Sports Columnists

By Brian

October 19, 2005 04:03 PM | Link to this

I agree. Sometimes the Braves seem to be hard-nosed about their policies just for the sake of being hard-nosed. I can’t imagine them letting him go either.

Maybe he is going to get an offer from the Yankees to see if the Braves will match it.

By Rick

October 19, 2005 04:10 PM | Link to this

I sure hope you are right Brian. And yes Terrence, Our streak will end at 14 if Leo goes.

By MB

October 19, 2005 04:23 PM | Link to this

I like Leo a lot and don’t want to see him go. However, I suspect the Braves will offer him comfort and respect, a decent-but-modest salary, and let him go if that’s not enough. I just think it’s the Scheurholz/Time Warner management style. I don’t think Leo is any more untouchable than was Maddux, Glavine or Sheffield.

I suspect that the Braves have hung their future on player evaluation and development. And that’s kind of exciting, to see 7, 8, or even 9 players on the field who were brought up through the organization. I just have a feeling that the same philosophy will apply in dealing with Leo. I hope not, but that’s my take on the Braves’ philosophy.

By Gil Gibson

October 19, 2005 04:50 PM | Link to this

Time-Warner execs live in New York. That tell you anything?

By susan

October 19, 2005 04:57 PM | Link to this

If Leo goes, the stupidity of Braves ownership will become apparent to the entire baseball world. Big company sports team ownership is the worst thing to happen to professional sports. Love or hate George Steinbrenner, at least he cares more about winning than he does about the almighty dollar.

By Harris

October 19, 2005 05:02 PM | Link to this

We must not forget why the braves lost in the post season…Not because of hitting, not errors, not a stronger team but of the BULLPEN! If he wants to leave, let him. We sure will miss him though! If he stays, I say increase his pay so that it will encourage him to coach a better bullpen.

By Steve

October 19, 2005 05:08 PM | Link to this

Can we just pay the Yankees to take ALL of the Braves bullpen instead?

By Larry

October 19, 2005 05:35 PM | Link to this

Hmmm…agreeing with Terrance more than once in a week. I must be getting soft. Or, old…

Just one other point. Gil, what theory does that prove? There ain’t no such thing as “Yankee” stock and the team that is owned by the company that the NY-based execs work for is in Atlanta. What is that supposed to tell us? By the way, you don’t believe in conspiracy theories, do you?

By D-man

October 19, 2005 06:21 PM | Link to this

This thought occured to me…how much longer is Cox and J.S. going to be together? I know they are both signed through the 2006 season..but after that? If Leo knows something we dont -for instance, that the coach and general manager will not be back after ‘06, that may prevent him from signing a multi-year deal..and if that’s true, NY being willing to sign him to a multi year deal, may get him…just food for thought.

By Ron

October 19, 2005 06:33 PM | Link to this

Gil, Good point. I have always thought that the Met loving TW execs have been trying to dismantle the Braves ever since Ted was shown the door. Bobby and Leo have just been so good that it has thwarted their plans.

By Barnsie

October 19, 2005 06:47 PM | Link to this

I just read that Mazzone is now likely going to the Orioles. I’m really disappointed that he’s not going to be the Braves’ pitching coach anymore, but at least he ain’t going to the Yankees.

Like someone else said, maybe Cox has said he’s gone after 2006, and Leo doesn’t want to stick around for another manager after that.

By Dave

October 19, 2005 07:09 PM | Link to this

Have we all forgotten so soon? Did we or did we not just loose in the DCS to the Astros for the 2nd year in a row and did we not just loose the umpteenth chance to get to the WS? I know this wont be popular among the folks here and I don’t like saying it, but; Something has to change and in the past 14 seasons the Braves have changed everything except the manager and his coaches. Its time for a change. Let Leo and Bobby both go. We’ve lost in the playoffs with them, we can loose without them. And, merely getting to the playoffs every year with no hope of advancing is just as bad as not getting there at all.

By larryp

October 19, 2005 07:13 PM | Link to this

The Braves’ success over the last fifteen years can be traced back to four key components; Schuerholz, Cox, Mazzone, and the Braves farm system. Mr. GM just broke the law of engineering, “If it isn’t broken, don’t break it.” Please just let this be a change that Leo requested, and not due to the “no multi-year contract” issue. One last thought…how long will the first replacement last?

By Sandy

October 19, 2005 07:54 PM | Link to this

Per FoxSports.. Leo is going to be an Oriole.. Oh well.. It was fun while it lasted..

By dp park

October 19, 2005 08:59 PM | Link to this

It’s been a great run, but its time to change the leadership. Leo is overdue and Bobby Cox should be next. Getting to the playoffs each year is not enough. Our (Braves) sights are set higher

By Larry

October 19, 2005 09:00 PM | Link to this

Don’t believe it yet. There is no confirmation of fact, just speculation. Although it appears likely and the stars are aligning, ‘we’ don’t know all the details…unless you have a source that ‘we’ don’t know about. If you’re speculating “per Fox Sports”, don’t quit your day job just yet…

By Joe Roman

October 19, 2005 09:23 PM | Link to this

All the pitchers who have had their careers resurrected by Leo should “feed the kitty”. They could make Leo the richest man in baseball if there was any justice in this world. If the Braves let Leo go, kiss the streak goodbye. We’re talking a major morale killer here.

By jcwfalcon

October 19, 2005 09:31 PM | Link to this

AOL Time Warner Sucks!

I wish they would sell the team to someone who actually cares about this team and city.

Its all their fault! And what do they care?

