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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,500 comments Add your comment
TVolsBrave
June 4th, 2009
12:29 pm
Jim Rome is RIPPING the Braves for their handling of Glavine.
Who cares…….This runs a close second to hearing how Smoltz feels about the Glavine situation.
TVolsBrave
June 4th, 2009
12:30 pm
TvolsBrave-I don’t know that that is how it will work out, but ain”t it nice to have that option in the outfield?
It is GREAT to have options. Now lets just hope Cox actually uses them.
Lew
June 4th, 2009
12:31 pm
RHR-Thank You Sister. Can I get an Amen?
Lew
June 4th, 2009
12:31 pm
SteveFromOH-Since when has Jeff321 been concerned with appearances?
MFin04
June 4th, 2009
12:32 pm
We should have sent Bobby packing with Glavine. Their abilities have both passed them by, that being said, hopefully the team can man-up, win some games, and get back in the division race.
DOB – What roster moves are the Braves expected to make?
semiballcoach
June 4th, 2009
12:32 pm
remember when the braves let phil niekro make 1 last start in a braves uni? wasn’t that uncomfortable?
think about the last days of mickey mantle, wille mays, even dale murphy, when they were obviously done…if you are going to take the player evaluations of kids on the way up, you gotta respect their opinions of players on the way down too
BT
June 4th, 2009
12:33 pm
Are we better than we were 24 hours ago. I think we definitely are. Is Nate a heck of a lot better than Blanco? Of course.
N8
June 4th, 2009
12:33 pm
GREAT interview and perspective by Pete VanWieren.
JJ
June 4th, 2009
12:34 pm
Yo DOB –
I would also like your take on how this could have been handled differently? Not sure I can come up with a GOOD way to cut loose an icon / legend of the team. A HOFer that basically clinched the only world championship the team has ever won single-handedly. I just don’t see a good way of doing that.
But that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t have been done. The Braves ARE a better team withn Hanson and / or Huddy in the rotation as opposed to Glavine. So what’s your take?
Lew
June 4th, 2009
12:34 pm
MFin04-They’re sending you to Altoona.
RC
June 4th, 2009
12:35 pm
There are 3 ways to look at the moves made yesterday:
Pure baseball standpoint – I don’t think anyone disagrees that Hanson will likely be better than Glavine was, and McLouth definitely makes the team better.
Financial standpoint – Hanson is actually cheaper than Glavine, so that’s a no brainer. Also, money saved by releasing Glavine pays McLouth’s salary this year.
Sentimental standpoint – This is the one area in which the moves totally stink. However, as so many on this blog have proclaimed, it is the job of the general manager to move forward, not look back. By making this difficult decision Wren has shown he is committed to the future of the Atlanta Braves, and I only hope that Glavine is able to get past his disappointment and soon join the organization as a coach or part of the front office, because I really think he’d excel in that role.
semiballcoach
June 4th, 2009
12:35 pm
this might send cox out the door at the end of the year…..can’t fire him, but maybe you can make him want to go
Salamander
June 4th, 2009
12:35 pm
Completely unrelated to Baseball
So this morning I unfortunately found out about the TV show “Jon and Kate plus Eight,” which I’d never heard of previously.
Wow, does this show, or the adults who star in it, have any redeeming qualities at all? They look like two real estate do-chebags who found love and used retard science to help over-populate the world.
Not sure why I bring this up on the old blog… just found the premise for the TV show disturbing and had to vent – against my better judgment I might add.
8 kids? Ever heard of adoption you vapid TV celebs? Just gross.
Robert(Chipper Is The Best)
June 4th, 2009
12:36 pm
Wren is probably a jerk but the truth is he did what was best for the team now and the future. And, you guys need to get used to it because Francoeur is next. I think if he can’t be traded in the next week or two he will just be released. He follows the Patriots business model. Loyalty is good but winning is what counts and tough decisions have to be made. Emotion can’t be part of it.
Now, be honest. Who is better for the roation right now?! Glavine or Medlen/Hanson? We all know the answer!
Jeff321
June 4th, 2009
12:36 pm
Classy.
Refresh my memory — you consider yourself a Braves fan, correct? Just checking.
David O’Brien
Yes, been watching the Braves since 1982. Never even thought about switching to either Florida team once they joined MLB.
Btw, I never saw the rulebook that stated you needed to love the manager of your favorite MLB team. And just FYI, I used to be a Cox groupie before 2005.
Finally, I do spend cash on MLB Premium, been to plenty games and buy Braves gear.
