ajcsportstalk

By J-Man

October 1, 2006 06:44 PM | Link to this

Well if the Braves are to make the playoffs they have to address some things, first they have to have a true owner and not one will cut and run. Second, they need a leadofff hitter, perferably Carl Crawford. Third dump the baggage, find ways to get rid of Hudson, Hampton, Giles, they are all good guys but they are not worth the money. Forth, sign Andrew to a long term deal, DON’T TRADE HIM !!!!! Fifth get some flamethrowers whether thats going after high priced talent of developing youngsters into aces they need guys who can delever from 95MPH and up such as the Tigers. If they do all of that they will win the Division next year and will be in the Series I promise you this.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

October 1, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this

I was disappointed with this season because despite all the injuries I still think this team was good enough to get to the playoffs. I think Giles’ struggles early in the season, the ineffectiveness of Hudson, and of courser that God awful bullpen were the main causes of this season going down the tubes.

Obviously, there are things to be happy about and excited about in ‘07. First of all, Brian McCann has established himself as the best catcher in the NL. I highly doubt he will hit over .330 again but his knack for hitting in the clutch, his gritty style, and team first mentality will make him the backbone of the team next season. Francoeur is a positive as well. Look, I don’t care who you are, if you can hit 29 HR and over 100RBIs in your first full season in the majors you are a good player. I don’t want to hear about all the plate appearances because we all know there are guys who couldn’t have produced Francoeur’s numbers in 2,000 ABs. Chuck James is the real deal and proved why last year he was so highly thought of. Macay McBride was a much better pitcher at the end of the year than he was in the beginning. Matt Diaz, if he stays, showed that what JS and Cox said about him at the time of the trade was correct and that can indeed hit. Most importantly, Smoltz and Wickman are coming back.

The team has to address Andruw Jones and his contract immediately. They have to see where he stands. If he is sincere about wanting to stay in Atlanta, then he has to understand the financial situation and sign an extension this winter. If he is seeking “greener” pastures, which I don’t have a problem with, then just say so and cut the ties. Two more bullpen arms must be acquired. One of them needs to be a good setup guy for Wickman. The other pressing need is a leadoff hitter. No matter what others say this offense would be a lot more balanced, consistent, and explosive if a good speedy leadoff hitter was in it.

Unfortunately, some trades will have to be made and that means some guys will have to leave. Yes, I’m talking about Giles. Its the nature of the business.

I firmly belive JS will not make the same mistakes twice and this team will be competing for the NL East crown next season. Here’s the question I have about the Mets. Will they be willing to go into Yankee payroll territory? Because that is the only way they can fill the pitching holes they have. Pedro won’t be back in July of next season. He probably won’t be back at all next year. El Duque can’t be counted on. The Mets will have to revamp the whole rotation and do they have the kind of money to do that. Can they go after Schmidt and Zito. If they want Willis, the Marlins will ask for a kings ransom which could put them in another hole. I would think the Fish would at the very least demand Milledge and Maine. That would put holes in the outfield and further deplete the rotation. Besides, I think Florida has grown tired of helping the Mets. They have a contender there themselves.

Should be a very interesting postseason and offseason.

By Jeff P

October 1, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this

Pretty simple for John S to digest in the offseason of what needs fixing. If we had only signed Wickman at the beginning of this year, we would be talking about the Braves being a wild card team.

First, offensively this team I bet was as good as any Braves playoff teams in the last 15 years. The lack of pitching blew this season, period. I still like this lineup next year.

Get the leadoff guy we have been begging for in years and this offense can compete like they did this year.

Second, you have to get another starter and a proven setup guy:

Starters: Smoltz Hudson (I hope this yr was an aberration, yet he still had 13-14 wins) Hampton (hope he recovers) C James Get a proven starter in the case we catch the injury bug due to age and let HoRamirez, Davies, etc. earn the last position (it is time for them to put up or shut up).

Bullpen: Wick Get a PROVEN setup guy (make it work John S) Let all the young faces work for the BOTTOM END and not the top end of the bullpen like has been done for years. This year the lack of the ability to gett a proven closer and setup guy ruined the season for the Braves and I blame John S for this because the finacial difference wasn’t that much.

This team was not that far away in a very average National League this year. It will be fun to watch from the sidelines as the Mets crap in their pants during the playoffs because the pressure is solely on them to make it to the World Series. It will be fun to watch one of the other clubs beat them because I HAVE SAID AGAIN AND AGAIN, THE SHORT SERIES IN A BASEBALL PLAYOFF EVENS THE PLAYING FIELD EVERY YEAR. IF THAT WEREN’T THE CASE, WHY HAVEN’T THE YANKESS WON EVERY WORLD SERIES SINCE 1996?

It will be a great baseball postseason and it might be good for the spoiled Braves fans to get a perspective of how great this run of excellence has been (I remember as a kid watching the games with 1,000 people in the stands at Fulton County Stadium) and get the fans and the players hungry for next season.

Great job in competing and finishing the season and look forward to next year.

By Sane Jane

October 1, 2006 07:29 PM | Link to this

Well put, Robert.

Just the right blend of a fan’s optimism & the reality of what we all watched on the diamond this season.

By Sane Jane

October 1, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this

The bullpen & an ineffective Hudson sank us this year. Our offense was fabulous - I’d love a better leadoff hitter, too, but that couldn’t be the #1 priority. Just hold a damn lead, please!

By julia

October 1, 2006 07:47 PM | Link to this

Finally this long and painful season comes to an end. It was a disappointing one, yes, but I am looking forward with lot of optimist for the next one. Some changes has to be made, and some of them have already been taking care. Signing Wickman and picking Smoltz option was an example of what‘s coming up for next year. We need to renovate our bullpen, these guys were so exciting that at times I almost had a heart attack, but you have to admit, they never gave us the fans, a dull moment. Some of them may stay. Mc Bride is almost a lock to stay, so is Yates, because Bobby loves him, and to be honest, I think he has performed good lately. Boyer should be back from his year off and I am not sure if Foster will still be under contract, and if not, if they will sign him again. The two Aussies are worth to give them a chance again. I am sure we will see some new faces. Chipper, please hire a personal trainer and work hard during the off season so we can have the player we are paying for. Andruw, go into a diet so you won’t make it harder on your knees. I would be nice to see a fit Andruw coming spring training. La Roche, please keep taking all your medicines, we want you alert and hitting well. Francoeur, Can you please learn from your roommate? All you need is to be a little smarter, you have the skills, now let your mind work a little too, think… Mc Cann, I have nothing to say to you but thanks, you are the bright spot in this disappointing season, wish we have more players like you. Giles, I really enjoyed the years you have been with us… To all the Braves fan, we will regroup, and we will be stronger and better next year. Can’t wait for spring training to be there, and root for my team again!!! Go Braves!!!

By Slap_me_silly

October 1, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this

2007? I say they should try to lose as many games as possible in April,May, & June because they play much better when there is nothing on the line. That would give Andruw his chance to hit 40 more HRs as he seems to hit more of them when the games mean nothing. The Braves are perennial postseason doorknobs and need to stay out to give teams a chance that actually make an effort. Good ridance to you and the division titles that only you care about. This just in…..the rest of the world uses championships as the measure and you collected one lousy one in 14 straight years of winning your division. That must be a record in and of itself!

