ajcsportstalk

By Notre Don't

January 30, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

I hope the Mets also accquire an egg. That way they can put it in their shoe and beat it. Mets stink.

By ozzy

January 30, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

This only reduces the chances on Braves winning NL East again in the near future. The only positive about the deal is that since Mets would be paying close to 25 mil/year, they won’t have much money left to upgrade their offense.

By STRETCH

January 30, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

Why is everybody making a big deal about this guy? He went 15-13 last year! But i will say to management…SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!

By phatt

January 30, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

FIRST!!!!

The Mutts are OLD. Santana is a HUGE pick up, but other than that what do they have???

I do think the Braves need 1 more Starter to sew things up. Hampton is worthless and who knows if Chuckie get’s better. Jurrjens is the sleeper in the rotation. Don’t forget the name, if I spelled it right…

By Bama

January 30, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

Who wouldn’t rather have Santana than Glavine? Yes, The Mets just went up one on the Braves. Its a Gamble with the Braves Staff because you never know what the old and new are going to do. Wrens should have got a proven starter beside Old man Glavine. What else is new?

By Steven

January 30, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Yep, the Mets basically made themselves the big dogs in the NL buy grabbing Santana. I really can’t see the Mets imploding this year. Thank God for the Wild Card.

By Big Ed

January 30, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

Santana should be more successfull in the NL because he will be facing weaker teams and no designated hitter. AL power hitting teams such as the Tigers roughed him up last year. He only won two more games than he lost. It will be interesting to watch the first half of the season to see who will have the advantage, Santana or the hitters. I think the Mets, once again, over paid and will not get to the world series.

By frostbite

January 30, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Having watched Santana pitch here in Minnsota, he is a tough leftie with a world class change. Don’t be decieved by the won-loss last year..poor run suppoort and some AL hitters are seeing the guy better. He’ll win 20; but Pedro is all but used up. Braves needs one more arm, will they get it?

By lazermike

January 30, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Ah, yes — the Mutts are so old and have no one else. I’ve already forgotten about Reyes, Wright, and Beltran — all of whom are younger than the Braves’ best hitter, Larry Wayne. And those young, young Braves, with their top two starters over 40. The Mets have three starters under 30 now. But one more starter will “sew things up” for the Braves.

By Matt the Brave

January 30, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Ok, the Mets have one pitcher who can pitch. Amazing. They lost their #1 last year to us, their #2 still is iffy because of his shoulder, and their #3 the major sports websites still are wondering if last year was his fluke year. They bet the farm and probably lost. Santana will be great for this year, probably next, but after that his arm will probably do a Pedro. The Mets do get better with this pickup, but they still don’t have the starting rotation to compete with the Braves and Phillies.

Just for a breakdown, here are the competing rotations between the Braves and Mets:

1) Smoltz 2) Hudson 3) Glavine 4) Hampton (if healthy) 5) James/Jurrjens/Bennett/Carlyle

1) Santana 2) Martinez (if healthy) 3) O. Perez 4) Maine 5) Hernandez/Pelfrey/Vargas (if ready)/Sosa (if he doesn’t make Willie Randolph mad)

I would take Smoltz over Santana three out of five times against the Mets lineup and Santana against the Braves lineup.

By George G.

January 30, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

The Mets are the Mets. Being the best team on paper hasn’t work for them in them in the past, and it won’t work for them in 2008. Enjoy the implosion redux Mets fans.

By KEEF1234

January 30, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

I’d rather have 8 star studs surrounding two 42 year old hall of fame pitchers + Hudson than Santana, surgically repaired Pedro and six 38 year olds + Wright and Reyes… Braves win division by 4 games instead of 6 games

By Avery

January 30, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Definitely makes the Mets much better, but before the trade, I was picking them to finish third in the division. Now they will at least contend for the division, if not win it. This doesn’t concern me too much, as I would love for the Braves to win the wild card. Just look at what wild card teams have done in the last 10 years.

Finally, let me say that Santana is only slightly better than Smoltz. Granted, this will change in three years. Our staff is still just slightly below the Mets. If we could get Bedard (impossible), we would blow the Mets out of the water.

I hate the Mets.

By big poppa

January 30, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

HAHAHAHA - you Braves fans are hilarious!!! Your team is pure garbage. Glavine at best will go 10-10. You have been a third place team the last two years, and did nothing to improve yourselves. Tex is a great player but not enough to get you out of third. Admit that the Mets got the most dominant pitcher in baseball, and remember that he is now pitching in the NL.

By Mdub45

January 30, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Yeah, adding Santana was a big move. But the guy went 15 - 13 last year. He also had a so-so line-up behind him. He’ll get an upgrade with the Mets. The thing that scares me is not Johan and Pedro back-to-back. It’s the fact that they likely throw Orlando Hernandez, Oliver Perez, and Santana in a three game series with the Braves. It seems like lefties with a sweeping delivery and a good breaking pitch shut the Braves down. Look at what those two guys and guys like Cole Hamels have done to them.

By KW

January 30, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Let’s see… The Mets subtract Tom Glavine who won 13 games last year and add Santana… Sure Santana is the best pitcher in the majors but I can’t say this makes the Mets instant 95 game winners. They’ll win a lot of games but they aren’t a lock to win the division. A lot depends on Pedro if they are going to blow everyone away.

I think a lot really depends on the Braves who practically got nothing from starters 3-5 last year. Now they have a consistent starter in Glavine for the #3 but what about 4 and 5? Hope someone has a great year. At least this spring training means a lot more options to choose from and if someone goes down they may have someone who can pick up the slack. They didn’t have this last year.

