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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,246 comments Add your comment
monty
July 31st, 2009
4:52 pm
MAybe LAroche is Nate’s Bryan Pena.
Rufus
July 31st, 2009
4:52 pm
The Braves, really did it, they got rid of LaRoche, because he fell asleep at home plate, on first base, in the drug-out, etc..
The Pirates had enough, with a non-productive player, and what team, when out of their mined attitude, picks this clown up, of course the mighty Braves.
I would rather keep Kotchman.
The Braves, proof with this trade that they don’t care about the team, and less about the fans.
I hope LaRoche, does better, then just good, and a lot better than when he was last with the Braves.
I would rather have a minor leaguer playing first then LaRoche.
The Braves should really consider putting K. Johnson, in the outfield, he’ll do less damage out there.
Time will tell.
UNCBrave
July 31st, 2009
4:53 pm
BTW, we don’t have to face PEAVY anymore
RC
July 31st, 2009
4:53 pm
Coach Smith,
Bennett was on the DL, so therefore was not on the 25-man roster when released by the Braves.
Original Jon
July 31st, 2009
4:53 pm
Noah LaRoche has 8 errors this year bud.
Noah
July 31st, 2009
4:53 pm
Good deal. We trade our #8 hitter and most say get a 4 or 5. Personally I think Adam should bat more like 7 but we will see, either way a few more HR’s could help win a few games.
Bill
July 31st, 2009
4:53 pm
Welcome back LaRoach. Thanks DOB for up dates on trades.
coach smith
July 31st, 2009
4:53 pm
Brian Jordan on 680thefan just said Kotchman’s personality didn’t fit in with the Braves
McFann ;Ô;
July 31st, 2009
4:53 pm
“I’m just thankful for the opportunity to be here and play for Bobby Cox. That’s been a privilege to play for him and his staff, the teammates here.”
Yep…
Luke H.
July 31st, 2009
4:54 pm
haha Rich Brave
STEVE!!! haha I was thinking it was you the whole time. I added the Steve+Nova Scotia+Braves+Media pretty well then I guess. Things are alright man, I’ll facebook you right away. You like the LaRoche deal? I missed the guy. Lots of upside.
McFann ;Ô;
July 31st, 2009
4:54 pm
coach Kotchman’s personality didn’t fit in with the Braves
Why not?
beekay
July 31st, 2009
4:54 pm
Where are the comments from the liberal lefty from the left coast, Mr. Lentz or did someone steal his handle again
BT
July 31st, 2009
4:54 pm
Coach Smith and Alabama Bennett counts only on the 40 man. my guess is there is going to be a DFA done before the game or tomorrow when Roachy is available.
Efrim
July 31st, 2009
4:55 pm
What’s interesting in all of this is that we found out that Kotchman was probably going to be non tendered this offseason. Kotchman wasn’t even THAT bad, folks. Got on base 35% of the time and played excellent defense. I suppose that wasn’t going to be worth around 4 million, but it says something about what Wren might do with Church and Johnson if they aren’t able to trade them(Church is going to get non tendered, imo, not sure on KJ).
Original Jon
July 31st, 2009
4:55 pm
Ritchie from Scotland, we were already very left handed, we traded one left handed bat for another.
mustrdgasnroses
July 31st, 2009
4:55 pm
Heath,
That would be what I’d expect to be the case..though, it’s a bit odd to have GA in the 8 spot, but where else is he going to bat? Fourth? As much as McFann would like him to, I doubt he will be.
coach smith
July 31st, 2009
4:55 pm
McFann ;Ô;
the personality thing is what Brian Jordan just said on the radio
said he was too quite and didn’t spend time or talk with people
brian
July 31st, 2009
4:55 pm
I see that Peavy went to the White Sox for much less than what the Braves were talking about sending San Diego. Definitely no one of Yunel’s stature
Frank Wren
July 31st, 2009
4:56 pm
BehindEnemyLines, this deal labels me?
