AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > April > 10 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves will be fine without Hampton
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
Nothing against Mike Hampton or anything, but the Braves pitching will be just fine, thank you.
No, better than that.
Try slightly beyond good, especially if the Braves’ first seven games of the season are indicative of the rest of the way. Says here, they are a 6-1 team that continues to sizzle atop the National League East. After just a year’s absence, the Braves boldly have returned to their formula of yore: timely hitting, efficient fielding and splendid pitching.
Now about that splendid pitching, exemplified on Tuesday night at Turner Field by Tim Hudson making the Washington Nationals look even more wretched than they are. During his seven innings of the Braves’ 8-0 victory, he allowed three hits while striking out seven and walking one. This is after he spent his first start of the season last week throwing seven nice innings (two hits, one run) against the Philadelphia Phillies.
This is just more of the same from the NL’s best pitching staff not based in San Diego. Solid starting pitching, competent relievers. Such has been the case for the Braves, even without Hampton’s left arm that once produced six seasons with 13 or more victories. Such will remain the case for the Braves when spring becomes summer along the way to autumn that should give this bunch a 15th division title in 16 seasons.
With Hampton slated to miss a second consecutive season with a surgically repaired elbow, this strikingly balanced group of veterans and youngsters still is a couple of fungoes away from reaching the Cy Glavine, Cy Maddux and Cy Smoltz territory. Even so, the remaining starters are plentiful and talented. Along with Hudson, suddenly rejuvenated after his worst year ever, there is the accomplished John Smoltz, the promising Chuck James and the experienced Mark Redman. The nice arms of Kyle Davies and Lance Cormier give the Braves youthful depth.
Not only that, the Braves finally have guys who battle fires out of the bullpen with water instead of gasoline. This time, it was Mike Gonzalez’s turn to give the Braves wonderful relief for an inning, before Chad Paronto did the same in the ninth. So the Braves didn’t have to bother the likes of setup guy Rafael Soriano and closer Bob Wickman, both brilliant so far. Both the antithesis of the mess that dominated the Brave’s bullpen last year.
Then there is that other thing. It’s the splendid thing that had Braves manager Bobby Cox changing his frown over losing Hampton earlier in the afternoon to a smile regarding everything else.
Said Cox, glowing when discussing all of his pitchers, “Ah, we’ve got gamers. They love to play the game, you know. They’re pretty focused on winning. They get used to it, and they like it.”
They haven’t a choice. Not given the Braves’ legacy since their worst-to-first trip in 1991. All-Star catcher Brian McCann was a 7-year-old growing up in Duluth back then, but he still remembers enough about those early Braves and the subsequent ones to know that mediocrity isn’t an option when it comes to pitching.
Here’s what else McCann knows: He knows his batterymates know the same, both old and young.
“What’s going to have to happen is that, just like the other day when Kyle Davies comes out and dominates the game, that’s what we’re going to need from him,” said McCann, referring to Sunday, when Davies held the mighty New York Mets to four hits and a couple of runs in 6-2/3 innings in a Braves’ 3-2 victory. “And Lance Cormier and Mark Redman, they all can do the job. Obviously, losing somebody like Mike Hampton is a huge hit to the team, but you’ve got to move on. Injuries happen to every team, but you just have to make the best of the situation.”
The Braves will.
That’s because they already are.
Permalink | Comments (69) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves / MLB, Terence Moore
Comments
By Braves Guy
April 10, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this
first
By Wilson
April 10, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this
AM i first?
By tokyobrave
April 11, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this
T. Nice article. It’s great to be talking old school Braves again….I actually think that this team will be better now that they know exactly the status of Hampton. Now Davies knows he has to step up and can’t be the weak link. I think a lot of the team was looking forward to getting the Hampton that was so dominant over his last 15 - 20 games before he was injured. Now, that thought is gone. I’m waiting for Chipper and Andruw to step out of the funk, but it’ll happen and we will be just as strong as before. Finally, reading the NY Post after we sent the Mutts home with their tails between their legs, we STILL don’t have their respect. It’s going to take us whipping their Mutt butts in NY to get that back.
