ajcsportstalk

By Roland

August 4, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this

I’m not one of those conspiracy theory type of people but isn’t it funny the type of players the Braves always try to trade and the ones that they hold on to. That’s way from this day on I will never go to a braves game again.

By Look B4 U leap

August 4, 2006 07:32 PM | Link to this

Now since he’s PO’d they might as well trade him. Hell let’s trade Vick too and just get the train started back to mediocracy again.

By Skydawg

August 4, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this

I’m telling you just like I said in the WB trade blog. Schuerholz and AOL/Timewarner are trying to sabotage the Braves to bring down the value on them to expediate the sell. What a coincedence that AOL/TW is has also just let go 5,000 employees. Its a poorly managed company that is trying to stop the bleedin any way possible. I thought the WB trade sucked. This goes beyond the pale. Un-freakin-believable is all I can say. Andruw, I know things are out of your control. But we Braves fans love you and support you in this time. Let’s cross our fingers and hope no deal can be worked out. Then when you get your 10-5 rights, you can then uncross your fingers and proptly flip it at the Braves.

By Fuzo

August 4, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this

Just plain dumb!

By David

August 4, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

Maybe it is “rude” but its also business. I find it laughable people say he gave the Braves a hometown discount on his last contract. He makes 13.5 next year. The Marlins are winning on 15m. Thats the new reality. Throwing money into the wind has passed in MLB.

By Harry

August 4, 2006 07:47 PM | Link to this

What in the world!!!! Crazy, insane, etc.

By bryan

August 4, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this

why they want to try trade andruw jones to the another team instead of the braves .andruw jones is a good player to this team and a good leader.we need him to try to keep this team in the wild card race so here we can get back in the playoff race.if you behind 4 to 5 games back in the wildcard standings you need to keep your experience players at this team. if andruw moved to the another team ,this team will miss the playoffs for the first time since 1990. so PLEASE KEEP ANDRUW JONES ON THIS TEAM AND STAY IN THE PLAYOFF RACE.

By JTUGG

August 4, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

Braves aint sit!!!!!!!!!! They nothing but a bunch of rednecks who don’t want to pay any player of color! Trade Macus Giles sorry a*s who said publicly he did want to play hit leadoff and who stunk of the field this year! They should have traded his a*s last year in stead of Furcal! Plus they get rid od Betemit which I believe took the wind out of the Braves’ sail! First Sheffield, then Furcal, Betemit, now Andruw! Chipper Jones is the one who needs to go! His a*s gets hurt sitting on the couch at his momma’s house. HE has not been healthy in 3 years! Trade his a*s, not the guy who gives 100% in center field EVERY GAME! They should have trade Chipper’s a*s and put Betemit at 3rd, f*k that!!!!! Another player of color getting screwed by the Braves!

By I can't believe it!

August 4, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

Andrew is right, they wouldn’t treat Chipper or Smoltz this way. The way the front office is operating now the Braves will be looses for a long time. This makes 1989/90 teams seem like yesterday! It may be time for JS to move on as well.

By Peter

August 4, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

People didn’t say it and in fact I didn’t say that he gave a “hometown” discount. I wrote that guys like Farnsworth and Drew were writing that those guys would take less to stay. They didn’t.

Jones and his father negotiated his last contract without Scott Boras. Are you trying to tell us that the Marlins payroll is 15 million. Check that one again and even if it were true what EXACTLY is it that the Marlins are winning?

By NAACP

August 4, 2006 07:59 PM | Link to this

Color? That’s it. The Braves don’t want any players with dark skin. Ship them to Richmond. Hey, who signed them in the first place?

By J.D.

August 4, 2006 08:00 PM | Link to this

I dont know when you guys will actually realize that players of Andruw’s caliber are placed on waivers every August, and it is no big deal whatsoever. Other Braves including Chipper have been placed on them before. It is a routine thing every August, and just imagine when it comes out that someone like Pujols was placed on waivers and you guys finally realize Andruw was not the only one this happened to. JS doesnt want to trade him; it is a normal baseball move.

By War Eagle

August 4, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this

Braves pay Andruw very good, the front office is interest in winning, not how a player feels about his status.

By The Doktor

August 4, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this

With waivers being confidential as Mr Schuerholz said, how is it that anyone here or in the media knows for a fact that Andruw, Chipper, John Smoltz or anyone else that’s ever been on the roster has ever been put on waivers or not?!?

Hrmm…

By Kevin

August 4, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this

I don’t get it….Is it payroll for Time Warner’s sell or dealing with Boras in the next year. We could get a boat load of talent. Maybe it could be as good of trade as the Vikings for Hershel OR the Dickerson trade to the Colts. Now I know the teams that I just mentioned were in the NFL, but you don’t see (maybe) a trade like this size in the Major Leagues anymore. I just hope it works out for the BRAVES!!!

By David

August 4, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this

espn.com has Florida 30th (14,344,500). Atl 8th (92,461,852). Braves lead season series 6-5. Florida has one more win then Atl this year. Nice investment on Florida’s part I’d say. Any intelligent fan would bet on the Florida roster vs. Atl. for the future.

By David

August 4, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this

Peter last time I saw your name was in church years ago (sorry mom). I’m not responding to anything you have thought or written. What an ego you have.

By billy ray

August 4, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this

another player of color on his way out!!! no justice again.

By steve

August 4, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this

JS - You have been a great GM, but if you trade Andruw, you have lost me as a fan forever. If he only hit .220 he would still be the best centerfielder in the game and worth every penny. Andruw should spend the rest of his career as a Brave - end of story.

By Peter

August 4, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this

David man you better get right by God man. Go back to church every Sunday (unless there’s a game on) in which case you just attend over the internet.

By Beacon Hill

August 4, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

Yes, high profile players being placed on waivers is common and a part of MLB’s day-to-day business. But common courtesy to a marquee player and cornerstone of the Braves family would be to hear about it from the front office, not a reporter.

By David

August 4, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this

Peter I’m goin to see Ricky Bobby tomorrow. I’ll say a prayer with him, Walker and Texas Ranger. That should do.

By Derrick

August 4, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this

I think it’s unfair to Andruw. He been the braves most consitent player for years to count on playing each day. The guy barely misses a game due to injury and is the best centerfielder in the game still. He gets you 30 homers every year on 100 rbi’s. True he struggles sometimes at the plate but everybody does.He is loyal to the team because he done his last contract himself not a agent.Chipper is the one that stays hurt year after year and his production is going down every year so the organization needs to be ashamed of themselves and give him respect and atleast talk with him

By BirdMahn

August 4, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this

To those of you who say the Marlins are winning with with a 15 million dollar payroll. I remind you that right now the Marlins have won nothing. If the season ended today, the Marlins would be sitting home watching the playoffs. I guess you think we should shrink our payroll so we can achieve the mediocre.

By Reid Whitaker

August 4, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this

It may be a routine move, and he has been unpreductive in the clutch for the most part, but there is no way I will believe that there was no way they could have tipped him off about the move. Nowm who knows how this will affect him the rest of the season. Bring on Arthur Blank.

By The Mack

August 4, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this

Wow, this is the tell tell sign of how to treat your boys different than your selected type of “stars”. As many in our color blind society would like to deny it, but this would not have happen to a 30HR,gold glove Dale M. or when was the last time you’ve seen Chipper treated like this. Someone just wrote a book “$80 million dollar slaves”, this is exactly what he wrote about. The world view of Andruw has just been changed.

By matt

August 4, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this

IF the Braves get in the playoffs, they will definitely need Andruw’s bat. He is much better in the offseason and it would be a shame for him to miss the playoffs.

By Andy

August 4, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this

IF—-IF,IF,IF,IF a team game the braves an outstanding offer—3 stud pitcher something like that—then yes the trade would be made. That will not happen. The braves are in need of #1 propect pitchers—everyteam is in need of #1 type pitchers. The angels or dodgers are the only ones with a bunch of pitching propects that the braves could use—the angels don’t trade their propects and the dodgers really don’t need andruw that badly to make that kind of offer. The braves still could sign Andruw after 2007 if they had to—this is a mute point—nothing will happen. JS does need to goto ciny and have a sit down with Andruw and clear the air and smooth this over if the braves are going to have any chance of resigning him—this is my thoughts. Whatever they are worth.

By PA Bravefan

August 4, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this

Put the race crap away!! Chipper and Smoltzie can’t be placed on the waiver list because they already have 10 and 5 protection. MLB rules state that a player with 10 and 5 protection CAN NOT BE PLACED ON WAIVERS!!!! I have to believe that the Braves are finally realizing what should have been realized in late June or early July, we need to start thinking about rebuilding for the near future. If the Red Sox would have taken that deal, we would have been fools to not take it. We get a potential # 1 guy in Lester, a potential closer in Hansen, and a leadoff man with speed in Crisp. All for a lot less than what we are paying Andruw, and the god news is, we would have all 3 for at least the next 4 years. At that point we would still have Lester and Hanson, because they would still not be free agent available yet! I would have done that in a heartbeat. They simply are trying to put out feelers to see who all is interested in AJ. Mark my words! He will most likely be traded this offseason, because Scott Boras always drives a hard bargain. With the tight budget, it isn’t smart to have such a large chunk of the budget tied up in one guy. Chipper and Smoltzie actually restructured their contracts to make less in the next couple of years, but more in the long run. Andruw could go in and offer to do that, but hasn’t. All indications are that he will be too expensive for the Braves to keep after next year. The Braves are right to be afraid to let Andruw get 10 and 5 protection next week and not be able to trade him and lose him next year. They may trade him now if the right offer comes along, or they may have been just trying to get him through unclaimed, so they can continue talks with Boston or LAA. Lets ALL STOP the Race Garbage!! Didn’t we just get 2 hispanic players for 1? Yest we traded Jorge Sosa for a caucasian, but I would have traded him for a chimpanzee and a bag of baseballs. We were lucky to get anything for him!

By Bill

August 4, 2006 08:44 PM | Link to this

All of you who are making racist comments should be ashamed of yourself. Do you realize that Hank Aaron, one of the greatest and most respected players of all time is a Brave past present and future? And for all of those who are taking Andruw’s side in all of this, when was the last time he approached management to restructure his contract and give up $$$ to improve the team?

Crickets chirping.

By This gets old

August 4, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this

Am I mistaken but didn’t Boston refuse to make the deal because of the young pitchers involved? If so then why are so many people acting as if that’s still a possibility?

By krath

August 4, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this

Chipper and Smoltz have both been placed on waivers in the past, at least it’s my understanding that they have. As for the act of being placed on waivers, everyone raising hell is just a knee jerk reaction. Lots of superstars go on waivers. Lots of “franchise” players have gone on waivers. The difference with Andruw is that his coming status and recent trade rumors make it newsworthy.

