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© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,769 comments Add your comment
DAP
July 2nd, 2009
12:21 pm
eric from MO what i specifically said was “useful bat” because like you, i see that our offense is really bad, meaning that any improvement…even a small one, would help the team. the pitching is good enough that if the offense was just a LITTLE better, we could win alot more ballgames.
JeanE
July 2nd, 2009
12:21 pm
Wow, my mind can implode from reading all of these crazy comments! I just wanta say, I enjoyed the hell out of watching last nights game! That was so much fun to see! I’m so happy for Matty D. I was ecstatic that he got to play & hit that homer!! Yeah, Matty!! My son’s name is Matty & he loves to hear the announcers call you Matty! He (Diaz) should be playing way more than he does, Loaf doesn’t even try to get to some balls in the outfield, Diaz will kill himself trying to make the play. Way to go Diory!! Whoo, hoo, hope that little kid gave up that home run ball!! I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again, I hate the way Yunel plays the game. I know, he can hit & he has an arm, I get it. But he needs a definite attitude adjustment, pronto. He’s not a kid anymore, grow up. I don’t know why everyone gets on Casey, he is awesome in the field & he hits consistently. No, he doesn’t crank homers but he’s Mr. Doubles, that’s for sure. I’m so happy for Blanco, too, he has been awesome in place of McLouth. If we could just find a way for D. Ross to play a little more, he can hit & is probably rusting from sitting on that bench. Loved the spark the team played with, too often that is what is missing. We are still not out of it in this crummy division. Go Bravos!!!
Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
July 2nd, 2009
12:22 pm
And I do hope Eric didn’t say this was the worst offense in baseball. He didn’t allow such ignorance come from his lips did he? The worst? Have you seen the A’s, Royals, Cubs or Dbacks? The Braves’ offense is anemic yes but not the worst in baseball.
TommyP
July 2nd, 2009
12:23 pm
Eric from MO: Great point. Perception is a tricky thing, isn’t it?
Mikey
July 2nd, 2009
12:23 pm
How about Kawakami for Rios..Tornonto is looking for a pitcher and Rios could play either corner as he is locked up for 4 years…does kawakami have a no trade clause?
Crazy Trades McGee
July 2nd, 2009
12:23 pm
Did schafer ever go for the palladium toilet bowl while he was up with the big club? Or did he only achieve the golden sombrero?
RHR
July 2nd, 2009
12:24 pm
DOB – was it also the person who posted as me and cabravesfan and Doc Holliday and several others last night? Some people actually believed that was me. Embarrassing.
sidslidkid
July 2nd, 2009
12:24 pm
Eric from MO, The Braves are playing well right now and the Mets and Phils aren’t.
RHR
July 2nd, 2009
12:25 pm
Anyway Dave, jury service over? You writing the blog tonight? Keep the curse in mind, deal?
Suggested blog title:
No way in hell Braves sweep Phillies
David O'Brien
July 2nd, 2009
12:27 pm
GTSteve, Vazquez pitching tonight, Kawakami tomorrow at D.C.
Eric: No “cap” in baseball. Wren told me last week, Braves will wait until they get closer to deadline, see how they’re playing and others in division look, and decide how hard to pursue a piece that might put them over the top. If they don’t think that’s possible, they’ll make moves with the future beyond next season in mind. In other words, aren’t going to do another multi-prospects-for-a-slugger trade in desperate attempt to stay in race this year. If they believe they can get a bat that’ll really matter, and do it without mortgaging the future beyond next season, they’ll do it. Or try, at least.
Eric from MO
July 2nd, 2009
12:28 pm
Sids really the Braves are playing well? Before the Phillies they had lost 4 of 5. You know what you call a team who wins 7 of 10 and then loses 7 of 10? .500
Eric from MO
July 2nd, 2009
12:30 pm
DOB I know there isnt a cap in baseball but last I heard was the Braves had basically spent all the money the owners were going to allow them. If that has changed in the past week, then I apologize.
Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
July 2nd, 2009
12:30 pm
I basically think that if Wren doesn’t think the Braves can get into the playoffs this year that Vasquez and maybe even Anderson and/or Kotchman could get moved for prospects. And I think either way Escobar could be playing or sitting on the bench with an “injury” as a Braves. If he were truly dangled I can bet there are 15 teams who would light up Wren’s cell.
AustinBrave
July 2nd, 2009
12:31 pm
Where did anyone read that Braves are interested in Shelly Duncan?
Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
July 2nd, 2009
12:33 pm
Eric, I doubt it has that is why I think a guy like Vasquez could be moved whether its before the deadline or after the season. I think there is a very good possibility the Braves trade Vasquez and don’t pick up the option on Hudson because it would free up about $26 million which would allow the Braves to go after a good OF bat in free agency or through trade and leave them enough money to work with next season.
sidslidkid
July 2nd, 2009
12:35 pm
Eric from MO, the Braves are playing better than the Met’s and Phils lately and have a real shot at the East (which is not saying much). We just got through the toughest stretch of schedule imaginable and are still in the hunt. Can’t you at least recognize the fact we have a realistic shot at the playoffs? If we had the same record and were 10+ games back then I’d agree with you. But right now we are still in this race.
Chopper2Chipper
July 2nd, 2009
12:37 pm
DOB,
I’ve mentioned it a few times, but am really curious as to why the Braves don’t have a patch on their jerseys to honor Skip. The broadcast booth is fantastic and fitting, but the patch would be a constant reminder to fans and players of Skip’s contributions to the game.
Eric from MO
July 2nd, 2009
12:40 pm
Now Robert I can actually see that happening. The whole arguement started on I dont see the Braves trading a reliever for a good bat or useful bat or ever how DAP put it. I could see us trading a reliever for a good prospect but thats about it.
Also I would say Vazquez would almost have to be traded for prospects to. A team in it isnt likely to trade away a good hitter. However, that would clear salary space for a good bat in the offseason. Which just make me look more right in that it will take 2 offseasons to build this team. Well Im heading to a couple jobsights. Not dodging any posts, just busy.
JJ
July 2nd, 2009
12:41 pm
Eric –
I haven’t read all the conversation, but regarding your 12:19:
The problem with what you are saying is that in my opinion, the Braves have the best chance of getting better rather than the Phils. Yeah, the Phils, muts, and Braves have all played bad for various reasons and the standings are what they are, but if you ask me which teams are most likely to start playing better, I say the muts first (assuming they can’t possibly stay injured all year) and then the Braves and then the phils. Between the Braves and phils, I’d MUCH rather have a team with very good to great starting pitching and a very good bulpen (the backend at least) rather than a team with no pitching at all but great hitting.
As the phils have shown, their bats can easily go into a slump whereas our pitching has, for the most part, been solid all year. It’s easier to scrap together 2 or 3 runs than to consistently score 5-7 runs which is what the phils HAVE to do to win consistently.
Tomahawk1310
July 2nd, 2009
12:41 pm
RHR
Thanks for info. I just called Clubhouse store at CNN and they said they have the Mclouth player shirt. Not sure about the store at the park, but if not we have some time to spare and will go to the CNN store after the game.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 2nd, 2009
12:44 pm
DOB (12:27) –
Glad to hear Wren is taking this approach. A week or so ago I thought the Braves could be selling. Given the continued slide of the Phils and the Mutts, sitting back for a couple of weeks before deciding which way to go makes a lot of sense.
I’d still see if they could get Shelley Duncan now for cheap …
Homer
July 2nd, 2009
12:45 pm
FIRE DOB!!!
sidslidkid
July 2nd, 2009
12:45 pm
Eric from MO, nice debate. I completely disagree with your stance, but it was fun chatting. I guess i should get back to work too. Got to get something done before I hop on that plane in a few hours to DC for the weekend series. Gone be a fun weekend in the Nation’s Capitol this weekend!
GTSteve
July 2nd, 2009
12:48 pm
thanks DOB, I thought is was Vazquez….Si.com had KK on there earlier, but they have corrected it….how does KK’s neck look
getsomewins
July 2nd, 2009
12:51 pm
Hey when Hudson returns, why not go to a 6 man rotation?
