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2,325 comments Add your comment
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
1:58 pm
If anything, the acquisition of Marson tells me the Tribe will probably trade V-Mart.
I don’t think they got the best package they could’ve, but they did get two players that are pretty safe bets to be everyday guys (Marson and Donald) and an arm with a limitless ceiling in Knapp. The things I don’t like about this trade is that Marson’s ceiling is pretty limited, Knapp is a loooong ways off, Carrasco, despite having everything he needs to be a good mid-rotation starter, can’t seem to put it all together, and the Phillies kept their three best prospects. If you’re Cleveland, you’ve gotta get at least Taylor in that deal!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
1:59 pm
Phillies got Lee…
Goodoleboy58
July 29th, 2009
1:59 pm
worst part about the Phils acquiring Lee is that he is left handed.. incase anyone hasnt noticed all we have is left handed hitters
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
2:01 pm
It is a great deal for Philly…and they didn’t have to give up Happ or Drabek??? WOW…
It they weren’t already Philly just put themselves in a position to go back-to-back
Hammels/Lee/Happ/Blanton (who’s on fire lately)….YIKES
Shaun
July 29th, 2009
2:01 pm
Supes, the Indians got four minor leaguers for a 30-year-old pitcher who is very good but isn’t really great. They sold high on Lee. Nothing wrong with what the Indians did.
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
2:02 pm
incase anyone hasnt noticed all we have is left handed hitters
Uh, hello? Marteen Prado? I think you’ve heard of him? Slayer of dragons and curer of cancer?
In all seriousness, this isn’t as big a problem because we’ve got righties in Chipper, Yunel, Prado and Diaz that all mash lefties. I’m more worried about getting the best lineup out there possible, since the majority of pitchers you face are righties anyway.
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
2:02 pm
philles whole rotation is lefty..hamels,lee,moyer,happ
Efrim
July 29th, 2009
2:03 pm
Knapp, Carrasco, Marson and Donald……
This is one of those deals that make you sick to your stomach. Sure, we don’t know how prospects will fare once they get to the bigs. There is that line of thinking that I know many side with. But prospects also have a “name value”. Like, being ranked high on a prospects list is something that people look at. The Phillies just traded for the reigning American League Cy Young award winner(controlled at a modest price through next season), and did it without having to give up Michael Taylor, Dominic Brown, J.A. Happ and Kyle Drabek. I am speechless.
Goodoleboy58
July 29th, 2009
2:05 pm
Cliff Lee’s contract details:
Cliff Lee lhp
4 years/$15M (2006-09), plus 2010 club option
* 4 years/$15M (2006-09), plus 2010 club option
o signed extension with Cleveland 8/06
o replaced 1 year/$0.4062M deal signed 3/06
o $1M signing bonus
o 06:$0.75M, 07:$2.75M, 08:$3.75M, 09:$5.75M,
10:$8M club option ($1M buyout)
o price of 2010 option increases to:
+ $9M with Cy Young in 2008 (met) or 2009
+ $8.75M with 2nd or 3rd in Cy Young vote in 2008 or 2009
o award bonuses: $0.1M for All Star selection, $0.25M for Cy Young, $0.15M for 2nd or 3rd in Cy Young vote, $75,000 for 4th or 5th in Cy Young vote
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 29th, 2009
2:05 pm
Great trade for the Phils. They gotta hope that the Cliff Lee they acquired isn’t the guy who had a 6.29 ERA two years ago and was almost released …
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
2:07 pm
I agree with Shaun that Lee is very good not great, certainly not in Halladay’s league, but the package was still light IMO.
Shaun
July 29th, 2009
2:08 pm
worst part about the Phils acquiring Lee is that he is left handed.. incase anyone hasnt noticed all we have is left handed hitters
Braves vs. RHP: .261/.334/.408
Braves vs. LHP: .273/.345/.412
I hate when fax get in the way of wanting to be negative!
Efrim
July 29th, 2009
2:11 pm
I totally agree that Lee isn’t GREAT. That said, he still is pretty darn good and will benefit from switching to the inferior National League. And I think that was kind of light too.
