Jeff Schultz

By Herschel Talker

July 21, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Amen!

By Barnesy

July 21, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

The real question is whether Frank Wren has what it takes to build for the future.

By The Grinch

July 21, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

God bless you, Schultz. Finally, an AJC reporter with the integrity to speak the truth. You do realize that by criticizing the Braves’ obvious mediocrity your life may be in danger; all the more reason I raise my glass to you, sir. Here’s to re-tooling and maybe even playing with a little passion in the second half.

By some sense

July 21, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

The Braves, if anybody, have enough good will and emotional capital to pull the plug on this season to fill up the water level for next. Do it, Frank…please. Also, Hudson and Ohman are worth more in terms of what we can get for them than they are stayin’ around. Look around the leagues…unbelievable young talent. Let’s go get some of it.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2009)

July 21, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Agreed. But, it’s not nearly enough. Teixeira, Ohman and yes, Tim Hudson.

Why? Well, it doesn’t mean the Braves would actually trade Tim Hudson, it just allows the Braves to manipulate the market. Putting an ace type pitcher who is in the middle of a probable Hall of Fame career on the block would allow the Braves to pursue many avenues not currently available to them. Rebuilding and replenishing the minor league system being one of those options.

We know the Braves are sellers. However, are they anything other than just one more middle market team struggling to stay competitive?

Can the Braves win in 2009 with Hudson? Probably not. The 32 year old ace could command an absolute kings ransom in prospects, after all, he is under contract through 2010.

Sell you say, I say blow this damn team all to hell and rebuild.

By trottinghometudd

July 21, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

You might be right Jeff, but I don’t think you will be given credit for anything we don’t already know. Except the fact it is Teixeira ‘s fault for our one run games.

By Jeff R

July 21, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Right on the mark. Wren needs to get value for Super Tex and Ohman. The market for both should improve considerably as the the trading deadline nears.

These past couple of seasons, management has made a reasonable effort to tranistion the team without having to take a step back. Didn’t work. Most teams that rebuild accept that they’ll have to step back in order to take a couple of steps forward. Wren simply needs to accept this season as a loss. If he can acquire a couple of near-ready major league prospects for Tex and, perhaps, one for Ohman, then that’ll go along way to helping the team in 2009 and beyond.

By Alan

July 21, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Amen to Herschel Talker’s Amen. I couldn’t have said it better, Jeff. Now we’ll see what Frank Wren is made of.

By sad

July 21, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

this season is over mostly because weak-minded jeff francoeur continues to play undisciplined baseball… offensively and defensively. at least teixeira has been in the lineup every day and leads the braves in two stat categories. cutting your losses with “frenchy” should be number one….get him outta here and stop blaming terry pendleton

By tim

July 21, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Sell Francouer as well. Maybe we can get a case of bats or balls for him. Most guys on this team need to head back to AAA. Some, need to join the rest of us out here in the “real world”. For those of us old enough to remember the 70s and 80s, seems like old times.

By Peter

July 21, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

Those on the block should include Frenchy…….Tex, Glavin, and Hampton……..

Some of the young guys need a chance to show what they can do, so they can be evaluated…….

We need better pitching, defense, speed, and we need a leader with heart, grit, and some emotions………the last time someone spoke out it was David Justice……….then he backed it up.

Where is that guy on the Braves ?

By Casey

July 21, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it convenient that the “genius” Schuerholz retires the minute he realized that he had used up the last of the Braves minor league talent in his “genius” 5 for 1 rent-a-player deals.

I have been warning everyone who would listen to me for years that this was going to happen. When you keep making deals like the Teixeira and JD Drew deals, eventually you WILL run out of minor league talent. And, when you can’t afford to go out and buy a team like the Yankees, Cubs, Mets, Red Sox, or Dodgers, you have to build through the farm system.

By duh

July 21, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

the real question is will they open up more than just Tex and a reliever. Chipper is 35 … goodbye. Don’t half a$% it if your going to do it….turn it over completely

By THWG

July 21, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

Bye-bye Tex. Best of luck in Boston or Anaheim or wherever you go. Represent Georgia Tech well. Bring the Braves some prospects in return. Perhaps this team will be good again in the next five years.

By Jeff, stick to football picks!

July 21, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

Come on…how bad would we be WITHOUT Tex?

Jeff, are you afraid to say what is SO OBVIOUS? GET RID OF BOBBY COX, NOW! His managerial skills are gone, if he ever really had any. Anyone would win with Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz in their prime. And, more than ONE World Series!

By Lawrence

July 21, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

Francouer is done.Time to get rid of him.I don’t think he would command much as trade bait so,just give him his outright release and call one of the youngsters back up.His attitude at being sent down proved that he is not smart enough to work his problems out.They did not need to bring him back after 3 games in Mississippi.Get him outta here now.Ralley killers like him and Andruw last year have no business on a Major League Baseball Team.

By Retch

July 21, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

SCHULTZ,

Thanks for writing this. To keep Tex would be stupid. Back up the bus. Put Hudson on the market. If someone will overpay, as we did for Tex, make the move.

