another example of postmodern poison, much like “Happy Holidays.”

By the way, John Smoltz has a charity known as Strike Out Hunger. I think we all should contribute to such charities, especially at this time of year, and by “we all”, I mean “we all”, not just the fans who type here.

By TheAntiMe

November 27, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Happy Thanksgiving, folks. Thanks for the new blog, DOB. R.E.M., even. Tasty stuff. I especially like Driver 8. Once again we can count on our hardball blogmaster to be Automatic For The People.

Fortunately for me, I happened to notice as lately I’ve kind of been living in my own private Idaho. (I know , wrong band - but pretty close. Kate even sang with Michael and the guys a time or two.)

Hey DOB. I don’t know what it is that you did to get Kevin Towers all P.O.’ed but rumor has it that he started dragging his feet on the Peavy deal just to try and get you highly ticked-off. Please, send the guy a Christmas card or something so that we can get Big Jake in the opening day rotation. Happy Holidays to one and all!

By Ebravesluvr

November 27, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB…do you like any sort of soul music?? I’m a big fan of Al Green myself, although I’m mainly interested in rap. And say what you will about rap, but we ALL have different tastes and none of them are right or wrong.

By Hiawatha Terrell Wade

November 27, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Hey Dave, thanks for the blog on day of terrible football.

Any man who holds The Big Lebowski in such high regard will always be OK by me. Cheers to having an open mind and good taste.

From the outside looking in, it would seem like Wren’s ultimate plan is to acquire all of Peavy/Burnett/F*******/Ohman then try to fill the OF power bat on the cheap. Is this the impression you get too, Dave, or do you think there would be enough money left in the budget to fit a short-term 8 figure salary after the other acquisitions?

By Hiawatha Terrell Wade

November 27, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Great hip-hop music is just that…great. The problem is 98% of what is on the radio, which the layman interprets as “rap”, is absolute trash. Rap music can be great but it’s becoming increasing difficult to uncover anything worthwhile amongst the piles or nonsense.

By Hiawatha Terrell Wade

November 27, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Hey why did Furcal get edited? Is “Furcal” a swear-word on this blog?

By Mark

November 27, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

I am the walrus!

By Bryan

November 27, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

I would drop pretty persuasion and add in Don’t go back to Rockdale … and probably switch the eponymous version of Gardening at Night for Boxcars … otherwise … damn good list.

By TheAntiMe

November 27, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

“Hey why did Furcal get edited? Is “Furcal” a swear-word on this blog?”

Furcal certainly is a swear word, Hiawatha Terrell Wade. Why, just this morning, some mega-hottie standing next to me in the check-out line at an Alpharetta Kroger suggested to me that I should go “Furcal” myself. Hey, you can’t win ‘em all.

By GermanBravesFan

November 27, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

The Tigers are looking for a catcher… how about Flowers plus others for Ordonez?

By BravesFanInRockies

November 27, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

Ronald Milsaps,

I don’t see Boyer as a starter because his fastball is too straight. This was pointed out by commentators every time I saw him pitch on a non-Braves telecast.

Sure, he has the velocity, but much like Kyle Farnsworth, you can throw the ball 100 MPH and if it doesn’t move, major league hitters will catch up to it.

He must also have a release point that’s easy to pick up because the harder he throws it, the harder they seem to hit it.

I’m also not sure he has a third pitch he trusts. The fastball is plus, simply because of its velocity, and so is the curve, but what about a third pitch?

By BravesFanInRockies

November 27, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Oh and BTW, Happy Thanksgiving to DOB and all the denizens!

By BravesFanInRockies

November 27, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Should have traded Hanson,

I no longer believe anything I read about anything Towers says.

By HeywardTheFuture

November 27, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Furcal of you.

By Ronald Millsaps

November 27, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

“…rockies”—In my original, non-posted post I addressed that very issue. I said he could use a slider and a change to complement said velocity.

Also, I’m not worried about what he has currently. Offseasons are to be used to practice and address weaknesses. Expanding his repertoire is something he needs to do this offseason.

Manny Acosta also deserves consideration. He has three pitches and also mound presence.

By BravesFanInRockies

November 27, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Ronald,

I don’t recall Boyer throwing as hard as he did in 2008 before he was injured. From what I remember his fastball was in the 89-92 range. Perhaps when he put less effort into his throws he got better movement. That happens sometimes when guys overthrow. Dunno. Guess we’ll find out in the spring.

Acosta hasn’t started since 2003 and I haven’t heard that they’re considering him for the rotation. I actually think he’s a good candidate for the 7th or 8th inning role if Soriano or Moylan isn’t fully recovered when the Braves break camp. He looked pretty shaken at times last year and it’s too bad because I agree he has a good arm and solid command.

By Gobble Gobble

November 27, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Ever have a friend who dated some turkey that thought he was too good for your friend? He was always telling her how much other women wanted him? That she needed to give him more? Eventually, your friend broke off the relationship with the turkey. They didn’t talk to each other for weeks.

But the turkey kept acting like a jacka@@ and sending word through other friends that some chick in Chicago wanted him, that the chick in Chicago wanted him to have a threesome?

Ever laugh when the girl says whatever turkey, I gave you the best I could give, if that’s good enough for you, come back, if it ain’t, I don’t care who wants to screw you, go have all the fat chick orgies in Chitown that you want. Something tells me though that you ain’t getting that threesome anyway - well, at least, not for free and as good as you can get it here. It’s not the quantity of who you bed that matters. It’s the quality. What I’ve got to give is better than whatever you’re paying for that two cent w******* threesome in Chicago anyway. Besides, the more a dude tells me he’s having a threesome the more I believe he’s the least likely guy in the room to have a threesome. Those who have ‘em are too busy having ‘em to talk about ‘em

Towers is that turkey. Wren is the chick.

By Gobble Gobble

November 27, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Ever have a friend who dated some turkey that thought he was too good for your friend? He was always telling her how much other women wanted him? That she needed to give him more? Eventually, your friend broke off the relationship with the turkey. They didn’t talk to each other for weeks.

But the turkey kept acting like a jacka@@ and sending word through other friends that some chick in Chicago wanted him, that the chick in Chicago wanted him to have a threesome?

Ever laugh when the girl says whatever turkey, I gave you the best I could give, if that’s good enough for you, come back, if it ain’t, I don’t care who wants to screw you, go have all the fat chick orgies in Chitown that you want. Something tells me though that you ain’t getting that threesome anyway - well, at least, not for free and as good as you can get it here. It’s not the quantity of who you bed that matters. It’s the quality. What I’ve got to give is better than whatever you’re paying for that two cent w******* threesome in Chicago anyway. Besides, the more a dude tells me he’s having a threesome the more I believe he’s the least likely guy in the room to have a threesome. Those who have ‘em are too busy having ‘em to talk about ‘em

Towers is that turkey. Wren is the chick.

By J.L.

November 27, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

DOB Thanks for the new Blog.

By northbeach Scott

November 27, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

In addition to Boyer’s straight fastball, he telegraphs his curve with his body language. Anyone can read that the curve is coming, consequently he is neither able to set anyone up for the deuce, nor blow away anyone with the fastball. By all means leverage Boyer in a trade while he has some value. Two pitch pitchers cannot be effective major league starters.

By Wayne

November 27, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Lots to be thankful for these days. Hope each of you can say the same!

Have a great holiday!

A team like the Braves, who would not lose a first round draft pick, could conceivably sign an “A” type free agent before December 1st, couldn’t they? Aren’t we exempt from losing our first round choise?

Would we lose our second round choice, or would the other team just get a sandwich pick?

By Wayne

November 27, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

I guess if I was as boxed in as Towers, I might do some of the same things he is doing. Trying to create some demand, where it might not exist.

That’s what many of the agents do for their players….

When does the Winter Meetings begin? Is that next week, or the week after that?

By JasonInFL (formerly ME)

November 27, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Love Neil…one of the best songs off of the Freedon album. While sorry this is our first Thanksgiving without my father in-law, I am more than grateful that is is my first with my 10 week old daughter….Rhiannon Rae. I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!!

By richbrave

November 27, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

HAPPY THANKSGIVING WISHES to one and all. My wish is a starting rotation in ‘09 of PEAVY, BURNETT, JUIRJENS, HAMPTON and flexibility amongst HANSON, MORTON, or CAMPILLO all available as needed. In ‘10 PEAVY, BURNETT, HUDSON, HANSON, MORTON or CAMPILLO.

By David O'Brien

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

Just back from our rounds, made it safely from one end of Atlanta (Toco Hill) to the other (East Atlanta and further East off 1-20) and back, with a stop at big Don’s for his traditional gathering of good folks on Thanksgiving.

I just ate the best piece of homemade pecan pie I’ve ever had, I do believe, with a big scoop of Blue Bell vanilla on top.

Thanks to all for the greetings, and hope everybody had a great day.

Elbravesluvr: If you saw my list above, you saw a Roots song, which should give you some indication that I love soul music and some hip-hop, though not the currently hot acts that sing about the same boring subjects over and over.

I love The Roots, the Beasties, Q-Tip (did you miss our discussion on him las week?), his old band Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang, P.E., etc.

I love all old soul music, and a few new acts including Rafael Saddiq (if you haven’t heard it, you gotta try it out; dude sounds like he was born 30 years too late, total throwback sound).

James Brown, Al Green, Marvin, Otis, Supremes, Etta James … on and on. Love all of it.

By Andy

November 27, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

This is unlikely, but what if we could pull of a trade for Francisco Liriano and Delmon Young? I know both are young and do not make much, so they would be tough to acquire, but the Twins are really creative and they always seem to come up with pitching out of nowhere. They could really use Yunel. I don’t know if this would do it, but Yunel, Morton, B. Jones, Boyer for Liriano and Delmon Young.We would also be giving up young and affordable players. Sign AJ Burnett.

Rotation: Burnett, Liriano, Jurrjens, Hanson, Campillo. Get Huddy back in ‘10 and that’s Burnett, Hudson, Liriano, Jurrjens, Hanson… Wow! Re-sign Ohman, Sign Furcal, Re-sign Smoltz, Sign Kevin Millar Lineup: SS Furcal, CF Schafer, 3B Chipper, LF Young, C Mac, RF French, 1B Kotch, 2B KJ Pen: Smoltz, Gonzo, Soriano, Moylan, Medlin, Ohman, Marek Bench: Millar, Sammons, Prado, Lillibridge, Anderson

The one knock is that we still lack power, but I really really like our rotation, especially in ‘10. If Frenchy regains his power stroke, that’ll really help. Young is a damn good young hitter, who will steal some bases and hit for average, and his power numbers will go up. I like this team. Adding Furcal gives us that spark that we have missed at the top of the lineup since he left. We have more team speed with Schafer, Furcal & Young.

By world-B

November 27, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

I thought The Shield finale was good, not great…at first. Twenty-four hours later, I had come to think it indeed was great and I’ll TIVO it Sunday night and watch it once more. Nuances of that show make it better upon reflection. Like Shane’s line: “Time for a family meeting.” Meant nothing to me at the time. Now it’s as chilling of a line ever uttered on TV SOA has been a wonderful surprise show. Season finale was perfect, setting up a great season 2. LOVE IT!

By JohnGTFan

November 27, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

DOB

Happy Thanksgiving!

I’m already tired of hearing about Peavy. Either he comes or he doesn’t. I’m curious, do you think Vasquez and Dye will be coming to Atlanta this off-season?

By Saltywoody

November 27, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

I had to share because there was a Thanksgiving miracle at my house this year.

It came in the form of chocolate bourbon pecan pie.

If you’ve never had it, you should. Holy smokes.

By JasonInFL (formerly ME)

November 27, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

I wonder if the Royals would get involved with the Cubs and Padres since they have Teahan who the Cubs are supposedly interested in…

By Fan-coeur (Frenchy has heart)

November 27, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

GO ATLANTA FUNKY THUNDER DUCKS!!!!

By JasonInFL (formerly ME)

November 27, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

I wonder if there will be any see an tryptophan filled trades tonight? I hope FW is working the phones!!

By JasonInFL (formerly ME)

November 27, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

I wonder if I can write a coherent sentence?

By Ron in mobile

November 27, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

DOB

Chinaman is not the preffered nomenclature dude…its Asian American

Couldnt resist

By Eric from MO

November 27, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

Tomas what is you obession with A.J.? “He played 20 in 2004, 32 in 2005, 21 in 2006, 25 in 2007, and 35 in 2008. That’s a total of 133 games in 5 years, an average of 27 starts per season, that’s pretty decent(3 shy of 30).” While Peavy has pitched 150 games in the past the 5 seasons and thats a average of 30. Actually he has started at least 27 games the past 5 years. Why would you pay ace like money for someone you yourself descibed as “decent.”

You went on to say,”18 wins, and a 4.07 ERA, would mean 23 wins and a 3.12 ERA in the NL West.” Peavy posted an ERA under 2.9 4 times while averageing 200 inning those years and the most he ever won is 19 games. So how is it that A.J. will post a higher ERA and yet surpass Peavy’s best in wins by 4? Its one thing to like Burnett but you just dont make sense. Use a lil thought.

By NCBravesFan

November 27, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

Should have traded Interesting article. My gut tells me that Towers just isn’t very impressed with the ATL package, and is seeing what else is out there. I suspect he’ll find a package that works for him, leaving ATL to either up the ante or wind up with no deal.

I still think there are too many headwinds for the Braves this offseason. Quite a few teams can outspend them for prime FAs, and the Braves are committed to not trading the farm, which limits what they can accomplish via trades.

And I have to believe the status of Bobby Cox is also an issue. If you’re a FA and you aren’t sure who the manager will be in 2010, do you sign anyway and hope for the best … or look to teams that are competitive and have a longer-term commitment in place from their manager?

I wish I was more optimistic here on Thanksgiving Day, but I have been pretty down on what can realistically get done this offseason. 2010 is the year to shoot for IMHO.

I hope FW proves me wrong in the weeks to come!

By JasonInFL (formerly ME)

November 27, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Are the Jays out of the battle for AJ?

(Jays Payroll May Be On Decline)[http://www.torontosun.com/sports/baseball/2008/11/27/7549416-sun.html]

By JasonInFL (formerly ME)

November 27, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

I am convinced that Peavy and Axlerod have been pulling strings behind the scenes to go to the Cubs. To be honest, it is the only explanation for how this thing has gone down. I know I am being repetitive, but the more Towers focuses on the Cubs when they clearly don’t have the pieces, need multiple teams, etc, the more it makes sense.

By JasonInFL (formerly ME)

November 27, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

Seriously, I obviously need to take a nap. Good night all.

By Braveheart

November 27, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Here’s something to be really thankful for:

An interesting take on what DOB is really doing while giving us these music reviews

By Rico

November 27, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

Happy Thanksgiving, DOB and fellow Tomahawkers.

FYI, DOB, The Wailers are coming to Athens in Jan.

By Ronald Millsaps

November 27, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

The Arizona Cardinals are supporting my earlier statements about them right now. I picked them to win because I thought the game was being played in the desert, but it’s actually being played in Philadelphia.

In fairness, they’re facing Donovan McNabb at the worst time to face the man in all of his great career; he embarrassingly got benched the other day, and any time such a thing happens to a player of his caliber, look out. (I expected a great performance from him tonight no matter where the game was being played.)

The Cardinals are a very good team, but they play in one of the worst divisions in NFL history, and their record hasn’t been hurt by this reality. I think they’re one of the best teams in the conference, just not quite as high as the “experts” have said.

Some guy on CBS earlier talked about how not having Asante Samuel really was going to hurt the Eagles tonight. Truthfully, the aforementioned motivation is a much-bigger factor than the absence of a great player. Also, the Eagles, when Brian Westbrook is as healthy as he looks tonight, are pretty strong. Part of Donovan McNabb’s struggles this year have been a direct product of Westbrook’s absence.

I’d push Jo-Jo Reyes very hard this offseason. He needs to develop his talent. Anyone who could pitch as well as he pitched at Anaheim has no excuse for turning around and pitching as poorly as he did against the Washington Nationals. Yeah, the Nationals had a lot of ex-Braves wanting to prove a point, so I can justify some of the runs he gave up but certainly not all.

This blog is nice. Nice to have a spot to voice your suggestions for the Braves.

By Braves Fan in PA

November 27, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

Not that I want to trade the farm to get Peavy but any possibility of getting both him and Burnett or if we get one we don’t pursue the other?

Imagine the both of them JJ, a healthy Smoltz (as a starter). Then if Hudson is healthy back in August in time for the playoffs. I would like our chances :)

By J.L.

November 27, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

If you want a funny movie,try PORKY’S

By Vol

November 27, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

1. Fall on Me
2. So. Central Rain
3. It’s the End of the World…
4. Harborcoat
5. Man on the Moon
6. Losing My Religion
7. Letter Never Sent
8. Talk About the Passion
9. Flowers of Guatemala
10. Maps and Legends

OK, so there are about 3 songs total I don’t like from the first 5 or 6 albums - hard to pick 10. I’ve done this before and there were probably about 5 different ones in there depending on my mood. Love old REM songs.

By Dadgum

November 27, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Happy Thanksgiving all!! We were very fortunate to have my daughter’s boyfriend with us back from Iraq. He had spent the last 2 Thanksgivings over there and then another during training. Makes you think and appreciate.

DOB I also had a pecan pie but with Cool Whip on it. Good nonetheless.

I lived in Dallas for 10 years and picked up on the Blue Bell craze. Can’t give enough accolades for that ice cream. To me simply the best. Made in Brenham, Texas near Waco. They limit the distribution though to keep it fresh and seasonal. The summer peach is exceptional but I always judge ice cream on the good ole vanilla first then go from there.

Unfortunately it isn’t in Richmond anywhere. However, it is the house vanilla at Carrabbas and Outback. So check it out and get friendly with the manager at one of those restaurants if you don’t get it in stores. It is that good. Seriously!

Rock on……I’m thankful for a lot of things including Blue Bell.

By brent a.

November 27, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

I used to know a Blue Bell distributor in Texas. His whole family is rather obese.

By David O'Brien

November 27, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

We just saw Milk. Sean Penn = Amazing actor. But we knew that. Still, this is Oscar-worthy, for sure.

Vol: Four on your list that I could have put on mine: Man on the Moon, Talk About the Passion, Fall on Me, Maps and Legends. Those four definitely. Like I said, there’s probably 25 or more besides my 10. Can’t go wrong.

By Salty Dawg

November 27, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

I am convinced that Peavy and Axlerod have been pulling strings behind the scenes to go to the Cubs. To be honest, it is the only explanation for how this thing has gone down. I know I am being repetitive, but the more Towers focuses on the Cubs when they clearly don’t have the pieces, need multiple teams, etc, the more it makes sense.

If you really think about it that just doesn’t make sense. Peavy has a no trade clause. If he doesn’t want to play for the Braves, all he has to do is say so. There is no reason for Axlerod to be coy and no reason for Towers to act like such an a$$ clown. All they have to do is say, “hey, Peavy changed his mind and doesn’t really want to play for Atlanta.” If he isn’t going to accept a trade here anyway, he has no reason to beat around the bush.

By Thrillhouse44

November 27, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Happy Turkey Day to everyone. We have plenty to be thankful for. Dadgum, please tell your girl’s boyfriend Thrilla said thanks.

DOB, do you ever listen to the Robert Randolph Band? I was recently turned on to them and they’re pretty sweet. They know how to rock with a funky sound too.

Braveheart, “I’m trying to listen to the new Robert Palmer tape, but Evelyn, my supposed fiance, keeps buzzin in my ear.”

By JasonInFL (formerly ME)

November 27, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

It would severely hamstring Towers if it was KNOWN that Peavy wanted him to try everything first to go to the Cubs. I mean, if Peavy came out and said, hey, I am not getting traded or being traded to the Cubs, how does that help Axlerod’s buddy Towers?

By 5scott

November 27, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Cool blog,not really into them.But yours multi tasks.Best R.E.M song,hold on!!!Saved my wife at the time her life(now happy)thank god.Enjoyed the sports.Watching texas a&m texas.Good job Happy Holiday..Scotty in Berkeley,California

By Ebravesluvr

November 27, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Thanks DOB I’ll check that out. I always love a little soul music! I mostly like the mainstream rap and hip hop, the stuff that other people find to be crap. Personally, Flo Rida’s CD was amazing (to me). It’s the only CD I own that I love every single song on it.

By nolie

November 27, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

I see that Brian Fuentes’ representatives told the Mets the free agent closer is seeking a three-year deal worth $10 million to $11 million annually. Mets say that’s a tad high, but are still interested supposedly.

By Ebravesluvr

November 27, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

Man…I’m a total loser. I went and had dinner at my grandpa’s house (which was totally depressing considering my Gram just died a few months ago and she was the glue to the holiday dinners) and then I came home, took a nap and then got up and went to do laundry at the laundromat. But hey, there was no one there so I didn’t have to fight for washers and dryers. I’m SUCH a WINNER! haha

By nolie

November 27, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

which was totally depressing considering my Gram just died a few months ago and she was the glue to the holiday dinnersluvr

yeah I imagine that was kinda tough. Holidays can be draining sometimes. Sorry for your lose.

By Roland, the Headless Thompson Gunner

November 27, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Has anyone seen that SOB Van Owen? Heard he was in a barroom in Mombasa drinking gin….

Agree with REM choices, DOB, but would put South Central Rain at No. 1 and Pretty Persuasion higher, plus some more love to Don’t Go Back to Rockville.

By Chuck James is solid until the 6th!! (Formerly Steve-O)

November 27, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

Happy Thanksgiving all!!

DOB a Wu fan, huh?? Far out…

What an AWFUL day off uncompetitive/uninteresting football, ay??

By Ebravesluvr

November 27, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

Nolie Thanks, I appreciate that.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving….onto the sales, the f&#@ing Christmas music, backed up traffic, cranky salespeople and even crankier holiday shoppers. THE HOLIDAYS ARE UPON US!

By The Real Joebrave

November 27, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

Folks, Can we please ,and i mean PUHLEEZZZZE, stop with Jake Peavy???? Look I agree thst He is a very good pitcher. But to Trade Yunel Escobar, wreaks of Brett Butler, Brook Jacoby,and Rick Behenna, for Len Freakin Barker,and we all know how that one turned out!!!

By BabyGoatEater

November 27, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

While patiently (tongue in cheek) waiting on Towers to come to his senses, I have come to the conclusion that John Sherholtz’s ways were out dated. He would have never called Towers bluff publicly, and therefore, would probably not be in the situation of having Towers crawling at his feet after he see’s nobody biting on his requests. Big J (sorry in advance) would have probably told Towers to “go blow smoke” elsewhere privately, and that definitely wouldn’t have put the same pressure on Towers to find a deal better than the Braves elsewhere. Now if Towers does get forced to trade Peavy (reports say is happening) for less than the Braves supposed offer with Yunel, He has major egg on his face. Maybe I’m way off base, but Wren’s way isn’t so bad.

By Bama

November 27, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I believe Towers is playing games about a third team etc. BS. I believe Frank Wren will come through with a trade or FA that no one expects to get. I hope we get AJ and Peavy, maybe Ibanez.

Sweet Lou said” the Cubs were out of the Peavy deal. They had their 5 starters.” May just be smoke screen.

I’m Thankful for this Braves Blog, DOB and everyone of you great fans. I look forward every day to reading what each one has to say. You the Braves & Fans make my day. God Bless each of you and the USA.

By David O'Brien

November 27, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

Roland, I definitely wouldn’t disagree with Rockville in the top 10, or top five. Love that tune.

Speaking of Zevon, coincidentally enough just got done listening to the second disc of that expanded Zevon debut. Phenomenal. Acoustic and demo versions of everything on the disc, including two additional versions of Carmelita, a great version of Desperados Under the Eaves … I’d strongly recommend it to any Zevon fan.

By Kentavo

November 27, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

Okay, I”ll play the R.E.M. game.

From the IRS years:

1. Seven Chinese Brothers
2. The Flowers of Guatemala
3. Cuyahoga
4. Talk About the Passion
5. Driver 8
6. Radio Free Europe
7. Pretty Persuasion
8. Can’t Get There from Here 9.Green Grow the Rushes
9. Finest Work Song

By David O'Brien

November 27, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

Thrillhouse, I bought a Robert Randoph CD a few years back after watching him and his Family Band rock at the Midtown Music festival. Incredible slide guitar work. Alas, I don’t listen to the disc much; enjoyed the live show much more. Great live band.

By Bubdylan

November 27, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

Roland………. ….Speaking of Zevon - DOB

I love this blog.

By David O'Brien

November 27, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

Kentavo, three more great ones I left off my list: Cuyahoga, Can’t Get There From Here and Green Grow The Rushes. Why did I even try to do a top 10. Should’ve been at least top 20. They’ve got too many equally terrific tunes, and that’s just from the IRS years….

.

Chuck James, when a Wu tune pops up on my shuffle at the gym or whatever, it makes me smile, gets me pumped. Love that stuff, especially with the Shaolin warrior spoken-word intros and interludes. Very cool….

Ebravesluvr, I’m out of touch with most of the recent hip-hop, the dude you cited and the various initial guys — T-Pain, T.I., etc, etc. Just doesn’t do anything for me. Too old for it, I’m sure.

By Bubdylan

November 28, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

Nevermind. I thought ya did something you didn’t. Oh well. Still love it.

By Bubdylan

November 28, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this

Wonder what the BCS is gonna do about Texas/ OU now. Such a tough call.

Texas lost its game on the last play of a road game, playing in their 4th super-tough game in a row.

But OU demolished Tech. Beat ‘em worse that Texas beat A&M tonight.

But Texas beat OU straight up.

But it was a while ago.

MAN, that’s tough. Hate to see either of those schools get left out.

By Not My Time (I Won't Go)

November 28, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this

Three Doors Down rocks, I don’t care what anyone says

By Poco Fan

November 28, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this

Happy Thanksgiving Dave. Long time reader, first time posting. Thanks for keeping us Braves fans in the loop, I for one greatly appreciate all that you do. I recall a time in the early 1980’s when I thought Rock ‘N’ Roll was dead. All the bands I liked were breaking up or in decline. Disco was still around and punk and pop were filling the airwaves. Then I heard a song on the radio called “Radio Free Europe” and Rock ‘N’ Roll was alive again, at least to me. I came to find out it was a band called REM and they were from Georgia! Wow! A southern band that didn’t sound like an Allman/Skynyrd knock off. So I bought the Murmur album, and then Reckoning and on and on. And now they’re legends, RNR Hall of Fame and all. It’s tough to pick their top 10; there wasn’t much filler on any of their earlier albums. As you might tell by my screen name, I listen to the stuff I grew up with and have no idea who most of the musicians you mention on here are. So thanks for the trip down memory lane.

By uga-brave

November 28, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this

love the r.e.m. talk.

for me begin the begin has always been my favorite especially live.

i dont know if anyone saw their induction to rock n roll hall of fame but that was their last song. i think it is one of their favorites too.

rockville, gardening at night, passion, south central rain, man on the moon, flowers of guat, driver eight, really too many.

on the newer stuff, the great beyond is a great song.

By Tomahawkin

November 28, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this

Flo-Rida, LOL, a pure example of Hip Pop Garbage. The garbage that’s all about making money off of spoiled rich white kids…If you want real rap check out some old Bone Thugs N Harmony, Doug E. Fresh, old Mobb Deep, M.C Lyte, Camp Lo, The list goes on and on…

The old stuff has substance, It ain’t about all the material possessions that dominate the garbage lyrics, and Computer synchrinized crapola that gets so much press today. Even T.I. dissappointed me with that “Whatever You Like” crap. He sold out on that track, it sounds like all of the other Hip-Pop Songs that have come out over the last two years, it all sound the same…

Anyone know if the Braves F.O. will seek either James Loney, or Matt Kemp from the Dodgers…? Many Philly fans consider that a(n) viable option if they lose out on Pat Burrell…

And Its funny, a Year ago, everyone and dey mama on here (Including Myself) was on the Trade for Ryan Freel Bandwagon, What Happened to all that talk…?

By nfieldr

November 28, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this

When I lived in the SF Bay Area back in the very early 90’s, one of the FM stations in the area was changing formats and they played a continuous loop of End of the World for 24 straight hours .

By Mitchell

November 28, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this

DOB, I’m willing to bet that you’ll agree with me that “Let Down” by Radiohead is one of the greatest freaking songs ever from one of the greatest albums ever.

I try to listen to their new music but they haven’t by any means equalled OK Computer in my opinion. Most bands it would clearly be asking too much for them to make another album that completely original and other-worldly but Radiohead would be an exception. I don’t know, they’re still good but they don’t seem to care if their older fans like the new directions they go. What’re gonna do?

If I might be so bold as to make a recommendation to thou I would have to go with Electric Arguements by Paul McCartney. It’s actually music he makes under the name The Fireman. He collaborates with this electronic, ambiant composer named Youth. It’s sort of experimental. Most of McCartney’s recent music appeals to his devoted (make that commited) fan base only and I would be far too embarrassed to endorse it but The Fireman Electric Arguements is incredible. It is absolutely some of the best music he’s ever made.

Anyway, nothing like a day of some of the worst football ever played to sway my thoughts back to Braves baseball.

Perhaps it is still early in the off-season. Only in the last 2 years or so have I started caring about post-season dealings. I never needed to worry or bother with it before when I knew either way we’d still win the division. I have a hard time remembering what that was like.

I think I’m beginning to see what being a sports fan is really like, still caring about your team even though they suck. It turns out I do still like baseball and not just Braves baseball from ‘91 to ‘05. That was a lot easier to deal with, at least until October.

Oh, I did not just go there!

Yes I did.

By Mike S

November 28, 2008 2:13 AM | Link to this

“Would you like to try my Wu-Tang Style?” “I’d like to try your Wu-Tang style.” “Let’s begin…”

DOB, I’m thankful for you and this blog. As a Braves fan, the information you provide us is priceless. All of the insights and insider/behind the scenes info are incredible, but I also love the TV/movies/music/BBQ/pie/MIB discussions you create here (even if I’m not the biggest ‘que guy).

Most importantly, you go so far above and beyond what’s required of you to make this such a fantastic place, and for that we’re all grateful.

I know it’s not easy to post such long, insightful blogs, comment as often as you do, answer so many of our questions; all of this at all hours of the day and night. But for that, I know we all say THANK YOU!

(And thanks to the rest of you jokers too, for making this a great community and giving DOB a reason to keep doing what he’s doing.)

By uga-brave

November 28, 2008 2:16 AM | Link to this

good r.e.m. story, on the eve of the georgia kentucky game in athens around 87 i think, we were at the origianl uptown lounge to see then the unkown indigo girls (dont laugh) there were only about 80 to 100 there but during the show stipe, mills, and buck got up and played close to an hour with them good stuff.

so many great bands made their way through athens.

i remember seeing the smithereens, guadacanal diary, hoo doo gooros, love tractor, dreams so real, widespread panic, white animals, the call, lots of good times.

not to mention bands like the radiators, lava love, among others that actually played at our fraternity house.

wish i had one of those way back machines.

By nolie

November 28, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this

And Its funny, a Year ago, everyone and dey mama on here (Including Myself) was on the Trade for Ryan Freel Bandwagon, What Happened to all that talk…Tomahawkin

nah, everybody wasn’t. lot’s of us think little of him

By nolie

November 28, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this

wish i had one of those way back machines. UGA

yep, don’t most of us old codgers too.

By Chop Chop

November 28, 2008 2:47 AM | Link to this

Rock on, Roland.

By Chop Chop

November 28, 2008 2:53 AM | Link to this

This Roland video is amusing.

Bedtime.

By BayAreaSteve

November 28, 2008 3:59 AM | Link to this

Mitchell……wtf?

2:00, and I can’t get a Katy Temple reference?

By Vic Mackey

November 28, 2008 4:13 AM | Link to this

Guess I will have more time to blog now.

So get used to me being around.

By Hiawatha Terrell Wade

November 28, 2008 4:17 AM | Link to this

Dave, do you own Gza’s “Liquid Swords” and Talib Kweli/Hi-Tek “Reflection Eternal”? Two classic underrated hip-hop albums.

By Samuel Stiles

November 28, 2008 4:19 AM | Link to this

gotta say that all of the early tunes from the R.E.M. are my faves, with the one exception “World Leader Pretend” from Green. Always loved those lyrics. I played in a band here from New Orleans and we called ourselves World Leader Pretend in homage to this tune. The beauty is, a few years after our humble beginnings, we end up signing to R.E.M’s label, Warner Bros. AND get the amazing opportunity to open for them in Germany for a week. They were really great to us. Awesome dudes. They even played “World Leader Pretend” and dedicated it to us the first show we played with them. I Will never forget that. Just an awesome band.

By Joel

November 28, 2008 4:49 AM | Link to this

DOB, Huge Shield fan, but still haven’t decided about The Finale. I thought it was amazing, just not sure about what Vic does in the last scene: Does he kill himself? Does he do his real cop thing on the streets at night? Does he intentionally violate his contract with ICE to go to prison with Ronnie? Does he make a run for Mexico to get out of his own personal hell which is no family, no friends, and a desk job? Please share your opinion on what you think he did.

By BravesAC

November 28, 2008 5:11 AM | Link to this

* DOB * Love most of your comedy choices and I don’t think you have to look any farther than how you could talk around the water cooler about an Animal House scene and the listener could immediately recall/relate. But Big Lebowski…management rented a theater, brought in pizza and beer for us as a thank you for some project completion and even with free beer I thought the movie was a “trip to the dentist”. Maybe your older readers like me would remember “It’s a Mad, Mad,Mad World” with the scene where Jonathan Winters tears down a gas station, terrorizing the two gas attendants (remember when they pumped the gas?)…that was another comedy classic. I like Mellencamp too…Cherry Bomb, Smnall Town…they just sound great and connect with people. They played Small Town in the opening credits on CBS when Bird played Magic for the college bball title and it couldn’t have been more electric, exciting to us from the Midwest.

Here’s hoping Wren hangs on “to the farm” and doesn’t cave on Peavy’s Towers set price tag. Midwesterners value the farm more!

By Braveheart

November 28, 2008 6:19 AM | Link to this

Honestly, this isn’t even a contest, as Buddy Carlyle is, far and away, more deserving of the honor than anyone else on this list. Because of this, Buddy Carlyle of the Atlanta Braves—do a drumroll in your head—is the recipient of the 2008 Fangraphs Mop Up Man of the Year Award. Congrats, Buddy: you may not have worked out as a starting pitcher, but nobody can clean up messes or preserve the lead/deficit the way you did this past year.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-mop-up-award-goes-to

By Gil In Mechanicsville

November 28, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this

Hey DOB, I noticed Diory Hernandez is playing short stop in the Dominican winter leagues this fall. Hitting around .340. I remember him playing 2nd base in Richmond this year after coming up mid season from Mississippi. As I recall, he had a pretty slick glove and some pop in his bat. Think maybe the Braves are grooming him to be the short stop in waiting ahead of Lillibridge? Any news we can use on any of the other Braves players in the winter leagues?

By Ebravesluvr

November 28, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

DOB I wouldn’t consider yourself “old” for not feelin’ T.I. and T-pain and various other initial rappers (that made me laugh, lol) because they really ARE crap. I cringe when I hear their music actually. I guess it’s all a matter of taste. I like ANYTHING with a good beat fromo country, rap, soul…jazz…even SWING music. As long as it has a good beat.

By TommyP

November 28, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

Braveheart: That 8:56 post/link yesterday made me laugh harder than anything I’ve ever seen on this blog.

Holy Cow. That was friggin’ hilarious.

The only thing that would’ve made that more appropriate was a monologue of how AJ Burnett is worth a long term deal that DOB just wrote:

And before anyone dismisses Burnett on that count, don’t try to tell me that a guy who goes 18-10 and leads the AL with 231 strikeouts in 221-1/3 innings isn’t top-shelf, particularly when he won 18 games for a team that plays in a division with the Red Sox, Yankees and pennant-winning Rays.

He had a very good YEAR. 1 year. For every 200 inning season the guy has, he follows it with TWO seasons of much less than 200 innings.

So with the way Burnett’s career pattern has gone so far, the first 2 years of Burnett will be 100+ innings and then we’ll get that stellar, top shelf season from him followed by 2 more injury plagued seasons.

Give me Lowe for the inflated price over Burnett, thank you. At least you can count on him to make his scheduled starts.

By Fan-coeur (Frenchy has heart)

November 28, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

Random

why don’t you go ‘furcal’ yourself?

lol

By Fan-coeur (Frenchy has heart)

November 28, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

DOB, which is your favorite coldplay album?

By AndyA

November 28, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

DOB,

I’m confused. You continue to say the Braves aren’t out of the Peavy sweepstakes, even saying the Braves still make the most sense for him…some of your reasons have a little bit of conspiracy theory in them, but I understand them and hope they are right. Mark Bowman, on the other hand, writes as if the deal has completely flatlined and Wren have moved on to other options. How can two “sources” so close to the team come up with such different points of view? I understand different opinions, but what gives?

By Kentavo

November 28, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Now, see if you can come up with a top 10 R.E.M. song list post-IRS.

That’s much harder.

I love the band, but I can’t get into any of the albums since Monster.'' The post-Monster” discs just blend into a boring mess for this listener.

Here’s my post-IRS list:

1. “Orange Crush”
2. “Near Wild Honey”
3. “World Leader Pretend”
4. “Night Swimming”
5. “Ignoreland”
6. “What’s the Frequency Kenneth?”
7. “Star 69”
8. “The Wakeup Bomb”
9. “Pop Song ‘89”
10. “Man on the Moon”

By Melly

November 28, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

DOB, I’d like to see the Braves bring in Penny and Pettite on 2 year contracts, which I think both would accept if the $$ was right. Even if they did bust out, they’d be off the books quickly. I just don’t think Burnett will win more than 12-14 games a year, and for $15mill, not worth it. Oh yeah, and please bring back Dye!

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 28, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

Hey! Hope everybody had a Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks for the new Blog, Chief! I’ll try to get caught up…it’s one thing not to post for an entire day—quite another to not even look at the Blog for a whole day.

Course, we’re gonna be headin’ out in a little while. But I shall return!

By Philliesuk

November 28, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

REM top 10: 1. Gardening at Night 2. Begin the Begin 3. Fall On Me 4. Boxcars 5. Pretty Persuasion 6. Talk About the Passion 7. Harborcoat 8. These Days 9. Driver 8 10. Life and How to Live It

I have to add that I don’t think REM put out a bad song during the IRS years, so the 11-50 songs aren’t too far behind.

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 28, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

I half expected to turn on the computer this morning and find out that the Braves had made a big signing or a big trade…oh well.

By Dadgum

November 28, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

While we wait for Peavy, Burnett, Lowe, Furcal, Renteria, Sheets, Ludwick, or numerous 2nd-tier possibilities and combinations thereof. Zeppelin Top 10? Glad to oblige:

1. Kashmir
2. Babe I’m Gonna Leave You
3. How Many More Times
4. Dazed and Confused
5. Stairway To Heaven
6. Since I’ve Been Loving You
7. Achilles Last Stand
8. The Song Remains The Same
9. The Rover
10. Misty Mountain Hop

Kashmir for me is hands down #1 and way ahead of anything they did. Stairway for all its overplaying is still great. The way I look at it they don’t overplay it for nothing. Had to stay away from Whole Lotta Love. Except for the single released not sure why that song has defined Zeppelin. When the amusement park opened in Myrtle Beach and they chose that song for the Zeppelin coaster-well nuff said. The park has filed for bankruptcy protection.

Achilles Last Stand has always been under the Radar but off a not too well sold album (Presence) it might be among Page’s best work.

Had to honor Bonham thus had to chose between Misty MOuntain Hop and Rock & Roll. Just like MMH a little better. Flip a coin.

Again as with REM just real hard to hone in on 10. Your thoughts…….

Rock on……thankful for Zeppelin

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 28, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Ebravesluvr (Last Blog) McFann…Can we share B-Mac??? hehehe.

Hmm…I suppose so…

: >

By Dadgum

November 28, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

Oh Yeah, since 1968 I will add that Led Zeppelin I is the best album ever made. I hear ya’ on Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Aqualung, Quadrophenia, et al just that Zep I does it for me.

Rock on……Man On The Moon is my favorite REM song. Just to add my 2 cents there.

By Lew

November 28, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

In response to a few of the overnight posts-Yes, No, maybe, Lord I hope not, that’s way too much to pay for him, I hope y’all had Happy Thanksgivings and I like Three Doors Down, too

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 28, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Lew—

Very funny at 10:12!

Gotta split…be back later!

By Lew

November 28, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

Dadgum-I agree about Zep1-definitely one of the most influential albums of all time. It set standards that are still being met. Black Sabbath is often considered to be the founders of Heavy Metal, but first there was Zeppelin. Dazed and Confused for so long it’s not true. Absolutely.

I saw Jethro Tull in ‘97-25 years after Aqualung saw it’s first release and he was talking (jokingly) about how much money it had made in royalites (he was thanking the crowd). It must be a staggering amount. Also in 97, Jon Lord of Deep Purple was talking about Smoke on The Water 25 years after it’s release. It was reported at the time that each band member was still receiving $100 grand annually on royalties JUST for that one song. Damn-wish I’d gone down to Montreaux, too.

By geauxbraves2000

November 28, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Here’s my trade scenarios:

1) B-Mc, Chipper and Esco to the Phillies for Lidge.

2) Frenchy to the Mets for Johan, Reyes Wright & Beltran.

3) Flip Wright to San Diego for Peavy and Giles.

4) Flip Giles to the Cubs for Soto & Ramirez.

5) Just kidding. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Geaux Braves!!

By Random

November 28, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Nice article on Fangraphs.com:

Can Jair Jurrjens Avoid Sophomore Slump? by Brian Joura

By Random

November 28, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Here’s another one from Fangraphs.com:

Tommy Hanson Will Help Atlanta in 2009 by Marc Hulet

Good “career” synopsis.

