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985 comments Add your comment
ncscoots
September 21st, 2009
10:39 am
would look into Jake Fox’s availability. RH hitter who can mash.
And play him where, exactly, LOL? They have a name for hitters without a position, but they don’t use it in the NL.
The Braves are not going to take a chance on a player with very little track record when seeking to repair the most glaring deficiency on the team. They are going to want a player in whom they have a reasonable level of confidence for a certain level of offensive production, and that pretty much eliminates most inexperienced players.
White Blood Cells
September 21st, 2009
10:41 am
There just seems to be a tremendous amount of politics in the organization now. Chipper openly lobbies for LaRoche, which really isn’t cool. It puts Wren in a helluva spot after giving the guy 40 million. Why does Chipper bite the hand that feeds? Wren was correct about Glavine and Smoltz. Smoltz has made 20 million dollars the past 2 years and what has he done? Liberty needs to decide which guy they trust for the direction of this organization.
Jimmy Joe
September 21st, 2009
10:42 am
Does anyone think that Wren has a tough job this offseason? This is a pretty solid roster. They have room for improvement, but they are going to win 86-88 games. Even if they just bring back Laroche and let Sori and Gonzo go:
CF McLouth
2B Prado
3B Jones
C McCann
1B Laroche
SS Escobar
RF Heyward
LF Diaz/Church
Then a starting rotation of:
SP Lowe
SP Vazquez
SP Hudson
SP Jurrjens
SP Hanson
CL Moylan
RP Medlen
RP O’Flaherty
RP Kawakami
To me thats a pretty good team.
Random
September 21st, 2009
10:43 am
Mitchell (September 20th, 2009 5:42 pm): “What simple fools we are for spelling a common slang term the way it’s pronounced. It sounds like “woah” therefore it is woah. If we said it the way it supposedly is spelled “whoa”, we’d all sound like Al Pacino.”
jeffrey d (September 20th, 2009 5:47 pm): “Mitchell – I’ve spelled it “woah” for as long as I can remember. I’ve never had anybody think anything of it because 1) that’s how it looks like it’s pronounced to me, and 2) it’s not like you put it in essays or anything.”
Whoa — you guys truly are semiliterate buffons, aren’t you?
Are you actually trying to say that you pronounce “woah” “the way that it’s spelled” — like “Noah”?
And you actually think that what Pacino’s Scent of a Woman character keeps yelling would be spelled “whoa” and not “hoo-ah”?
I give up — yer hopeless.
Rob from SC
September 21st, 2009
10:44 am
ncscoots
play him at 1B
CB
September 21st, 2009
10:46 am
I would make a 3yr-up to 24mil offer to LaRoche early to see if this would get him. Freeman may offer potential,but Adam has shown results. If later Freeman continues to progress,trade Adam. I would also look at what Carl Crawford trade would cost,I would think it would be prospects. I would like to see an outfield of Crawford, Heyward, and McLouth.
Efrim
September 21st, 2009
10:52 am
JimmyJoe, I think the idea is to get better for 2010. While I agree that it’s a solid roster that you posted, it’s not exactly better. There is room for things to get worse next year. And that bullpen doesn’t look nearly as good as this years. That roster on opening day next year means Wren would of just signed Laroche, and I wouldn’t be too happy if that’s all he did this winter.
ncscoots, what’s your take on McLouth? I remember you being lukewarm on the trade when it happened, and now that we have seen a decent sample size from him, what do you think? Personally, I think he is a nice player. Nothing too special. .265/.350/.450 in center with average deal is solid. But I think the guy was overhyped in Pittsburgh…..probably because it’s Pittsburgh and they have a dearth of good players. Thoughts?
Anders
September 21st, 2009
10:53 am
Imagine if Wren gets real unjust with LaRoche and Chipper demands a trade. It could work out nicely (White Blood Cells)
Except the part where the Braves have to pay some of Chippers $’s to unload him. You don’t think a team is gonna take that 3 year load on for a 37 year old guy who’s getting creakier by the day and is coming off arguably the worst full year of his career? Why do you think Chipper put that olive branch out that he may retire next year if he tanks again? That takes the longer term $’s pressure off everyone. Now he’s viewed as a possible $14 mil risk rather than $42 mil. He bought himself some time imo. As for him walking away from all that money, unless he absolutely embarrasses himself next year I’ll believe it when I see it.
