Atlanta Weather

Cloudy

50° F

Pollen 1

Air quality

| Traffic

Where did Jeff go?

He’s moved to a new location. Check him out on the new blogging platform and let him know what you think.

Home > Jeff Schultz > Archives > 2008 > July > 30 > Entry

Braves have money to spend, rebuild

By Jeff Schultz | Wednesday, July 30, 2008, 10:36 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Given that the line between sports and accounting blurred years ago, the Braves could be excused if they viewed this off-season much like Ms. Peebles in bookkeeping. Never mind the names, the Q-scores or the legacies of exiting players. How fat are the paychecks?

The $14 million pitcher has probably run out of medical miracles.

The $15.975 million pitcher is back from the dead, but too late to resuscitate the banking industry.

The $12.5 million first baseman was dumped for somebody younger, cheaper and not represented by Scott Boras.

The $8 million pitcher has an elbow screaming for retirement.

The $7 million outfielder: an expiring stopgap.

Make way. The Braves are about to head somewhere they haven’t really been in years. The mall.

“It’s a situation we relish, and we’re looking at this off season with great enthusiasm,” said Braves chairman Terry McGuirk.

Let me translate: Nordstrom!

“We know with the kind of money we have coming off the books, we can talk to anybody we want in the marketplace,” McGuirk continued. “There’s certainly a healthy bit of skepticism about the efficiency and the effectiveness of the free-agent marketplace. But we have the ability to go out and get a real horse who can help take us to the top.”

No more plugging holes with slight irregulars or Corky Millers.

Hello, C.C. Sabathia or Ben Sheets?

The Braves might lose five of the top seven salaries from this year’s payroll: Mike Hampton, John Smoltz, Mark Teixeira (already traded), Tom Glavine and Mark Kotsay.

There are different ways to interpret the numbers. In terms of straight salary and bonuses, those five players earn a combined $57,475,184. The Braves have it as something closer to $47 million (and the total payroll as $90-92 million, not $102,365,683). They count only $8 million of Hampton’s $15,975 million salary because that’s their prorated share of his contract, which also has been paid by Colorado and New York. They’re paying only $2 million of Kotsay’s $7 million (Oakland picks up the rest).

No matter. Either way, it’s corporate-weasel nirvana.

Which brings us to Liberty Media. The Braves’ owners really haven’t been tested yet. Their brief tenure hasn’t been the they’re-only-here-for-the-tax-write-off disaster many had forecasted. But neither has the team broke the bank on spending. The Braves’ payroll is up $10 to $12 million over the past two years after holding at about $80 million (Braves’ computations) for three seasons.

What’s to stop a Colorado-based media company from looking at next season with a sense of doom and thinking, “What a fine time to shift some of those millions to marketing porcelain dolls (or pitchers) on QVC?”

McGuirk: “They don’t get involved.”

An owner not involved?

“Liberty Media owns the team. But they’ve allowed the management of the Braves to determine those answers. It’s totally left up to us — 100 percent. They’ve chosen to not have any operating activity. There’s no second-guessing whatsoever. I’ve said that before but people don’t believe me.”

When asked if that meant the Braves were free to balloon the payroll to $200 million, McGuirk said: “I have some sense of what would be the right thing to do. I’m not going to do something stupid.”

McGuirk speculated the team’s payroll would rise slightly next season. But even at status quo, the Braves suddenly have flexibility. That hasn’t been the case since it more than doubled from $50 million in 1997 to $106 million in 2003. That was the year the franchise lost $35 million.

“We had about five years of dwindling attendance and rising payroll,” McGuirk said. “It didn’t take an economic genius to know something had to change.”

So began the slashing. A perfect storm of broken down bodies and expiring contracts has killed the season but plowed the field.

McGuirk calls it “the first time we’ve really had the chance to have a rebuilding effort.” And $47 million will buy a lot of parts.

Permalink | Comments (158) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves/MLB

Comments

By Lyonsjimmy

July 30, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

And then?

By Lyonsjimmy

July 30, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

Get Sheets and Sabathia. Spend on great pitching like the good old days when we threw and ace out there everyday. Sign somebody in the outfield who can hit or either play phenomenal defense. Really is it that hard???

By P-Man

July 30, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Lets’ hope they spend any money they have wisely. Surely they can field a team that won’t feature an “injury of the week” every few days.

By CanEmAll

July 30, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

And if you don’t get some players in those Atlanta uniforms that translate into wins, you get less and less people in the seats. I like Kotchman at first. I think he will do well for the future. I’m not sold on KJ at second or Yunel Escobar at SS. Chipper is getting no younger as his injuries this season suggest. Left field has been a cluster mess as has center field. Jeff Franceour has faded fast in right. Brian McCann is a building piece for the future. I hope the Braves will build toward the future with more speed, defense and pitching. It is excruciating watching this team wait on a five run homer to win a game. Their defense has been so frustrating. They have had two starting pitchers to count on this season. Oddly enough it hasn’t been anyone they thought they could count on. Jair Jurggens and Jorge Campillo has been solid. the rest of the staff has been inconsistent or injured. I know injuries have had a huge impact on this year’s team, but it’s an opportunity to build for the future. With the dollars they could have available, I hope it goes to pitching, speed and defense.

By Dan_in_NC

July 30, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

I know its easy for you Metro Atlanta to be critical since you guys hear more detail about the team. But for us fans in the rest of the Southeast region of the US, this off-season is really gonna to test our confidence in the management. I think by reading this, Liberty Media has pretty much told us all that they are going to be aggressive this off-season. With that said now comes high expectations.

First off with the bad news of us now knowing that Hudson won’t be much of a factor for the rest of this year and all of next year it is pretty obvious that we must acquire a #1 starter for next year. Sabathia, Sheets, Ervin Santana…those are some pretty good names out there. One of those three better be wearing a tomahawk next spring across their chest.

The next obvious need is a power bat in left field. In order to keep a balanced lineup I would prefer a right handed bat but if we have no real choice in the matter, we may have to go lefty.

I think any chance of getting Jason Bay has pretty much fallen away now that the trade dealine is less than 18 hours away. I would love to see us go after Matt Holliday but of course all you need to know about that is two words…Scott Boras.

So who does that leave left on the block? A name that has been very quiet as of recent but a name that we might be hearing a lot more of may very well be Adam Dunn. Now, I know…you folks cringe when you think of his play defensively. But I’ll be honest, I think Dunn gets a bad rep for that very reason. Yes he makes errors, but I think for our team, we could live with the errors because of the offense he provides. He is a home run hitter plus he goes walk quite a bit.

I’ll even throw out one more crazy scenario but its a scenario that may have had come closer to happening before the Tex trade than a lot of people may know..and that is Manny, Manny, Manny…

Folks, I know what we read on the internet and what we hear on ESPN but I really see Manny Ramirez no differently than I saw Gary Sheffield when he came to Atlanta. Everybody said, Sheff would cause a problem in the locker room when in fact he knew his role and as a result he fitted in just fine for two years.

If I was Liberty Media and wanted to make a bold move, I would consider the idea of Manny Ramirez in a similar way that we handled Sheff’s contract (i.e. 2 year deal).

Given the fact we have so many young guys that we don’t have to tie down right now (Escoboar, Blanco, KJ, Frenchie, Kotchman, Jurrjens) and then what few we are paying are already secured (Chipper and Mac) we should have no reason why we can’t add 2 pitchers (#1 starter and mid-line starter)and a big bat in left.

By Scott S.

July 30, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

Sabathia and Lackey make more sense. Too many injury issues with Sheets. Need some pop in the outfield so who do we go after??? Easier maybe to switch KJ back to LF and move Prado to 2nd unless there is someone better avail for LF! Eric Campbell could be switched to second at MB and he has some pop!

By mahjk17

July 30, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

whatever frank wren wants to do i will trust him. at the beginning of the year we had a very good team (and the people who said we didnt have no clue what they are talking about ) we just go into alot of bad luck with injures. but look at it this way we have a pitcher who came out of nowhere jorge campiilo lets sign him first and tim hudson even though he is going to miss half of next season. First we need to resign the good players we have now even francouer he should bounce back next year every great player has a bad year even chipper jones just a few years ago where he hit .259. GO BRAVES

By Herschel Talker

July 30, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

Jeff - Shalom. Solid points, but there ain’t much out there this year to buy. Weak free agent class. Save up the dough, rebuild the farm system, and spend in the offseason for 2010.

By gordon

July 30, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

For the love of GOD, lets get some quality arms! Pitching,Pitching, and some more Pitching! C.C. and Sheets would be fantastic (at least one of them). 2 arms and 1 outfielder with power and they will be set. I love Glavine and Smoltz, but the Bravos need young arms.

By JP Swain

July 30, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

1st. How could the Braves have ever lost 35 million? That’s incredible, especially when everyone else was making money.

2nd. No wonder the Braves haven’t been winning when they’ve set out their draft stall as: Anything Georgia & S.E.= good, anything else= no thanks. They LOVE prep arms- most go no where, and they other than all the decent players they sent away for Tex, they’ve got nearly zero down on the farm.

Take the 2006 draft- Braves 1st pick- Cory Rasmus, pitcher taken two spots later- Joba Chamberlain

Fair enough you say, they missed on that one, that can happen once, but how about round two- we take Jeff Locke and Dustin Evans before Boston gets Justin Masteron- either of our two names sound familiar? Yea, I thought not.

How about 1 year previous- 41st pick- sup A, we take Beau Jones, pick 42- Clay Bucholz- that’s right, the guy who threw a no hitter in the MAJORS last year.

Fine, I’m finding a few, shall we say easy examples, but before we can rebuild, we have to draft better- go try and find our 2004 draft- we have 2 draft picks in the first 101.

Before going to the grocery store or Nordstrom, we need to go to the vine and start picking some decent peaches. We need to really find a long term 3b, a quality 2nd baseman and some outfielders that will produce, and how about some of the arms we drafted actually pitching well.

Let’s take a 2-3 year approach- draft some more seasoned players- what’s the matter with a college player?

Look at what the Angels do every year- play great ball- similar to our style and promote great talent from within.

By gayle

July 30, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

Mr. McGuirk said: “But we have the ability to go out and get a real horse who can help take us to the top.”

Note to Terry - it’s not to the top, it’s over the top.

Some here may consider this a trival observation, but I think it expresses the exisiting team philosophy in a nutshell - that’s why the Braves have all those division flags and only one championship.

This team is not one player - or two - or three - from contending. Now that Hudson is out of the mix for most of next year, it is even bleaker.

Kotchman is a perfect example of the kind of young, talented and aggressive players that can be the core of the new team. And hopefully to be guided by a manager with similar skills.

Note to Terry - 67 years old ain’t young.

Breaking the bank on some high priced free-agents and keeping this coaching staff intact will show that management here has learned nothing from this failed band-aid experience.

Oh, and Jeff forgot to mention the desperately neeeded salary dump in the dugout. Nothing will change as long as Captain Cox is left at the helm.

By HoustonBrave

July 31, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

It does not matter how much we spend or who we get if the manager keeps trotting out Boyer, Ring and Miller. He is either on the take or he could care less about the organization. It is sad that BC gets a pass when his field management has been ridiculous.