I sent Tex to the Angels for Kotchman in the first place, this trade isn’t nearly as bad!
bravofan
July 31st, 2009
4:56 pm
Wow really Frank Wren? ok Im sure Braves wont forget Laroche not hustling over to first base to get that out a few years ago! I strongly encourage anyone at the Ted tonight to please BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Rafael no class low life disrespectful Furcal when he steps up to bat after all the terrible things he did to the Braves!!!!!!!
coach smith
July 31st, 2009
4:56 pm
BT
I hope that next move is NORTON is DFA
Noah
July 31st, 2009
4:56 pm
There must be something clubhouse wise as a few sources have mentioned it regarding Kotchman. If this helps that is just a bonus. Can’t really loose, no long term commitment and can probably, given the market, bring Adam back next year for less money if you want.
o-me
July 31st, 2009
4:56 pm
coach smith did he say why it didn’t fit Braves personality?
I like Kotch but Laroach will do better, I believe.
brian
July 31st, 2009
4:57 pm
McFann – the reports are that he never integrated himself in the locker room and stayed a loner. At best he hung out Anderson
umm HUH?
July 31st, 2009
4:57 pm
Kotch has gotta be ticked. Sweet starting role here to a spot on the pine in Boston. Eh, at least he has a shot at a ring there.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 31st, 2009
4:57 pm
I love the LaRoach deal…Frank Wren has done an excellent job with this team.
I very impressed…and he took a lot…and I MEAN A LOT of heat in the offseason.
Guy is cool and clam man
MiaBchBravesFan
July 31st, 2009
4:57 pm
TN Paul: If the Braves feel they have to keep KJ, the only logical call is to have KJ play LF next year. The infield of McCann, 1B (Cañizares), Prado, Escobar, and Jones is solid. If Heyward is ready, an outfield of KJ, McClouth, and Heyward is probably the look for 2010.
This is all predicated on KJ gaining his stroke back, and how in love the Braves are with their former no. one pick.
RC
July 31st, 2009
4:57 pm
“I see that Peavy went to the White Sox for much less than what the Braves were talking about sending San Diego. Definitely no one of Yunel’s stature”
This is why the Braves don’t give no trade clauses….
Geo123
July 31st, 2009
4:58 pm
Original Jon,
No that trade would not have worked… The Indians picked up a couple of very good pitching prospects for Martinez. Masterson is better than anyone you put on that list.
You already know based on what he was traded for that Kotchman didn’t have much value. Plus the Indians have Matt LaPorta who is a far better prospect ready to tak eover at first…
Frank Wren
July 31st, 2009
4:58 pm
Kotch didn’t want to play horse shoes with everyone after the games and go hunting in his spare time, this is why he was traded.
brian
July 31st, 2009
4:58 pm
I agree about Furcal. I hope people boo like crazy. I hope to hear it big time on the old Peachtree TV
Luke H.
July 31st, 2009
4:58 pm
1. McLouth
2. Prado
3. Jones
4. McCann
5. Escobar
6. Anderson
7. LaRoche
8. Diaz/Church
I wouldn’t mind seeing Heyward get the call up at this point. Esp. with the lack of Infante these days. Could be the spark the Bravos need.
BT
July 31st, 2009
4:58 pm
Possibly a lot of turnover before 2010. Two thirds of our outfield could be gone, our two closers probably will be gone, much of our bench including KJ, Norton (if he lasts that long) will be probably gone.
coach smith
July 31st, 2009
4:58 pm
o-me
all Jordan said about Kotchman was
said he was too quite and didn’t spend time or talk with people
Rufus
July 31st, 2009
4:58 pm
All the pollution in Atlanta has affected the decision making in the Braves organization.
The A Bomb
July 31st, 2009
4:59 pm
So Norton must be phenomenal in the clubhouse, right?
