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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,568 comments Add your comment
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 26th, 2009
11:02 am
Did someone really post earlier that the Braves should package Francoeur, HANSON, and others for Jason Bay? HANSON for Jason Bay??
JD
May 26th, 2009
11:02 am
Has anybody pointed out the irony in the blog title yet?
David O'Brien
May 26th, 2009
11:03 am
Interpreting: In your 10:08 a.m. comment you conveniently edited out part of my comment to change its meaning to fit your little analogy. Please don’t do that. I specifically referred to not taking literally what Cox sometimes says about injuries. Injuries. Not bunting, hit-and-runs, etc. Injuries.
JD
May 26th, 2009
11:04 am
JD: Red Sox trade Jason Bay? No. DOB
woah woah woah now…I wasn’t the guy who suggested it. I was just responding.
PWHjort
May 26th, 2009
11:04 am
Willy,
I agree that Vazquez won’t be moved. And I agree he has been very good. But you can’t just ignore those 3 innings and pretend like it won’t happen again.
richard knight
May 26th, 2009
11:06 am
I agree with trading” Frenchy” for the most part. I believe that he will be better off when he does not have to worry that going on a slump will end him back in the minors. All players go on slumps from time to time. However, we will also be giving up the second highest number of RBI;s on the team, not to mention the outfield. He is tied for second even with a relatively low batting average and OBP. At what point did we stop looking at the entire set of stats, or should we quit keeping them? That is how we win games, isn’t it? RBI’s? If we don’t have those, we don’t outscore the other team. How about Chipper and his ever present injuries that so coincidentally line up with facing tough picthing, always to be miraculously healed by the time we face a pitcher he can handle. How about Schafer? Perhaps he could use a day or so off? I get having faith in him, but he is leading the league in K’s, not the team, the league!! The Braves are an entirely different team since Frenchy got pulled up, players have come and gone, and more importantly the bigshots have changed. I wich Frenchy the best of luck wherever he ends up, and hope that he gets a fresh start where they are happy to have such a determined and dedicated player on their team.
Random
May 26th, 2009
11:07 am
PWHjort (10:38 am): “But (and correct me if I’m wrong), I believe he only makes 5.5 Million this year.”
You Big Tease, you!
DAP</strong (10:23 am): “its perfect for the braves if the rockies will shop him.”
Wonder if that entered into the Braves’ decision to give Medlen the start against Col (and to start him again against Col’s division rival, SF). Too bad he melted down in front of his prospective suitors, huh?
monty
May 26th, 2009
11:09 am
Frenchy is a work in progress. One step forward, two steps back. Just when you think he’s starting to figure it out (5-11) he pulls an 0-for and strikes out in a key situation with the bases loaded. IMO Frenchy abandons his new approach in pressure situations because he wants to be the hero again,and hit a grandslam versus grounding one through the middle. The day before he had lined one up against the wall in left. He has a good game and I believe he says to himself “I’m back”(power wise) and then starts pulling off balls again. He just needs to realize that he needs to keep thinking up the middle and that he may not be back till much later. When? When he gets to the point of never thinking about jerking one out ever again.
PWHjort
May 26th, 2009
11:10 am
Jason Bay isn’t in the realm of possibilities unless the Red Sox would benefit now and in the future from the trade. Which would require insanity on our part. So no
Jeff321
May 26th, 2009
11:10 am
New McCann “know your Braves” on the front page.
The Love Child of Dale Murphy and Johnny Cash
May 26th, 2009
11:11 am
DOB,
How much, if any, payroll do you think the Braves might be willing to add to get a bat? For example, if the Astros made Carlos Lee available, would it even be possible for the Braves to go after him?
The Truth
May 26th, 2009
11:11 am
Wouldn’t it make sense for the Braves to trade for an outfield bat right now? Before Francoeur and Anderson keep having non productive at bats for this team? The Braves are going to get nothing for Francoeur, but maybe if they add a decent prospect, they can get a team to take his 3 million.
PWHjort
May 26th, 2009
11:16 am
Check out the mlbtraderumors thread linking Francoeur to the Red Sox. Some of the comments are priceless.
DAP
May 26th, 2009
11:16 am
TnBrianbrad hawpe is cheap. $5.5 mil this year. i mean…thats not CHEAP, but i think the braves can swing it. i do think the braves can afford around $3mil for a slugging outfielder. the should take it out of next year’s payroll if the have to.
wesHis “away” stats were ordinary at best when he was a Rockie and his stats this year are quite sub par.
thats is false. well, not entirely. holliday’s stats this season are average. but away from coors the last several years, he OPSed .891, .859, .818. i mean, thats not spectacular type stuff, but those are very solid numbers. especially the first two (the ‘08 and ‘07 numbers)
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 26th, 2009
11:18 am
“MFIN…You’re an idiot.”