By gotigers72
April 11, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this
I hope you’re right about not missing Hampton. So far, so good. Just goes to show you what a guy with Hudson’s skill can do when he’s motivated. If the hitting starts coming around like it did tonight, look out NL East! Still have too many starters/platoon players below the Mendoza line, but tonight was a start.
One prediction. Francoeur is going to wind up being a superstar. Already he looks so much better than his pull happy self of last year. If only some of that “go the other way with the pitch” would rub off on Andruw. The Braves better make every effort this year to lock up Francoeur before he becomes too expensive. And if there is any way, do the same with Andruw.
By Chris
April 11, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this
Quite a change from last year’s pitching start through seven games:
2006 - record 3-4, staff ERA 7.58, starters 0-3 10.08, bullpen 3-1 with 2 saves and 1 blown save 4.97 ERA.
2007 - record 6-1, staff ERA 2.86, starters 3-1 2.91, bullpen 3-0 5 saves 2.78 ERA.
By Coach
April 11, 2007 2:05 AM | Link to this
Ditto Chris. This bunch is Bobby ball defined. Like Moore already said , Great pitching , solid defense and timely hitting…….it’s the same old formula for success we have seen before during the fourteen year division streak. They are a lead off hitter away from being a dominant baseball team.
By Najeh Davenpoop
April 11, 2007 3:24 AM | Link to this
Nice article. Even if Hampton were healthy, he’s still only the #3 starter — between Redman, James, Cormier and Davies, it’s not unreasonable to expect at least one of them to be reliable in the #3 slot this year. The key is for Smoltz and Hudson to remain healthy and continue pitching at their best — if those two keep pitching this well, and the new bullpen acquisitions continue living up to their reputation, the Braves have nothing to worry about.
By Ken Stallings
April 11, 2007 6:41 AM | Link to this
Good column!
By braves fan
April 11, 2007 7:15 AM | Link to this
Im sorry but im not that excited about resigning Andruw to a long term contract. I think there are many players who can give what we need for a lot less money. Andruw is starting to break down and wont give you the same ball play for another 8 years. The braves are nuts if they go long term with him. Have you not been looking at Hampton. Thats all we need is to lock into a long term deal with Druw and have it blow up in our face. I would much rather go young in center and pay for pitching. Remember we have a couple of very very good center fielders ready to make the jump up. Move Francoeur over to center and bring one of them up.
By An Andruw Advocate
April 11, 2007 7:35 AM | Link to this
Well written column, Mr. Moore. Kudos.
By FSSikes
April 11, 2007 7:36 AM | Link to this
I still think we need to let Andrew go at the end of the season. We just don’t need to lock up 20 to 25% of the team salary cap on one player. Good start Braves. Keep it up. Let the Mets and Phillies know that it’s a three team race for the East and not two. GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Andrew
April 11, 2007 7:39 AM | Link to this
I don’t think Francoeur has the head for center field. He can run catch and has a cannon just like Andruw, but he is not a center fielder. I agree we should get rid of him and get a good fielder that can lead off. We’ve been missing a great leadoff man since Furcal left. Don’t get me wrong, Kelly is good, but I don’t think he’s gonna have the OBP that a ballclub needs out of its leadoff man.
By jh
April 11, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this
Wow……a positive article from Terence. Now if we can just get that pessimistic Mark Bradley straightened out, we might start believing that the AJC writers actually like our local teams.
By Jason
April 11, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this
Frenchy will be staying in right, and Langerhans will likely play center next year, so it’s really a non-issue right now.
By Old School
April 11, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this
Wow, A Terrence Moore article that doesn’t mention race, go fiqure. Actually a good column.
By atown
April 11, 2007 8:23 AM | Link to this
This is a first, i agree w/ you for TWO days in a row for the first time.
By Bruce
April 11, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this
nice column, enjoyable and refreshing to read. Thanks!