By TD

October 1, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this

I will reserve judgement until this ownership issue is settled. I can’t believe it is still dragging on. also, let’s up a new collective bargaining agreement will be in place without a work stoppage.

By tim- braves lifer

October 1, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this

no matter how the season turned out its still sad to see it be over. i believe there is alot to be optimistic about.hopefully june 2007 wont destroy the whole season next year. with mcann, francouer,wickman,smoltz,james,and getting hampton back,there are alot of reasons to believe the bravos will be back to there winning ways next season. one thing you have to give them is they never seem to quit!

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

October 1, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Sane Jane. Lets hope this offseason give hope for next season.

By gotigers72

October 1, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this

Dear slap me silly; I would love the chance to do just that. Outside of the Yankees and the Marlins, no one won more than one world championship since the Braves started their run. Oh, I guess you would rather be a fan of the Kansas City Royals or the Texas Rangers or the Milwaukee Brewers who haven’t even sniffed a division championship during the years the Braves were in the postseason every year.

For your punishment, you need to say this every day until next season starts. “You don’t have to win the championship every year to be considered successful.” It seems the people that DO know a lot about baseball, people actually involved in the game, have shown a lot of respect for the Braves’ run of division championships. Only clueless twerps like you that know absolutely nothing about the game, would consider the Braves’ accomplishments over the past 14 years to be unsuccessful.

By Sane Jane

October 1, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this

Utterly useless observation, but:

This is the first time, other than the WC ‘95, that the Braves have ended a season with a win.

Weird feeling.

By bruce

October 1, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

Sign Alfonso Soriano to play second and lead off… keep everyone else and we will be great.

By Sane Jane

October 1, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this

Only after I hit “Post” did I think of a better way to phrase that:

“So this is what it feels like to end the season with a win, and not be World Champions. Hmm.”

Dammit.

I am the queen of George’s witty retort (on the way home).

By Brad

October 1, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this

According to the ESPN Rumor Central, TB would like to trake Carl Crawford for a front line starter. The Braves could offer one of the starters for Crawford.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

October 1, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

Sane Jane, you are correct. It is weird. This is only the second time in 15 years the Braves have ended the season with a win. Much differnt feeling today then the first time.

However, I have a good feeling about this team. They never gave up. They never threw in the towel. Even when the rest of us knew it was over, they still believed and kept fighting. Francoeur, McCann, LaRoche, and James all have the same demeanor and never say die attitude that Justice, Gant, Glavine, and Smoltz did in the early 90s. Lets hope they have the same success and more with a few WS titles.

This team has the nucleus. Now, they just need those extra parts.

By Joel

October 1, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

I think the playoffs are well within reach next season….as long as the right moves are being made. The offensive number the Braves put up this season were outstanding and the offensive numbers you’d expect a championship team to put up.

Pitching. Well, everyone knows the story, the blown games, the huge deficit we’d put ourselves in early on, come back, and then lose it in the 8th or 9th innings. It was a problem that should never happen, at least not in Atlanta.

We need ownership, true ownership. It would be a brilliant start. Ever since the corporate take-over of the Braves, I believe it began the downfall. Once you lose that personalization of ownership, the drive is gone. The Braves were simply a way for Time Warner to make money. How often would the Board of Directors sit in the owner’s box? They just give tickets to their families, or let Ted hand them out.

Fans need to continue their support, and well, strengthen it. Look at Red Sox fans. Even before the 2004 World Series, they were passionate, there, always supporting. We need that to a larger extent. I was happy to read in the paper this morning that attendence at the games was slightly elevated this season, but tv audience was down. I didn’t watch every game, but I watched quite a few. We need to build the fan support we see in cities like Boston. Support like that will fire the guys up come next spring and we can jump up to the top once again.

We have a closer in Wickman. Smoltz is back. Let’s get the pitching straightened out. Trade the guys we don’t need, go after the guys we want/need on this team so we can strive to win 15/16 Division titles, and hopefully, we’ll be celebrating the end of the 2007 season with another win…the World Series Championship.

By Beach Dawg

October 1, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this

Playoffs in 2007???????????? Why the Braves are in the playoffs in 2006 — just look at the Dodgers roster — five exbraves as starters when Maddox pitches (and of course he got 6 wins for them this year)./

By bulldog_greg24

October 1, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

I agree with some of the other posters. There will be no playoffs until the Braves get some new ownership. We have lost way too much talent the last 5 or 6 years because TW handcuffed our GM with a number. There are many ex-Braves producing all over the league. Anyone who thinks Braves can win with what they have now needs to get on Delta and head to Disney. Visit Fantasy Land!! Some of the Braves had big numbers and they will struggle to put them up again next year. Renteria, McCann, and James come to mind. I recently moved to St. Louis after living in Georgia most of my life and the Braves are a laugh up here. The 14 titles don’t mean much when you we only one it once. I blame that on Bobby. We should have one at least one against the Twins, had the BlueJays where we wanted them and then there is the collapse in 96 that I will never forget. We take 2 in NY and come home to choke. I don’t care how good a manager Bobby is in the regular season, it’s time for a change. Go enjoy your social security Bobby. We need some new blood on the bench!!

By John Hoar

October 1, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this

I believe we’ll be back, but that’s not why I’m posting this. The reason is that the above responses have been logical, up-beat and loyal. I can only remember the previous seasons when we had played out last game. The responses were in a word, idiotic, and it’s nice to see the difference in this blog. At least so far. GO BRAVES!!!

By Head Coach

October 1, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this

I will givw you all my personal guarantee , that YES the Braves will be back in 2007. In fact I predict that they will win the division in 2007. Write it down in your little black book , Coach made the call on October 1st 2006. GO BRAVES !!!!!

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

October 1, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

I get so tired of hearing how all of the ex-Braves are on the Dodgers. So what?! Only one of them were traded and that was Betemit. The guy he was traded for, Wily Aybar, has hit better since the trade then he has. No one liked Drew when he was here so why are you lamenting over his loss now. Most of you refer to Maddux as a traitor and said he was washed up. Now, all of a sudden, it was one of the biggest mistakes in baseball history to let him go. Not two months ago most on these blogs were scoffing at the idea of trading for him and making fun of the Dodgers for picking him up. Furcal was so ridiculed on here last winter that I don’t have a couple of spare months to list all the nasty things that was said about him.

Face facts, people. Furcal is a great player but he is way overpaid and will never play to the level of his contract. Betemit will probably be on the playoff roster, but he has been far from a star for the Dodgers. Maddux has been rejuvenated no doubt. Is he going to go 17-5 next season? I doubt it. And, JD Drew will never be the player he should be and that is why the Phillies and Cardinals gave up on him. I guess the Cardinals are losers too. Maybe they would have a world title if they would have kept him. Please!

Those ex-Braves helped the Dodgers win the wild card. However, I think Nomar, Brad Penny, Jeff Kent, Russell Martin, Andre Ethier and the two Aisian pitchers had as much to do with their success as those guys did.

