ajcsportstalk

By Daybed Wagmoe

September 29, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this

TRADE HIM!

he’s a great defensive player, but his hitting isn’t reliable, and he lacks speed (though he’s certainly not slow). trade him and langerhans to san diego for jake peavy.

By beki

September 29, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this

Giles can hustle;but, speed is what you want from a leadoff hitter and Giles is no barnburner of a runner. I remember the three or four years ago when he and Furcal were a one-two punching bowl. Furcal would bunt for a hit,disturb the pitcher who’d give Giles a good pitch to hit. The two would be on the pads when CJ would come to bat—-and the hits would come. Both Aybar and Orr would make decent leadoff men; but, could they hit for a complete season?

By jeff

September 29, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this

The Braves made a big mistake by trading Wilson Betemit and keeping Marcus Giles. Giles is great defensively, but not worth $5m, he lacks speed, and his hitting is average at best.

By Head Coach

September 29, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

I’m gonna miss him , luv his hustle , heart and all out gritty play. But, the Braves are loaded with young dirt cheap infielders and the Braves need every penny they can squeeze under that 80 million cap to go get a leadoff hitter or more pitching.

By Don

September 29, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

Move him. We need speed and pitching. Hopefully, a trade can help in one of these two ways.

Also, move LaRoche. I know he’s cheap, but he is back to his streaky ways and hasn’t RBI’ed since Sept 13th. Another reason is to consider a move of Chipper to first since they won’t and can’t move him. Maybe first would be a safer place for him and, if he does get hurt, first is an easier spot to fill with the bench (Ward, Thorman). Look to improve third base through free agency or trade, find a full-time left fielder, improve speed, and try to plug the holes in the pitching.

By Don

September 29, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

Chipper and hampton are the two Braves who most need to go. Of course, because of their inflated salaries and injury probabilities, they are also the two least likely to be wanted by another team.

By TD

September 29, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

I agree with Jeff, the Braves should have kept Betemit and tried to move Giles. Although he is a steady performer, he can not bat leadoff and is another player that strikes out too much. You know, at one time $5 million seemed like a lot of money to pay a dude batting .265 with 11 home runs

By Sane Jane

September 29, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

Giles & Langy for Peavy… that’s hysterical.

By Sane Jane

September 29, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this

I love that little Gilly, but a $5MM player he’s not.

By Sane Jane

September 29, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this

Did I just read somebody actually suggest we move a lefty bat who hit 30+ dingers & makes the league minimum? Because he’s “streaky”?

Having said that, he might actually have some trade value, as opposed to the ludicrous Giles/Langerhans for Peavy suggestion.

By Don

September 29, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

SaneJane,

You heard right. I’m not that crazy about moving Roach but Chipper needs a new home where he might not get hurt so much and we can take his defensive liabilities off of third. As you mentioned, the Roach may actually have some trade value at this point, as compared to others like Giles, Hudson, etc.

By edward

September 29, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this

Why not trade Langerhans and a bullpen blowout to get a true leadoff man? Everyone in the world knew Giles was not a leadoff type. He certainly took one for the team and then they boot him? This is why we need a real owner and not a corporation. Giles is great batting second. Move Renteria to 3rd in the order and get a real leadoff!! Then you could put either of the Jones’ in the 4th and 5th slots. Mcann would be 6th and Frenchy 7th. Laroche 8th. Chipper gave up money to get a leadoff man..Why not use it and keep the best 2nd hitter we have?

By Head Coach

September 29, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this

Don, your now an honorary member of the idiocracy. Congratulations. Don’t quit your day job.

By Josh

September 29, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this

Chipper gets hurt too much. He’s good when he’s healthy, but he’s hardly ever healthy. Deal Chipper (but not Andruw) for a decent 3rd baseman and a quality starter…Hudson isnt getting the job done for as much as he’s getting paid. He used to be an ace, but now he’s so inconsistent. The Betemit trade was stupid, and we should deal Giles for more pitching or a strong left-fielder. Players to keep: Francouer, Andruw, Smoltz, McCann, Renteria, Laroche, Hampton (if he gets healthy), Wickman, and Chuck James.

By Train Wreck Bystander

September 29, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this

I like MG. I wish we could keep him. But I fear he’s one of the few players we can trade and actually get someone good for.

Now it’s obvious he performs better in the 2-slot. If we had a good leadoff hitter already on the team, I’d want to keep Giles.

By Opinion M

September 29, 2006 11:50 PM | Link to this

There are only 5 people that must be in a Braves uniform next year Andruw Jones, John Smoltz, Jeff Francoeur, Bobby Cox, and Greg Maddux. A rotation with Smoltz, Maddux, Hudson, James, Hampton might, just might go somewhere. Glies is great but wouldn’t break my heart to see him gone. We have enough middle infield prospects certainly one could replace Giles. What we need is a leadoff hitter, a solid backup for the feeble elderly Jones on 3b, and Pitching, Pitching and did I say pitching? Starters, Reliever, even a new coach wouldnt be bad.

