ajcsportstalk

By Forrest Gump

February 18, 2009 9:19 PM | Link to this

Mama always said, stupid is as stupid does….

By Fan

February 18, 2009 9:19 PM | Link to this

Wren is a putz….could not even close this… what’s next???

By ike

February 18, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this

AJC = zero credibility

ps Frank Wren sucks

this is becoming a trend…

By Steve (Seattle)

February 18, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this

You all have no idea what he means to us.

By gobirds42

February 18, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this

this sh#t is almost laughable now……but more so just sad.

By Justin

February 18, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this

first? And t moore should be running for his worth nothing life.

By AJC stinks

February 18, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this

Well reports are the AJC saying he picked the Braves upset Griffey so why are you pointing the finger at the Braves front office???

By Ole Man Bourbon

February 18, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this

Jose Canseco is available, my sources tell me.

By dejavu

February 18, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this

First? Frank Wren couldn’t close the deal with a dancer at the Cheetah. Good grief!

By Josh

February 18, 2009 9:21 PM | Link to this

I’m beginning to think it’s not that the Braves can’t close a deal, but that your columnist Dave O’Brien keeps jumping the gun. Griffey was close to coming to the Braves until he saw Dave’s column and got angry that we were jumping the gun so quickly. The AJC article was a major factor in this and I blame you guys. Good job DOB, you should write a crow eating apology very soon.

By common sense

February 18, 2009 9:23 PM | Link to this

How could you screw this up he called you and wanted to play for you and you cant even come to terms? What a gdm mfkin das!

By woodie

February 18, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this

I’m glad…He’s washed up. Now bring up the youngsters.

By Matt

February 18, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this

Great guy but he was not the answer for us. Wren needs to make the deal hapen for Anderson

By dejavu

February 18, 2009 9:25 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren could not close the deal with a dancer at the Cheetah. Glad I didn’t rush out and buy tickets!

By bob

February 18, 2009 9:26 PM | Link to this

Amazing stuff. Inept? Incompetent? Words are hard to find to describe this off season. Looks like the Braves of 66-90.

By Bryan

February 18, 2009 9:26 PM | Link to this

“Sources have indicated that Griffey’s tide turned shortly after he became upset with the fact that The Atlanta-Journal Constitution was reporting that he’d already decided to play for the Braves”

-atlantabraves.com

thats all i have to say

By Bluestreak

February 18, 2009 9:27 PM | Link to this

This isn’t Wren’s fault. If its money (which the M’s offered him more), that’s one thing. But if its truly him being upset about the AJC reporting that Griffey was coming here before it was announced by him, then I lose a TON of respect for one of the few ‘infallible’ players in the game. That would really make KG Jr. live up to his moniker of the “kid”, because that would be SOOO childish.

What I don’t get is HE’s the one that started the conversation, calling the Braves saying he was interested. Obviously, it now appears he used the Braves just like Furcal did, to get a better offer from the team he wanted to go to. You know…I have lost respect for the man. I wish him the same luck I did Fubar and Smoltz, NONE!!!

By dissapointed fan

February 18, 2009 9:28 PM | Link to this

I must admit I was pretty excited about JR. becoming a Brave. But yet again another front office blunder! Let’s don’t blame the AJC for this one I mean they put out the latest and up to date information it is no their fault that Wren does not know how to close a deal. The Braves better get a bat before Opening Day or I will be HIGHLY dissapointed!! Braves and Braves fans work through this adversity and dissapointment and still let’s continue to support our team. In all of the pre-season predictions everbody has the Braves underated let’s suprise them this season and get back on top!! Go BRAVES!! Keep up the good work MB and everyone at the AJC!

By Tbone

February 18, 2009 9:28 PM | Link to this

ok, enough is enuff. Frank Wren simply can’t close a deal to save his life. Even Dan Kolb blindfolded could close one every now and then. This is pathetic. JS please step back in and take over negotiations for crying out loud. How many “dropped balls” do we have to withstand? What’ya bet he (Wren) blows the Frenchy and Glavine deals too?? Wren is a rookie, that counts his chickens before they hatch!! Big hat…no cattle, Wren!!!

