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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,500 comments Add your comment
AndyC
June 4th, 2009
9:51 am
McFann
I thought Zambrano got suspended for 6 games. That would mean he technically missed a start, no?
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 4th, 2009
9:53 am
AndyC- Rediculous comment that the Braves wanted Glavine to fail.
They bent over backwards to give him the opportunity.
Have you followed the story at all?
Macon Braves (RIP)
June 4th, 2009
9:53 am
Lineup:
1. McLouth CF
2. Escobar SS
3. Jones 3B
4. McCann C
5. Anderson LF
6. Johnson 2B
7. Diaz RF
8. Kotchman 1B
Maybe flip Diaz and Johnson when facing a lefty SP.
Macon Braves (RIP)
June 4th, 2009
9:56 am
or this lineup:
1. McClouth CF
2. Kotchman 1B
3. Jones 3B
4. McCann C
5. Anderson LF
6. Escobar SS
7. Johnson 2B
8. Diaz RF
getmattholliday
June 4th, 2009
9:56 am
JJ -
We had little reason to think JoJo was going to flounder, and apparently they still believe in him because they haven’t traded him (yet), and his first couple of starts he pitched well and was done in by one very bad inning.
As far as Hanson goes, I am going to a sports bar just to see him pitch (I Live in the Northeast and don’t have the MLB package)
CB
June 4th, 2009
9:57 am
Here is my take- the decision to release Glavine was made because of the recent development that McLouth was available. It was strictly a money decision. That being said, it was the best thing for the Braves. I think the Braves shot themselves in the foot PR-wise, but like Smoltz,it was the correct decision. The Braves are a better team today than yesterday but what a suck way of doing it.
Lew
June 4th, 2009
9:58 am
Damn-I had SO much wanted to see Glavine throw that 78 MPH fastball past David Wright and now I’ll have to settle for Hanson.
Macon Braves (RIP)
June 4th, 2009
9:59 am
thought Zambrano got suspended for 6 games. That would mean he technically missed a start, no?
Actually he just got bumped back two days. He was originally supposed to start Tuesday. If want to punish a pitcher, he should get at least 9 or 10 games, then he would actually have to miss a turn through the rotation and not just get bumped back a couple of days.
Efrim
June 4th, 2009
9:59 am
I love the bottom of that Passan article, where he says the Braves still need to get rid of Francoeur. I have a feeling once Wren finds a trading partner, Frenchy is gone. Moments like Tuesday night are good for his trade value, but I have a feeling they would take a low level prospect for two for the guy right now, if they could even get that.
McFann :Ô:
June 4th, 2009
9:59 am
AndyC–
Well, I think he was s’posed to start on Tuesday, but the suspension just pushed it back to today. So he’s not really missing one.
They should have said, “OK, you’re suspended for two starts.” Or something like that…
Braves20
June 4th, 2009
9:59 am
JJ – If you don’t think hundreds or thousands of fans are pissed off about the twin killings by Wren, you’ve been living in cave.
But the point of my post is despite Wren’s machinations, we are still a .500 team with weaknesses in the lineup and an overbalance of rightys in the rotation.
BTW no argument on Jo Jo – or Schafer. Just seems a guy who won about 250 games for us deserves a little more consideration than some stiff who hadn’t won a game in almost a year.
The Love Child of Dale Murphy and Johnny Cash
June 4th, 2009
10:00 am
I’ve enjoyed watching Glavine pitch since he first came up in ‘87 or ‘88. Of the “Big Three”, he was the one I enjoyed watching the most because of his sheer determination. His release is pretty simple, Glavine was an insurance policy for this team. I believe the plan all along was to use Glavine as the fifth starter until June when Hanson was past “Super Two” consideration. If Glavine was pitching well at that time it would have been a bonus. If not he would’ve been given the same option he was given yesterday. It was a business move, identical to the business decision Glavine made when he took the Mets offer in free agency. I don’t think anyone is to blame or to be criticized. As a Braves fan just ask yourself one question, who would you rather have starting every fifth day: Glavine or Hanson? I think the answer is fairly obvious.
McFann :Ô:
June 4th, 2009
10:00 am
Macon Braves–
Took the words right outta my keyboard!
Daniel
June 4th, 2009
10:00 am
wow- what a great move by the Braves. I am really suprised by the media reaction to the moves. There is more attention being paid to Glavine being released than McClouth and Hanson coming to the team. I think these are all the right moves. I wish Tommy would have retired instead of demanding to be released. I am not sure why people are so upset at the Braves for “making” Tommy rehab and pitch some minor league games before releasing him. He did get a million dollars to rehab and pitch in the minors this year, No he didn’t get the roster bonus, but he was still paid well and at a rate that he and his agent agreed to. I am really over former coaches(Leo) and radio announcers telling fans how they should react. They don’t get it. I cheer for the Braves, not any single player or coach. I was a Brave fan before Glavine and I will be after Glavine. I like the guy and when he retires I will give him a standing ovation at Glavine day at the park. But, we are trying to win in 2009, not 1997. I am glad that we have stopped trying to live in the past.
