Kotsay for Devine right move?

By Casey

January 12, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

A young stud prospect with a high ceiling for an aging CF coming off of back surgery and a season in which he hit .214…………HORRIBLE TRADE!!!

By Bob

January 12, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

Great move, and a bonus that Oakland picks up some of the tab.

And not to change the subject or anything, even though I am, Fan Fest was not a good time today. My wife and I took our two kids and we didn’t enjoy it as much as the ones at The Ted in the past. Should have been called Money Fest. Everything was set up to just make more money. It was obvious when FanFest staff forced you to exit through the Clubhouse Store. I was really turned off by the whole thing. Move it back outdoors at Turner Field where it belongs. My son stood in line for 45 minutes to hit half a dozen Wiffle balls. And trying to fight your way through the huge throng of fans waiting in line for autographs was a major pain too. All in all, there was not enough there to make me want to come back. I realize in years past it’s been cold out, but it’s still better outdoors. Anyone else frustrated by the vibe at the Fan Fest or is it just me?

By KJ

January 12, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

This is a horrible move. Why give up a promising relief pitcher for a one year rental who has the possibility of being injued. This is costly and dumb trade when there are other equally talented prospects who are more likely to be blocked.

What we have done is make a desperate move, and it will come to bite us in the future. While I know Yated most likely would not carry the same trade value, Devine has more potential than Yates. This will set up for an awful pen this summer.

By Jeff321

January 12, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

SHAME ON FRANK WREN!

By secondbass

January 12, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

BAD move. Why in the world did we get Josh Anderson? So what happens to Gregor Blanco, who is tearing up winter ball? We’re getting another outfielder we don’t need and giving up a potentially dominant closer?? What a waste of Devine!!

By Junior

January 12, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

People, people, by the end of May you will be singing the praise of Kotsay. I have followed him since he played at CSF and hes a true ballplayer. You cant run strictly on youth like the most of you are calling for. And please give up on what Devine “could be”. This is a CF who is a veteran and gives great defense and hustle. Solid #2 hitter who can work the gaps consistently. Solid move Wren. Solid, quality baseball move.

By Jonathan Simeone

January 12, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

I agree that this was not a good trade. While I think Devine’s problems with left-handed hitters could be a long-term problem I don’t like giving up a solid relief option for a guy who is likely to break down. At one point, Kotsay was a good center fielder, but I don’t see how, after all his back problems, he will be anymore. Since Offense was never the best part of his game—I’m not sure what value he will be providing. In today’s game, much of a team’s success is determined by it’s bullpen—trading someone who could provide much-needed depth in the bullpen for such a risk doesn’t make sense.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))

January 12, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

Well , I’m not going to spit out the knee jerk reaction of most Braves fans.

If Mark Kotsay stays healthy and helps the Braves return to the playoffs , this will be a good trade. As it looks right now , it’s a small risk to pay for a solid veteran CF in Kotsay who plays great defense (dudes got a bazooka for an arm) and will be a great presence in the clubhouse.

Joey Devine enabled the Braves to only be on the hook for 2 million of Mark Kotsay’s contract. We will just have to wait and see before judging this one.

By Yoseppi

January 12, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

Bob,

I agree fan fest was a joke. I had heard great things about it in the past, but this was not great. They pitched the event to adults, and there was almost nothing there. I can hit wuffle balls in my backyard…. FOR FREE. And how did I get stuck with Charlie Liberant after four and half hours, the guy who blew the ‘91 series.

**Kotsay deal seems promising, Joey did not seem like he could handle the pressure.

By Yoseppi

January 12, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

Bob,

I agree fan fest was a joke. I had heard great things about it in the past, but this was not great. They pitched the event to adults, and there was almost nothing there. I can hit wuffle balls in my backyard…. FOR FREE. And how did I get stuck with Charlie Liberant after four and half hours, the guy who blew the ‘91 series. By the way Bob I e-mailed the braves with my negative comments, you should too.

