AJC > Blog > Archives > 2008 > July > 28
Monday, July 28, 2008
Braves as sellers presents exciting possibilities
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After this weekend’s exasperating series in Philadelphia, there’s no question about it: The Braves should be sellers.
They flew home last night looking up at a sobering 71/2-game deficit in the N.L. East race (10 1/2 in the wild card). They haven’t been in fourth place this late in a season since 1990, which makes it pretty clear.
This year, the Braves won’t be trying to find that final piece — like Jeff Reardon in 1992, Fred McGriff in 1993, Mike Devereaux in 1995, Denny Neagle in 1996, and recently Bob Wickman and Mark Teixeira — at the deadline.
Instead, for the first time in about 20 years, the team should be trying to cut ties with expensive veterans who aren’t likely to be around next year and load up on some nice young prospects (not to mention keeping the ones they have).
Provided they make the right moves this week, I’m excited about the possibilities. After all, the Braves got an unknown prospect named John Smoltz in 1988 by sending Doyle Alexander to Detroit, and the Yankees built that great team in the late ’90s by holding on to Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada and Bernie Williams.
There are some promising youngsters down on the farm these days, and I’m happy to keep them — and maybe even add a few more.
So I’m wishing Frank Wren all the best as he burns up the phone lines this week, likely shopping Teixeira (who’s hitting .400, 12-for-30, since the All-Star Break) and probably lefty reliever Will Ohman, and the scouts, too, as they scour the minors for potential. Here’s hoping the next Smoltz is on his way to Atlanta later this week.
A couple of notes from the weekend:
• Will Ohman does a mean Harry Caray impersonation. His “Nitram Odarp” (Martin Prado) was classic!
• Brian McCann must be one of the most-loved players in baseball. Even the Phillies fans gave him a standing ovation when he walked off the field after that nasty collision yesterday. (See photos of that here.)
Upcoming TV Schedule
Monday: vs. Cardinals, 7:00, SportSouth
Tuesday: vs. Cardinals, 7:00, Peachtree TV
Wednesday: vs. Cardinals, 7:00, FSN South
Thursday: vs. Cardinals, 7:00, Peachtree TV
Friday: vs. Brewers, 7:30, Peachtree TV
Saturday: vs. Brewers, 3:55, FOX
Sunday: vs. Brewers, 1:30, SportSouth
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