DWW
June 4th, 2009
10:02 am
DOB
If the game gets rained out tonight what does that do to the Hanson debut?
TnBrian
June 4th, 2009
10:02 am
Turk, right on! Smoltz needs to be reminded that the Braves aren’t that “rich” org. anymore and even if they were, why gamble with “don’t know how long I’ll be out” pitchers in their 40’s? Smoltz has really disappointed me with his mouthing off at the Braves. I agree that TG shouldn’t have been done this way at the last second. But like I said yesterday, the Braves are barely keeping their heads above water, so Wren did the right thing for this team by NOT gambling on another aging tired arm and getting us a good one in McLouth. Way to go Wren!
GboroBravo
June 4th, 2009
10:03 am
I think people forget that Frank Wren’s job is to put the best team he can out on the field, and that means calling up Hanson and releasing Glavine.
McFann :Ô:
June 4th, 2009
10:06 am
Gotta say, it would rock if McLouth could hit cleanup. When BMac came off the DL, Anderson hit cleanup through May 18. Don’t remember why Bobby took him outta that spot…not that he was an outstanding cleanup guy, but…
1957 Braves Fan
June 4th, 2009
10:07 am
I collect certified autograph cards of Braves prospects because I can get them reasonably cheap. Just added my Gorkys Hernandez to the stack of traded prospects with Andy Marte, Jose Capellan, Blaine Boyer, Jarod Saltalamacchia, Bruce Chen, Brent Lillibridge, etc. Hope my Tommy Hanson, Jason Heyward, Yunel Escobar, Jair Jurrgens cards stay away from the traded away stack. Lets get some run support for Tommy Hanson! I hate this score early then put up goose eggs offense.
McFann :Ô:
June 4th, 2009
10:07 am
DWW–
Tonight’s game won’t get rained out–that’s Derek Lowe’s special thing…
AndyC
June 4th, 2009
10:09 am
McFann
Macon Braves
Technically speaking he did miss a start. It may or may not cost him a start over the course of the entire season, probably not because like you say he was only pushed back 2 days. I do agree that to punish a starting pitcher you have to make it a 10 game suspension at least but the Union would go nuts if a player go suspended that long for killing a cooler.
DWW
June 4th, 2009
10:11 am
McFann
Ha, thats true but the radar don’t look good.
Original Jon
June 4th, 2009
10:14 am
Thanks tvsportscaster, i guess its just wishful thinking when I say i hope its Bennett being released. I knew this game was over last night when they brought him in, I knew he would be the one to lose it, and sure enough he did. I just dont feel comfortable when he comes into the game when its either close or tied late. He makes me way too nervous.
McFann :Ô:
June 4th, 2009
10:14 am
AndyC–
I think at the end of the year he’ll have the same number of starts that he would’ve had without the suspension.
Yeah, they should punish them for ten days…to heck with the Union. He not only killed the Gatorade thing, he threw the ball towards the stands, he threw his glove, he mocked the umpire, he touched the umpire, and he almost took out the Cubs’ pitching coach with that bat.
McFann :Ô:
June 4th, 2009
10:15 am
DWW–
Yeah…crud.
Mark in Madison
June 4th, 2009
10:17 am
DOB on Sportscenter!! … any chance we can get a spot with Caroll on the 11:00 show?
RC
June 4th, 2009
10:19 am
There was a big discussion on the blog yesterday about how was the better defensive centerfielder, Schafer or McLouth. Here is Rob Neyer’s take on it, which I agree with:
“But for the Braves, what a brilliant move. McLouth’s not great but he’s quite good, and the Braves do need a quite-good hitter in their lineup. Next best, the Braves are now set in center field for at least the next couple of seasons. McLouth isn’t anything like the fielder that Jordan Schafer is, so he can slide over to a corner spot when Schafer’s actually ready for the majors, which should happen sometime in 2010 or ‘11.”
Full article here
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/sweetspot/0-3-20/McLouth-bolsters-Braves.html
cs95
June 4th, 2009
10:24 am
Hey DOB,
any news on when kotchman might be back? We could use his D and bat to get the series win today.
RHR
June 4th, 2009
10:29 am
Frankie has got huge stones. I can’t decide what was more bold, to takeoff without Cal Ripken Jr or to sack the remaining 2 of the big 3 in Atlanta lol. I wonder who’s next, Bobby or Francoeur?
Love and respect and will always be a fan of Glav and Smoltz for what they did for us in the 90’s. I don’t particularly care for how either was handled, although I suppose there was no easy way when you get right down to it. Just like Smoltz made a decision to go to Boston for more money and Glav made a decision to go to NY for more money, FW made a decision to do what is best for the TEAM as a whole, not what was best for Smoltz or Glav individually. He’s got winning on his mind and, as a fan, how do you not want that from your team’s GM? (get back to me on my opinion of him when or if he ever does this to Chipper lol)
Macon Braves, love both your lineups. Hope we see one of them officially posted by DOB later today.
