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3,068 comments Add your comment
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
3:48 pm
Drifting from the positives for just a minute…I’m really ticked that Ian Snell isn’t gonna pitch this series. What are the odds–a four game series, and they miss the one started I wanted to see the most!
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
3:49 pm
I agree if Frenchy doesnt produce tonight, we gotta send him to AAA for a long period. I think trading him would be mistake his trade value is so low we wont get much for him and he still has tons of upside. he has best arm in baseball from the outfield, and plays great D. he only 25. Give him plenty of time to work kinks give someone else a shot in right field. Maybe Jeff can be atleast a average hitter by seasons end. Or he shows enough to get the value up to get something decent in exchange for him.
Terry
June 8th, 2009
3:49 pm
Thanks for the good faith efforts folks!
McFann – I have been steadily voting for McCann. Here’s hoping he gets the respect he deserves.
I was very impressed with Hanson yesterday. Can’t say enough about those first few innings. I know he wasn’t the same the second 3 innings, but I believe, with experience, he’ll get past those type of kinks.
As for power outfield, I’m at a loss. I don’t know who the Braves should seek because I’m sort of a homer in that I don’t really follow other teams. What I mean is, I see them when they play the Braves and all, but who’s available (or will be) isn’t something I keep track of ordinarily. I usually trust you guys to keep me informed!
Bobby's Cox
June 8th, 2009
3:49 pm
Can we all just agree that Franceour is not “cutting the mustard” right now? It’s getting very old with all of these posts.
No.
How would the Braves brass ever know we were getting tired of waiting? Would Frenchy get complacent in his lack of results? Would we have used Nuclear weapons to end Vietnam if it weren’t for the rally in DC to protest against it? Would we still be a colony of England if our ancestors just shut up and submitted to the Queen?
Seriously, how do you get what you want if you’re not heard? Keep on bashing people….
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
3:50 pm
bravesgrl4life–
So do I! (News of the day…)
One of the girls (older than me, I would definitely say) sitting behind us at the game yesterday obviously did, too. When he came up to bat she was calling him “my baby”…
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
3:51 pm
Why do we want to face there best pitcher? thats the last thing this offense needs to see…. lol Actually the Braves could have landed Ian Snell in a trade during this past offseason.
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
3:51 pm
Eric, you just said it in your last sentence,we’ll have to get two relievers for next year, if both Soriano/Gonzo are traded/not resigned. Relievers like them don’t come easy or cheap, so keeping one would be smart, I’d think. Yeah, they could get this team a lot in return if traded, but I don’t think we’ll be sellers this year. Wren will be smart about it though and not go all out for ‘09, but we’ll have a respectable team out there the rest of ‘09.
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
3:52 pm
Terry–
Great job! Keep up the good work! He’s gonna at least be a reserve for sure.
VOTE McCANN 2009 ALL-STAR!!!!
DAP
June 8th, 2009
3:52 pm
eric from moNiether will be back next year. Cost will be too high.
i dont think so. one of them will be resigned. there arent enough closers on the market for the braves to let two of the best ones in the league go. if youre worried about the cost, how high do you think their price tag will go? the braves are paying almost $10mil for both of them together right now, and they are both free agents. theres alot of money coming off the books.
wait…have we had this discussion before?
njbraves
June 8th, 2009
3:53 pm
Francoeur is probably the worst everyday player in major league baseball. I try not to turn on guys when they’re down, but enough is enough. I can’t stand watching hin night afetr night. he has the worst approach at the plate I have ever seen. He’s either too dumb to figure it out or, he was never that good to begin with.
AGTFan
June 8th, 2009
3:53 pm
*Bobby’s Cox* I didn’t say it was fair. It’s the way the contracts are written.
*Rock on* from the last blog you stated your OPINION about the 4 pitchers you’d rather have than Glavine. None of them have shown it yet on the field at the MLB level this year. Campillo is the only one who’s shown it on the field at the MLB level ever.
This is the last thing I’ll say about the Glavine issue and it’s not really about that. When Ted Turner hired Bobby Cox as GM, Boby began assembling a top-notch baseball organization. Great scouting, great minor league staff, great relationships with the players. A lot of the credit for that also goes to Stan Kasten. At the time Ted Turner sold the Braves to AOL / Time Warner, the Braves front office was arguably the best in baseball, maybe the best in professional sports. After the sale of the team the front office started going downhill. I don’t think anyone who’s paying attention would consider the Braves organization to be one of the best in baseball any more. By no means would they be considered the worst, but I’m sure no other teams are thinking they want to model themselves after the Braves.
I’d like to see them move Bobby Cox back to GM and bring in Ned Yost as manager or even make TP manager. Not because I think BC can’t continue to be a good manager, but because I have no faith in Frank Wren as GM. I think the organization is almost as much in need of a makeover now as it was when Ted Tutner made Bobby cox GM the first time.
