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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,957 comments Add your comment
Savannah Guy
June 11th, 2009
8:00 pm
Scoots, the other day you asked about Scribe’s whereabouts and I said that I hadn’t seen him on the blogs that I frequent. Later, while traveling it occurred to me that I should’ve noted that he started a sports blog of his own about a year ago (Braves.Today.Com), although I haven’t seen a post there since mid-April.
Maybe we need to put out an APB on the ‘ol SSI.
Doc Holiday
June 11th, 2009
8:00 pm
Paul Lentz,
Ill do some research and come back to you on that.
FloridaBrave
June 11th, 2009
8:03 pm
Steve,
Yeah, he’s out of shape. Look what losing 20 lbs. did for Millwood. He’d be wise to do the same.
I'm not wearing pants
June 11th, 2009
8:07 pm
Braves’ Jeff Francoeur Takes Steps To Build Sponsorship Portfolio (ATLANTA BUSINESS CHRONICLE, 5/30/2008 issue).
Francoeur Aims To Broaden Sponsorship Portfolio
Braves RF Jeff Francoeur is attempting to “build a career as a corporate pitchman that will last well beyond his playing days,” according to John Manasso of the ATLANTA BUSINESS CHRONICLE. Francouer already has “some major deals under his belt,” including Delta Air Lines, Under Armour, Mizuno and an Atlanta-area limousine company. Francouer: “We’re looking at a couple of other big ones for this offseason. There are so many good businesses in Atlanta, from Coke, Home Depot, Chick-fil-A.” Francoeur in December signed with Career Sports & Entertainment (CSE) for representation, and CSE VP/Baseball Operations Keith Grunewald is “handling contract negotiations” for Francouer. CSE also is “counseling him on starting his own foundation, perhaps in the fall.”
CSE President of Client Representation Molly Fletcher said that Francoeur is “as marketable to a 23-year-old man as he is to a 55- or 65-year-old woman,” and she added that potential deals include “companies involved in home improvement, the financial sector, telecommunications and food and beverage.” Manasso notes Francoeur has earned his current endorsements “without the benefit of making the All-Star team or a long and impressive postseason,” and when “those happen, he might be able to cash in even more.” Marketing Evaluations, which compiles Q scores, has not yet calculated a score for Francoeur, but Exec VP Henry Schafer said that they “may include him in their next study in 2009″
DOB: Any word on Francoeur’s Q score?
richbrave
June 11th, 2009
8:07 pm
Yeah, the SCRIBE abides – where are you?
Dr. No
June 11th, 2009
8:11 pm
Headline from June 3 blog: Will Braves build off thrilling win?
Uh … no.
Gone Viral
June 11th, 2009
8:13 pm
“The offers will be better. Ohman stinks. Soriano and Gonzo are great.”
Ohman had an ERA of 2.80 at the July deadline last year and was near the top in the majors with 13 holds (he wound up with 23). He was a lefty who was getting people out. What hurt us there is that there was some hope he could wind up gaining us a second round pick in compensation as a free agent loss. Then, he struggled a bit the final month of the season, costing us that pick this week. Gonzalez and Soriano are both going to qualify if we don’t bring them back (which is, I think, all of our preference), but yes, if we’re out of it, we have to see if we can get some high level minor league hitters back in the trade.
It’s just brutal in that we are finally seeing what was envisioned when we traded for both of them prior to the 2007 season. This is the first time since May of 2007 that we’ve had them both healthy and wiping people out.
Doc Holiday
June 11th, 2009
8:14 pm
Season lost its meaning…………..
BUT IT STILL EARLY………remember?
Gutfeld
June 11th, 2009
8:15 pm
I see Josh Anderson went 0-for4 today to drop his OBP to .280 for the season. Yep, it’s a real shame we let that guy get away. What in the world was Frank Wren thinking? Just imagine how much a guy with a .280 OBP could help us right now? What? What’s that you say? Gregor Blanco is already on the roster and is essentially the same player–a career 4th or 5th OF–as Anderson? Oh, well nevermind.
gary keuler
June 11th, 2009
8:16 pm
Braves are a 500 club. They will increase their wins this year by 17 0r 18 games this year. They will not be any better than that unless they increase their payroll which they will not do.All fans should get a reality check and accept this and quit complaining.
Doc Holiday
June 11th, 2009
8:18 pm
I was checking and there are lots of options for the taking.
Orioles, Indians, A´s, fish, houston, nats, all have good players that fill our needs…………..and I missed checking the NL west.
McFann :Ô:
June 11th, 2009
8:19 pm
My thing is not refreshing…
RHR
June 11th, 2009
8:20 pm
Hold up. Josh Anderson AND Will Ohman getting ripped on the same page of comments?
Oh how the mighty have fallen.