Robert Goulet
July 29th, 2009
2:11 pm
You want to go head and crown them? Then Crown them.
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
2:12 pm
well if the indians are in full sell mode now then we should atleast call the indians and ask about vmart..switch hitter batting 4th would help out alot…braves need a bat.
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
2:13 pm
Well, what are you gonna do? Lee is no Halladay but it doesn’t matter, the Phills have pretty much locked up the division for the second straight year so the focus needs to be on the WC, which won’t be easy. Two with the Fish and then that series with LA isn’t going to determine our teams fate for ‘09, maybe. Oh yeah, phuck the Phills!
Fish Bisch
July 29th, 2009
2:14 pm
How did that trade for Texiera turn out? weren’t all of you claiming the east was yours when you made that ‘big trade’? Now with Lee, the Phils are unstoppable?
GboroBravo
July 29th, 2009
2:14 pm
Amilcar (Dunedin Fl)
Hey Rob you hated the Franceour deal originally now how do you feel about it? He’s driving in runs and looks comfortable. Can a change of scenery really be that important?
Rob Neyer (12:06 PM)
I didn’t hate it. I just thought the Braves got the better of it, by a bit. As for Francoeur’s success as a Met, he’s drawn exactly one walk in 60 plate appearances. So I’m not getting all worked up quite yet.
MiamiBrave
July 29th, 2009
2:14 pm
LOL Goulet
Efrim
July 29th, 2009
2:15 pm
It was a great trade for the Phils. They didn’t have to give up anything of significance. I find it bizarre that the Indians even have these guys on the block(VMart and Lee). I know they are older players and free agents at the end of next year, but is winning the AL Central really that daunting of a task for 2010? Maybe so. Financials could of been a problem too, I suppose. Stil can’t believe they didn’t even get Taylor or Brown in that deal. I get not getting Drabek, but I’m surprised they couldn’t pry away one of Taylor or Brown. Oh well.
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
2:16 pm
braves cant get vmart at good price then
Smoltzy
July 29th, 2009
2:16 pm
I do not know if this is the right blog for this however, I know the Braves are interested in a reliever. Mr . O’brien, I would love for you to comment on the Braves chances/ interest in acquiring struggling starting pitcher John Smoltz from the Red Sox. As crazy as this sounds I think it would be a great deal if the Red Sox were willing to part with him. We can use Smoltz in the pen and his 5 million contract would not be so bad at this pro-rated amount.
Fish Bisch
July 29th, 2009
2:18 pm
Smoltz is done. He should’ve retired at the end of last year.
Goodoleboy58
July 29th, 2009
2:19 pm
The Indians, meanwhile, would get four of the Phillies’ top 10 prospects according to Baseball America’s pre-season rankings. Carrasco was rated second, Marson third, Donald fourth and Knapp 10th.
since57
July 29th, 2009
2:19 pm
Gotta give props to the Phillies. Unlike our Braves, they are not willing to sit on their thumbs. They are running away with the division and have their sites on back-to-back championship. Unfortunately that desire and willingness is something that we are sorely lacking.
Vinings Jim
July 29th, 2009
2:19 pm
cabravesfan – well, knowing you to be someone who probably only gets the best, I suspect I could quickly rule out 75% of the seats. Then start looking for a blonde Braves fan not wearing Braves’ gear – I think I can knock the odds down just by ignoring all the Dodgers’ fans ignoring the game. The odds start improving after they start leaving in the 6th or 7th inning. Might be worth a shot – of course, you’ll probably be there with one of your big, strong guys, but can’t hurt to try.
Smoltzy
July 29th, 2009
2:19 pm
I am really serious about this, Smoltzy can still pitch he just can not pitch for more then 5 innings. If he went back to the pen he would be an amazing set up/closer guy. With the overuse of Gonzo and Moylan and bobby’s clear lack of confidence in Acosta, and the rest. This would be a great move.