CB
July 2nd, 2009
12:51 pm
I’m glad they were able to rest our relievers last night and hopefully be prepared for tonight’s game.DOB,I hope AJC would make the effort to go back over last night’s blog and ban the one or ones who were using other people’s names and saying vulgar things. We as bloggers only have you to protect us. Also a lot of bad language that is offensive to some- I know this is an open forum, but many young people and others who do not need or want to hear this. Thank you.
Jeff R
July 2nd, 2009
12:52 pm
Where is the source for the endless chatter about trading Vazquez for a power bat? Haven’t read anything elsewhere that is in anyway reliable that the Braves front office will consider dealing Vazquez.
Fantasy League chatter?
The only way Vazquez goes is if the Braves are out of the running and then get an impressive return for Vazquez, who’s having a superior year.
Otherwise, who replaces Vazquez in the rotation? Medlen? Might not be ready for prime time. Carlye, Bennett, Campillo? Want a guaranteed loss every five starts?
David O'Brien
July 2nd, 2009
12:52 pm
Chopper2Chipper: Braves wore the patch honored Skip for remainder of last season after he died, and decided against wearing it for another whole season.
Don’t know if that decision had anything at all to do with Pete retiring after last season, but I don’t think so.
Chopper2Chipper
July 2nd, 2009
12:57 pm
DOB,
Thank you very much.
TommyP
July 2nd, 2009
12:57 pm
I’m sure this will be unpopular but given the way the rosters are currently constructed, I have more faith in Philly winning the division than I do Atlanta.
One more solid hitting OF for the Braves would change that thinking but I just don’t have the optimism that so many on here have.
Phils have won back to back division titles, haven’t they?
Renegator
July 2nd, 2009
1:04 pm
getsomewins
July 2nd, 2009
12:51 pm
Hey when Hudson returns, why not go to a 6 man rotation?
Because Bobby Cox is the manager.
getsomewins
July 2nd, 2009
1:05 pm
Wren told me last week, Braves will wait until they get closer to deadline, see how they’re playing and others in division look, and decide how hard to pursue a piece that might put them over the top. If they don’t think that’s possible, they’ll make moves with the future beyond next season in mind. In other words, aren’t going to do another multi-prospects-for-a-slugger trade in desperate attempt to stay in race this year. If they believe they can get a bat that’ll really matter, and do it without mortgaging the future beyond next season, they’ll do it. Or try, at least.
Seems like their focus is the future. I can’t fault this approach. We traded for Teixeira, Mahay and Dotel and didn’t make the playoffs, so I can see why FW is more cautious now.
ncscoots
July 2nd, 2009
1:05 pm
Where is the source for the endless chatter about trading Vazquez for a power bat?
Probably the same folks frothing for an Escobar trade, the last couple of days. Really, there has to be a fine research paper in there somewhere for a sociologist, LOL.
First, Vazquez was the trade du jour for about a blog or three (no matter that the pitching depth that would allow that in-season no longer exists); Escobar gets the spotlight as soon as bloggers decided he’s “doghoused”, Cox’s mortal enemy, and as toxic as a nuclear fizzle. Tomorrow, who knows? Could be anybody but Martin Prado, LOL.
And I ain’t all that sure about him!
bravos 123
July 2nd, 2009
1:07 pm
To those who say trade pitching, I can’t see why they’d trade any SP or RP (except maybe Acosta who has a decent era as a throw in for big bat). There could be injury or anything can happen, so you can never have enough pitching.
As DOB states, Braves should just wait and see where they are closer to the deadline (while scouring for more corner pop). Also, someone said Hudson’s coming back, so trade a SP, but you won’t know for sure about Huddy ’til probably after the deadline. I still think they need to upgrade if possible 1B or RF. Casey is solid, but it’d be better to have some reliable pop in RF (preferable) or 1B. I can’t see how they can get much for JF, so maybe they need to look at upgrading 1B (plus CK probably has more current value than JF). And JF has more upside if he can ever be rehabilitated (i.e. it sinks in about plate discipline).