Every year it becomes the running joke among Braves fans…how bad can AOL try to make this team only to have them continue to succeed.

Unfortunately, if they let Leo go, I think the joke could be on us Braves fans.

AOL is pathetic. They can pay Julia Roberts to do the stupid yapping on their AOL commercials, but can afford to try to do their part to keep a winner in Atlanta.

By ron

October 19, 2005 09:42 PM | Link to this

who really gives a CRAP if LEO goes.the braves had masters in MADDUX,TOMMYG.,SMOLTZ,& AVERY.LEO sat around and took credit as a great pitching coach.if he was so great why couldn’t he have corrected a franchise that historically has had one of the worst bullpens in baseball for decades with the exceptions of SMOLTZ & WHOLERS prior to losing his control.LEO take your rocking schizophrenia bleep,bleep anywhere except to the braves dugout.

By jcwfalcon

October 19, 2005 10:20 PM | Link to this

Yeah Ron,

That Avery really showed he was successful on his own.

Maddux and Glavine have had REAL success since leaving the wing of Leo.

Would you like to compile a list of itchers who were 15-20 game winners in Atlanta and cant seem to do so with their new teams? It is pretty extensive…

By C K

October 19, 2005 10:39 PM | Link to this

Unbeleiveble, that the braves would be willing to part ways with the man behind the 14 straight division titles. Yes, Bobby Cox is a great manager but the pitching is what has been Atlanta’s strength throughout the run.

Much has been said about the way Bobby Cox has handled the salary cap reductions and handled his players this past year … but without the pitching the braves would have been gone early in the year.

Mazzone’s program has worked wonders for pitchers in Atlanta who have floundered elsewhwere. I guess the time has come to let a mere $200,000.00 salary difference separate the Braves from acheiving any more title runs in the near future.

Obviously, the owners of the Braves are not Fans at all… It is logical to reduce the salaries of the players and to bring in new players as they develop but doesn’t the club need the coaches who have proven themselves over the years? How about rewarding these coaches who make it happen year after year.

Perhaps, the Braves may be able to find another caopable pitching coach but why bother when they already have the best. They should resign Mazzone and concentrate on rebuilding the bullpen that cost them yet another shot at the world series.

By ron

October 19, 2005 11:04 PM | Link to this

TO JCWFALCON I BELIEVE AVERY DEVELOPED ARM PROBLEMS WHILE WITH THE BRAVES,MADDUX & TOMMY G.IS WHAT YOU CALL COMING INTO THEIR TWILIGHT YEARS.SMOLTZ PITCHED THE ENTIRE YEAR WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE FINAL TEN DAYS AND COULD MUSTER ONLY 14 VICTORIES.IF LEO WAS SUCH A MASTER WHY DIDN’T HE OR HASN’T HE DEVELOPED OTHER PITCHERS.BACK TO AVERY YOU CAN’T MEASURE HIS SUCCESS DUE TO CHRONIC INJURIES,IT’S NOT THAT HE HAD A GREAT ARM AND COULD NOT GET HITTERS OUT.WHEN HEALTHY THE POTENTIAL & PRODUCTION WAS THERE.AND BY THE WAY WHAT 15-20 GAME WINNERS DID THE BRAVES HAVE THIS SEASON ?

By jcwfalcon

October 19, 2005 11:26 PM | Link to this

Steve Avery, John Thomson, Mike Remlinger, Denny Neagle and John Burkett…just to name a few. The list can be made into a much longer one though if you like…

Luck? I think not.

To quote ESPN… “Leo is No. 1. What other assistants — those whose primary accomplishments to date haven’t been as head coaches or managers — are contenders? A totally unscientific take on the matter:

1. Leo Mazzone. You could, if you’re feeling brave, argue that someone is as good. But better? No way.”

But i’m sure you know something they dont Ron. Thanks for sharing your devine wisdom with us! If you are finished…

Now back to everyones regular dose of logical thinking!

Ms. Cleo says: If Leo leaves, the streak ends at 14.

By Larry

October 20, 2005 12:00 AM | Link to this

Yes, JCWF, I believe you are correct…but only ‘cuz you could list more names than me! I am a BIG Smoltz fan, however and to that end I think Ron needs to re-think his theory. Smoltzie should have won at least 18 games this seaon. If not for bullpen failures late in games (I know, those were Leo’s fault), he migh’ve won 20. How does that song go…”if lovin you is wrong, I don’t wanna think logically”…???

PS: The Astros and the White Sox. Whoo-hoo. Bet Fox has great ratings for THAT. And Leo (as of 11:56 pm) still works for the Braves.

By Michael

October 20, 2005 12:12 AM | Link to this

Leo is leaving this year. Cox and JS are likely leaving next year. This Braves Era is truly coming to an end.Memo to any Braves players that might be reading this. 2006 is the year. Win it all for Cox and JS. Send them out on a high note. Truly make this Braves run a ‘True Dynasty’ and not the ‘Curse Dynasty’.

By Will Frampton

October 20, 2005 12:28 AM | Link to this

I posted a comment on 10/19/05, saying Cox, Scheurholz and Mazzone are like a well-oiled machine. Three sides to a perfect triangle. Take one side away, the whole thing may crumble.

I believe dust is starting to fall from the ceiling right now, as Mazzone is now an Oriole. That ceiling might just crash down on the Braves heads this year.

My only question: In a sports landscape where money is talked about in million dollar increments, why couldn’t the Braves anti-up a couple hundred thousand extra bucks, keeping the best pitching coach in baseball where he belongs? Was that really too much to ask?