But then Smoltzie and Glavine are one year older and who knows if Smoltz still has it in him…

By ck

January 30, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

The answer is currecntly in Baltimore…The Braves need to go after Bedard…He is not Santana but he is an ace on any team. An infusion of youth into the pitching staff will not only help the Braves this year but also in the years to come.

Bedard would benefit from the experience of Smoltzie and Glavine, and the Braves could forget about Hampton. He is the weak link. Hampton hasn’t pitched in almost three years on any consistant basis and even if he is able to come back this year his stamina will certainly be questionable. He is this years Redman…. mark my words.

By Bowie

January 30, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

How is it everyone (FANS) can see the Braves need another starter except the Braves Brass? The Braves pitching staff has been a joke for last two years. Only Big John and Huds worth watching.

By lazermike

January 30, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Keep dreaming, Braves fans. If I understand you correctly, you make up eight games in the standings by adding Glavine and replacing Andruw with Kotsay while the Mets’s big change is replacing Glavine with the best pitcher in baseball. Who exactly are your eight star studs again? Does that include Kotsay? Matt Diaz?

By CFT

January 30, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

The Mets could not of made a better deal to improve their ball club. This trade changes everything. Starting Pitching was the only element this team did not have the last 2 years. The Mets didn’t just improve their rotation, they got the best picher in baseball.

By ck

January 30, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

so does anyone recall the current Braves hitters record of success against this newest monster pn the Mets staff. Tex has the most experience against him but i don’t know his average against santana.

By Dean

January 30, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

It may make things harder then again maybe not. There is always the risk of injury or a down year, especially when they are paying that much for one piece of the puzzle. Regardless, my Braves have assembled a team that is fun to watch and I hope they can get the division ring back and make another World Series run. Even if that doesn’t happen I will root on the Braves and whoever wins the EAST. Although, I’d prefer any of the other 3 options than the Mets or Phillies.

By darkdinner

January 30, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

You guys are funny. If you really want to support your 3rd best team, why don’t you start showing up at the stadium? Then maybe the Braves could afford to go after a guy like Santana. Larry eats it.

By keith

January 30, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Are you guys maybe a partisan to the braves? I havent read one relevant point as to why the Braves wont finish in 3rd this season.

Few Points If i may.Please bare with me, the truth hurts.

For all the holes you point in Mets team - theyve still managed to win the division in 2006 and a playoff series and finish 2nd in 2007 after the worst collapse ever. They went 7-17 to end the season and STILL finished 4 games ahead of the Braves. Am i missing something?

The mets are old you say? Ridiculous. There starting roation will have three pitchers who under 30. The Braves rotation will have 3 picthers pushing 40. The braves have great young talent on the field. And yes Moises Alou and el duque are fossils and delgado is getting up there as well, but Reyes,Wright, and Beltran (our best three players) are 24,24, and 29. Come on guys, thats not old. Your just looking to poke holes through this deal out of jealousy and to convince yourselves you actually have a chance next year.

You dont even project the rotation correctly. 1Santana 2pedro 3maine 4perez 5 el duque Who mentioned Sosa as our #5? Whos brining up fantasy magazines that say maine and perez were a fluke last year? Educate yourself man before you criticize and look stupid. Most of you seem to be reacting out of anger or the need to make yourselves feel better because your team is inadequate.

What was the mets biggest offseason need, a true #1 starter. Well they didnt just get a #1, the got the best pitcher in the game.

Yea Santana 15-13 last season, but he struck out 235 batters, had a 3.33 ERA and had a 1.07 WHIP. He gave up more homers but less hits last year than the previous year. And the twins have him no run support. Now hes in the national league facing pitchers and garbage #8 hitters, in a pitchers park opposed to the astroturf metrodome, and even with a DH the twins scored 90 runs LESS than the mets last year. Think hell do a little better? I do Oh yea, and go check santana INterleague numbers. Pretty Dominanting.

Look you team is good and with mets collapse last year maybe you feel good about yourselves by pointing that out time and time again, but ill sit through all that this offseason, because when the year starts and your 8 games back by the All star Break, i doubt youll be singing the same tune.

By Caught Looking

January 30, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Well, at least the Mets are trying to improve their them by actually getting proven players that are still healthy. The Braves are getting what? Aged veterans (Glavine), players who are lifetime members of the DL and unproven minor leaguers with ERA’s in three digits. The Braves have gone cheep. They are going the way of the Oakland A’s. You can start seeing the trend now. They will start trading away $$$ players in the future and add unproven rookies and minor leaguers. They are now the A’s and Royals of the NL. We have nothing to look forward too. The Braves will simply battle Florida for 3d place and hopefully keep the Nats in last place. As for winning the NL East, that is the Mets or Phillies. The Braves chances fall right in the middle of slim and none. I know I will not be making the 200 mile round trip to watch them this year.

By Ben

January 30, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Yep, Mets aging lineup will keep them 3rd in the East. Santana for 6 years? Hmm, careful there. His ERA will continues to creep up in the 3.50 - 3.75 range. Braves win the division by 5 games in 2008. Book it!

By bill

January 30, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Braves don’t need to panic but they need another starting pitcher. Braves: Please jump in on the Eric Bedard trade. Proposed trade- Braves send B. Jones,C.James,Bennett and C. Morton to O’s for Bedard. That’s alot to give up but the Braves need a top young pitcher. This staff is old. The Braves could sign a left handed hitter to platoon with Diaz in left until some of their top OF’s are ready.

By riggo

January 30, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

they’re not going to be great with the team they have anyway. 3d in the east.

By riggo

January 30, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

they’re not going to be great with the team they have anyway. 3d in the east.

By ck

January 30, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Bedard would be cheaper than that Bill. he could be got for C James and bennett. but that seems a high price considering James is already in the rotation. I would be more inclined to give up 2 prospects much like the deal seattle is offering.

