AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > June > 12 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTime not on Braves’ side
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
John Schuerholz somewhat confirmed Monday that his baseball team has turned into rotting smelt, though he was nice enough not to use those words because he answers to corporate weasels (unlike myself).
He also gave me an exclusive peek into what goes on behind the scenes of a baseball team gone stinky, divulging: “There are a lot of desks belonging to a lot of general managers right now that have my number sitting on it for return calls.”
The way I figure it, he must not be close to a big trade. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have time to call me back, and I don’t have a leadoff hitter, pitcher or Valium to part with.
Methinks nobody wants to help your Atlanta Braves.
For the better part of 15 years, Schuerholz has done things from a position of strength. When a team wins and has a history of winning, it allows a general manager to pace himself. He plugs holes and spackles cracks at a leisurely pace. His pace. He waits, and waits, and waits, and waits, until just before the trade deadline when he swings the deal you’ve been screaming about for six weeks.
But now Schuerholz lacks his constant sidekick: time.
There are two things that generally don’t intersect in baseball: “June” and “Over.” But the Braves started Monday twice the distance from the first-place Mets (10 games) as the last-place-Marlins (five). Florida’s payroll ($15 million) is one-sixth of Atlanta’s ($80 million). That tends to jolt the system.
“We didn’t have to see the games behind in the newspaper to know the situation,” Schuerholz said. “We’re all befuddled by what’s happened. We came out of training feeling good about the team, though with the knowledge that we might have to do something to rearrange the bullpen. But if you look at the evidence now, it may suggest that more needs to be done than just that.”
Some options involve weapons.
A general manager never wants anybody to think he lacks leverage, even when it’s obvious he does.
Everybody knows the Braves need bullpen help.
Everybody knows they need a competent starter.
Everybody knows Marcus Giles is a disaster as a leadoff hitter, and neither his glove nor his salary suggest he should be kept. (I know. He gets his uniform dirty. Guess what? Trade for someone else and I’ll provide free dirt.)
When everybody knows you’re desperate, the price goes up. So Schuerholz reacts accordingly when asked if he has to make a trade.
“We never have to make a trade,” he said. “But we’d like to.”
That’s cute. But he does have to.
Yesterday.
The Braves are free of incurable diseases. That’s the good news.
I know. We in the media spend too much time harping on the negative. But it has been 13 years since the Braves had to make up 10 games in the standings. Yes, in that 1993 season, they won 104 games. It was the franchise’s first 100-win season since the 1898 Boston Beaneaters won 102. But 1993 is no more relevant than 1898.
David Justice is not walking through that door.
Chris Reitsma is walking into it.
In 1993, the Braves had a starting rotation of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Steve Avery and Pete Smith. As an added bonus, it didn’t have Jorge Sosa.
Those Braves had two competent closers, Mike Stanton (27 saves) and Greg McMichael (19). The bullpen had an ERA of 3.15. This bullpen has a nice bonus in Ken Ray. But a bonus is not a foundation. This bullpen entered Monday with an ERA of 5.12 and has allowed 23 home runs. The ‘93 bullpen allowed 19 home runs all season.
That team had Otis Nixon to lead off. This team has Giles, who is hitting .235 with an on-base percentage of .328 (10th among position players).
In 1993, Schuerholz swung arguably the best trade of his tenure. San Diego’s Fred McGriff came here. Melvin Nieves and junk went there.
The day of McGriff’s debut, the press box caught on fire. Dangling participles leaped to their death. Then McGriff slammed a home run against St. Louis to ignite an eight-run rally and an 8-5 win. The Braves were saved. They went 51-17 to close the season.
Now, McGriff is gone. The stadium is gone. Hope is on a respirator. Thus far, Schuerholz has done nothing. Waiting this out is only creating a stronger stench.
Permalink | Comments (206) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves / MLB, Jeff Schultz
Comments
By Grant Crowe
June 12, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this
I aggree if the Braves make a run, Schuerholz must pull a rabbit out of his hat or Turner field will resemble phillips arena when the Hawks are on the court. In other words time is ticking and I think the best move Atlanta could make is to send fan fav Giles and Langerhans to another team for a stud reliever and another pen arm of lesser value so it could be a two for two trade. I think if the Braves do this they could get betemits bat in the lineup every day at second and move Pete Orr to left field or give Diaz a shot at the every day roll, I like Orr tho, just because he has incredible speed and would be a nice number eight hitter, with Betemit number two behind Renteria.
Thank you
By Big Al
June 12, 2006 07:59 PM | Link to this
“Dangling participles leaped to their death”
Oh, that’s a good line. Where do you get your material?
We no longer have the Crime Dog, but it nevertheless seems criminal the way some Braves’ players are passing themselves off as competent Major League material.
By stew
June 12, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this
Don’t panic! We will be there at the end. Don’t forget the Met rotation is flawed. Now that McCann is back and hitting in the five hole, the lineup is more cohesive. Braves fans unite. We need your support. Go out and cheer on your team. NEVER SAY DIE! NEVER SAY DIE! NEVER SAY DIE!
By Jtucker
June 12, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this
I wish they would move LaRoche and bring Salty up at 1st. You saw what the youth movement did for us last year. Trade Giles for a closer and put Betemit in the leadoff. Betemit, Renteria, Chip, Andrew, Francouer, McCann, and Salty. That’s a nasty lineup. I agree with putting Pete Orr in the outfield and batting 8th. We have no speed in the lineup now. None. We should be able to get some good quality pitching for LaRoche and Giles.
If that doesn’t work unload Chipper, Giles, LaRoche and Smoltz. Go for the youth movement. Young guys are hungry and play hard (except for LaRoche). Go Braves!
By RAWDAWG
June 12, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this
If the Braves can’t trade Giles (the favorite son), they should bench him and start Wilson Betemit. Diaz should be starting everyday in left field until he proves his .300 avg is a fluke. You can’t do any worse playing Betemit and Diaz than what you’re getting from Giles and Langerhans. The bullpen is an utter mess, and will require a major overhaul to repair. I don’t know if the Braves will be able to fix it in mid-season. Good relief pitching is hard to come by. You have 2 solid relievers in Rey and McBride, but that’s it! It’s not looking good for the Home team, but I still have hope.
By You Dont Say
June 12, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this
Stew McCann is one player. He cant do it all. Where is Chipper and Andrew. Are they hitting. I have wondered all season long why they dont put Renteria as leadoff and Giles back in his two hole. Sometimes I think Bobby Cox has lost his mind. Giles in the leadoff isnt working.
I am all for trading LaRoche and trying Thurman. Hes ready, why not give him a shot. The way I see things we need not only bullpen arms but 1st base and a swamp at leadoff and 2nd hitter. That might start something. I mean hey what can it hurt. We are 10 games down now.
How about James, where is he. Putting Sosa in the bullpen is a mistake. He cant get through the 1st inning on his regular day. What, are we going to let him load them up in the 7th. Oh boy cant wait.
By Kenny
June 12, 2006 08:23 PM | Link to this
I don’t think trading Giles is the answer, but I do believe he is not a leadoff hitter. Maybe they should think about moving Renteria into the leadoff spot, and putting Giles into the 2 spot. As far as the Mets go, their rotation is flawed and I don’t believe it will endure the entire season. You can’t win walk off games all year, it’ll catch up to you. This team is going through a rough patch right now, but I believe in the end, the Braves will be in the postseason. Its still June! This is the Atlanta Braves we’re talkin about, not the Cubs. Everyone take it easy, we got a long way to go…..
By Grant Crowe
June 12, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this
Stew I aggree never give up, I’m still playing ball at the college level and I never give up as a Braves fan or as a player…. but the fact is the Braves are out as many games as the number there star third basemen wears on the back of his jersey. I still have hope, but… the Braves will not even flirt with first place unless they remodel there current bullpen. Reitsma is a nice guy, but that doesent win baseball games and thats the bottom line, 9.11 era is all I have to say. Like I said before Schuerholz must make a move in the Braves pen or the Braves WILL NOT take the field in October.
By David
June 12, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this
Rusty!!!
The horse on this bandwagon must have been eating beef-o-roni cause everyone is jumping off..Oh well..better horse mileage..see you in August..The village idiot on 680 this afternoon said the Mets magic number is 90…90..Ye of little faith get away from me.
By Ben Walker
June 12, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this
No, Jeff the Braves don’t need a competant starter. They need several competant starters.
By Jim
June 12, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this
Why doesn’t Cox release Reitsma & La Roche, move Chipper to first and let Betemit play everyday at third? Why is he so loyal to Chris & Adam when they simply are not producing, have not produced and probably will not produce. What’s the problem?????
By Jim
June 12, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this
Why doesn’t Cox release Reitsma & La Roche, move Chipper to first and let Betemit play every day at third? Why is he so loyal to Chris & Adam when they simply are not producing, have not produced and probably will not produce. What’s the problem?????
By Chris
June 12, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this
Grant,
Diaz in left field, yes. Orr? Come on, now. He’s batting .213 and isn’t exactly an everyday outfielder. I’d hate to see Giles go, but if he can get us some of the bullpen help we so desperately need, it’s a move that almost has to be made.
By Insane Brave
June 12, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this
Hey Jim I agree with Chipper at 1st and Betemit at 3rd. I thoroughly support Bobby Cox but he must get off his a$$ and make some common sense changes. As for Marcus, package him and Adam to an American league team for bullpen help; Trade Brian Jordan and Todd Pratt to the AARP for some community goodwill; and trade Sosa to a local mexican restaurant for some salsa; and call it a day.
By Insane Brave
June 12, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this
Hey Jim I agree with Chipper at 1st and Betemit at 3rd. I thoroughly support Bobby Cox but he must get off his a$$ and make some common sense changes. As for Marcus, package him and Adam to an American league team for bullpen help; Trade Brian Jordan and Todd Pratt to the AARP for some community goodwill; and trade Sosa to a local mexican restaurant for some salsa; and call it a day.
By Tommy
June 12, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this
To stop the bleeding, the Braves need to move Giles, because they actually might be able to get something for him - like a competent starter. Sosa’s days are numbered - he looks terrible. Trade him for a solid reliever or for a Craig Wilson, who can play/platoon at first and outfield and puts up decent power numbers. Move Betemit to 2nd and Ken Ray to closer. The Reitsma experiment is over. Just do something.
Jtucker - Salty is batting .222 in AA (not good)
By Michael
June 12, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this
Can we send Greg Olson some balls and bats and get Kerry Ligtenberg again? Can John Rocker throw it between the dugouts still? It’s time for something drastic. Something as far-fetched as not putting McCann in the 8th spot because he hits left-handed. Was anybody else perplexed by putting one of the top 5 hitters in the NL one spot ahead of a pitcher?
No way would I play Salty at first unless he has proven he can play defense first. How many times have the Braves given up 5 runs because of one defensive error? Put the gloves where they need to be and then teach those fools how to hit. I would also start using Pete Orr in left for a week and let him hit leadoff. Can it be worse than having 2 wins in June?
By Tommy
June 12, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this
Jim - moving Chipper to 1st and Betemit to 3rd would be good if we did not need pitching. We have to make a move for pitching and get betemit in the lineup. As much as I like Giles, he’s the man to go.
And as far as bringing up young guys, release Jordan and Pratt now and make room for the youth.
By Drixie
June 12, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this
Chipper to first (it will prolong his career, while making the Braves better). Betemit to 3rd (he’s earned a starting shot). Trade LaRoche for anything (addition by subtraction). Move or drop Reitsma (nice guy who has wilted under pressure). Drop Giles to number 7 or 8 spot. Try Sosa in the pen. Francouer is an exceptional talent but he needs seasoning. Be careful about trading top prospects. We need to retool for 2007 not mortgae our future for a first round playoff exit.
By hop
June 12, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this
no one mentions the defense which is at the botom of the league,renteria does not cover as much territory as most other shortstops in the league and he makes too many errors.
the adage is one must be strong up the middle to win and the braves infielders are the weak link.
laroche must go but you are not going to get much for him.
chipper is not a good defensive player either so maybe, we should trade chipper than we can get some real pitchers.
By Jeff
June 12, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this
By Tommy
June 12, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this
The only problem with trading Chipper for pitching is we have no one who can replace him in the lineup right now and be as effective as he is.
I agree, we may not get much for LaRoche.
By Peggy
June 12, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this
We have grown to expect all the wins….now is the time for all the real fans to step up….look at Boston the year they won the pennant….just got to turn this thing around with some real love of the game by fans and players….
