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2,898 comments Add your comment
nolie
June 29th, 2009
1:12 am
Vazquez has a 75-70 record and 4.33 ERA before the All-Star break, and a 57-66 record and 4.16 ERA after the break, including 18-23 with a 3.89 ERA in September. (DOB)
so his ERA actually improves a bit especially in Sept, he just doesn’t get the wins. Well you know what they say about W-L records, and this year certainly bears that out for him so far.
uga-brave
June 29th, 2009
1:15 am
dob,
ever considered the thought he is not playing for a idiot.
yeah, that wanna be fool in chicago. ozzie guuilen, is a fool.
dumber then me on a friday night, well debatable.
Packerman
June 29th, 2009
1:15 am
Anyone’s better than Kelly, but Prado isn’t a miracle worker. He doesn’t get to about 1/3 of the balls that an everyday second baseman should.
nolie
June 29th, 2009
1:18 am
think I remember that- and that’s “midwest” dear, not “west” (CBF)
didn’t you ever watch “WESTERNS” ? The west is Colorado,Montana, Arizona, The Badlands in DAKOTA where the Sioux were. The mid-west is like Indiana, Illinois Iowa etc. California is the west coast, or rumble-land I am an expert to cause I been in every state and I did watch a buncha westerns.
J-MAN
June 29th, 2009
1:19 am
THIS YEAR IS LOST!!!!!!!!!! .Realize this offense has cost it for us. Now its time to take a page from The Marlins or As and sell for prospects. We can get a blue chipper for Vazquez and he deserves to be on a winner. Lowe can get us another blue chipper but we gonna have to eat some of his salary probably 3-5 mil. Chipper won’t be traded so make sure you get a young 3B to replace him in 3 seasons. Kelly Johnson HAS NO VALUE so we probably will have to just release him and Frenchy has little so I’d keep him to see if he can turn it around or put as a filler in another trade. We have Hudson coming back and Meilden can be a #5. Don’t Trade Escobar, McClouth. If you can make a deal for Garrett Anderson for an AL contender do it for both parties because he also should play for a winner. If we can get a blue chipper for Kotchman make the trade but if not hold on unless you throw him in as a filler for a superstud of a prospect. Use the freed up money to resign Sorianio and Gonzalez and Moylan. Then Retool in Free Agency next year and make a REAL RUN. Thats the real hope. BUT THIS SEASON IS LOST EVEN IF WE SWEEP THE PHILLIES!!!
cabravesfan
June 29th, 2009
1:21 am
Nolie-
To us Californians, everything east of Arizona is “midwest”
Rumble-land? It’s not that bad!
Braveheart
June 29th, 2009
1:22 am
didn’t you ever watch “WESTERNS” ? The west is Colorado,Montana, Arizona, The Badlands in DAKOTA where the Sioux were. The mid-west is like Indiana, Illinois Iowa etc. California is the west coast, or rumble-land I am an expert to cause I been in every state and I did watch a buncha westerns. (NOLIE)
who the hell is nolie kidding? that old coot’s knowledge of cowboy times ain’t from movies, it’s firsthand
Roman Gal
June 29th, 2009
1:24 am
who the hell is nolie kidding? that old coot’s knowledge of cowboy times ain’t from movies, it’s firsthand
Teehehe.
David O'Brien
June 29th, 2009
1:27 am
uga-brave: Vazquez pitched for the White Sox the past three seasons. He pitched for the Yankees in his only other postseason in 2004, when he gave up five runs in five innings in a division series start against Minnesota, then was used in two relief appearances (no starts) in the ALCS and gave up nine hits, seven runs and three home runs in 6-1/3 innings.
He pitched for Arizona in 2005 and for Montreal for six seasons before going to the Yankees in 2004.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
June 29th, 2009
1:32 am
At 11:55, mr.baseball wrote,
Why would anyone assume that Hudson will be at full strength if/when he returns later this season?
Hudson won’t be at full strength until 2010 and 2009 is in the tank, what’s your point?
Why would you trade Vazquez, who has been terrific this season and has one year left on a reasonable contract, to create room for Hudson, who will have a bigger contract next year if the Braves bring him back?
Hudson is slated to make 12 million, Vasquez 11.5 million. Again, what the hell is your damn point?
Maybe Vazquez could bring a top prospect or 2 at the trade deadline, It’s unlikely, however, that he will bring an established player to improve the offense. Those kind of trades rarely happen during the season.
Are you really that ignorant? We traded four prospects for Vasquez, he will garner three or four more in return because his value has risen, and in season trades happen all the time. We don’t need established players, we need young talent. Again, what is your f-cking mental defect?????
This team has sacrificed too much young talent in the past in an effort to improve in the short term. But trading away an established front line pitcher to build for the future is not the way to go, and the fantasy pitcher for a bat deal is not going to materialize, no matter how much some on here might want it.
Which is exactly why Javier Vasquez should be traded, to garner young talent and build for the future. The Phillies are loaded with the talent we need. I want to win? DO YOU?
