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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,246 comments Add your comment
Shaun
July 31st, 2009
3:02 pm
If Wren stands pat and Braves don’t make it, it’ll be a sad thing, especially if there was a move however small it was he could have done that would have worked and given them that push to make it.
I agree there too as even a small deal will pump a club up and say, hey, our front office wants to make a go at this thing.
A small deal is just that, a deal that isn’t going to make much of an impact. Why give up a young player that could turn in to something just to acquire a player who is only going to make a minimal difference? And why give up really talented young players to improve your playoff chances in the short term when the playoff chances are already decent?
Not saying a deal shouldn’t be made if it’s right. (Perhaps Wuertz for an expendable “non-prospect” for example.) But Wren has lots of things to weigh, as this team could be a truly great one as soon as next season.
Fluffy McNutter
July 31st, 2009
3:02 pm
Bravosss
We keep hearing about a bullpen arm, mostly because of how the main four guys in the pen have been overworked so far this season. We could use another reliable option so that Bobby won’t have those four guys running on fumes or on the DL come the stretch run.
TBrown
July 31st, 2009
3:02 pm
Tough to envision the Dodgers giving up Kershaw or Billingsley. They need to add to their rotation, not take out of it.
Jeffro
July 31st, 2009
3:02 pm
TnBrian….Very good point. I like.
geauxbraves2000
July 31st, 2009
3:02 pm
Why would the Braves be interested in LaRoche?
Nova Scotia Steve
July 31st, 2009
3:03 pm
GET ADAM LAROCHE….GET HIM…
Then flip Kotchman and someone else for a reliever?
Make sense??
Dan_in_NC
July 31st, 2009
3:03 pm
Jon Heyman (Sports Illustrated) says that the Braves might be interested in Adam LaRoche to fill a reserve role? WTH?
curtis jones
July 31st, 2009
3:03 pm
Don’t know if you heard, but 3 Braves pitchers are “charity bag boys” at a Publix store in Atlanta this afternoon. Medlen and Logan are doing okay, but Kawakami keeps trying to put items in the bag, and misses low and outside.
BravesFanChris24
July 31st, 2009
3:03 pm
That would help the offense. Could acquire him on the cheap, since that would open for V-Mart to be 1B and Red Sox know it.
Drew
July 31st, 2009
3:03 pm
Bravosss… the thinking is with the innings on the 3 late innings guys (Moylan, Gonzo, MFIKY (Liked it so much I had to use it.) The Braves would like to have another 7th or 8th inning guy to throw out there and give the Big 3 a rest now and then.
NORRIS
July 31st, 2009
3:03 pm
yeah we may get hudson back for the pen or KK. But that is just one arm. We need a bullpen period. I think they all sit out there nightly and bet on who gets to lose it tonight.
Heath
July 31st, 2009
3:03 pm
Kotchman>LaRoche, right? Am I wrong on this?
Rob from SC
July 31st, 2009
3:03 pm
MLB traderumors say we want LaRoche
THWG
July 31st, 2009
3:03 pm
I’m very pleased with MLB Network. I enjoy their coverage. I wish they’d show Sunday Night Baseball rather than the homers over at BSPN.
Anders
July 31st, 2009
3:03 pm
Brian – The NFL dwarfs the MLB because the NFL players have about 10% of the power of the MLB players period. The NFL controls their product better than anyone. They spread the wealth and work well together.
Oh yeah, and all that gambling sure helps.
max
July 31st, 2009
3:04 pm
Braves interested in Adam LaRoche.
http://twitter.com/SI_JonHeyman/status/3056023193
Kentavo
July 31st, 2009
3:04 pm
Why would Braves be interested in LaRoche?
I can see a RH platoon partner for Kotch, but not another lefty.
Curt
July 31st, 2009
3:04 pm
Makes sense to me, get LaRoche for a song and RELEASE Norton!!!!!!
BravesFanChris24
July 31st, 2009
3:04 pm
LaRoche does have big second halves.
THWG
July 31st, 2009
3:04 pm
Heath- Yes. But LaRoche>Norton
Herschel Talker
July 31st, 2009
3:04 pm
BravesFanChris24 at 3:02:
Don’t you think people on this blog know who Adam LaRoche is and when he got traded? You are a clown. And you like men.
What is the general consensus on this blog about Jo Jo Reyes and Kelly Johnson for Albert Pujols? I’d even throw in Greg Norton.
Dan_in_NC
July 31st, 2009
3:05 pm
The Sox are probably asking for Heyward, Medlen and a low level prospect for LaRoche? lol.
stamper
July 31st, 2009
3:05 pm
braves and laroche again? wha wha?