By gotigers72

September 29, 2006 11:58 PM | Link to this

No way Marcus should be traded. He would be one of the last Braves I would trade. He’s had a down year with the bat, but you have to consider other things beside hitting.

1 - He’s a helluva baserunner [not basestealer]. Almost never makes a mistake running the bases. 2 - One of the best fielding 2nd basemen in the game. Think of all of the sprawling stops he’s made where he got up and threw the guy out. Or the times he’s been buried by the baserunner on a double play but still made an accurate throw to first. 3 - He has said publicly that he WANTS to be a Brave. 4 - Hustle and enthusiasm = leadership 5 - The Braves currently have nobody to take his place. Prado, Aybar, nor any minor leaguer they have can hold Marcus’ jockstrap as a major leaguer.

IMO his hitting will return next year. He has always been an above average hitter with pop and I think he will return to form. When you think of a ballplayer, you consider ALL facets of the game, not just one. I think it would be ludicrous for Marcus not to be a Brave next year and the following years. He IS a PLAYER!

By Keith

September 30, 2006 01:50 AM | Link to this

Tade Hampton and his $14 million (of the $90 million payroll) salary. Trade Hudson. He’s so overrated, it’s not even funny. What is Davies doing this year? Bring back Leo. He was the most underpaid Brave. Brian Jordan can’t seem to hit his weight. Langerhans is less than productive at the plate. Chipper stays hurt. Get Glavine back. Trade 7 of the bullpen guys for 1 decent player. Hitting is fine in Atlanta for the most part. Pitching sucks.

By Vs5109

September 30, 2006 05:34 AM | Link to this

Everyone, I agree the Betemit trade was a poor one, but at the time Giles was really stinking it up and no one, and I do mean no one would have touched him. In exchange for Betemit we got a one year rental for an injured and inconsistent Baez and a solid player who too was injured in Aybar.

I truly hate to see anyone traded, but Giles is the only player that truly stands out as a “non-fit” for this team going forward. With Langerhans’ ability on defense, I would truly hate to see him traded, because he’s a valuable backup to a still talented but older Andruw Jones.

I say look for LaRoche and Giles to be traded in the offseason.

By Wedgie Evans

September 30, 2006 05:41 AM | Link to this

$5 million is too much for Giles, but who is gonna play 2B for us if Giles leaves? Try to trade him, but I really doubt that what we get back in a trade for Giles will be enough to make up for his loss.

By Don

September 30, 2006 06:49 AM | Link to this

Head Coach,

Let’s see, I told all my friends LAST December that the Braves are on very roacky ground if they don’t 1) build the bullpen through trade/free agency (da!, that was a hard one), 2) get a viable left fielder (I think I was right there), and 3) watch out for Hudson (underperforming in realtion to his salary). I think I called that situation right,

I’m not excited about moving LaRoche, but he is prabably one of the few Braves whose stock has actually gone up this year. So, being a first baseman (a position less difficult to replace), I believe the Braves can possibly deal him and get help in return. It makes more sense that making claims like others of trading Giles (arbitation eligible)and Langerhans (stinks) for Peavy (or anybody good).

Thanks for the advice, I will not quit my day job.

By Kudzu

September 30, 2006 06:58 AM | Link to this

Yes, Giles can go - along with the (already departed) or soon to be departed following players:

*keep into account salaries for new players such as “Wickerman”; and also projected raises for next year, i.e. Giles.

Still this is a really good chunck of change for prospective players, while not missing the ones on this list.

Who did I leave out?

Giles 3,850,000 Foster 350,000 Jordan 700,000 Pratt 850,000 Reitsma 2,750,000 Sosa 2,200,000 Remlinger 700,000 Thompson 4,750,000

Possibilities but not realistic:

Ramirez 2,200,000 Hudson 6,500,000

By MARK

September 30, 2006 07:25 AM | Link to this

Im sure any of us who are smart fans know we need Giles in our line up.You can’t rebuild Braves by dumping the good, The Braves need to pay what they need to and learn how to make more money off the Braves , thats what any smart business does.

By Haywood Jablome

September 30, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this

The Braves are certainly a better team with Giles in the lineup, but Martin Prado seems like a reasonable replacement. If an we can get solid, young pitching (Danny Haren, Noah Lowry, Ervin Santana, et al) in a trade, let’s do it. I’m talking about pitching that’s gonna help us three years from now…when Smoltz, Hampton and Hudson have rode into the sunset. Marcus plays his a* off and I’ve always liked that, but it’s a business and he’s definitely a marketable piece!

By Walk Off

September 30, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this

Andruw & Giles are streaky hitters that can’t be counted on in the clutch. Drop both of them and let’s get back to a foundation of excellent pitching. I would trade Chipper too if there were any team out there stupid enough to take him and that elephant contract.

By Bean Ball

September 30, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this

We probably need to keep Giles. I’m not sure I’m ready to see “homeboy” make another stupid trade like the Betemit one.

