ajcsportstalk

By John Robinson

February 18, 2009 9:49 PM | Link to this

AJC, you and Frank Wren both srewed it up. You and the Braves are both pointing fingers at each other when you are both responsible. You should both be fired.

By Brent

February 18, 2009 9:55 PM | Link to this

Please just take down the articles about Griffey going to the Braves.

By dave r

February 18, 2009 9:56 PM | Link to this

The AJC is a convenient scapegoat for the Braves’ inability to seal the deal.

Why would Griffey give two craps about the report. He said Atlanta was where he wanted to be. A report saying he would like to come to Atlanta doesn’t change that.

By Matt

February 18, 2009 9:56 PM | Link to this

The AJC screwed up big time but the blame ultimately should fall on Frank Wren and the front office. This is getting embarrassing

By Tana

February 18, 2009 9:56 PM | Link to this

I agree. We all jumped the gun on Burnett, Furcal, and Griffey. The media and the management are to blame.

By melissa

February 18, 2009 9:57 PM | Link to this

I am canceling my subscription to the AJC !!! I hate you M@#$%F@#$kers

By Josh

February 18, 2009 9:58 PM | Link to this

Thanks AJC for screwing this one up. I do not blame Wren one bit. He stayed silent and did not prematurely report Griffey Jr picked the Braves. AJC did. You owe the Braves fans and the Braves player a huge apology and I am very disgusted with you AJC. I have been talking with friends and family and most of them said they were so disgusted by AJC, they were canceling their subscription to the AJC. The blame goes to the AJC on this one.

By brandon

February 18, 2009 9:59 PM | Link to this

i can’t believe this…

By yes

February 18, 2009 9:59 PM | Link to this

Yes, I blame DAvid O’brien.

By Psh

February 18, 2009 9:59 PM | Link to this

The media sucks. how many times were we told we were getting these players this year….

just dumb

no more broken hearts for me. im going straight amish

By Tom

February 18, 2009 10:01 PM | Link to this

DOB: way to jump the gun early…just like the furcal deal.

my favorite headline: “Griffey a Brave.”

you really set the bar for irresponsible journalism on this one.

By bravedawg

February 18, 2009 10:02 PM | Link to this

That’s a pretty weak reason not to go play for a team.

However, I will say this, that it is a bit annoying when the AJC jumps the gun and doesn’t get the story right. As an avid reader and an avid braves fan, can you do us all a favor and do your research before you make unfounded reports. I mean that is your job right??!! Maybe tomorrow you guys will report that the braves signed Manny!! I mean that will be as accurate as your Furcal and Griffey reports. Great job AJC!!

By J.Cornwell

February 18, 2009 10:03 PM | Link to this

I think the AJC headline stating Griffey will play for Braves was yet another example of irresponsible journalism.Journalism 101 mandates interviewing sources such as Griffey or his agent before printing such a story.

By Josh

February 18, 2009 10:03 PM | Link to this

That new article didn’t include the words “I screwed up” O’Brien

By Dirty Sanchez

February 18, 2009 10:03 PM | Link to this

I used to love David O’Brien until he started posting crap articles to get attention. I completely blame those at AJC for spilling the stuff. Terrence Moore and DOB need to find another job before they drive every Brave fan out of Atlanta. Seriously, I am so upset that we’re losing the professionalism we have been known for as a franchise over amateur journalism.

Hey, DOB, get a wife you nutjob because you need to find something else to devote your time to because you SUCK at reporting you good for nothing f*.

By Rob

February 18, 2009 10:03 PM | Link to this

KGjr is washed up, anyway. Braves need an everyday playmaker plus he wears lipgloss like Gay Rod

By Katrina

February 18, 2009 10:04 PM | Link to this

“How many people does it take to screw up the Braves this year?” This team is becoming a joke! Get a series on Bravo, it might make a good reality show!

By dave

February 18, 2009 10:05 PM | Link to this

You guys don’t care about anything but a headlines, even though you don’t sell papers anymore. We’ve come to expect it from the Cox sisters.

By Cody Baker

February 18, 2009 10:06 PM | Link to this

I would expect nothing less from a newspaper that Terrance Moore is affiliated with. You deserve each other.

By bamakirk

February 18, 2009 10:06 PM | Link to this

The worst thing a member of the media can do is become part of the news and not just report. I enjoy Daves blog but he was guilty of crossing the line in this case. If the report had said Braves lead for Griffey it might have been OK but the headline screaming Griffey picks Braves was way over the top.

By AJCsux

February 18, 2009 10:07 PM | Link to this

go to hell David O’brien

By Big League Chew

February 18, 2009 10:07 PM | Link to this

Please, if Griffey put that much emphasis into a news story then I am happy we don’t have him. The fact is he used the braves as leverage. It happens…… DOB Still Rocks!!!

By DHD

February 18, 2009 10:07 PM | Link to this

Braves sign Dewey

Come on guys…in this economy you have do better than a totally false headline. We depend on the news to be RIGHT. Not your guess just so you can be first. I don’t give a crap who’s first. I want it RIGHT. is that too much to ask??

By Jon P

February 18, 2009 10:07 PM | Link to this

I don’t see how a report such as the one that the AJC reported would upset a professional baseball player to the point of deciding to play somewhere else. There’s more to it…more as in more money in Seattle.

By Kevin

February 18, 2009 10:07 PM | Link to this

Poor job by AJC for using sources that didn’t know what the h—- they were talking about. The AJC needs to check its sources a wee bit better. This article went out across the country, including Chattanooga. A lot of fans wanted Griffey so this lousy journalistic effort reverberates even deeper than a mere sports story.

By Greg

February 18, 2009 10:07 PM | Link to this

It’s kind of funny that the story that Griffey is going to be a brave is on the most popular list on this page.

By Erik

February 18, 2009 10:07 PM | Link to this

Yes, I think you are partially to blame. Though I certainly don’t think its all your fault (with the “leak” and Griffey also bearing responsibility), I think Griffey’s comments make it clear that the AJC’s article was a significant factor. Now, the real question to me is whether you’ll try to rationalize it away (ala’ most media outlets as they trot out their self-rightous journalistic ways), or whether you’ll own up to any of the fault and recognize that the internet era in which we live changes the game for all of us … even journalists.

By Andrew

February 18, 2009 10:07 PM | Link to this

*Dave O’Brien owes us a huuuuuge apology. *

By William

February 18, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this

Is DOB on Administrative Leave? I haven’t seen his name listed as an author on anything since this broke.

Good job Griffey! Don’t let the media tell you where you would fit best.

BTW- Frank Wren? What a laughingstock you have become. Which is surprising since you came from the ultimate organization, the Baltimore O’s

Hilarious

By Max

February 18, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this

yes, its ajc and wrens fault,

first off even though griffey said no decision was made the ajc continued to write blogs saying waiting for griffey to show and all braves at camp minus one.

also, wren can not get a deal done for his life

By 8p

February 18, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this

So if I’m to believe Wren, Griffey was fired up to play in ATL and ready to sign until the AJC report? Why would seeing it in print stir up such righteous indignation? That’s laughable.

More likely Wren just can’t close a deal. I think we’ve seen that already. First Smoltz, now Griffey, and I bet Glavine is next. Wren sucks.

By allen

February 18, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this

Wren is incompetent. Show him the gate.

By Hartwell Carson

February 18, 2009 10:09 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren has failed over and over again, this is not the AJC’s fault. Frank Wren could not close a deal with a mentally retarded three year old. When is the last time you remember John Shuerholtz missing his man once, much less at least five times in one off season.

Fire Frank Wren now before we get any worse!!

By southside z

February 18, 2009 10:09 PM | Link to this

wtf??? dob, next time get your facts straight you dumb a$$. everyone should have kept their mouths shut til the man signed on the dotted line. for 2 days 680 and 790 have had a love fest that was sickening to listen too. jilted and embarrassed because you fu^kers couldnt keep your mouths shut!!!!!

yea cmon

By Frank

February 18, 2009 10:09 PM | Link to this

What are you guys, TMZ? As soon as I saw your “report” I knew there would be fallout. Can you just keep your mouth shut till something’s official. You’re not doing anyone a favor by trying to “beat the competition” on these stories.

By Matt

February 18, 2009 10:09 PM | Link to this

Great going AJC. How about you grow a pair and stop asking whether people think it’s your fault (which it obviously is), and admit your mistake?

By BBallFan

February 18, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this

It would be nice if the AJC reported the news, i.e. when something happens. I don’t care for someone’s conjecture or speculation being passed off as “the news”. It seems being first triumphs being right and that, my friends, is a mistake. I don’t know how much the report played into Griffey’s decision, only he knows, but I could see how a PREMATURE reporting of “the news” could put him in a difficult position if he had not spoken with Seattle’s management about his decision and they heard about it second hand from a “news report”.

By don

February 18, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this

It would be difficult to determine who is more inept- Wren or the AJC.

It sure shows what a long fall the Braves have taken from the days when free agents wanted to play for them. Now, they avoid them like the plague- unless, of course, ypou pay them twice what they are worth like they did Lowe.

You won’t be able to forget Elvis Andrus. Another dumba— move.

By Chris

February 18, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this

Maybe you should just go ahead and report me the next president while you’re at it! Starting to look like the AJC is full of dumb @$$3$!!!!!!!

By Joy Division

February 18, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this

Good going, AJC and David O’Butthead!

By BravesRaJoke

February 18, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this

That is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Griffey signed with the Mariners because they offered him more $$ and probably dangled some other marketing goodies in front of him as he probably will end his career there. Once again the Braves lose out on a free agent because they were too cheap and didn’t get him to sign on the dotted line. Griffey used the Braves offer as leverage on the M’s. The AJC had zero to do with it especially since I had heard Griffey was considering the Braves prior to the news hitting the AJC. The Braves have let another one get away and now fans will just have the Home Depot tool race and the wave to look forward to at games next season. Braves ownership please sell the team to someone who cares and is willing to spend some bucks like Mark Cuban or Arthur Blank.

By George

February 18, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this

Time to waste a bunch of prospects on Nick Swisher or Xavier Nady. Thanks AJC for screwing it up again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Paul

February 18, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this

You guys are ridiculous. You all should feel terrible right now. Griffy would have been perfect in Atlanta, and the fact that you guys even at all factor in his decision to go to Seattle is just crazy. I can’t believe you guys would even post articles like that when you don’t even know if he is actually coming to Atlanta.

By PMC

February 18, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this

No, Not at all, Ken Griffey Jr. has simply decided it’s more important to be trotted around in a Mariners jersey so people can remember that 12 years ago he was actually a really great baseball player before he broke every bone and tendon in the lower half of his body.

Does it suck to lose another player…. I guess. but at best he’s a washed up 39 and as much as Buck Belue may want “leadership” to be important in baseball the Braves pay coaches for that and Stats win games… Griffey isn’t exactly hitting 40 home runs anymore, the Braves ownership has decided paying people that hit 40 Home Runs costs too much money.

By Julie

February 18, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this

This is completely your fault. I hope you all are happy. Report the truth or stop reporting, seriously.

By Biren

February 18, 2009 10:12 PM | Link to this

I just don’t get it. Why would the AJC keep up articles of Griffey coming to Atlanta when he refuted them? David O’Brien and the rest of the crew should know better from the rest of the winter’s miscues. Frankly, I don’t care about Griffey. I want Garret Anderson! We have such a strong team this year. Don’t worry about Griffey. He would have been nice but we have an awesome pitching rotation. We also have people who can slug the ball out of the park. I just hope we don’t get Nick Swisher!

By Wil

February 18, 2009 10:12 PM | Link to this

This is just a case of something that has happened all offseason. A free agent using the Braves to pump up his market value for his actual desired team. I am not sure how much Griffey really wanted to play for the Braves, but if it’s true he choose the Mariners because of a news paper story, I’m glad he didn’t sign. Especially if he signed with the M’s just to spite the Braves. (Because of the story)

I think like Furcal, AJ Burnett, before him Griffey just used us to get what he wanted from the M’s and seeing what they gave him an increase in salary it looks correct.