By Nicholas Irwin

October 20, 2005 12:34 AM | Link to this

He hasn’t gone yet. It’s just a lot of speculation right now. Don’t start talking about how he’s an Oriole unitl he’s actually an Oriole. Even the people who are reporting are only saying it’s likely or that it could happen. He’s not gone yet, and I remember the last time everyone thought he was gonna leave all of a sudden the next day he signed a new contract with the Braves.

By Judge

October 20, 2005 12:36 AM | Link to this

Maybe Cox and JS are ready for a change. After all, Leo doesn’t seem to work well with youngsters. Look at our recent discards scattered around the leagues. Certainly, the future of Braves’ pitching is with the talented kids now arriving and soon to arrive. Leo seems to have used up the batteries in his magic wand a couple of years ago.

By F*&%ing Tired Braves Fan

October 20, 2005 12:37 AM | Link to this

This is complete bullsh&%. Time Warner has completely destroyed what used to be a great franchise. For a measly few $100 k, when baseball speaks in the $millions, Time Warner is signaling the end of the Braves! I’m done watching the Braves, when all they want to do is become what the Marlins, Padres, & Expos have become, farms for other teams!

By Alan White

October 20, 2005 12:44 AM | Link to this

It’s on ESPN. He’s gone. To the friggin’ Orioles. Done deal.

The streak ends this year. I had become such a huge fan…

But screw these people. If they can’t buck up to keep such an important cog, Scheurholz can kiss my a*. Hope the money they paid Hollandsworth was worth it. Maybe Scheurholz’s son will be the new pitching coach.

I keep hearing “gentleman’s agreement” bandied around about what Leo would have made if he had stayed this year, like Scheurholz was too damn uptight to raise the salary to what his market value was because of some oral agreement the two had. Gimme a break. Way to win this p** match John.

Unbelievable. Just unbelievable.

I seriously don’t think I’ll watch them anymore. It just won’t be the same. Stunning.

By jcwfalcon

October 20, 2005 01:00 AM | Link to this

Well, I will speak with my wallet.

Season ticket holder last year.

I was considering renewing. I think this just made my decision for me. If the franchise it too up tight to resign the best assistant coach in the league, then I will be too uptight to renew my season tickets.

AOL is not getting thousands of my dollars anymore.

By Birdbrain

October 20, 2005 01:16 AM | Link to this

Thanks for all the great memories Leo, you were a class act!!! We may have seen the last of the 14 straight titles. It’s about one word…RESPECT….Leo was respected by everyone, if you didn’t like him, you still respected him. This factor will be missed.

By Tim

October 20, 2005 01:17 AM | Link to this

Leo, I hate to see you go, but I don’t blame you.[1-14 don’t get it] Please take Bobby Choke Cox with you. JS and TW are doing to the Braves what TW did to the Hawks. I agree with Allen White.Take this team an stick it.

By Alan White

October 20, 2005 01:25 AM | Link to this

And let’s not forget last season’s big acquisition…

No, I’m not talking about Dan Kolb. I’m talking about the real deal that had our front office salivating…

The $15 million dollar T.V. in the outfield.

That’s right, the same T.V. that threw no strikes, hit no singles, fielded no plays, and, most importantly, coached no players.

But it’s sure big.

Looks like money well spent now, eh? I wonder if AOL has any software that will let the Big T.V. coach pitchers?

Next season’s big acquisition: $2 million dollars for some clowns to juggle in the outfield between innings. And here’s the kicker - they can find all the clowns they need in the front office.

By Steve

October 20, 2005 03:18 AM | Link to this

This is the clearest indication yet that Bobby Cox is planning to retire. I don’t think Leo would leave if Bobby hadn’t told him of plans to step down. This way Leo controls his own destiny, not a new manager for the Braves who will likely want to bring in his own pitching coach. We have been lucky to have both Leo and Bobby. Get ready Atlanta. The run will soon end.

By Ed

October 20, 2005 03:28 AM | Link to this

Don’t JUMP off the bridge just yet. Braves FANS will be VERY HAPPY with the Braves NEW Pitching Coach……. Its a done deal…..You should hear something Sun or Monday……. No Joke. Its great!

By Mark

October 20, 2005 05:50 AM | Link to this

Well think about this Mr. Moore , our pitching (bullpen) severely hurt us this past season and a few other playoffs as well. And to have you ever thought that all that bouncing in the dugout makes some players nervous?Maybe its time we start seeing some change to get to the next step. I say change is good bye bye Leo.

By Jim

October 20, 2005 07:15 AM | Link to this

Maybe Cox will announce his retirement this year … if he stays and doesn’t win another title next year, then it will look bad on him … like it was Leo who made the difference. Go Bobby, go! Let’s just start all over from the bottom to the top! The O’s dugout will be rocking next year.

By Robert

October 20, 2005 07:47 AM | Link to this

The streak ends in 2006. Not paying Leo is the last straw. This team will not even smell the playoffs. Leo will always be the man. I guess I will not have to make that drive to Atlanta 4 times next year

By Scott

October 20, 2005 07:51 AM | Link to this

I am torn. At first I was devastated at the thought of losing Leo…..but now I wonder. Do you really think after being under Leo for over 10 years that Glavine all of a sudden forgot how to pitch? Same thing goes with Maddux. I now wonder if a large part of our pitching success can be summed up in two words….Andruw Jones. He covers pitching mistakes like nobody else. I still dread the thought of losing Leo…but I wonder how well he will do in Camden…..it is a bandbox and their defense is not that solid. I will definitely miss the rocker…..but just maybe….we will survive.

