Chop Chick

By Al

January 8, 2009 6:19 PM | Link to this

JANUARY 8, 2009 ~ ~ DAY OF INFAMY IN ATLANTA ~ ~ Smoltz gone..

By Last Straw

January 8, 2009 6:21 PM | Link to this

i am sick of the braves management screwing up negotiations how could they be so stupid and let him leave? how could they not realize he is more than a pitcher for the braves…he was part coach….public relations giant…..mentor. Whose next on the chop block???? Chipper???
Guess what? You won’t get my money until you learn to spend some of yours. Not a dime.

By HeySoose

January 8, 2009 6:23 PM | Link to this

They haven’t cared about the fans or their players here for years. Why start now? We’re gonna really miss you John.

By REF

January 8, 2009 6:23 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren sucked in Baltimore, I expected more of the same when he became GM of the Braves. It’s quite unfortunate, the Braves won’t contend any time soon… it’s funny how the tables have turned. The Falcons / Hawks are now perennial playoff contenders while the Braves are bottom rung.

By Bob

January 8, 2009 6:24 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren is an idiot.

By ATL Thump

January 8, 2009 6:26 PM | Link to this

Well, you’ll get no argument from me that Frank Wren has been a TRAINWRECK so far. I don’t necessarily think this is the worst thing in the world though. First of all, if Smoltz doesn’t come back strong from this shoulder surgery people are going to praise Wren for not sinking 5 mil. into him for another season on the DL. Second, the contract he got from Boston is worth up to $10.5 million with incentives. If you think the cheapo 2009 Braves were gonna come anywhere near that you’re out of your mind. Third, the Braves are clearly an organization that needs to get some things figured out on the field, in the clubhouse and in the front office. I hate to see the team in the shape they’re in now because I have loved them longer than any other team in any other sport, or any band, or any person outside my family. The Braves have been with me since I can remember and I LOVE this team. John Smoltz is my all-time favorite Brave, hands down, and I think he is WELL deserving of a chance to get another ring. He is not going to get that chance in ATL this season or probably next season either. Time’s running out for the guy and he had to do what he had to do. You can only listen to upper management’s empty promises of help for so long. We need to get younger and quit with all of these curtain call contracts for guys like Glavine and what they are trying to do with Andruw. It’s ridiculous. We want a team that wins, not some trip down memory lane. I hope Smoltz pitches well for the Sox and if the Braves don’t pull a miracle and make a run, I hope he gets another ring. Good luck in Beantown Smoltzie! We still love you in the A.

By John

January 8, 2009 6:28 PM | Link to this

John Smoltz will definitely be missed and will indeed be in the Hall of Fame. However, the Braves paid him $14,000,000 million last year for five starts. Did they ask him for a refund on the amount that they paid? Loyatly is a two way street. Both sides can be faulted.

By Dave

January 8, 2009 6:30 PM | Link to this

How do we get rid of Frank Wren and all the other decision makers? Cause they ain’t made any good decisions lately!!!!

By linda

January 8, 2009 6:31 PM | Link to this

Bob, “idiot” seems waaaay too mild a term for what Wren appears to be. or at least a few dozen derogatory adjectives should precede the word “idiot” in this case. My lord, Last Straw put into words a few of my feelings about Mr. Smoltz. He was and is a class-act guy who deserves a heckuva lot more than the Braves seem willing to give, and i don’t mean just money!

We’ll miss you John Smoltz — but not as much as the team will, guaranteed!!! thank you for many years of dedicated hard work and caring for your team and fans and the city that you live in. Bless you!

By Richard Pollard

January 8, 2009 6:31 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren I just threw the ball I got autographed by you last spring training in the freakin Ocean!!! This is an OutCry!!! How in the world can you let Smoltie go?!?!?! Damn man ever since I’ve been old enough smoltz has been pitching for the braves. I’m glad my grandfather is died cause he be killin someone!!!! Smoltz goodluck with Boston I’ll be sure to cheer for you when your at the Trop!!!!! We Love you Smoltz!!!!

By Football Ken

January 8, 2009 6:31 PM | Link to this

Chop Chick, This HURTS!!! NO Excuse at ALL!!! Braves are running off all the true fans. I am close to several Braves players current and old, and EVERYONE of them says Wren is a JOKE. Smoltzie deserved better and for a franchise that does not try to appeal to Afro-Americans, he was our guy. He was the cool Brave. Damn, this hurts. Like i said to Jeff Schutlz, feels like the Dominique trade all over again.

By DOA

January 8, 2009 6:31 PM | Link to this

Smoltz leaves and Chop Chick shows up. Why bother? See you again in April.

By Football Ken

January 8, 2009 6:32 PM | Link to this

Chop Chick, This HURTS!!! NO Excuse at ALL!!! Braves are running off all the true fans. I am close to several Braves players current and old, and EVERYONE of them says Wren is a JOKE. Smoltzie deserved better and for a franchise that does not try to appeal to Afro-Americans, he was our guy. He was the cool Brave. Damn, this hurts. Like i said to Jeff Schutlz, feels like the Dominique trade all over again.

By steve

January 8, 2009 6:33 PM | Link to this

Damn you Frank Wren, Damn you. This is a dying team, look for them to be moved or disbanded if the league decides to reduce the number of teams in MLB.. what a total joke.

By dondee

January 8, 2009 6:34 PM | Link to this

Wow…..This has been an unbelievably bad off season for the Braves and this is just the “icing” on the cake…. Smoltz deserved more respect and a chance to show the Braves he could do it. He has always been honest with them and has been a TEAM PLAYER when they needed him to be! Yeah, it’s a business, but the Braves’ front office isn’t running it like it is. They need to do something exciting and something soon. We’ll miss Smoltz……I don’t think there will be any boos when he comes to visit.

By Former Brave Fan

January 8, 2009 6:35 PM | Link to this

Schuerholz - Fire Frank Wren. Either that or you won’t be able to fill seats for years to come. Fire Frank Wren.

By BravesFan79

January 8, 2009 6:38 PM | Link to this

We could go off and sign every free agent on the market thats left…and this offseason would STILL be a HUGE disaster because of how we let Smoltz go.
No matter what Wren does from here on out, i cant wait till the day hes fired.

By SWGAFALCONFAN

January 8, 2009 6:38 PM | Link to this

Screw Wren for letting Smoltz go!!!!!! You don’t repay Smotlzie’s service to the Braves with the way that he was treated. Wren should be fired immedidately. Smoltz is a class act and a future Hall of Famer and will be missed sorely!! As for Chipper, I could care less if he is with the team in 2010 or not. He’s way past his prime and is an impediment to the team. He is one of Bobby Cox’s favorites (he’s going to bat 3rd come hell or high water!)and should be at best a #6 or #7 hitter in the lineup.

By REF

January 8, 2009 6:39 PM | Link to this

$14 million for 5 starts. At the same time he took a home town discount to stay with the Braves last time (Yankees were pursuing him). Anyways, from what I read the Braves are offering him $2 - $3 million less than the Red Sox. A pretty big sum, Smoltz also feels like the Red Sox are pushing hard for him while the Braves weren’t really vesting too much effort. A sign of disrespect.

By PC in Duluth

January 8, 2009 6:40 PM | Link to this

This boils down to MONEY. We are a major-market city (8th.) with a small-market ownership group. Guess what? John Schuerholz saw this TRAIN WRECK coming through the tunnel and opted to let Frank Wren “take one for the Chipper (UGH!).” My guess is that the glory days of the 90’s version of championship teams from the Bravos are long gone brothers and sisters!
The Liberty Media Group (they do still own the Braves don’t they?) may not have the money to do what is needed or, if they do, will choose not to; in either event, we will go back to the days of the laughingstock Braves. Let’s see: The Florida Marlins have been in the major leagues how many years now? How may World Series? Lotsa money spent? NO. It is know-how and committment and a better eye for talent that makes teams winners. John S. saw it coming and had the sense to get out while the getting out was still available. Rafael Furcal notwithstanding… PC in Duluth

By gerry h

January 8, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this

Where is Ted Turner when we need him?

Its really sad to have to return to the days prior to 1991 and the team had absolutely no chance to compete.

The ownership (whomever they are) should be ashamed to let this happen. I can’t blame Wren, he’s only a puppit of some unknow group of idiots.

I hope no one shows up for the games.

Absolutely unbelieveable.

Maybe John will get another ring with Boston. Good for him!!!

I am tired of hearing the sour grapes from the front office and their p. poor excuses.

And I have seen Crackers games at Ponce de Leon, Rico Carty, Ralph Garr, Henry Aaron, Buzz Capra, and a number of other unknowns. Absolutely disgusting. I won’t be watching too many games on TV either. Maybe there is a way for that to finally impact the ownerships lack of passion to win.

By Tom

January 8, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren has done more harm to Atlanta than General Sherman. He must be a damn yankee.

By thanksforthememoriesjohn

January 8, 2009 6:46 PM | Link to this

this is ridiculous……john’s leadership and experience to share with our young players is worth 5 million a yr….you are getting a guy that everybody looks up to….almost like getting a coach and player in one…..you owe him a lot more than 5 million for what he has done for this team..the braves have probably saved 10 times that over the years from what he could of got had he chosen to pitch elsewhere…..frank wren better get on the ball and put together a competitive team or else a lot of fans will stop watching them on tv and in person……we were 4th place in division last yr and we have a roster twice as bad as 2008…..what happened to the great offseason signings frank?….i think the braves are worse off than the falcons were after the vick debacle ……and for christ sake give chipper a contract extension i mean he only led the national league in hitting this yr….i sure the yanks and sox would be willing to pay him 20 million a yr to go join them

By Braves Suck

January 8, 2009 6:50 PM | Link to this

I just wanted to let the Braves know they can leave Atlanta asap because I’m done with them. This team has no respect for its players or fans. 0-162 next year

By GeorgiaGirl27

January 8, 2009 6:51 PM | Link to this

What the hell is going on? Wren hasn’t done a damn thing this off season. Why are the braves even paying Wren? We stink.

By BigHittas

January 8, 2009 6:52 PM | Link to this

At this point they might as well go ahead and gut the whole team.

I say go ahead and let Chipper go too! Maybe he could go and help the Mets spank our arse every game?

While Franky is ridding the team of Chip I hope he can package Frenchy and Johnson in the same deal you know, for two mnor leaguers to be named later.

What a joke. :(

By cursive

January 8, 2009 6:52 PM | Link to this

Until Wren is gone or Smoltz is back, the Atlanta Braves organization will not get a penny from me. Not one red cent… No tickets, jerseys, hats, coffee mugs, TV viewership, anything…

The only way that we can get through to these people is by not paying for the product because we don’t like the management. They think that $2 mil is too much to keep him here? Let’s really make them pay because he is gone. Boycott the Braves this season!!!

By richbrave

January 8, 2009 6:53 PM | Link to this

September 15th to January 6th. CHOP CHICK where the hell have you been.? I feel as ignored as CHIP JONES. Attend to business or pull the plug.

By John C Gaston

January 8, 2009 6:54 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately I don’t have the computer skills (I can barely blog) but I think we nee a “fire Frank Wren.com” website…

By Flea

January 8, 2009 6:55 PM | Link to this

I have been a fan since Biff Pocaroba days.Sid Bream is my 17 year old cats name. Wow, this has done me in until new management and GREAT players arrive. I feel so sorry for Glavine and Chipper. Get out as soon as you can this team is doomed for years to come.

By John C Gaston

January 8, 2009 6:55 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately I don’t have the computer skills (I can barely blog) but I think we nee a “fire Frank Wren.com” website…

By John C Gaston

January 8, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately I don’t have the computer skills (I can barely blog) but I think we nee a “fire Frank Wren.com” website…

By Bigfan

January 8, 2009 6:57 PM | Link to this

Sad day in Atlanta. That said we’ve gone thru Hampton, smoltz last year, etc. We need to retool. GIven our current ownership we will have to retool and win with young players.

By JT

January 8, 2009 6:58 PM | Link to this

OMG ! The Atlanta Brave’s GM Really IS the Total Reincarnation of Matt Millen of the $^%^%$^% Detroit Lions ! We are sooooooooooo Screwed !!!!!!!!!!!!

By Ross

January 8, 2009 7:00 PM | Link to this

Honestly, I think I threw up in my mouth when I read this last night. This team has been a disaster the last couple of years, and can barely get fans to the park. And now this? THIS? Seriously? We didn’t learn our lesson with Glavine. This should never have happened, and I will show the Braves my disappointment by not giving them a cent this season.

By Ross

January 8, 2009 7:01 PM | Link to this

Honestly, I think I threw up in my mouth when I read this last night. This team has been a disaster the last couple of years, and can barely get fans to the park. And now this? THIS? Seriously? We didn’t learn our lesson with Glavine. This should never have happened, and I will show the Braves my disappointment by not giving them a cent this season.

By Craig

January 8, 2009 7:03 PM | Link to this

Braves Management:

Who do we blame? First we lost Maddux & Glavine. Second we lost TBS (which for us in Virginia) was the only way we could watch you anymore. Now, we obviously have a team that no one wants to play for.

Good Luck Smoltzie.

Sorry Chipper

Hate to say it but, after 36 years it may be time to find a team close that cares anymore. Go Nats?

At least I can watch them on TV and teach my Children the game.

By Jeff

January 8, 2009 7:04 PM | Link to this

My family will not spend another dime on the Atlanta Braves as long as Frank Wren is receiving a paycheck from that organization.

By Ross

January 8, 2009 7:07 PM | Link to this

For the love of God, please let Arthur Blank buy this team. He wanted to, and made the best offer, but Time Warner wanted to do their tax dump.