By Bravo

July 21, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

With the architect of this disaster… Terry McJerk… WE WILL BE DOOMED! He is the MAIN problem who represents Liberty, thus doom and gloom on the horizon. Hold HIM accountable! He is the main front office problem. A do-nothing who sits back and points the finger. The root of the problem is not Wren..it’s the do-nothing, air-breathing McGuirk! We’ve been had!

By Smarty Jones

July 21, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

We are done and let’s trade Tex and Huddy (who looked lame @ friday nights game) and build for the future. You know we had a good run BUT if Wren can pull off a trade like he did for Jurrjens then WHY not. Tex is going to get overpaid by someone else and he is not a A-ROD for sure as we all have seen thus far. We need more pitching and hitting.

By guy

July 21, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

It’s time for a change(we don’t need obama either) and go with younger talent. I love Bobby Cox,but let’s get a manager with some fire and let Bobby help in management.Run the Braves like a business and those that don’t produce must go.The past is important,but it is what it is,the past! If you keep doing the same things,you get the same results.

By kjbaby

July 21, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Jeff, you are right. Tex is a good player. But he is not a money clutch player - - just like A-Rod. Have the Yankees won anything significantly since they acquired A-Rod? Nope.

Something needs to be done to change the culture of this team. I remember back when Chipper first came up and had to be essentially told by veterans to cool it and shut up because that is not how the Braves do things. I really believe that it was his negative attitude they were referring to. Now that he is an elder statesman in the clubhouse, he has been constantly talking about how we “can’t lose these games” and we “can’t let this or that happen”. Chipper is a great player, but I wonder if he is really a winner.

Also, back in the ’90s, you did not see braves players complain as much about bad calls as they do now. Those players knew how to let Bobby do all of the complaining for them while they shut up and did their jobs. These Braves complain and whine all the time about calls. It may have come back to bite them, both with more unfavorable calls from umpires and allowing a “victimizing” type of culture to set in.

I say trade Tex and get another type of young pitcher like Jurgens and let these young ones continue to develop. Also, say thanks to Glavine and Smotz; and no thanks to Hampton and let them go elsewhere. I think it might also be a good idea to trade Huddy as well. It is also time for Chipper to go and lets go out and find some young and healthy bats for the lineup. It may take a while, but it would be better than this.

By Dacula

July 21, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

couldn’t have said it any better. anybody remember the last big hit Tex had? no wonder he’s danny hall’s all-time favorite player he’s coached. tex plays like a georgia tech baseball player.

By DHD

July 21, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Wait to see who gets desperate first. We don’t have to trade Tex. We get 2 picks for him. Let the other teams over pay on July 31.

By Skydawg

July 21, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

Its does not matter what the Braves choose to do. The Braves will not start winning again until ownership makes a committment to winning and pursuing the top tier talent it pursued before selling out to Time Warner. Now Time Warner has sold the team to an owner who lives 3/4 of the way across the country. It was a tax write off for both parties. I for one have boycotted going to games in person since the team was sold to Time Warner. Until the teams decides to spend money well, then don’t count on having my money to spend. PERIOD!!!! We are well on our way back to being the same old Braves prior to 1991. The run is over folks because ownership doesnt care to spend what it takes to win.

By Pum Pum Driller

July 21, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

I have never been to Turner Field. Are hot, sexy chicks attracted to live Major Leauge Baseball? If so, then I must make my way down to the place. I dig sweet babes, and I understand that the love a big, hefty swinger with the bat to match.

By Frank

July 21, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

Remember the good ole days???

Remember those dumb kids used to dress up like hotdogs for Franquoer?? so do I.

Remember when those nerds that made a youtube video singing about their man love for Mark Texeira? so do I

remember when bobby cox was a no good talentless booger picking mediocre manager who does nothing but show up and fill out a lineup card and every now and then throws a wild turkey induced tantrum to show hes still alive? so do i

Remember when the braves got jealous of the mets and started loading up on the mets cast-a-ways (tom glavine, mike hampton) only to watch them fall apart?

so do I!

ahhh the good ole days

Lets go Mets!

By Jeff321

July 21, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

Its about time one of the AJC writers had the courage to speak the truth. Tex is nothing but a big choker. I say GOOD RIDDANCE.

By Danny

July 21, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

I agree that we should probably start shopping Tex more vigorously. I disagree with you completely though that he is not a great player. He may only be the best 1B in baseball. And give him the whole second half before you judge him. He tore up for us 2nd half, and he has always done much better 2nd half. If that’s any indication, God knows how many RBIs he will put up this year. He already has 70. I agree that we should trade him if the right offer comes along though. I doubt we will be able to re-sign him. Also, to everyone else. Bobby Cox is a HOF manager, and we would be up a creek if we fired him. He is one of the best managers the game has ever seen, and I, for one, would like to keep that kind of manager. Also, we need to keep Frenchy. Provided he doesn’t ask for too much, and then we can let him walk. If his asking price is fair, we should keep him though. He’s got a huge deal of talent. Give him the offseason to reload though. The poor guy finally knows what it’s like to have a bad year. Happens to just about everyone. He will recover from it and be better off for it. Thank God Hampton is gone at the end of the year. I also think that we should keep hold of Ohman. I know he will get quite a bit next year, but he is one of the most reliable lefty relievers in the game. I would love to have that solid option in the bullpen for many years. Also, whoever is saying to trade Hudson and Chipper is just dumb. Hudson has more quality starts than anyone in baseball. Look these things up before you say these type of things. He’s quite possibly been pitching a HOF career. Also, has anyone seen the season Chipper has had this year? And the career he’s had? Yeah that’s a good idea…let’s get rid of him. Note the sarcasm.