By Greg

January 30, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

The Mets had to make this move, as they still have the stink of failure about them from September. I think the Braves and Phiiiies left them in the dust this offseason. Now it’s a three team race. New York has the best rotation, the Phiiiiies have the best offense and the Braves the best balance.

Play ball!

By Elmer

January 30, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

Who are we fooling; Braves will be lucky to finish 3rd again.

By Mitchell

January 30, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

The Braves have no reason to panic as a result of this trade. Especially when considering the sheer amount of money and time that the Mets will have tied up in him. Santana will most likely not be worth his paycheck in 3-4 years, and the Mets will be stuck with him. This move could handicap them greatly moving into the next decade. Look for them to be a non-factor shortly.

By The voice or reason

January 30, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

The Mets certainly did not weaken their 2008 ML roster any, but they could well have hurt themselves in the future. The whole key is Marinez and how much he has left. It is obvious that the Mets are not sure whether he is a Top of the Rotation pitcher any more of they would not have spent $100M on Santana. If Martinez cannot give the Mets 200 innings and 13 to 15 wins, they could well have big pitching problems. Their 3,4 and 5 starters exceed expectations last year and they still missed the playoffs. Say what you will about Glavine’s age, he is never hurt and always gives you 200 plus innings and 13 - 15 wins. You can count on it. This is a big upgrade for us in the 3 position over Chuckie who cannot get past the 5th. I would not annoint the Mets just yet

By phillip williams

January 30, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

It is stupid to trade for a player for one year. If we can get Bedard to sign an extension, yes go get him. We gave up so much for a year and half of Tex, if we do not resign him. You can not win with this plan, and to continue is like my good friend Forrest Gump says, dumb,dumb, dumb!

By wilson

January 30, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

I really thought we had a chance this year, but I know I would say there is a 20 % chance we wint the division. As far as the wild card is concerned. NL West anyone? I know it is wrong to hope for injuries, but what choice do i have. Can Schafer pitch?

By JimT

January 30, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Every time the Mets are coronated in April, they are out of it by July. I thought Pedro was supposed to pitch them to a title. How’d that work out?

By General Sherman

January 30, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

I love the comments about Atlanta winning the division. Give me a break. Those days ae long over. Even without Santana, the Braves are the 3rd best team in the division. You can have Glavine. He’s a mercenary choker. At least Atlanta fans can look forward to football. Oops, my bad!

By JimT

January 30, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Every time the Mets are coronated in April, they are out of it by July. I thought Pedro was supposed to pitch them to a title. How’d that work out?

By Apaul404

January 30, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

I hate to say it but IMO the wildcard is the best we can hope for this year. Hopefully our young pitching will improve this year. The offense should be fine with no banged up Andruw Jones to kill our rallies. But I’m still gonna be pulling for them anyway.

By Realist

January 30, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

This certainly makes the Mets contenders, but the Phillies should win the division…and I’m a long time Braves die-hard. Defensively up the middle this is the worst team since 1990. Kelly, I love ya man, but the misplays on easy outs are causing us 6 games a year. Additionally, while I believe 110% Andrew was an underachiever, defensively we will lose 3-4 game this year because he is not out there. That’s not armchair quarterbacking…that’s a statement in January. I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t believe so. Our bullpen is still extremely suspect. No lefty to speak of, the only positive is Glavine should eat some innings…at 4.44 ERA. Just hope we can go 24-8 against Nats and Flounders.

By alvin

January 30, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

I’m concerned because the Braves don’t win many of the close pitching matchups. The Braves also have trouble hitting Pedro with the soft stuff along with Oliver Perez who they didn’t fare too well against last year. Add Santana even though his record wasn’t that good last year; but you got to believe he will be recovered from whatever caused him to lose velocity late last year. Hopefully I’m wrong and we beat the crap out of them.

By mark

January 30, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

WHO CARES??? Now the Mets have 1 solid starter!! You can’t count that Pedro is coming to anything close to his dominating Red Sox days. They will have the same high powered offense and 1 solid starter. Now if he had gone to the PHillies??? I might be scared!!!!

By Barry Bonnell

January 30, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

Uhh, the Mets are #2 in New York, and always #2. The only way the Mets go anywhere is on the bottom of a shoe.

By ChrisfromSacramento

January 30, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Well I am as die hard for the Braves as they come. On Monday I thought we would win the east and maybe win a series or two in October. Now I have doubts. The MUTTS are old but they are still really good. Johan is the best pitcher in the game. If his year last year was so bad then finishing 3rd in the CY is a year I hope any of our pitchers would have.

I hope and think Pedro will break down, but then the MUTTS will go out at the all star break and get more guys, spend more money. I am sick of NEW YORK money and BOSTON money.

Where is TED TURNER at. I wish we would trade for Eric Bedard.

You have to trade good players to get a good one back. Prospects are just that, unproven prospects. As long as we dont trade Jason Heyward. One more good starter and I think we are back on top.

Oh ya why didnt we sign Mike Cammeron. He was at a discount considering his 25 game susp.

I have read on here numerous times how the LIBERTY owners will spend more money. OK WERE.

I am confident, but worried.

PLEASE SIGN TEX!!!!!

By Realist

January 30, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Yeah..we had better sign Tex. I am so tired of renting players. Dotel, Mahay, etc…

By BTP

January 30, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

This is the kind of move that should get Liberty & Wren jump started to sign Tex now and make a statement. If they don’t sign Tex…well then go ahead and put Mets down for ‘09.

By B-Dub

January 30, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

What is all this talk about Santana being the best pitcher in the bigs? I think Josh Beckett might have something to say about that! And by the way, i hope Santana can hit. Remember, he will have to swing the stick now! If he can’t hit, now it’s 9 vs. 8!!!