Greg in TN
July 31st, 2009
4:59 pm
Afternoon denizens…
Been a busy trade deadline bonanza as usual, and the Braves, fresh off of their win last night to avoid the sweep at, ahem, Land Shark Stadium, home of the Florida
MarlinsHohns bring back a familiar face to 755 Hank Aaron Drive in one Adam LaRoche.Certainly the deal is not a defensive upgrade, although let’s be honest, Kotchman’s job in Boston doesn’t look to be as a starter. Varitek will catch, Victor Martinez will play first and either Kotchman or LaRoche are on the outside looking in. Frank Wren is gambling on the typical Adam LaRoche second half to help infuse a little pop into the lineup.
With LaRoche eligible for FA at the end of the year, it does open the team up for the possibility of having Freeman manning 1B should his development continue as it has so far in Mississip’. Jason Heyward’s otherworldly numbers have gotten all of the pub since their promotion, however Freeman is putting up excellent numbers as well (2 HRs, 18 RBIs, .305 BA, .795 OPS).
It’s Rafael Furcal night at the ball park, but for a completely different reason that it would have been before this past offseason. Warm up your vocal chords Atlanta.
Ritchie from Scotland
July 31st, 2009
4:59 pm
to all the guys correcting me, thanks but I corrected myself just after my post. We are still very left handed I meant.
brian
July 31st, 2009
4:59 pm
exactly RC – good point
DOB – you got back one of your more entertaining Braves to go interview
PMC
July 31st, 2009
5:00 pm
Really, this deal works for what the team needs right now. Laroche can hit 4th if need be. He can drive in runs he’s got the ability to hit 8-15 homers the rest of the way and he’s cheap for the rest of the year and isn’t long term. I seriously doubt anyone is going to pick him up for the 7.05 million the pirates signed him for this year.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 31st, 2009
5:00 pm
The A Bomb…
Now that’s some funny stuff!!!
Heath
July 31st, 2009
5:00 pm
LaRoche splits this year:
Batting #4 224 ABs .272/.362/.482/.844
Batting #5 91 ABs .198/.255/.374/.629
Batting #6 11 ABs .091/.167/.091/.258
Batting #7 16 ABs .313/.313/.625/.938
mustrdgasnroses
July 31st, 2009
5:00 pm
coach smith,
Kotch went on the bereavement list just after he arrived last year, didn’t he? I don’t suppose anyone knows what for?
Chris from the Rock
July 31st, 2009
5:00 pm
A roster move still has to be made to place Canizares on the 25-man roster. Everybody keep your fingers crossed for a Norton DFA!!!
Poorjeff
July 31st, 2009
5:00 pm
The RED SOX look more like the Braves everyday. Give’m hell Laroach.
Dr. Watson
July 31st, 2009
5:00 pm
That play the other night where Escobar picks off the sleeping Marlin at first? That doesn’t happen now, because Laroche will be asleep, too.
BT
July 31st, 2009
5:00 pm
Coach Smith if Norton makes it through this change of events I will be shocked.
WTF
July 31st, 2009
5:01 pm
Kotchman for LaRoche is the best they could do?
Arf.
Slugger - www.theweeklyscene.com
July 31st, 2009
5:01 pm
coach Kotchman’s personality didn’t fit in with the Braves
Why not?
—
Because people don’t appreciate the ‘blue-collar’ baseball player until they’re gone.
PMC
July 31st, 2009
5:01 pm
I hope Furcal puts the first three hits from short into the seats.
Don’t drink to much on the way home you freaking BUM!
Frank Wren
July 31st, 2009
5:02 pm
mustrdgasnroses , his mother was sick.
coach smith
July 31st, 2009
5:02 pm
mustrdgasnroses
he did becuase his mom was sick but she recovered
Chop Chop
July 31st, 2009
5:02 pm
I just want Bobby to play Kelly and Roachy on the right side every day. Of course, I like to hear the sound of bloggers’ heads exploding.
driver8
July 31st, 2009
5:02 pm
For those of you who can listen to 680the Fan on the radio in Atlanta or online….Frank Wren will be on the Buck and Kincaid show at 5:30pm this evening to discuss the trade. That should answer everyone’s questions regarding why this went down. Just and FYI for everyone!