By used cars

November 28, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Not much after Document for me…It took a long time to come to REM…I had a friend that worked with me as a part-time sports stringer at the Macon Telegraph in the early 80’s and he was buddies with Mills and Berry…I always picked at him about rapid eye movement, but never listened to the music….The only song after Document was Losing my Religion…There were 6 of us guys that were graduate assistants that roomed together nad one of the guys came up with his own version, called “Losing my Ambition”…let’s just say we weren’t fired up and overmotivated all of the time

By Random

November 28, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Some day-old rumors from John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus:

AL Rumors and Rumblings: The Angels are said to be willing to match the Yankees’ offer of six years and $140 million to free-agent left-hander CC Sabathia, but they will not go 10 years on a contract to re-sign first baseman Mark Teixeira, who will likely become New York’s object of affection if they don’t land Sabathia. If they are unable to retain Teixeira, the Angels will consider signing free-agent outfielder Pat Burrell, and subsequently moving him to first base. … Right-hander A.J. Burnett has not ruled out re-signing with the Blue Jays as a free agent, and he is also still believed to be considering the Braves, Orioles, Red Sox, Yankees, and Phillies. … The Twins would like to trade outfielder Delmon Young for a left-side infielder, which they feel would have the added benefit of opening up a spot in the lineup for outfielder Denard Span in left. … The Tigers have renewed their attempts to trade for Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson (who is again drawing interest from the Dodgers as well); the Tigers have also inquired about Marlins catcher Matt Treanor and made signing free-agent left-handed reliever Joe Beimel a priority, though Beimel is also being pursued by the Diamondbacks, Rockies, and Mets. … The Red Sox appear to be the favorite to sign Japanese amateur pitcher Junichi Tazawa, who many international scouts insist is not worth the $6 million major league contract he is reportedly seeking.

NL Rumors and Rumblings: The Dodgers have ruled out the idea of re-signing shortstop Rafael Furcal because of concerns about the back surgery he had this year, making it that much more likely that he will land with either the Giants or Athletics, though the Reds are a potential dark horse. … The Cubs have more interest in trading for Royals outfielder David DeJesus than Mark Teahen, but it will take more than right-hander Jason Marquis to pry DeJesus loose. If they can’t make a trade, the Cubs would also prefer to sign Raul Ibanez to play right field rather than go after Bobby Abreu on the free-agent market. … The Braves have talked to the White Sox about right-hander Javier Vazquez and right fielder Jermaine Dye, though no deal seems imminent. … The Reds also have interest in Dye, but will need to offer more than disappointing right-hander Homer Bailey to get anything done. … After experiencing sticker shock on right-hander Derek Lowe (initially their chief target in free agency), the Mets are now considering signing right-hander Jon Garland or trading for Vazquez or Rays right-handers Edwin Jackson and Andy Sonnanstine, though Tampa Bay wants more in return than reliever Aaron Heilman for either starting pitcher. The Mets also would consider free agents Trevor Hoffman and Kerry Wood if they are unable to sign Francisco Rodriguez or Brian Fuentes to be their closer. There are some around the Mets who believe they will become players in the Manny Ramirez sweepstakes. … The Brewers are considering going after Rodriguez if, as expected, they are unable to re-sign Sabathia. … While the Nationals would love to sign Teixeira, they know that outfielder Adam Dunn is a more realistic free-agent option to fill their need for a power hitter. … In addition to Ramon Vazquez, the Diamondbacks are also interested in free agents Damion Easley and Mark Loretta as potential solutions for second base. … The Cardinals are in pursuit of left-handed reliever Arthur Rhodes on the free-agent market. … In addition to Beimel, the Rockies are considering a host of lefty relievers on the open market, including Alan Embree, Will Ohman, and Brian Shouse, while also trying to re-sign lefty Glendon Rusch. … The Astros have targeted free-agent catchers Paul Bako and David Ross as possibilities to share time with J.R. Towles behind the plate.

By used cars

November 28, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Speaking of great albums, how about a list of the top 10 debut albums… Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Allman Brothers Band, okay I’m running out of gas…Any ideas???

By Rick Long

November 28, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

The comparison between Burnett, Lowe and Peavy at the end of your blog sure make a compelling argument for Peavy, don’t they?

I will believe that the Braves will sign someone like Burnett when I see it. You are right; it’s still early, but I get the sinking feeling that those “two front line starters” are going to wind up being those “profitable gambles” (i.e. wastes) like O. Perez, R. Wolf, Brad Penny, etc.

By Steve from OH

November 28, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

used cars, don’t forget Boston and Appetite for Destruction. Good call on the Van Halen I, loved that album.

By doug

November 28, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

used cars,

how about Boston? GNR?

By doug

November 28, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

The Cars first album was pretty strong. Side two with the headphones on

By Random

November 28, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Tailor-made for the Braves?

“Outfielder Bernie Williams, who last played in the major leagues with the Yankees in 2006 and is now 40 years old, has never filed retirement papers with Major League Baseball, and has not ruled out returning to play in 2009.” (John Perrotto, Baseball Prospectus)

By David O'Brien

November 28, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Kentavo, you mean you really didn’t think Automatic for the People was a great album? That’s on Warner Bros., man, and it’s a great album. I mean, seriously. Terrific album.

By the way, now I remember why I left “Man on the Moon” off my top 10 list of IRS-era REM songs — because it was on Automatic for the People, not on an IRS-era album.

Kentavo, Automatic for the People had “Man on the Moon,” “Nightswimming,” “Try Not to Breathe,” “Everybody Hurts,” “The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight”… man, it was lined with great songs. And you consider that just another post-IRS album that “blends into a boring mess” for you?

Damn, that’s tough. Can’t agree with that at all. I think it’s one of their best albums.

And from your top-10 of post-IRS songs, I can only assume you didn’t buy their most recent one, Accelerate, because at least one song from that album have to be considered among their top-10 post-IRS songs. Accelerate is a damn fine album.

And so was New Adventures in Hi-Fi. Now, other than those three albums, I can pretty much agree with you that their post-IRS stuff has paled by comparison and been relatively boring next to their IRS treasure trove of albums.

By David O'Brien

November 28, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

DOB, I’m willing to bet that you’ll agree with me that “Let Down” by Radiohead is one of the greatest freaking songs ever from one of the greatest albums ever.Mitchell

Yes, I would agree on that.

BravesAC: You found “The Big Lebowski* to be a snoozefest? Hey, different tastes in comedy. Lebowski is a movie that seems to be a polarizing choice. Those who love it put it in their top-10 (or higher) lists of comedies, and the rest (like yourselves) tend to not “get” at all why some of us can watch it 50 times and never tire of it.

By Salty Dawg

November 28, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Here’s my trade scenarios:

1) B-Mc, Chipper and Esco to the Phillies for Lidge.

2) Frenchy to the Mets for Johan, Reyes Wright & Beltran.

3) Flip Wright to San Diego for Peavy and Giles.

4) Flip Giles to the Cubs for Soto & Ramirez.

5) Just kidding. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Geaux Braves!!

Dude, you are dreaming or still intoxicated from yesterday’s feast. I say we trade Diaz for Lidge, but make the Phillies throw Howard in as well.

By David O'Brien

November 28, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Those who’ve asked me about Braves’ interest in Vazquez. Yes, they’ve discussed him with White Sox, probably because they were already calling more about Dye, but also just because Braves have to have a lot of pitching options if higher-sought guys go elsewhere.

Frankly, I’ve just never been overly impressed with Vazquez, but the innings (more than 200 in eight of the past nine seasons) have to be attractive for a team that’s lacked reliable starters for a few years. And he did have a very good year (15-8, 3.74 ERA) for the White Sox in 2007.

Would certainly be an upgrade for the Braves in middle of rotation, long as he’s not expected to be a No. 1 or No. 2, and preferably not even a No. 3 (rather have Jurrjens in that role, with two veterans ahead of him). To me, Vazquez would be a good No. 4 or very good No. 5 in a contending team’s rotation, or a serviceable No. 3 in a good/not great rotation.

But that might be wishful thinking for a Braves team trying to acquire two better veterans.

By Salty Dawg

November 28, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

DOB, Huge Shield fan, but still haven’t decided about The Finale. I thought it was amazing, just not sure about what Vic does in the last scene: Does he kill himself? Does he do his real cop thing on the streets at night? Does he intentionally violate his contract with ICE to go to prison with Ronnie? Does he make a run for Mexico to get out of his own personal hell which is no family, no friends, and a desk job? Please share your opinion on what you think he did.

Seems like that is the trendy thing to do these days leaving the end sort of hanging a la Sorpranos. It would be cool though if they did that to lead into some type of Vic spin off. I doubt that will be the case though because they would have already started planning the show and it would have undoubtedly leaked by now. The way I interpreted the ending was that he settling in to his life as a caged animal. Unpacking the family photos, but still carrying his firearm.

By David O'Brien

November 28, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

SAMUEL STILES: Great to have you here, man. You’re in World Leader Pretend, huh. Very cool. I actually own your band’s debut album (I assume it was your debut). Can remember buying it at the Virgin Superstore in Times Square right after it came out. Are you guys still together?

JOEL: Watching Vic at the end, when he first reached for the gun I really thought he might blow his head off. Then the look on his face, the smirk, when he got up and walked out, told me he was saying to himself, ‘OK, this is my new B.S. existence, so I’m gonna deal with it.’ And carrying that gun was going to be essential because he fully expected to have to use it to defend himself, as he was quite a hated man in many circles now.

By Eric in HSV

November 28, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Long Time Lurker - really enjoy following the blog - but for IRS REM - I had to add my 2 cents 1. So Central Rain 2. Feeling Gravity’s Pull 3. Maps & Legends 4. Pilgrimage 5. Perfect Circle 6. Begin the Begin 7. Cuyahoga 8. Gardening at Night 9. Finest Worksong 10. Can’t Get there from Here

10 songs is hard. Fables is still one of my favorite albums - esp in the fall and winter for some reason. Never bought into the post-Monster albums. Something about being able to understand Stipe lost my interest. His voice was almost like another instrument in the IRS era. Thanks.

By Salty Dawg

November 28, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Wonder what the BCS is gonna do about Texas/ OU now. Such a tough call.

Definitely. I personally think OU wins that game if they played again next week. They are just such a good team on both sides of the ball. But Texas is also a great team and you can’t discount the fact that they won head-to-head. To me, Florida and OU are the best teams in the country right now and, as it stands, neither would play in the NC game. No matter what the talking heads say, this further illustrates the need for a playoff system in div I football. I would like to see them use the same BCS criteria, but to decide playoff brackets rather than deciding which two teams get a shot at the title. I never have understood the current system because it would seem to me that a series of playoff games would generate a lot more interest and a lot more revenue than the current bowl setup. The current system just sets up a bunch of games that most people couldn’t care less about and usually leaves everyone wishing the match-ups were different.

By David O'Brien

November 28, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Mike S.: You’re welcome. Thanks for the kind words — not to mention the Shaolin/Wu exchange. Love it….

Hiawatha: I’ve got Liquid Swords. Great CD. So is Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Method Man’s Tical most if not all of Ghostface’s solo stuff, and ODB’s Return to the 36 Chambers. Believe it or not, this Cash/Haggard fan has each of those Wu solo CDs I just listed.

By longtimeago

November 28, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

While we’re on the topic of REM: One of the former semi-regular bloggers on this here site was the first MSM type to interview the band for a story in a daily newspaper (not Athens). Mills and Buck did most of the talking and one of them offered up the bands’ ulitmate goal — to record one killer single and then all die in a car wreck. May have been the beer talking. They did a nice take on the Monkees’ “Stepping Stone,” although they insisted it was the Sex Pistols’ version. Haven’t seen ‘em since.

By Salamander

November 28, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Great debut albums (non EPs):

Health - Health, Slayer - Show No Mercy, Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath, Tool - Undertow (Opiate doesn’t count), Metallica - Kill ‘em All, Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes…

I could go on, but I’ll stop there.

Also, The Big Lebowski is one of my favorite movies of all time, from any genre. How could anyone think it was a snoozefest?! Different taste in humor for sure.

By David O'Brien

November 28, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Eric in HSV, very good point about Stipe’s voice, his muddled lyrics, being like another instrument of the band in the IRS years.

Finest Worksong and Pilgrimmage — how could I have overlooked Pilgrimmage? Great tune. I did my list in a hurry yesterday, and as many of us including yourself have pointed out, it’s virtually impossible to pick 10. As someone else here say, Nos. 11-50 aren’t far behind from the IRS years, when the band created very little that wasn’t truly outstanding.

By David O'Brien

November 28, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

SaltyDawg, agree with your take on Vic as a caged animal now, having to carry his firearm for protection. And also agree with you on OU being better, albeit only slightly, than Texas (but I wouldn’t argue strongly with someone who disagreed and rated Texas better. That’s how close they are in terms of overall talent, QBs, etc.)

And yes, OU and Florida would also be my choice for the title game. We’ll see if it happens.

By TommyP

November 28, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

Been sick today so had time to do a little research.

To those that have been criticial of Derek Lowe claiming he’s basically a product of Chavez Ravine, take a look at these stats.

Let’s not look simply at his career road ERA. If you look a little closer, you’ll see something that skews those numbers.

Let’s take out how Lowe has done on the road in the AL. Most of his struggles on the road have occurred in AL parks.

In current NL parks, Lowe has pitched 399.2 innings while giving up 398 hits and 167 earned runs. That comes out to a 3.76 road ERA in NL parks.

Now…let’s take out his struggles in Coors Field over his career and see what it comes out to.

356.1 IP, 340 hits, 137 earned runs….for a 3.46 ERA.

You could say that you can’t take out his Colorado stats because he benefits from pitching in San Diego as well.

Still, a 3.76 road ERA is not bad at all.

Almost all pitchers will do better at home than on the road. If he can give us a 3.76 road ERA, we’ll gladly take that and the fact that he consistently takes the mound.

By Braveheart

November 28, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Lewbowski a snoozefest? Whatever. Animal House is a snoozefest. Lebowski most certainly is not.

“I’m trying to listen to the new Robert Palmer tape, but Evelyn, my supposed fiance, keeps buzzin in my ear.”

Thrillhouse, even though american psycho may not be the cultural icon animal house is, it’ll just have to settle for being a much funnier movie.

By Random

November 28, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Thre’s an article on the Braves and CC Sabathia by Kenny Doyle Dugout Central.

Here’s a couple of excerpts:

The New York Yankees are widely believed to be the frontrunners to obtain the services of Sabathia, with many believing the Yankees have offered Sabathia up to $150M over six years. If the Braves stole Sabathia from the Yankees by offering him $132M over six years, it wouldn’t be an unprecedented move. The Braves stole Greg Maddux from the Yankees in similar fashion during the 1992 offseason.

In that 1992 offseason, Maddux turned down a five year, $32M dollar contract offer from the Yankees to sign a five year, $28M dollar contract with the Braves. If one examines today’s salary scale relative to the salary scale of 1992, that $32M Yankee offer is now the equivalent of $147M (321.1^16). The $28M dollar deal Maddux signed with the Braves is now worth $129M (281.1^16). So $132M over six years for Sabathia now is less, on a relative basis, than what the Braves spent on Maddux in 1992.

The question then becomes, does Sabathia deserve the same kind of contractual offer that Maddux received during the 1992 offseason? The answer is “yes.” Sabathia’s last three seasons were arguably even better than the three seasons Greg Maddux had before joining the Braves: [stats comparison omitted —R]

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 28, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

gaeuxbraves2000 1) B-Mc, Chipper and Esco to the Phillies for Lidge.

5) Just kidding. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Haha…oh yeah—you’re kidding all right!

: >

By nolie

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

Seems like that is the trendy thing to do these days leaving the end sort of hanging a la Sorpranos.Salty dawg

I was hoping they would make it seem like he was gonna get away with it all and then in the last scene have someone like Kavanaugh or another that he had wronged earlier in the show, show up and gun him down. You gotta think that might still happen, like DOB says he is a hated man.

By Nocturnal Owl

November 28, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Maddux turned down a five year, $32M dollar contract offer from the Yankees to sign a five year, $28M dollar contract with the Braves

28M for five unbelievable CY type years. Baseball inflation is through the roof. I guess we can get a hand full of bat boys for that price now. Hey we can get CC for ONE year!

Happy Holidays everyone!! Gotta love leftover day..mmmmmmmmmmm

By John

November 28, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

The Braves apparently do not have enough “prospects” to trade and still have a nucleus for development. That means only one thing— they need to spend big money on top free agent pitchers. And one “ace” won’t do it either. They need at least three new arms to go with Jurrgens, and that is only in the rotation. They need relief too. All of this sharp bargaining etc makes me very nervous. about the Braves real intentions for nexyt year..

By Steve from OH

November 28, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

River Ave. Blues thinks Ben Sheets would be a better FA bargain than AJ Burnett. I happen to think Sheets wouldn’t be a half bad signing for the Braves. Thoughts?

Random, I agree that the Braves should at least inquire about CC. I’d bet he’d be intrigued about playing for Atlanta.

By Philliesuk

November 28, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

1. New Adventures in Hi-Fi is an incredible album, and it is probably the most underrated one from REM.
2. Automatic for the People is the best post-IRS album they put out
3. “Leave” is one of the most underrated songs they ever recorded
4. If you don’t ‘get’ The Big Lebowski, then you and I probably wouldn’t get along. I look at that movie as a litmus test.
5. This is one of the best blogs ever

By Nocturnal Owl

November 28, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Braves should at least inquire about CC

Starting bid is 150-160M. Did you still want to knock on Boras’ door?

By Random

November 28, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

TommyP—

Thanks for some baseball talk on the REM blog.

;->

“Almost all pitchers will do better at home than on the road.”

I’m sure you’re 100% right — an interesting exception, of course, is the Braves’ own Jair Jurrjens: 4.05 home ERA; 3.32 away ERA (but 80 home Ks in 93.1 IP v 59 away Ks in 95.0 IP).

Walks were about the same home-away — he just gave up more hits (108 v 80) and HRs (8 v 3)at the Ted.

An article I linked to above is pretty optimistic for him to do as well and even better next year.

By Joel

November 28, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

DOB, This may have already been answered a thousand times in your blogs but I don’t remember having seen an answer from you regarding the Braves and CC Sabathia ( usually I go through them all looking for your comments…the others get a little long and pointless). Will/have the Braves talked to CC’s people at all? He seems like a great, young ace to bring in, even if it were for $22M+ a year.

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 28, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Steve from OH the Braves should at least inquire about CC. I’d bet he’d be intrigued about playing for Atlanta.

Yeah…then maybe McCann could teach him a thing or two about eating right!

By Steve from OH

November 28, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Starting bid is 150-160M. Did you still want to knock on Boras’ door?

Doesn’t hurt to make him an offer in our price range, does it? You never know what might happen.

We don’t have a realistic shot to sign him, I know, but it doesn’t hurt to ask, does it?

By Random

November 28, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Nocturnal Owl: “Starting bid is 150-160M.”

The New York Yankees are widely believed to be the frontrunners to obtain the services of Sabathia, with many believing the Yankees have offered Sabathia up to $150M over six years. If the Braves stole Sabathia from the Yankees by offering him $132M over six years, it wouldn’t be an unprecedented move. The Braves stole Greg Maddux from the Yankees in similar fashion during the 1992 offseason.

In that 1992 offseason, Maddux turned down a five year, $32M dollar contract offer from the Yankees to sign a five year, $28M dollar contract with the Braves.

(sourced above)

By Clark Kent

November 28, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Top ten old REM? Must not forget me. I can do anything.

And I know what’s happening.

By Tomas

November 28, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

Steve from OH,

I disagree with you, here’s why.

First off the right elbow soreness (Wikipedia says a piece of scar tissue from TJ broke loose) Aj suffered in 2006, was just an effect of reabilitation of TJ surgery, and Dr. Andrews said it was nothing to worry about, and he just pitched 35 games in 2008, with no problems what so ever. How many times has a pitcher gotten TJ surgery twice? non(that I know about). Since he had it in 2004 he has pitched 133 games that is an average of 27 starts per season. In that same time Sheets has pitched 94 games that is an average of 16 starts per season, and he finishes the 2008 season with torn muscle near his throwing elbow. He hasn’t had TJ surgery, and for someone like injury-prone as him, he is bound to have it. The average of a normal SP is 30 starts, in the last 5 yrs Aj has averaged 27. I believe he has turned the corner, and until Sheets doesn’t get his elbow fix once and for all he is going to keep getting injured. That means who ever signs Sheets(even to 1yr deal) he could have to get TJ surgery and that means he loses a complete year if not two.

By brian

November 28, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Vazquez would be a luxury for the Braves. He is of no use to the Braves unless we get a #1 and #2 starter. Once we have acquired those pieces and if Vazquez does not cost much in prospects, then make the deal.

By used cars

November 28, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Why don’t we just do this…Add Johnson and Mussina to Glavine and Smoltz…get Maddux for one more year, add Hoffman to the bullpen, then petition for a seniors’ pitching rubber 5 feet closer to the plate and see how it works out….At the worst, we would have 6 former Braves pitchers competing to go in the hall of fame in 6 years…Reckon which 3 would get in???

By geauxbraves2000

November 28, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

B-Mc, Chipper and Esco to the Phillies for Lidge

I thought that catch your attention McFann, especially knowing your die hard love for the Phillies :)

Geaux Braves!!

By David O'Brien

November 28, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

He seems like a great, young ace to bring in, even if it were for $22M+ a year.Joel

Joel, Sabathia at $22 mill per year? Where you been? It’ll probably be more like $25 mill per year in a six-year deal, which would be longer than any contract the Braves have ever given a pitcher, and about $10 mill per year more than they’ve ever given any player.

Chipper’s six-year, $90 mill contract was/is the biggest the Braves ever gave.

That said, of course the Braves would love to have CC (who wouldn’t?). He’s the best pitcher available, and arguably the best pitcher in baseball right now. Definitely in the top three or four.

Maybe the Braves change course and decide to throw a huge chunk of what they have at CC just to see if he’d go for it. They do have things in their favor, including being an NL team in a city with a large black population.

That said, my understanding is that if Sabathia doesn’t take the largest offer (probably Yankees or another offer at about $150 mill or more), then he’ll likely sign with a West Coast team. He wants to be in California if not with the team that blows him away financially.

But again, maybe Atlanta would appeal to him. I know the West Coast certainly does.

Also, ask yourself when the last time a baseball team won anything significant with one player — a starting pitcher, at that — taking up about a quarter of the entire team payroll.

(Though if any pitcher is worth it, it’s arguably him right now, if he stays anywhere near the durable. But would he, four or five years from now? Who knows?)

By nfieldr

November 28, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

For you guys who think FL vs. OK should be the BCS title game, let’s just wait and see what happens in the SEC Championship. Alabama is pretty good and who knows they might actually have a chance to win. As for the Big 12, doesn’t head to head count? Ok, so TEX beat OK early in the season, they still beat them, right? I hate the BCS… I’d sure like to see all of this settled on the field.

By TexasBrave

November 28, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

DOB in your opening you said that the Braves do not want to have to replace both middle infielders duing the same offseason. Why? If we have to move Escobar to get Peavy we are going to suffer defensively one way or the other. Not trading KJ is not going to help improve the new SS’s defense. Wereas we have no one internally to replace Yunel we at least have Prado to replace KJ. Yes Prado doesn’t have the pop that KJ has, but KJ is very streaky wereas Prado is a more consistant hitter. As for defense to me they are both about the same.

I still like KJ, but to me he is more replaceable than Yunel and if you really want to help the team and get Peavy with Escobar then I don’t see the harm in using KJ to get the outfield or pitching help we need.

By Nocturnal Owl

November 28, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Cashman will not make the same Santana mistake this offseason. With the Moose retiring (thats right used cars) the Yankees need pitching help. Their approach to CC shows they clearly will acquire the ACE. This 150M bid had its intentions. This was the First bid. They will scare off the teams in need (ie..Braves). Who knows other teams will bid too. I don’t see Wren even attempting with dangerous Steinbrenner Sharks in the water.

By David O'Brien

November 28, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

DOB in your opening you said that the Braves do not want to have to replace both middle infielders duing the same offseason. Why?TexasBrave

Because they don’t want to. Don’t want to start over from scratch in spring training with two middle infielders. TexasBrave, I’m telling you what I’ve been told directly on that one.

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 28, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

geauxbraves2000—

Oh…yeah! Love them Fillies! : P

; )

By Steve from OH

November 28, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Tomas, I didn’t say that I’d take Sheets over Burnett (River Ave. Blues did), I’m just saying I wouldn’t dismiss Sheets as easily as most would. If the Braves can sign Sheets at a below-market, short-term deal (if he would want to try to re-establish his value, lets say), then I think its certainly a much better idea than signing Garland long-term or trading for Vazquez. At least Sheets can dominate when healthy.

For the record, notables who have had multiple TJ surgeries include: Chris Capuano, Hong-Chi Kuo, Jose Rijo had it 3 times, and Vance Wilson and Victor Zambrano each had it twice.

By TexasBrave

November 28, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Hey it never hurts to throw your hat in. What is the worst they could say? NO! We are no worse off than we were before and it didn’t cost us anything to find out. I at least hope Wren makes some type of water just to see if CC goes for it. What if CC pulls a Maddox and decides he would like to play for the Braves. We could have a pitcher who is in his prime for 5 to 6 years. I say role the dice and see what happens.

Can you imagine a rotation of CC, Peavy, JJ, Campillo and Hampton or Glavine or Hanson. Sounds good to me.

By Kentavo

November 28, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

HEy DOB (and Denizens) I said post-Monster'' was a boring mess - everything afterMonster.” “Automatic for the People” came before Monster'' and is a great album and my list included songs from it. "Automatic'' washed away the bad/silly taste ofOut of Time.”

Here, I’ll quote what I said: “I love the band, but I can’t get into any of the albums since Monster.” The post-Monster” discs just blend into a boring mess for this listener.”

By TexasBrave

November 28, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Ok but these guys are professionals. Its not like they will be starting with two rookies. To me KJ’s offense and defense is replaceable, so loosing him should not be such a big deal. However, loosing Escobar would be. But if you are going after Peavy I understand you are going to have to give up quality to get quality.

So in order to replace at least Escobars offense we will need another offensive player in the form of a Left Fielder. If it takes KJ to get him and you have an adquate replacement already then go ahead and ship him and then go get a strong defensive SS to replace Yunel.

DOB I am not griping at you I just think it is foolish to think if you trade away Escobar that you will hurt the team any more by trading KJ also.

By keylargo

November 28, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

I’m a little late with this classic movie but tonight on Turner Classic Movies at 8:30 EST is one of my all time favorites - Sergeant York.

Yes, it was made in the 40’s. No, it will never lose its’ appeal if you have emotions.

I have seen it 20 times and will TIVO it tonight so I can watch it again.

By BravesFanInRockies

November 28, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Nomination for best debut album: Dire Straits.

You can make the case that some of the following albums were as good as the first, but none were better. (And I’ll confess, Making Movies never floated my boat. Knopfler was trying too hard to make a Springsteen album and fell short. Of the later ones, Love over Gold was more like it for me.)

By Mr J

November 28, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Of course the Braves don’t want to trade both middle infielders in the same off-season. They may not want to trade either of them, for that matter. But if Escobar is the price of aquiring Peavey, and KJ turns out to be the priceof a power hitting LF, would we be willing to go into the year starting Prado and say, Edgar Renteria, with LilBridge and D. Hernandez working in Gwinnett?

Also, DOB- Watched a movie yesterday that made me think of you, and many others who post here: High Fidelity, with John Cusack. Not new to you, I’m sure, but I’d never seen it before. Laughed and laughed….

By Original Jon

November 28, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Not sure if this got mentioned or not, I searched the blog and couldnt find if it had been, but, Paul Kinzer (Furcal’s agent) told Yahoo Sports that there are two teams interested in Furcal and neither of them are the Dodgers. He continues to say that the two unnamed teams “Have to make some moves first” before they could become serious about Furcal. Sound like a team we know??? I think so!!!

By scottbravesfan

November 28, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

Looks like Peavy is going to end up with the Cubs. If they have Zambrano, Harden, and Peavy in their rotation and they still don’t win the world series then they should just be contracted because they are never going to win.

By David O'Brien

November 28, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Kentavo, you’re right. I misread your comment. My bad.

By Hiawatha Terrell Wade

November 28, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Dave, all those Wu albums you mentioned are of great quality, definitely. And the fact that you are confident enough in your tastes to give credit to both Merle Haggard and Ol’ Dirty B*******…enforces that you’d be a cool guy to grab a beer with.

Please trust me and pick up Talib Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek’s “Reflection Eternal” if you con’t already own it. That’s one of those CD’s you listen to and think “why can’t all rap music be like this.” Kweli is a master wordsmith…just put on the tracks “Memories Live” and “For Women” and you will be sold.

By Hiawatha Terrell Wade

November 28, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Dave, all those Wu albums you mentioned are of great quality, definitely. And the fact that you are confident enough in your tastes to give credit to both Merle Haggard and Ol’ Dirty B*******…enforces that you’d be a cool guy to grab a beer with.

Please trust me and pick up Talib Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek’s “Reflection Eternal” if you con’t already own it. That’s one of those CD’s you listen to and think “why can’t all rap music be like this.” Kweli is a master wordsmith…just put on the tracks “Memories Live” and “For Women” and you will be sold.

By David O'Brien

November 28, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

BravesFaninRockies, good call on Dire Straits. And especially on Love Over Gold, which often seems to get overlooked. Damn fine album, start to finish.

Telegraph Road is one of the best long-a$$ songs ever on a studio album by a rock band. Terrific song, and it goes on … and on … and on.

By David O'Brien

November 28, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Mr. J, that’s one of my favorite Cusack roles. Good movie, lot of great scenes in it. Made me want to work in a record store more than ever … until I was reminded what those cool folks who work in record stores are paid.

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 28, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Keylargo—

I LOVE Sergeant York!!

Another very good war movie is The Fighting Sullivans.

By Original Jon

November 28, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

scottbravesfan Looks like Peavy is going to end up with the Cubs Do you have a link to this?

By Kentavo

November 28, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Anybody remember when 96 Rock would play the long version of “Telegraph Road” It was usally later at night.

That and “Industrial Disease” were in heavy rotation.

By 18 Wheels of Love

November 28, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

R.E.M. IRS Top 10

I consider my top 10 all equal. It’s impossible for me to rank these 1-10. So in no particular order…

Can’t Get There From Here

Cuyahoga

Pretty Persuasion

Finest Worksong

Radio Free Europe

Disturbance at the Heron House

Hyena

Pilgrimage

Welcome to the Occupation

So. Central Rain

My REM story: I worked for a celebrity golf tournament for a couple of years and got to meet a bunch of musicians that were invited. I cornered Bill Berry one night and talked his ear off. Super nice guy - found out we had a mutual friend who was his financial advisor. One of the highlights of the event was an after party at a local bar with the following folks on stage: Bill Berry, Mike Mills, Darius Rucker, Tico Torres, Mark Bryan, Dan Patrick, and Greg Humphreys.

By JasonInFL (formerly ME)

November 28, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Alchemy Live is a great Dire Straits album as well…

By GermanBravesFan

November 28, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

DOB - if you think the studio version of “Telegraph Road” is long, you should listen to the live version on “Alchemy”…

By Ebravesluvr

November 28, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Tomahawkin Like I said, we ALL have our own tastes and I happen to like Flo Rida. It’s not about the lyrics for me so much as it’s about the BEAT. I like something I can shake my badonkadonk (haha, love that word) to. On the flipside to what you said, I also LOVE Bone Thugs in Harmony. Crossroads is one of my favorite songs by them.

DOB My favorite Cusack role was in Con Air. Gotta love a smart a*! That’s why I keep reading your blog, haha.

McFann We don’t have to if you don’t want to :-( BUT I DO LOVE HIM!!!

By nolie

November 28, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

I like Sultans of Swing, both studio and live. Matbe the studio version a tad better.

By cabravesfan

November 28, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

Ebravesluvr

I think you are going to have to get in line for the “I Love Mac” fan club:)

Meanwhile- anyone else watch LSU just get beat by Arkansas? Nice way to defend your national title…

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 28, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

Ebravesluvr—

It’s OK…we cann share…

BUT I DO LOVE HIM!!!

Can’t really blame you for that. ; ) But like cabravesfan said: You gotta get in line! And I dare-say it’s a long line!

Guess there’s not much question as to who’s in front…Eh-heh, sorry…

By David O'Brien

November 28, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

Yes, I’ve got Alchemy (from back when they actually sold a two-disc CD in two separate jewel-box cases). Great live album. Love those versions of “The Sultans of Swing” and “Romeo and Juliet.”

Ebravesluvr: You should check out Cusack in The Grifters, if you’ve never seen it. And of couse Say Anything and The Sure Thing.

By TNScott

November 28, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

DOBi think my favorite Cusack movie is Better Off Dead. I love the Camaro. Oh by the way, I want my two dollars.

By nolie

November 28, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

You should check out Cusack in The Grifters, if you’ve never seen it. And of couse Say Anything and The Sure Thing.DOB

all three are great movies. especially love The Grifters. The guy has become such a consummate actor, in a quiet unflamboyant way.

By JasonInFL (formerly ME)

November 28, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

DOB, I love those too as well as Tunnel of Love, Expresso Love, Telegraph Road, Private Investigations, etc. Great stuff.

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 28, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

Is this thing busted?

By David O'Brien

November 28, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

McFann: No, should it be?

By cabravesfan

November 28, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

McFann

Think everyone is still recovering from food overload from yesterday:)

By Ebravesluvr

November 28, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

DOB I own Say Anything but I was laughing through the whole movie because my gals and I were being our silly selves, lol. It was a great movie though, and John Cusack is an awesome actor. I can’t stand his sister, though.

McFann You can be in the front of the line as long as I’m third behind you and cabravesfan lol!

I’m more partial to the latin fellas anyway wink, wink

Gregor Blanco and Omar Infante sure get my motor runnin’!

By brian

November 28, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

best REM I have ever heard was a bootleg CD from an all acoustic performance in Italy. It was one of the shows where they showed up in a bar under a different name and it was recorded. Incredible. If REM did that show as an unplugged back in the day (I heard that album in 1993 and it consisted of most of the songs mentioned above) it would have been a number 1 best seller. I wish REM would put that one out there now to buy because I would love to have it. I have not found it again. The Driver 8 version on that CD was the best I have heard as was the Drive.

By Samuel Stiles

November 28, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Thanks DOB for being one of the 5700 people that bought Punches It was indeed our major label debut with Warner’s. and.. No, we are not a band anymore. Another one bites the major label dust. Being a band from New Orleans, Things got really complicated after Hurricane Katrina. Warner’s had this big plan to exploit the fact we were a NOLA band, post-K. They wanted to boost our paltry album sales. Frankly, it was pretty disgusting. I think the majority of us in the band, just wanted to go home and help our families rebuild. Warner’s didn’t really accept that, so they effectively dropped us. WLP got to record another album, but Warner owns it and it will be forever lost in the vaults and never be released. But on a positive note, it was a good ride while it lasted. We got to play with some really great bands and got to tour the world for 3 years. :)

By Ebravesluvr

November 28, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

I’m going crazy for lack of Braves. The months in the offseason that are the worst are October, November, December, January and February. That about sums it up, eh?? hehehehe.

By TennesseePaul

November 28, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Good Thanksgiving. Hope everyone else had a good one.

DOB: Have you heard this report?

Tazawa has officially declined offers from the Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers according to the Kyodo Wire, says the article.

It claims he has signed with the BoSox because he is a huge fan of Dice-K. The offer was a major league 3 years, $6 million.

Also read Padres are much closer to shipping Peavy to the Cubs. It appears Towers sure is working hard to find a third team to get him to the Cubs. That’s nice of him.

By UGAFan

November 28, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

DOB

I am part of the younger generation that really loves the type of music you primarily listen to. I purchased REM’s greatest hits album a few weeks ago, and I love “Nightswimming” and “Losing My Religion”. I know that album doesn’t have all the great songs though for REM. What songs would you recommend for someone who is just starting out listening to REM?

And…do you predict that A.J. Burnett will sign with a team during the Winter Meetings? Or do you have a feeling that he and his agent will wait a few weeks afterwards?

By brent a.

November 28, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

When I heard Mark Knopfler play at Chastain Park back in the summer, he played Telegraph Road and the place went nuts. (Not me, I had no idea what it was). But, it was one of about 3 songs that folks actually recognized.

Is the song about some place in Michigan? I remember that comment being made. (Or, I thought I heard someone say that).

By Ebravesluvr

November 28, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Kevin Towers can bite me. I’m so over the Peavy mania, it isn’t funny.

Still waiting for us to ship Kelly Johnson to the Cards and re-sign Marcus Giles to a minor league contract a girl can dream sigh

By David O'Brien

November 28, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Samuel Stiles: Yeah, after I asked you about the band and if it was still together, I went to your personal website and saw that you’d moved on to another band. Heard from so many people that major labels can be a real nightmare, huh?

Guess the best thing is to be able to start your own label like Conor Oberst and those Nebraska cats. But that was an easy thing to do, I guess everyone would do it.

You ever hear of the fledgling Atlanta label, International Hits? They’ve signed a couple of local bands I really like, inclduding The Selmanaires, who should be a lot bigger than they are. Very good band….

TENNESSEE PAUL: Yes, saw the Globe report that Junichi “Taz” signing with Sox for $6 mill and a major league contract. Only higher offer was from Rangers, apparently.

By Ebravesluvr

November 28, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Rockin’ out to Kanye West right now…..his Graduation album is pretty awesome. Too bad he’s a cocky jerk.

By David O'Brien

November 28, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

UGA Fan, for REM singles, skim the lists above of mine and others who posted a top 10. They’re all great. Did you get the IRS best-of set? That’s the one to get, preferably the two-disc version.

But you really should start buying their whole albums (or CDs, obviously) if you can, since it’s a band best appreciated by listening to the whole albums, in my opinion.

If I were you, I’d get as many of these CDs as you can, in any order; Murmur, Fables of the Reconstruction, Reckoning, Document, Life’s Rich Pageant, and Automatic for the People.

I also love Out of Time, New Adventures in Hi-Fi and the band’s most recent CD, Accelerate.

By the way, folks: In our discussion of post-IRS REM, can’t forget Out of Time. To me, that was a damn fine album as well (especially if we could remove KRS-One’s part in Radio Song. And though I know a lot of people like it, I could do without Shiny Happy People).

It’s not as good as Automatic for the People, but a very solid album.

By Bubdylan

November 28, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

A great John Cusack performance = The Jack Bull. Sad, though. Never, EVER saw a more fitting end credit song(Dylan’s “Ring Them Bells).

By David O'Brien

November 28, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Ebravesluvr: I’m with you on Kanye. Don’t like his personality at all, but dig that trilogy of CDs that includes Graduation. Haven’t heard the new CD he released last week, but I read it’s nothing like those three and not as good.

Also like a couple other substantive rappers I didn’t mention to you earlier, Common and Mos Def.

By brent a.

November 28, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

I heard some guys on 680 earlier (not sure who, don’t know any of the local personalities) lambasting the idea of anyone allowing OU in ahead of Texas.

Look, I understand the concept of Texas beat OU, everyone has 1 loss …

I’m not a doofus.

But, it is by no means irrational to reward Oklahoma for being the one-loss Big XII South team to win a blow-out against one of the other 1 loss teams.

Personally, I would probably give the nod to Texas. As unjustifiable as this might sound, I would remove TT from the discussion for getting blown out., moreso than I would look to reward OU for winning in a blow-out. After-all, this was not OU blowing out Texas, it was OU blowing out Texas Tech. I have trouble punishing Texas for something (the OU-TT game) that was utterly out its control.

But again, if you want to rationalize OU, you can. They whipped TT soundly and Texas lost to TT. The OU-Texas game was sort of a toss-up, with Texas playing much better after the OU defenseman (a linebacker?) was injured.

By UGAFan

November 28, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

DOB

I bought the album “In Time”, which I suppose now is just the greatest hits album of the post-I.R.S. days. I didn’t even see “And I Feel Fine” which is the best of the I.R.S. days. I will have to make that investment. Which album would you say is your favorite?

I enjoy reading your blog daily, by the way. I always check here first hoping to see that the Braves made a move or if any new rumors have surfaced.

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 28, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

DOB—

Sorry. I sent a post and ten minutes or so later the Blog looked the same as it did when I sent it. The post didn’t go through, but it’s no biggy. I just quit Safari too soon for it to process. My fault!

cabravesfan—

Yeah, you’re prob’ly right! Haha.

Ebravesluvr—

Actually, I’d have to be second…I think first in line is Ashley, heh heh heh…

But thank you for the generous offer! : ) I’ll take you up on that—I’m first as far as regular fanns go! LOL!

Latin players, eh? Hmm…they get all the attention…Just ask Javy…Everybody seemed to have liked Javy!

(That was before I was a big fan!) : > Just givin’ you the business.

Well, gotta get rested to watch the big game tomorrow! Night, all!

By Ebravesluvr

November 28, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

DOB, Kanye is a lyrical genius and when he puts a good beat into it, his music is awesome but his new CD, well, I’ve only heard the new song and it BLOWS! I have to change the station when I hear it. It’s called Love Lockdown and if the other songs on it are as bad as that one, it could be his worst.

Mos Def is good. He’s definitely not mainstream. He’s in one of my favorite movies which is based on hip hop (it’s a chick flick so you may not want to check it out).

Then you’ve got old school. Jermaine Dupri and Russell Simmons. Good stuff.

By Samuel Stiles

November 28, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

Yeah.

Major Label= Drag= Inefficiency

I have heard of International Hits. The Selmanaires are great as well as Anne Kramer( I think that is her name.)

My favorite all time performer,that resides in Atlanta now, is James Hall. He was my rock n’ roll idol growing up in NOLA. He also should have been massive but it never really happened. You never know. Timing and luck have a lot to do with it.

I really loved alot of the Saddle Creek over the years. They definitely lucked out with the success of Bright Eyes. Conor Oberst is an amazing songwriter. Can’t listen to him much after we played some shows with him though. He is a royal a**h$%# to a lot of people in his band/crew. Hard to pull for people like that. Its a shame because his music is fantastic. Maybe he took all those Bob Dylan references too much to heart.

The way to do it, ultimately is the way Fugazi did it. Fierce unwavering integrity and total independence from the music industry.