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
3:53 pm
I should add though that if we do hover at or right near .500 for another month or so, GM might look to see what’s out there for Soriano or Gonzo. That’s if the Mutts and Philly keep up what they’re doing…unlikely for the Mutts.
Terry
June 8th, 2009
3:54 pm
Bobby’s Cox – you are kidding yourself if you think Braves management cares anything about your posts about Franceour. Surely you jest, right?
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
3:54 pm
TnBrian
I think Mr. Caufield’s point is with all the public messes that have happened since Wren has been GM has hurt the Braves. I know if I were a Braves player…I wouldn’t trust anything with him.
I will say that with JS coming out and apologizing after all the messes and to do it publiclly(sp)…it sure makes Wren look pretty bad with JS overstepping the GM.
Reid in EAV
June 8th, 2009
3:54 pm
Another tidbit from yesterday’s score sheet:
Francoeur: 4 ABs, 8 total pitches (including two ground-outs on first pitches) and an oh-fer on the day. The guy will never be a walk machine, but he’s got to be a little more patient than that.
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
3:54 pm
Frenchy is a complete joke–
Why? Here’s why! Ian Snell ROCKS!
Actually the Braves could have landed Ian Snell in a trade during this past offseason.
Really? That would have stunk…
Supes
June 8th, 2009
3:55 pm
Braves need to explore a trade for Jeff during the month of June.
I say again, look at the Orioles. Last place, still rebuilding. They do have some young players (cornerstone type guys), but also some good pieces to trade away.
Luke Scott for Jeff and Jo-Jo Reyes plus a “B” level prospect should work. Jo-Jo would get a chance to start over, as well as Jeff. I don’t advocate giving up any of our main prospects in this deal.
Luke Scott would be an upgrade over Jeff, not sure what his salary is for 09, but it can’t be unmanagable to add to the payroll versus what Jeff is making.
Also maybe a trade with the Marlins can be explored as well.
Ron Roberts
June 8th, 2009
3:55 pm
Good blog, DOB. Thanks for calming down the anti-Kawakami folk; the dude’s been just fine, as has Vasquez. Doesn’t stop me from ‘wishing’ we’d gotten Ibanez instead, but that’s only because we have PLENTY of starting pitching, it would seem, and FAR too little offense. But Kawakami has NOT been a letdown.
Ya HAVE to believe that there’s an offensive uptick coming, though… Garrett Anderson has consistently hit better than he does now for us (he didn’t get a ‘real’ spring training, so his slow start was to be expected); Casey Kotchman’s hitting for average and XBH (although not many HRs), and we’re about due for a “Kelly Johnson hitting streak,” aren’t we?
I want to be hopeful for Francoeur, but it’s getting harder and harder after each “0-fer.” I just see what Andruw’s doing in Texas, though, and it just ticks me off that we don’t (apparently) have a hitting coach who can cure hitters who develop bad habits like Texas does. I’m sure T.P.’s got to have some credit for his work with guys like Chipper and BMac, but it isn’t like Chipper was a hack before he signed on to coach; of course, Andruw’s home/road splits are VERY divergent, and we play in a pitcher-friendly park, so that might be much of it.
Eric from MO
June 8th, 2009
3:55 pm
Im with Terry, we all know Francouer sucks. Who are you all trying to convince. No one is argueing.
TennesseePaul
June 8th, 2009
3:57 pm
From today, going back in time, Francoeur hasn’t slugged over .400 dating back to 9/28/2006 (375 games) and he didn’t hold it consistantly over .400 since August 21, 2006 (410 games). He’s been slugging under .300 since April 18th (44 games).
The guy is killing us. Perhaps he’d be a better pitcher?
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
3:57 pm
I see that you were obviously kidding about him being their best pitcher, BTW. 1-6? Night…
cricket
June 8th, 2009
3:57 pm
dogsbrekky – T20 world cup shocker – Australia out in the 1st round and Ireland qualify for super eights.
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
3:57 pm
The biggest bat avaible this year in the trade market is Matt Holiday. He’ll demand a huge contract after the season is up. Brad Hawpe of the Rockies name has floated around as well. I dont see the braves adding another bat. But honestly if we just get Frenchy out of the lineup and put a Brandon Jones or Blanco in there that would be a huge plus lol
Eric from MO
June 8th, 2009
3:57 pm
Bobbys Cox”How would the Braves brass ever know we were getting tired of waiting?”
I hope you are being sarcastic. No one of the Braves Brass reads this.
MFin04
June 8th, 2009
3:58 pm
And as we all know that Jeff Francoeur is the reason this team continues to lose games. Not the manager batting him 5th, not the manager batting Matt Diaz cleanup. Not Jeff Bennett. Not Buddy Grand Slam Carlyle. Not Mike, I can’t get a 1-run save, Gonzalez. Not I can’t field my position Yunel Chipper Escobar Jones. Not Garret I can’t hit or field to save my life anymore Anderson. Not Casey I can only field like a first baseman Kotchman. Yep, it’s Frenchy. All Frenchy. Wake up people, lots of problems on this team. I could keep going…
N8
June 8th, 2009
3:58 pm
Eric from MO totaly agree with your last post about Soriano and Gonzo. IF we aren’t any closer at the deadline, they BOTH should go.