Daniel
July 2nd, 2009
1:12 pm
ncscoots-
I think that both Vasquez and Escobar are our two most valuable trade pieces right now. I think with those two plus Francouer and Reyes as tagalongs, you have the makings of some very valuable trade material. Remember you have to give something to get something.
I am still on the Bucholtz bandwagon, and that answers your pitching depth question. I agree you cannot count on timmy to come back as you 3/4 th starter this season.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
July 2nd, 2009
1:13 pm
Love me or hate me, I am if anything…….consistent in my criticism of Bobby Cox. Win or lose, I will slam the man when he says or does something stupid.
Nate the GR8
July 2nd, 2009
1:14 pm
CK does not get traded he is under team control until 2011. Plus with our defense being relatively average at 2b, ss, 3b he saves runs with his ability to pick the ball out of the dirt. He makes our defense better kind of like tex did.
bravos 123
July 2nd, 2009
1:16 pm
One more thing:
People say lay off JF, but he is hurting the team by swinging so aggressively. Prado helps the team by drawing lots of pitches, making the pitcher work (Hamels was gone by the fifth due to wearing down). JF hurts the team by making an early swing, easy out. He could have taken pitches and made the pitcher work harder. Until he changes his attitude/discipline, he will continue to allow the opposing pitcher an easier path to victory. And it isn’t/wasn’t just JF doing this, but he is the clearest, most obvious example. He would get better pitches if was just more patient, it’s as simple as that!
TommyP
July 2nd, 2009
1:18 pm
Oh boy…Ryan Freel is available again.
getsomewins
July 2nd, 2009
1:19 pm
Francoeur HAS been swinging the bat better lately. He’s been hitting a lot of pitches to right field. That’s always a good sign
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 2nd, 2009
1:20 pm
bravos 123,
I think we’ve waited long enough for Francoeur to “get it” when it comes to plate discipline. In 1,558 minor league plate appearances, he walked less than 6 percent of the time. In 2,559 major league plate appearances, he’s walked less than 5 percent of the time.
He’s never going to be patient. And he may never learn how to lay off the low-and-away breaking ball. (He can slap an belt-high, outside fastball to the opposite field. So could Keith Lockhart.)
He is what he is. I’m counting on never seeing him in a Braves uniform after October 2009.
Daniel
July 2nd, 2009
1:20 pm
COACH- people love you? I think most people on here don’t feel that strongly about you one way or another, except that your kind of an annoying one trick pony.
you and regenerator.
sorry to hurt your feelings, but you just aren’t that interesting or important.
Very strange to comment about yourself in a blog and how others “feel” about you. Are you getting enough attention in real life?
Steve from OH
July 2nd, 2009
1:24 pm
Piedmont–exactly. He’ll never get on base enough to be an everyday player in the bigs, especially when none of his other skills (excepting his arm) are outstanding. If he’s tendered a contract next year…
DAP
July 2nd, 2009
1:24 pm
DOB or anyone whos knows
do the braves have a live organ player at turner field, or are all the organ sounds recorded?
jason
July 2nd, 2009
1:25 pm
Seems like their focus is the future. I can’t fault this approach. We traded for Teixeira, Mahay and Dotel and didn’t make the playoffs, so I can see why FW is more cautious now.
That’s where it should be. Thaey have the rotation to contend for the next few years.
Renegator
July 2nd, 2009
1:25 pm
annoying one trick pony.
you and regenerator. – Daniel
Wait… I’m a one trick pony?
Willy Wally
July 2nd, 2009
1:25 pm
I think that both Vasquez and Escobar are our two most valuable trade pieces right now. (DANIEL)
Yeah, because one is our best pitcher, while the other is our best all around player. We’ll be 2 out after tonight, why trade away two of our best? To get at best possible future mediocrities? To turn a strength into a mediocrity for the sake of turning a weakness into a mediocrity?
Braves Paisan
July 2nd, 2009
1:25 pm
getsomewins, I have wondered about a six-man rotation as well. I suppose the four- and five-man rotations were based on the theory that you want to get your top two starters in there as much as possible. But with KK looking so great and the need to keep Hudson’s arm protected, why not try it?