Of all of the ex-Braves that are on the Dodgers roster, the only one that would have helped this season is Furcal. We have OFs every bit as good as Drew, if not better. Betemit did a great job when he was here but that was only when he was used as a supersub. When he played everyday he struggled. Its fact. And Maddux could have helped but lets not forget that he was stinking the joint up with the Cubs. Besides that he is not as good as the money he commands.

By Jeff

October 2, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

I think the Braves got a good jump on 2007 already. We picked up the options on Smoltz and Wickman. The bulklpen seemed to turn it around at the end of the year. I think we need one more starter and a lead off guy. The Muts will not be as strong on 07 because Pedro is gone to July. Remeber we blew 20 games inb April and May That won’t happen because we got Wickman to start the year with

By fastfoodfreak

October 2, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this

Playoffs in ‘07? Maybe, as a wildcard. Mets will be too much to overcome the next few years.

By fastfoodfreak

October 2, 2006 12:16 AM | Link to this

Wickman’s not enough, Jeff. First, we have to get more quality starts, and much better middle relief!

By fastfoodfreak

October 2, 2006 12:17 AM | Link to this

Is anyone out there even considering the Phillies as a divisional contendor? Look what they did post Lidle/Abreyu!

By fastfoodfreak

October 2, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this

…as for the lineup, yeah it was great. But they’ve got to be better situational hitters. Lot of blowout wins, but horrible in the 1-run games

By Train Wreck Bystander

October 2, 2006 01:02 AM | Link to this

To Do List for the Braves front office (in no particular order):

(1) Start the off-season conditioning programs Monday morning.

(2) Trade in the red Sunday jerseys.

(3) Institute a $500 fine for each strikeout by Braves hitters. Pay out $500 each for RBIs and $250 for homers.

(4) Trade Rathbon & Torborg.

By mark

October 2, 2006 04:15 AM | Link to this

It really doesn’t matter what they do, they won’t win the World Series. You can make whatever moves you want, but as long as they have Bobby they won’t win when it counts. Thank God they didn’t win the division and waste another October.

By marti

October 2, 2006 08:16 AM | Link to this

J-Man said it all. First, a real owner, then dump the detritus, and sign A. Jones.

By Slap_me_silly

October 2, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this

gotigers72: You wrote: “Outside of the Yankees and the Marlins, no one won more than one world championship since the Braves started their run. Only clueless twerps like you that know absolutely nothing about the game….”

Hey clueless twerp, the Bluejays won two championships in the early 90’s. No team other than the Braves have been to the postseason in each of the last 14 years. That says the Braves did less with more opportunity than every other MLB team that won at least one championship. Sorry Charlie…. the Braves turn into pumpkins come October.

By 2006 METS

October 2, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this

Head coach, My little black book had you predicting the braves would win the division in 2006?? Is your crystal ball in the shop?

By SMITHTV

October 2, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this

I am sick of everyone calling for Hampton and Hudson’s head, especially Hampton. He went 15-2 from June of 2004 through May of 2005 with an ERA under 3.00. The man will be back and better than ever. Hudson deserves on more shot and Bobby and John will give it to him. Hudson has vowed to have a better season next and I think his determination is genuine. Right now, the Braves 2007 rotation would be Smoltz, Hampton, Hudson, James, Davies or Ramirez. I think thats better than the Mets. As inconsistent as the Braves starting pitching was at times this year, on has to keep in mind that the reason there is no postseason is because of the awful bullpen (which did improve as the season went on). That issue must be addressed. Other than the lack of a lead-off man the Braves starting lineup is as good as any. If anyone is to be let go, let it be Giles (I’ll take my chances with Chipper and Andruw anyday). We all love him but there is simply no room for him anymore since he cannot lead-off.

In summation, two things must happen this offseason: 1. Bullpen strengthened (at least two solid hurlers)2. Lead-off hitter.

Oh one more thing, the Braves are going to have to get hungry again for a World Series title and start playing like it- playing with guts, with heart. Anything less is unacceptable.

By KC

October 2, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this

Okay… so you take a look at the (active) roster the Braves ended the season with and ask “What do they need to add?”

Well, they could use a couple more middle relievers. If one of them were a lefty, that would be a big plus. But most of all, the Braves need upgrade the starting rotation. They need one more top-of-the-rotation kind of guy, and maybe another quality arm to round out the rotation.

Hey!!! It just so happens that we’ll have all of that returning from the DL this spring.

We need a quality starter or two… well, we’ve got Hampton and Ramirez coming back. We need a couple of quality middle relief arms (including another lefty). We’ll will likely get that with the return of Blaine Boyer and John Foster. Joey Devine might even be a helpful addition as well as he’s been pitching on the farm.

Bottom line… there’s not all that much that needs to be done this winter. The main thing is just to get healthy. Shuerholz might go after one more veteran reliever. He might free up some payroll by moving Giles, but I can’t imagine what else he might do. The Braves a fairly set most everywhere.

Yes, a true leadoff hitter would be nice. However, you have to keep in mind that Atlanta is already the best offensive team in the NL right now, so if we don’t touch the lineup at all, we’ll be just fine there. (Yes, I know we finished just behind Phili for most runs scored in the league, but when you consider the fact that the Phillies play in a big-time hitter’s park, where as the Braves play in a pitcher’s park… that’s more than enough to explain the 16 run difference between the two teams.)

If you’re a Braves fan, things are looking awfully good for next season.

By Kate

October 2, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this

Never has this St. Louis born, Atlanta raised Cardinal fan ever been so proud of the Atlanta Braves. Thank you Braves. Thank you.

By Dave

October 2, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

The Braves could make NO changes to the starting eight and be set for next year.

Left field can have a platoon of Diaz (who is the better hitter) and Langerhans (who is the better fielder; Diaz cost the Braves AT LEAST two games with errors this year).

Center field remains with Andruw Jones, who hopefully will be signed to a five-year contract this winter. If not, trade him and get a proven starting pitcher or a center fielder with speed to bat lead off, like Juan Pierre or Coco Crisp! That sounds cold, but JS cannot afford to let him go to free agency without getting something for him.

Right field is set for the next ten years with Jeff Franceour. He will probably be producing Dale Murphy numbers until 2020!

Catcher is also set for at least five years with McCann. Though Todd Pratt did everything asked of him this year, he’s history, as Bryan Penyan has proven he can do the backup catching quite well.

First base belongs to Adam LaRoche!! He too has shown he is ready to be the eceryday first baseman. Daryle Ward can do back up (he can also play the outfield) and will provide much needed power off the bench. Brian Jordan will either retire and become a coach or be released; his choice!

Third Base belongs to Chipper until his current contract is up. That contract makes him untradeable, and when he is healthy, he produces! The trick is keeping him injury-free.

Shortstop belongs to Edgar Renteria! He has outperformed Furcal in every offensive statistic except power, and his defense, though not as flashiy, has been steady!

That leaves second base and pitching!