By Adam
June 12, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this
The answer is simple…TRADE CHIPPER JONES. There is no leadership in the dugout. You can see it everytime this team takes the field. C. Jones is NOT a leader. There is talent on this team…not immense talent, but talent. The problem is leadership among the players. C. Jones has never demonstrated any leadership. What ever happened to the passion within this team. I have been a fan since 1979 and I do not see it. I have seen more passion in Biff Pocoroba catching for a losing Braves team. SOMEONE NEEDS TO FRIGGIN STAND UP AND DO SOMETHING! HOW ABOUT IT T.P.? Why not teach someone to walk off the field in the middle of an inning? DO SOMETHING!
By rick marcin
June 12, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this
Let’s don’t give up too much talent as this is not 1993. We can not win every year only to lose early in the playoffs. We desperately need bullpen help. Too bad Hampton is injured. The Yankees would have gotten us out of the mess of a contract. Bad timing on that one. Sosa can fill the bill for a decent middle reliever or trade bait. We all knew his 13-3 record last year included a lot of luck.
By JC
June 12, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this
Adam, I don’t know that I’d trade Chipper, but I do agree that he’s no leader. Last season when we were in a slump, Chipper pretty much said publicly that the Braves couldn’t do any better with their current payroll. Andruw, on the other hand, stepped up and led—both in word and at the plate. This year, Renteria seems to be the best leader we have. I think leadership has always been a weakness with the Braves
By Jeff
June 12, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this
Panic? Situation is BEYOND—Panic!!! Bring up the boys from Richmond and cut the beer prices. The fans will see better baseball and enjoy the game again. These millionaires haven’t earned their keep— show ‘em the door!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Ipfreely
June 12, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this
Salty is not the answer to the problem,he is not playing very well in the minors,it is time to trade Salty for a dependable starter such as the DTrain,I agree trade giles for some pitching help,get rid of reitsma either via trade or release him,put Betemit at second to take Giles slot,either bat Renteria leadoff or Betemit.The Braves need to get rid of that no good windbag Thomson,put Chuck James in the starting rotation and trade sosa with Giles,call up pete Stockman or Will startup and make Ray the everyday closer.The key is trading Salty and Giles.
By Rick
June 12, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this
This team does need some changes. Problem is there aren’t too many teams to turn to to get help. Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Florida, and Tampa Bay. Those teams are out of the race for a reason, the players on the teams are not good.
Best bet is to get a 4th starter and move Sosa to the bullpen. This will help the starting pitching and relief pitching.
As for the offense, they can’t rely on the homerun anymore. Chipper has 7 homeruns and Andruw is not going to hit 50 homeruns. They need to play little ball and do the little things that the young teams of 1991 & 1992 did. How many homeruns did the Braves hit in 1991? 141…..they played little ball and that excited the fans and won baseball games. Swinging for the fences has only made their strikeouts increase.
By time for the truth
June 12, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this
Immediately trade A Jones, Giles, LaRoche and a few others for whatever you can get that’s a proven improvement. Jones should bring in a decent trade or two - hitters or pitchers, and shuffling the pack a bit with a few new faces might freshen things up, try the new kids that can do it - not Francoeur who is way overrated after one reasonable season.
Time to politely ditch Cox this season, now -or ASAP - and fire that new pitching coach who is ultimately responsible, along with Cox. They choke every year in post season - that’s down to Cox!!
By Ipfreely
June 12, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this
it is also time to get rid of cox and make TP the Manager.Time to also get rid of John s and put Frank Wren in there.Then these new guys can stop all of this loyality crap,Loyalty doesn’t win ballgames.Bobby has dementia,he keeps forgetting.he has shown that by continuing to stick with Reitsma.
By Tommy
June 12, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this
Trade A. Jones???? Arguably the best CF in the history of the game, as well as the League homerun leader last year. He takes away as many runs as he scores. There are plenty of other options to trade.
We do not want to be another Marlins franchise, who gets rid of great players and fan favorites. Look at how many people in Miami are interested in the Marlins - nobody goes to the games.
Trade Andrew Jones? CRAZY
By Grant, C
June 12, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this
Ok dont trade Chipper, the Braves wouldn’t have won the division severel years if it wasn’t for him stepping up and leading the team. The guy is a gamer and has never been on a team that dident go to the playoffs even in highschool.Chipper is capable of putting the team on his back, we saw that in 99 against the Mets, who have a history of choking post all-star game. Also Connie Mack couldent come back from the dead and manage this team with there bullpen.So dont toss are future hall of famer out.
By Greg
June 12, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this
I havent really read anyone’s comments (except Jeff’s, obviously), but the little tidbits i saw scanning through said something about liking Pete Orr…. first problem.
Just talking position players, the Braves have four mediocre bench players:
Langerhans — Great defensive replacement, can’t hit a lick. Diaz — disaster in LF, strikes out a ton, but can hit once in awhile. LaRoche — Lazy, cant focus, either HR’s or strikes out. Pratt — whatever, nobody thought he’d be any more than that.
The problem with the above statement, is that two of these guys are starting on a Major League Baseball team…. unbelievable. You could maybe argue for either of these guys on a team who’s stars didnt strike out all the time, but these Braves do, and those Braves don’t deserve to start. The issue, though, is that since they do, we are left with another categoy: Non-Major Leaguers:
Pete Orr — this guy is a joke. seriously, the fact he hit a pinch hit home run last week convinced me that there is a God. but, back to reality, all Orr can do is run. He can’t hit, put the ball in play, bunt or field…. least talented player in the majors. B.J. — love the guy’s personality and his veteran presence, but lets face it, he cant hit and he cant field. Put him on the 60 day DL for carpal tunnel syndrome from signing autographs.
Now, you ask, ive b*** more than anyones probably read, but what is my solution (you probably dont think i can come up with something realistic, not including stupid trades, do you…..)
With Jordan on the DL, send down Orr…done. To take their spots, recall Tony Pena and Scott Thorman. Thorman and Diaz can platoon in the OF with Thorman acting as a guy that can play 1b as well. (the guy is hitting everything in Richmond while T.P. is so much better than Pete Orr’s best day… he can actually field and not strike out.)
Install Wilson as the every day FIRST-baseman. Let’s face it, the guy can do it if he can play the other 3 IF positions and he sure as hell is a safer bet to hit consistently than LaRoche. (in doing this, LaRoche is relegated to the bench to backup at first).
Sure, I suppose this presents a lack of righties on the bench (LaRoche, Langerhans, and Thorman on days a lefty pitches), but there are plenty of veterans around the league that JS could go get to sit on our pine and hit righty (and maybe even replace one of those K-happy bums.
I love the Braves as much as anyone else, but they have to do something and soon. Wilson needs to be playing every day and LaRoche doesnt… at least do that.
Pitching staff another time!
By giles fan
June 12, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this
Don’t trade Giles. He’s the only guy on the team who shows any spirit. The others act like Glavinesque robots.
By Grant, C
June 12, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this
Philadelphia, Arizona, Cincinnati, Houston, San diego. These teams are ahead of the Braves for the WILD CARD, the team with the biggest lead is Cincinnati and there 5-1/2 ahead of the Braves. So even if the Braves cant catch the Mets, which I still have hope they can. They are very much so alive in the wild card race. All they need is two solid arms in the pen to go with Ray and Poronto. Also Betemit will be in the lineup every day by the trade deadline either at second or left field period, this will add another big bat to a lineup that can be very dangerous, with Renteria , Jones , Jones , Mcann, and Frenchy.
By Gary
June 12, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this
Marcus Giles is a solid baseball player who has been asked to do something he’s not built for and that’s be a leadoff hitter. Put him in the 7 or 8 hole and let him hit his .275 and feel comfortable again. If you buy the adage that less change is better, then put Betemit in the outfield and do something with the Laroche, Langerhans experiment which isn’t working. I’m not real big on Francouer either because he swings and misses too often for a major league hitter, but he gets you something from those bombs he hits every now and then. Fixing the bullpen isn’t as difficult as you would think. There are good arms there in Ray, Mc Bride, and Yates, but you can’t throw them in do or die situations every day and expect them to succeed every time….none is a closer yet so don’t do that to them. Trade Sosa and Langerhans or Laroche for a decent closer and the rest of the bullpen will be fine, but no bullpen can save a team that can’t score. GET SOME HITTERS!
By BravesWizard
June 12, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this
Here is a nice idea, lets trade Langerhans and prospect for Devil Rays OF Carl Crawford, and put him in the leadoff spot, and Giles to bat 8th, This is a nice lineup 1)C.Crawford 2)E.Renteria 3)C.Jones 4)A.Jones 5)B.McCann 6)J.Francoeur 7)A.LaRoche 8)M.Giles
So What Do You Think ???
By Grant, C
June 12, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this
I like Crawford, it would be nice but it would take Giles for crawford and maybe a prospect, Crawford is a future Star, 20+hrs 50+sb’s+ 100+ runs. It would be awesome but I doubt it will happen.
By Tommy
June 12, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this
I agree it is not too late. And I know that Schuerholz is trying to make trades. The problem is that nobody is biting. There are too many teams still in it to want anything the Braves are offering right now.
I do think it is funny though that every year you hear people coming down on the guys that have carried this team for years. I keep hearing people say we should have a firesale, like in Florida.
Face it, we are fans of this team, because of the players we love - it isn’t the uniforms people. But, the same bandwagon fans who were chearing for these guys last year, now want to bash the guys who get the job done. The problem is not Andrew, Chipper, Smoltz, or Francouer - these guys do their jobs well. We can’t blame them for our pitching woes. But it is funny how our pitching totally sucks and all of a sudden you hear we should get rid of Chipper or Andrew. Get rid of the problems, not the guys doing it year in and year out.
By Tommy
June 12, 2006 11:39 PM | Link to this
Crawford would be nice, but it still doesn’t solve the pitching crisis. And GC is right it would take a Giles and prospect for anyone to bite.
By Dean
June 12, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this
Stew is living in a dream world. This team needs a serious face lift to get back in it..
By Dean
June 12, 2006 11:53 PM | Link to this
Stew is living in a dream world. This team needs a serious face lift to get back in it..
By Todd A
June 12, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this
Keep up the good work,Jeff.Some in the Atlanta media tend to give Cox and schuerholz a free pass.You,however,call it as you see it.I’m glad to see an Atlanta journalist not treating this organization with kid gloves.This team is absolutely wretched.Schuerholz did very little to upgrade this team during the off season,and Cox isn’t getting maximum effort from his players.
By Tommy
June 13, 2006 12:03 AM | Link to this
I had this dream where i was a fan of a Royals type team and I was on this blog looking for a glimmer of hope for my dying team and…
Wait a second…
Somebody pinch me!
By Kentavo
June 13, 2006 12:13 AM | Link to this
Beef up the pitching, and the offense will be fine when the hitters have confidence that they don’t have to play catch-up all the time. I’m not sure Reitsma and his 911 ERA would have been allowed to hang around in the bad old days, so why now? Getting rid of him will solve many problems.
By David Duncan
June 13, 2006 12:25 AM | Link to this
In 1991, when the Braves won the NL East, I never expected it to be 2006 before the Braves would lose a division title. This team is awful and could finish last in the NL East. I agree. Giles and Laroche should go. Reitsma, Sosa and Thompson should be released, since no team would take them in a trade. Cox is to loyal to his players. He will continue to use Reitsma, and he will continue to implode and allow a lot of runs. This Braves team is going to lose 95 games. Mark it down. You heard it here.
By Bill Clyde
June 13, 2006 12:43 AM | Link to this
My 2 pesos (like most people’s, they aren’t worth that much anymore):
Trade Langerhans and bait for bullpen help, keeping Diaz as a viable bench option against lefties (and the Marlins). Ryan is going to take more time to develop than a perennial playoff contender like the Braves can afford (see Jermaine Dye, although I think Ryan’s ceiling is ultimately lower than Dye’s).
Bring up Thorman, ease him into the everyday lineup until the All-Star break, giving him the same chances to whiff and GIDP that LaRoche has been given, keeping LaRoche for the bench and late-inning defense.
Offer BJ early retirement and release Reitsma, or designate him for assignment. BJ is done, but would likely make an excellent coach or front-office guy as he obviously loves the Braves and the greater ATL community. Reitsma needs a fresh start with a new club; sending him to Richmond or anywhere else in the Braves farm system isn’t going to help him earn back his confidence.
A place has got to be found for Wilson Betemit to get 4-5 ABs every day. Although I’d much prefer to see him as an everyday SS or 3B, we already have those for this year, so how about LF? Remember when that LF job was the sole domain of one Ryan Klesko? Betemit seems like a pretty good option out there now, doesn’t he? Defensively and personally he is the antithesis of an Alfonso Soriano, and I’m sure he’d welcome the move as a chance to play every day. He’s done everything the club has asked of him, including riding the pine for 2 years while lesser players are given free reign to loaf and expect someone else to get the job done.
Where in God’s name is Peter Moylan? Sure his last 2 outings with the major-league club were ugly, but he had 8 strikeouts in 5 2/3 IP, and couldn’t possibly be a worse option than Tyler Yates.