By Ebravesluvr

November 28, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

HAHAHA just typed in Jermaine Dupri “Welcome to Atlanta”….LOVE IT!!

By Ebravesluvr

November 28, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

McFann I, of course, thought Javy was amazingly gorgeous but I was not as head over heels for him as all the other ladies. THAT was reserved for Marcus Giles. You wouldn’t believe my bedroom. It’s full of Marcus Giles memorabilia, lol.

By 18 Wheels of Love

November 28, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

Not a fan of Kanye - well, I can’t say that, I haven’t given his music a listen yet.

As far as rap, I do love The Pharcyde’s ‘Bizarre Ride to the Pharcyde’. Beasties, Tribe, De La.

An Atlanta band we haven’t mentioned on here is Drivin n Cryin. Drivin n Cryin’s early stuff was right up there at the top of my list way back in the day. Mystery Road is a southern alternative classic. Dillon Fence too - great outfit. A lot of people were into Jupiter Coyote but I wasn’t a fan.

I remember a New Years Eve trip to Athens to see Allgood and Aquarium Rescue Unit at the Georgia Theater. It was my first trip to Athens and I was just excited walking down the street that day.

By 18 Wheels of Love

November 28, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

Ahh, fugazi. I think I’ve seen them 3 or 4 times. I remember them turning down Lollapalooza b/c the tickets were $20 and they had a rule that tickets to see them would never be more than $5.

By David O'Brien

November 28, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

Samuel Stiles: Anna Kramer & The Lost Cause, definitely an interesting band. Very eclectic, play a country tune one minute and a punk tune the next. Very good live show. Saw them with Selmanaires at a CD-release party for both bands at The EARL a while back. Both albums are very good, by the way.

Had heard that kind of thing about Oberst, that he was a bit of a prima donna. Too bad, because you’re right — he’s a terrific songwriter. I like the new solo CD he put out a few months ago.

18 Wheels of Love: De La Soul, I should’ve mentioned earlier. They had some really good stuff at the start of their career, and I still love hearing anything off 3 Feet High & Rising album or “A Roller Skating Jam Named Saturdays” off one of the later albums.

By TexasBrave

November 28, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

brent a. although I live in Texas I am a diehard Sooner fan. You made a good point on how after our best linebacker went out Texas scored 32 of its 45 points. If English were able to play the whole game or even the way his replacement Box (a freshman) is playing now I have to think the game would have turned in OU’s favor. Texas smartly took advantage of English’s absence and Box’s inexperience.

To me if OU wins by more than 7pts and can hold OSU to 24 pts or less and score 28pts or more then OU deserves to be ranked #2. Texas beat OSU at Texas by only 4pts. Thus my reasoning above.

With that being said it is a shame there is no end of the year playoffs of at least 8 or 16 teams. Let it be decided on the field and not by computers or bias humans (like myself). You can keep the individual bowls, letting the smaller bowls host the early rounds and the larger bowls hosting the final rounds. Let now doubt remain and no split championships.

By keylargo

November 28, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

Lane Kiffen to Tennessee? Kiffen to replace Phil Fulmer? Who saw that coming?

By Mitchie-san

November 28, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

I, for one would “create a gold brick in a whole new way” if we snuck in and stole Sabathia.

By Don!

November 28, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

DOB,

That informative font of sports news, Yahoo,com says that San Diego has found a third team to do a Peavy deal with the Cubs.

Not the sarcasm in the first six words of that last sentence — especially since it’s not attributable. Have you heard anything about that development? And who exactly would be feeding that sort of stuff to Yahoo (which is then passed on as ‘reliable’ by other outlets) to gain an edge?

That doesn’t sound like Tower’s work, and the Cubs don’t ‘need’ Peavy as much as they did two weeks ago … so I smell a rat!

Did Boras pick up Peavy as a client this weekend, or is someone in the SD front office trying to rub two sticks together over with the Yahoo folks to make some smoke?

Later,

Don!

By 18 Wheels of Love

November 28, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

Old DeLa is great…not up to speed on their latest Art Official stuff.

Anyone remember the mid-90’s Judgement Night soundtrack that was a mix of rock and rap bands? De La and Teenage Fanclub, Sonic Youth, Livng Colour and Run DMC, Booya Tribe and Faith No More….

Speaking of Faith No More, I’m a fan of pretty much all their stuff.

By Salty Dawg

November 28, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

Lane Kiffen to Tennessee? Kiffen to replace Phil Fulmer? Who saw that coming?

As a Dawg fan I love it because Kiffin isn’t fit to carry Fulmer’s dirty undies. But I gotta think that all of the UT fans who were calling for Fulmer to be fired must have let out a collective “Oh dear God, what have we done” when that little gem was announced. Seriously, Bama goes out and gets Saban, UT brings in Lane Kiffin? Talk about a regression.

By Salty Dawg

November 29, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

But again, if you want to rationalize OU, you can. They whipped TT soundly and Texas lost to TT. The OU-Texas game was sort of a toss-up, with Texas playing much better after the OU defenseman (a linebacker?) was injured.

In truth it isn’t about number of losses or who beat who. It is about which team is perceived as being the best. Even though Texas (barely) beat Oklahoma, I think OU is the better team. That is why undefeated teams don’t always play in the NC game, or even a BCS bowl game. Because, despite their record, they aren’t perceived to be as good as other teams, some of which have one or two losses. If the goal is to have the two best teams in the country play for the title, then the voters have to be willing to overlook a head-to-head loss in some situations. What if in the first game of the season team A’s qb gets knocked out on the first play and they lose a close game to team B. They subsequently dominate every team they play for the rest of the season and finish with the same record as team B, which won a bunch of close, sloppy games. Should team B then be considered a “better” team? It just doesn’t seem right.

By bsj

November 29, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this

okay so I leave town and the R.E.M. discussion heats up. It would be impossible for me to argue any IRS choices, and particularly anything on Murmur. It is simply end to end a classic all-timer. I do have a problem with leaving Pilgrimage off a “best of” list. Sitting Still and Pilgrimage are great tunes.

Country Feedback and Me In Honey from Out of Time, and New Test Leper, So Fast So Numb, and Binky The Doormat from NAIHF, are gems. I disagree with the notion that the music on Up, Reveal, and Around the Sun was subpar (though Buck pretty much said as much). I think Mills and Stipe got sucked into some sort of mid-tempo morass where nothing rocked. I mean, Ascent of Man and I’ve Been High are awesome tunes (Chorus and the Ring could be added), but nothing around them rocked. If you took all the songs like Wendell Gee, World Leader Pretend, E-Bow the Letter, Electrolyte, etc. and packaged them together as an album, they don’t shine the same way. But an album with Leave, Bittersweet Me, and So Fast So Numb is perfect for Electrolyte. Don’t get me wrong. The Up through ATS period was a blur, and showed a lack of focus from the band, but there are quite a few great tunes in there.

Accelerate was cathartic. I saw the bands tours for the Up through ATS albums, and you knew they still rocked. Accelerate was just the sort of bombast all of us needed. Wow.

Anyway, that’s all I’ve got to say about that.

By uga-brave

November 29, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this

DOB,

the last 36 hours or so of blogging by our great neighborhood of denizens is proof, not that we needed one, that this place is unique.

braves, bbq, pop culture, music, and movies are a tribute to you.

we all have some things to add, but you as the lead in obviously sets the tone.

we all have one common thread we love the braves but the exchange of the other derivatives keep most coming back.

kinda nice for a change the blog was not dominated by the jake peavy talk.

this is the off season, and college football is now at the forefront.

have not heard one georgia or tech prediction?

tech seems to be the sexy pick. jeff schultz picked them. three of the so called experts on cbs sportline picked them.

so who of all experts pick?

my take?

you will know in the first three series.

if tech moves the ball effectively early georgia will have their hands full.

willie martinez is overmatched when it comes to in game adjustments.

either he has prepared his defense or he has not.

if his initial game plan does not work, then the dawgs are in trouble.

either way it is somewhat a disapointing season in athens.

yes we are 9-2 but we have struggled to get there.

our defense can never get off the field, and richt continues to make excuses for his best friend martinez.

as a georgia grad, let me say this i love mark richt as a head coach but i think at some point he needs to make the right decision on martinez.

if willie martinez was a pitcher it would be obvious.

his defense has given up 35 plus 4 times this year.

for a program that has so much talent that is not acceptable.

either way vince gets his staue dedicated tmmrw. larry legend gets his due, and it is senior day.

hunker down boys, play hard, play fast, and kick tech’s arse.

By Bubdylan

November 29, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this

Salty Dawg, I agree with your angle up to a point, but we can’t go strictly from the question of who are the best two teams. If you have the most talented, capable team in the country, but don’t play to your potential each Saturday, it’s legitimate for a less talented team who does play its hardest in every game to get the nod over you.

Not talking about injured QB’s, etc. Just, somewhere in the conversation, you should allow for the less talented team’s grit and determination. Perfect example: this year’s Alabama squad. If Florida self-destructs and Bama wins an ugly game in the SEC CG, they will and should go to the NCG. Even though in my supposed scenario (ugly game, FLA self-destructing), there would be no reason to think Alabama is REALLY better than OU and Texas. They’d be undefeated, and within reaching distance of those other teams’ schedule difficulty.

By Roach

November 29, 2008 1:19 AM | Link to this

Does anyone else think Mark May on ESPN is an idiot??

By Bubdylan

November 29, 2008 1:40 AM | Link to this

Also, there is one thing about OU’s rout of Texas Tech that I haven’t seen mentioned:

Yes, Oklahoma dominated them plenty. BUT there were several chances Leach took, just as it looked to get out of hand, that were text book if-we-make-it-we’re-back-in-the-game-but-if-we-don’t-we’re-going-to-add-to-the-blow-out plays. And sure enough, they didn’t make it and the blow out got worse. Not saying OU isn’t plenty better than Tech, but when sizing up Oklahoma’s dominance, it ought to be considered: Leach took huge gambles just to get back in it. Those gambles made it worse.

I’m leaning toward Texas, as must be obvious. But not leaning with much confidence that I’m right.

By Mitchie-san

November 29, 2008 1:50 AM | Link to this

DOB Have you ever heard of Dinosaur BBQ? There is one in Syracuse that has to be the best I ever had…and I am from the south. Its a total biker bar with BBQ that does incredible business. Live bands all the time too. Great atmosphere. Apparently there is one in New York City as well. You should hit it up next year if you havent already….

Oh, Go Tech! Beat them Dawgs!

By uga-brave

November 29, 2008 1:52 AM | Link to this

roach,

not only is mark may an idiot, but his partner lou, the slobbering idiot, is worse.

lou holtz is absolutely a disgrace.

he is not prepared, he has no diction, and for lack of the better word, he has no idea what he talking about.

this is a guy before the season started said notre dame as gonna win 10 games.

just like digger phelps in basketball, they both think their names supercede being somewhat professional.

By Wayne

November 29, 2008 1:56 AM | Link to this

Hard Rock or Country. It’s all good. Country Rock, maybe my favorite. Good Country groups?

How about Diamond Rio’s debut album in 1991. Good stuff.

Greatest country song…. (sorry DAC, it’ not “You never even called me by my Name”) no, but good.

Actually, the greatest country song in my humble opinion is George Jones’s “He Stopped Loving Her Today”.

George

By Mitchie-san

November 29, 2008 1:57 AM | Link to this

Oh, I almost forgot. The Shed in Mississippi has award winning stuff. Its another great place that literally is adorned with junk that the owner has retrieved from junkyards and other trash. last time I went there, my friends and I sat in a bunch of old student desks outside. We circled them up to face each other and chowed down while listening to some great live blues. Best I ever had in the south….

By Bruce's Pearl

November 29, 2008 2:04 AM | Link to this

SaltyDawg: Really,carry Fulmers dirty undies? Well they are soiled lately,thats for sure.But really outside of beating Georgia 2 0f the last 3 what has he done lately? I know he was in the SEC championship game last year but everyone knows they backed in.Truly Fulmer minus Cutcliffe equals Ray Goff.Everybody has to start somewhere.Mark Richt was a Co-ordinator wasnt he? So was Kiffin (at least co co-ordinator)at USC.And no one blames him for the firing at Oakland under that idiot Al Davis.If he assembles the staff that has been rumored,it could be interesting.That said he wasnt the locals first choice,or mine (I sort of liked Brian Kelly of Cincy).But we will just have to wait and see how it works out.Hamilton (UT AD) made a good hire in basketball,didnt he? Just messin’ with ya Salty.Have a great night!

By Roach

November 29, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this

UGA,

ESPN is becoming very biased. All the commentators they have for college football are always talking about their alma maters. I went to ball state and I was watching the Central Mich/Ball State and had to mute the game because I couldnt stand to listen to Ray Bentley (who went to Central Michigan) anymore. Its getting bad what happen to announcers being subjective they arent supposed to have favorites. Thats something I give Skip, Pete, and all the TBS guys credit they were Braves announcers but they wouldnt just talk about the Braves all day they talked about the opponent.

By nolie

November 29, 2008 2:33 AM | Link to this

Actually, the greatest country song in my humble opinion is George Jones’s “He Stopped Loving Her Today”.Wayne

great song no doubt.

By David O'Brien

November 29, 2008 3:38 AM | Link to this

mitchie-san: I can believe they have a very good BBQ joint in NYC. In fact, I know for a fact they have at least two or three. But come on, now: Best you’ve ever had? Have you had BBQ in either A. North Carolina, B. any other part of the South, C. Kansas City, and/or D. Texas?

Because if you have, at one of the more reputable joints in any of those locales, then I can’t believe you’re going to tell me the best you ever had was in NY. Can’t believe that.

That said, I’ll certainly give it a try if I’m near the one in NYC. And if it’s the best I’ve ever had, well, I’ll eat my laptop with some BBQ sauce slathered over the keyboard….

uga-brave: Thanks, dude. But couldn’t do it without the great participation….

bsj: Love the REM input, and I agree with you.

18 Wheels of Love: Someone else who has the Judgement Night soundtrack! Yes. Great tunes. They coupled bands like Sonic Youth & Cypress Hill (I’m sitting here staring at the CD right now. Had forgotten about it till you mentioned it). De La did a tune with Teenage Fanclub, and Helmet & House of Pain did the rockin’ first song.

By Wayne

November 29, 2008 3:42 AM | Link to this

Last one for the night, Doug Stone’s (name is Brooks, but didn’t want to be confused with Garth back in 1989) first hit was some decent classic country lyrics: “I’d Be Better Off (in a pine box)”

Nite my friends.

By David O'Brien

November 29, 2008 3:44 AM | Link to this

Oh, and right on about Fugazi: They rocked hard, and with integrity. Their album 13 Songs is an absolute classic.

By Mitchie-san

November 29, 2008 3:55 AM | Link to this

DOB I was supprised too. It was great stuff. I have had some BBQ all over the south and Dinosaur BBQ stands up with the best of them. No, i havent had any in K.C. or North Carolina but I have had some in Austin,Texas.

The beef briskit at Dinosaur was phenomenal. I liked it so much, I made my newlywed wife eat there two days in a row. (that was hard to do, when I say newlywed I mean mere days after we got married.) Hopefully you will be able to give it a shot in the future, I would love to hear about how your laptop tastes!

By David O'Brien

November 29, 2008 3:59 AM | Link to this

Wayne, I’d definitely put “He Stopped Loving Her Today” on the all-time list. But it’s impossible, in my opinion, to name one or 10 greatest country tunes (as it is top 10 rock tunes or albums).

I mean, you’ve gotta include stuff like “Ring of Fire,” “Mama Tried, “King of the Road,” “Hello Darlin’,” “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” (and just about every other Hank Williams song, “You Never Even Called Me By My Name,” “Behind Closed Doors,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Walking The Floor Over You,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Stand By Your Man,” “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” “San Antonio Rose,” “Luckenbach, Texas,” “Blue Moon of Kentucky” … wow, as I said, it’s impossible. And you just kept me up an extra 20 minutes thinking of songs.

By David O'Brien

November 29, 2008 4:01 AM | Link to this

Oh, and of course, “Sunday Morning Coming Down.”

By nolie

November 29, 2008 4:12 AM | Link to this

Oh, and of course, “Sunday Morning Coming Down.”DOB

I’ll add more KK-Help Me Make It Through The Night,For The Good times. Lovin’ Her Was Easier,Me & Bobbie McGee

By Random

November 29, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this

Don!: “That informative font of sports news, Yahoo,com says that San Diego has found a third team to do a Peavy deal with the Cubs… . who exactly would be feeding that sort of stuff to Yahoo (which is then passed on as ‘reliable’ by other outlets) to gain an edge?”

Don’t know that it was passed on (or picked up) as “reliable” or as anything other than another rumor, but you’re right — it has been picked up by CBS Sportsline, Elis MLB Rumors and MLB Trade Rumors.

The latter is of interest for the quantity and quality of comments provoked.

(You don’t need to be “registered” to read the comments, only to post one of your own.)

By Dr. Mike Marshall

November 29, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

Dear Sir,

On May 2, 2008, someone wrote an article they titled, “Real concern for pitcher’s health-just no knowledge on how to stop it: Are pitchers doomed to injury?”

I know how to eliminate all pitching injuries. I provide this information in my Baseball Pitching Instructional Video, which I provide without charge on my website; drmikemarshall.com.

I would like to speak with the author of that article. Together, we might be able to convince someone in professional baseball to stop the madness.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mike Marshall

By JimD

November 29, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

Wouldn’t it be interesting if the Braves wind up being the third team?

We get Peavy. Cubs get some of our Bullpen prospects. Padres get IF and OF from Cubs.

By Random

November 29, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

Gerry Fraley of Sporting News has some interesting things to say about CC, AJ and Lowe on Yahoo.

Here’re some of his comments on AJ:

Righthander A.J. Burnett will test the gambler’s instinct of every interested team. Does anyone feel lucky?

Burnett has had his two best seasons immediately ahead of free agency. In addition, history suggests this past season took a lot out of Burnett. Burnett pitched 221 1/3 innings with Toronto in 2008. Each of the previous two times Burnett logged a 200-inning season, he followed it with a two-year, injury-plagued funk.

After pitching 204 1/3 innings with Florida in 2002, he worked only 143 innings in the next two seasons combined. After pitching 209 innings with Florida in 2005, Burnett worked only 301 1/3 innings in the next two seasons combined.

Despite the warning signs, teams clamor for Burnett.

(I note that Dan made a similar observation here nearly a week ago.)

By Random

November 29, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

JimD and brent a. have the best takes so far on a three team trade for Peavy.

(But JimD, SD would also insist on a couple of cheap, good ML-ready SPs, I think.)

By New Braves Fan

November 29, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

I had not read this before but it does make sense. I went to the MLB.com Blog for Hot Stove Activity and 2 of the stories reference how teams have seriously slowed the pace of any free agent activity due to the financial conditions. Even the Mets are expecting problems with suites and other luxury seating due to activity on Wall St. Is a loss of 200,000 jobs there alone possible? This is really going to get interesting. It appears the upper 20 or so players will get theirs, but then it will be Look Out Below.I have read that Cleveland, Pittsburg, Cincinnati and obviously Detroit are preparing for ticket price Armageddon. Well, I’ve often said we need dimunition of the market. Would be sad if 100 players would lose jobs due to contraction. Union probably thinks they could fight this as well. I’m sorry if this does not belong here, but I just recently moved here and thought you might find it interesting going forward. Great Blog!

By JimD

November 29, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Random

I just said it would be funny, I don’t think there is a chance though.

But … the Cubs have 6 starters, so maybe they could send a SP and maybe an OF like Felix Pie.

We could send Boyer and Acosta to the Cubs.

And we could send some prospects to SD and they could Peavy to the Braves.

Braves get Peavy Cubs get Boyer and Acosta Padres get Pie a SP, and a couple of Braves prospects.

But these 3 team trades are complicated and when you add in the seemingly weird personality lately of K-Towers… Well, let’s just say I think there is a better chance of the Detroit Lions making the NFL playoffs as the Braves being involved in a Padres-Braves-Cubs deal.

By Braveheart

November 29, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

We get Peavy. Cubs get some of our Bullpen prospects. Padres get IF and OF from Cubs.

So we get Peavy, the Cubs get from us the garbage arms Towers doesn’t want, Towers gets all the garbage from the Cubs that he already doesn’t want and that the Cubs were only offering because they though they were getting far more than our garbage arms?

Huh?

By Efrim

November 29, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Just saw this from Peter Gammons article:

The Braves, Cubs and seemingly everyone else claims they’re not in on Jake Peavy. What’s going on? The Padres absolutely believe Cubs GM Jim Hendry can make this a three-way trade to get the Padres the pitching they need in addition to third base prospect Josh Vitters. The Braves were not going to have to surrender any of their five-best prospects, but have hesitated over Single-A level pitching. Peavy is a Cy Young winner, in case anyone’s forgotten.

A lot of holes to fill. That Single-A pitching can be used in other trades.

By DAP01

November 29, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Enough about music and food.

What up with the Braves?

By Ann Jo Burnett

November 29, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

If the Braves do sign Burnett, I do not want any complaining. You have been suitably warned. The man will break down. Do not argue with history. Last year he finally pitched like a “horse” sad thing is that he is basically a “FILLY” and you know what happens when a filly has brought extra effort in the past. They won’t be able to put Alicia Joan out to stud, but expect conversation related to “What was Wren thinking?” Ask yourself, if it was YOUR money would you give Arlene Jassmine 5 years??

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 29, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Ebravesluvr—

I was never “head over heels” for Javy, either—like I said, he was before I was a big fann. I know Roman Gal liked him though…

; >

You wouldn’t believe my bedroom. It’s full of Marcus Giles memorabilia, lol.

Really? Sounds a little bit like my room—if you replace Marcus Giles with Brian McCann.

And speakin’ of which…I was looking at the back issues of ChopTalk and I found one that I wanted, so I sent away for it……3 VORPing weeks ago, and I still haven’t gotten it.

GO TECH!!!

By Vol

November 29, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Dave recommended some early REM CD’s. Thought I’d mention that a couple of them are listed on Amazon for $5.99. I’d rank Life’s Rich Pageant first, followed closely by Reckoning, Murmur, and Fables of the Reconstruction. If you grab those and don’t like them, then you don’t like REM. Many other good ones - those are just may favorites. Still rotate them in my car and they get as much play as anything else because almost every song is at least good. Most are great.

What’s a bigger gamble, Lane Kiffin or AJ Burnett? Lane seems like the hire with the most upside, but potentially the most risk for the Vols.

By JimD

November 29, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Efrim

As I said earlier: I just said it would be funny, I don’t think there is a chance though.

By JimD

November 29, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Excuse me, my previous post was directed at Braveheart not Efrim. I am not multi-tasking too well this morning.

GO JACKETS!!!!!!!

By Patrick

November 29, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

If that’s true and Wren is holding the deal up over freaking Single A prospects, he should be fired!

If you can bet Peavy without giving up Hanson and Heyward, that is a win win rigth there. Give me a break Wren and get it done!

By Deep Throat

November 29, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Peter Gammons on the Braves and Peavy:

“The Braves were not going to have to surrender any of their five-best prospects, but have hesitated over Single-A level pitching. Peavy is a Cy Young winner, in case anyone’s forgotten.”

I miss Schuerholz.

By Efrim

November 29, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Patrick

If that’s true and Wren is holding the deal up over freaking Single A prospects, he should be fired!

Gammons is just speculating, but I could understand why Frank Wren would back away from Peavy for that. You can’t treat all Single A prospects like they have no chance to become special. That’s how you end up with no farm system…like the Astros.

By 18 Wheels of Love

November 29, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

Sign Burnett

Trade Escobar for Grienke

Sign Furcal

Trade for Dye

Make a late run at Peavy

By Kentavo

November 29, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Life’s Rich Pageant is the best R.E.M. album in my opinion - not necessarily loaded with hits - “Superman” and “Fall l on Me” got the most airplay - but pound for pound is incredibly solid.

By roan st

November 29, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Why would a third team want to ship a top notch pitching prospect for the cubs 19 year old third baseman who is still several years away from the bigs? I wonder if towers isn’t blowing smoke in hopes of getting the braves back to the table.

If the the cubs do make this deal it looks like the braves won’t even get one top of the rotation pitcher let alone two. Anybody who thinks the braves will win the bidding war for Burnett is kidding themselves. Somebody will pay way to much for Burnett and it won’t be Atlanta so why do we even go through the motions talking about it when it’s not going to happen. The best thing the Braves can do is continue to build their farm system until the new owner comes along in 2011. And I believe that A Blank will make a strong play for the Braves once again and that will be a glorious day for braves fans.

By Andy K.

November 29, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

I wish the Braves would make a move already…the excitement from claiming Eric O’Flaherty didn’t last long enough…

And in case you were wondering, I like DOB beleive a Peavy deal still gets done, and it will most likely include Escobar, but not as many prospects. It is then my hope that Furcal is still a FA, because I think he’d be a great addition to this team, and fill the SS gap Peavy and Axelrod are worried about. Then RE-Sign Ohman, Hampton. Although if FW sacrifices some things, DOB, would it be possible for the Bravos to have Peavy and Burnett in their rotation?

By Braveheart

November 29, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

The Braves, Cubs and seemingly everyone else claims they’re not in on Jake Peavy. What’s going on? The Padres absolutely believe Cubs GM Jim Hendry can make this a three-way trade to get the Padres the pitching they need in addition to third base prospect Josh Vitters. The Braves were not going to have to surrender any of their five-best prospects, but have hesitated over Single-A level pitching. Peavy is a Cy Young winner, in case anyone’s forgotten.

There’s no other offer close to the Braves offer in case Gammon has forgotten. Why should the Braves overbid themselves when there is zero market out there besides the Braves for Peavy? Gammons is slipping. If there was a market, I’d trade Hanson without Escobar in the deal. But there is no market so next time Towers come around I wouldn’t even give him Escobar.

Wren needs to go offer Sabathia 6 years, $138 million. One of two things can go down from there: (1) Towers’s knees buckle once he hears the Braves did that and he calls Wren and takes what he can get or (2) Sabathia signs and the Braves no longer need that trade …….. or have the increased leverage needed to come back and steal Peavy too. I’d rather have Sabathia and Peavy for $39 million annually over the next five seasons thatn Burnett and Peavy for $32 million.

By rotty

November 29, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Not to be a negative but why do people keep wheeling out Greinke as an option?

Moore has said he is untouchable and unless God intervenes :) or the Braves offer Hanson (it would take that much folks) Greinke is not going anywhere.

On the flip side people are lusting after Vaquez who is biblical decoy with a career losing record, high 4 ERA and has failed to win on the Yankees and Sox (two strong offensive teams).

The Braves don’t need a 4+ ERA innings muncher who will have a losing record.

Vaz is an over priced 4-5 starter people want as a #2.

He would be a step backwards for the rotation and this team.

Dye is too old and they Braves need more than a 1 year bridge for LF. Even if they pick up his option he would be 37 at the start of the 2010 season.

Heyward is 2-3 years away not 1-2 and will be replacing Frenchie if Jeff manages stay on the team for the next few years (I have my doubts).

Schafer is not a HR hitter.

So the Braves need a 29-31yo (perhaps a tad younger) power bat in the LF they can control for years not 1-2.

If you want a bridge until a better LF option comes along in the winter of 2009 then fine but I would sign a FA for that job versus trade anyone of value.

He may have baggage but a 2-3 yr deal for Bradley may be the best bet. Of if Wren shoots the wad on SP offer Griffey an incentive based deal for 1yr and platoon him in LF with Diaz (barf).

I really don’t like that idea but I would be willing to do it for a dominate TOR.

By David O'Brien

November 29, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Braveheart, sounds good but isn’t going to happen. For one thing, Braves aren’t in on Sabathia, never have been. They’ve not called his agent, much less made a preliminary offer. And from my understanding, they have no plans to get involved in that bidding.

So you might as well focus your attention on pitchers other than CC if you’re looking for the Peavy alternative.

By Random

November 29, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

*JimD: *”I just said it would be funny”

Well, sure — that’s what I thought.

That’s why I coupled your comment with brent a.’s — I thought that was pretty funny, too.

Did you check it out?

By David O'Brien

November 29, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Heard an amazing stat: It’s been 65 years since a D-1 football national champion had a losing record in its conference the following season. Until now. LSU.

By Philliesuk

November 29, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

DOB You’re right, 13 Songs is a classic, but Repeater is by far their best work. Not a weak track on that one. Also, Fugazi is (was) one of the best live shows you will ever see. I’m not sure if you listened to much of that genre, but D.C. produced some other amazing bands in the late-80’s/early 90’s (Jawbox, Circus Lupus, Soulside, Slant 6, Holy Rollers, etc.). Another great band is one of Guy Picciotto’s pre-Fugazi bands, Rites of Spring, considered to be the first emo band.

By David O'Brien

November 29, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

If that’s true and Wren is holding the deal up over freaking Single A prospects, he should be fired!Patrick

You may have noticed, more than a few regulars here disagree with you.

(For the record, I’m told the reason the Braves said they were pulling out of these negotiations is because Towers more than once came back to ask for another player to be added when it looked like the Braves and Padres might be getting close to a deal.)

And I do agree with Efrim, you certainly can’t just lump all Class-A prospects in the same group and say you’ll give up any of those not named Heyward.

Flowers, Freeman, Locke, Rohrbough, Teheran … none of them have been above the Class-A level. Patrick, you just gonna throw as many of them in the deal as the Padres need to get a Peavy trade done? Come on, man. Doesn’t work that way….

That said, I’d probably cave and include Locke if that was the deal maker or breaker. Don’t know if it was/is, though….

ANDYK: possible, but not likely (for the Braves to get both Peavy and Burnett).

By David O'Brien

November 29, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Rotty, you make some very good points (11:35 a.m.)

By Braveheart

November 29, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Going after Burnett is a dubious decision that will be treated by the fans with a big freaking yawn the day of the signing and a big freaking groan on his first of many visits to the DL.

Burnett is not an alternative to Peavy. Burnett is nothing more than a complement to Peavy. He doesn’t increase any leverage in getting this trade done. Dude is 31 years and has been in the majors for 10 seasons and has not established himself as reliable from one year to the next. But 5 years, $75 million is what Wren wants to give Burnett?

DOB. I understand what the Braves tell you they will or won’t do. What I care more about is the logic. Over the next five seasons, Peavy ($16 mil annually) and Rafael Furcal ($12 mil) will cost just as much in money, even more in injury and age risk, and even more in traded farmhands than signing Sabathia ($23 mil) and holding on to the league minimum/arbitration eligible making Escobar ($400 K to $6 mil). What’s the logic?

By Fan-coeur (Frenchy has heart)

November 29, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB:

Tazawa looks almost clearly signing for Boston and Peavy is almost clearly heading to the Cubs…

Is the latter correct, or am I another victim of falling for false trade rumors?

How are we on AJ Burnett because it seems to be getting late for us acquiring Peavy?

By Ebravesluvr

November 29, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Deep throat and Salty Woody…..we’ve got some interesting nicknames on this blog LOL

McFann Can’t go wrong with B-Mac!!

By f.n. hale

November 29, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, I like the way you’re thinking but I’m afraid that offer for C.C. would be pretty transparent as to its purpose. No way it is accepted and I’m assuming Towers is no fool (but I could be wrong). Assuming MLB still perceives the Braves as doing their work behind the scenes, I think laying low should be worrying Towers. The thing is, maybe Wren rates our prospects higher than Towers does and the trade as offered, doesn’t make sense to either. When it comes to prospects we’re all only guessing. DOB, got to thinking about the thread on Animal House and your take on comedy hitting different folks differently. I started putting together a list of my 5 favorite movies but, like the BCS this year 6 was the least I could go. I start with Pulp Fiction and Last Picture Show slightly ahead of A Few Good Men and 3 Coen Bros.; Oh Brother, Lebowski and Fargo. Thing is, I’ve only seen 4 Coen Bros. movies and I thought Raising Arizona was one of the worst movies I’d ever seen. Saw it when it came out and didn’t know who the Coen’s were at the time and maybe I need to revisit it now, and definitely need to see the others.

By Ebravesluvr

November 29, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Let’s just forget Peavy and keep my…er, OUR Escobar! That guy plays with lots of heart! I wish rest of the team showed some fire like that!

By Ebravesluvr

November 29, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

In regards to my remark about Deep throat and Salty Woody….maybe I’ll change my name to Gargle, spit and swallow :/………OR NOT.

By BravesFanInRockies

November 29, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

New Braves Fan,

We’ve discussed (off and on) how the economy might affect MLB and the consensus is, nobody knows. Liberty has said the Braves’ budget for next year won’t be changed, but I do wonder about Detroit, New York (both teams) and even LA. This is certainly the biggest meltdown since the 1980s. We haven’t seen anything like this in the era of free agency.

Detroit has a couple of players who could help the Braves a lot — starting with Magglio Ordonez — and the Tigers might need to dump some salary.

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 29, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Ebravesluvr Can’t go wrong with B-Mac!!

You got that right!!

Dangit, Tech! Let’s get goin’ hear! Sheesh…

By Deep Throat

November 29, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Peavy and Burnett would be nice. I’d much rather have Peavy than injury-riddled-past Burnett though.

If not Peavy and Burnett, than whom? Burrnet….and? Wolf? Perez? Garland? Please God, no.

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 29, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

Hey, that Matthew Stafford’s a pretty good thrower after all…

Too bad our guy didn’t snap it right for the extra point.

By Greg in TN

November 29, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Afternoon folks…

Will Knoxville have to find a street to rename to Lane Kiffin Drive (or maybe we just make things easier and call it Kiffin Lane)? I think any idea of Butch Davis coming to Knoxville was reaching (I really like Chris Peterson in Boise, but I’d say even that would have probably been a reach as well. Leach? Hmmm, not sure that would have been a good fit at Rocky Top).

Have to have a strong recruiter and while Kiffin doesn’t have a lengthy track record for that, all of the reports out of So Cal says he’s strong there. Monte Kiffin as D Coordinator would be a nice thought, however. The timing was not the best for UT in terms of making a change, however when is it a good time to make that type of change? Job number one for the affable Mr. Kiffin will be to find a QB, stat. Things will improve next year, but I don’t see them improving as much as Vol fans would like.

Interesting offseason in Tennessee football, and a quiet offseason on Planet Braves. However it’s not from lack of effort by FW. Patience is notoriously a four-letter word in blogs, however I believe our patience will be rewarded, at some point and the glacier pace of offseason moves will melt next week as the arbitration deadline passes.

Hope everyone had as good a Thanksgiving as Mrs. Greg in TN and I did. Nothing beats my mom’s potato salad denizens.

To be sure, there are a lot of things that I am thankful for in 2008. Below is a small subset of things I am thankful for denizens:

I am thankful we have #10, the Offensive Assassin manning third base. I am thankful we have Everybody’s Favorite Catcher behind the dish. I am thankful for JJJ, and Tommy Hanson, and the Bearded Icon. I am thankful that Marquiss Grissom squeezed out number three in October of 1995 in the old ballpark. I am thankful that Bruce Benedict didn’t break his wrist trying to catch a Phil Niekro knuckleball. I am thankful Sid slid ahead of Spanky’s tag. I am thankful for the Hammer, who reached 755 with respect and dignity. I am thankful for Greg Maddux’s tailing fastball and for Otis Nixon’s leaping ability. I am thankful for Gary Matthews Senior.

I am thankful for Dale Murphy, for winning and losing with class and for being one of the rare bright spots in an otherwise era of bad baseball in Atlanta.

I am thankful for the late, great Skip Carey. For Pete Van Wieren, who has earned every day of a peaceful and restful retirement. I am thankful for Joe Simpson, for Boog Sciambi, for Jerome Jurenovich and Katy Temple. I am thankful for having Ernie Johnson Sr, Don Sutton, Billy Sample, John Sterling and Darrell Chaney in the booth over the years.

I am thankful we have BC in the dugout, and JS and FW in the front office. I am thankful for Paul Runge in Danville, Rocket Wheeler in Myrtle Beach, Randy Ingle in Rome, Phillip Wellman in Pearl and Dave Brundage in Gwinnett.

And folks, I am especially thankful for having DOB and CR to feed the hungry denizens baseball inside stuff from our favorite team.

By cabravesfan

November 29, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Greg in TN

When Lane Kiffen was at USC he handled most of the recruiting- needless to say he is pretty good at it…from someone who knows, he will either be loved in TN or totally hated (he has a tendency to go ultra-conservative at exactly the wrong time-3rd and 25 with a run up the middle for example) but give him a chance- he may surprise you…

By Big and Long

November 29, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Burnett is not an alternative to Peavy. Burnett is nothing more than a complement to Peavy.

Amen. Wren surely can’t believe getting A.J. Burnett is tantamount to acquiring Jake Peavy and/or that getting either is just as good.

By Jim Hertel

November 29, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Notwithstanding strong opinions to the contrary, I’m beginning to feel that A.J. Burnett might be the a better risk than either Peavy or Sabathia. Consider that Burnett has already had ligament replacement surgery four years ago. It takes a while to comeback from that procedure, but Burnett seems strong and better than ever. Peavy has not had this surger, but most certainly will. This is just the life of pitchers not named Maddux or Glavine. You can almost certainly be sure that if we have Peavy for the next 5 years, 1 or maybe 2 of those years will be recovering from surgery. Sabathia is just big, and big bodies break down and fall apart more rapidly.

By Daybed Wagmoe

November 29, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Having been out of town and not on my laptop much in the last couple days, I’m sorry that I’ve missed all of this R.E.M. talk. Here’s my attempt at a top-10 list from the IRS years:

(In no particular order) Wolves, Lower Gardening at Night Driver 8 Kohoutek These Days Cuyahoga Laughing Harborcoat (Don’t Go Back To) Rockville Welcome to the Occupation

This was a pretty difficult task — SO many strong songs on all of the IRS records, and there were many others that I had to leave off. I’ll look forward to the Warner Bros. list-making…

DOB — I just noticed that you’ve got the same song listed twice on your list. You have: “8. Carnival of Sorts 9. Boxcars.” I mean, I know it’s a great song, but to list it twice? Man, you must really like it. I guess you get to take one off and put another on. (Or did you already do so and I missed it?)

By rotty

November 29, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Thanks DOB re: 11;35am post.

By jim

November 29, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

If the Cubs trade Vitters + others for Peavy, they are “shooting the works” for a chance to win now (2009 or 2010) and they have the veteran team with a reasonable chance to do just that. The Braves + Peavy and a bigger bat in LF (minus some of our current more productive talent) will be no more than a long shot to win in 2009 or 2010. For a team that is not Yankee-Red Sox rich, a nucleus of young, home-grown talent needs to be in place before the addition of one or two prominent veterans is likely to put them over the top. That situation should be the case for the Braves by 2011. We need to give JJJ, Hanson, Morton, and others time to develop much as we did for Glavine, Smoltz, Avery, et al in the late 1980’s. By 2011 we could have three top of the rotation starters to go along with maturing talent such as McCann, Yunel, KJ, and Kotchman or Flowers, with Schafer/Hernandez and Heyward ready to make an impact. The Braves have had unprecedented success for a decade and 1/2, whereas the Cubs haven’t won the WS in over 100 years. The Cubs have about a two year window before their aging roster starts to decline, and the Braves’ fans need to be a little patient and enjoy watching the development of their young pitching staff to be in a position to compete for a WS title.

By Greg in TN

November 29, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

cabravesfan Thanks for the info. That is certainly what I’ve read and I personally believe that’s what is needed. Fulmer was a strong recruiter, however recruiting in the southeast has changed rather dramatically in the past few years. Eric Berry was certainly a huge pickup from Georgia, however Richt, Spurrier, Meyer and Saban have cut into areas where UT could come in and pick up talent.

I think Kiffin was the best choice given the circumstances. Many around town aren’t happy with it, but I think he certainly has the tools to do well here.

By Tomas

November 29, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Rotty I agree with you, Vazques is nothing more than a #4-5 over priced starter with a good fastball and curveball, but doesn’t have good control. I also agree with you in the fact that Greinke won’t be traded this winter, Moore has said that if they fail to sign him to an extension, then they will trade him maybe in the trade deadline at the earliest. Cain forget about it, Halladay too.

But I disagree with you in your comments about Dye. He is old but hits 290, and hits 35 HR, and has a very good arm, but not a lot of range or speed. He is however a much better fielder than Carlos Lee, Pat Burrel, and Adam Dunn. And the Braves don’t need a long term guy, they have good quality outfield prospects(Jayson Heyward who may be ready in 2-3 years, Gorkys Hernandez who may be ready in 2 yrs, and Jordan Schafer who is ready for this year) plus lets not forget our current RF who is only 22 years old and already has two 100RBI seasons, give him a break(yeah he looked bad, but he IS 22 years old, i’d be worried if he were 32(like Andruw), Frenchy just suffered his “growing pains”. But he is very athletic, has a tremendous arm in right field, and is a very strong guy, don’t lose faith on him just because he hit 240 11HR and 71RBI’s.

Look at what happen to McCann, he hit 333, with 24HR, and 93 RBI and a 388OBP in 2006. In 2007 he hit 270 with 18HR, and 92 RBI’s and his OBP dropped from 388 to 320. In 2008 he hit 301, with 23HR, 87RBI, and an OBP of 373.

He had his growing pains in 2007, but he was able to make the adjustments and get that AVG over 300 again.

The only reason nobody made such a big deal out of it, was because Frenchy has always been a star, and you always expect him to be the best.

I strongly agree on Wren with his faith for Franceour to bounce back.

By keylargo

November 29, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Sylvester Croom resigns as Miss. St. head coach.

There is your defensive coordinator Mark Richt. Can you take the next step up or will you be content to recruit your way to the top 10 and be content there?

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 29, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Whoa…that was ugly.

By f.n. hale

November 29, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Jim, I agree with you. Patience would, I believe pay off, but iI don’t think it’ll happen. Liberty wants to increase the value of the Braves and will need to have owned them for 2 years (I believe) before selling wouldn’t create a major tax ramification for them. If they wait and the fans don’t come, which they probably won’t, the value of the asset isn’t as great when they sell. The caveat that I haven’t heard discussed and maybe some here know, but if Obama, as has been reported, is able to have the capital gains tax repealed, that creates a whole different outlook for Liberty (I think).