By Chaz

February 18, 2009 10:13 PM | Link to this

Never really could picture him signing with the Braves despite the reports. He is clearly ready to wind down and DH instead of having to play the field. I think the idea of riding the bench didn’t work for him and he wanted to pay tribute to Seattle. Someone may need to remind Griffey that the M’s are horrible and the crowds will be thin. If Griffey is so fickle that he didn’t sign with the Braves because of the AJC article then perhaps his heart wasn’t with signing for the Braves anyway. Good thing for Griffey that he never played in the Big Apple.

By PMC

February 18, 2009 10:13 PM | Link to this

The worst part about this is that it’s closing time at the bar and the Braves couldn’t get the drunken fat divorced cougar begging for sex to go home with them. Better luck next year I guess.

Don’t beat yourself up too much DOB. Griffey just needed to feel relevant and cared about…. same reason Glavine came back to Atlanta.

By Cro25

February 18, 2009 10:14 PM | Link to this

It has to be embarrasing that the AJC posted that he was indeed signing with the Braves. Frank Wren is definitely no John Schuerholz. Someone should be held accountable for reporting that story.

By DAVE O'BRIEN

February 18, 2009 10:14 PM | Link to this

Shutup

By Brian22

February 18, 2009 10:16 PM | Link to this

GIVE ME A BREAK. You can truly call Griffey “The Kid” if he’s going to pout and blame the AJC for his not signing with Atlanta.

By This is getting old

February 18, 2009 10:17 PM | Link to this

Unbelieveable. This has been the most annoying, disappointing, and worthless offseason. I can’t blame the AJC for Griffey changing his mind, but I can blame you for reporting that another deal was done before it was done.

By That's Mr. Gil to You

February 18, 2009 10:17 PM | Link to this

Folks, get a grip… It’s not exactly Dewey defeats Truman… It’s just a baseball player who wants to play somewhere else. Don’t worry, someone will make the most of the opportunity.

By Alex Rodriguez

February 18, 2009 10:18 PM | Link to this

Guys, David was just young and stupid with all this. He thought that this was just an energy boost for the Braves spring training coverage. Let’s just judge his journalism from this day forward

By Angry

February 18, 2009 10:18 PM | Link to this

So here’s the thing, AJC, you were first. Congratulations. You know what would have happened if Griffey had signed with the Braves? Nobody would have remembered the AJC told us first. Nobody would give a damn either way, if Griffey was a star or a dud in ATL. Instead, he’s headed to Seattle, and everyone’s going to remember that you were wrong and that you MIGHT have p** him off with your story and made him go back to Seattle to soothe the hurt feelings there.

The question you’ve got to ask is, is is REALLY worth it to go with these unnamed “sources” who are “close” to the player? Yeah, you were first, AJC. What would have been the big deal with waiting a little bit until you figured out what was REALLY going on? Furcal and now Griffey. We’ll remember you were first. And you were WRONG.

By southside z

February 18, 2009 10:18 PM | Link to this

i am pi$$ed off about this. rule numero uno-dont open your mouth if you dont know wtf your talking about. dob, ajc, 790, 680 take your medicine you dumba$$es. for 2 days they’ve been running their mouths about kgj. and terrance howard, you black racist its mostly your fault you stupid fu^k. egg in our face again and i dont like it. im the one who should be hosing down a face(preferably female). yea cmon

By KJS

February 18, 2009 10:19 PM | Link to this

I expect nothing less from wanna be sports journalists who have no idea how to cover big time sports. How many passes will you get? This is so typical for the AJC. Stay away please.

By Tami

February 18, 2009 10:20 PM | Link to this

Well, it is MORE than a coincidence that this happened TWICE in the same off/preseason: First, with Furcal and now with Griffey that AJC reported a player intended to hook up with the Braves. It appears that both instances were reported maturely — in hindsight.

In this case, though, I don’t think AJC is 100% to blame. But, the premature reporting certainly didn’t help things much.

Regardless, I thought Griffey took WAAAY too much time to decide. He had all offseason to decide what he was going to do! And, WHY would he contact the Braves stating he wanted to play with the team, and do this complete reversal after bringing up the hopes of so many Braves’ fans? I think he was just looking for some sort of excuse to make his decision “easier” on himself. The whole thing stinks.

So….what should the Braves do now? I certainly hope that they have a “hidden” gem within the minors invited to spring training. Wouldn’t that be a pleasant surprise?! It’s all anyone can hope for at this point, now. Especially since spring training has officially begun.

By Hogan

February 18, 2009 10:20 PM | Link to this

I am absolutely infuriated… I honestly think that Frank Wren has completely Munsoned this offseason about as bad as he could have, and I would love to blame this on him, but I can’t. The AJC is 100% at fault, here (from what we know). Is this management going to end up costing us Chipper?? It’s a legitimate question. I am very discouraged with this…

By dobearsbare

February 18, 2009 10:21 PM | Link to this

If Griffey didn’t come here because of something that was in the paper, then should the Braves seriously want him?

By P

February 18, 2009 10:21 PM | Link to this

Um, outing your source might be prudent in this sense.

Clearly whoever they are they have sullied Mr Obriens reputation and probably harmed access to the FO, not that that really means anything. Frank Wren never really says much of anything we can’t tell anyway.

He did a pretty nice job this offseason…. except for the 4 guys he struck out like Francouer on. Seriously lay off the 4 ft outside curveballs man.

By dave

February 18, 2009 10:21 PM | Link to this

LOL…

DOB is DOA once again. Frank Wren came from the Oriols so what are we to expect? This off season is laughable.

Another person that needs to shut his trap is good ole Dipper “Hooters” Jones himself. I can only imagine the dumb a* thing that come out of his mouth when he’s “negotiating” with these players. Why the hell is Wren and Cox allowing this roid-head to do these talks. God this organization has turned to a turd in such a short time!!!!

By William

February 18, 2009 10:21 PM | Link to this

I sympathize with DOB. He gets a scoop from a trusted source, one that he has won over many steak dinners and AJC swag. He posts it on the front page of the AJC and gets a great story before all the competition…. wait… there is no competition for Atlanta Braves news….

By 24dork

February 18, 2009 10:21 PM | Link to this

really guys. If it’s true, who cares. Jr is way over the hill now just like Smoltz, Glavine, and soon to be Chipper. Forget about those guys. It’s time to forget about the past and embrace the times of old. There used to be a time when players actually WANTED to play in ATL. Quit blaming it on ajc.com. If it weren’t for the AJC none of you would have anything to do or complain about anyway. Just get used to loving the Braves of old. The 80’s ruled anyway.

By Gopher

February 18, 2009 10:22 PM | Link to this

Chill out people. If this was Griffey’s deciding factor then I wouldn’t want him as a Brave cuz it is a flat out childish move. I don’t blame Wren or DOB, I blame Griffey. Everyone wanted to know Griffey’s decision ASAP and the AJC tried to accomodate that. And lets all remember something, we didn’t lose an Albert Pujols type player here. We lost a way past his prime player.

By Dozer

February 18, 2009 10:22 PM | Link to this

Let me get this straight - its the media’s fault?? He got upset at these reports?? Sounds like a guy who really wanted to be here. Don’t despair Frank - I hear Rowland Office or Brian Asselstine is available - if not them I’m sure he’ll find some other broken-down CHEAP body to play OF….

By whocarea?

February 18, 2009 10:23 PM | Link to this

He’s 39, he’s injury prone, he can’t run anymore and he can’t turn on a good fastball. Not me saying it, it’s the major league scouts. Add to that, he’s apparently a prima donna if he would change his mind based on a newspaper article. DOB is a first rate baseball reporter, but important enough to make a future Hall of Famer change his mind on where to play? Maybe not.

By 2430173

February 18, 2009 10:23 PM | Link to this

I think DOB, as much as I love him, has been reporting stuff too quickly this offseason as a whole. As soon as he hears something, it’s reported… but, hey, isn’t that what we want as fans? Isn’t that what we ask for? All the time, “what’s the latest, what’s going on, who’s Atlanta interested in????” So, yes DOB is to blame, but so are we, the fans. Ultimately, Griffey chose nostalgia over logic. Smoltz chose logic over nostalgia. Furcal chose recent familiarity. Peavy had one town on his mind (Windy city) to go to or stay in Sunny Diego. So, yes, the offseason has sucked… but at least we have a decent team with a chance at winning this year and enough young talent waiting in the wings to be good in another year or three.

By lostforwords

February 18, 2009 10:24 PM | Link to this

this is a joke isn’t it? a cruel joke . I have lost some serious interest in spring training.

By Arkansas Braves Fan

February 18, 2009 10:24 PM | Link to this

No one chooses to play clear across the country instead of an hour flight from home because of a premature news article. No one is to blame but Braves management. I think Wren could screw up an iron ball!! Look at the positives, we would have expected Griffey to be Griffey and he ain’t the “Kid” anymore.

By southside z

February 18, 2009 10:24 PM | Link to this

absolutely typical, complete bullsh!t, way to go. someone should lose their job over this sh1t. bla bla bla, for 2 days you stupid fu^ks. kgj is gonna do this, hes gonna do that. i am p**^ off.

yea cmon

By mr wrestling II

February 18, 2009 10:26 PM | Link to this

How many of you worship at the altar of ESPN? They pioneered the technique of reporting a story as fact before it ever happens, egg drips off of their faces constantly. GET OVER IT!

By AfroDawg

February 18, 2009 10:26 PM | Link to this

What do y’all expect from a loser a$$ town like Atlanta. Everybody, including the media is so used to losing in all sports, and yes the Braves are losers, that we’ll hang our collective hats on anything. Most of these players use Atlanta to sweeten deals elsewhere, on the bright side, Griffey is a take him or leave him type player.

By mayord

February 18, 2009 10:26 PM | Link to this

the ajc and braves are at fault. this 36 year braves fan is wondering what to watch this spring because i’m losing interest in the braves….i bet dale murphy can still swing a bat.

By Michael

February 18, 2009 10:26 PM | Link to this

To blame? No. The reason? Maybe. The AJC can’t print a story if a source doesn’t tell the AJC reporters anything. It’s not the AJC’s job to help the Braves land people. Wren needs to tell his subordinates to stop leaking information if that’s what is effing everything up.

By Richard Phelps

February 18, 2009 10:27 PM | Link to this

Why call Chipper and say you wanted to play for the Braves then go to Seatlle. All this Sh%t was is to get more money out of Seattle. What I can say, Is to tell Kenny take his broking down A%% to Seattle. This was not Wren or AJC fault.

By J

February 18, 2009 10:27 PM | Link to this

Amazing in a town with ONE newspaper…. we could have such crappy journalism.

By John

February 18, 2009 10:27 PM | Link to this

Thanks AJC!!! Sarcasm intended

Having Jr. split time with Matty in left would have been really nice considering Jr.’s average against righties. Throw your reporter and his source out of the window because you just cost the Braves and their fans a future Hall of Famer.

By Logan

February 18, 2009 10:28 PM | Link to this

thanks for screwing over the griffey deal. you guys have very reliable news……NOT.

By Verypissed

February 18, 2009 10:28 PM | Link to this

Don’t act all innocent AJC, you’re the morons who said GRIFFEY A BRAVE BLAH BLAH. You would think to check your sources twice. Or make sure with Wren and MLB. Or think twice before you become idiots. Don’t blame the Braves on not getting Griffey, he was probably just scared about playing in a city with such a stupid newspaper. Next time, don’t scare away an African-American from a team that sorely needs some. Stupid idiots.

By Keith

February 18, 2009 10:29 PM | Link to this

Dear AJC,

Why were you ever so confident that Griffey was becoming a Brave? So confident that your “Griffey picks Braves over Mariners” link quickly went from a huge link to a very minor link on your website, yet, it NEVER WENT AWAY! No matter that (1) atlantabraves.com quickly reported that Griffey said it was inaccurate, and (2) espn.com did not even mention a thing about it until it said that Griffey was undecided. You didn’t even bother to retract the report until he “turned his back on the Braves”. Turned his back? HE NEVER SAID HE WAS COMING TO ATLANTA! WAKE UP GENIUSES!