Tim Hudson 146-77 With a career ERA of 3.48 and a winning percentage of .611
Javier Vasquez 132-136 with a career ERA of 4.26 and a winning percentage of .493
I have to say it ONE MORE TIME! Issues like Tim Hudson are what separate the knowledgeable fans from the BRAIN DEAD IDIOTS who can’t pull their DAMN heads out of their freaking buttholes.
Doc Holiday
June 29th, 2009
1:32 am
Check this out:
Braves are 9th in OBP and 10th BA in the league but the problem is they are 12 in runs scored. Now I went checking what are they doing while they have RISP, and found out they qre hitting .266, thats .010 points higher than the 2009 total BA until now. They have incredible numbers when runners are at 3B:
1B and 3B =.365;
2B and 3B = .317;
bases loaded = .431;
3B and less than 2 outs .338
3B and 2 outs = .357
Problem is that then dont have runners on 3B that often…………as expected. But when they have runners at 1B and 2B or just a runner at 2B……….they are hitting around .228 combined………….in about 496 PA or chances…………horrible…………
This might not mean much to some of you, but I found that interesting.
nolie
June 29th, 2009
1:32 am
who the hell is nolie kidding? that old coot’s knowledge of cowboy times ain’t from movies, it’s firsthand (BH)
Ok you got me. I did do some rodeoin’ as a kid….but then the Civil War came along and i got sidetracked into injun scoutin’ after we licked the South.
uga-brave
June 29th, 2009
1:33 am
our 1st base guy is hitting .230. our 2nd bagger is hitting .125. our right fielder his hitting whoppping .240 in the month of june.
that makes jeff the president of the delta tau chi pledge class.
no power, no speed, well you the rest. unless you are n8 he hates ANIMAL HOUSE.
sorry n8.
javy vazquez is the best pitcher on this team.
cabravesfan
June 29th, 2009
1:36 am
Alright time to go…
Good Night all
David O'Brien
June 29th, 2009
1:37 am
J-Man, if the Braves aren’t buyers before the deadline, it’ll be because they don’t think they’ve got a good shot at making a run. And if that’s the case, my understanding is that they’re going to aim more for the future rather than next season, because they’ve got several top prospects they think will be impact players arriving in another year or two.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 29th, 2009
1:37 am
Been away from the ‘puter and the TV this weekend. First, congrats to Hanson…just keeps dealin’.
the Braves lost the series and the season series to the Red Sox, but it’s not like they got totally outclassed or anything. The Braves were never really blown out (all though it may have felt that way with the struggling offense) nor did Boston ever really fare all that well against the pitching staff, comparatively speaking. I’m not that sure the Braves can make an addition that nets them around an extra run per game, which is disappointing since the pitching staff, as a whole, has performed very well.
Roman Gal
June 29th, 2009
1:38 am
i got sidetracked into injun scoutin nolie
You and Sacagawea had a fling, didn’t ya?
Heath (Cleveland)
June 29th, 2009
1:41 am
Doc Holiday -
I’ve mentioned something along these lines a couple of times before. The Braves could easily have score 50 or so more runs for the season if they just did “the little things” offensively (A-B-C baseball). Granted it would be nice if they team had some more power (and not necessarily HRs – 2Bs are quite effective too), but situational hitting seems like problem they could “fix” without even making a trade. If they did that…then, I would be excited about the opportunity to trade for some more power in the lineup.
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
June 29th, 2009
1:41 am
Hello fellow denizens. Just got done moving from my home state of Kansas to Colorado Sunday (June 28th). Got fired from my job the 9th…..and moved out to Colorado and live with the folks (mom and step-dad) for the time being until I get situtated again.
I see where the ole team is 1-4 in their last 5. Not good folks. Not good at all…BUT we’re only 5 games out.
I have to be honest….losing 1-0 to Boston really isn’t all that bad….but then again, I know how bad the bats are (and have been) for the whole season.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
June 29th, 2009
1:44 am
If ya’ll haven’t figured it out yet, I’m a big Tim Hudson fan. For obvious reasons. Anybody who want’s to trade him, be forewarned, I shoot first and ask questions later.
David O'Brien
June 29th, 2009
1:45 am
Saw a terrific documentary tonight, Food, Inc. Great watchdog reporting by these filmmakers, should be shown in all schools. It’s on at Midtown Cinemas in Atlanta.
Doc Holiday
June 29th, 2009
1:45 am
Heath (Cleveland),
Sure. The runners have been out there waiting for that little bloop single so they could score………50 runs out of those 500 would have us in 1st place easily.
nolie
June 29th, 2009
1:46 am
You and Sacagawea had a fling, didn’t ya (RG)
Ok now you’re getting too far back even for my ancient youth.
Salamander
June 29th, 2009
1:50 am
DOB
Interesting tidbit regarding the thinking of the front office. I like that they are looking beyond next year (assuming that the Braves are indeed sellers this year).
Also – is Food Inc the documentary that explores the American agro-industrial business? I saw a clip for some such documentary on the net at some point.
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
June 29th, 2009
1:51 am
Pretty sad week folks. Four deaths all in one week…..and I ask who’s the next celeb to go after Billy Mays?