By David O'Brien

November 29, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

But 5 years, $75 million is what Wren wants to give Burnett?Braveheart

That’s news to me. Where’d you hear that? I think the Braves would probably “want” to pay him about $52 mill for four years, or even less. Of course that almost certainly wouldn’t get it done. But I haven’t heard that they’ve made any offer yet, much less that they’d like to pay $15 mill a year for five seasons to a 31-year-old guy (32 in January) who never won more than 12 games before this season.

By Lew

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

Life is now almost perfect (or would be if I only weighed 150 and had hair again)-I found a BBQ place in Vermont-owned by a Dude from South Georgia, no less. Now anytime you can only identify the establishment from the street by the Flag outside stating BBQ-you might be on to something.

Then you go inside and the store’s logo is a Pig with a Sh!& eating grin, you know you’re getting closer.

However the sign on the wall Was the final confirmation, stating “Big Fatty Says Don’t Ask.

1.Can I have a pizza?-NO

2.Can I have a hamburger?-NO

3.Do you have honey mustard?-NO

4.What’s Gator taste like?-Gator

5.What’s Fat Free?-Air

6.Can I have a side salad with Field greens?-NO

7.What’s the yellow stuff in the cornbread?-Corn

8.Are your chickens Free Range?-NO

9.Are your collard greens local?-NO-shipped from Georgia.

10.Do you have soy based BBQ?-NO

11.Who makes your sauce?-We Do.

Got some pulled pork with Carolina style sauce, fried okra, Bourbon Pecan pie and some collards and hush puppies. I’m a Happy Georgia Boy in snow country.

By jim

November 29, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

f. n.

Who knows what is going on in the free agent/trade market, but it seems quite likely that Wren might not be able to get Peavy without overpaying, and that the top FA targets, Burnett, Lowe, Ibanez, etc. will get better offers elsewhere. Bobby has been an asset in bringing free agents to Atlanta for less than they might get elsewhere in the past, but he is now a lame duck who is not likely to be the manager for more than a year or two into a FA contract. If that is the case, Wren should not panic and feel pressured to make bad trades and signings just to give the impression that he is doing something. I’m not sure that the financial situation would be any better if we increase the payroll by 30 million and field a third place team or leave the payroll where it is and field a team that still may finish third. The Braves could market themselves as the Young Stars Rising in the manner the Mets did 3 or 4 years ago.

By jim

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

Also, given the current economy, who knows what the value of a sports franchise will be in a year or two. I don’t think that they are anymore immune to market conditions than housing prices are and the value of other businesses which have seen their value greatly reduced over the past two months.

By David O'Brien

November 29, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Oh, and Braveheart: I think explaining the logic has been an ongoing process here. Not that the logic is explained to me, usually, by team officials, so their exact thinking won’t be known until after they make this move or that.

Though I would ask again, as I have of others: When’s the last team that won a title of any kind, pennant or World Series, or even a division title for that matter, with one player (a starting pitcher, no less) making a full one-quarter of the team payroll? I’m just asking. Because I can’t think of a single championship team that had one player making anywhere close to that percentage of the total payroll….

By the way, you mentioned $23 mill as the annual figure for Sabathia. Where’d that figure come from? Same place as the $75 mill the Braves “want” to pay Burnett?

Conventional wisdom is that Sabathia will get at least $25 mill per year in a five- or six-year contract.

I’ve not heard that the Braves have even made an offer for Burnett, and if they did I don’t think it would’ve been a five-year deal right out of the gate.

Daybed, thanks. Can’t believe no one (including me) noticed that before now. It’s been changed. 7 Chinese Brothers as replacement (though could’ve gone with Pilgrimmage or a dozen others mentioned here in the past 36 hours)….

OK, gotta get back to watching my Jayhawks try to complete this upset of Mizzou.

By cabravesfan

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

Lew

Soy based BBQ? People really ask for that? That just sounds…wrong

By McFann O –[zzz]

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

TIE GAME!!! 28-28!!

By cabravesfan

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

McFann

Looks like someone woke up your Yellow jackets…

By McFann O –[zzz]

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

Never mind!

: D

By Lew

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

Tomas-So Vasquez is over priced at $11.5 million and has no control? Did you even bother checking his stats and doing some math?

Vasquez, in an 11 year career, has a 3 to 1 K to BB ratio (2015K, 604BB according to Baseball Reference). He has averaged 6 1/3 IP per start THROUGHOUT his 11 year career. He has pitched over 200+IP per season in 8 of the past 9 seasons (the one he didn’t have 200 was a 198IP campaign). His career WHIP is 1.26-not bad at all. His career ERA, though not at stud levels, is 4.32 which is not all that bad, either. He will keep you in games, which would damn well be an improvement over what we’ve seen in recent years.

Now, no one is stating he would be a better upper rotation option than either Peavy or Burnett, or that we should forget anyone better that might be available, but if we had to sign him for a number three or four starter, I’m thinking we’ve improved our staff, given ourselves an inning eating pitcher who will strike out a fair number of batters and will give you a performance that while not exemplary will certainly give you a chance to win most of the time. In addition, he is only under contract for two seasons at reasonable (not overly expensive by today’s standards) cost, which would leave us some contractual breathing room should better options appear the next couple of off seasons.

I sure as hell would feel better with him at three or four than I would be with Jorge Campillo.

By David O'Brien

November 29, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

How is this happening IN ATHENS? Wow. Tech has arrived, no doubt.

By Lew

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

cabravesfan-It IS wrong. Terribly, terribly wrong. I think that’s what Big Fatty was saying. No Tofu, either.

By Moby Grape

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

He is however a much better fielder than Carlos Lee, Pat Burrel, and Adam DunnTomas

actually he is not. he is listed as one of the worst fielding outfielders in BB

By Josh

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

DOB: Great Article once again

2 ?’s

1) Ryan Ludwick, he had one good year right? how do we know for sure he is capable of doing that again?

2) Why with the way Tommy Hanson is pitching is he not a lock for at least a spot in the rotation? He excells at every challenge in front of him.

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 29, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

cabravesfan—

Sure does!

Unfortunately, there’s still looots of time…

DOB—

No doubt!

By brent

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

Ok i am likign this idea of Flowers and somethign for Magglio.. DOB is there any possibility Wren would do this because you get teh Of bat you covet and a star.

Also are the braves gonna get peavy??

why isnt John Garland up for any discussion?

Kenny Williams likes to wheel and deal coudl the braves put a package together for Mark Buerhle if the peavy thing goes south?

Cant wait and always enjoy the blog I am addicted now and wiser because Dave O Brien put me in ym place about Drayton Moore and I thank him.

I love baseball thats why i am in so many fantasy sim baseball leagues and why I shuddered when iw alked across the Field of Dreams field in Dyersville because baseball can run throough your blood and be a very good passion of a hobby and this week in Vegas is liek Christmas for the Braves I hope

Greeting all from nebraska and dont talk warm weather DOB because it is spitting snow here and wacky weather all the time thank you..down south in dixie I know is better and some of us are envious with a capital E

By Josh

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

Also whats the latest on Jordan Schafer?

& how long til will start seeing Jason Heyward and Freedie Freeman?

By Mikey

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

i hope the jackets pull it off, but if they dont…its been a heck of a game

By McFann O –[zzz]

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

Dagnabit!

That Masiquwhatever is really annoying…so is Knowshon. Sheesh…

By ShawnB

November 29, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

Georgia deserves to lose this game….kickoffs out of bounds, penalties, turnovers, missed tackles. And this was supposed to be a title contending team coming into the year?? This season is a disaster on so many levels, recruiting will definetly suffer after the way this team has crapped out.

By Wayne

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

Been working all morning, and missed the “big game” between Clemson and USC-East. At least we can hold our head up around the state….

By brian

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

DOB - if Peavy does not work out, have you heard any other potential fits as a #1 or #2 starter mentioned as being available?

Obviously AJ Burnett would be appealing. If Sheets continues to get luke warm interest and no appealing long term offers, I wonder if he would take a 1-2 year contract to prove he can stay healthy and then try to break the bank with a 5 year deal.

On the trade market people here like mentioning Matt Cain. He would be a great addition but I have not seen anything from SF to say he would be available but if Escobar was included, or a package with KJ, Morton, and Hernandez then would there be any chance? Roy Halladay at Toronto but it would be hard to give up a lot of prospects for 2 years of service. Maybe if the Angels sign CC then Santana could be available - or Joe Saunders (though he is not and probably never will be a number 1 and it would push it to be a number 2). Grienke would of course be a great addition but his price would be very high and I cannot imaging Dayton trading Grienke (he will build around Grienke). A trade centering around Verlander for Escobar would be intriguing but was this past year a sophomore slump or a sign of things to come.

By McFann O –[zzz]

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

FINALLY!!! After seven years, WE WON!!

Dang! But that was a good game!

: D

By brian

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

Congrats on Kansas DOB. What an ending!

By David O'Brien

November 29, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Congrats, McFann. Your boys were pulling out a huge win over their rivals at the same time my guys were doing the same. KU 40, Mizzou 37, winning drive in the final two minutes, in the snow in K.C. Awesome to watch.

By f.n. hale

November 29, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Hey McFann, do you have a connection to Tech or just a fan (or is it fann)? I’ve lived in Georgia all my life and have always pulled for both teams and whoever had the most at stake when they played each other. It was a great game today. I slipped over to Tower’s blog during the game and man it was ugly. College football fans can be very passionate, but i just don’t get the venom towards your own team. I’m sure GA fans aren’t alone in that but it’s amazing that some folks are so emotionally invested.

By Roman Gal

November 29, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

I was never “head over heels” for Javy, either—like I said, he was before I was a big fann. I know Roman Gal liked him though… McFann

You betcha! I still have a hard time believing he would have been worse than Corky Miller last year. But alas, it was not meant to be. I’m just glad he retired a Brave.

By David O'Brien

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

Josh, there is no latest on Schafer (I’m assuming you know he got hurt in winter ball). He returned two weeks ago from winter ball in Mexico after hurting a finger when hit by a pitch. He’s home in Florida where he’ll rest three weeks (which is about another week or so from now), then rehab for a few weeks. Supposed to be fully recovered well before spring training.

As for Heyward and Freeman, they’re still teen-agers (both are 19). it’ll likely be at least two or three years before they compete for a big-league job. Neither has played above A-ball, and Freeman hasn’t even played above low-A (Heyward spent the last few weeks of the season at high-A Myrtle, but the rest of it at low-A Rome with Freeman).

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 29, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Thanks, DOB! Congrats to you, too! Sounds like a great game for your guys! Final two minutes…wow!

F.N. Hale—

My Dad went to Tech. Yeah…that was a great game! A good, come-from-behind close win for GT!

I’m sure GA fans aren’t alone in that but it’s amazing that some folks are so emotionally invested.

That’s for sure.

By McFann O –[zzz]

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

Roman Gal—

Yeah, it’s is strange they picked Corky over Javy. But good point—at least he retired a Brave!

I sure my mann cann do the same!

By Tomas

November 29, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

DOB,

4 yrs 52 million for Burnett. Ryan Dempster just signed to that deal with the Cubs, and he “took a pay cut”, to stay in Chicago. I think that if the Braves are seriously interested in Burnett, they’d have to offer him much more than that. He was being paid 12 mill/per year, would he opt out for 1 million more per year. I think we all agree Aj is better than Dempster. If the Braves are not willing to offer him 5 years, it would at least take 4 yrs 68 million(it would be better to just offer him 5yrs 75 million).

Lew

11.5 million for a #3-5 starter is too much. When I said he didn’t have very good control, I mean’t he left balls up in the strikezone and that’s why he gets hit hard. I have seen him pitched, the guy has a great fastball 93-95mph, and a very good slider. Why does he have a high ERA, then? He has bad control and leaves balls in the middle of the plate. Unless the Whitesox pay at least 4.5 million of his 11.5 million per year, there is no way it’d be a good idea.

Moby Grape

He has a good arm, but no range or speed specially to play RF. He won a gold glove in 2000. If he were to be moved to LF(which is less demanding than RF), he’d be an average fielder. I guarantee you he is better than Carlos Lee, Adam Dunn, and Pat Burrel.

If the Braves only offer AJ 4 yrs 52 million, I would be very discouraged. It would demonstrate that this team is not willing to win. If that’s what they offered AJ, I wouldn’t even try’d, it’s obvious he wants much more.

By Roman Gal

November 29, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

I sure my mann cann do the same!

Let’s hope so.

By David O'Brien

November 29, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Tomas, I didn’t say the Braves wouldn’t offer Burnett more than that. Read what I wrote.

I was merely responding to Braveheart’s suggestion that the Braves “would like” to pay Burnett $75 mill for five years, when they’ve said nothing of the sort and not made that offer, at least not yet.

All I was saying was that they’d “like” to pay him, say, $52 mill for four years, but that that almost certainly wouldn’t get it done. They know that. I’m sure they realize they’ll have to pay him at least $15-16 mill per season in a four-year deal, but I’m also sure they’d like to avoid going to five guaranteed years if at all possible.

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 29, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Roman Gal* Let’s hope so.

Yeah! I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t!

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 29, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

How dumb…yeah, I meant to say “I sure hope my mann cann do the same”.

Can’t stand it when I forget words! It always happens when I type in a hurry.

By f.n. hale

November 29, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

McFann, I have a very large extended family with some going to UGA and a couple to Tech, but most who didn’t go to college pull for the dawgs. I went to GA State but it was just a place to get an education. Of course no football, but not much college life at the time either. Go you hairy business people just doesn’t inspire.

Hey DOB (or others), any recommendations on Coen movies? I’ve seen Oh Brother, Fargo, Lebowski and Raising Arizona but none of the others. I googled them and didn’t realize they had made so many. The wife isn’t a movie fan so I catch em later.

By McFann O –[zzz]

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

F.N. Hale most who didn’t go to college pull for the dawgs.

Same way here.

My Mom went to GA State. Hey, it’s a good school!

By Josh

November 29, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Thx DOB

What about Flowers? With McCann likely to have the catching spot for the next 5-10 years hopefully, why not have flowers work at 1st base or use him as trade bait for one of the pitchers or a bat that we need?

By Andy K.

November 29, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

I’m gonna through a possibility out there. The Braves are always looking for relievers. Former Brave C.J. Nitkowski has been released from his two years of service in Japan in their version of MLB. He became quite popular over there, and pitched decently for the most part. Minor league contract anyone? I think he may just be able to help us out on any level…plus, he’s a darn good guy.

By Lew

November 29, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

Tomas-Let’s see know- Aren’t you the Dude who just last week wanted to give Tazawa a three year, $15 million package to sign and you’re claiming Vasquez at $11.5 is too expensive? Dude, do you ever really listen to yourself?

What, exactly do you expect to pay for a 3-4 starter with his credentials these days? How much do you think either Brad Penny or Jon Garland-names often mentioned here as possible acquisitions -are going to command next year? Hell, Garland made $12 mil last season and neither he nor Penny stack up to Vasquez at all-not in consistent durability (IP EVERY year) or strike out ability and neither is any better in ERA or WHIP.

I’ve got news for you-whether or not you might think that $11.5 mil that Vasquez is due to make the next couple years is equitable or not, it isn’t anywhere near as expensive as you seem to think. It is a quite realistic amount to pay for someone of Vasquez’s experience, number of IP and a 3-1 K to BB rate. As to his ERA-no it is not a League leader, but it IS league average-year, after year, after year……..Dude is a Veritable Energizer Bunny the way he eats innings.

By nolie

November 29, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB (or others), any recommendations on Coen movies? I’ve seen Oh Brother, Fargo, Lebowski and Raising Arizona but none of the others. I googled them and didn’t realize they had made so many. The wife isn’t a movie fan so I catch em later.fnhale

well you hafta watch No Country For Old Men if you haven’t already. Blood Simple and Miller’s Crossing are very good though a bit slow paced.. It is not a Coen movie, but if you have never seen Out of Sight with George Clooney based on an Elmore Leonard novel, I highly recommend it. Just won ET’s poll of 50 sexiest movies ever made… but you should still watch it anyhow ;-)

By MattyRoss

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

I’m a little worried for the Gators here. If the Baylor-Tech score holds up, that would mean Texas wins the Big XVII South. If OU beats OK ST, that’s their last game of the year (in that scenario). Would UF’s win over Alabama be enough for them to jump Texas and/or OU? Maybe not, right? This could get real messy, real quick…

By brent a.

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

How is this happening IN ATHENS? Wow. Tech has arrived, no doubt. DOB

I haven’t followed UGA very closely for that long (I’m from Kentucky, and did my undergrad education at UK); but, I have noticed in the last 3-4 years (since the time I went to school there, and post-graduation) that they lay 1-2 absolute defensive stinkers a year, every year.

They will just look completely lost at times. The UT game 2 years ago, really stands out, and the BAMA game from earlier this season.

Also, this is the same UGA team that got blasted by Florida (yes, a lot of teams have, but UGA is not Kentucky, Vandy, or the Citadel), and gave up 38 points to an offensively-challenged Kentucky team.

UGA didn’t “wrap up” in this one, but the real back-breaker was the fumbled kick-off.

If that doesn’t happen, UGA probably gets the 3 point win.

By nolie

November 29, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

A few more movies that are not well-known but that you might enjoy if you like Coen Movies. Red Rock West with Nick Cage, and for really cold-hearted villianesses try Romeo Is Bleeding with Gary Coleman, Body Heat with Kathleen Turner, and The Last Seduction with Linda Fiorentino.

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 29, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

OK, in my last post, scratch that first part. Some of my family members who root for UGA did go to college, just not Tech or UGA.

By McFann O –[zzz]

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

brent a. but the real back-breaker was the fumbled kick-off.

That was so much fun!

: )

By TennesseePaul

November 29, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

All I was saying was that they’d “like” to pay him, say, $52 mill for four years

Well, I’d speculate that if we are discussing what they would like to do, they’d probably like to have him healthy, always on his game and for free… but as you said, that won’t get it done.

By f.n. hale

November 29, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Red Rock West with Nick Cage, and for really cold-hearted villianesses try Romeo Is Bleeding with Gary Coleman, Body Heat with Kathleen Turner, and The Last Seduction nolie - thanks for the lists. I’ve seen all the ones in your second post. Not generally a Nick Cage fan but I liked that one. I haven’t seen Out of Sight, but I have the poster. We were at dinner with friends one night years ago and were discussing sexy people. I said something like, if I were a woman I think I would be attracted to swarthy guys and mentioned Clooney and Depp as examples. Well, of course for Christmas I got a framed poster from Out of Sight signed, Love always George. Never saw the movie but I’ll check it out. Thanks.

By rotty

November 29, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Tomas - JF is 24 and will be 25 in January 09 versus the 22 mentioned above.

Correction from my post: Dye will be 35 in Jan 09 and 36 in 10 should he get his option picked up. My error.

Anyway JF is backed into a corner in 09 given his ML tenure thus far which has been manic.

If he presses in 09 to show everyone that 08 was a freak year he may actually repeat 08. His mental toughness and focus will be tested in 09.

Given that JF could go either way - good OF or total bust.

I don’t think you can trade for 1-2 yr rentals when there is no one in the system that will be an impact & experienced bopper in the OF - a questionable JF, possibly Anderson in CF (for part of the season), etc. will Dye really make or break things for one year?

For that reason I would stay away from Dye and players of his ilk b/c the Braves need more than a 1yr bridge an call ill afford to trade players to get such a bridge (even if it were feasible).

FA sure for the right deal but I don’t think you go very far trading for mid 30 players with tons of OF miles on their legs etc.

Some one will need to be the Braves answer to AJ in his prime (120+ RBIs, 30-40 hrs etc) and ideally for years not a year. I doubt Schafer will put up those numbers though Dye would certainly make a run at solid numbers.

The Braves need a 3yr bridge to get to Heyward and Dye does not fit that MO.

To trade for Dye would be a move you make for a 09 playoff run not for a team that is climbing back into being relevant as a post season contender.

I think Dye is a fine player but his age, contract and what the Braves need to get back in it makes trading for him questionable.

They have too many holes to fix in one year and since Dye is not a ling term answer why give up trade pieces you can use to fill positions for more than a year.

I would much rather sign a FA for a 2-3 yr deal than trade for a 1yr maybe 2 bookmark albeit a very good one.

By David O'Brien

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

Hale, in addition to the four Coen Bros. movies you mentioned, my other favorites of theirs include No Country For Old Men, Miller’s Crossing, Barton Fink, The Man Who Wasn’t There and Blood Simple.

All are great, but you must see the first two on that list ASAP.

By David O'Brien

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

Josh, I’m going to skip one blog without covering the Flowers/1B question, since I know we’ve covered it at some point in every one of the last six or seven blogs.

By David O'Brien

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

We were at dinner with friends one night years ago and were discussing sexy people. I said something like, if I were a woman I think I would be attracted to swarthy guys and mentioned Clooney and Depp as examples. f.n.hale

Way more information than we ever need from you again. Ever.

By Wayne (not attracted to swarthy guys!)

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

Tomas and Lew

Campillo at 400K, or Vazquez for 11.5 mil?

I take Vazquez in a heartbeat.

(what is a swarthy?)

By Josh

November 29, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

okay DOB

sryy about that

but say they get the 2 pitchers and the bat that thy covet, what do you think that will do for next season? we got a shot at all?

By MattyRoss

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

Definitions of swarthy on the Web:

* dark-skinned: naturally having skin of a dark color; "a dark-skinned beauty"

I’m sure Mr. Clooney appreciates your support.

By Wayne (Micah Owings for LF and 5th starter)

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

Thank you Matty!

By Tomas

November 29, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

Lew

What I said about Tazawa, was that I thought they were going to pay him 5 million per year, but that was just a bonus, DOB later explained that to me. Vazquez has 127 wins 129 losses( I really don’t care much about that), but he has a career ERA of 4.32, and last season he had a 4.67 ERA. I prefer to give Charlie Morton, who earns the minimun, than to waste payroll of 11.5 million on a 4-5 starter.

Here is a stat you probably don’t know about, Vazques gave up 25 HR, the most a Braves pitcher gave up this year was 18 by Jorge Campillo. And if he had kept a low ERA it wouldn’t matter that much, but he had a 4.67 ERA, so it does. Plus he gave up 214 hits(in 208ip), lots of baserunners, and homeruns are not a caracteristic of a #2 guy in a rotation.

I would like Vazques as a number 4 starter, only if he is paid 7 million max. He is the White sox # 4 starter, Mark Buehrle, John Danks, Gavin Floyd, and Javier Vazques.

By f.n. hale

November 29, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Not saying I’m attracted to swarthy gentleman, but IF I were a woman…oh never mind. I didn’t convince them either. Thanks for the Coen recomendations though. I’m debating on a Blue Ray player for my wife (grin) for Christmas. Hard to go back to standard def once you’ve been watching hi-def. where are the best deals on movies, online or in stores?

By Ebravesluvr

November 29, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

Lew I live in Vermont. What BBQ place are you referring to??

By BravesFanInRockies

November 29, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

Lew,

A real BBQ joint in Vermont! I’m very happy for you.

By BravesFanInRockies

November 29, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

Lew,

Also agreed re: Vasquez. If it’s him or Campillo, give me the proven veteran every time. I was waiting for the league to catch up to Jorge after he’d made a dozen or so starts and I think they did, just a bit.

If Campillo’s going to be an effective starter in 2009 and beyond, he needs to show he can throw more than the 85-mph fastball and the change. He could be a Hernandez-type (Livan or El Duque) if he breaks out a couple more pitches. If he doesn’t, I’m seeing some long-term problems getting people out.

By Ebravesluvr

November 29, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

Hey, don’t knock Vermont til you’ve been there!!!

:-)

By Tomas

November 29, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

Rotty,

Yes you’re right he is 24, but still that is very young, considering that the average player makes it when he is 25. I mean I understand how awful he looked, I specially remember an at bat against Rick Vanderhurt with the bases loaded in which he swung at three straight pitches head- high. I would be worried if he were 30 yrs old or more but he is 24, he should be in AAA, but he has been in the majors for 4 yrs. He is not fat, he is in great form, he is working hard to get his swing back in track, eventually he will come back and be the Frenchy he was 2 yrs ago. He at least finished the season on high note, hitting 286 in september with 12 RBI’s, and he lost all those extra pounds he had at the start of the 2008 season, which he claims was one of the reasons of his struggles(which makes sense).

Dye isn’t exactly the best guy, but the Whitesox want to trade him, he hit 34HR, and would be a 2 yr fix. He would be cheaper than Ibańez, Burrell, and Dunn. Who cares he is below average defensively if he can hit 34HR, like I said before LF is the less demanding outfield position because you’re not required to expect a tricky spin, and normally the LF is shorter, and less complicated. It would definitely be an improvement over Infante both defensively, and at the plate wouldn’t you agree?

Appart from Dye, there isn’t a lot of choices to play the outfield. Carlos Lee would be great but I doubt he’d waive his no trade clause to come to Atlanta, and the Astros would ask for a lot in return. Ty Wigginton might be another option, but he isn’t a LF(although he was able to play in that position this year, but he would be even worst than Dye defensively, and won’t give you as many HR), Aubrey Huff but I don’t know if he can still play the OF, Ludwick, we’d lose Kelly Johnson, and Teahen(isn’t worth trading for).

Personally if Huff could still play the OF, i’d trade for him(I think they’re looking to trade him).

Or the other option is move Kelly Johnson to LF, and give Prado 2B. But that won’t happen, I don’t know why because it makes sense to do it. But it’s Bobby Cox’s team not mine.

By Mikey

November 29, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

Thomas

I agree w/what your saying, 11mil is a lot to pay for a pitcher on the wrong side of 30, who hasn’t consistently pitched like a #1 or #2.

But your argument in regards to his HR allowed is somewhat irrelevant. The reason Campillo didn’t give up as many homers as Vazquez is because he pitched 50 fewer innings. Vazquez gave up one homer every 8.32 innings pitched, while campillo gave up a tater every 8.77 innings pitched.

If the worst case scenario comes about, and we can’t get any of the top tier pitchers on the market, then I don’t see much of a reason to go after someone like Vazquez. But if we can get a Peavy/Burnett or somebody to rely on at the top, plus an addition to the middle of the lineup, then maybe we take a stab at him. At that point you could make an argument that we could be contenders.

By nolie

November 29, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

DOB

In the next to last episode of SOA when they kill Opie’s wife by mistake, the Dylan song May You Stay Forever Young* played in the backgroung a coupla times. My audio wasn’t the greatest. Do you know who sang that version?

By Mike S

November 29, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

Count me in for fans of the Judgement Night soundtrack. Loved that Helmet/House of Pain song.

Jackets pulling out a great victory today. Too bad UVA couldn’t do the same against VT to send the Jackets to the ACC title game next weekend. Oh well. After not beating the Dawgs for 7 years straight, I’m happy enough with just that victory!

By dirtyfrank

November 29, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

So, the Peavster to the Cubs after all. The Orioles are the third team, and will probably send Olson for Pie which in turn gives the Cubbies Olson/Vitters/Marshall for Peeves. This thing is about to be over. Thank God. Boy what a great rotation the Cubs are going to have next year. WS in 09 BABY!!!

By nolie

November 29, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

I’m debating on a Blue Ray player for my wife (grin) for ChristmasHale

I take several of the Audio/Video Home Theater magazines and the reviews on the new Panasonic DMP-BD35 Blu-Ray player retail $ 299 has just received very good reviews including it’s up-conversion of standard DVDs through it’s HDMI port, which has often been disappointing on many earlier makes of players. You might wanna check it out

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 29, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

Is this broken? It’s acting like it’s broken.

By Jake

November 29, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB or anyone who knows

I know this story is a couple days old but my internet has been down for a while. I want to know what you make of Pinella saying the Cubs no longer need Peavy but they should focus on bullpen help. I know the manager may feel that way but that doesn’t neccisarily mean that the organization feels that way. Especially now since the Padres are saying they have identified a possible third party for a trade and I read somewhere that that might be the Orioles who want Pie. Is the potential package that they might offer the Cubs better than what the Braves supposedly offered or do you feel the Padres are just posturing to see what the braves do?

By Jake

November 29, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB or anyone who knows

I know this story is a couple days old but my internet has been down for a while. I want to know what you make of Pinella saying the Cubs no longer need Peavy but they should focus on bullpen help. I know the manager may feel that way but that doesn’t neccisarily mean that the organization feels that way. Especially now since the Padres are saying they have identified a possible third party for a trade and I read somewhere that that might be the Orioles who want Pie. Is the potential package that they might offer the Cubs better than what the Braves supposedly offered or do you feel the Padres are just posturing to see what the braves do?

By Lew

November 29, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

Ebravesluvr-It’s a place called Big Fatty’s and is in Hartford, VT-right over by the NH line down by White River Junction. Apparently they have one in Burlington, too, though I’m not too sure where. The pulled pork with the Carolina style vinegar based sauce was great. The hush puppies were pretty good too.

Where are you in Vermont? We’re over in Randolph and my wife works at the Law School in Royalton. I met Buster Olney at Spring Training. He’s from Randolph Center.

By Salty Dawg

November 29, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

If it wasn’t mentioned yet, mlbtraderumors is reporting that the Orioles are the mystery participant in the threesome Towers has going with the cubs.

By Lew

November 29, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Tomas-Dude, I’m not too sure you really understand how much pitching costs or how rare pitchers are that log 200+ innings and 30+ starts continually over a ten year period . You say that you’ve seen Vasquez pitch. Well Dude, so have I. I live three hours from Montreal and I used to go up for Expos games on a regular basis. The guy has pitched for some really p!$$ poor teams, so his won loss record (as DOB has pointed out repeatedly to me and to others) is virtually meaningless.

His IP, His WHIP, his 3-1 K to BB rate is what you should be looking at along with an amazing track record of absolute consistency. That is what you get with him. Not Ace numbers. Not a sub 3.00 ERA, but loads of starts, loads of innings pitched and the ability to continually pitch 6 or more innings over an 11 year career with at least a league average ERA.

I mean it’s not like anyone’s claiming he’ll be a 17 game winner, but he ain’t LIvan Hernandez or Odalis Perez, either. $11.5 mil is a reasonable salary for his experience and his consistency. You’ll pay that much or more for Garland or Penney, whose numbers are not as good as Vasquez’s are.

Along with Burnett or Peavy he would be a good addition,. With Burnett/Peavy and Hudson back next year he would give us an amazingly good rotation without a huge commitment in years or salary, leaving us with options for the more near future. If you can pick him and Dye up as a package, you would likely be avle to get them and have the White Sox pick up some salary, seeing that they will be jettisoning a two year total of $46 mil between them, but let’s get real here-Vasquez is hardly as bad as you seem to think he is. He’s no Ace, but he’s damn sure as solid a pitcher as most who are available that are not named Peavy, Sabbathia, Burnett, Lowe or Petite

Wayne-It’s not a matter of either or. You may need Campillo and Vasquez before all is said and done-at least for 09. Besides-I know what to expect from Vasquez for that $11.5 mil. Are you sure what Jorge will give you for that $400K? Whose track record are you betting on?

By Lew

November 29, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Tomas-Actually Dude, I was aware of the HR (likely to be less in Atlanta with our stadium). I can read what is printed in Baseball Reference quite well, thank you.

By Bubdylan

November 29, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Nolie and Hale, try The Limey, too. Fits perfectly with these you mention. A strange little badass flick in sort of the the same mood as Red Rock West. Same director as Out of Sight. Terrance Stamp, Peter Fonda, and Luis Guzman.

By doc

November 29, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

great to see the classy man in black with a classy lady out and about at eddie’s attic. listened to a very fine songwriter and wordsmith in kate campbell. dont miss her if you ever get the chance.

also stunning movie out in the boy in striped pajamas.

saw kansas in front just didnt see the final score maybe that was also something for the mib to celebrate.

for the new year bring in peavy, let escobar go in the trade and sign renteria.

oh yeah ….. go bees.

By Steve from OH

November 29, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

Great game on ABC right now (OU-OSU), 30-26 Oklahoma, 3rd quarter.

By Wendell Gee

November 29, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

We were at dinner with friends one night years ago and were discussing sexy people. I said something like, if I were a woman I think I would be attracted to swarthy guys and mentioned Clooney and Depp as examples. f.n.hale

Holy Crap!

By Wendell Gee

November 29, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

If Campillo’s going to be an effective starter in 2009 and beyond, he needs to show he can throw more than the 85-mph fastball and the change. *BravesFanInRockies *

Why? Jamie Moyer and Tom Glavine (for example) throw the same basic repertoire from the left side. They throw the occasional curve, and can’t break a window pane with the fastball. Campillo throws a decent curve, though location is a bit of an issue. That’s when he got hurt most. Bad location on the curve, and the second time around the league does make a difference. But, as all successful pitchers do, he has to make an adjustment, too, and locate better. I don’t think the first half was a fluke. I think he can do it.

By mitchie-san

November 29, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

Ahhhh…Tech beat them Dawgs….life is good….

By uga-brave

November 30, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

well like i said,

willie martinez’s defense was exposed.

no excuse for it. martinez is simply overmatched.

he cant stay anymore, richt will circle the horses around him. try all you will CMR, but it is obvious.

this is about your responsibility to the university. richt has to make the tough call.

our defense gave up 35 plus points FIVE times this year.

our offense was as good or better then any team in the country. stacy searles did wonders with a beat up injured offensive line.

our defense is a absolute embrassment. willie martinez should be flogged.

coach richt will say this, or that.

at the end of the day he has to either demote or fire his best friend.

it wont happen though. willie will make excuses about how he does not have the talent on the defensive end thing.

if willie was a man he would fall on the sword and take the pressure off richt.

By Efrim

November 30, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this

Anyone around?

By David O'Brien

November 30, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this

Doc, great seeing you at Eddie’s Attic, and seeing our man Don P. on the bass. He can seriously play and sing. And Kate Campbell — wow. Terrific performance. Can’t believe I didn’t own any of her CDs. Bought one tonight, had to have that “Crazy in Alabama” song in my possession. She puts on a hell of a show.

By Deep Throat

November 30, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

Campillo was obviously on the down-trend towards the end of last season. I got a bad feeling about him in 2009.

Burnett is not a replacement or substitute for Peavy or a true ace. Burnett is not a #1, even in the eternal optimism fantasy land in which many fans live. Saying “oh Peavy or Burnett, either is just as good” is simply not true.

Burnett/Jurrjens/Campillo/Hanson/whatever, assuming the Braves were to even get Burnett and even if they add dredge in addition to possibly (though in no way certain) like Wolf or Oliver Perez seems like a fourth-place rotation to me.

In conclusion: for the love of God do I hope this Orioles third team stuff is a lie leaked by the Padres’ camp and that Lou Pinella was right that the Cubs were done with Peavy and that they don’t need any more starters. The Braves need Peavy. I hope next week for a story somewhere that the Braves are back in the hunt.

By Ebravesluvr

November 30, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

The more this drags on….the more I hope we don’t get Peavy. Screw Towers. I hope Wren stands his ground and proves that he’s NOT going to be taken advantage of.

By Hammy the Brave

November 30, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Have you asked FW about the Braves actively using the Rule 5 draft this year, to add depth to their team? In the past, I believe they’ve turned their noses up at this prospect, thinking it’s not a good method to acquire talent. But at this point, I consider the Braves to be rebuilding, and they should try every avenue, to acquire talent.

I believe they should look into Donald Veal-Cubs, David Welch-Brewers, and Brad Kilby-A’s, as lefty pitchers. Then they can look at Bobby Wilson-Angels, and Anthony Recker-A’s as backup catchers.

     Thanks for your reply

      Hammy the Brave

By f.n. hale

November 30, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

wendell gee Holy Crap! - Dude, just trying to see the world thru the eyes of others, though maybe not all that successfully. In the immortal words of Eric Burden, “Oh Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstood”.

While things are at a snail’s pace here I thought I would mention a few things I’m thankful for on this Thanksgiving weekend: 1. first and foremost that my wife isn’t into swarthy men. 2. the holy trinity of Macon, Memphis and Muscle Shoals where so much great music was introduced to me. 3. for artists that “speak” to me. My world would be much less meaningful without the likes of Hendrix, Duane Allman, Frank Zappa, John Prine, Steve Earle, Otis, Aretha and Townes Van Zandt, to mention just a few. 4. for people, like Knowshon Moreno that do their job with a smile on their face. 5. that my daughter is one semester away from graduating from GA Southern. 6. for catchers, songwriters, bass players, and the other unsung heroes, that toil in obscurity filling in the blanks for the rest of us. 7. that my business is surviving (so far) thru these tough times. 8. that my mortgage is up to date. 9. for Al Gore’s invention of the internet. 10. for this blog, where I mostly lurk and learn about my favorite team, and sometimes about how little I really know about stuff.

By doc

November 30, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

yeah dave, quite a song by a very prolific artist, poet, storyteller, songwriter. such a marvelous poignant way with words and really great sense of humor without the cynicism with the likes of her story about the immaculate confection and starbuck’s coming to tennessee. cant wait to see her again. in the meantime feel my kids are going to get quite a collection of songs so i can add them to my i tunes selections.

would have liked to chat a bit about the concert but it was quite a press at the end and you seemed to be well occupied. dont miss striped pajamas, well done film.

By Lew

November 30, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

fn hale-Never thought I’d hear Eric Burden quoted on this blog. Saw the Dude with War back in the Spill The Wine days. He wasn’t that good, but War cooked.

I spent quite some time in Macon where I graduated from Mercer (back in the Roots days of Southern Rock). Not too sure there’s anything Holy about that town. It’s more like a Metaphysical Obstacle course-a training ground for weirdness and breathing toxic fumes (3 pulp mills when we were there). Ask Carroll Rogers about covering the Go Cart races down Eisenhower Pkwy. in July sometime.

By Lew

November 30, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

One more thing about Macon. Has anyone noticed that the Braves have not made the playoffs since moving their Minor League operations from Macon? No one is paying true minor league dues anymore. Macon built character (and did little for the careers of many middle infielders with that terrible infield).

By f.n. hale

November 30, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Lew I guess my dark side is showing. I was listening to the Animals when all my friends were Beatles fans. I liked the Beatles o.k. but they just didn’t “speak” to me like some others.

We meet our daughter in Macon sometimes and, yeah it’s just a place, but the music that came out of Capricorn and from Otis have a special place in my heart. Hey, I think you missed it the other day, but you mentioned Tinsley Ellis in one of your posts. Said he played sax with someone. Didn’t he play guitar in the 70’s with an Atlanta group, Eric Quincy Tate, or is my early dementia showing?

By David O'Brien

November 30, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

My world would be much less meaningful without the likes of Hendrix, Duane Allman, Frank Zappa, John Prine, Steve Earle, Otis, Aretha and Townes Van Zandt, to mention just a few….f.n.hale

You mentioned a few who rank near the top of my list, too, Hale. Any man who’s a fan of Townes, Earle and Prine almost has to be a good dude (not to mention Hendrix, Otis, Duane, and Aretha — how can even a casual listener who’s heard them not be a fan of those four?)

(But still having a tough time with you and “swarthy” … oh, nevermind.)

By the way, Prine guests on the recently released CD by the singer-songwriter whose show Doc and I were both at last night, Kate Campbell. And she’s opened for him on tour.

By David O'Brien

November 30, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Hammy the Brave: While there are obviously some huge exceptions (Johan Santana comes to mind), the Rule 5 draft generally includes a lot of marginal talent that is unlikely to have any impact on a major league team in the near future.

That’s particularly so with the revampled Rule 5 draft, since teams now have an additional year to evaluate players before they must be protected.

There are very, very few future major league players who come out of the minor-league phases of the Rule 5 draft — that draft exisits mainly for teams to be able to pick guys to fill out their minor league rosters.

And if you select a player in the major league phase, you have to keep that player on your big-league team all year or offer him back to the club you took him from at half the $50,000 claiming price you originall paid. You can’t just option the guy to the minors.

For that reason, it’s usually hard to find a Rule 5 player worth taking that gamble on, worth committing a major league roster spot all season.

That said, I’m sure Wren and his many assistants and scouts are going to be ready if a player is available who can help them.

By THE BEAR

November 30, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

DOB, speaking of music have you heard that 15 year old kid who sounds EXACTLY like Johnnie Cash? I thought it was a sound track playing in the background but learned he is for real. He has appeared on Good Morning America and on the Ellen Degeneras shows and he is (to put it plainly) terrific. His name is Vince Mira.

Here’s the link if you are interested.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kB6xEXLunaU&feature=related

By Lew

November 30, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

fn hale-You missed my response, Dude. I was at Mercer during the hey day of Southern Rock and saw Eric Quincy Tate numerous times along with Wet Willie, Allmans with and without Duane, Grinder Switch, Marshall Tucker, Goose Creek Symphony and most of the rest-remember White Witch?

What I said about Tinsley was that I had a friend (also from Macon) who has played sax with Tinsley’s band in Central Florida (haven’t talked to him since I’ve been in snow country, though). Met Tinsley backstage at a BB King show in St. Pete. You just misunderstood me. Tinsley didn’t play sax, my buddy David Fortner did on a couple of Tinsley’s albums. I’ve known David since around ‘72 or so and we keep ending up in the same town-Macon, Athens and St. Pete..

By Salty Dawg

November 30, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Deep Throat Campillo was obviously on the down-trend towards the end of last season. I got a bad feeling about him in 2009.

Good Lord. It was Campillo’s first full major league season. Of course he was on the down-trend towards the end.

2006: 2.1 innings pitched at major league level, 0 starts 2007: 13.1 innings pitched at major league level, 0 starts 2008: 158.2 innings pitched at the major league level, 25 starts AND 14 appearances out of the bullpen.

Before August he had 3 outings where he gave up more than 3 runs and only 5 where he gave up more than 2 runs. Clearly fatigue set in towards the end of the season. Give the guy a little time to adjust before passing judgement.

By Lew

November 30, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

DOB-One of our two Indie Music stores up here is closing next month and I’ve been trying to take advantage of some of the sale Cd’s. Picked up a Tony Joe White greatest hits compilation yesterday. Realized that Polk Salad Annie was my introduction to Southern Music around ‘68. I’ve always had a soft spot for that song. Chomp Chomp. I don’t think he gets the press as one of the major founding influences of that genre, but I think he’s almost as influential as JJ Cale. Great songwriter with a unique voice. Love Tony Joe’s Heroines cd and recommend it for all who like Lucinda, EmmyLou, Jessie Colter and several other Dynamic Women vocalists. I know you will second that endorsement.