You screwed up. Admit it.

By glenn

February 18, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this

The AJC, and Chipper flapping his jaw like a crazy old biddy…

By jdog19

February 18, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this

ajc, ive been following this ish for two days. i knew you reported it early. you suck. just wait until an official report comes out from now on. please.

By Jay

February 18, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this

Remember when AJC/DOB reported Furcal was going to be a Brave again?

Remember when AJC/DOB said that Andruw looked like he was going to be a Brave again?

Remember when AJC/DOB said Griffey was going to be a Brave?

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me three times? Goodbye credibility.

Baseball, the AJC, and DOB…all going downhill fast.

By Marc

February 18, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this

Are we sure about Glavine? Wren sucks as a General Manager. Cant close crap maybe we can keep Chipper unless Wren screws that up. Will be a long year.

By WHO CARES

February 18, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this

Go get Orlando Huson and move K Johnson back to the OF

By Trey

February 18, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this

Why would anyone blame Wren? I keep seeing phrases that imply Wren can’t get deals done. If I’m not mistaken, it’s the other players that have chosen to go elsewhere for whatever reason. Why is that Wren’s fault? He has a limited budget when it comes to free agents. And he’s smart enough to get punked into dealing away a busload of prospects for Peavy. So blame the players for crying out load. I hope Jr. , Burnett, and Furcal all spend the season in the cellar.

By cliff

February 18, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this

Is this a Bad Dream.The Braves are becoming laughing stock of mlb.Better sign Garret Anderson and Jim Edmonds(if you can)

By AJC SUCKS BIG BALLS

February 18, 2009 10:33 PM | Link to this

How is that higher a staff. Did any of you go to college for this crap. Seems like a pretty simple job but the AJC F’s it up every F’in time. How do you report a story if its not true. I really hope you learn from this one. Third times a charm right (furcal now Jr so the third time I hope you get it). Don’t report a story till the facts are true and a player signs his damn name on paper. All of you suck so bad. You should all be fired and I know there are a lot of people looking for work right now and you SHOULD BE JOINING THEM. Every single sports writer for this paper needs to be fired (except maybe the Falcons and Hawks blog guys). I just can’t believe you suck so bad. I will never subscribe to this paper and you are a disgrace to this town. F YOU AJC and DOB.

By UGADean

February 18, 2009 10:33 PM | Link to this

who cares..If this was the reason why, then that is pretty petty. Have fun junior playing on a loser team, that will be playing for the cellar..Nobody will see you on tv outside of seattle…You are past your prime anyway…imo you did the braves a favor..have fun watching us on tv in october..p.s. wanna see my WS title ring???

By 95braves23

February 18, 2009 10:35 PM | Link to this

I will never buy another AJC paper. No doubt AJC screwed this one up. AJC’s Braves coverage is a joke anyway. I don’t doubt for a minute that Griffey had decided to sign with Atlanta; but he wanted to talk to the Mariners first before they heard it through the media. If the leak came from within the Braves front office Frank Wren needs to fire them NOW. That’s a lot of revenue (tickets,jersey sales) down the drain. Thanks AJC for royally screwing this up.

By Braves80

February 18, 2009 10:36 PM | Link to this

This is part of the reason I hate the news media. They’re more worried about trying to get the scoop or sensationalize a story than giving people the facts. It’s all about ratings/readership. The concept of “true journalism” is a fiction. Of course, sports reporting is even worse than most other forms of journalism, and most fifth graders could point out how badly the AJC is written. (Oh, and I’ve felt this way about the AJC for years. This is the first time I’ve been to AJC.com in ages, and the only time I buy one of their papers is to get the day after Thanksgiving ads.)

That said, I can’t understand Griffey. He contacts the Braves apparently because he wanted to explore an option other than the Mariners, then can’t make up his mind and gets upset by a report saying he’s going to a team before he’s made a statement? This is a grown adult who’s been playing Major League Baseball for 20 years?

By Realist

February 18, 2009 10:37 PM | Link to this

Does anyone really believe Glavine is going to sign with the Braves at this point? DOB is treating it like a done deal, so I guess that means Glavine will be wearing a Nationals or Marlins uniform in April.

By Hip Hopcracy

February 18, 2009 10:38 PM | Link to this

If this means Terence Moore will now refrain from writing his annual “Sign Junior” column, it may well be worth it.

By rubbatomahawk

February 18, 2009 10:38 PM | Link to this

Yes, the AJC screwed up. But don’t blame O’Brien…It’s the editors who are responsible for deciding what to publish or put on AJC.com.

They were so eager to get a scoop that they turned the AJC into a national embarrassment. Do your jobs! Check it Out before you run a story!

By Rick in Dallas

February 18, 2009 10:39 PM | Link to this

AJC reports that Osama Bin Laden will appear in Braves training camp. Oh my god!!! Don’t report that then he will change his mind. I knew it the whole time that the AJC is the cause of Worldwide terrorism , 9-11, and now this. Jr is not coming to Atlanta.

By gb

February 18, 2009 10:39 PM | Link to this

what your headlines effect had on griffey’s signing doesn’t matter. the headline were \ are wrong. admit you printed this without or with very poor sources. bad journelism any way you spin it. dont try to deflect your bad to the braves. their website said they were waiting for a decision. they are right ajc is wrong.

By Eric

February 18, 2009 10:40 PM | Link to this

Boo.

By JohnnyTide

February 18, 2009 10:40 PM | Link to this

Griffey is just another has been. Let’s be thankful he found another sucker team. He might play 80 games and pinch hit but he is too old. Happy trails old man.

By Chris

February 18, 2009 10:40 PM | Link to this

It’s become more frequent. In the never-ending race to “break the story” first, more misinformation and speculation. How about you get your facts right and let things actually happen…maybe even talk to the source himself…before speculating. You are not the reason Griffey chose Seattle, but you sure might want to think about how you report “news”. I long for the days when we had to wait until the next day’s paper to see what news had actually happened.

By DWThomas

February 18, 2009 10:40 PM | Link to this

It’s difficult to determine if this was the deciding factor in Junior’s decision. However, it’s not difficult to say that the AJC has once again damaged its credibility and reputation thanks to overzealous, premature, and downright irresponsible reporting.

As a journalism student, I can confidently say that the paper committed an error on this one. Printing a story or headline suggesting that Griffey (or someone close to him) had indicated that the slugger was ‘strongly leaning’ toward Atlanta or something of sorts is perfectly legitimate. However, it is something QUITE different to post an article to your website with the headline “Griffey picks Braves over Mariners” or “Griffey a Brave.” The AJC has lost a LOT of credibility in this town, and deservedly so. I just wish that it only hurt their profit margins - instead of the most beloved professional sports team in this region… and not to mention its fans.

By Jeff

February 18, 2009 10:41 PM | Link to this

Wren is using the AJC as a scapegoat. He is a joke. You think Cashman would blame the NY Daily News or the NY Post if they lost a FA? The assertion by Wren is really laughable after all that has happened with his failures over the past few months. Schuerholz needs to relieve Wren of his duties. I’ve never seen such egregious failures over a single off season from a GM as I have with Wren. Furcal, Burnett, Smoltz, and now Griffey. Bottom line: Wren is a failure.

By Steven Weber

February 18, 2009 10:42 PM | Link to this

Of course its the ajc’s fault. as you can read everything was going good on tuesday till griffey read the stupid unresearched article that was put out there for the world to read, knowing this is a big story and every single braves fan is following. What a stupid move by the ajc, and not the first one.

By Nam

February 18, 2009 10:42 PM | Link to this

Thanks for ruining a potentially good thing.

By MLB

February 18, 2009 10:43 PM | Link to this

Draw your own conclusions from these DOB quotes:

“There’s still no doubt in my mind that, as we reported yesterday in the AJC, Griffey has decided to be a Brave.”

“I’ll say it’s just a matter of time before it’s official.”

“If Ken Griffey Jr. isn’t officially a Brave by the end of the day, please shoot me.”

“Folks, I can understand why the Furcal situation has you concerned about Griffey, but all I can tell you is, you need not be concerned. Dude is going to be a Brave.”

By MLB

February 18, 2009 10:43 PM | Link to this

Draw your own conclusions from these DOB quotes:

“There’s still no doubt in my mind that, as we reported yesterday in the AJC, Griffey has decided to be a Brave.”

“I’ll say it’s just a matter of time before it’s official.”

“If Ken Griffey Jr. isn’t officially a Brave by the end of the day, please shoot me.”

“Folks, I can understand why the Furcal situation has you concerned about Griffey, but all I can tell you is, you need not be concerned. Dude is going to be a Brave.”

By Mr. Peepers

February 18, 2009 10:44 PM | Link to this

Sign Garrett Anderson right now!!!!!

Griffey probably hurt his back when he turned on Atlanta anways

By DOBforpresident

February 18, 2009 10:44 PM | Link to this

Dewey defeats Truman Nice job, Dave.

By Eddie Haskell

February 18, 2009 10:44 PM | Link to this

The only thing that is truly annoying about Braves beat reporting is the constant theme that some free agent or another would love to play for Bobby Cox

How many times did we hear that during the off-season—including Furcal and Griffey.

Cox is just a harmless old fool now. Babbling his pet nicknames at the top of the dugout steps. Of COURSE people in other organizations are going to say nice things about him.

As long as he is calling the shots for the Braves, they are that much less of a threat.

By kerryb

February 18, 2009 10:44 PM | Link to this

Do you guys expect anything diferent from this sorry rag? This whole paper shows everyday that no one there probably even has a journalism degree or got theirs from an online school. Thanks AJC for jumping the gun when there was no story. Hey, I got an idea, Why don’t you guys report that Manny is signing with the Braves tommorrow. YOU BUMS!!!!

By LizDawg

February 18, 2009 10:45 PM | Link to this

* I blame Terrance Moore* Biggest racist in the South. Probably blames the Braves losing Junior to same circumstances as losing TM’s beloved David Justice.

Griff is washed-up and injury prone so good riddance. He had a future and he ruined it.

By Kent

February 18, 2009 10:46 PM | Link to this

This supremely disappointing outcome just takes the cake. AJC needs to take a serious internal look at how they decide what is and isn’t news. This was quintessential irresponsible journalism.

By Grace

February 18, 2009 10:46 PM | Link to this

Really? I’m too disappointed even to laugh about that. AJC is the only newspaper in town. So you’re very, very commericial. Sorry, you’re just not that powerful.

Once again, management is to blame. BRING BACK TED.

By atlkeith

February 18, 2009 10:46 PM | Link to this

you people are pathetic,,,,,DOB, come on,,,,AJC,,,damn,,,,words escape me…

By eagletwins

February 18, 2009 10:47 PM | Link to this

more to this than a story in a newspaper, making a grown man change his mind. very immature on griffey’s part. he was coming. wren may have messed this up. but most of this is just junior being a junior.

By Upset in NC

February 18, 2009 10:48 PM | Link to this

Has everyone noticed that DOB isn’t around for all of this? Or perhaps is Blog is down from blogging? Go figure. I can’t wait til tomorrow to see what DOB and AJC has to say.

It is what it is folks. It’s time for the Braves to be contenders and not pretenders.

By JuniorGriffeyFan

February 18, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this

Chipper is DOB’s source. He’s on the blog more than a middle-aged guy that lives in his mom’s basement, and he was quoted all over articles about Griffey’s pending signing with the Braves.

By andy

February 18, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren is a joke! Bring back John please…

By Scott

February 18, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this

Is the AJC to blame for losing Griffey?

Haha, what a great way to shift the debate. Every other news organization is reporting you are directly responsible, so unless they are all wrong and your right looks like I have reason to cancel my subscription.