Pete
June 4th, 2009
12:36 pm
stynes: “Even though my employeer may not be more loyal, we hope baseball will be. It’s part of the appeal of the game”
With all due respect, the loyalty part of the game unfortunately went out the window back in the 80’s, if not sooner.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
June 4th, 2009
12:37 pm
MFin04,
I wouldn’t buy Bobby a bus ticket or anything, but the past 24 hours have shown this is Frank Wren’s team. As Jeff Passan at Yahoo said, when a GM puts his stamp so definitively on a club, it typically means one of two things: postseason glory or unemployment.
JJ
June 4th, 2009
12:38 pm
semiballcoach –
Haha…that reminds me of a place I worked in college. When they decided they didn’t want you around anymore, they wouldn’t fire you, they’d just make your life a living hell until you up and quit. Maybe that’s the thinking here to.
Supes
June 4th, 2009
12:38 pm
I hope Glavine gets a shot with the Red Sox, I’ll root for him and he’ll always be an icon in this city!
Steve from OH
June 4th, 2009
12:39 pm
Great interview with Pete Van Wieren. Dude makes great sense, as always. Well said, Pete.
MGL
June 4th, 2009
12:39 pm
masivatack – Lay off Jersey Gil, English is his second language and he has some of the better posts on here. It’s a blog, if you cannot understand it, move on.
MFin04
June 4th, 2009
12:39 pm
“BT – Are we better than we were 24 hours ago. I think we definitely are. Is Nate a heck of a lot better than Blanco? Of course.”
Hanson is better than Glavine
McLouth is better than Blanco/Schafer
Braves are better now than they were before
Renegator
June 4th, 2009
12:41 pm
Bobby’s reaction does prove that he has no idea when a player has it or not. Not, that we didn’t already know that – Jeff Bennett anyone?
Anyway, glad Frank Wrent made the (correct) call and released Glavine or else Bobby would have sent him out there every fifth day to get shellacked. He wouldn’t have done it because he was the best option – he would have done it strictly out of loyalty and sentimental value.
Loyalty and sentimental value is not how you build a contender – it’s how you build a .500 club.
monty
June 4th, 2009
12:41 pm
TVolsBrave
FW new he would be blasted by fans and the media for dropping Glavine. Jim Rome makes his living by commenting on these type situations in sports. That’s his spiel.He gets paid mega bucks to be incensed about stuff. FW did a bold thing, he knew it was not the ideal way to orchestrate it but there is no easy way to tell a town hero “we don’t need you any more.” Glavine was always more of a contingency plan.
J williams
June 4th, 2009
12:41 pm
DOB,
Is McLouth expected to be in Atlanta today?
DAP
June 4th, 2009
12:42 pm
there are NOT two dominant lefties in this division. there is one.
JJ
June 4th, 2009
12:43 pm
MFin –
What do you think about McLouth, Prado/Kotchman, Chipper as the top 3 and moving BOTH Esco and KJ down in the order? I would think both would then have ample opportunity to drive in runs with RISP if they were right behind Chipper and BMac. Move GA to 7 and Frenchy to 8. What do you think?
Area 51
June 4th, 2009
12:44 pm
Jeff 321…I’m with you. I wish this blog host could be less of a “fan” and more of a journalist when it comes to Bobby Cox.
JJ
June 4th, 2009
12:44 pm
J Williams –
Yes. They said on PTV last night he would fly in today and be ready for the game tonight.
Steve from OH
June 4th, 2009
12:44 pm
Bobby’s reaction does prove that he has no idea when a player has it or not
I don’t agree with this at all, but you kind of contradict yourself later on in your post. If Frank Wren realized that Glav was done, wouldn’t he be able to do the same about Bennett? Personnel decisions are influenced by the field manager, but in the end the final decision in the general manager’s.
Robert(Chipper Is The Best)
June 4th, 2009
12:44 pm
Oh, and Cox isn’t in such a comfy position any more either. Wren seems the type of guy who will do what is best for the team. I think Cox’s methods are wearing thin and the truth is this team is good enough to make the playoffs. If they don’t, don’t be surprised to see Cox pushed out the door too! And, before anyone gets their panties in a bunch over it because Cox is a hall of famer keep in mind tough decisions have to be made. Remember how everyone was so upset over the way Jerry Jones treated Tom Landry in favor of Jimmy Johnson. Now, ask Cowboy fans how they feel now about that decision? I can gurantee 99% will say it was the right move in retrospet.
Rock On....(the denizen formerly known as Dadgum)
June 4th, 2009
12:45 pm
Of the Shaefer/McClouth talk about who is a better CF, you do realize you are talking about a guy that is maybe AAA at best vs. a Gold Glover. Don’t even go there. Huge upgrade both defensively and offensively that it doesn’t even merit debate.