By thanksforthememoriesjohn

January 8, 2009 7:07 PM | Link to this

john congratulations i will be cheering you on next yr hopefully u get another championship and go out the way you deserve…….i know you will once again defy all odds and prove our sad organization wrong ……good luck and we hate we are going to have to say goodbye when you are in a boston red sox uniform…i hope you pitch when the sox come to the ted and pitch a perfect game(shouldnt be that hard as long as you can get chipper out 3 straight times)…..thanks for the memories and the fans will always appreciate everything you given to this organization and city on and off the field even though mr wren and staff do not

By wreckmaniac

January 8, 2009 7:14 PM | Link to this

Wren and Shurholtz are both to blame for this. Shureholtz should have made it clear to Wren that the Braves owed John Smoltz a competitive offer and wanted to work this out. Smoltz turned down the Yankees when everyone else goes there just because its NY and/or because of the money. Smoltz did, I belive, lose a shot at 300 wins just to help his taking by taking on the bullpen job for 2 years. Bobby has called him the best athelete on the team. If we had perhaps traded Smoltz for someone worthwhile, I might see it differently. The Yankees got stuck with Burnett when they may have had Smoltz. What a laugh. However, I’m not laughing.

By Paul W

January 8, 2009 7:16 PM | Link to this

Sorry, but I see it a bit differently that everyone else, apparently.

The Braves paid John Smoltx $14MM last year to pitch in FIVE friggin games- thats $2.8MM per game. But then he leaves over a couple of million dollars? I say screw him and the horse he rode in on.

His little feelings are hurt? Boo hoo! He has GIVEN nothing to the Braves; he was paid well for every pitch. But if his butt isn’t kissed enough, he’s out of here.

You fans need to remember that YOU meant nothing to John Smoltz. I thought he was different but he is just another prima donna athlete. GOOD BY and GOOD RIDDANCE. Let me watch a bunch of 20-somethings who want to play.

Blaming Frank Wren is like a child blaming his mother because his father walked out. Whatever his problems with Wren, he walked out on us too.

By JEANETTE

January 8, 2009 7:16 PM | Link to this

I had never been a baseball fan before I moved to Atlanta in 1986. At that time we would buy the cheap seats and then move into the many empty seats (at the ushers urging) behind home plate. Then one day Smoltz joined the team and it all began to make sense to me. The passion, the drive, the excitement. I was so thrilled to see the stadium slowly fill up as the team improved and in 1991 I thought I had died and gone to heaven.

As I learned more about John and his faith I was even more impressed with this great player. I can’t begin to calculate how much money I have spent at the ballpark and it has all been because of Smoltz. I can’t be the only one who feels this way. The Braves have been penny-wise and pound-foolish with this move. I will not be spending any more money on a franchise that would treat this giant of the game in this manner. Shame on you.

I’m off to buy a Boston jersey…

By Chris

January 8, 2009 7:21 PM | Link to this

When did Don Waddell take over the Braves? I thought he was the only GM in town who let our best players leave for nothing.

By wreckmaniac

January 8, 2009 7:21 PM | Link to this

I hope Smoltz wins 20 games for the next 5 years and pitches a shutout for the Red Sox in the World Series. This is the worst Braves move since Len Barker for Brett Butler and I still resent that one.

By ben

January 8, 2009 7:22 PM | Link to this

There needs to be some big changes in management in this organization.

By John

January 8, 2009 7:22 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren is TOTALLY INCOMPETENT!

The Braves offer to Smoltz was awful and insulting.

John Smoltz is a class act and the one player that deserved a better offer from the Braves considering all that he has acomplished and done for the organization.

This makes Wren look even more ridiculous than when he claimed the Furcal deal was a sure thing.

Get a real General Manager and some real Major League Players.

Javier Vasquez - give me a break!

By isaac

January 8, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this

The Braves Organization has ripped my heart out and stomped it!! Who in their right mind treats a HOF legend like this!I read this sad news at 5am today and have been thinking of it all day. Are we sure frank Wren really doesnt work for the mutts?Smoltzie you have no idea how many people will miss you at the ted next year.I wont because im boycotting the braves,even the gwiinnett braves.WREN MUST GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Mike

January 8, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this

This is outrageous!!!! This is pathetic negotiating from Wren and a sign of things to come. Now you have our star player ticked off too. If I was Chipper I would move on too because I don’t like the direction this team is going in. The Braves are the laughing stock of baseball this winter.

Paul W. - you’re an idiot - maybe Wren should hire you. You’d fit right in. Guys this why Boston is one of top teams - smart people at the top.

By chuck

January 8, 2009 7:29 PM | Link to this

I am a huge Red Sox fan but I’m also a Braves fan. When I first heard that Smoltz was going to Boston, the Red Sox fan part of me said Great! But then the Braves fan part said This Is Wrong!

John, if you have to leave the Braves, I’m glad it’s to the Red Sox but Mr. Wren, THIS IS WRONG!!!!!!!!!!

By bobby

January 8, 2009 7:31 PM | Link to this

So what if they did pay him 14 million for 5 starts last year, it’s not like he went out and hurt his arm on purpose. After all he was trying to help the ballclub. Chipper better get the vaseline ready.

By NewBraves

January 8, 2009 7:33 PM | Link to this

Honestly, it is probably time for Smoltz to go…he will probably do better in a different org and hopefully the Braves will do better without him. Honestly, we have to move on past the Glavine, Smoltz, and Chipper days…it is time to rebuild the team with younger guys who can produce! Don’t you remember the 1990 and 1991 seasons? How many “old guys” were on that team? Maybe we should bring back Dale Murphy? The Braves need to make a new name for themselves with an energized and youthful team…no matter how bittersweet it is to lose an ATL legend…best of luck to Smoltz and hopefully Chipper will find a new Hooters chick to hook up with.

By Ken in Carolina

January 8, 2009 7:34 PM | Link to this

Paul W., If you see it different than everyone else you may need to take a deeper look inside. Smoltz rode in on that horse a long time ago. He’s been a player of great character. He was an integral part of the Braves glory years and a great role model for his younger teammates. It comes down to market value, not greed. Would you stay loyal to your employer if several other comparable employers were willing to pay you twice as much?

By Chopchickfan

January 8, 2009 7:36 PM | Link to this

Welcome back, Chop Chick. You’ve been missed — kind of like Smoltzie will be. There’s still time to make some constructive moves. I’ll naively hope they are coming.

BTW: I couldn’t agree more that Chipper is past his prime — I mean he only won the BATTING TITLE last season and was second the year before (edged out by Matt Holliday, who played half his games in Colorado). Wake up, will you, please! There’s enough to criticize without taking cheap shots at Chipper, who has been first-class his entire career (All you “Holier-than-thou”s out there, I’m fully aware of, and have long since forgiven his off-the-field indiscretions — as should you).

By diego

January 8, 2009 7:37 PM | Link to this

Smoltz isn’t going to win 20 games, probably not even 10. Just like Glavine never really had success in New York. It’s just wrong for Smoltz to wear a Boston jersey but that doesn’t mean the Braves have to overpay just because Smoltz doesn’t want to believe he doesn’t have it anymore. His mind might be telling him he can do it but his body is done and has been done for a few years now.

Smoltz also could have taken the Brave’s lower off knowing that the Braves don’t have Boston or New York kind of money/revenue. Plus we are trying to rebuild the team. Glavine and Smoltz both have enough money in the bank, if they wanted to stay it’s not like they’d be in the poor house.

Good bye, Smoltz. If you’re pitching after the All-Star break, I’ll be surprised and eat some crow. Smoltz and Glavin should have retired with Maddux a couple of months ago.

By Geezer

January 8, 2009 7:37 PM | Link to this

Paul W - GO SCREW YOURSELF AND GET OUT OF ATLANTA!!! You about as STUPID as Frank Wren if not more so!!!!

Start a movement - flood calls to the Braves office - show up and demonstrate outside until Frank Wren is run out of this town and state….Until we as fans stand up and show, that we care - the Braves mgmt will continue to act as if we don’t matter….Mark my words, Chipper will be next - if doesn’t want to go on somewhere else right now - and who could blame him… FIRE FRANK WREN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By bobby

January 8, 2009 7:38 PM | Link to this

So what if they did pay him 14 million for 5 starts last year, it’s not like he went out and hurt his arm on purpose. After all he was trying to help the ballclub. Chipper better get the vaseline ready.

By Mike

January 8, 2009 7:40 PM | Link to this

I am so tired of hearing how the clubs need to be loyal to players. This the system that the players wanted and got so they need to live by it. The clubs do. I am a great fan of Chipper but for every Chipper there are hundreds of players who always go for the money. Thank you Andy M. I hate to see Smoltz go but that was his decision. Hw was not dissed, he was given a fair offer based on what the Braves thought was right for them. Smoltz gets insulted!!! Give me a break. He didn’t have any problem last year accepting 14m for not doing too much. I wanted im back this year because he is such a competitor, but the players got the system they wanted and now they, and we, must live with it. It is what it is.

By Ken in Carolina

January 8, 2009 7:43 PM | Link to this

Paul W……does the W stand for Wren? Because only a relative could defend such incompetence in a GM.

By Isaac

January 8, 2009 7:48 PM | Link to this

I agree with Paul W. Good Riddance! He may have been good at baseball but he’s way past his prime. He’s an arrogant hump; talk to him for 5 minutes and you can see he’s a spoiled little brat who’s always gets “his” way no matter what. Why do you think he’s divorced? His wife got sick of him too. Send him to Beantown; the fans there will chew him up and spit him out if he doesn’t perform. I give him 1/2 a season tops up there and he’ll be begging the Braves for their 2 million!!

By Greg

January 8, 2009 7:50 PM | Link to this

McGuirk said it all “I just don’t know what is going on with John right now.” As CEO of the organization, you should know what is going on. McGuirk and Wren want to blame everyone else for their mistakes.

By Jo Jo

January 8, 2009 7:54 PM | Link to this

Ditto above- everyone cried when Murph left but it was necessary for the team. Since when did ‘respect’ equal ‘money’ anyhow? I think he has gotten plenty of both here in ATL. JOHN is the one who chose to end his career elsewhere- not the Braves~

By Rickster

January 8, 2009 7:56 PM | Link to this

This is a very sad day for, not just the team, but also for the fans and the City of Atlanta. Smoltz is a hard worker and, along with Chipper, was a leader of this team. It just shows the disrespect the ownership has for those who have helped hold this team together. It’s obvious the owners want to start anew, but at a very painful price. I’m guessing that Chipper, who has not yet been offered a contract, will be the next one to be pushed aside; and based on his anger at the Smoltz dealing, I wouldn’t be surprised.

Best of luck Frank Wren with your reincarnation of the 80s years; looks like that’s where we’re headed.

By roger

January 8, 2009 7:57 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren, suck my c@ck! What a shame to let john go. No tickets for me this year!

By TPM

January 8, 2009 7:58 PM | Link to this

I commend Frank Wren for not over paying for Smoltz. Smoltz stole 12 million bucks last year and needs to go away. He can take homtown discount Glavine with him

Clp and Save this post and mark my words -He will do nothing for The Red Sox.

By BRAVESFAN5114

January 8, 2009 8:00 PM | Link to this

Dont let Smoltz fool you. It IS all about the dollars. How many more cars does he need? Does he remember that he got paid for a whole year and pitched in 7 games? I am a Braves fan to the end. But he wont be able to pitch uutil June, so in effect that would be another half season he wont pitch and get paid for it. It is getting old that you cant even afford to go to a game without spending a fortune, unless you want to sit 500 feet from home plate. When the economy hits MLB, and they cant pay the salaries, maybe you will have people happy to come play for 3 mil a year. Let him go. See ya later. You got paid a fortune to be a Brave. And that was only good until your next contract. What a joke.

By chipperisTO@hotmail.com

January 8, 2009 8:01 PM | Link to this

To chopchickfan: Whether or not Chipper is past his prime (he is) or still producing wins, it is poor sportsmanship that he speak out against the Braves organization in such a public manner over Smoltz opting to receive more money from an org other than the Braves…unless he has motivation to join another team…maybe the RedSox. Who cares?!? Seriously, Chipper, are you going to become the TOwens of MLB?

By Rack em

January 8, 2009 8:10 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren just single killed the braves team. The fans of Atlanta will never forget one. Remember the strike? Well this is worse. They turned their back on a franchise player who never ever turned his back on the braves. Not a good thing to do at all. I for one will never forgive like I did the strike and will never attend another game. I am going to the Sox like Smoltz did. Over their fans and players are at least appreciated.

Biggest mistake this management team every did. Now it makes me wonder, was it really the other teams and players, or is it Wren who just cant get the job done. Guess we will never know. The braves love to keep non-performing players and coaches and yes management. Time for me to fly away with Smoltz. Heres my season ticket money Frank $$$. This is all you will ever see again.

By richbrave

January 8, 2009 8:12 PM | Link to this

TRADE CHIPPER now for a starting pitcher named COLE HAMELS.

By Stacie

January 8, 2009 8:12 PM | Link to this

This is the move that will forever kill the fan support of the Braves. Live with it, you did it. Now live with it.

By BravesFanInRockies

January 8, 2009 8:17 PM | Link to this

I’m unhappy with both sides.

The vast majority of Braves fans would have been perfectly happy if they had matched the Sox’s offer even if he never threw a pitch in 2009.

Still, he could have made money with Atlanta had he stayed and pitched well. This tells me that he either doesn’t think he’s physically capable of playing much or he wants so much to go out a winner that he jumped ship to what he thinks is a better team.

In either case, it hurts.