By lazermike

January 30, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

If the Braves don’t sign Tex now, the Mets will sign him after the season to replace Delgado.

Then, after the Braves bring in Travis Lee to replace him, I look forward to reading posts on this blog that explain why the Braves will win the division by 10 games because they get more offense out of the catcher spot than New York does.

By Steve-O

January 30, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why we don’t get Mr. Bedard from the O’s…..We just lost Andruw’s 13.5 million a year contract and we ALSO will be losing Hampton’s 14 million a year contract after this year. SO SIGN BEDARD WITH THAT MONEY AND TEX!!!! The money we signed Glavine with, was the money we were going to pay Edgar!!! So with Andruw and Hampton about to be gone, we will have the money to sign Tex and Bedard long-term. Also somebody mentioned Liberty was willing to spend more. So that gives us more manuevering room, right?? If I were Wren I would make this happen I don’t see why we didn’t get in on it to begin with?? Look what Seattle is offering!!!! Jeez, we can have Bedard for James/Reyes/OF Prospect EASY!!!!

By braves are cheap

January 30, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

the braves are a bunch of corporate tightwad cheap losers. they’re trying to assemble a first-rate team with a second-rate budget. tell me what an old crusty glavine is going to do for us. and kotsay appears to be another chipper, those two will miss 60 games. i don’t trust soriano as the closer, given that horrible stretch he had last year. this year will be same as last two - a third place finish behind the phillies and mets.

By Steve

January 30, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

While I think he is still a very good pitcher. I think the Twins must know something internally. If the guys is that great wouldn’t they have made a better effort to sign him long term? I see him on the DL for the METS!

By bjohndawg

January 30, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Big Pappa and Gen Sherman: Y ou guys are full of it and yourself. 15-13 record last year is NOT dominant.

The mets every year have the so called better team on paper in NL East….always seem to come up on the short end of the stick.

Sherman, Funny how the Mets wanted Glavine back so badly they would pay him millions more per year that the Braves. Now that he signed with the Braves, he is suppose to be washed up.We will take Glavine any day…he is a gamer. The Mets are Chokers.Need prove, see last season. LOL

By METS62FAN

January 30, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

COUPLE OF POINTS: #1 EVEN THOUGH METS’ COLLAPSED OVER 2.5 WKS BRAVES DIDN’T CLOSE GAP.#2 PEDRO’S WORKLOAD JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT EASIER. #3 METS STILL WELL UNDER LUXURY TAX LIMIT #4 BRAVES FANS STOP LOOKING FORWARD, GLANCE BACK, NATS ARE CLOSING IN, THE IMAGE IS CLOSER THAN IT LOOKS!METS HAVE GOTTEN MUCH YOUNGER WHILE YOU WERE PONDERING YOUR COLLECTIVE NAVEL EX. GREEN REPL BY CHURCH, LoDUCA REPL BY SCHNEIDER, GLAVINE REPL BY SANTANA, VALENTIN REPL BY CASTILLO. BULLPEN IMPROVED WITH RETURNS OF SANCHEZ & PADILLA. TOP PITCHING PROSPECT & HITTING PROSPECT RETAINED & AVAILABLE. 3 DRAFT PICKS IN THE FIRST 40. HUGE TALENT POOL OF POTENTIALS IN DOMINICAN CAMPUS. EXPANDING INT’L FOOTPRINT. JUST INKED 3 AUSSIE PROSPECTS TO START RESTOCKING. FURTHER VERY BAD NEWS: DELGADO CONTRACT EXPIRATION COINCIDES WITH TEX’ CARE TO BET WHO’S POCKETS ARE DEEPER? METS SPECIALIZE IN THE LINGO. STILL WON’T DENT THE COFFERS OR EXCEED LUXURY TAX LINE. TRY TO TALK TO OLD TIME BRAVES FANS FROM THE 80’s YOU’LL GET THE PICTURE OF YOUR DESTINY. CORP OWNERSHIP RUINS SPORTS FRANCHISES ESP IN MLB.

By Penno

January 30, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Before the trade, the Mets weren’t even legit contenders in my mind. All this trade did was bring the Mets to the contender table. The trade did take away some of their pitching depth and trade deadline chips, so they better hope their older pitchers don’t see a lot of DL time. If Pedro and Orlando have trouble, they’ll be in the same boat the Braves were last year.

By Jakoub

January 30, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Guys, cmon. Let’s not kid ourselves here. The Mets are much improved than last year who still finished ahead of us. We lost Jones and Renteria. Glavine helps but we have seen how he can implode. Management has not made any moves, mainly because of money. And those who think the Mets will run out of money, I’ve been saying that about the Yanks for over a decade.

By Terrence0258

January 30, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

The Braves have a major flaw, they are so fixated on getting a dominant offense to go with their pitching that they are slowly turning into the National League version of the Texas Rangers. I can’t believe i’m saying this but this will be the third straight season that the NY Mets will have a better pitching staff than the Braves, and if a couple of things go right in Philly we will have the third best in the division. We all love Tom Glavine but expecting a 40 year old soft tossing lefty to come in and make a huge impact with this staff would be absurd. We have two steady front of the rotation starters, a ridiculous offense, a bench that if javy lopez makes the team will have right and left hand power along with thorman, with 8 question marks as far as what kind of consistent result we will have on the mound. Going into 08 the Mets will have an entire starting rotation of guys who had under a 4 era last year. We will go into this season possibly not even knowing who our five man rotation will consist of. Also, if you Mike Hampton, Jo Jo Reyes or Jair Jurrjens will have a solid impact at the back of the rotation or as a long man from the bullpen you along with Frank Wren need to have your head examined. So for the question of if the Mets acquisition of Santana scares me, I must say no, but what does scare me is the thought of watching Chuck James and Buddy Carlyle throw important innings in a potential playoff run.