Goodoleboy58
July 29th, 2009
2:20 pm
Really trade for Smoltz talk? wow
AZBravoFan
July 29th, 2009
2:21 pm
O’Flaherety’s ankle, Gonzo’s elbow, Church’s elbow, KJ’s (and Shafer’s) wrists….the list goes on and on. I’m tired of players trying to be “gritty” and gut it out while they are costing their team games because they can’t perform at their usual level. Smoltz was about the only one with the talent to get away with it, and even he got banged around occasionally when he tried to pitch through pain. Sit down, get healthy, and let someone else play until you are!
Crazy Trades McGee
July 29th, 2009
2:21 pm
Woopidy Doo! Bring on the crazy Trades!
Smoltzy
July 29th, 2009
2:21 pm
Think about it. We all love him. He clearly can not start anymore and his stats prove it. Maybe we can get him.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
2:22 pm
J.P. Ricciardi days are numbered in Toronto. This guy has flipped and flopped since he arrived as GM for the Blue Jays…
His best offer prolly came from the Phillies and he balked…The AL Eats is the toughest division in baseball and Ricciardi has been given all the resources he’s need to put a good team on the field and he’s failed year after year.
The teams is owned by Rogers and multi-billion dollar company….they have money…but are now trying to shed pay-roll because of the economy.
If anyone FIRE JP Ricciardi…
Shaun
July 29th, 2009
2:22 pm
Efrim, I think teams are more unwilling than ever to trade away their top prospects.
And it seems the Indians’ thinking is they can get more now for Lee and possibly Martinez because now a team gets them for a season and two months as opposed to just a season or just two months.
I don’t see a problem with what the Indians did.
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2009
2:22 pm
VJ-
maybe Heath should consult you before he heads out here…you seem to have a good plan
UNCBrave
July 29th, 2009
2:22 pm
The Braves are doing NOTHING yet the Phillies are dealing trying to win and so are the Giants….
FRANK WREN needs to deal for a BAT and a middle reliever to show the BALL CLUB he supports their efforts with no HR hitter in the line-up…
Getting Carl Crawford b/c the Rays are desparate for pitching and are trying to shed payroll for V-MART is a step up in SPEED and pop and he’s young..
I’d also call the INDIANS about VICTOR MARTINEZ since they are in GIVING MODE
BRAVES GET:
OF Carl Crawford
RAYS GET:
SP Kenshin Kawakami
Then trade with the INDIANS
BRAVES GET:
1B Victor Martinez
INDIANS GET:
1B Casey Kotchman
2B Kelly Johnson
OF Jordan Schafer
DH Barbaro Canizares
Prospect insert here
Original Jon
July 29th, 2009
2:23 pm
Sorianosavesnothing, I want you to show me where Frank and Bobby have both publicly stated they are building for next year and not trying to compete for this year. Please show me the links, I want to see it. Oh, and Capt Caveman, who cares if you are half Barack Obama, I still dont think he should have thrown that pitch down the middle of the plate, strike zone squeezed or not.
UNCBrave
July 29th, 2009
2:24 pm
FRANK WREN should AT LEAST CALL about Victor Martinez and Carl Crawford…..The problem is he even isn’t in the DISCUSSIONS for either of them ANYWHERE
The Braves CANNOT make the playoffs with their current OFFENSE….They will get COLD at some point…MAKE A TRADE
Anders
July 29th, 2009
2:25 pm
Anders, you don’t really think Soriano has had an “okay” year just because of his 14 saves, right? He’s been nothing short of terrific this year. Well worth it. (Efrim)
You and some others have been promoting him among the elite closers. What I said was he only has 14 saves this year and 30 lifetime. I wouldn’t put him in the elite class yet. His numbers for this year look real good. But closing is more than numbers you got pitching in earlier innings. Lets see if he can handle the physical and mental demands of closing. Again, last night what he did with the media after a blown save does not bode well from the mental aspect of the job. That’s what I said.
We’ll see.
ChurchMan
July 29th, 2009
2:25 pm
Mitchie-san:
I hate rooting for the Wild Card. Its like working hard everyday at your job, just to settle for middle management.