By jimc[a

January 8, 2009 8:19 PM | Link to this

I’m with Paul W. The time has come. Come on folks, the ENTIRE BRaves starting rotation (at about $55 million) flamed out with injuries last year because they are old and past their prime. This IS a business. It is not a game anymore. I’m frnakly surprised the Braves offered anything besides incentive-only agreement. If John was willing to prorate back what the Braves “wasted” on him this past year, then I would say he is not nearly as arrogant as he appears. Has anyone who deifies John researched how he tried to take advantage of his surrounding community in his attempts at a private school formation and sprting complex. I have and witnessed the “all about me” attitude. More family time, less glory years. Once again, he has opted for jockness versus fatherhood. Braves did what they needed to do. Same should go for Tommy

By Lee

January 8, 2009 8:24 PM | Link to this

Will ATL fans forgive and forget? Hey, Rack’EM…I think the FAlcons thought the same thing when they booted that thug, animal-abusing, incarcerated Vick as he had a large fan base. Guess what! There are many more fans to replace his following, and many of his following is converting to the new team. As a season ticket holder you should be about the team, not Smoltz. And if you aren’t about the team, I’m thinking you are cheaper to replace than Smoltz.

By athdog

January 8, 2009 8:30 PM | Link to this

Hang on with the Wren comments. He’s been on the job a year and a half. Jair Jurjens, a nice young pitcher was his addition. Cotchman, a nice first baseman, is with us for several years and otherwise, we would have nothing in return for Tex.
I absolutely marveled at Smoltz over the years, absolute first ballot Hall of Famer, but he’s 41 and has had half a dozen arm surgeries. He’ll be lucky to be able to pitch by May or June. We need to go in a different direction, as we did in 1990, and we need to go ahead and get started. Personally, I’d resign Leo to teach the young pitchers how to pitch. The only arm trouble we ever had with Leo coaching was with Smoltz, largely because of Leo’s offseason throwing and inseason throwing program. With McDowell, we seem to have arms going out every week. Then, I’d find a nice office job for Bobby, whom I love, and get started with rebuilding.
That’s just me, though. I’ve only been a Braves fan since 1967 when they first arrived with Luman Harris managing with a kid named Aaron in the outfield and another named Niekro on the mound, so I may be wrong.

By Randy

January 8, 2009 8:30 PM | Link to this

hey you’re right Chick, 2-3 mill is alot for me and not for the Braves. seems like a small sum, especially to someone like Smoltz who is worth millions. don’t get me wrong, i love smoltz. he is the atlanta braves, but in a workplace that has a short shelf life compared to regular workers like me and all the other fans who are p’d pff, 2.5 guaranteed plus an opportunity for up to 10 seems very generous. i betcha if any other team besides the Yanks, Red Sox, or Tigers had made the offer he accepted Smoltz would have turned it down and signed with the Braves. this is about being able to go out on top. he hates to lose and that is what makes Smoltz and other greats….great. the Red Sox are a really safe bet to make a deep run in the playoffs and he wants a piece. he hates to lose and the Braves will lose in 2009. no two ways around it and he knows it, so he’s gone. Smoltz is belly aching about the measly 3 mill as his own PR move so he doesn’t look like a sore loser. truth is…i’m sad as a Braves fan as I began as a baseball fan when he was traded for. i’ll always be a Smoltz fan and will root for him and be celebrating when his plaque goes on the Cooperstown wall….with an “A” on his cap!

By k-baby

January 8, 2009 8:31 PM | Link to this

John,

Thanks for all of your hard work and dedication to the Braves organization for the past 21 years. If I were you, I would enter the Hall of Fame as a BOSTON RED SOX and not a Brave.

Frank Wren is an intergalactic disaster of epic proportions. What an incompetent buffoon!

By John

January 8, 2009 8:32 PM | Link to this

Does anyone, including Frank Wren, understand what the heck Frank Wren’s master management plan is?

I could understand somewhat if he felt it was time to move on from an aging Smoltz, but to lose a premier pitcher this close to spring training when he’s already failed to build a rotation is an atrocity.

We’ll miss you John!

By Fannomore

January 8, 2009 8:36 PM | Link to this

I’ve really admired the way Smoltz has conducted himself over the years, and believe he really gutted it out many times when a lesser person would have wimped out and sat on the bench (can you say Mike Hampton?). So I really think it’s low class for Wren and the Braves to give him no respect. But, I’m also a little disappointed in Smoltz too, that he would not realize that he didn’t deliver last year and won’t be delivering this year until well into the season. Bottom line? Skip is gone, Pete has retired and now there’s no Smoltz. There’s not a lot to be excited about anymore.

By Mike

January 8, 2009 8:36 PM | Link to this

Funny…if you go to the Boston newspaper blog sites, the fans are mad because the team is blowing big money on aging pitchers instead of building for the future!

By gmk

January 8, 2009 8:40 PM | Link to this

i love smoltz as much as all the brave’s fans, but we don’t need to take a chance on him at this point. we need to move on. hopefully, there will be no hard feelings. the glory years were based on a group of young pitchers who matured as a group and produced year after year. we need to develop a similar group, if that is possible.

By canarybird

January 8, 2009 8:41 PM | Link to this

Don’t go to the games. Cancel your tickets. Don’t buy Braves merchandise. That is the only message that will get Frank Wren out of town. He and JS are idiots. Bobby is on the same bandwagon. The game passed him by about three years ago. Whoope! Here we come 70’s and 80’s!!! A lot to look forward too in the coming seasons. I WON’T be a part of it.

By Tommy

January 8, 2009 8:42 PM | Link to this

I think it was a bold move by the front office and should have been done at least 2 years ago. It would have saved the team 15 million bucks. This man, who everyone holds up as a god amongst men, is quite arrogant make no mistake about it. A few years ago he would have gotten away with this and the team would have paid; but no more. He should have retired last year and gone out a Brave on top, but no his ego needed more stroking. So now he will go out a broken Red Sox, ughhh! instead. Time for some new young blood; some kids with heart who just want to win. Smile everyone, it’s a brand new day in Braves Town! The sun is shining! The grass is green and smells heavenly! And our Bravos are rebuilding. Oh yeah, Braves…do NOT rehire Andruw Jones…He’s exactly what’s wrong with baseball today. If the Dodgers let him go, leave him alone. Maybe the Red Sox will pick him up!!!!!

By Stephen

January 8, 2009 8:46 PM | Link to this

By showing Smoltz how much they care about him, the braves management has let the fans know how much they really care for us.

How many millions will the braves lose because of Smoltz’s absence? I assure you it will be far more than it would have taken to keep him here.

By LivininAL

January 8, 2009 8:51 PM | Link to this

What a mess..We showed NO interest in Lowe, Smoltzie sees no club direction, or respect and decides to leave. Now we suddenly decide Lowe is the one to go for?? I could care less where Lowe pitches next year, with no disrespect meant to Lowe. Wish you well in Boston John!

By Tyler

January 8, 2009 8:53 PM | Link to this

Bye Smoltz. We can lost without you.

By Glenn

January 8, 2009 8:53 PM | Link to this

My God please hold back the tears…his career a good one but over. Chipper wipe away the tears or go to Boston…last time we looked u were a little long in the tooth…u all were great so was I, but time goes on.Chipper maybe it’s your time to say goodbye.Remember we finished last!!!!!!

By Chad Eaton

January 8, 2009 8:53 PM | Link to this

Come on folks…Business is business. The very same people who are decrying management for not signing Smoltz to $5 mil plus would be decrying if we had saying, big bucks for a big chance. Smoltz has banked millions upon millions but just like Glavine before him was bolting for more money. He has been shopping himself for months. A 42 year old, too many times to count surgically repaired arm aint worth more than $1 million and Smoltzie knows it. This is PURE GREED! Good rittance Smoltz. I wish you and Tommy the best and may you choke on the millions you milked out of all of us in tickets paid for!

By Dawg hatin' Jacket

January 8, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this

I’m done with the Atlanta Braves. Frank Wren proved he a fool with the Andruw Jones talk. He just proved he is a bigger fool by letting Smoltzy walk. Sell the team to an owner who cares about baseball in this city and let him clean house. How long until football season starts?

By Judy

January 8, 2009 8:55 PM | Link to this

Wren, you ignorant slut!

By Michael

January 8, 2009 9:01 PM | Link to this

Sigh

By Mark

January 8, 2009 9:11 PM | Link to this

This is the nail in the coffin. You don’t pi** on the two faces of the Atlanta Braves franchise and expect things to improve. Thanks Braves front office! You lost my season ticket purchase!

By Sam

January 8, 2009 9:21 PM | Link to this

Holy Crap. I have a simple economics lesson for frank wren. When you have 40 million dollars lying around (or was THAT a lie too) run at Sabathia (26 mil) A.J. burnett (80 mil over 15 yrs.) 40 million dollars, and we can’t pay 10 friggin million dollars to maintain a legend? Holy crap, Tom Glavine, retire. Derek Lowe, run as fast as you can. All those power hitting outfielders still out there? why do we need a power hitting outfielder we need a leadoff hitter (Orlando Hudson anyone?) Atlanta is gonna be a football city until 2020 when Frank Wren dies. I’m gonna give away my braves memorabilia. Let’s Go royals, at least your GM did something.

By gclcpa

January 8, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this

To all of you who are bashing disappointed fans… Were we supposed to be excited about the acquisition of a career loser, high ERA stiff like Vasquez?

Gimme a break. Clearly Wren is incompent. And that’s being kind. Now I believe Furcal to be telling the truth.

By Paul Lentz

January 8, 2009 9:27 PM | Link to this

I am a 36 year old white male living in the San Francisco Bay Area who grew up following the Braves in Arkansas. I vividly remember the sad Braves of the late 80’s. I was one of the relatively few Braves fans who was grateful for the run we had from 1991-2005. When I say “grateful” I mean not b*** about only winning one World Series.

Because of TBS’s decision to not carry the Braves anymore, I decided to purchase the MLB Extra Innings package on my Direct TV last year. I watched pretty much every game this past season.

While I was pleased with the Vazquez trade, I feel that the Braves need to go with a total youth movement. I feel that the Braves made out by Burnett going to the Yankees and Furcal changing his mind. If Lowe demands are reasonable, I’m all for signing him. However if he wants to maximize his value (which he has every right to) then I hope that Frank Wren takes a pass.

I am more than ok with the Braves realizing that we arent going to win this year. I’d rather take my lumps and develop the youngsters, find out who has the goods to be really good Major League players, and if they develop quicker than expected, then I’d be open to the Braves using the money to go after quality free agents either next year or in 2011.

In 1989 and 1990, both John Smoltz and Tom Glavine took their lumps. Yet in 1991, they started an incredible run of success. I’d be more than willing to see Tommy Hansen, Charlie Morton, and JJ Reyes go through their lumps if they eventually came anywhere close to developing the way that Smoltz and Glavine did. If they dont pan out, then Wren and Co. can use the high draft pics that come with losing big with the hope of drafting and developing stud pitchers. As a legit fan who can look past one year, I would rather lose big (and get high draft picks while shedding big salaries) or have a legit chance to win the World Series. Being a mediocre, .500, or even a decent team does not interest me, especially if management is only striving for those type of teams. Taking lumps with a legit plan of action is something I’m more than willing to endure as a fan.

If Hansen, Schaefer, and Heyward all have a decent spring, I’d say bring them up with the intention of starting them. I’d have an outfield of Heyward in left, Schaefer in center, and Franceour in right. Some combination of Diaz, Anderson, and Blanco could back up the outfield.

As much as I love Chipper as a player, I feel that it would be in the Braves interest to either trade him before the trade deadline in July, or let him walk as a free agent. However if the Braves were to somehow contend this year, I’d keep him. Chipper is our best player, however paying him market value, given his age and propensity to getting injured, makes it a risky investment, particularly if he wants a 4 or 5 year contract at big money.

Even so, I feel that the Braves will potentially have a good offense. Chipper and McCann will carry this team. However I look for Franceour to rebound and for Kotchman to relax and hit the way he did with the Angels. If Escobar can develop some legit power, if we can get a legit lead-off hitter, then it wont be all bleak. As always, the key is pitching.

In 2009, Chipper’s and Soraino’s contract will come off the books. That’s another $23 mill that can be freed up. Point is, the Braves are in decent shape financially. Spending money for the sake of spending money is not wise.

By Mark

January 8, 2009 9:33 PM | Link to this

Oh please. Smoltz made $14 million for pitching 28 innings in 6 games in 2008. After last seasons disaster with Braves 40+ year old pitchers, should we really even want Braves management to take that kind of chance again? Everyone who is calling for Frank Wren’s head now would be calling for it this summer when Smoltz, with his $10M contract gave us another 10 games and then got hurt. If John wants to pitch elsewhere, feeling no sense of loyalty for collecting his $14M for such slight work, why should the Braves have any greater sense of loyalty to him?

It time to move on, with a new generation of pitchers. John Smoltz leaving, painful as it may be, is necessary

By GaLiberal

January 8, 2009 9:34 PM | Link to this

Everyone has to remember who now owns the Braves. It is a media company that has no interest in having winning a World Series or Division championships. They view the Braves as an expense and they try to minimize that expense. No big dollar offers to get people to stay or get top talent. It’s simply a business decision. You don’t like it, scrape up $400+ MILLION and buy them. Then you can spend all that money winning a World Series. Better yet, the Rethuglicons running the state to back you with tax payer money and build you a new stadium using tax payer money and exempt you from taxes (they love doing that) and make you a state hero. If they can vote Sonny a $100,000 tax break, they can vote you one too.

By Tim

January 8, 2009 9:36 PM | Link to this

Screw the Braves until they get rid of some the losers in ownership and front office. Talk about dismantling a franchise. I’m done, until someone respectable takes back over. Where are you Ted Turner? Arthur Blank? Help!!