By Gil Del valle
April 11, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this
Good article…I a Braves fan since 1969..i live in New Jersey..I have one Question about Mike Hampton, Can the Braves Release him? Everybody talking but i did not hear about this….also the braves will be fine without A. Jones…last saturday in the Fox Telecast they say that Cameron from sandiego, he will love play for the braves, because he live in The Atlanta area.
By cashmere
April 11, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this
u guys sre crazy thinking bout letting andruw go….hello TRADE HIS A$$$ to tampa and pick up baldelli and possibly dukes and give them either andruw and pena or andruw and salty,cuz GOD KNOWS THEY NEED A BIGG NAME DOWN THERE.
+we wouldnt have to worry bout gettin burned and tampa has the money to actully keep his butt.
By Marky Mark
April 11, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this
Moore, I do agree with you for once. The braves will be fine and will do much better than last year. I am kind of suprised that you have not laid into Imus like I thought you would. I know this ia a braves blog, but I thought you would have worked in a stab about Imus. Let me ask you a question. How come every time a somewhat racial comment is made Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton, and Charles Barkley always get infront of the camera? Do you personally think that is good for African-American people? I would just like to hear your comments.
By Carroll
April 11, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
cahsmere: I’ll just assume you’re joking…you couldn’t possibly be that dumb.
By SlimG
April 11, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
Not a bad team. Infield could be a problem when Larry goes down. We’ll just wait and see what kind of magic Bobby has up his sleeve. Starting pitching still a concern in my opinion especially if one of the big two gets injured. Overall, I agree with Tom’s assesment over the weekend. “Not a bad team, a bunch of scrapers”. I’ll take that over a bunch of overpaid babies(punch NY). Long season but so far so good. I think everything being equal, our bullpen gives us a unique advantage down the stretch. Andruw please be more patient at the plate and make the pitcher get u out or crush a mistake.Seeya.
By cashmere
April 11, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
baldelli,dukes and francoer in the outfeild is better than andruw francoer and a platoon of 3. and there alot cheaper so u spend that money on smoltz till hes ready to be a pitching coach
By cashmere
April 11, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
at least they wont fall victim the slider low and away 200+ times this year.
whachawont@hotmail.com
By cashmere
April 11, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
plus baldelli,dukes,francoer and then a yunel escobar would gel nicely and give us…(DARE I SAY IT)…OPTIONS AT LEADOFF, OMG I SAID IT!!!
whachawont@hotmail.com EMAIL ME
By GE
April 11, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
The comments about Andruw and his value are an insult to anyone who knows anything about baseball. He is the best centerfielder in the game, yet you yahoo’s treat him as a has been and project stardom for Jeff. Jeff is good, but he is no Andruw and never will be.
Baseball, like every other sport these days is business first and entertainment last. To be perfectly frank, the Braves without Andruw and Chipper would be very boring just like they were when Justice, Gant, Saunders, Nixon and Smith departed.There is no speed or swagger on this team. You just set back and wait for a home run or a great diving catch from Andruw for entertainment. When Druw leaves, I guess Jeff will fill the void. Yeah!! Right!! I am a big Andruw fan and hope that his final year in Atlanta is super so that he can pad his wallet with a mega million dollar deal with a team that appreciates what he brings to the game.
By cashmere
April 11, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
SUCH COMMENTS,GE, are not well thought out at best. chipper is leaving soon its life suck-it-up.and there is plenty of speed in the AAA-wings waiting. Now yes andruw get PAID but if its here so by to smoltz francoer and n e other player whoose contract ends during the length of his. to andruw the money hell command wont handicapp us itll cut our hands off,to the where we’d fire staff and coaches to scrape pennies together.
whachawont@hotmail.com EMAIL ME
By cashmere
April 11, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
btw-at least they wont fall victim the slider low and away 200+ times this year.
whachawont@hotmail.com
By GE
April 11, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
Cashmere,
Your thoughts are on target from your point of view just as my thoughts are on target from my point of view. You are talking baseball from a business perspective and not an entertainment perspective. I do not want to go to a Braves game and shell $50.00 or more to watch a Triple A team like the poor folks in our nations capital will be doing this year. By the way, Braves management keeps trading away all the good talent(speed) once they become marketable(except for McCann). I do not remember them doing this for Andruw when he was at that stage in his career. They will probably do the same for Jeff. I wonder why the double standard.