By HOWARD

October 20, 2005 08:24 AM | Link to this

I GOT THE ANSWER, LEO[N.D. FAN] IS TIRED OF BEING DOWN HERE WITH THE GEORGIA BULLDOG REDNECKS!!!!!!!!!! IN MARYLAND, FANS DON’T HAVE NOTHING TO BE EXCITED ABOUT. GA. FANS ARE IDIOTS AND LEO IS TIRED OF THEM REDNECKS THINKING THEY ARE BETTER THAN USC OR NOTRE DAME. LEO’S TOP FIVE:

SORRY DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Robert

October 20, 2005 08:35 AM | Link to this

Come on. I don’t want to see Leo go either but Cox is the man. Do you really think that the Braves owe it all to Leo and not Bobby? Come on?

By Gritz Blitz

October 20, 2005 08:36 AM | Link to this

Cox will be the next bomb dropped. He will likely announce his retirement soon. You heard it here first.

By Big Dawg

October 20, 2005 08:58 AM | Link to this

I cant beleive the Braves dropped the ball on signing Leo. No, wait, they never even picked up the damn ball! It really is a shame that the organization couldn’t pony up a couple 100 grand and put down some ink on a multi-year contract. I guess Shurholtz is saving the money for some real blockbuster deals (etc. Danny Kolb, Tod Hollansworth) Gimme a frickin break! I am totally dissapointed in this organization. By losing Leo (and innevitably Rafel Furcal, you dont think they’re really going to resign him, do you?) this team is going to sink fast. Oh, and if Bobby Cox had entertained the idea of managing for a few more years, Kiss that goodbye. He’ll be gone next year. Disgusting

By Randy

October 20, 2005 09:12 AM | Link to this

Well Gritz, you hit it. Bobby better retire. You make it TO the playoffs with pithching and defense. Leo IS pitching for the Braves. The bench coach is defense. Bobby is the cheerleader, htat’s why we only have one Series win in our history. Retire Bobby, so we can steal Joe Torre from the Yanks. Then we will have a REAL manager, and maybe, just maybe he will hire somebody near Leo’s caliber for pitching. Series, here we come.

By hardy

October 20, 2005 09:19 AM | Link to this

all fans who has aol as thier internet provider,should cancel as i am doing

By MT

October 20, 2005 09:29 AM | Link to this

I’m so sick of people conjecturing on a subject that they’re not fully informed about. If you’re saying it’s all about money (b/c I’m sure you’ve got the inside scoop) then you cannot compare the 200k he’d get with the Braves with the 400k he’d get from the Yankees. We all know that the Yankees overpay for all of their talent. That’d be like comparing what Andruw Jones could get from the Yankees vs. the $25 mill they’re paying for A-Rod. Bad comparison. Don’t use it anymore, because it doesn’t apply. On another note, has anyone thought that it might not be about the money? I don’t know, because unlike some of the posters on this blog, I don’t pretend to have inside knowledge on the situation. But Schuerholz’s & Cox’s contracts are up after 2006, and they may both retire (Schuerholz almost certainly will, from everything I’ve read). So, maybe Leo sees this as his chance to get out, because he doesn’t know what coaching staff/GM will be here after ‘06. It could be as simple as that—there doesn’t always have to be someone to BLAME. And one more thing. I’m so sick of hearing about this Time Warner stuff. Time Warner has ZERO involvement in the Braves day-to-day operations. They give them the payroll numbers at the beginning of the year, and then the decisions are made by Terry McGuirk (a Turner employee and full-time Atlanta resident) and Schuerholz. Again, you’re conjecturing on a topic you know nothing about. Time Warner is not the BIG BAD MONEY HUNGRY JERKS from NY. They simply own Turner Broadcasting, which owns the Braves. They don’t run the braves. They play no part in personnel decisions. You can ask anyone that is knowledgeable on that subject and they’ll confirm that.

By Jim

October 20, 2005 09:44 AM | Link to this

Hey MT… you don’t think controlling the purse strings and setting the budget is controlling the team ?

No they may not micro manage… they just keep lowering the budget year after year, when the team is more than just a team.

Anyone that thinks the team has prospered because Ted sold out to Time Warner is an idiot…. well maybe just blind on this fact of life…

Don’t tell me that it isn’t best for a team to be owned by someone with local ties that care about their city…. do that and you do qualify for the Moron Award…

By Dave

October 20, 2005 09:50 AM | Link to this

Okay, so Leo is history! I am sorry to see him go, but it is NOT the end of the world IMHO. The Braves could not afford to set the precedent of more than doubling a coach’s salary to keep Leo, and Leo, seeing that JS and possibly BC may be leaving after next year, had to take the best offer available.

While I grant you that Leo has been an outstanding pitching coach, he has had outstanding material to work with. We will see how great he is when working with a very BAD Oriole pitching staff. Even before 1991, everyone recognized that the Braves “Young Guns” were something special. If he turns the moribund Oriole pitching staff around next year, then he will have earned that Hall of Fame spot.

As for making the playoffs next year, the team will be virtually the same except for Furcal (who can be adequately replaced by Betemit) and Thomson/Hampton (who have already been replaced by Sosa/Davies). If the Braves cannot afford Furcal, they WILL find a leadoff man somewhere. They also need to find a closer, be it Farnsworth or someone else.

BOTTOM LINE: I trust JS to make the deal(s) needed to win #15 in 2006.