I suppose the Cosmic balance is still in force-Lose a Record Store, gain a BBQ joint. You’d have loved the Carolina BBQ I had yesterday. In Vermont, no less.

By Efrim

November 30, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Ted Turner is on “Meet the Press”. Maybe he’ll announce that he wants to buy the Braves? Haha. Probably not….but you never know with Ted.

By Ebravesluvr

November 30, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Lew are you a Braves fan in Vermont, too??? I thought I was the only one.

By Tomas

November 30, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Lew

I agree with you in the fact that Jon Garland sucks and is over paid, Brad Penny will not earn that money, because he just passed an injury plagued season, he is better than Vazques, but there is no way I’d risk gambling on him after this season. I’d prefer to trade for Vazques than to sign either one of those two. But there are other options for a #4-5 starter that would come cheaper, Paul Byrd, Branden Looper, Randy Wolf. All of those pitchers would earn less than 11.5 million.

I think Vazques would be perfect, but if the white sox pay at least 4 million. And you’re right the reason he has a losing record was because he has played for some pretty bad teams, but like I said I really don’t care much about his win-loss record if his ERA is low. And his HR allowes would be lower in the NL, because theirs no DH.

Also it all depends on what the White Sox want in return. If they were to agree to Jo-jo Reyes, Blaine Boyer, Brandon Jones, and Gregor Blanco for Jermaine Dye, Javier Vazques, and cash(like 7 million). If they were to agree to that which I doubt it, then I would be happy to get Vazques.

By f.n. hale

November 30, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

Lew, my bad on Tinsley. I used to see those same groups at the old Sports Arena and Piedmont Park. Allmans were kind of a cult band around town for years until the Filmore East album and Layla came out and they were “discovered”. I hadn’t thought about Wet Willie in years but those guys played some really good blues with the great harmonica from Jimmy Hall.

DOB, Otis and Aretha were on my list of those who smile thru it all, and even Townes with all his troubles could see the good side of life. Folks like that are truly an inspiration.

By Mikey

November 30, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Scott Wuerz from the Bellville News Democrat says that the Reds could be the 3rd team involved in Peavy talks. He mentions the Baltimore possibility as well.

“Rumors out of Chicago indicate that the Reds may be the third team in to help facilitate the trade of Jake Peavy to the Cubs.”

http://bellevillenewsdemocrat.typepad.com/viewfromthecheapseats/2008/11/walt-jocketty-could-be-a-thorn-in-the-cardinals-side-ii.html

By Roman Gal

November 30, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

One more thing about Macon. Has anyone noticed that the Braves have not made the playoffs since moving their Minor League operations from Macon? No one is paying true minor league dues anymore. Macon built character (and did little for the careers of many middle infielders with that terrible infield). Lew

Don’t be dissin’ Rome now, Lew or I might have to send some of our ninja deer up to Vermont to turn all that pretty white snow yellow. They’ll teach you some character alright. ;-)

By Ebravesluvr

November 30, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Roman Gal

In my part of Vermont, we don’t even HAVE snow yet :-) (Thank GOD!)

By Lew

November 30, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Tomas-The big difference between Vasquez (and don’t think he’s really my first choice here) and the others you mentioned is that none of them have his track record of innings pitched and games started. Vasquez is a horse and none of the others is (ten years of all those starts and innings is somewhat rare). As to his ERA, did you see his game logs? His ERA was only about 4.13 before the final three games of the season. The final total is a bit skewed because of those games. He should also, like I said, be more effective in Atlanta and benefit himself with that deep, right field power alley.

Like I said, I’m just looking for dependable starts and innings-which is what you get from Vasquez-something sadly lacking the past couple years after you got past Smoltz (before 08) and Hudson-you know exactly what to expect from him. I’d rather have say Burnett and Petite, but I’m far from certain either one of them will be wearing a Tomahawk next season.

If such is the case, I wouldn’t mind seeing Wren do a deal for Javier and Dye (though I’m not sold on Dye being the answer, either). I also agree that considering the White Sox will be giving up all that salary and the Braves damn little in a trade for those two, the CWS should eat considerably salary.

fn hale- While I was living in Atlanta from 70-71, I was lucky enough to see the second of the Allman’s legendary Piedmont Park shows. It was immediately after they had released Idlewild South. The performed all of both their first two albums and played for around 3 1/2 hours. Duane never took the slide off his finger the whole time-best slide performance I ever saw and had it been recorded, would definitely have rivaled the Fillmore sessions.

Was also lucky enough to see the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium show where they debuted Hotlanta. Oh! The History!!!

By Lew

November 30, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Roman Gal-No argument from me on which location is nicer. Just sayin, though-strange about the lack of success since they left the obstacle cour…excuse me-Luther Williams Field.

By Lew

November 30, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

As to the Ninja deer-they are no challenge for Ninja Moose.

By rainman

November 30, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

dob dont forget uggla, hamelton, and roberto clemente. this year will be worse than ever with the league now allowing an extra year.

By rainman

November 30, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

dob dont forget uggla, hamelton, and roberto clemente. this year will be worse than ever with the league now allowing an extra year.

By Lew

November 30, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Ebravesluvr-Apparently you’re from the southern part of the state, then. The central and North have snow. More is due tonight-another 3-6 inches.

By Mike

November 30, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Just thinking out loud:

If most agreed that Peavy for Escobar, Gorkys, Morton, & Boyer was good enough to go for it, and its true that it was the addition of another player like Locke that frustrated the Braves and made us pull out, then if we dont get Peavy (and its starting to feel that way), are we going to regret it when Peavy continues to pitch as he has most of his career and we are left with some 2nd teir pitcher. I mean is not giving in on 1 more prospect that not on of our untouchables to get Peavy going to be something we look back on and say, crap, we should have just gotten it done? I hope not, but my gut teels me otherwise.

By ncgary

November 30, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

if burnett did accept braves offer then toronto is gonna do 1 of 2 things either try and replace him or sell off halladay and start a rebuilding project, whats he signed for ? 2 more years with an option maybe?personally id take the chance on sheets at 3 years and 33 million or if hed bite maybe even 2 for 25. sheets when healthy is probably a lttle more dominant than hudson. if he stays healthy , he is ace caliber.

halladay would be the coup deal of the year. what would it take to get him?morton reyes and medlin? 3 prime time ready 2009 rookie of the year candidates?

halladay sheets and burnett might put you over budget, but youd have a playoff ready staff if ya made it

find a platoon for diaz maybe norton? or go get dye and move francouer to left or dye. just my 2 cents duh

By Deep Throat

November 30, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

Good Lord. It was Campillo’s first full major league season. Of course he was on the down-trend towards the end.

You say that like he was some young rookie (though he was technically a rookie I believe.) Campillo is over 30 and was a rookie in 2008 for a reason. The odds that Campillo pitches like anything more than a back-of-the-rotation starter in 2009 and beyond are very slim in my opinion.

By Ebravesluvr

November 30, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

Lew Actually I’m on the border of NH. About a half hour East of Montpelier.

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 30, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

mitchie-san Ahhhh…Tech beat them Dawgs….life is good…..

Yep! Part of what made so special for me was that yesterday was Grandma’s (my Dad’s Mom’s) B-Day. She passed away last year, and was a big Tech fan, too.

By mitchie-san

November 30, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

McFann, I am sure she is smiling up there too….

By David O'Brien

November 30, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Mike: Your 12:15 p.m. brings up a good point, and I think you’re right, could well be something Braves regret if we find out that was indeed the only thing that stood between them and a deal.

By Andy K.

November 30, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

DOB: You’ve long been confident that the Peavy to Braves deal will eventually get done, saying it’ll just take some time. Do you still think Peavy will end up here?

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 30, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

mitchie-san—

Oh yeah! : )

By Yars

November 30, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Wren should go for broke & sign Burnett. Reading what Chipper said not too long ago while driving to his ranch in TX, Burnett could dominate in the NL again. I think it was braves.com where I read that, & yes I’m paraphrasing. We need to put an end to these middle of the pack type 3rd place finishes. The NL East will again be a tough division in ‘09. As I see it, Peavy is still a Padre. I don’t believe all the hoopla when I read that a dozen teams are still in the mix for Peavy. The right deal will land us Peavy. Sure, we may have to give up an Escobar & some prospects. Do you think the Padres will take a few minor league journeyman for Peavy? Don’t be ridiculous. I guess I’m one of the few on here that isn’t all high & mighty with Escobar. Sure, he’s a great player & could turn into a potential all star, but right now, our weakness is starting pitching. Looks like the A’s, Giants, or some other team is gonna sign Furcal. I would love to see Furcal in a Braves uniform again, just don’t see it happening. Hell, what do I know? I’m just some guy who loves the Braves & comes on this blog in my spare time to get insight on what other Braves baseball fanatics are thinking. I also love the fact that DOB chimes in. Gives us the latest baseball scoop, along with music & food news. All that being said, I will not put up with another 3rd place finish. Let’s shake things up. Signing players & trading for players is always taking a gamble. now playing: twentieth century fox by the Doors.

By travis

November 30, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Lets back up about 2 weeks and look at how suddenly talks with the Padres evaporated. With free agency looming and the availablility of so few front end pitchers, the friars and their GM had very little to lose by waiting for an offer that was acceptable to PEAVY not Towers. If you had a choice between Atlanta an Chicago from “a desire to win and spend the money to do it” stand point, where would you want to play? Since Ted Turner left, the payroll hasn’t been there and the days of signing big name players like Sheff and Drew no matter what it costs are gone. Wake up Atlanta…we could have had this all done but Peavy wants to play in Chicago.

By Efrim

November 30, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Mike

You bring up a valid point, but I think the Braves had to draw the line somewhere, ya know? Who knows, maybe Towers wanted Flowers to replace Gorkys Hernandez, AND include Locke. That is far too much to give up.

And yes, it is starting to feel like we aren’t going to get him. It’s not a good feeling, based on the fact that we may not get Burnett either. Braves aren’t going to sign Derek Lowe, I don’t think they have a chance. I have changed my mind over the last few weeks, I’d rather have Peavy over Burnett, even if it means giving up Yunel. I’m just a little suprised that we haven’t heard anything about Wren and Towers engaging in talks again.

By f.n. hale

November 30, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Mike re: your 12:15, I think you have to have some kind of value system regarding all players if you’re going to make any trade. Let’s say, for the sake of argument that Wren rates Peavy as a 25. If he values Escobar at a 10, Gorkys at a 7, Morton at a 6 and Boyer at a 2 then you have your 25 there. If you don’t have some system for valuing players how could you begin discussions. Wren’s goal would be to try to get a 25 for less and Towers goal obviously to get more. Thing is though, they may be playing chicken or they may truly value their assets differently.

By Yars

November 30, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Efrim…….but wouldn’t you say that players such as Flowers & Gorkys Hernandez are blocked in Atlanta? McCann is going to be our catcher for years to come, & Schafer is higher on the depth chart than Hernandez. Hell, Schafer may be our CF in ‘09, at some point. now playing: down in it by nine inch nails.

By Travis

November 30, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

The no trade clause that Peavy has…is it different than a player with 10 and 5 like Andrew had? I mean once a player has waived his clause and goes to another team he loses his 5 right? So peavy has a no trade that carries the length of his contract and the player always has control of his destination. So I guess his destination is what he wants or he won’t leave San Diego.

By Random

November 30, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Yars: “As I see it, Peavy is still a Padre. I don’t believe all the hoopla when I read that a dozen teams are still in the mix for Peavy.”

Actually, there’re only 2 or 3 teams “in the mix” (Braves, Cubs and (maybe) Dodgers), with 2 other teams with their noses pressed to the window, wishing they were “in the mix” (Angels, Yankees).

“The right deal will land us Peavy. Sure, we may have to give up an Escobar & some prospects. Do you think the Padres will take a few minor league journeyman for Peavy? Don’t be ridiculous. I guess I’m one of the few on here that isn’t all high & mighty with Escobar. Sure, he’s a great player & could turn into a potential all star, but right now, our weakness is starting pitching.”

I think most here are more than willing to lose Escobar in a trade for Peavy (or other ace), or have at least reconciled themselves to the possibiliy.

By TennesseePaul

November 30, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

What I don’t get is why the Padres weren’t interested in bringing in a third team for the Braves. If the hang up truly was that the Padres didn’t think they were getting enough talent in return for Peavy, why weren’t they seeking a third team to work with the Braves? They obviously think the Cubs can’t return enough talent to get the deal done, and thus require a third team. So why the double standard? Is it because Wren doesn’t want to do a three team deal? For some reason I doubt it. This is why I’m sceptical about these three team reports for the Cubs. But we’ll see. I still would rather have no Peavy than to over pay for Peavy.

Wren had a plan, or least I hope he had a plan, prior to the knowledge that Peavy was available. Hopefully he can fulfill that plan. And hopefully that plan wasn’t filled with the Ryan Dempsters of the world. If so, I’d consider his off-season moves a failure.

By Yars

November 30, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

random……if you read through the last 4 or 5 blogs that DOB has had, you will see that a lot of people can’t believe that we are willing to let go of Escobar. In order to get a Peavy like type player, we would have to give up an Escobar. Seems to me the Padres have their eye on Escobar, as opposed to a Kelly Johnson, whom I hope we keep. Speaking of KJ, I am not a fan of those KJ to the Cardinals for Ludwick rumors. It’s obvious the Cards don’t think Ludwick is gonna have a repeat of ‘08 season. We can say what we want to about KJ, but I still think he’s going to develop into a .290/20/80 type hitter. Hell, we can moan all we want to about his defense, but I still say he’s worth keeping around. His defense aint all that bad, as some on here have suggested. now playing: pork & beans by weezer.

By Wendell Gee

November 30, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

f.n.hale,

understood. I was just ribbin’ ya.

And I’m all for your top 10, although I’ve got 2 grade schoolers to be thankful for, as well as a one-man business I’m trying to keep afloat. Good list.

By N8

November 30, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Mike (and DOB)

Your point is a good one (about possibly regretting not giving up Locke - or another prospect).

But the flipside to all of this, is that what if Morton turns out to be a damn good middle of the rotation guy (when - if- he ever gains the confidence that DOB thinks he lacks), and along with Hanson and JJJ leads the rotation (add in Hudson in 2010), for years to come? To boot, for the time being, we STILL have Escobar.

The only people really bumbed about us NOT getting Peavy (if we don’t get him), appear to be the people that are insisting we will contend THIS YEAR.

Surely Peavy could be the Ace of a rebuilt Braves team for the next 4 years or so, but there will be other Aces to be had in the next 12 months, IMO. Who knows? After this season, maybe we look back and are glad that Escobar is still here.

By JC from UT

November 30, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Is there any chanc eMinnesota could be interseted in Escobar? Could we get back either Scott baker or Nick Blackburn along with Delmon Young? Another young pitcher they hve is Glen Perkins. Does anyone think there could be a match with Escobar as the centerpiece with perhaps a lesser prospect?

By f.n. hale

November 30, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

wendell gee no problem man, believe me I’ve taken a lot of ribbing over that comment for the last several years.

N8 I just looked at Morton’s numbers for his first year versus those of Smoltz, Glavine and Maddux and they really are comparable. Not saying he’ll be what any of those guys were, but I don’t think we can reasonably project him as a failure based on his first partial year, which is what some seem to be doing.

By Mike

November 30, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

N8,

I agree…ots all a crap shoot. Morton could continue to struggle a but and never be better than a 3/4 guy. I do believe as do the Braves that we need to do what we can (within reason of course) to compete. The Braves have had declining ticket sales and holding off this year because you dont think you can compete, waiting for young guys that may or may not contribute will only lower ticket sales even more, make us less attractive to free agents next year, and maybe even lower payroll next year.

f.n. hale,

By Mikey

November 30, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

I’ve noticed that there seems to be little interest in Ben Sheets around the league. I know its still early in the offseason, and interest will likely increase at the meetings, but if this continues then his price tag should lower w/time Perhaps if Hampton goes elsewhere we could take a shot on Sheets for a somewhat reasonable salary.

If he stays healthy, then maybe he could be the ace that everyone has always expected him to be. Then we have our ace. But if he doesnt perform that well, then at least we won’t have spent much money on him. Or if he has done well and we’re not in contention, then his value will have gone up and maybe swing a trade for young talent at the deadline.

Just kinda thinkin out loud here, but might be worth the risk. Again, only if there continues to be a lack of interest, lowering his price tag. And also as long as we dont sign Hampton. I dont know how I’d feel if we had Hampton AND Sheets.

By Mike

November 30, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

f.n. hale:

I see what you mean about the point system, and I agree that a GM has to draw a line, but I dont think its that simple. When you have some depth in your farm system as we do, you have to make a gamble every now an again and overpay, or in this case over trade, for a GOOD player you will have for years to come. I dont agree with giving up the farm for a short fix (or no fix) as was done with Tex deal(though I was excited at the time) but in this case I truly beleive that esspecially looking at whats out there as far as pitchers is concerned, aside from CC (which we know wont happen) Peavy is the best option. And I think if it is truly a difference between 1 extra mid tier prospect and getting the deal done, you bite the bullet and do it.

I respect the opinions of those that feel we should hold on to our young guys and let things play out, but you are asking alot of a finicky town like Atlanta to stick around and continue to comes to games (even with the economy the way it is) and keep saying wait till next year when so and so is ready and comes up. The Braves just arent that type of organization any more.

By Efrim

November 30, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Kiss Jermaine Dye good bye if the White Sox don’t bring their demands down. They want more than Edwin Jackson or Andy Sonnanstine. Or more from the Reds than Homer Bailey. Yikes folks.

Yars

Efrim…….but wouldn’t you say that players such as Flowers & Gorkys Hernandez are blocked in Atlanta? McCann is going to be our catcher for years to come, & Schafer is higher on the depth chart than Hernandez. Hell, Schafer may be our CF in ‘09, at some point.

I think the Braves should hold onto Flowers. His value will only increase as time goes on.

Padres fans don’t understand that Yunel Escobar is in this Peavy proposal. I mean, he is comparable to TWO top ten prospects. So the addition of Flowers is not needed. Heck, the addition of Locke isn’t either. Although it looks like that may be the only way a deal ends up getting done.

By David O'Brien

November 30, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

After this season, maybe we look back and are glad that Escobar is still here.N8

You’re assuming he will be here if he’s not traded for Peavy. I’m not so sure that’s the case, though I don’t know if they’re talking to any other teams right now about deals that involve Yunel.

I just wouldn’t be surprised if one of the middle infielders is traded in order to fill one of the priority needs the Braves have identified.

Remember, Braves officials, whether you or others believe it’s possible or not, are making moves with every intention of competing in 2009.

By David O'Brien

November 30, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Mikey, it’ll certainly be interesting to see what happens with Sheets once the other pitching dominoes start to fall. Most of us who cover this stuff have conceded we really don’t know what to expect in terms of a market for Sheets, given his undisputed talent but also his track record for assorted injuries.

The lack of bonafide aces available and the high number of teams with money that are looking for starting pitching could translate to a bigger contract than most folks believe Sheets is probably worth, given his spotty health record.

By f.n. hale

November 30, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

mike I think within your valuation of all these guys you factor in everything from your possible need for them, their dollar cost, when they will contribute to the major league team (and how much), demand for the position they play, and their ability to put butts in seats. Obviously a shortstop has potential to put more butts in seats, but you still need a backup catcher. If you take the names out of it, these guys are assets and to be successful you have to be good at valuing yours and other’s assets. I have no idea how to put a value on fan draw and haven’t seen most of the prospects play, but Wren knows all this (hopefully). He may not be putting the right value on players or he may be guessing wrong. The best GM’s are going to be right more than they are wrong, but they won’t be right every time. I still their is a reasonable chance these guys are staring each other down to see who will blink and I hope that’s the case, but they also may have moved on.

By Marc

November 30, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Just thinking of possible steals (though steal potential comes at a risk). Would any of these guys be touchable this offseason?

Felix Hernandez Aaron Cook Jarrod Washburn Jeremy Guthrie Bronson Arroyo Edwin Jackson Aaron Harang (coming off a bad season but I like him next year)

Think any of these guys could be gotten for cheap?

By JasonInFL (formerly ME)

November 30, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, I agree with you…what’s up with the double standards? It just seems a little suspicious to me that Towers has been concentrating solely on the Cubbies…

By Lew

November 30, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

EBravesluvr-Sounds like you’re around St. Johnsbury? No snow over there? I’m surprised. We’ve already had about 8-10 inches over here in Randolph.

By Efrim

November 30, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

I’m okay with trading Yunel Escobar or Kelly Johnson for Jake Peavy or Matt Cain(not available) or Zach Grienke(not available). But I see no reason why the Braves would trade one of them for a corner OF. That is a position/need you can fill without having to trade a piece like Yunel or Kelly. Frontline starting pitching? Sure. Corner bats? No.

But like DOB said, Braves want to win now. Is Cox going to even be here when Heyward and Freeman get to the majors? I’m guessing no, considering they probably won’t be here until 2011.

By Random

November 30, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Travis—

Peavy’s accepting a trade would not cause him to lose his no trade clause.

Peavy’s no trade clause in his current contract is already scheduled to be phased out — he’ll have full no-trade powers thru 2010, and limited no-trade powers in 2011; and then none in the last year (2012) (or, presumably, in the option year — don’t really know).

That was no big deal if he stayed with the Padres, because by then he’d meet the 10 & 5 criteria.

If traded, the contract would remain the same, unless renegotiated. So he would still lose his phased out no trade clause, and it would not be replaced by the 10 & 5.

That’s why it’s being speculated that one of his conditions for accepting a trade is a “refreshening” of the no trade clause via renegotiation of the contract.

By BravesFanInRockies

November 30, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Wendell Gee (from last night),

You’re right that Jamie Moyer and Tom Glavine get away with the same repertoire Campillo uses. Then you ask why he couldn’t do the same. I can’t explain it, but lefties seem to be able to get people out with a mid-80s fastball and a curve or change and righties can’t. Maybe it’s because hitters see fewer left-handed pitchers so junkballing southpaws can survive in a way that junkballing righties cannot.

Maddux in his prime threw four pitches, including a slider, and while he rarely threw harder than 86-88, his pitches moved and he had that pinpoint control. Notice however that he now throws in the 82-84 range and he gets smacked around with some regularity.

As for the workload taking a toll on Campillo, well, maybe. But he made 22 starts in the minors in 2007, and pitched 160+ innings between AAA and Seattle, so I’m not sure fatigue was the reason he wasn’t as consistently effective late in 2008.

Love to see him baffle hitters in the rotation in 2009 and beyond. But I think he needs a larger array of pitches to make that happen.

By N8

November 30, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

You’re assuming he will be here if he’s not traded for Peavy.DOB

Totally aware of that possibility. But the odds are, that if Escobar is traded for anybody NOT named Jake Peavy (or Halliday), the Braves aren’t giving up 4 other prospects in the same deal.

Say for instance, if they trade Escobar or KJ straight up for a power hitting LF.

Remember, Braves officials, whether you or others believe it’s possible or not, are making moves with every intention of competing in 2009.DOB

That’s just fine. I’m not in denial of what they are TRYING to do. But correct me if I’m wrong, wasn’t JS and Wren trying to do the same thing the past three years?

Besides, all I was really trying to point out was that their is two possibilities when talking about future “regrets”.

One side in which we regret NOT trading for Peavy. And one where we regret trading the guys that we gave up to trade for Peavy.

The bottom line, is that even when a trade does what it is supposed to do for a team, and is successful, there can STILL be regret. Take the 87 Tigers for instance. The got EXACTLY what they wanted out of the Doyle for Smoltz trade.

But don’t you think they’d like to have had Smoltz for 20 years? Same with the JD Drew trade. JD was a very important piece of the puzzle that season for the Braves. After all, keeping the “streak” alive, was what was at stake (only a bit of sarcasm there). But ask any Braves fan if they would have rather had the streak end that season and kept Wainright in the mix for 4 or 5 seasons.

Giving up 4 prospects AND Escobar, has the makings of a trade that has more chance of failing (at the ultimate goal), than succeeding, IMO.

No doubt would Peavy be a GREAT addition to any ball club. But the subtraction of the other guys (including Escobar) from the system, might set the team back more than it steps it UP.

After all, we had 3 HOF pitchers in our rotation for the better part of a decade, and only won one WS. Is Jake Peavy really THAT GOOD to do it all by himself?

That’s not even beginning to jump into the conversation of what happens to the team if he goes down with an injury.

Long point short…. I think Wren’s offer (if his offer is what was reported), was fair enough. No need to start adding prospects to it.

but you are asking alot of a finicky town like Atlanta to stick around and continue to comes to games (even with the economy the way it is) and keep saying wait till next year when so and so is ready and comes up.

A) I’m not asking the town of Atlanta to do anything. You’re talking about a town that pizzed and moaned and didn’t show up for game one of many playoff games in recent memory.

B) What do you mean by “keep saying wait till next year…” ??? The Braves have NEVER stated “wait till next year”, and haven’t actually acknowledged that they were/are rebuilding until after the fact.

If Wren came out and said that the Braves were going to hang on to ALL of their prospects and grind out this season, (officially calling it a rebuild), I’d have more respect for him, than trying to sell the fans chocolate covered sh!t, claiming it was/is a winning product.

It takes more ballz to commit to youth, than to “go for it”.

As far as ticket sales? How about lower them?

I’ve said it 1000 times. I’m not looking for the Braves to be young for the sake of being young. I want them to be young and GOOD. Build this team the way JS built it in 1990 and afterward.

That 91 team was NOT built by overspending on the free agent market and trading multiple top prospects for expensive free agents.

The last three years have not been quite as bad as the late 80’s were (in terms of losses per season), but the baseball has often been as ugly as that was.

Anyhow, didn’t mean to “rant” today.

Sorry.

By Bubdylan

November 30, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

In regards to my remark about Deep throat and Salty Woody….maybe I’ll change my name to Gargle, spit and swallow :/………OR NOT. Ebravesluvr

So, you’re gonna work this shtick on two boards now?

By Mike

November 30, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

N8,

I never meant to insinuate that you or anyone else said we should throw away the season to rebuild. I was simply pointing out that the Braves organization has now moved into the big boys club, and with it comes the need to take calculated risks to compete every year. I truly beleive that the Braves feel (as do i) that with the right moves, we can compete next year. And I feel that giving that 1 extra mid teir prospect to get Peavy is one of the moves that you need to risk it and make to take one of the steps toward competeing next year.

By nolie

November 30, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Padres fans don’t understand that Yunel Escobar is in this Peavy proposal. I mean, he is comparable to TWO top ten prospects Efrim

It really doesn’t have much anything to do with Padres fans, or Escobar. Towers wants more quality pitching back than he feels he is getting from Atlanta in Morton/Reyes and Boyer, and I do not blame him.He is giving up an ace and wants someone back who he thinks will at least be an assured top of the rotation starter to replace him. Looks like he is not that confident in Morton or JoJo and i can’t blame him. Morton may develop into a #2 or #3, but there is almost no reason for Towers to feel secure about that happening. He mostly wants more pitching that he feels better about. Wren should include Locke. The odds are 60% that he never makes the bigs other than for a cup of coffee, 80% that he never becomes a regular contributor of any importance and 96% that he never becomes another Peavy. Meanwhile we have accrued the value of having Peavy for the 3 years or so that it takes Locke to do whatever he will do. Which in itself is a lot of value. I would immediately do Escobar, Hernandez, Morton/Reyes, Butler and Locke. Preferring that the Pads choose Reyes over Morton.

By Roman Gal

November 30, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Ebravesluvr We’re supposed to get snow here tonight. I doubt it’ll happen, though. I guess ya’ll would rather wait for the snow to come, whereas most folks here see it as an opportunity to skip school/work. Nevertheless, by the time the deer make it up there, I’m sure it will have snowed.

Lew Our ninja-deer are college trained. They can take cars at full speed…plus I’m pretty sure they’re immortal.

By f.n. hale

November 30, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

N8 “chocolate covered sh!t”? Great line!

I’m with you, though. Let’s say we get Peavy with the pieces advertised, sign Burnett and get Dunn or something comparable for LF. We bring a rotation of Peavy, Burnett, JJ, and some combination of Hampton/Reyes/Campillo/James or comparable. Not bad. Bullpens can be built and we’d have potential for a pretty good one. We could feel good about catcher, 3rd (assuming health) and ???. Kotchman looks like a good bet at 1st and I like KJ but he has question marks, doesn’t he? We then have serious question marks at short, center and right. I don’t think this scenario is better than the Phillies, unless Schaefer is all that and Frenchy is way better than last year, so in my mind we’re playing for the wildcard. And this is all dependent on Peavy and Burnett being healthy and JJ not taking a step back, we sign Hampton and Reyes gets his act together. Plus you’ve committed way too much of your budget to 3 positions for several years. Not saying there aren’t risks either way, but too many questions and not enough answers in my book.

By N8

November 30, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

Mike

Like I said, I wasn’t trying to rant.

I think it’s fine if you think that Wren can build the team to contend next year.

I have my doubts (too many holes, IMO - especially if Escobar is dealt to fill one of the holes). But that doesn’t mean, he shouldn’t try to do it. I just wouldn’t sell the farm.

I guess the part that I’m forgetting to address, is that if Escobar (and a slew of prospects) are dealt for Peavy, maybe Wren has 2010 more in mind (when Hudson returns and the prime prospects - Schafer, Heyward and Hanson - are not only up, but ready to contribute consistently).

All while the same time, giving the team a better chance to succeed in 2009 and giving the impression to the fans that he is trying his hardest to put a winning team on the field.

But, I’ll restate what I said before. The only time that JS traded prospects for proven (expensive) veterans, was when we were a player or two away from making a SERIOUS run at the WS (IE: McGriff, Grissom, Neagle, JD Drew, Sheffield).

JS never attempted to build the foundation for the future, with a big trade. Maybe Wren has a different “plan” or a way of doing things. But last I remembered, his tenure didn’t go so well in Baltimore.

We finished 20 games out of first place last year. I don’t care what anybody says, but Peavy is NOT making up that difference by himself. Especially if Escobar is going the other way.

That’s why I think signing Burnett (or a 2nd tier starter), is the wiser choice for competing NOW. We’d be adding to the foundation that is already there. Not taking one step back to take two forward, which a trade does. Free agents only cost money (and maybe future draft picks - NONE of which will cost us our high first round pick next year).

One might argue about the Renteria for JJJ trade being a case of giving something up to get something back. Sure. But we were trading from an area of strength (Escobar waiting in the wings), to gain some pitching.

I guess I’ll just do what everybody else is doing and wait until after arbitration has been offered to players, and the free agent chips start to fall.

By nolie

November 30, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Even if we don’t compete well this year we would still have Peavy for likely 4 more years after that to solidify the rotation, and the added time to successfully replace Esco, etc. It’s not like he would be here for only a couple of years or would not have value if we do compete better in ‘10. Hey, h’s not a real good SS but maybe Diory could poke his nose into the mix. Dude has hit fairly well most everywhere.

By Efrim

November 30, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Nolie

I know it isn’t about the fans of the Padres. Reading other Padre blogs, it seems as though they don’t care much for Escobar. They see .766 OPS and don’t understand why we value him so much. I don’t agree with them, as I think Escobar is one of the best overall shortstops in baseball.

But like you said, Towers wants pitching in return for Peavy. But I’m not so sure that we really have any pitching to deal that is major league ready other than Tommy Hanson. I wouldn’t be sold on Morton/Reyes either, if I were Towers. Maybe including Locke will get it done, or maybe Towers will want Flowers too. We really don’t know.

By mitchie-san

November 30, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

So if the Twins are looking for a left-side infielder, who could we get? Obvioulsy Delmon Young…but who else could we honestly get? Any ideas DOB ?

By nolie

November 30, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Looming arbitration may force everybody’s hands by Ken Rosenthal

Ken Rosenthal has been the senior baseball writer for FOXSports.com since Aug. 2005. He appears weekly on the FSN Baseball Report and MLB on FOX.

Updated: November 30, 2008, Monday, the deadline for teams to offer salary arbitration to their respective free agents, could offer the first true glimpse of how much the economic crisis is affecting the way clubs do business.

In a better economy, most teams would not hesitate to offer a one-year deal through arbitration to attractive Type A free agents. Some teams would want such players back on one-year deals, even at arbitration-inflated salaries. Other teams, knowing that the players likely would depart for multiyear contracts, would offer arbitration to ensure that they received draft-pick compensation in return.

In most cases, little has changed. The Brewers, for example, are certain to offer arbitration to left-hander CC Sabathia, knowing they have nothing to lose and high draft picks to gain. The Yankees, on the other hand, do not figure to extend such an offer to lefty Andy Pettitte. If they wanted to give Pettitte a one-year contract with an increase from his $16 million salary, they would have done it by now.

Other decisions, however, are less clear-cut. Multiyear offers for some free agents are not as probable as they were in previous offseasons. And while teams remain eager to collect draft picks, the economy might discourage them from offering arbitration and risking a payroll hit.

Certain players, too, are in a different position than in the past. Those who are offered arbitration on Monday must decide by midnight Sunday whether to commit to their previous teams for another season.

In a slow-developing, potentially weak market, some players will be tempted to do just that, preferring the certainty of a one-year deal to the uncertainty of a volatile free-agent period.

A look at three of the closer calls:

Adam Dunn

The Diamondbacks traded three players for Dunn on Aug. 11, figuring they would get two youngsters back in the draft after he left as a free agent. At the time, few doubted that the team would offer Dunn arbitration — and few doubted that he would reject it and seek greater riches elsewhere.

Dunn, the only major leaguer to hit 40 or more homers in each of the past five seasons, still appears likely to command a sizable multiyear deal, most likely from an American League club.

But the D-backs, who recently cut 31 employees from an admittedly bloated front office and parted with Randy Johnson over financial differences, might be unwilling to risk that Dunn would return at a salary of $15 million to $16 million.

Then again, if the D-backs made the offer, it’s doubtful that Dunn and his agents would determine by midnight Sunday that a multi-year contract was beyond their reach. What’s more, the D-backs always could trade Dunn if he accepted their offer. In that sense, he would be an asset on a one-year deal; the Nationals, among other teams, would jump.

Kerry Wood

The Cubs aren’t keen on keeping Kerry Wood. (Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images)

The Cubs traded for reliever Kevin Gregg because they were unwilling to sign Wood long-term, believing he would land a lucrative contract as a free agent. But now the trade and free-agent markets are flooded with closers, and Wood is not certain to receive such a deal.

The Cubs want Carlos Marmol to close. They do not want Wood back, even for one year, at a salary of $9 million to $10 million. Their greater priorities are finding a left-handed hitting outfielder and another starting pitcher, either through a trade for Padres righty Jake Peavy or the signing of a free agent such as Johnson.

Wood said after the Cubs announced his departure that he would have returned on a one-year deal, even though his agents never raised that possibility, according to a major-league source. If he accepted arbitration, the Cubs could try to trade him to a team such as the Rangers, who might embrace Wood on a one-year commitment.

Contracts secured through arbitration are not guaranteed, so the Cubs also could release Wood in spring training and pay only a fraction of his salary. But, to avoid a grievance by the players union, they would need to demonstrate that every one of their other relievers was superior to Wood. Not likely.

Ben Sheets

At first glance, offering Sheets arbitration appears to be a no-brainer. The Brewers need starting pitching. They are secure enough financially to make Sabathia a $100 million offer. And they already figure to get extra draft picks if, as expected, Sabathia signs with another club.

Why, then, would the Brewers waver? Well, Sheets might command $13 million to $14 million in arbitration. Such a salary would be reasonable for a pitcher of Sheets’ quality if the Brewers were confident of his health. But while Sheets worked 198 1/3 innings last season — his most since 2004 — he pitched only 4 1/3 regular-season innings after Sept. 11 because of an elbow problem and was not available in the Division Series.

Sheets’ agent, Casey Close, says that Sheets had no structural damage in the elbow, and simply needed time to rest and heal. But the Brewers might not want to repeat the poor $10 million investment they made in reliever Eric Gagne last season. Their big offer to Sabathia, GM Doug Melvin has said, was a special case.

If the Brewers fail to offer Sheets arbitration, it will be a clear indication that club officials are concerned about his ability to stay healthy in 2009. And remember, the Brewers know Sheets better than any other team.

Peavy update No. 473

The Padres continue to discuss a trade of Peavy to the Cubs, but obstacles remain.

Moving Jake Peavy is becoming harder and harder. (Jim McIsaac / Getty Images)

First, the Cubs are in the process of being sold; offers from their four remaining bidders are due by Monday. The Cubs already have re-signed free-agent right-hander Ryan Dempster for $52 million over four years. They almost certainly would need the blessing of a new owner to take on Peavy, who is owed $63 million over the next four seasons — and might ask for even more money to waive his no-trade clause.

The teams, meanwhile, are not close to a trade agreement. Padres general manager Kevin Towers is trying to involve a third club so he could get the package of players he desires. The Cubs almost certainly will need to move right-hander Jason Marquis, who is earning $9.875 million next season, to clear both payroll and a rotation spot for Peavy.

The Padres could take Marquis, with the Cubs including enough money in the deal to reduce his salary to say, $7 million. Or, they could spin Marquis and the cash from the Cubs to another club. The Rockies, Reds and Giants have shown varying degrees of interest in Marquis, according to a major-league source.

Another possibility is that the Padres could spin one or two of the prospects that they receive from the Cubs. A team might value a player such as outfielder Felix Pie more than the Padres do; the Orioles are again talking with the Cubs about Pie, according to The Baltimore Sun, and could emerge as the third team in the deal.

Jack Wilson update No. 2

A few days ago, I reported that the Dodgers backed off their pursuit of shortstop Jack Wilson after the Pirates asked for shortstop Chin-Lung Hu, outfielder Delwyn Young and a third player.

Well, there’s a reason the Pirates asked for a third player, according to a major-league source. The Dodgers wanted the Pirates to include cash that would help defray Wilson’s $7.25 million salary next season and $8.4 million club option or $600,000 buyout for 2010.

The Pirates did not rule out the idea, but wanted an additional prospect for their money, a player whom they essentially would “buy” from the Dodgers. The better the prospect, the greater the amount the Pirates would pay.

The negotiations apparently broke down over this aspect of the deal. The Dodgers believe that Wilson isn’t strong enough offensively to justify his $7.25 million salary; hence, their desire for that number to be reduced. The Pirates want more for Wilson and cash than Hu and Young

By TexasBrave

November 30, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

Well my Sooners will be playing for the Big 12 Championship Game Versus Missouri. And while I am happy about this I can’t help but feel sorry for the Longhorns who, in my unbiased opinion is the better team. Although the Sooners have the better offense, the Longhorns O is good enough. It’s Texas’ defense and special teams that makes Texas the better team and it showed on a netural field. I thought OU’s defense had gotten better since that game but OSU proved last night that it hasn’t and it took the Sooners high powered offense to seal the victory.

By Lew

November 30, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

RomanGal-While I appreciate that your college educated Ninja deer may well be the baddest creatures youve ever known, have you ever seen a Moose up close? Suckers are about 7 feet tall at the shoulder (seriously) and where you will probably walk away from an accident with a deer, several people every year are killed in collisions with Moose up here. Your car will NOT survive the impact. They are absolutely the biggest animals I’ve ever seen-but then again, I’ve never been up close and personal with a Grizzly-nor do I have any intention of being in their neighborhood if I can help it.

By Ebravesluvr

November 30, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

Bubdylan What’s it to you? If I recall correctly we used to be friends. Don’t know what happened there. If you have a problem with me, why don’t you send me an email rather than air crap on this blog that nobody else needs to be involved in.

By Ebravesluvr

November 30, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

Lew I actually live in Bradford, so it’s probably about 45 minutes from Montpelier.

Romangal We’ve got a mix of slushy, sleety, rain and freezing rain tonight. Blech…I HATE winter.

By Ebravesluvr

November 30, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

Lew LOL @ the Grizzly comment and you’re absolutely right about moose. I almost hit one once and it was the scariest moment I’ve ever had on the road. I had to pull over because I felt like I was going to have a heart attack.

By Lew

November 30, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

EBravesluvr-And we’re about 30 minutes southeast of Montpelier.

By Lew

November 30, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

You’ve heard the old commercial that a day without Orange Juice is like a day without sunshine. A rant by Nathan is like…well, a day without sunshine. Go drink your Tropicana, Dude.

By Ebravesluvr

November 30, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

Cool! It’s hard to find other Braves fans in Vermont. I have alot of friends who are Mets fans though (booooo!)

Do you get to Atlanta at all to see the Braves??? I usually go once a year. I used to go to every Montreal series. Wish they were still up there.

By Lew

November 30, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

EBravesluvr-Haven’t been to Atlanta for a few years, but have seen the Braves play in Montreal, Cooperstown (HOF Game), Boston (will see them there this year, too) and last year we flew to Toronto and caught the Braves’ series. I usually go to Spring Training as well, but won’t be there this year. It also means I won’t see my kids in Orlando, either.

By chopper2chipper

November 30, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

Lew

Do you live in Boston? I’ve lived up here for a while and went to the doubleheader at Fenway last year. I had food thrown at me when the Braves were killing them the second game.

By Ebravesluvr

November 30, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

I went to Spring Training in 2005. I LOVED it.

Too bad about your kids. Are they young?? Have they ever been to Disney??

By That's Mr. Gil to You

November 30, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

The only thing Campillo needs to do is throw a change up that doesn’t stay waist high in the strike zone. You can throw high heat, you cannot throw a high change up, that is, unless it is to Francoeur.

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 30, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

Lew—

You’ve seen moose up close?? Sweet!

I’d love to get up to Washington or some place to see moose, bald eagles, and wolves in real life—a safe distance from the moose and wolves, of course.

I swear I heard a Bald Eagle in Jamestown (or was it Yorktown?) Virginia, though. Ha—they sound nothing like what you’d expect!