By Eric from MO
April 11, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
Cashmere the Devil Rays wouldnt do that. They may need a big name however they will not pay that much money and besides even if they would be willing to pay the money, which their not, the whole reason they want to trade Baldelli is because they have way too many outfielders. Why would they trade for another one?
By Eric from MO
April 11, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
Mcann 6 years for 26 million is going to be a bargain. I hope to God they will quickly lock up Francouer too.
By Eric from MO
April 11, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
Cashmere are you lonely? You sure seem desperate to get someone to email you.
By CASHMERE
April 11, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
GE AND ERIC FROM MO
GE— yunel escobar is not SOME minor league guy he and jeff(barring mccann) r the future faces of the franchise and he is cheap and renteria is leaving after this or next year. btw new faces(new young faces)sell
ERIC FROM MO—
BALDELLI AND GOMES OR DUKES ITS THE TWO FOR ONE. and the devil rays would do it because andruw would do something thats neva-eva-eva-eva-eva been done there(or here)and thats sell TICKETS.
By CASHMERE
April 11, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
ERIC FROM MO
its 6yrs 41mill(incentives my friend,incentives)
By johndawg
April 11, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
Who the hell is Mike Hampton?
By CASHMERE
April 11, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
mike hampton is 50% of the reason y andruw wont get that payday here.
By Sherman
April 11, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
As much as I have always liked Andruw, it is time to trade him because we can never afford to resign him. With the pitching back to form his loss will not be noticed nearly as much as say it would have been last year. If we could get a good young leadoff hitter our run production would not suffer to much. Andruw still stubornly refuses to adjust to pitching away by going to right field. Just some thoughts on the future.
By AdirondackDave
April 11, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
Folks, all of us who want say “so long” to Andruw need a reality check. This is the guy who makes every pitcher on the staff better, ask any of them. His offense perhaps can be replaced, but his defense, NO WAY. I think, in the end, JS and AJ and going to find a way to work it out. It’s going to be a new game in Atlanta if they don’t.
My guess is that Francoeur will be signed to McCann-type contract in the next month or two. Those opposite field hits have to have gotten JS’s attention.
By CASHMERE
April 11, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
yes!!! its all about gettin something in win lose situation.besides 2 good hitting years out of 10 aint no matter if u hit 60 in one. andruw is gonna want more than vernon wells,and that sh@@ anit goin down sorri folks the A.JONES’ SHOW IS COMING TO A CLOSE. P.S. NO GE IM NOT ITS JUST THAT I LOVE THE ATLANTA TEAMS SOO MUCH AND THIS IS SUCH A GREAT TURNOUT THAT THEY AJC SHOULD BE ENDING THE BLOG SOON(WHICH I HATE BY WAY..WHO CLOSES A SESSION THAT KEEPS READERS ON UR PAGE)
By CASHMERE
April 11, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
AdirondackDave
I GUESS ITS A NEW DAY N BRAVES BASEBALL the of money he wonts we be able sign draft picks.
GREGOR BLANCO,T.J.BOHN,BRANDON JONES ARE ON THERE WAY UP AND THIS KID CALLED COLBY JOHNSON IS NOTHING TO FORGET EITHER
By Mrs. Schuerholz
April 11, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
Good job cracking open the “Elements of Style” and writing a compelling and coherent article. A-, good job, Mr. Moore. Great improvement over previous efforts.
Still —- no credit for the DG’s who put the bullpen together?
Right…they only get credit for the one losing season, not the 14 winners. I almost forgot how that works.