By scottbravesfan

July 21, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

Duh,

You are an idiot. Trade Chipper Jones? Why not just move the franchise while you are at it. Plus Chipper is a 10-5 guy he’ s not going anywhere.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 21, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

ralph mcgill? nope. jeff schultz! jimmy smith has a new hero on marietta street.

this journalist has come out of ajc retirement for one day to salute ajc writer jeff schultz for daring to speak the truth about the atlanta braves.

and what about bobby cox and terry pendleton? inspiring everyone around them, right? and perspiring three relief pitchers a night - the same three.

oh, the humanity!

By DirtyDawg

July 21, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

I don’t think anybody can blame the current ownership for the Braves poor performance. Sure, ten years, or ever how long it’s been since Ted sold out to Time/Warner, of miserly participation - after all T/W didn’t care anything about baseball or Atlanta - did its damage. Liberty, on the other hand, showed that they were willing to back management’s decisions when they did the deal for Tex…only that decision hasn’t exactly demonstrated to Liberty that ‘management’ wasn’t necessarily as smart as everybody told them they were. So my guess is that they (Liberty) are going to see just how smart the Braves front office and scouts are at evaluating that ‘just below the surface talent pool’ Wren was talking about.

Is it too late to hire whoever does that for the Marlins?

By Paddy

July 21, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren will do fine. And don’t compare him to the Atlanta Spirt Group, it is not fair. Those guys are lost and going into the woods deeper as we speak. Can’t you hear those guys now calling each other for help and then fogot why they are in trouble. But I digress. If we have to sell, so be it. Too old, too many players not playing enough innings. This goup will be much diferent come next spring training. Dam, I hate to give up on this season. It looked so good in March.

By Rich

July 21, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

Good gracious folks; the boys are not out of it yet. This is a long shot but a sweep of the Fish and the Phillies and they are right back in the thick of it. It CAN BE DONE. Then what would you say? Buy Buy Buy!!! On to another note:

Is it just me or is the Braves the only team in baseball that has multiple injuries dealing with muscles that should be stretched prior to games? Do they work out in the offseason? or spring training at least? If the braves spent as much time conditioning as they do on the Golf course then we’d have a healthy team. One more note:

How do you send a base coach to the “youngest and cheapest team” in MLB and he has them in contention for a division crown? It’s called hard work and persistance. Something Bobby is lacking.

By Rich

July 21, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

Good gracious folks; the boys are not out of it yet. This is a long shot but a sweep of the Fish and the Phillies and they are right back in the thick of it. It CAN BE DONE. Then what would you say? Buy Buy Buy!!! On to another note:

Is it just me or is the Braves the only team in baseball that has multiple injuries dealing with muscles that should be stretched prior to games? Do they work out in the offseason? or spring training at least? If the braves spent as much time conditioning as they do on the Golf course then we’d have a healthy team. One more note:

How do you send a base coach to the “youngest and cheapest team” in MLB and he has them in contention for a division crown? It’s called hard work and persistance. Something Bobby is lacking.

By fieldofdreams

July 21, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

Nicely put, Jeff. The rebuild starts with young arms; Wren showed a promising slight of hand to lasso Jurrgens, hopefully he’s got some more magic up his sleeve.

By Phil J

July 21, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

One thing that’s been overlooked in this mess we call the Braves: Their scouting department. The Marlins can have a fire sale every 3 years, and re-load with low-paying, young good talent and win with it. They’ve got 2 world championships, no salary-cap hangovers. The Braves scouting department needs to be scrutinized along with the awful coaching staff. And..oh yeah, looks like Bobby Cox’s true colors are showing, huh??

By joe

July 21, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

why have you or one of the other writers not addressed the the issue of the Braves investing sooooooooooo much in OLD TIRED arms?? if Glavine still had it the Mets would have kept him.

Smoltz?? What can I say.

Putting faith In Hampton?? What can I say?

Putting faith in Chipper Jones who never plays close to the entire season—he swallows & pulls something?? What can I say.

There is no place in pro sports for loyalty—no place.

Do what pro football does. Give them money up front then cut/release them when they get ageed.

Joe Taylor Athens, GA

By Joe

July 21, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Now go convince the idiot you work with of this notion (Moore).

By Peecee

July 21, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

I would like to add one small piece of information for all to ponder: How long have the Florida Fish been in the NL? How many World Series titles? Where are they heading as this is printed? Case closed. They don’t have a petulent, undisciplined, child playing for them; They have good young talent and a better-than-average coach. They have a much-better-than-avewrage hitting coach; Good scouting, ad nauseum. No attendence but the team still plays its heart out. During the heyday years of the Bravos, even a stooge like me could have won games with the talent BC had. Selah.