Most accurate, coherent post I’ve read in the last 12 pages of the blog.
PWHjort
May 26th, 2009
11:18 am
The Truth,
The Braves would love to trade for a bat right now. Problem is it is still May and everyone’s still in the hunt so quality bats haven’t been made available.
RHR
May 26th, 2009
11:20 am
Jeff321 -
I’m disappointed that BMac didn’t say the infamous Miami Triple for either his most embarrassing on the field or his most memorable moment on the field.
PWHjort
May 26th, 2009
11:23 am
I’m doing a draft for my office league softball team. I need some advice. Who should I take first, Joe from Accounting, Bill from HR, Pete Orr, or Jeff Francoeur?
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 26th, 2009
11:24 am
Watching it rain and reading the blog, 2 extremely depressing activities.
Braves sweep the AL’s leading team, fly across the country and play the Gents within a 24 hr period, lose, and you idiots condemn them. You’re not fans, you’re idiots.
I suspect before 1991, most of you couldn’t spell Braves. You are disgusting.
RHR
May 26th, 2009
11:27 am
SoWeGa … very few of us are condemning them. If you’ll notice its usually the same 4 or 5 people bashing over and over again. And by the looks of things, a lot of people here were children in 1991.
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 26th, 2009
11:27 am
The Truth–Problem is, in order to trade for a big bat, the other team has to agree to the trade. No team is looking to move anyone that would fill the “big bat” criteria in May. It’s too early to be expecting teams to start trading their better players. Unless of course the Braves are willing to stick Hanson or Heyward in a trade to force some team to take it, which would be stupid on the Braves part and shouldn’t happen.
jack
May 26th, 2009
11:33 am
lets get up a petition to get rid of terry pend, then we will have someone to teach players how to hit
DAP
May 26th, 2009
11:34 am
by the looks of things, a lot of people here were children in 1991.
i was. not sure why i should be faulted for that.
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 26th, 2009
11:35 am
Coach is one rude, vulgar human being . . . I guess.
The Truth
May 26th, 2009
11:35 am
Anybody worried about what will happen if the Phillies trade for a frontline type starter? I’d say that will pretty much end any hopes of a playoff run. Bedard to Philly scares me.
The Truth
May 26th, 2009
11:37 am
I wasn’t looking for a BIG BAT. I was just looking for a BAT. The outfield has a combined 7 home runs. Anything will do.
No More Bobby
May 26th, 2009
11:37 am
I should be the manager of this team! When we started off strong and everyone on here was saying we were back, I posted that I was concerened we did not get a bat (or real leftfielder) and that we stuck with the same guys in bullpen. What seems to be the big problems?
Sign me up!!
RHR
May 26th, 2009
11:39 am
DAP – Not faulting you for that, just saying don’t judge the people here who weren’t Braves fans until 1991 or after because a lot of you were just kids then. I was a kid myself, for all intents and purposes.
Coach hates every thing and every body, SoWe. I’ve often wondered why he even bothers keeping up with the Braves. Seems like he’d be a lot less angry if he didn’t!
Original Jon
May 26th, 2009
11:40 am
Hey PWHjort, did you actually write this on MLBTradeRumors.com??
Trade Jurrjens/Hanson and KJ plus some of the farm for Carlos Quentin then trade Francoeur and more of the farm for Alberto Callaspo to play 2B.
Cause if so, what the EFF are you smoking, unless that was a joke, then you should say so.
Efrim
May 26th, 2009
11:45 am
In looking at the Phillies farm system, they certainly have the pieces to acquire a big time starting pitcher if they need one. Their Triple A team has Jason Donald, Lou Marson, Carlos Carrasco, and Antonio Bastardo(I can’t believe that is his last name). The Double A squad has Michael Taylor and Joe Savery. The High A club has Kyle Drabek and Dominic Brown. The Low A team has Jason Knapp, Anthony Gose, Zach Collier, and Travis D’Arnaud…….
Good system.
Fleming
May 26th, 2009
11:47 am
RHR – a lot of people here were children in 1991.
I don’t think a lot were born before 1991. McFann may fit this category but at least she is knowledgeable.
CB
May 26th, 2009
11:48 am
RHR Ithink most of negative comes from people born before or near 1991 but there are enough of us dummies older.