I love Giles like no other player, but he is a #2 hitter, NOT a leadoff man! He is also VERY expensive for a position that we have more than adequate replacements (Aybar, Orr, Prado). I look for Giles to be traded for either a proven setup pitcher (if the Braves cannot sign Baez) or a speedy leadoff hitter.

Starting Pitching: We have AT LEAST six candidates (Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, James, Davies, Ramirez) for five positions. Whoever loses out will be the long reliever. We could trade for a starter, but it will not be a high priority!

Closer: Wickman is signed for next year; enough said!

Set-Up: Baez is the best option, but the Braves have other choices in Tyler Yates, Andy Devine, Blaine Boyer or John Foster.

Middle Relief: If the Braves carry 12 pitchers, the above categories (starting, long relief, closer, set-up) takes 8 spots. That leaves about 12 pitchers competing for FOUR slots. THAT should be an interesting competition come next spring training, though I believe JS will clear out some of the more questionable talent via trade or just releasing them.

Just my humble opinion!

By KC

October 2, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

DAVE: I think you’re right on.

We actually have 7 starters right now. Lance Cormier posted a 3.25 ERA in 5 September starts. He has certainly earned an opportunity to start at the big-league level, though that opportunity probably won’t come in ATL unless someone gets hurt.

I think that either Cormier or Kyle Davies will be traded this winter or next season. I don’t think they would trade both because they’ll want some one that can step in should anyone get hurt in the rotation, but I think one or the other will be traded.

By ChampDawg

October 2, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

The Braves will do no better in 2007 if they don’t make some changes. To listen to all the commentators yesterday - they were saying “Huddy will come back better”, “Hampton will be back”, yadayadayada………….. Sounds to me like folks think we can keep the same old crew but somehow get miraculously different results next year.

By jason

October 2, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this

Smoltz will again be our ace and i think Chipper will be back, but i say trade Andruw and his salary for much needed help. That trade to Boston for John Lester comes to mind. We shouldnt devote so much payroll to one person, no matter how good he is. He will decline in the next few years and we will be paying him for what he has done in the past. Let someone else pay him for that and snag Soriano for the same money. If the trade went through to Boston we would have CF Coco Crisp, SP John Lester, RP Craig Hansen, and 2B/OF Alfonso Soriano for Andruws money. Now who wouldnt take that? With Soriano at 2B we can trade Giles and with Lester starting we can trade Hudson. With that money we can get another good LF or SP. Crawford or Zito? We can shore up this team if the big man upstairs would pull the trigger.

By Shaun

October 2, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this

A little something about the Braves from ESPN’s Rob Neyer about the pre-season expectations and next season:

I think we gave the Braves a bit too much credit for what they’d done since 1991 and didn’t notice that they weren’t great in 2005 and didn’t get any better before 2006. Specifically, the culprits this season were Jeff Francoeur’s silly on-base percentage, Marcus Giles’ odd lack of power and Tim Hudson’s transition from future Hall of Famer to future Royal. The Braves also have suffered some tough luck with their pitchers, healthwise, which might or might not be related to the departure of Leo Mazzone. All this has left us to mostly miss fine performances from Edgar Renteria, Andruw Jones, Chipper Jones, Adam LaRoche and (especially) Brian McCann. The pieces are there, and the Braves are good candidates to become next season’s this season’s Twins.

By lfp6

October 2, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this

Personally, I think it is imperative that a TRUE leadoff man is acquired. Someone mentioned Soriano; he was thinking of staying in DC, but with Robinson leaving, will that be the case? And can Atlanta afford to pull him south?

Two: Giles. Capable, and a good man with the glove and the bat. NOT a leadoff man by any measure. Trade bait? Perhaps….

Three: The Rotation. Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, James, Thompson, Ramirez, and Davies. SEVEN Pitchers! Keep the first four, and trade one of the remaining guys for some bullpen help.

Four: 2007….we’re taking our crown back! Go Braves!

By don

October 2, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this

The season only ended a week early. It would have been the usual first round and out.

By Matthew

October 2, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this

Dave:

I have no problem with most of what you posted, but I think perhaps you betrayed your age a little (I may be wrong, though). Andy Devine is a famous actor who played the drive in John Wayne’s movie Stagecoach (1939). He was also in several other classic movies. Joey Devine is the relief pitcher you were referring to earlier. I am 25, but I grew up watching John Wayne movies and remember Andy Devine’s whiny voice.

For me, the Braves need to do two things: lock up Andruw Jones so that he can finish his career in Atlanta and swing a deal for a proven leadoff hitter (i.e, Crawford or Pierre). If that means trading Salty and Davies, then do it. Brian McCann is our catcher, folks. B Pena or Salty is trade bait, and the other is a great backup.

Our rotation looks good, as (I think) Dave pointed out earlier. Smoltz (who should be in the Cy Young discussion this year), Hudson (who WILL return to the Tim Hudson we signed), Hampton (who should make next year’s Comeback Player of the Year), James (the 2nd coming of Tom Glavine), and Davies/Ramirez. We’ll be fine.

Speaking of Glavine, any truth to the rumor that he could possibly return to ATL next year? It would be neat to see Tom get his 300th win and Smoltz his 200th (and 3000th strikeout) in the same Braves season.

JS, please get get us ready to win it all next year!

By Matthew

October 2, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

Stat question for Shaun, 10Paul, or any other guru out there. Is there a stat listed on mlb.com or other sites that includes games in which a starting pitcher left the game eligible for a win, only to have the save blown? I know that I can look at a team’s blown saves, but that is listed on the reliever, not the starter who had the lead lost after he exited the game. I’m wondering how many games that Smoltz started, pitched at least five innings, and left with the lead, only to see the bullpen blow it. If that hadn’t happened, we’d have a 20-plus game winner and a Cy Young award winner on our team this year.

Whaddaya think?

By Matthew

October 2, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this

My Andy Devine reference should have read, “driver” in Stagecoach, not drive. Sorry about that.

By KC

October 2, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this

ChampDawg: Okay, let’s address your comments…

Mike Hampton was throwing the ball as well as anyone in baseball when he went down last year (and had been since the all-star break of the previous season). So getting him back healthy figures to be a BIG boost the their rotation. Getting Hampton back healthy is likely to be every bit as big for Atlanta as if they signed Barry Zito or another big free agent starter over the winter.

As to his health: A full recovery from Tommy John surgery takes 18 months. Most players come back after only 12 months and struggle for a little while as a result. Hampton will have had the full 18 months recovery time come next spring. His rehab has been going quite well, and he’s already throwing simulated games. He’ll be pitching in a winter league soon.

Horacio Ramirez will also be back. Between DL stints this year, he went 5-4 with 3.89, and showed that he’s capable of much better numbers than that. Over that stretch, he pitched brilliantly in 9 out of his 11 starts, though admittedly the other 3 starts were pretty rough. Take away those 3 bad starts, and you will have the following: 5-2 with a 1.69 ERA. My point is that he’s shown what he’s capable of if he can stay healthy.