By bravesfanbob
April 11, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this
While Hampton going down is a negative, it might well be the very thing that keeps Andruw a Brave. The insurance pays the majority of Hampton’s contract for 2007 now, since he didn’t throw a pitch, and with the extra money, and the fact the new owners want a team to either attract fans or a prospective new buyer for the tax purposes the get from the sale, signing Andruw will be easier. But why am I talking about that!? We’re 6-1, first place, and Chipper and Andruw aren’t the ones leading the team. Wait until they get hot! I’m fired up about this season, as after too long Chuck James will be in the same sentence as Smoltz and Hudson, instead of Redman and Cormier,(who would be in a lot of teams top 3). He’s the reason why the Braves will have enough to win the east, and why the pitching can dominate in the playoffs. He will be a star! Also, the fact we lost last year, and the fact we have returned to contender will put more butts in the seats, which will give JS more money to give to Scott Boros, (uh I mean Andruw), and he will remain a Brave. Boy I went a long way to tie everything into my wishes, didn’t I, lol!
By Mrs. Schuerholz
April 11, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this
Good job cracking open the “Elements of Style” and writing a compelling and coherent article. A-, good job, Mr. Moore. Great improvement over previous efforts.
Still —- no credit for the DG’s who put the bullpen together?
Right…they only get credit for the one losing season, not the 14 winners. I almost forgot how that works.
By AdirondackDave
April 11, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
Hey, can somebody tell this old geezer what LOL means?
By Eric from MO
April 11, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
Cashmere if Andruw cant sell tickets in Atlanta why would he be able to sell tickets in Tampa. Also if this is such a great deal why would Tampa do it? I love how fans come up with these great trades that would help their team but kill the other team. I mean while we are at it why dont we trade Mike Hampton for Tom Glavine. It would definetly help the Braves and Im sure the Mets would do it. Think about it, it would be a homecoming for Hampton and Glavine. If you cant tell I am being sarcastic. Cashmere I hope you are being sarcastic too because that trade will never happen.
By bravesfanbob
April 11, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
lol means laugh out loud
By Eric from MO
April 11, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
You all do know that when a player leaves through free agency the team that signs him has to give draft picks to the team that had him. The more money the player signs for the better the draft picks are. That is why the Braves have been able to keep such a good minorleague because every time a player we get more draft picks. Such as when Glavine, Maddux, Lopez, and Sheffield left the Braves were getting future draft picks. This is why the Yankees never have any good prospects. So to all of the people who say we need to trade Andruw to get something in return need to just shutup. We will actually probably get more out of the draft picks because right now Andruw doesnt have much trade value because he will leave at the end of the season.
By AdirondackDave
April 11, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
Thanks, bravesfanbob.
By CASHMERE
April 11, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
ERIC FROM MO
U ROOKIES ARE ALL THE SAME LOVE THE BRAVES ALL THESE IDEAS AND THEY ALL SUCK TRUTH IS ANDRUW IN TAMPA WORKS,
MAKES THERE PITCHING BETTER GIVES LEADERSHIP A (AHEM)BIG BAT/NAME TRADES SELL TICKETS ERIC BECAUSE THEY GENERATE INTEREST/FAN BUZZ
IT GIVES THEMA LINEUP AND ANDRUW WILL PROTECT DELMON YOUNG AND B.J. UPTON SO TIS DOESNT KILL THERE TEAM IT MAKES THEM A PLAYOFF CONTENDER FOR ONCE.
AND HELL BE AN DISPUTED CLUBHOUSE LEADER AND EXAMPLE(SEE DELMON YOUNG-THAT BAT THING)
AND NO IM NOT BEING SARCASTIC
By CASHMERE
April 11, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
ERIC FROM MO OR JUS ANOTHER MYSPACE GANGSTA
(PRETTY HARD TALK TRU A CPU KID)
By Zoldars
April 11, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
By the way, people are forgetting andruw is a 10 and 5 guy. He can Veto any trade. He was p** when JS dangled him as trade bait a year ago. Hes not gonna go with trade. Tampa is not going to trade their young talent for andruw. Hes at his peak offensively right now. HIs defensive peak was a couple years ago probably. Still, maybe the best center fielder about ever- and a most feared batter. Yet that paltry OBP and average… I say Lowball him, and if we dont sign him, try to buy one of tampas OF’s with the 25 million we just saved… Mr. Moore I must agree with Johns wife above, a positive and possibly…enjoyable article. Dont make it a habit or anything…
By CASHMERE
April 11, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
ZOLDARS
u make a good point lets be honest when the trade deadline comes around who are people goin to sell there whole team for? no one in baseball will make a splash in the free-agent like andruw NO-ONE!!
that being said lets get something for his butt now and start the future of the franchise.