Maybe they are wrong though, and you are right, I mean afterall you guys were reporting that Griffey was coming to Atlanta and they were saying that he hadn’t decided so since you hit the nail on the head there maybe I should give you the benefit of the doubt.

Oh whats that? Oh not only were you wrong but you reporting directly caused the opposite thing to happen? Dang. Not a good day AJC. I look forward to reading your apology.

By atlkeith

February 18, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this

just realize, as I am sure you do considering the posts above, NONE OF YOU HAVE ANY CREDIBILITY, PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By MEB

February 18, 2009 10:50 PM | Link to this

WOW!!! Who’s guarding the asylum tonight? Step back from the computer and read the vile crap that y’all are writing. Do you really think that the AJC and David O’Brien are responsible for Junior making this decision? I think Jr has been around the block a few times and he’s not going to let a newspaper make this decision for him. I think he wanted a big farewell season with an opportunity to hit DH when his knees hurt. Obviously you morons don’t read DOB on a regular basis and realize what a gold mine of information about the Braves he truly is. And stop blaming Wren for decisions that Furcal, Burnett, Smoltz, and Peavy made. The Braves made honorable offers to each of these players and they make decisions they felt best fit their needs. The Braves can hold their heads high! I for one am looking forward to some of our young talent getting a chance to play instead of a waning superstar.

GO BRAVES!!!

By Braves Fan

February 18, 2009 10:52 PM | Link to this

F*** your shoddy journalism and take more pride in your paper. If a story is not entirely true, then don’t write about it unless you enjoy looking like a jackass. Once again the AJC fails on a dismal level.

By doug h

February 18, 2009 10:52 PM | Link to this

The Atlanta Journal Constipation blew it. I will not be surprised if T.Moore had a lot to do with it. You no he hates the Braves.Now i remember why i do not get the AJC anymore. I knew they would try to lay the blame on Braves.

By DWThomas

February 18, 2009 10:54 PM | Link to this

Everyone stop talking about Wren!

And shame on the AJC for saying that this was posted on the Braves website!

This was posted by MLB.com and I originally saw it at MLBtradeRumors.com!

Griffey himself said this! Neither Frank Wren nor anyone affiliated with the Braves organization has tried to blame this on the AJC!

Maybe the AJC should take a little tip from MLB.com or MLBtradeRumors.com and try reporting FACTS! That’s all they have done!

P.S. It’s also irresponsible and downright cowardice of the AJC to ask on this very story : “Are we to blame or is this all a smokescreen?”

It seems that it is a FACT (check dictionary.com if you’re unsure of what this means, AJC) that this had at least SOMETHING to do with Junior’s decision.

This is UNBELIEVABLE!

By Matt

February 18, 2009 10:54 PM | Link to this

Yes AJC is to blame some what but do you really think a Player like griffey is going to pick where he finishes his playing years just because of what Dave said? thats just insane. I believe you all are putting to much blame on the man.

By Still a Brave Fan

February 18, 2009 10:55 PM | Link to this

Obviously we have all been following this story for what seems like a week now, and are all p*ssed that Junior backed out on the Bravos.

It was a very delicate situation, Junior and his family were obviously torn for a good 24 hours and the fact of the matter is that the AJC did have an impact on how it all played out.

Was it 100% their fault? Of course not. Did they hurt the Braves team by temporarily forgetting everything they learned in their freshman Journalism 101 class? OF COURSE!

But let’s be honest folks the AJC became a rag long ago and we in Atlanta must just deal with it.

Hopefully the editors and sports beat writers have learned a valuable lesson.

Lets all try and move on, but if you cancel your AJC subscription (as did years ago) I wouldn’t blame you one bit.

By Adam

February 18, 2009 10:55 PM | Link to this

Does Frank Wren write for the AJC?

Jeez folks, don’t shoot the messenger. Do you honestly think that Griffey was so thin skinned that he made this decision just to stick it to the AJC. Come on!

He wanted to end his career with the team he’ll enter the hall representing. He’ll get to DH in the AL and he’ll go back as a hero. That means something - ask Tom Glavine - unless Frank Wren finds a way to screw that up too!

And, if you want to blame someone, blame yourselves Braves fans. We were expecting this 39 year old man who has been plagued with chronic health problems over the past decade to come in and be some kind of savior to push this team into the playoffs - please - Griffey knew he couldn’t live up to that hype.

He’ll go to Seattle, DH, hit a few dingers, tip his cap and he’s done - no one expects Seattle to be a factor next year and no one wants to end their career as a big disappointment as he certainly would have been for the Braves; again, ask Tom Glavine.

NOW, Frank will you PLEASE go get Garret Anderson!!! Left handed, hit .293 last year, career .296, in his entire career has NEVER hit below .283; and, oh yeah, and he actually plays left field. He’s the veteran presence we need and, unlike Griffey, he actually has a much better chance of hitting close to .300, giving you 15 home runs and 80 runs - that’s what we need!

By curtis jones

February 18, 2009 10:56 PM | Link to this

I guess we can blame the Internets. There seems to be so much pressure and competition these days to have the story first. David O’Brien or his editors evidently caved to this pressure, with the premature Griffey story.

So the AJC was first….with an incorrect story. Personally, I’m glad the injury-plagued spoiled brat is going back to the Mariners (how did that work out the first time? Any World Series rings? Playoff appearances? .500 records?)

But back on topic, I hope the AJC and other media outlets learned something. Get it right. Then publish it. You might not be first, but you will be right.

By cchase

February 18, 2009 10:59 PM | Link to this

Meh.. Griffey would have been a nice addition, but losing him is not the end of the world. The odds of him have a mediocre year or getting injured are just as great as him having a good year.

By doug h

February 18, 2009 11:00 PM | Link to this

I just hope the do not screw up the Glavin deal for the Braves

By Sweet Home Alabama

February 18, 2009 11:00 PM | Link to this

Wren could not give away a fur coat to a naked eskimo.

By Joe

February 18, 2009 11:01 PM | Link to this

Well lets not live in the pass it’s over Griffey is not going to be a brave. We need to focus on now trying to move on and find another option which is try to either sign Jim Edmonds, Garrett Anderson, Trade for Nick Swisher or Xavier Nady.

I hope the braves sign Jim Edmonds he will get the job done.

By Grahzny Bratchny

February 18, 2009 11:01 PM | Link to this

Griffey is loyal to a fault. Once a loser, always a loser. He has not won a thing, would that help the Braves? To view any “big” free agent as a platoon player even if it was 5-7 days just means he was only a partial fix - regardless of Diaz’s abilities. The Braves need something stable in the outfield. It would not have been left with a platoon, Center with the flavor of the month, or Francouer. Francouer can offer good D and then we hope a bat meets the ball .275 of the time?

Manny would earn $$ for the owners.

By drew

February 18, 2009 11:02 PM | Link to this

Yes, it’s the fault of the AJC. As a journalist, you should know NOT to print a story until it has been verified.

I would be embarrassed if I was you.

It’s a great day to be a M’s fan:-)

By Alex

February 18, 2009 11:02 PM | Link to this

Thanks to the AJC I’m out $150 and will have unused tickets around the house come Oct. No wonder the newspaper business is almost dead…

By dawgfan

February 18, 2009 11:03 PM | Link to this

Anybody in their right mind should know that Griffey used the Braves just like Furcal. An hour flight from his family and spring training 20 minutes from home! Give me a break, just another overpaid over the hill athlete whose ego is so big that he has to play games with both teams to prove he’s still the man! Go to Seattle, get hurt in the first month, and retire like you should have 3 years ago!

By Brent A.

February 18, 2009 11:03 PM | Link to this

I read it reported that the new AJC publisher (Doug Franklin, I believe his name is) said at the most recent quarterly staff meeting that this paper is losing $1 million dollars per week.

With reporting like this, it’s easy to see why. Not that Frank Wren and the Braves staff hasn’t earned their share of accountability, but when the player specifically calls out the paper, that is a problem. All the more reason I’ll continue to get most of my news from the internet and watch most of my baseball in Gwinnett.

By DWThomas

February 18, 2009 11:05 PM | Link to this

Bold: I WANT TO SEE AN APOLOGY FROM THE AJC

Bold: OR AT LEAST AN ADMISSION OF WRONGDOING!

By TC

February 18, 2009 11:06 PM | Link to this

Face it, the Braves got used again for probably the 5th time this off season. Scheurholz would have never let this happen because no one would have known the Braves were after Griffey until after he was signed. Frank Wren is in way over his head

By Timothy

February 18, 2009 11:06 PM | Link to this

I don’t blame the AJC for ruining the deal (that is just nuts); but I do blame the AJC for being wrong over and over and over again.

You guys are in desperate need of competition!

By Mitchell

February 18, 2009 11:07 PM | Link to this

I don’t know.

That’s all I know, that I don’t really know.

And neither does anybody else. Somebody just needs to explain what the hell happened and I put it on Griffey to explain himself.

Why would he, at the end of his career, leave his freaking family to spend the the next 5 to 6 months with a horrible team that in no way resembles the one he used to play for on the other side of the continent?

Because of a newspaper article!? He’s gonna leave his family because of that?

If that’s the case the only loser in this situation is Griffey.

By Zerevon

February 18, 2009 11:08 PM | Link to this

It is not like the Braves were going to win the WS screw Jr. we need young people from the farm system.. Lets get that 1991 feeling back again..GO BRAVES..and don’t blame DOB or Wren they are doing a fine job..

By Kevin Jones

February 18, 2009 11:08 PM | Link to this

To me it is Frank Wren…He must not be liked by players at all. I gave him a pass on what reports were coming from Baltimore due to their crazy owner. BUT the facts are this…every player has turned us down.

The Braves need to really look for a new GM.

By Todd

February 18, 2009 11:09 PM | Link to this

Weak excuse by Griffey it that is the case. Mr. Wren please give Garret Anderson a chance as he had more RBI’s and is 3 years younger than Griffey.

By fordcobra

February 18, 2009 11:09 PM | Link to this

Please quit trying to get and keep these old geezers. You have to give up something to get something so let’s go get something. Griffey’s over the hill so don’t worry about him.

By Glenn

February 18, 2009 11:09 PM | Link to this

Yay !!! I would rather have Garrett Anderson anyway . Don’t screw that up AJC !!

By Vander Holyfeel

February 18, 2009 11:10 PM | Link to this

Griffey, Smoltz and Glavine are has-beens. “Chipper” needs to back to knocking up Hooters “waitresses” and tend to his bastid kids.

By todd

February 18, 2009 11:12 PM | Link to this

i think you guys are all forgeting the jake peavy deal that was 90% sure to happen last fall.

By Larry

February 18, 2009 11:13 PM | Link to this

David O’Brien needs to be replaced as the Braves’ beat reporter. People get fired in most jobs when they screw up this badly. Griffey is a putz for blaming the AJC, but still, this is extremely sloppy reporting.

By Trece

February 18, 2009 11:13 PM | Link to this

FIRE WREN NOW!!!!!!!

By luke

February 18, 2009 11:13 PM | Link to this

All of you laughed at me when I said our starting LF will be a platoon of Matt Diaz and Greg Norton. Here we are at spring training and our starting LF platoon consists of a journeyman with NO power, and a washed-up no talent bum.

Frank Wren, you stink! I’m still in shock that the Florida Marlins gave a World Series Championship ring to their maintenance personnel (I was told Frankie Boy was a janitor in the visitors clubhouse).

Look at Wren’s record this offseason, it’s a trainwreck. www.firefrankwren.com

Just when we get excited about adding Derek Lowe, Kenshin “Iron Chef” Kamakazi, and Javier Vasquez, let’s remember to face facts. Jake Peavy is truly a No. 1 dominant starter ACE. All three of our previously mentioned pitchers combined may not have as many strikeouts as Jake Peavey. Lowe chose Atlanta only because no other team would pay him $60 million dollars. Lowe is a good sinkerball pitcher, but NOT a strikeout ace. Vasquez was called soft in Chitown, and if memory serves me right, the “Iron Chef” will not remind us of Cy Young.