Efrim
May 26th, 2009
11:49 am
In looking at the Phillies system, they seem to have a lot of pieces to trade for a big time starter:
Triple A- Jason Donald, Carlos Carrasco, Antonio Bastardo(can’t believe that is his last name) and Lou Marson
Double A- Michael Taylor and Joe Savery
High A- Kyle Drabek and Dominic Brown
Low A- Jason Knapp, Zach Collier, Anthony Gose, and Travis D’Arnaud
KC
May 26th, 2009
11:49 am
The Truth, yeah it would suck if the Phillettes got a frontline starter. It would certainly make this more of an uphill climb. HOWEVER…
If the Braves could go out and get an impact bat for one of the outfield corners, and some sort of (Mark Kotsay class) stopgap in Center… that will put the Braves firmly in the driver’s seat because they ALSO have significant improvements on the way for an already very good pitching staff.
So if the Braves get the outfield pieces they need, then down the stretch, the Braves will have added an impact bat, a stopgap veteran CF’er, Tom Glavine or Tommy Hanson, AND Tim Hudson.
Neither the Mets nor the Phillies have any prayer of improving their teams to that degree. So given the cards that each team hold… I’d take the Braves hand right now.
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 26th, 2009
11:49 am
If the bat the Braves trade for isn’t a “Big Bat”, what are they really accomplishing? They need a power hitter (aka “big bat”) who will step in and make the lineup better. Getting some average outfielder in a trade is not going to answer the problem in the Brave’s lineup. They need a cleanup hitter, not somebody that’s going to hit 6th or 7th.
Joe Fan
May 26th, 2009
11:50 am
Possibly the Braves are trying to swing a trade for a player that is major league ready but doesn’t pop up on the usual list of trade rumors. No guesses here but hopefully their scouts are beating the bushes looking for “The Natural.” In the meantime pitching and defense may be enough to pull the Braves through unless the Mets or Phillies acquire a difference maker.
Braves73
May 26th, 2009
11:51 am
I have seen some very intriguing trade possiblities above and I definitely agree that something needs to be done. The challenge is getting the right “fit” for the teams’ need(s) and not make a one year rental type of a trade. It’s probably too early for any team to give up any frontline starter for trade pieces from the Braves. If I were putting the future outfield in place, I would start with Schafer (who is already there), trade Frenchy (to clear the way for Heyward), and get a value/power hitting left fielder (who is under contract for the next 2 to 3 years). Holliday sounds nice, but he would be a one year rental and we have all seen how that has worked out for the Braves. Adam Dunn could fit that role, but will command too many prospects right now.
I guess the Braves will have to wait until the trading deadline in order to get any value out a potential trade (for a power hitting left fielder). The market would not be in their favor (now) and they would have to give up to much in return. The only immediate thing to do, would be to make some internal adjustments from the minors and showcase some of their future prospects. Otherwise, we are just going to have to sit back and hope that they will find that “spark”
Wes
May 26th, 2009
11:56 am
haha, jon, I saw that comment on there, too!!
Truth: Are you worried about the Phillies trading for a frontline pitcher? Or the Phillies trading for Eric Bedard? Two totally different animals there.
If Wren can wrangle a RH outfielder for Francoeur and a prospect or two (I say include Medlin now, because those fluke #’s he’s put up so far in AAA have increased his value as high as its gonna go), then I trully believe the Braves will be contenders. Of course, that also means Chipper and B Mac in the lineup at the same time at some point.
Probably just wishful thinking.
As much as I love Chipper, and he’s been my favorite player pretty much since his Day 1, is there an injury he HASN’T had in the last 5 years???
Efrim
May 26th, 2009
12:01 pm
Phillies have a pretty darn good system. They can certainly get a deal done for Bedard without giving up the elite talents in their farm…Michael Taylor, Dominic Brown, Kyle Drabek, Jason Knapp….
AndruwJones
May 26th, 2009
12:05 pm
Francoeur for me straight up.
any takers?
CorkylikesBeer
May 26th, 2009
12:05 pm
PW..I just read the mlbtraderumors.com comments about our beloved Frenchy…it is very funny. A great read on this gloomy day
Jackie Treehorn
May 26th, 2009
12:10 pm
EVeryone here in talking about how the Braves need an outfield bat. The way I see it, they need two outfield bats, and that got me thinking. When was the last time two big time outfielders were traded to the same team in a deal? The only one I can think of is David Justice and Marquis Grissom for Kenny Lofton and Alan Embree. Of course, we all know that deal had to be done so the Braves could resign Greg Maddux, but I wonder if the Braves would look into a situation like the one brewing in Minnesota…..
Minnesota has an influx of outfielders and a pretty solid lineup. Right now they are sort of lying in the weeds at two games under .500, but if they fall out of contention, they might be willing to trade a outfield bat. If I were Frank Wren, I would try to lure Denard Span AND Michael Cuddyer from the Twinkies. It would cost the Braves a lot, especially for Span, but he could be plugged into left and Cuddyer could play right. And the Twins need young pitching, as always, so what about leading with a package of Medlen and Morton, plus Francoeur and Brandon Jones for Span and Cuddyer? I’d like to say stranger things have happened, but I’m just not sure that’s true. How’s this for a lineup.
