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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
3,596 comments Add your comment
jason
July 3rd, 2009
11:26 am
BravesfaninWis, I agree. I don’t necesserally think we need to sweep the Nationals. We need to go in and continue to play good baseball and walk away with 2 of 3.
KJ+Frenchy=Garbage
July 3rd, 2009
11:29 am
Wouldnt be a bad idea For Jeff to try pitching out lol he gots a cannon can he convert that to the mound and throw strikes, and learn the knuckle….. its a long shot lol but worth a try
Wayne in Utah
July 3rd, 2009
11:30 am
I will agree that Diaz looks better in the outfield. There is NO comparison on their arm’s though, and right field has a longer throw to third than left field, so the arm is definitely important.
Doesn’t matter what a fielding bible or a UZI rating says (whatever the heck that is), it’s what Bobby decides that matters.
Love him or hate him, he is the manager. Until he steps down, all this talk about who he plays or doesn’t play is all academic folks.
We are on the crest of the wave today. Let’s just give it a ride, and enjoy it!
This is baseball, meant to be enjoyed, not analyzed to the hilt.
jason
July 3rd, 2009
11:31 am
McFan, what’s going on with our guy? I think he should skip the All Star game altogether, unless he is voted starter. I think he needs a break, rest. He needs to get away from the game for a few days to get his head back on straight. Then he can come back and tear it up in the second half. He owes me alot of HRs and you of course alot of 2Bs. He has his work cut out for him in the second half.
N8
July 3rd, 2009
11:31 am
“there is just too much involved to swap out me for DOB on the days I cover.” Carroll
How about put both of your photos on the banner at the top of the page, and then the readers will HAVE TO read the by-line to see who wrote the blog?
I know. Seems too simple, right?
DAM
July 3rd, 2009
11:32 am
Wayne in Utah–
McLouth has a career UZR/150 of -27.3 in RF. Doesn’t take much to be better than that. Hell, that’s entering Adam Dunn land.
McLouth has a career UZR/150 of -10.8 in CF. His range rating is just not good.
I agree that Francoeur is a better RF than Diaz, but I don’t think it’s nearly as big a gap as most people think, and I certainly don’t think the added defense can possibly make up an 18-run loss on offense.
richbrave
July 3rd, 2009
11:33 am
WAYNE in UTAH:
On keeping it real – AMEN!!!
The Bird and Indian
July 3rd, 2009
11:34 am
glord: That’s interesting.
David O'Brien
July 3rd, 2009
11:34 am
Quick drop-in on Carroll’s blog. I forgot to mention that when I got to the ballpark yesterday, Bobby Cox and Frank Wren were holed up in the office for more than an hour. No doubt in my mind they’re seriously trying to make a move.
Name I keep hearing, because it’s a position of strength for the Braves and he’s so attractive to other teams, is Javier Vazquez. With Hudson expected back in mid-August, Braves don’t want to trade Vazquez but realize they might be able to get an impact player in return if they do. And not a guy who’s going to be a free agent.
I’m also hearing that Escobar’s continued misadventures have made him a legit possibility to be moved, despite the fact he’s so affordable for at least a couple more seasons (not even eligible for arb until after next season).
jason
July 3rd, 2009
11:34 am
Wayne, I always thought baseball was meant to be enjoyed, and over analyzed to the hilt. The best thing about baseball outside of watching is the stats.
N8
July 3rd, 2009
11:35 am
“Dodgers are 1st in pitching + 2nd in hitting…. “ Doc
Just let that sink in a little bit people. As good as our pitching has been. The Dodgers have been better. Add to that, the Dodgers are 2nd in hitting, WITH JUAN FRICKING PIERRE FILLIN IN FOR 50 GAMES instead of Manny Ramirez!!
Scary as hell, that team is, if you ask me.
richbrave
July 3rd, 2009
11:36 am
CARROLL ROGERS is the OMAR INFANTE of AJC blog-dom. SUPER SUB!!!!
DAM
July 3rd, 2009
11:36 am
UZR factors in Arm runs above average, Double Play runs above average, Error runs above average, and Range runs above average. It stands for Ultimate Zone Rating. This year, Francoeur’s arm has been 5.5 runs better than Diaz’s, but Diaz’s range has been 5.7 runs better than Francoeur’s.