By dan k

September 30, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this

I think the handwriting in on the wall with Giles, unfortunately. If this wasn’t also a business, he’d remain a Brave. But he is likely to be too expensive given other needs. But, more importantly, having Renteria takes away his #2 spot and the Braves need a lead-off hitter who can steal bases. Plus, in Prado, they have a cheap alternative that can hit 8th in the line-up. If Chipper stays healthy, Aybar is also a viable alternative there.

By david

September 30, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

well, DOB, you should be very proud if Giles does get traded since you’ve been lobbying for it all season…I’m sure you’ll enjoy watching the remaining lackadaisical jerks lollygag around the field after the one guy who always hustles is helping someone else win games next year…actually, it’ll be a relief for me…what little reason I had left to watch and root for this sorry excuse for a franchise will be gone…gee, I wonder what the Resident Genius [TM] will get for him? another 30something reliever with a blown out arm? hoowhee!!!

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 30, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

I would like to see Giles to stay. However, with there being so many pressing holes that need to be filled, I believe trading Giles is best. Giles is the best most tradeable player the team has aside from Andruw Jones. Giles has value and that value can bring the Braves what it needs, which is mostly pitching.

To say this lineup needs Giles is a bit wrong. This team has scored runs with or without Giles in the lineup.

To those who say its stupid to trade away your best players. That is true if you trade them away for no reason or get nothing near their value in return. But, again, those of you who say that apparently don’t understand trades. You have to give something to get something. That is life. Most of us who have possessions had to give a lot of time, sweat, and hard work to get it, right? Same with acquiring good players. Teams are not just going to give you what you want because you want it.

Any sane person can see this team needs pitching. All of that pitching cannot be obtained through free agency because of payroll constraints. Obviously, the help isn’t going to come from the minors any time soon. So, the only other way to get that help is through trades. And, to get what is needed something is going to have to be given up. Its that simple. So, the question becomes who has to go.

Most on here foolishly say trade Chipper. Well, its not that easy. Chipper makes a lot of money and over the coarse of the last few years has been injury prone. Not to mention the Braves don’t want to trade him because if he can stay healthy he can carry this team for weeks at a time. Be honest. Where would this team be without Chipper and his mind blowing July?

Other guys include: Hampton, LaRoche, McCann, Francoeur, James, and Renteria. Hamtpon is untradeable with that contract and coming off of injury. It would be silly to trade a power hitting 1B who has hit 30Hr and almost 100RBI and who will be making a mere $2 mil. I don’t think I even have to explain the silliness of getting rid of McCann, Francoeur, or James. And as for Renteria I happen to think he should be shopped around. And you know what I would really rather see Renteria go and Giles stay. However, Renteria is signed for the next three seasons at $6 mil, while Giles will be a free agent after ‘07 and will be garner a lot more than $6 mil especially if he has a great season next year.

Everyone has to look at the big picture instead of their personal feelings. I wish the team could stay together like it is but that is just not realistic. The team isn’t winning as currently constructed so obviously something has to be changed.

By mijm1

September 30, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

GILES IS THE ONLY REASON I WATCH NOW. THERE IS NOT A SECOND BASEMAN THAT EVEN COMPARES TO HIM. DON’T MAKE A MISTAKE AND TRADE HIM. IF YOU KEEP UP WITH THE GAME, HE IS ALWAYS INVOLVED WHEN THE BRAVE WIN. ROWABOAT OAR, WHO COX PUTS IN TO REPLACE HIM. ALL I HEAR ABOUT ROWABOAT IS HOW FAST HE IS, BUT YOU HAVE TO GET ON TO BE FAST. HE IS NO HITTER. I WOULD GET RID OF THE FOLLOWING BEFORE GILES. COX, CHIPPER JONES, HUDSON, FATBOY IN LEFT FIELD. AND ALL OF THE BULL PEN. THEY ARE A JOKE. GILES IS THE BEST OF ALL THE BRAVES. YOU TRADE GILES AND YOU WOULD LOSE A LOT OF FANS. STARTING WITH ME.

By john

September 30, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this

I think this talk of dismantling the team is stupid. It was bas enough to get rid of Furcal and others. The Braves need to add some pieces instead of getting rid of them. It sounds to me like people want the Tampa Bay or Pittsburg team. Atlanta is a good team if they would stop trying like they did on the past few years trying to have a good team paying minor league dollars. Get a lead off hitter, and some pitching and quit Giving away their talent.

By Spider29

September 30, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

I personally like Giles and the way he plays but it looks like he and Andruw are the two tradeable guys that might get us something good in return. If I have to keep one or the other I keep Andruw.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 30, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

Who is fat boy in LF. I hope you’re not talking about Diaz who is only hitting over .330 this year. Maybe you meant Francoeur who has hit 28 Hr and over 100RBI.

Also, to say Giles is the only hustler on the team tells me you haven’t been watching too closely. Do the names of McCann, Francoeur, Thorman, Diaz, and Langerhans ring a bell? Those guys hustle all the time. In all honesty McCann and Francoeur shouldn’t even be on the field for these final games. But, they are. I think that says something about them. Not that they are selfish but they are gamers. I love Manny but you don’t see Manny out there do you.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 30, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

John, no one (with good sense) is talking about dismantling the team. But to get the pieces you mentioned you have to give up something. The team simply doesn’t have the payroll to do it all in free agency unless a miracle happens and Arthur Blank buys the team. The minors can’t provide all the pieces. So, if you don’t want to trade anyone how do you propose getting those pieces. You can’t just call up the GM of the Angels and say, “Hey, we’ll give you Langerhans for Santana and Figgins.” I think they and any other GM will want a little more.