Did anyone notice what Andruw said about vetoing a trade? He said if he were the subject of a trade when he reaches August 15th, he would indeed veto a trade. So if the Braves find out that he will command 17-18 mil and they can’t afford it….Andruw will play out the string and walk away after next season and leave the Braves with what?? A draft choice? If he vetoes a trade over the winter or during the season next year….that’s exactly what the Braves will get for him if he walks.

The knife cuts both ways. Why don’t someone ask Andruw if he’ll sign a contract extention at his current salary. Think he will? I think we all know he won’t.

Signing Andruw at 17 million a year is rediculous. Want to see Francoeur and McCann and the other young guys walk away as soon as they are eligible to be free agents because we can’t afford them because we continue to invest 60-70% of our payroll in 5 or 6 players. Oh yeah…. and that 60% payroll is tied up and only one of those players is an effective pitcher.

By the way. Chuck James just woke up from his sweet dream. Home Run James just returned to reality.

By T-Dog

August 4, 2006 09:04 PM | Link to this

Is it just me, or has anyone else notice that since the Braves won their lone World Series, signing & keeping African American players has not been a top priorty for Mr. G.M. We’re talking about 1, 2 maybe 3 players per year in almost 10 years. That’s why, the most boring team in the majors, can never get past the first round. And as long as Bobby Cox is the manager, they never will again. They have no fire, come playoff time. That’s why they keep getting their butt kicked every year. Nobody cares about division championship anymore. It’s no wonder Braves playoff games never sell out anymore.

By P

August 4, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this

trade Andruw Jones he deserves to be with a better team than the braves. Trade Andruw and he will win an mvp and a world series with his next team. Trade Andruw and he will go into the hall of fame but not as an Atlanta Brave. Trade Andruw for he deserves better!!!

By big guy

August 4, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

Guess that’s what you get for loafing, Andrew.

By PA Bravefan

August 4, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

Well Said KRATH!!! That is exactly what I awas saying earlier!! We need pitching, sorry folks this isn’t the old Braves that have talent ready to fill in! Andruw could get us that! As for you This GET OLD! If the Braves could have gotten AJ through waivers, they could at least still talk to Boston! MLBtraderumors had said that there was the possiblity of shifting AJ to Houston then for Roy OSwalt and another player. If the Sox thought they could get Oswalt they would probably step to the front to become WS favorites with Beckett, Schilling and Oswalt, so they might think if they had more time. A trade is never dead, only on hold!

By NoblessOblige

August 4, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this

The only way the Braves can find out what other teams will offer for Andruw is to put him on the waiver list and see who claims him. If he’s claimed, they can only deal with the team that claimed him. If more than one claims him, they have to deal with the team with the worst record. There is the possibility of a multi-team trade if that team participates. In a few weeks Andruw will reach 10/5 and be able to veto a trade, so the Braves have to see what their options are now. I don’t think they’d get near enough to justify trading him.

I wish they could do the same with Chipper but he can veto a trade. (It always kills me to see slack-jawed morons posting to blogs like this demanding that Chipper be traded) No team would take him unless the Braves ate a lot of his salary, which would largely defeat the purpose of trading him. That’s what happens with stars who get into the downside of their careers-they wind up with huge contracts negotiated years earlier at salary levels that they wouldn’t get if they were negotiating their contracts now. That’s part of the thinking that goes into how many years players try to get teams to commit to.

By johnmrog

August 4, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this

Only people who live their lives obsessed with race could in any way construe this as somehow having to do with race.

Chipper - a butcher defensively at 3rd base, constantly hurt, and nowhere near the power he had early in his career… all along with a hefty, hefty salary. Ergo, Chipper is UNTRADEABLE. Nobody wants to trade for Chipper Jones.

Smoltzie - Making a low salary (as quality major league starters go) with a team option to pay him another low salary next year. Tradeable? You betcha… ANY team in the league would want Smoltz at his salary. But that’s just the thing… at his salary, the Braves can’t afford to let him get away.

Andruw - In the prime of his career coming into a contract year with the team’s prospects looking worse all the time. Is Andruw going to want to sign again for only $13.5 million? Not a chance in the world. Will the Braves be able to afford him? Probably not. Is he tradeable? Without a doubt. And considering his fading prospects of staying with the Braves after next year, it would be the smartest thing in the world to move him now for 2-3 quality major league players to fill out this team.

John Schuerholz and Bobby Cox would trade for and play a player with GREEN skin if that player could win them some games.

We all know who the racist needle-d1ck$ are in this room… and it ain’t John Schuerholz or Bobby Cox.

By Tyger

August 4, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this

Rude, reasonable? Try Racist!!! Andruw is exactly right, they would not do Smoltz or Chipper like that, why? Take a wild guess.

10 days from gaining the right to say no to the white man will never happen for a black player in Atlanta while the John “Grand Wizard” Schuerholtz is around.

Every season I live in denial, trying to rationalize why great black players never last in ATL. Well, its not complicated at all, in fact, its very simple, theyre black and these are the ATL Crackers and thats just the way it is around here. Some things just dont change.

Andruw Jones has been the most prolific Braves player since Henry Aaron and this is how they treat him??? I hope he is traded and the Braves are exposed for who they are and let them flounder in their white supremacy while the progressive teams reap the glory of their diversity.

Go Yankees Go Mets Go Marlins Go Nationals..Booo Braves!!!

By Stephen

August 4, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this

Andrew is the best player the Braves have. If anybody needs to be traded to keep the payroll down it’s chipper. He’s allways hurt and is getting too old.

By TP

August 4, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this

The Braves’ front office has committed a monumentous blunder by putting one of the best players in the history of the Braves’ organization and one of the most dedicated and loyal players in contemporary baseball on waivers. This confirms that the Braves organization isn’t really concerned about winning, their just concerned about the bottom line. After 10 years of following Braves baseball, I’m through buying tickets to their games.

By LB4

August 4, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this

I’m not thinking that the trade is dead. My point was this…If we need pitching (which we do) and Boston has pitching (questionable) to give then why wasn’t the trade made?

And yes Oswalt was available (he’s upset too) but he didn’t get moved. Why? Teams aren’t giving up the top prospects. Look at Soriano.

My real point is this…when did a city of 5 million people become a small market? Three years from now we’re going to be screaming for Liberty to sell this team.

The payroll has been artificially held down. Baseball got so much more money this year yet we held the same payroll. I understand the “why” of it but it’s BS.

My anger stems from cutting the number of scouts to the big league payroll. We’re just not going to get any value for a guy who’s certainly going to go on the open market.

But look if we get prospects back and let’s say that they’re brilliant. BUT it takes two to three years for them to mature. Then aren’t we getting into free agency for the guys we brought up last season?

I just don’t want to go back to the losing years.

By Bill

August 4, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this

Tyger,

Here’s a quarter. Go buy a clue. “Great black players never last in ATL…….”

HAHAHAHAHA. Andruw has lasted over 10 years. Brian Jordan has returned to the Braves not once, but TWICE. Terry Pendleton came back to coach the team.

Sorry, but your theory has more holes in it than swiss cheese. Thanks for playing.

By Kevin M

August 4, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this

This is all because of Scott Boras, Andruw’s agent.

Boras is a ruthless, driven, and greedy agent who drives a very, very hard bargain with clubs for his clients. The Braves know that Andruw is worth much more on the open market than they can pay him, so it’s simply economics.

Trade him while you can get something for him. My guess - Boston is gonna get him for the pennant race

KM Smyrna

By johnmrog

August 4, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this

Mark these words:

“I want to stay with the Braves,” Jones said. “I don’t want to go anywhere. Especially with two months left in the season. But right now, I don’t have a say-so in whether I stay or go.”

After the Braves don’t trade Andruw and they keep him for the full year next year, remember these words when Andruw takes his bat and glove for greener ($$$) pastures.

The players always want the “respect” to only go one way… to THEM. Then, when they are “free agents”, where’s their “respect” for the team? Forgotten… behind their pursuit of the almighty $$$. Not that there’s anything wrong with that… but the business of the almighty $$$ works in both ways in this business.

By Azmi

August 4, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this

Business is business. Waivers are supposed to be confidential. Jones is a Boras represented player and will ask for maximum money for his guy.

Do I think Andruw is worth every penny?

Yes

Do I think the Braves will have all the pennies needed to resign him?

NO

I trust you Mr Schuerholz. Get us some pitching.

By Dawgs2006

August 4, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this

All this talk about a player of color is getting old. It is what it is….Scott Boras. Nobody wants to deal that A-hole. It is Andrew’s fault for taking up with a scumbag agent. By the way, it is time to make a Hershel type trade for Vick and let Schaub take over. It has run it’s course.

By Jonesing

August 4, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

I expect AJ to be traded. I think all big salaries that can be dumped, will be dumped. The Braves are being sold. If the Braves can lose with Adruw in CF, they can lose with a cheaper replacement there.

By supergrass

August 4, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this

the bloom is off the rose with chuck james

By Zeke

August 4, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this

Remember Dave Justice? He hit the biggest homerun in the history of the Atlanta Braves. Traded! Jermaine Dye? All-Star. Traded! Gary Sheffield? All-Star. Traded! Some of you are trying to say the race talk is crazy. You’re crazy! Baseball is a racist sport. I played baseball at the highest college level (D-1)and I love the game with a passion but I realize that it is a racist sport. Less than 10% of MLB players are African-American. How many times have you seen two or more black baseball players at a major D-1 college starting. Not often. They barely get recruited by those schools. How many African-American players are in the Braves organization? I know for a fact that there are ballplayers out there that are not given an opportunity becasue of their skin color, but Mr. John Schuerholz’s son can make it to triple A when he’s not that good. Give me a break! Baseball is and always will be a racist sport!

By Fred

August 4, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

Rude? Maybe Andruw should complain to his player’s union rep. Baseball is so “business” oriented with both players and owners trying to squeeze as much money out of everyone as possible, that there is no loyalty on the part of players or owners. All I see are these players that cry foul, or whine, or cry about being traded. Guess what… that’s the trade off for your RIDICULOUS salary that has made baseball the spectator sport of the upper-middle class or the large corporation. Having Scott Boras as his agent made it an easy decision for Schuerholtz.

By John

August 4, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this

AJ should go also Chipper,Hudson,and Giles.Forget this year. With the bases loaded, no outs,and can’t score, you deserve to lose.

By Knockahoma

August 4, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

Goodbye division, goodbye playoffs, and goodbye Andruw all in the same lousy year. It is obvious that this Braves quilt can take no more patches and a new quilt needs to be made. Andruw will not be a part of this new quilt so I have no problem trading him now if the Braves can get the best value in return. This entire team needs to be broken down and the dead weight(Hampton, Thompson, Reitsma,etc.) need to be dumped. The only way this team will work again at $80M/year is to eliminate all players making over $10M/year. The only exception is Smoltz(who I believe makes $9M) as he has earned the right to retire right here.