Tim Hudson had the first bad season of his career. It is possible that he will repeat his 2006 performance, but it’s not likely. His stuff it still every bit as great as it’s always been. He had some mechanical problems and inconsistencies. I think if you’re the Braves, you go into 2007 not positive that Hudson’s gonna be your co-ace (as they were heading into this season), but confident that he’ll be better. Given his ability and his track record up until this year (including his first year in Atlanta in which he posted an excellent 3.52 ERA), any betting man would have to say that Hudson is likely to turn in a much better performance than he did this year.

Of all the great players who have ever had a substandard season, the vast majority bounce back the next year (unless they’re old, and Hudson is only 30). Just ask John Smoltz. He had a bad season in 94, but came back with a strong season the next year, and won the CY Young the year after that.

With a few needed improvements (most of which we’ll be getting from the DL), “same cast of characters” ain’t all that bad.

First of all, Atlanta was the best offensive team in the NL this year. The same was true of their defense. So I would be quite happy to see the same lineup back.

As for the pitching… Chuck James and John Smoltz will obviously still be here to go with the return of Hampton and Ramirez, and hopefully an improved Tim Hudson. The bullpen: Bob Wickman… nuff said. Chad Paronto had a very good season, finishing with a 3.18 ERA.

There Braves also had a couple of great young arms in the bullpen that took a while to adjust to playing at the big-league level, but as the season went on they came into their own. Macay McBride’s ERA from July 16th onward was 1.92. Tyler Yates ERA in the month of September was 2.70. And don’t forget, they’ll be getting Blaine Boyer and John Foster back.

ChampDawg, your assessment of the state of the Braves right now is off my friend.

By KC

October 2, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

lfp6:

I agree with you that it would be nice to have a true leadoff hitter at the top of the lineup. However, I have to respectfully disagree with your characterizing that as “imperative”.

Given that the Braves were the best offensive team in the NL this year, it’s hard from me to think that any changes to the lineup are imperative.

By Tomy Fournier

October 2, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this

Well…have to be next year…goooooBRAVE…BUT…not B. Cox…OK!

By Joey

October 2, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

I sat here reading some of the postings made by “fans”. Some are idiots (Slap me silly, your village misses you dearly!) and some are genuine fans that seem slightly misguided. Yes Hampton will be back, but he had ligament transplant surgery. He won’t be effective till late 2007, or even 2008, if ever. Horacio is still recovering, remember how far away he is from it? Giles was a disappointment, for Giles. He had really one bad year, but he was playing outside of his comfort. He was leading off. He hates it but he never complained. Carl Crawford might be nice, but he has been playing for an extremely small market team. Who knows how he will respond to pressures of a large team, let alone “America’s Team”. Plus, he played on turf, on a team with no expectations. I say let the Yankees overpay for him. We do still have Kelly Johnson. He had Tommy John surgery too, but he is not a pitcher. I honestly believe Cox will fight for him to stay on as the every day left fielder. We have a very good team, we blew nearly 30 wins in the 9th inning. I had a really bad feeling when Farnsworth went to the evil empire. Reitsma needs to take up chess or sudoku, because baseball is not his thing. Maybe John can package Chris with someone else that stinks and swindle some talent from another team. He always does it. Our starting pitching is pretty good as it stands. It is not great. You can’t expect Hudson to repeat his performance of the past season. Chuck James is really looking like a promising pitcher. But than again, so did David Nied. Wickman needs to stay, and I don’t see any reason he won’t, our setup man in Danny Baez is still a really good pitcher with above average stuff. About the leadoff situation, if Kelly Johnson is ready in April, than he would fill in nicely, if not, than looking either in Richmond, Macon, or the free agent market might be necessary. I don’t know if Aybar can play the outfield. He is a good player with great upside. When we can put Giles back in the 2 spot, than he will be fine again. Remember, Edgar hit in the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 spots while with Florida and St. Louis. (Boston doesn’t count. That city if for losers anyway. Maybe they can find another drunk to replace Kennedy when he succumbs to liver poisioning.) If the Braves had a reliable closer in April, the Vent would have a whole bunch of luke warm fans saying how they won’t make it out of the first round, while the Mets would have had some pressure from us and more than likely faltered. I love this team. I don’t care if we only won it all once. We got robbed in ‘91. Wholers blew it in ‘96. Our team in ‘98 was AWESOME! At the end of the day, the Braves excited a city that was not used to winning. The Braves have been a juggernaut for the last 14 years. We have done it with role players. We never had the highest payrol. Never had the most high profile players. We did it with pitching and defense. If offense won Championships, than Colorado would have been one of the best teams of all time. The Braves beat them something like 25 consecutive times to start. Our pitching. Leo is missed, but come on… He is a pitching coach. I don’t think Smoltz or Ramirez or any of the other pitchers we have forgot the things Leo preached. If anything, I believe other teams are now worried. “All they have done is awoken a sleeping giant and filled it with a terrible resolve.”

By Matthew

October 2, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

The bullpen cost Smoltzie six wins this year, according to Mark Bowman. That would have left Smoltz finished the year at 22-9 (approximately). HIs K totals, IP, etc., wouldn’t have changed, but in my estimation it would have gone a long way toward the Cy Young. Even still, I wonder what happened to all those pinheads in 2004 who said that Smoltz could never return to dominance as a starter (Jeff Brantley, one of ESPN’s “experts”, was one of those very pinheads if memory serves).

I still say that Smoltz should pick up a knuckleball and pitch another ten years-I’d pay to see him!

Go Braves!

By KC

October 2, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

lpf6:

To answer your question about Soriano… Yes, I think the Braves could sign Soriano (assuming he’s not offered some ridiculous 16-17 million a year offer somewhere else). They would need Soriano to accept back-loaded terms. If Soriano’s deal could be structured so as to pay him no more than 8 million in the first year of his contract… then Atlanta could trade Giles and H.Ramirez to clear the necessary salary room. If Soriano wanted to be a Brave, a deal could probably get done.

However if they were to sign Soriano, it would create serious questions about the Braves ability to resign Andruw. It might be and either/or situation. Ideally, I would love to see the Braves sign Soriano and trade Andruw (if he would accept a trade). Would I rather have Soriano than Andruw? I’m not sure. Would I rather have Soriano plus what we could get in return for Andruw instead of Andruw? You bet.

All that said, I seriously doubt Soriano will be a Brave.

By Doug

October 2, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

I will trade you a package of one or all Chipper - great no pressure player but chokes in the clutch Giles - not worth the cash Hudson - still waiting for the production Langerhans and/or Orr Rathbon & Torberg - please Lord enlighten the minds of Turner South to bring back Skip and the boys. for middle relief, a utility guy and 2nd or 3rd baseman. Andrew is way to valuable - centerfielders with his range, arm and stats are hard to come by Christmas wish - owners who care about the team, will spend some cash and restore some pride.

By Matthew

October 2, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

Joey:

This history teacher loved the Yamamoto quote!

BTW, Wickman is already re-signed, and I doubt that Baez will be back. He wants to close. I remember someone saying when the Betemit deal was made that Aybar was the Braves’ focus anyway. I guess it will work out for the best, even though I hated to see WB go.