To hell with what Olney thinks about Glavine. Maybe Buster wants to pay him the extra couple of million. Maybe he has forgotten that Glavine has made 10 million since returning and has pitched what 5 games or so. Wrenn was generous, gave Glavine the option of retiring, and very patient to boot. In my opinion he handled it perfectly and should be highly commended for his professional approach.
Oh yeah, and Smoltz how about just shutting the hell up while you are at it.
Novice Ned
June 4th, 2009
12:45 pm
I’m sure someone is thinking “well they sent JoJo out there to get knocked around, they shoul dhave allowed Glavine the chance to see for himself if he was done or not”. But the difference is (IMO) that Reyes was knocked around a few weeks earlier and when the division race was a little tighter. Heck, Medlan just pitched his best game as a starter and he was sent to the bullpen. It seems pretty clear that Wren drew a 6/1 line in the sand to switch over to the diamond lane and see if we can pick up speed. And Glavine, Medlan and Schaefer were all left behind. No more time for development, sentimenatlity or crossed fingers. Moving time has come for the Braves. Time to move up in the standings.
Efrim
June 4th, 2009
12:45 pm
“there are NOT two dominant lefties in this division. there is one.”
Huh? Hamels is pretty close to it. Unless you meant Santana wasn’t? Sorry, I didn’t catch the convo.
Macon Braves (RIP)
June 4th, 2009
12:45 pm
Cameron–Are you seriously willing to waste McLouth’s fabulous basestealing talent by putting him at cleanup? What kind of sense does that make? McCann is fine at cleanup for now or I’d put Anderson in cleanup before I’d put McLouth there. McLouth will be great at the top of the order, causing havoc on the basepaths when he’s on base, and getting himself into scoring position for the guys behind him like Chipper and McCann.
braves70
June 4th, 2009
12:45 pm
While I applaud Wren for the trade and for bringing up Hanson, I still think that Frank Wren is a low class, gutless guy. The way he treated Cal Ripken Jr. in Baltimore, John Smoltz and now Tom Glavine make it obvious that Wren has no respect for a team’s heritage. I look forward to the day that Frank Wren gets fired and leaves with everyone celebrating his departure.
Macon Braves (RIP)
June 4th, 2009
12:46 pm
Whoops, sorry about the bold, guess I forgot to close out my .
c jonze
June 4th, 2009
12:46 pm
EVERYONE loved Tom, except maybe when he left the first time, and of course it is difficult for everyone in the organization to have to move on. Bobby is not going to be happy about it, but give Frank credit for making the tough decisions where Smoltz and Glavine were concerned.
There is NO EASY WAY to end such a relationship. To let Tommy leave on “his terms” would have meant ignoring all the people that are paid to determine talent, and rolling the dice with him pitching to MAJOR LEAGUE hitters. If this team were in front by a few games, or behind just 1, maybe that could be done. But Frank would not let this season just slip away, and is trying to “jump start” the team, and that meant some tough decisions. I wonder what writers would say had he sat by and done nothing while this team continues to flounder…
DAP
June 4th, 2009
12:46 pm
i would be for getting betemit and releasing norton. betemit has about as much power potential as norton, is also a switch hitter, and actually plays several defensive positions adequately. the way betemit is hitting its not and upgrade offensively, but it certainly upgrades the versatility of the team, and betemit has as much potential to help offensivly as norton. wren needs to sign betemit and release norton!
Steve from OH
June 4th, 2009
12:48 pm
there are NOT two dominant lefties in this division. there is one.
You mean Ollie Perez ain’t dominant? Hoo boy, prepare to get blasted by Anders…
Robert (CITB):
I don’t agree. I think Cox is here until he says he’s not, but I get the feeling that he’s not happy by this move, so he may choose sooner rather than later. I hope not, but…
Did anyone take notice how Pete said that the scouts were “unanimous” that Glav couldn’t get it done? A pretty damning opinion, if you ask me. Hard to ignore that if you’re the GM.
brewdawg
June 4th, 2009
12:48 pm
Like Bobby Cox as a manager or don’t, but it’s really sad that some would make fun or take pleasure in his obvious anguish over the Glavine decision. Excruciating to watch that 11alive video. A lot of you should be ashamed of yourselves, and let me say thanks for reminding me why I usually skip through the comments straight to DOB’s or N8’s. (DOB’s for the insight, and N8’s when i need a laugh).