By Random

November 30, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

Yars: “if you read through the last 4 or 5 blogs that DOB has had, you will see that a lot of people can’t believe that we are willing to let go of Escobar.”

Looking at the last two blogs covering the past week (because I was talking “realtime”, here and now), here are the for’s and againsts’s trading Escobar (for Peavy, Greinke, Cain, Verlander, Liriano, Dye, or whoever):

This blog’s “Okay, I guess” — 14 (Texas Brave, Mr J, 18 Wheels, Andy K, Braveheart, brian, doc, Mike, Yars, f.n. hale, JC from UT, Efrim, N8 & nolie).

This blog’s “No way” — 1 (The Real JoeBrave). (I have not included Ebravesluver — hormonal protestations are justifiably disregarded.)

Previous blog’s “Okay, I guess” (eliminating repeats from this blog) — 18 (BravesFan79, Original Jon, Wayne, Andy, ncscoots, Eware, Daybed Wagmoe, Salty Dawg, Tomas, skull, Jason in FL, GermanBravesFan, Miami Brave, Padres Owner, Chipper 4 Pres, Dan, Mark R & Explicit).

Previous blog’s “No way” — 9 (Steve from OH, Miami Beach Braves Fan, Bobby’s Cox, Alan, Cameron C, mr baseball, DAP, Dadgum & Philliesuk).

“I think most here are more than willing to lose Escobar in a trade for Peavy (or other ace), or have at least reconciled themselves to the possibiliy.”

By a 3:1 margin.

By cabravesfan

November 30, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

McFann

My family has a place in the Sierra Nevada mountains- there is a Bald Eagle nest across the lake from us- nothing more beautiful then waching them hunt…they all but float in the air (we also have an Osprey nest right above our cabin- had babies last summer- last time I was there they were just starting to fly…really cool)

By Wendell Gee

November 30, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

BravesFanInRockies,

I hear what you’re saying: Lefties have a certain je ne sais quois. And it is a stretch to compare Campillo with two Hall of Famer’s like Glavine and, probably, Moyer. I had Maddux’s name typed and erased it. I guess the bottom line is he can do it, but he has to be exceptionally smart and crafty. Another pitch or two certainly wouldn’t hurt. I think he needs a chance to show he can be that kind of pitcher. He was on in the first half.

As for the fatigue issue you raised, that’s a little different from what I was trying to say. I meant that the league was basically getting a second or third look at him as the season wore on, and made adjustments to his stuff and tendencies. He, in turn, needs to make adjustments as all good pitchers do.

By Ebravesluvr

November 30, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

What do you mean by “hormonal protestations”?? Just wondering. I’ve made more conversation about music, Braves and other stuff than I have about anything remotely hormonal.

In the interest in letting my opinion be known, I’m for trading Escobar to get Peavy although I would HATE losing Escobar but I’m also ok if we don’t get Peavy, if it also means that we keep Escobar. So, I guess I’m ok with however it turns out. You can put in both “No way” and “Okay, I guess”.

What I want to know is…..if we don’t get Peavy or Burnett, do you guys think we’ll still be able to field a competitive team??? I have my doubts but I’m not ruling out Wren coming up with something magical to fix the mess that we have of a pitching staff right now.

By Lew

November 30, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

chopper2chipper-No, I’m in central Vermont, about three hours from Boston and Montreal. I was at the first game of the double header where we got beat 13-3. I had to listen to the entire Fenway crowd derisively doing the Tomahawk Chop when Willie Mo made it 13-0 at the time. Saw the game you were at on the tv in the hotel room and my wife and I met DOB the next morning to say hello.

By Lew

November 30, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

McFann-I used to donate artwork for auction (check out the Panther piece on my website) for an animal rescue operation in Tampa. They had several Florida Panthers they were mating with Carolina Panthers-they also had a tiger or two. I got to hold a three month old Carolina Panther. THAT was pretty cool.

By Steve from OH

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

Random, I’m in the “okay, I guess” group. More of a grudging acceptance, but I’d do the Yunel/Gorkys/JoJo/etc. deal for Peavy. You’ve got me all wrong, lol!

Wouldn’t trade Esco for Dye and/or Vazquez, however.

By DCbrave

November 30, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

What I don’t get is why the Padres weren’t interested in bringing in a third team for the Braves. If the hang up truly was that the Padres didn’t think they were getting enough talent in return for Peavy, why weren’t they seeking a third team to work with the Braves - TennesseePaul

Maybe that says something about the rumor that Peavy actually prefers the Cubs to the Braves, or maybe the Braves just never gave them the chance to do so by issuing the Ultimatum too early.

By McFann O –[zzz]

November 30, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

cabravesfan—

A Bald Eagle nest?? That’s awesome!! The cool thing about them is that they come back to the same nest every year. So if you have them nesting nearby, you’re in for a yearly treat!

Osprey, too? Dang…we hardly got any babies this year. We had some titmice nesting in our birdhouse that has a camera in it, but……a raccoon or something opened up the box and spilled all the eggs a few days before they were supposed to hatch. (Luckily that didn’t get caught on film.)

I love to watch baby birds fly for the first time. Never seen a bird of prey do it, though. But I gotta tell you this—when my Jenny Girl was alive, she would have her babies in our yard (she was a Carolina Wren and the cutest little thing). After I trained her, she and her mate, Boogity (whom I also trained), had 3 nests in our yard—one in 2004 and two in 2005. The one in ‘04 was in a shoe that we nailed up under our deck!

The last one (in ‘05) was in a home-grown gourd. She would let me get right up to it to take pitchers of the babies every day! Sometimes she would get a little impatient and stare at me until I left, though. But I got some of the cutest pitchers! I even saw one baby hatch! Although it was dark inside the gourd, so it was a little hard to see.

Lew I got to hold a three month old Carolina Panther.

Aww! That is so cool! I bet he was cute! Sounds like a pretty cool job! Drawing animals is one of the most satisfying things…especially when you give the drawing to someone.

Whoa…it got late, didn’t it? Dang…Night, all!

By Travis

November 30, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

You just gotta know that Frank Wren is laughing his patookis off at what we blog about…We speculate and postulate about what has happened, what will happen and what we want to happen but these GM’s have big egos too!! There is no way that half the stuff we read is even remotely true…Sports writers and professional bloggers would never let out the real skinny told to them by inside sources or they would never get info again…This really entertains us and thats the purpose. Only one thing talks in this MLB game and that’s money…everything else walks. DOB is the greatest at keeping us going but I think even he is depressed about how this Peavy thing is going.

By Random

November 30, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

Ebravesluvr “What do you mean by “hormonal protestations”?? Just wondering. I’ve made more conversation about music, Braves and other stuff than I have about anything remotely hormonal.”

“Let’s just forget Peavy and keep my…er, OUR Escobar!”? “Can we share B-Mac??? hehehe.”? “I’ll get my brother to do it since I’m such a delicate female, hehe.”? “Marcusbmacluvr”?

My mistake — I should have said “juvenile protestations”.

>(

JK!

8)

By Ebravesluvr

November 30, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Random LOL that’s not juvenile or hormonal, that’s just me! I’ve got a sense of humor. I used to be hormonal when Marcus Giles was on the team but now, not so much. Nobody to get hormonal about.

Who’s your favorite Brave?? I can’t really nail down a favorite since Giles left.

By David O'Brien

November 30, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

Travis, I wouldn’t use “depressed” among the adjectives to describe my thoughts about the machinations of this Peavy saga.

Fatigued, numbed, confused (at times), surprised (at other times) … but not depressed.

By cabravesfan

November 30, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

McFann

The bald eagle has been there for a couple of years- doesn’t like to be seen much but every so often we are able to catch him hunting…I have gotten to see the Osprey catch fish out of the lake on several occasions, which is really cool

By nolie

November 30, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

I’m OK with esco for Peavy or Halliday, not so for anybody else mentioned so far like Burnett or Greineke(sp).

By cabravesfan

November 30, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

nolie

Burnett is a free agent- wouldn’t cost any players- just money

By brent a.

November 30, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

1 hour until December 1st.

Looking forward to a productive December for the Braves. Or someone.

DOB, I have to ask (and I know you won’t comment if you don’t think it’s appropriate); but, have you by any chance followed up with your source in Alabama who was a friend of Peavy’s?

I’m not asking if he/she would have any additional inside information about actual dealings; however, with all the chatter about Peavy perhaps not really wanting to come to Atlanta, as well as Axelrod’s “hypothetical” statement regarding Escobars inclusion in the deal, and how it might reduce Atlanta’s attractiveness, combined with the fact that Towers seems to be going out of his way to “force” Peavy onto the Cubs, I’m just curious if you have followed up with this source to find out whether or not Mr. Peavy’s feelings toward Atlanta may have soured at some point.

Sorry for the intrusion, but it has been a curiosity of mine for the last couple of weeks.

Thanks,

brent a.

By Steve from OH

November 30, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

I’m ok with Yunel for Peavy, but not so for Halladay/Greinke/whoever unless we’re sure that we can sign the guy to an extension (Greinke and Hallady are under control for 2 more seasons, right?). Considering that we’re giving up 4 (5? Sorry, I’m being exceptionally lazy tonight, not gonna look it up) seasons of Yunel plus 6 prospective seasons of Gorkys/Locke/Morton, I think it’s important that we receive a player under team control for at least 4 seasons in return. Peavy satisfies this requirement.

If we can sign Halladay/Greinke etc. to an extension, then go for it. If not, find a different guy to center the deal around.

By David O'Brien

November 30, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

Brent A., in fact I did get an e-mail from the guy a few weeks back, and he said something along the lines of reports of Peavy “souring” on the Braves were inaccurate, at least to his knowledge.

Hopefully the guy sees this and contacts me again. That, or I’ll look for his e-mail address and check in with him, see if he knows anything.

By nolie

November 30, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

Burnett is a free agent- wouldn’t cost any players- just money *CaBravesfan8

yeah i know that, don’t know why i typed his name in.I guess I was thinking in the back of my mind that i did not see him as an ace on the level of Peavy or Halliday.. Thanx

By nolie

November 30, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

If we can sign Halladay/Greinke etc. to an extension, then go for it. If not, find a different guy to center the deal around. SteveO

Halliday with an extension yes, Greinke no. I don’t like his baggage. Might become an ace under pressure, but I don’t really wanna bet Yunel +++ on it.

By brent a.

November 30, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for the info @ 11:20.

By BravesFan79

December 1, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this

Random: Im one of the ones who holds Escobar in VERY high regard! And the ONLY pitchers i would consider trading him for are Halladay and Peavy…end of story.
I cant believe people are even putting Greinke in the same sentence as Halladay!

Halladay is a STUD! Best pitcher in all of baseball (with the guy in SF being 2nd) if you ask me.
And hes more CLUTCH than Peavy.

I dont remember a Peavy led SD team every getting out of the first round… in fact i remember being p** because we had to play a pitching Loaded Houston Astros team instead!
unclutch Mike Hampton getting the start over Smoltz in that game 5 made me SICK!! Because i knew what was going to happen the night before. Hampton is almost guarnteed to give up 3 or so runs before the 5th inning. Only difference bt him and JoJo is that Hampton dosent seem to ever get “blown out”… well except in the PLAYOFFS!! I love Bobby….but that was one of his biggest mistakes ever! Yes i know Smoltz was closer back then, but he asked for the start, and its just a shame that by the time the BEST postseason starter ever!…….. got in the game… it was over. ; (

Anyways…..SD was the team you WANTED to play in the 1st round….. no one ever said that about a team led by a TRUE Postseason ACE like Smoltz.
And no one would say that about a Braves team led by Halladay!

By brent a.

December 1, 2008 2:18 AM | Link to this

Hampton started Game 5 in 2003, against the Cubs. No way that Smoltz was gonna go in Game 5 in 2003. His arm was about to fall off after closing out Game 4.

Jaret Wright started Game 5 in 2004.
Seemed like Smoltz was in better shape that series. He went for 2 or 3 innings (it seems) in game 2, the game that Furcal one with a homer. Smoltz even singled and scored a run that day, IIRC.

We made a game of that game 5, with LaRoche nearly smacking a homer that would’ve put us in the lead, IIRC.

But, then, our Canadian legend, Chris Reitsma came to the mound …

By Random

December 1, 2008 4:27 AM | Link to this

Ebravesluvr— Chipper.

By Random

December 1, 2008 5:26 AM | Link to this

DOB (or anyone with an opinion who might know or care)—

Why would the Braves not offer arbitration to Ohman, who (I presume) they’d really like to keep?

Is it more tightwaddedness (ie, they figure they could sign him for less than what the arbitrator might award), or is my assumption wrong that they do really want him back?

Or something else?

From what I read, many teams are highly interested in LH relievers in general (as usual), and Ohman in particular.

By nolie

December 1, 2008 5:42 AM | Link to this

I don’t know of course, but I have said all along that I will be very surprised if they spend the money/years it will likely take to re-sign him. With what they are paying Gonzo & Soriano, I doubt they will go against their history. If Peter and Sori come back healthy, he would likely be no more than the 7th inning set-up guy, and perhaps mostly more or less a LOOGY. Plus he is not a #1 or even a #2 FA (I think ) which makes offering him arb less compelling. Theyperhaps think that if they do want him they can make a direct offer to him?

By misdejqo wjgfsuq

December 1, 2008 6:49 AM | Link to this

kugfzwso ihmrwaux aqzyos oixyz yfjxdsu ltdjyxbs eczktapqs

By Ebravesluvr

December 1, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

misdejqo wjgfsuq I disagree.

By Charles

December 1, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

Just got word from a friend of mine who works for the Braves and he was told by a Braves official that the Braves have signed Ben Sheets and would be announcing this later today. Any truth to that DOB?

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

Random, because there’s no reason to offer Ohman arbitration, since he’s neither a Type A or Type B free agent. Meaning, the Braves have nothing to gain by offering him compensation — no draft-pick compensation if they lose him to another team.

They are still trying to re-sign him, but offering arbitration does nothing in that effort. So no reason to offer it, especially since he’s going to get a multi-year deal from whatever team he signs with.

By Efrim

December 1, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

Charles

Not saying you’re wrong, but wouldn’t you think the Braves would at least wait until the arbitration deadline to sign this guy? What happens if the Brewers don’t offer him arbitration? Then, we don’t have to give up a draft pick for him.

By LivininAL

December 1, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

Ronald Millsaps- Probably a 1000 posts later, but I agree that Boyer could be a starter with good results. He failed some last year, but was overworked and many times not in a game long enough to gain momentum Sometimes pitchers are just used in a differnet way that really suited. With our staff as is I would like to see him get a chance.Im afraid Campillo will go down, teams were getting on him as the season ended.

By Brian

December 1, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

I wouldn’t mind a rotation of Peavy/ Sheets/ Jurrjens, although I’d take Burnett instead of Sheets. Anyways, I’m still confident we’ll get Peavy but the Angels might be the biggest problem in the end.

DOB- What about a little ACDC? I’ve never seen you mention them as a band you like.

By Kerfeld

December 1, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Any updates on Derek Lowe? He seems like he’s a better fit for the Braves than Burnett, or even Peavy.

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

For those feeling a little twinge of sorrow for 38-year-old baseball retiree Javy Lopez, it looks like he’ll be relatively comfortable in retirement with his wife at this humble abode

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Kerfield, Lowe is a Boras client, which means it will probably be at least a month, and maybe two, before he completes what will surely be a bidding war he’ll wage between several teams to get the most lucrative contract possible.

By McFann O –[zzz]

December 1, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

cabravesfan The bald eagle has been there for a couple of years- doesn’t like to be seen much but every so often we are able to catch him hunting

Yeah, I’d imagine they like to stay hidden. Have you ever heard him? They don’t sound like the Bald Eagles in movies!

Lew—

Was just on your website. You are an amazing artist! I absolutely love the drawing you did for Chipper! Just incredible.

By McFann O –[zzz]

December 1, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Hey, BTW—today’s BMac and Ashley’s anniversary. Kinda ironic they went to Hawaii for their honeymoon…

By Original Jon

December 1, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Hey DOB Yes, it seems the Lopez’s are doing well for themselves, but they wont be living in that house for too much longer, the second picture said they are trying to sell it for 3.5 million

By McFann O –[zzz]

December 1, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

DOB—

Haha…”humble abode” for sure…Dang! That’s a VORPing nice house!

Ebravesluvr I can’t really nail down a favorite since Giles left.

Hmm…that’s a shame. I imagine I’d have a hard time finding a new favorite if McCann left.

I remember I was pretty upset when Julio went to the Mets. He was my fave in ‘05. But it didn’t take me long to find a new fave in ‘06…March of ‘06 it was…

That reminds me: Does anybody know how to get old (and I’m talkin’ 2 1/2 years old) articles from the AJC? I want this one from the Gwinnett section of the Sunday paper from March 5, 2006. Only problem is, I don’t remember the name.

But if anybody knows how I could dig it up, I’d really appreciate the info!

By McFann O –[zzz]

December 1, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Original Jon the second picture said they are trying to sell it for 3.5 million

Yeah…but sheesh, who’d wanna sell that? Dude, if I had a house like that, I’d want to keep it!

Huh…but it’s not like they can’t afford another nice one!

By Kerfeld

December 1, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Hopefully Boras stock is down, especially after the way he ‘handled’ Andruw and A-Rod last year. And hopefully Wren has an open mind and won’t automatically avoid Boras clients.

By Original Jon

December 1, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

McFann I know, if only we were so poor, as to have to sell our home for 3.5 million to liquidate it into other properties. :)

By Random

December 1, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

DOB—

Oh, okay — thanks.

In other words, even if the Braves di offer Ohman arbitration, he would not have to accept it, and probably wouldn’t.

By McFann O –[zzz]

December 1, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Original Jon—

Yeah, if only. [sigh]…the poor things…

: /

By Lew

December 1, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

McFann-Thank You very much. Wish I still had a deck of the animal cards I painted a few years back for a CT. Company, but I’m afraid they’re out of print now (no more royalties, either, VORP it all). I do have a deck pasted into a book and maybe I can print them and send you a copy. You’d enjoy them. Is your snail mail address the same?

By Random

December 1, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

DOB—

I remember you saying that “U Know Who” might be posting comments again this winter, but you never mentioned that he might also “Vent”!!!

The Braves need to get their swagger back on the field. They don’t play with confidence anymore, they play for a big inning with home runs and the bullpen gets overworked early in the season. And yes, it would be absurd to trade the reigning NL Batting Champ!

By McFann O –[zzz]

December 1, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Lew—

You’re welcome!

I do have a deck pasted into a book and maybe I can print them and send you a copy.

Thanks! I appreciate that! Yes, our address is the same. (My e-mail changed, though. I gotta send you the new one. We’re not with Comcast anymore.)

By DAP

December 1, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

random i think what DOB was trying to say is that teams decide to offer or not offer arbitration to a player based on what is best for the team. when type A and B free agents, the signing team loses draft picks to the team who the free agent is leaving IF they offer arbitration. if they dont offer arbitration, the team that is losing the player gets nothing.

since ohman isnt a type A or B, this doesnt apply, and the braves wont get anything for ohman if he signs with another team, weather or not they offer him arbitration. so they have nothing to gain by offering him arbitration, which would be a one year fix if he agrees. if the braves want ohman, they will just sign him to a multiyear deal.

By Wayne

December 1, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Technical Question to anyone with the answer. If a team offers arbitration to a player, and he accepts. Then he is signed for 10 million for one year. Is that one year contract guaranteed, or could they just release him in spring training if they didn’t feel he was worth the $$, and they couldn’t get a trade offer for him?

Just curious.

Charles Interesting rumor about Sheets. I will wait for some confirmation before believing it though.

By DAP

December 1, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

wayne from what ive read (there is a ken rosenthal article posted earlier in the blog that mentions it) arbitration salaries are not garunteed, and you can release a player and only pay them a fraction of the salary, but you the players union makes you demonsrate that that particular player is worse than your other options.

By Random

December 1, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

DAP—

Thanks.

By Random

December 1, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Wayne: “Technical Question to anyone with the answer. If a team offers arbitration to a player, and he accepts. Then he is signed for 10 million for one year. Is that one year contract guaranteed, or could they just release him in spring training if they didn’t feel he was worth the $$, and they couldn’t get a trade offer for him?”

Arbitration contracts are not guaranteed, and the player could be released in ST with the team paying only a portion (pro-rated? I guess — don’t know for sure) of the arbitration salary.

However, unless the team could persuasively demonstrate that he was released for cause — ie, was not good enough to make the ML 25 man roster — the Players Union would probably file a grievance.

(Reason I can spout off an answer so quick is I read an article mentioning this very scenario just Sat — let me see if I can relocate it and give you a link.)

By Random

December 1, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Wayne—

Never mind — I see DAP’s got you covered. (I was reading some Rosenthal this weekend.)

By BravesFanInRockies

December 1, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Wayne,

Here’s an explanation of arbitration.

Bottom line, the contract isn’t fully guaranteed, but if the team decides to release the player then some of it has to be paid. The longer you wait, the more you must pay.

And the players’ union can raise a stink if a club offers arbitration to a player, signs him, and then releases him in spring training. The union views that as stockpiling talent; you have no intention of keeping the player but you don’t want him to sign elsewhere.

The Cubs are apparently having trouble deciding whether to offer arb to Kerry Wood. If they do and they bring him to Spring Training and then release him, the union could file a grievance, claiming that the Cubs intentionally kept him off the market at a time he could have freely negotiated with someone else.

By Random

December 1, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

McEffigan—

(You know who I mean, McFann.)

Perchance was it this article?

Boys of Spring: DAY 5: BRIAN McCANN, ATLANTA BRAVES: BRIAN McCANN

By ncscoots

December 1, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Teams don’t lose draft picks for signing Type B free agents. The team losing a Type B gets a sandwich pick, but there is no impact on the signing team.

Only teams signing Type A free agents lose a pick, and which pick the team loses can depend on their position in the draft.

By Marv Kleeman

December 1, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Hey fellow Braves fans:

Did you guys see the article posted 11/26/08 by Mark Bowman titled; “Braves remain among Burnett’s suitors”

In it are quotes from our very own Chipper Jones.

“He’s really figured it out,” Jones said about Burnett, “His stuff is just filthy. If you bring him back to the National League, I think he could have an absolutely dominating season, like the one(John)Smoltz had in 1996.”

WOW! Talk about a ringing endorsement.

If it’s good enough for Chipper, it’s good enough for me.

Let’s do it.

By Random

December 1, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Or this:

Boys of Spring: DAY 5: BRIAN McCANN, ATLANTA BRAVES: Big-time friendship
Braves’ McCann keeps in touch with roots

Oops — I just noticed that these are different kinds of links.

You need to go to the Search Results page (I’ll link it below) to link to the articles, PLUS you also must have Javascripts enabled.

(I got this error message when I tried: Your browser does not have Javascript enabled. In order to view articles, you need to enable Javascript.)

Anyway — just do a Search on any AJC page, and specify “Archives”.

When you get a thousand hits, look for where it says “Advanced Search” and go there.

On that page, you can specify the precise date of thwe article, as well as any key word(s).

The search results page I got for “Gwinnett” and March 5, 2006 should be here&pfielddate-0=YMDdate&pparamsdate-0=date:B,E&ptextdate-0=03/05/2006%20to%203/5/2006)&pfieldadvanced-0=&ptextadvanced-0=(Gwinnett)&xcalnumdocs=20&pperpage=10&psort=YMDdate:D&xcaluseweights=no). Maybe.

Good luck!

By DAP

December 1, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

scoots The team losing a Type B gets a sandwich pick, but there is no impact on the signing team.

got it, thanx. i knew it was a sandwich pick, but wasnt sure if it got taken from the signing team.

By Random

December 1, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

McEff—

Hetre’s a link to the AJC Archives Advance Search page**.

By Efrim

December 1, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Okay, so it’s December 1st. Where are the moves? Not just Braves moves…..but anything? I’m sure it’ll happen soon. I have a feeling December 8th-December 25th is going to be crazy.

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Marv Kleeman, you might also consider the endorsement Chipper made of both A.J. and Peavy in the Peavy story I wrote Oct. 21 — six weeks ago.

From that story:

Jones said he’s excited about some of possible pitching acquisitions the Braves could make, specifically citing Peavy and Toronto free agent A.J. Burnett.

“There’s some names out there that are very appealing to me,” Jones said. “I like a guy like A.J. Burnett. I’ve always dreaded facing that guy. A.J. is a bulldog. Peavy’s a bulldog. Those guys, they take the mound, they want to stick it to you, and they’re competitors, not afraid to show emotions, stuff like that. I think that’s great. They’re not showing anybody up, they just want to win.

“I think that, at times, is something we’ve been missing, that guy who’s going to walk out on the mound, and when he walks on the mound, he’s looking to throw a complete-game shutout. That kind of competitive spirit would be good for this clubhouse and this team. And they’re both strikeout pitchers. We all know that’s what wins in the postseason. You get two power arms like that, you’ve got a formula for not just being built for 162 games, but for a short series.”

By Charles

December 1, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if my previous post is true or not about the Braves signing Ben Sheets but I do know it is true that my friend told me that.whether this is true or not I don’t know.Seems like the Braves should wait and see if he is offered arbitration.Personally I hope they don’t sign Sheets, Ithink he is too risky for injury.

By Josh P.

December 1, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

I know that this horse has been beaten to death around here, but Kevin Towers continues to spew out information regarding the Peavy trade to the media:

“I would say the Cubs are still in it,” Towers said. “Lou (Piniella) said they’re not in it, but their general manager says they’re in it. The Dodgers have bigger fish to fry. That’s not to say they might not circle back later in the winter. Our primary goal is to trade Peavy.” http://www.murraychass.com/?p=334

If I were a GM I wouldn’t want to deal with Towers because every bit of exchange is going to be leaked out. Either Towers is truly an idiot, or ALL of this has just been posturing to get the Braves to cave in. I’m thinking it’s a mixture of both.

I get the impression that Wren isn’t one for all these mind games being played out publicly. If he says publicly Hanson’s not available, he’s not available. If he says Escobar’s their SS in a chat, he’s their SS…until further notice.

By Random

December 1, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

McFann (et al)—

Sorry about the screwed up link — the shortcut itself contained parentheses which screwed up this page’s methodolgy of posting links.

Anyway — let me know if you still can’t find the article, and we’ll try again.

(I think the link to the AJC Archives Advanced Search page is probably all you need, though.)

BravesFanInRockies-

Thanks for the link to the arbitration article.

Did you notice, though, that at least one thing it says is at odds with what we’ve heard here previously about the 80% floor on arb salaries in reference to Smoltz and Marcus Giles?

For example, here’s Mark Bowman’s account:

“If Smoltz were to accept an arbitration offer, he would position himself to make at least 80 percent of his 2008 salary ($14 million).”

We heard the same about Giles a few years ago. (But Giles may not have been a free agent — I think the Braves released him; he did not file for free agency, IIRC.)

But the article you linked has this to say:

“The club’s salary offer to a player under its control may not be less than 80% of the player’s total compensation from the prior year, and may not be less than 70% of his compensation from 2 years earlier. These rules, however, do not apply to free agents who are offered arbitration.”

Smoltz did file for Free Agency, right?

Could it be that Bowman is — gasp — wrong?!?

Anyway, thanks again for the link.

By Efrim

December 1, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

That’s not to say they might not circle back later in the winter.

Right, later this winter, as in January 15th or something?

By Ricardo

December 1, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

DOB -

Can you (or someone else) explain how a “mutual option” works in a player contract? For example, if Jermaine Dye has a mutual option I assume both parties (he and the Sox) have to want it to be exercised in order for it to happen. If the Sox want to exercise it and he doesn’t want to he doesn’t have to, correct? (and vice-versa.) Assuming this is correct I’m not real sure that I see a lot of value in them.

By Marty

December 1, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Well, it certainly can’t be any earlier in the winter, since Winter does not start until December 21st…

By NCBravesFan

December 1, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

JoshP Per your 12:18 … if the rumors are as described (and you always wonder about specifics in these situations) … I would think it safe to say Towers IS an idiot if he’s going to try and snag Jason Marquis (even at a reduced cost) over a guy like JoJo or Charlie M.

Makes no sense at all in my book.

Towers must be trying to feel out the market, and then come back to the Braves if he doesn’t get a better offer.

By TennesseePaul

December 1, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

DCBrave: Towers said from the getgo that a third team would be necessary if dealing with the Cubs. He eyes prospects in the Braves system that he wants, and if he can’t get them, apparently he doesn’t want any thing the Braves have to offer. That to me sounds fishy. The Cubs have very little that he wants and thus need a third team.
Secondly, Towers, every now and then, says Peavy might not want to go to the Braves due to a lack of desire or a no-trade clause issue, but dismisses the Cubs own manager who says he doesn’t need Peavy and doesn’t think the team should focus on Peavy.
I don’t think Wren put the limit in “too early” as the two teams had been talking about the trade for a month.

Perhaps Peavy ends up with the Cubs. I doubt Towers will get a short stop of Yunel’s caliber in return. And I’ve seen some of the other players he supposedly “covets” from other teams. They stink. And they aren’t close to being ready. The better deal was the Braves deal. Towers got greedy and over played his hand. He assumed Wren would do anything to get Peavy. So far Wren hasn’t. This forces Towers to cook up a better deal else where and it obviously isn’t going as smoothly as he would have hoped. If the Braves don’t get Peavy, fine. I hope Towers gets swindled with whatever other trade he took.

By nolie

December 1, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Technical Question to anyone with the answer. If a team offers arbitration to a player, and he accepts. Then he is signed for 10 million for one year. Is that one year contract guaranteed, or could they just release him in spring training if they didn’t feel he was worth the $$, and they couldn’t get a trade offer for him?Wayne

It is not guaranteed, he could be cut in the spring but they would likely face hassles from the union and have to show that they think everybody else they kept was better.(pitchers for instance)

By Marty

December 1, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

DOB - It’s not my fault that they choose to call something which happens during Fall the “Winter Meetings.” The official start of Winter in the Northern Hemisphere is December 21st. I didn’t make the rules; I just make sarcastic comments based on them…

By Marty

December 1, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Just to clarify, I was making light of Towers’ comments that negotiations with the Cubs “might…circle back later in the winter,” while at the same time poking fun at the fact that people are so upset that nothing has happened on the trade front by 12/1.

By Random

December 1, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

McFann: “BTW—Pujols won the MVP!! Haha! No Fillies!!”

You might not have been so happy about Pujols if you knew what a battery killer he was. He might rank ahead of Victorino.

On 22 May this season, he hit a line drive right off the pitcher’s nose, reaching first on an “infield single”. Broke the guy’s nose — he was out for over 2 months. (Chris Young)

He advances to second on a ground out, then with two out attempts to score on a single to right field. Takes out the catcher with his slide, kills his ankle. The guy is out for over two months.

Albert Pujols — MVP & Battery Killer.

By Frank

December 1, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB,

Can I add a couple of other country songs to your list? I’m a full-blooded country fan. Country is my main most favorite kind of music to listen to with 50’s & 60’s rock and roll being #2.

Here’s my 2 songs to add to your list:

The Lord Knows I’m Drinking by Carl Smith and The Tennessee Stud by Eddy Arnold.

By McFann O –[zzz]

December 1, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Random—

Pujols did what? Good VORP…I did not know about that.

OK, I got a Q for you now: Is Javascript free? Because I did a search thingy and it wants me to “purchase a 24-hour electronic library card or a monthly account.” I’d rather not have to pay just to look at (and print out) an old article.

I really appreciate your help, BTW.

By Fred

December 1, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Kerfeld, Don’t forget about Kenny Rodgers’ situation last winter. He fired Boras after Boras tried to negotiate a contract with other teams (Rodgers only wanted to play for the Tigers).

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Ricardo, mutal option is just what it sounds like — both the player and team have to agree to exercise it. If either declines, player becomes a free agent.

By Efrim

December 1, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Marty

Probably wasn’t very funny if you had to clarify…..

Just to clarify, I am poking fun at you.

By McFann O –[zzz]

December 1, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

PS, Random—

I may not get back to you for a few hours, but like I said, I really appreciate your help.

I’m really kicking myself for not saving that article when it first came out. That article played big part in getting me hooked!

By AvidBravesFan

December 1, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

I just caught wave that the braves and astros are talking possible trades. Roy Oswalt is among them says an inside source to the astros.

By AvidBravesFan

December 1, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

The braves and astros are discussing trades as well. I just caught word from a source in the Astros organization that one of them is Roy Oswalt with the some of the same prospects the braves are offering for Peavy.

By Ryan H

December 1, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

A source insde of the astros org? Right.

By Random

December 1, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

nolie—

General Transaction Rules from BaseballForum: “A player with a non-guaranteed contract or an arbitration award may be released up until the 15th day of spring training with 30 days’ pay or from the 16th day of spring training until the opening of the season with 45 days’ pay.”

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Frank, noted. So many great ones to choose from.

By the way, got to meet the late Mr. Arnold a couple of years ago, when he came by the Braves’ clubhouse to say hi to Bobby Cox before an afternoon game.

By Random

December 1, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

nolie—

suite101.com’ How Baseball Arbitration Works: “The [three-person panel of professional arbitrators], without opinion, awards the player a one-year, non-guaranteed contract at one salary or the other. If the player is cut within 16 days before the season begins, he is entitled only to 30 days’ termination pay. If the player is cut during spring training but after the 16th day before the season begins, he is entitled only to 45 days’ termination pay.”

By nolie

December 1, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Nolie, if a player is offered arbitration and accepts, he’d get a guaranteed contract. Team couldn’t give him a non-guaranteed contract if it offered arbitrationDOB

according to the article by Rosenthal that I posted on here at 5:35 yesterday the contracts are not guaranteed, unless I am misreading it.He says that they can be cut, actually goes into the same detail that I was repeating.

By nolie

December 1, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

“A player with a non-guaranteed contract or an arbitration award may be released up until the 15th day of spring training with 30 days’ pay or from the 16th day of spring training until the opening of the season with 45 days’ pay.”Random

Thank you. I thought there was a window during which he could be released. Rosenthal stated so too Your post gives welcome added detail.

By Bravestillidie

December 1, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

DOB Out of curiousity only, have you heard the Braves mention Pedro Martinez? I’m not saying I would want him, but I was just curious if he is on their radar, and if so what they think of him as an option.

Also, how do people know the number of posts on the blog? Is there a way to get a post count without counting cause when it gets close to the magic number some denizens seem to know, but I never knew how?

By Marty

December 1, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Efrim - I had already figured out that it was apparently a poor attempt at humor. Fortunately, your sarcasm was more obvious. :)

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Nolie, sorry, I was wrong on that. Answered off the top of my head. Probably because, quite frankly, the issue hasn’t come up a single time that I can recall with any team I’ve covered in 14 years. If a team goes to arbitration with a guy, there’s not much of a chance that’s a guy they’d consider cutting at spring training. But it certainly could happen, if a player just absolutely stunk in the spring.

You’d still end up paying him a pretty hefty chunk, in most cases, just to show up and take part in spring training for a while.

Just curious: What made you think about this, what circumstances did you have in mind where this would come into play with a Braves arbitration-eligible player?

By Random

December 1, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

McEff: “Pujols did what? Good VORP…I did not know about that.”

I forgot to mention that Josh Bard was the catcher:

Bard was writhing in pain on the ground after it appeared that Pujols’ left foot caught the left leg of Bard as he slid across the plate.

Pujols felt bad about it (or so he said): ““How many times does that happen? … In one inning, two guys get hurt by one player. It was a tough night,” Pujols said. “I’m excited we got the win, but I’m kind of bummed. Hopefully they don’t lose Josh for a long time. Chris, he’s one of the best pitchers, it’s kind of bumming right now. They lose two guys. You don’t want any player to be getting hurt on the field.””

“OK, I got a Q for you now: Is Javascript free?”

I haven’t the slightest clue — but I might be able to find out.

Or more likely someone here already knows. Ask Lew — he’s the Green Mountain techo wizard.

By Hillbilly

December 1, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

You Never Even Call Me By My Name might not even crack David Allan Coe’s personal top ten on my preferred list, but I’ve been so heavy into his music for so long, that I’ve become sort of Blah when talking about his greatest hits, or “Radio Songs” as I call them. That man has so many hidden gems, it’s ridiculous. It’s a hell of a song, no doubt and probably truly one of the greatest C&W for those not burned out on it like me, but there’s so much more out there that nobody knows about, and I’m not just talking about the X-rated albums either.

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Nolie, the other part of that is, the Braves have almost never gone to arbitration with a player. They always sign them before it gets to the arbitration panel, avoiding that potential acrimony.

By Raddad

December 1, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

I thought Houston already said that Roy Oswalt was not available for trade?

By TennesseePaul

December 1, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

AvidBravesFan: I have a hard time believing that move would be made. The Astros have their problems, but Roy Oswalt’s contract and performance is not one of them.

By nolie

December 1, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Just curious: What made you think about this, what circumstances did you have in mind where this would come into play with a Braves arbitration-eligible player?DOB

I was just answering a question by Wayne, I believe it was. I had thought it was non-guaranteed and like I said, Rosenthal addressed the same thing in that article. I agree that it is very unlikely to happen and you would have to convince the union that you were not stockpiling players which is against the rules I believe. Like you I can’t remember an instance, but it is an out if a signee just absolutely stinks during ST.

By BravesFanInRockies

December 1, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Yes it is hard to imagine the Astros would want to trade Oswalt. Then again, Richard Justice at the Houston Chronicle is reporting that the Stros may have to cut payroll this year — perhaps by $20 million.

http://blogs.chron.com/sportsjustice/archives/2008/11/iftheastrosa1.html

Justice says Berkman and Oswalt are untouchable and El Caballo is untradeable. (To that, I’d say, make us an offer. Talk about your big bat in LF!)

Still, either Berkman or Oswalt could deliver a king’s ransom in a trade. And the Braves surely have the affordable pieces and prospects to make a deal work.

By Random

December 1, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

McEff—

For javascript, maybe try here — brothersoft’s JavaScript 2.1 or here — freedownloadscenter’s JavaScript 2.1 download page.

(Couldn’t test them myself, as I’m not at my own compueter. Shhhhh.)

Plus, I know squat about downloading software — I make do with primitive spreadsheets and WP.

(I simply googled “free javascript” and got 41.3 million results. You can try there again if neither of these two does the trick.)

Bravestillidie: “Also, how do people know the number of posts on the blog?”

*Permalink | Comments (561) | Post your comment | * appears smack dab between the superfluous song and the “first?” comment of each blog.

(Looney Toon? Merry Melody? Silly Symphony?)

By f.n. hale

December 1, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

McFann I have seen Bald Eagles twice in the last 2 years in south Fayette County. Once flying over the reservoir. I almost wrecked my car looking at it. I couldn’t believe that is what it is, but did some research and apparently they are seen around here on occasion, I think while passing through. The other time was last December from my front porch. I’m in the country and there are a lot of lakes and ponds in the area. One circled several times getting lower each time and went into a swampy area across the road from my house. I was having some remodeling done and pointed it out the the contractor who promptly said “Hell, it’s Friday and the eagle always flies on Friday”. Great line on the spur of the moment, I thought. Also of interest to me, there is a cell phone tower about a quarter mile from my house and Vultures have been roosting there all summer and even now. I have counted more than 40 there at one time and last week 31 of them flew over my house one morning while I was walking a couple of my dogs. They’re kinda creepy but beautiful in flight.

DOB I think the greatest country song ever written (IMHO) is “I Never Go Around Mirrors” by Lefty Frizell. I too am a fan of good country, but can’t listen to the crap on the radio. I did go out and buy the Joe Nichols CD you recommended last year and it was quite good, especially the Blaze Foley tune.

Lew what is your website? You guys have peaked my interest.

By Bravestillidie

December 1, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Random Thanks, and to think all this time I’ve been overlooking it. I feel like a stooge, but if you never ask, you never know right? Even if others think you are an idiot…(I hope not..lol)

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

f.n. hale, you should try Dale Watson, a trad-country guy like Yoakam, but with a little harder edge. He’s got a greatest -hits CD if you don’t have any of his stuff (called Essential Dale Watson), but I love the Whiskey Or God CD from a couple years back, or 2007’s From the Cradle to the Grave, or The Little Darlin’ Sessions.

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Bravestillidie: Regarding Pedro Martinez, no I’ve not heard his name mentioned by Braves people. Nor would I expect to. They’re trying to get reliable, durable veteran or two to lead the kids like Jurrjens, to be the bell cows of the rotation. Can’t have a guy lead the rotation when he’s on his last legs and might be on and off the DL all season.

By nolie

December 1, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

December 1, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Nolie, the other part of that is, the Braves have almost never gone to arbitration with a playerDOB

that’s certainly true lately, ever since Maddox blind-sided them, causing them to trade Millwood. Before that they did go to arb a fair number of times. Personally I think they have over-reacted to that Mad Dog agreement. They refused to offer either Sheff or Drew arb even though there was almost no chance that they would accept, in fact they were already strongly linked in the press with other teams and long term contracts Thus needlessly(IMO) costing us any return on either of those A level free agents. As I said to Random last night, and you stated too, no need to offer it to Ohman since he represents no possible return if he leaves. I hope I’m wrong about them being too cheap to sign him.

By Bravestillidie

December 1, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

DOB I concur. I was just curious if they had thought about him as an add on later if they fill the top two spots and couldnt get Hampton to sign, perhaps Randy Johnson or Pedro would be worth the similar gamble Hampton might have gotten. I know Hampton has proven himself towards the end of the season, but Pedro and Randy would all fall in the same category I’m guessing.

By nolie

December 1, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

OK, I can’t believe that there is any chance that Ricky Henderson will not get into the HOF on his first try this season, so the question is, can Rice get in on his last chance year?

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

We’ll get a new blog up tomorrow, figured I’d wait to see who’s not offered arbitration by other teams before tonight’s deadline, etc., so we have something new to discuss.

So while I sit here freezing, waiting for the gas company to come out and restore my service (apparently there was a leak and they had to dig up a portion of my yard to get to it this morning, but they didn’t bother to do whatever it is they say they’ve got to do to restore the service, or re-light the pilot light when they left, something I’m not real comfortable doing on this old furnace that was already in this old house when i bought it), I’m listening to this just-released Doors Live at the Matrix double-CD, after a buddy burned me a copy. I was skeptical of what it could possibly provide that I hadn’t heard before of Jim and the boys, but it’s actually quite good.