By Robert S

July 31, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

Gayle, you are the voice of reason!

You say what all of us have been thinking for years about Bobby Cox. My fear is that by next year, Kotchman’s gonna be hacking at everything he sees, too, because of Cox’s approach.

And yes, it seems there’s a real reluctance for any of the Braves’ brass to say they’re after a World Championship. I’m not sure if they have the gonads to ever make such a claim, while other teams continue to pass the Braves right on by….

By melissa

July 31, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

The braves have quit on bobby cox !! Why does he still take up for them !!!!!

By proeye

July 31, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

You know, I think we simply need to trade or sign some ROCK SOLID players. NO, we don’t need Ben Sheets. He hasn’t pitched a in a full season in 5 years. Do we need anyone who has even a remote chance of breaking down?

Uh…. no.

By randyh

July 31, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

i really believe roger mcdowell is doing the best he can. but why are we having so many major arm injuries ? smoltz (shoulder), hudson (ligament), moylan (ligament) soriano( elbow), glavin(elbow tendon). maybe he’s not to blame, but could he have done things to prevent those injuries. maybe watching to make sure they are fundamentally sound in all areas. even veteran pitchers get all out of whack with their delivery sometimes …. the braves in general just dont seem to be ready to play physically or fundamentally when they come out of spring…. just a thought.

By proeye

July 31, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this

You know, I think we simply need to trade or sign some ROCK SOLID players. NO, we don’t need Ben Sheets. He hasn’t pitched a in a full season in 5 years. Do we need anyone who has even a remote chance of breaking down?

Uh…. no.

By Mike

July 31, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

Roy Oswalt

By ChrisfromSacramento

July 31, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

Well with all the MILLONS comming off the books we better get a big bat and a number one starter. AT LEAST. With this year in the tank already. I hope we lose enough to get in the top ten in the draft. Get young arms. And for god sakes draft some power hitters.

Wren dont blow it this off season!

By ChrisfromSacramento

July 31, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this

Well with all the MILLONS comming off the books we better get a big bat and a number one starter. AT LEAST. With this year in the tank already. I hope we lose enough to get in the top ten in the draft. Get young arms. And for god sakes draft some power hitters.

Wren dont blow it this off season!

By Check this out

July 31, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this

Minor league stuff

By BravesFan79

July 31, 2008 2:07 AM | Link to this

Hershel Talker……there you go again showing your lack of baseball knowledge.

If the Braves get a TRUE ACE….add another outfielder….KEEP Ohman, Moylan, and Gongalez, have Husdon and Smoltz come back at the All star break next year…..and get a quality backup for Chipper and rest him more often so hes strong in the 2nd half of next year.

With this $$ we should also build a stronger bench……i believe us having the Woodcraps and Corkys over the past 2 years on the bench and having to make crucial starts has KILLED this team!!

I think we could make the WS next year if we do things right………will i feel this way after Chipper and Smoltz are gone? probably not. So lets GO FOR IT NOW!!

Oyea whys everyone hating on escobar lately….the guys one of the best SS in all of baseball when hes got his head on straight. The Pena release thing really messed him up this year for a month or so…and then he got injured….. so no doubt we havent seen the best out of him lately!

By Peter

July 31, 2008 2:13 AM | Link to this

Jeff: Where does a $105M payroll rank the Braves? Sabathia and Sheets? Those guys aren’t going for the rebuilding team that except for McCann is not only weak up the middle but not good anywhere defensively.

Where’d you and the wife go this summer?

By JD

July 31, 2008 2:28 AM | Link to this

First of all, Atlanta is in need of a major overhaul of it’s entire sports programs, period. This city is a powerhouse of dedicated fans, who deserve better sports entertainment. The Braves should begin at the top, find a coach who cares about winning, Bobby Cox days should be over. It is time for a fresh, more diverse field of professionals to bring championships to this great city. In addition, along the way have Bobby to pick up Keith Brookins, Arthur Blank, Mike Woodson, John Smoltz, Tommy Glavine, and Mike Hampton, and the entire dance team for the Falcons and the Hawks. they all should ride the next bus out of Atlanta.

By Braint

July 31, 2008 2:51 AM | Link to this

The Royals and Pirates have a better winning % than the Braves.

Corky Miller, .093 AVG., had another PB (4)this evening. He’s our defensive specialist. Why don’t we just call Biff Pocaroba?

Wilie Harris hit his 8th HR tonight for the Nationals — more than Diaz, Blanco, Kotsay, and 1 less than JF.

Julian Tavarez is on our pitching staff and getting innings….He is really bad.

Gotay is hitting .220 and he’s 2 for his last 2. He’s one of our top bench guys.

Boyer is exhausted becuase he’s been used 58 times this year. Why would you use a reliever 58 times who is not very good — at all?

Next year our opening day line up should be: Escobar (SS), Prado (2B), Chipper (3B), MCCann (C), Bay (LF), Kotchman (1B) JF (RF), KJ (CF), CC Sabathia (P).

By Larry

July 31, 2008 3:53 AM | Link to this

You can have Oprah’s money times ten and resurrect Ruth, Gehrig, Dimaggio and time-machine Aaron, Gibson and Willie Mays from their primes….along as Brain-Dead Bobby at the helm, all this is moot.

I mean, has there ever been a BIGGER ELEPHANT in the room than Brain-Dead Bobby? Is senile now the rage? All for respecting experience and wisdom, but this is fetid negligence….

Same damn moron moves…bunt after lead-off walk in first inning…How many times we seen this repeat offense? Three dozen, over.under 40 times, my guess…. Oh good, new rule from Bud Lite the Commish, the game now is over if you score first.

Corky Miller may be great guy to share a cocktail with, but he is hitting Brain-Dead’s IQ. This is disgraceful. Who makes these personnel moves?
Wasted $8 million on broke-down Tommy, oh yeah, that time machine bringing back Aaron and Mays didn’t work on worn-out past classer. That was horrid signing going into season as so many (me too) posted before spring training,,,,

As depressing as getting hamburger Casey Kotch for prime mignon Tex, and the dreadful news on Hudson’s splitter blowing up his right wing along with embarrassing less-than-major-league professional play (i.e. Bad News Bears wild throws all over the field Tuesday night). all this is moot and worthless if Brain-Dead Bobby stays.

In mean seriously, does he have photos of someone signing the paychecks?

#

By George N "Boston Brave" Spitz

July 31, 2008 3:59 AM | Link to this

The Atlanta Braves remind me of my old Boston Braves. No Afro-American players. I had hoped that they would get James Loney for Mark Teixeira but it didn’t happen. I think it was a mistake to let Willie Harris go. With his and Gregor Blanco’s speed at the top of the lineup, the third and fourth and fifth hitters would see only fastballs. Very few balls would drop in the outfield. If Jeff Franceuer would continue to slump, they could bring up Josh Anderson who is hitting over 290 at Richmond. That would be the fastest outfield in history.

By ronp

July 31, 2008 4:01 AM | Link to this

So now we’re looking for a big bat? We had a big bat in Tex..who else is out there that can produce 37 homers and 134 RBI’s? Nobody.

Just because we don’t like Boras, it’s not good business to shoot ourselves in the foot. It’s not his fault there’s an existing market for talent with teams bidding up prices every day. Replacement cost won’t change no matter who’s the agent.

Starting pitching ain’t that bad if we can sign Jurgens and Campillo. Of course, Hudson needs to recover. Morton and JoJo are good young talents…need to buy the services of another first rate starter… prices start at $15 million and up…step up to the plate.

Bullpen is decent with Gonzolez and Soriano back in uniform..hope Moylan can also come back. Blaine Boyer hasn’t gotten anyone out in three weeks.

Bottom line is $40 million won’t go that far especially if we want to acquire the best players “money can buy.”

Therefore, it’s a long term situation and perhaps we should hang onto the funds and build with youth over the next three years…this will be tough on the fans in the short run but should pay big divdennds later.

By Michael

July 31, 2008 4:25 AM | Link to this

I knew Hampton was making a ton of money, which is why I’m pretty sure the Braves would’ve been able to afford him if they really wanted to. Knowing the Scott Boras Tax is probably about 20% more than a player’s real market value, they probably figured they could spend better elsewhere.

I’m really not sold on Kelly Johnson at second base. That dropped final out in a game against Philly still burns my eyeballs. He’s a defensive liability at second.

As for everything else, who knows. McCann will obviously be here for a long time unless something crazy happens. Jeff Francoeur still has a few years to prove he can get better (don’t forget he’s pretty good defensively and was pretty darn good last year). Chipper Jones will play as long as he literally can, but everybody else is up in the air.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2009)

July 31, 2008 4:27 AM | Link to this

I agree, Cox is an absolute joke. But, it really doesn’t matter. The Braves will lose their a*******es with or without Bobby at the helm in 2008 and 2009.

Rebuild? um, thats an understatement. The entire outfield is up for grabs.

The offense is in the tank (ie. see the 20 HR total from those guys).

The bullpen is shot to hell, mainly from Bobby trying to set a new modern record for innings pitched by his bullpen. (this will be the third year in a row the bullpen has topped 500 innings pitched.)

Atlanta has a big problem at 3B. Chipper is hall of fame caliber when he is in the lineup and an absolute black hole in the offense when he ain’t. Hoss isn’t capable of playing more than 125-130 games AT THE MOST. The Braves need to start thinking about a full time replacement in the near future.

McCann doesn’t have a suitable back up. The good news is, the Braves have plenty of money to spend and the free agent market is full of catchers.

Jeff Francoeur is the mystery boy. Is 2008 a blip on the radar or is his eyesight really getting progressively worse? Remember the beaning he took in 2004, it caused significant damage to his eye socket.

With the loss of Hudson for most if not all of 2009, the Braves starting pitching is in shambles. Smoltz is an unknown, Ditto for Glavine. Mike Hampton is back, but how will he perform for the rest of this year and will the Braves attempt to resign him after his current contract is up?

Jo-Jo Reyes and Charlie Morton will have to grow up fast, Jurrjens and Campillo can’t carry the load by themselves.

Casey Kotchman isn’t really happy to be in a Braves uniform no matter what the spin machine (Atlanta Braves/ Atlanta Journal Constitution) says. However, the guy is a professional, he will adjust. But, he isn’t even close to being the player that Tex is.

Sure, the Braves will have close to 50 million to splurge. But, can they find the right players for all the holes this team has?

Probably not. The free agent market has never been the best place to build from. The draft and minor league system should be the Braves main focus because as we have seen, the Marlins, Rays, Diamondbacks and Rockies have built from within. It’s a lesson that Atlanta would do well to take to heart.

By will

July 31, 2008 5:58 AM | Link to this

keep it up braves,this team,makes me money all the time,itell all you baseball fans whats gonna happen,sorry chipper,and glavine will come off the dl after atlanta is 20 games out,then they will win like 8in a row at end of year and wind up 12 out then everyone will say oh,wait for next year,you all neeed to become a gambler like me,so, when the braves lose, and i win my bet,i dont get angry anymore,what this team needs is young pitchers,the reason all you morons,the pitchers are all injured is look at the situation,smoltz,glavine,hampton,have pitched,200 innings a year for 18 year gee thats 3,600 innings your arm will screw up,thy it morons, its not mcdowell the braves need to get lackey,in the offseason,maybe cc if he loses weight,and a good left fielder,and the one guy is right, DRAFT BETTER, MY GOD,ITHINK THE FALCONS BRASS HAVE BEEN DRAFTING FOR THE BRAVES THE PAST 10 YEARS,this whole team needs to be overhauled starting with the top,you young people iremember the 60,s, and 70,s it will be that way again,cox didnt win all those games in the 90,s, the BRAVES HAD TRUE YOUNG TALENT.

