Chop Chick

By Seriously?

February 13, 2009 3:43 PM | Link to this

In this time of recession and newspapers forced to cut costs across the board to stay alive, how in the world do you still have a job?

By cvbraves

February 13, 2009 4:03 PM | Link to this

Chop Chick Agree with you. Trading for another bat would be fine, if it is a true OF power-bat. Otherwise, I’m fine with the team as it appears now. Also like Anderson, Blanco, Schaffer — a little speed on the bases.

Priorities for me would be re-signing Glavine and extending Chipper’s contract.

Believe Wren has done more than promised. Got three new three starters (and maybe re-signs a fourth in Glavine) to go with Jair. Got a couple of relievers in O’Flaherty and Logan. Got a backup catcher in Ross.

Also, he got Casey Kotchman and Marek for Tex.

Think he’s done a good job to date.

By coocoo birdfan

February 13, 2009 4:19 PM | Link to this

I was one of the first to want Wren’s head after Smoltzie bolted, but after close consideration I realize your right the youth movement must begin. Hanson has huge upside, and to get Glavine for a bargain price as a number five starter says it all. Put any one of the kids in center, whoever wins the fight in the spring, along with Diaz/Jones in left and Frenchy in right, we have a fomidable team. Speed is what we need, and good defense to go with pitchers who put the ball in play for there teammates. Good ol fashioned baseball for a change will be a breath of fresh air following the three run homerun “steroid era”. Bobby retire, and let Terry run them to another decade of dominance.

By BravesFan79

February 13, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this

Just say NO to Swisher…. the guy had the WORST batting average in the MAJORS last year among players with over 500 AB’s.
And having his overpriced salary on our hands might seriously hinder us resigning Chipper!

And i like your headline Chop chic… sounds like your hitting on the guys… haha

Sometimes i wonder if behind that glove… if theres Buck teeth and a mustache like youd see on the women at the Krystals drivethru!
Jk… im sure your a looker, and every guys dream girl that youd go around watching baseball with them…. with no complaints ; )

By jay blaisdell

February 13, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this

You want to see the youngsters and so you mention a non-prospect like Josh Anderson and someone like Gregor Blanco for pity’s sake — and nary a word about Jordan Schafer. Hmmm. Turn in your credentials before leaving the building, please. We need to read someone who stays up on the balls of their feet and isn’t all flat-footed and Jenny-Come-Lately.

By haters everywhere

February 13, 2009 4:27 PM | Link to this

for “Seriously?”, hate hate hate…blogs don’t cost a thing sucka! Go Braves!

By cva3rd

February 13, 2009 4:29 PM | Link to this

The bullpen could actually be a strengh this year with Gonzalez healthy at closer. If Moylan and Soriano can come back we would have the seventh, eighth and ninth innings covered. We need another power bat to go with Chipper and McCann, could Francour be that guy?

By coach k

February 13, 2009 4:37 PM | Link to this

like the make up but we need a bat capable of 30 home runs, period.. this team has more speed than we get credit for, just need someone on the bench to run these guys. With some luck and a good start I think this team can win 88 games which will make the playoffs, Bobby let’s try and manage this yr and quit waiting for something to happen. Love this team!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By williebkind

February 13, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this

I say go with the young team. I as so tired of seeing veterans players who are overweight, can not pitch more than 3 innings, and can not hit a bull in the butt with a base fiddle.

The Yankees have all the so called mature talented players and they do not win the world series every year.

Glavine and Chipper still think they are twenty five and play that way. NOPE! Let them walk! As long as you have Bobby Cox, the best you can hope for is a division title. So where am I wrong?