By Dixie Dawg

January 8, 2009 9:37 PM | Link to this

Anyone defending the actions (or inactions) of Frank Wren, are seriously mislead.

How many more f’ ups is it going to take for you people to finally be convinced that Wren is an imcompetent @ss puppet of Liberty Media??

He has done nothing really all that impressive…well, maybe Jurggens, whoop dee doo…

People, He was ran out of Baltimore in ONE I say ONE year!!! He has been with us a little bit over that now. And what does he have to show for it???

For those who blindly defend Wren (and I used to), what is it going to take for you all to see that this guy is a f’ing joke?

Football Ken has buddies who are current and past Braves players who says Wren is a complete joke!!!

What other proof do you people need???

Jesus H. Christ, comeon people.

By Paul Lentz

January 8, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this

Also, to add to the end of my previous comment, Tim Hudson’s contract also is up. That’s an additional 12 million to be freed up. If I’m correct, then the only big contracts we currently have for 2010 are Brian McCann (which is a bargain) and Javier Vazquez. As long as the Braves are smart with their money, then we are in a good position to invest wisely in players worth the investment. Which is a good prospect, considering what happened the past 3-4 years with several bad contracts.

By Bill

January 8, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this

Put the Blame on the GEO McQuirk-he’s the boss that tells Wren when to Shi! and when to get up. Wren just does what his boss wants.Fire McQ, Wren and Cox.

By gayle

January 8, 2009 9:41 PM | Link to this

Where’s Bobby? You know, Bobby Cox, the manager that EVERYONE wants to play for?

Everybody except every free-agent and John Smoltz, that is.

By three jack

January 8, 2009 9:41 PM | Link to this

get over it you bunch of know nothings. the best thing that could happen now would be if smoltz took the 100 game wonder, philandering chipper with him to boston. maybe larry could play 120 games as a dh.

the braves need to move on. smoltz, glavine, larry had their day. we need youngsters who actually make it through an entire season w/o hitting the dl more than the strike zone or ball.

enjoy boston smoltzie…see if you can get them to offer larry a deal as well.

By Karl

January 8, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this

I am no longer buying my spring training tickets. I hope braves. I hope braves fan don’t pay to attend the autograph session this month. As braves fans we should show up there at the entrance to voice our disgust at the way Frank Wren has treated Smoltzie who did nothing but leave everything on the field every time he took the mound. He gave us Braves fan a reason to cheer he was someone we could identify with now. Let’s voice our displesure of FW at the autograph session. There is nothing FW can do to make up for the lack of respect he has shown to John Smoltz and Braves fans. Lets show him he not only underestimated Smoltzie but he also underestimated Braves Fans

By dondee

January 8, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this

For those wishing to blame the Republicans, Don’t worry, be happy. I heard that 44 is going to offer the Braves a bailout, so all will be fine.

By Dixie Dawg

January 8, 2009 9:44 PM | Link to this

I would rather Arthur Blank go ahead and buy the Braves than worry about a new damn stadium for the Falcons when the Ga Dome is still a good facility!!!

By Paul Lentz

January 8, 2009 9:55 PM | Link to this

I just dont get some of you Braves fans. I feel that Wren and Co. should be smart on where they allocate the money they have budgeted to spend. We are in a tough division. The Mets and Phillies have big payrolls. The Phillies were lucky last year to escape injuries to their pitching staff. However, as usual with teams that go to the World Series, the following year will more than likely bring unexpected injuries. Chase Utley is already out for half the year. Plus the Mets are a team that just cant keep it together all year. Still, they have talent and the money to go after big time players in mid-season.

If Wren was able to sign Burnett, trade for Furcal, sign Lowe and Dunn, and keep John Smotz, do any of you really think that the Braves would have enough to overtake both the Mets and Phillies? Remember, all those guys would have to stay healthy (Furcal, Burnett and Smoltz all have recent histories of serious injuries). Even with all those players, I just dont see us seriously competing.

However if we were to stay away from risky big contracts, and develop the youngsters (who are cheaper and less prone to injuries), then when the time was right for the Braves to SERIOUSLY compete for a championship, then money would not be an issue. Whether that is next year or the year after, would depend on the development of our youngsters, the draft, making shrewed trades (remember that Wren got Jurrgens in the Renteria trade), and spending money wisely on big time free-agents.

I feel that Wren has done a good job. He took a shot at signing some of these guys, however he didnt panic and go overboard to appease some of you nut jobs. I say give Wren time to make use of what is now a “buyer’s market”.

By Dixie Dawg

January 8, 2009 10:15 PM | Link to this

Paul Lentz

Put down the joint, man. You’ve smoked enough for one day.

By Dixie Dawg

January 8, 2009 10:55 PM | Link to this

this one goes back to Wren’s Baltimore days, but take a look….see any correlations?

http://www.oobleck.com/orioles/archives/columns/2000/frankly.html

By proeye

January 8, 2009 10:55 PM | Link to this

Yes, this was about Smoltz, the icon in Atlanta, but it was also about us losing the final link to the fabulous 14 year run. Sure Bobby is still around but he was the manager, it’s not the same. Chipper wasn’t around the entire time.

Smoltzie was out there battling for us. He was out there giving it his all every day, operation after operation, modifying his wind up and his arm angle just so he could throw another pitch, and even giving up a bunch of wins just because we needed a closer. John Smoltz is as much an beloved icon in Atlanta as Hank Aaron or Dale Murphy. 20 years! He was the face of the franchise.

I never thought I would see myself cry over one person. Believe it or not, I just heard about this just now. You know, I feel like our “run” is over. Finally, the great Braves era has died.

By Paul Lentz

January 8, 2009 11:01 PM | Link to this

I loved Smoltz and what he did for the Braves just as much as anyone. However the operative word is “did”. He is too old, and too injury prone to risk spending 5.5 million upfront. I would love to see him flourish in Boston. However from a business standpoint, I perfectly understand why Wren didnt up the ante for Smoltz. I dont think it would be smart to offer Glavine a contract either. We need to give the youngsters a chance to show what they can do. Take our lumps now and spend the money down the line, when our team has improved to the point where spending big money on free agents is justified.

By Dixie Dawg

January 8, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this

Paul For crying out loud, how can you defend Frank Wren after all of these bungles??

Really, dude, what’s it gonna take for you to see that this guy is absolutely destroying the Braves, the once-proud franchise, day by day.

The only way for the Braves to get better is for a new owner who gives a sh!t and a competent GM who knows what he’s doing.

Please open your eyes do. Too much San Francisco fog or something???

By Paul Lentz

January 8, 2009 11:25 PM | Link to this

Hey Dixie Dawg, how can YOU say that Frank Wren “bungled” this offseason? The Yankees out bid the Braves for a pitcher who has a history of breaking down (A.J. Burnett). Furcal’s agent reneged on an agreement to sign with the Braves. The Padres wanted the best of the Braves prospects for Jake Peavy. Worst case scenerio, Wren gave up a potentially decent hitter (Flowers) for a pitcher who has a history of being durable and pitching a lot of innings. He didnt give in to sentiment and give a 42 year old potentially broken pitcher (Smoltz) a big contract.

I have no problem with any of the moves that Wren has made. While players may like playing for a manager, when it comes down to it, players will go where the most money is. Some of you may b*** and moan about it, however if it was your son on the free agent, would you tell him to take less money to “appease” a bunch of “no life fans”?

There are still a bunch of pretty good free agents out there who are still looking for contracts. I believe that if Wren were to choose to go after some of these guys, then he can sign them without breaking the bank. The market has turned to the point where it is a “buyer’s market”. If he decides that none of these guys are worth the money, then I’m more than ok with going with the youngsters and using the money to go after potential free agents in 2010.

By Judi Stench

January 8, 2009 11:30 PM | Link to this

When Frank Wren speaks, the whole press room starts to smell like penis.

By howstupidiswren

January 8, 2009 11:34 PM | Link to this

I dont think Wren knew how much this decision is going to cost him. Not in dollars but in public trust and respect. He picked the wrong battle.

He could still sign Lowe, Sheets, and trade for Peavy but that still won’t make up for his seemingly intentional bumbling of this situation.

You always here about how this is a business and that’s fine, but you have to understand you customers. Wren clearly does not.

By Dixie Dawg

January 8, 2009 11:42 PM | Link to this

Paul

You’re missing the point, dude. Can you actually say picking up Javier Vasquez is a good move???

Yeah, he has a “history” of being subpar.

I hate to say it, but you and a few others are in the minority here, and I guess if you want to say “f” it and settle for mediocrity, then there is nothing that I can say or do to convince you. It’s your opinion. I respect that.

By Paul Lentz

January 8, 2009 11:43 PM | Link to this

Hey howstupidiswren, I wish that true Braves fans will get over the “sentiment” and attachment that they cant seem to shake when it comes to over the hill players. There is no easy or simple way to cut ties to a popular player, especially if he still wants to play and get highly compensated for it (again, I see nothing wrong with that, it’s his right). Maybe Frank Wren needs to better communicate the reasoning behind his decisions. However maybe he is playing it close to the vest, perhaps to stay out of a bidding war for desired players, or maybe to get the competition (Phillies and Mets) to overspend for players if they think the Braves are after the same guys.

Point is, the offseason is not over. If he wants to wait until the offseason is over with before holding a press conference explaining himself, then I’m ok with waiting for that.

Some of you guys give fans a bad rap. No wonder athletes try to avoid fans.

By Dixie Dawg

January 8, 2009 11:46 PM | Link to this

Paul

I don’t know if I would take that “Pro Wren” attitude into DOB’s blog. They’ll rip you to shreds in there. Trust me…People get ruthless in there.

By Dixie Dawg

January 8, 2009 11:50 PM | Link to this

as a matter of fact…I can’t wait to get back over there and tell them about the poor soul who defends their father, Frank Wren…this oughta be good!

Oh, BTW…REAL fans care about their team and get p!ssed off when stuff like this happens…just so you’ll know.

Toodles….

By LifelongBravesfan

January 8, 2009 11:55 PM | Link to this

Here’s to hoping that Smoltz beats Atlanta in game seven of the World Series. The organization deserves nothing less…

By Paul Lentz

January 8, 2009 11:58 PM | Link to this

Again DixieDawg, I’m not saying that Vazquez is an ace. However, considering what we gave up to get him, I think it was a good move.

Some of you guys just dont understand the economics of the sport. If you guys had your way, the Braves would have spent $10 million for Smoltz, $16 million a year plus our best prospects for Jake Peavy, $16 million a year for Burnett, $10 million a year for Furcal, and another 6-8 million for Glavine. That is almost $60 million in salary in 2009 for 5 guys who have an extensive history of injuries. Plus I know that some of you would “love” to spend another $10-15 mill for a strikeout/home run tyep left fielder who cant play defense (Burrell, Dunn).

For the prices and prospects that we’d have to give up, I’m glad that Wren made the decisions (or non-moves) that he did. Just because he has only traded for a #3 starter does not mean that he has done a bad job. Sometimes the free agents and trade market are not viable options at the current time. I have a feeling that in the next 2 months, the Padres will lower their demands for Peavy. Also, there is a glut of left fielders out there with pop whose prices will drop. I have a feeling that if the Braves can sigh Lowe at a reasonable price, and if Peavy is obtained, then the Braves could be a sleeper for Manny Ramirez. I just dont see any teams out there who are going to give him a big contract.

Imagine if Wren were to get all three of those guys. The same morons bashing Wren would be beating each other off with a stick for the right to kneel before him and give him praise.

By Dixie Dawg

January 9, 2009 12:08 AM | Link to this

Trust me, Paul, I think the only thing Wren could do is to step aside.

You say you are a fan, right? Can you honestly say the whole Smoltz debacle was handled in a classy way?

If the Braves somehow have a “Falcons-like” year this season, then I will man up and apologize for everything that I’ve said about the man.

And for the things I’ve said to you…eventhough I was just kidding about smoking a joint.

By richbrave

January 9, 2009 12:23 AM | Link to this

AND of course, GLAVINE wants to return. PUKE.!!!! TRADE CHIP for COLE HAMELS - tonight. Then sign OHMAN and LOWE. Worry about the line-up next year. OR, SIGN A.JONES and lets see if there’s anything left in the tank. We already know where GLAVINE stands. Let’s go after GREG MADDOX. He should be good for 10 wins this year if we keep CHIP JONES.

By Paul Lentz

January 9, 2009 12:24 AM | Link to this

Classy? How did Wren disrespect Smoltz? Just because the didnt want to pay him $10 this season doesnt mean that he didnt appreciate Smoltz’s contribution in the past.

Smoltz made his intention months ago that he was willing to play for another team. I have no problem with that, just as I have no problem with the Braves wanting to go in a different direction pitching wise.

By proeye

January 9, 2009 12:33 AM | Link to this

Paul…

You can’t rate a GM on his non-performance. You may be happy that his blunders happen to equate to what you want for this team but it doesn’t give him an A for doing his job.

Just admit that he didn’t do what he said he was going to do. Just admit that Wren doesn’t have what it takes to play with the big boys. Just admit that he doesn’t know that he is allowed to spend a bit more than he anticipated. Come on… Don’t you think he could have spend a couple of extra million to put Furcal at 2B? He could very easily have prevented that embarrassment by simply coming back and saying, “What did the Dodgers offer you? We’ll give you $2 million more since we know you don’t like 2B.” What about Burnett? Maybe pay him an extra $1-2 million per season? Why not? There are limits but they can’t be absolute. It’s possible that the Yankees had a limit because they sure aren’t signing everyone now are they? If they didn’t get Burnett they surely would have gone after Lowe.

