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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,351 comments Add your comment
RHR
June 22nd, 2009
3:23 pm
Trade for Nelson Cruz? Why would a division leading team trade a guy that’s helped them get there?
Because the blog said to? Duh Slugger. Get a clue.
Lamar1Banks2
June 22nd, 2009
3:23 pm
Getting Kyle Davies for Octavio Dotel was a steal. Hyle Davies wouldn’t have given you the seven innings
FloridaBrave
June 22nd, 2009
3:23 pm
I agree with John Deere Green on one thing. I think Ryan Spilborghs is a REALISTIC option for the Braves. I think he is/will be available and he’s cheap enough but in terms of his salary and what it would take to acquire him that the Braves should look into it.
John Deere Green
June 22nd, 2009
3:24 pm
There ya go, as I was saying, No team is Taking on the Braves Trash (see Francouer, Reyes,etal:)for Dunn, Dye, Lee,or especially Cruz!!! However second tier guys Like a Spilborghs , or Luke Scott may be more attainable, and be quite the pleasant surprise….
Unless said team is in total salary dump mode!!!!
getsomepower
June 22nd, 2009
3:24 pm
If the Yankees have financial limitations, then what’s up with the Braves?
CB
June 22nd, 2009
3:24 pm
Is there a sarcasm button on this blog?
RHR
June 22nd, 2009
3:25 pm
Kotchman for LaRoche? Adam LaRoche? Law have mercy, I need to go lay down after reading that.
jeffrey d
June 22nd, 2009
3:25 pm
Although we were able to get Rafael Soriano for Horacio Ramirez. Maybe we can find another GM who’s a sucker for a lefty.
timthebrave
June 22nd, 2009
3:26 pm
Does anybody know when infante is scheduled to come back?
getsomepower
June 22nd, 2009
3:26 pm
if the Braves aren’t gonna get any power, then let’s acquire some speed, and Bobby Cox is going to have to put more runners in motion and do a lot of hit and run.
The Angels do it, and they score plenty of runs, so it can be done.
PWHjort
June 22nd, 2009
3:26 pm
Carrol,
Soriano entered the game when it was tied 1-1 during Vazquez’s 12 strikeout game. So there was no save opportunity. So there was no blown save. Just FYI.
MFin04
June 22nd, 2009
3:26 pm
The majority of the Braves on the DL are there because their pride is hurt, not their bodies.
John Deere Green
June 22nd, 2009
3:26 pm
The Braves have limitations however they are self imposed!!! the Yankees have a 200+ mill payroll, and no financial sense whatsoever!!!!!
cabravesfan
June 22nd, 2009
3:26 pm
John Deere Green-
Dude’s on the DL. Weither he’e healthy or not, he is still on the DL- I believe he reinjured himself in his rehab start but doesn’t matter…
RHR
June 22nd, 2009
3:26 pm
Some of you people can’t possibly be watching the games. Only explanation I have.
John Deere Green
June 22nd, 2009
3:27 pm
No need for nonsensical trade proposals that just do not make sense!!!!
Supes
June 22nd, 2009
3:28 pm
John Deere Green,
Luke Scott a “2nd tier guy”? You are aware he’s leading the O’s in HR and is hitting close to .300 and was injured for a long while as well. Meaning if he had been healthy he’d be hitting even more. Guy isn’t going anywhere. He’s part of the building block for the O’s.
However, if somehow he became available and the Braves can trade for him, it would be a major upgrade over any of our corner OF guys.
PWHjort
June 22nd, 2009
3:28 pm
How on earth is a young power hitting outfielder under team-friendly contract terms and under control for 2 and a half years a “second tier guy”. (I’m talking about Luke Scott).
John Deere Green
June 22nd, 2009
3:28 pm
Just don’t think Jo Jo is out of BOOBY”S doghouse is why he is not activated, I believe he is out of options , maybe not, but I think so!!!
jimmy a
June 22nd, 2009
3:29 pm
just FIRE WREN
John Deere Green
June 22nd, 2009
3:29 pm
Scott is not Name Brand is what I mean, IE:Lee, Holliday, Dye!!! for christsakes use your head!!!
CB
June 22nd, 2009
3:29 pm
cabravesfan, you are using reason and logic,please don’t.
sportsmandh
June 22nd, 2009
3:30 pm
AH YES, Kyle Davies…. He’s really tearing it up, for those of you who have mentioned him. He was a big loss.