By Scott

August 4, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

Hey Zeke, wake up boy and read your history. Sheffield was not traded. He signed in NY as a free agent. Good grief know your facts before you start spouting off.

I do NOT want to see AJ go. I would be incredibly pissed. I am convinced this season is a wash following tonight’s debacle. It may be time to fold the tents.

By the way, your two hometown boys CHOKED in the 9th! And I am WHITE!

By Rick

August 4, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

Hey Zeke….how about the NBA? How many white players are in the NBA. The face of the NBA is a tatooed covered black player. The NBA is racist Zeke. What do you say about that?

By B

August 4, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

The Braves have been very disapointing in the last couple of weeks, Betimit, Jones, Keep your foundation!!!!!!!!!!!! Go GT, Falcons, Braves, and even the Hawks. Down with Shockley!

By tlady

August 4, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

If the Braves trade Andruw, I hope they are loser forever. I will refuse to watch the Braves forever.

Andruw, demand a trade. You will be better off somewhere else.

By Wahoo

August 4, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this

Wow, all those playing the race card are right. I just never realized that players like Tom Glavine, Ryan Klesko, and Jason Schmidt among others were players of color. Silly me - thanks for enlightening me.

By Bill

August 4, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

For the last 30 years I have watched the Braves front office work some great deals as well as work some that left us all scratching our heads…(Kenny Lofton anyone?)…this one actually makes perfect sense for the Braves and as much as I would hate to see AJ playing elsewhere; the economics of the game may just dictate that he be traded. As we all know, or should know, AJ is on the verge of becoming a 10/5 veteran and will have veto power over any trade that the front office attempts to make. That combined with the fact that he will be a free agent at the end of next year coupled with comments by his agent that they will NOT give the Braves any kind of “hometown discount” to resign the slugger, forces the team to make hard decisions. This is probably the hardest one that Schuerholz & company have ever had to make. Andruw Jones is a beloved player, a huge fan favorite and probably the best center fielder in the National League, if not the entire MLB…

Andruw’s trade potential will never be higher than it is right now and the Braves must also think about the future of the team, bringing up the youngsters in the farm system and maintaining a competitive team for the fans to support. Ryan Langerhans has already proven that he is a capable back up for AJ, so we should all feel comforted in that the defense should not suffer much if any if AJ is traded. Additionally, look at the FA’s that are expected to be out there next season…Torii Hunter would be a great fit for the CF position, Darin Erstad may be getting up there in years, but he would a very good plug-in for a platoon situation and could valuable as a mentor for Langerhans as well as our old friend Jermaine Dye (White Sox ) and the underappreciated Mike Cameron (San Diego)could very well be available if their teams do not exercise options on them…

If Andruw does leave, it will be a sad day in Atlanta and for all of not able to be in our hometown, but we will make it and the team will survive…

By Mills

August 4, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this

I’ve always been a huge fan of John Schuerholz, I even bought his book the first day it came out. But I swear to F stick, if he trades Andruw Jones I will be pissed. It would be the saddest day and saddest transaction in the history of the Braves. I was upset when the Braves traded the Murph, but at least he was old. Andruw is in his prime, and will go down as the second best outfielder in the history of the Braves (behind Hank Aaron, the greatest player of all time). I don’t want to hear about the payroll from Schuerholz, he is the one who created the Braves payroll problems next year. The Mike Hampton trade, and his backloaded contract (over 13 million next year, just like Andruw), was his worst move as the Braves GM. No one will take the overpayed Hampton off of the Braves hands next year, but don’t make us fans suffer by trading Andruw. I am warning you Johnny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By don

August 4, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this

Andruw’s concern was met with the typically smug and arrogant replies of Cox and Schuerholz. If we must get rid of individuals, i would suggest that we begin with Cox and Schuerholza with McDowell close behind. Of course, we would ge nothing in return but often you can improve by subtracting your non-producers.

By ELH

August 4, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this

The Braves have made a terrible mistake by putting the best center fielder in baseball on waviers when they are trying to get the wild card. This indicates the GM is out of touch and I believe there are some racial issues in the Braves organization. I agree with Andruw this is rude.

By Mike

August 4, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this

Why should Andrew go. He is a good guy that produces. Race aside it does make you wonder whats going on. But didn’t the Braves let Maddux and Glavine go. But their numbers were down and getting older.Andrew is the Franchise.

By Mike

August 4, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this

To start with, Andruw is a dumba$$. Just yesterday he was quoted as saying,“I don’t even know what being on waivers means.”

We should all know that this is his agent speaking in an effort to gain leverage in contract talks down the road. With the Braves being in the middle of the pack, there are not any teams worst off than us who can claim him AND pay him. Andruw isn’t going anywhere, but personally, I’d take the Boston deal in an instant, but the pitching prospects on notice for September and spend the leftover money on a leadoff hitting leftfielder/centerfielder and a starter for next year.

By Steve

August 4, 2006 11:34 PM | Link to this

These blogs are a riot! I swear most of the responses have got to be fake. There can’t be that many stupid people on one website. With all these conspiracy theories flying around, I’m sure Oliver Stone must’ve sent in several responses. I’ll admit I never saw the race card being the reason for the waiver issue. Guess these blogs on a Friday night are a lot like the traffic - full of relatively ignorant morons that have probably had too much to drink.

By Sharon

August 4, 2006 11:48 PM | Link to this

It is rude. I don’t want him to get traded, but at least if he does he’ll get treated better. They wouldn’t do that to some of the other players. After this year, I doubt the Braves will be winning anything anyway. Go Druw I’m with Ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Brimsley

August 4, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this

Pooor Andwew-his widdle feelings have been hurt. Awwwww.

Jeez, what a crock. He admits he doesn’t understand how waivers work (big surprise there, right?). They can’t tell him that they’ve put him on waivers. No matter, he’s all bent out of shape. What a maroon.

If he wanted to keep the Braves from seeing what other teams would offer for him, he coulda just gone to them before now and told them he’d extend his contract for something like a ten percent raise. Didn’t do that now, did he? Wonder why? Ohhh, I dunno-could it be that at the end of next year he’s gonna see how much see what he can get from other teams before he signs? Seems funny that apparently he thinks its OK for him to do that but it’s not OK by him for the Braves to do the reverse.

Close to the sound of the world’s smallest violin playing.

By Ugh...

August 5, 2006 12:14 AM | Link to this

Oh my gosh. This is getting way out of hand. People, listen for just a second. Andruw, you too. This is a case of the media making WAY too much out of absolutely nothing simply to get readers in an uproar. Andruw on waivers means absolutely nothing. Virtually every player in the major leagues is put on waivers at this time…the Braves typically put all of theirs on waivers. It doesn’t mean the world is available for trade. It’s a formality really and should be kept confidential. The only reason this is even mentioned this year is because of the rumor of the Red Sox deal. I say again, this means NOTHING! To the writers’ credit, they have said that most players will be put on waivers, including most, if not all, of the Braves - unfortunately, many people missed that. Still, the headlines are misleading in that they imply something in the works, which just isn’t the case. People, calm down. Even if Andruw were traded, the package being discussed is pretty strong - it’s hardly pocket change, and if the Braves don’t think they’ll be able to resign him, that’s a heck of a deal to get in return. But, the odds of Andruw being traded are slim at best, as I’m sure the team will make every effort to keep him…AGAIN, the waiver thing means nothing at this point, and won’t until something actually happens, which is highly unlikely. So SETTLE DOWN! Andruw, put your big girl panties back on and go knock someone in!

Oh, and Zeke, come on. Really. Justice did precisely jack after leaving. If one hit determines a player’s worth (as your comment suggests), shouldn’t we still have Francisco Cabrera on the roster? Dye didn’t become even an everyday player until after he left. And, lest we forget, we traded FOR Sheffield to begin with. And, Scott’s right, Sheff left as a free agent - just like Andruw could do in the not too distant future. If we can’t resign him, isn’t it wise to get as much as possible for him? Incidentally, have you seen a picture of Coco Crisp? We’ve traded white fan favorites before (Dale Murphy, Ryan Klesko) as well as promising youngsters (Jasons Schmidt and Marquis), and let Maddux, Glavine, and JD Drew walk in contract years (just to name a few). No Zeke, the only color that is an issue at all here is GREEN.

By Jeff

August 5, 2006 12:16 AM | Link to this

yes this was defintely rude. i really dont have an interest in the braves any more and i wont for a very long time after this

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 5, 2006 12:17 AM | Link to this

Well, at least all this waiver stuff will be done with by 1:00pm tomorrow. Who ever claimed him will have either worked out a deal with the Braves or they will take him of the waiver wire. Then that will be the end of it….for now. It will be nice to find out who it was that claimed him.

By Sandlapper

August 5, 2006 12:24 AM | Link to this

For all of you waiver geniuses who think the Braves are going to secure half the Red Sox, or any other team for that matter, rotation in exchange for Andruw Jones, consider this:

“Jones can be traded to whichever team claimed him, but the only players the Braves could get in return are prospects not on the 40-man roster or after all players in the trade clear waivers.”

PROSPECTS NOT ON THE 40-MAN ROSTER OR AFTER ALL PLAYERS IN THE TRADE CLEAR WAIVERS.

Oh yeah, this is a no-brainer. A future Hall of Famer for PROSPECTS NOT ON THE 40-MAN ROSTER, or a player who DOES NOT CLEAR WAIVERS.

Any of you think Jon Lester will clear waivers?

Puhleeze! If JS does this, he won’t be getting back ANYTHING of immediate or short-term value. It will be the most vivid example in 20 years of admitting the Braves are a joke.

How in the world we’re still paying “Hooter’s Jones” the amount of money we are to scuffle around 3rd base 100 games a year and trade Willie B is beyond me.

The end isn’t near….the end is HERE! The Braves are finished!

God Bless Andruw Jones, our greatest everyday player since Henry Aaron….who was ALSO TRADED!!

By shannon l grier

August 5, 2006 12:26 AM | Link to this

You know I’ve been a braves fan for many years and I think its time to put the GM/Manager on waiver. for Andruw get out while you can because they(The Organizations) is not comitted to winning anymore just who they can dump, you know whatever happened to loyalty.

By Jonesing

August 5, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this

doesn’t the AJ trade issue end on 8-14? On 8-15 he becomes a 10/5 player.

By Jonesing

August 5, 2006 12:44 AM | Link to this

Gawd, Henry Aaron totally sucked by the time he was “traded.” As did Dale Murphy.