**Kotsay deal seems promising, Joey did not seem like he could handle the pressure.

By andy

January 12, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

I think it was a decent trade. i rate it as a 6 or 7. kotsay is a gritty veteran player that can be a stop gap until Jordan Schafer is ready.i dont think the braves see josh anderson as the answer and they see him more as a fourth outfielder and platoon player. no doubt kotsay and anderson will platoon in a 70-30 split. in my view it didnt come at a big price. with the a’s picking up most of the the tab the braves get kotsay at a low price of 2 mil. compared to getting mike cameron for 7 mil. Devine has shown flashes but he’s so far been a disappointment for a former 1st round pick.

By TC

January 12, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

As a hardcore Braves fan living in the Bay Area for the last 10 years, I’ve seen and followed Kotsay for the last several years. If he’s healthy, this guys is nails. He’s a proven winner, clutch hitter, and great defender, and a great clubhouse presence.

Will Joey Devine put it all together? Maybe. Maybe not. Time will tell. But for $2M, Kotsay will help the 2008 tremendously if he’s able to stay on the field. By the time the pennant race heats up, Braves fans all over the country will be big time Kotsay supporters. I say well done Wren

By Yoseppi

January 12, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

Bob,

Your right, it stunk. This was my first visit after hearing great things in the past.To start with I could not even get a cold coke.

And then, after waiting four and half hours I got stuck with Charlie LIebrants Autograph, the guy who blew the ‘91 series agaisnt the Twinkies.

There was also very little, if anything, for adults, while they pitched the event to us. I can play wuffle ball in my back yard… FOR FREE!!!* Also Bob email the Braves about Fan Fest, the more who complain the more likely they will rectify the situation.

Nevertheless, I am semi-excited about the Kotsay deal. I never liked Joey, he did not appear built to handle the Big Leagur pressure.

By matt

January 12, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Bob, You are right on about the FanFest. The whole “Treasure Hunt Style” was the biggest rip-off I think I’ve ever seen. It seemed like the organizers didn’t get around to putting together a schedule of player autographs so they tried to make it look like that’s what they intended on doing the whole time. Waste of money, waste of time, waste of energy.

Oh, and I’m excited about Kotsay coming to the Braves, I just wish we didn’t have to give up Devine in order to do so. I feel better having him out there instead of putting pressure on rookies. Hopefully he doesn’t turn out to be another Mondesi, though if Schafer turns out to be another Francoeur, I’m fine with that!

By wilson

January 12, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

I say bad trade. We have Anderson and Blanco. Blanco is tremendous. What are we gonna do with him. I’ve seen him play in RVA, and his stats are not representative of what he can do. BOO wren.

By Geraldo

January 12, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Galvine and Kotsay. Two washed up geezers that empitomize what the Atlanta Braves are all about. Mediocre players, mediocre expectations, mediocre results.

By medtech dawg

January 12, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

What idiot continues to make these stupid trades? A former 1st round pick and a potential contributor to the bull pen for a one year rent a player that was injured for most of last year. It is no wonder we are short of pitching with GM’s that trade off all our youg pitching talent. What a fantastic bargain.

By Connie

January 12, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Oh it is time for the nay-sayers and fair weather fans to appear and start slamming the Braves. AJC so-called sports writers are in front of the pack. IT IS GOOD TRADE. Joey Devine has sucked every damn time he got the chance to pitch. YOUNG STUD??? Give me a break. Welcome to THE Braves Kotsay. Maybe THE team with CLASS can get you over your hideous days in (puke) Oakland.

By David

January 12, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Bottom line: fire sale or not, there’s no way the A’s make this deal 2 years ago. Kotsay was a poor man’s Andruw Jones in his prime (which is no insult), but he’s more like Lenny Dykstra in his post World Series Phillies career at this point. He’s a shell of his old self following the back surgery. David DeJesus would’ve come cheaper, and he could’ve stuck around for a relatively inexpensive additonal year or so. Also, after the last two years, the need for bullpen depth can’t be overstated. Jordan Schafer won’t be ready until 2010 at the earliest. Let him adjust to Pearl and Richmond before we hand him a spot in the Ted.