Neither will back. I don’t see Wren giving either of them the top dollars that the big market teams are going to throw at them. Which will happen. BOTH are going to want to (and get a chance to) be closers for somebody.
I’m not sure what Medlen is capable of doin “velocity” wise in shorter outings. But he was not only a reliever, but a closer in the lower minors. Wouldn’t be surprised at all, if they are grooming him for that role in the majors. Or preparing to go that route if they trade/lose those guys.
But if you dangle Gonzo to a team that is a lefty reliever short of being a WS contender, and (or) has closer issues out there I bet we get “more” for him, than we got for Tex last year.
Worst case, we get a young reliever (that a contender doesn’t want to throw into the playoff fire), for us to groom for the role.
Only problem is, you have to ask yourself if you’re gonna get better compinsastion in the terms of draft picks for either of them, than trading them. Provided Wren “gambles” and offers arbitration.
I know you and I have gone round and round about this, and my including him in this conversation is essentially a concession of his “worth” this year for us. But if we’re “out of it” come deadline time, I really think you have to put Vazquez into that same conversation as Gonzo and Soriano.
Especially if Hudson hasn’t had a major setback by then. Perhaps Hudson isn’t ready to help us win any games THIS YEAR. But one has to assume, that barring setbacks, Hudso will be every bit as affective as Vazquez would next year.
Hudson won’t be tradable in the middle of this season. Nobody is going to gamble on him for a stretch run, as they should not. But Vazquez clearly could bring somebody in return.
If we fall out of it, and trade the guys that might not be part of the “big picture” after this year, Wren could fast track success next year, imo.
Just a matter of when to pull the plug. Time will tell. It always does. The blog was FILLED with people saying we wouldn’t trade Tex last year. So anything is possible. But with the run that the Rockies went on in August and September a couple of years ago, GM’s have to be kinda gunshy as to what time they “give up”.
As much as I like to give my opinion on what I’d do in a monopoly money world of GMing, I’m not sure there is enough money in the world to warrant being under that much pressure.
Ron Roberts
June 8th, 2009
3:59 pm
I just hope when Infante’s back we’re considering putting HIM in the game on an everday basis and sending Francoeur back to the minors to see if a solid month down there can make him right in time for an August/September stretch run; yeah, he’s too costly to be a minor leaguer, but I’d rather keep him and pay him to be an AA/AAA guy than have to lump in a decent prospect just to get rid of him and get something marginal in return. I almost feel like any trade we make with him is just us trying to pawn off damaged goods and having to “throw in” a good piece to make the move.
DAP
June 8th, 2009
3:59 pm
terry
heres a list of 2010 free agents.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/12/2010-mlb-free-a.html
the site is MLB Trade rumors. youve probably heard it mentioned here. its a great site, i encourage you to check it out.
also, having a fantasy baseball team does wonders for you when it comes to know about other players. its fun to.
VaBravesfan
June 8th, 2009
4:00 pm
DAP: Yes I do understand how bad Jeff is. But do you remember last year when they tried to give Diaz a full time position? OMG
cricket
June 8th, 2009
4:00 pm
Sorry if this is repeated – Aaron on Glavine issue
http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/06/07/aaron-on-glavine-you-have-to-be-gracious-enough-to-step-aside/
Il Cattivo
June 8th, 2009
4:00 pm
Supes,
With Jo-Jo ’s penchant for giving up the long ball, games at Camden yards should be fun.
Jo-Jo doesnt have much value these days. I dont think anyone would really want Frenchie either. Together, that package is horrible.
AGTFan
June 8th, 2009
4:01 pm
Brandon Jones can’t hit it out the park in AAA and Blanco can’t hit it out of the infield. The replacement for Frenchy is already on the team. Give more at bats to Diaz.
Terry
June 8th, 2009
4:01 pm
Thanks DAP! I’ll give it a look-see tonight. (I’ve been sneaking onto the blog this afternoon from work. Don’t want to press my luck too much.)
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
4:01 pm
MFin04 Not Buddy Grand Slam Carlyle.
Cut Buddy some slack! The man has Type 1 diabetes.
N8
June 8th, 2009
4:03 pm
Keith Law is on Buck n Kincade right now. He just had a GREAT point about Hanson. Pretty much said that from a developmenal standpoint, there was ZERO reason to leave him in the minor leagues any more.
Minor league hitters pose little to no challenge for him, thus it was time to move him up.
He also stated that he clearly provides them the better chance to win NOW than Tom Glavine did/would.
Supes
June 8th, 2009
4:03 pm
N8,
If the Braves are out of it close to the July deadline, I think it would be a stroke of genious to go out there and shop Gonzo and Soriano for high level prospects to WS contending teams who need that one extra top reliever arm on their roster.