By Larry

October 20, 2005 09:52 AM | Link to this

Unbelievable. That is what it is. Absolutely unbelievable. Until the Orioles and Braves announce it, ESPN can be considered a poor source of fact. I agree with all of you that TW is a shameful bunch when it comes to just about anything, but the FACT remains that Leo is STILL a Brave. He may, in fact, become an Oriole…but the FACT remains that he still works for the Braves. Additionally, something that has been overlooked is the FACT that the Braves have had a pretty good defense behind the starting pitchers. If Andruw Jones is good for saving a run per game, what can the defense as a whole be good for? I’ll bet the stats prove it out, the pitchers who avereged 20+ starts had lower ERA’s when the defense was ranked higher…unfortunately, John Thomson and Mike Hammond were injured for most of the year and Horacio Ramirez’ stats were scewed because he gave up over a HR per start…

By MT

October 20, 2005 09:56 AM | Link to this

Jim—Of course setting the payroll is a way of controlling the team. However, I’m referring to the numerous blogs on here that assert that TimeWarner execs are telling Schuerholz what he can and cannot do, what deals he can make and what deals he needs to pass on. That’s bull, and there’s no getting around that. And they don’t keep lowering the payroll year after year, as evidenced by the fact that the payroll for ‘06 will remain the same as it was for ‘05. That’s not lowering—that’s keeping it the same. And if you’ve read up on it, they’re comfortable with that being the payroll for the foreseeable future. So they’re not “lowering the budget year after year.” I certainly don’t think that the team has prospered for selling to Time Warner. Did I say that? Has anyone said that on this blog? And also, did anyone on this blog say it was best for a team to be owned by a corporation with no local ties to the city? I didn’t see that anywhere either. What I was saying was that most of the decisions are made by Schuerholz and McGuirk, with little to no input from Time Warner execs in NY. I’m not advocating the system, I’m just telling you how it works.

By Judge

October 20, 2005 09:56 AM | Link to this

Wouldn’t be surprised if Ed knows what he is talking about, that a replacement is already on line. After all, this Leo myth may be just that. Maybe Bobby and JS are as unimpressed as I am with Leo’s work with youngsters and overall the last couple of years. There is certainly the absence of any visible attempt to retain him.

By Chuck_Uuga

October 20, 2005 10:00 AM | Link to this

Smokey24, a.k.a. HOWARD, nice post you Volunteer fan (Vols - has beens). Georgia is ANNEXING Tennessee since UT is no longer a factor in the SEC East and now OWN Tennessee! Fluke year in 2004. You won’t SNIFF the SEC East title again for YEARS, Smokey. Good luck, and nice start on the recruiting trail for Fulmer so far (4, maybe 5 commits). But don’t worry, there’s plenty of Somoans playing JUCO in California since you’re getting your clocks cleaned in the Southeast (other than the Miami kids you’re securing with your street agents down there). GO DAWGS!! HILLBILLIES ARE LOSERS!!

By Scott

October 20, 2005 10:08 AM | Link to this

Chuck,

Hillbillies may be losers….but at least they know where to post their blog! You REDNECK MORON! This is a LEO/Braves blog. Go eat a bone and realize the end of your season will be undefeated….yet LEFT OUT!

By Larry

October 20, 2005 10:08 AM | Link to this

Oh yeah…the Braves did not pay for the screen themselves. I gotta say it was one of the sweetest deals they have made and even though I am not a great proponent of it, it is all part of the master plan of attracting the less sport-oriented amongst us to the ball park; reminding us that this is a business and that the heirarchy at TW doesn’t know or care much about baseball OR business…

By Chuck_Uuga

October 20, 2005 10:13 AM | Link to this

Maybe this will end the problem of having pitchers come in here, resurrect their skills under Mazzone, then leave for a big contract with another team. To say Leo had nothing to do with the pitching success the past 15 years is akin to saying Billy Payne had nothing to do with the 1996 Olympics. Regardless of what happens, 2006 is a watershed year. I suspect we will not only lose Cox and Scheurholz to retirement, we will also see players like McCann, Andruw Jones, Frenchie, Betamit, etc. dign bigger contracts and leave the Braves. Only a metter of time with the “incredible shrinking budget” passed down from Time-Warner. Been a nice ride, may have one more season left before the end of the line.

By Ben

October 20, 2005 10:13 AM | Link to this

As wise man once said, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. What this team has underachieved for the last 15 years and something must be done. Hopefully letting Leo go is just the first step for the Braves to totally remake this team and get rid of this asinine complacency with just making it to the playoffs. Division titles should never be enough. Winning it all should be the only measure of success for this franchise, especially since they have shown that they are capable of fielding successful teams during the regular season. So goodbye Leo, you’ve gotten more credit than you deserve for the success of Atlanta’s pitching staff. Just one thing, if your such a genius why cant you build a good bullpen. Are relief pitchers immune to your magic?

By Todd

October 20, 2005 10:13 AM | Link to this

I don’t know whether to laugh or cry at this post… But I do know that if he’s definitely gone, I’d be on the phone to Mike Maddux in Milwaukee now to get him down here as our new pitching coach.

It is sad, to lose Leo, though. very sad. Everyone who says he’s not worth it in this post obviously doesn’t know squat, because everyone in baseball knows he is one of the best and has said so at one point or another. Look it up.

By Chuck_Uuga

October 20, 2005 10:16 AM | Link to this

Hey Scott, Up yours you UGA hater. I am responding to the toothless redneck who had to drop in with his anti-UGA rhetoric. You’re just like him. You must be a Techie.