1. LF Span
2. SS Escobar
3. 3B Jones
4. RF Cuddyer
5. C McCann
6. 2B Johnson
7. 1B Kotchman
8. CF Schafer
Chuck James was Solid until the 6th!!!
May 26th, 2009
12:12 pm
Francoeur must go (obviously). What I find funny is he gets loud cheers everytime he comes to the plate at Turner Field. If that was NY he’d be crying at the plate from the flagrant John Rocker-esque boos. That is baffling to me how he still gets extreme cheers….
This outfield is worse than last years. You can’t have Schafer AND a Francoeur. All Anderson does is nonchalantly hit singles here and there. As said as it is too, WHEN Chipper plays he is a 95% singles hitter himself. And the Braves base their lineup around him? It is clear Mac is the only consistent XBH and home run threat on this team.
What I don’t understand is how Wren mentioned in October/November that his 2 massive goals were: A) Get 2 Top-Line starters and B) Get a RH Power bat
So obviously Wren has known since day one of ST that the RH power bat was a MUST. That was not addressed and needs to be in the next two weeks rather than late July or the Braves will steadily decline out of this race.
Also, once Campillo comes back, DFA Carlyle and give Campillo the long relief role. Bennett is pathetic and only has decent outings when he is in blowout games. He $h!ts the bed in late and close situations. He is a cancer like Boyer and needs to go. I think Medlen with that stuff he showed before the 4th inning can fil Bennett’s shoes. Obviously had the debut jitters. He made Helton look bad and blew away Tulo, just lost it with the nerves in my opinion.
Again, for the 80th time it is foolish to base your lineup around 2 guys who are guaranteed to miss 30+ games (Mac and Chipper). You can’t be a consistent offensive force like that (obviously) but that is the reality of the lineup. The lineup is even weaker with Infante out now. Hernandez has zero power and weak offense. Chipper is likely to go on the DL and if not he’ll be hobbling around for a week or two and at best will be at “85%” by June 1. If the RH power bat that Atlanta needs (and Wren obviously knows they need it desperately for months now)comes here things will be OK. If they don’t get that power and Chipper’s toe, hamstring, oblique, hands, elbow, bunions etc. hurt every 10 games, which is inevitabl, sadly, the Braves will fall short 5-10 games of the playoffs, plain and simple. Garret Anderson and Martin Prado in the 4 hole, with Schafer’s 3 K’s a game and Francoeur’s pathetic powerless approach=Doom.
Pete
May 26th, 2009
12:13 pm
BossLady: “Just finished catching up on the blog today. PETE, that was the best story about Delta. We know they come home, but, to actually realize you are a part of it is life changing. Yes, life changing. (I guess you would have to take it like I did to feel this way)”
Thanks Boss….its something I will never forget thats for sure. Maybe we can all put down the Blackberry for about 30 seconds and pray for our brave men and women around the world who are protecting our freedom, which most of us take for granted.
Efrim
May 26th, 2009
12:15 pm
Jackie Treehorn, not a bad thought, but would the Twins really want Francoeur AND Delmon Young in the same outfield?
Cameron
May 26th, 2009
12:18 pm
Any news on the status of Escobar? When do you think we will see him back in the lienup?
csg
May 26th, 2009
12:23 pm
twins or any other team prob wont trade two OF’rs to us at the same time
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 26th, 2009
12:25 pm
I must be nuts. I believe Frenchy is one brain cell from being vry good at the plate. He has to have some plate discipline. Much as I like TP, somebody has to tutor Jeff every PA to be patient, think hit it at the pitcher.
Steve from OH
May 26th, 2009
12:25 pm
As far as the Red Sox acquiring Francoeur goes, I hope “have an eye on” means have set up a perimeter and around-the-clock surveillance to make sure he doesn’t come within several-hundred feet of the roster.
That was probably the best comment (over on MLBTR) that I’ve read in a while…
DOB, glad I could brighten your evening. I hope that I’ve increased by VORB (value over replacement blogger) last night…
KC
May 26th, 2009
12:27 pm
Francoeur for Andruw straight up… hmmm… there’s an interesting one. I’m inclined to think that Francoeur still has more value than that.
But if the Braves are confident that Andruw has really worked out his issues (and his part-time numbers certainly suggest as much)… Andruw would actually be an excellent guy to go get. We could probably send JoJo over there for him.
We need a stopgap veteran CF’er, because Schafer isn’t cutting it. Andruw, if he’s got his swing worked out, fits the bill.
bravesphanatic004
May 26th, 2009
12:30 pm
i dont know who was affected more by the plane ride to the west coast…..the braves? or DOB?
i just read the last 6 pages or so of this blog and DOB is pissed off! if you are a blogger and you say something stupid then you will feel the wrath of DOB…..