I don’t know about you but I think I’d like to see them as the Wild Card. Those years when they won the division without much work (coasting in with 5+ game leads) they didn’t last very long in the playoffs. Unlike the Division winners, the Wild Card winners seems to do pretty well in the playoffs
Duke
July 29th, 2009
2:26 pm
Bobby is being put under the bus a little too much from this blog. He gets criticized for overworking some guys in the pen but all he is trying to do is keep them in a rhythm. Soriano had 4 days off and see what happened last night….. He didn’t have his usual command and just wasn’t as sharp as he would have been had he thrown in between those 4 days.
Anders
July 29th, 2009
2:26 pm
Damn Phillies could still get Halladay if they wanted. Wow.
UNCBrave
July 29th, 2009
2:27 pm
Braves have to call about V-MART….The Phillies got last year’s Cy Young winner FOR NOTHING from the Indians…
Trade Medlen/Schafer/Kotchman for V-MART…..Pick up the PHONE FRANK WREN
Smoltzy
July 29th, 2009
2:27 pm
The braves need 1 bat and big bullpen guy.
Crawford would be great since we could put him in the leadoff spot but, when does his contract expire? The Braves will not take any renta-players after the Teix trade.
If we get a right handed bat and then Smoltz for the pen we win it all.
BravoMan
July 29th, 2009
2:27 pm
since57,
The Braves have been one of the more active teams in baseball. We aquires 3 quality starters over the winter and an all star CF in McLouth. I don’t know if you watched the Braves last year, but they’re much improved this year. The Phillies are the defending champs, no small task to usurp them. The Braves are not in a postion to mortage their future right now. They’ve done almost everything right front office wise.
jt
July 29th, 2009
2:27 pm
uncbrave…you win for the dumbest suggestion ever. kk for crawford? do you think the ray’s are morons? i hope you are under the age of 6. that is the only way your comment is forgivable.
Goodoleboy58
July 29th, 2009
2:28 pm
UNCBrave you think Crawford would only take KK but you think V-Mart will take 4 major leaguers and a prospect?
BravesfaninWis
July 29th, 2009
2:28 pm
The Phillies landing Cliff Lee is not that big of deal because starting pitchers can only contribute once every 5 days.. They don’t make near as big of an impact as a power bat who is in the lineup every night..
I wonder if the Braves are going to do anything? I hope if they stay where they are the offense doesn’t go belly up again like at the beginning of the season.. If that happens, the Braves have no chance at the division title, or even the wild card..
Shaun
July 29th, 2009
2:29 pm
UNCBrave, your trades don’t make much sense. Rays could get more for Crawford and Indians could get more for Martinez.
The Martinez trade is especially nonsensical. You can’t just throw a bunch of players at a team and think they’ll jump. They actually have to be good players.
N8
July 29th, 2009
2:29 pm
“The Phillies probably cemented the division by acquiring Lee. The Braves need to shoot for the wild card.” Robert (Chipper is the Best)
I think the division was cemented with the recent run the Phillies went on. The crappy part for the Braves and Marlins, is that in their wild card chase they will have to play the new and improved Phillies more than say the Giants or Rockies will.
So now the wildcard just got tougher to attain as well.
Hedley Lamarr
July 29th, 2009
2:29 pm
I’m calling for Crazy Trades McGee. I’ve seen some doozies in my day, but Carl Crawford for Kenshin Kawakami tops the list. Talk about delusional.
Shaun
July 29th, 2009
2:30 pm
UNCBrave, why would the Indians want Kotchman?
Supes
July 29th, 2009
2:31 pm
Shaun,
The indians got 4 prospects with LIMITED SEILING. The prospects that MOST scouts are crazy about (as far as the Phillies go) STAYED IN PHILLY!
What about this is so hard to understand?
Sure, Cliff Lee only had 1 good year, and they “sold high” but they didn’t get anyone with ALL-STAR like ability or potential. They got serviceable talent, no denying that. Prospects can sometimes overachieve too, but in reality most are just average.