By Haywood Jablome

September 30, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this

Interesting comment about keeping Giles and trading Renteria. I think Edgar is a good, steady influence on this team, but man, he looks tired! August and September have not been kind to his batting average! We’ve got some great looking prospects at SS, although they might be a year or two away. I’m sure Edgar will stay but he may need to be rested more often next year.

By john

September 30, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

Robert - Your statement would be true if it weren’t for the fromt office knee jerk decisions of the past few years - Furcal - pitching - can we say De Rosa boys and girls. It is sad to see the way the team is heading “on the Cheap”

By 1 + 2 = 4

September 30, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

Sad to say but you must trade Giles. He is becoming too expensive and you already have a #2 hitter. More than likely, JS is going to trade Giles for bullpen help. My gut tells me he is going to over compensate for his lack of addressing the bullpen this past season. Something also tells me that JS may attempt to build a team that will make a serious run to get back to the playoffs and challenge for the WS. His pride will not allow him to ride off into the sunset as a loser. Therefore, don’t be shocked if AJ and CJ are back next year

Also, I would like to see JS to attempt to trade Hudson to the Yankees for second tier minor leaguers. The intent behind this is to dump Hudson’s salary to a team that is starving for pitching and can handle his salary. JS would need to hope that the Yankees lose out on the Zito sweepstakes, while reading his forecast and knowing that Randy Johnson is probably done.

As for AJ, if the Braves aren’t in a battle to lead the division, soon after the all star break, he will be traded. Question: With teams jocking for a playoff run (Yankees, BoSox, etc…) can you get the same value for Andruw during this time, as you would during the offseason? If the answer is yes, then why trade AJ during this upcoming offseason. For some odd reason, I am thinking you can get the same value. Can anyone provide some insight?

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 30, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this

Here’s the thing. If the Braves honestly feel that between T.Pena, Prado, Escobar, and Aybar that two of the three can play everyday at 2B and SS and one of them can play at SS next season, then I would say trade Renteria (who has more value than Giles) and keep Giles for next season. Then, if he did leave via free agency after ‘07, which he probably will, then the team can replace him and everything is fine. However, of those four guys the only one that has shown so far he could do it is Prado. Aybar has hit well but hasn’t played one pitch at 2B or SS, which I find very intersting since one of the reasons for trading for him was as a possible replacement for Giles. I like T. Pena because he has a cannon for an arm and can flat out run but I have not been impressed with his bat at all.

By Jeff

September 30, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

DOB, this is a great series. Hope we see more in-depth reports as the off-season progresses.

Giles is marketable, and since the Braves need an infusion of solid young arms, it makes sense for him to go. Look, it’s always easier to replace position players than in is to find even competent pitchers. Giles and A. Jones offer the Braves the opportunity acquire some good young guns.

As to Giles hitting leadoff, to my way of thinking, not every player is cutout to bat leadoff, any more than every player is built to hit in the 3 or 4 slots. Giles is either a #2 or #6 hitter. That management couldn’t acquire a bona fide leadoff hitter after losing Furcal isn’t Giles’ fault.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 30, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

John, I totally agree with you about Furcal. I think the Braves messed up royally by not signing the guy during the season like he wanted to be. They could have signed him for $7 mil and been done with it. But, JS’ inane rule of not discussing contracts during the season prevented this from happening. So, he let the free agency period take place and someone (Dodgers) overpaid for him and he went with the money, which I don’t blame him for doing. 1+2=4, that is the problem with Andruw right now. They need to get him either signed to an extension or traded during this offseason. Because if they don’t and let him go into free agency after next season, they will not resign him. I know what Andruw says about wanting to stay a Brave for life. Remember, Furcal said the same thing until someone offered him a deal to good to refuse. The same will most certainly happen for a 9 time gold glove winner and probably 11 by then. And no, the Braves will not get the same value for him trading him at the deadline next season as they would if they did it in the offseason.

Now, John, I somewhat agree about the pitching. But, keep in mind, when all of those deals were being done the Braves’ had a much larger payroll and JS believed he could always deal from a position of strength. He couldn’t have seen Time Warner pulling the carpet from out underneath him like they did.

And as for DeRoss, c’mon. The guy had plenty of time to prove his worth and he simply didn’t play up to the task. They gave him more opportunities then they should have to tell the truth. You can’t say you could see DeRosa turning into the type of player he has become. And keep in mind its just been this season. Let’s see what he does next season. I actually fear DeRosa’s success this year could make JS tentative about trading Langerhans for fear he will go somewhere else and become the player they thought he would be.