I’m going to vote for Patrick Swayzee(sp), especially with the horendous cancer he’s been battling here recently.
On a side note…..I had three uncles pass away all in one month back in 96 or 98 (can’t remember which)…and about a week or so in between each other.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
June 29th, 2009
1:53 am
Speaking of movies…anybody seen Seraphim Falls? If Western’s are to your liking, it’s worth the rental. The flick isn’t the traditional cowboy film at all, in fact, I enjoyed the hell out of the first half of the movie but the ending wasn’t very satisfying. Even if Lucifer did show up. I won’t give it away for those who haven’t seen it but Liam Neeson and Pierce Brosnan put their best acting skills to the test in working with a limited dialogue.
Packerman
June 29th, 2009
1:59 am
Since we’re on the topic, if anyone hasn’t seen Defiance yet, I’d recommend it. Watching Saving Private Ryan right now. Love that movie.
Packerman
June 29th, 2009
2:07 am
I’d have bought a ShamWow if Billy Mays had pitched it. That and they’ve got to change the name to Wowels. Those were my two conditions. I guess it was never meant to be.
Roman Gal
June 29th, 2009
2:07 am
Ok now you’re getting too far back even for my ancient youth. nolie
Mhmm…if you say so.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
June 29th, 2009
2:25 am
Nolie wrote,
Ok you got me. I did do some rodeoin’ as a kid….but then the Civil War came along and i got sidetracked into injun scoutin’ after we licked the South.
The reason the North won comes down to one word: Technology. Something about two repeating rifles called the Henry and Spencer.
Strange but true stuff:
Custard and his troops used the single shot Springfield rifle at the little Big Horn. The Native Americans were the ones who used the repeating rifle and totally outgunned Custard in battle.
The Civil War lasted from 1861 to 1865. The North union troops had repeating rifles as early as 1862. Historians now believe if the North had supplied the Henry rifle to it’s troops at the beginning of the War, the conflict would have ended more than two years earlier saving several hundred thousand lives.
NO MORE BOBBY
June 29th, 2009
2:33 am
Hate to think negative but if we get swept by the Phillies, who do you guys think will be the first Brave to go?
Bubdylan
June 29th, 2009
2:59 am
*waves at the blog*
Howdy.
G’night.
Gen. Yellow Matter Custard
June 29th, 2009
3:15 am
I got killed at the Battle of Little Crème brûlée.
N8
June 29th, 2009
3:20 am
nolie, yes citizens are hard to come by around these parts. Soon we hope to have running water and everything. Marge (our police officer) is gonna bring me some doghnuts tomorrow. Ya. You betcha!
Yeah, I realize that I over-state some things. Even use too much bold and all-caps. But to say that Vazquez has been better this year, than Hudson has ever been is just silly. Along with being false.
uga, I dig gabbing with you as well. You know that. I’m not insulting you (or trying to). Just saying that you coming back with that, is along the lines of responding with: “….Oh yeah!….You’re mom is UGLY!”
Also you said earlier (paraphrasing – another reason I hate this format… can’t go back and look on another page while typing a response), that I don’t like Vazquez and you do.
You STILL don’t get it. It has NOTHING to do with me not liking him. Period. End of discussion. Capiche!?! What part of that don’t you get?
But you also said this: “… unless you are n8 he hates ANIMAL HOUSE.”
Uh… nope. Never said that. Wanna try that again? I said there was a particular movie (another National Lampoon flick), that I would prefer to watch. Not because the movie is better.
But you are flat out mis-quoting me, if you are claiming that I ever stated I hate Animal House.
You also stated: “sorry n8… javy vazquez is the best pitcher on this team.”
For starters, Tommy Hanson will have something to say about that before too long (if not already). Secondly. I’M NOT ARGUING THAT!!!! Yunel Escobar is the best SS on the team too. I wouldn’t hesitate to trade him for the right deal.
On the 25 man roster, there are exactly 2 players, that I deem untouchable. Jurjens and Hanson. That is a CHEAP 1-2 punch at the front of the rotation for at least a few more years.
After that, McCann comes in a close 3rd. That’s just because I like him. But in reality, for the right package, I’d ship him off faster than you can blink. Yunel would be next. I think once Bobby is gone, he shines. Bobby and he are like Vazquez and Ozzie. Once a relationship has gone so far, there might not be any turning back. Two different personalities. At this point and time, I’m gonna side with the kid.
After that. ANYBODY is/should be available if the right players are sent our way.
As for the organization? Make it Hanson, Jurjens and Heyward. Maybe Freeman. Everybody else could be had if the ransom is high enough.
So you saying that Vazquez is the “best pitcher” holds as much weight to me, as me saying Vazquez is the “best trade chip” holds to you.
In the end, we both might be (and probably are) correct. Why can’t you see that?
DOB, thanks for the Vazquez/Lowe playoff stats. I’m a “hot-hand” guy. So, if the playoffs started tomorrow (and we were in them), I’d go with Vazquez too. I was all for Jaret Wright starting game one of the playoffs when he was in our 2004 rotation (after going 10-3 with a 2.85 ERA after July 1st, down the stretch). Didn’t work out. But it was the correct move.