News Flash: He was optioned back to AAA this weekend. Here’s his #s: 3-7, 5.76 ERA, 1.53 WHIP.
I imagine those are similar #s to what some other team will get for Jo Jo if they are willing to take him on.
Marc
June 22nd, 2009
3:31 pm
The Braves aren’t going to be trading anyone of significance for the rest of the season. Namely because they won’t be picking up Hudson’s option for next year. This is a “hope our guys get it going” team, like it or not.
LT
June 22nd, 2009
3:31 pm
“Some of you people can’t possibly be watching the games. Only explanation I have.”
RHR, I’m pretty sure most of the Braves fans that b**** about the team online haven’t watched three back-to-back games since the 90s — they just look at the box score the next day. In case you haven’t counted lately, it’s been 10 years since the 90s.
cabravesfan
June 22nd, 2009
3:31 pm
CB-
Damn, I hate it when that happens! Thanks for the warning- I’ll try to keep the logic and reason to a minimum
Lamar1Banks2
June 22nd, 2009
3:31 pm
Adam LaRoche? Adam LaRoche? Why the hell would you want Adam LaRoche. Did you not watch the games when he was in a Brave uniform. The guy is a streaky hitter who doesn’t get hott until the ALL-STAR break. Why would u want that?
Ed
June 22nd, 2009
3:31 pm
Just one more time, with feeling, QUIT SUGGESTING THAT VAZQUEZ, our BEST pitcher, be traded. Some idiot might listen to that nonsense.
CB
June 22nd, 2009
3:31 pm
yeah, use your head.”sarcasm button”
John Deere Green
June 22nd, 2009
3:32 pm
Scott , Young???? Dude is 30 years old, hardly a mid 20’s guy…. However a latebloomer
abwright
June 22nd, 2009
3:32 pm
For those hoping to trade Vazquez, who is your 2009 starting rotation?
Just curious.
jeffrey d
June 22nd, 2009
3:32 pm
No need for nonsensical trade proposals that just do not make sense!!!!
Yeah, that’ll shut them up…
Tomahawkin
June 22nd, 2009
3:33 pm
RHR
I make Trade Proposals but I try to keep mines realistic…and try not to come off as someone who Think the Braves F.O. resembles that of a PS2 Baseball game…
We are Not gonna add more Payroll to the team so the only trade the braves will make will be one in which the other team eats a huge chunk of a player’s salary…
Time To watch the O.C. on youtube for a minute…
jeffrey d
June 22nd, 2009
3:33 pm
For those hoping to trade Vazquez, who is your 2009 starting rotation?
NO!!! Don’t ask that. Here we go….
MFin04
June 22nd, 2009
3:34 pm
Vazquez isn’t our best pitcher by a long shot. There is this guy named Jair who has pitched like he wants to win the Cy Young…
jeffrey d
June 22nd, 2009
3:35 pm
For those hoping to trade Vazquez, who is your 2009 starting rotation?
Peavy
Hanson
Smoltz
Hudson
Yunel (because we traded for HanRam)
Epinephrine
June 22nd, 2009
3:35 pm
Hey, if it makes you feel better, doom and gloom away. But here are the facts:
1) The Braves have, by no small margin, the best rotation in the NL East.
2) The Phillies have an atrocious rotation, exacerbated by injuries to Brad Lidge and Raul Ibanez. Ryan Madson’s attempt at plugging the dam has not worked. Unless they trade for an arm, they are in serious trouble. With Peavy and Oswalt unlikely to move anywhere any time soon, good luck.
3) The Mets have an equally troubled rotation, made worse by the fact that Johan Santana has looked all too human as of late. Worse still, Carlos Beltran is battling injuries that do not appear to be on the wane any time soon. Jose Reyes is still experiencing pain when he engages in high effort exercises.
The Braves are NOT a very good team. I never claimed otherwise. But thanks to the beauty of divisional play, to be competitive this year they do not need to be very good. They just need to play up to their potential. If Tommy Hanson starts pitching like he is capable, and if EITHER Francoeur OR Kelly Johnson break out, this will be a competitive team.
You may have missed it while lamenting GA’s defensive shortcomings, but again, dude has been hitting +.300 this month. Casey Kotchman isn’t a home run guy, but he gets extra base hits, and when healthy, hits for average. That is all we need from those two players. Should by a miracle we actually make it to the playoffs, the Braves will probably get steamrolled.