By old coot

January 12, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Hope you guys don’t tear an ACL with all these knee jerk reactions. If Kotsay is healthy he will help us and all we gave up was a prospect who MAY help us. Folks, these kind of deals are one of the reasons you have minor leaguers. The college football recruiting mentality of stockpiling young talent in anticipation of them playing on your big league team, doesn’t necessarily apply. Hell if nothing else and Kotsay doesn’t make it through the whole season, he will be a great mentor and example to the future centerfielders. As for FanFest, could some of you fans b*** and moan any more. My God you like a bunch of old ladys!

By Ron Simmons

January 12, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

………..DAMN!!!!!

By skc

January 12, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Kotsay is a good deal. Hes healthy now and he can defend center field. Isnt that what we all wanted. Hes a stop gap and he can hit and defend. Hes got speed and he is halthy now and ready for spring training.

The way I read its almost like every pitcher we have is a sure thing, thats not the truth. Ya know the only pitcher we have traded recently that amounted to anything good was Wainwright. The rest well………. Devine is not proven and we have pitching strength all over the place. We have three new starters in the minors that were placed on the major league roster because they are that good. Gosh we cant run on all pitchers.

Mark Kotsay is and will be a pleasure to watch. We have a very very good outfield now with a truely strong 1st and 3rd. Our pitching is strong and our catchers are solid. Man what more do people want. This is going to be a very strong team.

Oh yea and fan fest was another waist of my time. Never again. Never ever ever.

By Bob

January 12, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

old coot:

Yeah, I could b** and moan more, if that’s what you want. When I spend my hard earned money on something and it fails to meet expectations then you’re damn right I’ll complain. I bet you didn’t even go to Fan Fest.

By Cleanuphitter16

January 12, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Gave away Devine for a 1-year rental. I just HATE doing that for anyone, but when it’s your #1 pick and a future closer, it’s questionable at best. Getting a professional, quality CF for ‘08 is nice, but when ‘09 rolls around and the A’s have Devine and Street owning the 8th and 9th every night, it’s going to hurt a little….unless we win the WS this season with Kotsay.

By tjg

January 12, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Bad Move. Anything higher than a AA prospect was too high. I am sick of seeing our farm system decimated for one year fixes. Devine will be a stopper long after Kotsay has retired. Way to go Wren.

By Stonz

January 12, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

I’m not going to call our GM ‘stupid’, but dealing Devine for a discounted Kotsay isn’t anything I would have done. Kotsay hasn’t been healthy in ages, and despite his previous issues Joey has the pedigree to turn it around. Besides…it’s not like the entire league is looking for young, cheap, high-upside pitching or anything (end sarcasm).

Wouldn’t signing Corey Patterson to a 1 year / $6 ish million deal have been easier and left us with Joey (or someone else) as a trading chip in July?

By KJ

January 12, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

Connie, I am not a fair weather fan. Devine had a 1.08 era in Atlanta and a 1.64 era in Richmond. He did not suck. IF these stats suck then I don’t think you understand baseball.

By BravesAC

January 12, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

Villaneauva, Ascencio, and Devine for Anderson,Ohman,Infante,and Kotsay. Hmmm…a couple of power arms and a solid closer prospect for 2 light hitting reserves at best, a bad back Hampton-esque CF, and a high era left handed reliever )acquired becuase Mahay was allowed to walk). Wren’s off to the same star he had in his Baltimore GM fiasco.

By Geraldo

January 12, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

Oakland is a �hithole, no doubt about that. However, being a professional bb player, you don’t live in a �hithole. You live in a beautiful home on the beach, not in Oakland. Or in the hills.

Yeah, trading for a .214 hitter with no power and a bad back is really electric. Be still my heart.

By Tom A. Hawk

January 12, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

YOU GUYS ARE IDIOTS Why are you so hard on the Braves management? Joey Devine hasn’t done anything for us the last three years except hold the record for giving up 2 Grand Slams in his first two big league appearances!! Plus the A’s are going to eat 2/3 of Kotsay’s salary making the Braves portion a little over $2.5 mil. Stop being so negative ans realize that this was a pretty good move. YOU GUYS ARE THE WORST FANS EVER!!! I guess you guys forgot about the Tim Hudson trade as well huh?? Remember who the A’s got in that deal? Juan Cruz, Dan Meyer and Charles Thomas. C’mon guys….seriously support ur friggin team and go to games and change the terrible reputation that Braves fans have.