By matt

January 30, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

B-dub- our pitchers aren’t worth a $&#( at the plate either so it’s not 9 on 8 but rather 8 on 8.

Also, to the guy who doesn’t think Santana is going to help because his record was 15-13….His era was in the low 3’s, pitched 200 innings and has an almost 5 to 1 K to BB ratio. Still think that W/L record means something?????

By lazermike

January 30, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Hey bjohndawg: who choked the biggest for the Mets last year? Oh yeah. Glavine.

By Tommy

January 30, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

The Mets mortgaged their future at a time when every other National League team is getting younger. They gave themselves a great chance at the pennant this year, true. But their window of opportunity is narrow. Pedro, Delgado, Wagner, even Beltran are highly paid and are aging fast. They have money, but not Red Sox/Yankees money, and without a stocked farm system to pump in some cheap talent to fill gaps, by 2010 they’re going to have johan, reyes, wright and a bunch of spare parts.

The Braves, meanwhile, keep spitting talent out of the system. Lillibridge, B. Jones, Schafer, etc. are all about to contribute. And after this season, Hampton’s contract goes away and smoltz and glavine likely retire. That’s about $40 million bucks right there. Even if Texiera leaves, they’ll just go get someone else, and thanks to so many home-grown players on the team making under $5 mil a year, they’ll have an incredible amount of flexibility.

No team can buy its way to continued success. The Yankees of the last 5 years proved that. You have to have a farm system and a management team that can leverage it effectively. The Mets have dealt every top-shelf prospect they had this offseason, and if they lose 1 or 2 key guys to injuries, they’re done.

If the choice is to have enough money to buy whatever player you want, vs. a quality scouting system and a management team that konws how to use it, I’ll take option B, thank you.

By Steve-O

January 30, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Who got you to where you were Lazer boy?? Oh yeh, Glavine….

By Ben

January 30, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I usually agree with you, but not on this Santana news. I maintain that he is the best pitcher in the bigs (not just that one could make the argument), and I think the Braves have catching up to do. Sure, before the Mets had Santana, the Braves had certain offseason objectives in order to compete, and I mostly agree - they achieved those (though they would’ve achieved them without getting Kotsay, in my opinion). But now that the Mets have Santana, I think the Braves have another objective to add to their list: keep up with the Mets. I think that means making a trade for a top notch pitcher. I realize that Bedard is probably the only one available, and potentially Seattle-bound, so we’re probably out of luck there. That would mean that the Braves just won’t be able to keep up with the Mets. Pitching-wise, our best bet might be next year, when Smoltz still has it going. But as the years drag on and Smoltz fades, Santana won’t fade for probably 4 or more years. Thus we really need to obtain an ace. Our priorities might have just changed: not so sure locking up Tex should be priority #1 anymore. However, if we don’t keep him, the Mets surely could take him!

By James

January 30, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Remember, Glavine was a big part of that choke. Last three starts in ‘08, when the Mets really needed him, he was 0-2 with an ERA of 15.30, against the Nats and Marlins. That’s your #3 starter?

Also, why do Squaws fans ignore Oliver Perez and John Maine, both of whom won 15 games, averaged nearly a strikeout an inning, and are under 28 years old? Pretending they aren’t good doesn’t make it true.

By BjohnDawg

January 30, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

LazerMike,

Last time I checked, baseball was a team sport.But hey you guys wanted him back.If he is such a choker, why did you want him back? Explain that.

Me,I can explain last years season for the Mets.

THE METS CHOKED.

Case Closed

By ItDontTakeNoPhreakinGenius

January 30, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

So the Joneses(Mets) get rid of their old, worn out jalopy(Glavine) for a top of the line model(Santana) with all the options. Then the Smiths(Braves) buy the Jones’(Mets) old jalopy, and are glad to get it. Now the a lame newspaper(AJC) asks if the Smiths(Braves) should be concerned about keeping up with the Joneses(Mets), and staying in the race? Well you wouldn’t want to enter a donkey in the Kentucky Derby either, would you?

By Cooper

January 30, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

No question it makes them better. They still have some issues with rotation development (younger guys) and the age of their lineup.

I think Pedro still has gas in the tank and Johan will give him a competitive boost.

That said I saw the Mets as a 2-3 team in the NL East w/o the trade and now they are a 1-2.

The Braves need their rookies to shine and their pitching vets to hold together for a full season to make it as a WC or potential 2.

A division title would have been tough w/o Santana in the mix.

Not the end of the world but if Wren is watching another starter (Bedard ;) )would be nice.

By Ben

January 30, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Tommy,

Yanks spent their money on offense, which rarely plays out well in the playoffs. The Red Sox on the other hand have spent their money and prospects largely on pitching in Schilling and Beckett. That’s worked out pretty well the last four years…

The mets just spent 4 prospects, and not their best ones, on the best pitcher in baseball. I see your point about them possibly entering some troubled waters in a couple years when they’re leaning on Santana for the pitching staff, but having Reyes and Wright will always give them a pretty stable offense. Their money situation will only get better over the years with the market and stadiium they’ve now got. I hate the mets, but i think your take is a little optimistic.

By Otis

January 30, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Longtime Twins fan here. I’ve watched Santana for the last 5+ years. If you’re not impressed with his 15-13 record last year, consider that he had no offense behind him, he pitched half his games on a rubber infield, he frequently went head-to-head with other stoppers who had killer bats in their lineup, and he’s a heckuva nice guy. When he gets a lead, this guy is virtually unhittable. This is not good news for the Braves (I hate the Mets).