By will

July 31, 2008 6:02 AM | Link to this

THE BRAVES WILL HAVE THE MONEY TO RESIGN TEX, DO IT.

By will

July 31, 2008 6:08 AM | Link to this

PUT BOBBY COX, IN THE FRONT OFFICE WHERE HE BELONGS, finding talent,AND GET RID OF ALL THE DEAD WEIGHT ON THIS TEAM EXCEPT JOHN SMOLTZ

By Charlie

July 31, 2008 6:58 AM | Link to this

Just finished watching game 3, with St. Louis. This Braves team is as poor as any they’ve ever (in their history) put on the field. What IDIOT decided to make Corky Miller a backup catcher? A “catch and throw” guy, they said. He can’t catch, throw, hit, or any of the 5 tools. How does this guy get a major league uniform? He gets it the same way the other LOSERS in Atlanta did…from the decisions made by baseball IDIOTS, that reside in management in Atlanta. Atlanta now has 1 starting pitcher, and he’s a rookie. With Chipper and McCann on the bench, we have ZERO hitters. Joe and Josh appauld Frenchy RBI single, but ignore his bases loaded wild swing that amounted to an infield ground out. Charlie (“The Tuna”) Morton, Jo Jo Reyes, Blaine Boyer, Royce Ring, along with a few other clowns that have tried to pass themselves off as major league pitchers HAVE proven their consistency…that they are consistently BAD, and are minor league calber ball players. I know that injuries have played A BIG PART in the debacle of 2008, but “building” a team on old, broken down pitching, a lousy outfield, with much of the minor league prospects given away the past few years…well, what do you expect?

Now you have to totally rebuild for 2009. 2009 won’t produce much more than 2008 has. Braves fans can only look forward to another .500 (or less season).

Former GM John S. knew what he was doing by handing things over to Frank Wren, but the bad decisions of the past few years have now come home to roost, and there is nothing now to rebuild with.

Maybe by 2012 the Braves will be able to compete again. Maybe.

By Greg

July 31, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this

We need three Major League starters and a right-handed RBI machine just to compete next year. Status quo will not buy that. And that’s just to compete. We also need two proven left-handed relief pitchers and that adds another $6 million. No way this team will spend what it takes to compete against the Mets next year. Since they are moving into their new stadium, they will back up a truck for Sabathia. That gives them Santana, Sabathia, Maine, Pelfrey. That’s as good as Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz in their prime. Second place is about the best we can hope for.

By Dog The Man

July 31, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this

THEY WILL NOT SPEND A DIME. THE FRONT OFFICE WILL STAND PAY AND LIBERTY MEDIA WILL BE RICH. THEY DO NOT CARE AS LONG AS THEY HAVE THEIR TAX WRITE OFF. I REFUSE TO GET EXCITED ABOUT FREE AGENCY.. Every year we here the same thing. We have no constraints. we will be players in the market. But nothing ever happens. AND IT WON’T HAPPEN THIS YEAR..

By Arkie Fan

July 31, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this

Our Team Management has some tough decisions coming forth. Spend $$ Millions on band-aid fixes that have not been successful in the past or buy the best young players available. When we are playing a .093 hitting catcher, it is evident our minor-league system is dead. Build from the ground up. We have maybe 12 major league players. The rest either cannot hit or pitch in AA ball. I am an old Dallas Cowboy’s fan. Age and high salaries along with coaching loyalties killed the team. They kept the old stars, and watched their youth leave until they hit rock botttom. Now they are back.(almost) If any fan has been watching games lately, most will agree we are not a good AA Team. REBUILD, with speed, pitching, power and YOUTH. Guts - JS

By Elmer

July 31, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this

The Pirates were a playoff team in 1991 & ‘92, but have been doormats since. Do the current Braves follow the Pirates? Pray not!

By Phil

July 31, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

McGuirk said what I have been tyring to tell people, Liberty Media is not the problem. His hands are not totally tied and we have a respectable payroll. Check the Florida Marlins payroll and see where they rank. Yet there they are right in the division title race with many unknown players.

And of course it helps that they have an up and coming bright manager(only 44 years old) they we let slip away in Fredi Gonzalez.

Listen folks, Bobby Cox has run his course here. He has turned into Bobby Bowden. You can’t get rid of the guy and just because he’s been there forever management thinks they owe it to him to keep him around.

It’s time to move forward, we can’t go back to the mid 90’s anymore. Those teams are gone. Cox’s ability is also gone.

He’s Bobby Bowden in a baseball uniform. Can’t anybody see that??

By Phil

July 31, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this

Just went to ESPN.com and verified the payrolls. Atlanta ranks 10th in baseball (102 mil) while the Marlins rank dead last(30th) with 22 mil.

Liberty Media is not the problem folks.

By Phil

July 31, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

Posted by Charlie:

What IDIOT decided to make Corky Miller a backup catcher

Here’s your answer: Bobby Cox

By Kevin

July 31, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

Oh yes they can start the Rebuildin process by Firein Bobby Cox n TP…and send franky back to double AA ball.Get some young arms Not old dead arms as in hudson n Tom(ow)Glavine and dave hampton!

By gayle

July 31, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

Way to go Larry - the groundswell to add life to the dugout grows. I’ve never seen a team with less life and energy. How many come from behind wins does this team have?

And it has been written here often and elsewhere - DOB included - as good a player that Tex is, he simply had NO impact on this team in terms of wins.

Call Tex for what he really is - a hired gun who put himself first and always had his big free agency payday in mind. He turned down 7/$140 from Texas and I’m guessing that Wren’s offer in spring was similar.

Trust me Braves fans, Tex may be among the best players statistically, but he really did not help this team - certainly not enough to justify getting 20% or more of the payroll.

By kevin

July 31, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

Well are new 1st baseman was not happy comin here he said from angels team..sorry AJC u just love to lie for bobby cox n TP. We need change n Fire Bobby cox is should be done n TP needs to go also…There no husstle here no tean captain to spur on these people…where the leader oh wait bobby cox would frown on it…That why all the players are gone to other teams to be better..Goodbye Bobby cox b Tp oh gee i bet cox poor wife be want to move out if that happens…

By geekboy

July 31, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

The Braves would win the NL East with only 3 free agent hires — Matt Holiday, Carl Crawford and C.C. Sabathia.

Crawford or Francouer would have to play CF.

By JR

July 31, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

Go after both Sheets and Sabathis, but rebuilding could start right now. Jason Bay is available, go get him. He is on the cheap right now. If we can not get him get the two pitchers in the off-season and trade for Matt Holliday. The Rockies will dump him at the end of the year for prospects. BTW it’s gonna take some money to resign Mike Gonzalez. I suggest we do that, plus have you guys witnessed our bullpen lately. Wow it’s bad and I mean horrible. So we are in need of some bullpen help as well. This team could look very different next year and that’s not a bad thing. New life in Atlanta.

By D.Ellis

July 31, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

First things first. You go after the follwoing 4 pitchers hoping to land 2

A.J.Burnett CC.Sabathia Ben Sheets Brad Penny

Then go after Bay or Holiday to shore up one corner of the outfield. Carl Crawford will also be available who could add good deense, speed to the lineup.

It starts with the pitching though. go after those 4 and get 2. Out 2 of those guys with JJ/Campillio/ that gives you a solid roatation for 2009.

By Ronald Millsaps

July 31, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

I have my qualms with some of Bobby’s decisions this season and lack of adjustments, but the folks who sit here and attack the man by and large do nothing but show their ignorance.

First of all, no manager has lost his understanding of the game due to age. That theory is ridiculous. In fact, over time, you learn more.

In reference to the mid-nineties, to those who think Bobby’s managing techniques have changed, you aren’t very perceptive. His strategy basically has been for the offense to score “x” amount of runs and for the pitching and defense to decide the game. When you have names like Justice, McGriff, Klesko, Lopez, etc., waiting for the three-run homer is not such a bad thing, but now, I’ve never seen a Braves team before that was this scarce in terms of hitting home runs.

Again, this rhetoric about the game passing one by is just that: rhetoric. The game doesn’t evolve over time (just like we don’t); the same fundamentals 100 years ago work equally-well today and will do the same throughout the future.

Bobby could do a better job reminding this team of the need for execution, perhaps. We have seen more errors than usual, fewer bunts, fewer runners moved over, fewer stolen bases attempted (which is a lethal problem anytime—especially given the aforementioned lack of home runs), etc.. We need a return to basics. (Like Bill Belichick or not, I’ve heard that every day he has Tom Brady practice the simple act of throwing a football.)

Honestly, this team has all kinds of talent, in spite of the horrible rash of injuries. Gregor Blanco, Omar Infante, Yunel Escobar, Brandon Jones, etc. give this team a real lineup of guys who can play “small” ball. Jorge Campillo has been a find, and Jair, while not as good as Smoltz or Hudson, is good enough to be called an “ace.”

By the way, Brian McCann’s hopefully not far from returning; Mike Hampton is back; Tom Glavine could return soon, and Chipper should be back August 8. We also have loads of prospects in the minors, including the guy we got in the Tyler Yates trade, the guy who had the perfect seven innings the other day and 16 strikeouts, as well as the latest top draft choice, who I’ve heard could be the next Cole Hamels. To say that this team lacks infrastructure is completely wrong.

By the way, “robert”, in response to your anti-Bobby tirade in the previous blog, which I just scanned over a moment ago, I know your type pretty well. You hurl insults left and right with all the velocity of a Mark Wohlers fastball in an attempt to disguise your ignorance, but if someone hits a line drive back at you, you have no idea what to do. You just stand there while the ball hits you in the face and don’t have enough sense to get an ice bag.

By Elmer

July 31, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

Let’s start over with Jerriens, McCann, Escobar,Prado and the 2 Jones (B&C).

By Judas Priest

July 31, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

It’s easy to see that the baseball gods are more than a little ticked off at the Braves this year. We must appease the gods by the virgin sacrifice of 9 virgins (1 for each position). I volunteer my priestly services to audition these fine virgins.

It’s not what you think, ladies, I just need you to help me show the current surviving Braves who aren’t on the DL how to bunt a runner to 2nd or maybe even 3rd base if they can possibly make it that far.

If we make the baseball gods happy then they will stop the carnage as well as send us the free agents we need to win the division next year.

By ScottW

July 31, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

It’s like we are time transported back to 1988.They can’t hit and we have worn down the pitching staff. I believe Bobby Cox has earned the right to finish out here though.We need to regroup and spend wisely.Time to say goodbye to Glavine and (gulp) Smoltz and Hampton who earned 63 million between starts in 2005 and 2008.Cut the cord with the past and regroup or you loose what true fans the Braves still have. You cannot live on the glory of the past of 14 winning seasons and watch this without realizing this was destined to happen.This team is snakebit with injuries to the nth degree and although some of these cannot be avoided, we had no such problems with a pitching coach named Rockin Leo.He is just sitting around doing sports talk radio waiting for a job.Any takers??