We need a better leadoff hitter, and while Giles makes an outstanding number 2 hitter behind Rafael Furcal, we already have the best number 2 hitter since Roberto Alomar, so Giles is tradebait—he’s been mentioned in practically every trade rumor for the last 3 years anyway. If the Braves could find it within themselves to abandon the concept of a traditionally speedy leadoff hitter, then they should have no problem giving Betemit a shot; and Giles, packaged with a second-tier prospect may bring the kind of middle-of-the-rotation starting pitcher we need.
I’d love to see Pratt dropped in favor of Brayan Pena, but Todd’s veteran experience and pitcher-handling may be too necessary to the club, so what about carrying 3 catchers? Roster space is already being wasted on bench players who can’t hit or field, and pitchers who can’t get anyone out.
By BirdDawg
June 13, 2006 12:53 AM | Link to this
Bobby Cox is an idiot. Usually, his idiocy appears in the crucial moments in October. But now it has infected the team during the summer.
Fire the man who can never get it done when it matters the most. Fire Bobby Cox!
By shanabe
June 13, 2006 01:31 AM | Link to this
The Braves this year look like an organization in decline. As a Mets fan nervously looking in at all of this - I feel particularly qualified in recognizing decline when I see it.
The talk of trading the Jones Boys is a bit crazy. Although they may not be carrying the team on their backs this year (so far), the problem resides in a surplus of young hitters that are all or nothing types at the plate and who generally don’t play ‘heads up’ ball. Teams usually don’t consistently win with that approach from a large number of regulars. And Giles is miscast as a Leadoff guy - that’s not really a good reason to trade him either.
However, the biggest problem is pitching. Schultz has it right - the Braves of the past (even very recent past) had a dominant rotation and at the minimum, a servicable bullpen. That’s no longer the case. We’ve watched the quality of the starting rotation ever so slowly degrade for years, and now with some untimely injuries that haven’t been replaced, a tipping point appears to have been reached.
Although it’s getting awfully late to still be early, the Braves aren’t done yet. The Mets, although on a tear right now, will cool off. Philly, and an upcoming grueling 9 game interleague road trip to BOS/TOR/Yanks could help keep them from running away. However, the team is built to win now, and has a very solid base for the future. The key to the Mets will be the Cuban connection in the #4 and 5 rotation spots - Alay Soler and Yankee waste El Dipstick. If they can keep the bullpen from becoming overused, watch out. The bad news for the NL is that these two appear to be settling down and if they continue pitching anything close to recent performance, combined with Pedro and the reconstitued Glavine, I just don’t see how that team doesn’t win 95-100 games at a minimum. The offense simply has way too much firepower to enter a protracted power outage.
If Scheurholz and Cox are to pull this season out of the hopper, they’ll need to tap into some Mgmt steroids - and would deserve GM/Mgr of the year awards - no questions asked. But that’s asking for a heck of a lot.
By Matt Parker
June 13, 2006 02:03 AM | Link to this
All of you are right about how loyalty does not win ball games. So in addition to some changes among position players, how about some changes in management?
By Todd A
June 13, 2006 02:11 AM | Link to this
Adam and JC, I seldom everagree with Terrance Moore,but one thing I emphatically agree with him about,is the Braves have never replaced David Justice’s presence in the lineup.Simply,the man was clutch.He may have been an A hole,but he was the guy I wanted at the plate when the chips were down.I still think we beat the Yankees in ‘96 if David doesn’t get hurt that may.We owned Curt Schilling when he was in the lineup.I’ll never forget the homer off Dibble in sept ‘91,or the blast against the Indians in game 6 of the ‘95 WS. But I digress.Schuerholz basically handed the leadership role of the team over to Chipper after that trade of Grissom and Justice in ‘97,and he just wasn’t ready.Then in sept ‘99,I thought Chipper was coming of age,when he single-handedly destroyed the Mets enroute to an mvp season and a WS appearance by the Braves.But in the 9th inning of game 4 of that WS,the Braves 3 outs from being swept by the Yankees,Chipper was caught on camera laughing in the dugout after Klesko broke a bat on a foul ball.Compare and contrast with Smoltzie for instance.During his start in that Series,he tried throwing knuckleballs,changing the arm angles on his delivery,anything he could do to help his team persevere,despite obvious pain in his arm.Just wish Chipper was half the gamer that Smoltzie and Justice are/were.
By Jay
June 13, 2006 02:23 AM | Link to this
Get rid of two out of the three…Langerhans, Cockroche, Frenchy. All three are strikeout masters that drag down our lineup. Frency has the biggest upside of course, so he stays. Start Diaz, bench Cockroche.
Trade Giles, Langerhans, Laroche for a leadoff hitter and/or 1st baseman.
Start Betemit at 2nd
OR
Move Chipper to 1st, start Betemit at 3rd
Rheeksma is the worst reliever in the game. He’s done, mentally. Get rid of him.
Tell Mike Hampton he owes the Braves a pay cut for saving his career.
Trade Salty. The last thing we need is another strikeout-or-homer player. We already got three.
Stop starting Sosa. Please. When Davies is healthy, drop him in the pen, or cut him.
By Head Coach
June 13, 2006 02:24 AM | Link to this
I said it in David O’Brien’s blog and I’ll say it here again. Fire sale , roster purge , pull the damn plug , rip it apart already. Jeff , you say John Schuerholz doesnt have options ? Yes , he does. Andruw , Smoltz , Hudson , Renteria , Chipper , Giles and Thomson on the trading block would turn the Major leagues upside down. Yes , Andruw , Chipper and Smoltz are 5-10 players. but , if the other four guys are traded and the afore mentioned three get thier pick of teams it would make for a very interesting summer of baseball. Rebuid it , we have the core of young players to do it with along with the scouting , minor leagues and trade bait. Atlanta is a small market team overburdened with a top heavy 80 million salary cap. five players eat up 60 million of it. Mike Hampton has about 40-42 million remaining on his contract. Trade Andruw to the Yankees and make Steinbrenner eat Hamptons contract. Otherwise , this fanancial tap dance John Schuerholz is doing with the team salary budget is about to bust a heel.
By maya lucia
June 13, 2006 03:01 AM | Link to this
get rid of giles…….and pick up soriano from the rangers……& let him play second and lead off…..
let somebody else play first…..laroche sucks…..
give chipper his retirement watch……and let wilson play 3rd….
find a new left fielder……
and some pitchers….
oh well, the streak was a good one…..
By Miguel Manuel
June 13, 2006 03:44 AM | Link to this
Taking issue with a couple of posters here: Firstly, Maya Lucia, Alfonso Soriano hasn’t played with the Rangers all season. You may have noticed him playing at some point this year with the Washington Nationals, because, ya know, they’rein the same division as the Braves. Expect to see him in pinstripes soon, now that Matsui and Sheffield are down.
Tommy, don’t speak for “we”, because I actually DO watch the Braves games for the name on the front of the uniforms, the whole TEAM. While it’s nice to cultivate a love for certain players over the years, if they get traded or leave via free agency, I don’t suddenly become the other team’s fan. Maddux was my favorite for years, but I didn’t switch to the Cubs just because he left, same with Glavine and the Mets or Furcal and the Dodgers. Along the same lines, when I was kid I practically idolized Dale Murphy, because he was all we had to look forward to back then. But I can’t say I give a rat’s patoot what he and the other Latter-Day Saints are up to these days. I want to see the Braves win because I’m a BRAVES fan; personal achievement doesn’t do it for me.
By John K.
June 13, 2006 06:22 AM | Link to this
1B: C. Jones 2B: M. Giles SS: E. Renteria 3B: W. Betemit LF: R. Langerhans CF: A. Jones RF: J. Francouer C: B. McCann
This lineup should produce more than it has. Renteria should leadoff, put Giles back at #2 where he is comfortable. Move Chipper to first, get LaRoche out of there and put Betemit at third to take advantage of his bat. Granted, this doesn’t help the pitching. Reitsma, while I’m sure a good guy (whose family I wholeheartedly agree should not be involved in the fans ire) cannot cut it and needs to go. If he has great stuff as the players say he does, why not send him down to the minors for a stint to work out his issues. If not, then he can be released. I agree, Schuerholz needs to improve the pen and add a starter, but this team is having a bad year, not a bad decade. Even the Yankees, who won 14 pennants in 16 years fron 1949-1964 finished out of it badly in 1959. Let’s not give up a lot of talent (Capellan for Kolb anyone) just to keep a streak alive. Bring up Salty, James, Davies (when he’s healthy) and others who may be close and need some experience and reload for 2007. I’d hate to see a trade just to squeeze another division title and a first round playoff loss at the expense of good teams in the future. Remember, while the Mets have a loaded club, it is also an aging one (Matinez, Glavine). One other note, I wrote last fall and this spring, the Braves would miss Leo Mazzone. I think he had something to do with those 12 ERA titles. Now, I won’t say the Braves would be in first place with him as the Mets are a more talented team than Atlanta is, but they would definitely be much better pitching wise. Our pitchers look lost. Is that a reflection of the pitching coach?
By Kevin
June 13, 2006 06:41 AM | Link to this
U know Bobby cox not trade giles he loves him tryin hit 6runs homeruns with no one on base…..also poor chipless jones complain how awful he is oh we are….also we need cut ratsmina n his 8.33 Era…and release Jordan he can’t catch a ball at first base anymore…they need bring up wilson n pena r this stupid coach (bobbycox) will have them go other teams n they be there top players as they laugh at braves..like boone remember hin now in seattle cox hated him cause he played…so if cox do not get goin i see Him fired very soon!
By cwartillery
June 13, 2006 06:42 AM | Link to this
This early in the season there will be no quick fixes from outside the organization. To get anyone good you’ll have to trade away key talents and pay too much since no one is really out of it yet.
The problem is pitching. The other stuff is doing okay and the Braves would have another 10 or 15 wins with a decent bullpen and a bit better starters. Remember there are some key injuries here: Hampton and Davies. With them starting, Sosa and/or Thompson would probably have been traded for bullpen help. I’d love to see the Braves get Willis but don’t know they’ll do much until the sale of the team is finalized. I’m sure that’s affecting a lot of decisionmaking.
By cwartillery
June 13, 2006 06:58 AM | Link to this
I have no doubt Chipper won’t move to first and Betemit was tried in the outfield some years ago and I seem to recall the reports are it didn’t work well although you would think he’s athletic enough to play there. But somehow they’ve got to get Betemit starting every day. He’s a proven quantity rotting on the bench for lack of a position. If they can’t start him, he could very well be the trade chip they need for pitching help. I’d sure hate to loose him but I don’t think it’s right he doesn’t play either. He’d be a defensive waste at first (like Nomar) but maybe that’s where the Braves need to fit him in.
Other than 1st, the focus should be on pitching and then some more pitching.
By bob
June 13, 2006 07:00 AM | Link to this
As much as I like Giles he isn’t a lead-off hitter. Either switch him and Renteria, or lead off with Renteria and put Betemit in at second. His bat and defense need to be in the lineup.
By bob
June 13, 2006 07:02 AM | Link to this
As much as I like Giles he isn’t a lead-off hitter. Either switch him and Renteria, or lead off with Renteria and put Betemit in at second. His bat and defense need to be in the lineup.
By bob
June 13, 2006 07:02 AM | Link to this
As much as I like Giles he isn’t a lead-off hitter. Either switch him and Renteria, or lead off with Renteria and put Betemit in at second. His bat and defense need to be in the lineup.
By Ernie
June 13, 2006 07:15 AM | Link to this
What about at least trying Betemit at 1B instead of Jordan. I’ve read that Bobby is going to start using Betemit more at 2B, SS and 3B to get his bat in the lineup. Why not add 1B in there also.
By daxxed
June 13, 2006 07:20 AM | Link to this
This team and season will be determined with this Marlins series. If the Braves sweep the Marlins then there is hope and the ship is still afloat, if it is a split then the ship is a rockin, but if the Marlins sweep then the ship is sunk, JS needs to toss out the excess bagage and start bailing out to start a nucleus for next year. I hope they can right this ship and atleast finish second, first would be great but reality has struck, the Mets have the talent and the ownerships blessing, backing and bucks, all we have is hopes.
By daxxed
June 13, 2006 07:20 AM | Link to this
This team and season will be determined with this Marlins series. If the Braves sweep the Marlins then there is hope and the ship is still afloat, if it is a split then the ship is a rockin, but if the Marlins sweep then the ship is sunk, JS needs to toss out the excess bagage and start bailing out to start a nucleus for next year. I hope they can right this ship and atleast finish second, first would be great but reality has struck, the Mets have the talent and the ownership’s blessing, backing and bucks, all we have is hopes.