Just sayin’.
Epinephrine
July 3rd, 2009
11:36 am
DAM that entire post is essentially a compelling argument as to why even the best defensive metrics do a pretty poor job in describing defensive ability. You can throw out all the UZR and arm metrics out there you want; trotting Diaz out in right is a recipe for disaster.
jason
July 3rd, 2009
11:37 am
I just read DOB’S post and I still won’t believe Javy will traded until it happens. I think that will hurt this teams chances more than people realize. Yunel on the other hand will be dealt by next season. He and BC seem to have burnt the bridges.
nolie
July 3rd, 2009
11:38 am
I haven’t read anywhere where Brooks Conrad got the promomtion. (LAMAR)
mwe neither, he isn’t even on the 40 man roster.
N8
July 3rd, 2009
11:38 am
“Name I keep hearing, because it’s a position of strength for the Braves and he’s so attractive to other teams, is Javier Vazquez.” DOB
Boy oh boy is there going to be a lot of pizzed of homers around these parts if that goes down.
Good for Wren for realizing that we have enough pitching for now and the future, and need another bat. Hopefully, if he makes a move, it will be for a guy that isn’t a rental, even though Schafer and Heyward are on their way.
But, I surely hope that Wren doesn’t stand pat, due to Loaf, Diaz and Prado getting hot. Replacing Jeff and KJ were/are obvious moves UNTIL another bat is acquired. But if Wren is serious about 2009, another bat (or two) is still needed.
Made my day, DOB.
Epinephrine
July 3rd, 2009
11:39 am
I really, really, really hope we do not trade Vazquez. I don’t know who we could get in return that would eventually lead to more wins. We have no idea what we are getting from Hudson, and Medlen isn’t ready for prime time.
richbrave
July 3rd, 2009
11:39 am
Don’t suppose hiring our old skipper had anything with the sudden rise of the DODGERS, player considerations aside. Always wondered how the BRAVES would have performed to date with JOE TORRE at the managerial helm. BTW, did JOE’s dad play for the BRAVES?
Roman Gal
July 3rd, 2009
11:39 am
I’m also hearing that Escobar’s continued misadventures have made him a legit possibility to be moved DOB
[plugs ears]
Lalalalalalalalalalalala….(I can’t hear you!)…lalalalala…
DAM
July 3rd, 2009
11:40 am
Epinephrine, I actually agree that in this case, the UZR stuff isn’t as big of a deal, because anyone watching a game can see that Francoeur should be the better fielder. I’m just trying to point out that the drop-off isn’t as bad as most people seem to think and that the HUGE gain in offensive production is more than worth it.
Steve from OH
July 3rd, 2009
11:40 am
DAM–UZR is pretty unreliable in sample sizes as short as a half of a season, 1 season, etc. I believe the creator says that you’re supposed to consider three yearish sample sizes. I’m as guilty as anyone of citing the small sample sizes though, so don’t feel bad…
Wayne in Utah
July 3rd, 2009
11:40 am
DAM
Hey, it might make sense to you or me or about a 1000 bloggers, but if Bobby doesn’t see it, it doesn’t matter.
When a ball is hit to a gap (left or right), I am always more comfortable if Frenchy is going after it, than any of the other 4 OF’ers we currently have roaming the grass.
Bottom line, Bobby Cox is a player’s manager (not going to go into the differences between a tactician and a players manager again). That is why he stuck with KJ for so long, why he will still get him some AB’s until he either gets better, or is gone. Same reason Frenchy still roams right field. It has served him well over the years, but on occasion, it has hurt the team. Given his overall record, I think it has served him well.
When he is retired and in the Hall, and lots of folks on here are bitchin and moaning about whoever the new manager is, I will have a little smile on my face, knowing that the grass is not greener on the other side of the fence. It rarely is.
Epinephrine
July 3rd, 2009
11:40 am
Ugh N8, couldn’t disagree more. Were you even watching the last two years? Do you know what happens when your 5th starter isn’t good? You lose. You lose a lot.
brian
July 3rd, 2009
11:41 am
where did you all see that Freeman and Heyward were promoted? They played in last night’s game for the Pelicans
MacArthur
July 3rd, 2009
11:41 am
Methinks you just can’t stand the thought of the people on this blog salivating over your visage, Carroll. It’s understandable, really. Not always a great neighborhood.
nolie
July 3rd, 2009
11:42 am
raves outfield woes would be solved if Cox had just kept Josh Anderson instead of giving him away (DON)
the Josh Anderson with the terrible stat line of .255/.287/321/608? I sincerely hope you are kidding.