Maybe he’ll split the baby and walk but to leave $28 mil on the table? No way.
White Blood Cells
September 21st, 2009
10:55 am
I really think trade possibilities are the least important issues for this organization. I think the organization is a bit rudderless with Cox’s influence. He’s either the Manager or the General Manager, but not both. 24 years and 1 World Championship with the talent that has come through this city is pretty weak. I have defended Bobby in the past because of the bad luck and I really believe with luck and his skill it should’ve been 2 more Championships. But, that train has left the station. I still think we have a chance this year, but it shouldn’t have been this dificult.
White Blood Cells
September 21st, 2009
10:58 am
Anders,
I couldn’t agree with you more which is why his comments regarding LaRoche are perplexing to me. Chipper is not the GM and shouldn’t put Wren in such a compromising position.
Anders
September 21st, 2009
10:59 am
Efrim- McLouth sure is looking like he was a big fish in a small pond with the Pirates. I thought he was a real good player but he hasn’t lived up to it as a Brave. Worth giving him a whole season next year though. He’s got good skills, just not the front line guy I thought he’d be.
Georgia Brave
September 21st, 2009
11:02 am
What about Dave Duncan for a future manager? He is rumored to be unhappy in St. Louis…
RHR
September 21st, 2009
11:05 am
Good stuff here with Jerome Jurenovich.
http://www.atlantabaseballtalk.com/?p=198
Lou Vales
September 21st, 2009
11:07 am
So we have a guy nicknamed “Hoss” who has been nearly as brittle as Ruffian telling the Atlanta Braves what they SHOULD do. AND all the while you never know when “Hoss” finally has that inevitable breakdown that puts him out for good while they must continue to pay him and Mensa Man who would be signed to appease him. Real Nice!!
Anders
September 21st, 2009
11:10 am
If later Freeman continues to progress,trade Adam. (CB)
This is problem #2. Should the Braves and LaRoche somehow see themselves clear on the number of years I would think LaRoche will wants some guarantees that he won’t be moved when Freeman is ready. Otherwise, why sign with the Braves to begin with when you can pick where you want to play?
If he can’t get a no trade or limited no trade at best expect the $’s per year to rise. Or maybe an escalator in $’s upon any trade. My recollection is that these are things Braves mgt does not engage in. I’m thinking this whole deal might just be DOA. Hence, Chippers comments.
White Blood Cells
September 21st, 2009
11:11 am
Anders,
Agree again about McClouth, he is miscast. He seems to be an above average LF who’ll hit .275 with 18 HR and 75 RBI on a really good team batting 6th or 7th. We have lots of offensive holes and an overpriced bullpen.
Anders
September 21st, 2009
11:12 am
Georgia Brave – Tony LaRussa and Dave Duncan = Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon.
They’re a matched set. The two from St. Louis are available however. The two from Hollywood – not so much {:
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
11:17 am
How about just offering Laroche arbitration? If he accepts it, we’ll see you in spring training. If not, don’t we get a draft pick? — Jimmy Joe
If he accepts it, LaRoche would likely get a one-year salary far higher than the Braves would want to pay him or would have room in their payroll to pay him.
He’s making $7 mill this season and might hit 30 home runs. As you can imagine, he’d likely get a significant raise through arbitration….
Oh, and Anders is right: It’s very nice here in NYC today. About 70 degrees and, most importantly, dry.
White Blood Cells
September 21st, 2009
11:17 am
It’s really a shame that Gonzalez has two contract years left with the Marlins.
Georgia Brave
September 21st, 2009
11:18 am
Word is Dave Duncan was unhappy with the way his son was treated by the Cardinals organization and was not sure whether he would return. He knows how to handle pitchers, has had many years with LaRussa and usually former catchers make great managers.
Georgia Brave
September 21st, 2009
11:22 am
Duncan Unhappy…
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/sweetspot/0-5-4/Dave-Duncan-leaving-Cards-.html
White Blood Cells
September 21st, 2009
11:25 am
Does anyone think Wren would have difficulty getting a GM job outside Atlanta?
RHR
September 21st, 2009
11:27 am
Does anyone think that Wren has a tough job this offseason?
Not as tough as last offseason.
There just seems to be a tremendous amount of politics in the organization now. Chipper openly lobbies for LaRoche, which really isn’t cool. It puts Wren in a helluva spot after giving the guy 40 million. Why does Chipper bite the hand that feeds?