GTI in Chicago
June 4th, 2009
10:30 am
Hey, maybe someone else has noticed this already, but as of right now in the ’09 season, check out how McLouth’s stats compare to one former MVP candidate who may also be on the trade block this summer:
Player – AVG / OBP / SLG / HR / RBI / R / SB / BB / K
Matt Holiday – .274 / .367 / .437 / 7 / 33 / 25 / 4 / 24 / 32
Nate McLouth – .256 / .349 / .470 / 9 / 34 / 27 / 7 / 21 / 29
McLouth’s average is lower, but his slugging is higher, everything else is very similar and McLouth brings more speed and a better outfield glove. BUT, Holliday is a Boras Client and would have been nothing more than a 3 or 4 month player rental until he gets his shot at FA, and because he’s Matt Holliday, would have required even more players (better/more) in return for trade.
DAP
June 4th, 2009
10:33 am
wren can also still make another trade if he needs to. we still have some pieces, and its a long way to the trade deadline.
Take out your relievers era and your starting rotation has the WORST ERA IN THE LEAGUE.
says the fan of the team who is 5 games back with really good pitching.
im just saying, now is not the time to be talking smack about the phillies. they are looking very dangerous, and while i dont think they are going to run away with anything, they now have a pretty healthy lead over the braves.
they start 4 against the dodgers tonight, which might prove to be a pretty tough series. the braves need to step it up on this homestand.
SoDak Brave
June 4th, 2009
10:33 am
Sorry if this has already been covered but I am at work and don’t have a ton of time to retrace the blog.
Will Mclouth be in uniform for the game tonight? and if not, then when?
Any help is appreciated.
Doc Holiday
June 4th, 2009
10:34 am
ESPN.com’s Rob Neyer says he usually loves deals like this for the team acquiring young talent. In this case, he doesn’t believe the Pirates got enough. For the Braves, however, it’s a “brilliant” move.
Doc Holiday
June 4th, 2009
10:34 am
Joel Sherman of the New York Post talked to one executive who believes the Pirates sent a mixed message by signing McLouth to an extension and dealing him soon after. One team official says the Pirates never shopped McLouth, which suggests they were impressed by the Braves’ offer.
getmattholliday
June 4th, 2009
10:35 am
I hate to see Tom Glavine go, too, but yes, it is time for Braves to move on.
Braves started winning in the 90s after a multitude of losing seasons by building with young pitching and timely hitting. They’re following similar formula with a better team in place. Keep it going. I like Frank Wren’s aggressiveness in making Braves better.
Without these moves, Braves were a lock for.500. with these moves (and more to come I’m sure) Braves now can compete with Phillies and Mets.
Doc Holiday
June 4th, 2009
10:35 am
John Smoltz’s reaction to the Braves’ decision to release his former teammate: “That’s not how you treat people.” Smoltz disagrees openly with the move in the rest of his discussion with Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.
RC
June 4th, 2009
10:37 am
GTI in Chicago,
Even if McLouth is only 3/4 the player that Holliday is, the contracts they each have attached makes McLouth MUCH more valuable to any team outside of the Boston/NY area (where money is never an issue). If we had given up these three players for Holliday, I’d have been furious. As it is, we’ve got a power/speed outfielder who is a decent defender for the next 3 seasons, with a reasonable option for a 4th.
However, I think the extra payroll added in future years probably seals Tim Hudson’s fate. It was unlikely they’d have picked up his 2010 option anyway, but now I just don’t see how it’s possible unless the payroll is raised significantly.
Josh H
June 4th, 2009
10:38 am
Actual moves itself: I give an A+
Glavine: Even if he’s as healthy as the 2007 version of himself, we still don’t need him this year. It sucks as a PR move to have to let him go. But as it has come out, the scouts didn’t think he had the velocity to be successful at this level. They must have still been recording closer to 78-79 on the gun than the 85-86 Glavine usually throws. Hanson is ready. Hudson is coming back (and should get the option picked up). Just no room for Glavine.
McClouth: What a trade. He hits for power, he has speed, and isn’t horrible in the field. This gives us some time to give Schafer seasoning at AAA and to determine what we really have with him. And as much as you like the prospects, we didn’t give up anything we couldn’t lose. Morton could end up in the majors as a viable starting pitcher, but he wasn’t going to be one for the Braves. Gorkys Hernandez wasn’t going to be here for 2 years. And as far as I’m concerned, he’s a “free” prospect since we already got so much value out of the Renteria deal. Jeff Locke could end up hurting since he is a lefty with potential but, he’s 21 and is struggling at High A ball.
And, we have McClouth long-term. Not a rent-a-player. That makes it easier to give up those prospects.
RC
June 4th, 2009
10:39 am
Smoltz also said that Tommy’s velocity “has never been a problem before”. The difference is in the past Tommy’s fastball sat at about 88 mph….not the 82-83 mph it’s been at Gwinnett.