GboroBravo
June 4th, 2009
12:48 pm
From MLBTR:
Danny Knobler of CBS Sports reports that the Braves were in serious discussions to trade for Marlins outfielder Cody Ross before pulling off the Nate McLouth deal yesterday. The Marlins made Ross available, but ultimately decided not to deal him. Some within the Atlanta organization would have preferred to trade for Ross because he wouldn’t have commanded as much of a return as McLouth did.
McFann :Ô:
June 4th, 2009
12:48 pm
Macon Braves McCann is fine at cleanup for now or I’d put Anderson in cleanup before I’d put McLouth there.
Yeah! Anderson at cleanup! Put BMac fifth where he belongs!
Train Wreck Bystander
June 4th, 2009
12:49 pm
Buster Olney’s take on the Glavine events echoes my sentiments, but he says it a lot better than I could.
BBraves
June 4th, 2009
12:50 pm
The Glavine situation was difficult but don’t know how the Braves could have handled it better. They gave him a chance to come back and he just didn’t have it. Many of the great athletes don’t know when it is time to retire. Especially in recent years. You really have to respect those that go out on top of their game on their terms.
The Braves are looking at the future with these moves and not hanging on to the past. Very exciting and going to be interesting to see the way the team reacts to the changes and jells together with the new addditions. Wouldn’t be surprised to see this be Bobbie Cox’s last year.
Willy Wally
June 4th, 2009
12:51 pm
Nomar got traded, three months later, they won the World Series. Mattingly got shoved out the door, the next season, they won the World Series. Dale Murphy got traded, the next season, they went to the World Series. The Red Sox dumped a bunch of folks from the 2004 squad, and won the Series again in 2007. Doesn’t mean the Braves will win the Series but life’s about moving forward, not looking back. Just like the rest of us, Tom Glavine doesn’t get to decide when, where, why and how his employment, career and life ends. Oh well. Get over it. Move on.
brewdawg
June 4th, 2009
12:51 pm
N8,
Just poking fun at you man. Nobody has more wildly interesting posts than you on so many different levels. And honestly that’s not meant in a disparaging way, even though it kind of sounds like it.
JordanSC
June 4th, 2009
12:53 pm
As Pete Van Wieren said from his discussion last night with Bobby Cox, the scouts were 100% in agreement that Glavine wouldn’t be successful at the major league level based on his rehab outings.
THATS ALL I NEED TO KNOW. It had to be handled now which meant it couldn’t really be handloed in a different way.
MGL
June 4th, 2009
12:53 pm
JJ – I’d put McLouth, Escobar, Chipper, McCann 1-4, OPS’s .349,.364. .437, .406. Plus, Nate hits a lot of doubles and is fast so he has the best chance of staying out of Escobar’s Double Plays.
DAP
June 4th, 2009
12:54 pm
efrim“there are NOT two dominant lefties in this division. there is one.”
Huh? Hamels is pretty close to it.
cole hamels is 3-2 in 9 starts with a 5.21 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP. 50 Ks in 48 IP is good, but hes only averaging 5 and 1/3 innings per start. he is NOT close to a dominant lefty. not this year.
Rock On....(the denizen formerly known as Dadgum)
June 4th, 2009
12:55 pm
Jim Rome and “good” in the same post. Really?? Thought it was Chris Everett.
rjbman in atlanta
June 4th, 2009
12:55 pm
It is just a tough situation for everyone involved. You don’t enjoy the career success that Glavine has without a deep seated belief in your own abilities. I am sure that if you asked him, TG would tell you he can be successful pitching in the MLB right-handed if necessary. Bobby Cox has always been loyal to his players, and frankly, I don’t see how the Ozzie Guillen approach is getting the Chisox any closer to the playoffs. BC gets the most out of his players. Which is what your manager should be doing.
But it is the job of FW and the front office to put the best 25 players in the dugout–and hopefully not mortgage the future of the organization doing it. By all accounts, the events of the past 24 hours has accomplished that.
I hope Tommy will not show up pitching for the Phillies, but I won’t rule it out…
c jonze
June 4th, 2009
12:57 pm
Buster Olney thinks that Tommy should have had at least three starts to fail before it came to this type of decision.
The Mets and Phillies probably feel the same way.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 4th, 2009
12:58 pm
The conventional arguement that McCann should not be our number 4 hitter because of his fielding position (getting around 1 off day a week) is probably true, especially since his power makes him more of a 5-hole hitter anyway. With the acquisition of McLouth, many, including me, might suggest a McLouth-Chipper-McCann middle-of-the-batting order. I like this option, but in reality, we are probably faced with the same problem with Chipper being in the 4-hole as we are with McCann there–he plays about as often as McCann and his power has dropped with age. Truth is, I still don’t think we have a “traditional” number 4 hitting on our team right now.