Gen. Yellow Matter Custard
June 29th, 2009
3:25 am
Had a Capt. Coach who didn’t know d*ck about anything. Managed to run away from the field. Speed game finally worked. Looked like Luis Durango haulin’ a*s across the hills. Heard he got shot with Henry and Spencer repeaters until he shut up. Took a week.
N8
June 29th, 2009
3:27 am
“And if that’s the case, my understanding is that they’re going to aim more for the future rather than next season, because they’ve got several top prospects they think will be impact players arriving in another year or two.” DOB
Thank god. Finally, some sanity coming out of the front office. I’m all for making a “run” if it’s reasonable. As much as I hate (in hindsight) the Tex trade. It was a reasonable gamble at the time. JS had to do it, in his mind.
But this year? Hold those young chips Mr. Wren and dump the rest. If they aren’t a “long-term” piece of the puzzle. Trade them for ones who could be. Fire the manager while you’re at it…..er…. throw him an early retirement party.
N8
June 29th, 2009
3:39 am
uga, wanted to say that you saying to throw out Hudson’s stats with the A’s makes more sense than saying what you said before.
Had you stated that Vazquez is having a better year than any that Hudson had in a Braves uniform, I might actually agree with you. That is, until I looked up LAST YEAR’S stats, and realized that through 16 starts, Hudson had pitched 4 less innings than Javier has this year so far, and his ERA was 3.17 (compared to JV’s 3.04). And actually, in Hudson’s 16th start, he gave up 6 ER – kind of the beginning of the end, before making a few more starts and shutting it down. After 15 starts, he had a 2.76 ERA.
Like I said before. Vazquez very well might end up having a fantastic season. He’s on his way to doing so. But Hudson was have just as good of a season last year to this point as well. Needless to say, things can change in a hurry.
I also wanted to say, I agree with you about Soriano and Gonzo. Barring any weird injuries or melt downs, their stock will be VERY high for contenders. Not that Davies amounted to anything, but we gave up Davies for 2 months of Dotel (not even with his injury).
Somebody will pay for one, if not both of them.
That all being said. We’re still only 5 games back, right?
BA
June 29th, 2009
4:28 am
So I counted it up, and today alone Paul Lentz posted 57 posts, and they all said the same thing, over and over and over…
And I started thinking, this guy can’t be real- he’s just too stupid.
I think Bubdylan, in a stroke of comedic genius, has created the character Paul Lentz; it’s like an Andy Kaufman blog thing- you know, jeering all of the wrestling fans.
Or else it’s just Frank Wren’s old lady.
Kenny Rogers
June 29th, 2009
6:48 am
Don’t look at this or you will be a Jackass!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChGcfHieqqs
John Madden
June 29th, 2009
6:51 am
Want to learn how to build a bird house and self mutilate, just watch me. I’m the expert.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzBHB842lKM
74years
June 29th, 2009
6:51 am
Let’s offer the Chicago Cubs Francoeur-Kelly Johnson-Escobar for Reed Johnson-Aaron Miles-Ryan Theriot
Bill M.
June 29th, 2009
7:08 am
This Philly series is probably do or die. Here is a trade that I would make. Trade Kotchman, Francouer and Jo Jo (dl) to Nats for Dunn and Dukes. Dunn to first and Dukes to RF. Schafer is doing better and bring him up later for CF and move McClouth to LF. This would give the Braves a good defense in OF. I know Dukes is a head case, why not have two of them. He has alot of talent. This trade money wise would be pretty close. It would also give Heyward & Freeman more time to improve. This is not the best trade but it would make defense better in OF and alot more power. We could live with Dunn at first. If team is way out at deadline tear this team apart and start over.
Joebrave
June 29th, 2009
7:36 am
You know Coach, That remark was very un-called for.
How do you know that about Michael Jackson?
Do you have first hand experience?
Have you been having erotic dreams about him?
How bout just learning when to SHUT THE HELL UP!!!
bravesfanforever
June 29th, 2009
7:46 am
DOB reported: ” He said it can happen when a hitter’s tired, or just scuffling for whatever reason. He sounded tired as he described it, frankly.
”I’m not drifting [in his swing], the swing is fine, it’s on balance,” he said. “The margin for error at 95 miles an hour is small.””
ME: Why doesn’t Chipper try using a 1 oz lighter bat? He is 37-years-old and likely the bat speed is not going to be quite as good. So if the margin for error is so small on a 95 mph fastball, that 1 oz is going to make the difference. Maybe that’s all it would take.
I think Mike Schmidt, another 3rd baseman, is a perfect example of someone who made adjustments late in his career. He used to bat waaaaay off the plate–about as far away as you can get (his back foot was in the far corner of the box) and he stood up straight with his almost vertical. He really had to stride into the ball to make contact and make a big cut. In his mid-30’s, he moved closer to the plate, crouched a little, and started holding his bat flatter. He may have even used a lighter bat (it was over 20 years ago, so it’s not like I can remember every detail!). At age 36 he won his 3rd MVP title, led the league in homeruns and batted .290, which for him is like Chipper batting .330 (.267 career BA). At age 37, he hit 35 homers and batted .293 which was his second highest BA for his career (1981 was his highest but that was a strike year). In those two years, he also struck out 84 and 80 times respectively which was far less frequent than earlier years (he struck out 180 times in 1975!).