By BH
June 13, 2006 07:22 AM | Link to this
The Braves need to trade Giles and Langerhans to the Nationals for Alfonso Soriano. We may have to throw someone else in the mix…Salty would be fine. I think he is overhyped at this point. Soriano would love to get back to second base
By Peter Walsh
June 13, 2006 07:24 AM | Link to this
Every year people count out the Braves, mostly sports writers such as John Donovan over at cnnsi, and every year they somehow manage to prove everyone wrong. The Braves get no respect, even with 14 straight division titles. They say are the Bills of MLB, but the big difference is that the Braves have won a World Series. Back in 1993 the Braves looked horrible like they do this year and it seemed one player sparked thier turnaround, same as last year when Andruw put the Braves on his back. This year I know Johnny Boy will go out and get a player who will help the braves turn it around, like he did in 1993. I am saying it right here and right now on June 13th, that the Braves will make the playoffs, they may not win the division but they will make the playoffs. I have been a fan for 14 years and I will never give up on my Braves.
By Chris
June 13, 2006 07:24 AM | Link to this
Is this the only paper we can get in Atlanta??? I’d rather read a tabloid
By h_charles
June 13, 2006 07:54 AM | Link to this
Hey, Peter — you need to stop drinking that Braves kool-aid and taste some reality. Just because you are a die-hard fan doesn’t mean you have to avoid the truth. This team just isn’t very good. They will not be making the playoffs. They just don’t have the talent. Sure they might make a run, but this year IS different. There are so many areas that need fixing, our genious GM just won’t have enough money to fix them.
LAst year was a fluke. We got a lot of overachievement from young players the league hadn’t seen yet. We got Jorge Sosa pitching like the player he is not — a 13 game winner. Smoltz was a year younger. We had a true leadoff hitter in Furcal (anyone who follows the Braves closely knows the Braves have always been a different team offensively when Furcal was hitting well). Most importantly, there were no 2006 Mets to contend with. This Mets team is just too good. Unlike the Braves, they address their weaknesses with all-stars. They have now amassed enough talent to put a great distance between themselves and Atlanta. I’m a die-hard fan too, and I hope I’m wrong. Reality is, however, that our run of 14 straight looks over.
By Mart
June 13, 2006 08:25 AM | Link to this
I’m curious as to whether the GM is thinking of trading to try and make a run at the playoffs this season or is trading to build for next season and the future. If he’s as smart as he’s supposed to be, he’d better be thinking of the not-this-season future. The rest of 2006 should be spent on evaluation (and letting the Jones boys pad their meaningless stats).
By BS
June 13, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this
Don’t forget the Braves don’t have to win the division to make the playoffs. The last time I looked they were only 6 games out in the wild card. They could make a few trades for some help and still win the World Series!
By Laurance Maney
June 13, 2006 08:33 AM | Link to this
Trade Andruw? Chipper? Are you all nuts? Play Betemit for certain and get Giles out of there. But put your energies where they need to be. Your team is about to be traded as a Tax write-off to a Colarado Investment firm and that’s your biggest problem. Vent your spleen on Bud Selig’s office and demand a local part-owner who has the Braves’ interest at heart.
By Dave
June 13, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this
This is a bad team right now. They don’t even compete a lot of the time. This “We’ll be there because we are the Braves” stuff is so much tripe.
The team is fine with losing. They get paid. They laugh. They go home. They don’t care. So we can expect more losing. Humiliations like the Diamondbacks not running the bases in pity would not have happened to Billy Martin’s teams or Sparky Anderson’s teams. If a player was out there, he gave the full effort. I don’t understand Bobby not kicking their butts for this mess. These guys look like a minor league club half the time.
Look at the Marlins. They are a souped up minor league team with every reason to mail in the season after the Braves hit them with all those comebacks in Atlanta. They got better. Now, it’s the Braves playing mailman. Their only win of late occurred because the Astros sat their best players.
Giles needs to ride the pine. Betemit is the man. He could give us a spark. So could Diaz. Bobby’s managing has been so awful this year he looks ready for the glue factory.
And losing teams don’t have bandwagons. Can the cliche’s.
By Peter Walsh
June 13, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this
We do need a true leadoff man thats one of big problems, so trade Giles for a leadoff man The Mets always seem to fold at some point, Glavine is old and will wear down, Pedro never does as well in the second half, and then the Mets are weak 3,4,5 spots in the rotation. The Phillies are always the Philles. If the Braves just win a few games they will keep winning. They need to sweep the Marlins and go from there. Anybody who thinks the Braves can’t make at least a run for the Wild Card is not a true Braves fan and I ashamed to call myself one if thats the case. With Bobby Cox and John Scherholtz anything is possible.
By Yars
June 13, 2006 09:10 AM | Link to this
First off, Chipper is not going to move to 1B at anytime this season. He’s never played 1B in his life. Perhaps in the offseason they can address that issue. Enough of this Chipper bashing. He’s 34 now. Not 28. He still has a lot of game left in him. If Chipper gives us .290/22/90 this season, I’ll be happy. The odds of the Braves catching the Mets are very slim right now. However, the NL wildcard is within reach. In order for this team to even have a shot at the wildcard, JS needs to make some moves ASAP. We can’t wait until July 31. This experiment gone bad with Giles batting leadoff is a joke. I don’t care if Giles is making $2 + million a year. He’s having an off year. We can’t afford to keep putting him in the leadoff spot and have him go 0-4 nearly every game. I say bench him. Put Betemit at 2B. Bobby Cox needs to get a grip on reality and realize that time is running out. If some of his players are oversensitive, then maybe they should find another occupation. It’s nothing personal, we just need to go with a lineup and a starting rotation that will win us ballgames. We need to go on a 8-10 game winning streak real soon. another hole is definitely LF. Langerhans has been given every opportunity to prove he is a everyday player. His lack of being able to hit LH pitching and his below average against RH pitching has proven he isn’t an everyday player. As for the starting rotation, release Jorge Sosa. How much longer are they going to keep this guy in the rotation? Until he’s 1-14 with an era over 6.00? If the Braves want to sneak away with the wildcard, JS needs to trade for a LF and a veteran starter ASAP.
By Ron
June 13, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this
It’s easy to see that all the so called fans that jumped on the band wagon in the last fourteen years are just fair weather fans.This team may not be what you are use to seeing, so if you need a realty check look at the other team in New York!Youth is its own reward and disappointment,so maybe a year without winning will remove the Six Flag fans back to their real sport 2ed guessing.If you had been her in the 70’s and 80’s just the thought of a five hunderd team would of made you smile.So please understand real fans know you have to take the bad with the good and maybe Jeff you need to ansewer to soon one;if you were on the Braves you would be on the block.
By Alan
June 13, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this
Offer Rafael Furcal a $40 million, three-year contract. No, wait… DANG, it’s too late!
By Kelley
June 13, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this
I did not start watching the Braves until the 90’s, so I am not used to watching a losing team. You would think all these years with the Falcons, Thrashers,Hawks, and Bulldogs would have given me some practice and made me used to following a losing franchise. (Yes, the Falcons are in this group, their winning seasons have been inconsistent, and didn’t the Bulldogs finish 10th this year? That wouldn’t even get you in the playoffs in baseball, only 8 get in). My point is this, we are spoiled in Atlanta by how good the Braves have been for the past 14 years. It simply amazes me that some people are ignorant enough to want to fire Bobby Cox and John S. Do we realize how many cities would love to have a team led by those two that have been so good for so long? Yes, we need drastic changes, but as long as Bobby Cox is leading this team, I will never count them out. Stop your whining and just appreciate what Bobby and John S. have done for this franchise.
By JJ
June 13, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this
“He also gave me an exclusive peak…”? What was that? Mount Everest? How ‘bout a “peek?”
By craig t
June 13, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this
First, to all Braves fans who think that the Mets will fold, STOP. This isnt your daddy’s Mets, this along with ST LOUIS are the top teams in the NL. And like I’ve been saying for weeks, this Braves team is the most flawed team I’ve seen in a long time. To those who think we can put Renteria at leadoff, he stinks in his career at leadoof, why do we want him there when he’s been great at batting second, you don’t break something to fix something else. We need Willis and Cabrera from the Marlins, plus bring up Thorman from Richmond to play first, Betemit needs to be an everyday second baseman, and we need at least three new good relievers for the pen. Not to much to hope foe right??? And please folks, stop with the Chipper can play first business, first of all, it’s never going to happen, plus HE’S NEVER PLAYER FIRST. You cant just put someone like Chip at first and say there you go, he’s been bad defensively at third, I can only guess how bad he’d be at first. This team has to make at least two or three MAJOR deals in the next two or three weeks, otherwise we’ll be 20 games out come July.
By ronald
June 13, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this
It’s Tuesday morning. Is Reitsma still a Brave?
By mardi
June 13, 2006 09:27 AM | Link to this
If the Braves are strapped for money, who gave them the money for that huge scoreboard in center field? Giles is not the answer at lead-off, and very few of the Braves seem to be disciplined hitters. They should fine Francouer everytime he goes up there hacking at everything thrown his way. I tried to tell my son to hit the ball where it was pitched, and he never made it out of Little League. TP needs to lecture on the fine points of hitting.
By Bob Bridell
June 13, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this
Please tell Jeff Schultz and AJC tat Peek is spelled P E E K, not P E A K. Apparently our schools are in worse shape than the Braves.
By Cpt. Durp!
June 13, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this
There are just a few things that come to mind when pondering why the Braves suck so much: 1.Marcus Giles is 5’2 and has an uppercut swing, he swings for the long ball, can’t hit it, and is overpriced. 2. John Smoltz is on the tail end of his career, and is not worth half of what he is getting paid. 3. The bullpen is full of pansies and can’t seem to get their s#$% together, and at this rate, never will. 4. Adam LaDouche-Bag is not who needs to be at first base. Send his butt down to the minors, put Brian Jordan or anyone else there…and I mean ANYONE. Guys who don’t hustle every play in the MLB are a cancer on a team and don’t deserve to be there. Die LaDouche, Die
By steve in virginia
June 13, 2006 09:38 AM | Link to this
“He also gave me an exclusive peak into what goes on behind the scenes….”
An exclusive “peak”?
By Bob Bridell
June 13, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this
Please spell peek as it should be spelled.
By Lew
June 13, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this
Bob, not to harp on mistakes, but THAT is not spelled TAT. See, we can all make mistakes. For all of you trade mongers. The time to get real is here. There will be no firesale. No one is going to trade for Chipper and his contract. It won’t happen. The Yankees have Rodriguez, the Mets have Wright and the Red Sox have Lowell at third. No one else can afford him. No one is going to trade Andruw. No one will take Sosa or Thomson the way they are going right now. You couldn’t give Reitsma away for his salary much less get a bucket of balls for him. The only real trade bait we have is Marcus (who is hitting .235), Langerhans (who is hitting .240), or any number of minor league prospects. We need to make some sideways moves. Trade Giles, and prospects to Florida for Dontrelle. Bring Chuck James up for his shot and put Thomson in the pen, Whoever thinks Sosa is closer materiasl, keep in mind how many lead of HR he has given up. Leave Ray closing. Waive Reitsma, bottom line. Redo aspects of Spring Training on a daily basis. The bone head fielding has to end. The strikeouts have to be reduced. Get Andruw looking at film to figure out why he has reverted to his bad ways. Bring up Scott Thorman and put LaRoche on the bench or package him with others for some kind of warm body for the bullpen. Release Brian Jordan with many thanks for his years of service. Those years have come to an end.
By Edward
June 13, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this
Just look at this season to see what you need for next season. Don’t make any big trades because the asking price will be to great. This will give all the young players another year to show what they can do.
By Paul
June 13, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this
Why are you people talking about making massive changes to the lineup? The problem is not the lineup it’s the pitching staff. Maybe bring up Thorman (.326, 14, 41) and let him play the outfield and get Betemit more at bats. But the pitching staff has five servicible pitchers ( 3 starters and 2 releivers) Bring up some kids (startup, Stockman, James) until you can make a trade.
By Joseph Coffey
June 13, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this
Well, if money is a problem, get rid of Bobby Cox’s fair hair boy Chipper Jones, and you can now get some serious player in there as he doen’t seem to have it. Why they lost Franco I don’t know, but he was a serious and good player. And I think that Bobby Cox is having a down season is that he misses Leo sitting next to him in the dugout rocking. But Getting rid of Giles would be a mistake, as he plays hard and has more enthusism than most.