With the pieces that we got, I think Chipper is still our “best” hitter–usually reserved for the 3-hole– and McLouth’s power numbers (more HRs than anyone else on the team, and good slugging) are more important to us in the 4/5 hole than his speed is in the number 1 hole. Based on that, I would put out this batting order:
1.) Escobar
2.) Kotchman
3.) Chipper
4.) McCann (less power than McLouth but better contact hitter to keep rallies alive)
5.) McLouth
6.) Franceour (need to break up the lefties)
7.) Anderson
8.) Johnson
9.) Pitcher
Thoughts?
Shane (The original)
June 4th, 2009
12:59 pm
Fran Wren treated Cal ripken Jr the way he should have been treated. just like everyone else. Cal jr was the biggest prima donna in the leauge. He wouldnt even stay at the same hotel as his teamates demanding special treatment. When he missed the bus and was late for the plane Wren did what he should have done. He told them to leave without him. thats what caused all the trouble between Frank and Cal. frank did the right thing then and yesterday as well.
Efrim
June 4th, 2009
12:59 pm
DAP, not this year is the key there. I think he was battling the injury bug. He is as close to dominant as you can get in my mind. Plus, imagine if he was pitching in a fair pitchers park. Not sure what his park adjusted stats are……
Danny Knobler says the Braves were interested in Cody Ross as well:
http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8590096/15389966
Willy Wally
June 4th, 2009
1:00 pm
Cameron–Are you seriously willing to waste McLouth’s fabulous basestealing talent by putting him at cleanup? What kind of sense does that make? (MACON BRAVES)
I don’t agree that a basestealer hitting cleanup is a waste. A basestealer at cleanup can be just as useful or more than a basestealer at leadoff. Think about it.
A leadoff hitter who steals bases runs the risk of making an out when he is followed by the best hitters on the team – 2, 3, 4, 5. The reward isn’t as great since there is a high likelihood that he will score anyway without stealing a base by just getting on base, and running the bases well in front of hitters who are likely to draw a walk, string together some hits, or hit a blast. The risk of losing a run by getting caught stealing as a leadoff hitter is higher than the risk of losing a run by getting caught stealing as a cleanup hitter.
A cleanup hitter who gets on base and who can steal can afford to be a bit more risky with his basestealing because the chances aren’t as great that the guys behind him are gonna get on base, string hits together or hit a blast.
TBF(n)K as Billy
June 4th, 2009
1:00 pm
Wonder if this is the move that is going cause Bobby to retire
geauxbraves2000
June 4th, 2009
1:00 pm
I just want to see this team play with some emotion. I just can’t remember seeing very much over the past couple of years. They have the pitching talent, they have a good enough offense (esp if they’d start being a little more patient) Just add some fire, that, IMO, could turn this team around, and maybe propel them to the top of a fire truck in October.
Geaux Braves!!
Bravesgal
June 4th, 2009
1:01 pm
Buster Olney thinks that Tommy should have had at least three starts to fail before it came to this type of decision.
________________________________________________________________________
The Braves cannot afford to take the gamble that Glavine performs in those starts. What if he sucks and the Braves lose? They cannot afford that at this point.
cabravesfan
June 4th, 2009
1:01 pm
My thoughts on Tommy Glavine: (I know most of these are probably not original but, oh well, skip them if you want to)
From a purely baseball standpoint it makes sense. Glavine is 43 and at the end of his brilliant career. Tommy Hanson is 22 and a future star. Let’s see what the kid has. I get that. I actually have no problem with that. But- the way the Braves strung Glavine along and lead him to think he had a place in this rotation is complete bulls*** (sorry). The reasoning they gave (”performance” issue) is complete bulls***. The way they released him is complete bulls***. Nothing about the way Glavine pitches has changed between spring training and now. The excuses the front office is throwing out there are pathetic and Tommy deserves much better.
OK- rant over. Sorry, didn’t realize I was quite that worked up about it. Moving on…
brian
June 4th, 2009
1:01 pm
Hanson is definitely better than Glavine at this point but yesterday was royally mishandled.
That is why I thought that Vazquez would be traded. Hanson forced his way into the rotation. With Glavine coming back I thought that Vazquez would be the most tradeable starter and could fetch us a big bat. Hanson at 3-4 starter and Glavine at the 5 with Medlen as the backup if Glavine falters. It never crossed my mind that the Braves would waive Glavine. I am surprised the Braves did not try to buy more time by asking Tommy to make a start or two at AAA before activating him since his 6 inning start was against low A ball, and then make a decision
Jake W.