And wow, this Smoltz thing has got to be the dumbest move I’ve ever seen. Come on guy, we only need to sign Smoltzie for ONE SEASON. Give us fans something to look forward to in a bleak 2009 season. He could come up lame but so far he has come back from EVERY major arm surgery. Isn’t the upside HUGE? If he came back, it would have been the Atlanta Sports story of the year.

I realize that the team has had a lot of injuries and I’m all for a rebuilding but you gotta understand that one way or another that money is going to be spent. Liberty Media is all about preserving this team’s value. They are not about winning games. As far as they are concerned, the Braves are an investment. Therefore, it is imperative that the team maintain some resemblance of a major league ball club.

So in the end, you may not get your wish…

Really though… Do you really want to go through the torture of getting rid of all the vets and going with a youth movement? There are no guarantees with minor league talent—especially when most of that talent is in the lower ranks. Tampa Bay took 11 years to get to a winning record!!! Can you take a decade of losing in Atlanta???

DON’T COUNT YOUR CHICKENS WITH THE YOUNG TALENT!

By Dixie Dawg

January 9, 2009 12:34 AM | Link to this

Paul, Paul, Paul

loyalty, my friend, loyalty. John Smoltz was the face of this franchise. The organization spat on his face.

Haven’t you read what Chipper and Glavine have been saying?

Smoltzy pitched even when he was hurting. He put his heart and soul in this team. It was classless how this was handled.

By bclontz

January 9, 2009 12:49 AM | Link to this

This is it for me! I knew baseball had become a cut throat business, no loyalty to players or fans! I will never attend another braves game as long as I live. I will encourage my children, grandchildren and friends to boycott this organization! It appears obvious now that if a braves player were to contract a terminal illness, the first thing they’d do is try to figure out how to speed up his demise so they could save on hospital bills….I hope and pray that this little stunt will cost them any future chance of winning in the “Business of Baseball”….May the Fleas of a Thousand Camels infest their armpits!!!! Hell Yes I’m Mad!!!!!

By JRJ

January 9, 2009 12:51 AM | Link to this

I hope that every one of you people who live in and around Atlanta will remember this period of time come April. I would like to see an organized effort to boycott Braves games this season as a reminder to the entire organization what lack of respect feels like. I had rather see the Braves miss the playoofs and to treat their players proprly than to do what thyhave done and win the pennant!

Smoltz was no “ordinary” player. He was the Atlanta Braves today! In baseball you really don’t get paid for what you’re going to do. You get paid basically for what you’ve done in the past and what they hope you will continue to do in the future. John Smoltz had earned that much respect from the Braves. Yet, the Braves did not show it!

BTW, as one person has already written, where was John Schuerholz in all of this? He should have told Wren to settle up with Smoltz regardless. Smoltz is an honest, decent man and would not have taken advantage of the Braves. I just wish I could say the same about the Braves not taking advantage of him!

By santa3247

January 9, 2009 1:59 AM | Link to this

Fire friends of Babylon~~~~~~

By Paul Lentz

January 9, 2009 2:00 AM | Link to this

Hey proeye, the Braves offered Burnett $80 mill over 5 years. The Yankees offered $84 mill. If the Braves offered him $88 mill, do you think the Yankees wouldnt have offered $92 mill? Point is, if the Yankees want someone, no team can outbid them. Your assertion that the Yankees have a “limit” is absurd. I do not see how Wren could have done anything differently with him.

The Braves offered Furcal $30 mill over 3 years. The Dodgers offered $33 mill. You say why not offer him $36 mill? $12 million a year for a second baseman on the decline? Besides Furcal does not want to play second base. So again, I do not how Wren bungled that deal. It was Furcal’s agent who went against protocol to secure a bigger deal with the Dodgers.

In this day and age economic salaries, the Braves cant afford to be sentimental and give Smoltz $10 million for one year. Sure Smoltz “could” have a banner year. However given his age (42) and recent history of arm injuries, I just dont see it being worth the investment. After all, the Braves paid Smoltz $14 million for 5 starts last year. And we all know how much the Braves paid for Hampton for a few “5 inning starts”, lol. As a Braves fan, I want players who will stay healthy and give us a chance to win. I could care less about “liking” the player or him being a “solid citizen”. As long as he isnt being a menace to society, I’d take the a***** (great player) over the good guy (mediocre player) any day of the week. I’m more than ok with the Braves letting Smoltz go.

Smoltz being paid $10 million would serve no purpose other than catering to the “sentimental” fans. He would be taking up a slot in the rotation that could go to someone who actually has a future for us. I’d rather totally rebuild than half a* do it.

It isnt like Wren has been sitting idle doing nothing. He has tried to make moves but so far they havent panned out like he would like. Think about it in poker’s terms. I dont care how good a player is, sometimes you’ll either be dealt bad cards, or play very well however someone will “suck out” on you and hit a lucky card to beat you. Circumstances have dictated where the moves that Wren wanted to make werent meant to be.

By JT

January 9, 2009 3:43 AM | Link to this

Hey Schuerholtz! I thought you tutored ths Wren Character for all these years? Wren Congrads, you are now very disliked by probably ALL BRAVES FANS! Get Lost you loser!!!! Spend some money already you low baller!

By JT

January 9, 2009 3:46 AM | Link to this

Hey Santa! Give me a Freakin break, Wren won’t pay out the money to sign any Decent player, and No one wants to play for The Braves anymore after 3 yrs with no play-offs and Mngt that won’t spend any freakin Money! We should have offered Burnett about 5 - 7 more mil than the Yanks were offering!

By JT

January 9, 2009 3:49 AM | Link to this

Santa Smoltz is Braves baseball you Mooron! He should be able to retire here no matter hom much money he wants! We haven’t won for 3 yrs what’s another year gonna hurt? It’s not like he was asking for 10 mil he probably would have taken less than the Measly 5 mil from the Red Sox! Wren we are screwed!!!! Thanks you Loser!

By JT

January 9, 2009 3:51 AM | Link to this

Hey Santa Do you work for Wren? Are you related? you sure don’t sound like a Braves fan idiot!

By Paul Lentz

January 9, 2009 4:16 AM | Link to this

Hey JT, so called “Braves fans” like you baffle. As a Braves fan, I dont want someone past his prime cashing a paycheck while someone younger and who has a future could be getting experience up on the big club.

This reminds me of how many Braves fans ripped the Braves back in 1990 when Dale Murphy was traded to the Phillies mid season. I grew up idolizing Dale Murphy. However he was past his prime. His trade opened up a starting position for David Justice, who was instrumental in our turnaround in 1991. We needed Justice to play that half of season in 1990 in right field for us to find out that he had it in him to be the kind of player we could build an offense around. Who knows what would have happened if we kept Dale Murphy?

There is never really a “classy way” to inform a player that his services are no longer needed. Many of you Braves fans need to let go of the past and realize that Smoltz, Glavine, Maddox and Andrew Jones are way past their prime. Even if the Dodgers release Andrew and the Braves have an opportunity to sign him to the minimum, I still wouldnt do it. He cant hit a curve ball anymore. Playing Andrew, hoping that he can reclaim past glory will only prevent some youngster from playing regularly so the Braves can figure out if he has the same potential that David Justice had.

For every one veteran who proves that he isnt past his prime, there are 5 or 6 others who prove that they are past their prime.

Growing up in Arkansas, I was also a Dallas Cowboys fan. I remember when Jerry Jones bought the Cowboys, after which he fired Tom Laundry and hired Jimmy Johnson. He was ripped for the way he handled it. However when I look back on it, firing Landry was the right thing to do. I grew up in the mid to late 80’s, watching an old, slow, pathetic team plow its way to losing records. Jimmy Johnson took his lumps those first 2 years. However in 1992, we tasted our first Super Bowl since 1977. I’ve had the chance to enjoy 3 Super Bowls in my adult lifetime.

Point is, it is very expensive to be sentimental. Loyalty is sometimes confused with trying to get over on someone (either ownership conning a player into taking less money, or over the hill players conning owners into paying them for what they “used to be”).

In what other business besides professional sports (contrary to public opinion, pro sports is a business), are owners told to foolishly spend money on unproductive players…..are players (workers) told to take less money because of “fan loyalty”?

I could care less how much money Liberty makes running the Braves. However I am a realist. They dont want to lose money. Also, Wren and company do realize that putting a good product out there will help make the team profitable. Putting a good team on the field has to be balanced with making a profit. Those of you who dont understand, or who refuse to understand that……are simple MORONS.

Keep blaming Wren if it makes you feel better. I guess that is easier than actually taking the time to figure out why in the current climate Wren has a difficult job. Mortgaging the future, just to appease you impatient morons is not the answer. Blindly throwing money at a problem is not the answer either. When the Yankees got involved, Wren wisely figured out that there was no way for the Braves to win a bidding way for Burnett. And as far as Smoltz, lol, you people are unreal.

By southerndawg

January 9, 2009 7:04 AM | Link to this

It’s amazing. It took john Shuerholtz 16 years to build the braves into contenders and frank wren 2 years to tear them down. Way to go Frank. Who’s next Chipper or Bobby?

By Paul Lentz

January 9, 2009 7:27 AM | Link to this

Hey southerndawg, how can you say that Frank Wren “tore the Braves down” in 2 years? Letting two 40-plus pitchers go (Smoltz and Glavine) and a 38 year old (Hampton) would not be considered “tearing a team up”, especially given their history of injuries.

You guys forget Wren giving up Renteria for Jurrigens and the centerfield prospect. Also he got Ohlman and Infante from the Cubs for next to nothing. Also he signed McCann to a contract extension that will come to be a bargain. And a great move he made was NOT signing Franceour to a bigger contract than McCann’s, given that many Braves fans wanted Franceour to be given a contract that would guarantee him being in a Braves uniform for quite some time. In time he may turn it around and warrant a big contract. However right now, the Braves are not overpaying for a potential flop. He is eligible for arbitration, which protects the Braves to only a year to year deal.

Point is, given the difficult circumstances he has had to work with, I feel that Wren has done a decent job. Plus you guys have to realize that there is still time in this off season for Wren to make things happen. I’m interested in seeing how some of these free agents like Manny, Lowe, Sheets, Dunn, etc play out.

At the end of last year, I was hoping that the Braves would move on and let Glavine, Smoltz and Hampton go. Glavine made $8 mill, Smoltz $13 mill, and Hampton $17 mill. That’s almost $40 million for 3 guys that didnt do a whole lot last year. Vazquez may not be a number one starter, however he is good for 7 innings a start. He is durable and an innings eater. Glavine and Hampton made too many starts where they had to leave in the 5th or 6th inning. At least with Vazquez, you know what you are getting and you can set your rotation and bullpen accordingly.

Again, I’ll make the reference to Dale Murphy. Getting rid of Murphy when the Braves did was the best thing that could happen in the development of David Justice. Some of you might want to remember that when you start b*** about Smoltz leaving.

I say give Wren a chance to spend the available money wisely. I do not want for the Braves to go back to having 40-50 million tied up in injured, unproductive players. The Braves could have made a few more deadline moves in the past few years if they had flexibility in payroll. If the Braves are smart, then will have that flexibility this year.

Be patient.

By John Chillen

January 9, 2009 8:06 AM | Link to this

Defending Wren and McGuirk and their personnel decisions regarding Smoltz reflects how little one appreciates what Smoltz means to the Braves. There is no excuse and it does not matter if he pitched again or not. When you consider how much money the Braves have wasted on losers like Hampton, (the stinking bum) and then consider how the Braves have got to be MLB’s best farm system, what one team has developed and let slip away more productive stars than we have, all you can conlcude is that we’re an HR, player personnel management wasteland. Chipper’s right to be concerned, ten to one says the Braves don’t follow through on his extension before the season starts and then it won’t happen at all and Chipper will end the season in another uniform. I can picture Wren and McGuirk, hand wringing, standing on one foot, saying “Gee, we really do respect John but what if he doesn’t pitch again?” And I say - SO WHAT!!!!

By bravesFAN

January 9, 2009 8:14 AM | Link to this

How quickly we forget that the Braves paid this man 14 million last year to pitch 6 games for them and then paid for him to have surgery in hopes that he would pitch for them in 2009. I think Smoltz needs an ego check. This isn’t about the Braves disrespecting Smoltz. This is about Smoltz being selfish.

By Jack

January 9, 2009 8:28 AM | Link to this

Bottom line is Smoltz took the higher offer; it all comes down to respect or should I say money

By Adele

January 9, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this

No, the bottom line is Smoltz did exactly what he criticized Tom Glavine for doing when Glavine went to the Mets.

By George

January 9, 2009 9:32 AM | Link to this

Frank Wren is ruining the Braves. Until he goes, I am done with them!!

By Kevin

January 9, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this

Practice what you preach Mr.Schuerholz and Mr.Wren. Ethics? You pubilically cry and feud over the lack of ethics Furcals agents used in negotiating a deal that would bring him back to Atlanta and then you do this to #29 one of your own?

I feel that Mr. Schuerholz has past his prime and I’m not so sure Frank Wren could negotiate even a car deal. I think we as Braves fans should turn our backs on these two knuckle heads the way they’ve turned their backs on the Braves fans and send them packing too! I understand that baseball is a business but a respectful business is ran by folks that have good values, morals, ethics and a sense of human decency. None of which these two men have and I’m sure they’ve now given this organization a black eye.

To John Smoltz I hope your come back is better than succesful and that you’re as dominate as ever. Best of luck to you in Boston and to your family.

By Kevin

January 9, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this

Practice what you preach Mr.Schuerholz and Mr.Wren; Ethics? You publically cry and feud over the lack of ethics Furcal’s agents used in negotiating a deal that would bring him back to Atlanta and then you do this to #29 one of your own?