By lazermike

January 30, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

I have nothing against Glavine. He’s a good pitcher, and he was good for the Mets. I just don’t see how you can call the Mets chokers and Glavine a gamer when it was Glavine who couldn’t get anyone out — literally — in the last game of the season in a must-win game.

By omark

January 30, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Dangit, I don’t like this at all. I was hoping the Braves were just gonna runaway with the division. Well at least it’ll be an exciting season. Why would the Twins make this trade instead of Lester/Ellsbury/+ or Hughes/Melky/+?

By JDW

January 30, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

This trade to the NL is great. Now folks in Atlanta can see Santana a few times a year.

By randyh

January 30, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

please make a move for another bonified starter. remember the early 90’s ? it was pitching, defense and rockin leo..

By Chikara

January 30, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

I do think that the Santana deal makes the Mets a threat, no matter how much I can’t stand them. The problem with the Braves won’t be matching their pitchers, it will be as always can the Braves hit? Without a true leadoff threat (why did they let Willie Harris go) the rest of the offense will sputter to score against the Arizonas and Mets of the NL.

As far as the Mets go, they are talented but aging rapidly. I think the Milledge deal will come back to haunt them almost like the Kazmir deal a few years back. Reyes and Wright have yet to prove they can be consistent throughout the year. It will be interesting to see what happens.

By keith

January 30, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Mortgaged there future? Ridiculous. You deakl 4 unproven players with talent for the proven #1 starter in the biggs? The scale titls towards the mets and every article you read will note that the Twins got hosed in this deal. The mets didnt event trade there best prospect Taken into account that any player can be great in the future…..

Mulvey is the highest ceiling of the pitchers and hes low Minors right now.

Delois Guerra is an ok prospect at best but like i said who knows.

The guys whove actually played in the majors, Gomez and HUmber?

Gomez is the key to the deal, and he hit a nice .283 last year and is a speed guy with a great glove. Should be a nice git in Minnesota but his bat is more like a 2B then an outfielder. Where was he going to play with Beltran in center? Even Gomez’s stock went down last year

Philip Humber? Please, the mets offered in every trade to every team this off season. He was mediocre in the minors and got shelled last year the rare time he got in.

Reality check, mets hosed the twins and you cant deal with it? Aging batting order? Sean Green out Ryan church in (younger) aside frmo DElgado and Alou whos old?

By lazermike

January 30, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Keep wishing, Tommy. Beltran is “aging fast”? In 2010, when the Mets will be “spare parts,” Beltran will still be three years younger than Chipper is now.

And I would challenge anyone to argue that the Red Sox don’t spend their money wisely.

By Tyger

January 30, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Braves get Glavine, Mets get Santana!

Uuuugh, advantage Mets.

By Tyger

January 30, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Braves get Glavine, Mets get Santana!

advantage Mets.

By Kool-Aid Man

January 30, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

As a Mets fan, I’ll say that my team has to earn its way to the division title, and until we play 162, most of this discussion is pointless.

That being said Braves fans, if you have a game this season where it’s all really on the line, where you absolutely must win, make sure you put in Glavine. He’ll come through. :)

By Common Sense

January 30, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Everyone that says just go and get bedard needs to look close at what seattle is offering. Adam Jones is light years ahead of any braves prospect. To have a legit shot at bedard, we’d probably have to offer schafer/jurrjens/reyes/b.jones. I think anybody who doesn’t think it will take anything to get him needs to re-evaluate the value of our prospects.

By JMar

January 30, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Braves fans that think this doesn’t completely change the outlook of the division either are in denial or don’t know jack about Santana and/or baseball. Before the trade, it would have been a good divisional race. Now the Mets have the best starting pitcher in baseball and lost nothing from their major league roster to get him. And yes, I’m a Braves fan.

By RobbieB

January 30, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Johan in the weak NL spells disaster for all other teams. He also helps the bullpen with his inning eating as well as pushing the starting rotation back a notch so that you throw an El Duque/Pelfrey in the pen. Pedro is no longer needed to be the savior. Also, Duaner Sanchez is healthy and the mets got a Rule V reliever to bolster the pen as well. If Delgado and Beltran have an offensive year like in 2006 then we might be talking about 100+ wins.

By DirtyDawg

January 30, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Of course it should make them better, but we don’t know yet just how much better Atlanta will be, do we? I would be more concerned about it if I hadn’t seen Mr., ‘I know everything’, former Mets GM, Steve Phillips on ESPN declaring that this deal made the Mets the best team in the National League…I seem to recall that he predicted that the Braves would win the East following last year’s trading deadline (after we got a couple of relievers and a new first-baseman), and we all know how that turned out.

Will they be better, probably…will they win the NL East? Not with the Steve Phillips ‘Kiss Of Death’ on their butt.

By HLSMets

January 30, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Hilarious watching the Braves talk about how old the Mets are when their #1 and #2 are 40-somethings. Okay, so their Hall of Famers. So are Pedro and El Duque. Pedro will rebound this year, and even if he doesn’t we’re still more than set with Pelfrey and others. Santana will dominate the Braves and the Phils and every other NL team. 15-13 last year? Blame the poor run support and AL hitters’ improved approach. Higher fly-ball rate? Actually more in line with his career stats and utterly irrelevant in Shea with a better defense and a more spacious outfield behind him.

Age? What age? Look at every position. Beltran? Reyes? Wright? Wright who should’ve been MVP last year? Beltran who should’ve been MVP the year before that? Church replacing Green? Schneider replacing Lo Duca? Castillo replacing Valentin? Julio Franco back on your sorry squad? So we have Delgado and Alou in the line-up. Hell, if you have to have age, have age that hits like that.