*tear*
Doug
June 11th, 2009
8:20 pm
Gone Viral — I think those two (Soriano/Gonzo) definately have the right combination of talent and salary owed to be the most logical trade pieces regardless if we are buyers or sellers. We can’t take on salary without shedding some in return. I think both have an good chance of being type A FA, but I don’t see Wren offering them arbitration in this economy.
No way we can trade Vazquez until we are sure of Hudson’s health. And Javy will have a larger market this offseason as well.
If the crowds at Turner Field remain small we may have to sell off a lot by next year.
Gone Viral
June 11th, 2009
8:24 pm
The type A FA calcs are rather arbitrary, much like the compensatory picks in the NFL Draft. That’s why I wasn’t in a hurry to say for sure what they’ll be. I think they could be type A guys but since each of them has missed a lot of time over the past three seasons, it’s not a slam dunk, I don’t think (DOB may know for sure).
Trading Vazquez would be a huge risk for the reason you mention. The other thing is that we would have to get more back in that deal than we gave up for him. I feel relatively confident that would happen, but it bears mentioning.
Vinings Jim
June 11th, 2009
8:26 pm
McFann – I want to apologize for the response I was about to send about your inability to get your thing to refresh (it was a joke aimed at me, but horribly inappropriate for a response to you).
cabravesfan
June 11th, 2009
8:28 pm
Vinings Jim-
I heeded your advice and am on my 2nd glass of rather good California Chardonnay
I have seen the error of my ways! Amazing how alchol solves that problem 
Rock On....(the denizen formerly known as Dadgum)
June 11th, 2009
8:28 pm
They keep playing that Soriano pitch over and over. Man, I gotta tell ya I obviously didn’t have the view that he ump did but gotta believe that is a helluva pitch and should have been called a strike. Naturally, the next pitch is an up the middle single scoring both runs. Soriano was livid and can’t imagine Vazquez felt real good either. Cursed.
Now the Rockies are on an 8 game win streak. The Braves could use one of those. May need one of those actually.
In all this trade talk for a big bat it is not lost on this ole blog that we actually have Infante, Prado, and KJ that can play 2nd. Defensively you lose nothing with KJ out of the lineup and offensively you only lose if KJ is on one of his streaks. My money is on KJ being traded before the deadline. Actually didn’t I advocate something of that sort way back in December or earlier.
Gutfeld
June 11th, 2009
8:30 pm
RHR
You ain’t kidding. I just got TIRED of reading all of the folks saying day after day that we should’ve kept Josh Anderson–as if he’s a superstar and the answer to all of our problems. Figured it was worth reminding those folks of Anderson’s “greatness”. LOL
willieg
June 11th, 2009
8:30 pm
ITOLD ALL YOU IDIOTS IN GEORGIA THIS TEAM SUCKS WELL I WON AGAIN TODAY IGUARANTEE YOU ALL WILL BE TALKING FOOTBALL,JULY THE 2ND THATS WHEN THE BRAVES WILL BE 11 GAMES OUT,SORRY BRAVES FANS YOUR TEAM SUX SO BAD,I SAID THE DODGERS AND YANKEES IN THE WORLD SERIES,WHEN THE SEASON STARTED,LOOKING GOOD SO FAR, SEE ALL YOU LOSERS AT THE BAR.
Doug
June 11th, 2009
8:31 pm
I think its the last two seasons they look at for FA Type, so Soriano would prob not make it as either A or B. I thought he made more appearances than 14 last year. Gonzo could probably be a solid B at the least if he continues to pitch well. But i don’t think it matters because i don’t see us offering arbitration to either.
Vinings Jim
June 11th, 2009
8:32 pm
cabravesfan – I notice you did not change the goal of the truth to rid us of the plague that is the combo of Gozo/Soriano/Javy. I have just returned home to an Australian Shiraz Rose (I’ve been reading for two weeks that Rose is perfect for summer, so I’m putting it to the test).
Coach ( Moon Pie, Anyone?)
June 11th, 2009
8:32 pm
Frank Wren isn’t going to be making anymore trades in the near future and I can explain why.
The Braves payroll is tapped out. Why did Atlanta need to dump Glavine? So they could pay Nate McLouth. Our Braves are desperately trying to unload Francoeur, for monetary reasons and not just due to his horrid performance. And of course, the most obvious clue is corporate ownership. No way in hell will they increase the payroll during the season.
Gone Viral
June 11th, 2009
8:33 pm
“SEE ALL YOU LOSERS AT THE BAR.”
17th time is a charm! Right, would-be attorney?
richbrave
June 11th, 2009
8:33 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM:
DEUNTE HEATH is being cuffed around since his promotion to GWINNETT. In two mound appearences in AAA, the 23 year old native of ATLANTA has pitched 6.0 innings, allowed eight hits, seven earned runs, four BB’s and the same number of SO’s for a combined 10.50 ERA. He went 4.2 in his first start, but this last time out only lasted one and a third. Ouch!!!! Rough way to go so far.