June 4th, 2009
1:02 pm
Commented last night that while I don’t agree with what the Braves did with Tommy, I truly believe that this decision isn’t made if the Braves were playing better. If we were in the position of the Phillies we can afford to give Tommy that shot to prove himself. Unfortunately I think the play of this team kind of forced his hand to make these decisions (Glavine and McLouth trade) at a much earlier date than he would have liked to. If we had a better record at this point thats a luxury we could have taken by waiting later. It’s kind of like the whole Smoltz to Boston thing. The Red Sox have more money and at the time more depth at the pitching position to say hey, we can afford to pay Smoltz more guranteed money and wait till June and let him take all the time he needs. If he doesn’t pan out they would be ok and its worth the risk for them. At the time they signed Smoltz we didn’t have that luxury. Our pitching staff consisted of JJ and Javy. I like many don’t like the way Glavine was handled especially so late in the game when he seemed ready to go, but I understand the move. I hope Glav gets a chance to prove he’s got something left, I just hope it doesn’t come in a Philly or Met uniform and come back to bite us.
MFin04
June 4th, 2009
1:02 pm
JJ -
McLouth (Speed can eliminate double plays and Esco can drive RISP in)
Escobar
Chipper
McCann (sorry McFann, no one else can hit cleanup, Chipper ain’t moving)
KJ
GA
Frenchy/1B
1B/Frenchy
Or if Chipper is willing to move
KJ
Esco
McLouth
Chipper
McCann
GA
Frenchy/1B
1B/Frenchy
getmattholliday
June 4th, 2009
1:02 pm
DAP –
The Braves have had relative success against these said lefties (I bet you’re talking about Santana and Hamels). Santana hasn’t beaten the Braves. So much for his dominance.
semiballcoach
June 4th, 2009
1:05 pm
where is the pete van wieren interview?
Danga
June 4th, 2009
1:05 pm
I’m not one to ignore stats, and where defensive stats are concerned McClouth was not a gold glove CF last year. Hopefully, Schafer’s time in the majors here will serve as a learning experience for him, but his defense wasn’t the problem and it was getting better. Towards the end of his tenure in ATL he was making nice plays off balls off the wall and taking better angles on the balls. Nice arm and he consistently hit the cut off man. The kid has the tools, and IF he can figure out how to hit ML pitching, he will be our starting CF in the future.
semiballcoach
June 4th, 2009
1:05 pm
no one in a hitter friendly park is going to sign glavine
MFin04
June 4th, 2009
1:06 pm
Did Glavine ditch the Braves once before? It’s not like it was Chipper or Smotlz…Glavine already left and joined a division rival, this was his second time around, and circumstances dictated that we needed Hanson more than Glavine. It was also a cheaper move that also paid for McLouth’s salary this year. Sorry to hurt Glavine’s feelings but he ditched a lot of us Braves fans long ago.
cabravesfan
June 4th, 2009
1:07 pm
Oh, I remember what else I wanted to say before I went all bitter…
I am not one that does the “what about [Name of player] in [position in batting order] but what about trying Yunel in the cleanup spot? I know he doesn’t hit for a ton of power, but neither does anyone else…and he hits for a high avg. with RISP and makes good contact (most of the time)…any thoughts?
Robert
June 4th, 2009
1:07 pm
“Wonder if this is the move that is going cause Bobby to retire”
If so, then it will go down as the greatest move in franchise history
Blair
June 4th, 2009
1:07 pm
If you hate Bobby Cox, and want him out of Atlanta that is a preemptive strike against your baseball knowledge. Morons. Good lookin’ out DOB.
Steve from OH
June 4th, 2009
1:08 pm
Mark: Klaw, Yesterday Frank Wren said that they could deal Morton and Locke because of their depth of pitching prospects and then alluded to the fact that Roy Clark has zoned in on a few pitchers that will be available at the 7 pick. Is it just a foregone conclusion around baseball that the Braves will take a pitcher at 7? or did Wren tip his hand? … or both?
Keith Law: (1:07 PM ET ) They’re taking a pitcher at 7. I know they love Matzek and had a crew in to see him last week, but he may not get there, and I don’t think he’ll take slot at 7. Zack Wheeler is the obvious choice – local kid, absolutely worthy of the pick at 7, committed to a second-tier college, will sign for slot.
semiballcoach
June 4th, 2009
1:08 pm
danga—shafer takes terrible routes to the ball, looks like a high schooler chasing it to the wall
Rock On....(the denizen formerly known as Dadgum)
June 4th, 2009
1:10 pm
CABravesFan…..strung him along? Now that is indeed a different view. That works two ways. The way I see it the Braves were willing to extend their kindness and generosity after he experienced more pain in April. Could have released him then. Paid him a million, were patient in his rehab, gave him some minor starts, all by the way Glavine was very gracious about and now you are feeling they strung him along? Can’t buy your reasoning for a minute.