By Kevin

January 12, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

Fanfest was an absolute nightmare. I took my 2 year old daughter and it was crazy just walking. So was excited about getting autographs. We went through the kids autograph line a few times. Getting autographs of Greg McMichael and Royce Ring was not what we went for. I would have been ticked if I got in that other line for 4 hours only to get Charlie Liebrandt.

By old coot

January 12, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Hey Bob, A sports team trying to get you to spend money at their event, no way. Next thing you know they’ll want you to spend money on tickets and parking and merchandise and to watch them on TV, Oh wait, they do that already do that. The point is, vote with your wallet not with your keyboard on a blog or quit b***.

By Rich W

January 12, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

I was looking forward to a Spring Training battle for CF, but now that it is locked up [if Kotsay doesn’t get hurt], I’m disappointed.

My feelings and my yearning for drama aside, the rational side of me says that the following may have been the evaluation:

Devine was probably not scoring high enough with Braves evaluators in handling “big spots” and Kotsay gives Schafer time to cruise in in late ‘08 or ‘09. Further, we have rh arms to do the job Devine would be called on to do, including Acosta, Boyer and Stockman and maybe Morton.

So if that’s the evaluation, it’s a good move.

By Ben

January 12, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

This is awful. you dont give up a trio of very talented pitcher(startup, ascanio, devine) for no bodies(dotel, ohman, kotsay) give this 3 yrs and all three of those guys are going to be solid. Wren is looking like a terrible GM, all of his deals have been ave to poor at best

By Tim

January 12, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

Are there any positive/happy Braves fans?? I swear you guys are the most negative fans i’ve ever heard. Support your team and trust that management knows what they’re doing. Remember they did win 14 straight division titles…

By PA Bravefan

January 12, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

This is not a bad trade! We have a lot of depth at relief and needed a cheap solid CF. If he is healthy, he will be looking to have a great year so he can cash in next offseason

By Bob

January 12, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

old coot-

I’d be happy to spend money on your funeral. And I’ll even buy a t-shirt and hat.

Of course I expect them to want money. But an event called FAN FEST should be about the FANS. Duh.

By Connie

January 12, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

KJ NOT SURE WHAT GAMES YOU WATCHED. JOEY DEVINE HAS THE RECORD FOR THE MOST GRAND SLAMS GIVEN UP AS A RELIEF PITCHER IN BRAVES HISTORY. I KNOW BASEBALL AND I KNOW THE BRAVES. Joey Devine became the first pitcher in history to give up 2 grand slams in his first two majory league appearance. KJ you may think you know baseball but you need to learn more because of course your a man.

By Chris From Chattanooga

January 12, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

We DESPERATELY needed a tried and proven VETERAN major league CF. We got one. Mark Kotsay is one of the 3-4 best defensive CFs in all of baseball. He TRULY CAN “go get it.” He’s a clutch hitter and has a BAZOOKA for a throwing arm! You won’t see everyone going from 1st to 3rd when RAG-ARM, RIDICULOUSLY overpriced Andruw was out there. If Andruw DIDN’T make the catch his arm was a TRUE liability. BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO ME is that you won’t see Kotsay ground into 3 DPs a game, not run the ball out and GRIN that STUPID grin that AJ did every time. I loved Andruw when he was young and hungry but when he got the big payday his days of hustling and PUSHING HIS FAT BUTT AWAY FROM THE DINNER TABLE were memories in the rear view mirror. He REFUSED to be a “team player” and not try to pull a pitch 3 feet outside as Terry Pendleton pleaded with him to do! He IS and WAS a ME-ME-ME player. I got SO SICK of this spoiled BRAT ruin EVERY SINGLE RALLY we made last year. All this talk about HOW GREAT Joey Devine is … he pitched TEN (10) INNINGS for us last year!!! He has PROVEN NOTHING! I guess you forgot about Tim Spooneybarger, Juan Cruz and the like. MARK MY WORDS: “You’ll love this trade by July when we lead the N. L. East by 5 games …” GO BRAVOS!!!!