I feel that Mr. Schuerholz has past his prime and I’m not so sure Frank Wren could negotiate even a car deal. I think we as Braves fans should turn our backs on these two knuckle heads the way they’ve turned their backs on the Braves fans and send them packing too! I understand that baseball is a business but a respectful business is ran by folks that have good values, morals, ethics and a sense of human decency. None of which these two men have and I’m sure they’ve now given this organization a black eye.

To John Smoltz I hope your come back is better than successful and that you’re as dominate as ever. Best of luck to you in Boston and to your family.

By gclcpa

January 9, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this

bravesFAN How quickly we forget that the Braves paid this man 14 million last year to pitch 6 games for them and then paid for him to have surgery in hopes that he would pitch for them in 2009. I think Smoltz needs an ego check. This isn’t about the Braves disrespecting Smoltz. This is about Smoltz being selfish.

Are we the only team that ever paid an injured player? What a lame argument. I’m no expert on the subject, but I am fairly certain that all players with guaranteed contracts get paid even though they are injured. Was he injured because of some activity other than playing baseball for the Braves? I’m not aware of it. Did he not pitch despite injuries that many players would have remained on the bench with? Did he not accept less money in the past to remain with this team? I’m sorry, your argument is weak. No, he wasn’t going to singlehandedly get us back to the playoffs. Neither is anything Mr.Wren has done. I’m personally glad we didn’t win the contests for Burnett and Furcal, because they are not worth the risk of paying large sums of money. However, $5 million instead of $2-$3 million is not the big of a stretch.

Paul Lentz, Vazquez may not be a number one starter, however he is good for 7 innings a start. He is durable and an innings eater.

He also has a losing record and a career ERA of 4.32. If that’s worth $11.5 million plus prospects, then the extra $2-$3 million in guaranteed money seems like a bargain to me.

By Tommy Glavine

January 9, 2009 10:31 AM | Link to this

TRADE CHIPPER now for a starting pitcher named CAMEL HOLES.

Suckers.

By Peter de

January 9, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this

The days of honor, loyalty, and dedication are over. FW can KMA. I have divested myself of him and the Braves. Where’s the loyalty to the fans who have stood by this team during all those lousy stinking years? Without Smoltz the braves have lost 1/3 of their identity and most likely their fan base. P** off isn’t strong enough to describe how betrayed I feel by braves management. I wouldn’t give those suckers another plug nickel of my money. God bless John, think twice before you decide to wear the Atlanta logo when you go into the HOF.

By southerndawg

January 9, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this

Hey paul, all i am saying is the braves could use smoltz in another capacity. I’m not going to say he will ever be a starter again, but you remember how valuable he was as a closer. It just seems like the braves have forgotten about loyalty. If he had turned down their offer for the same money then i would agree. Don’t downgrade furcal for doing something when you did the same for one of your own. Players have always left saying they loved the organization and the way they were treated. Don’t let that change now.

By Peter de

January 9, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this

The days of honor, loyalty, and dedication are over. FW can KMA. I have divested myself of him and the Braves. Where’s the loyalty to the fans who have stood by this team during all those lousy stinking years? Without Smoltz the braves have lost 1/3 of their identity and most likely their fan base. P** off isn’t strong enough to describe how betrayed I feel by braves management. I wouldn’t give those suckers another plug nickel of my money. God bless John, think twice before you decide to wear the Atlanta logo when you go into the HOF.

By John Schuerholz

January 9, 2009 10:56 AM | Link to this

I guess we’re REALLY fuçked now!

By Howie from Poughkeepsie

January 9, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this

Here’s the way I sum things up: should the Braves be willing to pay $10 in 2009 to a veteran pitcher that wins 15 games and provides lockeroom leadership? I bet you Scheurholtz and Wren would say ‘yes’ - they were looking to spend even more than that for Peavy and Burnett and maybe for Lowe. So - while I haven’t seen the details of the incentive clauses for Smoltz, I’d bet that meeting the criteria above would be the way John would earn the $10M. Anything less than that means less money to Smoltz. This is what irritates me the most about Wren - inconsistencies in approaches to signing players. If he applied the same criteria to signing Smoltz as he had for Vazquez, Burnett, Peavy and Lowe then signing Smoltz for a low salary with incentives would have been a no-brainer, and we would have our icon to lead us in 2009.

By John Schuerholz

January 9, 2009 11:02 AM | Link to this

I guess we’re REALLY fuçked now!

By John Schuerholz

January 9, 2009 11:04 AM | Link to this

I guess we’re REALLY fuçked now!

By n. ga. Bob

January 9, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this

I have to side with the Braves. Here they have paid him for years to sit on the bench, paying for the rehab, only to see him turn tail and run once he is healthy. He will probably fall apart agin and then Boston can pay his bills!

By bravesFAN

January 9, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this

gclcpa Are we the only team that ever paid an injured player? What a lame argument. I’m no expert on the subject, but I am fairly certain that all players with guaranteed contracts get paid even though they are injured. Was he injured because of some activity other than playing baseball for the Braves? I’m not aware of it. Did he not pitch despite injuries that many players would have remained on the bench with? Did he not accept less money in the past to remain with this team? I’m sorry, your argument is weak. No, he wasn’t going to singlehandedly get us back to the playoffs. Neither is anything Mr.Wren has done. I’m personally glad we didn’t win the contests for Burnett and Furcal, because they are not worth the risk of paying large sums of money. However, $5 million instead of $2-$3 million is not the big of a stretch.

gclcpa - I am not saying anything about the fact that he pitched hurt. He did. He should. It’s his job. You go to work when you’re sick/hurt, don’t you? At the end of the day the offer the Braves made was actually more (12 million) then the Red Sox (10 million). The difference was the guaranteed money (2+ million for Braves / 5 million for Red Sox). Realistically though he would have been paid 12 million if he performed the way that YOU and all Braves fan would expect him to perform. So now that we have ruled out the money issue, what is the other reason that he didn’t come back? He loves Atlanta (his press release said that). He loves Bobby Cox and his teammates (again, from HIS press release). I think he just has a personal issue with Braves Management that he can’t get over. Is he a great face for the ATL community? YES! But at the same time did the Braves pay him over 130 million for his career and give him the platform that enabled him to become the great face for the community? YES! As I stated in my previous post, this isn’t about the Braves disrespecting Smoltz. This is about Smoltz being selfish.

By pat

January 9, 2009 11:35 AM | Link to this

You suck Wren, go away.

By ArkyTech

January 9, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this

All Smoltz had to do was stay on the roster for 60 days to earn $5+ million. If he wanted to stay here he would have.

By G'Vegas Dawg

January 9, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this

Hey Frank Wren - The late 80’s called….they want their Braves back!!

By Still Angry!

January 9, 2009 12:34 PM | Link to this

24 hours after learning of the news of Smoltz, I am still as angry as ever. AND after reading Wren state that “age & health” were issues why the offer was low…

I got two things to say:

1: Wren, you are a moron. There was no debate on Smoltz. If he said he was going to be back, you sign him for what he’s being offered. PERIOD.

2: How naive are braves fans? Do you think this decision was made solely by Wren? If it was than the organization (that Smoltz didn’t wish luck to btw, lol) has more severe problems than they know. Someone in the hierarchy should have put a stop to this debacle.

3:Smoltz is the one person in all sports in this town you do not let walk away. As you are seeing and will find out more down the road… BIG MISTAKE!

By Lee in S GA

January 9, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this

Chop Chick - Since I am completely burnt out on the Smoltz ordeal, I will say at least its good to see you are still around. Hopefully this means some of us can look forward to your comments and opinions when spring training or the season starts.

By Different thought...

January 9, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this

For those who side with the Braves organization and Frank Wren.

Is it possible the inability of Frank Wren to sign players and show Smoltz that this team will have a chance to be on a winner for his last year in MLB contributed to Smoltz’ decision???

I say it completely did. Smoltz would never have gone to another team if he thought this Braves team had a chance to get to the playoffs! And all those saying be patient or we’ll have the ability to make moves… You fail to realize what message is being sent to not only the fans, but to it’s own players and potential free agents.

So instead of blindly backing the organization, try and think of it a little differently and you may come to a different conclusion.

By crap-wheelie

January 9, 2009 1:58 PM | Link to this

No chance the Braves sign Lowe after this. And even if they did, what’s the point. He will play to an empty stadium. And I guarantee that John Smoltz will have more wins, a lower ERA, and more strikeouts than Lowe this summer. Bank on it! Lowe is a mediocre pitcher at best. He pitches to contact and doesn’t K anybody, which means he needs exceptional fielders. Atlanta no longer has any exceptional fielders. So why would he sign with us?

By Don't Follow The Herd

January 9, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this

Dear Different thought…(and other fake fans),

Instead of making a very broad and sweeping statement about blindly backing the organization, how bout you give us who do support our team(in good times and bad) a chance to do the following:

1.let the off season conclude

2.see how the team shapes up through Spring Training

3.open the regular season and play some actual games

1. make it through June and see where the team is

5.get through the trade dead line, either way,players coming or going

6.conclude the season

7.conclude the playoffs, if necessary

After these things, then some of us will evaluate the team and Frank Wren’s current off season.We don’t pretend we are fortune tellers and can see the future of the Braves upcoming season.

We are sad too that Smoltz left, but he left because he wanted to leave. There was just as much ego as there was questionable judgment by the Braves. If after 21 years you leave because the team had tougher incentives…and more money…then it was a mutual decision.

We like our team. We think it’s incomplete. We think Wren will pick up some solid players in the coming weeks and through Spring Training.

In short, we are the Braves real fans. We get mad at them but we don’t abandon them…EVER! We get mad and we say our piece and then WE GET OVER IT!

Murphy, Niekro, Aaron, etc,, have all left and the franchise continues. It’s not blind loyalty because we fully see and acknowledge the weakness in the team. The difference between a real fan and someone like you is that we also acknowledge the strengths and potential as well. We let the games be played because in the end that is how we tell who did good and who did bad.

Thank You for your concern. Now go back to your corner and suck on your thumb. We real fans got this!

Sincerely, Don’t Follow The Herd

By richbrave

January 9, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this

DIFFERENT THOUGHT:

Said the same thing yesterday. Also said trade C.JONES while he has top value. TRADE for HAMELS who is disaffected with PHILLY. Then you don’t need LOWE. But at the same time stay the course and sign OHMAN. He’ll be needed. Cut GLAVINE. Rotation of HAMELS, VASQUEZ, JURJENS, MORTON and REYES with CAMPILLO and BENNETT in long relief doesn’t look good, but its what we’ve got as SMOLTZIE’s action clearly implies. Of course the line-up’s then a shambles with ESCOBAR and McCANN the only outstanding bats, but the farm and some of that money LIBERTY’s been talking about could bring in a good young 3b. Put AJ in ST and see what he’s got left. Pull a late trade if he’s out of gas. Bench and bull-pen set except for WIL.

By richbrave

January 9, 2009 2:26 PM | Link to this

In 2010, HUDSON, HAMELS, JURJENS, VASQUEZ, MORTON and HANSON looks way better with BENNETT as long relief.

By Paul Lentz

January 9, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this

Bill Walsh (coach of the 49ers) once said that it is best to either trade or let a player go “a year too early…. than a year too late”. The 49ers let Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott, and Jerry Rice go before their careers were finished. I’m not a niners fan, however I do remember them winning the Super Bowl after Montana and Lott left. And when Rice left, that gave Terrell Owens (despite him being an a*****, he is a great wide receiver) the chance to shine.

There is a chance that Smoltz may have one or two years left in him. Or he could blow out his shoulder and be done. Either way, I feel that the prudent thing to do is to part ways with him and invest the money in somewhere young and cheaper.

You dont know what you are going to get with Smoltz now days. A good team with a big payroll can afford to hit and miss and stockpile “a gamble” However the Braves cant.

Age and injuries are a big factor. One of the things that killed the Braves last year was out starting pitching not staying healthy, and the starters not being able to get out of the 5th inning. Our bullpen was taxed and overworked. Again, I never said that Vazquez was an ace. I said that he is a bonified stud when it comes to being able to pitch deep into a game and staying healthy. We desperately need that right now.

Am I saying to stay pat? Nope. More work needs to be done. Wren isnt finished yet.

Some of you need to remember that the San Diego Chargers started 4-8, only to win their last 4 games to win their division and beat the Colts in the first round. Things dont always look at bleak as they appear, particularly when the season isnt over yet. As long as time is left on the clock (which there is this off season), it is foolish to cry “end of the world”.

I give Wren a lot of credit for working his tail off, trying to make something happen. Again, I’d compare his work this offseason to play no-limit Texas Hold’em poker. I dont care how good you are at playing poker, sometimes the best moves you try to make dont pan out. Bad players will get lucky against you in poker and beat you. However in the LONG RUN, the better player will come out ahead, way ahead. I compare Wren’s efforts this off season to a good poker getting bad cards. Wren has tried to make moves, yet backed out when the demands got “unreasonable”. I’m all for improving the team, however I’m not for foolishly throwing money and overpaying for players that arent worth it.

By Don't Follow The Herd

January 9, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this

You are sensible Paul, unfortunately everyone isn’t fair like yourself.

It’s one thing to be sad, but it’s another to give up. All icons leave at some point, one of ours left yesterday.

By George W.