The Mets will PWN the Braves and the Phils this year. Perez and Maine will only get better, Petey is back, and Santana will win the NL Cy Young.

Enjoy finishing behind us for the third consecutive year.

tyia!

By gilch

January 30, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

the mets dont have a starter in their rotation with an ERA over 4 hahaha the mets cant compete with the braves? hahahahaha so glad you guys have glavine back …

By Franco

January 30, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

yup.. mets are old.. especially with Wright, Reyes, Beltran, Pelfrey, Ollie, Maine,Church, Endy, Heilman, Sanchez and Santana… yup.. you got us.

By Mingo

January 30, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Glavine averaged about 5.2 innings per start last year. That meant the bullpen had to pitch 3 plus innings for him each night on average. Nowadays that is a minimum of 4 relievers. Towards the end of the year the Mets bullpen was worn down. Tom had something to do with that. Bobby Cox likes to get innings out of his starters. That means Glavine will have to pitch a full 6 or more innings. Therefore, expect his ERA to go up this year. Also, he isn’t going to be in as friendly a pitching park as Shea Stadium. I don’t see how Glavine helps the Braves much this year. Conversely, Santana pitches an average of over 7 innings per start. That means the Mets only have to use two pitchers on average to close out the games for him. This helps the Mets. Therefore, this is a plus for the Mets and a minus for the Braves.

By Common Sense

January 30, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Re-signing tex could be a major problem if we don’t get it done soon. Depending on how kotchman and loney fare this year, You could have both LA teams and Both NY teams with tons of money coming off the books and a hole for a power hitting 1st baseman.

By hellobrooklyn

January 30, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

Braves fans are hillarious. Who’s playing center for you again? You picked up Tom Terriffic? oh Glavine who SUCCCCCCCS!!! Hampton hahaha Smoltz better then Santana 3out of 5 HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Tex will be gone after this year. Bedard HAHA how are you gonna get him? Mets bet the Farm. We traded 4 minor leaguers Gomez being the best.. Our outfield is straight. Maybe you guys should call the twins to trade for Gomez better yet..Go After BLANTON!!!!!!!! LMAO you guys are hillarious

By froze ropes

January 30, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

The Mets replaced Tom “double agent” Glavine with Johan Santana.

Now the Braves fans want to claim the Mets roster as old? When was the last time Larry Jones played a full season?

By Interesting

January 30, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Tommy was right is saying that the Braves will have a few contracts coming off after this year. Though he didn’t take into account that so do the Mets who have Pedro, Orlando, Delgado, and Alou coming off the books for about $40 mil which if you add the $20 mil that they are getting form Citi will be more than enough to address a few spots. Of course Santana will get about $25 of that but still leaves room for the Mets to pick up say Tex or even CC or Sheets. You couple that with the fact that they now have 3 picks in the first round and a half (2 from the Braves) and dealing away the prospects doesn’t hurt all that much since they were able to hold onto F Mart their top prospect.

By #37

January 30, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

wow…santana replaces glavine. i for one wouldn’t want to be the team that has glavine istead of santana.

By Vinny

January 30, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

You Braves fans have made me crack up for the last 15 minutes. Thank you. I think my favorite comment was that the Mets would have no money left after spending $25 mil/year on Santana. You’re absolutely right, considering we get $20 million per year just for the stadium’s naming rights, let alone normal revenue streams. WE’RE BROKE!!! It’s gonna be Wright, Reyes, Santana, and the hot dog vendor playing right field eventually.

By thebravesareawesome

January 30, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Guys… Come on and be serious… The Mets have always been contenders, and adding a top notch(not necessarily the best) starter will only help out… Not saying that the mets are a lock, but they are certainly in better shape than the us… Lets not be too blinded by hate, and let ignorance bleed through…

By Ben

January 30, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Boy the mets fans sure came out of hiding with this trade. Who the hell knew so many of them read this blog?? Great to see you guys soooo confident again. It was weird there for a while, started to feel like the 90s with all the silence.

Honestly, I can’t wait to see the first Smoltz-Santana matchup. It should be as good as those Smoltz-Pedro starts were a few years ago. Those were sort of excruciating for us Braves fans, as the mets usually won them (or so it seemed). But after that, I’m not too scared of you mets. Pedro’s still a smart pitcher, but that’s all he is now. Definitely not dominant. No better than Hudson. Maine is overrated in my opinion. Just nothing intimidating at all. Perez is really the unknown. He dominated the Braves at times last year, but then other times couldn’t get a guy out. El Duque is 57, as is Livan if you sign him, and the more innings they pitch, the better for the Braves.

You guys should be a little worried about your complete lack of depth at the pitching spots and everywhere else. Next year I think will be yours, but if you don’t find support for Santana in the coming years, you’re the Twins.

By POTVIN STILL SUCKS

January 30, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Hey Squaws fans, ya’ll steel exist??? i thought ya’ll went to the trailer to bone yer sisters. Ok seriously now…All i gotta say is that you guys gotta stop being jealous of us. You can keep your 14 straight titles and your ONE WORLD SERIES TO SHOW FOR ALL OF THAT. Have fun in 3rd place next year squaws fans. If your even lucky to be there….LETS GO METS!!!

By David Spruill

January 30, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

First it is a good pick up. Lets not all go giving the East to the Mets yet. I’m just waiting to see how Santana does in New York’s cold weather, hitting and running the bases. The East have some good hitting line-ups to throw at him esp ours. He won’t be pitching most of his games in a dome this year. Fly ball ratio has been going up every year along with the homer’s he gives up. Not as dominating as he was two years ago.