FloridaBrave
July 3rd, 2009
11:43 am
Good stuff, DOB. I love Vazquez but he’s going to be traded eventually- Braves simply cannot afford to have so much money tied up with him, Hudson, Lowe, and Kawakami. My only worry is plugging the rotation spot until Hudson is not only back, but healthy enough where he’s effective. But a Vazquez move wouldn’t happen until right around the trade deadline, if at all, anyways for that reason.
The report on Escobar isn’t surprising either. I’m a big fan of his talent and I worry who will replace him, but his antics obviously aren’t welcomed on this team.
If Brooks Conrad was indeed promoted, and with that meeting, something has to be up…
Steve from OH
July 3rd, 2009
11:43 am
brian, it was in the M-B Sun News Hudson story, at the bottom. Looks like the Braves are really pushing those two aggressively.
Richbrave–those Kimbrel stats you cited include his terrible open to the season at MB. After being re-promoted I believe he’s done much better.
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
July 3rd, 2009
11:44 am
N8 re: your 11:38/Wayne
I think if the Braves sweep (or at least take 2/3 from the lowly Nats), the Bravos should be in pretty good shape……and if the FW and Bobby was together for more than an hour yesterday…….that’s got to mean something…and hopefully, that means something good.
Roman Gal
July 3rd, 2009
11:44 am
When a ball is hit to a gap (left or right), I am always more comfortable if Frenchy is going after it, than any of the other 4 OF’ers we currently have roaming the grass.
That’s because he actually throws the freakin’ ball in quickly. I swear, it’s like he and Diaz are the only one’s not afraid to throw the ball.
MacArthur
July 3rd, 2009
11:44 am
No, Joe played for the Braves. I think his brother did, too.
jason
July 3rd, 2009
11:45 am
N8, I saw an interesting stat lastnight. I don’t know if it was during the game or on ESPN. Anyway, while the Dodgers lead in pitching, they have the third most innings pitched by their BP. Can that mean that as we go further into the season, their BP will wear out due to overuse. Also it says that while their rotation is good, they don’t get deep into games. Alot of young pitchers that are being expected to continue to pitch well with the stress of a pennant race.
Steve from OH
July 3rd, 2009
11:45 am
But he can run fast, nolie. Isn’t that all you need to be a good offensive player. Think of all the infield singles he’ll get! And all those singles he can stretch into doubles! Oh, wait…
richbrave
July 3rd, 2009
11:45 am
VASQUEZ is the obvious trade-bait de jour. If he equates to a solid replacement for KJ I’ll be happy. KELLY’s done, and appears to know it from his demeanor. FRANCOUER still has possibilities, and should not be traded. Besides who would we be able to get for him? Everybody but ANDREW McCUTCHEON has already been traded by the PIRATES.
PWHjort
July 3rd, 2009
11:45 am
If we deal Javier Vazquez I hope we get blue chip prospects.
KJ+Frenchy=Garbage
July 3rd, 2009
11:45 am
I dont get all those specail defense stats and formula……. McLouth has won a gold glove and has made big plays this year.
Let's Go Bravos!
July 3rd, 2009
11:46 am
Now let’s sweep the Nats!! We are currently on our longest winning streak of the season. WE really need to go on about a 10 or more game winning streak. Wow, that would be nice! I’d like to feel what it’s like to be in 1st place again!!
chris o bomb
July 3rd, 2009
11:47 am
HAHA… “good luck.”
Steve from OH
July 3rd, 2009
11:47 am
I can see Wren’s logic with Vazquez, as he is the most logical choice to be moved but…we’re two games out. Why move him and Yunel right now? Better get one helluva package for those two, Frank. And if you’re going to trade anyone, why not Francoeur? Hell, I bet you could even get a case of PBR for him!
PWHjort
July 3rd, 2009
11:47 am
Quote from Frank Wren’s chat this off-season:
“Thanatos: What is the plan if Jeff Francouer struggles again next year? Will you try to acquire a solid outfielder to back him up?