By Connie

January 12, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

KJ THIS IS NOT RICHMOND NUMBNUTS. THIS IS MAJOR LEAGUE….ATLANTA BRAVES. WHO CARES WHAT THEY DID IN THE MINORS. JOEY HOLDS THE RECORD! LOOK IT UP IDIOT!

By Rick

January 12, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

I would like to comment on Bravesfest 2008. This was a nightmare compaired to last year. I would rather stand in line in 20 degree weather than go through this fiasco again. I took my 10 year old son with the hope of getting an autograph. You stand in line for 4 hours and there is no guarantee who will be there to sign an autograph. It least at the Ted, you knew where each player was so if you wanted their autograph you got it. This year they told you there were 40 players committed and only one area set up for one player at a time. Then the place was so small as it is, you throw in 2 huge autograph lines to really pack everybody together. It was total chaos in there. I had bought tickets for both days. Anybody want my other one they can have it.

By a.s

January 12, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

This is just an awful trade for the Braves. Wren is an above average CF at best when healthy. Devine showed signs of growth near the ned of last year and threw 7k’s in 10 innings! He also only gave up 1R. Thats better than most SP’s! Why would you trade someone as promising as him! Especially when we are not sure how good our pen is going to be this year.

By Bob

January 12, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

Amen Rick. But according to old poot, we have no right to complain. Seems to me they could have solved the problem by reserving another, separate hall for autograph seekers. So we wouldn’t have to fight each other for space. I have a feeling they made enough money on this thing to not only keep it at GWCC but also to not make any changes. I know we won’t go back, and my two kids are VERY disappointed.

By Connie

January 12, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

Thank you Tom A Hawk, Great nic btw. These negative ppl are what is wrong w/ this stupid state and city. Oh should I say go DAWGS to get attention?!? KJ answer this response, loser know it all nothing!

By KJ

January 12, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

Connie, Yeah he gave up two grandslams in first season that he ever played professional baseball. Did you know he also holds very positive records in college. He had an all time saves record with UNC.

His 1.08 ERA in ATLANTA last year is someting to think about. Yes, Atlanta is not Richmond, but his performance there is a good indicator.

All players make mistakes, I am willing to look past two grandslams in a rookie year.

In fact I think other pitchers have given up grandslams as well.

So you would rather have Yates and his 5.18 ERA over Devine who showed last yeard that has grown as a player and is able to hand major league hitters. 1.08 ERA in Major league games is nothing bad.

This guy has potential. Too bad now it will be for Oakland.

I am glad we have a good CF, I just think it cost us too much.

By Connie

January 12, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Typical Atlanta Braves fair weather fan like KJ. Wants to vent but can’t compete with WOMEN who know the game. I guess KJ thinks Bobby is the worst manager ever too?!?! KJ I will find your hole you dug.

By KJ

January 12, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

Connie, I never said being a man has anything to do with it. That came out of your head. I know many women who are ardent fans with lots of knowledge. My sister is one of them. Both of us grew up playing ball, and we are big fans of the sport as adults. I did not call you names. I don’t appriciate being called an idiot.

I’ve played the game, I have coached the game, I have followed the game. Stats don’t lie. Minor league stats are consistantly used by scouts and front office personel to evaluate players with little MLB experience.

As far as the record I have looked through MLB.com and other sites with sports stats, and I don’t see Joey Devine listed. I don’t even see number of grandslams given up listed. As far as a I know, he gave up 2. Grant one was in his first appearance if I remember right.

By KJ

January 12, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

I think Bobby is a Hall of Fame Manager. We would not have 14 straight division titles without him.

I have been a fan since I was five years old and my favorite player was Bob Horner.

I don’t understand why you have to bring sexism into the picture when I didn’t. I am sorry that you have to make yourself feel better by belitting someone else.

I was a fan when they were a last place team. I will be a fan when they are a last place team again.