Doc Holiday
June 4th, 2009
10:39 am
13 Braves · Trends 9
Just imagine if they fielded a single competent outfielder. … Along those lines, there are rumors suggesting that the Braves would consider dealing Jeff Francoeur. For the hell of it, I went up and down every major-league roster to see which teams’ right-field situation might be upgraded by Francoeur’s addition. My answer? Nobody’s. Hitters with a .271 OBP who only slug sporadically, it turns out, are quite easy to come by.
Richie
June 4th, 2009
10:41 am
I have to believe this is the beginning of a few more moves because the Braves want to make a run at the division and beyond this year. I can actually now see KJ getting moved this year as well. Brandon Phillips possibly the next Braves target? I would really like that move
Bayou Brave
June 4th, 2009
10:42 am
RC, McLouth is more than just a “decent defender.” He won a Gold Glove last year.
McPoyle
June 4th, 2009
10:42 am
Rob Neyer can be an idiot a lot of the time. He said the Phillies made a huge mistake by signing Raul Ibanez… meanwhile he might be the NL MVP.
AndyC
June 4th, 2009
10:42 am
Good point McFann. Zambrano deserves more punishment than being pushed back 2 days on his start if that is all it amounts to.
McPoyle
June 4th, 2009
10:44 am
Where will he bat in the lineup? leadoff? i’d hate to throw those power numbers away at the top, like to see him in the meat of the order, but there are a lot of lefthanded bats down there. either way, what a great deal for the braves. would have been nice to get that win last night but what an upgrade to the OF offense
Rock On....(the denizen formerly known as Dadgum)
June 4th, 2009
10:44 am
Frank Wren has said that the Glavine release was not financially driven and I think that is pretty much correct. It was, however, a serious subplot. Bottom line is that Glavine just didn’t look good in his rehab. Forget the line scores from his A ball rehabs. Scouts look at mechanics and his were not on par for a 5th starter. Especially one we would owe 1 million if he threw a pitch and millions more if he lasted 90 days. Keep repeating Hanson or Glavine Hanson or Glavine Hanson or Glavine in your head 10 times and see how much sense it made to actually keep Glavine around. Nobody that has an ounce of baseball knowledge would go with Glavine.
Frank Wren did a very classy thing with Glavine. Paid him a million and gave him a chance in ST with NO GUARANTEES. The fact that Glavine was not impressive enough to warrant a roster spot is not Wren’s fault. He has a team to run and it is a business. Bravo Nam was spot on with his early hours assessment which is norm for him.
Don’t feel sorry for Tommy G. He has millions from 2008 and his few starts there not to mention this million. In addition, lest we forget, the man from Glav did bolt for more money with the despised Mets for 5 years. This denizen isn’t shedding any tears now you can bet on that as I have been railing on old Tom for about 6 months. Baseball leaves all of us at some point and for Tom to bid goodbye now at 43 would be the right thing to do. Props to him for a great HOF career and a 1st ballot selection in 5 years.
richbrave
June 4th, 2009
10:45 am
DAP:
Still a work in progress. May be next mid-season before this group really starts firing on all eight.
Doc Holiday
June 4th, 2009
10:45 am
What contract is McLouth under right now? $$$ and time?
For those of you talking about his defense, I can tell you all I can recall from the games he has played against the braves, is that the guy is an excellent OF, not only good, but excellent.
AndyC
June 4th, 2009
10:45 am
I do think the Braves may make another major move to get a power hitter but it will probably be at the trading deadline if at all. I think they will see how things go through June and early July and then if they are still in contention make a move for a Holiday or someone else but they have to stay close to the Mets and Phils.
TnBrian
June 4th, 2009
10:45 am
This Glavine thing isn’t unlike the Justice/Grissom trade, even though it was a trade. But, Justice was a fan favorite and in his prime while Grissom was a Bobby Cox favorite, so Sheurholz did some unfan friendly moves too. TG doesn’t seem like someone who’ll pull a Smoltz and bash Wren and the org. As shady as it can be sometimes, he seems to have the business side of MLB down pat.
I’d like to see McLouth bat lead off now. Thought maybe putting him at #4/5 would be better, but KJ needs to be lower in the order, for sure.
DunwoodyBrave
June 4th, 2009
10:49 am
Here’s the lineup you could be seeing in about 3-4 weeks, which doesn’t include Frenchy.
1. Infante 2B (giving us high OBP)
2. Yunel SS
3. Chipper 3B (suddenly, they’ll have to PITCH to him.)
4. McClouth CF
5. McCann C
6. Anderson LF
7. Kotchman 1B
8. Kelly Johnson RF (that’s an upgrade a #7 and #8 slots)
And Frenchy to AAA, and told to work on his swing between now and October and situation will be reviewed. And trade offers could be entertained.
