Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
7,406 comments Add your comment
DELAWARES ONLY BRAVES FAN
December 24th, 2009
1:09 pm
FRANK WREN LOSER/BRAVES FANS BIGER LOSERS BECAUSE OF HIM. GLAUS CAN YOU SAY ”ROIDS” BIG HITTER WHEN THE DECADE BEGAN BUT NOW BRITEL AND FALLING APART.OH THATS RIGHT HE HAS TO PASS TESTING NOW!!!!!!
Soph
December 24th, 2009
1:10 pm
Enjoy LAST PLACE fool.
Exaggerate much?
Ex-Braves Fan
December 24th, 2009
1:10 pm
T-Hawk: Wayne in Utah is one of those who Knows It All. A regular Bowinkle J. Moose as Mr. Know It All. Jerks like him are a dime a dozen. Always a smart @$$ remark too anyone who does not agree with him. Ignore him. Fools like him need, want, and desire to be noticed. Ignore him and he whines away.
ty44
December 24th, 2009
1:11 pm
Billy Joe Shaver is the a great song writer musician, if some of U fellas havent listend to him..U R missing out! Fast Train to Ga….
Along time ago, with no shoes on his feet………great songs….wish I would have been to eddies attic to hear him…and hey there is a great band to ck out too on you tube…..STEREO MONSTER…..GIVE UM A LISTEN!
Billy (TBFKB)
December 24th, 2009
1:11 pm
tmac,
Call the Soriano trade “desperate” is a bit of a stretch. First, if you remember, speculation was we were not going to offer Soriano Arbitration. I feel and most baseball people are aware of the fact we got anything out of him is a positive. The Braves easily could of not offered arbitration and not got anything. Next, look at Jose Valverde and see how much interest he is getting as a FA. Then you can look at the clubs who have a need for a closer and tell me who would’ve of paid Soriano or given up much to acquire him. Fact is we are lucky to get a return on Soriano at all.
Here is both RS/JV stats and you tell me if Soriano would’ve signed with a team by now:
Valverde: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/players/7151/career_pitching_splits.html
Soriano: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/players/6662/career_pitching_splits.html
You mention not trading a pitcher until spring training. I wonder what kind of leverage Frank Wren would have then. Especially if he signed or traded for a hitter that brought the Braves over budget. He would of been forced to trade JV at a much lower position of leverage. I don’t think the Braves operate or build their team on the event of an injury to an opposing team pitchers in spring training.
You bring up an analogy. Say you went to a car dealership and wanted a particular car but had to sell yours first. The dealer gave you one to two months to get a deal done for your car then he would have to look elsewhere to find a buyer. So then you go and negotiate with 30 potential buyers and each make their offer. You finally decide on the best deal and make it happen opening up your other deal to buy the other car. Im pretty sure my analogy is more accurate to what happened than yours.
Fact is the Braves would not sign/trade for a hitter until they traded a SP. They did not want to miss the mark on other potential deals such as the Glaus signing.
I’m sure the Braves had a few courses of action in any event. This is merely one of them that we are seeing.
“So unless you know the specific details of what FW has been doing… let’s leave the name calling and questioning one’s baseball knowledge out, huh?”
But you seem to be able to tell what type of leverage FW had in his discussion with other teams and make a statement about a move being in desperation. Contradictory, which again proves your lack of baseball knowledge. Oh yeah I did not call anybody a name. Just said they were ignorant of general baseball knowledge. Could of called you stupid but thought that went too far.
tmac
December 24th, 2009
1:12 pm
ccrider- while i agree with you 100%, you can’t tell Lew anything. He knows it all. From running an organization to the grounds crew…
And i’m sure that he will find fault with atleast 2 or 3 things you’ve said. If not, he will just put words in your mouth to help support what he wants to say.
Hope that helps!