January 9, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this

SMOLTZ I HOPE YOUR ARM FALLS OFF IN MID PITCH YOU SELFISH PRICK!!!!! WE PAID YOU 14 MILLION LAST YEAR FOR WHAT 6 CRAPPY STARTS AND ONE DEBACLE OF A RELIEF APPEARANCE. YOU OWE US AND SHOULD HAVE STAYED BUT YOU FELT THE BRAVES WAS NOT GOING TO COMPETE SO YOU WANNA JUMP SHIP AFTER 21 YEARS OF OUR SUPPORT. I WOULD HAVE MORE RESPECT FOR YOU IF YOU WOULD JUST BE HONEST AND ADMIT IT INSTEAD OF TRYING TO BLAME THE BRAVES AND THE DEAL THEY HAD ON THE TABLE. GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!

By Good move FW

January 9, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this

Stop whining Brave fans. You sound like a bunch of little bit ches. Smoltz was great, Key word “was.” Have a bobblehead day for him in a few years. Most of you seem more concerned w/ seeing a once great pitcher pitch mediocre baseball (if healthy) than seeing the Braves build for the future. 2009 is a 3-4 place finish w/ or w/o Smoltz. Your a mid-market team and your lucky FW understands it - most of you do not. 2010/11 this team will be in good position to contend.

By Braves Season Ticket Spouse

January 9, 2009 4:26 PM | Link to this

The BRAVES now have a full-blown public relations disaster on their hands and have moved into full ‘Damage Control’ mode.

My wife just told me that out BRAVES Season Ticket Representative just called us for only the 2nd time the 4 years we’ve had Season Tickets to thank us for renewing our tickets, to let us know how much they “appreciate” our continued support and to kiss up to us and let us know to call upon them should “ever need ANYTHING” from them.

My wife said that she laughed and chuckled throughout the whole conversation.

(*By the way, we renewed our tickets before Thanksgiving and are just now hearing from them. They never called to “thank” us before.

Gee, I wonder why they are only doing it N O W all of a sudden and not in years past.

I can’t figure out why*…. )

By Dixie Dawg

January 9, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this

Hello Paul,

It’s me again. I’ve cooled off a bit from last night and I apologize for any (grade school) comments I made towards you.

so, what’s next now, for our Braves?

By Paul Lentz

January 9, 2009 5:00 PM | Link to this

As much as I would love to have Cole Hamels, there is no way that the Phillies would trade him for Chipper Jones. NO FREAKING WAY. If the Phillies were foolish enough to do that, then Frank Wren would be a fool to not make that trade. However I do not see that happening.

I see most people ripping Wren for what went down with Smoltz. A few have ripped Smoltz for jumping ship. However I’m not mad at either. It was the right move for both Smoltz and the Braves. Why cant a “divorce” be amicable? Break-ups do not have to always be bitter.

To “Dont Follow The Herd”, I appreciate your support. It’s nice to see that not all Braves fans are emotional, sentimental, misplaced loyalty morons. We had a good 14 year run. We delayed the obvious for a couple of years. However the reality is that we are in a rebuilding mode. Go with the youngsters and sign a few good veterans who can contribute. Many of you forget that when Bobby took over in 1986 as GM of the Braves, we spend the next 4 years losing. Building through the draft and giving the youngsters a chance to play made 1991 possible.

I’d be more than willing to lose for the next couple of years if it were to give the Braves a chance to build towards another 1991. Screw getting band-aids (overpriced, over the hill free agents) , I want the get totally well (young players who have the potential to produce for a long time)..

By Dixie Dawg

January 9, 2009 5:05 PM | Link to this

would Lowe solve our problems?

By Paul Lentz

January 9, 2009 5:11 PM | Link to this

DixieDawg, signing Lowe would not “solve” our problems. Sure, Lowe would help our pitching staff. He brings experience, health, and the ability to pitch deep into ball games. However we need our young pitching to develop, Franceour to rebound, a lead-off hitter to arise from the youngsters we have, and for a legit left field power threat to emerge (either via free agency, or from the farm).

I support Frank Wren in his efforts to work on these matters. His body of work is far from finished.

By Dixie Dawg

January 9, 2009 5:17 PM | Link to this

what’s left on free agency? Pickings are mighty slim these days…

I’m hoping that the Braves don’t entertain Manny Ramirez or Barry Bonds. Those would be deemed “acts of desperation.”

I just hope we’re not THAT desperate.

By Jean Gilliland

January 9, 2009 5:30 PM | Link to this

What a depressing turn of events during an already dismal off-season. John Smoltz not a Brave is nearly impossible for me to imagine. The situation is completely different, but I haven’t been this sad about a Brave leaving town since Niekro was given his unceremonious release after Turner and Torre told him to retire in ‘83. Knucksie went on to have success with the Yankees, so here’s hoping Smoltzie enjoys similar success.

And just like Niekro, John Smoltz will always be a Brave, and will go into the HoF as a Brave. But in the meantime, I wish him nothing but the best AND a World Series ring. Go Sox.

By longtimebravesfan

January 9, 2009 5:36 PM | Link to this

Smoltz made big bucks and pitched few inning, he should be thankful and play for a lot less this year. Chipper makes big bucks and and has not played a whole season in years. They are just unthankful selfish spoiled brats and care only about themselves and not the team. The team would be better off without both of them.

By JRJ

January 9, 2009 6:10 PM | Link to this

Hey, Paul Lentz …

Better get you’refacts straight. When Dale Murphy was traded back in 1990, David Justice was already starting. He was the Braves starting first baseman. Murphy’s trade just opened up an outfield spot for Justice.

By Paul Lentz

January 9, 2009 7:21 PM | Link to this

Hey JRJ, I’ve been a Braves fan since 1982. I remember Justice playing first base before the Murphy trade. Playing out of position (Justice was a terrible first baseman) can have a negative impact on one’s hitting. Justice didnt go on the tear he did (which lead to him being named Rookie of the Year in 1990) until after he started playing right field. Murphy was traded with the sole purpose of giving Justice a shot in right field.

So when you bring up “facts”, be sure to look at “the whole picture”. I feel that not re-signing Smoltz means that Tommy Hansen will have a shot to win a starting spot in Spring Training, even if we end up signing Lowe.

Sometimes in life, you need to be able to “look outside the box” and not be so consumed with “right now”. I said “sometimes” not “all the time”. Frank Wren has time to shape this year’s roster without mortgaging the future.

By JRJ

January 9, 2009 10:45 PM | Link to this

Paul Lentz, when you talk about facts, a fact is a fact. Nothing about the whole picture or half a picture changes the “fact”! You stated that Murphy’s trade “opened up a starting position for David Justice.” I’m just pointing out that is NOT correct as Justice was already starting at first base. Yes, when Murphy left, Justice moved back to the outfield and started hitting much better. But, that has nothing to do with him starting.

And, you know what? It doesn’t matter WHAT Tommy Hanson or anyone else does this season for the Braves. The fact remains that John Smoltz got a raw deal from the organization that he gave 21 years of his life to.

By Paul Lentz

January 9, 2009 10:58 PM | Link to this

Hey JRJ, you keep bringing up “21 years of his life he gave to the organization” thing. You act like he “sacrificed” and worked without pay while playing for the Braves. The Braves paid Smoltz over 100 million for his “sacrifice”, lol. Poor Smoltz, lol.

Sports is a business. I’m glad that fans like you arent running the Braves.

Also, you still dont understand the Murphy trade. Justice was not playing to his capability by playing first base. The Braves rightly determined that Justice would flourish by playing right field. In order to give Justice that opportunity, Murphy had to go. Now that is a fact. If the Braves kept Murphy, do you think that the Braves would have made it to the World Series in 1991 with Murphy playing right field and Justice playing first? If we kept Murphy in right and Justice at first, the Braves do not sign Sid Bream as a free agent before the 1991 season. And we all know what impact Sid Bream had on the Braves.

Hey, I’m a big Smoltz fan. However his time with the Braves has passed. It’s time to rebuild and move on. Chances are Chipper will either be traded at the trade deadline in July or let go as a free agent after the season. I’d be ok with that. It isnt that I dont like Chipper. I just think that it will not be worth it to pay him what he is worth, given his age and propensity to injuries.

By santa3247

January 10, 2009 7:15 AM | Link to this

If John Smoltz would be a coward losing the sound of brain waves, neutron, he couldn’t be the vest pitcher in Braves history.

By Mike

January 10, 2009 8:44 PM | Link to this

You are so wrong. So is Smoltz and so is Chipper. Lets look at it this way. Why do we call the Braves disloyal. This is the system that the players sued and had a strike for. This is what they wanted. Independence from the owners just like regular working stiffs. We can go from or stay at our job and so can the players. Except when the Braves offer a guy $2.5 million with the opportunity to earn 10 million and only pitch for part of a year, he bolts for more money that is eaiser to earn. Who is loyal. Not John Smoltz. He just didn’t want to work as hard. I think the other factor was he thought he might have a better shot at another World Series ring. You know what? That is ok. He has a right to do that. Just don’t turn your personal decision into some “the Braves made me do it” excuse. It was John’s decison. He could have negotiated a better deal. Thats ok. Isn’t that what the players wanted. Isn’t that the free market they bargained for. Isn’t that why payrolls are out of sight. We compalin about CIO’s earning too much money for doing a poor job. Smoltz made 14M last year for 5 wins. I didn’t see him offering any back. He took the money because that was his contract and the Braves honored it. Give me a break all you Wren bashers. This is what the players wanted, a free market. They got it. Now live with it like you expect the owners to do. God bless Andy Messersmith.

By brvsfn

January 11, 2009 8:55 AM | Link to this

Come on. The Red Sox or Braves ? This is blessing in disguise for John Smoltz. From a pretender the past few years to a solid contender in the AL East. The powers that be should have allowed Arthur Blank the opportunity to continue the Braves legacy with local ownership. We are reverting back to just another medicre professional sports franchise. Blank would have prevented that. Next exit will be Chipper and can you blame him ? No. Do you think the Yankees would have allowed Mickey Mantle to place in another city ? Somebody needs to wake up !!!

By Wayne

January 11, 2009 12:23 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren—one year in Baltimore was enough for them. Two is an over-extension in Atlanta.

Rule of thumb—don’t leak your business until it is COMPLETED.

If you have an individual leaking info to the press-get rid of them now.

By Wayne

January 11, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this

BASEBALL falls into two catagories-family and business. FAMILY, is the fan’s way of thinking—my boys, my team. BUSINESS, is the team’s way of thinking—my team, my MONEY. Lets face facts here people. Smoltz was and may stil be a great pitcher. But at this time he is a sore armed older pitcher who deseves a lot of respect. He went for the MONEY and the BETTER TEAM.

By CW

January 11, 2009 1:37 PM | Link to this

Yes, they do have an excuse for his departure, several actually, and they are good excuses.

1. The Braves season ended disastrously last year when their highest paid pitcher (Hudson) blew out his arm and had to have surgery with a long recovery period.

2. The 2nd highest paid pitcher (Smoltz) pitched in 28 innings while being paid $14 million ($500,000 per inning), occupying approximately 15% of their payroll.

3-10. A cavalcade of nobodies completely failed to pitch at even a mediocre level while filling in for Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine etc.

For a guy who has been paid $130 million dollars over his 20 year career with the Braves to say he was disrespected because his team won’t promise to pay him at least $5 million regardless of whether he EVER recovers to pitch for them is, well, disrespectful.

The Braves told Glavine and Smoltz both that the club intended to build a pitching staff without depending on either of them and that the door would be open for both to return if they are able.

The Braves need pitchers who are ready to go when the season starts. They don’t have the money or the players to build their rotation around someone who may, or may not be ready to pitch in June, or July, or possibly not until August.

Jurrjens, Vazquez, Kawakami and hopefully D. Lowe are all notably younger and more productive (based on their last few seasons) than what we all were told would be a solid rotation last year of the post 40 crowd and Mike Hampton.

None of these guys are as good as Smoltz at his prime, but I’ll venture a guess that every last one of them will pitch more than 28 innings this year.

By raymond

January 11, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this

I hope Chipper gets good and mad and the Braves decide to trade him. He had a good year last year but other than that the last 3 or 4 years have been off years filled with injuries. I would not give him an extension at his age any longer than a year and for less money. The reality is we can’t keep pinning our hopes on aging players from the previous era. As much as I hated it, letting Smoltz go was the right thing to do and they should do the same with Glavine. The last few years the Braves have been handcuffed by big, high priced contracts to players who are no longer worth the money. The Braves need to be overhauled and letting Smoltz and Glavine go is a good start.

By raymond

January 11, 2009 3:35 PM | Link to this

I hope Chipper gets good and mad and the Braves decide to trade him. He had a good year last year but other than that the last 3 or 4 years have been off years filled with injuries. I would not give him an extension at his age any longer than a year and for less money. The reality is we can’t keep pinning our hopes on aging players from the previous era. As much as I hated it, letting Smoltz go was the right thing to do and they should do the same with Glavine. The last few years the Braves have been handcuffed by big, high priced contracts to players who are no longer worth the money. The Braves need to be overhauled and letting Smoltz and Glavine go is a good start.

By Eddie

January 11, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this

I am ashamed to be associated with the rest of the braves fans. Smoltz is the one who should be ashamed to show his face in Atlanta. $14,000,000 to pitch 28 innings last year.Good by you greedy rat. Money is all that matters to mister smoltz!!! p.s. Take chipper with you please so he can miss 60 games a year for some other team!!!

By Mitch

January 11, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this

Chop Chick, thank you for your viewpoint. I agree with you 100%.

Smoltz is a guy who has shown extreme loyality to the Braves. He stayed, for less money, many times, when Glavine, et al, fled to other teams, for larger contracts. As we know, Smoltz is the only guy in history to have 200 wins, and 150 saves. John has battled back from multiple arm aurgeries. After over twenty years, and all he has done for this team, and this city, he deserved to be shown some respect, with a decent contract. He is the one guy who should have been a Braves lifer, and should have never gone anywhere else.