By Brian Foster

February 18, 2009 9:29 PM | Link to this

Way to blow it AJC. You got your wish David O’Brien. Keep your mouths shut until these guys sign on the dotted line.

By tyler

February 18, 2009 9:29 PM | Link to this

It really is sad, on just principle alone. Griffey probably pulled his hammy making the call to Seattle. He wouldn’t do much more than ride the bench but- Wow- he chooses to go elsewhere? What is it with Wren? Laughing stock. I didn’t think that he would make much of a difference with us and I know he certainly won’t make one with the Mariners but it’s still sad that he would choose to waste away on their bench instead of ours.

By Boog

February 18, 2009 9:30 PM | Link to this

uh…so what…who cares… if you did not know his name and only looked at his stats you wouldn’t care either. I thought it was a stupid move to start with…I love the braves but I think they’re going to suck again.

By john

February 18, 2009 9:30 PM | Link to this

Just sign Manny and call it a day……….

By Bob

February 18, 2009 9:31 PM | Link to this

I’m gonna finish this post like Frank Wren seals the …

By Bryan

February 18, 2009 9:31 PM | Link to this

The AJC now has zero credibility, Wren has about a 2-8 free agent signing record and Dave O’Brian should be fired….after he writes an apology letter to us and to Griffey

By IlliniBrave

February 18, 2009 9:32 PM | Link to this

Sucks to be Frank Wren right now. The poor guy is gonna get thrashed and trashed on Mike & Mike, First Take, Verducci’s SI column, etc.

Where there is smoke there is fire. And where there are lots of fires, there is an arsonist.

By jrc

February 18, 2009 9:32 PM | Link to this

The Ajc article is not what caused him to sign with Seattle… Frank Wren is trash and needs to be relieved of his duties NOW. How many times must we go through this????

By Southpaw

February 18, 2009 9:33 PM | Link to this

AJC needs more reliable sources. We Braves’ fans were led to believe this was just a matter of working out the details. Questions: How come this never happened when Bobby Cox or Shuerholz (sp?) were the GM’s. What is Wren’s problem in closing a deal? Smoltz! Furcal? Junior! Chipper looks foolish too. This is putting a damper on spring training. I know they can win without him, but why get everybody’s hopes up? I was excited about this. It doesn/t make sense. What happened to all the “family” talk. The money is the same; something in the negotiations smells. Was it the leak? I blame AJC and Wren. Reprehensible reporting!!!

By Josh

February 18, 2009 9:33 PM | Link to this

I agree with AJCStinks, I love how they are trying to point the finger at the Braves when they are at least partially to blame.

By bravefalconhawk

February 18, 2009 9:33 PM | Link to this

IT WASNT LIKE THE BRAVES WAS GETTING THE OLD GRIFFEY SO WHO CARES.THE MARINERS ARE GONNA SUCK GRIFFEY OR NO GRIFFEY.I THINK FANS WERE MOST EXCITED BY THE NAME NOT THE PLAY ON THE FIELD

By pat cronin

February 18, 2009 9:33 PM | Link to this

great job AJC, reporting-“griffey picks braves over mariners”-classic and priceless ajc sports reporting from yesterdays paper.

By eer

February 18, 2009 9:34 PM | Link to this

good grief. why all the crying over not signing an over the hill has been who is always hurt. he went to seattle for the same reason all players go to teams—the most money. i ‘ll bet seattle is paying more than atlanta offered.

By Vol4ever

February 18, 2009 9:34 PM | Link to this

Hehe…….how the mighty Atlanta Braves I have watched have fallen…..what a joke this franchise has become. Wonder how Garrett Anderson feels now?

By jrc

February 18, 2009 9:35 PM | Link to this

The Ajc article is not what caused him to sign with Seattle… Frank Wren is trash and needs to be relieved of his duties NOW. How many times must we go through this????