By Samuel I AM

January 12, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

If Braves fans are saying bad things about the trade then it is a good one. Braves fans act as if every trade that happens right away is bad. It has been proven countless times how often they have been wrong, i.e. Edgar for Marte. Good trade by Wren in getting Mark.

By KJ

January 12, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

one more point…we needed a CF and we got one. I think we traded the wrong guy. Can I not say that. Granted to get the A’s to eat five million we had to. I think it was a desperate move out of need. Teams make them every year.

I am one who actaully supported the Ohman tade his stats and splits outside of Chicago were steller.

I am not a fair weather fan. I just think we gave up too much talent, and the A’s would not eat five million if they did not think he was extremely talented.

By Connie

January 12, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

And KJ I don’t appreciate you demeaning me by saying I do not understand baseball. I made my point. He (Devine) made too many errors for the Braves….he got traded. I am glad. Do not say anything came out of my head. It is in your head that said Joey Devine and the trade was bad. Look, go sit and be stoic in the stands like most Braves fans and do the wave when the game is on the line. I am done with people like you.

By Joe

January 12, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

Idiotic. And now we’ve wasted Oscar Villareal for no reason. What’s next Whren? Trade another top prospect for Raul Modesi?

By Connie

January 12, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

oh KJ go to bed. Mr. DL, Bob Horner?!? yikes Let us trash the “old” Braves now. Geez.

By Matt the Brave

January 12, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

From what I can tell is that the Braves traded a guy who needed a new start in another organization. Don’t tell me that he’s got a whole ton of ‘ceiling’ when he can’t even throw to major leaguers yet. Sure, in time he may become a dominant closer, but for the most part, you have to have that killer instinct from day 1 in the majors, and I think that Devine may have lost it when he was shelled against the Astros a la Mark Wholers. If you remember, Wholers ended up being a decent pitcher once he left Atlanta again, but it took him time to rebuild his confidence. I think that the Braves realize that they don’t have the time to have someone build up confidence in the minors when we need to make a push for the playoffs this year. As for the people who say that we need to give a rookie a chance to play center every day…when have you ever known Bobby Cox to play a rookie EVERY DAY since he’s been in Atlanta? (Once? Twice? Maybe…Furcal comes to mind, but he had to earn his way in the lineup..he didn’t even play for the whole season as the starter) Two of the guys need another season in the minors. Anderson would be well-served to play as a backup and work his way into the lineup by mid-year, just like how most rookies do it. He’s going to end up being something special I think, but he needs time in the majors to get seasoned. No reason to rush anyone to majors just because of one trade. By the way, does anyone realize that the Braves are getting lots of teams to pay them for having players on their roster? Even if it doesn’t work out in the end, the Braves have had a couple of HUGE contracts be paid by other teams, most notably the Marlins, the Rockies, and insurance companies for Hampton. I think that this is a very smart move by someone who has been taught by two very good GMs in JS and Bobby Cox.

By KJ

January 12, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Connie Wrote: oh KJ go to bed. Mr. DL, Bob Horner?!? yikes Let us trash the �old� Braves now. Geez.

How did I trash the old Braves? Seems like you did when you called him Mr. DL. I said he was my favorite player when I was five. Why? Because I was five when he played. I still think he was a great player today. Not hall of fame worthy but great player.

Have you seen me in the stands? How do you know if I sit all stoic?

I can have an opinion. Like I said, we needed a CF, I wish we could have gotten it by trading someone else. Even DOB said the BRaves were didn’t want to trade Devine, but to get the deal done thats what it took.

Can I not say I don’t like the trade on a blog where I it asked for my opinion. I think it hurts the depth in the pen. Maybe we can make a trade in the future to get another RP.

I hope we go all the way this year, and I am for the front office making the moves to get the team there. But when I buy a ticket, I am paying their salary. Why can’t I express my opinion.

I am not a fan just in the good times. I am a fan even in the bad.
That is why I am not a fairweather fan.

By Raymond

January 12, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

here we go again ! we give up a better prospect becaue we can’t afford to pay more than $2 mill. another 1 yr wonder- here today, gone tomorrow if we’re lucky, he’ll fail his physical Mon. we give away our #1 in 2005 for Kotsay and our #1 in 2008 for Glavine what a bad joke !