By Paul

August 5, 2006 12:47 AM | Link to this

Pretty freakin’ funny how the idiots will play the “gettin’ traded cause he is black” card concerning Andruw. Sure his skin is darker, but that is because he comes from the Caribbean island of Curacao which is just off the coast of Venezuela and is the poster child for multi-cultural people. He also speaks Spanish. So drop the freakin’ racist crap morons….it’s all about the business of baseball.

By Jonesing

August 5, 2006 12:52 AM | Link to this

LOL, that’s funny. AJ is black because his ancestors were dutch slaves bought to the caribbean from Africa.

By Sandlapper

August 5, 2006 01:02 AM | Link to this

Not sure why Jonesing would refer to the Aaron trade as “trade”. It was a trade….no need for parenthesis.

Did Aaron and Murphy “suck” when they were traded? Admittedly, Aaron was washed up. Murphy was not at the time, although he went down hill quickly thereafter. If you recall, Jeff Parrott and Jim Vatcher didn’t exactly light up the NL for us either.

If your argument is that “Aaron and Murphy sucked”, are you implying that Andruw also “sucks”?

An earlier post by you says “If the Braves can lose with Adruw in CF, they can lose with a cheaper replacement there”. You must be a huge Pittsburgh Pirates fan! That’s exactly the attitude that has contributed to the virtual ruin of one of baseball’s most historic franchises.

It’s funny that the Braves either trade or cut loose icons such as Aaron and Neikro, but when times are tough or they need to trot them out for PR purposes, they act as if they were Braves for life. If you ever have the chance, sit down and talk to Knucksie about his Braves experience.

In closing, I fully expect to see Albert Hall starting in Center and leading off tomorrow afternoon.

By Brad

August 5, 2006 01:12 AM | Link to this

It’s not rude. Players are put on waivers every season. Andruw was probably put on there last year, just nobody knew about it. It is supposed to be confidential. The Braves would talk to Andruw before a trade was made.

Oh, and the Redsoxs are the ones who contacted the Braves about Jones, the Braves didn’t contact the Redsoxs about trading Jones.

By Doug

August 5, 2006 01:13 AM | Link to this

Of course it isn’t rude. Why would it be? Waivers are a confidential process, blame whoever leaked the information about Jones for causing it to be a huge stink. Sure Baseball is a sport and we all love it … but it is also a business. Jones needs to go before he gets a trade veto and saddles the Braves with a pricetag that they would be able to use to employ several good players. In the end, business is business.

By Jonesing

August 5, 2006 01:24 AM | Link to this

Sandlapper, so many questions at this hour.

The Aaron parenthesis were because, as I recall, he was traded to Mil as some sort of favor, so he could DH out the rest of his career.

Murphy did indeed suck at the end of his career in Atl. Pull up the stats.

I never said AJ sucked. Far from it. I’m only facing reality here in the post-Turner era. Out of state corporations are going to cut salaries. That’s my opinion.

By Sandlapper

August 5, 2006 01:37 AM | Link to this

Jonseing…..I still disagree that Murph sucked when we traded him. I did pull up his stats to refresh my memory. My most vivid memory of that trade was that I went on vacation to Jekyll Island and filled up the car at…geez I can’t recall exactly…less than a buck a gallon. While on Jekyll, Saddam invaded Kuwait and by the time I left a few days later Murphy was traded and gas had gone up $0.30 a gallon. But, that’s pretty much average these days.

Through 97 games in 1990 Murph had 17 homers and 55 RBIs…which were pretty decent in the pre-steroid days. When I was growing up in the ‘70’s, 20 homers a year was considered good. Admittedly his average sucked at .232, but hell..he was never Rod Carew. His 1991 season with Philly was decent….18 HRs, 81 RBI and a .252 batting average. Not the numbers of his MVP season or massive compared to numbers of recent years, but you have to remember the era. That was better than average.

I do agree with your opinion of out of state corporations. The reason I made the Pirates comparison is because, even though I grew up in South Carolina, I always followed the Braves and Pirates. And to see Pittsburgh fall the way they have is disturbing. On the flip side, to suffer with the Braves while they were horrible during the Lumber Company era of the Pirates, only to see that reversed over the past 14 years, I’m afraid both franchises are now headed for doom. The Andruw thing, for whatever rationalizations management throws out, just makes me sick.

I enjoyed the debate. Have a great evening.

By Howell Sanders

August 5, 2006 02:16 AM | Link to this

I think even though they are playing a kid’s game for big money, it is business. In the real world, it happens every day. These guys (professional ball players, do not have any idea what it’s like being in a situation that if you loose your job, you loose everything. They could be such good examples for our youth to follow, but most of them you would not want a youth to pattern his/her life after.

By shawn

August 5, 2006 02:37 AM | Link to this

Please someone claim Chipper and Hudson too….

By Brad

August 5, 2006 02:47 AM | Link to this

Why would you say chipper? He was red hot till his injury. He will be back soon.

By bryan

August 5, 2006 02:56 AM | Link to this

I thought this wan’t the first time the braves have put andruw jones on the waiver list so why is he shocked

By EdoRiver

August 5, 2006 03:12 AM | Link to this

I feel very strongly about this. The waivers are supposed to be condifential. YOU in the media printed it! It is your responsibility to tell Andruw, man to man, “I violated your sense of privacy for the sake of a g* d** scoop on your life.” I wouldn’t want someone to do the same regarding my status as an employee for AJC, but to get a cheap shot I would reveal your situation.

By Andrew gettin screwed

August 5, 2006 03:52 AM | Link to this

I agree that JS is one of the best GMs in all of sports (Lou Lamoriello[Devils’ GM] might be the only one that can compare), but if he thinks the “waivers are SUPPOSED to be confidential”, he is only kidding himself. So many leaks exist in sports these days that something this mammoth can’t be kept secret(no matter how airtight the Braves’ staff is). One of the best CF’s of our time is being shopped aggressively and JS thinks it is going to be kept secret? Come on now. Even I won’t drink that Kool-Aide.

Andruw deserves better. He may not have 10+5 protection, but give me a break. We should have lost him years ago, but he wants to be in Atlanta. Why couldn’t a deal be worked out prior to July 31st, if they didn’t want him? It’s wrong. At least give the man a heads up, let him know he is being actively shopped around the freakin league.

He gave us another division title last season, basically on his shoulders alone, but now we can’t give him the benefit of the doubt and keep him somewhat in the loop? At this point, Andruw is already gone. If we thought we might have had a chance at resigning him, its gone now. JS has lost all of his bargaining chips here, trying to deal a player of Andruw’s caliber under everyone’s noses.

Now it is just a matter of the chump change (if we get that much) back for Andruw. Damn, now we HAVE to trade him.

Wave the white flag all you want, but at least get something for him. Waiver deals won’t net us much of anything, and if we don’t deal him, he’ll be gone come FA time.

JS really screwed the pooch on this one. Man, I don’t like knocking him, but he really is letting us down this year (see bullpen and closer situation). Do you think at this point we can even resign Baez/Wickman? I guess when Andruw is gone we can. Then next season we can complain how aweful our center fielder is.

By T-Bone

August 5, 2006 03:54 AM | Link to this

Why consider trading your best run producer-great OF for pitchers and ok OF. The point of trading AJ dont make any sence when you have other guys on the team making big bucks too. I know he will deserve a big contract but that the guy you keep and build around plus he is not 30 yet. Not one person on this blog would not try to get top dollar if you were the best in your company and one of the best nationwide. So what ever his asking price he deserve it,at the numbers he has put up so far. It is funny both of the New York teams and Boston are over paying their players and we what our best player for a discount. Plus the Braves found some money for T.H. Everyone want to trade AJ for pitchers but did we have the Best Pitchers for 10+ years and how many Championship did we win. Bottom line you need good pitchers and great hitters to win Championship. I dont like to play the race card but people wake up. I would guess to say their about 15% blacks that plays baseball and all the proven blacks on the this team were let go or traded many of them had their best days ahead of them and wasnt resigned or was traded for players the Braves kept for one year. For what it is worth I think Leo was the key for the Braves and sould have been the coach plus he is a good media guy. Back to the subject I know the Brave want to dump salary any but AJ.Pep he would still have high trade value down the road because he is the best of what he do and plus of his age.Plus by keeping Giles around is a statement it self he walk without nothing. JS is trying to use AJ as a esape goat because he cant win a division title those banners that hang in the Ted and dont mean nothing.

By Zinte

August 5, 2006 03:56 AM | Link to this

If I were Andruw, I’d be upset too. Based on past moves it’s not hard to be somewhat leery about this. JS looked Justice & Grissom square in the eyes and told them they WEREN’T going to be dealt after hearing rumors that they were. Andruw should be glad that Stan Kasten is in D.C. because he would have already been gone if he were still here. As far as the race issue goes, in some people’s eyes perception IS reality. Hopefully, the Braves can/will keep #25. We’ll see.

By Lonnie

August 5, 2006 03:57 AM | Link to this

Whether it’s business or not, if Andrew Jones is traded i am turning in all of my Braves gear.AND I JUST BOUGHT A CAP FOR $35.00

By Train Wreck Bystander

August 5, 2006 04:12 AM | Link to this

I think someone is pulling Andruw’s chain. Almost every player gets put on waivers every year. It’s just to determine trade interest.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MajorLeagueBaseball_transactions

Someone in Braves management is just turning up the heat a little for off-season negotiations, that’s all. But I do think it’s odd that this got out to the press.

By Mike Hunt

August 5, 2006 04:14 AM | Link to this

BOTTOM LINE: THE BRAVES WILL TRADE AWAY A GOOD BLACK PLAYER IN A “NEW YORK MINUTE”. YET, THEY WILL KEEP THE MARCUS GILES’S OF THE WORLD. UNBELIEVABLE. LET’S SEE: JERMAINE DYE, DEION SANDERS, WILSON BETEMIT, REGGIES SANDERS, MARQUIS GRISSOM…..ETC.

YES, I KNOW I AM IN ALL CAPS. BUT I’M PISSED FOR THE BRUTHAS.

By Andruw gettin Screwed

August 5, 2006 04:17 AM | Link to this

I realize that JS is one of the best GMs in all of sports (Lou Lamoriello [NJ Devils GM] in my mind is the only one that even comes close), but this whole situation is messed up.

Why in the world is Andruw being shopped NOW? During waivers? Are you kidding me? JS is pretty naive if he thinks that Andruw being put on waivers is “supposed to be confidential”. Of course it is, but wake up. There are so many leaks in pro sports, you CAN NOT expect a player of Jones’ caliber to be left unmentioned (when he gets claimed on WAIVERS for God’s sake!!).

Beyond the confidentiality thing, that isn’t even the point. He deserves better. I know he isn’t a 10+5 guy, but come on. To be shopped so aggressively to the point of being placed on the waiver wire is inexcuseable. DID JS think NO ONE would CLAIM him?? Just because of his inflated salary? Hey, there are teams out there willing to spend. Just because we won’t spend freely doesn’t mean there aren’t those out there who will.