I’m more upset about the fact that we are reduced go give a no-talent bum like Greg Norton playing time. That is embarrassing fans.

Thanks Liberty Media (faceless cheap ownership) and Frank Wren (his track record speaks for itself) for ruining this once great franchise. Now we are reduced to a Royals or Pirates level. Cheap, bargain-basement baseball.

I’ll enjoy my hero Chipper playing in Boston next year.

www.firefrankwren.com

By BLH

February 18, 2009 11:14 PM | Link to this

What a bunch of hooey! Why would a guy who’s going to make a couple of million dollars playing baseball near his family suddenly change his mind over a media report? This is what the media does. They report stories and they’re always trying to beat their competitors to the news. It’s the nature of the game. It’s not as though Griffey has no experience with the media after all these years. To blame the AJC is just ridiculous beyond belief. Any number of things could have happened to change his mind, the least of which is a media report. Maybe Seattle sweetened the offer. Maybe playing near family wasn’t as important as he thought. Maybe he likes fresh seafood? Who knows? The guy changed his mind but it wasn’t because of a news story.

By The Hammer

February 18, 2009 11:14 PM | Link to this

P E O P L E P L E A S E F O C U S

O U R T E A M H A S N O C L E A N U P H I T T E R

N O O U T F I E L D E R S T O S P E A K O F

• P L A Y E R S D O N ’ T C O M E H E R E B E C A U S E T H E P R E S S A N D M A N A G E M E N T D O N’ T K N O W W H A T I T M E A N S TO F I E L D A T E A M - - I N S T E A D C H A S I N G T H E I R T A I L S I N Q U I X O T I C Q U E S T S L I K E T H I S O N E .*

By Daniel

February 18, 2009 11:14 PM | Link to this

GO TO HELL, AJC.

At the very least, you quite obviously jumped the gun. You asked us to trust your credibility and got our hopes up, ensuring us that it was a done deal. And it IS quite possible that in the interest of being first, you F’ed up this deal for everyone.

Wren was already an embarrassment to the team and the city, you just joined his ranks. Thanks for screwing this up for everybody. You’ve lost a subscriber, I can get my news for free online, and you can bet it won’t be from your site.

By jason

February 18, 2009 11:14 PM | Link to this

I PUT THIS ONE ON TERRENCE MOORE. DAVE O’BRIEN DOES A GREAT JOB AND NEVER WOULD HAVE WRITTEN THE GRIFFIEY SIGNING STORY, THAT’S WHY MOORE’S BYLINE WAS PLASTERED ON DOB’S WORK, BECAUSE MOORE TALKED TO HIS “BOY” AND GOT THE SO-CALLED SCOOP. OF COURSE THE AJC IS NOT GOINT TO HOLD MOORE ACCOUNTABLE, BUT HE’S THE MOST LIKELY REASON JR. IS NOT IN ATLANTA. I’VE ALWAYS HATED MOORE, A KNOWN RACIST, BUT HE HAS CROSSED THE LINE.

By GT

February 18, 2009 11:15 PM | Link to this

AJC may be to blame for getting people’s hopes up, but they aren’t to “blame” for Griffey signing with Seattle anymore than they are to blame for the weather. Don’t confuse incompetence with intent.

I think its more likely Griffey paid attention to the Braves and Dodgers pursuit of Furcal 2 months ago, and used the opportunity to wring something else out of the Mariners.

Good for Griffey getting a better deal with Seattle.

Good for AJC trying to insert themselves into the story. Anything to boost sales, right? Seriously, the AJC should be used to teach grammar students all the mistakes of the English language. This is a paper that not only downloads 99% of its content from AP, but still somehow manages to insert more misspellings than a classroom full of dyslexic 3rd graders.

Good for the Braves missing the opportunity to waste resources (and playing time) on a player who is way past his prime. At some point you think Braves management would learn that bringing so many over-the-hill players is an impediment to any upcoming talent, not a help.

By zned05

February 18, 2009 11:15 PM | Link to this

Great job AJC!!!! What happened to resposible journalism?!? I trust your articles now as much as I trust those trashy magazines papparazi magazines. FIRE the entire staff and get real reporters. That being said Griffey totally used the Braves as leverage..

By KC

February 18, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this

BREAKING NEWS: Atlanta - Law enforcement officials are attempting coax an Atlanta man down from atop a mid-town Atlanta high-rise building. The visibly agitated subject of the standoff is threatening to throw himself from a balcony, approximately forty stories above West Peachtree St., after receiving distressing news earlier this evening.

A spokesperson for the Atlanta Police Department has identified the man as Atlanta Journal and Constitution Columnist, Terrance Moore. Officials reported that when they approached Mr. Moore, he threatened to throw a liquor bottle at police, and repeatedly shouted “Griffey” between barely intelligible obscenities. Police are still attempting to resolve the standoff, and declined further comment.

By tasman

February 18, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this

It is pretty obvious what happened. Griffey wanted the Mariners to up the price and he contacted the Braves to make it look like he might go to Atlanta. Yes, he operated in bad faith. The Mariners outbid the Braves and Griffey followed the money. That talk that he loves Cox so much and wants to be close to his family was just a bargaining ploy. In other words… a lie. Getting real tired of bad faith bargaining by players and agents…… Furcal … AJ …..

By 99.999%

February 18, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this

So i Guess the .0001 won out. This is insane, Furcal, Griffey. Someone needs to be held responsible.

By richbrave

February 18, 2009 11:17 PM | Link to this

FRANK WREN:

JUNIOR has 4,000,000 reasons to sign with SEATTLE. Make it 5,000,000 to come to ATLANTA.

By s turn

February 18, 2009 11:18 PM | Link to this

are we even sure that Lowe is signed?

By carober

February 18, 2009 11:18 PM | Link to this

This is getting kind of ridiculous. 1) AJC reports Furcal will sign with Braves. 2) When he doesn’t, AJC blames Furcal. 3) AJC reports Griffey has decided to choose Braves (story also admits both Griffey’s agent and Wren deny any truth to statement). 4) AJC asks who is to blame.

No matter who is to blame for Griffey choosing Seattle, this is bad journalism. And not solely because of its recurring theme—inaccuracy.

By Chris

February 18, 2009 11:18 PM | Link to this

Why am I not surprised? Braves suck…they can’t sign or trade for anyone worth a damn. Why are we still Braves fans anyway?

By steve

February 18, 2009 11:19 PM | Link to this

Disgraceful and beneath contempt. This paper and This GM… this winter has been a disaster and then a few bright spots but now.. total darkness… this team is doomed.

By mac

February 18, 2009 11:20 PM | Link to this

when you are throwing rocks at sewt sayers, don’t forget buck and kincade

By spotts

February 18, 2009 11:21 PM | Link to this

Yea….how dare the AJC report news to us!

By Cardog10

February 18, 2009 11:21 PM | Link to this

Who’s fault? THE AJC IS AT FAULT ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Why in the WORLD would you have an article saying he had signed, when he DIDN’T. Are you fcking kidding? What is the point of that? Trying to be first? Even in the reasoning, he talks about how the AJC reported he picked the braves, when he didn’t. GOOD JOB you short, unathletic nerd writers… stay out of the sports section. You have the nerve to label the next article “Griffey BACKS OUT”… no, he had a choice of two teams… he isn’t on a team until he SIGNS. How dare you guys. Look how classy Seattle and its media was… and look what happened. Take notes. I’m a die hard Braves fan, and this is fcking embarassing. I’ve about had enough. The only one I respect in this organization anymore is Chipper Jones. Take notes from him as well.

By Steve

February 18, 2009 11:21 PM | Link to this

hahahahahaha So yesterday I’m reading about how Griffey loves Atlanta better than Seattle. You couldn’t be more wrong if you were Rosie O’Donnell. So yesterday he was an older superstar who can still hit, and today he is washed up? Hypocrits. Griffey is no longer the best thing since slice cheese so it’s really not that big a deal that Seattle got him, but I love the idiocracy that comes out of a small little town like Atlanta in which most the country couldn’t even find on a map. Don’t worry, you got Lowe, who was once considered a cannon armed prospect but turned into a major dissapointment. Keep the scrubs coming.

Go Seattle! You’re a much classier city and anyone that’s ever lived there would hands down rather be in the Pacifc Northwest than the armpit of the country.

Sorry to interupt the cry-fest. Carry on.

By Jonathan

February 18, 2009 11:23 PM | Link to this

Apparently, DOB, your sources aren’t worth their word. You jumped the gun on the report before you had any REAL information. Your not the main reason Griffey left for Seattle, but you played your part. Wren has a part here too. I’ve never seen a GM in the Majors have this much trouble closing deals with Players. But did this newspaper really need to post an article entitled “Griffey Choose Braves”, 2 days before you ever really knew anything?!?!?! Good Job………

By Steve

February 18, 2009 11:23 PM | Link to this

First we couldn’t make a deal for Peavy. Then we lost Smoltz and the Furcal deal seemed like a done deal. We couldn’t land Burnett and then this whole Griffey mess. You never saw this when Scheurholz was GM. The Braves will never be a force again until we replace Wren.

By richbrave

February 18, 2009 11:24 PM | Link to this

O.K. The rightous indignation line of fans which has formed on the right will formally be folded into the class-action lawsuit being filed by disgruntled ATLANTA BRAVES season ticket holders whose investment has been unduely dimished by the AJC and various reporters for the same. Hold onto you stubs folks. They’ll be needed to prove worth when indemnification is forthcoming. Mama mia!!!!

By bigstack19

February 18, 2009 11:24 PM | Link to this

If that idiot Wren hadn’t p** away the entire off season waiting until now to address the sorry outfield situation then we wouldn’t need to pursue an over the hill washed up player who only has one thing going for him, a name, Ken Griffey Jr. A future Hall of Famer for sure, but not worth the headache of him being injured when our face of the franchise, Chipper Jones can’t play 130 games. He should have spent some time pursuing Dunn, Abreu, anybody other than Griffey. The outfield should have been addressed long before now. Wren has to be the worst GM in baseball. The Orioles still haven’t been the same since he left Baltimore. They were a playoff team before he destroyed it. Wren not only needs to be fired, he needs to be loaded into a cannon and launched into the Gulf of Mexico. Blame the press if you want, but if Wren had done his job we wouldn’t have needed Griffey in the first place. Now there is nobody left to sign and nobody worth trading for. This season already has the feel of a 95 loss season. All of the pitching in the world isn’t worth squat if you can’t score runs.

By Greg

February 18, 2009 11:24 PM | Link to this

The AJC should be investigated by a real newspaper for being a “wanna be” print media. What a joke. Is there not an editor anymore? Do facts no longer count? Should someone be held to account here? I’m glad “real” news matters to the AJC, wow, where would we be in the Metro Area without such a stand-up business model as the AJC??

By oldfan

February 18, 2009 11:26 PM | Link to this

The problem continues since the media prefers to make the news rather than just report the news. The once proud AJC has destroyed it’s image by lowering it’s standards of quality.and is sure to soon be a weekly or cease to exist. This is another example of your screw ups but certainly not your first. Your losing one million dollars a week is reflective of this type of reporting.

By richbrave

February 18, 2009 11:26 PM | Link to this

steve:

Yes, the sky is falling….the sky is falling. Jeeze.

By Cardog10

February 18, 2009 11:27 PM | Link to this

Who’s fault? THE AJC IS AT FAULT ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Why in the WORLD would you have an article saying he had signed, when he DIDN’T. Are you fcking kidding? What is the point of that? Trying to be first? Even in the reasoning, he talks about how the AJC reported he picked the braves, when he didn’t. GOOD JOB you short, unathletic nerd writers… stay out of the sports section. You have the nerve to label the next article “Griffey BACKS OUT”… no, he had a choice of two teams… he isn’t on a team until he SIGNS. How dare you guys. Look how classy Seattle and its media was… and look what happened. Take notes. I’m a die hard Braves fan, and this is fcking embarassing. I’ve about had enough. The only one I respect in this organization anymore is Chipper Jones. Take notes from him as well.