By Jeffrey

February 13, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this

I admire you for not deleting some of the comments these guys leave. What jerks. I absolutely thinks it’s OK for the Braves to give their homegrown bats a decent chance and see what they’ve got. I’d like to have back quite a few folks we’ve traded over the years to satisfy “fans” who want something done immediately even if it isn’t the right thing. However, the outfield needs to be a source of power which it isn’t likely to be, so the move there would make sense— but the philosophy of keeping our prospects and playing them is an improvement. I’ve never seen Diaz do anything but get hits when healthy, so I guess it’s the fact that he doesn’t have a lot of power that causes the critics. Thanks for the blogs, great job!!

By Chop Chick

February 13, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this

jay blaisdell, I was focusing on the guys who spent some time with the big-league club last year and did well enough to deserve a shot. But you’re right, Schafer fits in this discussion, too.

By BamaBrave

February 13, 2009 5:05 PM | Link to this

Good ones Seriously?, Jay Blaisdell, and BravesFan79…!!! Can’t wait for your next zingers, when you’ll probably tell Chop Chick she has cooties.

What idiots…

Now, baseball… IMO, I’m optimistic about platooning the youngsters in the outfield, and willing to bet that Diaz is the first to start raking the ball. The guy can hit, and he’ll be highly motivated. No Swisher? No problem.

By Mike

February 13, 2009 5:21 PM | Link to this

I am for the youth movement. Move Johnson to left and platoon with Diaz. Let Schaffer, Anderson and Blanco fight for starting and backup jobs. I think Prado deserves a shot and he is not an outfielder. Sign Glavine and Olhman and extend Chipper.

By Arkie Fan

February 13, 2009 5:22 PM | Link to this

Our pitching may be good enough to keep us in most games - BUT you have to score runs. We need a proven lead off hitter and a hitter that hits the long ball. Same as last year - we play poor fundermental baseball. butting, hitting to move runners over, etc. We are good at hitting into double plays. We need to be able to do the little things that win ball games. A power bat is a must. Even if Frenchy has a better year - he strikes out alot. NEED POWER!, SPEED and CHIPPER to stay healthy.

By TOMY fOURNIER

February 13, 2009 5:26 PM | Link to this

The only I want is that Mr. “Moron” Cox get the FU$#@$^^^& OUT OF HERE AND Mr. Glavine…”GOOD BY” AND PLEASE….GET NEW AND YOUNG BLOOD,,,THE OLD….TO THE NURSING HOME…YES!!!!

By ♣♣♣♣

February 13, 2009 5:33 PM | Link to this

Looking forward to watch the battle for the CF job - i am hoping shaffer gets the job and if not what else does Anderson have to do to get the damn job. no matter who wins between the 3 atleast there will be some nice speed in the lineup. As for LF i think there has to be something done if they want to compete in the east. a trade for Swisher, Nady, or maybe someone like Delmon Young or Josh Willingham would be nice.

By lilchrissy

February 13, 2009 5:45 PM | Link to this

Hey CC, get back to us on how Frenchy looks in camp, will you - if you get a chance to see him play? Because I honestly don’t want to believe he’s turned into Mr. Swing And A Miss in just a couple of big league seasons.

Does everyone think he’s really turned into a headcase or he’s tried tweaking his technique at the plate too much or what? Can this right fielder be saved?

And geekboy oh geekboy, where ARE you?!!!

By rudyt39

February 13, 2009 5:55 PM | Link to this

GET US ANOTHER OF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By froggy

February 13, 2009 6:00 PM | Link to this

A bit of positive news — check out the photo today of McCann down in FL. What a transformation, the guy looks great and losing the weight is going to help him in so many ways. Not that he was any dog already, but, barring injury, he is set up to have a great season. Now, if Andruw had his discipline, he might still have a career…

By Lithoman

February 13, 2009 6:00 PM | Link to this

Im happy lettin the young guys give it a shot. I dont think we need a veteran, although Id be happy with Nady or Swisher. Im just ready for the season to start. BTW..Im still waiting for that picture of yourself, that you promised last year. You cant keep hiding behind that glove;-)

By Clay

February 13, 2009 6:09 PM | Link to this

I do think Josh never got a chance. I think he’s got talent and he proved it when he was at Houston. He has fire and I hope to see him play more this season.