But with Tim Hudson’s return now on the distant horizon, and the rest of the division falling apart at the seams, the Braves have a chance to figure in this race. If admitting that bothers you, by all means, lament away. But it doesn’t change the fact that we are now playing in what during previous years has been affectionately titled the NL West.
Unlike previous years, the Braves do
John Deere Green
June 22nd, 2009
3:35 pm
Marc, Wren has already stated that Hudson’s option will be picked up… where or when did it come out he wouldn’t be exercised????
sportsmandh
June 22nd, 2009
3:35 pm
I don’t know if anyone brought this up the last few days. But from the for what it’s worth department, I’m not knocking Tom Glavine, but the fact that no one else wanted to sign him makes Wren look a little better on the PR front. The general public believed the front office saying he was cut b/c they thought he couldn’t get anyone out was an excuse, and it was really about payroll, yada yada yada. Well I think if it was obvious he had something left in the tank another team would’ve been quick to call him. Like the Phillies, Mets, Rangers, or maybe Cardinals, White Sox or Tigers just to name a few.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 22nd, 2009
3:35 pm
The Braves are horrible at situational situations. We have all witnessed countless times of the team, as a whole, failing to get guys over and getting guys in–doing the “little” things. Doing the little things and staying away from grounding in to DPs is the Braves BIGGEST problem–not so much hitting itself.
Last 6 games:
Cin (Loss) 12 hits
Cin (Loss) 7 hits
Cin (Win) 8 hits
Bos (Win) 11 hits
Bos (Loss) 5 hits
Bos (Loss) 14 hits
Only one of those 6 games were the Braves really “shut down” by the opposing pitcher (Beckett). That kind of loss, you just tip you hat and move on to the next day. But looking at these 6 games, 2 of them the Braves hit very well…just did not do the small things to make those hits add up to more runs and, therefore, wasted a good offensive day.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
June 22nd, 2009
3:37 pm
John Deere Green,
You’re saying that Adam Dunn is no good, based on what exactly? He’s not going to give you WORSE defense in LF than what is there currently, and his 40+ HR’s will be MORE than what is currently in LF.
So based on your theory of bad defense and lots of strikeouts, Ryan Howard is horrible as well?
Vinings Jim
June 22nd, 2009
3:39 pm
cb – every time I try to use the ’sarcasm button’ I screw it up, and it comes out half italics/half bold.
John Deere Green
June 22nd, 2009
3:39 pm
Dunn is not going to be traded for, there are 4 million reasons why….
John Deere Green
June 22nd, 2009
3:40 pm
Remenber he does not play at the Ted either….
DAP
June 22nd, 2009
3:40 pm
wow. you guys are just unbelievable today.
the braves have the pitching this year to go on a 25-5 type run. and i remember fondly those teams back in the day that would just turn it on and win, baby. anyways, the pitching is there. the offense is not there. anderson and kelly would have to get real hot, and bobby would have to decide to bench frenchy for this team to win 25 of 30. if the braves can close out this month at 5-3…i think the braves’ chances are pretty good with so many interdivision games left.
i predict that the NL east team (other than the nats) that plays the best against division opponents from here on out wins the east.
jsmoove
June 22nd, 2009
3:41 pm
Where is evetone at that wanted Blanco to come up and start in center? That was a great idea. 1 for 22or 23 with 1 rubi??? He could’nt hit water if he fell out a boat! Trade him and Kelly Johnson! Both of those guys are hot garbage. We may not get much, but i will take an insruction booklet on hitting and let Terry Pendleton read it!!!
cabravesfan
June 22nd, 2009
3:41 pm
Jim-
I am sure one of your ladies can show you how to push the button…
John Deere Green
June 22nd, 2009
3:41 pm
Alas, go ahead get Dunn for Lf,Laroche for 1B,L.Castillo for B, and while your at it get Ludwick for RF, and Trade Chipper for Garret Atkins, and Move Loaf to short!!!!
Mitchell
June 22nd, 2009
3:41 pm
Can we talk about Jeff’s little dig at Braves fans? Well, I don’t see why not.
I would just like to personally apologize to Mr. Francoeur if I may. Jeff, I’m sorry. I’m not going to be able to make it out to the Ted tonight to be among the possibly outnumbered Braves fans but here’s a suggestion: put your money where your mouth is.
How bout a nice little three run homerun to quiet those no-class Cub fans? How about you do something about it, for once. Give us something to root for and maybe you won’t have to run your mouth.
But you know what, I like it. He called us out. I’ve been waitin’ for that but to have it come from Jeff kind of rubs me the wrong way. Show us what you got Jeff. Walk the walk.