BJ McFisty
June 11th, 2009
8:34 pm
I TOLD ALL OF YOU THAT willieg WAS A FLAMING D-BAG WHO WOULD POST MORE POINTLESS DRIVEL HERE TONIGHT. I CALLED IT!! THERE HE IS RIGHT ON CUE!!
cabravesfan
June 11th, 2009
8:35 pm
Vinings Jim-
you think the truth can be swayed by a mere mortal? I wish I had that kind of power! I did notice the truth failed to revel the answer to my question about who would relpace our top relievers and one of our best starters…maybe the truth was busy?
Gutfeld
June 11th, 2009
8:35 pm
richbrave
Definitely sounds like Heath has had his struggles so far in Gwinnett. Hopefully he’ll settle down and get back on track soon.
McFann :Ô:
June 11th, 2009
8:36 pm
Vinings Jim–
Your apology is accepted…and greatly appreciated. Don’t even wanna know what you mean…
Kevin McGlinchy
June 11th, 2009
8:37 pm
DOB — what time would the Braves start arriving at Camden Yards for the 1:35 game on Sunday? Can you give me a ballpark range?
Also, are you covering the series, or is Ms. Rogers?
Gone Viral
June 11th, 2009
8:37 pm
On the plus side, Osuna has been flat out untouchable in his two starts at Mississippi. He’s given up one solo homerun and a grand total of 5 hits in 14 innings of work. ERA is 0.64 and WHIP is 0.79. He’s working his way into the top 5 of our prospects list.
Rock On....(the denizen formerly known as Dadgum)
June 11th, 2009
8:38 pm
Folks, look, this team can be Nationals bad on some days. That’s bad. Vazquez has pitched superb and quite honestly he is probably our #2 pitcher overall. Some are advocating trading Vazquez for a big bat. Yeah, that makes great sense. Let’s trade a very good pitcher for another bat that could end up like a Francouer. Not me, I am staying with the pitching dudes.
If you like the great unknown and believe Hudson will return to fine form from Tommy John (never a given)then MAYBE an argument can be made to trade Vazquez to make room for Hudson. The more the Braves falter the more that may happen but right now Vazquez is just about untouchable and I wouldn’t trade him nor would I take Hudson over Vazquez. Just sayin……..
willieg
June 11th, 2009
8:38 pm
THE BRAVES CANT BEAT THE PIRATES AND THEY GET BOSTON ,YANKEES,BOSTON PHILLIES IN 12 GAME SPAN WOW I CANT WAIT I WILL BE RICH AFTER THE 12 GAME LOSING STREAK THE BRAVES WILL BE ON ITS A SHSAME ITS COME TP THIS THANKS SORRY OWNERS OF TJHE BRAVES YOU MADE ME RICH APPRECIATE IT
Doc Holiday
June 11th, 2009
8:40 pm
This team zux so me even the trolls have lost interest on our team………..if we are not considering Anders a troll.
That could be addressed as bad and good news, right?
Paul Lentz
June 11th, 2009
8:40 pm
Gone Viral………..Frank Wren fleeced the White Sox in the Javier Vazquez trade. All we gave up was Brent Lillibridge (batting .161, 68 at-bats, 0 homer runs, 0 RBI’s, lol) and that Flowers kid who was “tearing it up” in the instructional league, yet what is he doing now? So getting more back than we gave up for Vazquez should not be a problem should the Braves choose to trade Vazquez.
richbrave
June 11th, 2009
8:40 pm
Gutfeld:
Here’s hopin’.
All Is Lost
June 11th, 2009
8:40 pm
Nate McLouth is the “big bat” trade we were waiting for. No more help is on the way. It wasn’t enough and most knew that. McLouth was a good trade and will pay dividends in the future, but McLouth alone wasn’t going to turn this team around.
As long as this team has a right fielder who is a class D major leaguer, who hits about 70% of the time with a 0-1 count, a second baseman who was, is and always will be streaky, a shortstop who is a hitting machine but has a head made of livermush when he’s on the basepaths and sometimes in the field AND a team full of players who seem to feed off of each others failures, they will be a sub .500 team who will not contend for a playoff spot.
Just the facts.
RHR
June 11th, 2009
8:42 pm
THE BRAVES CANT BEAT THE PIRATES AND THEY GET BOSTON ,YANKEES,BOSTON PHILLIES IN 12 GAME SPAN WOW I CANT WAIT I WILL BE RICH AFTER THE 12 GAME LOSING STREAK THE BRAVES WILL BE ON ITS A SHSAME ITS COME TP THIS THANKS SORRY OWNERS OF TJHE BRAVES YOU MADE ME RICH APPRECIATE IT
But will they let you spend all that money in the nut house? I mean, do you get to keep it on your account like they do in prison?