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 2nd, 2009
1:25 pm
If he’s tendered a contract next year… Steve from OH
Yeah, I can’t be held accountable either.
Jeff Francoeur (Last day of School 1976)
July 2nd, 2009
1:30 pm
I came here to make some outs and drink some beer. Looks like we’re almost out of beer.
Willy Wally
July 2nd, 2009
1:30 pm
Francoeur HAS been swinging the bat better lately. He’s been hitting a lot of pitches to right field. That’s always a good sign (GETSOMEWINS)
It most definitely is a good sign when our 6′4″, 230 pound 25 year old former slugger settles for slapping singles the other way because he can no longer turn on an inside fastball or drive a low and away slider into the right centerfield gap for extra bases.
Renegator
July 2nd, 2009
1:30 pm
Daniel,
Just curious – what is my “one trick”?
ease19
July 2nd, 2009
1:30 pm
scoots
First, Vazquez was the trade du jour for about a blog or three
Um, actually Vazquez was traded during spring training…during approximately a month’s worth of blogs
jason
July 2nd, 2009
1:31 pm
Braves Paisan, My take on the 6 man is that it will do 3 things. 1) KK is used to the 6 man and the extra rest. 2) Huddy is coming off injury and the rxtra rest will be benefical to his recovery and getting back to his old self. 3) Hanson will not burn out by having alot of innings on his youn arm. Also JJ has never thrown 200 innings, so in a sense it would benefit him too. I know it is not likely, but I think it could work. It would have our rotation well rested when we start the post season.
CB
July 2nd, 2009
1:31 pm
I believe Jeff being tendered a contract next year will cause Paul Lentz to give up being a Braves fan- wait a minute, I contribute 50 dollars.
ncscoots
July 2nd, 2009
1:33 pm
To get at best possible future mediocrities? To turn a strength into a mediocrity for the sake of turning a weakness into a mediocrity?
Easier to make posts about mediocrities, LOL. Pick one of a half-dozen pejorative words, preface it with the player’s name, boom! Blog post. Don’t get any better than that.
Daniel
July 2nd, 2009
1:33 pm
Renegator- FIRE COX
ring any bells?
getsomewins
July 2nd, 2009
1:35 pm
Willy Wally
Gotta crawl (he’s been crawling for a while this season) before you walk. If he can show that he can take the ball to right field, then pitchers will pitch him inside and he should be able to turn on those.
Braves Paisan
July 2nd, 2009
1:35 pm
Jason … so … all we need is for DOB and Ms Rodgers to take the idea to Bobby and Frank Wren and we have just re-invented the modern game!
PWHjort
July 2nd, 2009
1:35 pm
From MLBTR:
Aroldis Chapman defected from Cuba and he’s now free to sign with the highest bidder. So how much will teams offer the player many scouts consider the best left-handed pitching prospect in the world? ESPN.com’s Jorge Arangure Jr. gathered some estimates and hears that the 21-year-old could sign a deal worth between $30-60MM.
When Jose Contreras defected from Cuba, the Yankees signed him for $32MM and Chapman’s agent claims his client is the best player to defect since Contreras. But his agent isn’t the only one singing Chapman’s praises; one scouting director called the magnitude of the news “shocking.”
Chapman can throw 100mph, but his secondary pitches need development and he’s considered raw. Some question his maturity, but those who watched him in the WBC say there’s no question that Chapman has charisma.
Arangure Jr. reminds us that we could be months away from a bidding war. Once we get there, expect the Yankees and Red Sox to have interest. Is he comparable to Stephen Strasburg? Most definitely. Kiley McDaniel says he’s not quite as polished but represents a great example of what Strasburg will get as a free agent.