So maybe it’s time for Chipper to make adjustments? Yeah, okay, he may be getting pitched around but I think he would even admit there are balls he should have crushed. Not ever pitcher is so fine that he can get away with every pitch.
Chipper, I know you are stressing because you feel the weight of this team on your shoulders. I hope you are reading this. Please start making adjustments–this team needs you.
Space Monkey
June 29th, 2009
8:12 am
I can’t believe DeRosa was traded for a bullpen arm and a player to be named, and we didn’t try to get him. We could have plugged him in at second base and released KJ.
BT
June 29th, 2009
8:30 am
Braves are obviously between a rock and a hard place on KJ and Frenchy. They are both up for arbitration after this year but they aren’t playing so poorly now it would be hard to get anything for them in trade. If and it’s a big if Infante could provide some help in the infield and maybe KJ could spend a few weeks in Gwinnett without all the pressure. Have no clue what could help Frenchy other than a 4-4 game.
PWHjort
June 29th, 2009
8:33 am
Jeff Francoeur is so damn worthless.
PWHjort
June 29th, 2009
8:35 am
In the past 9 games Francoeur has 29 PA’s and Diaz has 5. Unacceptable. Someone in the front office needs to tell Bobby he can’t keep playing that worthless waste of space every day.
getsomewins
June 29th, 2009
8:44 am
I wouldn’t sell the house yet. Despite our 3-4 in the last 7 games, we’re still 5 games behind the first place Phillies.
That being said, this series against the Phillies, who seem to be righting their ship, will be VERY TELLING.
avocado
June 29th, 2009
8:46 am
gotta be mega tension internally with team…watch the exasperation when the poor guys misplay…everything is exaggerated and uber important when, one by one, they blow their role in the whole game. What would it take to get Elvis Andrus and the Neftali Feliz kid back? (Perhaps one shortstop and one pitcher?) Send Frank Wren, the entire team, and the on the field staff turkey day undershorts if it’s gonna help!
getsomewins
June 29th, 2009
9:03 am
avocado -
Good point. You KNOW these pitchers have got to be fuming that they almost never get enough offense because they are pitching well enough to win these games. FW better do something or this team will surely tank, no matter how “close” we are to first place.
AustinBrave
June 29th, 2009
9:12 am
I think we should go ahead and bring up Heyward, and Freeman. Who knows they could bring us some energy and the spark we need. Besides they couldn’t do any worse than what we have.
PWHjort
June 29th, 2009
9:19 am
AustinBrave,
In addition to not accomplishing anything because Heyward and Freeman aren’t ready, if you bring them up now by the time they hit their prime they’d already be free agents. There are plenty of other reasons you don’t bring them up right now. They’re 19 years old. Who is the last 19 year old to be successful in MLB not named Felix Hernandez?
unbelievable
June 29th, 2009
9:20 am
Space, Derosa was traded for a future closer (someone who’s probably better than anyone we have outside of Soriano and Gonzo) plus another prospect who hasnt been named. Apparently its a top prospect not just a filler, for 1/2 a yr of Derosa. Seems like Cleveland did well. The Braves are more than just a Derosa away from competing
unbelievable
June 29th, 2009
9:21 am
DOB, where’s Infate on his rehab? He’s been out 5 weeks and they were estimating 6-8 weeks on recovery time. Is he swinging or anything yet?
Train Wreck Bystander
June 29th, 2009
9:22 am
If I thought the Braves could get over the hump by buying a bat or even two, I’d be all for it. But right now, this team need more like 4 or 5 bats.
IMO, the front office should let the current personnel try to work out their batting issues. Make the hard decisions in November, if need be, but let the ‘09 Braves make their run with the people they have got.
Slugger www.theweeklyscene.com
June 29th, 2009
9:28 am
DOB -
If the Braves concede (which would be sad with how this staff pitches), do you see any chance of moving Freeman?
Personally, I’d take advantage of the Rangers’ run right now (Justin Smoak). Justin’s going to be a 5-10x All-Star in the MLB. Switch hitting, power 1B with a good glove.
Maybe Freeman could learn to play OF if we did that, but Smoak would hit in ATL for a long, long time. He would benefit tremendously from a couple ST’s with Chipper, too (assuming Chipper’s not the guy we trade for Smoak).
Lew
June 29th, 2009
9:30 am
Paul Lentz-I stole your ideas on Tim Hudson and stole a quote from you? Seriously? I don’t even ordinarily read your posts as I skim through the overnights ever since you decided to go all Joe Douchebag on me the first day your sorry butt appeared on the blog. If I hadn’t seen my name on that particular post, I wouldn’t have read it, either. Get over yourself Dude. I’ve been posting here for five years and never needed anyone else’s views to form my own.