Tomahawkin
December 24th, 2009
1:13 pm
Wayne in UT
Merry X-Mas to you to bro…
I will keep bashing the Cheap owners until something gets done within the next 7 weeks
The Owners going the Cheap route the last 3 years really sickens me…
Ex-Braves Fan
December 24th, 2009
1:14 pm
Soph: Who is going to battle them for it, Washington. They will not finish above any of the others in the division. Even the sorry Mets, with healthy players will finish above them. The Mets were destroyed by injuries last year. The Braves had a few, but nothing like the Mets. Lose Chipper, McCann, You-nell, Prado, Hanson, etc. for five months each and see how high the big Braves will finish. The Nats signed the top baseball pitching prospect and have at least tried to sign someone other than broken down players to better their team. Plus they put some good whippings on the Braves this past season. How have the past few seasons worked out for you? Enjoyed those Brave play off games? Oh, wait, what playoff games???
Tomahawkin
December 24th, 2009
1:14 pm
I for one will refuse to spend 50 dollars plus to go to a game where our Awfense gets two hits off of Guys like Cy Redding among others…
Kentavo
December 24th, 2009
1:16 pm
“21st Century Breakdown” by Green Day
Billy (TBFKB)
December 24th, 2009
1:16 pm
t-mac responded to you on the last post of previous page.
Bobby
December 24th, 2009
1:17 pm
2010 Prediction for Braves as currently constituted…
93-69
Tomahawkin
December 24th, 2009
1:18 pm
Ex-BravesFan
I have thick skin so there are few on here than can rattle me, If then happens then I put them on ignore. Some people take these blogs way too serously
Plus Wayne in UT is about a 5 year veteran on this blog so he has the right to debate. I debate with him all the time and its out of good measure
I think he has to calm me down during the games. I get High Strung when I watch the games!
Wayne in Utah
December 24th, 2009
1:18 pm
T’hawkin
The “cheap” owners as you call them have actually been raising the payroll since they bought the team from the cheap owners.
Please, my friend, open your eyes. Complain about something valid, but our ownership is NOT cheap. We have a payroll that is very fair for the mid ranged market we are in. As bad as you hate the Yankees, do you want the Braves to become the Yankees of the south.
Ex-Braves Fan
Man, you have got me pegged! Congratulations! Now go watch some football. You might get hurt trying to figure out something complicated!
Merry Christmas!
(and a Happy New Year too!)
Gotta run folks. I am off to Hollywood!
FEAR
December 24th, 2009
1:19 pm
bot xmas time brings out the nutjobs…….how the hell do you get internet service to a shack in the woods?
J-X
December 24th, 2009
1:19 pm
Ex-Braves Fan,
You stopped caring about the Braves in 2005 but your reading and positing on a BRAVES BLOG on Christmas Eve???? That pretty much proves you care. And the fact that you say you dont care when you so obviously do, pretty much proves your an idiot.
JDbrave
December 24th, 2009
1:20 pm
Dave,
I noticed you mention possibly trading Cabrera to the Marlins for Uggla. I like Uggla’s home run potential, however Prado was one of the best hitters on the team and he is very solid.
Doubt this trade thought has been mentioned – Lowe and Cabrera to the Angles for Juan Rivera and Matt Palmer. We save money, get a solid young pitcher (11-2 last yr) and a bigger bat in the outfield. I have concerns about Lowe’s comments about playing for the Braves this year, seemed like a temper tantrum. Just a thought. Thanks for the blog.
Billy (TBFKB)
December 24th, 2009
1:20 pm
Tomahawkin,
How much do you think the payroll should be for a team that had the 15th best attendance record?
http://espn.go.com/mlb/attendance
Payroll was around 95 million. How much is too much?
If you owned the Braves would you operate at a multi-million dollar loss to win?
tmac
December 24th, 2009
1:21 pm
Billy- last thing i’ll say about it cause we will have to agree to disagree…
While i did say that it is desperate by Wren for acting so quickly in December, you fail to acknowledge that even another General Manager in MLB said the same to DOB in his article. So if one GM said it to him, i got to believe there were at least a few others to think the same thing.