RC
June 4th, 2009
10:49 am
Bayou Brave,
Nearly every source that tracks defensive statistics and efficiency agree that McLouth’s Gold Glove was a joke, based more on his hitting ability and a few highlight reel catches than his actual prowess in the field. David Wright won a Gold Glove in a year he had 21 errors. Gold Glove voters tend to place too much emphasis on offense, for an award that supposedly doesn’t include any.
Richie
June 4th, 2009
10:49 am
I talk Brandon Phillips up a lot, and rightfully so, because he would be giving the Braves the same attributes that Mcclouth will be. Great defense(a gold glover last year), a powerful bat this lineup sorely needs(25-30Hr’s as a 2nd Baseman), very good speed as well, and more consistent at the plate than KJ. I don’t dislike KJ, but Phillips would give the Braves a very strong infield defense. Plus he is under contract for at least another 3-4 years.
Doc Holiday
June 4th, 2009
10:49 am
OK, 3 years 15.75M is McLouth contract…………….thats is just great news. Now we can ship Gregor Blanco, Norton, JF, GA or Diaz when needed if a good player is found………
David O'Brien
June 4th, 2009
10:50 am
DWW: We don’t get provisional pitching plans for what a rainout tonight, or tomorrow night, might do to Hanson’s start Saturday. What if it’s rained out after the game’s started, as opposed to before the pitcher ever warms up? Changes everything. Too many possible scenarios.
getmattholliday
June 4th, 2009
10:50 am
Richie —
I think Braves next move would be for a cleanup hitter, if Phillips is that guy. He’s the Reds cleanup hitter. We could trade KJ and a prospect to get him, and he should have the same economic value as McLouth.
TnBrian
June 4th, 2009
10:51 am
One more thing on Glavine… remember Brian Jordan said just 4-5 days ago on a pre-game show that TG looked, uhhhhh, not good. You could tell by Brian’s facial reactions that he just looked finished and that’s coming from a guy who hated the way this went down, but facts are facts, dude would’ve been hammered and cost us more than enough wins.
David O'Brien
June 4th, 2009
10:53 am
Texted Tom Glavine this morning. He’s not ready to comment yet, but needless to say he thinks it was mishandled. So do I.
Braves are probably better with Hanson right away, but doesn’t change fact that this could have been handled in a much better way with a veteran of Glavine’s stature.
stynes
June 4th, 2009
10:53 am
TnBrian – any links to that? I’d love to watch or see the transcript on that. Thanks!
McFann :Ô:
June 4th, 2009
10:53 am
AndyC–
Thanks. Yeah, he should not be pitching tonight…but, that’s the way the ball bounces. It’ll be worth it if the Braves light him up like a Christmas Tree.
stynes
June 4th, 2009
10:53 am
Agree 110%, DOB.
Rock On....(the denizen formerly known as Dadgum)
June 4th, 2009
10:54 am
Can’t remember who, a few post pages back, mentioned this should be an eye-opener for Hudson. Couldn’t agree more. Can’t see the Braves paying 12 million to pick up his option. It is becoming less and less likely now especially with Vazquez being as advertized and eating innings.
Frank Wren is sending messages that he is tired of this Braves’ product and won’t sit still until the mix is right. Feel-good moves aren’t made to keep fans happy. If they help the team fine but something tells me that Hudson is pitching elsewhere in 2010.
Heavy Medlen
June 4th, 2009
10:54 am
DOB… maybe the most important question of the day..
Is it too late for McLouth to film a “Know your Braves” segment? My guess is yes, yes it is.
David O'Brien
June 4th, 2009
10:56 am
Neyer’s right — this is the rare trade where a team (Braves) gets a young All-Star under a long-term contract, and gives up only one or two high-level prospects (Charlie Morton, Gorkys Hernandez). And keep in mind’s Charlie’s 25, not 21 or 22. He’s a bit old to be considered an elite prospect.
TnBrian
June 4th, 2009
10:56 am
Wren did the same thing with Smoltz as he did with TG…signed Lowe then McLouth. Kinda like hurting a kids feelings at Christmas by throwing his old toys away and surprising him with brand new, better toys.
Cameron
June 4th, 2009
10:59 am
DOB:
I agree with you about the way it was handled with Glavine. He is a class act and went through a long and grueling rehab. He suffered a setback, mulled retirement, went back out there, mowed down hitters in the minors, proclaimed himself ready, only to be evauluated and told no. Sad.y, it had to be done though.
When is McLouth going to get here and debut?
TnBrian
June 4th, 2009
10:59 am
stynes, no links, just got it stored in the head.
getmattholliday
June 4th, 2009
10:59 am
I was shocked about Glavine’s release, as I was with Smoltz signing with the Red Sox, but these are the hard decisions that FW has to make to improve the Braves. I think we will see the fruits of these decisions when we pull closer to Mets and Phils.