I agree about not being able to sign either one, or maybe only able to sign one. I believe Soriano wants to close and he’ll be a goner. So why not get anything for him when you can?
Also Medlen is an intriguing possibility as a closer. Hudson to the pen as well, b/c it won’t require a lot of arm strength to throw lots of innings.
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
4:04 pm
I think Gonzo does a good job for us. I do think Soriano should be the main guy cause he has better stuff. All of the Kotchman haters dont look at the stats right. Kotchman is right near the top of the league in doubles and plays great defense. Yes he is not the big power bat that firstbaseman normally are but he does a above average job. He just needs to hold down the fort until Freddie Freeman is called up
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
4:05 pm
Anyone who cares….Dye has hit his 15th HR in today’s W. Sox/Tigers game. He’s got a bunch of time to build on that total too.
I sure would take that over Frenchy’s HR production this season.
Steve McP
June 8th, 2009
4:05 pm
It was interesting in looking at that list of Free Agents for next year that there was not a lot of really good starting pitching. That makes our line up and potential surplus quite valuable, if Huddy comes back strong then we will be in good shape on the trade market.
Eric from MO
June 8th, 2009
4:06 pm
DAP I dont believe we have had this discussion before, but you said it, there are not enough closers on the market. Which is why we wont be able to afford them. Another team will bid them up, unless the economy hurts the other teams and no one bids them up. I see them each getting 10 mil per year. I dont think the Braves would give one of them that, with considering we need another bat. The only chance of it happening is if they decline Hudson’s option or trade Vazquez. I dont think they would do that. With JJ, Lowe, Hudson, Vazquez, and Hanson that would be a dream rotation. It would be 2nd to none and it would resemble the glory days, maybe not quite as good but close.
Supes
June 8th, 2009
4:06 pm
Il Cattivo ,
Please. Left Handed Pitchers will always have a job at the major league level. Check out Mark Redman a few years ago. So while Jo-Jo has struggled to pitch well for the Braves, nobody questions he has the stuff to be a solid back of the rotation starter and possibly win you 10 games a season. He’s left handed. Repeat after me…You will always have a shot being a left handed starter at getting a job in the majors. Orioles need help all across the board.
Jeff and Luke Scott are comparable (somewhat), and maybe a change of scenery for Jeff helps him out. Luke Scott has shown more power (this season).
So I don’t see this trade as “bad” for the Orioles. They aren’t going anywhere, and I doubt Luke Scott is a long term OF player for them anyways.
N8
June 8th, 2009
4:06 pm
cricket, GREAT find on the Aaron article. This paragraph pretty much says it all, imo. Sorry DOB, the real “Braves god” has spoken. LOL!
“”I wouldn’t have said anything if I were John Schuerholz. I think that was a mistake, because it was a no-win situation in his case, as much as [Schuerholz] tried to patch up the differences,” Aaron said. Then he laughed, adding, “This is the first time I’ve ever been on management’s side. I mean, Glavine got paid very well through the years to play here, and there’s never a good way to handle these situations. But if you’re the Braves, you’ve got to throw those kids out there and let them pitch. If you’re Glavine, you have to be gracious enough to step aside.”
Il Cattivo
June 8th, 2009
4:06 pm
Australia out in the 1st round and Ireland qualify for super eights. – cricket
Huh. Thats a shocker alright. Australia not playing the semis or finals of a major cricket tournament.When was the last time that happened? 1992. Wow.
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
4:09 pm
N8, did Law mention anything about the Braves’ draft?
N8
June 8th, 2009
4:11 pm
Steve, he was just starting to talk about the draft and my business phone started ringing. So I didn’t hear any of it. Sorry. I heard a bit about Strausburg (sp?), but that’s about it.
Steve McP
June 8th, 2009
4:12 pm
Australia now get to spend 2 weeks in my old home town of Leicester (pronounced Lester by the way) – not the most salubrious of cities to say the least.
Australia seemed in poor form coming into the T20 tournament and when they sent Symonds home it left a huge hole in the team.
abwright
June 8th, 2009
4:12 pm
McFann ;Ô;, 2:36 pm…”He’s gonna get the backup spot in this year’s ASG for sure…ya know, unless something terrible happens… ” … to Molina, in which case he’ll get the starting spot.
FBI…time to put McFann on the watch list.
cafleming
June 8th, 2009
4:13 pm
if Bay and Nady indeed do not resign with their theam, we could sign them both and be the Pirates part 2 outfiled like they used to have with Bay, McLouth, and Nady… ahh i’m just dreaming on…
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
4:13 pm
N8
That piece was interesting and I also listened to the interview Pete gave about the Glavine release that someone posted the link to on a recent past blog.