By Nocturnal Owl

December 1, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

..And here we are in December! I’m ready for baseball fireworks presented by Frank Wren.

We finished 20 games out of first place last year. I don’t care what anybody says, but Peavy is NOT making up that difference by himself. Especially if Escobar is going the other way N8

I just hate looking at our team this way. That number 20 could have been 10 very easily. I think its misleading since we dealt with a rash of injuries that hasn’t been seen in a long time. We broke the all time baseball record for those close games. Last season’s results(games back) should not factor in the decisions during this offseason. We have our good core players and we just need to acquire the right guys. Lets play the best we can until our young guns blossom. There shouldn’t be so much pressure for the future baby Braves when they arrive if we can compete. Using Chipper Jones as an example, he just slid in with a good team in 1995. We need to head into the right direction as soon as possible. As all Braves fans, we just cannot witness another season like 08. As far as Escobar, it sounds like he’s traded no matter what. Probably not a happy camper right now with his name floating around…..

By Salamander

December 1, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Hampton to the Astros already?

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3737502

By Kevin

December 1, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

I just read on the front of ESPN.com that Mike Hampton is going to sign with the Astros. I thought he was at least going to give us a chance to match an offer. This kind of bums me out.

By brooklynbrave

December 1, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

another domino falls- astros sign mike hampton?

By RC

December 1, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

ESPN is reporting that Mike Hampton has reached an agreement with the Astros.

By Islander71

December 1, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

according to MLB Traderumors a station out of Houston is reporting a Mike Hampton siging by the Astros pending physical.

DOB does the organization contact you when a free agent of the team signs elsewhere?

By nolie

December 1, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Hawaii Winter Baseball Top 20 Prospects List

Posted Dec. 1, 2008 12:02 pm by John Manuel Filed under: Winter Ball

Baseball America subscribers can read full scouting reports on the Top 20 Prospects in the Hawaii Winter Baseball league, but here is the list of the top 20 prospects from the league, as compiled by John Manuel after talking to scouts and HWB managers. Have your own opinions about the list? You can chat with John about it at 3 p.m. on Dec. 1, or leave comments here on the blog.

1. Buster Posey, c, Waikiki BeachBoys (Giants)

2. Andrew Brackman, rhp, Waikiki BeachBoys (Yankees)

3. Yonder Alonso, 1b, Waikiki BeachBoys (Reds)

4. Dominic Brown, of, Honolulu Sharks (Phillies)

5. Kyle Drabek, rhp, Honolulu Sharks (Phillies)

6. Jason Castro, c, North Shore Honu (Astros)

7. Todd Frazier, if/of, Waikiki BeachBoys (Reds)

8. Jeremy Bleich, lhp, Waikiki BeachBoys (Yankees)

9. Michael Taylor, of, Honolulu Sharks (Phillies)

10. Roger Kieschnick, of, Waikiki BeachBoys (Giants)

11. Chris Carter, 1b, North Shore (Athletics).

12. Caleb Gindl, of, West Oahu (Brewers).

13. Brad Emaus, 2b/3b, Honolulu (Blue Jays).

14. Jonny Venters, lhp, Honolulu (Braves).

15. Kyle Martin, ss/3b, North Shore (Royals).

16. Ryan Kalish, of, North Shore (Red Sox).

17. Mark Hallberg, 2b, West Oahu (Diamondbacks).

18. Javy Guerra, rhp, Waikiki (Dodgers).

19. Kyle Bloom, lhp, West Oahu (Pirates).

20. Tony Cruz, c/3b, Honolulu (Sharks)

By Efrim

December 1, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Astros reach agreement with Mike Hampton?

Considering that every rumor this offseason has ended up false, I’ll wait to see the quotes from the GM. Anyway, here is the link:

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/myfox/pages/Sports/Detail?contentId=7978720&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=6.1.1

By Matt

December 1, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

DOB: ESPN has Hampton agreeing with a contract to go to be a Houston Astros.

You heard anything about that?

By Mark

December 1, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Hampton signs with Astros.

By Mark

December 1, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

(http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3737502)

The first shoe drops.

By chuckw/deadjournalist

December 1, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

nolie -

yes on henderson.

as for rice, he’s so close i’d think he’ll get the nudge of support to get over the hump. although i’d rather see blyleven go in between he and rice.

while i don’t think he’ll get in this year (or next) i hope dawson get’s a push as he an raines are undervalued.

By TennesseePaul

December 1, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

That number 20 could have been 10 very easily

And of course the record in 1-run losses. Many of them ruined by a bad bull pen, which should be improved next season with Gonzo, Soriano and Moylan. Which makes me think…

DOB: Any chance the Braves approach Gonzo with a multi-year deal?

By JohnG

December 1, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Mike Hampton to the Astros…..what a F*&%#$@ A HOLE! He was supposed to let us match any offer. What a lying sack of crap! I hope his arm falls off and he NEVER pitches again. God that burns me. That man OWES us!

By DAP

December 1, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

astros sign mike hampton

honestly, this bums me out. i was hoping to bring mike hampton back to help solidify the rotation. a guy like mike would bring more value than what he would cost, probably. sigh. i hope wren does something positive soon.

By stamper

December 1, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

hampton to the astros, eh? that is just…fantastic.

By Bruce's Pearl

December 1, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

I would like to be the first to thank Mike Hampton for all the good year.Thanks Mike!

By TennesseePaul

December 1, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

And another one bites the dust…

Dempster (Cubs)
Tazawa (Red Sox)
Hampton (Astros)

By Random

December 1, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

MLB.com is reporting the same thing — they did not source it to ESPN (“MLB.com has learned”, so we can perhaps take it as verification?

“Hampton, 36, will be in Houston either Monday or Tuesday to take the physical, which is usually the final step before a team and player finalize a deal. An announcement confirming an agreement between the free agent and the Astros could arrive sometime on Tuesday, assuming Hampton passes.”

By Bubdylan

December 1, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Adios Hampton. Thanks for the….

By Random

December 1, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

MLB Trade Rumors sources the Hampton signing to Fox 26 Sports in Houston.

By brent a.

December 1, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Stark on Furcal

Hey, I may have actually been onto something (sort of) last week.

Stark writes in this column that Furcal likely won’t sign until at least the winter meetings. He speculates that maybe, just maybe, Furcal is willing to wait and see if the Braves end up trading Escobar (for Peavy), before he makes a decision on where to sign.

Now, that doesn’t man that impactodeportivo was right in noting that the Braves had offered Furcal 4 years, $52 million; however, if Furcal really is willing to wait, you’d think he’d want to have some sense of what the Braves would offer him, to be willing to delay signing with a West coast team.

By Random

December 1, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

ESPN’s source (KRIV-TV in Houston) is the same as MLBTR’s (FOX 26 Sports in Houston).

By Ron in mobile

December 1, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

If this Hampton story is true it is certainly my happiest day of the offseason thus far.

I realize there are some on the blog who want him back. This logic almost makes my head explode. This guy is just as likely not to throw a single pitch is he is to win 20. Who knows and who cares…lets rejoice.

Plus in spring training when made that crack about not being able to reach somthing in his locker so he would just stand on his wallett(or somthing very close to that) made me furious. Sorry but i just dont have any sense of humor when it comes to that guy hamstrining the club. The only thing that would heve made that story cool were if Chipper were nearby. So he could walk up goin HAHAHAHA and the just beat the little jerk senseless

Sigh…im ok now

By Wendell Gee

December 1, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Just sayin’, but maybe Hampton and his agent did come back to the Braves, and the Braves didn’t match. Just sayin’.

By Random

December 1, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

MLB.com’s story on Hampton looks fairly different from ESPN’s and MLBTR’s (which are remarkably similar) — maybe they have a different source.

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately, could see that writing on the wall since learning from his agent that Hampton was looking for a team closer to his new home Arizona, and the D-backs weren’t interested. (That, plus Hampton’s comment to a Houston writer after the season finale there, when he said he hoped they could work something out with the Astros. But he said the same thing to us Braves writers, so you weren’t sure at that point what to think. Only later did I find out about the pending divorce and the kids being in Arizona, etc.)

I say unfortunate because Hampton was a really good dude to have around, and I think he’d have been perfect in one of the back two spots in the rotation.

But you know what? If this opens a spot sooner for Mr. Hanson, then I think it could end up being a blessing in disguise for the Braves.

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

DOB does the organization contact you when a free agent of the team signs elsewhere?Islander71

No.

By Efrim

December 1, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

brent a.

It’s a good sign. The only guy I feel comfortable signing to replace Escobar is Furcal. Although I worry what that would do in regards to filling our other holes - Left Field, Starting pitcher, LH reliever. But the Braves would still have money to work with.

By woogidy

December 1, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

To you folks who enjoy Akon, I’m listening to his new album “Freedom” that comes out tomorrow. It’s fantastic.

Hampton. You people crack me up. Release him! We should have signed him! FW needs to move now!!! Relax people. This team will be ok. He’ll make some moves by opening day. Let it develop.

By brent a.

December 1, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

We’re just lucky Hampton didn’t file a worker’s compensation suit against us on the way out the door.

By mcschoen

December 1, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Big Deal…He’ll be hurt before the end of spring training!!! Let someone else waste their money.

By Wendell Gee

December 1, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Do you know if the Braves were given a shot to match Hampton’s offer from the ‘Stros?

By Don't Trade Franceour, Sheesh

December 1, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

The Braves couldn’t match an offer of 1-year at $2 million for Mikey Hampton?

Are they planning on throwing $30 million a year at C.C.?

Has Liberty Media taken a huge hit on Wall Street?

Is Frank Wren in a coma?

Can Furcal pitch…?

By flange1

December 1, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Afternoon all,

Back from a long trip!

See I missed some interesting REM thoughts on previous blogs! Enjoyed reading everyone’s thoughts.

On Hampton, I am sorry to see him sign in Houston. I thought he would be a great 1 year guy to get to Hanson.

I guess I am seeing the Braves with JJJ, Morton and Hanson as 3,4, and 5 right now.

I agree with Efrim, that Furcal is the guy I would want if Yunel is traded.

I am wondering now if the Braves might have to trade Yunel to get a 1 or 2.

Gotta hope they can grab AJ. They will have to overpay and I bet FW knows that. I am not so sure that they shouldn’t knock AJ’s socks off with an offer and fill one of the holes that need to be filled ASAP.

By kris

December 1, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Good luck to Hampton. His kids have to be number one, especially since there is a divorce. Having been through one myself, I will cut him some slack on this one.

By ryan c

December 1, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

hampton gone? good riddance. i really couldnt take any more from the guy. money not spent is more for our 2 top of the rotation starters. get it done, frank.

a rotation with jurrjens, campillo, and hanson as 3, 4, and 5 is better than a rotation of jurrjens, campillo, hampton, and hanson as 2, 3, 4, and 5. we saw what 3 of those 4 could do in a rotation together with hilarious results. hopefully, this news solidifies that we are indeed looking for 2 top of the rotation guys.

my solution: bring back furcal, trade escobar and company for peavy, and sign aj burnett. put kj back in left field (he has never been even an average defensive 2nd baseman), and move prado to 2nd. it doesnt provide much power, but a lineup of: furcal kj chipper mccann kotchman schafer prado francoeur

with a rotation of: peavy burnett jurrjens campillo hanson (do we really need a left hander?)

and a bullpen of: gonzalez soriano loogy acosta boyer filler/spot starter (morton/reyes/bennett)

and a bench of: norton infante diaz lillibridge blanco/anderson flowers (i would love for the braves to think about moving this guy to 1st, or think about doing a 1st base/catcher platoon with mccann)

pretty solid

it doesnt increase the power issue, but it does give us what we have needed for years: a chance to win every game. welcome back to the 90’s braves, with dominant pitching and adequate hitting.

By KC

December 1, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Well, if being closer to his kids is TRULY the overwhelming majority of his motivation for leaving ATL, then I can understand that. Aside from that, I would think him human excrement for not rewarding the Braves’ patience by sticking around.

By RC

December 1, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry so much about the Hampton thing. All the stories say he’s signed with Houston “pending physical”. Once the doctor discovers that Hampton’s limbs are made of glass and attached with Elmer’s glue, the Astros may void the offer and leave him free to return to Atlanta!

By beachcomber

December 1, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Had hoped Hampton would be back with us - felt we owed us that. But throw in the family thing that DOB mentioned and a guy has to put those sort of things first.

It’s not like we’re losing a 20-game winner, but unlike the majority here, I admired his grit in battling through the myriad of injuries.

By rainman

December 1, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

i say the braves give bradley a deal like the one la gave andruw. if not him then dunn. if we can get the peavy-furcal deal done we would be set with a low deal to byrd or a one year deal to garland or penny. with peavy, jj, hanson and campy or bennet and a lineup of furcal, kj, chipper, bradley, mccann, frenchy, kotchman and schefer.

By Renegator

December 1, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Hampton: what a scumbag. I hope he gets hurt again and sits on Houston’s bench all next year collecting their money.

One more pitcher down - still nothing from the Braves. Gonna be a long off-season if this keeps up.

By Lew

December 1, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

fn hale- The website is LewHartman.com

By jukeandjive

December 1, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

I think Furcal can throw mid 90’s. Let’s sign him to pitch! Ha Ha!

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

For those acting like there’s been a flurry of moves: That makes it a grand total of two free agents who’ve switched teams so far this offseason: Hampton and Jeremy Affeldt.

By KC

December 1, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Don’t Trade Franceour, Sheesh: I don’t think Hampton’s decision was a financial one.

And I’d bet the rent money that the Braves were willing to offer a contract that would have been competitive with any other offered Hampton.

By Nocturnal Owl

December 1, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

it’s a one-year, $2MM deal with another $2MM in appearance-based incentives.

Guess Wren didn’t want to risk 4M max for Hampton. Are we saving the cash for Peavy n Furcal?

By Voice from the past

December 1, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

With Houston in cost-cutting mode, and now having signed Hampton, does this mean they are no longer in the hunt for Wolf? I’d rather have Wolf than Hampton…

By Steve from OH

December 1, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

Hey, if Hammy wants to be closer to the kids, you gotta cut the guy some slack. Hell, I’d probably think less of him if he took more money to come to Atlanta at the expense of time with his kids.

By richbrave

December 1, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

FINALLY, December 1. The haze is thinning - slightly.

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

By the way, for those keeping score at home: The Braves paid Hampton $48.5 million over six years (minus insurance payments), and for that they got: 85 starts, 35-24 record with 4.10 ERA, 262 strikeouts in 509-2/3 innings.

That works out to $570,588 per start, or just under $1.39 mill per win, or $95,160 per inning.

By DAP

December 1, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

i doubt that the braves wouldnt match a 1 year $2mil contract with $2mil more in incentives. oh well.

as one fellow blogger above put it…thats 2 more million we can pay an ace.

By crap-wheelie

December 1, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

DOB has a point about only two FA signings so far. But I’m still very worried. If we don’t get Peavy, I think we’re facing a very bleak 2009. We can’t afford anybody else other than maybe Sheets. Burnett will sign with a big market team or back with the Jays. Sabathia goes to Yanks or Angels. Lowe is really not that great, and he won’t be coming here. Even Tazawa told us to take a hike. Halladay isn’t on the market.

We need at least one power pitcher to come in and be our ace. I will throw stuff if we sign some finesse changeup guy with a mid-80s fastball. The difference between a decent season and an outstanding system is the ability to K power hitters and leadoff men. We need a horse who can eat innings and K guys, otherwise, we might as well save our money for 2010.

By Thanks Mike

December 1, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

So Hampton felt a bit of loyalty to the Braves for sticking with him during his “tough times?” He signed with the Astros for 2 mil. (Per Ken Rosenthal)

Thanks Mike for being so loyal! I’m sure the Braves weren’t going to insult you by offering the major league minimum, yet you signed for a paltry 2 mil!

The dollar amount astounds me! Had he signed for 6 or 8 mil somewhere, I might understand…but signing for 2 mil?

Where the hell is the loyalty there?

Thats one “fall back” plan for the rotation that isn’t going to happen this year if the Bravos can’t sign guys for the rotation.

Mike Hampton. Slacker. Jerk!

By JC from UT

December 1, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

If the Peavy trade does not happen what are the other trade scenerios involoving Escobar? Who else is interesred and what are they offering? Does anyone have any ideas?

By thewyzyrd

December 1, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

ESPN: Gammons says Stark says that the Braves are talking Escobar with the Cardinals.

By Braveheart

December 1, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Hampton’s decision was a financial one

Yeah, kind of like when he said he was going to Denver because the school system in Denver was better than in New York ……

$120 mil couldn’t buy him a nice private school in New York for his kids or a house in a nice Westchester, Jersey, Long Island or Connecticut town with lots of rich folks paying lots of taxes so that they can have a good local public school system …..

maybe it really is about his family this time around but you have to roll your eyes and laugh at the claim after how ridiculous he sounded the last time around

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

i say the braves give bradley a deal like the one la gave andruw. if not him then dunnRainman

Let me see if I’m understanding your correction: You want to give a two-year, $36.2 million contract to Milton Bradley?

That’s a good one. Hysterical.

What’s that? You were being serious?

By Jersey Gil

December 1, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

DOB Any News on Anthony Lerew, he was playing with the Arecibo Wolf in the Winter Ball League in Puerto Rico, the Stats Show only 2 Games 9 Inning. It he Injure Again?…He Didn’t show in the Box Score the last Three Week.

By Dan

December 1, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

DOB

Question about Furcal. IF Furcal appears ready to sign elswhere, does this provide some encouragement for the Braves to move forward with trades?

Point being, they dont want all their top SS targets to sign elsewhere, and then deciding to trade Yunnel or KJ. Clearly, there is interest in both sides, but the timing could be a problem.

By Marty

December 1, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

I say that the Braves stay away from troublemakers with a habit of getting injured, like Bradley, and from guys who can’t hit for contact or field, like Dunn.

By A FAN

December 1, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

X-MAS comes early this year on this great DEC. 1 afternoon. to the people on here upset about Liberty not matching the offer need to look at the mans stats from 2006 until mid 2008. ohh yea he was the same injury prone guy who didnt make any starts in that time. i mean seriously all who want him will be soo happy when in early march he gets a hang nail and is out until june. we forget to look at who is really happy by the signing of hampton to the ASTROS. the insurance company that had to cover parts of that ridiculous contract. if you listen quietly you can hear the employees excited that their christmas bonuses might be more than gift certificate to COSTCO’S. good bye mike and good riddance

By Lew

December 1, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Y’all are upset that Hampton is gone. Why? Did you really expect him to be healthy all season or anythng more than a fair bottom of rotation starter?

By MWC

December 1, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Mike Hampton is a no good ingreat A hole and i hopes he snaps a arm on his first pitch. Greedy Bastar$

By Marty

December 1, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

Man, it’s hard to tell what will cause the blog to crash first — the number of posts or the venom being spewed within them…

By Nocturnal Owl

December 1, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Talking to Cards?

How about Wainwright n Ludwick for Yunel,Morton, and small prospect?

By stamper

December 1, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

i honestly have ZERO idea what to expect next year.

here’s my concern… we are only certain of 3 players coming to camp next year: McCann, Jurrjens and Chipper… 4, if you want to include Kotchman (however, i feel we’d trade him as well if someone came along with a decent enough offer)

and while i know most of the rest will be back… it doesn’t instill a lot of confidence with all these rumors. do we really have 22 players that are potentially ‘available’ if the price is right?

Escobar, Johnson, Francoeur, and most of our pitchers have all been discussed in various rumors already.

How is it possible to remain objective right now, when it seems the club would be potentially interested in moving 80% of our active roster? (obviously i don’t mean simultaneously…)

obviously a rumor is just a rumor… however, based on various credible sources i’ve come across, it appears only just the 3 or 4 players listed above seem ‘safe’

not sure what to make of that.

By Efrim

December 1, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

I’m really not all that upset about Mike Hampton. The guy wants to be closer to his kids, he is going through a rough divorce, I understand all of that. He probably would of signed with the D-Backs, if they were interested. They weren’t, so he took the next closest team that was interested.

I would still like to get a back of the rotation option not named Campillo, Hanson, Morton, Reyes. Be nice to have another veteran in the mix.

By BravesFanInRockies

December 1, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

Lew,

IMO, Hampton would be worth $2 mm or even $4 mm to the Braves if he stayed healthy all year.

That’s a big if, of course, so I’m not really upset about it.

Don’t know what he’ll be worth to the Astros, pitching in that band-box, healthy or not …

By Nocturnal Owl

December 1, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

He probably would of signed with the D-Backs, if they were interested. They weren’t, so he took the next closest team that was interested Efrim

I don’t buy that closer to kids excuse.I can see Arizona but Houston? What that flight will take hour and half less? Ya

By Badmoon

December 1, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

Hate to see Hampton go, especially if we could have gotten him for the 2mil… oh well…

He is as fragile as a peep in a microwave, so see ya.

I do however like the fact that this most likely opens a spot for Morton from day one.

and on a side note, I think the Braves will let Flowers hang out in the minors for the year and bring him up in September barring injuries and see what happens being a DH/Utility guy.

By Nate

December 1, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

I know there’s some big Matt Diaz fans on this board, but i really gotta wonder where the Braves plan to use him next year. The Braves have to upgrade in left field which sends him to the bench, but he’s not a good enough fielder to be a fourth outfielder. He doesn’t really play another position. He’s on the wrong side of 30, and not likely to get any better. And to top all this off he’s coming off and injury and has no trade value. I know his numbers at the plate are okay, but he’s obviously not the answer in left field. So just where is he gonna fit in next year?

By f.n. hale

December 1, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

DOB any kin to Gene or Doc? Hadn’t heard of him but will check it out. I like a lot of Yoakum, at least the early stuff. Man I can’t get his character from Slingblade out of my head when I think of that dude. Great role.

Lew Thanks, I’ll check it out.

Anyone here familiar with a USB turntable that will convert vinyl to MP3’s? Just saw an ad for $199.00. Never seen one so I have no idea if that is a good price and if it’s even worth pursuing.

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Well, folks, in this particular case, the Hampton situation, I can tell you the Braves actually offered MORE money than he’s getting from Houston.

And that’s not coming from anybody with the Braves, who have not acknowledged that they’re not getting Hampton (they can’t really do that, since the Astros are not going to announce this thing until Wednesday, after he takes a physical tomorrow.)

Someone who knows the details told me he took less because Houston’s closer proximity to his kids in Arizona and Hampton spent six-plus in the Astros organization (minors and majors) and has a lot of friends like Biggio and Bagwell who still live there (actually I think Bags has a position in the organization now.)

By Wayne

December 1, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Does the Hampton signing mean that Wolf might be a target? I think Hampton at 2 million is a better bet than Wolfe at 7-8 million? (is that his range?)

I always liked Hampton. Too many here were too critical of a guy who was legitimately injured. How many surgeries was it, 3-4?

DOB I thought you were a fearless man! Afraid of a little pilot light??

:-)

By Wayne

December 1, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

That whole closer to the kids thing is not as relative of an issue in these days of non-stop flights. Also, the small park is going to be a challenge for Mike.

The only bright side I can see if that maybe this states that the Braves think Glavine might be a better bet to perform in 2009 that Hampton, OR that they think Hanson might be ready out of the spring, or very shortly thereafter.

Where is the best site that tracks all the arbitration offers or non-offers?

By Ron Roberts

December 1, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

!. Did Mike Hampton give the Braves’ a chance ot match any offer he’d gotten form anybody else before taking it?

1. Would that have been too much to ask, if not? lol.

I wish him well, but I certainly hope he gave the Braves every chance to match anybody elses offer. The team basically bankrolled him and his rehab for nearly two years.

By david

December 1, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

if hampton wins ten games he`ll have to win every game he starts

By Tomas

December 1, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe Hampton signed so quickly. I wonder how much did the Braves offer? I thought he could may 3 million + another 3 million in incentives with all the interest shown in him. He wanted houston, it

He had it pretty clear he wasn’t going to sign with Atlanta, unless they offered the most money. Everything he said about this team is been good to me, blablabla, is a bunch of bull.

Wren you better sign Will Ohman, and Greg Norton at least.

Now please sign Aj Burnett, trade for Peavy, and sign Furcal. Will that be possible?

By Saltywoody

December 1, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

According to FOX 26 Sports in Houston, the Astros signed pitcher Mike Hampton today. He needs to complete a physical to make it official. Hampton pitched for the Astros from 1994-99 before he was traded to the Mets.

So…the Astros didn’t really sign Hampton, then?

Complete a physical? Is that anything like throwing a baseball? Because, if so, Hampton’s screwed.

By Chipper 4 MVP

December 1, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

The Braves will ship Escobar to the Cardinals for Ludwick. And they will sign Furcal within 3 days of that!! That will give up speed at the top and power in the middle, i like it. Esp if Ludwick can produce like last year!!

By Tomas

December 1, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

I think Hampton will get hammered in minute maid. That left field, will be a nightmare specially for him who gives up a lot of homers.

I knew he wanted houston, or Arizona(but d-backs didn’t want him) no matter what to be close to his kids.

By MattyRoss (trying to remain optimistic)

December 1, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

From what it sounds like given DOB’s knowledge of the contract offer, the Braves not getting Hampton wasn’t their choice at all. Whether or not it translates to Hanson coming into the rotation out of spring, I don’t think we can view Hampton to the Astros as a vote of confidence for the Braves’ internal options for the 4 and 5 spots. Or the 1 and 2 spots. This is a blow. Whether we can temper it with some solid moves remains to be seen. Right now I think we’re going with:

Pray for rain, Pray for rain, Jurrjens, Pray for rain, Pray for rain.

Doesn’t quite have the same ring to it…

By Tomas

December 1, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Saltywoody good one

By Ebravesluvr

December 1, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

I’ve been Mike Hampton’s biggest supporter since he went down. I stuck up for him when everyone else was down on him and I gotta tell ya….this hurts me. I wanted him back, badly :-(

By Kentavo

December 1, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Hampton better have everything taped up and stitched together for that physical.

To quote Fletch,''mooooooooooon river.”

By Patrick

December 1, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Every year of losing that goes by the Braves are becoming more and more of a middle of the road team where free agents don’t want to go.

That’s TWO free agents now that they’ve been turned down by but yet the team they were turned down for offered them LESS MONEY!!!

By Tomas

December 1, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

I have to wonder that if Hampton signed to a one yr deal worth 2 million + 2million in incentives, Smoltz, and Glavine should have similar deals if not less money.

By Tomas

December 1, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

MattyRoss, funny post jajaja……

By Anders

December 1, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

Well, folks, in this particular case, the Hampton situation, I can tell you the Braves actually offered MORE money than he’s getting from Houston.

Wow… Now even money won’t get guys to sign with the Braves. My, my how things have changed for the once mighty Brave organization.

Maybe, just maybe, the lure of Cox and the Braves organization ain’t what it used to be? - Just sayin.

Someone who knows the details told me he took less because Houston’s closer proximity to his kids in Arizona and Hampton spent nine years in the Astros organization (minors and majors) and has a lot of friends like Biggio and Bagwell who still live there (actually I think Bags has a position in the organization now.)

Yeah, because Hampton’s been such a stand up guy about his reasons for leaving town in the past. One teams school system’s is another team’s flight times. Imo Hampton figures the Braves are most likely a couple of years away at best so he bolted.

How do you think the news of the Braves willingness to pay more than market for Hampton will play with the FA’s out there? I’m sure Darth Boras noted it should the Braves become desperate enough to come calling on Ollie.

By NO PEAVY, TAZAWA OR HAMPTON

December 1, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Good job Mr.Wren. Keep up he great work, I’m rooting for ya!

NOT!

By Lew

December 1, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

fn hale-I think the one I saw at the New Hampshire record store I frequent was $99, but since I don’t have any vinyl, I might not have paid close attention to it, though. Might be worth checking out to see if you could find a better price.

By Tomas

December 1, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Murray Chass snagged a good quote from Padres GM Kevin Towers regarding the Jake Peavy trade talks:

“I would say the Cubs are still in it. Lou said they’re not in it, but their general manager says they’re in it. The Dodgers have bigger fish to fry. That’s not to say they might not circle back later in the winter. Our primary goal is to trade Peavy.”

Just trade him to the Braves and stop winning god dammet.

By Lew

December 1, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

As much as I really don’t care that Hampton is gone, I do believe him about wanting to get closer to his kids. I’m thinking he could have gotten a contract for a good bit more than that if he had waited. There will be some desperate teams out there when it gets closer to Spring Training and they’re still looking for pitching. I’m hoping that the Braves will not be one of those teams.

By Efrim

December 1, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

The Braves will ship Escobar to the Cardinals for Ludwick. And they will sign Furcal within 3 days of that!! That will give up speed at the top and power in the middle, i like it. Esp if Ludwick can produce like last year!!

That isn’t a good baseball trade. In fact, I’m not so sure Kelly Johnson for Ryan Ludwick is a good baseball trade.

By Generic blogger

December 1, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Resigning Hampton will end up being a huge mistake. I’m so sick of the Braves with their washed-up forty year-old pitchers…what’s that? Hampton’s leaving for Houston?

Mike Hampton, what a dirtbag. Hampton OWED the Braves…

this offseason has been a huge failure. Atlanta will never compete again!

By Original Jon

December 1, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

Patrick Who are you talking about?? Hampton went to Houston to be closer to his family, if you have ever been married and then been divorced and there are kids in the equation, its a no brainer to try and do everything you can to be closer to home, and Houston was the only team close enough offering him any real money. Sure, if the Braves were the the only team offering a contract, I am sure he would have signed, but the man is going through some hard times right now and needs to be closer to home, cant fault him for taking less to be with kids so THEY have piece of mind, and not Hampton. But who is this other person that turned down less money to play with another team, Tazawa?? Big fricking deal dude. The guy is young and wants to be in an organization where he is familiar with one of the star players from his country, cant fault him for wanting to be comfortable, can you?

By Roman Gal

December 1, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

Lew I have seen a moose up close. When I was in Wyoming we almost ran into one on the way to yellowstone. But never underestimate the power of little people (or deer, in this instance.)

Oh, and it did (kinda) snow here today. At least I think it did. There was white stuff falling from the sky anyhow.

By Bo

December 1, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

Congrats to Hampton, he don’t need the money. He does need his kids and thats more important than money. Been there and done that after honey split. Best of luck MH with Astros.

Braves fans we all want Wren to make a big move. Its like DOB said, its still early not even winter meeting and be sure FW knows what he has to do. Still fun to guess….Does it seem like noboby wants to play for Braves anymore?

By Tomas

December 1, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

I think Sheets might agree to arbritation 13-14 million.

By BA

December 1, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

anders, you’re a bona-fide genius.

By your reasoning, I guess people are hesitant to sign with the (anti)resurgent Mutts!

Must be all of that late season bed-wetting that’s kept the Mutts from signing Sabathia, Teixeira, K-Rod, and Burnett!

Maybe those players just realize the Mutts are a couple of years away from being capable of holding off the Phillys (or any team in the division that isn’t scared s*less every September).

I wonder what the highlights of those late-season choke-job Mutt losses will look like with a new, shiny toilet bowl stadium back-drop…

By Steve from OH

December 1, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

That isn’t a good baseball trade. In fact, I’m not so sure Kelly Johnson for Ryan Ludwick is a good baseball trade.

Join the club, bro, we meet on Tuesdays.

By Philliesuk

December 1, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Hampton…see ya. Thanks, but no thanks. I know his kids have to come first, but it’s not like he’s signing with Arizona. I expected he would at least consider the Braves, considering that he had such a negative impact on our team in the past non-playoff years. Good riddance.

Now on to the Cardinals trade. PLEASE tell me that we would not trade Escobar for Ludwick. I know that’s just someone above speculating, but that would not solve our problems in any way, shape, or form. We need a consistent, proven power hitter. Actually, we need two of them. Last year, even when we had Tex, we still had a lack of power on our team (because of our weak outfield). Trading Tex for Kotchman made us an even LESS powerful team, so in my opinion, we need to somehow pick up two power bats. That ain’t gonna happen. If we could get a guy like Magglio Ordonez, that would be a good start. Regardless, our team has a SERIOUS power deficiency, unlike any that we’ve seen in 20 years on this team. Unfortunately, I think guys like Diaz and Kotchman should be replaced with more productive bats. Don’t get me wrong; I like Matt Diaz, but we have enough slap hitters on this team. He also made Francoeur look like Stan Musial last year. The guy was LOST at the plate.

And finally, though we have a need for a #1 and #2 starter, we just need to get one this off-season. I have been back-and-forth about it, but the more I think about it, the more I think that the trade for Peavy should happen. The Braves will NEVER have the money to sign a #1 starter as a free agent, so this is our opportunity to get one. If we were the Yankess, Red Sox, or Mets, I wouldn’t make the trade. Unfortunately, since we are the Liberty Media Braves, we should probably make the trade.

So we need a #1 starter, #2 starter, clean-up hitter, and a bona-fide lead-off hitter. Getting Peavy and Furcal would at least solve two of those needs. If we could somehow get Adam Dunn too, then we would be on our way. When Hudson returns, he would then be our #2 starter. The problem then is: Who would be a left-handed starter in our rotation?

By NickC

December 1, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

If Escobar went to the Cards, more than Ludwick would come back.

By Bubdylan

December 1, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

Just trade him to the Braves and stop winning Tomas

I’m sure that’s what he’s worried about. :)

By TennesseePaul

December 1, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

Efrim: I’m not so sure Kelly Johnson for Ryan Ludwick is a good baseball trade.

I heard that! I know some people love him and think he’ll hit 35+ every year until he dies, but I don’t see it happening. And apparently the Cardinals don’t either. A deal for Ludwick could stink as bad as Kolb (another sell high move dumped onto the Braves).

By Original Jon

December 1, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

Yeah, because Hampton’s been such a stand up guy about his reasons for leaving town in the past. One teams school system’s is another team’s flight times. Imo Hampton figures the Braves are most likely a couple of years away at best so he bolted. Anders

Yeah, because he knows Houston is so close to winning, thats why he signed with them, is that it?

By Marty

December 1, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

*Anders * - You need to try harder to say things that aren’t stupid and misguided. By the way, there’s a nice article by Bob Klapisch today about what an awful signing Pedro Martinez was for the Mets…you know, just like pretty much all of their signings for the last 15 years. Hell, the only one who has really worked out well at all is Carlos Beltran, and even he has failed to live up to the Mets’ expectations, largely because their expectations were ridiculous and not supported by anything other than blind hope and happy feelings.

By JasonInFL (formerly ME)

December 1, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

According to Bowman, the Braves do not even intend on pursuing Lowe. If they lose on on AJ, and do not trade for Peavy…

By Josh P.

December 1, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

I know it’s been said that he isn’t available, but would anyone here trade Escobar to get Zach Greinke? Would 1-for-1 be enough for both sides?

The stove is warming up fellas!

By JasonInFL (formerly ME)

December 1, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

NickC, you are absolutely correct!

By Original Jon

December 1, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

What are you people getting so uptight and bent out of shape for????!!!! The fricking Winter Meetings havent even taken place yet. Today was just now the deadline for teams to offer their players arbitration. Do you think another team is going to be stupid enough to sign a player that that current players team is thinking about offering arbitration?? No, why would they? To risk losing draft picks? People, the winter meetings are next week, and I am sure there are going to be a lot of things going down in that week. Be patient, stop climbing the walls, and for goodness sake, chill out!

By McFann O –[zzz]

December 1, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Random—

Thanks! I’ll give those links a look! Like I said, I do appreciate it! My Dad’s good with computers, so I cann get him to help me install it if I need to. 41.3 million results…dang…

Hopefully this will work…if I go through the installation and that link still wants me to pay, I’ll be ticked—mostly ticked at myself for not saving the doggone thing in the first place!

F.N. Hale—

Sweet! Yeah, Bald Eagles do come down to Georgia in the winter.

And that was a good line from your contractor. Haha…

Vultures do look kinda creepy…them I have seen fairly close up—like, from our car. They’re always eatin’ the roadkill…you know.

I love it when there’s a whole bunch of them circling in the sky…they look so cool, and just…free.

By Anders

December 1, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

BA

Yeah, because the Mets have had so much trouble attracting FA’s the last number of years.

Good reasoning from a reasonable guy.

By JasonInFL (formerly ME)

December 1, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

According to Keith Law, the Royals have expressed interest in Furcal:

“One is known to be the Braves, although Kinzer would not confirm that. The Braves would pick up their efforts to sign Furcal only if they include shortstop Yunel Escobar in another deal. Escobar would be part of any Atlanta package for Jake Peavy. And the Cardinals and Royals also have expressed interest.”

By Bryan

December 1, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

Yall should quit hatin and go pick up the new(ish) Waylon Jennings called Waylon Forever. Its a mix of Waylon”s vocal mixes to new music from his son Shooter’s band the .357’s. Its interesting and … good.

By Wayne

December 1, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

Bub dee Our friend Tomas do get a bit excited sometimes….

I was hoping to get Hampton back, and at 4 million, would have been a good deal for us, I think. But, considering his home situation, I wish him the best. He toe’d the mark when he was able.

Hampton would have been a good lefty for the rotation. Now, we have to hope to sign someone like Wolf or RJohnson. Not excited about Pettite or Perez. Could our man Glavine fill the bill?

Esco for Ludwick, nah. Cards would have to sweeten that offer. I am not opposed to getting Ludwick, unless we can get both Dye and Vazquez for Escobar and change.

It just sounds like to me Yunel is a goner. If he stays, what kind of damage has been done to his psyche?

By Treadkiller

December 1, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

As of right now the Hampton to Houston signing really hurts us! So our rotation now is JJ & Campillo?? And fill in Morton? Hopefully Frank is working the phones! Every MLB team knows that Esco is on the block! There are many teams that need a SS that we could approach for pitching. The Tigers, Rays, and Twins for example.

By Anders

December 1, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

Original Jon

Yeah, because he knows Houston is so close to winning, thats why he signed with them, is that it?

A heck of a lot closer than the Braves over the next couple of years imo. With the Mets and Phillies in the division even a WC would be tough. Sorry, them’s the facts based on the last few years results for all.

Marty

Pedro put the Mets back on the map with other FA’s when things were very dark at Shea. The Mets don’t regret a nickel they’ve spent on him. His whole experience with the Mets has been nothing but positive for both sides and the fans. There wasn’t one of those selfish issues he had with Boston. The Mets never thought they were getting vintage Pedro. Didn’t read Klapisch on this but he couldn’t be more wrong imo.

BTW- Who started all this talk about the Mets? I thought we were discussing Hampton mooning the Braves on the way out the door with $48 million of their dollars?

By Corey

December 1, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

I guess Hampton didn’t feel obligated to play a season at market value for the Braves after raping them for so long.

He made 121 million over the last 8 years. During that time, he was 56-52 with a 4.81 ERA in 147 starts.

That’s $823,129 per start or $2,160,714 per win!

How do you sleep at night? There are many reasons the Braves have fell from glory. But, in my opinion, he is the biggest.

Karma is coming for you Mike.

By Tomas

December 1, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

JasonInFL, I think the braves would trade Escobar only if they get quality pitching in return. The Royals are interested in Escobar, immediately our mind thinks of Zack Greinke, unfortunately Dayton Moore had reported that he’d trade Greinke at the middle of the season at the earliest, apart from him Gil Meche, and MAYBE David Dejesus is the only other players that the Braves would have interest in. The Cardinals have Ludwick, but if the braves trade Escobar it needs to be for a pitcher, an ace like Cain, Greinke, Halladay, someone like that.

By BravesFanInRockies

December 1, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Cards just denied arb to Braden Looper. Not a front of the rotation guy, but I’d rather spend money on him than on Hampton, even if it will cost more.

By nolie

December 1, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

Anyone here familiar with a USB turntable that will convert vinyl to MP3’s? Just saw an ad for $199.00. Never seen one so I have no idea if that is a good price and if it’s even worth pursuing.Hale

they are a bit of a pain but the ones I’m familiar with work along with included software. not gonna sound as good as clean vinyl, but not too bad if you use the higher bit rates

By Anders

December 1, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

Wonder who’s happier, Towers or Burnett’s agent?

Prices are rising gentlemen.

Not saying Hampton was integral but I do believe the Braves really hoped to have him in the back end of the rotation at a decent price. Plus being such a good guy and a pro as DOB say’s I would think he would be a draw for other FA’s.

The real downside in Hampton going to the Astros is they weren’t serious players for any of the other guys out there so it doesn’t help the buyers.

By Peter

December 1, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

Well Braves fans…….as I see it…….. AND I HAVE BEEN WRONG BEFORE !

Unless the Braves get very LUCKY, which they have NOT been in years and years……..

The Braves are a TRUE bottom dwelling team.

We have basically zero to work with with exception of Chipper, our catcher, and shortstop.

The rest of the team is composed of second rate, fill in guys on any other roster……second base can’t field, first base can’t hit…..the outfield…….what ever…….can’t hit a cut off guy to save a base……

Frenchy is already Money hungry, without proving anything……..well he CAN strike out allot…..especially with the bases loaded !

AS a team we are NOT fundamentally sound……they can’t bunt, the don’t move the runner over, they don’t know the strike zone, they don’t work the count…… and they swing at anything and everything, no matter the count, or the situation.

Our pitcher’s are going to be in trouble, we are without a D, and consistent hitting.

As far as our management and coaching staff……neither seems able to asses talent……and Cox is too old to run anything.

Washington can be better then us this year……that is a sad thought !

This is a rebuilding year, “as always”… GREAT !

I actually feel sorry for Chipper…… the REAL Pro he is, along with the Atlanta Fan base that will be subjected to even worse baseball than last year.

Any thoughts of being a contender may come at Christmas time…… after far too many Rum and eggnogs, and right before Fat old Jolly St Nick come calling !

We might as well play the AAA club this year, and bring up the manager as well.

I just wonder how far back we will be come a few weeks before the all-star break ?

If someone can tell me how WRONG I AM……and be realistic about it….

PLEASE tell me the good news !