By SL3

July 21, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

Skydawg must not be looking at teams like the Marlins and other low budget teams that win without paying stupid money to Boras clients. Look at the Yankees. The Braves need to be sellers this year and start restocking some pitchers and 3rd base, 1st base outfield talent. Chippers near the end and Tex is gone one way or the other. Smoltz, Glavine and Hampton are history. Bobby needs to retire. We had a good run, but lets face reality and see how good Wren will be. Way too many of these long term guaranteed contracts are not good deals. Go with the young talent and trade when they hit around 30.

By atlantaisloservilleagain

July 21, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Atlanta can reclaim it’s sports illustrated moniker, “Loserville USA”

Will Atlanta ever produce a championship caliber team again? My guess is the hawks have the best shot…Have fun in the cellar braves…

By Workinlkeadawg

July 21, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

It’s Wrem’s time. Make or break He’s got big shoes to fill s@#* or get off the pot.

By Kent

July 21, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why so many people think that dumping the whole team is the way to go. Jeff “Frenchy” was everyone’s golden boy the past two seasons. So McCann has proven to be more of an offensive threat this year than Jeff, but don’t give up on a kid….A KID who still has plenty to learn mentally and mechanically.

To the person who said “go ahead and give up Chipper and do it right” —-Are you just saying the man has done enough for the Braves, let him move on to another team like the Yankees to win one more world series?? Let’s don’t dump Chipper. I know he can seem cocky….who wouldn’t with the numbers he’s put up for this club….some people might say he’s hurt too much, but I wonder how many times he’s played hurt without thinking twice about it. He’s even restructured his contract to free up money for other talent…..who does that anymore??? Let’s don’t dump Chipper Jones. Lets thank him for what he’s done for this club and not try to get “something better” out of a deal.

By tiger7_88

July 21, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

I love the occasional solo idiot who always insists that the “Braves should trade Mike Hampton”.

Makes me laugh.

By Liberty Media Sucks

July 21, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

I wish there was a way the Braves could “divorce” Liberty Media. Ever since they bought the Braves they have been a shadow of their former selves.Please, if their are any rich local business execs out there reading this, please get some committee together and buy the Braves and treat them like a child that you love…one that you would spoil and spend a lot of money on.

By Hillbilly Deluxe

July 21, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

My guess is that when the Braves sent Francouer to the minors they were hoping and praying he’d get hot so he might have some trade value.

By eduardo

July 21, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

I have to agree with Phil J. The braves should hire the Marlin!s scouts, and follow their lead. You see how easily they produce young, talented pitchers every year! One curse was to stick with Glavine and Maddux for too long instead of getting Schilling in 1995 and Kevin Brown in 1996.

By eduardo

July 21, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

I agree with Phil J. The braves should hire the Marlins scout and follow their lead. See the impressive young and talented pitchers they have year after year. One curse was to stick for too long with Glavine and Maddux instead of getting Schilling in 1996 and Kevin Brown in 1997 and keeping Jason Schmidt.

By john chambers

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

Wren should use his “bean counting” skills to dump Hudson, Hampton, Glavine, Tex, and Ohman to rebuild the pitching staff. Smoltz won’t pitch again. Braves management doesn’t like Frenchy because he’s a strong unionist and has an obnoxious agent.

By Flustered Fan

July 21, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

I have noticed on other blogs that some people have been saying how the ones complaining aren’t really Braves fans and we only support them when they’re winning. Well, to all those na sayers: We have every right to be frustrated because we don’t won’t to see a team we know and love go through these hard times. Sure, it’s hard to watch. We, as Braves fans, have every right in the world to complain and vent. Isn’t that what these blogs are for?

By Larry

July 21, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

Tex is not the problem but can be a big part of the solution if the Braves can afford to keep him. The Braves have tried to win with too many castoff and rookie pitchers the last few years. Their farm system has produced many good young players but the better ones sign with other teams for more money and they are continuously bringing up rookies with potential but who are usually gone within 2 - 3 years. They could compete with this makeup but only if they have a strong pitching corps and they haven’t had that in years. Two great starters with the rest of the staff being mediocre and an inconsistent bullpen will not win championships. Glavine and Smoltz were great but can’t last forever. Frenchy either needs to put the good of the team ahead of his ego or be gone; Hampton continues to be a major bust; another catcher besides Corky Miller is needed as McCann’s backup; and 2 - 3 new pitchers of major league caliber are what is needed. The owners should either decide to field a team of solid players that can compete or admit that they will not pay the necessary money and will settle for mediocre seasons.

By gayle

July 21, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

Props to Schultz for speaking the truth. Tex is good, very good perhaps, but he is not an impact player - not to this team.

I only wish Jeff had the nerve to take it further and bring his broom to the manager’s office after getting done with Tex. We really need a change there!

Someone here compared Tex to ARod and I think that is a fair comparison. Look at how ARod’s teams did after he left - they all improved. And ARod - the best player in baseball - has even fewer World Series rings than the Braves.

When JS made the Tex trade last year, I’m guessing he was hoping for a McGriff or a Galarraga but he got a Drew or Sheffield instead - a hired gun using Atlanta on his way to a big payday.

Adios Tex and hopefully Hasta La Vista Bobby!

By Train Wreck Bystander

July 21, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

Let’s see… you spend an entire column telling us why Teixeira isn’t an elite player… then insist we must trade him now and rebuild. As if rebuilding is predicated upon trading Teixeira, as if we will get anything for the two-month rental time that is left on the meter.