Andruw was the SOLE reason we won the division last season. When ‘fragile’ Chipper’s dumb a*s went on the DL, Andruw stepped up. Because Andruw couldn’t save this aweful bullpen/starting pitching this year dooms him to waiver wire treatment? Please.

I don’t have a huge problem with trading him. But at least deal him before July 31st. I find it hard to believe that shopping Andruw is a new idea: its not like we didn’t stink before July 31st, so why try to deal him now? We won’t get a thing for him now, we’ll wind up keeping him, and accomplishing NOTHING by putting him on waivers. [and yes, i know we didn’t PUT him on waivers, but we did agree to a deal with SOMEONE that triggered the waiver rule] At least we’ll find out who by 1pm tomorrow.

Waive the white flag all you want, fine. But Andruw has a right to be pissed. I don’t think for a second it is racial[please stop with that nonsense, we scout extensively in the hispanic region], but I do feel that it has put us behind the 8 ball.

JS rarely puts himself in a tight spot(aside from the bullpen/closer disaster), but he did screw the pooch this time. Now we HAVE to deal Andruw, whether it is now or later in the off season. I always thought being a good GM meant NOT dealing with the thought of ‘needs’ or ‘musts’. Well, we’ve got a ‘must’ now. No way andruw signs with us again. And I don’t blame him. He was disrespected, confidentiality or no. He is still be actively shopped with no forewarning. Not right for a player who has done so much for this franchise.

So, pack up for next year. At this time next season, we’ll be bitching about not having a good enough center fielder. But hey, with Andruw’s salary gone, we might be able to resign Baez/Wickman. I just hope that one of them learns how to drive a ton of runs in over the off season.

By Andruw gettin Screwed

August 5, 2006 04:17 AM | Link to this

I realize that JS is one of the best GMs in all of sports (Lou Lamoriello [NJ Devils GM] in my mind is the only one that even comes close), but this whole situation is messed up.

Why in the world is Andruw being shopped NOW? During waivers? Are you kidding me? JS is pretty naive if he thinks that Andruw being put on waivers is “supposed to be confidential”. Of course it is, but wake up. There are so many leaks in pro sports, you CAN NOT expect a player of Jones’ caliber to be left unmentioned (when he gets claimed on WAIVERS for God’s sake!!).

Beyond the confidentiality thing, that isn’t even the point. He deserves better. I know he isn’t a 10+5 guy, but come on. To be shopped so aggressively to the point of being placed on the waiver wire is inexcuseable. DID JS think NO ONE would CLAIM him?? Just because of his inflated salary? Hey, there are teams out there willing to spend. Just because we won’t spend freely doesn’t mean there aren’t those out there who will.

Andruw was the SOLE reason we won the division last season. When ‘fragile’ Chipper’s dumb a*s went on the DL, Andruw stepped up. Because Andruw couldn’t save this aweful bullpen/starting pitching this year dooms him to waiver wire treatment? Please.

I don’t have a huge problem with trading him. But at least deal him before July 31st. I find it hard to believe that shopping Andruw is a new idea: its not like we didn’t stink before July 31st, so why try to deal him now? We won’t get a thing for him now, we’ll wind up keeping him, and accomplishing NOTHING by putting him on waivers. [and yes, i know we didn’t PUT him on waivers, but we did agree to a deal with SOMEONE that triggered the waiver rule] At least we’ll find out who by 1pm tomorrow.

Waive the white flag all you want, fine. But Andruw has a right to be pissed. I don’t think for a second it is racial[please stop with that nonsense, we scout extensively in the hispanic region], but I do feel that it has put us behind the 8 ball.

JS rarely puts himself in a tight spot(aside from the bullpen/closer disaster), but he did screw the pooch this time. Now we HAVE to deal Andruw, whether it is now or later in the off season. I always thought being a good GM meant NOT dealing with the thought of ‘needs’ or ‘musts’. Well, we’ve got a ‘must’ now. No way andruw signs with us again. And I don’t blame him. He was disrespected, confidentiality or no. He is still be actively shopped with no forewarning. Not right for a player who has done so much for this franchise.

So, pack up for next year. At this time next season, we’ll be bitching about not having a good enough center fielder. But hey, with Andruw’s salary gone, we might be able to resign Baez/Wickman. I just hope that one of them learns how to drive a ton of runs in over the off season.

By Braves fan

August 5, 2006 04:29 AM | Link to this

It is not a race thing look we let our best pitchers Maddux and Glavine get away mostly because of money. They were white I am tired of all this racist talk. There are players of every race in baseball and just because a black person gets traded you say it is racist. And BTW Andruw technically is not black is is from South America where he gets his dark complexion.

By Mikey

August 5, 2006 04:42 AM | Link to this

2 Words for the Braves. Lilly White. They sucked before when the were Lilly White. They added some color won some. Then went back to being Lilly White again and they SUCK again.

By dewan lee

August 5, 2006 05:48 AM | Link to this

Yes he should be pissed especially after it leaked yesterday. At that point any manager or GM should have called in his start player and laid down some groundwork on what is happening. This may have ended any chance of Druw signing now since they disrepected the man like that. I have no problem with Chipper even though earlier this year I thought he did not care and it showed in his BA. While not playing the race card I must admit the comment about JS Jr. being in AAA was right on point as he does not deserve to be there and his stats show exactly that. Next thing is how many times do I have to say why is Pete Orr on a professional baseball team and please tell Frenchy its okay to be patient once in a while. I clearly thought he would hit a grand salami but he reached for a ball on a 1 strike count. He swung liek it was 2 strikes.
Last thing, for all the bloggers saying that Andruw should take a discount for th team and go to JS and say I will sign because Chipper did it and Smoltzie did please read some more. Chipper deferred his money which means he is still getting every cent of it. Be honest how many millions does it take to live on in a year so what did he lose. Andruw’s discount contract based on baseball standards will provide him nothing in the future so that does not sound like a selfish player. Also get off of Scott Boras back as he is good at what he does and if he wasnt thne no players would have him as their agent, so stop hating. JS and the other owners will make us beleive that these agents are killing the game when I cant come into a stadium and bring my own Powerade but have to pay 5 dollars for one when they cost 99cents for the 32 oz. AOL and T Warner “aint losing jack Shiiii” from the Braves and if anyone believes they are then you have a solution for the mess in the Middle East.ANdruw take your money any way you can get it cause if Huddy can get paid his salary and suck like he does then you deserve 28 million per “game”. What happened to Death Ray look like he died over with his pitcing lately. (LOL)

By dewan lee

August 5, 2006 05:55 AM | Link to this

Technically Andruw is black as we all are technically black if you trace the history of evolution. Also if there is a such thing as a African American (dark complexion), then why arent white (complexion) called Indo_Eurpean or even African American since the Indians are the only natives to the great USA. Just had to put it out there so dont be mad at me but I get pissed when people say African-American and I dont know the first thing about Africa besides what I can read in a book. There are real AA and they have dark skin and also white skin since Africa has people of all shades.

By 1 + 2

August 5, 2006 06:07 AM | Link to this

What is sad is that JS’s contract expires soon, and something tells me he is going to retire. He will leave the next GM a mess. Think about it, AJ gone, Chipper, Hudson, and Hampton’s salaries. And by then Frenchy and McCann’s salaries will be getting ready to explode.

I recall someone stating earlier, ‘since when did Atlanta become a small market’. Baseball is in dire need of placing restrictions on corporations owning major league teams. A TAX BREAK - GIVE ME A &UCKING BREAK!!!!!

By Nikki

August 5, 2006 06:47 AM | Link to this

I just can’t believe the Braves are now trying to dump Andrew. It will be a very long time before I go to another game.

By Howell

August 5, 2006 07:26 AM | Link to this

Why in the world would The Braves even consider putting Andruw Jones on Waiver??? THEY SHOULD KEEP HIM AS LONG AS POSSIBLE.

By Greg

August 5, 2006 07:32 AM | Link to this

Skipped many comments here. Wow, some really knuckleheaded thoughts here (and some smart ones, too). Race as an issue has to be forced by the writer. First, the moves were supposed to be confidential. Anybody who has watched JS knows he is a non-dicloser. That applies to informing Andruw and comparing his treatment to other players. Only a few know if Smoltz or Chipper were put on waivers. Their 10-5 status makes them now ineligible. As someone said, have JS and Bobby ever shown a racist bone? My sense is that it’s about business and the business is trying to have the best team you can.

As far as trading Andruw as some “crime against Atlanta,” it can be answered quickly (and I love Andruw, wish he could be a Brave forever)with a few short items: Scott Boras, 10-5, 13.5, Lester, Hansen, and Crisp (JS’s price is apparently 3 solid players—a compliment to Andruw’s value, I think). Many of us remember waiting too long to trade Dale Murphy (also one of my favs). We got three journeymen players. Since waivers is revocable, don’t you try to find out what Andruw’s value is? If you keep him the rest of the year, don’t you try have a good sense of the market in the off year.

Look, everyone—you, me, and your dog—is tradeable for the right price. Good GMs always look towards improving the future, not keeping the status quo or regressing. Try not to make something out of nothing.

By Chris S

August 5, 2006 08:02 AM | Link to this

I have to agree with Greg’s comments. JS & Bobby have never, to my knowledge, shown any signs of racism. To even go there is insulting to the team, Atlanta, and Andruw (just stop it!).

Also, baseball is a business. Don’t forget that! Andruw is a tremendous asset to the Braves and I hope he remains a Brave for many years to come. If not, I hope the talent the team receives in a trade helps to make the team better and helps them return to their winning ways. I prefer to take my 5-year old son to see them win!

By steve

August 5, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this

I cannot believe the comments regarding the Braves not wanting “players of color”. That is one of the most vile, racist remarks I’ve ever read. Comments like that just show how ignorant some people remain to this day. Cut the racist crap and quit playing the race card. That dog don’t hunt anymore.

By Jim Tavegia

August 5, 2006 08:16 AM | Link to this

Is Andruw upset when he looks at his “direct-deposit” on his internet banking account. I will also bet that Smoltz, Chipper, Giles, and others have been on their at one time. It is a great way to find out what other team is interested in your players with no direct contact.

AJ will not be resigned with the Braves at the salary he is going to get. The Braves are not trying to “devalue” to the team to help a sale. TW can sell it for what ever they want regardless of what the market value is. If they need the cash then they can take the cash they can get.

Conspiracy theories are just stupid. This is big business boys and girls. The rebuilding process is beginning so get used to these kind of things going on for the next few years. Chipper will be in the American league soon. Call him Mr. Glass.