Both gave pretty interesting sides to the whole thing.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
4:13 pm
Has anyone seen this before>
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30072866&op=3&o=global&view=global&subj=75237472262&id=1125840045
Eric from MO
June 8th, 2009
4:13 pm
N8 Im not against Vazquez being traded, but I want alot in return. Not just one prospect, even if it is a good prospect. If Tex got 6 prospects for a year and a half I want 4 for Vazquez. Pitching is hard to find. Also I dont think a rotation where Vazquez is our 5th starter could miss the postseason and that would happen next year. With JJ, Lowe, Hudson, Hanson(assuming he is the real deal), and Vazquez. We would be in every game.
DAP
June 8th, 2009
4:14 pm
eric from moThe only chance of it happening is if they decline Hudson’s option or trade Vazquez. I dont think they would do that.
hm…i think theres about a 95% chance that thats exactly what they do. they only way they dont is if they move kawakami, which is very unlikely, but that will also save a ton in salary. atlanta will have roughly $26mil to work with this offseason. (that if they dont excersie hudson or they trade vazquez. and, if they get rid of kawakami instead, its still over $20mil. oh yeah, and this is also assuming frenchy does not get a contract.)
if the braves dont resign one of soriano or gonzalez, who will close for them? the braves will be one of those teams in the running for a closer, and they will sign one.
BTW, what teams out there dont have closers that you think would outbid the braves? most teams that i can think of have closers locked up for the time being.
the braves need a good closer, and they will have one.
cricket
June 8th, 2009
4:15 pm
Il Cattivo -
That’s right, Australia out is a major shocker. They really need to get new blood like Gilly and Hayden in the team, both of them rocked in the IPL
Not only that, looks like Pakistan will also miss out while Netherland and Ireland qualify for the next round !!
Il Cattivo
June 8th, 2009
4:17 pm
Supes,
I get your point about him being a left hander. But no-one is going to take such a player in a trade. Probably from the waiver wire or after he has been released. sure people will give him a chance, without having too much expectations. If they are in full fledged rebuilding mode, they wont have a problem in him taking his lumps.
Also I think if you want anything in return for Francouer you will need to give something of value with him. While the orioles have an excess of OFs they also have a DH spot they can rotate them in and out of. And Luke Scott is not exactly comparable to Frenchie- yeah the last 2 years his avg has been low. But he has been slugging a lot better (no I dont know his splits away from BAL). and he earns less I believe. I am not sure about defense but I’m guessing they will want some good prospects for him. Yes, he would be an upgrade over Frenchie batting-wise (who wouldnt, right!).
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
4:18 pm
Eric–I’d want a big return, too. He’s been dynamite this season. Gotta be sure Huddy’s gonna be ready to go before we start thinking about moving Vazquez.
cricket
June 8th, 2009
4:19 pm
N8 – Yes, I am with Aaron in this case. Normally I don’t agree with you on many topics, since I don’t see signs of doom in everything
, but I really think everyone should get over this Glavine thing already.
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
4:20 pm
We should have signed Ohman , all he wanted was security. if we gave him less money a year but maybe 3 yr deal he would have taken it. and He’s not just a specailist he’s got Setup man stuff. For sure we will not have Soriano and Gonzo together after this year. Soriano will demand more moeny than Gonzo. Soriano makes 6.1 mil this year, and Gonzo is around 3.5 mil.
Arkansas Braves fan
June 8th, 2009
4:21 pm
If Francouer was from California or anything besides hometown hero he would be going to road games by bus not air. Its crazy that u can actually stay on a major league team as an everyday outfielder with his numbers. Its so bad that u wish that he could be a designated fielder and let one of the pitchers bat for him. I wouldn’t mind if bobby batted for him, dang if runners are on at least bobby would strike out..Francouer would just hit into a double play. I like the guy but enough is enough!!!
CLE
June 8th, 2009
4:21 pm
Bravos2249 – Awesome. Thanks for sharing the link. I think Medlen looks better with a My Little Pony backpack than JJ does in a dress.
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
4:21 pm
McFann – McCann will be an all star, do not sweat
It is one of the sure things in life
along with taxes, death and ESPN raving about Lebron every 10 minutes
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
4:21 pm
But we can just sign Ohman this off-season if we so choose….
FloridaBrave
June 8th, 2009
4:22 pm
I’ve been all for selling high on Vazquez for some time. The Braves can’t afford Hudson, Lowe, Vazquez, and Kawakami without not adequately addressing other areas(like say the OF). There Braves will also have six starting pitchers if you add Jurrjens and Hanson to those four, seven if you add Medlen. Therefore, one will get traded- whether at the trade deadline or in the winter- and Vazquez has the most trade value out of the four veterans.
The Braves should land a heft package of top prospects for Vazquez with the year he’s having.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
4:22 pm
McFann
The ahh Mets play the Cards ( June 22nd-25th)….I’m sure we could round up some pennies and make a little something, something happen to Yadier. (Nothing serious of course, but enough to knock him out of the ASG)
glord
June 8th, 2009
4:22 pm
There is one question I have after the whole Glavine release plus watching the Braves this weekend. Maybe someone here can give me an answer (DOB maybe).