By Obama Man

July 31, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

Get some African American players with speed like Tampa Bay is doing. It will not put people in the stands but it will reduce the boredom.

By R1U

July 31, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

if you don’t have people who can hit—-who cares how good the pitching is—-look at how many runners we have LOB this year.

We need bats. Other than the Phillies debacle - we did pretty well when we had a lead. Squiggly #s on the scoreboard usually mean Ws. SCORE some runs and catch the ball —-things will turn around!

By GaCracker

July 31, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

What good does it do to rebuild with Bobby calling the shots. He has a genius for losing close games and leaving men on base. He has got to manufacture some runs. Forget starting pitching. They need speed, on base %, and power in the outfield. The infield is strong with Chipper’s return even without Tex.

By richbrave

July 31, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

Well, LIBERTY is faced with the prospect of opening the ‘09 season with JAIR JURJENS as the team’s #1 starting pitcher. Does the MEDIA management HAVE to bust a move for high priced pitching? No, but they should. They should have done so at last winter’s meetings. And a center-fielder while they were at it. He who hesitates is lost.

Does JASON BAY’s style of hitting jibe with THE TED and Braves management? I don’t know, but if it does put him on the roster for money not prospects. Lock up GONZALEZ. Keep OHLMAN. $$$$, that’s the name of the game now unless ATLANTA’s organization has decided to revert to the KC-PITTSBURGH small-market style of operations. We’ll see now for the fat is in the fire.

By aaron

July 31, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

this is easy. focus on signing cc sabathia (with sheets and lackey as fall backs) and adam dunn.

use whatever extra cash on a mid level vet starter, like derek lowe or whoever.

By timmy

July 31, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

I think we should go after Brad Penny, DeJesus(if there are no internal CF options) and then try for Bay or Willingham(he is arb eligible and the Marlins have put it out there they may try to move some of there arb-eligible players)

By Curse Buster

July 31, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

You’re CURSED!!!

and even worse, you’re stuck with horrible sports columnists too!!!

HA HA HA HA!!!

By BL

July 31, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

CHARLIE You jab Francoeur for his bases loaded groundout but YOU forget his bases loaded game saving catch against the iron. We would have already been down by 4-6 by his next at bat without that. NO other Braves outfielder makes that catch.

By Colin

July 31, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

My Ideal Starting Rotation 1. C.C. 2. Lackey 3.Hudson 4. Jair 5. Campillio

7th Inning- Moylan(when he comes back). till the by committee 8th- Soriano 9th- Gonzo

Lineup 1.Gregor CF 2.Yunel SS 3.Chipper 3B 4.Bay LF 5.McCann C 6.Kotchman 1st 7.Kelly 2nd 8.Rocco Baldelli RF 9.Pitcher

Yes as you saw i had plugged Bay in LF, hopefully he would be a great acquisition

And Rocco is a free agent who could really help our team. Speed and power out of the 8 whole. I would really like that.

As for Pitching we went out and got 2 big names C.C. and Lackey that would really bolster our rotation in case Hudson goes down for TJ

French should be traded to the Royals for some good prospects and start rebuilding our minor league system

By Gary

July 31, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

Funny how people put players who are not even FAs on this board (Carl Crawford is one) and expect the Braves to pick them up. It is also funny how so many of you can be so pessimistic. The Braves are tearing down and completely rebuilding. They already have a good foundation in place. Jurrjens, McCann, Escobar, Kochman, and Francouer are the foundation to the future. The Braves management will now need to go out and bring back FA talent and trade talent. 2-3 positions can be filled in house and we do not need to go out and spend money on a FA in these positions: LF, CF, and 2B. You can go out and get 1-2 year rental stop gaps until you are sure the guys are bound to take over are ready. Spend your FA money on pitching. First off, CC Sabathia needs to be front and center. He’s a lefty who is entering the prime of his career (only 28) and you are in a perfect position to get him. He doesn’t want to play in NY and the Mets nor Yankees want him. Boston doesn’t need him because their rotation is young and one of the best. The two Chicago teams are set as far as the rotation goes so that gives the Braves an excellent shot to get him if they show him the money. The team they will have to compete with are the Dodgers and so far they are in a tailspin because of all the money they have locked up in Brad Penny and Jason Schmidt. They will play for CC, but the Braves have a legit shot to get him. Once you take care of that, then go after a guy you can pencil in at either #2 or #3. The Angels might not pick up the option on Lackey if they make a play for Tex and try to keep K-Rod. If he is available, go after him. If not, then go after another Angel pitcher who is young and is solid at times John Garland. If you do not want to shell out the cash for them, then go the trade route and pick up either Erik Bedard or Justin Duchsherer. The 5th spot should be held for either Campilio (if he is not traded) or Travis Hanson. Reyes, James, nor Morton have the pitches or the mental capability to be big league pitchers. Its time for the Braves to rebuild the rotation and give the farm some time to develop the future aces.

As far as the other spots in the lineup are concerned, LF will be taken up by Jason Heyward sometime around late 09 or 2010. He is that good and I would not be surprised if he went the Furcal route and made the team next year. Brent Lilibridge showed some promise his last time up and I believe could be ready to take over 2B next year and be the leadoff hitter the Braves need. KJ is not all that great defensively at second, but his bat is good at times. I say move him to LF if Heyward is not ready. As for CF (sorry the dude who said move KJ to center, thats not happening) Gorkys Hernandez has been lights out in the minors and will give speed and great defense to the future in CF. He might be ready in 2009, but its more likely he comes up in 2010. I say keep Blanco in this role as a stopgap if he is not ready. The bench needs help and the Braves should spend some money to bring in gritty vets who get the job done. There are plenty of them out there, especially at catcher and first base. Prado and Infante should be kept no matter the cost. The guys are versitile and good pinch hitters if need be. The Braves need to get back to the way things were in the early 90’s. Great pitching, timely hitting, and spectacular defense. Around 1996 the Braves went for the great pitching and the 3-Run HR and its no coincidence that they have only been back to the World Series once since then.

The Braves will compete next year because the Mets will lose 3 starters and 2 hitters from their everyday lineup. The Phillies are more than likely going to lose Pat Burrell and I doubt Geoff Jenkins continues to play like he did this year. The Phillies will be the better team and we will have to build overselves to beat them. CC will go along way in doing that.

By Brian

July 31, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Don’t forget the money we saved on Kotsay vs. Andruw that went unspent this year and the money we saved on Escobar vs. Renterria that went unspent this year.

That should add about $10-15 mil to the payroll with the only addition last year being Glavine and he’s gone.

We SHOULD have a lot more to spend then what the front office would have us believe.

By justafan

July 31, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

* Nothing will ever change as long as Bobby Cox stays.* He has had his Glory Days and its time for new young blood. Please Bobby go spend some time with the family before its to late.

By War Eagle 02

July 31, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Kevin,

Your a moron, Hudson is not a dead arm, he’s in his prime. I’m not sure who “Dave Hampton” is but Mike Hampton’s contract is up so he’s gone anyway. You don’t even know the players names and you can’t spell. Go get your GED before you write any more posts!

By CJ

July 31, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

I can see the starting five now…. Jurrjens, Campillo, Sheets, Sabathia, Reyes. That would be nice.

By 95Braves

July 31, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

It can get worse, folks. Long-time Braves fans will remember the mid 70’s, when we were so weak the big deal was to get Barry Bonnell to 3rd base to keep Rowland Office’s bat in the lineup. And I still say the alltime bonehead trades were 1) Ralph Garr for Ken Henderson 2) Dusty Baker for Jim Wynn. Pre 1991 fans were happy to sniff .500

By 95Braves

July 31, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

It can get worse, folks. Long-time Braves fans will remember the mid 70’s, when we were so weak the big deal was to get Barry Bonnell to 3rd base to keep Rowland Office’s bat in the lineup. And I still say the alltime bonehead trades were 1) Ralph Garr for Ken Henderson 2) Dusty Baker for Jim Wynn. Pre 1991 fans were happy to sniff .500

By 95Braves

July 31, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

It can get worse, folks. Long-time Braves fans will remember the mid 70’s, when we were so weak the big deal was to get Barry Bonnell to 3rd base to keep Rowland Office’s bat in the lineup. And I still say the alltime bonehead trades were 1) Ralph Garr for Ken Henderson 2) Dusty Baker for Jim Wynn. Pre 1991 fans were happy to sniff .500

By TheAntiMe

July 31, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry, but at the risk of getting labeled a heretic and becoming the target of an angry mob - I don’t really see how the fact that the bullpen has totally collapsed in every game is all Bobby Cox’ fault. Most of the guys in the pen just don’t have what it takes to get major league hitters out. If he uses only the pitchers that are having some success in every situation then they will be on the DL before long with arm problems from going so many innings.

I don’t think managers are allowed to go into the paying customers to try to find someone who can get hitters out.

I am frustrated very much by the bullpen but bringing in Joe Torre, Tony LaRussa, or anyone else to manage the same bullpen personnel IMHO is not going to have any noticably better results.

I could be wrong but that is what I think.

By Bama

July 31, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Colin; ROCCO Baldelli Has not played 30 games in two years and said last week he may not play again. Where the he11 you been?

By Phil

July 31, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

TheAnitMe,

We let 2 good managers get away in Fredi Gonzalez and Ned Yost. I think these guys could have worked well with Frenchy and his problems. Pendleton has been a complete failure, Frenchy has absoluetly no idea where the strike zone is. Cox is so senile he doesn’t even know Frenchy has a problem.

As far as the bullpen goes, same thing there. Yost or Gonzalez could have worked with those young guys as well. We need to thank Cox for his service to the organization but he simply can’t do the job anymore. If we’re tearing down and starting over, let’s go all the way.

By dwbower

July 31, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Great!

But money doesn’t buy a winning attitude. That chemistry eludes some of the best baseball minds in the business. Only a handful of people get it. The Yankees sort of pulled it off. The Red Sox trumped them recently, and the lowly Marlins have even gotten a handle on it.

The Braves did for years, but have just found it cannot be bottled up and transported because of past success. It always has to happen now. Hoping to pull of a 9 game comeback because a former Braves team did won’t overcome a 9 game mountain.

In theory there is no reason, even with these awful injuries for the team not to be playing better. They just haven’t mastered the attitudes necessary to win on a regular basis. The winning attitude has been replaced with frustration, cluelessness, bafflement, and distraction over the distractions.

Hopefully, as they rebuild, they can find people who can make the chemistry work with a new team. A new team does not necessarily have all new players. It just recognizes this bunch needs to find ways to win with the new combinations. So every year the team is new.

I find myself hoping for more than talent. I find myself hoping the talent that does come can claim a good winning attitude.

Doug B.

By justafan

July 31, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Gary if Francouer is the FOUNDATION of this team we’re in deep SH@#!!!!!!!!

Willie Harris has better Stats!!!!