By Jim Feely
June 13, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this
The Braves are not a tem in transition as are the Marlins who with their seemingly all rookie team are getting the job done. The Jones boys needed to be traded while they have some value. A 290 hitter with 5 h runs at 3rd base isn’t going to get it done, glove or no glove. The spark that Andruw had last year is gone; he sees the writing on the wall and has given up, evidnce his lard assing i down to first on grounders. last, in that I have never been a Cox fan, this tem needs a remake top to bottom. Cox micro management style, especially with pitchers was not a handicap in th glory years when we had the whole package. We may have had 14 divisiontitles in a row, but in every series loss, Bobby was outmanaged, and that is where the measure should be applied. Reistsma inability is being excused by Bobby game after game as to many bals in the strike zone. There are hundreds of pitchers in the minos with the same problem, and even more that no longer play at any level. At best Reitsma should be sent down, at worst cut. Swallow the salary problem, because at this rate, the loss in attandnc will surpass tht amount. Giles seems to have lost everything, and if it’s confidence, he needs psychaitric help. I recall that early in his career, Smoltz needed the help of a Sports psychiatris for th very same porblems Bob excuses reitsm as having. reitsma didn’t have it in th beginning and was an anomaly, but givn th orgnizations belief that they cn make mountains out of mole hills, they kept him. Maybe all along it as Leo? I for one am beginning to believe that.
By Josh
June 13, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this
Schuerholz ought to swing a deal for the DTrain. Having a young gun like him on the team might be the energy boost they need.
By Brad
June 13, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this
I’ve been a Braves fan as far back as when they were losing 100 games a year. We have to slow down a realize what an unbelievable accomplishment the Braves have done by winning their division 14 straight years!! We have all become spoiled by their remarkable run. The last year they didn’t win their division was 1990!!! That run was bound to end at some point. However, its not over just yet. First of all, I think everyone agrees that LaRoche lacks the passion and fire of a major league player. I can’t imagine having the blessing of playing baseball in the majors and having the lazy, bored attitude that LaRoche has—pathetic. Giles has no business leading off. Trade Giles & LaRoche and let Betemit lead off. The bullpen needs an act of God to fix it.
By Jim Feely
June 13, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
The Braves are not a tem in transition as are the Marlins who with their seemingly all rookie team are getting the job done. The Jones boys needed to be traded while they have some value. A 290 hitter with 5 h runs at 3rd base isn’t going to get it done, glove or no glove. The spark that Andruw had last year is gone; he sees the writing on the wall and has given up, evidnce his lard assing i down to first on grounders. last, in that I have never been a Cox fan, this tem needs a remake top to bottom. Cox micro management style, especially with pitchers was not a handicap in th glory years when we had the whole package. We may have had 14 divisiontitles in a row, but in every series loss, Bobby was outmanaged, and that is where the measure should be applied. Reistsma inability is being excused by Bobby game after game as to many bals in the strike zone. There are hundreds of pitchers in the minos with the same problem, and even more that no longer play at any level. At best Reitsma should be sent down, at worst cut. Swallow the salary problem, because at this rate, the loss in attandnc will surpass tht amount. Giles seems to have lost everything, and if it’s confidence, he needs psychaitric help. I recall that early in his career, Smoltz needed the help of a Sports psychiatris for th very same porblems Bob excuses reitsm as having. reitsma didn’t have it in th beginning and was an anomaly, but givn th orgnizations belief that they cn make mountains out of mole hills, they kept him. Maybe all along it as Leo? I for one am beginning to believe that.
By Alex
June 13, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this
I agree with almost everyone else,something drastic has got to happen.Try and trade Giles and LaRoche for either a solid starter and/or a solid reliever.Because this is the worst bullpen i have ever seen the Braves have.They desperatley need a starting pitcher,it’s probably a long shot but the Braves should try to get Dontrelle Willis,he’s a great young pitcher and he’s already good friends with Chipper and Francuer.But something MUST happen!!!!!
By hoodude
June 13, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this
IMHO,somewhere in the bowels of AOL/TW’s 7th level of beaucratic hades there’s a guy in charge of the committee that has the minutes of a meeting detailing the reasons JH didn’t have the bucks last year to deal with the obvious problems of pitching/bullpen/lead-off. And that guy,who won’t give you a peek,was no doubt taking heat from the guy in charge of his deal and on and on until it’s really a hedge fund manager or state retirement fund honcho we can point fingers at for not coughing up when it was time to “do something”.And it ain’t no better now with all the “break it up”,”sell it off” talk coming off the street,as in TW.Please recall the cardinal rule of business management,crap goes downhill and the metrics of the golden rule of supervision,those with the gold rules. But really 14 and done is a record and watch the Mets next year for a fine classic rendition of one and out since this year they da bomb. Best wishes.
By Alex
June 13, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this
here’s a crazy idea, how about we take giles out of the lead off spot? Why hasn’t this already happened. He’s been a different hitter there all year and it goes to show how bobby cox’s “patience” can end up hurting. Another thing that strikes me as weird is the fact that frenchy, the streakiest of our hitters, is the one guy we’re not sitting. We have a glut of outfielders, use them.
By AndyW
June 13, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
I love all of the “Get Rid of XXXXX” comments. MLB contracts are guaranteed, you cannot save $$$ by cutting people loose. If JS makes a move of any kind, he’ll have to trade someone on the Major League roster. Problem is guys like Giles, Reitsma, LaRoche, have zero trade value right now. A veteran with some tread left on the tires (Chipper??) will have to be included in any deal IMHO. I just do not see it happening. With the exception of some callups or maybe a minor deal for a second tier reliever, I think the Braves on June 13th will look a lot like the Braves on Sept 13th.
By Dewan
June 13, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this
The following is a note regarding Leo. Remember Leo is not wahts wrong with Reitsma as his career ERA is over 4 and even Leo could not change that. Other than one month of saving games last year he has been God Awful his entire career and you can check his Bio if you dont believe me or refuse to believe me. PS. Whoemever said put Orr in LF must know Ricky Williams cause taht has to be soem serious weed you are smoking. Now the guy who said possibly the worst player in baseball is closer to the truth but I think Reitsma is neck and neck for that title (LOL).
Two rival executives interpreted the Orioles’ promotion of Triple-A pitching coach Larry McCall to bullpen coach as an indication that the team is not completely satisfied with new pitching coach Leo Mazzone.
Mike Flanagan, the Orioles’ executive vice president, told the Washington Post that the team hired McCall because of his pitching background and familiarity with several of the club’s younger pitchers.
Mazzone shouldn’t need the help, considering that his $450,000 salary is the second-highest among major-league pitching coaches. But the Royals are the only club with a worse team ERA than the Orioles.
By EddieJ
June 13, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this
Crawford will take a bunch more than any of you “general managers in waiting” have suggested. The Angels have an offer on the table giving up their best pitching prospect. Giles, Laroche? Get real!
By drew
June 13, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
Although both “1st ballot” HOF’ers and two of the games greatest minds, at 65 a piece both Bobby and Johnny seem to be slipping slowly into senility.
By Greg from Marietta
June 13, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this
I know as soon as last week I was saying don’t count the Braves out just yet. Well, I’m gonna have to eat my words. After the last home stand and their poor showing on the road I have to admit that they are going the way of the USA Soccer Team, i.e. they are getting their butts kicked - BAD!! It (the winning streak for the past 14 years) was fantastic while it lasted, but as they say “all things must come to an end”. Of all the teams in Atlanta I never thought that I’d have to say this for the Braves but, “Wait until next year!!”
By Braveslover
June 13, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this
We’re all in agreeance that Marcus Giles should not be batting leadoff but why do you guys want to throw a guy under the bus who has consistantly batted .290-.300 every year??? He needs to be moved down in the lineup, the leadoff spot is obviously not working for him. If that doesn’t work THEN we should try to trade him (this coming from Marcus’s #1 fan, btw). He at least deserves that much.
By Jim Feely
June 13, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this
I agree with the Dawg, the first step in cleaning up this mess is to bag the biggest problem, Bobby Cox.
By Mike D.
June 13, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this
Am I wrong or isn’t Renteria just passing through, gone too soon. If that’s true, are all of you still eager to trade Giles? It seems likely to me that JS has tried to get a particular pitcher (or, 2 or 3 or 4), but has met with greedy demands. Some patience is very important. The Braves have already brought up one or two young players too early. Don’t want to do that very often. So far, at least, BC and JS have not, at season’s end, seemed to have turned rigid. Maybe they’ve got a few more years of usual genius ahead of them. That said, I’m fond - too fond - of change. I want Betemit in at second base, now. I want to know if JS has tried to acquire some proven arms-and-heads. I want to see some movement.
By Mike
June 13, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this
Everyone wants to be the GM at this time of year, so here goes my trade deals:
Marcus Giles, Ryan Langerhans & Anthony Lerew to the Brewers for Rickie Weeks and Derrick Turnbow.
Marcus Giles, Horatio Rameriz & Tony Pena to the Marlins for Dan Uggla & Dontrelle Willis.
However, my first move is to fire the “swing & miss” coach, Terry Pendleton.
By Joe
June 13, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this
Perhaps a change in Giles’ supplementation is playing a role in his demise…….
By Bethany Martin
June 13, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this
Trade Marcus Giles? Are you serious? I think that’s the craziest decision since letting Leo Mazzone leave the team! What needs to be done is to make Renteria the lead off hitter, because his on base percetage is very high. Giles has always done well in the number 2 spot, and if you put him back there, I think you will see his batting average improve greatly, and the Braves scoring runs early in the game. A trade is not needed for this team, just some new ideas. All of these guys are good and make a great team. Don’t even think about getting rid of someone!!
By BP
June 13, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this
Enough of these ridiculous trade thoughts.
No one wants the Braves garbage. Langerhans, Laroche…these guys have zero trade value.
Would you want to the Braves trading for an LF and 1b that can’t hit?
Giles to me this year actually looks like a different hitter. He seems to be more open and is holding his hands higher. I know if this was actually true Pendleton should have corrected it…but he just looks like he has a different (worse) approach now.
By Aaron
June 13, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this
Giles and cash to Tampa for Carl Crawford (before the Yankees get him next month). There’s your leadoff hitter for the next 3 years, and Betemit moves to 2nd base permanently, Martin Prado can spell at 2nd and SS. Brian Jordan needs to walk away early from (obviously) his last season, open up 1st for Matt Diaz (start working on that glovework, Matt). Langy is the 4th outfielder and a decent bat off the bench. LaRoche is tradebait - Diaz can hit singles all day long and Thorman is ready to cut his teeth. Shake it up. Start moving people and light a fire under the offense until the bullpen can get fixed.
By Instigator
June 13, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this
I know it’s considered heresy, but Chipper would be the best trade bait we have. He’s injury prone and in the third year of a steady decline. Rather than pay big bucks to watch him slip, why not coax some exciting young talent from a team hungry for some “leadership”? Betemit would be a fine everyday third baseman and we have plenty of holes to fill.
By Realistic Ricky
June 13, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this
Paul — I agree that the pitching staff (and the bullpen in particular) is the PRIMARY problem, but I can not agree with leaving the every day lineup mostly unchanged. If the best pitching staff in the major leagues today was given our lineup and asked to make up 10 games on the Mets, do you honestly believe they could do it with Giles, LaRoche and Langerhans playing every day? Sorry, but I just can not buy that scenario. Betemit should be playing EVERY DAY, not just getting more at bats. Tim Hudson’s comments last Saturday in Houston that “Betemit is the BEST BENCH PLAYER in the major leagues” was a very tactful way of trying to get the message across to Cox that Betemit would be starting on just about every other team in the major leagues. Unfortunately, Bobby did not take the “hint” and moved Giles right back in the next day. I have no axe to grind with Giles, but he has been given every chance to succeed as a leadoff hitter and has failed miserably. Also, his defense has been less than stellar this year. I, like most of the others on this blog, would simply like to see Betemit be given a chance to HELP THE TEAM. The same holds true for LaRoche and Langerhans, both of whom have been given a fair chance and failed to produce. Let’s give someone else a chance to produce and HELP THE TEAM, whether they are now in the organization or need to be obtained in a trade. While I have never been a big Cox fan, the most encouraging thing to me about our great 2005 comeback was how quickly Bobby realized that Jordan and Mondesi were NOT getting the job done in the outfield, and drastic changes were made early in the season. This season, the most discouraging thing to me has been that Bobby does not seem to realize that Giles, LaRoche, Langerhans, Sosa and Reitsma are NOT getting the job done, and NOTHING is being done about it.