By Chappie2121

February 18, 2009 9:35 PM | Link to this

I think Dave O’Brien, the editors, and the big wigs at the AJC should personally write Griffey an apology after this fiasco. Why did they have to jump the gun about this and cause us fans another hard blow to the one good thing that would have happened again? The credibility of O’Brien worth the same as the credibility of the boy who cried wolf. Griffey is a great player, a great person, and I could understand why the AJC jumping the gun would p** him off. Good luck to “The Kid”, and I can only hope that Frank Wren, Dave O’Brien, and any other person in the Braves front office or AJC gets a pinnk slip after this fiasco…..

By franksucks

February 18, 2009 9:36 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren is an embarrassment. Everyone comes to Atlanta for a little leverage now. He’s a desperate amateur and with a couple more years like this we’ll be back to the cellar.

By Jimmy

February 18, 2009 9:37 PM | Link to this

Why in the world did you title the article like it was a done deal. That was ….. A player shouldn’t base his decision on it, but it didn’t help and make you guys lose credibility.

By The Rickster

February 18, 2009 9:38 PM | Link to this

Griffey would have provided the Braves with a little stability and somewhat aged power to an otherwise lethargic outfield. His presence would have been an inspiration to the younger players, and him being on the team as a regular player would give the farm kids a little more time to get ready for the 2010 Braves World Championship team. Really hate it that Wren & Co can’t seem to finalize important deals. Oh well, hope this doesn’t cause Chipper to want to jump ship.

By michael

February 18, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this

how does 680 tha fan and ajc report that griffey has chose atlanta over seattle yesterday to this???? i can’t believe this we needed griffey more than anything in the club house and it was going to put butts in the seat for a change.. yet again frank wren cant shell out enough money to get a clean hall of famer instead were spending are time on tom glavine are u kiding me this truly sum’s up what the atlanta braves have become

By John Robinson

February 18, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this

Thank you AJC. We almost had a future Hall of famer in our grasp, until the ajc or Wren (I don’t know which of you is more incompetent) managed to royally screw this up. How much more anguish do we have to withstand?

By We need Franks Wrens Phone Number

February 18, 2009 9:40 PM | Link to this

If this was the first player that has made the Braves look like a bush league club then I might be a little more understanding however this is the third player. Is Frank Wren Insane? IF SOMEONE HAS HIS PHONE NUMBER PLEASE GIVE IT UP SO I CAN LEAVE MY VOICE MESSAGE THAT WILL INCLUDE MY REPERTOIRE OF CUSS WORDS I HAVE FOR HIM. Last time we got punked we signed a number 3 or 4 starter and put on the charade that he was a number one starter that we paid way too much for…..I am starting a website and it is called FIREFRANKWREN.COM or I may call it IDIOT.COM I will link both together because this guy is obviously an idiot.

By Chuck Norris

February 18, 2009 9:40 PM | Link to this

is waiting to dish out an AJC staffer beatdown.

By Scott

February 18, 2009 9:40 PM | Link to this

I blame Dave o’Brien. He needs to stop ‘breaking’ stories until there is a story to break. Hey Dave, I’m sorry but you have lost a loyal reader.

By ATLMortgageMAN

February 18, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this

FRANK WREN…. PUT THAT COFFEE DOWN!!!

COFFEE is for CLOSERS!!!

Thanks Wren for the 4th kick in the nuts this year! If the Braves win anything this year, it wont be because of you!

I still love ya Bravos and I wish ya all the best of luck and Ill see ya at Turner Field but it wont be easy!

By NC Braves fan

February 18, 2009 9:44 PM | Link to this

Really makes you wonder the next time O’Brien says “it’s a done deal” it’s probably not.

Hey Dave…..I hear Bobby Cox and Chipper Jones have had extended conversations with Otis Nixon….and he really wants to “come home”….and he wouldn’t mind platooning in left field.

I see 4th place in our future and no need to make the trek to ATL from Charlotte to buy an $8 beer.