By Mitch

February 13, 2009 6:15 PM | Link to this

I would not be “disappointed” if this is the team we broke camp with, as we have made significant upgrades. I am by no means saying we will win 95 games and a division, but I do think if everyone stays healthy, we can win in the 80s, and challenge for a wild card.

That being said, I would like it if we added another bat. Chipper is only good for two thirds of the schedule, so it would seem to me that we need someone in left field who could hit us, say, 10 to 20 homers, and drive in.. 60 to 80 runs.

Our starting staff seems very solid. I know we have a lot of candidates for fifth starter after our top four, such as Reyes, Campillo, etc, but I would really love if we could find a way to sign Glavine. Yes, I know he’s 43, and yes I know he was injured two thirds of the season in 2008, but I believe he could win us, 10 to 12 games, and pitch, 175 to 200 innings if healthy. Not only could he help us in the wild card push this year, but he could be a great tutor for a guy like Jair.

This is a solid team, that should be much better than the 72 win disaster last year. I say, if everyone stays healthy, even with the current roster, mid to high 80s in wins, and a legitimate shot for a wild card. If we could sign Tom, and get one more bat, we might well snag that wild card, if, say, the Mets falter some.

Mitch

By Ben

February 13, 2009 6:38 PM | Link to this

The braves rotation has plenty of options but I still would like to see Glavine back. Other than that, let the youngsters play and see what happens

By Art

February 13, 2009 6:52 PM | Link to this

Why not trade for Josh Willingham from the Nats as they have around 6 or 8 outfielders.

By Joe

February 13, 2009 6:57 PM | Link to this

I say let the youngsters showcase their talent and if it works then that’s great if it don’t then next year you can get what you need.

By renegade

February 13, 2009 7:34 PM | Link to this

Pretty eyes! Move the glove so we can see if you are really ugly enough to have to hide behind that glove . You can take that hat off also, hey if you turn out to look like bobby cox with his teeth out you can always borrow McCaans facemask.

By stew

February 13, 2009 8:40 PM | Link to this

We don’t have a cleanup hitter. How about playing Hanson and Heyward? I don’t think Schafer, Anderson, and Blanco are major league players. Maybe we can leadoff with Gorkys in center and play Jason in left. Kotchman is another waste of time.

By reallyralee

February 13, 2009 9:05 PM | Link to this

THANKS!!! You were reading my mind. Re: ARTICLE”.

The Braves tout about how much is spent on player development; and the amounts invested with respect to players’ salaries. And , yet when it is time for “THE BRAVES MANAGEMENT” (TBM) to step up to the plate and “GET A HIT”; what do they do? “PINCH HIT”.

“PINCH HITTING by trying to go out and pull-off a “LEN BARKER TRADE”, or a MARK TEXERIA TRADE” - 1st trade to get him; (apologies- if there is miss spelling of the name).

If memory is correct; a couple of those “TRADES” could be considered- STRIKE OUTS!

Let’s look on the horizon and see, if there are any “FRED McGRIFF TRADES” out there; this time of year. Maybe (TBM) could pull-off another “DOYLE ALEXANDER TRADE”; or “EDGAR RENTERIA TRADE”. Possibly; probably not.

Let “The Youngster Play”.

Allow them to “PLAY”- “Baby Bobby Ball”; along with Chipper, Frenchy and McCain.

“Baby Bobby Ball” IS:

timely hitting. playing fundamentally sound baseball. hitting for Average. strong solid defense. stealing bases; for those that can. playing with a “CAN DO/DID DO” Spirit.

And; (TBM) has said, they went out and got “GOOD PITCHING”.

So; when you add “GOOD PITCHING” with some “Baby Bobby Ballers”- We might just have mixed up “SOMETHING SPECIAL”.