It’s too late for buyer’s remorse.

Plan for a next year without him, if you must, but seriously… are you one of those guys who is expecting us to magically restock our farm system at the expense of a team who wants to rent Tex for the rest of the season?

By ronp

July 21, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Jeff, you’re all wet. Don’t you know this is a good team when healthy? Of course, the Braves should be buyers.

First thing, we need to chase these cheapskate owners out of town…team gets good fan support so it’s time for owners to support the fans and loosen up the purse strings.

Sign Tex for long term because it’s hard to find better…Buy a real pitcher to replace Smoltz like the Mets, Red Sox and Yankess often do…it’s called spending money…there are no laws against it.

Hampton is gone so there’s extra cash to spend..Glavine should retire..it’s enough already. Continue to develop the youngsters…sign Campillo because this guy can pitch…

Team needs speed and beef up the outfield in left and center…be patient with Francouer because he will come around eventually.

After that just sit back and let them win pennant after pennant.

By the way, keep Cox because he’s the best…just give him a competitive team and he will do the rest.

By Robert S

July 21, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

I remember the days of Fred McGriff. The clutch hitting. The leadership. The one world championship.

Yes, I could say that Fred McGriff was a difference maker.

Mark Teixeira, you’re no Fred McGriff.

By James Munson

July 21, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

Yeah Tex, Huddy, Ohman are a good start, but im thinkin a lot more. Kelly, trade em. Frenchy too. Kotsay, why not? I say keep Chipper, Escobar, Mac, and Jurrjens and sell all the other guys. Get some kids almost ready. We could shift Lillbridge to 2nd and get a first baseman in return for someone and our infield is set. We have Heward and Schafer in the minors that could be ready next year and we could get a third baseman in return for someone so there is someone to replace Chipper. We could be ready for a run as soon as 2010 if we get the right prospects.

By Big Mac

July 21, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

The worst part of it all is that the Braves have long been flayed by other teams in terms of trade values. Atlanta was always giving up to much or not getting enough under Schuerholtz…maybe Wren will be a more savvy seller.

By Bard of Oolteburg

July 21, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

You have it pretty well nailed, Jeff. Tex will be gone before the deadline. Anyone on the club that can bring us talent in return should be moved as well. Clean it our and start over. No more retreads. Young fresh talent hungry to play and win. Tampa Bay did it and so can we if the management is smart enough to make the hard decisions to make it work.

By Kentavo

July 21, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

Hey people - it ain’t gonna get much better unless we get lucky. I don’t have the statistics but Braves are doing quite well attendance-wise and we’re outdrawing the Marlins, who are only a game out of first and the Nats who have a new ballpark. I work for a corporation, so I know how these people think. If the Braves are on pace to draw 2.5 million fans and finish in 4th place, why does it really matter? You have to have an owner with an ego, such as Steinbrenner, for team ownership to care about winning.

By Robert S

July 21, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

Kentavo, once again you make a great point. There’s no shame in a company making a buck or two, yet if the profit margin’s going up but the team is mediocre, who cares? That’s why lately I have believed that the Braves’ brass is more concerned with selling a brand rather than fielding a consistent, winning team. That’s a big difference from the Turner years………….

By TNJeff

July 22, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

Hit it on the nail - been askiNg all year when has Tex had a meaningful RBI - especially late in clost games.

Braves desperately need someong to lead the way in clutch hitting.

By Scott

July 22, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

Who’s gonna play first, Thorman?

By TNJeff

July 22, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this

very tired - speak now Gayle or I’ll be going to sleep.

By TNJeff

July 22, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this

Scott

Richmond guy/blogger (name ?) can give stats but I’d consider bringing up Sammons to play back-up catcher & 1st base daily.

Hmmmmmm….

By TNJeff

July 22, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this

Nobody wanting to throw me off a cliff?

Guess I’ll sleep well tonight.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

By Murphy

July 22, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this

Good points. All true. Too bad Tex couldn’t be the player we hoped he would be…probably means he will be the next stop! haha

By Nahjay Davnpoop

July 22, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this

i say the braves re-sign tex for 8 bucks an hour and trade chipper for a-rod. chipper is past his prime and a-rod has many years to play. with both tex and a-rod in the lineup, the braves can win 15 world series in a row and a-rod can break hank aarons homerun record right in his face. and then the next year, he can break bonds’ record while bonds watches in prison while he’s getting anal-yzed.

By santa3247

July 22, 2008 3:32 AM | Link to this

Hi, I’m Seong-Ho,Yoon living in Jinhae City south korea now.

Mark, Teixeira? Keep him!!!! Check whole HR of him. Almost HR he made were cornerred pitched ball of strike-zone just like Chipper Jones.

Trade Joseph Reyes, Brent Lilibridge, Grego Blanco, Jeff Bennet, Manny Acosta, Scott Thorman, Martin Prado, Jeff Ridgway, that is, friends of Babylon. Why?

Friends of Babylon can get a job in any-other team. But, enemy of Babylon can’t get a job in other team. This is important I think.