McFann :Ô:
June 4th, 2009
1:10 pm
Heath The conventional arguement that McCann should not be our number 4 hitter because of his fielding position (getting around 1 off day a week) is probably true, especially since his power makes him more of a 5-hole hitter anyway.
Yeah! Hear hear!
MFin04–
Just for the record, Anderson has hit .318 in the cleanup spot this year, with a .353 OBP and a .432 SLG. He’s got 8 RBI there, too, and five of those hits where you wind up at second base. Actually, despite the fact that he’s got 2 homers in the 5-hole, his numbers in the cleanup spot are better than his numbers from other spots in the order.
Link
MFin04
June 4th, 2009
1:10 pm
Bobby Cox is no longer a great manager. Face the facts, he makes A LOT of bonehead moves, and shows too much loyalty to some of his players (Schafer, Frenchy, Bennett, Boyer, Buddy, and those are only this year!)
You don’t keep putting guys out there to lose games for this team. Jeff Bennett has cost the Braves 3 games already this year. He should be gone!
Steve from OH
June 4th, 2009
1:10 pm
Jim (CT): I know you are going to talk draft, but can you give us a quick opinion on the McLouth to Atlanta deal?
Keith Law: (1:09 PM ET ) Like it a lot for Pittsburgh – Morton could go right in their rotation, Gorkys is a ++ defender with a chance to hit (he hasn’t been good this year but he’s also 21 in AA), Locke is a high-upside LHP with three pitches who has shown good feel and command in the past. That’s a lot of talent – and difficult-to-get talent, since players up the middle and LHP are hard to acquire in trade or free agency – for a guy who is, what, an average outfielder? Fringe-average? Since 6/1/08 McLouth has hit .256/.327/.447 if you exclude his 7 IBB, and he’s not good in CF.
Jeff321
June 4th, 2009
1:12 pm
McCutchen already has a hit and run scored for the Pirates. I can’t wait to see Morton pitch for them either.. I always liked that guy but didn’t feel he was going to get another shot here.
MFin04
June 4th, 2009
1:12 pm
McFann :Ô: – You just don’t want GA to be one of your top 5 guys in the lineup. He’s old and slow, hits for a nice average, but KJ, Esco, Chipper, McCann, and McLouth are 5 better overall offensive players at this point. Much more dynamic than GA.
Bravesgal
June 4th, 2009
1:13 pm
Isn’t Keith Law the same person that said Yunel Escobar was nothing but a bench player?
AndyC
June 4th, 2009
1:13 pm
TVolsBrave
Jim Rome is a d-bag. Forget him.
Yunel's Frosted Tips
June 4th, 2009
1:14 pm
This blog’s host has never been objective when it comes to Bobby Cox or Whitesnake,and it ain’t starting now
DAP
June 4th, 2009
1:14 pm
efrimHe is as close to dominant as you can get in my mind.
im not trying to be a smart one, but your qualifications for dominance are really broad. hamels was dominant in 2008. in 2009, he really hasnt been that good. injury or whatever…he just hasnt been. here’s a link to his gme log:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/gamelog?playerId=6216
his most dominant (and best) start is one where he pitched 7 innings and only gave up a run, but allowed 7 hits! and a walk. that isnt domination, to me.
getmattholliday santana didnt beat the braves, but didnt give up an earned run in 6.1 innings. and overall, dude has a 2.00ERA and a 1.11 WHIP which is pretty good. plus 89 Ks in 72 innings.
Josh
June 4th, 2009
1:15 pm
Keith Law is a joke. Guys from Espn love to take shots at the Braves
semiballcoach
June 4th, 2009
1:15 pm
jim rome was the lead singer in whitesnake before coverdale
Cameron
June 4th, 2009
1:15 pm
Macon Braves:
I wasn’t advocating for him to bat cleanup. I was just saying that just because he isn’t what you would call a prototypical cleanup hitter, doesn’t mean he can’t hit there and have success.
I would rather have him hit leadoff as well. I think Kelly is better, and more comfortable, hitting 6th or 7th.
Truthfully, I would be okay with him hitting anywhere from 1st to 6th as long as he is on our team.
wheelz007
June 4th, 2009
1:16 pm
DOB must be busy writing another story….