Chipper has always done that. He openly lobbied to get Hudson, he openly lobbied for Peavy, he’s done it often over the years for different guys. He wants what is best for the team and unless A Gonzalez goes on the market Roachy will be the best available free agent 1B. Jeter does the same in NY, as do other team veterans. Its common, you haven’t been paying attention if you’ve never noticed veteran players suggest the team hire certain free agents.
DAP
September 21st, 2009
11:28 am
i agree with chipper that the braves need to lock up laroche. im also confused as yo why they wouldnt want to go 3 years. i dont see any good reason, including freddie freeman, not to sign him for 3 years. i say if there is a logjam later, deal with it then. there is no garuntee freeman will ever be a major league player.
it sounds like if the braves offered laroche 3 years, he would take it in a snap. maybe he would accept a 3rd year mutual option with a healthy buyout.
RHR
September 21st, 2009
11:29 am
Does anyone think Wren would have difficulty getting a GM job outside Atlanta?
Are you kidding?
Lew
September 21st, 2009
11:33 am
White Blood Cells-We’re usually of a like mind about lots of Braves’ topics, but I have to disagree with you on Roachy/Chipper.
Dude-Players lobby for the hiring of other players on a regular basis (remember GriffeyJr, for one?). It is nothing underhanded, nor is it against the interests of the team.
I think Roachy should be signed for a 3 year deal (see CB’s comments re:LaRoche at 10:46). All the guy has done in ATlanta (both times) is to play excellent defense at first and hit Home Runs (in a pitcher friendly park). At this point, Freeman looks like he may be good, but who knows for sure? Kid has only played at AA and has done well, but hardly anything like Heyward. Hey may, or may not be as good as we think in the long run-only time will tell. However, the Braves don’t really have that time right now. They are on the cusp of being a dominant team with this pitching staff and a bit more power, part of which La Roche could provide. Adam won’t provide all theunch we need, but had he been on the team all year long instead of Kotchman (who played phenomenal defense, never doubt it), we probably would be in the lead for the WC right now.
Nothing wrong with players of Chipper’s tenure and loyalty to the Braves giving his thoughts on the situation. Nothing at all wrong with it-unless he suggests something totally ignorant. Re-signing Adam LaRoche is NOT a dumb move. I seriously hope Frank Wren listens to his Thrid Baseman-at leas on this suggestion.
ncscoots
September 21st, 2009
11:35 am
Efrim, it wasn’t that I was lukewarm on McLouth, as much as not seeing him as an impact player (though I don’t think the Braves were looking for that from him, either). He’s a fine player, and flanked by a couple of bangers, I think he would be a fine offensive fit in CF. Less so as a corner, and I’d prefer he were RH, LOL, and hitting in the bottom third.
But, I don’t see any chance that Schafer is ready out of ST and McLouth is OK in CF, so I’d say he’s good to go. Depends on what other OF options are available to the Braves as to whether he moves to a corner (if and when on Schafer) or gets traded later.
Anders
September 21st, 2009
11:40 am
Oh, and Anders is right (DOB)
There’s a first! (Sits back with both hands clasped behind his head and smiles) {:
White Blood Cells
September 21st, 2009
11:43 am
RHR,
I guess the difference between Chipper and Jeter, well you fill in the blanks. As for Chipper lobbying for Peavy, well again, you fill in the blanks. Chipper is paid (handsomely, thank you to Wren) to play 3rd base and bat 3rd. I don’t see GM as part of his job description. He leads the league in errors this year and his avg., well you can fill in the blanks.
RHR
September 21st, 2009
11:48 am
I guess the difference between Chipper and Jeter, well you fill in the blanks. As for Chipper lobbying for Peavy, well again, you fill in the blanks
No please, you do it for me.
Anders
September 21st, 2009
11:48 am
RHR- I’m afraid you’re wrong on Jeter. Not a peep from that guy on anything. Name, rank and maybe serial number.
Compared to him the old KGB was full of loose lips.
White Blood Cells
September 21st, 2009
11:49 am
Lew,
I understand your points and agree, but none of my comments about Chipper lobbying for LaRoche are as relevant to my bigger opinion, only a side note to said opinion. My biggest question is: Who makes personnel decisions for this organization, Wren or Cox?
flange 1
September 21st, 2009
11:51 am
Anders,
Don’t go and get to proud of yourself, DOB only said you were right about the weather!!!