By monty

January 12, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

Makes no sense to me! DEvine has some nasty stuff. Truly dissapointed.

By JJ

January 12, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

I waited in line for 5 hours for a Jair Jurrjens autograph? Big whoop. FanFest was a waste of time, and a waste of money. Screw going tomorrow.

If you have a ticket, don’t even wasted your time getting downtown.

By Connie

January 12, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

KJ you win. you have got to be the most depressing fan I have ever come in contact with. That is why Atlanta Braves fans have absolutely no connection. We sit in the stands and you, yes you KJ, sit and turn around and look @ vocal fans like me like we have a 5th eye and a 7th arm. I am doing the wave as we trade insults. You have every right to YOUR opinion., but so Do I. If this was a great team who had won 14 straight division titles, I could understand your depressing attitude. ohh wait……its an oxymoron. But so is KJ. S out u win AJC and self destructing KJ.

By Daniel

January 12, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

When Mahay gets $4 mill a year, and the Braves on a budget, how can they give up a cheap reliever they control for 6 years (who has closer potential) for a one year rental that might or might not be better than what we already have? Dumb move, unless Wren has no confidence in Devine. But even then, we had to be able to get more for him.

By Singindablues

January 13, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this

Most of you guys just don’t get it. This may be the last year to have the core of talent together to get to the world series. Smoltz, Glavine not to mention Tex may be gone shortly. This trade was made to give the Braves the best chance to win this year. Getting the veteran Kotsay was a smart move and gives us a better chance of success than gambling on young unproven talent in center.

By Cleanuphitter16

January 13, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

Fair-weather fan nothing, the issue is that Devine is 24 y/o, has nasty stuff, and dominated late in the season (In 50 combined games with Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Richmond, he posted a 1.89 ERA.) When ‘09 rolls around, we’re just going to have another Wainwright/Drew loss on our hands. I understand we have depth in the minors and the current BP, we need a stop-gap CF, all that…but it doesn’t change the fact that we just gave up a serious prospect who was showing real growth for a 1-year rental, tops. If the payoff is as high as projected and Kotsay swings the division in our favor this season, that would be awesome. But it still doesn’t negate the future loss we probably incurred for this temporary fix at a position where we had other, in-house options. I mean, look, the price is good NOW, the benefit this season MAY be worth it NOW, but in ‘09 and well beyond we might really regret this sacrifice instead of saving Devine and giving Anderson or Blanco or one of the others a chance. Look, all we really need from CF this season is solid D and a good OBP…we have everything else (power, run-production, high-OBP ppl for leadoff role) we have a dynamic offense and a solid starting 8 + a proven, solid BP. We’re looking good already. To me, its just a shame that we are giving Devine and his filthy stuff away for a short-time stopgap.

I’ll give Frank the benefit of the doubt and to be honest, I’ve always liked Kotsay, so this rant isn’t coming from ignorance or lack of trust in Wren’s GM ability, it’s just that these rentals can be hard to swallow 2 years later, and I’m afraid this has all the signs of being one of those bad moved forced by an immediate need.

And for the record, Hudson was completely different in that we locked him up for several years. With Kotsay we don’t even WANT him around in ‘09…we want Schafer. So there isn’t even the potential that he will be a fixture in ATL past this season. So again, we’re back to the fact that we waved goodbye to Devine and all his talent for a seriously short-term fix at a position we have 4 others competing (Anderson, Blanco, Lillibridge? Schafer.) Surely out of those 4 one could step it up in the spring and claim the job, and we could have held on to Devine for the future.

By Connie

January 13, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

Thank you Singindablues, YOU are so right! Thank you Mr. Wren and all the true Braves fan for understanding. Thank you for ‘getting it’, Singin. Whewwwwm, KJ is so typical Braves’ Fan.

By NASCARfan

January 13, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this

Just another veteran who will hit .200 that Booby Cox will bat in the top half of the order when he should be hitting 8th, who Booby will run out there 9 times out of 10, will never lift him in important at bats, and will be the reason why the Braves lose many games at the plate.