By sugarlee

August 5, 2006 08:22 AM | Link to this

I see nothing wrong with trading any player. The thing that gets me is, why in hell can’t you talk to your player and keep things real. As far as it being a confidential thing, everybody and their mama know about it. I guess, being a buthole is part of the game. I don’t want to see any more games. Take em’ all off as far as I care. I’m tired of the braves playing with me feelings. As far as being a fan is concern, you can kick a dog for so long and he’ll turn.

By Tom

August 5, 2006 08:25 AM | Link to this

Race? Gimme a break. Chipper can’t be traded ‘cause he’s hurt and when he’s not, he’s about to be. No trade value.

Smoltz? Why trade him? He’ll be a great bargain next year when his option is picked up.

Giles? No trade value. Betemit was outperforming him and was much cheaper not to mention younger. His trade value was very high.

Andruw? His contract is done after next year. Odds are that we won’t find a deal to our liking in the next day so he’ll be pulled back and finish the year. The better odds are that Andruw is dealt during the offseason. The guy is making $13.5 mil/year, has Boras as an agent and will be seeking much more next year. OF COURSE YOU TRADE HIM. He’s my favorite Brave but trading him for several younger major league ready prospects makes good business sense.

Thank God Schuerholz ignores the ignorance so many on here display.

By jerry

August 5, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this

Psst. You boys playing the worn out race card-your IQ is showing.

By Jody Wilson

August 5, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this

No. It is not rude. C’mon people…let’s think about building a team with strengths all around. Andruw is one of my favorite players but…HE WILL COST TOO MUCH TO RESIGN!!! Braves ownership will not pay 15+ million to resign him. Trade him for a solid outfielder and an outstanding young arm and I will be raising a toast to our GM. Do you want to win?

By sctdogg

August 5, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this

I love how no matter what happens these days, race can be to blame. Anybody with any sense of reason can see that this, along with many other things, has absolutely nothing to do with race. It’s a tired excuse that’s been tossed around way too much by people who have nothing better to do than make excuses for the way things really are. It makes me sick to my stomach when I read these stupid racist comments. It’s talked about how the Braves are obviously “racist”, however all those comments posted on the subject are blatently racist…open your eyes. And come on, you don’t see “white entertainment television (WET), do ya?

By Old Fart

August 5, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this

Andruw took a home town discount once already. He publicly announces he wants to stay in Atlanta, but JS hasn’t even told him what the Braves are willing to do to keep him.

Instead Andruw gets put on waivers, and when this news is leaked, JS says to the press, not Andruw, that he can’t talk about it because the process is confidential.

Andruw’s given the Braves almost ten years now, and the club doesn’t give him the courtesy of an explanation.

Has he been treated rudely? Without a doubt!

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 5, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

First of all, I must comment on the race stuff. I’m black. Black as they come, as a matter of fact. While racism (despite what some say) still exists, this is not one of those instances. To all of you morons that keep saying the Braves are racist then how do you explain Terry Pendelton being the hitting coach? Pat Corrales as the bench coach? Fredi Gonzales as 3rd base coach? The fact that Justice, Gant, and Nixon are held almost as gods in Braves’ circles? How the hell do you explain useless Brian Jordan being on the roster and basically stealing a spot from Jurries and since then has been staaling from the team by getting paid to strikeout and popup a lot more per at-bats than Frenchy could ever dream of doing? If it were not for Jordan and his blackness being in a platoon for the 1/3 of the season, Adam LaRoche would be approaching 35HR and 100RBI right now. So, just stop it! Your asinine assertions about Andruw being put on waivers being racist is just stupid!

Now, as for Andruw saying it was rude to not tell him he was being put on waivers, the fact is that under baseball rules its none of his buisness. Those things are to never be made public unless they are being put on waivers for unconditional release like Remmy was before the Yankee series. Most players get put on waivers after the trade deadline. I can guarantee Smoltz and Chipper have been put on the waiver wire before and probably are there right now.

Andruw doesn’t understand the process and I’m sure he is not alone. BC probably sat him down and explained the situtation to him. He told him Monday that there was nothing to the rumors about being traded to the Red Sox (though there should’ve been IMO). One thing you can say for Bobby is that doesn’t lie to his players and he is always looking out for them. He loves Andruw to death and I’m sure if he can figure out any way to keep him he will go to JS with a solution.

Stop making more of the situation than what it is. I think the Braves should think about a trade. I acutally came up with a trade proposal in the “bullpen” blog yesterday that would allow us to keep Andruw and make this team a heck of a lot better.

You would be surprised how many players are put on waivers. Manny has been placed there three years running and did anyone ever really think the Red Sox were going to trade him. No. Even when Manny was demanding to be traded Theo and the boys knew it was just Manny being Manny. Just like all of you who are defending Andruw are the same ones who get on here and demand he be benched or traded for not running out ground balls and hits into the gap. But, we know that it is simply Andruw being Andruw and we still love him.

By The D

August 5, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

Isn’t it funny how people who can’t even form complete sentences are calling other people stupid?

Maybe I’m just being racist.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 5, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this

You know, The D, I can form complete senteces just fine since I’m sure your comments are directed at me. The issue with Andruw is purely financial and has nothing to do with race. And to those who continue to inject race into it are STUPID! Racism happens in this country every day and the last thing any person of color needs is people who inject racism into each and every thing even if it doesn’t exist in a particular situation. It is just like the people who say trading Justice was racist. Is that why they traded him for another black player? Think about it.

By Lucus

August 5, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

Sounds to me like John Schuerholz is doing his job. And Andruw, it’s just business pal. I can give you 13.5 million reasons to not be upset about being placed on waivers, each one of them being dollars.

By Watcher

August 5, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this

I was going to add my two cents, but since this discussion has sunk to the level of calling it racism, it’s not worth wasting my time or energy.

By ppaddy123

August 5, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

Andruw Jones is a valuable asset. The Braves won’t be able to resign him. Trade him now while he has value and can’t refuse the deal. If anyone on this blog was in the position that Schurholtz is in right now, you would do the same. MLB has become the land of the have’s and the have nots. Quite frankly, I think the have nots (Marlins, Twins, etc.) do what they have to, to compete. They won’t win the World Series, but they compete hard every night.

By The Headmaster

August 5, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

After reading all of the comments about how the Braves are “racists” for putting A. Jones on waivers, I understand why the state of Georgia has some of the lowest SAT scores in the country.

By ppaddy123

August 5, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

Yes, and we all know why you are called the “Headmaster”

By Ouch

August 5, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this

It’s pretty obvious why the Braves are dumping Andruw: he doesn’t have a goofy nickname. Until he gets one, like Smoltzie, Chipper, Huddie, Stenchy, Roachy and Giles of Langerhans, he won’t be truly accepted by management.

By r.a.fox

August 5, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

If waivers are so confidential, how do these leaks transpire? it would seem good public relations for the GM to speak to Andruw rather than let rumors unnerve his star player. it’s only common sense. and, meanwhile, wouldn’t chuck james be a great long reliever? he can’t possibly go more than five innings without major home run problems.

By ne_ATL

August 5, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this

@ Bill:

Why not have the over paid 3rd baseman restructure his contract? He hasnt played a full season in years, but YOU want the BEST CF in the majors to restructure his?!?!

Im not going to make it a race issue, but Im not naive to this FACT:

This city is 75% black, 82% minority. The Braves are known to keep the WHITEST team in the majors. The TED sits in a 90% black nieghborhood. But this is NOT a race issue, this is blacks in majority black city fed up with the Braves bullsh!t. Majority of the fans of color come to see Druw cover the center field, not to see Larry hobble around at 3rd, not to see Franc-fake swing at EVERY 1st pitch nor anyone else on that team.

They trade/move Druw, they may as well move the team for all I care.

By BravesFaninRockies

August 5, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this

mlbtraderumors.com thinks a NL team made the claim because it’s more difficult to get a player through both leagues (no, I don’t understand it, either).

IF it is an AL team, I would hope it’s the Angels rather than the BoSox. Anaheim (that’s where they play, despite the stupid owner) wants a bat and has pitching. Plus the ownership may not be able to read a map but it doesn’t mind spending money on player salaries.

Insist on Ervin Santana, Chone Figgins and either Macier Izturis or Juan Rivera and you’ve got a deal, maybe better than the Smoltz-for-Alexander trade. Santana will be a top-of-the-rotation stud for a decade. Figgins can play anywhere (CF the rest of this season, 2B next year?), gets on base, steals, scores.

Losing Andruw blows a huge hole in the middle of the lineup, which means LaRoche or Thorman has to move up. But he’s not re-signing so make a deal for the future!

By Chris

August 5, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this

What a crybaby. Shut up and play ball, crybaby. How about hustling to first base for once?

TRADE HIM NOW.

By Ouch

August 5, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this

Prolly the Astros.

By Anderson

August 5, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this

John Schuerholtz is a SNEAKY man who is not to be trusted. He wants to insult Andruw Jones and fans by saying the waiver process is confidential. Yeah right. How come everyone knew about it but Andruw Jones. It was disrespectful to him. I have heard stories about Schuerholtz regarding his views on certain type of players…Andruw is right…he wouldn’t do this to Smoltz or Chipper Jones. He disrespected Brian Jordan years ago by asking him to recruit players to Atlanta and then abruptly trading him w/o warning. Lonnie Smith and Schuerholtz had a falling out in Kansas City due to Schuerholtz lying to him.

I know it is a business and a general manager is supposed to do what is best for the team but there is a respectful way to do it. Man up Schuerholtz. The player you need to be putting on waivers is Tim Hudson.

By Roy K

August 5, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

It is a business - ask Brian Jordan, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux - all respected players who are gone - and may return at any time - ala Brian Jordan. Management rules - make the M$$ while you can just like they (management) will. Waivers could be good - never get too attached, Andruw.

By Lilman916

August 5, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

The payrolls that are listed on ESPN for teams is not the amount that the team is paying, but the sum of the players saleries. For instance, the Braves are not paying Wickman $5 mil, nor Baez $4 mil, nor Hampton $14+ mil. How accurate are Florida’s numbers? Who knows.

By John Rochelle

August 5, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this

The braves are spineless - this man has been rock solid for the last 10 years and you do this to him. I bet they’ve never put Chipper “60-Day Disabled List” Jones on waivers.

By shirley q liquor

August 5, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

Lawd, you peoples is gittin’ on my nerves. Watusi,honey,how ‘bout crackin’ me another malt liquor.

By RedSoxFan

August 5, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this

Andruw Jones will be Boston’s centerfielder in 2008 for nothing more than a crappy draft choice. Theo Epstein has played you guys for the fools that you are. He never had any intention of trading for Jones. The whole purpose was to get Jones so upset with Atlanta that when the time came to bolt he would. Mission Accomplished. Theo is a genius!! Go Sox!!