Heath
July 31st, 2009
3:05 pm
MLB Network even mentioning the Braves’ interest in LaRoche.
BravesFanChris24
July 31st, 2009
3:05 pm
Would be a good move. Trade for LaRoche and release Norton.
Rob from SC
July 31st, 2009
3:05 pm
LaRoche > Norton
Herschel Talker
July 31st, 2009
3:05 pm
curtis jones at 3:03: lmao.
Jeffro
July 31st, 2009
3:05 pm
MLB now sayin Sox shopping LaRoche and Braves are interested…..If that happens that will solve nothing. Kotchman might not hit a ton of homers…but he hits for better avg then Laroche.
Rob from SC
July 31st, 2009
3:06 pm
Maybe we can get a RP for Kotchman if we get LaRoche
Mixxo
July 31st, 2009
3:06 pm
Roachy!?
Paul Lentz
July 31st, 2009
3:06 pm
Anders……….for once I have to totally agree with your 3:03pm posting.
Renegator
July 31st, 2009
3:06 pm
Just under an hour to go. Where is DOB with trade news?
kelevra
July 31st, 2009
3:07 pm
this might work out better than trading for him from the pirates. the red sox just want to get rid of him now, where the pirates actually want value
TnBrian
July 31st, 2009
3:07 pm
I gotta admit that I thought we should’ve have gotten LaRoche before Boston did and now maybe they’re coming around on the idea. He’s a second half hitter, at least he ahs been before, and definitely has more power than Casey. Who knows, maybe they platoon?
Heath
July 31st, 2009
3:07 pm
THWG -
Me > Norton. LaRoche would be an expensive bench piece…and do we really need a 1Ber on the bench? (A $7M bench player)
NORRIS
July 31st, 2009
3:07 pm
yes yes!!!! send norton to south georgia somewhere and let him teach little league. He is a nice guy. He could do that good.
Laroach, bring him on!
BravesFanChris24
July 31st, 2009
3:07 pm
Herschel Talker
“Don’t you think people on this blog know who Adam LaRoche is and when he got traded? You are a clown. And you like men.”
Normally I wouldn’t respond to absurd asinine comments from someone like this, but let me explain why I said what I said.
To the naysayers of a potential deal to get LaRoche back, I was just mentioning the notion he has big second halves as a reason why it wouldn’t be a bad thing.
I know people on the blog know it. I was restating it for the potential naysayers.
braves4ever
July 31st, 2009
3:08 pm
Curtis jones, I had to laugh at that!
abwright
July 31st, 2009
3:08 pm
If Braves were going to make a minor move, a veteran, switch hitting pinch hitter would be a good, under-the-radar move to make. Should be able to pry away a guy from the Pirates for not much in the minor leagues. Heck, if the Pirates are looking to move salary (even a little bit), could get someone for a bag of balls just by assuming his salary.
However, such a deal can get done after the trade deadline without too much fuss.
A bullpen arm or utility guy would be nice, but, Infante and Hudson coming back make giving up anything for something that won’t be around next year a poor decision.
Braves selling is not out of the question. I would be less shocked if the Braves move a pitcher in return for minor leaguers than if the Braves moved minor leaguers for a bat.
Even if this Braves team makes the play-offs, I’m not convinced that they will do anything against the Dodgers. We’ll see tonight whether the Braves might be competitive with the Dodgers. Braves are nicked up; Dodgers bullpen arms must be falling off.
timthebrave
July 31st, 2009
3:08 pm
Three points to make 1.When Hudson comes back we will have another bullpen guy. Him or KK will be in the bullpen. 2. How does Norton still have a job? He is completely overmatched by 88 mph fastballs. I can bat .100 if Bobby needs someone to strike out off the bench. 3.Go Braves!!
Johninnc
July 31st, 2009
3:09 pm
Norton need to work on developing a much better anti virus then norton 360
Anders
July 31st, 2009
3:09 pm
Laroche to the Braves?
Heath
July 31st, 2009
3:09 pm
Saying basically a done deal one MLB Network (V-Mart trade).
Shaun
July 31st, 2009
3:09 pm
My guess is LaRoche would mean the Norton Era is over.
Duke
July 31st, 2009
3:10 pm
Think LaRoche over Kotchman would please me. A little more pop, think he would do well if he were back with Chipper and Bobby. Has good second halves and has adequate defense to KrotchFace. Plus we could possibly get a reliever for him.
THWG
July 31st, 2009
3:10 pm
I’m sure any deal would involve the Sox paying most of his prorated $7M salary. With only 2 months left, he’d be making more like 1 or 2 anyway.