By KC

October 2, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

Joey

I tried to make it through your whole post, but it’s awfully tough with it all running together like that. You might want to separate other long posts into paragraphs… it’s a lot easier to read that way. :o)

In regard to Mike Hampton… I’m not really sure where you’re coming from.

All of the doctors that perform Tommy John surgery say that it takes 18 months to fully recover from the procedure, however most players come back after only 12 months. That’s why it takes most players a while to get back to 100%. Since they come back at the 12 month mark, it takes them another 6 months (essentially a full season) to get back in any kind of a groove. Hampton on the other hand, will have had the full 18 months recovery time come next spring. His rehab has been going quite well, and he’s already throwing simulated games. He’ll be pitching in a winter league soon.

It is very unlikely that Hampton will still be feeling any of the effects of the surgery come next April. It will just be a matter of his regaining the feel for all his pitches, and getting back into the swing of things mechanically. He will have a chance to iron all of that stuff out in the winter league, and over the spring. There is no reason to believe that it will take him most of the 2007 season to get right. And barring some major atypical setback, there’s no way in hell it’ll take him until 2008. Really… any sports medicine doctor or major league trainer will tell you that the extra 6 months recovery time Hampton is getting is a very big deal.

By Matthew

October 2, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

Has anyone heard how next year’s TV will work? I had heard that TBS was only broadcasting something like 45 games in 2007, then only 12 Sunday games in 2008. Is this true? If so, I need to move to the Southeast to get TS and Fox Sports South.

Thanks.

By Matthew

October 2, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

Follow the Javelinas!

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/documents/2006/08/21/121033/1/AFLRosterPeoriaJ.pdf

Atlanta’s minor leaguers who will be playing in the Arizona Fall League are listed on the above roster. Hopefully the time there will get them even more ready for the bigs: Salty, Escobar, Burrus, Startup, and others will be there.

By KC

October 2, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

DOUG:

I’m with you about Turner South. I have nothing against Rathbon or Torborg, but they simply aren’t as good at what they do as Pete, Skip, Chip, Joe, and Don are. The REAL Braves broadcasting crew is the best in the biz. It’s awfully hard to swallow these changes. In fact… I don’t plan to. I have Dish Network and there is of course a satellite delay. That delay prevents me from turning down the TV and turning up the radio. For that reason, this is what I told my wife I want for Christmas:

http://delayplay.com/

By james

October 2, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this

Well, Schuerholz has finally completed making the Braves in the likeness of the Royals before he left them a shadow of the champions they once were. There is absolutely no chemistry on this team, you can’t let your leaders go year after year and expect to remain on top.

By KC

October 2, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this

james, respectfully man… do you have any clue what you’re talking about? It doesn’t seem so.

By braves fan

October 2, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this

Middle relief. This team has everything it needs to win, except reliable middle relief. They have an excellent offense. They could use Giles as a bargaining piece for that middle relief help. And replace him with either Prado, Aybar and/or Pete Orr. All three of those guys are capable of replacing Giles offensively for less money. The rest of the team is set in my opinion. Chipper, Renteria, LaRoche in the infield. Andruw, Francoeur, and the Diaz/Langerhans platoon. McCann and Bryan Pena at catcher. Maybe a veteran bench player to pinch hit along with Thorman, Orr, etc.

By Kin

October 2, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

I think that the roster, in general, looks OK for next season. I’m hoping like everyone else that Hudson’s season was a fluke, and I’m sure he’ll work pretty hard in the offseason to ensure that’s the case. Hampton will return, and barring another injury, that gives us a rotation of Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, James and Davies/Ramirez. That’s two, possibly three lefties, a hard-throwing righty, and a guy with a potentially nasty splitter. That’s what I call a well-balanced rotation. They’ll be able to throw something different out there every day.

Despite Atlanta’s good offensive numbers this year, I think there’s room to improve. Someone mentioned situational hitting, and I think that’s one of the most underrated aspects of offenses these days. Some tweaks, as far as plate approach goes, could help that tremendously. I don’t mean to beat Francoeur’s free-swinging style into the ground, but he needs to walk that fine line between being aggressive and being savvy at the plate. But he’s young and still learning, along with several other Braves, so I have confidence in his development.

As far as a speedy leadoff hitter goes, I think it would be nice if we could acquire one. I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary, though. A more glaring need is the bullpen, and if the Braves can dramatically improve the middle relief without addressing the leadoff spot, it will still be a huge upgrade for the team.

A healthy rotation, a couple reliable relievers and a situational mindset would do wonders for this team.

By Kentavo

October 2, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this

I too, fear we’ll get the same cast of characters and be fed the lines that “getting Hampton, Boyer, Foster, Reistma, etc. back is like signing marquee free agents.” Hogwash. It’s time to get real major league pitching (both starting and relief) and a real major league lead-off man. With a decent bullpen and better performance from Hudson, we’d be playing on Tuesday, although we probably wouldn’t go far becuase of the poor situational hitting team that was assembled and the never-know-what-you’re-going-to-get bullpen.

By Matthew

October 2, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this

Kentavo:

I agree with you except on Hampton and Boyer. Those two will definitely make a difference. Their absences were due to injury, not ineffectiveness, and once they return they will give an immediate lift to the rotation and bullpen.

As for the others…where’s jimmy smith, because we need an “Oh the humanity!”

BTW Jimmy, have you heard that Bobby Dews may not return as bullpen coach?

By Glenn

October 2, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this

If Andruw leaves, I blame Scott Boras. Why any GM deals with that SOB is beyond me. He, along with Steinbrenner, are ruining the economics of baseball

By KC

October 2, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

Ketavo:

NO ONE is saying that getting Boyer, Foster, or certainly Reitsma back would be like signing a marquee free agent.

Getting Mike Hampton back on the other hand, IS like signing an marquee free agent.

And dude… you’re killing me with this “poor situational hitting” stuff. The Braves were the best offensive team in the NL this year. I guess the situational hitting was good enough.

By Ron Roberts

October 2, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this

NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!

Do NOT trade the coveted “front-line starter” Tampa seeks for Carl freaking Crawford.

Folks, the primary reason the Braves are at home watching the playoffs this October is because they’ve sent off too much pitching to fill a positional role. This team hit damn good for a team without a mythical leadoff man.

This team, with Carl Crawford, would only give up bigger leads.

With what the Braves already have for a starting eight, they’d be fine. Go with Smoltz, Chuck James, Hudson (hope this guy gets his #### together in the offsason), Mike Hampton (and wish for the best…I have a good feelin about him anyhow; he’s a bulldogger), then either go with Horacio Ramirez, who when healthy, was damn good, or put him, Kyle Davies together in a package for something (like your coveted leadoff hitter) or see if Oakland wants to do a sign-and-trade for Zito for those guys & some more spare parts, maybe. If that doesn’t pan out, stick with HoRam, or let’s see what Villareal or Lance Cormier have come spring training. They both did quite well as a spot-starter and wouldn’t be the worst fifth-starter options in the National League.

Frankly, getting Tim Hudson to be what he’s supposed to be for this team is of the utmost importance. Do that, and this team’s deeper and more dangerous than any other NL team next season. Believe it.