White Blood Cells
September 21st, 2009
11:52 am
RHR,
Sorry, both great players. But to compare their leadership apples for apples is like comparing New York to Atlanta.
CB
September 21st, 2009
11:54 am
flange1, it did take a couple of brain cells and he is a Mets fan.
White Blood Cells
September 21st, 2009
11:54 am
RHR,
Aren’t you glad Chipper didn’t pull the trigger on the Peavy deal?
RemoW
September 21st, 2009
11:55 am
Great comment at mlbtraderumors.com about Chipper.
“It’s been a rough year for Chipper Jones offensively (by his standards), and he’s apparently not pleased with himself. Chipper says that if his 2010 production looks like this season’s, he may hang it up before his current contract is up. When an .823 OPS is a down year that has you considering retirement, I think that’s a sign you’ve had a pretty great career.”
Lest we forget exactly how good the man has been.
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
11:57 am
DOB It’s very nice here in NYC today. About 70 degrees and, most importantly, dry.
Hmm…La-dee-dah for New York! Sure is a mess here! Sheesh…and more rain is coming! Not sure exactly how much we got last night, but the news said Lilburn only got 3.41″–it HAD to be more than that…Dang, it was something else.
DAP
September 21st, 2009
11:58 am
lewThey are on the cusp of being a dominant team with this pitching staff and a bit more power, part of which La Roche could provide.
amen, lew. thats what im saying. ive been reluctant to put it like this, but i believe wren has the capability to have a world series caliber team in 2010. he doesnt need to compromise that by planning on a rookie taking over 1st base in a few years.
RHR
September 21st, 2009
12:00 pm
Guess you don’t keep up with the Yankees as well as you do the braves, Anders, because I distinctly remember reading that Jeter was lobbying for the yankees to sign AJ Burnett last winter…
ncscoots
September 21st, 2009
12:01 pm
My biggest question is: Who makes personnel decisions for this organization, Wren or Cox?
It’s somewhat shocking that folks still ask this. It’s Wren’s job to make the roster and Cox’s job to implement it. But no GM is going to make roster moves without asking for the manager’s input…how do you see him fitting, how would you use him to full effect, etc. But also, no GM is going to abdicate his responsibility and accede to a manager’s wishes, for no good reason. Not when the GM is the guy who is going to be held accountable for the names on the roster. That would be suicidal, and Wren impresses me as anything but.
RHR
September 21st, 2009
12:04 pm
Mark Derosa openly lobbied the Cards to sign Smoltzy and he’s been on that team 2 months…
WBC – its not about being glad or not that Peavy didn’t become a brave, its about that Chipper has done that type thing before while you were acting like its some new thing and making something out of nothing.
Jeter and Chipper are both veterans on the only team they’ve ever played for. No?
Lew
September 21st, 2009
12:05 pm
White Blood Cells-Doesn’t matter to me who makes the decisions (BC, Chipper or Wren) as long as we re-sign LaRoche for three years.
DAP-Absolutely. Freeman should be considered if and when he is ready. Until then we need a first baseman and LaRoche, fields well, hits well, loves playing in Atlanta and even at a raise to about $8 mil per season (for three) is a good deal financially. At the end of that time, either Freeman is not ready at all, has become ready after being Roachy’s understudy for a year, is decent trade bait for someone else needed to fill openings or just proves most of us wrong and is a total bust. With ALR, we know what we’d be getting. Now.
Anders
September 21st, 2009
12:07 pm
Adam won’t provide all theunch we need, but had he been on the team all year long instead of Kotchman (who played phenomenal defense, never doubt it), we probably would be in the lead for the WC right now. (Lew)
LaRoche is a notorious 2nd half player. Other than 8 more HR’s LaRoche didn’t produce that much more than Kotchman did in the first half. He also had 56 more AB’s. LaRoche also struck out a lot more. Kotchman actually hit for a better average and had a better OBP. Granted if it’s just power you crave than LaRoche will give you some more of that in the first half. Enough to say the Braves would be the WC at this point – that’s debatable imo.
BTW- I used pre and post All Star game as the dividing point. Should the Braves sign him I look forward to next year when he crawls out of the gate and many on here scream asking why the Braves signed this guy etc.. and DOB has to continue to remind he’s a slow starter. Sound like any other recent 1st baseman that played for your Braves?