By Tyler
April 11, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
Being realistic, the Braves will probably not be able to resign Andruw next year. And they will probably not go after another big time center fielder who is worth the big bucks. They will most likely move Franceour to center and find a mediocre right fielder to fill the spot (If not move Langerhans there and put Diaz to left). Lets face it, the Braves are simply going to fill the spots, not improve the spots. However, it would be awesome to get Crawford or Baldelli in a trade or for free agency.
By GaCracker
April 11, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
Hampton. Injury prone and highly overpaid. He makes more than the entire bullpen! Dump him. He’s history.
By Dave
April 11, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
The Devil Rays might do it, but it doesnt matter. Andruws a 10/5 Player and he has already said he is going to be a brave at least this year. i think the platoon at 1B will work, i dont know about the LF platoon though. Diaz is hitting as always but Langerhans is batting under .100. I dont know about johnson yet, he’s getting walks but he needs to get that avg. up. other than that the only thing that worries me is Redman and/or cormier. Cormier has never pitched a full year as a starter and he will be coming off an injury, and Redman can go 6 or 7 innings easy but can he do it without giving up 5 or 6 runs?
By Alex
April 11, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
Let’s look at this from a business point of view?
Who can actually afford A.Jones next year, and who actually needs a player like him as well?
Mets…they could afford him but they’ve already got Beltran, but it’s a possibility I do hope A. Jones doesn’t do what benedict Glavine did!Anywhere but the Muts
Dodgers…they’ve got the money, Andruw likes the hollywood “pimp my ride” lifestyle, they need a center fielder, it’s definitely most likely the place for him to end up in…at around 6 years 20 mil. a year.
My preference, if the Braves can’t workout a sign/trade with the Dodgers, is for hopefully Andrew to go to an American League team, that way, the Braves don’t have to face him.
Best case scenario, Andrew gives the Braves the “home town” discount and signs for 17 mil a year, 5 year deal, with a smaller signing bonus than let’s say another team would give him.
Either way…he’s not going to Tampa Bay, so let’s stop the none sense!
By ruben silva
April 11, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
WHERE THE BANDWAGON MUTTS FANS ?????? AINT TALKIN ANYMORE HUH? AND TO EVERYBODY WORRYING ABOUT THE SIGNINGS AND TRADES FORGET ABOUT ALL THAT WORRY ABOUT THAT WHEN IT ACTUALLY HAPPENS NONE OF US HERE ARE J.S OR BOBBY COX LET THEM WORRY ABOUT IT AS FOR THE FANS LETS JUST ENJOY THIS SEASON!!!!!!!!! GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!
By BIG DADDY
April 11, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
Andrew wrote this.
“I don’t think Francoeur has the head for center field. He can run catch and has a cannon just like Andruw, but he is not a center fielder. I agree we should get rid of him and get a good fielder that can lead off. We’ve been missing a great leadoff man since Furcal left. Don’t get me wrong, Kelly is good, but I don’t think he’s gonna have the OBP that a ballclub needs out of its leadoff man.”
Andrew, were you drunk?
By GE
April 11, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
Good points AdirondackDave and Eric from MO. Andruw has value not only to himself and his family but to the Braves as well.How quickly people forget a guy who lays it out on a daily basis and plays while hurt. You never hear Andruw complain or respond to his critics when he does not go to right field or when he strikes out on sliders down and out. There are some guys in the league with big contracts who strike out when the ball is right down the middle waist high.
I wonder why the Braves shopped Andruw last year(without telling him). Surely they know what we know. I guess that they were only testing the market. Judging from some of the other contracts that have been signed, Andruw will get paid by someone(probably the Yankees). Good.