By Don't Bring 680 into this

February 18, 2009 9:45 PM | Link to this

680 never jumped the gun. At least their is one CREDIBLE AND STIMULATING MEDIA OUTLET IN THIS TOWN. GO BRAVES. I am really excited about this season. I feel bad for Frank Wren. I am going down to spirng training and supporting my team. We just need one big bat in the outfield (Garett Anderson please). GO BRAVES!

By Ironman Wong

February 18, 2009 9:45 PM | Link to this

You stupid trailer trash! I am in Seattle, and I am disappointed that Atlanta Brave Monkeys could not sign the tired, legless old man called “Junior.” Now, what is wrong with that? An old sick man called “Junior,” as though, because he plays a childrens’ game, he has never become a real grown up man! His legs are sick, and his chi is fading. He is always injured, and he has no more legs to stand on. Even his middle-leg is tired and weak. Call him “Mr. Grandpa, Jr.! You want him, and I don’t. I don’t want to see a limp bat and aching old legs!!!

Ironman Wong (And don’t you forget!!!!)

By Noah

February 18, 2009 9:47 PM | Link to this

Tough. Would have been so nice to see him play here and would have improved the team a lot. Hopefully the Braves sign G. Anderson now. Growing up in Seattle during the Griffey years and seeing the welcome he got when he returned as a Red in 2006 I am not surprised he is returning to Seattle. He has said for two years he wanted to return and the Braves almost got him anyways because they had a good situation and it is close to his family. All that are blaming the Braves I think are wrong to do so, as in the end it was tough to pull Griffey away from Seattle with how much he means to that city and vice versa. Literally when he played there with the Reds in 2006 people were booing the Mariners and rooting for Griffey the whole series, they honered him and had him speak to the crowd, don’t see that much when a player is still active and on the other team. The stadium there is referred to as the house that Griffey built and he still has good friends around the team there.

Now the Braves NEED to bring in Anderson or another veteran who is still available.

By Bryan

February 18, 2009 9:47 PM | Link to this

. . DAVE O’BRIEN IS A JOKE !!! . . FRANK WREN IS WORTHLESS !! . .

By Raymond K

February 18, 2009 9:48 PM | Link to this

The worst part is that missing out on Griffey may lead to a stupid, panic trade with the Yankees. Cashman will ask even more now for Swisher or Nady. Get ready for a desperation deal that will cost us excessive player assets.

By The Rickster

February 18, 2009 9:48 PM | Link to this

John Robinson is correct…’How much more anguish do we have to withstand?’

By depressed

February 18, 2009 9:50 PM | Link to this

look at our lineup. Its pittiful

leadoff…anderson…no experience escobar…soso chipper…plays 100 games a year mccan…good but doesnt play everyday. francoer…go figure johnson…soso diaz…like a box of chocolates kotchman…played HORRIBLE LAST YEAR.

so when mccan is out and chipper is out, who bats in the middle of the lineup.

give me a break with garrett anderson… he is marginal at best and brings nothing to the table and nothing to make people want to go to a game.

we will lose again this year and revenue will be worse next year.

at least we have better pitching>>????

By braves fan

February 18, 2009 9:50 PM | Link to this

Griffey doesn’t really mean much in the grand scheme of things, and I’m sure the AJC article wasn’t the only reason for his decision. But the AJC’s sports guys took yet another credibility hit. TMoore and O’brian both better write apologies, but I know I won’t put any stock in what either of them have to say anymore. I even tried to get past the fact that moore is inexcusably biased against uga to read some of other stuff. I should have known better

By Scott Pirnie

February 18, 2009 9:52 PM | Link to this

The Braves are patsies, used by free agent players to drive up their value with the team they really want to play for.