CB
June 22nd, 2009
3:41 pm
Vinings Jim, we are probably the dumb ones here.”sarcasm button”
John Deere Green
June 22nd, 2009
3:42 pm
Maybe then the Braves will win the Molasses title!!!!
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
June 22nd, 2009
3:43 pm
John Deere Green,
Wren did not say he was picking up Huddy’s option. He said “lets wait and see how he comes back” or something to that effect.
John Deere Green
June 22nd, 2009
3:44 pm
No dude Wren verbally stated the option would be picked up!!!!
abwright
June 22nd, 2009
3:44 pm
jeffrey d, 3:35 pm…”who is your 2009 starting rotation?
Peavy
Hanson
Smoltz
Hudson
Yunel (because we traded for HanRam)”
ROFLMAO
FloridaBrave
June 22nd, 2009
3:44 pm
What’s our ‘09 rotation if(after) we trade Vazquez? Easy.
1)Hudson
2)Lowe
3)Jurjjens
4)Hanson
5)Kawakami
Medlen, Reyes, Campillo, Carlyle as emergency starters.
It’s still a top notch rotation. heck, it’s better than it is this year.
Goldenglove002
June 22nd, 2009
3:44 pm
The Braves are still competitive because of how bad the NL East has been this year. I honestly think this will all be decided in the last month when its all about divisional play. If the braves manage to make the playoffs, it will be because they are able to win in the last month. Playoffs would be another story, as the only advantage the Braves may have there is that they have done decent against good teams so far. Don’t sount them out yet, all we need is for the offense to get going.
By the way, it seems like the Yankees are struggling lately. Could be good (or with the Braves luck the Yanks will just be the next team to get hot right as the braves play them).
kill the Cubs!
Alonzo
June 22nd, 2009
3:45 pm
Epine:
The Braves, by the numbers, have a chance. They aren’t that far back. They also have an incredibly tough homestand, which will likely put them farther back by the time of the All Star Braek. Plus, there is nothing in the play of this team this year that suggests any ability to be consistent. Let’s be clear — it’s going to take one of those winning streaks out of nowhere that will take this team to the top. It’s going to take people being unexpectedly good at critical points.
This team has — instead of the surprise guy who scores the unexpected run — the ever rotating group of weakest links who always gets the strikeout just when the game is on the line. And, given the hitting, the game turns out to have been on the line in the 2nd inning when first pitch frenchy fails to get the runner home.
Lamar1Banks2
June 22nd, 2009
3:46 pm
The O’s GM publicly stated he was not allowing their club to be the minor league farm system for other teams. i.e you better bring a really good package to get some of their talent.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
June 22nd, 2009
3:47 pm
John Deere Green,
Where did he say this? Because if he did say it, which I’m pretty sure he didn’t… he should be fired.
Who picks up a $12 million option on a pitcher that he hasn’t even seen pitch after MAJOR arm surgery? Really?
Dude, you’ve said about 3 or 4 things on here today that make no sense at all. Jo-Jo is still on the DL, because Dunn K’s he’s a bad player, Wren said he’s picking up Hudson’s option, why would we go after another catcher (you do know that Victor Martinez has been playing 1B most of the season?
Do you watch baseball at all, or did you stop 2 years ago and just look at stat sites now?
Alonzo
June 22nd, 2009
3:48 pm
DAP:
They have all the pitching to make a run. They have little of the hitting, not terribly much of the coaching, and very little of the heart.
Paul Lentz
June 22nd, 2009
3:48 pm
Epinephrine………….what “signs” has Francoeur exhibited that he is “coming around”? In his last 6 games, he’s 3 for 20 (.150) with 1 RBI. In the month of June, he has 1 double and 1 homer in 57 at-bats, while batting .228. If you think that is “coming around”, then WHAT THE FCUK IS A SLUMP?
GT Falcon
June 22nd, 2009
3:50 pm
Should have signed Adam Dunn instead of good OLE Anderson….
Bravesfan84
June 22nd, 2009
3:50 pm
why do we keep seeing adam laroche’s name come up in this blog???? he is a bum and i would take kotchman over laroche any day of the week.
Mr. Enigma
June 22nd, 2009
3:51 pm
The weather in Atlanta is atrocious right now. Are they going to get it in?