Gutfeld
June 11th, 2009
8:43 pm
Tyler Flowers: .273-8-28 with 51BB/41K and .923 OPS in 165 AB for Double-A Birmingham so far this season.
Steve from OH
June 11th, 2009
8:43 pm
Paul, Flowers is a catcher with a .950 OPS so far at AA. A very valuable commodity. He’s the only piece we gave up of any significance.
cabravesfan
June 11th, 2009
8:44 pm
RHR-
there are times when I seriously love you
willieg
June 11th, 2009
8:46 pm
BJ THE TRUTH HURTS YOUR SORRY A SS DOESNT IT , YOUR TEAM SUX AND THE DODGERS WITH THE MANAGER YOU IDIOTS FIRED ARE IN FIRST PLACE AND WS BOUND SO YOU CAN RANT ALL YOU WANT ,YOU CAN CRY,POUT OR WHATEVER ICOULD CARE LESS THIS TEAM MAKES ME MONEY, SO I CAN TELL YOU HOW SORRY THEY ARE BECAUSE IAM GOING TOMORROW TO VEGAS TO BET 10,000 ON THE BRAVES TO LOSE THAT 12 GAME STRETCH SO ILL SEND YOU A POST CARD FROM WINNERSVILLE.
Supes
June 11th, 2009
8:47 pm
Coach, not so!
If the Braves are out of it by mid-july, I fully expect Wren to entertain offers for Gonzo, Soriano or both…Javy Vazquez or Kawakami (depends on how Kenshin is pitching, if he starts to get it figured out, his value will go up)…Kelly Johnson, Jeff and Garret should all be shopped around.
If a trade can be made (knowing that the player/s we trade are not in our long term future) and we can improve by adding top prospects, I’m all for it.
We know we are not keeping both Soriano and Gonzo…and that next year with Hudson coming back (if he comes back to his old form), someone is going to be the odd man out of the rotation.
Jeff has played his way out of town…and Anderson may fetch a lower level prospect (he can go to a contending AL team as a DH or 4th OF).
Last but not least…Kelly could also be on his way out, if not during the season then in the off-season for sure. I think by then they’ll finally figure out that he’s way too fraking streaky of a hitter to be an everyday 2nd baseman.
So, players that could be on the shopping block:
Gonzo
Soriano
Jeff
Kelly
Javy
Kenshin
Anderson
Vinings Jim
June 11th, 2009
8:47 pm
cabravesfan – are you wearing your Magic shirt? I have to say, I am far more interested in the hockey game tomorrow, but I might glance in tonight, but there’s not a chance in hell I’ll be awake at the end, unless you keep me distracted for the next three hours. (Listening to cousin Declan right now – Elvis Costello and I share the same last name (not Costello), so I’ve always considered him my Irish cousin).
Frank from KS
June 11th, 2009
8:48 pm
Dadgum
I know I would’ve been alright with losing KJ. I said during the offseaon the Braves should’ve went (or tried to anway) after Orlando Hudson.
Hudson would’ve been a significant upgrade at 2nd over KJ. He’s hitting like .333 or somewhere along those lines and has like 70 hits for the season.
Agree? Disagree?
LoMel
June 11th, 2009
8:50 pm
Yo DOB,
Just reading the article on Canizares’ callup, and noticed:
“Gregor Blanco (strained groin) had been filling in for first baseman Casey Kotchman, who’s on the DL with a calf strained and eligible to return Tuesday.”
Did you mean Martin Prado? I know you’re probably in a hurry to get these posted, just thought I’d point it out.
Don
June 11th, 2009
8:51 pm
It’s funny that our worst performers are all jettisoned to the DL (Norton, Reyes, Carlisle).
There should be a JPSL (Just Plain Suck List) to send them to instead.
Vinings Jim
June 11th, 2009
8:52 pm
cabravesfan – your comment to RHR causes me to experience feelings that I can not properly express on the blog – in the words of Olivia Newton-John, “Let Me Be There.”
willieg
June 11th, 2009
8:53 pm
RHR SINCE YOU ONLY PLAY WITH MONOPOLY MONEY, HERE ARE THE FACTS, THE BRAVES CAN ONLY BEAT THE METS , I DO BET THE BRAVES WHEN THEY PLAY THOSE LOSERS,BUT THIS FRANCHISE FIRED THE BEST MANAGER IT EVER HAD JOE TORRE,HOW MANY WORLD SERIES RINGS DOES HE HAVE ENOUGH SAID BUTT BREATH.
cabravesfan
June 11th, 2009
8:53 pm
Vinings Jim-
If I had a magic shirt, believe me I would be wearing it right now
(gotta eat dinner first so give me an hour or so before you bail!)