By Josh

February 18, 2009 9:52 PM | Link to this

BREAKING NEWS From Dave O’Brien

Braves are currently in talks with Garrett Anderson. Chipper Jones has reached out to Anderson and he seems like he wants to play here. Deal is expected to finalized tomorrow…oh wait

By milesarcher33

February 18, 2009 9:52 PM | Link to this

No one is really to blame. This obviously was a tough decicision for Griffey and ultimately his heart was in Seattle. It is clear, however, that the AJC jumped the gun and misinterpreted or misreported the story. In any, event, Griffey would not have made a great deal of difference for the Braves, but the AJC has alot of egg on its face. In mt book, this reporting was shotty and embarassing. The AJC clearly has lost alot of credibility. In fact, several of us at our office this afternoon were mocking the AJC. The only logical thing for the AJC to do if it wants to restore some of its credibility is to fire Dave O’Brien and Terrence Moore.

By Poorjeff

February 18, 2009 9:52 PM | Link to this

Everyone wants to play for the great Bobby Cox, if so why the he!! don’t they sign with Braves. Every time Braves talk about signing someone they say they love BC and want to play for BC and then go sign with another team. Same BS= nobody wants to play for BC.

By JohninJax

February 18, 2009 9:52 PM | Link to this

Who is the H E double hockey sticks at the AJC said Griffey was coming to the Braves? Way to go! You guys at the AJC have really got it together. Geez keep your BIG mouth shut until you really know the REAL story.

By Cody

February 18, 2009 9:53 PM | Link to this

I honestly don’t think Wren dropped the ball, our offer no doubt as good as the Mariners’. The problem lies in our horrible news reporting. The AJC is too busy worrying about getting the “first reported by…” rather than attempting to report FACTUAL news! I have been listening to 680 and one consensus is that the deal was not done and it was poor taste to report a story that had no factual foundation. The AJC reminds me of a low rent junior college newspaper. I have canceled my subscription and am encouraging everyone I know to do the same. By the Way, this is just the straw that broke the camel’s back. They have been shabby reporters, now they have screwed with a chance to see my favorite player wear my favorite jersey. Thanks a lot AJC!

By whatacrock

February 18, 2009 9:53 PM | Link to this

Listen sports fans, lets all put our big boy pants on now. The AJC is not to blame. Frank Wren is not to blame. If anyone is to blame it is Ken Griffey. He is an adult and if he wants to play somewhere, he will do so no matter what.

He is in the twilight of his career. He could have chosen to be close to his children but no he wants to go to Seattle. So friends, he needs to go where he needs to go, bottom line.

I frankly like us having a young outfield. Besides money and big time free agents aren’t everything. If you think they are, then how do you answer Tampa last year and Florida for several years? Leave it alone and lets move along now.

The braves are reporting to camp and they will be fun to watch this year with as much talent as any, so lets go with it.

By Southpaw

February 18, 2009 9:54 PM | Link to this

Okay, I’m almost breathing again. We just deal with it. What next is all I can say. Do you go with youth? Yes, but you don’t have enough pieces. We need a lefty to go with Hanson. How do you get some “real” prospects or some young guns like Zack Duke? You trade Chipper in his last year of his contract. I don’t want that, but there is now pennant without that last piece. The Glavine/Griffey thing might have done it. Chipper will bring talent. Otherwise, you go after Nady and trade away some good players. I am p**. By the way, Chipper is my favorite Brave so I’d like to see him get another ring. I think the Yankees might like a third baseman at this point. I’m am out for a while. AJC and Wren have really screwed us this time.

By revisionisthistory

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

Dewey defeats Truman

Nice job, Dave!

By T-Rock

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

You gotta be f*ing kidding me. You’re gonna tell me he perhaps didn’t want to play in atlanta because the local newspaper jumped the gun and proclaimed he’s gonna sign with the braves. that’s just an excuse. he used the braves just like furcal did. what a dang shame!!!

By BLACK AND RED WINNER DAWG

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

AJC shame on you!!!!! it seems like what ever you report goes bad for UGA,THE BRAVES , GT, THE HAWKS AND OTHER SPORTS IN THE ATL WITH (RECRUITS, COACHES,PLAYERS ETC.)