By Lew
June 13, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this
People, Andruw and Chipper are NOT TRADEABLE. Besides having contracts that no one is going to pick up, they are both 10-5 players and CANNOT be traded without their consent. Put an end to that particular speculation. The aren’t going anywhere. As far as Giles goes. I personally am a Giles fan. However, he is making arbitration money this year and will again next year. After that he will be a free agent and we know where our free agents have been going the past several years-the visitors clubhouse at the Ted. We have Betemit to plug into his spot at second. Now is the best trade value we can get for him. Jordan and Prat have absolutely NO trade value. Reitsma, while he may be the nicest guy in the world has totally lost it. He has no value whatsoever to anyone now that his confidence is gone. Langerhans, Diaz and several minor leaguers are the only ones with value. Eat Pratt’s salary and bring up Brayan Pena. He deserves a shot at least as backup. Trade Salty. McCann is better than anyone thought and Pena is a real fine player. It is obvious that the Braves are not grooming Salty for first base and he has not done particularly well this seaso- at least not well enough for a call up bandaid. Sosa is not closer material and Thomson may be ok if he only has to pitch one or two innings at a time. Bring up Chuck James and hold on until Davies comes back. Stockman may be a bullpen option, too. No firesale will happen here, but some fine tuning is definitely in order-NOW.
By die hard braves fan
June 13, 2006 12:39 PM | Link to this
One of the many things the braves need to do is to get Jorge Sosa out of the starting rotation, he just can’t pitch like he did last season. Sure he was 10-3 last season but that was last season, this season he just can’t do it.
By Joe
June 13, 2006 12:39 PM | Link to this
Three wins in Miami this week would be a good jump start to point the Braves in the right direction. Sweeping the Marlins is very doable. I still think the Mets & Phillies will choke before it’s all said & done.
By die hard braves fan
June 13, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this
One of the many things the braves need to do is to get Jorge Sosa out of the starting rotation, he just can’t pitch like he did last season. Sure he was 10-3 last season but that was last season, this season he just can’t do it. Maybe he os better off back in the bullpen.
By die hard braves fan
June 13, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this
One of the many things the braves need to do is to get Jorge Sosa out of the starting rotation, he just can’t pitch like he did last season. Sure he was 10-3 last season but that was last season, this season he just can’t do it. Maybe he is better off back in the bullpen.
By Joe
June 13, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this
Three wins in Miami this week would be a good jump start to point the Braves in the right direction. Sweeping the Marlins is very doable. I still think the Mets & Phillies will choke before it’s all said & done.
By Glass Half Full
June 13, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this
Have heart, Braves fans. According to MLB 06: the Show, the Braves will not only win the division, they will sweep the Rockies in the NLDS, win in 7 over the Astros in the NLCS, and win in 5 over the Red Sox in the World Series! Unfortunately, next season they will lose in 4 games against the Rockies in the 1st round. But there’s hope…in 2008 they’re up 2-1 in the DS over the Giants. I’ll keep you all posted!
By Gil
June 13, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this
Guys..do not panic….Look last year Standing on the same day…we was 4th..and ended win the division…i agree we need help in the pen..trade, Giles and Roche for a pen help.Also we need the starter to go more deep in the game(7 or 8 inning) and the pen be fine.
By Bob
June 13, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this
Well everyone is howling for something to be done, but yes it is evident that this is not a good team. Some of the answer is in the question of why has the Braves won only one world series. Answer that and find some solutions.
I think it is way past time for a managerial change. Yes I know about 14 division titles, but Sherholtz provided the talent, and it was a matter of turning in the lineup card. But Cox does not get maximum output from players when he has to have it. Steady and consistent output is enough over a long season with talented players. Cox is also not inspiring in game decisions, never has been. He is very conservative which is fine with daily production from talent. But with average players, something more has to come forth.
It is time for a shakeup of some kind. If nothing else is available consider a managerial change, with all due respect to cox.
By Kent
June 13, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this
I will say only this…
THIS TEAM WENT 15-5 RIGHT BEFORE THEIR RECENT NOSEDIVE. To say that “this team can’t go on a run” is a statement they’ve already proven to be wrong.
By chopthis
June 13, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this
People, Kent is absolutely right! All we need to do is get the Major League office to adjust the Braves schedule to where they only play the Marlins, Nationals and Cubs for the rest of the season, and we’ll get RIGHT BACK IN THIS THING!!
By jokurone
June 13, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this
Chipper is going NO WHERE!! Giles is staying, definitely release Reeksma, he is a contagious cancer. trade the farm talent for a lights out closer. We can generate offense to win the close games that we have not been able to win because of the blown saves, not to mention just relinquishes leads which don’t show up in the stats.If the braves make the playoffs this year it will rank at the top as one of the modern day miracles.
By michael
June 13, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this
The Braves bullpen and the back end of their rotation is a mess. Everyboby is talking about the pitchers and Bobby Cox. None has mention Roger McDowell. He was had a pitching staff that has been first or second in era 12 out of the last 14 or 15 years. He has completely screwed it up. Reitsma should not be allowed to touch a baseball again in a Braves uniform. Bobby Cox need to crap the whip on these guys. Giles need to be traded for a relief pitcher. The Mets has not won the east yet. The Braves have a lot of games with them left. They would have to play .750 ball against the Mets to catch the and get help elseehere. But the bullpen has to be fix now.
Michael
By michael
June 13, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this
The Braves bullpen and the back end of their rotation is a mess. Everyboby is talking about the pitchers and Bobby Cox. None has mention Roger McDowell. He was had a pitching staff that has been first or second in era 12 out of the last 14 or 15 years. He has completely screwed it up. Reitsma should not be allowed to touch a baseball again in a Braves uniform. Bobby Cox need to crap the whip on these guys. Giles need to be traded for a relief pitcher. The Mets has not won the east yet. The Braves have a lot of games with them left. They would have to play .750 ball against the Mets to catch the and get help elseehere. But the bullpen has to be fix now.
Michael
By Kevin
June 13, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this
Roger McDowell needs to go. Roger McDowell needs to go.
The starters are complete opposites of what they were last year. Sosa was great last year, what’s changed? The bullpen is terrible, except for Poranto and Ray.
Roger McDowell needs to go.
Wilson Betemit needs to play everyday. Marcus Giles needs to be traded, his salary will be too high for the Braves to resign him anyway.
By Mothball
June 13, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this
Anyone who actually believes this team can win the division and go deep into postseason in its current configuration has lost their mind. This team has more holes than Schuerholz has fingers and he knows it.
Nothing could be done to save this season that would not jeopardize any chance of a future. And stop hanging your collective hats on past achievements. This team simply doesn’t have it and their lackadaisical effort in every fundamental aspect of the game is proof positive.
It’s time to bring up some youth who will at least play hard and give the fans something to cheer for.
By Jeffrey
June 13, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this
Well let’s see: 1) We have no leadoff hitter, 2) We have two positions (1B & LF) that are manned by non Major League talent, 3)We have a declining and aging star at 3B who no longer produces at the bat or in the field, 4) We have 2 gaping holes in our stating rotation (Sosa & Thompson), 5) We have a bullpen that is comprised of at least 4 pitchers that no one else even wanted.
Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to make this team a winner again. Good luck John S. You are going to need it. This team will self destruct in 10 seconds.
By ByeByeBraves
June 13, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this
Get a grip losers, you’re done. Worry about staying ahead of the Nats and Marlins and forget catching the Phillies, let alone the Mets. I mean come on, is that your plan? That the Phils and Mets will choke? The Mets have lost 2/5 of their rotations. They’ve lost Beltran, Floyd and Nady for significant stretches, Floyd and Nady at the SAME TIME. They have no second basemen. Pedro went 5 weeks without a win (for all you “the Mets go as Pedro go dumba$$es”) their leadoff hitter has a .325 OBP. Delgado went through a 4-42 stretch that dropped his average to .240. YET with all this they are STILL 10 GAMES AND COUNTING UP ON YOU. They still have THE BEST RECORD IN THE NL and second only to Detroit in the whole ML. And unlike the Braves even with all that they have yet to lose more than 2 games in a row this sseason. And all your whining and DIVISION (making sure to stress it so no-one cofuses it with WORLD)championships won’t change that fact. But hey, still have the miricle of ‘93, right? Losers.
By Sambo
June 13, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this
Jeffrey,
You are absolutely correct, on all accounts!
Free up some payroll & take offers for both Chipper & Smoltz. Smoltz would accept a trade to Detroit or ChiSox. Chipper might be hard to peddle. Houston or Texas ?
Carl Crawford appears to be heading to the Angels. He would make a nice upgrade for the Braves in leftfield. Probably won’t happen.
By chopthis
June 13, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this
Hey, Kent! ByeByeBraves obviously hasn’t seen this Braves team in action against the Cubs, has he? How dare he call us losers? Just wait til the Pirates come to town, ByeByeBraves! We’ll show you!
By Kevin
June 13, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this
Roger McDowell needs to go. Roger McDowell needs to go.
The starters are complete opposites of what they were last year. Sosa was great last year, what’s changed? The bullpen is terrible, except for Poranto and Ray.
Roger McDowell needs to go.
Wilson Betemit needs to play everyday. Marcus Giles needs to be traded, his salary will be too high for the Braves to resign him anyway.
By ByeByeBraves
June 13, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this
Chopthis, I gott admit that was funny. I apologize for overlooking your performances against the Pirates and Cubs.
By Mets Fan
June 13, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this
Please don’t make any changes in the Braves’ line-up until the Mets are in the World Series. I like watching Braves who can’t bunt, field balls, run bases, or avoid strike-outs. And it’s a hoot to see a pitcher throw a ball so perfectly in the middle of the plate that the ball comes back and hits him in the face.
P.S. We love Reitsma
By Need new pitching coach
June 13, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this
ROGER McDOWELL NEEDS TO GO.
By Sambo
June 13, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this
Jeffrey,
You are absolutely correct, on all accounts!
Free up some payroll & take offers for both Chipper & Smoltz. Smoltz would accept a trade to Detroit or ChiSox. Chipper might be hard to peddle. Houston or Texas ?
Carl Crawford appears to be heading to the Angels. He would make a nice upgrade for the Braves in leftfield. Probably won’t happen.
By Glass Half Full
June 13, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this
Braves advance to 2008 NLCS facing the Brewers! Oakland vs. Cleveland in the ALCS.
By michael
June 13, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this
Roger McDowell needs to go now. This guy was handed a pitching staff that has been 1 or 2 in team era 12 out of the pat 14 years. Right now they are 15th out of 16th with a team era of 4.78 and a bullpen that is the worst in baseball.The press seems to be giving him a free pass. The mistake that the Braves front office made was not going all out to keep Mazzone ad Furcal. They need to trade Giles or move him down in the lineup. Sent Reitsma to Richmond to straighten him out. If they could make a trade for middle relief pitcher please do so.
Michael M Beard
By michael
June 13, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this
Roger McDowell needs to go now. This guy was handed a pitching staff that has been 1 or 2 in team era 12 out of the pat 14 years. Right now they are 15th out of 16th with a team era of 4.78 and a bullpen that is the worst in baseball.The press seems to be giving him a free pass. The mistake that the Braves front office made was not going all out to keep Mazzone ad Furcal. They need to trade Giles or move him down in the lineup. Sent Reitsma to Richmond to straighten him out. If they could make a trade for middle relief pitcher please do so.
Michael M Beard
By michael
June 13, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this
Roger McDowell needs to go now. This guy was handed a pitching staff that has been 1 or 2 in team era 12 out of the pat 14 years. Right now they are 15th out of 16th with a team era of 4.78 and a bullpen that is the worst in baseball.The press seems to be giving him a free pass. The mistake that the Braves front office made was not going all out to keep Mazzone ad Furcal. They need to trade Giles or move him down in the lineup. Sent Reitsma to Richmond to straighten him out. If they could make a trade for middle relief pitcher please do so.
Michael M Beard
By Sambo
June 13, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this
Is Leo Mazzone performing “miracles” in Baltimore?
Give me a break !
Our pitchers are mostly retreads and rejects off other teams’ rosters. Schuerholz is scouring the Mexican Leagues and waiver wires right now, because there is no money to spend.
Leo knew it was time to get out !
By Akagi
June 13, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this
Yeah Stew, the Met’s pitching is flawed, but the Braves pitching doesn’t even exist. Better luck next year.
By Sambo
June 13, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this
Is Leo Mazzone performing “miracles” in Baltimore?
Give me a break !
Our pitchers are mostly retreads and rejects off other teams’ rosters. Schuerholz is scouring the Mexican Leagues and waiver wires right now, because there is no money to spend.
Leo knew it was time to get out !
By Lew
June 13, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this
Most of the time I think Mets fans like BYE BYE BRAVES are complete idiots, jerks and anal compulsive fools, and they are. However, he might actually be right this time. No matter how good a Braves fan you are, you have to admit that at no time during the past fifteen years have we had this many holes. Sure we went 15-5 recently, but as others have pointed out, that was against really bad teams. No-we really have problems that need to be addressed right now.
By ByeByeBraves
June 13, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this
Thanks Lew…..I think.
By bentley
June 13, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this
While the Braves’ sale is pending, the GM is in a lame duck situation. The current ownership can’t take on added payroll as this changes the value of the team and the sales price. J.S. will be able to work in earnest once the sale has closed.