May the force of Messiah be with you

By BeachDreams

July 22, 2008 4:08 AM | Link to this

Your all selling Tex a little short In a week or two I hope you will not be posting, Braves make the right move Tex for two unknown pitcing procpects and a middle infielder The Braves are a little sharper than you they know what they have in Tex a hell of a lot more than a nice player Lets start on Defence who is better ?????????? End of Discussion Tex is the best. Offence I can’t argue with the stats I’ll give you that. But plese post in September if Tex ends up on the right team youll see a difference maker. I not saying your wrong it is time to look to the future and trade Tex. My problem is there is no one player who could help the Braves make the playoffs this year. Here’s a thought for a blog how many teams have made the playoffs with 10 on the DL How many teams with 3 of their starting 5 on the DL have made it. It hurts not going any year But think big picture, if Smoltz Glav. and Mr. DL could have pitched all year where would we be in 2 to 3 years bottom of the cellar. Lets all stand up and appuld JJ and Campy 2 new ROOKIE solid starters. And Reyes and Morton have a chance too. Lets not forget Blanco rookie with speed who will only get better And Lilly what a great job this rook has done solid as they come with the glove, another rabbit on the bases. And a little pop in his bat from a kid who looks to be about 15. Great job Braves keep um coming can’t wait for September and Jordan Schaffer. Tex it was a pleasure final word I wish Tex was here when we had the big 3. Good luck Tex wished you could be here when we have a better team

By MIZ

July 22, 2008 4:28 AM | Link to this

HAHA!! … wow when it comes down to do it…Seong-Ho,Yoon “living in Jinhae City south korea now” might be right.

By Phil

July 22, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this

Tex is also not responsible for the ineptness of Moron Cox either. We were sellers with Ned Yost and Fredi Gonzalez, 2 of the brightest managers in the National League. Yet we’re stuck with the biggest Moron in baseball history. It’s not all Tex’s fault, a lot of it starts at the top.

By anonymous

July 22, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

NO NO NO NO He is at least playing and getting hits. Why in the world are we keeping Hampton???

By John

July 22, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

* The most optimistic person in America: * The guy on the board who suggested trading Hampton

By Big Dog

July 22, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

KEEP TEIXERA. He’s one of the top players in MLB.

The Braves pinned there hopes too much on ‘IF’s’ such as Glavine, who is through, and Hampton coming back.

The bullpen also began the season with a really bad bullpen. Moylan got hurt and that really hurt. The bullpen absolutely stinks. Jo-Jo should go bye-bye but who you going to get to replace him. Bennett, Carlyle, etc… ugh.

Chipper won’t last forever and Teixeira is someone who you can build a team around. KEEP TEIXEIRA.

By Bill

July 22, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this

This team is not going to change as long as Bobby (and friends) are in the dugout. He has had a good run but its time for a new manager. Has this team ever had a solid leader? No - because Bobby will not allow it and the smart players on the team know that. It make cause friction on the team which Bobby just cannot deal with. My guess is it was his idea to bring Frenchy back after only a few games before his feelings were hurt or it caused a problem on the team. Same reason that A Jones stayed in the cleanup spot most of last year. I also blame Bobby for the decline of A Jones. He got away with being lazy for years and it finally caught up with him. Tex is a great player but just cannot see paying him $20M a year. We are only a few players away from having a playoff caliber team but that will not happen until Bobby retires or moves upstairs.

By willdave

July 22, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

Jeff Schultz, I agree that if the Braves cannot sign Teixeira, and they apparently cannot, then they should go ahead and trade him right now while his market value would be extremely high.

By anonymous

July 22, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

Who said trade Hampton? Just realease hime and use his money elsewhere.

By Brave Defender

July 22, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

IDIOT!

GO BRAVES!!!

By David

July 22, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

Jeff, am I the only guy in town that knows the present owners are going to keep us at the bottome of the division? They need to sell are right, they need to get new owners. Owners that want to spend money and get the elite players. I can’t be the only one in town that has figured that out? Musical chairs are not going to help us get out of the cellar.

By Tomahawk Matt

July 22, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

**Hey anonymous…

Baseball contracts are GUARANTEED… meaning if you release someone, you still MUST pay them.**

And NO ONE would take Hampton right now anyway.

GO BRAVES!

By total-e-sports

July 22, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

http://www.total-e-sports.blogspot.com

By George

July 22, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

Guys..remember it is a game. doesn’t change your life in any way. go to the game with your grand kids, eat a hot dog watch some major league talent and have a good time. It’s a game. Spend some time with your kids and grandkids. have fun..

By George

July 22, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

Guys..remember it is a game. doesn’t change your life in any way. go to the game with your grand kids, eat a hot dog watch some major league talent and have a good time. It’s a game. Spend some time with your kids and grandkids. have fun..

By Jeff Schultz

July 22, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Hello all … Thanks for the comments. It’s one of those Murphy’s Law of sports writing that when you take a position like this and file the column in the afternoon, the teams win easily that night. Oh well. But, no, I don’t think 4-0 over the Marlins was the start of something big. … Coach: I dunno about trading Hudson. He’s the closest thing the rotation has to a sure thing. My vote: he stays. … For those of you who believe this is a test for the Wren Era: I agree. I didn’t include it in the column but I asked him if this was indeed the toughest decision of his tenure, and he said yes. Might blog more on that later in the Tuesday Countdown (cross-promotion). … Lawrence: “Francoeur is done” might be a little strong. I mean, it’s one season. Does that negate everything before this year? Take a step back. …. Stating the obvious Mike Hampton: He can’t be traded. The Braves are on the hook for his salary this year, regardless of whether he’s on the roster or released. The only thing they gain by releasing him is putzes like me don’t make jokes every time another body part falls off. … I’ll check in later, Jeff

By BlackberryCobbler

July 22, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

There is no one on this Braves team that is superstar enough to carry the team— Chipper might be the only one.