Just what this effing loser team needs!

THE BRAVES WILL NEVER WIN A WORLD SERIES UNTIL BOOBY COX, THE MOST OVERRATED MANAGER IN THE HISTORY OF BASEBALL, NO LONGER PICKS HIS NOSE IN THE DUGOUT!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 13, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

Not a big fan of one-year rental trades. Adam Wainwright for JD Drew was the last one, and we know now how that turned out. I don’t know if Devine will ever be good, but you would think a 2005 1st-round draft pick deserves a little more time before being discarded for an old journeyman CF coming off back surgery.

Even with Kotsay, how many more games is this team going to win? This was a 3rd place team last year, and now it replaces its Gold Glove CF with a journeyman. Sure we brought in Glavine, but his story is the same this year that it was the last couple of years — when is he going to run out of gas? His ERA has gone up each of the last three seasons. And it’s not like the Braves made any other significant moves to improve the roster either — if anything, the team got worse thanks to the Renteria trade. Does acquiring Kotsay really make this team a contender? I say no.

I think the Braves should give Schafer, Blanco, and the guy from the Astros a shot at competing for the job in training camp. We had a great run as contenders for a long time, but let’s face it, that run is over. This has been a .500 team the last couple of seasons with the current core of talent. The sooner we give these young guys playing time and get them to develop, the sooner we will be contenders again.

By kevinl

January 13, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this

thats stupid as hell

By whatshappenthere

January 13, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

We should’ve gave up Smotlz and got Ricky Henderson. Now thats a good move. If you ever need any advice on anything else money,cars,and women dont be afraid to ask. WHY NOT ANDREW from L.A. his pretty good.

By blane

January 13, 2008 1:45 AM | Link to this

WERE BROKEN AND BROKE SELL THE TEAM TO SOMEONE YOU WANTS TO WIN. PLEASE HURRY BEFORE SPRING TRAINING

By Patrick

January 13, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this

First of all it is too early to really judge this trade. I think there is another deal in the works now with 3 future CF..Anderson could be bait for another pitcher. Also Spring Training someone is bound to get hurt and we may be waiting for the answer. Wren wouldn’t have done this deal without the belief that it was the best deal for the 2008 Braves. Besides we seem to forget JS hasn’t left the building. I think we will find out come All-STAR break we are pulling away from the Mets and Phillies and we use some of this excess payroll to bank a player push us over. Think about it we have depth and depth gives us choices. The Braves will go to the playoffs this year..I won’t predict World Series yet..but I don’t see the Nationals or the Marlins making too much noise. Phillies will be the team that will give us the most grief.

By blane

January 13, 2008 2:01 AM | Link to this

ITS TRUE WHEN IT RAINS IT POORS BUT WHATS AFTER THAT, WILL SEE.

By BazokaRama

January 13, 2008 2:01 AM | Link to this

I like this trade, if for no other reason, for what it says. It conveys to the players that management wants to win now. Not next year. Not next decade. They want to win now. And at the same time, we didn’t mortgage the farm system to make this move. And the Braves farm system is loaded with can’t-miss pitching prospects, many more of whom will probably be traded at one point or another to bring in valuable pieces. Besides, prospects are just prospects. Many of them turn out just as expected and go on to be stars. Many, many more, however, never pan out and make it. Remember Spooneybarger? Or, what about the big fireballer that we sent to the Brewers a year or two ago—the can’t miss future ace: You know why I can’t remember his name? Because he hasn’t panned out. And that’s the facts of life on prospects. Many of them don’t turn out. And Devine may or may not turn out, but one thing is certain: he brought in return a player that can go get it in centerfield, who will bring an intensity to the team and a hustle attitude that is sometimes lacking, and he’ll probably be a fan favorite for it. He’s not the best centerfielder, but he’s a perfect fit, and it shows the rest of the team that the Braves management was not content to just sit by and hope they could make the playoffs with a rookie in centerfield. Koskie in centerfield is a statement: we want to win now. And the players will notice it and be motivated by it.

By Patrick

January 13, 2008 2:02 AM | Link to this