By TIMEFORCHANGE

July 31, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Unless they fix the pen and get some players who can drive the ball, there will still be no signing of grand pitchers to lead our club. They dont want any part of walking out of October or having their 7 innings of great pitching blow up by the pen. Lets face it, theres a lot to fix on this club. Better get started fast and please say goodby to Miller. OMG

By Gary

July 31, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

You guys do know that if the Brewers don’t make the playoffs then Yost will get ax. I think they will make it, but that is one thing to keep in mind. Also Freddie would have been a better manager in my mind. Look at what he has done with a bunch of youngsters in FLA. I hope they win the East.

By justafan

July 31, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Thanks- Phil- good blog 11:24. Agree!

By Phil

July 31, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Javy Lopez would have been a better choice than Corky Miller to keep around as a backup catcher. Wille Harris should have been kept as our leadoff hitter. More signs that Cox has lost it.

By Tomas

July 31, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Jeff,

I was thinking exactly in that manner, but David O Brien wrote that you have to consider the raises to Hudson, Mccan, and other arbitration eligible players. If Hudson ends up having TJ which i think is unevitable, they need to aces. And rememver they let Texeira go because they couldn’t afford him, so that payroll can’t be that low. Besides want’s more money than Tex, so I would think he is outta of the question. Ben Sheets will recieve less than CC because of his history with injuries, but it will still be a huge contract.

The Braves need to consider other options than those two, because the Hudson blow took out the hopes of getting an ace of that caliber.

  • Aj Burnett
  • John Lackey
  • Oliver Perez
  • Brad Penny
  • Derek Lowe
  • Paul Byrd
  • Ryan Dempster

-hopefully Wren can sign 3 from that list.

By Tomas

July 31, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Jeff,

I was thinking exactly in that manner, but David O Brien wrote that you have to consider the raises to Hudson, Mccan, and other arbitration eligible players. If Hudson ends up having TJ which i think is unevitable, they need to aces. And rememver they let Texeira go because they couldn’t afford him, so that payroll can’t be that low. Besides want’s more money than Tex, so I would think he is outta of the question. Ben Sheets will recieve less than CC because of his history with injuries, but it will still be a huge contract.

The Braves need to consider other options than those two, because the Hudson blow took out the hopes of getting an ace of that caliber.

  • Aj Burnett
  • John Lackey
  • Oliver Perez
  • Brad Penny
  • Derek Lowe
  • Paul Byrd
  • Ryan Dempster
  • Jon Garland

-hopefully Wren can sign 3 from that list.

By Tomy Fournier

July 31, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Some are talking the true…other..just dreaming…but the reality is…”WE NEED TO REBUILD THE COACH STAFF AND THE MANAGER” and with the new one…make a better team than this one…beginning to put out the agers and bring in new blood.We need pitchers.second base,center field and a left field (mean power hitters),,,go and get it>>>>YEAAAAAHHH!!!!

By mike

July 31, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Get them both imagine that rotation of sheets, sabathia, and juirjens. We have to get back to braves baseball. Fanastic pitching, great defense, and smart hitters who can move runners and drive them in not nessasarly home run hitters but hust guys that can get on and drive people in and there are plenty of players out there like that dont cost that much. Let the spending begin

By Gary

July 31, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Justafan and Phil……..Why the sudden love for a .253 hitter who hits 8th for the Nationals?? Willie Harris did great for the Braves for about 6 weeks last year. Other than that, he has been a journeyman and doesn’t deserve to be the leadoff hitter of a contender. When the Braves needed him on base late last season, he hit under .200. When the Braves needed a stolen base, he got caught. Willie was good in June and July, but once August came around he stunk up the place and Diaz was back in the lineup. Also the man has only 7 sb this season. Doubt he would have been a difference maker for this club. Enough with the love fest on that guy. Francouer on the other hand is only 24 and he has had one bad season. I am along the lines of Frank Wren when he says that this is just an abberation with Jeff because he is just so talented. I think he pressed too much this year and will see him shake off this season and get back to the Jeff Francouer that is a cornerstone for the Braves.

Tomas, the Braves will have somewhere in the neighborhood of 40-48 million to spend next year with the current payroll. McGuirk says that ownership will probably go up a little bit more. Currently the payroll is in the 90-95 mil range. I could see Liberty Media giving the Braves up to 95-100 mil to spend. CC Sabathia can be had. I like the idea of Lackey, but the Angels need to decline his option first. Sheets - no way, guy hasn’t pitched a full season in 3 years. I want someone who is durable, not injury prone. This year should alone should show that.

One more thing on payroll, I know the Braves are on the books for about 13 million for Hudson. But with him possibly missing all but 30-40 games next year, I can see the insurance situation being used to shore up his money. The Braves have money, just listen to McGurik. He’s the one who controls the purse strings. This is not AOL trying to dismantle the Braves so their beloved Mets can have a leg up. This is a good ownership who wants to spend the money to make the team more marketable to sell in 2011 or 2012.

By Robert

July 31, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

How can we have any confidence in a front office that keeps Corky Miller on a major league roster? Eddie Perez can hit better than Miller right now. How can we have any confidence in a front office that sends Francoeur down for TWO DAYS and then brings him back because he got four hits off double-A pitching? Not surprisingly, Francoeur’s average just in games since the demotion is worse than before. How about some money in the budget for decent coaches? With team ERAs over 5.00, McDowell never did anything in his previous experience to merit this job, and he hasn’t done anything since to show that he deserves to keep it. Could the plethora of arm injuries be related to poor training and conditioning? Leo’s available; bring him back. Has Francoeur shown one bit of evidence of having been coached this year? Kelly’s hitting about .125 for the month. How about a strength and conditioning coach? Why so many pulled hammys and sore shoulders? I love Cox, but most of the coaching staff needs to go. And if Cox can’t see that, maybe it’s time for him to head on into the Hall of Fame himself.

By Run Heap Run

July 31, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Why are people even acting like the Braves have a shot at Sabathia? There is not even a remote chance the Braves will outbid the Yankees or the Red Sox for him. I’d be shocked if he’s not wearing pinstripes or red socks next season.

By Matt

July 31, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

I wonder if there is any consideration about Adam Dunn next year. We have the weakest hitting outfield right now. Sure he strikes out a ton, but that much more than Frenchy? 5 seasons of 40 plus HR’s and he’s only 28. And his OBP is pretty high.

By Mitch

July 31, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

I agree with your points in the article, Jeff. The only question I have is this: There are assumptions that Glavine and Smoltx will retire. I heard John say he wants to come back, and Tom said he’s not sure about 2009. If both of them want to play, and if Smoltz is able, can this franchise turn their backs on two Hall of Fame pitchers, who are two of the best pitchers that the Braves ever had. I think the only real things we can count on is using the Tex money, plus Hampton’s. If I know John and Tom’s competitive streaks, and I’ve been watching those guys for more than 20 years, I think both will try to play in 2009 if physically able, to make the one last run at a playoff spot, that this team should have had this year if healthy.

Maybe I’m wrong, but thats just how I see it. If you’re right, Jeff, and all the players you mentioned, including Tom and John, are gone, then we do have a truckload of money to spend, and will hopefully spend it on one or two good to great pitchers, and a power hitter.

Mitch

By Run Heap Run

July 31, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Why are people even acting like the Braves have a shot at Sabathia? There is not even a remote chance the Braves will outbid the Yankees or the Red Sox for him. I’d be shocked if he’s not wearing pinstripes or red socks next season.

By TIMEFORCHANGE

July 31, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

I dont think they let Tex go because they could not afford him. I think the braves dont want another long long term contract with that kind of money. Look at the bit they have just taken over injuries!

They got a good return on a young 1st baseman. We have nothing ready there and they took it. Tex would have walked and he has not helped our team win in regular season let alone post. They did the right thing trading Tex.

Two top notch starters and Jurrjens, add a camp and let the rookies fight it out for #5. Thats not to bad. Replace Johnson with a qualified hitter who can play 2nd. Sign a centerfielder and Francoeur will be ok if the team is rolling along. He will hit. Hes to good not to. Frenchy just got messed up along the Pendleton trail. He really needs to be sent packing.

So what do we need? Two aces, centerfielder, left field, 2nd baseman, backup catcher, let a rookie Sammons do that and a couple of qualified pen arms. Resign Ohman for one of them. Please say goodby to Boyer, Ring and that new guy who tears up the hits. We can start over with solid players. We do have the money and I do bet the $$ goes up some.

Oh yea, to Paul Byrd. We did him twice. The second time he spent his whole contract on the DL. Lets get past the has beens and consider real pitching for once. Our Glavine Maddux SMoltz days are over so should be the revamped returns of old players for ego (Glavine). Out with the old, in with the new and strong.

Go Braves.

By Hillbilly Deluxe

July 31, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

If I were in charge I’d take the money and rebuild the farm system. Sacrifice in the short term for the long term. And one thing the Braves should ponder, speed never goes into a slump.

By GotCurry

July 31, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Am I the only one that thinks Blanco has earned himself a spot in this lineup? He’s the best leadoff hitter we’ve had since Furcal.

By BrandonC

July 31, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

This team is in major need of an overhaul. First off we all know the obvious additions include two starters (a #1 and #3/#4) and preferably Sabathia as your #1. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to think the Braves can bring him in and sign him longterm. Next we need a left fielder with big power. I’m not sure who the free agent outfielders will be, but I do know Adam Dunn will be available. I think he would fit perfect in the fourth slot behind Chipper. I still think we’ll see Schafer in center next year despite what he’s done in 2008. He’s still a highly thought of prospect for Atlanta.

I’ll probably get slammed for thinking this, but they should try to move Kelly to right field and trade Francouer. We might could get a really good return for Frenchy, but who knows. I would also go after Brian Roberts to play 2b which would give us our leadoff hitter.

At least a guy can dream can’t he?

Lineup: Roberts Escobar Chipper Dunn McCann Kotchman Johnson Schafer Pitcher

Staff: Sabathia Jurrjens Campillo ? Reyes

By TIMEFORCHANGE

July 31, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Robert, Jeff Porter has been our trainer for years. Hes not the problem. Roger has done an excellent job with the young pitchers. You want Leo back. Dont you know that Leo is out of work because once he was seperated from the big three he had nothing. I could coach the big three. They were just great and consider yourself special to have had them on your team for so long. Leo cant stand young pitchers so hes out. He was also a big pain in the butt, ask any pitcher who really worked with him on the sly. He was a nasty man.

I am more concerned with will these pitchers want to come to Atlanta. Things need to change but we have holes all over the club. I do agree that Kelly Johnson is not good enough but Francoeur I blame on Pendleton. Terry needs to go.

By Kevin

July 31, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

If the Braves sign C.C. then they will be making a move they haven’t done in years and thats to spend money. I would love to get C.C. and another pitcher. We need an outfield bat and i say a right field bat unless Jeff at least hits with the bases loaded. Blanco needs to stay in left. Possibly keep Mark in center but make Jeff earn his spot back. We gave up on Willie Harris last year why haven’t we given up on Jeff.

By justafan

July 31, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Gary- I have no love for Willie and I don’t want him back but his stats are just as good as JF with 200 less at bats. SB 7 JF 0 but whats that???WH 8 hr, JF 9 hr. but Who Cares!!! I want Both gone. The Fans deserve better than JF .Bobby should have pull the baby months ago but BC has no balls. If you want a 232 hitter great!!!! If you want the same sh@# keep Cox!!!!!