Lamar Banks
June 29th, 2009
9:31 am
Bringing up Heyward and Freeman will only hurt this team in the future. Many complained about bringing up Schafer too early and saying he was perhaps rushed. This would be more of the same and losing out on valuable arb yrs.
Slugger www.theweeklyscene.com
June 29th, 2009
9:32 am
All -
It sucks that this is and probably will be the best ATL Braves pitching staff we see in the next 10 years, and we can’t do anything with it.
Tomahawk Talk
June 29th, 2009
9:33 am
Braves should go after Mark Teahen. He can play RF or 2B. trade kelly johnson and jeff francoeur away to get him. Put Teahen in RF and Prado at 2B. when you want to give prado a rest either play Infante (when hes back) or Teahen there and put Brandon Jones in RF.
Slugger www.theweeklyscene.com
June 29th, 2009
9:34 am
<– I still think these guys have a run in them because they have they staff this year to put together one of those types of runs.
Lew
June 29th, 2009
9:35 am
Oh Wow-I’m at the top of Coach Moon Pie’s sh!t list. Whatever will I do. I might just have to leave the blog and tremble in fear.
CB
June 29th, 2009
9:39 am
Lew, I think you should acknowledge the “moron’s” greatness.
Tomahawk Talk
June 29th, 2009
9:39 am
Heyward and Freeman are not the answer so stop bringin them up. They are the FUTURE not the present.
PWHjort
June 29th, 2009
9:40 am
Apparently the Cards will go after Holliday and try to move Ludwick. If that is true, Frank Wren better be in on Ludwick.
getsomewins
June 29th, 2009
9:42 am
I’ll try to reserve all trade talk and judgment until the completion of the Phillies series. After that we play the Nats, no gimmes for the Braves either.
getsomewins
June 29th, 2009
9:44 am
PWHjort
The Cards are in a similar situation that Braves are in the sense they are looking for offense. We’ll take Ludwick for KJ, and then we would have to move Francoeur for some reliable middle relief.
Hey I said I will TRY to reserve trade talk. I can’t help it lol
Salamander
June 29th, 2009
9:47 am
PWHjort
Ludwick is only signed through this year… if Wren could resign him (or if the Cards gave him up for cheap), it could make sense to get him.
I’m not sure what the Cards will want though. A lot of contenders are looking for bats, so his price could be inflated by market demands.
His numbers are way off last year, but he does still have decent power (11 HR)… his pretty crappy OPS (.729) would be a big upgrade over Jeff (GA’s OPS is a little lower but on par with Ludwick’s).
Lew
June 29th, 2009
9:48 am
CB-Which Moron should I acknowledge. There are way too many to choose from. willieg, perhaps? Coach Moon Pie? Paul “I Copyright my Posts” Lentz? The Infamous Drooling Fool Mets’ Fan? The Goo Guy? It’s such a difficult choice.
Braves73
June 29th, 2009
9:50 am
Hanson was outstanding yesterday and for the most part in every start. He will though have to cut down on walks and make adjustments as the league becomes more aware/scouts his tendencies. Overall, totally impressed with the kids poise and demeanor. He definitely has the “it” factor and makeup to be a good one.
As for the Braves as a team…well, they have some very tough decisions ahead of them. The pitching is good enough to keep them competitive, but they have to at least reach .500 for us to have hope. I believe they have at least a fighting chance if they can stay within 6 games at the All-Star break. Now, when I say chance, I mean they can at least fight for a wild card spot.
The hitting is, um…………..not good! They need to go ahead and give Prado at least a shot a proving his wares at 2nd base or bring up a replacement for KJ. I don’t hate the kid, but he is absolutely killing us and probably would be well served to be moved. The outfield (minus Mclouth) needs some “tweaking”. We have a combined 10 homers from all three (including Mclouth’s contribution as a Brave). That will not get it done and it will make our solid pitching moot. I don’t believe the Braves should go on a trading frenzy at the break…two reasons for that thought. WTH are you going to get for Frenchy and KJ (if your were to trade them)? The only value pieces you have are Chipper, Vazquez, and Gonzalez/Soriano. Why would you weaken the only strong suit to your team?
Tomahawk Talk
June 29th, 2009
9:51 am
I wouldnt mind Ludwick. he needs to pick up the average a little, but would look great out in right field
Jared
June 29th, 2009
9:51 am
Braveheart, I saw your post from last night:
Kotchman IS NOT “killing us” as much as Francoeur. It all boils down to on base percentages. While Kotchman’s isn’t good it is not nearly as deadly to our team as Francoeur. Who is rewarded by Bobby Cox for poor contributions to our team for some reason. I’d keep Kotchman in the lineup, I would take Francoeur out of the lineup sending him back to AA or AAA to develop the way he bats into something that does not kill our chances for the playoffs. Sorry to be blunt but your defense of Francoeur relative to Kotchman is inaccurate, it doesn’t matter what position it matters the OBP.
BravesfaninWis
June 29th, 2009
9:52 am
DOB says:
J-Man, if the Braves aren’t buyers before the deadline, it’ll be because they don’t think they’ve got a good shot at making a run. And if that’s the case, my understanding is that they’re going to aim more for the future rather than next season, because they’ve got several top prospects they think will be impact players arriving in another year or two.