RC
June 4th, 2009
11:00 am
Richie,
I agree that Brandon Phillips would probably be an upgrade over Kelly Johnson. But I don’t think he’d be nearly as much of an upgrade as you seem to think. Defensively, Kelly Johnson was 7.7 runs above average at 2b last year. Brandon Phillips was 3.0 runs below average at 2b. Offensively, Phillips is not NEARLY as consistent of a hitter KJ is (I’m serious). Phillips has high K rates (so does KJ), but doesn’t have the high walk rates that KJ does. Also, Phillips’s power is largely in part to playing half his games at the Great American Ballpark. The one big advantage Phillips has on KJ is speed. He is much faster, and a legit stolen base threat. Actually, based on all these facts, I’m not sure I do agree that Phillips is better than KJ. I actually expected his defense to be better, but it turns out KJ was really, really good at 2b last year (pop-ups not withstanding….).
Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
June 4th, 2009
11:00 am
“Braves are probably better with Hanson right away…”
Dave, that’s bound to be a sobering supposition for the 90 percent of bloggers who seem to believe Tommy Hanson’s going to pitch like Bob Feller from start one.
Renegator
June 4th, 2009
11:01 am
The next move that needs to be made is to DFA Bennett. Haven’t we seen enough of this guy?
Is it weird that the Braves are carrying 5 outfielders right now? That usually isn’t their style. You have to think that when Hanson comes up on Saturday – an OF will be sent down to make room.
You have to figure Blanco or Barton gets sent down to make room for McClouth and then the other gets sent down to make room for Hanson.
Doc Holiday
June 4th, 2009
11:01 am
Where does McLouth stands on braves regulars stats (rank in between ( ) includes infante, GA and/or Diaz, which are players with at least half the ABs he has)?
OPS. 5th
OBP. 6th
BA 9th
SLG 3rd (chipper & McCann)
HR 1st (with 9, almost dobles the previous team leaders whom stand at 5…………..huge improvement)
BB 3rd (chipper & Schafer, and since Schafer is gone, he stands 2nd on the team)
K 3rd (Schafer and JF)
SB 1st (has more than 3 times the previous leader on the team)
Any comments?
Cameron
June 4th, 2009
11:01 am
Richie:
If you think Phillips is so much better than KJ, don’t you think the Reds do to. Why would they make that trade? Sometimes it is valuable to think about what you are going to type before you type it.
Renegator
June 4th, 2009
11:03 am
I don’t think the signing of McClouth was a PR move to deflect from the release of Glavine.
I think they HAD to release Glavine to be able to afford McClouth. I think the McClouth move was already in place before Glavine was released.
Just my opinion – have no idea if it’s true or not.
DAP
June 4th, 2009
11:04 am
J-X i do think chipper would be great at #4, but i just dont see it happening.
RC
June 4th, 2009
11:04 am
I don’t have access to the source anymore, but I remember reading that in the 2007 season Phillips led the league in HR that cleared the wall by less than 5 feet. My point is, 30 HR in Cincy (and only 20 last year) could easily become 10-15 HR somewhere else, especially a park that is as HR adverse as Turner Field has been recently.
Macon Braves (RIP)
June 4th, 2009
11:04 am
McLouth isn’t a cleanup hitter. He hit 1,2, or 3 while in Pittsburg the last few years. He should be leading off, or hitting 2nd behind Yunel leading off.
I would rather see him lead off though, gives a legitimate basestealer at the top of the order. If he was hitting second, he wouldn’t be able to steal as much, I would think, since it would always be opening up first base for the opposing team to walk Chipper.
Macon Braves (RIP)
June 4th, 2009
11:07 am
And for those few that said earlier Chipper should suck it up and bat cleanup. You bat your best HITTER third. It would be different if Chipper was just a slugger who hit homeruns, he’s not, he’s the best hitter on the team and he should be hitting in the 3 hole.
RC
June 4th, 2009
11:08 am
Ok, I post that about Phillips only hitting HR at home, and then notice his split for this year is 6 away, 4 at home, and isn’t too far off in previous years. Phillips does have legit power, and I’m an idiot.
Robert(Chipper Is The Best)
June 4th, 2009
11:08 am
DOB, I wonder if the Braves will still be after Mark DeRosa? An offer of Francoeur, Kelly Johnson and maybe Jo-Jo Reyes? Braves could put Infante/Prado at 2B and DeRosa in RF.
Ritchie from Scotland
June 4th, 2009
11:10 am
DOB I agree the Glavine situation was mishandled but if we gave him a couple of starts paid him $1 mil and he lost both was dropped and Hanson brought up would that have been any better? If that was also the case and we ended up loosing out on the playoffs by 2 games…Hanson gives us a better chance to win. They should never have promised Glavine a contract in the first place but maybe they felt they had to after the negative press over the Smoltz situation..
PWHjort
June 4th, 2009
11:10 am
McPoyle,
Everyone thought the Phillies were stupid for signing Ibanez when they could’ve had Burrell for half the money. And if Ibanez weren’t having a completely inexplicable career year in his mid 30’s everyone would still think it was a stupid decision. And it still was probably the wrong decision that has happened to pay off.