By al hott

September 30, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this

Have y’all looked at the figures below for Diaz? And he hit before he got to Atlanta. Not a big homerum guy (maybe 15 in a full seaon but he does hit). Trade Giles, Langerhans, or whomever but keep 9. M Diaz ATL OF 123 294 37 97 15 4 7 32 141 11 48 5 5 .368 .480 .330

By Bill Clontz

September 30, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

I have read each and every line written so far in this blog, and have to admit, most all of them have merit. Shows me that most of you are sincere in wanting what’s best for the team, and the fan’s. I don’t have much to offer except I think I’d keep Giles but not with a salary increase. If he wants to play here and bat second or even further down in the order, give it another year ? I think Bobby should have the final word on who stays and who goes, and if that doesn’t work, he should take responsibility for the post season flops of the past and let someone else motivate this team. Don’t claim to be real smart, but if you have a team that can beat anyone at anytime, and can’t beat anyone at other times, there’s a problem. A well coached team doesn’t come apart when a big game is staring them down. I love the Braves, and I don’t mean to be critical of anyone, but it’s time for the Braves to go further than first round, or just finishing the season…I always put my real name and email so that others can agree or disagree with me privately…Final word….start cutting salaries and lowering ticket prices….and that’s all I’ve got to say about that….smile

By Johnny

September 30, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this

Now, my name is Johnny, and you’d better give the little devil (DOB) his due; I’ll bet a batter of gold against your soul, ‘cause I think my 2nd baseman’s better than you(rs). Ok, Dave, are you off the drugs yet? What should we do now…? I usually agree with you, but I’m a little confused on this one. They traded the sparkplug and it’s the #2 guy that gets the blame. How about a 40-60 steal leadoff guy in front of him and a healthy CJ behind and I can hear the chants already. Either lay that batter down at my feet, or…ah, nevermind. I know it won’t happen. It was a nice thought, tho’. Maybe Ray Durham?

By Gads

September 30, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

Fixing the braves has to start getting rid of the “players manager”. The players may love him, but I can manage strategy and ball-moves as good as he does.

By Ashley

September 30, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

Ok, I am a big braves fan period but if they trade Giles I will not be happy…Everyone knew before they put him there that he was not lead off… we said that to begin with then at alstar break he proved how good he was at second hitter….. thats where he needs to be… let someone else step up to the plate… and be lead off…. he plays 2nd he hits 2nd and his number is 22…..put it together

By TiftDawg

September 30, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this

There is no need to panic, folks. If we had Wickman for the entire season, we’d be playing next weekend, and we’ll have him from Day One next year. Hudson’s season was an aberration, and Chuck James will be in the rotation from day one, and Hampton should be able to contribute again.

Every spot in the line-up is solid, and Giles has been an All Star when not hitting lead-off. With that being said, we need some speed at the top of the lineup. A trade is made involving either Giles, Diaz (a .335 hitter!), or Renteria, but only if it brings big-time speed. If we start next season with the same personnel, let Renteria take a turn at lead-off. Why can he refuse to try when Giles gave it a try?

Could Pena play short and lead-off? Just a thought, I don’t know his minor league offensive history, but I like his defense and his speed. Likewise, is Prado at 2nd the answer?

By Drixie

September 30, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

I like Giles; he plays hard and hustles. But if trading Giles can get us either a speedy leadoff hitter or a starter, then we need to do it. Willy Aybar can take over at second.

By Ashley

September 30, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this

ok i a a big braves but if they trade Giles I will not be happy…. they already did enough sub-par trading…. everyone knew to begin with Giles was not for lead off.. he said it… we said it… he is 2nd hitter not lead off… he proved that after the all-star break…. that is just where he needs to be… I say make someone else…”step up to the plate” and be lead off and let ‘lil man’ be in his second place… he plays 2nd he hits 2nd and his number is 22….hmmmmm??????

By Ashley

September 30, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

didnt mean to put just about the same thing twice…. my computer said the first one did not go through…oops

By tim- braves lifer

September 30, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this

the braves have several cheaper avenues to go than Giles. i like him but in the end i think Prado will be as good if not better!

By Ashley

September 30, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

Willy Aybar does not need to take over 2nd.. he needs to just wait on the bench for chipper to get hurt… he is good at 3rd when need be…

By kg

September 30, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this

I agree with TiffDawg. Injuries killed the Bravos this year and a very disappointing Sosa who was almost unbeatable last year. I’m afraid that we couldn’t get much for Giles. How about trading Renteria, playing Pena at SS and leadoff, and Giles batting second? We could actually get something of value for Renteria. Didn’t like trading Betamit.

By bobby

September 30, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this

Have any of the Betemit lovers checked his stats in L.A.? Besides he was only adequate at third base and certainly was not a second baseman.