Remember the year with “ALL THE ROOKIES PLAYING”; and playing well.

LETS SEE WHERE WE END UP!

p.s. Great Article.

By 35YearBravesFan

February 13, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this

The only one I’d still like to see with the team is Glav.

And as lilchrissy says, let us know how Francouer looks… since he’s into the arbitration thing, he’d better be earning the $$$ this year…

By LivininAL

February 13, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this

I saw a projected lineup on MLB for the Braves It showed everyone in the batting order with the exception of a question mark in the cleanup spot. That was not a good feeling.

By richbrave

February 13, 2009 10:51 PM | Link to this

LivininAL:

Well, pitching this year, replacing CHIP next year. Oh, and waitin’ for HEYWARD to fill that #4 hole slot. It is what it is. And that sinking feeling stays firmly cemented in the pit of my stomach fpr ‘09.

By alan

February 13, 2009 11:31 PM | Link to this

Well it’s approaching spring, the Braves shills are waking up and already naking excuses for not having made a trade for a hard hitting outfielder. I guess Mark Kotsay wasn’t good enough. we are not being told to write this season off so that the younger players will come around. BullS—t, I don’t spend my hard earned money watching future major leaguers learn to play in the majors. Just preparing us mfor another losing years thanks frank Wrenn, I’m sure Liberty Media likes the money you saved. BOYCOTT THE BRAVES

By Kentavo

February 13, 2009 11:54 PM | Link to this

Is this the year that Bobby adapts to his personnel or does he still think he’s trotting the All-Star laden ’90s teams out there? That will be key.

By Robards

February 14, 2009 2:47 AM | Link to this

Right now if all goes well, this team can win 80-85 games. One more outfielder to contend. 86-88 games wins the division like the last couple of years. Phils may be the Champs, but they aren’t that great.

By pip

February 14, 2009 8:22 AM | Link to this

i wonder if chop chick dosent get the same respect here as one other scribe because she dident kiss J S “a* when he was gm a lot of her thoughts are worth considering and shes usually possitive unlike the unwashed atlanta masses

By tim

February 14, 2009 8:28 AM | Link to this

Get Chipper locked till the end of his career. I think Smoltz should have been resigned but he wasn’t, time to move. I think Glav would be nice 5th starter but don’t break the bank doing it. Since we don’t have the big bopper to replace Tex, we need as much speed so we can manufactor runs, Anderson Schaeffer, Blanco I don’t care, whichever one gives us the best chance to score. Kotchman needs to be the line drive, gap to gap guy he’s advertised as being. Frenchy needs to get it figured out so he can protect Hoss and Mac just needs to be Mac. Of course Hoss needs to play in 140 to 150 games also. Find someone in the organization to take his place in two years and bring them along slowly. Overall Wren is doing agood job. Now, who will replce Bobby when he reires and some of need to quit trying to push him out the door. We’ll all miss him when he’s gone

By john

February 14, 2009 10:10 AM | Link to this

How many post are you going to do? allowed to do? Liked the old Chop Chick’s posting and yours are just as good. I’m an old guy Need to see Glavine back… stability and knowledge.. plus look at the other ols pitchers who are still contributing. But I’m on the youth movement too. Don’t give away the farm searching for jewels when they are buried right in your own yard. Also Who sets the budget? Liberty Media? Why won’t they gives us more?