Jackie Treehorn
May 26th, 2009
12:33 pm
Efrim, probably not. But a guy can dream, can’t he?
The way I see it, a Span for Medlen swap is close to even. Medlen seems like a possible top of the rotation guy, while Span is young with great speed and plays all three outfield spots. He strikes out too much as a leadoff hitter, so he should fit in perfectly with the Braves in the regard. (Zing!)
What if you substituted Diaz for Cuddyer? They are very similar players, both big guys who play adequate defense. I think of Diaz as a poor man’s Michael Cuddyer. Granted, Cuddyer is not a beastly bat in the middle of the order like Lance Berkman, but he’s certainly better power-wise than anything else we have.
What about Medlen, Morton, Diaz, and Jones for Span and Cuddyer? That seems to make a little more sense, doesn’t it?
Rob in Mobile
May 26th, 2009
12:37 pm
KC, the trouble with re-acquiring Andruw is that once he comes here, he won’t have that everyday link to Rudy Jaramillo that he has now. Jaramillo seems to be more proactive and disciplinary in his approach than TP or Bobby Cox. I could foresee Andrew reverting to his old ways back here. That’s the risk you take in getting him back. I wonder if the Rangers would part with Nelson Cruz, but it would take at least one pitcher (or even two) and Frenchy to do it. That is, if the Rangers wold even want Frenchy……not a whole lot of excitement out there for the guy, obviously.
Efrim
May 26th, 2009
12:39 pm
“That was probably the best comment (over on MLBTR) that I’ve read in a while…”
Yeah, Steve, makes little sense to me why the Red Sox would want him on their roster. Unless they think Baldelli is finished and they want a right handed bat to spell Drew, who is often hurt.
DAP
May 26th, 2009
12:40 pm
macon bravesThey need a cleanup hitter, not somebody that’s going to hit 6th or 7th.
this is true, but, would a good #6 or #7 hitter make this team better? (replacing say…jeff francouer?) yes it would, so the braves should do that, if they have a chance to.
chuck james was solid…It is clear Mac is the only consistent XBH and home run threat on this team.
*sigh* casey kotchman leads the team in extra base hits.
Rev. Otis Nixon
May 26th, 2009
12:43 pm
DOB, have you seen the “Failcoeur” T shirt they’re selling over at Talking Chop? Here’s the link:
http://www.talkingchop.com/2009/5/23/884805/failcoeur-t-shirt-on-sale-contest
Do you think Frenchy knows about this?
Willy Wally
May 26th, 2009
12:43 pm
I don’t see why the Red Sox wouldn’t explore Francoeur. Superficially, he doesn’t seem to fit their profile in terms of plate discipline. However, acquiring players with plate discipline is just but one tactic they employ in implementing an overall acquisitional strategy of obtaining undervalued commodities. That’s what alot of folks didn’t get about Moneyball. Billy Beane didn’t think OBP was everything. Beane merely understood that too many folks thought OBP was nothing, thus allowing him to identify and exploit an undervalued commodity that helps win games.
And again, folks just flat out refuse to understand this, but Francoeur’s problems at the plate are far less due to a lack of plate discipline than they are to a lack of mechanical discipline.
Need a Bat
May 26th, 2009
12:43 pm
NEED A BAT, NEED A BAT, NEED A BAT.. Some more speed too.
Roman Gal
May 26th, 2009
12:44 pm
I’d be all for packaging French, Hanson and another top prospect for Jason Bay Wes
Uh oh. Now you’ve gone and done it!
Efrim
May 26th, 2009
12:45 pm
“this is true, but, would a good #6 or #7 hitter make this team better? (replacing say…jeff francouer?) yes it would, so the braves should do that, if they have a chance to.”
Agreed. Do the Braves really need an impact bat? How about some average bats? Because Francoeur and GA haven’t been even average. Neither has Schafer, for that matter. So I am hoping that Wren is looking around for an upgrade to the offense. If it means an “average corner outfield bat”, than so be it. Because we haven’t been “average” at those positions in a while.
Chuck James was Solid until the 6th!!!