The way I see it…Phillies robbed the Indians (IF CLIFF LEE pitches lights out).
I’ll be right here on the blog 3 years from now to see where these 4 “prospects have went” as far as helping the Indians get better. If I’m wrong, call me out. I seriously doubt I’ll be wrong about it. I guess we’ll see.
Indians gave up a solid starting pitcher, and got prospects with limited seiling.
Win for the Phillies.
Mitchie-san
July 29th, 2009
2:32 pm
Did you really just say Kawakami straight up for Crawford????
Good Lord.
wheelz007
July 29th, 2009
2:32 pm
New Bloggage?
ACCTDAWG
July 29th, 2009
2:32 pm
our 5th starter for one of the best all-around players in the game??? wow…
Goodoleboy58
July 29th, 2009
2:32 pm
BravesfaninWI
a good pitcher makes all the difference in the world when you already have the “power bats” like the Phils
BravoMan
July 29th, 2009
2:34 pm
We weren’t gonna get the division anyway. Focus on the wild card and just keep playing good baseball.
Vinings Jim
July 29th, 2009
2:34 pm
cabravesfan – by the way, in case you haven’t checked the countdown clock, there are now less than 200 hours until the series opener out there.
Supes
July 29th, 2009
2:34 pm
UNC Brave,
you need to fraking calm down.
Wren isn’t pulling off any major trade. We are NOT 1 player away from contention, unless you have a way of bringing Albert Pujols here “via trade”.
Anyone clamoring for a trade, be patient. 2010 and 2011 it’ll be our time. Right now it’s the Phillies window. It’s starting to close after this year and next and Braves will be on the rise and have the money to sign top quality impact FA. Meanwhile, Phillies will be overspending themselves into a top tier payroll restricted team.
Anders
July 29th, 2009
2:34 pm
The Mets beat writer are lobbying the owners for a job. The Braves beat writer is riding a stationary bike staring at tail. Whatever happened to working the phones (blackberries) during the trading deadline?
NJH
July 29th, 2009
2:37 pm
Enter your comments here
Mitchie-san
July 29th, 2009
2:37 pm
ChurchMan, I see your point, but to me the wild card isnt really anything to be excited about. How is BARELY making the playoffs a successful season. I know the Cards went all the way with the wild card, but no one really thinks of them as true champions. What was their record that year? Hardly anything to do cartwheels over. They just beat the odds.
I would be ecstatic if the Braves won the World Series that way, of course, but I would rather them win it the old fashioned way (winning the division)
ncscoots
July 29th, 2009
2:38 pm
The Phillies landing Cliff Lee is not that big of deal because starting pitchers can only contribute once every 5 days.. They don’t make near as big of an impact as a power bat who is in the lineup every night..
Not quite true, actually. A starting pitcher influences, say, 25 plate appearances in his one start. An everyday player makes, say, 20 plate appearances over the same five-day period. The pitcher is usually successful against the opposition at a much higher clip than the everyday player, in terms of plate appearances. In that context, the pitcher has much more impact than a single hitter.
I know what you’re thinking, though, that the pitcher only impacts a single game, whereas the everyday player might impact 5. Just trying to show a different way of looking at it.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
2:39 pm
I see we’re tearing a strip of Frank Wren…
although I like the moves he’s made…I’m really enjoying it
braves fan lmh
July 29th, 2009
2:39 pm
UNCBrave,
There’s only one problem with your trade proposals for V-Mart. The indians DON’T NEED a first basemen that is why they traded Ryan Garko to make room for Matt Laporta. Plus why would the indians want KJ they have plenty of middle infielders. I am all for acquiring a big bat but the proposals should be reasonable and make sense.
BravoMan
July 29th, 2009
2:40 pm
Supes,
Good post. We are definetly not one move away from a lock to the playoffs. I’ve said this before, but 2009 is a rebuilding year from last seasson’s injury plagued year. We’ve rebuilt our rotation and offense wisely. I knew everyone would freak out. Our time will come.
brent a.