By Hope

February 14, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this

The Braves of the early 90’s didn’t have a 40 home run hitter. They had a couple of guys that hit 20+ home runs, but no prototypical power hitting cleanup hitter. They won games with speed and defense. Otis Nixon would get on base after fouling off several pitches and working the pitcher to go deep into the count. Once on base, Otis would work the pitcher to throw over to first several times. If Otis hadn’t already stolen second base, the second hitter’s job was to move the runner. The third hitter, Terry Pendleton, would work the pitcher also. He was a master at fouling off pitches until he got one that he liked. Of course, all of these extra pitches would wear the starter down. By the 4th or 5th inning, the starting pitcher was tired. Once the pitcher tired, he would make a mistake. The bullpen would be called in and the process would start again. If the other team has the bullpen working in the 5th or 6th inning, they are going to wear down over a 3 or 4 game series. The power hitters didn’t show up until the mid 90’s. Once, they showed up, the Braves started playing Earl Weaver ball, which is playing for the three run homerun. The braves became very conservative on the base paths and paid less attention on working the pitch count. They were very successful using that strategy. This year, the Braves don’t have a proven cleanup hitter. I believe this year starting pitchers are as capable as the starting pitchers they had in 90. If Cox can get them back to playing the type of game they used back then, anything is possible

By MARK

February 14, 2009 10:43 AM | Link to this

I think in our division it will comedown to whos pitching holds up the best and a edge to the Phillies all that hitting even if Braves sign a free agent outfielder..the best one got awat Abreau..I think they need to develop there own at this point..Matt Diaz if healthy for a year can hit We know this ..biggest question is Frenchy can he make a come bach…I dont think we seen the best yet in some of the players Johnson, etc…at same time we need someone who can run like a bat out of….ya know!!

By **eric in albany**

February 14, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this

hey! does Anyone know what # derek lowe will wear for the Bravo’s?

i have been looking for this info for weeks now

HELP!

By popeye

February 14, 2009 11:10 AM | Link to this

If everyone stays healthy? Young bods are more likly to do that or come back sooner. It’s about time to develope some of our own talent instead of looking elsewhere. From what I’ve seen I believe we have plenty of young talent.

By MARK

February 14, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this

Also I as well like Martin Prado deal at 2nd and Johnson to the outfield if he feels he can do it.Theres some to both these guys Prado and Johnson that I like alot..like I say keep our money we might have what we want Im guessing though we are lacking pure power as well Josh coulld steal 50 bases ayear I think..

By TBraveFan

February 14, 2009 11:47 AM | Link to this

Derek Lowe is wearing (gulp) #32…

By Harry Rand

February 14, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this

Everyone seems to forget Jordan Schafer, he tore up Rome in his first full season and he’s also a local product.

By Harry Rand

February 14, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this

Everyone seems to forget Jordan Schafer, he tore up Rome in his first full season and he’s also a local product.

By Kash

February 14, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this

WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT BRAVES OFFERED TO TEX BEFORE HE WAS TRADED TO ANGLES.

WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT BRAVES OFFERED TO TEX BEFORE HE WAS TRADED TO ANGLES.

WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT BRAVES OFFERED TO TEX BEFORE HE WAS TRADED TO ANGLES.

By 20 out

February 14, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Chop Chick how do you still have a job? You must be an intern or the same fool brained guy running the countdown to Spring Training hired you. I mean, really, are the Braves opening today or tomorrow at like 2am EST?

Of course, the Braves need a veteran of substance in the outfield. The team has no one in the outfield. Because, I think Frenchy should be fighting for his job just like the other two outfield positions. Why is it that no one is questioning Wren, etc on this detail? Can somebody ask some hard questions or just fluffy fill like Chop Chick bull?

By 20 out

February 14, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Chop Chick how do you still have a job? You must be an intern or the same fool brained guy running the countdown to Spring Training hired you. I mean, really, are the Braves opening today or tomorrow at like 2am EST?

Of course, the Braves need a veteran of substance in the outfield. The team has no one in the outfield. Because, I think Frenchy should be fighting for his job just like the other two outfield positions. Why is it that no one is questioning Wren, etc on this detail? Can somebody ask some hard questions or just fluffy fill like Chop Chick bull?

By Ed Glennon

February 14, 2009 2:58 PM | Link to this

I would rather spend the money on a Chipper extension than Glavine.