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
June 22nd, 2009
3:52 pm
Interesting to see how the Braves respond after yesterdays loss. Chipper and Cox both showed some heart and fire. It seems like the team was fired up from that in the top of the next inning. Maybe it will carry over into the home stand?
P-Town Brave
June 22nd, 2009
3:53 pm
Here’s some more logical ideas…
1) Release Jeff Bennett
2) STOP playing Kelly Johnson…his AB’s now aren’t even semi encouraging…Martin Prado has EARNED a spot for the time being
3) Either get Diaz some more AB’s in RF or find someone the team can get more AB’s in RF…sadly, even Blanco looks more confident at the plate than Francine.
4) FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, will people stop talking about trading Escobar! I know he has his lapses, but still, he’s by far the best clutch hitter and hitter w/ RISP that we have…If the team got rid of him, think of how much worse they would be.
And Carroll, to comment on all of the different reports from the one on Bobby to the one on Chipper…
It just really proves the point that this team really has no identity anymore…
Bobby needs to ride off into the sunset and this team desperately needs a natural leader, because no offense to Chipper, but he just doesn’t have a leading type of personality.
Slugger www.theweeklyscene.com
June 22nd, 2009
3:53 pm
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday games at the Ted. The promotion through theweeklyscene.com will allow you guys to get uppber box, not upper pavilion, for half off.
So, Thursday’s you’ll pay $6 (instead of $12)
Friday-Sat you’ll pay $8 (instead of $16)
These are the seats that are up top from home plate down the 1B and 3B line to the foul polls.
Hopefully this will help someone soon, and we’ll have the site updated next week with an official page.
If you’re going to any games this Thurs-Sat, go to the theweeklyscene.com and click on ‘Contact’ at the bottom of the page.
E-mail us to let us know if you plan on goin down, and we’ll give you the deal info before we create it on the website.
Steve from OH
June 22nd, 2009
3:54 pm
John Deere Green:
If you think Adam Dunn is a bad hitter, I’m not sure what else I can say. The fact is that he’s a very good hitter, and as for “not clutch,” he’s had positive WPA numbers in every season he’s played in. As for his defense, yes, it is horrendous, but so is Garret Anderson’s. Now, if you give me the option to bring in a hitter that is way, way better at hitting than Garret Anderson with similar defense, I’m gonna have to say “hell yes.”
Not taking issue with the idea that the Braves can’t or won’t acquire him, just that you think he won’t be an upgrade. He will. And by a pretty large margin.
Original Jon
June 22nd, 2009
3:54 pm
Canadaian braves fan, yes, that makes it much much easier on the eyes to read. Pretty decent stuff you talk about. Not bad at all.
John Deere Green
June 22nd, 2009
3:55 pm
Buffalo, i probably have forgotten more than you will ever know about the Braves,and for the record this team is open to any forum not just yours, and Adam Dunn, is an overpriced slow-footed player that happens to K more than he hits….If his career stats are not enough to dissuade anyone from wanting him, then so be it, but imo, Wren and company decided when they had the chance to sign him, I am quite sure the stats dictated as PASS!!!!!
Efrim
June 22nd, 2009
3:56 pm
FloridaBrave, assuming Hudson is fully recovered from Tommy John surgery by opening day, yes, I’d agree. That rotation should rank the Braves in the top third or even quarter of the NL.
Richard Weiss
June 22nd, 2009
3:56 pm
Enter your comments here
Richard Weiss
June 22nd, 2009
3:56 pm
We are still in contention and only 4.5 games out before the ASB. If we can improve the team with some key trades/acquisitions I think we have a good shot at the pennant considering Phillies and Mets not too stong this year.
There are a few problems right now. BC is a big one but I doubt he will be fired or replaced for whatever reason this year (he’s gone next year). He is loyal to a fault which has lost quite a few games – leaving pitchers in too long, and continuing to use Jeff Bennett at critical times (he stinks – he’s a minor league pitcher who guarantees a loss in almost any game he comes into. Should have been demoted or traded a long time ago)
Key moves to compete:
1. Trade Francouer for a legitimate power hitter in RF – will need to throw in a good picture and some prospects.
2. Get rid of GA – he’s just not doing it and is over the hill for his salary. As in RF, need a legitimate power hitter – trade for Adam Dunn if at all possible.
3. Get rid of Kelly Johnson and use Omar Infante when he comes back, Prado until then.
4. As in LF and RF, we need a legitimate power hitter at First Base. Kotchman is an OK hitter but without power.
The main defect is HITTING for power and consistency. Fix that and we compete immediately. Our pitching is OK – we would have won a lot more games if only we had bats and hit at critical times.