By GT

July 31, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Nice job Schultz. Finally someone on this sports page is asking the right questions instead of pouring out endless blabber about how Cox is second only to the Pope in holiness, and how the Braves - despite being in 4th place on Aug 1 - are poised to still “make a run”.

All of us who were skeptical this past winter about signing Glavine, and relying on he and Smoltz and Hampton in the rotation (yes, not all of us wore the rose colored glasses and drank the cool aid) will get a pretty clear picture of the longterm course of this franchise this winter.

Diamonds in the rough (Campillo) are great when you find them, but this isn’t a strategy, its luck. We don’t have a great farm system with the next Hanley Ramirez waiting in the wings to come up next year.

The only way this team competes next year is buy going after at least one #1-caliber starter. Sheets or Sabathia fit this mold. But if the Braves go cheap and land a Jarrod Washburn or Mark Buerle -type pitcher, that’s a clear indication they’re settling for something less than 1st place (regardless of whatever spin is applied to it). If Glavine is back on the roster next year, you know the Braves are relying on nostalgia to carry them. Look how well that’s worked this year.

By Dudeman

July 31, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Why sabathia & Sheets? They’re going to command $12-$15 mil per seaon…that’s most of the money right there. And, I guarantee one will break down before their contract is up.

It’s unpopular to say this, but look at young pitching talent…talent that can be brought up the Braves way and locked into long-term deals like Cleveland, Oakland and other teams have). $47 million can buy two or three overpaid stars…or it can build a solid foundation that lasts a long time. Free agency should be the icing on the cake. The farm and younger talent obtained via shrewd trades builds the foundation.

By Stuart

July 31, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

The braves need to resist the temptation to sign Sabathia and especially Sheets. If they need and ace, trade for him. The braves are going to lose 90 games this year and that should put the bravos in the mix for the highest pick they have had in years. Hopefully a high upside SP falls to them in the draft. Teams do not sign aces (ususally), they develop them or get them early in a trade for veterans.

By Just thinkin

July 31, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Did the Braves have all of these pitching arm injuries when crusty old Leo was rockin in the dugout? His training regiment was radical at the time emphasizing throwing everyday. But Old Leo couldn’t develop young talent and several lesser experienced prima donnas butted heads with the old master.

However, there were few season ending injuries especially with the starters.
Is it just coincidence, age, or the Braves’ turn in the Baseball injury universe?

By justafan

July 31, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Please tell what has Schafer done to be handed CF? He has proved nothing in minors except he got 50 days off for same as Bond. Braves wasted this year for him in CF? Kotsay? How stupid.

Why not J. Anderson? Bobby don’t like? Never gave him a chance. I bet he would have hit better than Jeff.

By Henry

July 31, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

With the young players on the roster, i.e.McCain,Escobar,Johnson,Jurgens,Reyes, and to a lesser extent Francoeur, I am expecting us to return to contending in the East pretty soon. I am not willing to give up on Francoeur, but I am concerned that his approach and maybe his mental makeup may stand in the way of him realizing his potential. I have every confidence that Frank Wren will do the right thing to restore this franchise to prominence. We should start looking for Chipper’s replacement by grooming someone to play 40 to 60 games as we know by now that Chipper seems unable to stay healthy for more than 120 games each of the past several years.

By Gary

July 31, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

justafan, I don’t want the .232 hitter, but you don’t throw him away for nothing when he is only 24 and has had one bad season. You let the guy give it another crack and then make that decision. Look those of you who are suggesting trading Jeff away are ridiculous. No team is going to give anything for him right now. His value is just too darn low. Next year when he is hitting better everyone of you will be singing his praises. I for one can’t wait to see that.

Run Heap Run, yes the Braves can get Sabathia. For one the Red Sox don’t need him. The same boat they were in with Santana. Lester and Bucholtz are young and everything they thought they would be. Those two behind Beckett and Dice K and in front of a young Masterson make them one of the best rotations in baseball. The Yankees also don’t want him. If they did, do you really think he would be pitching in Milwaukee right now? The Mets already are on the books for Santana and will need hitting come next season. The two Chicago teams are set as far as the rotation goes. LA and the Braves will be his biggest suitors. The Phillies will probably be in there as well. I like our chances of actually getting him.

BrandonC, your right, you are going to get slammed (LOL, jk dude). Seriously, Kelly is not suited for RF, he has no range and no arm. Plus he is hitting worse than Jeff right now and he looks dazed at times. If he stays, then it needs to be in LF. Otherwise, he needs to be cut loose. Also, Dunn would be a bad choice. The guy cannot play LF. He is slow and strikes out way too much. Better off letting Diaz stay in left.

By Kentavo

July 31, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Sabatthia is going to follow the $$$ and it ain’t gonna be in the ATL.

Although, if he has aspirations to be a rapper or R&B crooner, maybe he’d reconsider.

By Gary

July 31, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Kentavo, what if the Braves paid him??? Would he follow the money then? This whole blog is about the Braves being spenders in the FA pool next year. If they shell out 17-18 mil to CC, would he not take it?

By JimK

July 31, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Brandon Webb will be a free agent in 2011. By then we could be a deserving contender for late October play.

A free agent pitcher signing can wait until we’ve got a young winning team, like when we signed Maddux after winning two pennants.

Until then it’s all about developing very young players, and not doing anything (else) stupid, like trading any more prospects for soon-to-depart veterans.

By cashmere

July 31, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

the major issue to me is RF we should get a good deal with francouer slumpin the last 2yrs im sure hes not expecting a ryan howard salary bump after this yr he’ll be lucky to stick with the team def. with a another player that remembers what got them in the show to start with,honestly we should have left his swing alone cuz it seems like hes over thinking his at bats. its like we got a young unshaved andruw jones

By cashmere

July 31, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

the major issue to me is RF we should get a good deal with francouer slumpin the last 2yrs im sure hes not expecting a ryan howard salary bump after this yr he’ll be lucky to stick with the team def. with a another player that remembers what got them in the show to start with,honestly we should have left his swing alone cuz it seems like hes over thinking his at bats. its like we got a young unshaved andruw jones

By Gary

July 31, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

2011??? Doesn’t sound like Wren is playing for 2011 there JimK. And who is to say that Webb will leave Zona? For all we know they may sign him to a long term contract before then. The Braves have the young pitchers in the minors, but they are at least two years away. Wren gives every notion that they will make a run for it again next year. No we are not in the late 80s and rebuilding again. This team has a nucleus, its time to get the pitching to win now.

By jayvee

July 31, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

I’ll believe it when I see any move by the Braves to spend for bona fide stars. This crew has been blowing smoke for years. The magic is gone. Bring back Ted Turner. At least he had enough pride to pay for clutch players.

By Henry

July 31, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

I see some morons blaming TP,the hitting coach, but some morons did blame Clarence Jones in the early 90’s, then Merv came and some blame him for Andrew Jones not improving, then came Don Baylor who Chipper credited with helping him to improve from the right side of the plate, but even Baylor could not convince Andrew Jones, who continued to swing off his back foot while trying to pull every pitch. McCann, Kelly Johnson, Yunel, Chipper, Kotsay have all done well at the plate. TP is not the reason that Jeff is struggling. Jeff has to change his approach, and remember he is no longer in High School or the Minors. He seems reluctant to change his aggresive approach and confessed that in an interview last year on 680. Who is to blame for the many fumbles he has had in right field which the generous score keeper lets go by without charging him with an error, and the errant throws of late. Let us hope he is just having a bad year and that he will make the necessary adjustments and turn it around next year. It is said that Jeff added 20 lbs of muscles in order to improve his homerun total, and his focus on hitting homeruns may have been his downfall. I am rooting for him to do well.

By JimK

July 31, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Gary I hate to say it but it appears this team could finish last before they finish first.

Our most promising position players (Heywood, Freeman, GHernandez) are in A-ball, not AAA or AA. Our only clear top of the rotation pitching prospect has just been promoted to AA. This translates as minors in 2009, maybe a taste of the majors in late 2010.

Serious deservomg contenders? Perhaps 2011 when these kids are paired with the prime years of our current young talent core, Jurrjens, McCann, Francoeur, and Escobar, and other scouting and development successes.

The calendar would have been accelerated had we not traded five major league prospects for Teixeira. Unrealistic, short term thinking leads to that kind of mistake.

By CJ

July 31, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Has anybody heard anything about Ohman or Kotsay being dealt today?

By TheAntiMe

July 31, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Tex is cool. I would like it a lot if he were to come back next year as a free agent. I have a very strong feeling though that it ain’t gonna happen.

It’s not so much that I’m a pessimist. It’s just kind of funny that in the entire year that he was here as a Brave, I never saw him with a bigger smile on his face than he had the day on his way out of the Braves clubhouse for the last time en route to halo land.

Bless his heart. The guy looked like he just got traded to The Playboy Mansion as the lifeguard for Hugh Hefner’s pool.

Good luck Tex, wherever your wreck rambles.

By Gary

July 31, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

JimK, as long as the Nationals are in the N.L. East, The Braves will not finish last. Also, i don’t get why everyone is saying the Braves should rebuild when the Pres, GM, and coaches are saying this team will retool and make a run in 2009. The pieces are there. Also Hanson has been tearing it up at AA. He will be starting in AAA next year with the chance of helping the majors in 2010. There is also talk that he could land the 5th spot next year depending on how spring training goes. Also, Heyward and Hernandez are blitzing through A ball. We don’t know how their winter leagues and spring training will go. I can see both in AA next year, but also remember these names - Furcal, Giles, Francouer, McCann, and Andruw Jones. Do you know what all of those Braves have in common? Either than being cornerstones of the franchise, none of them made it to AAA. Furcal (A), Giles, A. Jones, Francouer, and McCann (all AA). It is possible that these guys could be on the ML roster next year if needed. Not likely, but can happen.

By submariner

July 31, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Hey, I got an idea. Let’s trade away the best hitter out there and then we’ll be able sign Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux for next season. Smoltz can throw underhanded out of the bull pen. Maddux and Glavine can take the mound together and alternate batters so they won’t get tired. And we’ll play with Kelly Johnson covering first and second. Then Hampton can come in and use a lacrosse stick to deliver a plethra of rediculous diving fastballs. That way he won’t hurt himself and he can still earn his ginormous paycheck! This has been the most dissappointing year out of the Brave’s front office!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks! Should I expect an increase in ticket prices next year? BTW, Smoltz is the $h!t!!!

By TROTTINGHOMETUDD

July 31, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

WHERE IS DOB WITH THE TRADE UPDATES.

SORRY JEFF YOU SHOULD WHAT YOU DO BEST AND THIS AIN’T IT.

By Phil

July 31, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Lots of good posts and suggestions, but we are in for another year just like this year as long as Cox and Pendleton remain. All the Cox supporters want to blame this season on injuries. Can one of you tell me what Cox has done “right” in the past several years? I can tell you plenty he has done wrong. Are injuries to blame for the last several years when we were sitting home during the playoffs? Cox would have been run out of town in Boston or New York. They don’t put up with ineptness, but I guess we are supposed to. Heck, let’s keep Cox another 10 years if you guys love mediocrity.

By Colin

July 31, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

Braves will be doing nothing it seems. I guess they are content with the scrubs they have and not re-stocking there minor league system.