I, too, am far more interested in tomorrow’s hockey game (thank you, Wayne Gretzky, for introducing Southern California to hockey!), but I will do my best to keep you awake
Frank from KS
June 11th, 2009
8:54 pm
Lmao @ Vinings Jim @ 8:52
cabravesfan
June 11th, 2009
8:54 pm
Vinings Jim-
Don’t go getting any ideas about me & RHR…
rob from sc
June 11th, 2009
8:56 pm
I think it is time to show Kelly Johnson the door as well as Francoeur. I though moving him away from the leadoff spot would help, but now all he does it swing at the first pitch. His approach is similar to Jeff Francoeur. I would love to see Prado get more starts at 2B. Will never happen with our Manager.
willieg
June 11th, 2009
8:56 pm
THE DODGERS RULE
Braves Fan
June 11th, 2009
8:56 pm
We need some baseball rule changes since the Braves have such a great half team. With a pitcher, catcher, 2 infielders and a single outfielder we should be able to compete with just about any other half teams. We’ll need to deaden half the field…maybe the non-pull half for each batter. The rule changes might be tough so maybe we need to field the second half of our team. We badly need a first and second basemen and a left and right fielder.
Coach ( Moon Pie, Anyone?)
June 11th, 2009
8:56 pm
Supes, you are actually agreeing with me. I’m saying the Braves cannot add payroll right now. They can however, unload players and payroll if the team falls far enough out of the playoff race to warrant such action. July 31st is still six weeks away, lots of time to determine if there will be a sell off.
Gone Viral
June 11th, 2009
8:56 pm
I don’t judge the minor league portion of trades like this for several seasons. There is too much unknown. I was actually saying on another forum earlier today that no matter what happens now, the Braves are pleased with their side of the trade. We are, but that doesn’t change the fact that we gave up four minor league players. That’s the type of package we would need to get back to have such a deal make sense. Since it has come up, let’s take a quick look at the players we gave up:
Tyler Flowers has had 160 at bats at AA this year. He’s hitting .281 with an exemplary OBP of .443 and is slugging .506. With an OPS of .949, he looks like a magnificent offensive player at the catcher position. If that was the only player the White Sox had gotten in the trade, they would probably be happy right now.
As for the others, Gilmore, our first round pick in 2007, continues to disappoint offensively. In 209 at bats at high-A ball, he’s hitting .239 with a dreadful OBP of .289, and a weak slugging percentage of .335. The only good news here is that he doesn’t turn 21 until August, so he’s still very young.
Lillibridge has been up and down between the majors and minors this year on about a 60/40 split. In the majors, he has an OPS of .451 while his AAA performance isn’t much better at .600. He’s a run of the mill utility infielder and nothing more.
Santos Rodriguez doesn’t appear to be playing yet this season for whatever reason.
Boone Logan, the almost-25-year-old we got back in the deal, is at Gwinnett right now. He’s got a fine ERA of 3.0, but an average WHIP of 1.27. The 31 strikeouts in 30 innings are good, but but he’s walked 14 in that time, which is too many. He could prove helpful in the Braves bullpen before the season is over, but he needs to improve his control first.
So, the trade appears to be breaking down exactly as had been anticipated. It’s Vazquez for one true blue chip prospect, a potential 2009 role player on each side, and a couple of spare parts.
Vinings Jim
June 11th, 2009
8:56 pm
cabravesfan – go eat, girl! I’ll be here.
willieg
June 11th, 2009
8:57 pm
THE YANKEES RULE
fastasballs
June 11th, 2009
8:58 pm
“The Braves payroll is tapped out. Why did Atlanta need to dump Glavine? So they could pay Nate McLouth. Our Braves are desperately trying to unload Francoeur, for monetary reasons and not just due to his horrid performance. And of course, the most obvious clue is corporate ownership. No way in hell will they increase the payroll during the season.” Coach
You know this how? Glavin’s extra million REALLY made that much difference, huh? I have no doubt they are trying to unload Francouer, but you act as if even if he was having a great season they would still be trying to unload him to save money. Why did they sign Anderson at the last minute if they were so cash strapped? Wouldn’t a BJones & Matt Diaz platoon have saved a lot of money?
You can speculate all you want about the Braves payroll & what they have left to spend, but in the end that’s all it is, speculation & not some sort of “insider info” because you have no more of an idea than the rest of us.
Macon Braves (RIP)
June 11th, 2009
8:58 pm
Tyler Flowers: .273-8-28 with 51BB/41K and .923 OPS in 165 AB for Double-A Birmingham so far this season.
Javier Vazquez: 84.1 IP with 105 K’s and 16 BB’s. 1.03 WHIP and a .225 BAA in 13 GS for the Atlanta Braves so far this season…….and your point is what? Flowers could be putting those numbers up at Mississippi or Myrtle Beach? or are you suggesting that he would have supplanted Brian McCann by now?
Gone Viral
June 11th, 2009
8:58 pm
“There should be a JPSL (Just Plain Suck List) to send them to instead.”