Frank Wren and the Braves botched this, badly.   They spent $40 plus million dollars for a gentleman named Michael William Hampton,  who showed his appreciation by giving us a total of three wins in three years, and then hot footing it back to Houston, for more money, after he spent so many years clogging up our roster, and our payroll.  Mike Hampton is worth $40 million, with as little as he gave us, and Smoltz isnt worth an extra $3 million, with all that he has given to this team, this city, and this game of baseball?  No one can convince me of that.

This is a P.R. nightmare that will take the Braves a long time to recover from. I hope that Derek Lowe signs with the Braves, and that we have a decent 2009, but, considering the state of this team, if Lowe doesn’t sign, and the Braves lose another 90 games in 2009, I think that Frank Wren should then pay for that with the loss of his job as Braves GM.

This past Thursday was one of the worst and most infamous days in Atlanta sports history.

Wren should be hanging his head in shame.

 Mitch

By 74dawg

January 11, 2009 7:30 PM | Link to this

The Braves have painted themselves into a corner. The only way to get back the good will they have just tossed is to win-and that is going to cost a lot more than 2 mill a year. Thanks for the blog CC.

By DanDawg

January 11, 2009 7:49 PM | Link to this

Of course I’m going to miss Smoltz too, but I don’t blame the Braves for not upping the offer. What figure is enough fo Professional Athletes. I think there all over paid.

By cowbulls

January 11, 2009 11:29 PM | Link to this

I’ve cheered for John Smoltz for over 20 years. My son use to wear one of his jerseys. Now he’s no better than his fellow union puppet buddy Glavine.

Let’s call this what it is as Dudski from Fox Sports as well as many others got it correct near the bottom of his story with these lines: “Truth be told, they also face criticism from their peers (and their agents) if they don’t take the highest dollar offer. Home town discounts, the theory goes, hold down salaries for everyone else.”

To John Smoltz, I’m ashamed of you for showing the lack of character in making this decision. People in the real world agree to “hometown discount” to avoid transferring to undesirable places like Boston due to the high cost of living and several other factors EVERY DAY.

I have personally turned down more than one career opportunity to move to areas like New York or Boston with their huge extra cost of living as I cared more for raising my family in a great family atmosphere than extra money. And that money would have done a lot more for my family than Benedict Smoltz.

What a sad indictment on his moral fiber that he would sell out his family, fans, and friends for 2% of the over 130 million that he has been paid over the past 20 years.

By richbrave

January 12, 2009 8:20 AM | Link to this

cowbells:

I think the operative word in your post is “family.” As in putting regard of others above your own personal ego and the constraints of your peers. You go cowbells. I’m with you. Whether SMOLTZ caved to $$$$, ego or peers or not I’m not certain. All I know is he’s gone. I was yelling for WREN to lock him up at the end of the season before he got ansy. Maybe management tried. Who knows. Folks here surely don’t. But I like your sentiments cowbells.

By REAL BRAVES FAN

January 12, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this

I loved Smoltz, but get real. All you so called fans saying you won’t be fans anymore…fine we don’t want you anyway. We are the ATLANTA BRAVES, not the ATLANTA SMOLTZS.

By richbrave

January 13, 2009 10:11 PM | Link to this

The blog had a new article waiting. CC? CC? What do you think of WREN’s body of work THIS week?

By Shane

January 14, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this

Please tell me she doesnt get paid to write this crap.

By bakerman

January 14, 2009 10:54 AM | Link to this

He will be 42 nest time he pitches, coming off major surgery for the umteenth time. It was a good decision to let him go. Loyalty works both ways. If John had any at all, he would have and could have stayed. He didn’t. Good riddance if he didn’t want to be here. Our offer was very fair.

By Toby Cash

January 15, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this

The only person that made Smoltz leave was himself. Perhaps his ego is ahead of his fastball. Just because someone has been on the job 20 years does not mean the Braves have to empty the bank for him. Time to move on sportswriters. He could have stayed if he wanted to.

By Spud Webb

January 15, 2009 6:04 PM | Link to this

How about this, Smoltz LIED. He was on the radio (FM, not sure what morning show it was) not more than two weeks ago, the question was to the affect of what about the rumors to Boston? Smoltz laughed and said “that is our town paper (AJC) spreading rumors, there is no truth to it”. REALLY John? LIAR. Need some more love? Are you kidding me? You might, MIGHT be able to pitch half a year this year?? You’ve been payed very, very well your whole career & now there isn’t enough guaranteed money??? LAUGHABLE. Thanks for your time, effort John, you’ve been good to us up until this week. Don’t tell me about the fact you “pitched to your arm fell off” for us. DUDE you did it, you got paid for it. It’s part of the business John. I can’t wait until i run into somewhere in town. I will be booing you at the grocery store or anywhere else I see you. Don’t blame this on ANYONE, especially Wren. Your in Boston, have fun, SELLOUT. BOSTON SUCKS & so does Smoltz.

By Spud Webb

January 15, 2009 6:10 PM | Link to this

& Chop Chick what are you talking about “learned from the Glavine to the mets situation”. Glavine FLAT left because as the president of players association he had to take the most money offered. If I remember correctly the Braves deal wasn’t much less than the Mets. So maybe we should say “Smoltz should’ve learned from the Glavine/Met mistake years ago”?????? Nope he didnt, Glavine was a mess in NY and Smoltz will get ROCKED in that division and ball park. Johnny, you’re not in Kansas anymore, welcome to the american league my friend. SELLOUT.

By Snowman

January 15, 2009 7:14 PM | Link to this

Wren is not alone in this debacle. McGuirk and Schuerholz need to go as well. The sooner, the better.

By richbrave

January 17, 2009 12:28 AM | Link to this

CHOP CHICK:

One article every four months? That not a blog. That’s a ghost. Waiting for DARK STAR sugar? HOW ABOUT ANYTHING BRAVES that’s RELATED TO WHAT’S TRANSPIRED SINCE YOU TOOK A PERSONAL RIFF because of SMOLTZ’s actions.

By TommyP

January 17, 2009 10:20 AM | Link to this

Dear AJC:

Please put someone on this blog beat that will update at least weekly.

By richbrave

January 17, 2009 3:57 PM | Link to this

Thank you TOMMYP.

By jimfan

January 19, 2009 11:11 AM | Link to this

Hey: Maybe Smoltz should take some of the blame. After all the Braves paid him BIG bucks to set on his Butt last year. He needed to be a little more patient. All this stuff about respect is nothing more than ego. Really, it’s all about the money.

By CC

January 19, 2009 12:03 PM | Link to this

Let me counter your article title with:

SMOLTZ HAS NO EXCUSE FOR LEAVING THE BRAVES

I don’t need to explain.

By Robards

January 19, 2009 11:42 PM | Link to this

Chop Chick, Any thoughts on D. Lowe or the other starter the Braves signed.

By NO MORE BOBBY

January 20, 2009 2:05 AM | Link to this

Still would love to see Smoltz back here as manager of the Braves in the future. Good luck in Beantown this year!!

By richbrave

January 20, 2009 7:51 AM | Link to this

Robards:

Forget it. CHOP CHICK’s the black hole of blogs. Questions go in, nothing comes out.

By Herschworld

January 20, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this

Chop Chick, where are you, did you get Sex and City and Mamma Mia on Blue for Christmas and to busy to blog? Jonny is a has been, he saw the writing on the wall. He’s pulling a Roger Clemency, and going to pitch half the season (if that)….Look when I was 8 I was p** too when the braves traded Dale MruPH but I was to young to understand it was probably the best move in baseball history, as it started the braves winning ways…Hey if Smoltz wanted to be here he would…I’m sure he’ll pitch 3 months of solid ball in beantown, he’ll be back and be one hell of a color guy on the broadcast team

By CG

January 21, 2009 6:04 PM | Link to this

And Chop Chix you have no excuse for not updating or posting another blog. This news is stale, and the sting has begun to subside.

By Robards

January 22, 2009 12:16 AM | Link to this

Yeah, Richbrave, I’ll wait for her to post about the Braves New York weekend in May or so.

By waterstim

January 22, 2009 12:56 AM | Link to this

The entire column is stupid. I love Smoltz…….but he was stupid. $14M last year and he bolts over $3M. Phuck him. Entitlement mentality. Sick of it.

By herbK

January 22, 2009 6:10 AM | Link to this

Funny how some will lament over aged players like smoltz/glavine, both well past their prime & not worth anything much above mlb minimum. Now, frenchie is looking for 4 million, yet has proven nothing. Now that smoltz is gone (goodbye!), and hopefully ready to kick glavine to the curb, they sign lowe. wow. Not really. This team is haunted by lack of quality draft picks, a skinny reserve, minors not looking that great and questionable management and ownership. Braves will win 70 this year, but no better. Get use to it - it is the new ‘80’s.

By T

January 22, 2009 8:04 AM | Link to this

I have passed on my season tickets this year and plan not to set foot in The Ted again until Frank Wren either departs the organization or learns how to manage with dignity. Running a baseball team like a business does not necessitate the vulgar, unjustified manner in which Wren kicked Smoltz to the curb.

By dan

January 23, 2009 10:18 PM | Link to this

Why does everyone look at the Braves as the bad guys in this situation? People have b*** and moaned about the lack of “respect” and “loyalty” on the part of the Braves, but this doesn’t seem to be a two way street. The Braves stuck by a man who, though oft injured, only averaged 10.5 wins a season. When he was hurt, they gave him an opportunity to become a closer, and he was on his way to becoming one of the best closers in the game. But that was not good enough for him. Without those 154 saves, John Smoltz would be a 250 game winner. Respectable numbers though the wins and the 3000+ strike outs are, what is the correct amount to pay a 42 year old average pitcher. Apparently, Boston feels like they can wait for him to return to his “old self.” That is just what they are getting… an old average pitcher. The Braves need help now! We ATLiens need to check our “loyalty” at the door and do what Frank Wren is trying to do. Support a winning product, not dwell on the past.

By TK

January 25, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this

You people are so silly with all of this Smoltzie should have been kept around and he didn’t get any respect from Frank Wren. I admit when healthy he has been one of the best pitchers in the games but he coming off another operation.

How long do you keep depending on an injury prone player? Last year he made only 5 starts before he got hurt.

Some saying he was mistreated were the same ones complaining he was making too much money for doing nothing.

You can’t have it both ways the Braves need to stop taking these trips down memory lane and get some younger pitching.

By ynot

January 26, 2009 7:51 AM | Link to this

I remember when Chop Chick went on an on about the Braves not getting Mike Maroth a couple of years ago, when everyone knew he didn’t have anything left. I still shake my head when I think about it. Hopefully, Smoltz will get one last chance to pitch on the big stage of the post season this year. I don’t think the Braves have it this year to take over the Phillies. We need the power bats. Hopefully, Frenchy can shake off whatever got into him last year.

By cwartillery

January 29, 2009 3:57 PM | Link to this

It’s John’s fault he’s gone. He wanted too much at a point when no one knew the status of this health and he couldn’t wait till the Braves got answers regarding his health. They were also busy filling big holes looking for a #1 started and an outfielder. I’ve always greatly admired John but I think he’s making a big deal to hide the fact that he wanted to try another team that was probably playoff bound. He was wrong to badmouth the team that paid him a lot of money as a hurt player and only treated him well. The disrespect was his. But good luck to him; I’ve always like him and his work and wish him the best.

By richbrave

January 29, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this

cwartillery:

Dude, you a reinactor? What unit and gun position? Inquiring minds want to know.

By Robards

January 30, 2009 12:14 AM | Link to this

Yes ynot, I remember the Maroth post as well. I wonder if the Chop Chick has any thoughts on what outfielder, if any, the Braves might sign. Oh wait, never mind.

By richbrave

January 30, 2009 7:27 AM | Link to this

Robards:

Don’t you know that this blog is CC’s personal vent post.

By richbrave

January 30, 2009 7:37 AM | Link to this

Go read CARROLL RODGER’s article on the return of “DANDY DON” SUTTON. Reports and Sports Blogmeisters will love this guy. He’s the equivilant of a literary day off. No need for copy. Just string the quotes together.

By bravesfansince66

February 4, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this

The Braves can not afford to have two veteran pitchers on the shelf for most of the season, especially with 3 position positions lacking. I appreciate John as much as anyone, but loyality goes two ways. I think that the Braves’ offer was fair to John, but like most professional players, it is all about the money. I think AJ at a minor league contract would be worth the risk. Still leaves LF and 1B, and maybe 2B.

By Fulton

February 7, 2009 1:12 PM | Link to this

Oh grow up Atlanta fans and quit whining about Smoltsie. This is not about your emotional ties, the 2mil or even loyalty…this is Big Boy Baseball and anyone can get traded or released if you don’t fit the needs of the organization. The Braves took action in the best interest of the TEAM and another over 40, with a questionable arm pitcher is not needed in your starting rotation…GLAVINE already fills that role! Mgmt decided to invest in their future, instead of holding onto the past and I say it’s a good move! So let it go folks, just let it go…

By 74Dawg

February 9, 2009 9:47 PM | Link to this

Hey CC,get your pencil ready,spring training is just around the corner!

By bernie

February 16, 2009 7:33 PM | Link to this

Quit whining Braves fans and let’s get ready for the season at hand. Smoltz was over 40 and in the twilight of his career. His decision to leave so bye bye Smoltz and talking to Glavine is probably going to be a mistake. Let’s hope the Braves do better this year. The Braves need to look at the Manager position because I think he is too loyal to his players sometimes. I hope this is Cox’s last year and I hope they go outside the organization to find the next manager.

By jrdbraves

February 19, 2009 5:32 PM | Link to this

Smoltz will get healthy, have a good 2nd half and come back to the Braves next year for twice the money.