Wren: We are counting on that not happening. There just aren’t that many solid guys available to start backing up your regulars, but we will have some depth in our outfield.”
May I follow up? Thank you. What the F*** made you think you could count on Francoeur not struggling?!?
Wayne in Utah
July 3rd, 2009
11:48 am
Dave
Thanks for the insight. Feel free to stomp on Carroll’s show anytime you please (I would hope she doesn’t mind).
Richbrave
Are you thinking of Frank Torre, Joe’s brother. I remember in the late 60’s, before we traded him to St. Louie, I had a cousin who thought the sun rose and set on Joe Torre. He was a “big” boy back then.
I remember them saying that year he won the batting crown, that it was truly legit, as he never got any “leg” hits!
Do you younger bloggers realize that Joe Torre was our skipper during some of the really bad years???? Had Bob Gibson as his pitching coach for a year or so, as best I remember too. Gibby had some marvelous nuggets during his time here.
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
July 3rd, 2009
11:48 am
Wayne re: your 11:40 a.m. post
I agree. While I think it’s time for Bobby to step-down from the dugout (I mean, as I’ve said before….even Tommy Lasorda had to finally get step aside from managing the Dodgers) because I think it’s time for some new blood (not for the reasons people like Rob, etc want him gone)……Bobby’s still the manager of the Braves and that’s just fine by me.
Braveheart
July 3rd, 2009
11:49 am
I’ve got to outdo Tommy in something. I love Medlen. How can you not just love him? He’s so adorable!! (RG)
Yeah, at least Medlen is honest about it. Francoeur has been in total denial for about four seasons that he wants to outdo McCann in something. Medlen gets a ‘hawk, Frenchy gets turkey underwear.
richbrave
July 3rd, 2009
11:49 am
Thanks STEVE for the KIMBRELL update.
And to MacARTHUR for the TORRE info. After I thought some more, I believe it was his older brother I remember playing in a BRAVES uni. You are right.
PWHjort
July 3rd, 2009
11:50 am
Tim Marchman’s NL All-Star
Right field: Jeff Francoeur, Atlanta: Apologies to Justin Upton, but when baseball no longer has a place for the likes of Francoeur, a player so extravagantly talented that he can hold down a major league job despite seemingly having little more idea of what to do with that talent than a tomcat, baseball will no longer be worth watching.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tim_marchman/07/02/all.stars/1.html
FloridaBrave
July 3rd, 2009
11:50 am
Steve,
I’d be shocked if BOTH Escobar and Vazquez are traded before the trade deadline. Then again, I’d also be surprised if both of them are on the Braves come the start of next season.
N8
July 3rd, 2009
11:50 am
“I don’t know who we could get in return that would eventually lead to more wins….. Do you know what happens when your 5th starter isn’t good? You lose. You lose a lot.” Epinphrine
Well first of all, the Braves are 7-10 in Vazquez’s starts. Which of course (before you blast me), I realize is NOT his fault. But the underlying theme that I pointed out the other day is the root of the problem.
The Braves ONLY starter that we have a winning record in his starts is Hanson. We’re 5-0 in his starts. The Braves are at or below .500 in everybody else’s starts.
So, if you can’t see that an impact bat would not only affect Vazquez’s starts, but EVERYBODY ELSE’S starts too, I’m not sure what to type or say to you.
If we could get an “impact bat” without giving up Vazquez, Heyward or Freeman, then go for it. But common sense prevails.
As for your comment about the 5th starter? Dude. Come on. Last year, our 3rd, 4th and 5th starters SUCKED ASS. Period. End of discussion. Do you realize that after Hudson went down, Jorge Campillo was the 2nd BEST pitcher in our rotation with a 3.91 ERA?
Same thing in 2007. After Hudson and Smoltz. It pretty well stunk. Chuck James in the 3rd spot of the rotation was 11-10 with a 4.24 ERA. Everybody else? HORRIBLE. Add to that, in the 2nd half of 2007, James’ ERA was closer to 5.00 than 4.00 (4.66).
So, don’t give me the 5th starter crap as the sole reason that in 07 and 08 this team stunk. Best case scenario in 2007 we were TWO starters away from being serious contenders. But in the 2nd half (even after the Tex trade) we were three away.