By Tom

January 30, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Rediculous offense? Who am I missing here? The Braves lost Andruw Jones, who despite his down year hit over 20 HR and drove in 90, plus Rentaria, who not only is a very good offensive (as well as defensive player) is clutch. Other than Texeira, Francour (when he is not ice cold) and McCann, who makes up this “rediculous” offense. Bunyon Foot Chipper? And for he who asked, Johan can hit.

By Mingo

January 30, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Ummm, we read all the blogs. I just don’t see why us Mets fans would care much about a Mark Kotsay post since it isn’t related to the Mets. This post relates to the Mets. Hence, we post in it. Also, I don’t believe that us Mets fans really even bothered saying much or caring about Mark Kotsay etc. He is an afterthought. When you consider all the activity on here about Santana, its obvious that the following adage holds true… “Me thinks thou dost protest too much”

By Too Old???

January 30, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

I love everybody who keeps saying the mets are too old now. The mets have 4 projected startes, 3 of them all-stars who are under thirty. The braves have just one more. The mets have 3-15 game winners who are under thirty, the braves have one starter under thirty. It’s also funny that if you average the ages of the teams 8 starters as of right now and their 5 man rotations the mets come out with an average of 30.8 years old…wow, time to retire. In case you are interested, the braves averaged exactly 31.

By Luv 2 hate me

January 30, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Braves need hitters! They have no power hitters! Our outfield SUCKS to the 5 degree! They should have focued some of the money on getting an outfileder for 2 good years. The guy they picked up from Oakland SUCKS! They were better off getting Cameron for the time being but No!!! they had to get some dude fresh off back surgery. The days of trying to rejuvenate player careers are over. That went out the door with Big Cat and JD Drew. They need to drop Hampton like a bad habit & get something good in return. Well this year will suck jus like to past 2.

By General Sherman

January 30, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Braves are so done and at best, will be in third place. The Marlins even have better young talent.

It’s great that you’re now holding out for Bedard. I hope you guys go for him only to have that horse’s rear, Peter Angelos, balk at the trade, which he usually does.

No doubt that last season was a disgrace, but the Braves are the historical chokers. It’s ridiculous how they only won one WS with Maddux, Smoltz and Glavine in their primes. And even then, I love how you guys are still hanging onto Smoltz and Glavine. You guys couldn’t even sell out playoff seats. Since you won’t be going to the playoffs anytime soon, no need to break out the tarps for the bleacher seats.

Finally, I love the comments about NY money. Please. Ted Turner wrote the book on spending bank. You guys are just pining for the “good ol’ days.” Sucks having a penny pinching corporate owner. Oh, the humanity!

By Todd

January 30, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

“Reyes and Wright have yet to prove they can be consistent throughout the year.”

I have to say, this gave me a good laugh. Thanks for that.

First of all, Wright has put up MVP type numbers 2 years in a row and he’s only 25.

Sure, Reyes had a slump at the end of last year, but a.) EVERY player in the majors has some kind of slump and b.) 2 years ago he was vying for an MVP.

Anyways, back to reality…

Trying to sugarcoat the effect this trade will have on the NL East and the NL as a whole isn’t going to make it any more likely the Braves will finish higher than 3rd.

The Mets now have 3 pitchers in their rotation, all under 30. I’ll also remind you that EVERY SINGLE one of the pitchers in the Mets’ rotation had a sub-4.00 ERA last year.

As for those of you who reference his record last year as if it’s some indicator of his true value, remember this: wins are the most misleading stat in baseball. Pitchers on the Yankees routinely win 15 games just based on the incredible run support they receive. Factor in that a pitcher’s win total might also suffer if he has a suspect bullpen blowing games for him, and you see why you can’t judge a pitcher based on his W-L record.

Having watched Santana pitch many times, I can say that, even before he became a Met, he was my favorite pitcher in baseball, because, if you appreciate pitching, he’s like Picasso out there.

You don’t even realize just how good he is until you see him and, given his move to the NL and a pitcher’s park, the numbers he will put up will be scary.

The Mets have 5, count them 5, major players over the age of 31 (Pedro, Duque, Wagner, Alou, Delgado). That leaves 20 others who won’t be “over the hill” in 3-4 years like some of you say.

It’s alright, I’d be p** too if my main adversary acquired the best pitcher in baseball, in his prime, and I had to watch my team get whupped by him for the foreseeable future.

By T-Money

January 30, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

I really don’t see why everyone is making a big deal out of this. Santana only pitches 1 out of every 5 games. So that means, over a 162 game schedule, you can expect at most 35 starts. The first thing you need to do is account for Glavine’s wins that are gone (13 last year), and then factor in Santana’s average wins a year since he became a starter (17.5 average in 4 years). That only accounts to 4, maybe 5 more wins.

And don’t even get me started on Pedro, he is the Met’s version of Mike Hampton, constantly injured and overpaid.

By matt

January 30, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

The Mets certainly are chokers… remind me again who their ace stopper was supposed to be last season? I don’t remember his name, but I do seem to remember 7 runs against 2 outs in the 1st inning on the final day of the collapse last year.

And wins and losses are the most misleading stats in baseball. If that’s your argument against Santana, well, then you’re in for quite a summer.

By TI

January 30, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

The Santana trade doesn’t change the division at all! Santana is gonna be a huge bust in the National League. Look at Barry Zito, Tim Hudson, Pedro, so many question marks with the Mets new acquisition! The Braves rotation is still more favorable than the Mets, especially adding Jair Jurjjens into the mix. I’m not concerned at all, Braves win the division over the PHILLIES by 4 games.

By The Man Who Saved Hadleyville, PA

January 30, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

I just realized that the movie “Gung Ho” is actually about my life. I once build 15,000 Japanese cars in just one month! Trading for Santana reminds me of the time I was walking through Epcot Center and heard t