Hysterical.
Steve from OH
June 11th, 2009
9:01 pm
Just suggesting that the fact that Flowers was in the deal precludes it from being a “fleecing” at this moment in time. Still an exemplary deal by Wren so far.
willieg
June 11th, 2009
9:02 pm
YOU LET MARK T EX GO TO YANKEES,IBET GREG MADDOX IS SITTING HOME IN VEGAS MAKING TONS OF MONEY ON THE BRAVES,HE REMEMBERS HOW MANY IRUN GAMES HE LOST.
willieg
June 11th, 2009
9:05 pm
R6R
Gutfeld
June 11th, 2009
9:05 pm
Macon Braves (RIP)
I just posted those stats on Flowers because someone (Paul Lentz, I believe) mentioned his name earlier and asked “what’s he doing now?”. I wasn’t commenting for or against Flowers with that post, but instead, just posting an update on him based on Paul’s post.
However, if you’re asking me what I think about the trade, I’d still gladly do that trade again. It was essentially Flowers for Vazquez and that’s a great deal for us. Flowers may end up being a successful major leaguer, but he wasn’t going to be in a position to help us until 2010 at the earliest whereas we needed SP help at the time and Vazquez has done a fine job so far. The Braves basically sold high on Flowers on the heels of his fantastic fall league performance to address a key area of need.
Gone Viral
June 11th, 2009
9:06 pm
“and your point is what?”
Not speaking for Steve from OH, but I’m certain that his point is that no one on the White Sox side of the equation is unhappy with what they got back. Flowers’ OPS is 60 points higher than the much more hyped Matt Wieters had in the minors this year prior to his call-up. He looks like a stud.
willieg
June 11th, 2009
9:07 pm
K K K K K K K K K K K K = LOSS IF YOU PITCH FOR ATLANTA BRAVES
Vinings Jim
June 11th, 2009
9:08 pm
willieg – nice CAPS – but we don’t read all caps here – we’re not intelligent enough. if you need help with working your keyboard, check out the manufacturer’s web site. We enjoy your feeble efforts, however.
Gone Viral
June 11th, 2009
9:08 pm
“The Braves basically sold high on Flowers on the heels of his fantastic fall league performance to address a key area of need.”
Right, the only regret we’d have is if Flowers had been viewed as a potential outfielder, which he wasn’t due to his (massive) size.
phil
June 11th, 2009
9:11 pm
The comments about Bobby Cox being a “players manager” is the problem. No one to fire this team up. Terry Pendleton needs to go!
Steve from OH
June 11th, 2009
9:11 pm
Yeah that’s pretty much my point, Gone Viral. He’s a good piece, and I’d do the deal again without question.
Vinings Jim
June 11th, 2009
9:13 pm
willieg – since you are clearly an eloquent spokesman for the Yanquis, why do you think they fired Yogi Berra and replaced him with Johnny Keane in 1965.
Gutfeld
June 11th, 2009
9:14 pm
Gone Viral
Exactly. That’s my point. Flowers wasn’t going to help us at all until 2010 and even that assumes a move to first base.
willieg
June 11th, 2009
9:15 pm
TNA IS ON VICTORIA COMES BACK TONIGHT ,THE SEXY VICTORIA
willieg
June 11th, 2009
9:17 pm
vinings jim they had a brane freeze that day
Gutfeld
June 11th, 2009
9:19 pm
That explains it. willieg is a “wrestling” fan. It all makes sense now.
Efrim
June 11th, 2009
9:20 pm
Steve from OH and Gone Viral, Flowers looks like a stud, for sure.
I just read Bowman’s article on his blogs section: http://markbowman.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/06/back_to_life_and_back_to_reali.html
Interesting take on the Braves current situation.
Rock On....(the denizen formerly known as Dadgum)
June 11th, 2009
9:20 pm
Frank….agree, kinda. Actually my position was (and still is) that we have 2 guys fully capable of playing a good 2nd base without the streakiness inherent with KJ. No doubt that Orlano Hudson is a very good talent but if and when we jettison KJ I hope it is for outfield help so that we will see Prado/Infante on a regular basis at 2nd.
Regardless, I am not holding my breath but gotta believe that KJ and Francouer are being shopped as I type this. Whether the bait is enough to land a player capable of filling one of our gaping holes is yet to be seen.
phil
June 11th, 2009
9:21 pm
Frank Wren had the guts to let Glavine go- will he have what it takes to make Bobby Cox get rid of Terry Pendleton? He (T.P.)… my fellow braves fans, is the problem. How else do you explain good hitters getting worse or not improving?
bravos2249
June 11th, 2009
9:21 pm
Maddox and I(1) run games….dear lord
Vinings Jim
June 11th, 2009
9:22 pm
I hate it when my brain freezes – willieg – do you know who Johnny Keane was (hint: he managed the Cardinals, who had just beaten the Yankees in the ‘64 Series, despite the best efforts of Mel Stottlemyre). I do appreciate the caps loss – well done.