I guess 4th place to them for the next 5-10 years will be good enough

By Phil

July 31, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Colin,

Goofball Wren is working on a blockbuster trade with Green Bay for Brett Favre…..

By Colin

July 31, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Phil,

HAHAHAHA that is great maybe the Braves will want to make him retire for the rest of his life…I say they send the 20mil over 10 years the Packers want to give him to stay retired and…well we get nothing in return because that is how the Braves run trades these days..

By southbeachdietfreak

July 31, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Gary,

don’t be so sure about that. What just happened the last time the ‘Nats came to ATL??

By William

July 31, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

by William in Pasadena, CA I grew up in Georgia and I’m still an avid Braves fan. My brothers-in-law in GA always said the Braves refuse to play Black players. Nobody in Atl or the AJC will admit this is a problem. I went to see the Braves in Anaheim. Brandon Jones had a HR, 2B, amd his last out was a shot to the wall. Now, I don’t even find him on the roster. Willie Harris killed us. Both have speed. Didn’t Chipper, Tex, McCann, Escobar have TP as hitting coach? How do you make it to the major leagues if you can’t hit or catch, or throw? 2009 lineup: Furcal, Escobar, Chipper, righty power LF, McCann, Kotchman, Brandon Jones, Francouer or Hernandez. Sign CC amd Lackey and get bench help. I agree with the one who said Cox is Boden of baseball. All of his teams are just like him, too laid back. When was the last time the Braves got into a brawl? (We had 2 catchers knocked out in the past few years) When was the last time a Braves pitcher knoked a batter down, except Soriano? The players (and coaches)are too passive. Cox always make excuses and sadly, the AJC supports him. It seems management and most fans want clean-cut, All-American white boys. If we can’t get a better team, then the fans need to organize a boycott.

By jj

July 31, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

DOB has no updates just songs songs songs songs……….

By Phil

July 31, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Any Cox supporter out there that can answer my question from earlier? What has Cox done right in the last several years? Anybody? Didn’t think so. The clown hasn’t done anything right in years, that’s why we’re in this mess now.

By Token Gringo

July 31, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Terence will sure be glad to have another black guy on the team. Cost is unimportant as long as Terence is happy.

By Obama Man

July 31, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

William,

I am with you. This team has no getty-up and go like they did when Butler, Nixon,Sanders, Gant, Pendleton, Furcal, Harris, Grissom,Lofton etc. were running the base paths. The one run losses would be much less if they had speed. They need some attitude and swagger. Chipper and Escobar have it. The others are too laid back. To put it frankly, the Braves are boring.

I wonder why there are no African American players coming through the Braves organization as being done in Tampa Bay and Milwaukee. Look where they are in the pennant races. How did Brandon Philips and some of the other young African American players get out of Atlanta? The Braves will not win without some speed and attitude.

By roja

July 31, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Even with all the old guard starting pitchers down for the count, and minus Chipper, Tex and McCann for a while, the Braves starters have left the last 6 games either leading, tied for the lead or down 1 run. Not bad. What is bad; however, is that we have ABSOLUTELY ZERO in the Bullpen.

The Bullpen has let Philly and the Cards back into every game.

Man, we scored 28 runs in 3 games at Philly and our starters only gave up 9 runs!!! Yet we manage to lose 2 of 3 and then proceed to do the same with the Cards except we manage to lose ‘em all.

The combination of Boyer, Bennett, Acosta, Tavarez, Ring, and Oh No Jo Jo, are the sorriest excuse for pitching I’ve EVER seen in Braves uniforms and I have been a fan since the Milwaukee days.

Corky Miller couldn’t even make 1st string catcher at UGA much less on an A, AA or AAA team yet he is here playing rether than flipping burgers somewhere. I’d swear he must have a collection of photos of Bobby in compromising situations. And now he has apparently shared them with Boyer, Bennett, Acosta, Tavarez, and Ring.

Ohman is a serviceable reliever yet Bobby refuses to let him pitch to more than 1 or 2 hitters every 3rd or 4th day.

The Braves number 1 priority this off-season should be fire Bobby and get someone, anyone, who can manage at the highest levels. Apparently sometime mid 2007 season Bobby just lost the knack to manage in pressure situations during the regular season. He lost that ability in post-season play about 10 years ago.

Priority number 2 is get a damn bullpen!.

Priority number 3 is to get 2 established “ace” starters.

Last on the list is one outfielder that can hit as well as defend.

And it, of course, goes without saying that Corky deserves his unconditional release before August 1.

By William Martin

July 31, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

*By Obama Man

July 31, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

William,

I am with you. This team has no getty-up and go like they did when Butler, Nixon,Sanders, Gant, Pendleton, Furcal, Harris, Grissom,Lofton etc. were running the base paths. The one run losses would be much less if they had speed. They need some attitude and swagger. Chipper and Escobar have it. The others are too laid back. To put it frankly, the Braves are boring.

I wonder why there are no African American players coming through the Braves organization as being done in Tampa Bay and Milwaukee. Look where they are in the pennant races. How did Brandon Philips and some of the other young African American players get out of Atlanta? The Braves will not win without some speed and attitude. “*

**From what i’ve read in your post here you are saying that if the braves had African American players they would have some attitude and some speed. How is that not a racist comment. Also don’t think that i’m just some black guy trying to stick up for myself, I’m white and i’m offended by what you said. This team needs a lot more than just African American players with attitude and speed. They need to learn how to play right. They need to learn that you don’t have to hit homeruns to win. LEARN HOW TO BUNT runners into scoring position NO MATTER IF YOU ARE A STAR OR A BENCH PLAYER…..BUNT THE BALL HELP THE TEAM.

By William Martin

July 31, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

*By Obama Man

July 31, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

William,

I am with you. This team has no getty-up and go like they did when Butler, Nixon,Sanders, Gant, Pendleton, Furcal, Harris, Grissom,Lofton etc. were running the base paths. The one run losses would be much less if they had speed. They need some attitude and swagger. Chipper and Escobar have it. The others are too laid back. To put it frankly, the Braves are boring.

I wonder why there are no African American players coming through the Braves organization as being done in Tampa Bay and Milwaukee. Look where they are in the pennant races. How did Brandon Philips and some of the other young African American players get out of Atlanta? The Braves will not win without some speed and attitude. “*

From what i’ve read in your post here you are saying that if the braves had African American players they would have some attitude and some speed. How is that not a racist comment. Also don’t think that i’m just some black guy trying to stick up for myself, I’m white and i’m offended by what you said. This team needs a lot more than just African American players with attitude and speed. They need to learn how to play right. They need to learn that you don’t have to hit homeruns to win. LEARN HOW TO BUNT runners into scoring position NO MATTER IF YOU ARE A STAR OR A BENCH PLAYER…..BUNT THE BALL HELP THE TEAM.

By baby brave

July 31, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

McGuirk is the posterboy for the demise of the Braves. Remember he wanted to keep Andrew Jones. He is so inept, it is a wonder why he is around. He is NOT the answer to any ownership and don’t let him fool anyone! We’ve been had and McGuirk is the hadder! What is his role???? He slipped the president’s position to JS as he saw the Brave’s were going to go down the tubes (his MO) and he did NOTHING!Again, those in the know… know! He is nothing more than an incompetent figurehead who has the ATL fooled. Get rid of him and the Braves will be on the path to winning again. He had NOTHING to do with the past success of the Braves and now that he is in charge… well the record speaks for itself!

By Bud

July 31, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

Cox lost it in 2007??? He lost it long before then. He has always managed the marathon, that’s why the players like him, he overlooks their temporary lapses assuming it’s going to pass, and we end up with Andruw for a year. He never manages the sprint…TODAY’s game! That’s why he can’t win in the WS, you need to be able to have some flexibility and read a situation that calls for something different than what you’ve been doing all year long. He’ll say, “Over the course of the year, this strategy will work”. And it did, 14 times in a row. But when you’ve got to win 4 of 7 and you don’t have 162 games to make the statistics justify you, you have to be able to recognize situations that exist TODAY. Managing for the year is different than managing for today, and he can’t manage for today.

By Flustered Fan

July 31, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

If the Braves had a lot of African American players they would be the Hawks!

By michaelgee

July 31, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

Since the PTV statewide monopoly blackouts have been in place those of us outside ATL rarely see the Braves.

Will WPTV black the state out again or will the Braves Front Office figure out that trying to FORCE Braves Fans to drive to every PTV game during a year when Gas is at an all time high has been a HUGE Failure.

Unless you live in range of PTV, no amount of money can get you admission to Braves games when you live in South Georgia.

It seems that Braves management doesn’t care about the rest of the Braves Fans outside Atlanta.

By yer mom

July 31, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

trade boby cox for brett farve

By Ted Striker

July 31, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

Reading the comments continually harping on Bobby Cox leads me to believe some of these fans would blame the sinking of the Titanic on the music the band was playing when the ship hit the iceberg.

To my knowledge, Bobby Cox doesn’t own any voodoo dolls. If he did, it’s doubtful he’d be sticking pins into shoulders, hamstrings, elbows, and knees of his roster.

Last I checked, no players had said anything about Bobby Cox telling them to “take that third strike” or “hit into that double play.” Did Cox instruct a key player to go into a slump? No. Must have been some other factor.

Yes, a manager makes A difference, but who is to say Cox’s influence hasn’t been far more positive than negative for the Braves?

Last I checked, the Braves players weren’t in full-blown panic mode nor were they clammoring to be traded - obvious signs of a ball club in disorder.

Is the team in good shape? No way. Injuries, depletion, age, underperformance by players who’ve shown an ability to play at a higher level in the past. But, just like they say when you’re investing in the stock market…past performance is no indication of future results.

Or are you one of those people who always claims to win every time you go to Vegas?

Nobody — nobody, lasts as long as Bobby Cox has lasted in MLB unless they know damn well what they’re doing as a manager. To draw an analogy, if you’re a starting pitcher, you only get so many losses during a season without being capable and producing so many wins.

Incompetence tends to show it’s face when a manager is at fault — but it typically appears from within, internally. Will it appear to the public? Sure. But if you look back, normally the roots of the problem have already leaked out through the clubhouse.

Not so with the Braves. There’s a reason. Because for all you might not like about Bobby Cox — the lost season isn’t his fault.

Unless of course you’re wanting to blame the Titanic on him too. Wouldn’t surprise me.

By Obama Man

July 31, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

William,

I am white also and I am an Obama man. I still believe that the Braves need some black guys to add some speed and bravado. The team is boring to the nth degree. I am sorry that you feel that this is racist statement and it offends you. It was not meant that way. Unfortunately, our society is racist and we white people seem to always be at the center of the storm. I would bet that most of the black guys reading this blog understand the intent of my comment.

By MK

July 31, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

The Braves Primary Targets this off season should be Manny Rimirez if the dodgers dont opt for 20 million,next cc sabathia those are the primary targets they should go after.

By MK

July 31, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Obama Man, I could not agree with you any better.I dont see it as being racist in any way it’s the truth.

By Curtastrophy

August 1, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

Roy Oswalt. Second.

By Diamond Dave

August 1, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

Why in the wide wide world of sports didn’t the Braves’ genius front office get a top line pitcher for Tex, put McCann at first to add five years to his career and let Clint Sammons catch? Hello?