By Bonedaddy

October 2, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

Who cares? I quit all pro sports back in the early 90’s when baseball went on strike. I was a fanatic until then. But, after the strike, I have never watched another game. They did me a favor, as I have saved a ton of money and invested it in my families future.

By linda

October 2, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

ook season over folks they not in play of okey had happen some time to them so get over it. i dont agree and thats allowed as freedom to speak one mind. js bobby cox need to go. there is only so much these guys can do need fresh people with new ideas. come on people get over the hump as saying goes. i didnt say they not good but said need no faces for fresher ideas. now for pitchers at least we all agree they need changes. so what we do waste money go out for old men for one year just win title and get world series or start out anew and build with young talent which we have if we give them chances. come on wake up everyone wants ws. but do it the right way . smolz hudson hampton thompson all need to go guys into the bull pen. james varreil some others need get starting trade some of them utfield jf right or center. kyle davies bring up diaz keep ward keep for relief. center ? left kjohnson third well chip its questionable for you unless they can make special cleats to wear. abyar its yours 2nd by mg. trade him orr give it a try with pena. 1st stay same. shortstop stay same for 2007. catching bmc pratt or pena. who trade for thats big decision. tg coming back? hr trade aj trade that get us 1 big person for leadoff hitting. oh who am i know im not paid the big bucks but oh my team owners that NO GOOD arthur blank should done it fools.

By KC

October 2, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts: I agree 100%!

However… a “sign and trade”? When’s the last time you heard of that happening in baseball? I don’t think it happens in MLB. That happens in leagues with salary caps, which sadly baseball does not have.

As to Hudson bouncing back next season… I did a random search through the careers of a few dozen great (or at least notable) starting pitchers looking for a history of what happens when marquee pitchers like Tim Hudson struggle. The results were encouraging. Many great pitchers had seasons (even in their prime in many cases) where they saw their ERA shoot up to well over 4.00 as Hudson’s did this year. In nearly every case, they followed the lousy season up with a very solid one. History indicates that unless it’s caused by a debilitating injury or old age, great pitchers follow up bad seasons with very good ones. A few notable examples:

In 1993 Roger Clemens went 11-14 with a 4.46 ERA. The next year his ERA was 2.85. Again Roger struggled in 1999 with a 4.60 ERA, but he shaved a run off that ERA the following year.

In 1994 Kevin Brown’s ERA jumped up almost a run and a half to 4.82. The following season, his ERA was 3.60. Again in

Dave Stewart’s ERA went from to 2.56 in 1990, to 5.18 in 1991. In 1992, his ERA was back down to 3.66.

Bob Welch was 27-6 with a 2.90 EAR in 1990. In 1991, that ERA jumper to 4.58. The next year, it was back down to 3.27.

Mike Mussina did it (had a lousy stand-along season) a couple times in his prime back in Baltimore. In 1992 his ERA was 2.54. In 1993 it shot up to 4.46. In 1994, he brought his ERA back down to 3.06. The in 1996 his ERA was 4.81. The following season it was back down to 3.20.

Anyway, you get the point. I’ve yet to find a situation where a great pitcher in his prime failed to bounce back from a season like the one Tim Hudson just had. I’m not saying it’s never happened… just that I haven’t found it yet. History’s on our side here.

By The Dude

October 2, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

Let’s get back to the basics for 07’. Go grab some power pitching and a lead off hitter. It’s also time to start thinking about a post Smoltz era. The guy is great, but there can’t be much more left in that tank.

By David M

October 2, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

the braves need some serious help. a lead off hitter with some speed that doesnt swing for the fence would be good. trade Chipper and Giles and look to the bull pen for some help. i think it’s good to see the Braves not in the playoofs because the stadium doesn’t sell out during the playoffs. in the early 90’s the stadium was full because Atlanta was hungry for a winner and now they are bored with always winning and do not feel the need to support them.It is not the fault of J.S. or Cox, the blame is more on you the fans. Go support your team and quit all the complaining.

By Luis

October 2, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this

GO GET CARL CRAWFORD AND GIVE THORMAN AND DAVIES FOR HIM THAT IS THE L;EADOFF HITTER THE BRAVES NEED WITH SPEED HE IS YOUNG AND INEXPENSIVE PLEASE GO GET HIM

By Bravo Kid

October 2, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this

For all of the people who blame Bobby Cox for only winning 1 WS during the run please read up on your baseball and then get back to us real fans. Last I checked Bobby was in the top 10 in overall wins. Top 3 in playoff wins. Lets not forget he won the division with the Blue Jays before he started the run with the Braves. Name me one manager other than Torre or Larussa who could have won in 2002, 2004, or 2005 with the teams we had.

Whoever said the short series’ in the playoff’s make the difference, thank you. Half of the time the Braves cruised into the playoffs and had no momentum which is what I feel is the biggest factor in winning in the postseason. Yes we probably should have beat either the Blue Jays or Twins or both and there was no excuse for losing in 1996. ‘99 the Braves were the best team in the NL and the Yankees were the best in the AL but the Yankees had the better team that year.

So for all of you Bobby haters, please pick something else to blame only 1 WS on because he is not the reason.

As for next year, just like everyone else has said, we need a leadoff hitter and some bullpen help. I like the rotation regardless of how Hundson pitched this year. If we need to trade Giles for help, get it done. Get a decent 2B who can give you positive numbers because we have depth at middle infield in the minors and can turn one of our talanted shortstops into a 2B in time. Dont be surprised in Mcann hits 330 again. I have followed him since high school and he has been tearing the cover off the ball since then. He is just a pure hitter and with TP’s help he will only stay consistant if not get better.

Screw the Mets, the have no pitching and Omar Maniya doesnt have the deep pockets that George has or the skills that JS has. The left side on the If might be the best in baseball and I like Beltran. I dont like the corner OF or the right side of the IF. Lo Duca will put up numbers teams will be gunning for them next year and things will be different. Lets see if they can play with the target on their back the way the Braves had for the last 14 years.

By beki

October 2, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this

Don’t know anything about Crawford;but, as for getting Pierre for centerfield and leadoff:forget it. The league knows you can outrun a throw from Pierre ( his arm is as weak as is his defense) and his offensive numbers are suspect. If we must trade someone, it might be Giles as the Braves have plenty of young infielders;also, the Braves need to sign AJ to a new contract this year;JS let Furcal go and then had to trade for Renteria.I know, from what I have read of these posts,that I am not the only one who thinks Renteria should go;getting him put Giles in the leadoff position where he was uncomfortable and expendable.I,think,however,that Renteria will probably sign for another year. What I wish JS would do is restructure CJ(down) and AJ’s contracts(up);dump Pratt ,Huddy,and a few of the “one-year wonders.” Keep the Aussie pitchers,Paronto,Devine and McBride. The Braves should win at least 15- 20 more games this coming year;but,not go to the WS.

By omar

October 2, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

2007 Thing to do 1.Fire GM(look what a real GM can do,METS) 2.Fire that sorry pitching coach 3.Trade Giles(worst leadoff ever) 4.Keep Chipper, Andrew, Jeff,Brian, Adam and Edgar. 5.Use some prospects to get Willis and Crawford. 6.Send some money on pitching (Zito) 7.Trade Hampton and Tompson 8.Get Soriano 9.Get middle relief 10.Do again for the next 14 years all over again GO BRAVES!!!