By Original Jon

December 1, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

A heck of a lot closer than the Braves over the next couple of years imo. With the Mets and Phillies in the division even a WC would be tough. Sorry, them’s the facts based on the last few years results for all. Anders

The facts are also that the Astros play in the same division as Chicago and St. Louis, and last time I checked, those two teams both won the division 2 times dating back to 2005.

Also, dating back to 2005 til now, the combined record of Houston is 326-315, and Atlanta’s is 324-318. Look pretty much the same to me. Even if you take out 2005, which is the year Atlanta won the Division, and count just 2006 til this year, Houstons record still isnt much better than Atlanta’s (239-243 to Atlanta’s 234-249)

Thems the facts.

By Braveheart

December 1, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

Why can’t they get Jake and C.C.? I wanna make alot of Jake and the Fatman jokes……

By Original Jon

December 1, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

I have this weird feeling Wren tries to sign Looper for the back end of the rotation, and if he doesnt pan out, he brings Hanson up and puts Looper in the pen.

By McFann O –[zzz]

December 1, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

Random—

OK, after doing a little digging, we found a thing on our computer that says it has Javascript enabled…but I still can’t get that article!

This is very infuriating. And the Braves’ website has a link to every Braves article from that date except that one. Not that it matters, though…if I clicked on the link from them, it would give me the old, “How may we help you? This page no longer exists on our site…”

Ugh! Why do they want me to freakin’ pay? I’m “registered” with the AJC web! When I open the page, up at the top it says, “Welcome, McFann!”

Sheeeeeesh!

}: [

By Bubdylan

December 1, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

Anders, you’re not just a Mets fan on a Braves blog, you’re an actual bona fide, spiteful troll, just lookin’ for someplace to get a dig in. I didn’t know that until today. Oh well, I guess it’ll shorten the ol’ blog-scan by a few seconds.

By JasonInFL (formerly ME)

December 1, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

Tomas, I agree that the Braves are targeting pitching if they trade Escobar…it was inferred that I was hoping that Greinke would be sought. I know Moore has said he wouldn’t trade him, but if he can get a lot of value for someone that is not going to sign there long term…

By Marty

December 1, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

Anders - If you say so. From here, Pedro looked (and still looks) like a calculated risk which backfired, much like the Braves’ gamble on Hampton. Keep in mind that we’ll never know how much insurance paid for either of them, but neither was a good value.

There’s still hope that we get Peavy, but if not, we’ll be okay…if not in 2009, then somewhere down the line. At some point, the winning was going to stop at least temporarily.

By BravesFanInRockies

December 1, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

Original Jon,

Looper does offer some flexibility, that’s for sure.

By Go Get Em Frank

December 1, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

December 1, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

That isn’t a good baseball trade. In fact, I’m not so sure Kelly Johnson for Ryan Ludwick is a good baseball trade.

Join the club, bro, we meet on TuesdaysSyeve

oh come on, an 150 OPS+ for an 103 OPS+??? get with the program. Ludwick + Furcal is better than Yunel + most anybody who has been discussed.

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

Question about Furcal. IF Furcal appears ready to sign elswhere, does this provide some encouragement for the Braves to move forward with trades?Dan

Not seeing what one has to do with the other.

By Yars

December 1, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

DOB……..tell us more about this Doors live at the Matrix. What year? Where is/was the Matrix?

By McFann O –[zzz]

December 1, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

Our computer is lying to us…it’s a liar.

You have Javascript, you stupid little……VORP!! You HAVE Javascript!! “Computers are Satan.”

But the bigger question remains: Why didn’t I just save the article when it came out?? Why?!

By nolie

December 1, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

Hale Amazon has an Audio Technica on sale for $85.00 and a Sony for a buck anahalf

By Go Get Em Frank

December 1, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

If Escobar went to the Cards, more than Ludwick would come back.

why would that be?don’t hold your breath

By nolie

December 1, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

know it’s been said that he isn’t available, but would anyone here trade Escobar to get Zach Greinke? Would 1-for-1 be enough for both sides?Josh

No I would not. Grienke is unproven in pressure situations with some emotional/mental baggage . Don’t waste Yunel on him even with an extension.

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Still fun to guess….Does it seem like noboby wants to play for Braves anymoreBo

You mean because Jeremy Affeldt, who the Braves didn’t try to sign, changed teams, and Mike Hampton, who they did try to sign, took less money to sign with Houston, and Tazawa took more to sign with perennial power Boston, which already has the whole Japanese-support thing in place and a mentor (Dice-K) on the staff?

Yeah, I can see where those three free-agent moves would signal that no one wants to play for the Braves.

By BravesFanInRockies

December 1, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

btw, folks, the proprietor of mlbtraderumors.com is now listing the free agents who have and have not been offered arbitration. Go to his “2009 Free Agents” link and you’ll see it.

By Are You Kidding Me?

December 1, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

Hampton signed with the Astros after the Braves carried his sorry head case for how many years and how many millions of dollars???

Talk about loyalty! He should have taken whatever the Braves were willing to offer and said ‘thank you’. Frankly, I wouldn’t have given him a cent.

Good riddance. Take your sorry a$$ somewhere else and don’t let the doorknob…

By KC

December 1, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

With Hampton gone, I wonder if there’s any chance the Braves might like to bring Greg Maddux back to fill out the (back-end of) the rotation.

Yes, he’s old, but he did pitch almost 200 innings last year, and posted an above average ERA of 4.22. Not what you’re looking for from the top of your rotation… but your 4th or 5th starter? I’d take it.

I would guess something like that would heavily depend on what happens with Glavine and/or Smoltz. This is, if the Braves have any interest in Maddux at all, which is probably somewhat unlikely.

By Braveheart

December 1, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Boston, which already has the whole Japanese-support thing in place and a mentor (Dice-K) on the staff?

Sensei Dice-K has better dojo ……

By Braveheart

December 1, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

Keep On Trying Frank Wren!!!

By richbrave

December 1, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

McFANN:

VULTURES.? Not TURKEY BUZZARDS. Saw two perched on my deck railing this summer ten feet from my window. Nasty creatures. And BIG.! The GREAT GRAY HERON that perched there in early November was much more pleasant looking although the KOI in my pond below were not particularly thrilled that Mr. HERON made an appearance.

By Salty Dawg

December 1, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

Why can’t they get Jake and C.C.? I wanna make alot of Jake and the Fatman jokes……

You know, that may be an aspect to this whole thing that Wren has overlooked to this point. Pray that he reads this blog and realigns his off-season priorities, because that really would be funny as hell.

By NC Braves fan

December 1, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

Hampton is no huge loss….but I hope he can suck it up and throw a pitch to pass the physical without a major hang nail or tummy ache or bad boo-boo. Remember Mike…stretch those nostril hairs or you could tear something bad…

As for the divorce/kids thing…I get that. As for traveling from Houston or Atlanta to AZ (no idea where in AZ the family lives)…..according to Mapquest it’s 1285 miles from Houston or 1811 from Atlanta. You’re not exactly jumping in to the Mercedes mini van to go see the kids on your off day from either place.

I bet he doesn’t make 10 starts this year for the Astros….a bargain at a mere $200,000 per start!

By JEB

December 1, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

Hampton signing with Houston… Dang it!!!

By McFann O –[zzz]

December 1, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

Richbrave Nasty creatures. And BIG.!

They are…but they’re also kinda cool. They really do us a favor by eating the carrion, that’s for sure!

I love herons! They look very beautiful in flight—with their long legs dangling behind them!

the KOI in my pond below were not particularly thrilled that Mr. HERON made an appearance.

Haha…no! But they are beautiful birds!

Have you ever seen a kingfisher? Sometimes we see one at the entrance to a neighborhood that we pass on our way to Church. We’ve also seen one at another pond between our house and the Publix we go to. They’re very handsome!

By Efrim

December 1, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

Paul Byrd on a one year 5 million dollar deal would make some sense. I really do think the Braves need a back end guy though…..as well as those 2 frontline pitchers. Ah well, there are much bigger needs than that though, so it is nothing to lose sleep over.

And by the way, I’m glad to see some agree with me about Ryan Ludwick for one of our middle infielders. Doesn’t make much sense to me.

By ncscoots

December 1, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Peter, re your 7:26 post…

You sure you don’t have a cousin named n8?

By McFann O –[zzz]

December 1, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

Random—

I have one more Q. (Sorry to keep buggin’ ya.)

When you posted the links to the actual article, you had the whole article on the pages you posted links to, correct?

By SoWeGa Fanatic

December 1, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Hampton has lost my respect, and I’m not buying the “closer to kids” bit, as understandable as that is for your everyday Joe. But this guy can charter a Lear anytime he wishes and be anywhere in about 3 minutes. I really liked the guy, and I feel like he owed the Braves at least one decent year. I know, I know, it’s a business, but I don’t have to like it.

By NCBravesFan

December 1, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

Hampton is not a difference -maker for the Braves in my opinion, so it’s hard for me to see this as a big loss. He’s a 4-5 hole guy, and the Braves fortunes hinge on getting the 1-2 holes plugged.

Sorry that things didn’t turn out better for Hampton in his time with the Braves. I hope the change of scenery helps, and wish him & his family all the best.

By ncscoots

December 1, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Efrim, it seems to me that many here are ready to trade Escobar for anything above a bag of balls, LOL. Perhaps they think that, having been rumored in one trade, that he is now doomed to the block. Logic tends to flee in the face of that kind of mindset.

As for trading Kelly in a bad deal, well, the voices of the blogging multitude have raised that hue and cry often enough that it should no longer even register among the sane, LOL.

Only four more months of posters espousing 600-run lineups and 5.50 pitching staffs as “solutions”. Yowsah, ain’t the offseason great? :-)

By Efrim

December 1, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

ncscoots

While scrolling up, I was certain I was going to see N8 being the author of that post. Although Peter was far more pessimistic than N8 has been…right?

By TennesseePaul

December 1, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Anders: Didn’t read Klapisch on this but he couldn’t be more wrong imo

Perhaps you should actually read the article prior to building your oppinion of it?

By roan st

December 1, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Dear Frank Wren, the freakin dam has busted loose so quit trying to patch it with band aids. The Braves had a historic run and for a couple seasons the front office justifyibly tried to revive it for another playoff run. But now the game is over. Time to build up the farm system and wait for it to mature so hopefully we can make a return to the playoffs. Guys like hanson, flowers, heyward, etc will be primed and ready when Liberty is ready to sell the Braves around 2011. The Braves need to focus on developing the assests from within and when MR. Blank writes that check to liberty we will be back in the hunt for the best free agents on the market. If we are to return to the promise land we must exibit some patience. Sometimes you need to take a step backwards in order to move forward.

By Doc Holliday

December 1, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

I might not know the details of what transpired with Hampton and the Braves front office………but as I see it…….. he took 2 million from houston instead of whatever braves offered him………..which I doubt was less than 1M. That leads me to think that Mike is nothing but a jerk. I mean………is not like he took 7 million from houston or 10……… So what is the difference between taking 2 million from houston and 1 million (just a guess) from the braves? for a guy that has million and millions of dollars in the bank already plus he didnt really work for lots of those millions and the braves gave him a big part of those millions he has………….

You are a sorry AXX mike……….

By nfieldr

December 1, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

fn hale dheck out the ION ITTUSB. You should be able to get it for under $100. I’ve had one for two or three years. As nolie said, the mp3’s don’t sound that good (IMHO), but then again maybe it’s my 30 - 40 year old vinyl that’s the problem.

By dan

December 1, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Re: Furcal

I doubt that the Braves would trade Yunel unless they had a viable option to replace him. Right now, the public perception is that the Braves are interested in Furcal, and Furcal is interested in the Braves.

If Furcal is on the verge of signing elsewhere, dont you think that the Braves might feel pressure to give in on a deal involving Yunel so they can get Furcal? They are not going to trade Yunnel, and then settle for SS option D(whomever that might be).

You have said before that this is all interconnected. Getting the ball moving (igniting the Peavy talks) allows the Braves to be proactive, instead of reactive.

By GTgirl

December 1, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

yeah real big jerk.. what is thinking moving closer to his kids in the middle of a divorce.. gah i can’t believe a man would do such a thing for anyone her cares about… come on DocHolliday, how can you put a price on your kids (divorce or no divorce)

By GTgirl

December 1, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

yeah real big jerk.. what is thinking moving closer to his kids in the middle of a divorce.. gah i can’t believe a man would do such a thing for anyone her cares about… come on DocHolliday, how can you put a price on your kids (divorce or no divorce)

By Random

December 1, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

*RC: “Don’t worry so much about the Hampton thing. All the stories say he’s signed with Houston “pending physical”. Once the doctor discovers that Hampton’s limbs are made of glass and attached with Elmer’s glue, the Astros may void the offer and leave him free to return to Atlanta!”

Plus muscles of sarcophagus linen and cobwebs for connective tissue.

You may very well be right!

By McFann O –[zzz]

December 1, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

Pujols felt bad about it (or so he said): ““How many times does that happen? … In one inning, two guys get hurt by one player.

I watched that replay…yikes! Scary stuff!

How many times does that happen? Um…at least twice, I suppose…

By Random

December 1, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Lew: “Y’all are upset that Hampton is gone. Why? Did you really expect him to be healthy all season or anythng more than a fair bottom of rotation starter?”

Yes.

And yes.

I did at least.

We’ll see.

By Random

December 1, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

stamper: “here’s my concern… we are only certain of 3 players coming to camp next year: McCann, Jurrjens and Chipper… 4, if you want to include Kotchman”

HUH?!?!?

What kind of hysterical woman ARE you?!?

Get a grip.

PS: apologies in advance to McFann, Roman Gal, Fan-coeur, Ebravesluver, Miami whosis, Mitchie-san, etc.

PPS: JK, Mitchie-san.

By Random

December 1, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

stamper: “here’s my concern… we are only certain of 3 players coming to camp next year: McCann, Jurrjens and Chipper… 4, if you want to include Kotchman”

HUH?!?!?

What kind of hysterical woman ARE you?!?

Get a grip.

PS: apologies in advance to McFann, Roman Gal, Fan-coeur, Ebravesluver, Miami whosis, Mitchie-san, etc.

PPS: JK, Mitchie-san.

By Efrim

December 1, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

One of those Peavy bits from Krasovic:

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2008/dec/01/padres-dont-offer-hoffman-arbitration/?padres

I’m pretty sure the Braves would waive that no trade policy, if that is even something they use.

By Mike

December 1, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

DOB

Read on MLBtraderumors.com that “Towers believes that the Braves’ unwillingness to grant Peavy a no-trade clause remains on obstacle in that potential match. Plus, a Krasovic source wonders whether Peavy would even OK a trade to Atlanta”. Do you know if there is any merit to this? Or is it once again the typical rumor circus. If so, the I feel the Braves need to take a step back and realize that they cant always stick to their no “no-trade” clause all the time. Got to flex a little to get what you need. Just my humble opinion.

By Raddad

December 1, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

DOB

Do think there is any truth to the braves not willing to extend Jake Peavys no trade clause? I know you have probably have answered this but this is what I found?

By Tim Dierkes [December 1 at 8:42pm CST] 8:42pm: Towers gave Tom Krasovic a Peavy update. Towers believes that the Braves’ unwillingness to grant Peavy a no-trade clause remains on obstacle in that potential match. Plus, a Krasovic source wonders whether Peavy would even OK a trade to Atlanta.

By Bubdylan

December 1, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

Random, PS & PPS made me laugh outloud.

By Ebravesluvr

December 1, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Random I love you in a I’ve-never-met-you-but-you’re-a-funny-guy kinda way.

Hysterical woman?? If only you’d seen my reaction when I first heard the Hampton news ;-)

By Mike French Poodle Hampton

December 1, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

I must admit a bit of satisfaction in people finally recognizing Mike Hampton, from Inverness, Florida, as the mongrel he really is. If the American Dream was based upon Mike Hampton you would see a drunk stumbling tbrough a Vegas casino and pulling the handle on the 32 Million slot and winning it all. Mike Hampton never felt a pain, twinge, ache or discomfort that could not disable him. BUT only now after he SPITS in Atlanta’s face do I get some semblance of the disgust that should have been prevalent all along. I hope Mike’s last start is in the Westchester Dog Show they have at Madison Square Garden—What a fitting way to go out, hope he enters in the toy poodle category. Gutless, Spineless, Hypochondriacal and Jesse James Like!! Mike Hampton’s Legacy.

By Random

December 1, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Nate: *”

December 1, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

I know there’s some big Matt Diaz fans on this board, but i really gotta wonder where the Braves plan to use him next year. The Braves have to upgrade in left field which sends him to the bench, but he’s not a good enough fielder to be a fourth outfielder… . So just where is he gonna fit in next year?”*

Left field platoon? That’s his best bet, I think.

I mentioned a while ago that he may be a victim of the numbers game, depending on what the Braves do or don’t do with Norton.

By MiamiBrave

December 1, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

DOB

8:42pm: Towers gave Tom Krasovic a Peavy update. Towers believes that the Braves’ unwillingness to grant Peavy a no-trade clause remains on obstacle in that potential match. Plus, a Krasovic source wonders whether Peavy would even OK a trade to Atlanta.

this is what really p**ses me off along with other Braves fans…how can Towers even say this, if he has never asked Peavy about waiving his no trade to come to Atlanta?

that is why something is so strange here…something doesn’t add up, if we are on the short list of teams why does he continue to talk this nonsense?

Towers is a dumb a**, grrr so aggravating

also, any news on that Peavy source you had mentioned you might contact again?

thanks for the hard work DOB

By kirkinga

December 1, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Fare ye well Mike Hampton. We hardly knew ye.

By Wayne

December 1, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Doc Holliday It seems you haven’t read the blog, but the word is that Hampton turned down more money from the Braves.

Why all the hatred toward Hampton? Leo Mazzone was on XM earlier this afternoon, and he stuck up for Hampton. I guess Leo is now and idiot?

Get over it folks. Mike Hampton has not been the problem for the Braves.

Now, let’s set our sites on AJ Burnett, Randy Johnson and Ryan Ludwick. (let’s forget about Furcal)

Just one fan’s opinion…

By Bubdylan

December 1, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

Random, she will also love you in a I’ve-never-met-you-but-you-don’t-have-to-wear-protection kinda way.

By Wayne

December 1, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

Random I definitely agree with your Diaz/Norton statement. I don’t think the Braves can afford “two” pinch hitters who play poor defense.

While I like Norton from last year, I also like Diaz’ potential from his first two years in Atlanta.

Hard to carry 2 poor fielding outfielders when you only have 13 position players: Starting 8, BUC and two middle infielders makes 11 players. Now, are you going to have only Norton and Diaz for the backup outfielders? Just doesn’t make sense to me.

By TheAntiMe

December 1, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

What? Mike Hampton has dumped the Braves? Was it something I said? Seriously, the defining memory that I will have of Hampton as a Brave is something that someone said on The BravesBlog several months ago:

“I don’t want to hear any more status reports on Mike Hampton unless it says that he is standing on the mound ready to pitch”.

That was truly a rotfl moment for me this past summer.

By Random

December 1, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Nocturnal Owl: “I don’t buy that closer to kids excuse.I can see Arizona but Houston?”

I apologize in advance for something I’m not even gonna do — only contemplated. (I must be some kind of soft-hearted pansy lib’r’l, huh?)

I was gonna jump all over you with both slippers for such an idiotic and ignorant statement. (And you too, SoWeGa Fanatic.)

But on reflection, yer prob’ly right. (I know that I always have more than one reason for everything I do.)

I think another large reason for Hampton to go to Houston is that Houston was the site of his glory years. He really thrived there. 94 — 99 were arguably the best years of his career (22-4, 2.90, CYA, etc). Who of us would not like to try to go home again, if given the opportunity?

Carry on - I’m sorry for my judgmental and uncharitable thoughts.

By Wayne

December 1, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

As far as Kevin Towers goes, I think he is doing everything in his power to create a demand that either does not exist, or is minimal.

I think he is so frustrated that he was not able to convince the Braves to go the one extra player, that he will say anything possible to disparage the Braves management team.

I say, call him up with a final offer, with a deadline, and tell him that there will be no further negotiations after that date.

Move on. Go for Burnett, or Sheets, or any other lesser combos. Heck, most of us believe that 2010 and 2011 are the Braves years to break through anyway. If we are competitive next year, and show some measure of improvement, most of us will be satisfied, especially if it appears that we are building for the future.

My two cents worth…..

By brent a.

December 1, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

If Hampton really wanted to be around his kids more, perhaps he could retire.

By Tomas

December 1, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

DOB, if the braves are unable to sign Aj Burnett, and/or trade for Jake Peavy, what will they do?

Derek Lowe is older and wants similar money to Burnett’s, plus he is a scott boras client, in other words he will not end up in ATL.

Objectively speaking(I mean from the FA’s point of view), there is very little chance the braves can sign this players. I know Aj Burnett said everything has been positive, and bla bla, but the Yankees and Red sox are interested. Those two have a lot of money and championship caliber teams, and the braves seem reluctant to offer Burnett 5 yrs, or offer him more than 16 million per year. I say they seem reluctant, because they don’t want to exceed the largest contract made in the organization, which was to Chipper Jones (6yrs 90 million), and they seem to have concerns about giving him 5yrs because of his injury plagued past.

First off, I think if they are concern about their health they shouldn’t be interested, but if they believed that he has turned the corner, then what’s the big deal for 1 more year, specially if that year may cost you a minimun of 7 million.

Derek Lowe/Scott Boras=not signing with the Braves.

And the Jake Peavy deal seems to make the most sense. I don’t believe Kevin Towers comments when he says Peavy would not agree to a deal to the Braves, because of their no trade clauses policy. Wren hasn’t provided any indication that was true, but he hasn’t denied it either. But if he has any sense on his mind I’m sure he would not miss an a chance like that to get an ace like Jake Peavy.

(DOB I know you have explained a thousand times, that until Jake Peavy says it from his mouth, we shouldn’t believe Towers.) What I don’t understand is, what does Towers gain from saying that? For the Braves to do what?

By Ebravesluvr

December 1, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

Bubdylan You’re hilarious.

By Hiawatha Terrell Wade

December 1, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

Dave, do you know this Krasovic dude?

From my experience in reading your stuff, you don’t on the potential of something happening unless there’s a pretty good shot of it happening. That’s why I’m led to believe Krasovic is a buffoon when he prints that his sources say Peavy would turn down a trade to ATL. If that’s the case, why would he include that destination on his list of 5 preferred destinations? Either Peavy is schizophrenic or Krasovic’s sources live under his bed.

And Towers…unless Frank Wren flat-out told him, “We will not grant Jake Peavy a no-trade clause”, then he has no business saying what he said in the paper. He’s essentially using fabrications to try and convince his fans that his own failure and ineptitude at consummating a deal is in fact a result of a rigid company policy of the Atlanta Braves.

By Random

December 1, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

Wayne: “DOB I thought you were a fearless man! Afraid of a little pilot light??”

I wa’n’t gonna say nuttin’.

(But I’d already stored it away for a later cruel, cold barb.)

By Random

December 1, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

Wayne: “the small park is going to be a challenge for Mike.”

Gotta disagree with you (and several others) here. When he’s “on”, Hampton is the consummate ground ball pitcher. (Better even than Hudson or that guy from the Snakes.)

Small parks are challenges only for fly ball pitchers.

By kcr211

December 1, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

Enough defending Hampton. Houston is still a flight from Phoenix—so what he’d have an extra hour and a half flight to see his kids? Jesus. You’d think he’d feel a little bit bad after all the money, the starts and stops, the faith invested. And on top of all that he was getting a better offer from the Braves. You’re garbage Mike Hampton. The family excuse is either total pretext or you’re just a completely irrational fool.

By GTgirl

December 1, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

why retire when you could be playing baseball for a couple million dollars and be closer to home instead of all the way across the country and i didnt rule out retirement as a good choice, i just said that he is not a jerk for not signing with the Braves.

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

I might not know the details of what transpired with Hampton and the Braves front office………but as I see it…….. he took 2 million from houston instead of whatever braves offered him………..which I doubt was less than 1M.Doc Holliday

If you took a moment to look at what I wrote in the blog tonight or the story I wrote that’s posted on our website, you wouldn’t have to go on your own guessing — the “as I see it” — and you’d know that Hampton actually took LESS to sign with Houston than with the Braves. Not $1 mill more, not anything more. Less.

And that’s from two very reliable sources.

By BravesAC

December 1, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Bo Congrats to Hampton, he don’t need the money. He does need his kids and thats more important than money. Been there and done that after honey split. Best of luck MH with Astros.

I can’t agree more that Hampton, during a divorce, really needs to do right by his kids. Basball is a business/sport…your family/real friends are what you have when all the fan adulation, cheering, and paydays stop.

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

Hiawatha: Tom Krasovic has good sources out there; he’s been covering the Padres for more than a decade. If he said that about Peavy, then Peavy may indeed have changed his mind about the Braves and crossed them off his list.

I’ll see what I can find out tomorrow, but that’s the first person that’s said who who I consider to be reliable.

Wayne, Random: You guys are my heroes, knowing how to light a pilot light. Bad hombres, both of you.

(That’s facetious, by the way. See, if I’d ever had to light the pilot light, I’m sure it’d be quite a simple operation. However, since I live in an old house and have never had to light this or any other pilot light, and this old furnace that was already in the house when I bought it has no owner’s manual, I don’t really feel like poking around and trying to figure it out. But I’m glad I was able to make you two feel rugged for a moment.)

By TheAntiMe

December 1, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Hampton had a problem coming back to the Braves and taking a pay cut? It may not seem as bad getting paid less money if you are working for another company. (Although, I’m not sure if he will be making more money now than he did his first go-round with the Astros but I’m guessing that he is.)

By Random

December 1, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Wayne: “The only bright side I can see if that maybe this states that the Braves think Glavine might be a better bet to perform in 2009 that Hampton, OR that they think Hanson might be ready out of the spring, or very shortly thereafter.”

doG, Wayne, I guess I oughta read yer whole comment afore I respond, huh?

Ya can’t read nuttin’ into what the Braves’re thinkin’ based on the Hampton signin’. As DOB hizzownself said, the Braves offered more.

“Where is the best site that tracks all the arbitration offers or non-offers?”

I myownself would humbly suggest MLB Trade Rumors or Yahoo. (I’m sure others have better candidates, but MLBTR canvasses all the other sites fairly often.)

Alternatively, there’s MLB.com and its attendant team sites.

(Refresh any and all frequently.)

By brent a.

December 1, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

*If that’s the case, why would he include that destination on his list of 5 preferred destinations? *

While I don’t think the “no trade clause” issue is necessarily accurate, even if it were true, that doesn’t make me question Peavy’s decision to place the Braves on his initial list of acceptable teams.

After-all, it’s not as if he and/or his agent would’ve screened the Braves before submitting that list, to find out whether or not they would extend his no-trade clause.

Additionally, that list is not a legal contract. It’s a fluid document, that is open to change as Jake and his agent discover new information.

By brent a.

December 1, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

why retire when you could be playing baseball for a couple million dollars and be closer to home instead of all the way across the country ?

As has been established, he’s hopping a plane, either way, so it’s not as if the Houston v. Atlanta thing is dramatically different.

The key, of course, is that spring training is in Arizona for the Astros, so that’s an additional 6 weeks, with the kiddies.

In regards to your specific comment, though, “why retire?” I think it’s obvious. What is $2 million to Mike Hampton? He is already on record as saying that he has a “fat wallet”, so what difference will another $2 million make?

The guy has tens of millions of dollars, and is now stating how important it is that he be near his children. With all the money he already has, one would think he might consider choosing a new career, that doesn’t keep him away from his children for nearly six months straight, when, with the money he has, the guy could do nearly anything he wanted (other than play baseball). It’s not like we’re talking about a guy in his prime, with no health concerns, either.

All that said, I believe Mike. He will be closer to his family. He is taking less money to pitch in Houston. And, he will be in Arizona non-stop from now until March.

But, my values are different, and I can’t help but question when a mega millionaire starts citing family concerns, while the decision he makes does not appear to do much to appease those concerns.

By Random

December 1, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

Ebravesluvr: “I’ve been Mike Hampton’s biggest supporter since he went down.”

No, you haven’t == I have. Check it out.

Yeah, Saltywoody, good one.

**Stuff it, Anders!!!

By Wayne

December 1, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

Dang Random, how in the h3ll could I have missed that point! Considering the fact that DOB made the salary statement (5:21pm) exactly 5 minutes before my post at 5:26pm. Damn, what a dummy I am for not being smart enough to read his mind before making my post….

I guess I need to get that ESPN (extra sensory percepion network), so I can read minds.

Could it be said that you were being a “Monday morning critic” on my earlier statement? Seems you still love to take a jab or two, sometimes without all the facts, my friend.

BTW, I know about MLBTrade Rumors, and most of the other sites. Was just wondering if somebody had found a site that would list all teams decisions. Strange as it may seem, but I am not just totally tied to the computer for blogging purposes. And, yes, sometime back I learned how to do a refresh.

Do you really save everything from the blogs??? Whatever turns you on, my friend.

DOB You gotta admit, your earlier “pilot light” post made it sound like you were afraid of the procedure, not necessarily missing the instructions. You are forgiven!

:-)

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Hampton had a problem coming back to the Braves and taking a pay cut? It may not seem as bad getting paid less money if you are working for another companyThe AntiMe

Don’t you think he was fully aware that he would have to take a massive pay cut after making $15 mill in 2008 and pitching less than half a season, this after missing the previous two seasons entirely? I mean, really.

By brent a.

December 1, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Separately, I’m a little surprised that Arizona had nothing for Mike Hampton, considering that he was willing to sign with Houston for $2 million.

By fastasballs

December 1, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

I was hoping Hampton would sign with the Braves. I can’t believe he took less money from Houston than the Braves were offering. I’m sure he will get a warm welcome when he returns to the Ted this season, well that is if he isn’t on the DL.

Towers is quickly becoming the laughing stock of GM’s. I know he’s trying to invent a trade market for Peavy, but his comments to the media has been anything but professional.

If Peavy did indeed cross of the Braves from his list he’s just screwed the Padres & Towers. The overall return they will get will be next to nothing considering the Braves have already offered more than any team & were turned down. The Cubs could simply wait Towers out & get him for what they offered minus the 3rd team being involved.

By Wayne

December 1, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this

Oops, I meant 5:41pm and 5:46pm. I am sure you will see and comment on my error, if not corrected (and maybe even it corrected). I don’t have a ready copy of all posts, like some.

By TennesseePaul

December 1, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

Here is what Krasovic wrote:

Towers spoke more bearishly about the prospects of a Jake Peavy trade than he has since talks began three months ago.

“Atlanta has a club policy that’s been in place that no one will have full no-trade protection,” he said. “I don’t see them bending the rules for Jake. At this point in time, that’s not going to happen unless Jake changes his position on that.”

Braves shortstop Yunel Escobar would be part of a Peavy deal and could end up at second base if the Padres keep shortstop Khalil Greene.

Some close to Peavy have expressed doubt that he would OK a trade to Atlanta, saying he would prefer the Cubs.

The Padres have discussed a 5-for-1 deal with the Cubs that would bring them several pitchers, including an Orioles pitcher, but Towers said the Cubs’recent signing of pitcher Ryan Dempster for $52 million might make it difficult for them to afford Peavy. “With them signing Dempster, it’s going to take some creativity on their part financially,” Towers said. “I think there’s still a chance with Chicago, but I think it’s probably going to be difficult with them as well.”

Cubs pitcher Jason Marquis is due nearly $10 million. If he is dealt, Chicago would have more room for Peavy, whose salary next year is $11 million.

The second reference is “some close to Peavy have doubts”. That doesn’t sound to certain to me.

His quote from Towers is the only one that sounds “legit”. Yet, either the rest of the quote was omitted or no one bothered to ask why the trade with the Braves was taken as far as it was only to be called off by the Braves if this was a real concern of Towers or Jake Peavy.

Perhaps there is validity to it, but as things went down in the press, Wren pulled out after Towers kept asking for more stuff. That doesn’t sound anything like Towers calling it quits because of a no-trade clause disagreement.

If we are to believe what was written and anounced a while back, then Towers is blowing smoke. But, perhaps he isn’t? Is there any way to find out if the trade was ready to go only to fall apart when the no-trade issue came up, resulting in Wren making his statement to save face?

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

I think Hampton will get hammered in minute maid. That left field, will be a nightmare specially for him who gives up a lot of homers.Tomas

Hampton is a sinkerball pitcher who has given up more than 16 homers in a season only three times in his entire career — and two of those were his two seasons pitching for Colorado.

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

Wayne, thanks for being forgiving.

By the way, I fear snakes and many other reptiles. And I can admit it.

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

TennPaul: Now that definitely sounds like more posturing. In the past two months, he’s done what would be about a career’s worth of posturing for some GMs.

By Wayne

December 1, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

Dave: Amen on the snakes thing! My kitty loves mice, but they are not on my “like em” list either. (I also own a pink dress shirt, and wear it some Sunday’s without any reservations!)

:-)

By Saltywoody

December 1, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

If Hampton really wanted to be around his kids more, perhaps he could retire.

Why would he retire when teams are still willing to pay him to not pitch?

By Wayne

December 1, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

I just saw some of the footage of the guy getting trampled in the Wal-Mart in NY on Friday. Can you believe the lack of any human consideration on some people’s part?

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

Hiawatha, now I see what Krasovic actually wrote, and it’s not quite the way you characterized it. According to that traderumors site (I haven’t checked the actual story yet), Kras wrote that his source “wonders” whether Peavy would even accept a trade to Atlanta. Not that he was told by anyone that Peavy wouldn’t. Just that he the source “wonders” if he would accept it.

As for Towers and what he said about the no-trade, I don’t know if any validity to it. I tend to doubt it, probably just more Towers posturing as the situation has not gone anywhere near as smoothly as the GM figured it probably would.

By David O'Brien

December 1, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

Yars, the Doors album is from 1967, a club date at The Matrix in San Francisco, a real small venue. It was after their debut album came out but right before “Light My Fire” made them mega-stars, so you get a good sense of what they were before became the band became the come-see-the-Lizard-King rock n’ roll decadence show

By I can't take it anymore

December 2, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

the only difference in 2009 is that the braves don’t have to worry about hampton making his next start. DAVID, I am interested in seeing what you hear from the guy that covers the padres. If jake took us off the list, then I really am going to worry. I know its sooo early, but that guy is a straight up ace. honestly, I was kind of counting on him being here on opening day.

By TheAntiMe

December 2, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

Don’t you think he was fully aware that he would have to take a massive pay cut after making $15 mill in 2008 and pitching less than half a season, this after missing the previous two seasons entirely? I mean, really - DOB

Actually, I do. I really think that his time with the Braves would probably have had to leave a bad taste in his mouth. I don’t think that he has anything personal against the Braves, it’s just that - all things being equal (and then some) - he’s ready for a fresh start.

You really can’t hold that against him, IMHO, as he always did everything that the Braves asked of him, to the best of my knowledge. He surely did not want to spend half of his time in a Braves uni on the DL.

IMHO, a fresh start is probably the best thing for all parties concerned. He isn’t likely to win the Most Popular Athlete of Atlanta award anytime soon.

I have nothing bad to say about Mike Hampton but it doesn’t break my heart to see him go. I have a feeling that Frank Wren and the Braves are going to find a pitcher who will be more productive to take his place in the starting rotation.

By jed

December 2, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

i’m glad hampton’s gone. i think he’s a steroid casualty. he’ll spend endless time on the DL next year with various muscle strains and pulls. what’s the point?

By GTgirl

December 2, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this

again i didnt rule out retirement. I just said he wasnt a jerk for signing with houston and not the braves and then just backed it up with some information from some articles on the net.

So I guess your saying you think he’s a jerk too for signing with the astros and not the braves, because you are trying to argue with me about him not being a jerk.

all i’m saying if the man is going to pitch next year and he took less money to go be “closer” to his family, i just dont see how you can call him a jerk.

Oh and thanks for the help proving it wasnt a bad movee to sign with the astros, you know being in spring training in AZ for 6 more weeks. and i wasnt arguing about finances.

By Wayne

December 2, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

DOB Do you believe the Braves are talking to the agents for guys like Wolf or Randy Johnson? I don’t want to get into a similar situation we were in last spring, but RJ might be worth a 8-10 million dollar risk.

By Random

December 2, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this

Stuff it Anders.

Peter: “PLEASE tell me the good news !”

Okay — the Braves have the best farm system in the ML. (Or at least one of the top three, as far as worthy prospects go.)

McFann: “When you posted the links to the actual article, you had the whole article on the pages you posted links to, correct?”

Sorry, Sport Model, I did not.

I earlier posted the error message I got when I tried to open them om my work computer.

I’ve just now tried on my wireless laptop, with the same results.

Soon (relatively), I’ll try on another home computer.

But if not even your Dad could make it work, what could you expect of a poor peasant like me?

Will your Father offer your hand and his kingdom to the valiant Brave who can get you that article?

If so …

lemme think about it.

;->

Doc Holliday — fer chrissakes, sit down and getcher self a g******* respirator.

We can’t hardly tell whatcher tryin’ to say whaen yer wheezin’ all over like that.

Jeez!!!

Thanks much, Bubdylan — I consider that high praise coming from you.*

You’ve been funny as hell lately — where’d you come from? I heard mention of some kind of message board?

• As opposed to either DOB OR McFann — I’ve long since abandoned tracing back to whatever comments struck them as funny.

Ebravesluvr—

Thanks — I’ll try not to betray your blind faith (“the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”).

Based on some of your less “hormonal” comments, I hold you in quite high esteem.

Wayne: “While I like Norton from last year, I also like Diaz’ potential from his first two years in Atlanta.”

Me, too — but something I read long ago leads me to suggest we look into Diaz’s BABIP when he was so friggin’ hot. League average for BABIP is (if I recall correctly) just a little less than .300.

When Diaz was so phenomenally hot a year or so ago, his BABIP was like .360!!! I may be misremembering, but the point remains.

Usually, for someone’s BABIP to so exceed the league average, the default conclusion is that he was friggin’ lucky as h3ll.

Anyway, I think it bears further investigation, both him and Norton (to be fair).

Btw, I think Diaz’s rap as a bad fielder is OBE, a biased perspective holdover from 5 or 5 years ago. He got ‘er done in LF last season, and up until he was hurt this past season.

PS: posted withuto editing.

By GTgirl

December 2, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

love to stay and keep stating that hampton is not a jerk for signing with the astros but i have to go get some sleep. G”night

By Daybed Wagmoe

December 2, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

Towers sure doesn’t seem to mind speaking on behalf of other clubs — first saying that he doesn’t think that Atlanta would bend their no-trade rule for Peavy, and then saying that the Cubs’ Dempster-signing might make it difficult for them to afford Peavy. He might be right about them, but he’s certainly taking some liberties by making assumptions on what other teams would do. It seems like that’s all part of the posturing.

What say we take whatever Towers says regarding what other clubs would do with a grain of salt?

By THE BEAR

December 2, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this

Imagine this scenario. Mike Hampton starts 30 games next year, pitches 180-200 innings, wins 14-16 games, has an ERA of 3.50 and hits five homeruns and drives in 20 runs. And then finds himself a free agent at the age of 36. How much money will he get this time next year with a three or four year contract? Astronomical is what it will be.

By TheAntiMe

December 2, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

Goodnight, GTgirl. I think that folks will get over Hampton leaving the Braves. I know that I have.

By Random

December 2, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

kcr211—

People change — I hope to doG (for your own sake) that you do.

DOB: “You guys are my heroes, knowing how to light a pilot light. Bad hombres, both of you.”

Great!!! Tell you what — I’ll light your pilot light if you’ll come over and flush my toilet.

I’m kinda leery of it — sometimes it don’t all go down, and comes over the top instead.

Deal?

(JK, as well.)

Wayne — trust me, I’ve been goin’ chronologically linear since I got home form my 3 hour commute.

This comment of yours deserves greater study — fergive me for now if I pass on and try to catch up to now.

PS: Posted w/o edit.

By scottbravesfan

December 2, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this

Kevin Towers is coming off as an idiot. Hopefully the whole Peavy trade will blow up in his face and he’ll end up like the Twins last year and not get anything what he could have gotten for his pitcher.

Also I’m kind of mad that Hampton left the Braves but at the same time if he came back he would probably get hurt two weeks into the season and miss 4 months.

By ccrider

December 2, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this

I think we are starting to get a reality check. We won’t sign Sabathia($$), Lowe(Boras and his desire to play in Boston) and Peavy is looking more remote by the day. Burnett is the only long term top of the rotation pitcher left on the Free Agent market and a lot of teams (Yankees,etc.) will be competing for him as well. I would put the % of signing Burnett at 20%. So, if that comes to pass, what are our options. 1. Try to sign Randy Johnson and Ben Sheets to large 1 year deals. 2. Try to trade for young pitchers with potential fo being top 3 rotaion pitchers (Greinke, Sonnastine or one of the Twins pitchers). 3. Go with a youth movement + a couple of lesser vets on 1 year contracts( for Tutoring the young starters) Glavine, Byrd. 4. Straight Youth movement: Take Jurjjens, Hanson, Morton, Reyes, Medlin, Redmond, Campillo to camp and let them sort it out. I have to wonder, as well as Frank Wren did last season in the Jurjjens and Ohman trades, if he didn’t make a tactical mistake in stating he was going to get 2 top of the rotation starters and a big bat for leftfield. It is alot like what happenned to UGA in football(though not by their own hands). They were voted No.1 in preseason, so anything less than a National Championship or real close was a major failure. Frank Wren has by stating his goals out loud will be considered a failure if he can’t deliver his stated goal.

By Hiawatha Terrell Wade

December 2, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this

I understand what you are saying, Dave. Here is Krasovic’s quote from his article:

Some close to Peavy have expressed doubt that he would OK a trade to Atlanta, saying he would prefer the Cubs.

No, he didn’t say that Peavy would veto a trade to Atlanta. Still, by running that sentence, he continues to intimate that it might be an issue. And if Krasovic is credible, as you say he is, then Peavy looks terrible here. You submit a list of 5 teams only to change your mind a month later? Even solely in terms of PR, this is terrible. If I’m Peavy, I shut down “those close to me” because they are making him look bad.

By Random