Yes I understand the whole Hanson over Glavine and don’t pay Glavine the money if you are on a tight budget but here is what I still dont understand. Glavine throws 12 shutout innings in the minors and the front office knows in those two shutout starts that he can not get out Major League hitting. But the same front office believes after watching Jeff Francouer hit for 1 1/2 years that he can hit Major League pitching?
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
4:23 pm
CLE
there’s more too
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-GA/FOX-Sports-South-and-SportSouth/75237472262?id=75237472262&v=photos&so=30
cricket
June 8th, 2009
4:23 pm
Steve McP – I am really glad England is going to qualify, after the shocking defeat to Netherland. Great to have the hosts alive in the tournament. I for one really hope that cricket does not die the slow death in England.
a643dp
June 8th, 2009
4:24 pm
We need to make a trade for Mark Derosa. When Jo Jo and Infante get back we can trade Kelly, Frenchy and Jo Jo. The Indians are in last place 7 1/2 back. Derosa is the best bet to improve our ball club in RF. If we get him in late July we would only owe $1.8 million for the rest of the season. We cant trade for Dunn because as bad as the National are they were smart to backend the deal. He is owed 12M in 2010. Only way we could afford that is to decline the Hudson 2010 option. I hope we dont go that route. Dye is a long shot he would cost us $3.83M from late July on. He has a mutual option for 2010 12M. He might be a good trade because we could make the trade, see how good Hudson is and if he kicks A$$ we could offer the option.(Hudson has the power to void the option). We could always fall back to Dye if Tim is not 100% or he chooses the FA market. I dont see Dye (a corner OF) turning down a $12M 1 year offer in this economy. Holliday is a bad idea too high profile no chance to resign in the offseason. The good news is that we have worked with the white sox recently,have had several trades with Indians over the years, and even with the nationals Stan Kasten and the Braves are still very close. What ever it is need Frenchy out of this lineup PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CInco
June 8th, 2009
4:24 pm
Question for DOB – Have the Braves decided to stay with Frenchy no matter what for the remainder of 2009? I have seen more than one article that seems to say as much and I sense Jeff is more relaxed. A couple of weeks ago I sat out in right field and he seemed to be waiting for the proverbial ax to fall. He seems looser and more focused on getting better. What gives?
N8
June 8th, 2009
4:25 pm
Eric, in a perfect world (or one where Ted owns the team), you’re right. Can’t agree with you at all. A rotation with Vazquez in the 5-hole, would maybe not have the 3 Cy Young candidates that the big-3 gave us, but that would be as much “depth” as the 97 rotation of Glavine, Maddux, Smoltz, Neagle & Millwood that was one of the best 5 man rotations of the past 20 years for that season.
But here’s the thing. One of Hudson and Vazquez has to go. In a world where our payroll is gonna be around 90-100 million (maybe less if the Braves lose money this year – maybe more if they don’t), you can’t have 45 million tied up in Vazquez, Hudson and Lowe (with KK’s money in there and NOT in the rotation), along with Chipper’s salary, and compete.
This lineup is the direct reflection of such a situation. So yes. We’d be “in” every game. But I suspect we’d still be around a .500 team if the run production wouldn’t be better. Add to that, Gonzo and Soriano are likely gone.
Like I said. You find a way to get Ted back, or convince MLB to let Mark Cuban buy the Braves, and let it ride, and I’m right there with you.
But imo, that money has to be spread out amongst the entire 25 man roster. Not just 5 or 6 guys.
Noah
June 8th, 2009
4:26 pm
Also cant believe how many was complaining about McLouth
What would you complain about. The stolen base the first time he got on as a brave. Or the 2 out RBI double when the game was on the line.
Supes
June 8th, 2009
4:27 pm
Players who should be shopped if the Braves are out of it by the July Trade Deadline.
Soriano
Gonzo
Kelly Johnson
Jo-Jo Reyes
Garret Anderson
Javy Vazquez
Jeff (Should be shopped regardless)
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
4:27 pm
We only traded a backup infielder and a Top catching prospect to get Javy. And he’ll be one year older and only have 1 yr left on contract, not 2. so expect to get what we gave up for him or less. But i think what we gave up for him was a steal. So there is small chance will get alot back for him still.
Supes
June 8th, 2009
4:28 pm
Braves possible SP rotation in 2010
1. Hudson
2. Lowe
3. Jair
4. Kawakami
5. Hanson
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
4:28 pm
The Indians want pitching for DeRosa. They wouldn’t have any use for Francoeur or KJ.
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
4:29 pm
Supes,
What about Vazquez?