By manny man

August 1, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

all right first off all the bobby cox is a hall of fame manager so you dont fire him.Second you people who think the braves lineup shoud have 2 new stars like dunn and roberts or bay and get sabathia to or get cc and lacky what are you talking about mayby someone small like perez and then get bay. they dont have all the money in the world.the tex deal was a good one they have shafer,G hernandez,and cody johnson all outfielders that are prospects the dont need bay they just need an ace just cause of hudsons elbow and kelly cant play outfield he said that he dosnt want to go back there and infante will probaly be the 2nd basemen next year. i think the lineup should be 1.cf gregor blanco 2.ss yunel escobar 3.3b chipper jones 4.c brian macann 5.lf josh willingham 6.1b casey kotchman 7.2b infante 8.rf francour rotation 1.lacky 2.jj 3.campillio 4.chuck james 5.jeff bennet

By Robert

August 1, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Timeforachange…

Porter’s great. I didn’t say we need a new trainer. We need a new strength and conditioning coach. And we need a new pitching coach who knows how to develop young arms and keep them healthy. McDowell has had a record number of injured arms under his watch.

Leo only successful with the Big Three? What about the resurrection of John Burkett? Paul Byrd? John Thomson had his best year with Leo. Leo had great success with young arms…Sosa, Gryboski, Horacio Ramirez. Who has McDowell developed? Jurrjens was good immediately. Royce Ring? Boyer? Reyes? Resop? Lance Cormier? I don’t see any big success by McDowell.

The best thing you can say about McDowell is that Francoeur and Corky Miller aren’t his fault.

By Kelley

August 1, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Hey Jeff, since the Braves are going to rebuild, maybe they should hire one of these genuises on this blog who think they could do it SO much better than Bobby…what a joke.
Alot of you scream about Bobby using Corky Miller, duh, who is he going to use? Mac is hurt and that is his back up catcher. And you scream about who he uses out of the bullpen, again duh, he can’t continue to use the same pitchers over and over again. He doesn’t GET the players, he manages them. If you are going to criticize, at least know what you are talking about.

Can someone please answer for me if Hampton is in fact gone? Is this the last year of his contract with the Braves that has drained them of so much money?

To state the obvious, we need to focus on power hitting outfielders and starting pitchers. I agree with whoever said no to Ben Sheets, doesn’t he get hurt? I’ve had my fill with players who get hurt. I also agree with the person who could bid farewell to Kelly Johnson, he just does nothihng for me, could take him or leave him.

By HIllbilly Deluxe

August 1, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

A little off topic here. An earlier poster mentioned how they couldn’t see games in South GA. I understand where you’re coming from. I used to could watch all the Braves games, Cub games and about half the Mets games. I followed baseball alot more closely then and attended a whole lot more games. I would see as many as 10-15 games a year in Atlanta. Since his immortal geniusness Bud Selig has been running things you can’t see many TV games unless you wanna see the Yankees or Red Sox, which I don’t. (I don’t consider the AL and that DH crap as baseball. Thank you to Bowie Kuhn who had the ability to actually make Happy Chandler look like a good Commissioner.) Anyhow my point is Bud, lots of games on TV generates interest in your game and is free advertising. Folks will attend more games whether it’s to see the home team or a visiting team or player. Like I said since I can’t watch many games anymore I don’t follow baseball very closely. Haven’t been to a Braves game in years. The only ML game I’ve attended in the last few years was to see a game in Wrigley Field. When I do get the occasional urge to see a game I just drive up to Chattanooga and watch the Lookouts. Nice town, nice ballpark, affordable seats, and really close to the action. Listening Mr. Selig?…..Probably not.

By manny man

August 1, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

the braves just lost 9 to 0 against the brewers. So im amsuming the braves will trade a few people like mark kotsay or will ohman in the waiver deal.

By James

August 3, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

Here is my hope for the Braves lineup for next year:

  • Josh Anderson CF
  • Yunel Escobar SS
  • Chipper Jones 3B
  • Pat Burrell LF
  • Casey Kotchman 1B
  • Brian McCann C
  • Jeff Francouer RF
  • Orlando Hudson 2B

    • Pitching Staff 1. C.C. Sabathia 2. Jair Jurrgeins 3. Derek Lowe 4. JoJo Reyes 5. Jorge Campillo

    Bullpen: CP: Mike Gonzalez SU: Peter Moylan/ Rafael Soriano Rest: Blaine Boyer, Will Ohman, Jeff Bennett, Phil Stockman

    Bench: Martin Prado If Kelly Johnson IF Paul Lo Duca C (would be a good backup, especially if we still want Clint Sammons to play everyday at Richmond) Brandon Jones OF Gregor Blanco OF (like him but like Anderson’s speed for full time outfield)

    I like it because we put the most of our payroll next year toward pitching and add some key players (Hudson, Burrell, Anderson) to help our defense and add some key players to the bench (Johnson could be dangerous coming off the bench and Lo Duca would give us a legit backup catcher at the plate.)

    By James

    August 3, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

    Here is my hope for the Braves lineup for next year:

  • Josh Anderson CF
  • Yunel Escobar SS
  • Chipper Jones 3B
  • Pat Burrell LF
  • Casey Kotchman 1B
  • Brian McCann C
  • Jeff Francouer RF
  • Orlando Hudson 2B

    • Pitching Staff 1. C.C. Sabathia 2. Jair Jurrgeins 3. Derek Lowe 4. JoJo Reyes 5. Jorge Campillo

    Bullpen: CP: Mike Gonzalez SU: Peter Moylan/ Rafael Soriano Rest: Blaine Boyer, Will Ohman, Jeff Bennett, Phil Stockman

    Bench: Martin Prado If Kelly Johnson IF Paul Lo Duca C (would be a good backup, especially if we still want Clint Sammons to play everyday at Richmond) Brandon Jones OF Gregor Blanco OF (like him but like Anderson’s speed for full time outfield)

    I like it because we put the most of our payroll next year toward pitching and add some key players (Hudson, Burrell, Anderson) to help our defense and add some key players to the bench (Johnson could be dangerous coming off the bench and Lo Duca would give us a legit backup catcher at the plate.)

    By Ralph

    August 3, 2008 7:17 AM | Link to this

    The Braves can replace all the players they have now with, the greatest players in the world and spent all the money they have, but as long as you have the same manager they have now, it will be useless. They will remain losers. The manager should, if not already know that, he is part of the problem. and should step down. The Brave were out of the race before they got half way through the season. Another season as a tax ride-of for the corporation, that promise the best and delivered the worse. So, all the excuses made by the announcers, about disability, is mostly because half of the team is really to retired, and the players, even the young ones play like they’re ready to retired to, so it’s a bad habit that has develop with the team. The reality is the Braves are out of excuses, and don’t mean half of what they say.

    By Will

    August 4, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

    You people should all do a check on whethere your a braves fan! I mean WTF. Yeah ok this team was fine coming out of spring training. We had a ton of injuries, its bad lucka nd sucks but what can you do. You hate on every player who has a bad week. Ok francouer isnt playing well thsi year. A lot of players have bad years in their careers. I mean yeah we need at least 1 young proven starter that can be an ace as well as a power hitting OF like Burrell or the like. But other tahn taht we shoudl be fine. And saying we shoudl have spent teh money on tex I mean cmon. Hes an a*. He wants to be like Arod a 200 million dollar non clutch hitter. Yeah tex will hit 2 hrs when we are down by eight but cant single with the tying run on third. Whats next are you gonna say chipper sucks because hes hurt and isnt hitting 400 anymore. I eman you whine and complain. Obviously most of you werent here in teh 80’s when thsi would ahve been considered a GOOD SEASON. When teh field a good team next year youll be back on teh band wagon. We dont need fans like you for teh braves. Go be a mets fan because thats who you sound like.

    By NCBravesFan

    August 5, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

    We’ve got the money, we need to go get CC and a LF. Burrell, Dunn, Bradley, Rivera, we need someone.

    By BrianScott

    August 5, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

    I agree that the Braves are out of excuses because they got rid of probably one of the top 3 players in the game in Texiera. Without Tex, the Braves look flat and pretty much helpless out there. Tex gave the Braves one of its most fiercist competitors it ever had and gave the Braves their competitive spirit. Without Tex its as if the pilot light of the Braves has gone out and the fire and desire that the Braves once had has now burned out now that Tex is gone. Tex meant more to this team than most of you will ever know. I dont like the way the Braves do business to continually bring in a big name player just to get rid of him. The Braves have done this song and dance before with Gary Sheffield and J.D. Drew. Both of those guys including Tex are future hall of famers, but they are no longer in Atlanta Braves uniforms so theyll go into the hall in other uniforms other than Braves threads.

    By carlaven

    August 9, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

    DOB; What does BC say now to JF? How long will daddy pamper his little boy ? More importantly ,why has JF taken such a poor attitude re those who would dare to criticize his performances of late ?It seems to me JF has every tool to succeed save maturity.In the real world son you have to perform on a continuing basis not on the yesterdays .I do not expect an answer from you ,but, this is a way to express a concern re; Carl m Aven

    By ламинат

    August 13, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

    blw Een plaatje zegt alles, toch ? ldc Het volledige rapport is hier te vinden. Lees natuurlijk q de blogposting. e s Thanks for interesting post! hyj ламинат 8m

    By steve

    August 13, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

    The Braves need 2 more good hitters with power and 1 more starting pitcher but as long as Cox continues to manage by playing Johnson instead of Prado and lets Francouer start when he should have stayed in the minors until he got his act together it will not matter ; Pendleton was a good player but he has been the worst hitting coach the Braves have ever employed; it is time to make some changes.

    By deb mavrick

    August 14, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

    Funny, seems to me there are two ball teams in NYC with the same situation, with deeper pockets, a more committed management group to winning, and baseball enviroments that any real competitor would want to play in.

    As opposed to the TED where even a playoff game can’t sell out.

    By jack

    August 16, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

    I;d love it if the braves could sign sabathith but the braves will have a top 15 draft pick next year and they will lose it if they sign any top free agent thats the problem.

    By tom

    August 17, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this

    Every one has his and her opinion.
    some good some bad. Personally I see a need for two starter, a closer, 3rd baseman (who will learn from the legend) and a left fielder. We will have two posible reliever back next year and also shoud see a solid left fielder. All we need to do is buid a hard charging greedy bumch of young men.

    By tmdeywp jinar

    November 13, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this

    ghnm unpwa vqse wigv lwjbqpa rehp fjgpqkv

    By tmdeywp jinar

    November 13, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this

    ghnm unpwa vqse wigv lwjbqpa rehp fjgpqkv

    Commenting is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F

    Post a comment



    Remember me?

    You may use the following formatting:
    Bold: **this text will be bolded** = this text will be bolded
    Italic: *this text will be italic* = this text will be italic
    Link: [text to be linked](http://www.ajc.com) = text to be linked



    There will be a delay of up to 5 minutes before your comment appears.


    *HTML not allowed in comments. Your e-mail address is required.

     

    Do Good Locally » Find nonprofit causes near you

    Find more causes » List your nonprofit

    Kudzu Services » Find the right people for the job