The demise of this team is really very simple— injuries, Francoeurs poor season, and Teixeira being basically a no-show offensively the first half the season.

By Lee in S GA

July 22, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Hampton does not need to be released for the simple reason another team (Mets or Phillies) could acquire him and the Braves would still be paying his salary for the remainder of this season. The way this season has gone, better not chance it.

By gil ginsburg

July 22, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

I say JTD to the owners.

By Bill

July 22, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Six games out, half a season to go; do all you Chicken Littles know what we have to look forward to this pro football season? I say go for broke and get the Braves some help! I can’t wait another year to have a winner!

By DJ

July 22, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

The Braves don’t have to be buyers, but they have to be builders. The question is whether they are going to be a mid to small market team or not. If they’re going to try to win, they’re going to have to spend the money. We had one of the highest payrolls when we were winning. Go to the middle in payroll, go to the middle of the pack in wins. Pretty simple.

And, go ahead, someone write about the Marlins. Yes, 2 WS wins, a few competitive seasons, and a bunch of horrible seasons. When they won WS, they had big payrolls.

The Braves need to re-sign Tex. Can he carry the team? Maybe not. But we need to acquire talent at every position. Re-build at first base and cleanup, as well as the entire outfield and probably second base? Still need a starter and some bullpen help. Oh, and someone with some grit and fire. Pretty long list of needs.

Tex is great defensively and strong in the clean-up spot. Pay to play. Sign him, and go about fixing the other spots, too.

Re-building on the cheap won’t work over the long haul. The economics have changed. You can’t typically buy a championship, but no one has won consistently on the cheap.

Yes, it will be expensive to re-sign Tex. Will need to pay $2-3M more per year and have to give him a year or two more than the Braves want. Cry me a river…. Spend the money. And then spend some more to fix the other spots. We all know there’s money to be spent next year. And generally, the Braves still have great evaluators of talent in mgmt. Spending some money AND having that kind of evaluation separates us from the Mets, Dodgers and others. Being in the top few in spending ought to be good enough to get us back to the WS based on front office decision making.

Now, having said all that…it’s possible that Tex doesn’t want to be a Brave because he knows the organization won’t pay to fix the other problems. He may want to go to a team that does want to compete financially….If that is a foregone conclusion, then and only then, trade him. Only if we know he won’t stay even if we are equal bidders, should we trade him.

By Kelley

July 22, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Agree totally with trading Tex, he is simply not worth what he thinks he is worth, as he and Boras will indicate by what they will ask for at the end of this season. Trade for no other reason than NOT to deal with Scott Boras.

Jeff, I gotta disagree a little with your last post. I really think the Braves should unload Huddy. Look at his salary, how much it eats up the payroll. Has he really become the “ace” on this team? He sure as heck is paid like one, isn’t it about time he started pitching like it? How long do we have to wait for him to take on the ace role? I think we’ve waited long enough and he hasn’t produced.

As far as Frenchy goes, he lost my support when he continued to bad mouth the organization about being sent down. He was 2 for 20 with bases loaded and he whined like a baby that they would have the nerve to send the golden boy back down, publically. He should of taken the money the Braves offered him, as Mac did, but I guess we see where his priorities lie. Frankly, I’ll be surprised to see him stay. The Braves don’t take too kindly to players who are unprofessional and talk about the organization in a negative way and put themselves above the team, he did both.

Is Mike Hampton really newsworthy anymore???? Trade him? Who in the world would take him? I know Little League coaches who would pass on him.

By Sicem

July 22, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

It all boils down to money. Until the purse strings are loosened we will see the same results. Everyone can blame whoever they want but until we can compete in the free agent market the way the Yankees and Bosox do we will keep seeing the same results.

By Elmer

July 22, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Braves as sellers equal the Pirates and the Nats!

By bravesfan

July 22, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Terry Pendleton sits with that scowl on his face as another hitter goes down in flames here in Atlanta. Teixeira is great until he gets here, then poof, he looks like the rest of the Braves.

Pendleton must go.

By earldon

July 22, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

With all the money the Braves are freeing up after the season we should be a seller now and a buyer in the off season. Even if we trade Tex we could possibly resign him after the season. If we could get another bat like Matt Holiday, and a top notch starter I feel they could be very competitive next season. I would like to see players like Kelly Johnson, Gregor Blanco, and Matt Diaz traded. These players are mediocre at best and a hindrance to giving young talent needed playing time. I would like to see 2B opened up for Prado or Lilibridge. Josh Anderson and Jordan Schaffer in the OF. Contrary to popular opinion I would like to see Frenchy signed while his stock is in the toilet. Even if he never develops into a star he would be a good fourth outfielder to have around. And please for heaven sake trade Game Blower, I mean Blaine Boyer.