TnBrian
July 31st, 2009
3:10 pm
Anders, ok, ok. Calm down, I’m just venting about the Yankees/Boston “rivalry”. You’re right too so now we can move on. The Braves looking at LaRoche so how about your Mets? Oh, sorry Anders. Probably hit a nerve there.
Rob from SC
July 31st, 2009
3:10 pm
Kotchman has been mashing lately
Heath
July 31st, 2009
3:10 pm
Boston has to eat a lot of salary…. $7M salary is a lot for a bench player in ATL.
Paul Lentz
July 31st, 2009
3:11 pm
I just dont see the Braves trading for Adam LaRoche. The only possible way would be if Boston were to pick up the rest of LaRoche’s salary for the season, which would allow the Braves to finally cut Greg Norton.
If LaRoche played more than one position, then it would make more sense. I just dont see it happening.
abwright
July 31st, 2009
3:12 pm
BTW, was Gonzalez’s velocity down last night? The radar gun had him registering 97, which is BS. Announcers indicated that his velocity had been down since the elbow injury. Could Gonzo’s arm be about to explode?
Herschel Talker
July 31st, 2009
3:13 pm
BravesFanChris24 – I’m all for getting LaRoche. I’m totally on board with ya. I was just screwing with ya. You’re my boy, blue.
Cameron
July 31st, 2009
3:14 pm
Mlbtraderumors.com is reporting that the Braves are interested in bringing back LaRoche, who is now expendable since the Sox acquired V Mart. If so, they need to hurry the deadline is 4 p.m.
BravesFanChris24
July 31st, 2009
3:14 pm
Red Sox Officially Acquire Victor Martinez
Package: Pitchers Nick Hagadone, Justin Masterson and Bryan Price.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 31st, 2009
3:14 pm
Shaun (3:09),
Yeah, I see Norton being DFA’d if LaRoche deal is done.
Wonder if you’ll see Kotchman shopped around for a reliever in a waiver trade in August, too.
BravesFanChris24
July 31st, 2009
3:16 pm
Since V-Mart is a Re3d Sox, I’m pretty sure it won’t take much to get Adam back.
TBrown
July 31st, 2009
3:17 pm
Guys, calm down. Laroche is the guy we’re adding to the bullpen..
Packerman
July 31st, 2009
3:17 pm
We apparently got LaRoche…
BravesFanChris24
July 31st, 2009
3:17 pm
It’s official. Braves acquire Adam LaRoche!
jukeandjive
July 31st, 2009
3:18 pm
We get Laroche? MLBTradeRumors reporting…
Marc from FL
July 31st, 2009
3:18 pm
I don’t think Laroche will make much of an impact if we get him, but my wife and I love him and Renteria. We cheer for those two guys everytime we see them – it certainly wouldn’t make me cry to have him on board again.
AlabamaBrave
July 31st, 2009
3:18 pm
abwright
July 31st, 2009
3:08 pm
The best switch-hitting pinch hitter option is currently playing for Gwinnett.
Taylor S
July 31st, 2009
3:19 pm
Done deal it seems … No word on who’s going to Boston.
Smoltzy
July 31st, 2009
3:19 pm
just heard on xm that the braves got laroche
UGAFan
July 31st, 2009
3:19 pm
we got roachy! i guess kotchman is out??
toga party
July 31st, 2009
3:19 pm
For the first time, I’m actually hoping I get the Away feed on MLB EI tonight.
flange1
July 31st, 2009
3:19 pm
BRAVES GOT LAROACH!
Smoltzy
July 31st, 2009
3:19 pm
why in gods name did we get another left handed bat
Edward( Bobby Retires after 2009 or Bust )
July 31st, 2009
3:19 pm
Gordon Edes: The Red Sox have traded 1B Adam LaRoche to the Braves.
http://twitter.com/bigleaguestew/status/3056265440
Andrew in P-tang
July 31st, 2009
3:19 pm
hahahahahahahaha this is funnyyyyyyyyy
Shaun
July 31st, 2009
3:20 pm
I’m guessing Boston would take on some of LaRoche’s contract if the rumors are true. They would probably view it as part of the price to get Martinez.
ship-builder1
July 31st, 2009
3:20 pm
Braves need to look into Luke Scott from the O’s
TnBrian
July 31st, 2009
3:20 pm
Marc, weird you say that your wife loves LaRoche because my girlfriend who doesn’t even pay hardly any attention to the Braves ask about LaRoche all the time. Kinda glad we got him back but what about Casey? Gonna get intersting real soon.
Jeffro
July 31st, 2009
3:20 pm
Bowman says Laroche to Boston would require Gonzo?