**************************************************************************************************************
DOB, don’t you think that the only reason why that would happen is because they didn’t pull the trigger sooner? If they would have landed a big bat a few weeks ago, chances are they would only be a game or two out right now.. They do good things, they just always do them to late..
CB
June 29th, 2009
9:53 am
Lew, I thought you knew our good friend Paul, but can’t see any faults with your other nominees.
richbrave
June 29th, 2009
9:54 am
“more that just a DeROSA away from winning.” Amen. Such poetry, and a real shame we’re wasting such great pitching and bench with the exception of NORTON.
Jared
June 29th, 2009
9:56 am
The answer is simple:
Bobby Cox must go.
Since Cox won’t go, we are stuck with Francoeur and KJ, because he is too idiotic to replace them with players who have higher on base percentages like Prado, Infante, Ludwig, the list goes on.
Replace Cox with Maddux who has a head that is geared towards winning and would also be a hands-off style coach. It’s time to move into the future and I don’t think Cox knows how to cultivate a hitting lineup to win. I see no logical choices from him so why would that change?
Almost all the matters in a hitting lineup is on base percentages! If you get on and don’t make an out, your team’s chance of scoring is going way up. Cox rewards players with low on base percentages. Some of the lowest of all times. It is idiotic because something can be done about it by replacing them with players with higher OBPs until they learn to improve their OBPs but Bobby Cox either 1)doesn’t care (perhaps, but I”m not totally convinced) or 2) is too dumb to understand that on base percentages is where wins come from and doesn’t think it’s that important to replace a guy like Francoeur with a player with someone with a higher OBP because he likes Francoeur’s arm and is afraid to rock the boat.
Bobby, you are costing the team the season with poor lineup cards. We have a dominant pitching rotation from our starters to our closers and your poor decisions are costing the team.
richbrave
June 29th, 2009
9:57 am
Is it me, or has GARRETT ANDERSON’s bat awakened? And KOTCHMAN seems to be coming around again after that injury. Now if we get McLOUTH back at full strength, and YUNEL out of BOBBY’s doghouse – uh, over his “injury”, sorry, we might be able to put together the semblence of an offense.
Tomahawk Talk
June 29th, 2009
9:58 am
Future Lineup: If we trade for Ludwick and Schafer returns. Looks pretty solid to me. Chipper would have a little protection from a former 37 homerun hitter.
1. Jordan Schafer
2. Nate McLouth
3. Chipper Jones
4. Ryan Ludwick
5. Brian McCann
6. Yunel Escobar
7. Martin Prado
8. Casey Kotchman
Lew
June 29th, 2009
9:59 am
CB-We could also add the Blogger Anally Fixated on Tommy Hanson to the list.
Jared
June 29th, 2009
10:02 am
Bobby Cox is an idiot for not playing Yunel right now. He is one of our top 3 offensive producers:
1) McCann
2) Chipper
3) Yunel
Time to reward Yunel for his production and I actually like the emotion of caring about the game. It is refreshing. Winners value winners, not personalities unless personalities would truly interfere with winning. I do not buy the argument that being immature emotionally hurts the team, at least he is showing the desire and heart of a winner. Unlike Francoeur, KJ, who are rewarded for mediocrity, or not even mediocrity but POOR performance. Get these guys to AA so they can save their own careers and allow the braves to win with Infante, Ludwig, Prado, etc.
COMMON SENSE
Out with Bobby Cox in with Maddux who has a brain on his head, values pitching, and is ALSO hands off like Bobby, but will show some moments just like Bobby. If he doesn’t go out to the field to argue as much as Bobby, that’s fine, I’ll trade that for actually winning with the amount of talent we have.
With this pitching we should be a .550-.600 club if Bobby knew who to put into the lineup as hitters. Bobby you are costing this team, send down Francoeur and KJ, replace with players with higher .OBP.
The lineup card should be structured based on OBP and subject to change as OBP changes.
richbrave
June 29th, 2009
10:03 am
Jared the savant.
Jared
June 29th, 2009
10:03 am
Tomahawk what is Schafer’s OBP?
Why would you want someone with that OBP to lead off?
Jared
June 29th, 2009
10:04 am
Instead of calling me a savant, which is a strange complement/insult, why not say what you think richardbrave
getsomewins
June 29th, 2009
10:05 am
Yunel is having problems with his hip flexor. he hurt it Friday against Boston.
Jared
June 29th, 2009
10:09 am
If he is unable to play, I agree with the move, but I am led to believe there is a grudge against him by Cox. Cox should be thankful that Yunel shows passion for the game, although he is obviously emotionally immature right now.
If hip flexor is hurt, the best possible remedy should be offered for long term health of that hip flexor. Yunel is one of the 3 big offensive keys that we have! As an aside, resign him with an improved contract for a longer term deal. His production and OBP speak for themselves.