White Blood Cells
September 21st, 2009
12:08 pm
RHR,
My point, you think Lowe’s a bust? How about Burnett? I just don’t agree with players lobbying for other players. They are paid to play baseball not to be a GM. It just shows organizational weakness like the astounding Yankee payroll and no World Champ in 9 years.
Anders
September 21st, 2009
12:09 pm
Flange 1 – Baby steps Flange, baby steps. {:
P. W. Hjort
September 21st, 2009
12:12 pm
I only suggest Cuddyer because he’s signed for 1 year at $8.5 million with a $10.5 million club option for 2011. I would imagine the Twins would pass on the option, they’ve got bigger
Mauerfinancial issues. And the Twins need a 2B like they need oxygen. Considering the salary relief they get and the hole they fill, seems like a fairly even swap provided no $$ gets exchanged.McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
12:14 pm
The Cubs have John Grove on the trading block? Did somebody say that?
If so, dang…one rough year and they’re ready to give up on the guy.
P. W. Hjort
September 21st, 2009
12:16 pm
Jrob0423 (Charlotte): What is your opinion of Criag Kimbrel ? Led all of the minors in K/9 innings but has command issues. Future Braves closer or middle innings reliever ?
Kevin Goldstein: Actually, he was second behind Dan Remenowsky of the White Sox, but why nitpick. The key phrase here is “but has command issues.” If he can clean those up (and progress was made during the second half), then yes, he can close.
P. W. Hjort
September 21st, 2009
12:17 pm
HAHA:
David (Winston Salem): You don’t know how you could take Heyward over Strasburg? Heyward’s a bat, for one.
Kevin Goldstein: I agree totally. Jason Heyward is a MUCH better hitter than Strasburg.
White Blood Cells
September 21st, 2009
12:18 pm
ncscoots,
I don’t know and it’s all speculation by me. I think Wren had a deal for Francouer before they broke camp (remember all the rumors), but like so many he had to run it by Bobby. I just think it’s time to slay this 2-headed monster and the one with the 90’s head needs to be loped off.
RHR
September 21st, 2009
12:20 pm
I just don’t agree with players lobbying for other players. They are paid to play baseball not to be a GM. It just shows organizational weakness like the astounding Yankee payroll and no World Champ in 9 years.
Doesn’t really matter if you agree with it or not, and I disagree that it shows organizational weakness, it happens on every team and in every sport. Chipper shouldn’t be singled out, especially not by a braves fan (?) trying to act like he’s doing something unusual or wrong.
DAP
September 21st, 2009
12:21 pm
anders, kotchman’s OBP may have been a little better in the 1st half than laroche, but it wasnt doing us any good. and, laroche’s slg% was way higher than kotchmans in the first half, which is what the braves needed.
i dont think its a stretch to say that if the braves had mcouth and laroche all season instead of schafer and kotchman, they would be leading the wild card.
laroche is actually a very good fit in this offense. not a big OBP guy, but a slugger. we’ll take it.
Anders
September 21st, 2009
12:23 pm
DAP- I was just responding to Lews post that if LaRoche was on the Braves all year they’d lead the WC. I disagree with that.
DAP
September 21st, 2009
12:26 pm
pwhjort
cuddyer? that would be awesome. have you heard anything about this being possible, or did you come up with the idea?
White Blood Cells
September 21st, 2009
12:39 pm
RHR,
I wasn’t trying to single him out, but I will. After the year he’s had (league lead in errors and a poor hitting performance), I would think he would show some respect to a guy who just gave him a 42 million contract. Enough respect to not go public with how much this guy has meant to the team blah blah blah. He has cornered Wren with these statements. Wren is damned if does and damned if he dosn’t. I may be making a mountain out of a mole hill, but I still think it’s inappropriate.
White Blood Cells
September 21st, 2009
12:43 pm
Just a little frustrated with the Braves evolved culture. Too much tail wagging too little dog.
Lew
September 21st, 2009
12:57 pm
Anders-We are what? 5 games back in the loss column for the WC right now?
Adam LaRoche’s averages for the first half of the season (to the All Star Break) for the years 05-09 are a .253 BA, .330 OBP with 13 HR and 42 RBI. Those are his AVERAGES, mind you, and includes his time in Pittsburgh, which I believe was not as much to his liking as Atlanta.
This year, Casey Kotchman hit .274 with a .336 OBP and had only 4 HR and 31 RBI.