By Former Brave Fan

February 18, 2009 11:27 PM | Link to this

Screw the Braves, screw Frank Wren, and screw Liberty Media. They let Smoltz go, couldn’t seal the deal with the best position player of my lifetime in Ken Griffey Jr., and didn’t get anything accomplished in the off-season. To top it off, the Braves will most likely resign Tom Glavine. Glavine is a guy that does well to make it out of the 3rd inning either because he’s getting shelled or gassed. Great job Braves. I’ve been a fan for 32 years, but the new ownership group and Wren have made enough bad moves for me to move on. I guess I’ll be buying a Mariners hat and a Red Sox hat for the upcoming season.

It isn’t whether you win or lose, rather it is the manner in which you do so. The Braves have become a classless organization, and I will no longer support their efforts.

By ColoradoDawg

February 18, 2009 11:28 PM | Link to this

Folks…this is a blog. IT IS NOT JOURNALISM. It’s not supposed to be journalism…it’s based upon rumors and conjecture. It is what it is. Don’t blame DOB (he’s awesome, by the way). Blame Wren…he’s turning into the league’s b*tch. They go to him when they want to drive up the price for other teams. It’s sad. He can only close a deal when he goes WAAAY beyond market value for a player. Despite the good moves on the pitching front, we see once again that he just can’t close the deal.

By KC

February 18, 2009 11:29 PM | Link to this

It’s funny… when something like this happens, all of a sudden it’s PARADE OF THE VILLAGE IDIOTS!! Of of the “Fire Frank Wren” morons come out to play, and now we have “fire DOB” rants to go with it. I’ll have to check back later, as mere exposure to such idiocy is causing my brain to turn to mush. It’s also giving me the runs. Not sure why.

By MadMac

February 18, 2009 11:29 PM | Link to this

Everyone should be happy for Griffey. The kid’s going home to finish up his Hall of Fame career. This is a good story for Baseball

By Tee

February 18, 2009 11:32 PM | Link to this

Yall fu— up AjC!!! Its going to be a while before you guys can become liable again.

By monty

February 18, 2009 11:32 PM | Link to this

I can’t really believe that Junior got mad and took his toys to Seattle because someone let the cat out of the bag? I’m not buying it. He used the Braves to up the ante. He never wanted to come here. He fed Chipper a load of crap!.

By CB

February 18, 2009 11:33 PM | Link to this

AJC did jump the gun on Griffey signing but he made the decision! Why? 1. No pressure in Seattle because they love him. 2.At his age and ability there’s too much pressure on him to be the “man” with the Braves. 4. He ends his career happily and quietly with the Mariners ensuring his legacy. With the Braves there’s too much of a chance he could fail which would hurt his legacy.

Would have loved to see him play here.

By GeorgiaCoastie

February 18, 2009 11:33 PM | Link to this

steve,

keep dreaming pal..Seattle is nothing but a liberal cess pool soaking in rain…Go check the stats mr. pale face. Atlanta has grown at a much faster pace than your beloved seattle. I have lived in the northwest, for 3 years…You know nothing about hospitality, grits or sweet tea. But you sure have the weirdo thing nailed down, along with tons of mental hospitals..i gues that’s what all that crappy weather will get you..huh

By Mark Hampton

February 18, 2009 11:34 PM | Link to this

The only person responsible for Ken Griffey Jr.’s decisions are Ken Griffey Jr.

By Jon

February 18, 2009 11:34 PM | Link to this

The big mistake was printing the Griffey signing as a battle between Atlanta vs. Seattle, with Atlanta winning. Go over and check out some of the Seattle papers and their reports of Griffey negotiations yesterday, and now today. The difference is black and white compared to the local Atlanta reporting. There is no Seattle vs. Atlanta, there’s just great articles on Griffey’s choices. I was actually happy that Griffey was going to be able to be near his family until I came here and read this rubbish. Now I’m glad he’s decided to come back home. Don’t disrespect other cities, especialy when yours isn’t one to write home about.

By bob

February 18, 2009 11:35 PM | Link to this

way to go AJC/Braves office…i honestly quit caring after i realized the braves made the playoffs 14 years in a row but only won one series…seriously move to another city..no one even goes to your games anymore anyways..its costing atlanta money anyways…and to the gwinnett braves…in nobody goes to the major league games..why in the hell would you come see y’all??

By Todd Kirk

February 18, 2009 11:36 PM | Link to this

Just more proof that the ajc sports department couldn’t find their a**es with both hands and a map. WAY TO GO GUYS!

By Carl

February 18, 2009 11:36 PM | Link to this

I’m in Seattle. There is no gloating here. We know so well how you feel, whether it be our losing Alex, Randy, or the whole bloody Seattle Sonics. The disappointment when you’re hopes are so high is really hard. It’s easy for me to say, but I don’t know if anyone with Atlanta is at fault. People here are literally crying with happiness. It’s hard to convey what Junior means to us. And I think he knew how we felt. It is literally a love for him. You all have an awesome organization and city, and I know the Braves will continue to be very successful.

By Jerome

February 18, 2009 11:37 PM | Link to this

SHURHOLTZ, PLEASE RETURN TO GM, THIS WHOLE OFFSEASON IS B&LLSHT, THIS WHOLE ORGANIZATION IS B&LLSHT.

By Damon

February 18, 2009 11:37 PM | Link to this

Seattle still loves you. Peace.

By monty

February 18, 2009 11:40 PM | Link to this

Maybe Griffey didn’t want to be a 1 hour plane trip from his family in Orlando? Maybe he just wants to be the designated hitter? Maybe he thinks sattle is the better team? If it were me I would want to be as close to my family as possible.

By coach poon

February 18, 2009 11:40 PM | Link to this

DOB, I want you to write my obituary.

By devildog

February 18, 2009 11:42 PM | Link to this

Are you kidding me? Why would you do this to Braves fans? Really, that is the question…WHY? Who do you blame…Wren OR the AJC who made every Braves fan think Jr. was going to ATL? Chip sure as hell thought he was here. I’m sorry, but this isn’t the same Atlanta Braves that we’re used too. Someones head needs to roll…either in the Brave’s organization or the AJC. This is just wrong….I am so disapointed. Why get our hopes up? Chipper, if you are reading these…please keep your head up, we love you in Atlanta, and even though the douch bags in “management” can’t even hold their c*cks when they p** without help doesn’t mean you can’t lead this team….keep rolling brother…we need you. Thanks Chipper, at least we have someone on the Braves with a set.

Semper Fi (Always Faithful)

Cullen

By Bellefay1

February 18, 2009 11:43 PM | Link to this

Why is it when the story that Griffey was coming to Atlanta both Terrance and Dave put their names on it but would not hint at the source.

Then the story went sour and wasn’t picked up by any major media outlet and Bradley wrote an article warning everyone about Griffey.

Then finally it comes out with the AJC running a nameless article saying Griffey isn’t coming to Atlanta followed by some follow-up articles where the AJC tries to put this thing on Chipper and mildly outs their source they wouldn’t speak of two days ago.

Remember the days when the Braves did their business behind closed doors? Now we have AJC bums leaking everything that has no business being leaked and crapping on their “sources” and passing blame when the story doesn’t work out.

By Joe

February 18, 2009 11:44 PM | Link to this

Oh PUUUHHHLEAZE! The AJC messed it up? How old is Ken Griffey Jr.? Would any grown man make a decision over something as stupid as this?

Look, Griffey decided to go to Seattle. Big whoop. It wasn’t like he was going to single-handedly send the Braves to the WS. More likely he was going to play in only 80-90 game anyway.

Disappointed? Sure. But blaming a newspaper is just lame.

By Matt

February 18, 2009 11:45 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren was fired by Baltimore for a reason. ….

By georgiacoastie

February 18, 2009 11:46 PM | Link to this

Hey Jon,

Maybe people think seattle is nothing to write home about ever think of that?

By georgiacoastie

February 18, 2009 11:46 PM | Link to this

Hey Jon,

Maybe people think seattle is nothing to write home about ever think of that?

By georgiacoastie

February 18, 2009 11:48 PM | Link to this

Steve, Jon,

p.s..I’m stationed in oklahoma city now, and we love your basketball team..People actually show up and support the team…enjoy

By georgiacoastie

February 18, 2009 11:48 PM | Link to this

Steve, Jon,

p.s..I’m stationed in oklahoma city now, and we love your basketball team..People actually show up and support the team…enjoy

By DJ

February 18, 2009 11:48 PM | Link to this

Okay folks the media screwed up and Griffey maqnipulated the situation. We got to move forward. SIGN GARRETT ANDERSPON within the next few days. Sure he’s not the prototypical power hitter, but he is a proven run producer and does not have a history of injures throughtout his career.

The funds are there he is available. GO GET HIM!!!

By r u kidding me

February 18, 2009 11:50 PM | Link to this

are people REALLY this upset??? We’re talking about a guy who would be here for one year and hit .248 with 19 HR’s and 79 RBI in 108 games played. Give me a break folks, this ain’t the Griffey from 94. JEEZ!!!!!!

By MARK

February 18, 2009 11:52 PM | Link to this

Well this is no lost for the Braves however reall it is irsponible reporting by the media and this surly isnt the first time of recent for that either. You guys need to quit trying to be CNN and predict an outcome before it has run its coarce..the fans deserve better….but really Braves lost nothing here everyone was more interested in the name “Junior” GO BRAVES in 09

By Steve

February 18, 2009 11:52 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry, I’m biased towards Seattle as you can probably tell. But one thing I would like to point out and correct you on, is the common misconception about rain in Seattle. It doesn’t rain nearly as much as people think, it’s just an old wives tale.

For example,

Seattles average rainfall per year 37.5 inches. Atlantas average rainfull per year 51 inches.

See, when I came here from Seattle, people would ask me if I liked getting out of all that rain which confused me, since after living here it seemed like it rained WAY more here than it ever did there. My first year here it was raining almost 1-2 times a week and that was insane. I finaly looked up the rain stats online and it proved me right.

Why everyone thinks it rains so much up there is beyond me. Ever watch Seattle sports games on TV? They have outdoor stadiums up there, which wouldn’t make sense if it always rained.

Anyways, that’s all I wanted to say.

By tommy

February 18, 2009 11:53 PM | Link to this

Wren obviously doesnt know how to close out a deal. I hope they give the young guys a shot. I was so excited about griffey in a braves uniform.

By MJ

February 18, 2009 11:54 PM | Link to this

I think DOB and the AJC did us a favor. I like Griffey but I think we are better served with a Diaz / Brandon Jones platoon in LF.

By Stuart

February 18, 2009 11:56 PM | Link to this

Ken Griffey Jr. turning his back on the Braves…? Why is everyone so surprised? He’s done it before, now he’s done it again…

Didn’t work so well in Cincy, now enjoy the rain back up in Seattle.

By Jon

February 18, 2009 11:56 PM | Link to this

georgiacoastie:

Ya, but you’re still in Oklahoma! Actually I love Turner Falls there, so I can’t really bash it.

But anyways, yes, they got my Super Sonics. And yes, I wasn’t happy about it. ;(

By theclipper

February 18, 2009 11:56 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren was fired by Baltimore for a reason. …. Yeah, look at how great they’ve been since, lol

By Artie

February 18, 2009 11:57 PM | Link to this

Who would want to play for the crappy-a$$ Braves anyway?!?!

By IDespiseLibertyMedia

February 18, 2009 11:58 PM | Link to this

I put this one on Mark Bradley. He wrote an insulting article with the premise that Junior’s skills have eroded past the point of being a solid contributor as a Brave. Then he continued to insinuate that Griffey may be a distraction and a malcontent in Atlanta. I can’t blame Griffey for having enough pride to not subject himself to these types of idiotic judgements when all that he has ever done is play the game HARD, play the game CLEAN, and make the game FUN for his fans.