Baseball America’s John Manuel says Daisuke Matsuzaka and Contreras are fair points of reference for Chapman. The Cuban lefty is younger than either of those two were when they came to the majors, and he throws harder. Manuel talked to a scout who says “you’ll be searching your whole life” if you’re looking for more in a pitcher.
getsomewins
July 2nd, 2009
1:36 pm
Do you mean the sound at the end of each half inning? I hear it even on tv
jason
July 2nd, 2009
1:37 pm
Braves Paisan, I think that will be easier said than done.:)
ncscoots
July 2nd, 2009
1:37 pm
ease, you’re probably right, LOL. Some imposter has been pitching as Vazquez…maybe that’s why the performance is up!
Seriously, it just seemed recently that every other blinkin’ post was about trading the guy, and right damn now, for just about any league-average player who had ever made a boxscore.
Renegator
July 2nd, 2009
1:39 pm
Daniel,
Nope. I think you have me confused with someone else. I’ve never once asked for Bobby Cox to be fired. I’m not a Cox supporter like many here but I don’t think and never have thought that he should be fired.
Good try though.
PWHjort
July 2nd, 2009
1:39 pm
As far as trading Vazquez. If we’re still in the race it makes no sense to trade him. He’s been our best starter. But there is such a thing as selling high. And if we fall out we should seriously consider trading him.
SoWeGa Fanatic
July 2nd, 2009
1:40 pm
Eric, the Melts don’t have the money you think they do. Also, the Phillies didn’t catch the Melts the last two years at all. The Melts gave the division away to them. Besides, the Phils were champs last year – has little to do with this year.
N8
July 2nd, 2009
1:40 pm
I wasn’t around much yesterday. I think I made one comment about KJ handling his demotion very well, with class and dignity. Which as a fan, I appreciate. Whether he’s mad inside (only needs to be mad at himself for slumping so bad), he PUBLICLY made the right comments.
Well done KJ.
As for the imposter? Didn’t notice anything yesterday, but also didn’t scroll through the blog from yesterday much. I think the people that I would “care” about what they think of me (an anonymous name on a blog), would know when and how I bitch about something or at somebody, to know when it’s me or not.
But am I to understand that the imposter was “zapped”, or is he just gone? Don’t really care either way. But you’re right DOB, most of the times, you can tell when an imposter is that, because at some point they’ll slip up.
In the end it’s really not that important in the grand scheme of life.
Jeff R
July 2nd, 2009
1:43 pm
ncscoots… good analysis of the Vazquez wheeling and dealing on this blog.
Chuck
July 2nd, 2009
1:44 pm
I know voting is a pain, but Mac deserves to start in the All Star game! Everyone needs to vote!
Jordan33
July 2nd, 2009
1:44 pm
The downside of vacationing near Myrtle Beach is that I have missed two great wins against the Phillies this week. The upside is that I will get my first in person look at Cody Johnson, Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman when the MB Pelicans play Salem (Red Sox) tonight. I’ll try to post about these guys late tonight.
ease19
July 2nd, 2009
1:46 pm
scoots – not “was”, but “is”…my question is why? People refuse to compare this rotation to the 90’s but would they be singing a different tune if the offense actually scored runs for these guys? Any one of our guys could be a ten game winner at the moment (well except Hanson) if run support was there…and they want to trade them…shame shame I say!
ease19
July 2nd, 2009
1:47 pm
N8 impostor is back…
bravos 123
July 2nd, 2009
1:48 pm
There is one advantage to trading one of their SPs for power bat (IF Huddy is expected to be ok). The SP can only affect a game every fifth or sixth day, whereas JF is affecting the game every day. Therefore, if you upgrade RF for a SP, you get an every day boost.
N8
July 2nd, 2009
1:50 pm
Have to comment on these past two games as well. First off, kudos to the Braves for playing “up” to the competition and acting like they’re interested in playing October baseball.
Not sure if it’s a mirage or not. We’ll find out, based on how they play the Nats this weekend. For the record, I heard yesterday that the Marlins are 9-0 against the Nats this year, and something like 23-5 or 25-3 against them since late 2007. THAT is how you play a crappy team.
It’s how the Braves won their titles in the 90’s. The absolutely DOMINATED the teams they were supposed to beat, and played good ball against the good teams. Winning more than they lost no doubt. But if I remember correctly, we went like 22-1 or 21-2 against the Rockies in their first two seasons of existence.