By ByeByeBraves
June 13, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this
and do what? Add payroll to get players? The same thing you all have been criticizing the Mets as doing? Hypocrites.
By Mazzone
June 13, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
Once the sale goes through, JS will be instructed to trade Smoltz, Hudson, & Chipper. He will have a $55 million payroll to work with next season. A beer at Turner Field will be $10 and hot dogs will start at $8.
The ride is over
By Mazzone
June 13, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
Once the sale goes through, JS will be instructed to trade Smoltz, Hudson, & Chipper. He will have a $55 million payroll to work with next season. A beer at Turner Field will be $10 and hot dogs will start at $8.
The ride is over
By Lew
June 13, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this
You can’t trade Chipper without his permission-he’s a 10-5 player. In other words he has played in the bigs for at least 10 years and at least five with the same team. HE HAS TO APPROVE A TRADE OR IT WON”T HAPPEN. Is this finally clear? Same with Andruw. Bye Bye Braves, the only difference in the salary spending wars is that if the Braves were able to retain their $100 mil+ per year salarey the past three years, instead of being cut back to $80 mil, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion with Mets fans. You wouldn’t have Glavine and we could probably gotten Pedro and Delgado, too. What you perceive in Braves fans is a thouroughly P Oed feeling for the corporate mentality that left the team broke. And we probably would have a better team for less money than the Mets spent. We are the reason they spent so insanely.
By Charlie
June 13, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this
I must say that I have been a die hard braves fan for as long as I can remember. You may forget that this is how the 91’ season started. What happened that year? We went to game 7 of the World Series. But yes I do agree that Giles needs to be sent somewhere else, and LaRoche and Jorge Sosa are complete garbage when it comes to baseball. These guys have no character. We need to get ol’ Sid Bream in here to motivate these kids. Why did we not offer Furcal another year and lose Giles. I am fed up with his leadoff hitting, let Francouer lead off.
By David
June 13, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this
I had the feeling that once Leo Mazonne left the Braves and the Braves Hallmark of winning (pitching) was no longer a strength but a liability with Leo being absent—the Braves would start losing as often as the leaves falling from the trees in Autumn at dusk. The only problem to address on the current Braves roster is to move the games to Richmond or Greenville, where the Braves could compete with talent comparable to theirs.
By David
June 13, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this
I had the feeling that once Leo Mazonne left the Braves and the Braves Hallmark of winning (pitching) was no longer a strength but a liability with Leo being absent—the Braves would start losing as often as the leaves falling from the trees in Autumn at dusk. The only problem to address on the current Braves roster is to move the games to Richmond or Greenville, where the Braves could compete with talent comparable to theirs.
By Charlie
June 13, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this
I must say that I have been a die hard braves fan for as long as I can remember. You may forget that this is how the 91’ season started. What happened that year? We went to game 7 of the World Series. But yes I do agree that Giles needs to be sent somewhere else, and LaRoche and Jorge Sosa are complete garbage when it comes to baseball. These guys have no character. We need to get ol’ Sid Bream in here to motivate these kids. Why did we not offer Furcal another year and lose Giles. I am fed up with his leadoff hitting, let Francouer lead off.
By Sambo
June 13, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this
Lew,
In Chipper’s contract he has a list of teams he’d accept a trade to. It includes Houston & Texas.
Just because he’s a 10 & 5 guy doesn’t mean the Braves can’t trade him.
The Braves would be insane to trade Andruw. He’s still young enough to rebuild the team around.
By Sambo
June 13, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this
Lew,
In Chipper’s contract he has a list of teams he’d accept a trade to. It includes Houston & Texas.
Just because he’s a 10 & 5 guy doesn’t mean the Braves can’t trade him.
The Braves would be insane to trade Andruw. He’s still young enough to rebuild the team around.
By Jim
June 13, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this
Overreaction. Simple solution. 1. Rent leadoff, Giles two. Rent is always on base and has a great eye. Giles can hit for more power and has always proven most comfortable at two. 2. Sosa bullpen, bring James up. 3. Trade/release Reitsma immediately, eat contract. 4. Trade/bench LaRoche, regardless of defense. I have never seen somebody strike out and hit into DPs so often. Either put Chipper at 1st, Betemit at 3rd, or bring somebody up to play first. Betemit is an asset of the bench. Anybody talking about trading Chipper, Smoltz, Huddie, etc. hasnt been watching the Braves for the last 15 years. Give it time, the Mets are good, but not that good, and the wild card is still open. I just skimmed these posts and people are really losing it. Simmer down.
By ByeByeBraves
June 13, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this
Keep dreaming Lew. I always thought Denial was in Egypt. Who knew it flowed so freely in Atlanta?
By Kathie
June 13, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this
I have been a Braves FAN since the early 80’s. There was a glimmer of hope that initially hooked me back then and there is still a spark today. Yes, after 14 division titles we all hate to lose, but there is no reason to call anyone names—could we do better? The team definitely needs bullpen help and Marcus shouldn’t be batting lead off but I don’t think the answer is to trade him, Chipper, Andrew. Chris Reitsma does need to go but what good does it do to call him a cancer?? Adam also needs to go, but it actually sounds like some of you think they have fun out there when it’s not going well—let’s get real!
They may not win the division this year, but let’s not give up hope that they will make sense out of what is happening and take steps to correct it. NO ONE can win 100% of the time no matter who they are. I agree with whoever mentioned the sale of the team being a factor. Would you be comfortable with having someone new take over mid-season and not knowing if they will be willing to put money back into the team or decimate it?
Maybe Bobby should be tougher on the guys when they mess up, but there’s something to be said for faith in your players as well. I wear my Braves gear with pride no matter what is happening—and if you call yourself a fan of this team so should you!!
One last thing, if you’re going to post on a website, call folks names and accuse people of having dementia, make sure that you actually spell all your words correctly and make some sense if you expect others to take you seriously.
By Bobbymahlon
June 13, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this
Once again bring up Thorman put him left and as soon as Jurries gets back in shape bring him up for first. Jurries can really hit just ask Bobby what he said about his hitting in spring training. Jurries looked like the best hitter on the team maybe because he had the highest average in Spring training but he was sent down because he had a option left and we were afraid of losing Jordan if he was cut. Now it shows that the decision to send Jurries down was the wrong so lets suck it up and get with it.
By Lew
June 13, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
I’ve never in all of these years heard of Chipper being willing to accept a trade anywhere. Even if he would agree to these two teams, he STILL must approve the trade. The Braves can’t just make it a done deal without his approval and I can’t see him leaving. Besides the only 3 teams that could afford him are NY, NY, and Boston. The Yankees have Rodriguez, the Mets have David Wright and the Red Sox have a rejuvenated Mike Lowell. Chipper ain’t going nowhere!
By ByeByeBraves
June 13, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this
In all seriousness, and even thoughh I REALLY REALLY hate the guy, why would you people ever want to trade Larry Jones after all he’s done for you. After Hank Aaron he’s got to be the greatest Brave, no?
By Joe
June 13, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this
Bettimet needs to play. I dont care if he hits leadoff, he needs to hit somewhere!
By ByeByeBraves
June 13, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this
Unless Bettimet’s real name is Jesus Christ, it aint gonna help you guys.
By Sambo
June 13, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this
Lew,
Ever hear of Hank Aaron? Dale Murphy?
They were traded.
Are you Chipper’s Mama ?
Your boy s/b traded because his career is on the slide & he’s not justifying that big check he’s getting !
By K. Shane
June 13, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
Well put Jim. Trembling fair-weather fans can sure scribble a lot of nonsense. I definitely agree with your solution.
By Brian
June 13, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this
Chris Reitsma has made Dan Kolb look like a Cy Young pitcher, that’s how awful he has been. Let’s cut him, call someone, anyone up from the minors. What can it hurt?
By Brandon
June 13, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this
Is there any truth to the rumors that the braves are trying to get justin morneau and francisco lirano from the twins? I think it involed adam laroche, john thompson and thorman in the trade? The local twins paper quoted it.
By ByeByeBraves
June 13, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
John Rocker’s Available.
By alan
June 13, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this
Do you believe in Santa? I actually met the guy about 15 years ago at a car dealer in Woodstock. I did! He is an old guy with two bad knees, dips snuff, and really loves his children. The only bad thing I can say is, in all those years, he only brought me what I really wanted one time. With all the P.&M.’ing going on here you would think we were a city of real baseball fans. A modereate sized stadium that is rarely 2/3 full is not a good indication. We have done nothing but win for 15 years and can rarely sell out a game. B.C. makes some decisions that makes me want to chew foil too but all he has done is…..WIN! Relax! You could live in Kansas City. So we don’t win it this year. If you only love the game when we win then you don’t love the game.
By Rob
June 13, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this
I love Tim Hudson. But if the rumors I am hearing that Lastings Milledge and Aaron Heillman might be available for Barry Zito, then JS needs to be on the phone yesterday, and offering Hudson for that package. Renteria can be traded for some young future arms as the farm system is reported to be stocked with SS. Might as well start building for the next couple of years to make another 7 out of 10 run. If these aren’t options, then mortgage the future (Salty), for a starter and bat now. Status quo isn’t working, and as many of you know I am the fan that is preaching patience. Sorry ATL, the patience is gone. They don’t have it. But I am still rooting my heart out for these guys.
By Rob
June 13, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this
I love Tim Hudson. But if the rumors I am hearing that Lastings Milledge and Aaron Heillman might be available for Barry Zito, then JS needs to be on the phone yesterday, and offering Hudson for that package. Renteria can be traded for some young future arms as the farm system is reported to be stocked with SS. Might as well start building for the next couple of years to make another 7 out of 10 run. If these aren’t options, then mortgage the future (Salty), for a starter and bat now. Status quo isn’t working, and as many of you know I am the fan that is preaching patience. Sorry ATL, the patience is gone. They don’t have it. But I am still rooting my heart out for these guys.
By ByeByeBraves
June 13, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this
You sure that was Santa, sounds more like Michael Jackson to me. Did he have a nose?
By alan
June 13, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
Yes, I realize I misspelled moderate………fire me.
By Rob
June 13, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
I love Tim Hudson. But if the rumors I am hearing that Lastings Milledge and Aaron Heillman might be available for Barry Zito, then JS needs to be on the phone yesterday, and offering Hudson for that package. Renteria can be traded for some young future arms as the farm system is reported to be stocked with SS. Might as well start building for the next couple of years to make another 7 out of 10 run. If these aren’t options, then mortgage the future (Salty), for a starter and bat now. Status quo isn’t working, and as many of you know I am the fan that is preaching patience. Sorry ATL, the patience is gone. They don’t have it. But I am still rooting my heart out for these guys.
By ByeByeBraves
June 13, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
Uh, Lastings Milledge is going nowhere.
By Rob
June 13, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this
I love Tim Hudson. But if the rumors I am hearing that Lastings Milledge and Aaron Heillman might be available for Barry Zito, then JS needs to be on the phone yesterday, and offering Hudson for that package. Renteria can be traded for some young future arms as the farm system is reported to be stocked with SS. Might as well start building for the next couple of years to make another 7 out of 10 run. If these aren’t options, then mortgage the future (Salty), for a starter and bat now. Status quo isn’t working, and as many of you know I am the fan that is preaching patience. Sorry ATL, the patience is gone. They don’t have it. But I am still rooting my heart out for these guys.
By ByeByeBraves
June 13, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
Anyway, why do you guys need trades or free agents? What happened to this incredible braves farm system I’ve heard so much about? The only player down there I heard anything about is Schuerholtz’ pu$$y son who can’t take a hard slide into second.
By Dan
June 13, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this
Chipper Jones said he will NOT move from third again!
We love Giles but betemit is ready and cheaper. Giles is the next to go!!!!
I’d Love to see Carl Crowford or Podsendnik in Left Field leading off!!!
Trade Chipper? I dont think any team wants an injury prone-20 home runs per season third baseman that makes 15 million a year.
When the Braves fall in love with certain player it is a nightmare. They fell in love with Albie Lopez and we know the results. They fell in love with Sheffield and he couldnt hit during playoffs. They were after Mike Hampton since he was with the Astros and look what happened. Thank God insurance is paying for Hampton salary.
By Dan
June 13, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this
Alan. You are right. We are lucky this town is not Kansas City. It is Atlanta where the Braves play and win the division every year. I am used to root for a winning team i go to Turner Field to see the braves WIN IT ALL! I got your point and thanks for the comparision but i can t see the Braves like this. Thats why i am disappointed like many of you. Players, manager and coaches, front office and fans want to see the Braves every year.
By John
June 13, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this
I agree that Giles has been less productive as a leadoff hitter than when he was hitting second. It would be nice to move him to the back end of the order. No way would I move Renteria out of the two spot.