RC
July 31st, 2009
5:02 pm
mustrdgasnroses,
Kotchman’s mother was fighting a disease (I think lymphoma, but can’t remember for sure) and he left the team to be with her during treatment. Fortunately, the treatment went well and her disease was in remission last I heard, but I think it’s the type of thing you can never be sure is completely gone. Again, I am not clear on details, other than his mother was sick and now her disease is in remission.
Chop Chop
July 31st, 2009
5:02 pm
The Braves might make a move for a reliever before August 31. I can’t imagine they’d be able to do much else.
Heath
July 31st, 2009
5:03 pm
Looking over the batting order splits, it looks like LaRoche is another guy that REALLY benefits from a lot of protection. (Batting between McLouth who was in the 3-hole and Sanchez in the 5-hole could definitely give LaRoche some good pitches in the 4-hole.
Bat Masterson
July 31st, 2009
5:03 pm
Jesus, what a damn joke of a trade. I get used to Kotchman, he starts to hit, so we trade him and bring back Sleepy.
Poorjeff
July 31st, 2009
5:03 pm
Its not how you play but how you act in clubhouse? That sounds backward to me.
Luke H.
July 31st, 2009
5:03 pm
Hey gang,
JOIN THE ANTI-BILL HOHN GROUP ON FACEBOOK. I also recommend writing to the commissioner’s office with a complaint – can’t hurt.
Yeah Steve, Wren did take a lot of sh*t. Things are coming together. Although this next little stretch is make-or-break. 10 of 15 against the Dodgers and Phillies? Woah.
McFann ;Ô;
July 31st, 2009
5:04 pm
Personality. Hmm. Whatever…
Still cheesed. Not crazy about this one.
And oh look! Kotchy’s in the AL now! Can’t win a GG if you switch leagues…
ADD LaRoche Is Coming bac....Look There's A Squirrel!
July 31st, 2009
5:04 pm
LaRoche was a DP and K machine when he was here. He is career low in BA this year almost 40 points lower than Casey. He slugs higher, but he sits down about once a game without putting the ball in play! Casey has about as many rbi’s as LaRoche this year and Casey ain’t even supposed to be an rbi guy by rep.
Not crazy about this trade. Homers or “power” in a vacuum is kinda stupid.
Vinings Jim
July 31st, 2009
5:04 pm
I apologize to all the fine denizens whose posts I’m skipping over, but there are too many of you. Quick summary: – “Great trade” – “stupid trade” – “I don’t get it”
Bravosss
July 31st, 2009
5:04 pm
mstrd – kotch went on the bereavement list bc his mother was sick.
McFann ;Ô;
July 31st, 2009
5:04 pm
driver8–
Thanks. May hafta tune in to that.
mustrdgasnroses
July 31st, 2009
5:05 pm
Heath,
I suppose with those splits, the logical place for Laroche would be the four hole or 7, as in your lineups. Doesn’t have a lot of at bats in the seven slot though.
Mitch
July 31st, 2009
5:05 pm
My wife will never watch the BRAVES again !!!!
garyfrombham
July 31st, 2009
5:05 pm
This one is a clunkers-for-cash. We got rid of Adam once because he couldn’t get it done. What the heck does this mean? This is a downgrade. Lunkheaded trade!
RC
July 31st, 2009
5:05 pm
The real loser in all these trades is the Red Sox. I don’t know what they gave up for LaRoche, but I’m pretty sure it’s a package they wouldn’t have traded straight up for Casey Kotchman. Plus they lost Mark Kotsay, who is essentially Kotchman with speed and can play OF.
UNCBrave
July 31st, 2009
5:05 pm
AGAIN, who plays 1B in 2010??