By Dust

August 5, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe no one has mentioned Edgar Renteria in this discussion. Didn’t the Braves pick him up from Boston last summer? Isn’t he considered a player of color? This omission leaves another gapping hole in the argument that this is a racist decision to put AJ on waivers.

By Scott

August 5, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this

Andruw isn’t going anywhere unless we get a great return for him. The guy who said that he isn’t going to Braves games anymore b/c we put Andruw on waivers will improve the intelligence per attendee at Braves games. Like Cox said, this is a non-story.

By memory39

August 5, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this

Good Lord, there’s a lot of whining going on in this blog and the Braves’ dugout, it seems. Let’s face it, baseball is a business and putting Andruw on the waiver wire isn’t all that surprising. What is surprising is that it came out right before he becomes a 10 and 5er.

But, folks, c’mon. The likelihood that Chipper and Smoltz HAVEN’T been on waivers before is about as likely as Andruw actually clearing waivers or the Braves not withdrawing him before waivers close. The Braves have just put out feelers to see what could happen in the offseason.

Will Jones be elsewhere in 2007 or 2008? Probably, and it would be a shame, but until the Braves start spending money again, we’ll be losing one of the best defensive CFs to play the game.

But, jeez, all the whining surrounding this “issue” is annoying.

By Alex

August 5, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this

Why not offer Andruw in the offseason 4yrs 60 million? Its cheap and provides AJ with an excellent salary and stability. How do they know he won’t say yes? Try and then if it doesn’t work, trade. They have no idea if AJ loves it enough to take an offer now before he gets injured, etc.

By Jason

August 5, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

I think trading Andruw is just stupid just like betemit. Why not trade chipper he is always hurt andruw plays everyday. Trade chipper for that pitching help. And by the way you have Thomson, Reitsma, and some others that are free agents after this season give some of that money to andruw think of our pitching staffs era without him. sounds like JS is trying to turn us into the Devil Rays for selling purposes.

By Art

August 5, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

I wonder who the other Braves were that were put on waivers and if one of them is actually the trade bait. Andruw’s waiver takes the heat off someone else and they decide on Andruw when it is someone else the Braves really want to trade thru waivers.

By Dwayne

August 5, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

It’s part of baseball, why doesn’t he just grow up. They will be lucky to make the playoffs and once they are in, they won’t do anything anyways as usual so what does it matter. AJ won’t be here in a few years anyways.

By Brent

August 5, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

I think it’s a load of BS when idiots get on here and declare everything a race issue. Andrew and waivers have nothing to do with race. Go downtown and support your hero Cynthia McKinney if you want to talk about race.

By Tim

August 5, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

Simply put, Andruw Jones is the face of this franchise, this is his team, and by trading him now, you are only ensuring that this city, MY CITY, will not, and I repeat, WILL NOT support this decision, by keeping our money in our pockets, and out of Turner Field. Andruw Jones, the greatest center fielder since Willy Mays, the hardest working player in Atlanta. What are we teaching our children by trading away the franchise? Cmon people, keep making noise, and if this goes through. Keep your money. PS: GET RON GANT OFF OF THE T.V. HE IS AN AWFUL ANALYSIST, AT LEAST JEFF TORBORG DOESN’T STTTTUUUTER, ACTUALLY ANALYZES THE GAME. RON GANT JUST SAYS STUPID STUFF AND PRETENDS LIKE HE’S SAYING SOMETHING IMPORTANT.

By gdgg

August 5, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

Management and ownership is doing everything it can to alienate minorities from the team. Everybody loves the “baby Braves”, but all Andruw gets is critism. I went to a game last year and it was the whitest atmosphere I have experienced in Atlanta. From the music on down,the team caters to only one segment of society. To sum it up, f the Braves. Go watch Vick and the Falcons at the park. Blank knows how to cater to everyone.

By kutt

August 5, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

andruw is very possibly the best center fielder in the game, this move is a consistent move of color that have dominated this ball club, i’ve been a brave fan since 1961 and am a grady baby but this would push me over the edge, and HANK is a great individual and him being in the atlanta organization is a minor tribute comparatively to what he endured at the hands of the same southern gentlemen that bash him in the run for the homerun title, i’m sad to say but the line will always build it self up to cause a stumbling block forever…

By jerry

August 5, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this

Rude? It’s business. That was a dumb comment by Andruw. I wonder if he made sure his agent wasn’t rude to the Braves during contract negotiations?? If my employer was paying me 13 mil. a year, he could be rude all day long!!

By midniterider

August 5, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

This race crap is bull this is about one color and that is green the Braves have let just as maney great white players go as black .Think back Ryan K to SD Bret to La ect. the list gose on its about green not black or white

By shawn

August 5, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

Well did the Braves pull him back or not….time is almost up

By jerry

August 5, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

Rude? It’s business. That was a dumb comment by Andruw. I wonder if he made sure his agent wasn’t rude to the Braves during contract negotiations?? If my employer was paying me 13 mil. a year, he could be rude all day long!!

By kutt

August 5, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

ryan klesko is an average player, bret butler was a slightly above average player, but a great family man and role model, your list is very, very short…

By shawn

August 5, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

It has nothing to do with Race only money

By Reno

August 5, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

Don’t trade Andruw. If the Braves trade him, they trade in for mediocrity the next 10 years.

By midniterider

August 5, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this

the list is to long to remember them all Ryan was an allstar when he was in SD cuz he got to play every day Bobby Cox would not let him play guess cuz he was white

By shawn

August 5, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this

O.k. Kutt how about Glavine, Drew, Maddux, Blauser, Lemke, Lightenberg, Lopez, and more. The fact is when the point came to either pay these guys more money the Braves decided the players future production would not be worth it. Smoltz and Chipper actually got extensions by LOWERING their salary. If Andruw does that they may resign him but if he gets the 16-17 million dollar a year range the Braves will just go in a different direction. In truth no one would be hurt as the Braves get the payroll flexibility and Andruw gets his money. How is that exactly being rude to AJ?

By midniterider

August 5, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this

Thank you Shawn I could not remember them all to maney lol

By shawn

August 5, 2006 01:01 PM | Link to this

1:00 pm deal or no deal

By shawn

August 5, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this

By the way am I to believe tha AJ is the only person on waivers? Why didn’t anyone leak all the other names….maybe another team leaked it on purpose to force the Braves hand??

By kutt

August 5, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this

shawn & midniterider, the players you named although better quality players, all left the organization to get paid, the issue was that andruw was placed on the left w/o a call, and the boras/braves debate on andruw’s salary is all speculation, the here and now is that andruw felt he has earned an at least “hey dog, put you on the waiver list, but hey, it’s just business, not personal”…fella’s, did you know that andruw only has 1 error, diving, running, routine, only 1 error in all those attempts!

By midniterider

August 5, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this

I agree Kutt they should have told him and i dont want him to go as i dident want other players to go I just said it dont have anything to do with race AJ should be a Brave if he wants to be he has earned it but its all about money all these guys make more in one year then most people do in a lifetime

By Fulton

August 5, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this

Hey Braves fans, ya think all those years of not selling out playoff games may have a little something to do with the teams cash flow, or lack thereof? Players leave teams everyday. The Sox traded Pedro, Schilling left the DBacks, Barry left Pittsburg, etc…GET OVER IT & QUIT WHINING!! Even with hall of fame pitching, a good farm system & a 14 year division run, you only got 1 ring; so losing Andruw ain’t gonna make a difference!! Your window of opportunity was closed anyway!!

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 5, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

What I just saw is why I have hope for the immediate future. Both McCann and Francoeur just used last night’s disappointment to fuel their first at bats today. I like the composure of both of these kids.

By rojo

August 5, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this

Anderw and some of these so-called fans need to become a part of the real world. As most TV sports show talking heads have said, most players in MLB go on the waiver wire every year. No conspiricy, no dissing of Andrew, just the way the business is run.

Get over it. We have had a miraculous 14 year run after a dreadful 25 year run. The Mets have a year like the 2006 Braves have had 18 years out of every 20. BY AUgust, Mets fans are wearing Yankees hats. The Cubs last won a series 99 years ago. Heck, man the last time the Cubs even PLAYED in a World Series was 1945.

The Yankees with their $200 million payroll haven’t even been able to get past the NL Wild Card Team the last two times they faced them in the Series.

We’ll get past 2006 and back to our winning ways.

By Bob

August 5, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

Idiots. Isn’t Coco Crisp a man of color? We trade AJ, a man of color, for Coco, another man of color, and a prospect or two. That is assuming the Red Sox claimed AJ. What is this racist BS about? The trade talks we know about included a man of color coming to ATL. Stop this “racist” crap, it makes you look silly and ignorant.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 5, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

And now I am watching the reason I am alarmed about the immediate present. There is nobody better to call up to pitch than Schiell. Is the farm system in that bad of shape?

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 5, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

Three 1st inning runs totally wasted. And this guy is better than Cormier who held the Red Sox lineup at bay? Lord have mercy.

By kutt

August 5, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

individual with the idiot comment, you are the point, your type birthed the epithets and racial slurs, it’s not about a derogatory nicknamed centerfielder coming to the atl, it’s about not giving respect and honor where respect and honor should be given…

By rojo

August 5, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

So it’s a race thing? Do any of you realize that there are ZERO African-Americans on the Braves active 25 man roster? Andrew? Curacao. Renteria? Colombian. Aybar? Dominican. Pena? Dominican. Well what about former Braves? Julio Franco? Dominican. Furcal? Dominican. Betemit? Dominican. Find another issue.

By MBATL

August 5, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

Wonder what’s a good salary slot for AJ in ‘08 - ‘12…

Carlos Beltran is probably the most similar player I can think of… not as good, or as proven, but the closest I can come up with. Same age, good speed/defense, hits with power but not a great average. Not nearly the rbi machine AJ is.

Beltran makes $12 mil this year, then gets 18.5 mil each year, ‘08-‘11.

Manny Ramirez is not an “AJ type”, but is a big-hitting OF; he makes $18mil, $20mil, and $20 mil in ‘08-‘10.

I would think Boras would use numbers like this to build his salary case for AJ. Now, whether AJ will order him to discount things, I don’t know… but if the Braves don’t have a commitment on that, I sure wouldn’t count on it.