AndyC
June 29th, 2009
10:09 am
I do think the Braves have to consider trading Javy…but the offer would have to be overwhelming. Wren has all the power here, he doesn’t have to trade Javy now, he can wait and see how Hudson pitches and then trade him in the offseason. I would field offers from every team and play them against each other and bleed them of every top prospect I could get. If no one wants to deal top prospects then keep him until the offseason. With Javy, Soriano, and or Gonzo, the Braves could net an excellent crop of prospects with trades.
PWHjort
June 29th, 2009
10:09 am
“Ludwick is only signed through this year… if Wren could resign him (or if the Cards gave him up for cheap), it could make sense to get him.” (Salamander)
You see, this is why I think a basic understanding of baseball contracts should be required to post here. Ludwick is guaranteed a contract for this year only. But he remains arbitration eligible and under team control through the 2011 season. So if his club tenders him a contract for the next two years, he is still “signed”.
joe
June 29th, 2009
10:11 am
I don’t see Maddux as an MLB manager. Pitching coach, not manager
McLouth of the South
June 29th, 2009
10:11 am
You know Milwaukee wants to counter the Cards’ DeRosa acquisition. And you know they would love to have a guy like Vasquez to bolster their rotation. Don’t see them trading Fielder when they are trying to make a push. Wonder if they’d give up Mike Cameron along with prospects including one of their top pitchers, Jeffress or Parra, for Vazquez and Francoeur? Cameron’s not bad at the plate or with the glove and he’s in his last year. In this deal you dump $7 mil, and you pick up a prime pitching prospect that could be used to acquire another bat (Dunn?). Or, if you decide to sell, dump Cameron along with Sori/Gonzo and keep the pitching prospect. This seems like the type of deal that could improve the team for the next month while they’re figuring out whether to buy or sell, but still leave some flexibility to go either way.
Jared
June 29th, 2009
10:12 am
AndyC, I think we should keep Vasquez because he is actually healthy and won’t get hurt. His ERA is a good one and he is a good pitcher for the price we pay I believe. If, and perhaps *when*, Hudson gets hurt we have wasted salary cap money, this is why I prefer to trade Hudson due to injury liability that another team might not recognize (and some of the people on here seem not to recognize) exists.
Jared
June 29th, 2009
10:14 am
Trading Vazquez for Cameron does not help our chances this year McLouth. As much as I want improved on base percentages, pitching is always the basis for winning and Vazquez as a healthy pitcher and good ERA is a big piece of our basis, which is a top notch pitching roster right now.
Joe Fan
June 29th, 2009
10:15 am
It is funny to see that the only outfielder that seems to be hitting on a consistent basis other than Mclouth is G. Anderson. Say what you want about his defense, he still has more hitting ability than Francouer, Diaz or Blanco combined. The Braves are out of trading chips if they want to keep this pitching rotation together so this is as good as it is going to get until Heyward is ready or until Liberty Media sells the team to an owner with deep pockets and the drive to win..
(spirit of) atlbravesfan44('s wife)
June 29th, 2009
10:17 am
Wow, Jeff is definitely not trying to appeal to the feminists with his quote about Caty. With a day off today, I would think he could find time to wash his underwear his damn self!
joe
June 29th, 2009
10:17 am
We keep Vazquez, he’s our best current pitcher. When we roll into next year, assuming Hanson keeps progressing, our first 4 spots in the rotation would be filled with No. 1 and No.2 types (Hanson, Hudson, Vazquez, JJ) and we decide what to do with Lowe and Kawakami later.
Jared
June 29th, 2009
10:17 am
To add onto about why that trade doesn’t help this year: I just checked Mike Cameron’s OBP and it is .353, decent but not good. We need players with GOOD OBP, getting rid of Vazquez, a proven pitcher who is consistent and healthy for Cameron is a bad move in my honest opinion.
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
June 29th, 2009
10:18 am
Coach
With all due respect…I don’t think you have a frecking clue about MJ. He never did have a childhood and never grew up, mentally. He was still a child in his mind and wanted to be around kids.
Not to mention….his dad was an complete a%$ and mean. He would use corportate punishment on Michael and his dad pushed him and the others into the music business. Him and the others never really had a childhood.
SO….as someone earlier said…..why don’t you STHU before you go spouting off your non-sense….”.Well Micheal Jackson was queer as a three dollar bill and loved little boys…..so whats the big deal with a little homoeroticism?.” *rolls eyes*
McLouth of the South
June 29th, 2009
10:18 am
Wow, never mind on Jeffress. Didn’t know he was a doper…
Salamander
June 29th, 2009
10:18 am
But he remains arbitration eligible and under team control through the 2011 season.
Didn’t realize he still had arb years left to burn – I just went and looked up his contract (it said signed through 2009).
Thanks for the insult intro to your response.
Jared
June 29th, 2009
10:21 am
This overpaid player is not worth tying up 10 million dollars of cap money in my honest opinion either. I would trade Vazquez for a consistent player with a >.415 OBP, and that’s it. I value pitching and winner’s value pitching. It’s too bad Cox is too idiotic to put in the players and move down liabilities in order to generate the runs for our pitchers. We really should look at bringing in better decision making as much of a sacred cow Cox appears to be.