July 29th, 2009
2:40 pm
I get so tired of the “always” “never” “everyone” nonsense on blogs.
I don’t remember “everyone” saying that the Braves were going to win the East after the Tex trade. It was thougth to make us better, along with the acquisitions of Dotel, Mahay, and Ring; but, it was not a lock.
In fact, there was a ton of conversation about how the Braves did not address the team’s most pressing need, starting pitching.
They didn’t, Tex put up good numbers, but alas, we couldn’t overcome the Phils & Mets, because we were basically Hudson, Smoltz, and then . . .
It wasn’t enough. So no, not everyone thought that the Tex deal made us a shoo-in for the division. Especially not when you took into accoutn that the Braves were about 6 games out at the time.
Meanwhile, the Phils are playing as well or better than anyone in baseball, have a 7 game lead, and just added a quality starter to what was a less than stellar rotation.
So, whereas the Braves upgraded a pretty good offense in 2007 and left their starting rotation in shambles, the Phillies just improved their rotation, and will let their offense continue to terrorize national league pitching.
Phils win the East, with or without this trade. But, they did just get better.
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
2:41 pm
Anders ..LOL
Shaun
July 29th, 2009
2:41 pm
Supes, the Indians got the best package possible for their 30-year-old solid but not great pitcher. What would have been the point of them holding on to him? Because seems to me those are the only two options: Take what the Phillies offered or hold on to Lee and let him walk away at the end of next season. (Or maybe trade him for a lesser package at some point next season.) Good move for both sides. Phillies get a pitcher who improves their team for the final two months and in the playoffs without giving up any of their top prospects.
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2009
2:41 pm
VJ-
thanks for the update- I’m looking forward to actually watching baseball at a normal hour instead of having to fast forward half the game
Mixxo
July 29th, 2009
2:41 pm
Hamp getting lit up!
BosnianBaller
July 29th, 2009
2:42 pm
You gotta tip your hat to the Phills our stupid GM is not making trades b/c he doesn’t want to ruin the chemistry really?We’re 2 games above .500. He needs to make a trade that makes sense for this year and next year.Get a outfield bat like Alex Rios or/and get Arthur Rhoades from Cincinnati who has an ERA around 2.That was a very stupid comment Wren came out with 3 days ago.I would love an outfield of Rios,McClouth,Heyward in the future
Vinings Jim
July 29th, 2009
2:42 pm
Gee, Mitchie-san, you have just destroyed the happiness I have felt for the past year and a half about the Giants winning the Super Bowl as a wild card team.
Shaun
July 29th, 2009
2:42 pm
We are definetly not one move away from a lock to the playoffs.
That’s right. With a little luck the Braves could make the playoffs with the team they have now.
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
2:42 pm
Oh wow…Cliff Lee is a pitcher. Duh…I thought he was a batter.
Guess I was thinking of Carlos Lee…
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
2:44 pm
Pick up the PHONE FRANK WREN
And do what, exactly? Trade what? Our only pieces that other teams will want are Schafer, Heyward, and Freeman. Those guys are the future. Unless you wanna go and give up Hanson or JJ?
Oh, and the Indians have no need for Kotchman. In all likelihood, they’ve got three (good) prospects that can man 1B right now–LaPorta, Weglarz, and Mills, and even Santana if they don’t like his glove behind the dish. So no fit with Kotchman. Not much of a fit with Kelly with Donald, Chisenhall and Valbuena already in the system. Ditto for Canizares. What the Indians need, above all else, is ML-ready pitching, which we DO NOT have to offer right now. Maybe Wren isn’t picking up the phone because he knows there is no match and he doesn’t want to waste his time?
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
2:44 pm
looks like the cubs are goin to win today 6-0 already
brent a.
July 29th, 2009
2:44 pm
I disagree vehemently with anyone who says that the Cardinals were not true champions and simply “beat the odds”.
They won the World Series playing by the rules.
Time to join the 21st century. The Wild Card counts. For evidence, look no further than tonight’s opponent.