By Gray Mule

February 14, 2009 3:35 PM | Link to this

What are the alternitives when power hitting is lacking? Well, this edition of the Braves seems to have some speed. The stolen base can come in mighty handy. Then, there is the hit and run / run and hit type plays that can create havoc. Note to Terry Pendleton: Teach these guys how to bunt. Everyone. The final roster of 25 should not have one single player who is incapable of getting down a decent bunt. This ain’t rocket science. These players are professional ball players with all kinds of athletic ability. They have proven that by making the team. Pitchers are usually the best bunters. They get called on a lot to do this in almost every game. Imagine the red face on one of the regulars if it became necessary to send up yesturday’s starting pitcher to hit for him because he was incapable of laying down a decent bunt. All Braved: Earn your money. Learn to bunt!

Gray Mule

By Southpaw

February 14, 2009 3:38 PM | Link to this

Offer Manny a two year contract he will accept and give him his mop. Sign Glavine for more than he’s worth this year and be done with it. The fans will come, the playoffs will be won, and the cash will flow.

By walt

February 14, 2009 3:57 PM | Link to this

I say don’t pay or trade for anyone else!

By DHD

February 14, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this

Where’s the article about the Braves signing Griffey??? At least they are talking money with his agent.

By THE BEAR

February 14, 2009 4:57 PM | Link to this

I have just read a series of crap from negative fools who know nothing about baseball for the most part and people who get their kicks out of attacking the writer who put up this blog. Do you negative nabobs ever have a positive thought? You are a disgusting lot.

With a few (very few) obvious exceptions, to h3ll with you. You really know how to screw up an afternoon. Jeeeezzzzz.

By Scottbravesfan

February 14, 2009 5:03 PM | Link to this

You do realize that Baseball prospectus has picked the Braves to win the Wild card while winning 88 games? Right? So your theory about the Braves playing for the future is way off base. And no way they break camp with the crap they have in the outfield. I do agree about giving Josh Anderson a chance to play he’s better than Blanco, who can’t hit. Prado will never be anything more than a utility guy so forget him playing second everyday.

By Todd

February 14, 2009 5:20 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren Sucks….next subject….

By Harry Rand

February 14, 2009 5:38 PM | Link to this

All I want to know from anyone is if Jeff Francoer is signed for this year or not, someone has got to know even if it’s not the beat writer.

By Bill

February 14, 2009 5:46 PM | Link to this

Why don’t the Braves sign Ken Griffey Jr. They probably won’t find a better player to play left field. He could also help our young players to improve their skills. I hear that he would sign for the $M that the Braves have left in their budget.

By Roman

February 14, 2009 6:28 PM | Link to this

Having watched Heyward and Freddie Freeman this past season in Rome, the big club has plenty to look forward too with them. I think those who are writing Frenchy off are mistaken. He will come back and play great this season. There was also those who wrote Frank Robinson off many years ago and all he did was win the MVP the next year.

By Foghorn Leghorn

February 14, 2009 9:32 PM | Link to this

I say that ol’ bear at 4:57 been talkin’ sumuch that his tongue’s prolly sunburned. He may wanna go back into hibernation.

By drdick

February 15, 2009 7:54 AM | Link to this

I agree with you, Chop Chick, on Matt Diaz. When he was platooned before, I thought he should have left field to himself. All last season, I thought we were much too quick in sending a number of the kids back to Richmond. Several of them showed more desire than the “big boys”. If Francouer (who I like) showed as much desire—and listened once in a while to Terry Pendleton, he would be worth what he thinks he is. And those out there who blame Bobby Cox are full of it.

By ralph

February 15, 2009 11:10 AM | Link to this

I agree there is nothing wrong with the braves talent pool, the problem is nobody knows how to manage it.

By Jay Stiltner

February 15, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this

I’m in total agreement with you on one thing, Chop Chick: give Martin Prado his chance at beating out Kelly Johnson for the job at second base.