By GotCurry

July 22, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Duh, did you really just say we should trade Chipper Jones?? That is probably the dumbest thing I’ve heard in months.

By Matt

July 22, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Your a d@mn idiot Schultz along with all the liberal staff of the AJC. Because the Braves loose 2 games over the weekend they are sellers? Because they are 6 games out, they are sellers? Give me a break! What happens if the Braves win 5 of their next 6 and go 7 and 3 on their first 10 games out and gain 3 games on the Mets/Phillies? Now at 3 games from the division are we sellers? HECK NO!

Those of you who are Braves fans who believe it cant happen, I am ashamed to call myself one. Cutting losses now only tells the younger players we keep that they arent good enough to win, so managment is giving up on them

Give the team a chance. Yeah they have played better but in ‘91 they werent exactly blowing the socks off people either. Now isnt the time to trade. There is still too much baseball left and Im tired of hearing all these people bash players who have more talent in their pinky then they could ever wish to have!

GO BRAVES!

Be smart Atlanta, dont ruin this country! Vote for McCain!

By 42 year fan

July 22, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

I stopped second-guessing trades twenty years ago, after blowing up over the Braves dealing top-shelf Doyle Alexander for the fresh faced crap-shoot named John Smoltz. What did I know. What I DO know now is that Atlanta fans don’t deserve a decent team of any kind. My turning point came in ‘96 when during the World Series, after the Braves took the first two from the Yankees in New York, the fans (and our obliging media) here would only taunt the Yankees with foolish smack talk. Well, the Bronx Bombers reeled off eight in a row against us over two World Series, and we haven’t been back since. Serves us fans right. I’ll always love the Braves, but will also remain ashamed of this fan base that expects professional attitudes from our young players, and then demonstrates how not to behave like a reasonable adult.

By GotCurry

July 22, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Matt, I totally agree with what you’re saying about the Braves, but don’t bring your political garbage here. This is a sports blog.

By Mitch

July 22, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

I’ve been a Braves fan for 25 years. I say that we definitely hsve to trade Tex. The whole climate of the team suggests this. We will likely not see 500 this year. We currently have no pitching besides Jair and Hudson, and maybe now Gonzalez. It’s time for this team to be realistic. Hopefully, we can get some prospects, and look to next year.

I strongly disagree with the person who said to trade Hudson. Yes, he may leave in 2010, but he also may not. I read in Scherholtz’s book that Hudson was ecstatic with the contract extension he got in 2005, and wanted to talk about staying in Atlanta his whole career. By 2010 Glavine and Smoltz will both likely have retired. Between their contracts being gone, and Tex’s money being off the books, we can sign Hudson to a good long term deal. He will only be 33 next year. When Glavine and Maddux were both 32, in 1998, we signed them to four and five year deals. You dont give up a productive 33 year old pitcher who can win you 15 games. You sign him for three or four years, and keep him in your rotation, to anchor the staff along with Jurrgens.

I have MLB extra innings, and heard comments by the Florida Marlins announcers during last night’s game, saying they had heard Wren was going to keep Tex for the rest of the year, and just let him go free agent, and get the draft picks. I think this is the wrong move. I would trade Tex now, get what you can for him, move on, and look to 2009.

By Braves Fan Forever

July 22, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Jeff, This is the best article I have read in the AJC in awhile. You actually talked about a subject you know about unlike some of the AJC writers (TM). Lets get this braves team back to where it belongs.. on Top!

By mikey

July 22, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Did anyone read the article in todays USA Today about Atlanta? Terrence Moore was quoted as saying Atlanta “is the worst sports town in America”. The mediocre Braves are drawing 2-3 million fans a year. The last time the Falcons were any good they were selling out every week and was one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL. The last time the Hawks were any good (mid 80’s) they were packing em in at the Omni every night. Just put a decent team out there, and they will come. Just send this negative writer packing. Please.

By George

July 22, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

I agree with your comments. I am, like many others, concerned that Frank Wren is the man to handle this transition. I also predict that Jeff Francour could be moved as part of this reorganization; it may have been the thing to do in sending him down but it was not done in a professional manner. Could it be that the organization was upset with him for not taking an offer similar to McCann last year? It is time to put the past in the past and rebuild for the future. I have been a Braves fan for 40 years and will continute to support the club.

By SL3

July 22, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

The Alexander trade is a good example of what we might get in return for Tex. Those are the trades that happen when you are sellers and not buyers. Hudson is inconsistent. His 1st 2 seasons were not impressive. Last year he rebounded, but we are paying number 1 starter money to him every year. He’s lost some zip and will continue to decline. Best years behind him.

By SL3

July 22, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

The Alexander trade is a good example of what we might get in return for Tex. Those are the trades that happen when you are sellers and not buyers. Hudson is inconsistent. His 1st 2 seasons were not impressive. Last year he rebounded, but we are paying number 1 starter money to him every year. He’s lost some zip and will continue to decline. Best years behind him.

By SL3

July 22, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

The Alexander trade is a good example of what we might get in return for Tex. Those are the trades that happen when you are sellers and not buyers. Hudson is inconsistent. His 1st 2 seasons were not impressive. Last year he rebounded, but we are paying number 1 starter money to him every year. He’s lost some zip and will continue to decline. Best years behind him.