McFann :Ô:
June 22nd, 2009
3:57 pm
Buffalo NY Braves Fan–
I hope so!
And if they go into a rain delay tonight (which they prob’ly will, doggone it), SportSouth better show something entertaining, ya know what I mean?
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
June 22nd, 2009
3:57 pm
John Deere Green,
It’s nice to see that you’ve forgotten more than I’ll know, it seems you forgot realism as well.
You wouldn’t want Ryan Howard at 1B instead of Kotchman? Please, just answer that simple question….
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
June 22nd, 2009
3:58 pm
McFann :Ô:,
You mean like that new McCann special that I have yet to see? MLB.TV doesn’t show the “rain delay” feed, they just have a blank screen.
John Deere Green
June 22nd, 2009
3:58 pm
by the way Ensuring starting pitching wouldn’t be a problem again also played a part in that pass….
However if Wren and Co., didn’t blink in the offseason, then why should they hoist him over their shoulders now????
Abreu probably should have been sought after, but wasn’t, so let the lamenting continue!!!!
Epinephrine
June 22nd, 2009
3:58 pm
Paul Lentz, I just meant hitting the ball hard (ie, robbed of a double by Ellsbury Saturday), drawing walks, and cutting down on strikeouts. Remember, we are talking baby steps here.
And Mitchell, it might have rubbed you the wrong way, but frankly Braves fans deserve to be called out. The attendance at Braves games is pathetic, and we get outdrawn every time a major market team comes to town. You can point to the economy, but comparable/weaker with worse to similar teams, like Colorado, San Francisco, and Houston all perform far better.
The Braves, by percentage, are 26th in attendance. Detroit beats Atlanta in both attendance and total. What economy? It’s unfortunate, but as a city Atlanta isn’t a great baseball town.
Goldenglove002
June 22nd, 2009
3:58 pm
yeah, i think they’ll get this one in. most of the storms are staying ttracking straight down the east of 75, meaning they’ll stay east of Turner. But I’m no meteorologist.
N8
June 22nd, 2009
3:59 pm
“Hey, if it makes you feel better, doom and gloom away. But here are the facts” Epinphrine
Now why do you have to go get all pompous, like that?
You stated that you GUARANTEED that the team that wins the NL East will NOT have played .600 ball the rest of the way.
Here are is MY FACT. (If you choose to call me pointing it out to you, “gloom and doom”, that’s a YOU problem, not a me problem)….
IF the Braves are going to win the NL East, AND the Phillies DO NOT simply play .500 ball the rest of the way, the Braves will certainly have to ALMOST play .600 ball to win the East.
Period. Make of it what you will. Either that, or stop making silly guarantees before you do the math.
You can talk about rotation all you want. You’re correct. But here’s the thing. ALL SEASON we have had the best rotation in the division. Add to that, we’ve got TWO closers at the end, capable of shutting teams down on a nightly basis.
Things surely can turn quickly. No doubt about it. But so far… The rotation has simply kept us afloat. Without them, we’d be sunk for sure.
THAT is how bad and flawed our offense is.
I noticed, halfway through that post you stated:
“You may have missed it while lamenting GA’s defensive shortcomings, but again, dude has been hitting +.300 this month.”
Which tells me you weren’t talking to me. LOL! So sorry to get all “pompous” on you. But I figured I’d leave the post anyhow, because whether you are talking to me or not, my argument (along with yours) is still valid.
I’m not denying what you are saying (that we have a shot), we certainly do. I just think that as each day passes that we’re not picking up steam (while the Phils and Mets are losing), our odds diminish.
As for the Phils rotation? They play in that bandbox, and with that offense, they’ll survive. They have so far.
As for the Mets rotation? They play in one of the toughest hitters parks, and will survive (as they have). It really comes down to how Maunuel will manufacture runs. If they do that, they too will be fine.
I don’t know much about Florida, so I won’t comment. They’re young and Freddie seems to have them playing good ball. To me, they’re dangerous, because nobody sees them coming.
If the Braves could simply eliminate Jeff’s and KJ’s horrible AB’s from the lineup, and add a RH power bat to replace Jeff, (Prado is fully capable of replacing KJ – or at the minimum, platooning with him), it might be enough. Should be. But after almost 70 games, I think it’s pretty clear what the Braves are and are not.
Time to fix it, or pack it in.