Johnson swings a decent bat and can be blazing-hot when streaky, but his lack of consistency on the defensive end is a detriment to the team. Move him to left field and let him platoon with Matt Diaz. I think Prado has a ton of upside and his scappiness reminds me of Marcus Giles.

I like Josh Anderson’s speed; however, if the Braves do sign Ken Griffey Jr., it’s unlikely that Anderson could find a spot on the roster. Unless, they keep Diaz on the bench, play Prado at second and trade Johnson altogether. Then give Anderson a chance to break camp in left or center. Bigger question: will he be a consistent hitter and leadoff man?

There may not be lofty expectations for this team, but I know for a fact that I haven’t seen the Braves dominate anything for the last eight years.

By Henry

February 15, 2009 3:45 PM | Link to this

I know Griffey’s a possibility, but what happened to discussions with the Cardinals regarding Ankiel or Ludwick. Both still have upside, and while Ludwick probably won’t have a repeat this year of his career year, a little less than that would still be a great year. Get one of those guys, Frank.

By Bijebe

February 15, 2009 6:33 PM | Link to this

No links allowed? I guess the ajc has decided to revolutionize the way the internet works. This kind of approach is why your paper is going under.

Guess we can expect a similar result here on the net.

By richbrave

February 16, 2009 12:48 AM | Link to this

HENRY:

Have to be LUDWICK. ANKIEL just inked a deal with St.Louis.

By Herschworld

February 16, 2009 8:25 AM | Link to this

Chop Chick you’re alive I thought that maybe since smoltz left the team that you left as well…I guess we still have to acknowledge your pointlessness

By Torn

February 16, 2009 9:02 AM | Link to this

I’m not sure how to feel about the Smoltz situation still. Admittedly, I lost the love for Glavine when he left for NY. Still had some ill will towards him because he was the players’ union rep back in the days and believe that organization has hurt the game. But I blamed the Braves for letting Smoltz leave. Looking at it now, Smoltz left for more money the same way that Glavine did. Not sure I should give him a free pass just because he was my favorite active Braves since Murph. Just airing my emotional confusion. Still love Smoltzie, just not sure if he dumped us for a hotter girl or if our efforts to make the relationship work just weren’t enough.

By KP

February 16, 2009 9:13 AM | Link to this

Youth movement sounds good, but there is something to be said for vets teaching the kids how to perform and act. Bringing Griffey in would be the best thing the club could do. Not only do we need a producing outfielder, but he would be a legend teaching the future of the franchise. Shafer and Jones would benefit from just being around a class act all time great like that.

By Don

February 16, 2009 10:02 AM | Link to this

Why in the world would we consider acquiring some of the mediocre outfielders being mentioned. Why use a player who has already proven he cannt hit or can no longer hit effectively insted of giving our young players a chance to see what they can do. This ia a no brainer. Swisher for example would reauire giving up prospects and accepting his salary for three years when he is a .240’s career hitter, .219 last season, .191 second half — Absurd. Of course, we had more money than Abreu (who could have helped us) signed for had we not been trying to use it for both Glavin and a mediocre outfielder — both of whom will probably hurt us rather than help us. Glaving was terrrible last part of 07 and ineffective in 08 even before the injury.

By robdawg08

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

ESPN reported that Griffey will decide between signing with either the Braves or Mariners by Tuesday. I sure hope he decides on the Braves. The Mariner’s don’t have a chance to win this year but Griffey could put the Braves in the thick of the NL East this year. Plus you give up no young players by signing him as a free agent. I’ll have to agree that Blanco and J.Anderson aren’t bonafide MLB players (or rather starters). They are both destined to be pinch hitters and pinch runners. I sure hope that Soriano and Gonzalez can stay healthy all year. Jeff Francoeur needs to rebound too if the Braves stand a chance.

By richbrave

February 18, 2009 11:32 PM | Link to this

CHOP CHOP:

Well, CHICK. Looks like the young guys get to play after all unless FW has some other irons in the fire.