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
4:30 pm
cricket – funny I thought that English cricket dies in the 1970s around the time that John Snow departed…
nothing like mediocrity and an old man’s club hey
JeffFranceourIsBradKomminsk
June 8th, 2009
4:30 pm
To anyone guilty of Glavine fodder in light of Hanson’s misfortune, I say not so fast! Hanson pitched well through the first three and two-thirds innings. I’m sure everyone has noticed that most of the damage occured with Hanson working out of the stretch. He said that he got his fastball up. It doesn’t matter how fast you throw it up in the majors. If you don’t hit your spots, you’ll get bombed. I don’t know of a single pitcher who can throw the ball wherever they want to and still be successful. That being said, Roger McDowell will be working with him on location and pitching out of the stretch. He is smart enough to realize his mistakes and be able to fix them. He definitely has better stuff than anyone on the staff. You can’t teach that. I still say the Braves have got to make another deal for more offense. The deal will not be made with a team that is out of contention. It will be made with a contender with one of the surplus starters being dealt. The Braves will wait to see how Hanson does and if he pitches like many expect, they will deal a pitcher for a bat. The likely suspect: Javier Vazquez. Kenshin Kawakami has not value at this point, Derek Lowe is the ace, Jair Jurrjens is ace #2 and Tim Hudson will be returning from arm surgery. Vazquez could be expendable. Add a bat and I like this team. They haven’t hit well and are still in it. Can a team not hit well and stay in it? Ask the Milwaukee Brewers. They have hit just about as bad as Atlanta and are currently in the race. Could Milwaukee be the team that deals for Vazquez to bolster their pitching staff? Could the LA Angels of Anaheim or Tejas be interested? It would totally surprise me if Vazquez is the bait in a future deal.
DAP
June 8th, 2009
4:31 pm
supes thats more than possible. its likely.
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
4:31 pm
glord
That’s the double-standard thing me and dogsbrekky talked about earlier.
Releasing Glavine on his performance-based failure(s) but yet allow Francoeur and JoJo to still be on the team.
Very double-standard.
FloridaBrave
June 8th, 2009
4:31 pm
Frenchy is a complete joke,
Vazquez is having a superior year to the years he had with the White Sox. Guillen was also publically fed up with him…which didn’t help his trade value either.
We’d get more than what we gave up for him.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
4:31 pm
I’m….speechless.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30069948&op=4&o=global&view=global&subj=75237472262&id=1125840045
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
4:33 pm
RHR – I am not sure they got that order correct or the 2nd name
shouldnt it be
1.
2. Fresh air
Coxlover
June 8th, 2009
4:33 pm
Woah, i was just looking at Frenchy’s stats and noticed he has an OBP of .270 ? That is horrible. There’s no way we could trade him though because no team would want him.
cphizzle
June 8th, 2009
4:33 pm
i would almost gurantee a version of francouer we would be very happy with if they guy would just be more patient. i believe that is all that is standing in his way of being a very productive player for us. cmon french take a pitch or 2 or 3 and see what happens!
buzzmeat (McLouth's Mouths)
June 8th, 2009
4:34 pm
6 P.M. GAME? its about lineup time….
Noah
June 8th, 2009
4:35 pm
Braves possible SP rotation in 2010
1. Hudson
2. Lowe
3. Jair
4. Kawakami
5. Hanson
Nothing against Hudson but if the Braves hope to contend I hope they don’t pencil in as their #1 a guy coming off major surgury. I think he will be a decent player again but we don’t know if its in 2010 or 2011 and I wouldn’t bet $10 million on it.
N8
June 8th, 2009
4:35 pm
cricket, it’s been WEEKS since I’ve been gloom and doom. This season is unfolding JUST like I wanted it to. Not that I wanted us to be a .500 team.
I’m talking the roster. Wanted Hanson up. He’s up. Wanted Medlen up at some point. He’s up. Wanted Schafer up. He was up, struggled and has been sent down. He’ll be back, and better for it.
About the only thing left is to get whatever the hell we can for Francoeur. Which stinks. Because like the rest of the Braves fans, it was hard to not love him when he came up and sparked this team.
But it’s clear that McCann is the ANCHOR of this lineup for the future and Francoeur is on his way out, with Heyward on the way and McLouth on board.
This team can still win. The pieces are in place pitching wise. I haven’t given up. I just am not gonna be mad if Wren pulls the plug in July. In fact, I’ll be upset if he DOESN’T pull the plug if we’re 10 or more games out.
But I’d like to see him get one more bat for June and July, to give it the old “college” try. No sense giving up now.
But all along, I’ve had 2010 in mind, with 2009 being the year for Schafer and Hanson to get their feet wet, and to find out of Frenchy, Escobar and KJ which ones are worth keeping and building around. If we would have accidentally been in contention, with those guys in place, I’m quite certain I wouldn’t complain about it.
But this team, for whatever reason, is just stuck in neutral, hovering around .500, that it’s hard to get behind ANYTHING other than the new, young players that come up, hoping that they might have the sudden impact that Frenchy and McCann did in 05.
Because, unless the kids step up, or Wren makes another move, I haven’t seen anything in two months, that gives me reasonable “hope” that this team is capable of doing anything other than what they’ve been doing. Just when you think they’ve turned the corner, they lay a huge stinkbomb.
I’ve given up trying to figure it out. But I’m gonna enjoy watching the kids. Like I said I would.