Renegator
July 31st, 2009
3:20 pm
Where is DOB? I thought he was blogging trade rumors today…
Mitchie-san
July 31st, 2009
3:20 pm
LaRoche? There has to be more moves coming. This alone doesnt make sense…
BravesFanChris24
July 31st, 2009
3:20 pm
Yankees Acquired Jerry Hairston Jr.
David O'Brien
July 31st, 2009
3:20 pm
While LaRoche does have a career OPS about 90 points higher against righties than Kotchman, it’s only slightly better than Kotchman’s this season.
And in terms of overall OPS, they are almost identical this season, LaRoche at .768 and Kotchman at .763. Laroche has twice as many homers (13) as Kotchman (6), but RBIs are almost identical (43-41) and Kotchman’s hit for a 44-point higher average for the season, .282 to .248.
And Kotchman’s hit almost 100 points higher with RISP, .313 to .218.
As a pinch-hitter, LaRoche is 12-for-55 (.218) with one homer and a .550 OPS in his career.
That said, LaRoche is a lot better than Norton, in any role. And Kotchman has had some injuries and/or sickness. Be nice not having to move Prado to 1B if Kotchman misses a few games.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 31st, 2009
3:20 pm
The heck with LaRoche! After a double-play grounded into and ANOTHER strikeout in two consecutive games, the time has come! Norton won’t get a hit because everytime he goes to the plate, he remembers his abject futility.
Bobby Cox, you moronic, blithering idiot, CUT NORTON!!! Mike Lum at his present age NOW would be a better option off the bench. Bring Conrad up! Fans are rarely right in such matters; this is the rare instance where everyone in this blogosphere (and Atlanta, for that matter) is right – except you! Bennett is gone because he was an angry nitz. Get rid of Norton NOW!!!
Original Jon
July 31st, 2009
3:20 pm
You have to think that maybe us re-acquiring LaRoche is a pre-cursor to another trade.
David O'Brien
July 31st, 2009
3:21 pm
flange1: I’d be surprised if Chipper gets suspended. Really surprised. When’s the last time you heard of a major league player being suspended for comments about umpiring or whatever? That’s rare in baseball, compared to other sports, because of the immense power of the union. Thankfully. (I like that ballplayers feel like they can say what’s on their mind sometimes in instances like this.)
Andrew in P-tang
July 31st, 2009
3:21 pm
braves trade kotchman and church to nat’s for willingham
BravesFanChris24
July 31st, 2009
3:21 pm
This is a good move, but came straight out of LF ~_~
Smoltzy
July 31st, 2009
3:21 pm
Can someone take the team away from Frank Wren. Why , why ,why do we have another left handed bat. Why , why ,why,
The Bird and Indian
July 31st, 2009
3:21 pm
Adam!
TnBrian
July 31st, 2009
3:22 pm
Couldn’t have been much to get him because it’s obvious Wren is picky about his players/prospects. Not even going to take a guess as to who went but I’ll bet it wasn’t much.
BravesFanChris24
July 31st, 2009
3:22 pm
Rockies Acquire Joe Beimel
Taylor S
July 31st, 2009
3:22 pm
Who did we trade for him ?????
Heath
July 31st, 2009
3:22 pm
So DOB, who’s going to BOS in return?
Smoltzy
July 31st, 2009
3:23 pm
Dave O’brien, there is no way anyone can justify the Braves getting another left handed bat. This is not acceptable.
flange1
July 31st, 2009
3:23 pm
Thanks for the response DOB.
Any chance Kotch could be traded?
MiaBchBravesFan
July 31st, 2009
3:23 pm
Oh, and thank you, Frank Wren, for not making any trades.
I mean that sincerely.
Mitchie-san
July 31st, 2009
3:23 pm
who did we give up????
Edward( Bobby Retires after 2009 or Bust )
July 31st, 2009
3:23 pm
Time to go get an outfielder now. Flip Kotch for something!
Renegator
July 31st, 2009
3:23 pm
There he is! (referring to DOB)
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 31st, 2009
3:24 pm
LaRoche > Nick Johnson?
Probably not b/c Johnson could play the OF (about as well as Norton) in a pinch, but the price should be lower.
I keep thinking Casey’s going to be flipped for a reliever, even if it’s in a waiver deal. Maybe when Infante’s ready to return …
Anders
July 31st, 2009
3:24 pm
DOB- I agree completely with your 3:21. That said Chipper may want to swing at the border line strikes – at least for a while. I get the feeling he won’t be getting those calls.
Mixxo
July 31st, 2009
3:24 pm
Hoss & Roachy are homeys!
bravesgirlnc
July 31st, 2009
3:24 pm
You know Hoss is pretty pumped about this move.
Lennie G
July 31st, 2009
3:24 pm
I’m scratching my head with this Roachy deal. Kotchman must be saying WTF??