I am sad for all those people who think the Braves will be as good or better. The losses will pile up because there will be no one to make the key defensive play at the most opportune time. Andruw does this so regularly, we have come to take his talent for granted. Its a WIN WIN for Andruw and who ever decides to pay him what he is worth.
By Cam
April 11, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
So far this team looks exciting. I couldn’t see one game the last three years because of living in Japan. But now in Japan I have all the games on the Internet and I’m not missing a beat. To ‘tokyobrave’s comment, far as the Mets and respect, don’t expect any of that coming from New York. I’ve been watching their games after they failed miserably in the Braves series, and the announcers didn’t say a thing about the Braves. That’s because the Mets are that good. But what I see in the Braves is something quite unique since I became a fan at birth in 1970. It’s about how one guy in the lineup can be a catalyst. Whether it’s McCann or Francouer, the baby Braves have an edge, or maybe it is something that was lacking in our trusted veterans. It’s a rejuvenizing effect. What remains to be seen - before anybody can say “we are the team to beat” - is to see how well the veterans handle the lows, and how the youngsters respond. The relief pitching is awesome, but there are some obvious holes in the rotation. I’m hoping Bobby can pull another trick from his sleeve.
By CASHMERE
April 11, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
its non-sense and y not they want laroche for him and they made him seem sooo great and now hes ridin pine.
By Josh
April 11, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
All of you yahoos who are calling on JS to trade Andruw Jones are on crack. Andruw is a 10 and 5 player. 10 Years in MLB and last 5 years with the same team. He can veto any trade and Andruw has said he will veto any trade. Try reading Dave O’Brien’s blog you might get educated.
By sammy miller
April 11, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
First am I first!
By Zoldars
April 11, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
yeah you’re first.
By Beach Dawg
April 11, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
I love it!!! Four percent of the season is in the books and we’re rushing to get in line for world series tickets!! If I recall, we were only 3 games behind the Mets last year before the June melt down. I would caution with the wise words of John Wayne, “…easy in the saddle boys!”
By Eric from MO
April 11, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this
GE I am a huge Andruw fan. After McCann he is my next favorite player and if Andruw does decide to stay around after this year he will be my favorite player. I agree with every thing you say about him.
Cashmere still not sure what the h#$$ you are talking about when you were talking about myspace. Yes they were willing to do the deal for Laroche but they also wanted either Chuck James or Kyle Davies. Also Laroche was still locked up for another 3 or 4 years before he could be a free agent which means he would be cheaper and there longer. As for Andruw’s name would sell tickets because he would be new; Do you remember the late 90’s when they brought in Fred McGriff, Jose Canseco, and Vinny Testerverde. Now none of these are quite as good as Andruw however they had all each previously hit 40 homeruns in a season and they thought they were going to contend. Guess what their tickets sell didnt increase. Tampa just isnt a baseball town. Doesnt matter who you bring in they are not going to sell many tickets and in that division they are not going to contend.
By Rabbit
April 11, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
Another fine article…… Great game last night. “My Tip of the Hat” goes to Chad Paronto. This big workhorse doen’t expect to be in the lime-light often this season but if he can match his 60 plus appearance of 2006, he will add to the master plan. This pitching staff is full of alot of hidden talents that will make this a better team. Yes, we hate to lose Hampton, but this will open the staff up for more contributions.
By scott
April 12, 2007 2:29 AM | Link to this
Awesome column
LET’S GO BRAVES!!!
By cashmere
April 12, 2007 3:03 AM | Link to this
EXCELLENT POINT ERIC
truth is i luv andruw and would love to keep him but we have toooo many prospeects that id like over giving him a long term deal.
PEOPLE CHECK OUT THE MINOR-LEAGUE TEAMS THERE STACKED TO THE BRIM!!
Id rather have 6-7 new guys signed to 3-5 year deals than i guy sign to a HUGE LONG TERM DEAL. EVEN IF IT IS ANDRUW’S GOLD GLOVIN,40HR A**.
P.S. HE STILL CANT HIT THE SLIDER LOW AND AWAY,AND WILL ALWAYS TRY2!!
AND U KNOW IT!!!