And in 2008, we were surely THREE away, if not four after Hudson went down.
DAM
July 3rd, 2009
11:50 am
Steve–Yah, I know UZR can be skewed by small sample sizes. In my first post on page 1, I listed the UZR/150 since 2005 for both Francoeur and Diaz.
How about this angle, then — for his entire career, Francoeur has a UZR/150 of +33.8 but a wRAA (offensive runs above average) of -35.7. Overall, he has been -1.9 runs below average. Almost all of Francoeur’s defensive benefit is due to his great arm.
Diaz has a career UZR/150 of +8.5 (majority of the time being spent in LF, so the arm factor hasn’t been as important), but his wRAA for his career is +14.2.
Braveheart
July 3rd, 2009
11:51 am
Does anyone want to ride up the block for me and get me cigarettes and beer? I’m too tired and hungover. It would be much appreciated.
DAM
July 3rd, 2009
11:51 am
I’m actually not a huge stat guy myself, outside of what concerns me for fantasy baseball purposes. I’m just trying to find any stats that support benching Francoeur. It’s already obvious watching him hit that he’s just terrible.
nolie
July 3rd, 2009
11:52 am
Doesn’t matter what a fielding bible or a UZI rating says (whatever the heck that is), it’s what Bobby decides that matters (WAYNE)
according to Bill James numero-uno numbers nerd, defensive stats are better than they were but still not nearly as reliable as hitting/pitching stats. I doubt the Braves FO pays too much attention to them
jason
July 3rd, 2009
11:52 am
N8, While good for you, I am dreading the day Jvy is traded. The good thing is FW said it will only be for a bat that is locked up for a couple of years. So, no rental. With the addition of Yunel with Javy, who do you think we can get? I see one move being all that we need. If we deal Javy and Yunel together we may can get the bat and some middle relief depth.
Steve from OH
July 3rd, 2009
11:52 am
In 13 games against the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs and Phillies, the Braves are 7-6. To have kept their heads above water while actually gaining what–4 games–on the division is a pretty good sign IMO. Still lots of holes to be filled, and lots of baseball to be played, but we’re sure as hell not out of it right now.
The Bird and Indian
July 3rd, 2009
11:52 am
rich brave: Why would we get a replacement for KJ? We have Martin Prado. 2nd base is filled. Prado hit over 300. last year and is doing it again this year. He makes the play he is supposed to at 2nd. He is a fundamentally sound player that will keep helping our team. We need to be looking for a right fielder right now.
Gil In Mechanicsville
July 3rd, 2009
11:53 am
Carroll, maybe the only advantage to being posted to DC for the 4th of July is the fireworks are pretty spectacular. The weather is forecast to be rather pleasant also. At least you don’t have to drive in DC traffic and at all cost avoid I-95 this time of year….
Washington has a couple of decent starters in Lannan and Zimmermann but their pen is very porous.
I hate to see the Braves give up Javy but like the man says, you have to give up quality to get quality. Best trade partner might be Baltimore but I doubt they will take on payroll.
Texas could use him too, Think they will trade Elvis back to us for Yuni? I think the other shoe drop will occur when Infante returns.
Travis
July 3rd, 2009
11:53 am
It seems that Bobby Cox has rethunk his position a little on his “player favorite” attitude. He finally has the opportunity to part ways with guys like JoJo, Frenchy and Kelly because of the unbelievable starting rotation the Braves have. If Vasques is the potential trade bait then the Braves might force a team that really needs a great starter to accept Kelly and/or Frenchy to dump the salary. Love to get Berkman or cruz.
yellerjacket
July 3rd, 2009
11:54 am
My head is going to explode with all these Diaz vs. Francouer stat comparisons. UZI? Visions of Israeli submachine guns dance in my head. Can we all agree that neither Francouer or Diaz is the everyday outfielder that will distance us from the sorry lot that is the rest of the NL East and wait and see what Wren and Cox are planning? That is the real story here. Who got promoted, who got demoted, and who is on the trading block.
With the way Vazquez is dealing, we better get some absolute studs in return. It will be interesting to see what Wren and Cox think will not only overcome the loss of Vazquez but will also give us an even better chance of winning more games than keeping him. Personally, I’d rather trade Kawakami or Lowe, but that’s just me.