If you want to contend, you have to beat the crap teams. Other wise, you might as well consider yourself one of the crap teams. LOL!
Not sure whether Prado being in the lineup is the reason for the outburst of runs. (well obviously he was responsible in game one of this series). But all along, I’ve been stating that the “addition by subtraction” of KJ and Jeff might be enough to push this team over the top in the NL Least.
Are we good enough to win the WS? I don’t know. The pitching is. Top to bottom. The lineup? We’ll see. But I’d be real curious to see what this lineup would do WITHOUT both KJ and Jeff in there.
It’s not about having an obvious “better” choice to replace either. But merely about getting two of the worst hitters in all of baseball out of the lineup. IE: Addition by subtraction.
Kudos to Bobby for making the move. Announcing it. And hopefully sticking with it.
As long as Bobby was going to be loyal to each of them (KJ and Jeff), I was going to stand by my stance that we wouldn’t win the division. Many times saying “If major changes aren’t made to the everyday lineup, we cannot and will not win anything”.
I would say making Prado the starter and benching KJ is one of two NEEDED major changes. Lets hope change #2 is around the corner. Then things might actually REALLLY look up.
If that happens, then by all means. OF COURSE we keep Vazquez and make a push. If Hudson needs to go in the pen, (or Kawakami), so be it.
Should be an interesting weekend (and month).
Coach (2010 or Bust)
July 2nd, 2009
1:52 pm
Daniel is another of those idiot Cox defenders. You know, the people who have to be told which direction to wipe their butts…….
ease19
July 2nd, 2009
1:54 pm
Nevermind, it’s the real N8…
ncscoots
July 2nd, 2009
1:56 pm
ease, my guess would be that the need for a bat simply overwhelms the senses, for some. The glare from the bright light of the Braves’ offensive deficiency simply doesn’t leave enough vision to see the ramifications of some of the suggested courses of action, I reckon.
DAP
July 2nd, 2009
1:58 pm
the organ plays in between each ahlf innings, but also plays songs during the inning. like, ll weekend when the red sox were in town, the organ played “sittin’ on the dock of the bay” every time jason bay came up to bat, or on tuesday, it played the theme song from the andy griffith show when mayberry came up to bat.
so DOB, can you confirm that there is a live organ player at turner field?
N8
July 2nd, 2009
1:58 pm
Should clarify though, so people don’t think I’m “flipping”. If this is a mirage, and the Mets/Marlins or Phillies take off and we fall further out of contention. I’m still all for trading Vazquez.
But if we’re withing 3-4 games at the deadline (and aren’t chasing 4 teams), by all means make a push.
But I’m also stil of the belief that if Hudson is deemed healthy (not sure that distinction can accurately be made before the deadline), and Hudson is who Wren would rather keep, trading Vazquez might still make sense, depending on what piece is gotten in return.
Not demanding it. Or saying people are stupid for not admitting that. Just saying, that for the right guy (say if Wren can grab another kid that can do what Jair has done – at obviously a 11 million dollar discount compared to Javier), then why wouldn’t you all want that move to be made?
Javier has been good. Hell, he’s been DAMN good. At the beginning of the year, I scoffed that Vazquez wouldn’t be mentioned for Cy Young consideration. I was wrong. Granted it’s still early July. But I was wrong. He’s been great.
But that doesn’t make him untradeable. It makes his value skyrocket through the roof.
McFann ;Ô;
July 2nd, 2009
1:59 pm
JeanE No, he doesn’t crank homers but he’s Mr. Doubles, that’s for sure.
That’s how he won me over…
N8
July 2nd, 2009
1:59 pm
“Nevermind, it’s the real N8…” – Ease19
I somewow had a feeling you would say that!
CB
July 2nd, 2009
2:02 pm
scoots and ease, you have told us what we shouldn’t do-trade pitching. Now what Should we do all knowing ones?
ncscoots
July 2nd, 2009
2:02 pm
N8, I never worry about someone posing as you. Heck, it’s hard enough for you to be you! Some imposter doesn’t stand a chance, LOL.