By Tampaparrotthead

October 2, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this

I don’t know of any real Braves fan… and there are a lot of us out here BTW, and I’m not referring to these fair weather fans who are all the way in with us as long as we’re winning… anyways, all of us real Braves fans are heartbroken that the season ended at the first of October for the first time since 1990. But, as I’ve said before and I’ll say it here again, there’s not a team in either league that wouldn’t trade places with the Braves during that time span… even the YANKEE$! Yes, I had rather that the Braves won more than 1 world championship during that time, but speaking as a Braves fan since 1966, it was very, very nice to go into each season knowing that the home team had at least a 50/50 chance of being in the postseason. Before 1991 I don’t honestly remember going to a single game and feeling like there was a 50/50 chance of winning that game, much less making the playoffs that season.

So, yes it is a sad feeling to see the greatest continuous run of division championships come to an end… but what a ride it was! From Otis Nixon’s catch and Sid’s slide at home all the way to the breakout of Jeff Francouer and Brian McCann and the emergence of Chuck James.

So thank you Atlanta Braves… every team member, coach and front office official and to the common thread thru it all: Bobby Cox and John Schuerholz!

Let’s start another run in 2007!!

By Buck

October 2, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this

SIGN ANDRUW!!!!!! Case Closed

By Fred

October 2, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this

For goodness sakes, get some bullpen help. The bullpen blew over 20 games that were SAVE situations. That means 8th or 9th inning leads were blown. Add 20 wins to the total and the Braves are walking away with the NL East and we are once again watching them in October.

There is always room to upgrade in the field. Who is spending the money? Until the ownership issue is decided, you live with that you have. Honestly, in 3 years what team is going to have a more solid nucleus of fielders than the Braves? There are chinks in the armor, but, unless someone who is willing to spend the money, we have got to depend on the farm system.

By bulldog_greg24

October 3, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

Bravo Kid - longevity does not equal Hall of Fame. Bobby was severely outmanaged in at least 4 or 5 WS in the 90’s. Facts are facts so don’t make excuses for him since 2001. People keep saying the Braves are not hungry, no fire….look down near the bench and you’ll see the old man, Bobby. His style is a reflection of this team. He may be a great players coach during the regular season, but he suxs when the chips are down and it comes down to making the right calls. As far as him having the 3rd most wins, one would hope that reaching the WS 7 or 8 times would get him that. The sad fact is he choked in 7 of the 8 WS. Bobby needs to go while he has time to enjoy his Social Security. Give Pendelton a shot!!!

By Kyle

October 3, 2006 01:50 AM | Link to this

Playoffs in 07? Maybe. but our super gm must win the offseason war and ill give him some ideas to start.

LINEUP/BENCH: besides the lack of a true leadoff hitter all season, this was still one of the best hitting teams in baseball. adding a true leadoff hitter would be wonderful. crawford would be the best choice but dont give up too much. soriano is too much. so here are my two choices for the leadoff spot. try and sign either gary matthews jr. or david dellucci of philly. both would be great upgrades in left field and both have proven to be execellent on base players.do not trade andruw. let me say it again do not trade andruw. you never get equal value for his calibar. resign ward. he would be a great accect to the ball club and try and trade giles for bullpen help. here is what the lineup needs to look like 1 lf crawford/matthews jr./dellucci - preferbly in that order 2 ss renetria - better 2 hitter than giles was but could hit anywhere and be good 3 3b chipper - most important part of the lineup, healthy chipper means deadly lineup 4 cf andruw - 40+ hr 120+ rbi’s are a shoe in 5 c mccain - maybe the best pure hitter in the lineup 6 rf francouer - have to keep the left right left right to have balance 7 1b laroche - it may turn out to be too much to ask of another 30 hr season for adam but 20-25 will do 8 2b aybar - we traded for this kid, so lets see what he can do that leaves diaz, langerhauns, orr, ward(if resigned)b.pena (bye bye pratt)and prado. nice bench

PITCHING: the rotation has the poitental to be good and the potietial to be bad because most of them are inqury prone. i would try and resign thompson or some lower level starter like a ted lilly or kris benson. if you want to make a big splash , try and sign zito or schmidt. zito and hudson are good friends and schmidt needs to return to atlanta. at least that would keep them away from the mets who need to replace pedro. bullpen needs some work. wicky saved the day by being the closer but someone has to get him the ball. resign baiz, release reitsma and trade for pirates lefty mike gonzalez. i have no doubt the braves will be better, good enough to get to the playoffs? i dont know but ill be a true fan and say yep. lets start a new streak go braves

By KC

October 3, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this

I was adding up the Braves payroll for next year (based on current roster), and the figure I’m coming up with is 85 million. Does anyone figure it any differently? Here’s how it looks:

Rotation: Smoltz–8.0, Hudson–6.0, Hampton–12.5, Ramirez-3.5(estimated salary after arbitration), James-0.4 Total: 30.5 million

Bullpen: Wickman-6.5, Villareal-0.8(estimated after arbitration), everyone else-0.4 Total: 9.3

Infield: Laroche-2.8(estimated after arbitration), Giles-5.3(estimated after arbitration), Renteria-9.0, C.Jones-11.0, Orr-0.4, Aybar-0.4, Ward-1.3(I’m guessing that he’ll resign for something in this neighborhood), McCann-0.4, Brian Pena-0.4 Total: 31.0

Outfield: A.Jones-13.0, Francoeur-0.4, Langerhanz-0.4, Diaz-0.4 Total: 14.2

TOTAL FOR ALL: 85 million

Terry McGuirk eluded to the possibility of the Braves being able to “squeeze out a few more dollars”. The Braves did get about 7 million from an insurance policy on Hampton this year, and Boston paid all of Renteria’s salary in 06 from what I understand, so maybe they’ve set some of that money aside to spend a little more this season. If that’s the case, and they’re committed to spend only 80… then the writing is certainly on the wall for Marcus Giles.

By KC

October 3, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

Meant to say… “If that’s not the case…”

By KC

October 3, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this

I should note that in my previous post, I omitted Biaz because it is extremely doubtful that he’ll be back. Too expensive and he wants to close.

By Braves fan in Miami

October 3, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

Joe Girardi for Braves MAnager, and move Bobby to the front office

By ernesto

October 3, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this

I just read the article where Bobby said Yates was pretty much guaranteed a spot in next year’s pen. Urrrrrrgggggh! I wish my vacuum had Yates’ amazing capacity to suck. That Swivel-necked lead blower needs to go bye-bye.

By Robert

October 3, 2006 06:23 PM | Link to this

Playoffs? Maybe

World Series title? Mathematically impossible until Cox leaves

We have the opportunity of a lifetime right now. Joe Girardi took a team predicted to lose 100+ games and led them to 78 wins. Cox took a team predicted to win the division and guided it to 79.

Replace Cox with Girardi and we’re talking a 20 game improvement, at LEAST, in the Braves performance