Epinephrine
June 22nd, 2009
3:59 pm
Heck, we can’t even vote Brian McCann to the all star game, and that only requires an internet connection. Guaranteed that outside St. Louis Molina isn’t getting votes. It’s just unfortunate.
Slugger www.theweeklyscene.com
June 22nd, 2009
4:00 pm
Actually guys, they incorpoated this when we uploaded this week’s code to the website last night:
If you look at any of the four neighborhoods and scroll down to Thurs/Fri/Sat you’ll find our ticket discount link.
Hopefully we can get an even bigger promotion down the road, maybe an AJC – BravesBeat – Carroll/DOB discount.
To sum it up:
Thurs – $6 Upper Box
Fri-Sat – $8 Upper Box
monty
June 22nd, 2009
4:00 pm
Interesting and somewhat telling quote from Chipper after the loss yesterday, something to the effect that “Now these guys should have confidence to know that they can play with the Red Sox or any of the elite teams”. That speaks volumes to their level of confidence in themselves going into that series. I think the Braves have played in most ball games this year, Very few blowouts.So Chipper believes (if I read between the lines) that the team’s problems are between the ears.
Chop Chop
June 22nd, 2009
4:00 pm
Epinephrine,
The Braves aren’t that interesting to most folks.
Vol4ever
June 22nd, 2009
4:00 pm
1 – We could have signed Adam Dunn as a Free agent and gave up nothing. 2 – Braves will NOT spend money on the bullpen. and I’ll add a 3rd- Braves will NOT be in the playoffs with this team. I have been a Bobby Cox supporter for a long time, but it is time for him to go.
Steve from OH
June 22nd, 2009
4:00 pm
John Deere–you must be new here. There was actually a pretty big discussion about strikeouts a while back, and most of the empirical evidence I’ve found suggests that they’re typically nothing more than just another out. So, the negative value (what little of that there is) of his strikeouts pretty much does nothing to the huge positive of his .900+ career OPS. Try again.
Paul Lentz
June 22nd, 2009
4:01 pm
I surely hope that the Braves wont automatically pick up Hudson’s $12 mil 2010 option. If the Braves dont trade Javier Vazquez for a power hitting right fielder, then what sense does it make to pick up Hudson’s option? I’d rather decline his option and use his salary to sign a free agent power hitting right fielder. That is basically like making a trade isnt it.
If the Braves pick up Hudson’s option, then who do you put in the bullpen for 2010? I mean let’s be realistic here. Lowe, Vazquez, and Jurrgens arent going to the bullpen. Tommy Hanson is a potential ace. Putting him in the bullpen isnt going to help his development. The Braves didnt call him up to put him in the bullpen. So that leaves only Kenshin Kawakami. Do you really think that the Braves are going to put Kawakami and his $8 mil a year salary in the long relief role…..because I dont see the Braves trading him either. The Braves want to tap into the Japanese talent pool and many young Japanese players are seeing how the Braves treat Kawakami. Also, Kawakami, unlike Francoeur, is making ADJUSTMENTS. After his rocky April, Kawakami has shown MARKED improvement in May and June. He is more than a serviceable 4th or 5th starter.
So knowing that, if the Braves picked up Hudson’s option, then the only logical thing to do is trade Vazquez. I feel that that course of action would not be a smart thing to do. Reason being, Vazquez is healthy and durable. Hudson is coming off elbow surgery. Picking up Hudson’s option and trading Vazquez for a power hitting right fielder………is MUCH MORE RISKY, than declining Hudson’s option and using his salary to acquire a free agent right fielder while keeping Vazquez.
It’s about being smart with where you allocate payroll dollars.
Epinephrine
June 22nd, 2009
4:01 pm
N8, what makes you think the Phillies are not going to play .500 the rest of the year? It doesn’t take a novel to make that argument-it can be done in a sentence. If the Phils play around .560+ the rest of the way, the Braves won’t make it. But I don’t see any indication they will do that.
Epinephrine
June 22nd, 2009
4:02 pm
And no-I wasn’t responding to you earlier.
brick
June 22nd, 2009
4:03 pm
Here is an idea. How about trading mike gonzalez for chone figgins. The Angels are looking for a good reliever and the Braves need another hitter. Both are free agents at the end of the year. He is not a power hitter but if you can not get a power hitter then get a true leadoff man. This team needs more speed. He could play second for Kelly. I don’t know if he is truely available but I read on mlbtraderumors.com that the Angels were willing to trade anyone in their infield for pitching. Lastly, he is from Georgia so maybe he will resign with the braves after the season. If he doesn’t stay then you get a draft pick just like you would with gonzalez. This allows the Braves to get a player that can really help us now and also see if he likes it enough to resign with us. Lets be honest, I don’t see the braves signing both gonzalez and soriano when the season ends. There is too many teams looking for closers.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
June 22nd, 2009
4:04 pm
For those reading my posts, I think there is NO WAY that Adam Dunn will get traded to Atlanta. A player of that calibur does not get traded within the division.