DAP
June 4th, 2009
11:11 am
maybe wren should have let glavine pitch in AAA for the rest of the year and use him as an emergency starter.
flange1
June 4th, 2009
11:11 am
After a night to digest the news form yesterday, some random thoughts:
I have no interest in what John Smoltz has to say about anything anymore ESPECIALLY about the Braves.
I am sorry the Glavine situation played out like it did. It was a business decision in a game that is becoming more business like and less sentimental. It would be nice to have had Tom Glavine night, let him pitch 1 more game as a Brave and then retire. But it would have cost $1 million for that.
VERY happy with the Mclouth deal. From the interview i heard with FW, Nate is going to lead off. GREAT, MFin09 can shut up about moving KJ lower in the order. About sick of hearing that one!
Frenchy better start to improve. This deal gives the Braves a quality OF that is under control for 4 years. IF Schafer gets his groove back, in the short run, Nate moves to left. When Heyward is ready, Frenchy has no position.
To me this trade means the Braves HAVE to make at least 1 more trade in the next year. WAY TOO MANY of our young guys are LH (McCann, KJ, Schafer, Kotch, Freeman, NATE, Heyward)
We need a RH hitter that crushes LH pitching for this lineup.
Glad to see Medlen in the pen. To me now you have 5 strong guys, Gonzo, Soriano, EOF, Moylan and Medlen. Bennett has been good in his last 6 appearances (except the 2nd inning last night) Acosta has a power arm, and Carliyle, Campy and Parr are just innings eaters. Who knows about JoJo!!
I think Blanco goes to Gwinnett and Barton stays when Nate joins the team.
This team has a chance now to compete into the playoffs. Need to get hot for a bit.
Rock On....(the denizen formerly known as Dadgum)
June 4th, 2009
11:12 am
I can understand the sentiment on Glavine from some bloggers like Frank From KS and others. Tough to see an old Brave exit but the problem is that many many older athletes don’t know when to hang up the tools. They have to be shown the door and unfortunately there aren’t many good scenarios to draw up a pleasant ending in that situation.
Detractors on how this was handled have their own thoughts. Wren should have done this or done that but at the end of the day he can surely sleep well knowing he did what was right. Sure, different methods could have been used but he was more than generous prior to ST when he gave Glavine a million while he was still in rehab.
I know Glavine is hurting and it has to be similar to a kid working hard to make his high school team and then doesn’t make the cut. The kid sits there and looks at the list on the gym wall and realizes his name isn’t on the list. Is there a better way to dispense that news. Different way maybe, but same result and doubtful it is better. 95% of this blog agree with the decision from what I am reading not to mention just about every baseball talking head in the sports world.
Frank Wren was more than fair with Tom Glavine and he has a better team now. Wren hit a grand slam yesterday as GM but you don’t win them on paper. Time to produce.
Oh and one other thing. If it is correct as widely mentioned that the Braves have the best scouting dept. in all of baseball then why don’t we just accept that Tom Glavine just doesn’t have it from them and move on. Think about that awhile. Peace out!
pstone
June 4th, 2009
11:12 am
Sorry if already posted, but do we know when McLouth will be in the lineup? Tomorrow?
Bobby
June 4th, 2009
11:13 am
I think the Braves should place a claim on Betemit. He would provide much more roster flexibility than Norton. At the very least additional insurance at 3B/SS/1B. He is still only 27.
TnBrian(as DOB for a sencond...)
June 4th, 2009
11:13 am
Renegator, dude, seriously, what makes you think it was financial? Wren said flat out this was NOT financial and was about Glavine’s performance that was given to him by EIGHT people. Do I think it was respectful to give such late notice to first ballot HOF that he would be released, NO. But, come on dude, get a clue.
DunwoodyBrave
June 4th, 2009
11:13 am
/We have to remember Glavine’s ERA in his last year with the Mets was 4.54 (!). And that was when he was two years younger. We could be looking at a 5+ ERA. Hansen should be better than that.
I had the sense Glavine was rushing to get in the lineup–repeatedly declaring himself “ready”–perhaps because he knew he had to get to ATL before June arrived and Hansen was ready.
I’m also struck that he threw 68 pitches in Rome the other night and declared himself “ready.” We don’t need a pitcher capable of 68 pitches. We’ll burn out our bullpen like last year.
ric flair
June 4th, 2009
11:15 am
Did any of you guys see the article in Choptalk about Greg Norton? His mom was strangled to death by his dad with one of his ties 20 years ago when Greg was 16. Greg is the one who found her. His dad denied it but finally came clean about it this past winter.
KC
June 4th, 2009
11:18 am
Defending World Champions.
Won fifteen of their last twenty games.
Leading the NL East at 31-20
Scoring 5.62 runs per game.
Second in the NL with 282 runs scored
Second in RBI with 270
First in Home Runs with 74.
First in Slugging at .472.
First in fielding percentage at .991.