By Shep

October 20, 2005 10:25 AM | Link to this

Let him go!! And take the rest of the staff with him. I keep hearing about this “run” the Braves have been on. This so called “run” has resulted in failure 13 of 14 times. If this were NY, Leo (nor Bobby or JS) would not be making the decision. They all would have been gone three or four years ago. Ok, so Leo leaves and we then don’t have the opportunity to get ousted in the Divisional series next year…big deal!! My greater concern is whether or not Furcal will be returning.

By glennbo

October 20, 2005 10:29 AM | Link to this

Let Leo go. His approach only works if the umps call strikes 6 inches off the plate. Since the lateral strike zone has been contracted, the Braves have gotten progressively worse. Give Bobby some fresh blood to work with. If he can’t get some World Series mojo going whith a new pitching coach, then maybe we get a new manager in 2 or 3 years.

Personally, I’d like to see if Leo could cut it in the AL. He is a champion of offspeed pitching, but the AL seems to excel in drilling junk out of the park. Baseball is a different game when you put a DH in. Its a simpler game where a good fastball is the ultimate 1st measure of a good pitcher. And that is the way it should be.

By Steve

October 20, 2005 10:43 AM | Link to this

As a fan of 26 years and currently living in California I have seen a lot of good and a lot of bad. While I don’t like seeing a successful coach leave like Leo, maybe it is time. One thing the Braves brass has always been good at is knowing when to let players leave, well maybe they figure it’s time with Leo. Also, don’t discount the fact that Leo and Sam Perlozzo have been best friends for almost 40 years and Leo said a long time ago that if Perlozzo ever became a manager that he would be there with him as his picthing coach, so I am not surprised by the move. I will be surprised if the club doesn’t get someone known or with a great rep.

Here’s my question, when Perlozzo gets fired in a year and a half because Leo’s pitchers can’t get anyone out, does Leo go too?

By Henry Lee

October 20, 2005 10:58 AM | Link to this

All that needs to be said is that Mazzone has been on top, or at least in the upper echelon of all coaches in any sport. Money has been a question in Atlanta for several years now. The performance of Maddux and Glavine was expected, but the work Leo did with the likes of Jarret Wright, Kerrry Lightenberger, chris Hammond and a countless number of “saved from the scrap heap” pitchers could possibly make Leo the biggest part of the Braves organization. It would be a horrific loss if Mazzone leaves for money. You know, the fact that the “cash strapped” organization could have such a nice 15 million dollar big screen TV in centerfield next year to watch the debacle of a pitching staff fall part is almost ironic when you think of the minor cost of keeping Leo around.

By Scott

October 20, 2005 11:03 AM | Link to this

Chuck, I am NOT a Techie. Actually and educated, professional UT fan. And I acknowledge your recent run at UGA over the Vols. This year we are a victim of the schedule from hell. But at the end of the year, we will BOTH be looking up at someone else.

Now on to Leo, cannot blame him for going to work with a friend, but professionally this is suicide. I predict right now that B’more will not be in the top 10 in ERA in the AL. Perlozzo won’t last two years and Mazzone will be out in the cold. Just remember Leo, sometimes when the grass looks greener, it’s PAINT!

By Rob Hicks

October 20, 2005 11:04 AM | Link to this

Leo leaving? What’s next, the Holy Spirit leaving the Trinity? It was a great ride folks.

By ebineezer

October 20, 2005 11:07 AM | Link to this

Forget Cox and Leo, everybody in the Braves organisation knows that Bobby Dews is the man behind the wheel driving the Braves success.

By Web St. John

October 20, 2005 11:11 AM | Link to this

John, let Leo go! And please, please, please let Bobby go with him. As a matter of fact why not get some value for Chipper while you can. Batting under 200 in the last three playoff years will not get it done. Maybe with Bobby, Leo, and others gone we can bring in a few power pitchers to go with the outstanding young players. John, notice which teams win in the post season with what type of pitchers. Should be a no brainer for someone as smart as you.

By HB Ando

October 20, 2005 11:12 AM | Link to this

Cluelessness abounds on this blog. If you are the least bit well read regarding MLB, you’d know that Mazzone is considered the absolute best amongst players and coaches throughout baseball. Period. Truly not even a point for discussion.

There is not a team in baseball that wouldn’t fire, or strongly consider firing, their current pitching coach, to get Mazzone to work for them.

Most of you folks still don’t get the reality of playoff baseball. You get eight teams together, with fairly similar records, and the team that peaks at the right time wins. This year, joining us in first round failure, were the venerable Yankees and Red Sox. The Cardinals, who were rated by most pundits as the best team in the NL all season, just lost again. Go check out the last time they won a world series.

This season’s team was anything but a failure. They are the only team in the history of baseball to have five rookies get 100 at bats or more in a season (actually, they had six, but no other team in baseball has ever made the playoffs with five). From a historical perspective, this team had no business making the playoffs. Yet uneducated ingrates continue to whine about the teams’ failure instead of appreciating how rare the success was. Why do you think Bobby Cox was named manager of the year by his peers? 12 of 16 NL managers voted for Bobby.

The loss of Leo is going to be very challenging for this team. It underscores that we have a weak, disinterested corporate ownership, who isn’t local, and doesn’t care about the fans at all. Bobby and Leo are the best in the business. It’s a shame to see this partnership broken up over money and contract terms. But you can’t blame the best pitching coach in baseball for wanting, and deserving, a multi-year deal, and security for his family. Good luck, Leo.

By braves fan

October 20, 2005 11:12 AM | Link to this

Ed,you may be right about a new hire being in place but we will either hear about it by Friday or not until the WS is over.MLB rules prohibit any teams making announcements during the World Series.