Now while CK did have a higher BA and slightly better OBP, would those 9 extra HR and 11 RBI have won us five games? Maybe not, but it IS damned well possible and maybe even likely, given the quality of our pitching and our lack of timely hitting, which though I haven’t gone back and researched it to that extent (and won’t either), could have benefited greatly from a well placed HR or RBI in at least a dozen instances.
DAP
September 21st, 2009
12:57 pm
WBC Just a little frustrated with the Braves evolved culture. Too much tail wagging too little dog.
i think what you perceive might not be reality. i wouldnt worry to much about it. i dont think wren sees it as a challenge to his authority.
DAP
September 21st, 2009
12:59 pm
lew, dont forget kotchman’s missed games (though not his fault) and the fact laroche has played more. had laroche been on the team and able to play those games kotchman missed, prado may have been playing 2nd instead of 1st and kelly would have been on the bench. thats got to be worth some wins.
or course there is really no way of knowing, but still….
Bay Area Steve
September 21st, 2009
1:01 pm
CB,
well, I was close. If I wasn’t so lazy, I’d go back and find the thread. I coulda swore you posted you were thirteen. Well, I was within 50; that’s pretty darn accurate, if you ask me.
Anders,
a request: if you’re going to include The Great Johnny Carson in an attempted joke, please make it funny. He deserves at least as much. Thank you.
ncscoots
September 21st, 2009
1:08 pm
BAS, just so you know, The Notorious One’s characterization of “beautifully disturbed” made me think, “Damn! Wish I had written that.” The sweet music of elegant language played at the perfect tempo and key, that. Hat-tip to guy who can inspire it…
CB
September 21st, 2009
1:08 pm
I don’t have a problem with any player lobbying for signing any other player, I would have a lot of problem if the GM made any decision based on what any player’s opinion is. Wren will do only what the management thinks is best.
White Blood Cells
September 21st, 2009
1:10 pm
DAP,
Not worried, and I wouldn’t mind Bobby managing next year. Easy jumping to conclusions with this team’s inconsistency. You make a good point about the many untimely minor injuries (12:59 post). They have been really unlucky with those this year.
Mark
September 21st, 2009
1:14 pm
Everybody needs to go over and read Bradley’s article on why Cox should retire. The pro-Bobby folks need to especially. He doesn’t humiliate the man, just put it in a way that makes sense, and 100% FACT! He needs to retire. Check out his stats on the Braves and Marlins this year on outscoring opponents….. and the stinkin Fish are a game better? WOW! Yes sir, Bobby, you need to hang ‘em up old timer!
Bay Area Steve
September 21st, 2009
1:20 pm
What the heck is this hat-tip stuff? Props, scoots. Props.
And, ’bout time you had a “wish I had written that” moment. Your posts often result in that feeling. So often, in fact, that it’s becoming irritating. Dumb it down, would ya..
No jealousy here, no sir.
DAP
September 21st, 2009
1:23 pm
WBC…as far as the tail wagging the dog, though….i just think the dog (if wren is the dog in this analogy) has been bold and made this team his own. its the same guy who didnt give into smoltz…(you know chipper was ticked about that)….who looked tom glavine (yes, THE tom glavine) in the eye and told him he wasnt good enough to play on this team, and who traded the hometown hero to our most hated rivals…. i dont think anyone is wagging this guy.
CB
September 21st, 2009
1:26 pm
BAS, that was someone else posing as me after I gave an opinion on their asinine statement,lol. I never scroll past anything you write,usually pretty funny stuff. Alcohol induced or not, you are good.
White Blood Cells
September 21st, 2009
1:30 pm
DAP,
I’m all over the place with this team and the Manager. I succumb to the rumor of a Cox – Wren infight and lose confidence. What I do know is that the Rockies play LA 3 more times, Lincecum is tired & Penny was shelled and we play the Mets and Nats 10 more times.
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
1:37 pm
This is one of the funniest baseball-things I’ve ever seen that is not Braves-related.
Beautiful…not that I like the Cubs, but… 
bravesgrl4life
September 21st, 2009
1:41 pm
that is funny
McFann. Cubs aren’t so bad. My sis-in-law lives up there, so I have to be judicious on my thoughts on them 
P. W. Hjort
September 21st, 2009
1:51 pm
Nah, DAP, I just came up with the idea. Origionally at the trade deadline. It still makes sense, though.
ncscoots
September 21st, 2009
1:56 pm
BAS, are we still giving props? Without Dentz around to be the butt of the joke (and, believe me, my sense of abandonment is total and complete. Right.), I feel somewhat prop-poor, LOL. However, if the blog continues with the giving and taking thereof, I’m on that puppy. Props to Bruce!