May 26th, 2009
12:45 pm
DAP
*sigh*
Oh yeh, Casey really strikes that fear into opposing teams with his power. I understand Casey leads the team in doubles, my mistake. But he is also on track for 8 bombs in 160 games dude. I meant the combo of XBH/HR’s…. Casey is a phenomenal complimentary player, a #6 or #7. Not a #2/#4 that needs to be heavily relied upon. Same with Anderson at this point, him and Casey should be #6/#7 in the order, maybe Casey #2 and Kelly #6. But in NO WAY should Anderson or Kotchman be batting cleanup, it’s laughable. The only very productive game that Anderson has had was the Wednesday Extra Innings day game against the Mets. otherwise he has been a here and there singles hitter…
Salamander
May 26th, 2009
12:46 pm
Francoeur for Andruw straight up… hmmm… there’s an interesting one. I’m inclined to think that Francoeur still has more value than that. KC
Also Andruw has some ugly home/away splits:
Home: 39AB 13R 13H 62B 03B 3HR 10RBI 12BB 9SO .333AVG .491OBP .718SLG 1.209OPS
Away: 30AB 1R 7H 12B 03B 1HR 2RBI 6BB 6SO .233AVG .361OBP .367SLG .728OPS
He is a different hitter at Arlington. If nothing else, Andruw would probably inject a bit more power into the lineup (even away from Arlington).
Extra base hit breakdown:
Jeff has hit 3HR, 2 triples, and 5 doubles in 170AB.
Andruw has hit 7 doubles, zero triples, and 4HR in 69ABs.
Wes
May 26th, 2009
12:50 pm
done what?
KC
May 26th, 2009
12:50 pm
In addition to the big corner outfield bat we’re looking for, we must also go get a stopgap CF’er, because Schafer obviously isn’t ready (if in fact he ever will be). We just need a serviceable CF’er who won’t cost us a fortune (in terms of talent) in a trade.
But who??
As much as I can’t believe I’m saying this… we need to get Texas on the phone and see about getting Andruw back. He’s hitting .290 with 4 homers, 12 homers, and 7 doubles in only 69 at-bats. He lost weight over the winter, and can still patrol Center.
JoJo Reyes alone might be enough to get it done. JoJo plus a mid-level prospect or two would almost certainly be enough.
Supes
May 26th, 2009
12:50 pm
DOB, have you seen the “Failcoeur” T shirt they’re selling over at Talking Chop? Here’s the link
******************************
No way, didn’t know about those. I may have to purchase one:)
KC, Andruw Jones is not coming back here, I don’t believe organization wants him, they’ve moved on.
As far as people “bringing up Brandon Jones”…he is 1 of 2 options from AAA. That’s all. I don’t expect much from him…but UNLIKE Jeff, he hasn’t had a full season, hell a half a season to prove what he can do up here. You never know. Maybe he has a decent season and the Braves can get a minor league player in return for him next year as he’s clearly not projected to ever start for the Braves.
Whatever Wren does, he better not get a 3 month rental and give away someone who becomes a solid major leaguer.
As a fan, I’m quite content to play spoiler this year, then make moves in the off-season (where you are not under the gun and have more leverage. Guess what is at a premium during the off-season. starting pitching. Braves will be able to get more for a Vazquez, Morton, Reyes, Medlin at that time. They’ll have probably half the teams calling them up with proposals)
Rob in Mobile
May 26th, 2009
12:51 pm
Jason Bay is going nowhere. He’s the best offensive threat the BoSox have, and trading him, while in the midst of David Ortiz’ struggles, would be suicidal. The supposed interest the Red Sox have in Francoeur is baffling to me – yes, Frenchy would actually be an upgrade over Ortiz right now (somehow), but Frenchy would become a basket case in Boston if he continues to struggle. I know, I know – “You mean he isn’t a basket case right now??”
At any rate, Boston getting Francoeur would be a gamble for them, and right now, they need a sure thing while Ortiz continues to scuffle….
Pete
May 26th, 2009
12:52 pm
Salamander: “Jeff has hit 3HR, 2 triples, and 5 doubles in 170AB.”
Dont forget that 1 (half) of his triples was a pop fly the right fielder lost in the sun couple weeks ago.
Steve from OH
May 26th, 2009
12:52 pm
done what?
Stop and think for a second. You’ll get it.
P.S.–This might help….
Gene Garbage
May 26th, 2009
12:53 pm
DOB-
Neko Case @ the Cobb Performing Arts Center July 26 or 27- can’t remember. The Tiger has Spoken might be on of the most complete albums I’ve ever heard. She is it, man.
Gene Garbagio
Steve from OH
May 26th, 2009
12:54 pm
A GREAT spreadsheet detailing the Braves’ current and future payroll obligations (no, I didn’t make it!).
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=p4ew-fwu2XT0dna_BTH5TBw
RC
May 26th, 2009
12:55 pm
Maybe the Sox aren’t interested in Francoeur for Bay….maybe they are thinking more along the lines of a Francoeur/Baldelli trade? Considering the relative risk associated with both, and the fact that Baldelli could be a better backup CF than Francoeur, think that swap might work?