By Ashley

September 30, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

I dont see pena at lead off…. I mean I would like to think so but just dont see it… I wish Renteria could step up and hit lead off…. they tried him in the year but he was on a slump at the time…. they need to just keep who they got and get some pitchin in…. obviously they are not stretching our pitchers and all like they should with the crazy injuries that they keep…

By mike

September 30, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this

I am not an expert and I do not post very often, but it seems to me that the Braves are in good shape at every position on the field except Left Field & Second Base & at one of those positions we have to have a leadoff hitter. Giles is great and is a team guy, but he is the most likely one to be traded because we have a #2 hitter at short and we have to keep Andruw who saves runs and produces runs. Chipper is not an option to trade though he has had some injury plagued years as of late. Here’s the field as I see it.. C Mcann (save $ & use Pena baackup) 1 Laroche (save $ Thorman bu/ph) 2 We need one with Aybar as bu/ph ss Renteria (save $ 1 of our young) 3 Chipper with Aybar a bu/ph RF Francouer CF Andruw (save $ Langerhans 5 OF) LF We ned one (Diaz 4 Langer 5 OF) Because we are so young and so good offensively we are saving money all over the place right now, so sign Andruw, replace Giles, & get a left fielder…someone to bat leadoff from one of those positions & worry about the young guys and arbitration etc down the road because we will develop talent in our farm system as we always have. Then use the money and effort to stabalize the pitching staff. We have ton of starters but do we have any Starting Pitching? Smoltz, James, & hopefully Hampton or Huddy or Ramirez or Davies or Thompson. Relief we have Wickman who is solid but aging and bulging, McBride is solid against lefties, Yates is helter skelter, Poronto is solid, but the buppen is bull something else. Here is how I see Pitching: Smoltz James Hampton ???? If we have to trade Huddy go! Divine as set up man Wickman as closer Poronto as middle relief McBride Lefty specialist ?????the rest who knows! Giles has to go because he is good enogh to get something we need in return…a leadoff hitter in left or at second! Please somone tell me what you think!

By dino

September 30, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this

Regarding trading Hampton and or Chipper, who would give a broken bat for a sore-armed pitcher? That is the worse commodity in the universe.

By L. Blockton

September 30, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this

Never should have got rid of Rafael Furcal. Giles is not a lead off hitter. Get rid of him.

By Krazy Mike

September 30, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

I don’t think that they should trade Giles. He’s been very dependable not counting this season. He’s just not a lead off hitter. The Brave’s problem is that they hold on to too many liabitlies and Giles isn’t one of them. Langerhans hasn’t done any exept give decent defense and they need more than just another person in the outfield with good defense. They can get a lead off hitter from his position. And I wish someone would remind me why we still have Chipper. I like him and all but every since he played in the outfield he has spent a tremendous time on the DL. He needs to go and he could fetch a couple of good players. We don’t need him anymore. And while we’re at it I hope when Reitsma gets to the point to where he can pitch he’s dealt, leat go, or something.

By Jim

September 30, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

I don’t think any of us have seen Prado play for an extended period of at least 1 month to get a good idea of how well he could be able to replace Giles. If we need to improve the pitching next year, we also need to support the pitching with good defense. Andruw Jones is an exceptional defender, and Giles is probably the next best defensive player on the team. He has shown good range, and the courage to run into walls for popups and to stand his ground in turning the DP. With all of the teams (except possibly the Marlins) deperate for pitching, I don’t think that Giles can bring back as good an arm in return as we give up in his defense, hustle, and, before this year, his OBP. If we trade Giles to get rid of his 5 million, the player we will be getting back, if he has any kind of quality experience, will probably be making at least 3.5 - 4 million. I am not in favor of trading Giles, unless the player coming back is at least as good, and therefore probably making at least as much money.

If the Braves need to dump salary to fit Giles and Andruw into their payroll, the place to start is HUDSON! As Lew has pointed out, he will not be terribly expensive next year, but after that —

By Billy Chris Matthews

September 30, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

yes, time to make the move.

By True Braves Fan

September 30, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

See if Dodgers will give us Betemit back for Giles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Casey Hudson

September 30, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this

Where do you people get this nonsense? Chipper Jones gets hurt all the time? Can any of you idiots name one player in baseball who since 1993(his rookie year) has a minimum of 108 games games played, 358 at bats, 106 hits, 21 HR, and 72 RBI every season?

By Casey Hudson

September 30, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this

Where do you people get this nonsense? Chipper Jones gets hurt all the time? Can any of you idiots name one player in baseball who since 1993(his rookie year) has a minimum of 108 games games played, 358 at bats, 106 hits, 21 HR, and 72 RBI every season?

By Kentavo

September 30, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this

Trade Andruw and Giles for proven, reliable pitching - both starting and bullpen.

Both of them have the type of approach at the plate that doesn’t work in the playoffs - impatience and hacking away.

People dog on Chipper, but at least he has a sound approach at the plate and knows (most of the time) how to work the count.

Get rid of Andruw and Giles and that exposes Frenchy even more for his free-swinging ways and he’ll have to adapt or fall flat on his face.

Although the Braves’ offense was good enough to win the wildcard if the pitching had done it’s share, the offense would have been exposed in the playoffs with the hack first, ask questions later mentality.

But realistically, who out there needs a 2nd baseman and will give up pitching? Everybody wants pitching. I think we’re going to have to shed some payroll, then buck up and go after some quality free agent pitching such as Zito, Schmidt or Pettite.