MacArthur
July 3rd, 2009
11:55 am
I’d like to see Vazquez stay around. But, if the Braves could get a good hitting position player whose under contract for a couple of years, it’s really the thing to do.
Steve from OH
July 3rd, 2009
11:55 am
nolie, I agree that the Braves probably don’t put much stock into defensive ratings. They’ve got a helluva scouting corps, so that’s as good of a place as any to start. Fielding stats are useful for hacks like me who can’t watch every player play defense, but the scouts can, so IMO that’s a better way to gauge the talent.
KJ+Frenchy=Garbage
July 3rd, 2009
11:55 am
Trading Javy wouldnt be a bad idea. definitly if a pitching hungry team throws a good offer. Should be able to get a good bat, a good minor leaguer, mid prospect. All depends on finaical stuff too Javy makes 11 mil and there hasnt been many bats thrown out there.
bravefaninok
July 3rd, 2009
11:56 am
Attitude be damned Esco is our best clutch hitter .they better get babe ruth in return if they trade him.
yellerjacket
July 3rd, 2009
11:56 am
I know my eyes see UZR, but my heart sees UZI.
PWHjort
July 3rd, 2009
11:56 am
This trade speculation is killing me inside.
Epinephrine
July 3rd, 2009
11:56 am
The thing is, what separates us from the other flawed teams in this division is our starting pitching. We don’t have the offense to go hit for hit with the Phils, or the Mets when healthy. And we are not one bat away from being able to do that. What we can do, every single time the Braves play, is have a chance to win thanks to our starting pitching. If we get rid of that, we become mediocre on two fronts rather than one. I really hope it doesn’t happen.
Wayne in Utah
July 3rd, 2009
11:56 am
Steve
Do you feel real comfortable with this team, even though they are only 2 games out? I really don’t, especially with what the Mets and Phillies have returning in the way of bats.
I think a positive show for Escobar is just what the Braves need to get him to a point where you can get close to full value for him.
Are there any serviceable shortstops out there with a good glove, decent range, and a bat better than Diory Hernandez that could get us through the rest of the season without embarrassing us too much?
Jack Wilson? who else?
PWHjort
July 3rd, 2009
11:56 am
If we trade Vazquez for a cheap bat and the pitching falters, we can always sign Ben Sheets with the money we saved.
KJ+Frenchy=Garbage
July 3rd, 2009
11:57 am
MLB trade rumors says Felipe Lopez of the Dbacks would be a great fit for the Braves and that the Dbacks are shopping him…….
richbrave
July 3rd, 2009
11:57 am
WAYNE in UTAH:
Sure right about that grass. I climbed that fence once, and found the grass wasn’t greener, but it WAS a hell of a lot different. My wife is CUBAN and reminds me occasionally not to wish for things to be different. You just might get your wish. CUBA did in 1959.
RHR
July 3rd, 2009
11:58 am
That sucks, DOB. I don’t want to lose either Escobar or Vazquez – they are both big pieces to the team…and Escobar, so cheap…I can’t think of another NL shortstop at ANY salary I’d rather have. Huddy is an unknown at this point, he could come back in August right on schedule and be just as good as Vazquez has been, or, god forbid, he could have a set back in rehab and not come back until next season..then who fills that starter spot? It won’t be anyone as good as Vazquez….I don’t like it. Maybe they’ll just keep winning and it will become a moot point.
Honestly, i get why Vazquez is dispensable, I don’t like it, but I get it. But unless Yunel starts acting like Manny or Milton or Elijah they would be dumb to get rid of him.
Steve from OH
July 3rd, 2009
11:58 am
Wayne, I don’t, but I sure as hell wouldn’t feel comfortable with my team were I a Phillies or Mets fan either. I know we’ve got a lot of holes, but so do those teams.
CB
July 3rd, 2009
11:59 am
If we are considering trading Yunel and Vazquez, our trade partners may be the Brewers, maybe Hardy and one of their outfielders?
JPS
July 3rd, 2009
11:59 am
Last night, I (unfortunately) had to watch the Phillies broadcast rather then the Braves. Phillies broadcasters made a big deal out of Chipper giving one of his bats to Jimmy Rollins who was 0 for 27. Rollins got two hits last night, but they were not a factor, but what if Rollins got a hit to beat the Braves with Chipper’s bat? If I was on the team I would be plenty pissed.