TnBrian
May 26th, 2009
12:56 pm
Man oh man, if Escobar is gonna be out for extended time, Mr. Wren better be heating up the lines for something to slab out there in the OF not named Francoeur on a daily basis. Talk about a bummer, I mean, is there any player better in the clutch than Escobar right now? I also agree with getting a backup CF for the kid. No way you run that to the plate game after game,he’s attrocious up there. TP, what else to say about this guy? Bobby is letting his “sentemental ties” get to him here because it seems that sunflower seeds, lollypop guy ain’t cuttin it as a teacher to these kids.
Wes
May 26th, 2009
12:56 pm
The Red Sox roster? Big help.
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 26th, 2009
12:58 pm
“Dont forget that 1 (half) of his triples was a pop fly the right fielder lost in the sun couple weeks ago.”
Pete, they count, too.
TnBrian
May 26th, 2009
1:00 pm
RC, I’d take Baledelli for JF, even though I think Frenchy will become a better hitter, just not here. It’s not rocket science, Jeff just can’t handle the pressure of struggling on his hometown team. It just snowballs when he struggles. Could be wrong, but it makes sense to me.
Steve from OH
May 26th, 2009
1:00 pm
Contracts, my friend, contracts. Jason Bay is a free agent after this season and will command the GDP of a small country in salary as a free agent. You want to trade the top righthanded pitching prospect in the entire game of baseball (whom we wouldn’t trade for Jake Peavy) AND Francoeur AND a top prospect for a half-season of him? That’s got Dave Littlefield written all over it…
a643dp
May 26th, 2009
1:01 pm
DOB,
This Blog is Awesome. We got people arguing about the managers prior injuries. How many fans would truely bicker over the knees of a 68 year old manager. Only Braves fans. LOL I love it.
KC
May 26th, 2009
1:03 pm
Supes, I wouldn’t be so certain. They were prepared to offer him a minor league contract, just as Texas did, but he and Boras decided that, on a minor league contract, he’d be better off in Texas where he could work with Rudy Jaramillo.
I’m not sure I understand your point about the Braves having “moved on”. Of course they’ve moved on. I’m not suggesting they’re sitting around saying “gosh, we really miss Andruw… how can we bring him back?!”
But the fact of the matter is that the Braves ARE going to need a veteran stopgap CF’er who won’t cost them a $%^&-load of talent in return… and Andruw fits the bill.
If it makes sense, it makes sense.
The only reason it wouldn’t make sense is if the Braves weren’t convinced that he’s made any real strides at the plate. But his numbers certainly suggest otherwise.
Wes
May 26th, 2009
1:04 pm
If you’d care to peruse the comment I made about Bay/Francoeur, you’ll clearly see that the deal would have to be contingent on Bay signing long term before the deal was made.
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 26th, 2009
1:05 pm
If Frenchy is traded, it will probably be for another same type guy who would theoretically benefit from a change of scenery.
Roman Gal
May 26th, 2009
1:05 pm
done what?
I’m trying to save you from yourself. Mentioning ‘Tommy Hanson’ and ‘trade’ in the same sentence is Cardinal sin numero uno, my friend. Jason Heyward is a very close second.
Wes
May 26th, 2009
1:06 pm
Well, with the 14 qualified starters on the roster, I’ll trade away an unproven minor league pitcher to get Bay in our outfield for the long haul. Wouldn’t even think twice about it.
DAP
May 26th, 2009
1:07 pm
chuck james was solid…
ok, thats fine. if you mean homers than say homers. i just think its ridiculous that folks keep talking about the team leader in XBH like he is some punchless goober with a bat. folks continue to overlook one of the best sources of power (if you define power as XBH) on this team.
obviously he doesnt have as much as we would like him to have, and i agree with you completely about where in the lineup he should be hitting, but when talking about what we DO have, he really oughta be mentioned.
Steve from OH
May 26th, 2009
1:07 pm
Ok, fair enough, but the likelihood of us signing him is nil, never mind the fact that the Sawx would probably never trade him, being in contention and all.
PWHjort
May 26th, 2009
1:07 pm
TnBrian,
What makes you think Francoeur will be the better hitter than Baldelli? Baldelli was always the better prospect than Francoeur, and despite Baldelli’s disease, he has posted a better batting average, OBP, and SLG% than Francoeur, nearly 6 times as many stolen bases as Francoeur in about 500 fewer plate appearances, and they have similar Home Run rates. So what makes you think Francoeur will be the better hitter?
PWHjort
May 26th, 2009
1:09 pm
Wes,
Jason Bay is going to command Magglio Ordonez money in a contract. I like his bat a lot, but he just isn’t worth handicapping the organization for a long time by signing him to an absurd contract.
Wes
May 26th, 2009
1:10 pm
Steve – very much agreed. I was just throwing an offer out there when it was made public the Sox have interest in French.