By Dave

October 20, 2005 11:21 AM | Link to this

Does anyone else have the nagging feeling that AOL-Time-Turner Comm, or whatever rose you wish to name as the Braves owners, have a long-term plan to pare this team down to make it more sellable? Keep in mind that cost-cutting most often precedes a merger-buyout-sale-downsizing-or Chap 11 filing in the corporate world. Also, keep in mind that the Braves have not been a good revenue generator for the “Company”. Also, keep in mind that the Braves were only part of the big merger with AOL because no one could figure out what else to do them at the time. My contention here is that ultimately the Company really doesn’t know what to do with the Braves, they don’t really want to own a MLB team at all, and they haven’t seen convincing profitability in keeping the team, and that is what this move with Leo is really all about. IMO the Braves has all the ear-marks of a team being maneuvered for sale within five years.

By Steve

October 20, 2005 11:40 AM | Link to this

HB you are correct on many points. Apparently everyone has forgotten about the dismal teams of the 70s and that god-awful run from 1984-90. May Russ Nixon burn in…well you know where.

I will miss Leo, I don’t know too many pitching coaches who have had Sports Illustrated and Sports Weekly articles written about their success. But if Leo is the best in the business why can’t he develop a good bullpen. That has been a Braves achilles heel for years. They’ve basically had a good closer for only six of these years. Granted, has has taken some retreads and resurrected careers, but he seems to pay more attention to starters than he does his bullpen. Just an observation.

As for Time-Warner, while they were not the best thing to happen to this team, you have to take it for what it is.

Keep this in mind too about payroll for next season, with all of the kids that came on board this year, their salaries are going to be low next season too. That gives the club more flexible spending options. They also have more tradeable commodities. Does anyone remember what we gave up for Tim Hudson? How did they do this season? If Furcal leaves it won’t be because the club didn’t try.

I’m can’t wait to see Jeff Francoeur play a full season.

By brewerfaninATL

October 20, 2005 11:41 AM | Link to this

Todd, NO WAY the Brewers let Mike Maddux go. He’s meant so much to our underappreciated staff. We are one day hoping to accomplish what the Braves have done (OK, maybe not 14 divisions in a row!), but we are trying to follow your path to success—and it begins with Mike Maddux as our pitching coach!

brewerfaninATL

By crs

October 20, 2005 11:43 AM | Link to this

The ship has slowly been sinking now for a few years and one of things that has kept it afloat is Mazzone, you can certainly argue Mazzone has been a much bigger reason than Cox for the braves success. If Mazzone does end up leaving, the ship will finally sink. Mazzone is worth I think about 15 to 20 games a year. If lost, the Braves become a medicore sub 500 team. I wish Ted would buy this team back or I wish Arthur Blank would buy it.

By MB

October 20, 2005 12:31 PM | Link to this

I like Leo and hate to see him go, but come on guys, he’s a COACH.

I like to think the Braves are a pretty successful experiment in developing a quality team without spending unlimited cash to do it. The whole is greater than the parts, and that includes Leo.

I don’t blame Leo for wanting security and more money, but I don’t blame the Braves for adhering to a policy even if it means losing a good coach. It’s not a matter of a couple hundred grand; it’s a system that says you don’t give longterm contracts to coaches. I also suspect that all things being equal, maybe Leo has indicated he’s ready for a change. He didn’t resign: he asked to talk to the Yankees (the ultimate organization in baseball) and the Orioles (best friend as manager, etc).

Leo will be missed, but his philosophies have been ingrained into the system, from the major league level to rookie ball. Look for the Braves to promote from within to replace him.

Increasingly, the Braves have refused to overpay for free agents; Glavine, Maddux, Sheffield, etc: All could have stayed here, but the Braves wouldn’t pay ridiculous prices for them (and how many championships have those guys produced since they left?). They got a relative bargain in Hudson, who was willing to avoid a bidding war in order to be in a good environment.

Furcal is in the same boat, I think. He can stay here and be very well compensated, but the Braves won’t get into a bidding war with the big spenders. Not when they’ve got so much talent waiting in the wings, at a fraction of the cost.

What a unique concept: draft the right players, develop them in a consistent and proven system, use them for 5 years or so at the major league level, and then let someone else pay them the gigillion dollars. The Braves have drafted in the bottom end of the draft for 15 years, but somehow manage to develop better ML talent than just about anyone…

Having 5 or 6 starters making “rookie” salaries, or a little more, allows a handful of big contracts without a balooning payroll.

I don’t know if the Braves’ philosophy (and I mean JS/Cox, not TW) is really this revolutionary, or if they’re just cheap. I’d like to think the former, though, I’m kind of enjoying the experiment.

I want to see a winner (and very much appreciate the Braves’ streak despite only 1 WS win); if it can be done with Francoueur, McCann, Betemit, LaRoche, Davies, etc., rather than A-Rod, Sheff, and a bunch more 20-million-dollar players, I think that’s exciting.

Bottom line, though, is that unless YOU have $200 m to spend on payroll, you’ve got to respect what the Braves continue to do with a stagnant operating budget.

Guess I got off point: I have just never considered the pitching coach the driving force behind championships; I think the Braves will carry on, and win, without Leo.

By SYKOJOHNNY

October 20, 2005 12:35 PM | Link to this

I have been a Braves fan since they played exhibitions at Cracker Stadium across from the old Sears on Ponce De Leon. I have watched some terrible teams for decades and now have watched some great teams for the last 14 years. It should be about watching good baseball. Good pitching, good defense, timely hitting by your team. 14 straight, no big deal. Not winning more Wrold Series, no big thing. Leo getting the money he deserves from another organization, big thing. But anyone who has had to take an offer from another employer, and leave a long-time job for a deserved salary understands the situation. We just had a season where we did what no one thought possible, with a lot of rookies, had a great season that was more fun to watch than any in a long time, and everybody is turning in their season tickets. Folks, it is fun to watch baseball played even if you aren’t World Champions. Try being a Yankee fan where it isn’t fun and good UNLESS you win it all. Enjoy don’t destroy.