Fred "The Dorf" Dorfman
July 31st, 2009
5:06 pm
Supposedly the Braves are on the verge of acquiring Adam LaRoche from Boston for Kotchman. Stay tuned…
Murph Rocks
July 31st, 2009
5:06 pm
Guys — today’s blog may need to be saved for the all-time best list by DOB. I was out to a late lunch and just scrolled through the responses as the news came in. It was like listening to Skip Caray with a split personality — and the other personality is Ozzy Osbourne.
Keep it up, folks. This blog has been “double pits to chesty” so far.
It would only get better if Norton knocks in the game-winning homerun tonight and trips over third as he’s rounding it. This blog would melt down with commentary.
RC
July 31st, 2009
5:06 pm
“AGAIN, who plays 1B in 2010??”
Whoever Vazquez is traded for in the offseason.
RHR
July 31st, 2009
5:06 pm
The return of Roachy huh? Maybe being on the same team as Chipper will make him better, otherwise i dont see it as an upgrade.
Poorjeff
July 31st, 2009
5:06 pm
Driver8, relay the new I can’t get 680…thanks
Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
July 31st, 2009
5:06 pm
While I know some are dissing this deal, I think it is a good one and one I told you would likely be made. LaRouche is just as good defensively as Kotchman and he has way more power. Even if LaRouche doesn’t hit for a high average he will hit some homers which is what this offense needs. I still think another waiver deal could take place here in a week or so.
mustrdgasnroses
July 31st, 2009
5:07 pm
Thanks coach smith, Frank Wren, and RC…wasn’t sure if it might’ve had some lingering effect on his mood, if not his play.
Heath
July 31st, 2009
5:07 pm
mustrdgasnroses -
LaRoche could do well in the 5-hole in ATL because he would be hitting behind McCann and in front of Escobar…the protection is more important. I think that is why he did so much better in the 4-hole in Pittsburgh….pre-McLouth trade.
coach smith
July 31st, 2009
5:07 pm
those of you who are citing Kotch vs Roche’s batting avg
remember that Kotchman has done alot to raise his batting average over the last 2 weeks (he hasn’t been a .280 hitter all year long)
and he does it with singles and doubles
this is what it comes down to:
Make a mistake vs Kotchman and it is a single or a double
Make a mistake against LaRoche and it is a double or likely a HR
RC
July 31st, 2009
5:07 pm
“It would only get better if Norton knocks in the game-winning homerun tonight and trips over third as he’s rounding it. This blog would melt down with commentary.”
At least that would mean he remembered to touch 3rd….
Efrim
July 31st, 2009
5:07 pm
“AGAIN, who plays 1B in 2010??”
TBD. We have all offseason to talk about that. There is this thing called free agency, and this other thing called the Winter Meetings…..
Tomas
July 31st, 2009
5:08 pm
Freddie Freeman
Smoltzy
July 31st, 2009
5:09 pm
Did the Red Sox put me on waivers so the Braves can add me to the bullpen yet !!!!
Frank Wren
July 31st, 2009
5:09 pm
By the way all your numbers are scewed cause Kotchman batted 8th most of the year and the 8th hitter in the NL almost never gets a good pitch to hit. Oh I’m sorry, this isn’t my blog, carry on!
*whistling* I just saved us 480k biatch!
RC
July 31st, 2009
5:09 pm
Coach smith’s 5:07 post hit the nail on the head. That’s why this trade was made, and knowing that the Red Sox are making up the difference in salary I’m ok with that.
coach smith
July 31st, 2009
5:09 pm
RC
“At least that would mean he remembered to touch 3rd”
LOL
BUT
Norton doesn’t even remember what it feels like to touch first base!
gcs
July 31st, 2009
5:09 pm
WREN, WTF??!! An overpaid free agent-to-be with ADD for a Golden Glove candidate making a third the salary signed thru the next couple of seasons. Again WTF?
If you are just looking for an excuse to bring up Barbaro Canizares then trade Kotchman after the season is over and get something for it.