Any thoughts on this?
nolie
July 3rd, 2009
12:00 pm
Isn’t that all you need to be a good offensive player. (STEVE)
according to some folks, but even Coach disowned Josh. One thing that I actually agreed with him about.
Rob from SC (Please don't trade Escobar)
July 3rd, 2009
12:01 pm
Eric from MO
Heyward will be here in September
The Bird and Indian
July 3rd, 2009
12:02 pm
I don’t think we need to make a deal yet though. Stick Diaz out there in right for a while and see if he produces.
The Bird and Indian
July 3rd, 2009
12:02 pm
KJ+Frenchy=Garbage: Why would we want to trade for a 2nd basemen?
Thrillhouse44
July 3rd, 2009
12:02 pm
Braveheart, I’d definitely oblige on the beers, but they’d get warm on the 7 hour trip from here. Glad that you’re not just moping around with the hangover though. Way to get back on the horse. I’ve played the game of Drink many times. I’ve never won, but I’ve never backed down either.
richbrave
July 3rd, 2009
12:04 pm
THE BIRD and INDIAN:
Because KELLY’s played himself onto the bench, and we need another position player to replace him. Not just at 2 B. A multi-dimensional player which he is – well, sort of, who hits, which he doesn’t. I still think it’s all in his head. But a new team will do both parties some good.
jason
July 3rd, 2009
12:04 pm
From what I saw before the game lastnight was that Huddy was throwing the ball really well. BC said he was ready to go now. That meaning to rehab in the minors. So, my question is, Huddy does not return until after the AllStar break. How far out is the trade deadline, and if Javy is traded at the deadline, how many starts would Medlen have to fill in for until Huddy is activated?
Thrillhouse44
July 3rd, 2009
12:05 pm
Heyward will be here in September Rob from SC
I’ll bet Carroll’s running shoes that doesn’t happen.
Wayne in Utah
July 3rd, 2009
12:05 pm
If we did get a good second baseman, then Prado could be used in a myriad of positions. Not saying that would happen, but it could.
Random
July 3rd, 2009
12:06 pm
DAM (July 3rd, 2009 11:18 am): “Packerman –
“Not sure if you’ll see this flipping over to the new blog, but let me explain why it doesn’t matter about Diaz’s lack of fielding.
“Based on data from fangraphs.com, Diaz has actually improved his fielding drastically since his first season in 2004. He has improved from a UZR/150 of -51.1 in 2004 to -33.6 in 2005, 16.5 in 2006, and 20.1 in 2007. In an injury-shortened season last year, it dropped again to -9.6, but this year he is once again above-average at 1.8 through 44 games.”
Thanks for the info.
But what you’ve ably demonstrated in NOT that “it doesn’t matter about Diaz’s lack of fielding”, but that there is no such thing as “it doesn’t matter about Diaz’s lack of fielding”.
It’s just baseless slurs and slams, backed up by nothing but empty opinions which are themselves based on air and unthinking enmity.
Diaz’ defense is not a liability, and his offense should be in there every day for now.
CB
July 3rd, 2009
12:06 pm
I also would prefer Yunel stays,just get Frenchy out of here.
jason
July 3rd, 2009
12:06 pm
Also, if you move Javy and or Yunel then either KJ or JF have to be a throw in. If nothing else to rid salary and to give them botha fresh start some where not in Atlanta.
nolie
July 3rd, 2009
12:07 pm
If we deal Javier Vazquez I hope we get blue chip prospects (PWH)
I hope we get an established MLB producer who is under contract for awhile. I don’t want to lose him for prospects, when the odds of succeeding is not that high. Betemit.Marte,Lombard,Chen, Komminsk, etc etc etc
richbrave
July 3rd, 2009
12:08 pm
STEVE:
Which is why I say we MUST win the division to go anywhere. Right now, we’re further out of the wild-card than the division lead. And we’ve got all those teams to climb over to put ourselves in position for a post-season.