Idea: Is there some reason Betamit can’t play first base? He’s an able fielder and could be a decent leadoff hitter. He’s got some speed. A batting order of Betamit, Renteria, Chipper, Andruw, McCann, Giles, Francoeur would be a great first seven to see.
No, I am no great fan of LaRoche. He’s a good kid and an able defender. A first baseman, however, needs to hit more than a mere .250.
Also, we need more production out of left field. Langerhans, like LaRoche, is good with the glove but his offense is hurting.
Salty is not the answer at first. Thorman at AAA Richmond might be. Most likely, though, we’ll need a trade for a bat.
The pitching is a complete mess. Starting and relieving. To even try to fix it via trade is going to cost us a ton. Hate to think about it. Zito is out there and it would be nice to hook him up with Hudson again but the price will be high, very high.
Can anyone offer an explanation for the number of strikeouts the Braves are experiencing? Gadzooks, never seen the like. Terry Pendleton hasn’t taken off his cap in a while and I’m wondering if he has any hair left. He must be losing sleep at night.
By Dan
June 13, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this
Alan. You are right. We are lucky this town is not Kansas City. It is Atlanta where the Braves play and win the division every year. I am used to root for a winning team i go to Turner Field to see the braves WIN IT ALL! I got your point and thanks for the comparision but i can t see the Braves like this. Thats why i am disappointed like many of you. Players, manager and coaches, front office and fans want to see the Braves every year.
By Dan
June 13, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this
Alan. You are right. We are lucky this town is not Kansas City. It is Atlanta where the Braves play and win the division every year. I am used to root for a winning team i go to Turner Field to see the braves WIN IT ALL! I got your point and thanks for the comparision but i can t see the Braves like this. Thats why i am disappointed like many of you. Players, manager and coaches, front office and fans want to see the Braves every year.
By Albie
June 13, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this
Only part of Mike Hampton’s 2006 salary is covered by insurance.
The next two years the Braves’ are stuck with approx. $30 million of Hampton’s remaining contract. Another brilliant Schuerholz move on a guy that was damaged goods upon arrival.
This is eerily simliar when Schuerholz signed Mark Davis to a king’s ransom with the Royals. It bankrupted the team & got Schuerholz fired.
By Jason
June 13, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this
Laroche, Giles and Reitsma flat out make me sick. These guys have absolutely taken victories away from the team on several occasions. I can think of 3 times that Giles and Laroche have errored in the same game or inning and cost anywhere from 4 to 6 runs!!!! This isnt good. I believe that all of these guys have to go, either traded or flat out released. A new owner will hopefully allow JS to make the moves necessary to win in the years to come.
By timothy davis
June 13, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this
TRADE ANDRUW? FIRE COX? Has everyone gone crazy? Andruw is possibily the best CF in the history of baseball, and, barring injury, will get better each year. The guy is a Hoover vacuum in CF! And Cox? Future for sure Hall of Fame Manager who has put together a streak of success unequaled in pro sports history!! Yes, we need pitching starters and closers. Laroche and Jorge Sosa and Reeksma should be traded for a couple of hot dogs and a few beers. Bettemit should play every game the rest of the season. Can we contact Mark Wohlers and try again with him?? But don’t throw out the good guys with the trash!
By Eric
June 13, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this
We saw Betemit get the nod in the Houston game and go 3-4 and play great D. So why is he not in the line-up. Trade Giles for some bull pen help and trade Laroche for ….. who are we kidding. Who wants Laroche? Can we trade Ron Darling, I mean Roger McDowell? All he was ever good for was spitting on Kramer and Newman at the Mets game. Must get Betemit in the leadoff spot which means trading Giles. Pete Orr in leftfield? Trade Orr for an oar. They would both hit for the same average.
By Metropolitan Man
June 13, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this
I just love it when reality sets in. Just remember to be nice to the peaople you pass on the way down to the cellar! But tell me this, what genereal manager in his right mind would make a trade with the braves considering the braves always had the upside to the trade in the short and long run in the past. The word has been put out that JS only drops off junk or unproven crap while usually recieving a diamond in the rough in return. His magic ended when he got Dan Kolb. That right there was his worse trade yet and now everyone will load there crap onto an already crappy braves team. Say it with me now, LETS GO METS!
By Jman
June 13, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this
Yeah Metropoltan man, You can let us all know about disappointments. Your team has been out of the race by this time for about 4 of the last 5 years. It aint over yet!
By Jman
June 13, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this
Yeah Metropoltan man, You can let us all know about disappointments. Your team has been out of the race by this time for about 4 of the last 5 years. It aint over yet!
By Jimbo
June 13, 2006 06:06 PM | Link to this
Tim Davis…You’re right Andruw is the best defensive centerfielder in basebal. He may also be the worst clutch hitter too.
By Metropolitan Man
June 13, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this
It is over JMAN. The entire time you guys have sat pat and tried to plug holes from within the system, Minaya has picked up El Duque, dumped Julio, picked up Marrero and a few other nicknaks before any team took off. Now what makes you think the braves will be lucky enough to fill all those holes eveyone knows about. Maybe in the offseason but for now just watch your crappy braves get swept by the marlins. Remember to turn off the lights in the cellar when the season is over!!!!
By Robert
June 13, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this
Offer Cox, Reitsma, Langerhans, and LaRoche for 2 chili dogs and a beer. Accept any reasonable counter.
Trading Chumper might not be a bad move either, for him or for the Bravos
By Dobber
June 13, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this
This is my first comment here so take it easy on me.
Let’s face it the Braves are like a fish that accidently fell into a toilet and John Scherholz holds the destiny,flush or help the poor thing.
Yes,I know Laroche is doing horrible,but don’t trade just yet,maybe a sit on the bench for a while will either spark him or make him demand a trade.
Giles,Giles is good,tough,great DP combo anywhere,just spark his bat somehow.
Reitsma,Well,it’s either have a meeting and ask him Richmond or get out of here?Maybe Richmond for him would be nice morale wise.
I know I’m going to get bashed for this one,but Trade Betimet,I don’t like saying it myself,but we might get some great players off this kid.It would be tough but the only other guy I could see the Braves trading would be Sosa or Retisma.
Sosa……Oh,Sosa.Sosa is young it’s a shame to watch him fail and ruin the rest of a promising looking career.Same as Reitsma,Meeting….Richmind or trade?
Now,who should the Braves be interested in looking at?Relievers,of any type,EXCLAMATION POINT ON Middle Relief!A first baseman,and a good addition to the OF,to play utillity.Also add a good starter,you may not find one in a trade but what have we heard about our Farm?
So,If any of you are big time Brave Front Office men,take some of this into consideration.
As for Braves fans,keep up the hope and let’s make sure we don’t turn into a Florida Marlins organization.
By The Paul
June 13, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this
I don’t think the team is in the horrobile situation that alot of other people do. I think that a move here or there and the Braves are right back into the thick of it. Some moves must be made though and none of it will cost us a tremendous amount of our farm system.
First we should not do anything with Giles. Any of you morons thta think we are better off with Orr must not have watched him play. Plus Orr, much like Betemit, is much more valuable as a member of our bench.
Secondly, please sit Lacrotch down. This guy is one of the best defensive first basemen in baseball. To bad he can’t hit a lick. Coming off the bench you add a left handed bat with power and a good defensive substitution. Jordan would be ok if in the 7th or 8th spot. I would prefer to get a decent first baseman via trade.
Then we need to get rid of Retsima. He just doesn’t have the goods. Cox is treating Retsima and La Roche like he did in the day with Klesko…chance after chance after chance even though they don’t produce.
The Twins are possibly going to deal Joe Nathan. That would be a significant upgrade at the closer position. With a closer and first baseman, the braves will be fine. Ray is the set up guy and the starters will be ok. If Sosa is dropped from the rotation then he needs to given a chance to be a set up man. He has electric stuff and is to good to be sent down to the minors.
Schurholtz and Cox do it year in and year out, so people just calm down alittle bit. Almost everyone was hating the Rentaria deal when it was announced. Think about where we would be without him.
By The Paul
June 13, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this
I don’t think the team is in the horrobile situation that alot of other people do. I think that a move here or there and the Braves are right back into the thick of it. Some moves must be made though and none of it will cost us a tremendous amount of our farm system.
First we should not do anything with Giles. Any of you morons thta think we are better off with Orr must not have watched him play. Plus Orr, much like Betemit, is much more valuable as a member of our bench.
Secondly, please sit Lacrotch down. This guy is one of the best defensive first basemen in baseball. To bad he can’t hit a lick. Coming off the bench you add a left handed bat with power and a good defensive substitution. Jordan would be ok if in the 7th or 8th spot. I would prefer to get a decent first baseman via trade.
Then we need to get rid of Retsima. He just doesn’t have the goods. Cox is treating Retsima and La Roche like he did in the day with Klesko…chance after chance after chance even though they don’t produce.
The Twins are possibly going to deal Joe Nathan. That would be a significant upgrade at the closer position. With a closer and first baseman, the braves will be fine. Ray is the set up guy and the starters will be ok. If Sosa is dropped from the rotation then he needs to given a chance to be a set up man. He has electric stuff and is to good to be sent down to the minors.
Schurholtz and Cox do it year in and year out, so people just calm down alittle bit. Almost everyone was hating the Rentaria deal when it was announced. Think about where we would be without him.
By Murph=Hall
June 13, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this
Guys…its not the end of the world, but it is the END of the run. Too bad you didn’t join me at more of the games. It’s easy to see where the blame lies…the bullpen, Giles, and dare I say, and underperforming “golden boy” in right.
By Murph=Hall
June 13, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this
Guys…its not the end of the world, but it is the END of the run. Too bad you didn’t join me at more of the playoff games we couldn’t sell out, there might not be anymore for awhile. It’s easy to see where the blame lies…the bullpen, Giles, and dare I say, and underperforming “golden boy” in right.
By p
June 13, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this
1st base> Horrible fielding combined with poor hitting
2nd base > I agree
SS> Fielding good, hitting good. Nice move
3B> Professional hitter, below average fielder
LF> See 1B
CF> How many balls are we going to have to watch land on the warning track this year? Good power.
RF> Anywhere else, this is a platoon player, or riding the pine.
C> Best in the NL, hitting and defensively
Even IF the braves had decent pitching, this team cannot field, and cannot hit consistantly. Its over.
By johnny
June 13, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this
pitching sucks, defense worst braves defense i can remember, offense shot to hell, adam and francouer p** me off. adam everytime we can use a hit he hits into a double play. and francouer samething he swings at the 1st pitch and popup cause he’s just always swinging for the fences. im not even gonna get into the rest of the under achieving offensive players. rent and mccann are the only two how make me want to watch their games. ……pitching……….. i dont know whats going on with cox but he just has not managed well this year. during games and setting up his team and lineup. i can remember atleast 2 games where he took out players and a couple of innings later they have a chance to tie or go for the lead. inconsistesy on every level. i can go on….
By Tom B.
June 13, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this
I think those of you who still think the Bravos have a shot are truly insane. This season is lost, so now is the time to make major changes;dump Marcus,Reitsma and LaRoche through trades;release Jordan and Remlinger;move to Chipper to 1st and trade him if he doesn’t want to move;put Wilson @3rd and Orr @ 2nd. At the end of the season, sell the team to owners who give a damn. Once the team has new ownership,push hard to dump Cox. If the Braves want to make a run for the wild-card, all this needs to happen NOW!!
By Brian H
June 13, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know where that guy went that use to sit in the dugout and rock back and forth?
By Jon
June 14, 2006 03:07 AM | Link to this
We can do it…..Jordan,Giles,LaRoche and the entire Bullpen need to change ex(Ray and Mcbride),laRoche don’t know how to hit the f*** ball. JESUS do something with Reitsma because Cox and JC won’t do anything about it.
Terry P. the hitting coach, let me call you the THE SWING AND MISS.
The pitching coach M. you have done exactly the opposite.
Joe Nathan is available people, can be a huge ADD,but changing the sucks bullpen….The Good news we have no money to spend, so we have to deal with it… I’m a Brave fan I just want to see my team in another direction.
By Jon
June 14, 2006 03:07 AM | Link to this
We can do it…..Jordan,Giles,LaRoche and the entire Bullpen need to change ex(Ray and Mcbride),laRoche don’t know how to hit the f*** ball. JESUS do something with Reitsma because Cox and JC won’t do anything about it.
Terry P. the hitting coach, let me call you the THE SWING AND MISS.
The pitching coach M. you have done exactly the opposite.
Joe Nathan is available people, can be a huge ADD,but changing the sucks bullpen….The Good news we have no money to spend, so we have to deal with it… I’m a Brave fan I just want to see my team in another direction.