By MB

October 20, 2005 12:37 PM | Link to this

Well said, SYKO!

By Lisa Wade

October 20, 2005 12:58 PM | Link to this

Let Leo Go? Say it isn’t so. Leo is the greatest pitching coach we have every had. The Braves won’t be the Braves without Leo. He needs to be rockin’ next to Bobby next year. Sign him to a multi-contract and pay him what he is worth. Keep him a BRAVE!

By Steve

October 20, 2005 01:05 PM | Link to this

I second that. Well said SYKO.

I would love to be able to go and watch this team every day, but my only chance is the six games in LA and San Diego every season. This team should draw 40,000 every home game but do not. I do not understand that. They have trouble selling out playoff games. That absolutely baffles me. The Dodgers won 71 games but drew 3.6 million fans. The Braves are constantly in the bottom half of the league in attendance. Fans in Atlanta have become spoiled. Enjoy this while you can, I know I do because one day it will end.

If the Braves do promote from within I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bruce Dal Canton get the job.

By Ron

October 20, 2005 01:09 PM | Link to this

Somehow 13 other teams won the World Series without Leo Mazzone as pitching coach the last 14 years. Losing him is not the end of the world. Leo is probably the best pitching coach in history, but how much difference does a pitching coach really make?

Throwing more between starts and winning games by throwing fastballs for strikes is not exactly rocket science. The Braves can easily hire somebody else that can teach those 2 things to the staff. Mel Stottlmyre is available for instance. How many championships have his pitching staffs won the last 14 years? Oh yeah. 4.

It doesn’t matter who the Braves have as pitching coach if they don’t get quality pitchers especially in the bullpen for him to coach.

By Harlan

October 20, 2005 01:12 PM | Link to this

Haven’t read all the posts, but I will say Leo seems like a class guy and he made his bones Smoltz, Glavine and some reclamation projects. That said, his record in developing young pitchers has been uneven at best in recent years and you’d think sooner or later he’d be able to create some bullpen guys.

On the other hand however, we can whine and moan about the glaring lack of post-season accomplishments by the Braves organization over the past decade and a half, but one wonders if the Braves aren’t headed for Atlanta Hawks territory. That of course being the decision to try and rebuild the organization after some mediocrity (I know, the Hawks and Braves don’t exactly compare in that department, but bear with me) and finding that sometimes, getting into the playoffs year after year and failing to deliver ends up being more palatable than being a laughingstock organization constantly searching for the combination of players and management that will restore them to playoff mediocrity.

They’ve delayed it far longer than expected, but I have to believe that it’s only a matter of time before that clock finally strikes midnight and the Braves lose the glass slipper and the coach (not Leo) turns back into a pumpkin, etc…

By MB

October 20, 2005 01:22 PM | Link to this

Harlan, not sure I understand your point, but I think the difference is that those Hawks of the late 80’s and early 90’s were getting older, while these Braves are getting younger. The Hawks have had nothing but bad managment in the last 15 years, while the Braves have had great (organizational) management.

The minor league system in baseball makes a big difference, I think, and that’s where the Braves have really excelled. The Braves seem to have successfully reloaded, pretty much, without having to obliterate the talent base. That’s why I’m so frustrated with the Braves-haters… but that’s just one opinion.

Interesting analogy, though.

By Greg from Marietta

October 20, 2005 01:52 PM | Link to this

Terence,

Please explain to me the logic of an organization, such as the Atlanta Braves, who pay Millions to pitchers win or lose. However, they pinch pennies when it comes to keeping the The Best Pitching Coach in baseball. I suppose stupidity has no bounds!!!!

By MB

October 20, 2005 02:00 PM | Link to this

Greg, which teams would you cite as having applied better logic than the Braves over the last 15 years?

By Drew

October 20, 2005 03:14 PM | Link to this

If Leo Mazzone goes to another team, we can kiss our streak of 14 straight good bye. I think he should deserve as much credit for those teams as Bobby Cox and John Schurholtz. He might be the single most important man in that locker room. The next question raised is where do you go from the best? Whoever might step in after Leo, well there will be no comparison, our pitching staff will ultimately digress. Like Dwight says in NBC’s the Office…..Loyalty is key

By Jameson Locklear

October 20, 2005 03:29 PM | Link to this

Leo Mazzone is by far the best pitching coach of all time, and John Schuerholz is the best General Manager of all time, and Bobby Cox is at least in the Top 3 of all time Managers and so I am confident that the Braves officials will find a way to keep all three until they retire. Mazzone’s reign here in Atlanta is the biggest factor in the Braves last 14/15 season successes (‘94 was still a good year). Think of all the rejuvenated careers that have come at the hands of Leo “The Rocking Chair” Mazzone. Wisdom will override monetary issues and Leo will remain at the top- or the Braves will not.

By Chip

October 20, 2005 03:41 PM | Link to this

ESPN is reporting that Leo has signed with the O’s, done deal.

By Zettler Clay

October 22, 2005 01:20 AM | Link to this

Very clever article with a sarcastic overtone and wit. I am an upcoming journalist so i appreciate that. And oh yeah… Leo’s departure will prove to be catastrophic.

-Zettler C. Clay IV