The Bird and Indian
June 11th, 2009
9:22 pm
Brain. Spell it with me. B-R-A-I-N. Good Job!
Marv Kleeman
June 11th, 2009
9:23 pm
Hey fellow Braves fans:
How to fix the Braves. (As if the Braves can actually be fixed).
The difference between the Atlanta Braves and the Pittsburgh Pirates is at least the Pirates know they suck and have to build towards the future.
The Braves, on the other hand, keep operating under the notion they are just a player away from contending and that is why they make stupid and reckless trades (i.e, Mark Teixeira).
The Braves also operate under the foolish notion there is an endless “pipeline” of prospects in the system. So what if we trade the likes of Salty, Elvis Andrus, Neftali Feliz, Charlie Morton, Gorkys Hernandez, Jeff Locke, etc. They can all be replaced.
Oh really! Have you guys checked the Braves minor league system. The pipeline has run dry. Both Double A Mississippi and Triple A Gwinnett can be declared “prospect free” zones. There is not one “elite”
major league ready prospect at either location.
The solution? Why don’t the Braves become “sellers” for a change. Our top two trading “chips” are closers Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez.
Both Soriano and Gonzalez are free agents at the end of the 2009 season and neither will be back. If you don’t believe me please answer one question. When was the last time the Braves signed a free agent of theirs who hit the open market. J.D. Drew didn’t re sign with us and neither did Rafael Furcal.
Many contenders will be in the market for dominant setup men / closers at the trade deadline and the Braves should “leverage” the market to find the best possible bounty.
Take a look at the landscape. The N.Y. Mets have lost J. J. Putz and the Philadelphia Phillies have lost Brad Lidge to injury. The St. Louis Cardinals are always on the lookout for relief pitchers and so are the Texas Rangers.
And how about the N.Y. Yankees? Bob Bruney and Damaso Marte are on the shelf and Joba Chamberlain is in the starting rotation. If the Yankees are interested in either Gonzalez or Soriano as a bridge to Mariano Rivera; then whom can the Braves target?
I have an idea. How about someone like Mark Melancon (pronounced MUH LANSON). Melancon is being groomed as Yankees closer of the future after Mariano Rivera steps down.
willieg
June 11th, 2009
9:23 pm
the yankees will rulr totally as soon as we get rid of chien ming wang
The Bird and Indian
June 11th, 2009
9:25 pm
Alright how about we work on spelling rule now. R-U-L-E. There we go. You are making progress my friend, unlike the Yankees. 8 in a row to the Nation?
cabravesfan
June 11th, 2009
9:25 pm
Vinings Jim-
Not your Brain, your “brane.” I’m not exactly sure what part of the body that is but I don’t think I want it to freeze…
(what does it say when I spell “brain” as “Brian”? I mean, I love the guy but…)
Gone Viral
June 11th, 2009
9:28 pm
“The pipeline has run dry. Both Double A Mississippi and Triple A Gwinnett can be declared “prospect free” zones. There is not one “elite” major league ready prospect at either location.”
As I said just a bit earlier, Edgar Osuna has been elite at AA. Even if you do pigeon hole this conversation if a way that ignores we just shipped not one but two elite arms onto the major league team and ignore the Freeman/Heyward tandem, Osuna still matches that description. The Braves made an epic mistake with the Teixeira acquisition, but all of their other recent trades have been fundamentally sound.
Necromancer
June 11th, 2009
9:29 pm
Wow, Brian Barton for Gwinnett with the Otis Nixonish like catch in center field!
Andyman
June 11th, 2009
9:31 pm
You’re not kidding Necromancer. That was awesome!
Jay
June 11th, 2009
9:33 pm
Kinda surprised and disappointed that they gave away Andruw’s number. The guy won 10 gold gloves, helped us win two pennants and numerous division crowns, hit 51 homers and should have been mvp because he CARRIED this team in ‘05…I mean, what more do you have to do to get your number retired by the Braves?
Efrim
June 11th, 2009
9:33 pm
I don’t disagree with any of the bloggers here who have suggested the possibility that the Braves trade Soriano and Gonzalez. But I will say that it all depends on what is being offered. It’s got to be better than the potential draft picks the Braves would receive via free agent compensation. I’m not sure if the Braves are guaranteed to offer arbitration to both of them, but I can’t imagine why they wouldn’t. If they accept it, then you trade them anyway(easier said than done, I know).
Still plenty of time for the Braves. It’s June 11th. We haven’t reached the 62 games mark yet for crying out loud. All that said, I understand if frustrated fans bring it up. I’m pretty frustrated too.