By kph

September 30, 2006 07:23 PM | Link to this

What the Braves need is new owners with loose purse strings then John S. and Bobby C. will make all the problems go away. Until this happens we will be in this middle of the pack mode or worse every season. Money buys players and cheap a$$ corporate owners that arent true sports fans wont spend the money!

By Kyle

October 1, 2006 01:22 AM | Link to this

all good questions. first ill address giles. dont trade him just for the sake or trading him. how about this move. giles and a minor league player for brad lidge. u cant play tony pena at second or short cause he cant hit at all. dont trade andruw unless u get 3 to 4 good young arms like verlander or joel zumya for example. it is pointless to talk about trading chipper or hampton cause of the money they make. so here are some moves id make besides the giles for lidge. trade davies , langerhauns, salty, and macay mcbride to tampa for carl crawford and a minor leaguer. try and sign a couple of cheap starters like a ted lilly or even resign thompson or go after maddux and glavine if u thought it was neccisary. the offense is outstading right now outside of leadoff and a lineup of crawford,edgar,joneses,bmac, jeff, adam, and whoever at second would be deadly. resign ward as your pinch hitter and keep diaz. go after jason schmidt. he would love to return to atlanta. a rotaiton of schmidt, smoltz, hudson(who should be plan b to get crawford) james and hampton with wicky closing would be great

By Plate Appearance

October 1, 2006 01:42 AM | Link to this

One losing season John and are you now foolish enough to pull a Wayne Krivesky? As you know, Krivesky traded starting SS Felipe Lopez and starting RF Austin Kearns for what turned out to be ineffective relief pitching. Will you now try to trade starters Andrew and Marcus for what you hope will be effective pitching? It will blow up in your face John, as it did with Wayne, both on the field and in the stands in public opinion!!

By Head Coach

October 1, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this

I thought telling the truth like Mark bradley would be a good start. Giles is just one of five reasons you can lay the blame for this losing season directly at the feet of Bobby Cox and John Schuerholz. Giles isnt , wasnt and never will be a leadoff hitter and the Braves not having a true leadoff hitter was the first mistake. Mike Remlinger was a failed attempt to resurrect a career that was already over and the second mistake. Jorge Sosa(3-10) making 13 starts was just plain old stubborness on the part of Cox and the third mistake made. Chuck James should have made the rotation right from the get go and Sosa should have been in the bullpen and that was the fourth mistake. the last and fifth mistake was Chris Reitsma , but certainly not the least. Even when healthy he is nothing better than a middle inning relief pitcher and again the sheer stubborness of Cox was in evidence. Had James been able to make 35 starts like Smoltz and Hudson , Ken Ray been the closer until Wickman arrived , Remlinger have never made the roster , Sosa been left in the bullpen and anybody but Giles been leading off…….. Guess what ??? This team at the very worst would have won the wildcard and would have been neck and neck with the Mets all season. John and Bobby , you guys get a big fat -F for the job the two of you have done this season and I expect much better in 2007 and no you dont get credit for Wickman because it was to little to late and the Betemit trade for Baez(gone) and Aybar is almost a non-trade. getting Wickman and Smoltz under contract is a good start and I hope you realize the need for much more pitching(12 starters used this season) and some speed at the top of the order( a leadoff hitter ).

By oldandnotwise

October 1, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this

Never trade a starter for a middle reliever, never, they are too inconsistent, for a closer, okay, starting pitching of course, but middle relievers have rollercoaster careers.

Too many people here make wild assumptions of what we could have been, too late gang. Dump Giles and his salary, try to lose Hudson and go from there.

By Rick

October 1, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this

Trade him. He’s not a leadoff hitter, Renteria will bat #2. Move Aybar to second during winter ball and pencil him in to leadoff, play 2nd, and back up Chipper.

By rip

October 1, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this

Trade Giles, a Jones. Hudson….etc. Get pitching, speed lead-off hitter. and another closer for insurance in case something happens to Wickie.You never have enought pitching. Let the dead wood float on out (BJ,platt,old vets) Robert the Best you would make a good GM.

By Bart Campanella

October 2, 2006 06:44 AM | Link to this

getting rid of giles will be a mistake as was furcal’s lost!you will see.

By Abbey

October 2, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this

Marcus Giles should not be traded. He took one for the team this year being a leadoff hitter. Even though he struggled, he never did less than his best. He should be put back in the 2 spot. I think they should consider Renteria being leadoff. We all know he’s capable of doing it, and then Giles in the 2 spot, Chipper, Andruw, McCann, Francoeur, LaRoche, Langerhans/Diaz, and the pitcher.

By EB

October 2, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this

Talking about trading Marcus and Andruw is just nonsense. It was the bullpen. Fix that up and we’ll have a winning team once again. Keep the players we have. They are great, and generate great enthusiasm.