Ryan Howard. MVP, All-Star, Silver Slugger.
Jimmy Rollins. MVP, All-Star, Gold Glove.
Chase Utley. All-Star, Silver Slugger.
Shane Victorino, Gold Glove.
Cole Hamels, All-Star, NLCS and WS MVP in 2008.
Brad Lidge, All-Star Closer, 2008 Rolaids Relief Pitcher of the year.
Raul Ibanez leading all NL outfielders in Home runs 19, RBI 52, Batting Average .337
Any questions?
Uh, yeah… how many consecutive days can Hamels start? And can he close?
Your rotation is garbage, and your Rolaids Relief Pitcher of the Year looks more like the Vagasil Pitcher of the Year this season.
Rock On....(the denizen formerly known as Dadgum)
June 4th, 2009
11:18 am
DAP….Glavine had said no to the AAA idea back in January. It was Braves or bust.
Cameron….many athletes have proclaimed themselves ready. That is irrelevant when they stand to make millions. Sort of Favre-like. The FO who is doling out the millions thought otherwise.
PWHjort
June 4th, 2009
11:19 am
Ric Flair,
That was one of the best articles I’ve read all year.
TVolsBrave
June 4th, 2009
11:20 am
It seems to me that Schuerholz realized these things were about to come to a head (Smoltz, Glavine, etc) and the best option to him seemed to place Wren in the “firing line” so to speak. Glavine is one of my all time favorite Braves (along with Murph and we all know how that turned out) and I do not think that this was the best way to handle this. The thing is though that Wren is being paid to make the tough decisions and he is making them. At least he seems to be making an effort to make the team better.
It was always going to be tough when the time came for both Glavine and Smoltz. One thing that makes them great is their drive and the fact that they never give in. Glavine would walk the bases loaded before he would give in to a hitter and he is not going to give in now either. It is pretty much an impossible situation for the Braves and Wren. If they are convinced that Glavine does not have the “stuff” to get big league hitters out then this is the right move. It just stinks that they make their stand with guys like Glavine and Smoltz and not with people like Jo-Jo Reyes and Jeff Bennett.
I think this a no-win situation for all involved. Glavine and Smoltz are not going “to ride off into the sunset” until they are good and ready. I guess they have earned that right, but it also puts the Braves in a tough situation.
Lunatic Fringe
June 4th, 2009
11:20 am
I am stilll wondering about transactions that have to take place. Barton took Campillo’s spot, and I assume that Blanco will be sent down to make room for Nate. What will happen when Hanson is added? Will they just send Barton back down again? That does not make much sense to me. Why would they bring him up for just a few days???
I wonder if Norton’s time is up soon? I would prefer to have Barton on the bench to back up all 3 OF spots, that have Norton, who currently is not backing up anyone.
Robert(Chipper Is The Best)
June 4th, 2009
11:22 am
Lets face facts. There was going to be no good way to let Glavine go. Truth is that he should’ve never been offered a contract in the first place. I hate that it happened but it had to happen. That is that!
Now, I shouldn’t say this but I will. What do you guys think about bringing back Andruw for the rest of the year. Would the Rangers even trade him? He seems to have got his groove back some.
rhynster
June 4th, 2009
11:26 am
Maybe some polite honesty along the way for Glavine could have softened the blow for him. You know, sort of how you might tell an employee who’s at risk, “You may want to update your resume.”? Is it bad policy to tell him a couple of weeks ago, “Tom, we may not have room for you on the roster, given how things are developing.”?
As for trading Franceour, that is about the dumbest notion out there. Who would want him? And even if someone did take him as a reclamation project, what would they give up? Look at how little interest everyone had in Andruw this offseason. Franceour is essentially the same type of project, only without the track record.
Seems the best optioin is to send him to Gwinnett, regardless of how he likes it. If he turns a corner, he’d elevate his value. If he flames out, well, what have you really lost?
OldBravesBag
June 4th, 2009
11:26 am
Yeah..let’s trade away Kelly….he’s only hit 7 doubles in the last 6 games….good grief…. If you’re worried about errors…..Chipper has made plenty more this year…maybe we should axe him and his sore toe…..ugh…
Efrim
June 4th, 2009
11:27 am
“This team has a chance now to compete into the playoffs. Need to get hot for a bit.”
I think taking away at bats from Francoeur and giving them to Matt Diaz would help too. But overall, this team is much improved with this trade.
I’m not too worried about the farm system, because this team always drafts well and develops good talent. Can’t remember the last time they weren’t in the top 15 in terms of minor league talent.
monty
June 4th, 2009
11:27 am
The very thing that makes an athlete great: skill coupled with an insatiable drive to compete and be the best, to win, to conquer, etc..and a real love for the game, are the very things that make it hard for super achievers to call it quits and to leave on high notes instead of low ones. Look at the Brett Favre saga. He should have left a hero and now he is embarrassing himself. All these old guys still clinging to their youth trying to prove they still got it when most of the time they don’t.