By kutt

August 5, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this

we’re talking people of color, not just african american’s, we go back to the comment’s that brought me in with HANK, Betemit, and so…

By al

August 5, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

Andruw is totally correct. NO, the Braves will not and have not done this to Chipper or Smoltz. Call me whatever but this pattern has gone on Atlanta throughout the years. A player of color will never be the face of the Atlanta Braves even though the mascot is. Sure, Andruw strikes out a good bit and doesn’t have the average of Jones. However, Andruw is one of the few Braves that Cox can almost pencil into the lineup everyday. If you look at the Braves previous 10 years prior to this one, Andruw has played more games and has never complained. I think Andruw has all the rights to feel mistreated for what he has done for this organization and for the city of Atlanta. So John Schuerholz, why Andruw and not Smoltzie or Chipper? Or an easier question, why keep your overmatched son in AAA where he doesn’t belong and I’ve witnessed this personally. Kid is batting .162 and looked lost in the batter’s box. I’m sure we could definitely get some good young arms for a proven #1 pitcher like Smoltz, a high profile switch hitter Jones, or maybe even for Hudson. However, Andruw face it, just like Justice, Dye, and others who are similar, get up and look into the mirror as long as you are a Brave.

By MBATL

August 5, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

Al, can you name one player, other than Javy Lopez and whoever was traded for him, who was put on the waiver wire, in the entire major leagues? I doubt it; you don’t KNOW who has been exposed; AJ’s name was leaked, which as JS said, is not fair to the players or the teams. CJ, Smoltz might have been on waivers… probably were. And from everything I’ve read, HUNDREDS of players are put on waivers every year.

But you DON’T KNOW and yet you make these inflammatory statements as “fact.”

By Tony

August 5, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

I can’t help but see this has something to do with the type of star player the Ol Boys BC and JS want. If Francouer was black or Latin he would have been set down long ago to give his inconsistent bat a rest. Compare him to Ryan Howard or David Wright and you have another Braves star who doesn’t measure up. If Giles were black same thing. LaRoache, same thing. AS a white man it pains me to say, maybe it is racial. Andruw is all but gone. I mean Bobby and JC are old school. I hope they both retire at the end of the year. With Giraldi in Florida and Randolph in NY, the Braves will be in trouble. Well it want matter, with Andruw almost definitely gone, and the Braves no longer on TBS..they will be the Pirates just will all white overhyped players. Sad and disgusting.

By Life long Fan

August 5, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this

I’m really about to stop being a braves fan after this. Andrew says as many games, than the closers. Trade Marcus Giles instead, he has been terrible since he got there. As much as I like Chipper,his time is up. His production has been down, since he won he MVP. What the braves are doing, is stupid. He is the star everyone wants to see, what is the matter with the Braves. DO THE BRAVES WANT TO WIN?

By Reid Whitaker

August 5, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this

I told you. I told you. Cox leaves another starter in to give up 6 runs. No sense of urgency.

By Gerald

August 5, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this

I am getting sick of all the racism. Try and explain the Dale Murphy trade using racism … morons

By marcus3x

August 5, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

Dam another player of color on the trading block for the braves..ha..This comes as no surprise. Broke down chipper can stay forever but furcal, betemit, jermaine dye, sheffield and now possibly andruw are of no use. DAM IT IS OBVIOUS THE BRAVES ORGANIZATION ARE TRYING TO APPEASE THE RACIST HILLBILLIES.

By drn

August 5, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

don’t use dale murphy as an alibi, he was traded in the stone ages.

By jc

August 5, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this

Who traded for McGriff, Sheffield, brought in Alejandro Pena, Terry Pendleton, Otis Nixon, Deion Sanders, Kenny Lofton, Marquis Grissom, Ray King, Mike Deveraux…did I miss any? You all are right about the lack of African American Braves…but that is a well documented deep-seeded problem in all of baseball. I think I read that 7 percent of big leaguers are black Americans. Has more to do with the MLB failing to reach out to the inner city kids as the NFL and NBA have.

By Ugh...

August 5, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this

ne_ATL,

Chipper HAS restructured his contract to help the club. He offered to do it. Nobody begged him to…he just did it. Honestly, I’d trade him if I could because no matter how he restructures it, he’s overpaid at this point and always hurt. That’s why nobody would take him (not to mention his no-trade clause).

This goes for you and everyone else crying ‘racism’. This has zero to do with the color of Andruw’s skin. It has everything to do with the number of zeros he’s going to want on his new contract (same as Glavine, Maddux, Drew, Sheffield, et al. when they became free agents), especially as a Scott Boras client. Claiming the Braves are racist doesn’t expose the Braves’ attitude, only yours.

By Louis Vales

August 5, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

A 35 year old man who goes by “Chipper”, and now a guy who after frequenting enough strip clubs you would think wouldn’t call something “rude”, like a 13 year old girl would!! Unbelievable!!

By Thomas

August 5, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

Actually, Andruw hiring Scott Boras as his agent could be considered rude as well.

By ne_ATL

August 5, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

You blind suburban jokes can name every black player that played for ATL until you’re blue in the face. Why do the Braves have to trade a man of color for another man of color? WHY NOT KEEP PEOPLE OF COLOR TO PLAY ALONG SIDE OTHER PEOPLE OF COLOR?!?!? The Braves have had some of the best minorities in the MLB to pass through here but chose not to keep them BUT always find a lame excuse to keep “others” or lock them into a contract they cant get rid of. (Hampton, Larry Jones, etc, etc, etc).

This city is majority black. Outside of hockey (which is understandable) there shouldnt be NO REASON for a team in this city NOT to be a reflection of its tax payers. Would it have been to much to ask to have a team of Fucal at short, Betimet at 3rd, Druw and Shef in the outfield? I can take every black player yall named and find ways the Braves couldve kept more than 3 on the team at once. If the Braves are going to lose, let them have a team worth watching. Druw IS THE ONLY attraction at the Ted. Coco nor any of the jokes that were mention will not fill seats in this park. Trading a power hitter for suspect pitching and a “speed guy” suppose to be a a good deal?!?! ARE YALL SERIOUS!!?!

By TG

August 5, 2006 05:22 PM | Link to this

Braves fans,

I’m a Mets fan, and I’m not here to gloat. As a Mets fan I am all too familiar with the frustrating year you are having. I have one comment and one question to pose:

1) The Braves would be crazy to trade Andruw Jones. First, there is no way you get fair value at this point in the season. Second, he’s a rare impact player and the Braves have many of the pieces to be strong again next year, so why dismantle?

2) Two weeks ago I would have bet money on the Braves winning the wild card. Now I don’t think so. Given that, wouldn’t it make sense to trade Danys Baez or some other spare parts?

I do hate the Braves, but its because they have kicked my team’s a*s for so long. I have nothing but respect for their record of achievement.

By journalist PENN

August 5, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this

TG, so you need Baez, do you?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

By journalist PENN

August 5, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

quote

[By marcus3x]

August 5, 2006 03:10 PM

Dam another player of color on the trading block for the braves..ha..This comes as no surprise. Broke down chipper can stay forever but furcal, betemit, jermaine dye, sheffield and now possibly andruw are of no use. DAM IT IS OBVIOUS THE BRAVES ORGANIZATION ARE TRYING TO APPEASE THE RACIST HILLBILLIES.]]]]

Marcus, making a statement like that is utterly ridiculous. Just ridiculous.

If what you say is true then why did Cox keep Jordan instead of bringing up Thorman earlier? And if it is true why did they keep Sosa so long? That dog ought to have been shipped out long ago.

And there is the constant beating of the drums here about getting rid of Thomson and Hudson, both white.

As for Chipper JS simply signed him to a contract with too many years on it. Big mistake. Now he is brittle and slow and his contract is for too many bucks. White skin had nothing to do with it. That bat he carries around does. BTW, does Chipper use a black or white bat? If it’s black then I’m going to protest. That makes as much sense as some of the crap you and others are putting up here.

By greg

August 5, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this

sure its racial, think back,Justice, Gant,Mcgriff,R.Sanders.Sheffield,Fracal,Betement.Now think, Smoltz, Jones and the other guys that have a lighter skin complexion.See the difference? Lets call a spade a spade.

By Mike

August 5, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this

The only thing “rude” about the waivers was the fact it was leaked to the press. To call it racist is so ignorant it is beyond words. The Braves are not committed to winning only to cutting costs. i havebeen a Braves fan since Aaron was a rookie and never have I felt more like management doen”t care.

By Jett

August 5, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this

Please Anderw, leave the Braves and go to Boston on some other team that wants to Win. You have definitely been a superstar in the Braves org.Its the Braves loss. See you in the HOF.

By johnmrog

August 5, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this

Alex, if you think Andruw Jones/Scott Boras are in ANY way interested in signing a 4 year/$60 million dollar contract while Andruw is in his PRIME Major League earning years, I want some of what you’re smokin’.

By T-DOG

August 5, 2006 06:18 PM | Link to this

Why do everybody keep saying, if the Braves can get a good pitcher for Andruw, they should make a trade. For the last 14 years the Braves have had some of the best pitching, but only one championship. Seems like better hitting, would have been just as important.

By Jamal

August 5, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this

ne_ATL sounds like a reverse racist to me. Why should we have an all black team just because the team is in ATL. What about NYY, LAD, and CHI Cubs? Those teams are as white, if not more, than ATL. Go vent on them. It’s AOL’s money to do with what they please. If you don’t like it buy the team, trade off all of the white players, and install your own beliefs into the franchise.

By Mark

August 5, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this

The Braves need more heart! Andrew should leave. He won’t ever win a championship here. It shouldn’t surprise him that they disrespected him. The braves have been doing this for years. They need more players of color on the team. This Langerhans, Diaz, Frenchy crap is not working. In the early nineties the braves had many players of color and they were a little more successful. They use to have an all black outfield, with exception of Klesko. They had guys on the infield like Pendleton, Belliard, McGriff. I know they had Lemke Blauser, Bream, Treadway, Giles, and Chipper also. When they had more of an integrated team they were more competitive. In those days we had Gant, Sanders, Nixon, Justice (Who everybody hated!) We had speed and power. It seems now that our GM gets rid of all the players of color. You can’t be an average player of color on this team , they will get rid of you. We got rid of Dye, Grissom, and Justice in one whole offseason and they were great!. I know we got Lofton( for one season) and Tucker in exchange but come on! We have never really had pitchers of color. When we did have we got rid of them too. It just kills me how we can get rid of players of color whether they are american or latin, but stick with players like Langerhans, Giles, Laroche, hurt up Chipper,McCann, and Francouer. When we won our only WS series we had lots of players of color such as McGriff, Belliard, Grissom, Justice, Mike Devereax (Who was the NLCS MVP)Luis Polonia, Dwight Smith, and Alejandro Pena. It doesn’t suprise me that they have Andruw out on the trading block! We never really have enough money to sign or resign players of color. I know some of you people are going to say what about Sheffield and Renteria, we have signed some players of color. They never stay too long. Outside of Andrew, we don’t really too many players of color that stick around. Maybe Furcal McGriff and Justice. We don’t have to have a lilly white team to win. I know some of you people are going to say that what I am saying is racist, and it could be but it is truthful. This run of so called success started with more of an integrated team, but now as the team has gotten whiter and whiter, the success has dwindled to what you see everyday.