.
monty
July 31st, 2009
5:10 pm
NOt sure what the Braves were thinking!
Two hitters headed in opposite directions. Read them and weep Braves fans.
July Stats: Casey-avg.320-OBP.427-slug.480-OPS.873……LAroche avg.169-OBP.190-slugg.312-OPS.507.
NOw explain. ANd put a good spin on it by all means!
driver8
July 31st, 2009
5:10 pm
Poor Jeff
If possible try their website they have live streaming audio @ 680thefan.com. Otherwise I’m sure a bunch of us will be discussing what Frank Wren says here in a bit.
Shamus Thacker
July 31st, 2009
5:10 pm
Trade a Frenchy, get a Frenchy, and one who gives even less of a damn…
Bama Aaron
July 31st, 2009
5:10 pm
I’m shocked that most people on this board seem to like this move. I think it’s horrible. You’re giving up a player that is hitting roughly 45 points higher than the player you’re getting. And Kotchman will take a walk occasionally. This is completely stupid. And frankly I don’t care if he was a loner in the locker room…they don’t all have to be buddies to win a game. And all we get back is a player I was happy to be done with a few years ago???? Stupid….just stupid….
Efrim
July 31st, 2009
5:10 pm
“Freddie Freeman”
Right….and then he’ll probably be sent down in June and then we’ll trade a smaller package of players to a team like the Pirates for their first baseman.
McFann ;Ô;
July 31st, 2009
5:11 pm
Heath LaRoche could do well in the 5-hole in ATL…
Oh goody! Just what we needed: Another #5 hitter!
RC
July 31st, 2009
5:11 pm
“By the way all your numbers are scewed cause Kotchman batted 8th most of the year and the 8th hitter in the NL almost never gets a good pitch to hit. Oh I’m sorry, this isn’t my blog, carry on!”
That being the case, why has Kotchman only walked 32 times this season? If they are bad pitches, don’t swing at them.
mustrdgasnroses
July 31st, 2009
5:11 pm
Heath,
Wouldn’t the four hole offer as much or more protection? Batting behind Chipper, and in front of McCann would certainly qualify, I would think. As it stands right now, considering LaRoche’s usual second half numbers, I’d say he is a bigger power threat than anyone else in our line up.
Fred "The Dorf" Dorfman
July 31st, 2009
5:11 pm
Barbaro can start out 2010 as the Braves 1B.
Atticus
July 31st, 2009
5:11 pm
LaRoche sucks, I was so happy when he left. Now I gotta watch that HUGE hole in his swing AGAIN!!! He was the only guy I couldn’t stand watching hit, even worse than Andruw.
Great deal, fantastic. I will say it and say it again, 4 straight years without a playoff.
Great job on the pitching staff, but you had a AA player in center who they played hurt, a pitcher in over his head in right and a second baseman who they waited half a season on.
4 straight years. Great job. Phils get Cliff Lee and Braves fans keep talking about two players in AA.
TennesseePaul
July 31st, 2009
5:11 pm
Peavy was traded for the #’s 2 and 3 prospects in the White Sox system… their top two pitching prospects, according to BA’s preseason ranking.
Of course, the White Sox didn’t have a single prospect in the top 100…
Peavy, injured, finally agreed to a team in a league he flat out refused to go to earlier.
Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
July 31st, 2009
5:11 pm
The lineup will likely look like this I would think:
1. McClouth
2. Prado
3. Chipper
4. LaRouche
5. McCann
6. Escobar
7. Anderson
8. Church/Diaz
I think LaRouche should hit between Chipper and McCann because Chipper is disciplined enough to handle being pitched around and hitting in front of McCann will give him more pitches to hit.
Poor Man's Claudell Washington
July 31st, 2009
5:11 pm
Nova Scotia (per your 4:57):
Frank Wren = Clam Man: King of the Bottom Feeders.
Motto: One team’s trash (or Laroche) is another team’s treasure.