Original Jon
June 8th, 2009
4:36 pm
buzzmeat, 7pm eastern time is the game. still early for lineups.
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
4:36 pm
I agree Florida, but for example the Tex trade to the Angels, we got a above average 1stbaseman and a pitcher that will prolly be a minor leaguer for life. we gave up a future ace, future gold glove SS with speed. Switch hitting Catcher, and another good prospect. we basially gave the rangers the #1 farm system which is what there ranked with that trade. why didnt we get atleast even half of the value we traded for him??? i will never understand that.
Bill in VA
June 8th, 2009
4:36 pm
I’m hearing the Braves are in talks with the Royals for a Francoeur/Rosa swap. Carlos Rosa is a RP with a little upside, but nothing flashy. What do you guys think? Guys were saying Rosa would be all Atlanta would get for the Francoeur kid anyways.
Buzzmeat
June 8th, 2009
4:37 pm
Noah,
He might be #1 by then, look at Gonzo. he had surgery about the same time of the year
Ray K.
June 8th, 2009
4:38 pm
I don’t understand why, day after day, on this blog, there will pop up a claim speaking to Frenchy’s great defense. Folks, he has a rocket arm, that, when accurate, has the capability to make any runner at second or third think twice about his strategy getting home should a ball head in Jeff’s direction. But his aim is often errant and his elapse time from catch to release–or worse, from scoop to release–is below average. That’s not entirely his fault, as he is lanky and must wind up those long limbs before firing.
His bigger problem is that he is glacially slow, which is one mph faster than Adam Dunn Slow. Granted, RF doesn’t typically feature CF type blazers like Lofton, but Andruw Jones possessed average speed at best, and could get to any ball that was humanly capable of being caught relying solely on instinct. Many balls that would have been caught via slide invariably drop in front of Jeff for a single because he can’t get there and put his body in a position to make that scoop. He is a decent right fielder. Not a gifted one.
His bat speed? That, on the other hand IS Adam Dunn slow–if Adam Dunn were swinging a Secoya Tree.
Noah
June 8th, 2009
4:39 pm
Noah,
He might be #1 by then, look at Gonzo. he had surgery about the same time of the year
Agree he could be for sure but I just wouldn’t count on it. I guess I have seen too many players and team being too optomistic when guys couldnt come back that quick. I hope he goes
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
4:39 pm
Trading Jeff would be a mistake. He still as wierd as it sounds still has tons of upside. AAA for a month or 2 is where he needs to be.
ScarlettOhara
June 8th, 2009
4:40 pm
Im not surprised at the childish way that Tom Glavine conducted himself after learning he was released by the Braves. He goes around and does talk shows on the radio trying to convince people that the Braves were wrong in releasing him. The Braves made the correct move. Its just the way they went about it that was a little unsettling. Why pay someone a million dollars a season if he is unable to perform any more. It just doesnt make good business sensce. Why would anyone throw a million dollars down the drain. Tommy Glavine is a great pitcher and has hall of fame credentials. But that is all in the past. Currently, on this Braves pitching roster, Tommy would have been the last guy on the rotation. I dont think Tommy would have enjoyed that role, when in years past Tommy has been the #1 starter. Tommy thanks for the memories, but just step aside and let someone else have an opportunity to accumulate statistics. The braves have given you that opportunity for almost quarter of a century! Enough is enough!
Buzzmeat
June 8th, 2009
4:40 pm
7 eastern my bad, But its not too early DOB has had them here at like 2 before.
Efrim
June 8th, 2009
4:42 pm
In my opinion, if the Braves are out of it by July 31st, then yes, you absolutely put Soriano, Gonzalez and possibly Vasquez out on the market. Why wouldn’t you at least listen? But understand that Gonzo and Soriano should(don’t remind me about Will Ohman) be Type A or B free agents at the end of the year. So that means they will get you two draft picks. Which is important. That said, if the Braves can get a minor league package offered to them that they deem better or equal to two draft picks, then make the trades. I’d be fairly shocked to see the Braves resign Soriano with his injury history. And as good as Gonzo can be, he is 31 years old and multi year deals for relievers aren’t the best way to be spending money. The bullpen was going to be an area of need this coming offseason anyway with the departures of Gonzo and Soriano. Braves will most likely fill the need through trade, as usual. Vasquez stays, in my mind, unless you get blown away. I understand that you you should sell high, but you could probably trade the guy in the offseason and receive a pretty nice package(possibly a potential closer). I would be careful about trading away all the pitching depth that we have. But I do understand that Hudson, Lowe, Jurrjens, Hanson and Kawakami need to be in the rotation.
Original Jon
June 8th, 2009
4:42 pm
I have never seen a lineup posted that early before, but I could be wrong.
Coxlover
June 8th, 2009
4:42 pm
What channel do the Braves play on today ?
Bill in VA
June 8th, 2009
4:43 pm
Carlos Rosa, folks, Carlos Rosa.