Paul Lentz
June 11th, 2009
9:33 pm
Flowers will not be anything more than a journeyman type catcher. Also, just like Salty, he was blocked by McCann. Getting Javier Vazquez was a steal for the Braves. We will either have a good pitcher for the next few years…..or…..the Braves will parlay Javier Vazquez into either that elusive right handed power hitter who can play right field…..or….the Braves will get some premium prospects back should we fall out of contention before we can make a deal.
Despite our offensive struggles, the Braves are dealing from a position of strength. Please let me explain. Javier Vazquez is a very durable, healthy, good pitcher who eats a lot of innings. He is experienced and knows how to pitch. Plus he is under contract next year for a reasonable $11.5 mil. There are many teams who need starting pitching. If a team wants to make a trade NOW, then I see no problem with the Braves making a “fair” trade. However, if these teams want to wait until the trade deadline to make a deal, then chances are the Braves will fall out of contention. If that happens, then it would not be in the best interests of the Braves to offer Vazquez for “fair value”. If we fall out of the race by the trade deadline, then I would hold out for a “king’s ransom” for Vazquez. Worst case scenario, we keep Vazquez and pay him $11.5 mil for next year (which would be a bargain because he can flat out pitch).
While I would love to see the Braves acquire a big right handed right now to help our offense….I am more than willing to give up on this season (we cant do anything without improving the offense) if other teams arent willing to be reasonable…..and give Frank Wren a chance to either sign a free agent or make a trade in the off season.
What I dont want to see the Braves do is trade Vazquez away for “fair market value” if we are 10 games out of first. It isnt like the Braves “have” to trade Vazquez. It isnt like the Braves arent happy with Vazquez. It’s that the Braves need to improve their offense NOW if they want to compete this season. We either improve it NOW……..or we build towards 2010. I’m willing to wait until 2010 if the other teams who want Vazquez arent willing to be reasonable.
willieg
June 11th, 2009
9:35 pm
I LOVE WANG!!!
Metropolitans
June 11th, 2009
9:36 pm
Man the Braves fans are disappointing me on this blog. After having some of the best fans in the game during the [depressing] 14 year stretch it has gone downhill. The team is a work in progress right now and you have to deal with it. Your GM has worked hard getting deals done. I have already heard about deals for Penny, Holliday, and Hawpe. The pitching is fantastic after seeing all the whining during the off season about having no pitching. Wren goes and puts together the great staff you have now. The offense is struggling but he pieces are there I believe. You just get McLouth and I see people whining about him already. Give it a week to get started and get your 1st basemen back. You have plentiful pitching with Hudson coming back soon and Campillo who was solid last year coming back. I expect one of the SP to get dealt before the break is over. Do you compete with us or the Phills this year? Probably not but the run is to be expected I believe. The fans on this site today for the most part sound stupid, unintelligent, and have no idea what they are talking about. You state thing that you think are facts and definitely aren’t. i saw a guy say why did Wren (sign)? this new 1st basemen? He can’t field or do anything he sucks. He got a hit in his first game and has torn it up in the minors. Chill! Come on Atlanta. I’m usually used to arguing with you about who is better when it’s usually pretty even and it still is. It’s not working yet but there’s still baseball to be played. If I tried to argue now you would just say the braves suck!!!!! BTW, the Braves are like the Atlanta Hawks they come to play against the best and sleep against the worst. Expect better on this tough stretch coming up then you would think.
Gutfeld
June 11th, 2009
9:37 pm
Jay
At least they gave Andruw’s number to a legendary racehorse.
Gone Viral
June 11th, 2009
9:37 pm
“Flowers will not be anything more than a journeyman type catcher.”
It’s time to send your crystal ball to the repair shop.
All Is Lost
June 11th, 2009
9:39 pm
From Efrim’s find on the Bowman article,
“it’s also tough to envision trading Yunel Escobar. But for every sensational contribution the shortstop provides, he seems to further bother his teammates by habitually committing mental mistakes and displaying the flashy personality that infuriates opponents and umpires.”
I was at the Ted Saturday night and watched Escobar tick the ump off again with the bat flip that almost hit him. You could see the ump boiling! He said something to the batboy when he retrieved the bat and pointed to the dugout and to Escobar at first. I also witnessed his brain dead baserunning when Cory Hart deked him on the McLouth hit (or what turned out to be NOT a hit) and forced him at second from right field!
Yeah, count me as one who recognizes Escobar’s talent but has little patience with his attitude and 10 cent head. If there were other options, I would not mind at all if the Brave’s moved him.
willieg
June 11th, 2009
9:39 pm
I’m 11 years old! Leave me alone!
Gutfeld
June 11th, 2009
9:43 pm
All Is Lost
Agree on Escobar. He’s obviously a very talented guy, but the mental lapses are growing very tiresome. As DOB pointed out here last night, Escobar didn’t even bother to stick around to answer questions after last night’s game. He should at least own up to his mistakes, move on and hopefully learn from them.