Capt Caveman
July 29th, 2009
2:45 pm
Original Jon — that is why you should stick to Fantasy League and leave the real game to those of us who have actually been there or at least have the proper amount of knowledge before we start blowing off on a subject. You are obviously less informed than you think you are which is actually quite funny. LOL
Vinings Jim
July 29th, 2009
2:45 pm
cabravesfan – can’t you do one of those deals where you get frequent text updates while you’re driving home – I know of one that’s very inexpensive.
UNCBrave
July 29th, 2009
2:45 pm
Look, I AGREE 100% about maybe getting Smoltz back for the bullpen….He’d be a great set-up guy and potential closer if Soriano loses it like he did last year or bolts for FA
Even in CHAT on MLB trade rumors, they said Smoltz wasn’t done b/c he was clocked at 95 mph….I think he has some mechanics to work on….The Red Sox would probably pay a large amount of his salary b/c they need to dump payroll
Daslied
July 29th, 2009
2:46 pm
This is to everyone bashing the Braves for not “going” for it while praising the Phils for doing just that.
You realize the situations are completely different, don’t you? Philadelphia is calculated to have an 80% chance of winning the division, and an overall 85% chance of making the playoffs. Atlanta has an 11% chance of winning the division, and an overall 20% chance of making the playoffs.
In simpler terms, Philly is a virtual lock to get into the postseason. They will likely do well, especially with Lee now. They’re just dialed in at this point.
Now, obviously Atlanta is playing very well right now – 1st in about everything since the All-Star break. But somehow they’ve lost ground in the division. The Wild Card is a great possibility, but still will be tough. Is one guy really going to make that much of a difference at this point? If there is such a guy, is he worth the cost? Hell, the Mets aren’t out of the WC race, yet people are mocking them for saying they’re not sellers. Half their team (the good half) is on the DL, so when those guys come back a good run is very possible. Yet people think they’re idiots for not throwing in the towel…(Disclaimer: I hate the Mets.)
The point is this: Wren is doing the right thing once again. He’s letting his team play, and he’s keeping the future intact. They’re playing about as well as possible right now, but they’re going to need a ton of help from other teams. The Phillies needed one guy to put them over the top; the Braves need about 10 teams to start sucking. Do you really start trading your young, talented guys for someone that may or not carry you for 2 months? Hasn’t worked too well for them lately, has it?
It’s great that fans are passionate – personally I live and die with the Braves, and have since 1982. It’s not so great when GMs are. They’re paid to be smart and visionary, not emotional and reactionary. Let’s hope Frank Wren continues what he’s started, and keeps building us a very-near-future juggernaut instead of tinkering out of desperation.
The Braves are playing great right now, like they should’ve been all year, but you can’t make up for a bad first half with knee-jerk moves. I hope they go into the postseason, and I think they have a shot. But with such slim odds it’s just not worth altering the plan, which is working very well so far.
Sorry for the stupidly long post, and sorry for any jinx leading to a Heyward-for-Willingham trade.
BravoMan
July 29th, 2009
2:46 pm
Shaun,
Sarcasim? lol
TBrown
July 29th, 2009
2:46 pm
What a terrible trade by the Indians.
If I were the Phillies, I’d say F–K YOU! to everyone and make the trade for Halladay. That’d pretty much guarantee the next two world series rings, making that 3 in a row. WHO CARES ABOUT THE MINOR LEAGUES?!? Nothin says “we’re all-in” like trading every decent minor league player for TWO aces.
Not really, but I’d still kinda want to do it.
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
2:47 pm
The Indians’ system is pretty well loaded with good position players. They need pitchers that’ll step right up into their rotation right now. Paging Clay Bucholz, Clay Bucholz Cleveland is on line one…
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2009
2:48 pm
VJ-
I can but I do like actually, you know, watching the games
Plus while the Braves are in town I get the added bonus of listening to the legend that is Vin Scully call the games…something else to look forward to. 
Mixxo
July 29th, 2009
2:48 pm
BravoMan – …I knew everyone would freak out. Our time will come.