Roman Gal
July 2nd, 2009
2:04 pm
Oh boy…Ryan Freel is available again.
Uh oh…somebody better go tell Wayne! Do you think they’d take Yunel Escobar for him or would we have to throw in Vazquez?
Roman Gal
July 2nd, 2009
2:05 pm
McFann-
If your mental image was of me singing and dancing to the Titanic music, then going bezerk and screaming like a horror movie…well, then you’re dead on.
jason
July 2nd, 2009
2:06 pm
Am I out of line in thinking thay no moves should be made for said “big bat”? There is no sense in damaging a stellar rotation, or moving a vital piece of the BP in Gonzo or Soeiano. A smaller move likle Duncan would do more. As N8 pointed out, addition by subtraction in regards to KJ/JF is about all that is needed.
Wayne in Utah
July 2nd, 2009
2:07 pm
So Coach, if your going to call Bobby Cox out for EVERY mistake he makes, win or lose, am I to assume you are going to also laud him for EVERY single good move he makes???
Let’s keep it fair and balanced, please.
Mitchie-san
July 2nd, 2009
2:08 pm
I get tired of hearing that “everybody clap your hands…” thing every single inning. Ugh.
ElbravoX-- EbX
July 2nd, 2009
2:09 pm
DOB-
Marlin’s stadium is under construction!
Do you believe?
Willy Wally
July 2nd, 2009
2:09 pm
Daniel is another of those idiot Cox defenders. You know, the people who have to be told which direction to wipe their butts……. (COACH)
Maybe they want to wipe their butts of Cox, but are afraid of the dingleberries left over after wiping
Lunatic Fringe
July 2nd, 2009
2:09 pm
DOB,
Any word on if the Braves will pursue an INTL signing, like the SS Valor from Venezuela?
Wayne in Utah
July 2nd, 2009
2:09 pm
RG
I saw that!!!
He was DFA’d, we can get him for nothing!!! My dreams could be realized!!!!
Roman Gal
July 2nd, 2009
2:14 pm
He was DFA’d, we can get him for nothing!!! Wayne
But what would you live for if we signed him? It would be sort of like Terrence Moore’s destiny being fulfilled by the Braves signing Griffey Jr…
ncscoots
July 2nd, 2009
2:14 pm
scoots and ease, you have told us what we shouldn’t do-trade pitching. Now what Should we do all knowing ones?
Damifiknow, CB. TennPaul was the most eloquent guy here in the winter on the near-impossibility of fixing all the holes in a single offseason, and he was on the money. Now, I’m not sure the offensive holes can be filled in-season, either, without undoing a lot of last offseason’s good; or, worse, without spending trade currency for a lesser offensive solution, currency that would be better hoarded and spent more wisely later.
Ideally, the Braves find a big veteran bat with a big contract, Liberty says, “ah, shoot, spend what you need”, and they only have to send Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg in the deal, LOL. THAT would be living in America, baby!
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 2nd, 2009
2:15 pm
ncscoots (2:14)
LMAO
Roman Gal
July 2nd, 2009
2:17 pm
and they only have to send Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg in the deal
scoots! You would trade away the future-greatest-hitter-ever-in-the-history-of-baseball for a rental?? I’m so disappointed in you…
Heath (Cleveland)
July 2nd, 2009
2:19 pm
Pirates up early on the Mets 1-0, 1st and 3rd, no outs, bottom of the 2nd.
Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
July 2nd, 2009
2:19 pm
Ryan Freel got DFA’d. Uh-oh! Let the demands to sign him begin. I would rather have Geoff Jenkins.
N8
July 2nd, 2009
2:20 pm
“N8, I never worry about someone posing as you. Heck, it’s hard enough for you to be you! Some imposter doesn’t stand a chance, LOL.” scoots
Naw. It’s pretty easy being me. But you all don’t understand, is that I can only type with my two pointer fingers.
who knew
July 2nd, 2009
2:21 pm
Coach fair and balanced??? yeah right, he is too unbalanced…