By alex

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

I believe Griffey. I’d be p** too if a site was spouting off how Griffey was headed some place when his decision was still unmade.

The AJC and DOB need to follow the rules of actual journalism and not publish things until they’re factual news.

By 7

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

No to Anderson,& Swisher. Yes, Nady only if he signs new contract so we don’t lose three or four players for a 1 year wonder.

By F@#K 680

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

AJC, you guys are a joke. Trying to be the first ones to break the story, and you were wrong again. To live in this city and only have this paper is sad.

By Griffey is a primadonna

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

Honestly, if this guy was so upset over the reporting of a newspaper about him making a decision before he truly did, then that just shows he’s a complete primadonna.

News flash: It’s the job and role of newspapers and journalists to report the information they have. Sometimes that information is right on, and other times it isn’t.

If Griffey is so petty that he will sign with another team to spite a newspaper or journalists, then F him. He’s not superstar or great player anymore anyways.

So instead of playing for a team that actually has a shot of competing for something that is also close to home, he decides to go to a completely irrelevant and also ran franchise that will do absolutely nothing this season, just to spite a newspaper. I would like to not believe that is the case, because if it is, then it’s an indictment on Griffey and shows we are better off with out him.

Bring up Heyward and Schafer and see what these kids can do.

By cliff

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

Way to go Braves!!! Better sign Garret Anderson and Jim Edmonds while you can (if you can) and you better drop ticket prices.

By patriots75

February 18, 2009 10:00 PM | Link to this

I guess DOB next report will be DOA, i think he said that some one should get a gun and use it, thats how sure he was about Jr. being a Brave today, for his sake i would hide out and stay away from Wren!!!!

By IlliniBrave

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

Hey AJC, my sources tell me:

Okay, all of the above are false, except perhaps the last one - with Wren you never know!

By True Bravaes Fan

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

Come On Guys, think about it..Would we REALLY be better off if we had signed the players that we didn’t (at the price they signed elsewhere for?)

A. J. Burnett - 16.5 million Raphael Furcal 10.0 million John Smoltz 8.0 million (Includes incentives) Griffey 2.0 million

I’m happy that (bynot signing the above) we have Lowe, Vazquez, Kawakami, Ross and Orton. Enough money left to sign Glavin, an extenion for Chipper, and Anderson’s 2008 offensive statistics were better than Griffey’s. I, for one, am not ready to jump all over Wren for his decisions. I do feel bad that Furcal and Griffey used the Braves to get what they wanted from the teams that they wanted to go to. Also looks like Ohman is going to sign for between 750M and 1Mil. Wonder what he turned down from the Braves in November, and if they would be willing to put it back on the table????

By Maverick

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

Well, I believe what the Braves website implies is true. DAVE O’BRIEN IS A MORON. I mean what sports reporter in this whole d&n country is more like a little kid who can’t keep his mouth shut, well of course piece of s&t DAVE O’BRIEN. I mean Furman Bisher is a WAY BETTER reporter reporter and I guarantee you if he had sources tell him Griffey, Jr. was signing with the Braves, he won’t wait until it was appropriate to announce this news. I guarantee you besides us here, Chipper Jones has a little ear full to tell DAVE O’BRIEN too! Hopefully next time some vital information about a high profile sports player possibly signing with any of our Atlanta professional sports team is leaked, DAVE O’BRIEN will stop and think before he reports it. **I MEAN COME ON O’BRIEN, DO YOU EVEN HAVE A BRAIN OR ARE YOU LIKE THE SCARECROW IN “THE WIZARD OF OZ”? LOL

By allen

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

Frank Wren is completely incompetent. I mean he talked a lot early on but has screwed up everything he touched. He needs to go!!!!!!!!!

By HotStove

February 19, 2009 9:56 AM | Link to this

Jr. excited many fans and would have sold tickets. I’m not sure he was the answer for the Braves. With Boras representing Anderson we don’t have a prayer of getting the player we need. I blame ownership fo putting Wren on such a tight budget.