DAP
September 21st, 2009
1:56 pm
pwhjort well, i like it. and youre right, it does make sense….good find.
monty
September 21st, 2009
2:06 pm
Anders
“Should the Braves sign him I look forward to next year when he crawls out of the gate and many on here scream asking why the Braves signed this guy etc.. and DOB has to continue to remind he’s a slow starter. Sound like any other recent 1st baseman that played for your Braves?”
Yeh , to me he sounds just like Delgado: 2007 and 2008 1st half numbers.
Delgado avg. .242- OBP.305 slugg. .435 OPS .740
avg. .248- OBP.328 slugg. .458 OPS .784
LaRoche avg. .239- OBP.324 slugg. .439 OPS .763
avg. .251- OBP.330 slugg. .434 OPS .764
Your guy will be 38 next year and is injury prone now and can’t field. Seems like to me you have your own concerns. I’ll take Adam in a minute over your guy if their 1st half numbers recently are similar. We all know what Adam does in the 2nd half and how smooth a fielder he is. I guess when Delgado goes down again you can replace him with slick fielding Murphy!
beekay
September 21st, 2009
2:16 pm
I think that unless Heyward has a big spring, we keep him at AAA. I don’t want to rush the kid like we did with Schafer this year. If he has a solid spring great, bring him up. Has anyone even mentioned Shafer being part of next years team? It seems to me that the consensus is Nate, Heyward, and Matty/Church combo in the outfield. Schafer was supposed to be a stud for the next 10 years, we rush him up and now no one is even talking about him making the team next year….another reason to sign Roachie to 3 years and take time with freeman..if he blows up in the minors than we can trade either him or Roachie for something solid.
McFann :Ô:
September 21st, 2009
2:25 pm
bravesgrl4life–
Yeah, my Grandma likes the Cubs, too (well, so does Grandpa, but she likes them more, I think. They’re both from Minnesota). She knows I don’t like them, though.
But I dislike the Cardinals more…so always funny to see them lose in such a way.
DAP
September 21st, 2009
2:43 pm
beekay It seems to me that the consensus is Nate, Heyward, and Matty/Church combo in the outfield.
i think you salary dump church and bring in an outfielder, if you can.
Pete
September 21st, 2009
2:57 pm
DOB: “It’s very nice here in NYC today. About 70 degrees and, most importantly, dry.”
Dave, know anyone here in Atlanta who can build a good ark, very quickly?
beekay
September 21st, 2009
3:01 pm
DAP
I think a healthy Church is solid and makes a perfect platoon with /Diaz. He has alot of deep counts, runs well, throws well and can hit righties well. How much would we have to pay him? If it’s under 3 mill I would want him back.
Pete
September 21st, 2009
3:04 pm
LEW agree completely about signing LaRoche to 3 years, but even in this enviornment, its gonna take a lot more than $8 mil/year (from $7) in my opinion. Seems as if at least $10/year for a 30 HR (or close) guy who fields well also.
ncscoots
September 21st, 2009
3:06 pm
now no one is even talking about [Schafer] making the team next year
I think that’s more like “making the team out of spring training”. And he probably shouldn’t. This was basically a lost year for him, he won’t get any winter ball, and the kid needs plate appearances. I agree with one poster (think that was you, PW) that his development is not so much an issue…he just needs some ABs to get his groove back, and his confidence (though I don’t think he’s the type of kid who worries too much in that department).
I think he’ll be with the big club sometime during the year, and I think he’ll be there to stay, once he is.
David O'Brien
September 21st, 2009
3:08 pm
NEW BLOGGAGE
DAP
September 21st, 2009
3:12 pm
beekay, church makes $2.8mil this season, so i dont think the braves can keep him for under $3mil.
my idea is to get rid of kawakami, johnson and church, resign soriano, laroche, and bring in mike cameron.
i think it makes us a better team overall, and well within our financial ability.
Piedmont Blues
September 21st, 2009
3:31 pm
Lew,
Agree completely on LaRoche. He’s a great second-half player but not exactly a stiff before the All-Star break, either. I would hope three years (or two with a mutual option) would be an offer he’d consider if not accept.