I’m not freaking. I knew after our dismal start and even more dismal May & June we were done.
The Philadelphia Phillies are an awesome Major League Baseball National League team, doing what it takes to win another championship……
We can’t even bunt for chrissakes.
That said, I still stick with my boys through thick & thin, every out and hang on to every ounce of hope.
Mitchie-san
July 29th, 2009
2:49 pm
Sorry VJ! I didnt mean to take that away from ya…
The wild card, to me is like a loophole to get into the playoffs. No one sets out in Spring Training to become the NL Wild Card Champs. It is something you have to sttle for in the middle of the season when you realize that your team is not as good as many others. I dont see that as a success.
All it means is that your team is mediocre or just on a good winning streak. So it boils down to Luck and good timing…
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
2:50 pm
We want the Cubs to win correct?
TBrown
July 29th, 2009
2:50 pm
It’s Buchholz. And I have no idea why Boston is trying to trade him everywhere.
Anders
July 29th, 2009
2:51 pm
Steve – If the Red Sox go the Victor Martinez route could Halladay fall into Minaya’s lap? (Assuming the time-out Jeff Wilpon gave him is over).
This feels very Santanaish. Talk, talk, talk and then none of the big guns stepped up.
flange1
July 29th, 2009
2:51 pm
In terms of a Smoltz return, my response is simple:
NO.
Not interested at any price. Trade Norton for Smoltz, Lars Anderson and Clay Buckholtz? Answer NO.
The guy showed his true colors when he left and I want nothing more to do with him except to clap for him when they retire his number and clap for him when he enters the HOF with a Braves cap on.
EVERY other time, I will BOO him.
Shaun
July 29th, 2009
2:51 pm
Braves post-season odds taking into account their preseason projection, according to Baseball Prospectus: 51.7 percent. They have the Braves and Rockies winning 89 games. Why make a trade?
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
2:51 pm
Steve from OH They need pitchers…
Then why did they just trade one? Idiots…
And Lee is…he’s…he’s…LEFT-HANDED?? My bad day just got a lot worse.
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
2:51 pm
Whom would the Mets trade for Halladay, Anders?
Mixxo
July 29th, 2009
2:52 pm
Nova Scotia Steve –
I think so Steve. Heck I don’t even know anymore honestly.
The Cubs are above the stros in the WC standings though.
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
2:53 pm
Steve from OH Whom would the Mets trade for Halladay, Anders?
David Wright and Jeff Francoeur.
curtis jones
July 29th, 2009
2:53 pm
Responding to DOB at 1:22 pm: I’m not sure where your hostility is coming from, dude. If you get some quotes from a player who has something interesting to say, I’m all over it. If they, you know, ramble on with a series of you know, athlete-speak cliches, it puts me to sleep.
I still maintain that unless Soriano said he was paid by the Marlins to serve up a gopher ball, he probably wouldn’t have said anything too newsworthy anyway. Second blown save of the year? Not that big a deal to me.
However…umpteenth game of the year stranding runners, failing to execute the basics, and using a pinch-hitter who would need a map to find first base? Some answers, or clubhouse chatter about that might be of interest…to me anyway. Still love ya, DOB, just happen to disagree now and then. It’s OK to do that, right?
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
2:54 pm
McFann, they traded him because they’re not going to win now with him, and they’re not likely to retain him after 2010. So, they went out and got a guy that should be a regular 2B for them, a solid catcher, and a very high-ceiling pitcher and another pitcher who could be a mid-rotation guy. They need to lose V-Mart for ML-ready pitching now…
Shaun
July 29th, 2009
2:54 pm
Braves post-season odds taking into account their preseason projection, according to Baseball Prospectus: 51.7 percent. They have the Braves and Rockies winning 89 games.
Let me rephrase that: Why give up a ton of talent for an impact player when the Braves have a decent shot to make the postseason as is? I’m fine with making a move but the Braves have to be careful not to give up too much to improve a team that may not need much improving to make the postseason.