Although unless they think he can throw hot dogs to the fans in the right field bleecher seets better than the guy already doing it, I don’t see why they would even know Francoeur’s name.
Steve from OH
May 26th, 2009
1:10 pm
If those “unproven” prospects are Jeff Locke or Cole Rohrbough or both, sure. If you can’t make that deal without Tommy Hanson, you’re not a good GM, because you’re trading away a huge piece of your future. Never mind that it’s good to have controllable young starters like him with Vaz and Huddy’s contracts being up after next year.
TnBrian
May 26th, 2009
1:11 pm
PWHjort, didn’t intend for it to come across that Francoeur will be a better hitter than Baldelli. I meant Jeff will become a better hitter than he’s shown the last year and a half with the Braves if he were to change teams.
Wes
May 26th, 2009
1:12 pm
PWH you wanted to trade Hanson, JJJ and Francoeur for Carlos Quentin.
Keep your comments to yourself.
DirtyDawg
May 26th, 2009
1:13 pm
Let’s don’t forget that Francoeur and Smoltz are A-hole buddies. Maybe he, Smoltz, can convince the Red Sox that the kid’s problems are mainly the pressure of playing in front of your ‘home-town’ fans. Just so long as we don’t give ‘em anybody else.
18 Wheels of Love
May 26th, 2009
1:14 pm
SoWeGa Fanatic
Frenchy for Delmon Young. This should fit your description.
Scott S.
May 26th, 2009
1:14 pm
Can someone explain why we have not called up Cody Johnson and Heyward to replace the outfield duds we have now? I would rather hope a kid comes through then know that we have very little chance at someone coming through. Heyward, Schafer, and Johnson in the outfield would be more rewarding because two of the three will accidentally run into more homeruns then the corner guys we have now!! I say forget about our future is 2010! Start now while the pitching looks to be real solid!!! Go Braves!!!
Willy Wally
May 26th, 2009
1:14 pm
Although unless they think he can throw hot dogs to the fans in the right field bleecher seets better than the guy already doing it, I don’t see why they would even know Francoeur’s name. (WES)
Why did they know Gabe Kapler’s name, and keep him around for 4 seasons?
Supes
May 26th, 2009
1:15 pm
Unless the Braves are 100% committed to signing (and can afford it) a Jason Bay…it’s pointless to overspend (in terms of prospects) for a 3 month rental. Not worth it in the long haul.
I think a lot of us here just don’t want to admit that the 2009 Braves will be a good to decent around .500 ball team, maybe even finish with around 85 wins, but we are NOT good enough and NOT 1 player away from contending. We have too many question marks in the lineup, starting with the lead off position, the lack of production from the entire OF…Chipper’s health, and middle relief (like Buddy or Moyland -when he decides to walk people).
Now how does giving up a prized pitching prospect for the likes of Matt Holliday or a Jason Bay solve ALL of those issues?
Not a chance.
The logical thing to do (and not popular, and I doubt Wren would ever admit to it), is that basically we have a flawed roster right now and we are 3 or more moves away from improving it. You go about that in the off-season, when you are not going to rush into some trade and carelessly give away prospects. You also are not “under the gun”, the other teams know they can’t string you along b/c you’ll go elsewhere (easier to deal in the off-season than when you have a deadline staring at your face).
The way I see it…Anderson, Jeff F, maybe even Jordan Schafer (if he continues to struggle) will all be gone from the starting OF in 2010.
Norton will probably be cut or released, but he’s a lesser piece of the puzzle. The entire OF needs rebuilding. Off-season is when you do that, unless you can grab a young player…(yes I know those are hard to get and you do have to give up exceptional prospects for them, but to get someone good with a lot of upside, you need to give up something in return…but a Nate McClouth or Adam Jones type player is what’s needed), plus a definite HR hitter who can hit 4th ALL the time in the lineup, to provide protection for Chipper and hit infront of B-Mac.
Wes
May 26th, 2009
1:17 pm
because Gabe Kappler hit the ball and busted his ass every play he was in the game.
Braves20
May 26th, 2009
1:18 pm
As a Tampa Bay resident forced to watch the Rays, I can only suggest you take Kotsey and the amount of time he missed last year and multiply it by about 1.5 and you will have Baldelli. This for a guy who despite his many failings never fails to go to the post?
PWHjort
May 26th, 2009
1:18 pm
Wes,
Who the f*^# are you? And no, I didn’t. Grow up you little child.
DAP
May 26th, 2009
1:19 pm
do you think the padres would trade scott hairston? right handed, decent power, plays all three outfield spots….not a cleanup hitter, but better than what we have.
PWHjort
May 26th, 2009
1:19 pm
TnBrian,
Gotcha.