Oh and John Deere Green, I’m still waiting on where Wren “verablly stated” the option pick up on Hudson.
Epinephrine
June 22nd, 2009
4:04 pm
Chop Chop, that’s just another way of saying that “most folks” around Atlanta don’t find baseball that interesting.
McFann :Ô:
June 22nd, 2009
4:05 pm
Buffalo NY Braves Fan–
That’s just what I had in mind! You haven’t seen it yet? Dang, that’s a shame…I’ve seen most of it…but I haven’t seen the end, which stinks…
They have a few clips from it here. The part about him as a kid might be my favorite so far…like I said, haven’t seen the ending. (And those of you that have seen it, DON’T TELL ME HOW IT ENDS, please.
)
Storm seems to be picking it up…I may have to depart from the computer for a little while…
MFin04
June 22nd, 2009
4:05 pm
McFann – what the heck did Brian do to his “Teddy Bear” look? That is going to, for sure, cost him All-Star votes.
Steve from OH
June 22nd, 2009
4:05 pm
BNYBF–I believe Wren is on the record with that, with the caveat of “healthy.”
Chop Chop
June 22nd, 2009
4:05 pm
Well, it’s plainly obvious that they don’t find mediocre baseball interesting.
Bring back Francisco Cabrera
June 22nd, 2009
4:05 pm
Man there is a lot of b*tching going on around here.
I see the team as 3 moves away from success (2 wont even require trades)
1. Trade for a power hitting outfielder.
2. Release/demote Jeff Bennett
3. Bench Kelly and start Prado til Infante returns.
Simple really. And as far as the lack of support for our team, well that is because the “Braves Fans” would rather spend their time griping on a blog instead of standing behind their team. We had a good run and it takes time to replenish that, get over it, we cant win every year (unless you have a payroll like the Stankees or Red Sox), but we can still support the club. Stop crying and start cheering, a little fan support might actually help spark these guys (yes i am aware i sound like a Homer right now, but its all true).
getsomepower
June 22nd, 2009
4:06 pm
brick
DO they want another lefty closer in their pen? (they’ve got Fuentes, who’s actually got more saves than the guy he replaced)
varodrunner
June 22nd, 2009
4:06 pm
I have to respond to Rev Otis Nixon
I can see why you call it negativity – It is negative! But the Braves suck right now and the columnists are finally calling it as they see it instead of buckling under the corporate publicity hounds trying to sell you and me and all the rest of us on here that these are the Braves of the future and are here to win. They will win nothing until certain moves are made. What those moves will be are more complicated than anything I can figure out. But we have people (WREN) that are supposed to be able to resurrect this team into the winners that they were under Scherholtz reign.
I, personally, applaud the columnist’s candid comments which, IMO, is right on the money.
Do we trade Chipper? Not if trades are made to allow us to win. Do we tradde Franceour? YES, he is under such pressure here that, again IMO, he cannot be succfessful – too much pressure for a guy his age.
Do we need a new coach? YES – clearly Bobby’s not able to manage this young team. His method of leading was much more effective with veteran players and he was also much younger, Remember this, in 1991, when the Braves came upon the scene from worst to first, Bobby was eigtheen years younger and more spirited. Did you notice that the ejection was only his 2nd of the year. Not the spunky manager we are used to is it? He is lost right now and I DO NOT mean that as a derogatory comment. I truly don’t think he has a clue as to how to motivate this talented team. And it is talented. Talented enough to win with the right chemistry, but it lacks that chemistry. Let’s see what happens now that we have soem fire out of Bobby, Chipper and O’Flatterey.
To Jeff, Furman, and DOB, Please please continue to give it to us straight. Good job guys.
Epinephrine
June 22nd, 2009
4:06 pm
Chop Chop, exactly. And if you are only a fan of a team when things are flush, you aren’t much of a fan of the sport. You are a fan of winning. And that is fine, but it’s still not the most heartening thing in the world, I am sure, for the Braves players.