Thrillhouse44
July 3rd, 2009
12:08 pm
The past couple years have jaded me – you can’t have too much pitching. I’d rather see what Francoeur can do than to have to trot the equivalent of Mark Redmon out there again. It seems that the past couple years we’ve always had a “surplus” of starting pitching, but shizz happens. I really don’t think you can have too much pitching. Or too many days of vacation.
JPS
July 3rd, 2009
12:08 pm
This is not based on any facts that I have or have read but I get the feeling Bobby wants Escobar out and Wren is holding out on shipping him.
KJ+Frenchy=Garbage
July 3rd, 2009
12:09 pm
I dont know man, i was just letting everybody know what i have read since it nvolves trades.
TN MAN
July 3rd, 2009
12:10 pm
I believe the Yankees will be the team that will take JV.
From Tybee Island
July 3rd, 2009
12:11 pm
Carroll – any idea on the braves record when your on the blog? I’ll bet somebody on here can come up with it. If it’s better than DOB’s, we made need to talk to him……
brewdawg
July 3rd, 2009
12:11 pm
N8,
The scary thing about trading JV is that we don’t know what Hudson will be like when he gets back. We just don’t. If we want to win this year (and I do) then that trade is a HUGE gamble. I am not in disagreement with you. JV is our best trade piece. We need a bat. But who fills JV’s spot until Hudson gets back, and then who fills Hudson’s spot if he can’t go? Hell, maybe Glavine will hear his phone ringing this year after all!
DAM
July 3rd, 2009
12:12 pm
Random–Yeah, that’s what the numbers say, but I’m hesitant to say that Diaz isn’t a liability because of how easily UZR stuff can get skewed. I guess what I was trying to emphasize is that Diaz’s lack of an arm (compared to Francoeur’s) isn’t the end of the world because he makes up for it by getting to some balls due to his sheer hustle that Francoeur doesn’t.
It still scares me watching Diaz run to a flyball, but I’d rather be scared of the occasional misplayed ball than watch Francoeur come up with runners on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out and know that it will either be a K or popup.
RHR
July 3rd, 2009
12:13 pm
Oh yay, FINALLY a Josh Anderson mention. It has been so long….
KJ+Frenchy=Garbage
July 3rd, 2009
12:13 pm
We should field offers for Javy and Yunel just to see what teams think there worth…… I want to keep both of them and we have a few weeks to figure out if we do really need another bat. I think we can at least upgrade the team without moving one of them or any young talent.
The Bird and Indian
July 3rd, 2009
12:13 pm
I don’t think we need to waste a trade for an infielder. Prado is easily good enough to start every day. Infante will be back soon. Hernandez can fill in anywhere. If needed even KJ can fill in. I think we need to focus on the RF position if anything. I really just don’t wanna make a move yet. Diaz in right platooning with JF. Blanco platooning with Loaf maybe? I like Blanco in there sometimes leading off. He got on a little streak against the Phills till last night and can work a count well. I’d like to see how that works out till the break and then see if we need to make a deal. PLEASE DON’T TRADE JAVY OR ESCOBAR!
TN MAN
July 3rd, 2009
12:14 pm
I would rather see the Braves deal Escobar instead of JV. I just don’t like the idea of having to rookies in the starting rotation. Plus, KK is not a gaureented win, eventually Hanson is going to run into a wall. Trading JV will hurt the bullpen down the road. If I am Wren I wait until July 31st and see how well Hudson is pitching. If he is ok then I say its safe to trade JV. I think getting KJ and Francine out of the line-up permenatly will help this team more than a big bat.
richbrave
July 3rd, 2009
12:14 pm
I can’t see the BRAVES making any moves concerning HEYWARD which could be construed as rushing this prime prospect to ATLANTA. When the roster expansion is made however, it is possible he’ll be here along with the others, just to give him taste of the bigs. I don’t consider that rushing him because he’ll be off the roster in any post-season action, and won’t be relied upon on an everyday basis. It could happen this year. Iffy, but possible. I do believe by the expansion next year that situation is definite.
jason
July 3rd, 2009
12:16 pm
The only reason that I can think of in tradin JV outside of the big bat needed is they must have alot of faith in Hanson. They must know that Hanson is indeed the real deal, and that he can help offset the loss of JV. They may be holding out hope that Huddy comes back true to form, but I think this goes as a HUGE vote of confidence in Big Red Tommy Hanson.