By Claude

October 2, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this

Marcus Giles is not a leadoff hitter and highly overpaid.I think that Prado would be a nice replacement at second. Looking back, the Braves should never have traded Betemit.He should have been Atlanta’s second baseman

By Bert

October 3, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

Trading Giles is not the answer here. He is a better number 2 hitter than Renteria. The answer is signing a true lead off hitter that plays Left field. Giles numbers at the 2-hole are great and being able to move Renteria down in the line up is a great way for the Braves to have a solid up and down line up. Think about this: 1. Free Agent LF 2. Giles 3. C. Jones 4. A. Jones 5. LaRoche 6. McCann 7. Franceur 8. Renteria 9. Pitcher’s spot

If I am an opposing pitcher I do not want to face this line up, and plus nobody we sign or trade for will have the defensive capabilities as Giles nor will they be able to fill the leadership role he provides on and off the field. His intangibles are being forgotten here, and he is not a lead off hitter, so its not his fault he was thrown into the role. Think outside of the box on this one and remember how great Giles is when he hits 2nd, his number are better than Renteria’ and Rent is a great number 2 hitter.

By Stan

October 3, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

Put Langerhans at leadoff. Keep the Roach. Quit worring about Giles’ salary, in this day and age I’m worth 5 million.

By H

October 6, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this

Giles is a terrific second baseman and never was a lead off batter. 8 others on the field were not lead off batters but they were never tried. Keep Giles and pay him the money. Look at how much the Braves are paying much less productive players. KEEP HIM.

By Drew diggity

October 6, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this

You people are going way too hard on the Betemit trade. I loved the guy too and would love to see him in a Brave’s uniform, but considering the circumstances it was actually a damn good trade at the time and I think history will redeem it. We were desperate for relief pitching and basically traded Betemit for a younger version of himself (switch hitter, utility infielder with a good bat and some pop)and Baez, a flexible closer/8th inning man (with the chance to resign) was just icing on the cake. Check out Betemit and Aybar’s stats before the trade, they really weren’t all that different.

Also, I think Huddy’s going to be fine. The man is a consummate professional and will do what it takes to correct his problems.

As for Giles, not sure what I’d do, but thankfully I’m not making those decisions.

And for the idiot who said “bring back Leo”. Get informed before you post, Leo left because he wanted to work with Sam Perlozzo (sp?), his childhood friend, not because of money issues.

By smile22

October 6, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this

ok so i must say that marcus should NOT be traded it would be stupid…think about it….who else is gonna give u as much hustle as marcus giles no one! he will always get dirty for ya! as far as his hittin he doesnt need to be traded cuz hes not a leadoff guy…stick someone else there…duh….he can hit anything in two hole…this can defenatly be solved without the trade of marcus giles!

By Dallas B

October 12, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

THE BRAVES WOULD BE STUPID TO TRADE GILES!!! HE IS SO AWESOME!!!!!!! HIS DEFENSE IS AMAZING!!! HIS BATTING IS REALLY GOOD!! WHY DON’T THEY JUST PUT RENTERIA FIRST AND PUT GILES SECOND!!!! GILES IS LIKE ONE OF THE BEST PLAYERS ON THE TEAM! AND LIKE THE BEST SECOND BASEMAN!! HIS SPEED IS ALSO GOOD!!! HE CAN RUN AND RUN! HE’S NOT LIKE ONE OF THOSE PLAYERS THAT JUST GIVE UP!! HE KEEPS GOING!! HE’S AWESOME!!!! HE IS SO WORTH 5 MILLION!! THAT’S REALLY CHEAP FOR A PLAYER LIKE HIM!! THEY BETTER KEEP HIM!! IF THEY DON’T THEN THEY CAN SAY HI TO ANOTHER YEAR GONE!! BECAUSE THEY WON’T WIN WITHOUT HIM!! HE CAN ALSO JUMP!! IT’S LIKE HE’S 7’0”!! BUT HE’S ONLY 5’8”!!! THAT’S ANOTHER REASIN WHY HE’S AMAZING!! HE’S THE LITTLE GUY!!! THAT IS TOTALLY AWESOME!!! NOT TOO MANY PEOPLE CAN JUMP AS HIGH AS HE CAN!!! HE CAN DO ANYTHING YOU TELL HIM TOO!!! THEY SHOULD KEEP THEIR WHOLE TEAM AND JUST TRY TO GET LIKE ONE OR TWO (MORE) STARTERS!! (THEY SHOULDN’T GET RID OF ANY PITCHERS)!! THAT WOULD BE REALLY DUMB!!! THEY CAN HANDLE IT!! IT WAS JUST A LOT OF FIRST YEAR PEOPLE SO THEY SHOULD BE BETTER NEXT YEAR!!! THEY ALSO NEED TO KEEP JUST ONE PERSON IN LEFT FIELD!! THEY SHOULD PUT DIAZ THERE! HE CAN REALLY BAT! HIS FIELDING NEEDS SOME WORK BUT THAT’S EASY TO FIX! (EASIER THAN HITTING)! LIKE LANGERHANS NEEDS!! BUT REALLY THEY JUST NEED TO KEEP MARCUS WILLIAM GILES IF THEY WANT TO WIN!!!!!!!! -YOU RULE MARCUS!!! FROM YOUR #1 FAN!!!! DALLAS BRATCHER!!!! ALSO GO BRIAN MICHAEL McCANN!!!!!!!!!