By Barrack

February 18, 2009 11:59 PM | Link to this

this is like the time ya’ll reported mccain won the day of the election… Busch League

By FAN ON STRIKE

February 18, 2009 11:59 PM | Link to this

WOW…. I blame Wren on not closing the deal. But I blame the AJC on reporting this crap AGAIN… HERE ARE SOME HEADLINES I RECOMMEND FOR THE AJC IN FUTURE.

**1.Aaron comes out of retirement to chase down Bonds

2.Jesus set to sign with Braves

3.Braves announce ticket prices will be cut in half**

Those are just a few… But seriously I’m getting sick of the MLB. Believe me I’m a free market capitalist and I’m all about incentive and rewards but salaries are out of control and I wouldn’t care so much if it didn’t fall on us ( the fans). If you want to actually see the game in a decent seat you’re looking at 30$ on top of 10-20$ parking, expensive food, etc… And as a fan I’m going on strike. I’m sick of listening to pro athletes complain about making 5 million instead of 6. The MLB needs a salary cap, it would make the game more competitive and the clubs could decide what players deserve the bulk of the money and load contracts with performance bonuses… 20 hr’s 200,000 30 hr’s 500,000 15 wins 300,000 20 wins 1 million and so on. This would be awesome for the game and give the players a big incentive on top of their contract money. Let me know what you guys think….

By bhamhusky

February 19, 2009 12:01 AM | Link to this

I understand your disappointment. Please understand how huge this is for us in Seattle. Griffey is our only Mariner hall of famer. People are calling into sports radio and crying they are so happy.

Please don’t blame your news paper. Newspapers should report news. Griffey followed his heart to go home. That is why he isn’t in Atlanta. Buhner, Harold Reynolds and even Willie Mays phoned Griffey and encouraged him to go home to Seattle.

Hopefully Garrett Anderson signs with you and hopefully Griffey returns to 2007 and hits 30 dingers and bats .265.

Go M’s! Welcome home Junior!

By MARK

February 19, 2009 12:05 AM | Link to this

Georgiacastle…you can have the hawks..big deal..

By theclipper

February 19, 2009 12:07 AM | Link to this

Does anyone think Wren doesn’t have to run every deal by Scheurholz anyway. Let’s be real. The man with the small ego still rules the club. When Schuerholz had the bankroll he made many brilliant deals for guys being cut loose cause their teams had no chance of re-signing them, Neagle, McGriff, etc. Some of his trades were absolute stinkers, too.

By tim

February 19, 2009 12:07 AM | Link to this

As soon as I saw that Griffey was “joining the Braves”, I started scouring the internet (ESPN, MLB, Braves site) to see if it was true. Not one story on those sites ever had any story that Jr. was coming to Atlanta. After the Furcal episode, I took the stance of I’ll believe it when I see it.

By Hawk

February 19, 2009 12:08 AM | Link to this

This just another jacked up example about how the media needs to shut the hell up about a deal until its sealed in ink. I got to give Chipper credit, seems like he definitely got it down pack how things work here in ATL.

By Matt

February 19, 2009 12:10 AM | Link to this

DEAR BRAVES MANAGEMENT I WOULD LIKE TO THANKYOU FOR TAKING THE MOST RESPECTED ORGANIZATION IN BASEBALL AND TURNING INTO THE LAUGHING STOCK OF THE LEAGUE. TED TURNER SHOULD REALLY GO TO TURNER FIELD AND GIVE JOHN SCHUERHOLZ A REALLY GOOD KICK IN THE A* FOR TURNING THE BRAVES INTO THE KANSAS CITY ROYALS. ITS A SHAME THAT THE ONLY TEAM WE HAVE THAT HAS GOOD LEADERSHIP AND OWNERSHIP RIGHT NOW IS THE FALCONS FOR CHRIST SAKE AND THATS NOT SAYING MUCH.

By Common sense

February 19, 2009 12:10 AM | Link to this

The AJC isn’t going to apologize for anything. At best, they will review their policy on using anonymous sources and probably pledge to limit their use in the future. That will probably last a few months, then things will go back to normal. I would be curious to know who the source was, though. My guess is that it’s a Terrance Moore source, as he shared a byline with DOB on the story. A columnist usually doesn’t share a byline with a beat writer unless he’s involved in the reporting. Until Griffey backed out, I was thinking the source was Ken Griffey Sr.

By Zach

February 19, 2009 12:13 AM | Link to this

This isn’t Frank Wren’s fault, you idiots. It wasn’t like he lowballed Griffey. They were just waiting for Griffey to decide.

I’m just mad that Griffey called us up expressing interest, started negotiations, then had a change of heart, dragged his decision on for two days, the Furcaled us. What a waste of time.

Oh, and the AJC should have learned not to report until its official.

By Tommy

February 19, 2009 12:14 AM | Link to this

This is completly the AJC’s fault. You don’t go printing off information that isn’t fact. By doing so you ruined all chances of Griffey coming to Atlanta and have upset Braves fans all over the country.

By Jason

February 19, 2009 12:14 AM | Link to this

The AJC isn’t going to apologize for anything. At best, they will internally review their policy on using anonymous sources. I would be interested to know who the source was, though. I’ll bet it’s a Terrance Moore sources, as he shared the byline with DOB on the original story. A columnist doesn’t usually share a byline with a beat writer unless he’s involved in the reporting. Until Griffey backed out, I was think the source might be Ken Griffey Sr.

By Daniel

February 19, 2009 12:16 AM | Link to this

I don’t want only want Wren fired anymore, I WANT HIS F*ING HEAD ON A PLATTER.

By Adam

February 19, 2009 12:18 AM | Link to this

FRANK WREN SHOULD BE FIRED.

Ask yourself this, would this have happened under Schuerholz? No.

While I can’t exactly blame the AJC for this, the sports section in general needs a major upgrade. With the exception of Furman Bisher, the department is lackluster at best.

By Grumps

February 19, 2009 12:18 AM | Link to this

So Griffy another aged player stiffs the Braves. The Braves at one time had the best farm team system in the majors. And what do they do???? Rather than promoting the farm team players they trade them for some aged one year hang around player. It will never end and they will never win again. But they will raise ticket prices—I spent my ticket money on a new 52” flat screen TV so I can drink my own cheap beer and eat my own cheap hot dogs while lounging away my time in air conditioning while watching the Boys of Summer stumble again from a front row seat. I consider it entertainment, not real baseball, without having to pay to park. Bobby Cox has to be frustrated.

By meansonny

February 19, 2009 12:21 AM | Link to this

I don’t think that DOB did a poor job. He stated his opinion. In his blog and article, he confirmed what we knew… No official word from the Braves. And Griffey’s last comments were that he was torn between Atlanta and Seattle.

The misleading part is the headline. And does DOB pick those for himself?

If Griffey was truly mad at the AJC, then he wouldn’t have gone to Seattle. Their beat writer did the exact same story with another unnamed source as their own reference (not listing the AJC as the source).

Something’s fishy about MLB.com Credit for keeping the story accurate and up to date. But I’ve seen them turn the screws on other media competition. I almost wonder how much of their comments from unnamed sources blaming the AJC are innuendos blown out of proportion (WOULD GRIFFEY REALLY CHOOSE SEATTLE BECAUSE OF THIS HEADLINE THAT WAS IN BOTH PAPERS?) or just rumored hypothesis that gets reported as unnamed sources (just as irresponsible as the AJC headlines).

By DHD

February 19, 2009 12:24 AM | Link to this

Griffey said he hadn’t decided and Wren said we were looking at several players, Griffey being one of them. They said the right things. The AJC did NOT. No telling who was sending them text messages with false info. Why in heck did they report it?????

I will never again believe what I read here. I’m done.

By Jeff

February 19, 2009 12:27 AM | Link to this

Great job David O’Brien of the AJC, you’re now 0-2 this offseason… first Furcal, now Griffey! You are clearly the worst reporter on the planet!

And get this, Griffey’s deciding factor is when an idiot report (David O’Brien) from the AJC falsly reproted he signed with the Braves before he had a chance to tell the Mariners, this embarassing him so much he went back to his first team!

You and Frank Wren both need to be thrown out into the street. Because of you both, I refuse to attend even 1 Atlanta Braves game this year!

By Mariner Fan

February 19, 2009 12:29 AM | Link to this

Thank you Atlanta and AJC for helping Jr. make the right decision to come back here to Seattle to where it all started for him! Your more than welcome to take that short 6 hour flight up to Seattle to the “House that Griffey Built” and watch “The Kid” hit a few out of the ballpark….. Suckers!!!!!!…On a serious note… I speak for most of the fans in Seattle that grew up idolizing Jr as a kid in saying that it is a prayer needed and answered that Griffey is coming back to Seattle. I was at the Reds vs. Mariners game here in Seattle and when our pitcher struck Griffey out the whole crowd booed our own pitcher! Its like if Dale Murphy left for awhile back in the day and then came back. Sorry… but he belongs in a Mariners uniform.

By Nick

February 19, 2009 12:29 AM | Link to this

The Braves need to shore up the front office. These leaks are giving leverage to players who have few other choices. Griffey is just the latest in a long off-season of PR nightmares.

By Jason

February 19, 2009 12:30 AM | Link to this

Mr. David O’brien should be in the unemployment line like many of us. But the SPORTS EDITORS of the AJC should have DONE THEIR JOB and not let it GO PUBLIC before they were 1000% sure. No excuses on this one AJC. You blew it. I have been a Jr. fan since I was a little kid. He has always been and always will be my all time fav player. And if you had ANYTHING to do with him not coming here, then SHAME ON YOU.

Essentially you lied. Reported FALSE INFORMATION. You don’t post he’s coming here, you don’t send out text alerts to let people know unless it was REALLY true.

O’brien needs to man up, quit his job and never write for a major paper ever again. I hope he gets no sleep, I hope he loses his job. There is no one more deserving in this town at the moment to lose their job then O’brien.

You had me believing that my all time favorite baseball player was going to come to the Braves. And to find out later it was all lies? NO EXCUSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AJC = EPIC FAIL!!!!!!!

By JD

February 19, 2009 12:31 AM | Link to this

Because of you David O’Brien and The Atlanta Jerk Committee (AJC) myself and my family are cancelling all our sunscriptions to the AJC. You couldn’t properly report a car wreck if the vehicle hit you in the face.

Both you and Frank Wren should be fired! I am absolutely embarrassed and ashamed to be an Atlanta Braves Fan because of you both. I HATE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By MattT

February 19, 2009 12:35 AM | Link to this

I would consider myself a huge Griffey fan. I can confidently say that the man played the game clean and payed for it by missing all that time due to injury. What has happened here is really the fault of the Braves organization. I never heard anything about Schuerholz’s deals in the paper until after they had happened. Someone in the Braves front office is a leak. Plain and simple. This information has to come from somewhere. Mr. Schuerholz, you better reign in that staff of yours and tell ol’ Franky Wren, the sock-puppet, to keep his damn mouth shut.

For what it’s worth, I would be upset if I had a good business relationship with one former employer and it was falsely reported prematurely that I had accepted an offer from a new employer while I was exploring both options. Especially, if I knew the person who had gave up that information. I think Junior knows who the anonymous source is and that it is someone within the Braves front office. I’d be mad too. If you can’t trust them from the beginning, when could you ever trust them. Good luck in Seattle, Junior.

By Jason

February 19, 2009 12:43 AM | Link to this

Say what you want about the situation, but Dave O’Brien is one of the best beat reporters I’ve ever seen. And that goes for any beat, not just in sports. He’s as hard-working as they come. That said, I don’t recall seeing an attempt to confirm Griffey’s intentions in that first story. If the story was false, either his agent or someone with the Braves would’ve said so if contacted. The story appears to have been taken off the site now, so I can’t go back and check.

By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

February 19, 2009 12:51 AM | Link to this

I truly love the knee jerk reaction’s concerning an over the hill outfielder who is no longer an offensive force.

Making a mountain out of a mole hole is what it is.