Steve from OH
June 4th, 2009
1:16 pm
Mark (SF, CA): Why do you say Gorkys hasn’t been good this year ? Isn’t he hitting over .300 with a .360 OB ?
Keith Law: (1:16 PM ET ) He’s hitting something like .450 on balls in play. That may not quite be sustainable.
Danga
June 4th, 2009
1:17 pm
semiballcoach
I’m not sure there is a measurable way to make my point. In the beginning of the season, he looked lost out there as you said chasing balls like a high schooler. Didn’t know how to play a ball off the wall and so on. It just seemed to me watching the games every day that while his batting continued to decline and he looked absolutely lost, he looked more and more at home in CF. Maybe my eyes were deceiving me, but I definitely remember some nice plays made on balls off the wall and it seemed there were fewer of those chasing moments. No question the kid needs some seasoning, but I also think there is little question that with time he’ll be a very good defensive CF.
Blair
June 4th, 2009
1:17 pm
Yea we can face the facts. Look at his freaking resume! Look at his rapport with players. Most of you have no freaking clue what you’re talking about anyway. I agree that Bobby does SOME things that irritate logic. Managing is fickle, which most of you, again, know nothing about. You can make a move and look genius or make one and look stupid.
But yes, lets face facts. Idiots. Resume. That’s preemption. And don’t even bring your weak arguments over the Braves’ slip these past few years. I think we all know the cause (whether your in tune with it or not) and it’s not Bobby Cox. If you want Bobby gone, you’re a freaking idiot.
Salamander
June 4th, 2009
1:17 pm
While I applaud Wren for the trade and for bringing up Hanson, I still think that Frank Wren is a low class, gutless guy. The way he treated Cal Ripken Jr. in Baltimore, John Smoltz and now Tom Glavine make it obvious that Wren has no respect for a team’s heritage. I look forward to the day that Frank Wren gets fired and leaves with everyone celebrating his departure. Braves70
You gotta admit that Frankie has some guts. I’m a bit upset about Glavine ONLY because it looks bad and Glavine deserved better from this team. From an organizational standpoint, the Braves are better with young, talented pitchers than a 43 year old Glavine, and so I can’t fault Frank for going young.
Hindsight is a stupid game, but I suppose Frankie should have told Glavine back in December that the Braves were most likely going young and that there was limited (i.e. zero) space for a 43 year old soft tosser.
TcD
June 4th, 2009
1:17 pm
Semiballcoach: Here is the link to the Pete interview…
http://www.680thefan.com/audio/Pete%20VanWieren%20TRA%20060409.mp3
DAP
June 4th, 2009
1:17 pm
efrim my last post came out wrong. thats 7 inning start is hamels best one, the only one where he has pitched 7 innings. THAT is not dominance. when you dominate, you go deep into games and dont have an ERA over 5.
Steve from OH
June 4th, 2009
1:18 pm
Keith Law is a joke. Guys from Espn love to take shots at the Braves
Not quite. He’s an arrogant little man but he’s generally got something pretty informative to the conversation. Gotta see it from all sides, dude.
PWHjort
June 4th, 2009
1:18 pm
1. KJ
2. McLouth
3. Chipper
4. McCann
5. Escobar
6. Kotchman
7. Anderson/Diaz
8. Out Machine
AndyC
June 4th, 2009
1:19 pm
McLouth won a GOLD GLOVE in center last year. Schafer has played 40 some games in center and played poorly at times misjudging balls. Why is everyone wanting to move McClouth?
cabravesfan
June 4th, 2009
1:20 pm
Rock On-
What I meant is- why make him go through all that rehab, why let him think that they were saving a place for him when they had to be thinking that wasn’t going to happen. You can’t possibly think that this decision was made yesterday. Tommy’s velocity is higher now then it was 3 months ago. He’s throwing pretty much the same way he’s thrown throughout his career and suddenly it’s a “preformance” issue? I’m sorry but I don’t buy that. If it is a money issue (which I think it is) it’s not like that $1 millon bonus just snuck up on the team. Maybe I’m just angry about it but they kept giving him rehab after rehab assignment, letting him believe he was going to be on the mound for the Braves at some point. That, to me, is stringing him along.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 4th, 2009
1:20 pm
After digesting the Glavine events of yesterday and hearing Wren’s comments today, I am of the belief that Glavine left the park, went on a Rocky 3 drive, talked it over with Adrianne ( I mean his wife ), and has decided to hang ‘em up.
AndyC
June 4th, 2009
1:21 pm
McFann
Why do you always say um…doubles everytime you say doubles. It’s um…peculiar.