I never wanted Griffy in the first place. He did us a favor.

Ya’ll need to cut David O’Brien some slack because nobody is perfect. So what if he blabbed on and on for six weeks about Jake Peavy. So what if he jumped the gun on Rafael Furcal and Griffy jr.

He’s just one part of the AJC media circus. Get over it already.

Want to know the real reason why Griffy went to Seattle?

Follow your nose. Logic says that Griffy want’s to play everyday. He showed up for 143 and 144 games respectively in 2007-2008. He knew Bobby Cox was planning to put Diaz and himself into a platoon situation. Whereas in Seattle, Griffy gets to play everyday either in the outfield or as their DH.

And there you have it. The logic is irrefutable.

By Lou Vales

February 19, 2009 12:52 AM | Link to this

C’mon!! I hate the Atlanta Braves, but to blame the AJC and DOB is a bunch of crap. All you have is a rapidly deteriorating, bat speed impaired punk deciding he needs to place some blame.

Ken, you been following the recruiting comments of Phi Beta Kappas like Orson Charles and Bryce Brown?? Looking for some rationale for any decision. At least you didn’t say that God told you to choose Seattle.

By A-ville Ranger

February 19, 2009 12:52 AM | Link to this

I want to go to Atlanta..wait,they’re SAYING I WANT TO GO..I’m outraged and for that reason I’m going to Seattle.

If that makes sense to you..get help.

I think more likely,Frank Wren got played again.

By the real OLD GOLD

February 19, 2009 1:01 AM | Link to this

Who really gives a crap about the Braves anymore? There were times in my life I would watch or listen to every single game of the season. I wanted to go see Griffey play on my beloved team. It was sort of a boyhood dream of mine to see him in a Braves uniform. Smoltzy is gone (which was the equivalent of Dale leaving when I was little). My team is a tax write off for some media company, Bobby Cox is getting old, Skip and Pete are gone forever, and we’re all in for a loooooong season. Let’s blame it all on Ted Turner and his terrible business deals.

By samuel gore

February 19, 2009 1:03 AM | Link to this

Good! Lets see some fresh legs and arms for a change. Old folks like Griffy needs to home watching baseball on TV and not taking up space that could go to a young man. It’s going to be great watching healthy people play baseball for a change.

By Jason

February 19, 2009 1:03 AM | Link to this

Atlanta,

Griffey is our ICON in Seattle.

Deal with it, and go take 3rd place in your division as we lose 100 games.

I could care less as long as I see Junior hit a couple home runs.

He is our son. Go bring back Sid Bream.

Thanks!

By Braves Fan ....

February 19, 2009 1:11 AM | Link to this

By Mac

February 19, 2009 1:18 AM | Link to this

By Richard

February 19, 2009 1:22 AM | Link to this

There is only one common denominator in all four failures to sign the free agents mentioned. Frank Wren. Time to look for another G.M.!!

By Glavine To Philly

February 19, 2009 2:04 AM | Link to this

GLAVINE SIGNS WITH PHILLY!!!!

Don’t believe it? The AJC has been reporting for 3 days that Glavine returning to the Braves is a “DONE DEAL”.

TRANSLATION:

He pitches in 2009 anywhere but here.

Can SOMEBODY please bring back the Gwinnett Daily News (or even the “Hudspeth Report”) so we have some type of print media competition in this town?!

By tim

February 19, 2009 7:29 AM | Link to this

BOY DO YOU LOOK STUPID AGAIN AJC. AS FOR MR WREN HE COULDN’T SIGN HIS NAME WITHOUT GETTING IT WRONG. I FULLY EXPECT ANYDAY TO READ WHERE TOMMY G GOES ELSEWHERE. I WAS PLAYING WITH OUR PROBALE STARTING LINEUP IT’S SCARY WE HAVE NO LEGIT LEADOFF MAN NO CLEANUP HITTER BETWEEN CHIPPER AND MAC YOU SHOULD GET 40-50 HRS EVERYONE ELSE WON’T TOTAL 25. STRAP IN FOR A LONG YEAR

By Stanford

February 19, 2009 7:38 AM | Link to this

Well let’s suck this up and drive on. Focus on developing the guys we already have and make the other losers jealous of our cinderella story.

By Steve

February 19, 2009 8:12 AM | Link to this

Let’s see how Chipper gets treated with his extension? I say this because here’s a guy that has been the total team player. He restructured his contract a few years back and deferred money to help the Braves sign some players. I know the guy is 36 but in my opinion the Braves should give him about a 3 year deal worth at least $20 mil per. He just won a Batting Crown and despite some injuries the past few years he just deserves it!

By Rock Conner

February 19, 2009 8:14 AM | Link to this

In the Frank Wren era we hear far more about ongoing player and trade negotiations than during John Schuerholz’ time as Braves GM. I was sometimes frustrated by the silence of the Schuerholz regime, but now I miss those days when all we had was blogger speculation and not team leaks.

By braveshoo

February 19, 2009 8:44 AM | Link to this

IMHO the AJC cost the Braves both Furcal and Griffey, not Frank Wren. You absolutly should not report that someone is going to be a Brave until the player and his agent and the Braves confirm it.These players have egos. They have earned their right to choose where they are going to play, and they dont want the paper announcing for them beforethey have made a decision. Wait until the contrct is signed and the player and the team make an announcement. Unproffessional reporting hurt the Braves, and someone at AJC should lose their job.

By mcnanny

February 19, 2009 8:56 AM | Link to this

It’s probably not the AJCs fault that Griffey backed out, but it is their fault that they are a tabloid newspaper with no reliability. Why do you people continue to run stories based off speculation and present them as fact. I hope the entire AJC goes out of business, never in my life have I seen a less respectable newspaper.

By Towne Lake Andy

February 19, 2009 9:15 AM | Link to this

I formed this thought independently when I heard the news. I actually blame Mark Bradley for making the case AGAINST Griffey when the “news” broke that he was interested. The guy hadn’t even signed and our own local paper is beating him up. No wonder no one wants to play for Atlanta. We show them NO LOVE at all.

By Guitar Player

February 19, 2009 9:17 AM | Link to this

Griff told the ChiSox he wasn’t coming back - maybe he just cherishes the familiarity of Seattle and Cincy - maybe he wants the option to DH - maybe he got a bad vibe about the Atlanta media when our only newspaper jumped the gun, but the common denominator is reports that players are one step away from being Braves only for us to find out that they aren’t - this places the blame squarely in Frank Wren’s lap - the position of MLB General Manager is not suited for on-the-job training - it certainly seems as though experienced sports agents and players are playing this guy like a guitar

By GoodJobAJC

February 19, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this

Braves Sign Griffey, Dewey Defeats Truman

By michaelgee

February 19, 2009 10:27 AM | Link to this

Frank Wren can’t close a deal, period.

By Thomlans

February 19, 2009 10:55 AM | Link to this

braveshoo and Towne Lake Andy are right on about the ajc. Losing Griffey is not good. But I think there are two bigger problems. ONE: The ajc can’t seem to confine themselves to reporting the FACTS; it is not a newspaper anymore, it is a tabloid. In their eagerness to print a story they resort to reporting what they heard through the grapevine, or what somebody told a friend who told somebody else, or their own personal opinions without using any discretion (as in the Bradley post). TWO: I do think the bigger problem for the Braves is that Frank Wren can’t seem to get the job done. The Braves need to realize that this guy just doesn’t have it. With some help from the ajc he has managed to lose some pretty good players who could have helped bring the Braves back to prominence.

By Todd Green

February 19, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this

Stories leak all the time, either a player is going to sign or not going to sign… Blame Ken Griffey, Jr. He picked Seattle instead of Atlanta, plain and simple.

as much of a braves fan i am, you all have to admit, with the lack of financial support from pownership and depleating the farm system, Atlanta isn’t as attravtive as it once was.

Braves management have to buckle down and ride it out with drafting talent and building through the farm system as before. A few trades and aquisitions here and there once the young talent proves themselves. Everyone wants to play for a winner; the Braves are not winning like the 90’s and the early 200’s.

I will still be at Turner Field, watching whoever we have on the roster.

By Anonymous

February 19, 2009 11:20 AM | Link to this

I am never buying one AJC paper. I am never visiting your website again. I am never telling anyone to listen to your news nor recommend it. Ken was my favorite baseball player as a kid and to imagine him here was a magnificent thought. He was so close to coming here, the braves training facility is twenty minutes away from his Home! No, you had to take the rumors and make it public. Your company is a disgrace and someone SHOULD BE FIRED! There are plenty of children around the Atlanta area who would have cried of happy tears to see Junior play and be a part of our team. But No the AJC is too worried about being the first to report the so called news. I hope your paper and company burns to the ground. Its one thing to report the OFFICIAL news, but WHEN YOU GET INVOLVED WITH FAKE NEWS and MAKE YOURSELF THE NEWS. YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO THE PRESS!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Kobe

February 19, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this

the GM of the Seattle Mariners is money.. go Griffey!!

By Pete

February 19, 2009 12:24 PM | Link to this

The Braves should be happy they didn’t get this trouble maker. The only ones in Seattle that wants this clown back are the sports writers. Griffey caused dissension on the team when he was in Seattle last time and we can look forward to that again. Griffey only looks out for Griffey and is not a team player. Thank your lucky stars you did not get him.

By Loves Baseball

February 19, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this

Good bye and good riddance to Griffey. Let’s go after some younger players.

By Neck-ville PRO sports teams

February 19, 2009 12:59 PM | Link to this

Why come to any sport team in Atlanta? black stars (real star) are thrown under the bus the media hates them( 680 the so call Fan) and some in this town fan base . Just look at this city history. I don’t blame them one bit stay away if you are of color. Not that some of us don’t want you The good ole boy are out of touch. In Atlanta if you are a black star you are on a hit list stay away it best!!!!

By Jacob

February 19, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren is an idiot. Man up a little bit, throw an extra couple million to someone, and get that big name. We missed out on 4 players (Including what should have been essentially a Brave for life in John Smoltz) because Frank Wren didn’t have the cajones to pull the trigger. Had we even signed two of these players, we skyrocket to the top of the NL East. Well done Frank. You’re an idiot.

By Jacob

February 19, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren is an idiot. Man up a little bit, throw an extra couple million to someone, and get that big name. We missed out on 4 players (Including what should have been essentially a Brave for life in John Smoltz) because Frank Wren didn’t have the cajones to pull the trigger. Had we even signed two of these players, we skyrocket to the top of the NL East. Well done Frank. You’re an idiot.

By Pamela

February 19, 2009 2:58 PM | Link to this

I am happy Ken Griffey decided not to come here because the Braves don’t know how to treat the players of color, specifically the African American players. I hope he has a great season, and for any other African American players, if the Braves come knocking, don’t answer the door!

By Justin

February 20, 2009 12:01 AM | Link to this

I really don’t see how this is Wren’s fault. He had a competitive deal on the table that griffey didn’t except what do you want him to do. All you people out there are blaming him first for giving out too much money for Lowe and then turning around and blaming him for not giving out too much money. I think no matter what he does fans who know nothing will constantly blame him. Now as for the AJC reporters, I can understand putting an article out there with a legitimate source but I think it was how O’brien stubbornly tried to defend his article, saying Griffey didn’t wan’t to hurt the Mariners feelings, that’s what drove him away. His lies are the most common factor in all of these failings. I can’t trust a word he says anymore.

By hutone

February 20, 2009 12:53 AM | Link to this

Congrats AJC sports staff! Nice job on the reporting of Ken Griffey Jr. coming to Atlanta. Next time, how about waiting until the FACTS are in before reporting he’s coming to Atlanta. You blew every rule there is in journalism quoting “sources” just so you could hurry Junior to the Braves alter….only to get jilted! I live near Seattle and watched this story play out in the AJC and Seattle Times. The northwest reporters at least held out until it was confirmed. You guys should try that sometime. Sports writers…please don’t call yourselves journalists, OK?