Hopefully, you will acknowledge that and not think that it is only me who thinks it, but actual people in the business. (not so stupid, huh?)
FEAR
December 24th, 2009
1:22 pm
JDbrave – then were short a pitcher
Tomahawkin
December 24th, 2009
1:23 pm
as of right now our 2010 record will be 83-79 and I got philly winning 105 games…
They were that good last year even with Lidge blowing games left and right..
bravesgirlnc
December 24th, 2009
1:23 pm
DOB,
Thanks for all you do for us fans throughout the year. It is much appreciated.
Thanks as well for sharing the text from JV. He is a good guy and I hate he could not pitch for us another year or more. Maybe down the road…. He will be missed.
Merry Christmas!
jeffrey d
December 24th, 2009
1:24 pm
Jam of the Year: “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” – Will Hoge EWare
I thought I was the only person in the world who liked Will Hoge. I’ve been to see him several times….he puts on a great show.
P. W. Hjort
December 24th, 2009
1:24 pm
DELAWARES ONLY BRAVES FAN (December 24th, 2009 1:09 pm EST): FRANK WREN LOSER/BRAVES FANS BIGER LOSERS BECAUSE OF HIM. GLAUS CAN YOU SAY ”ROIDS” BIG HITTER WHEN THE DECADE BEGAN BUT NOW BRITEL AND FALLING APART.OH THATS RIGHT HE HAS TO PASS TESTING NOW!!!!!!
You represent your state so well.
jeffrey d
December 24th, 2009
1:25 pm
I thought I was the only person in the world who liked Will Hoge
hmm, that makes him sound crappy. I meant because he’s not too famous.
Billy (TBFKB)
December 24th, 2009
1:25 pm
Tomahawkin,
I have to comment….your use of “Awfence” annoys the crap of me. Just as people use of failcour and other moniker that make them sound like 5th graders. Especially since the Braves post-all-star break scored the most runs in the NL. Most of the time I can scroll by without seeing and is within your prerogative to write but man its annoying.
Outlaw Pete? Queen of the Supermarket ? Dang Bruce
December 24th, 2009
1:26 pm
Workin on a Dream, coulda used a little more work. Kingdom of days, and a few others were good, but Queen-Pete- and Workin…ugh
CB
December 24th, 2009
1:26 pm
PWH,
Radio Cure
December 24th, 2009
1:27 pm
Lowe is gonna be at least a great 4 spot or a good 3 spot (albeit an expensive one). I’m glad he’ll be back next year. Hopefully he makes it easier to justify the money spent on him by having a stellar year.
Billy (TBFKB)
December 24th, 2009
1:28 pm
One GM out of 30 says this and you state it as fact or the majority opinion of the baseball community. Yeah, t-mac your ignorant and I forgive you.
Tomahawkin
December 24th, 2009
1:28 pm
Billy
Spend the Money and the Fans will come
When you wait and Sign Garbage like Loaf when you could’ve easily landed Dunn or Ibanez last year is a perfect example of going cheap!
Then again Wren and Bobby relied too much on Chipper and Francoeur and his new stance heading into S. Training last year
When they do spend money to address a glaring need then it tells us that they don’t care and when the Owners don’t care fans are gonna take notice and retialiate and not show up at games…
Now If A. Blank ran the team he’d invest into his product by any means necessary…
Billy (TBFKB)
December 24th, 2009
1:28 pm
Oh yeah what if that GM was Omar Minya? That would tell you a lot huh?
jeffrey d
December 24th, 2009
1:29 pm
Yeah, t-mac your ignorant and I forgive you
oh dear
bravesgrl4life
December 24th, 2009
1:29 pm
Lew – I am trying to put something together. I have family that live not too far from Orlando, so if I do get to go down, I’m staying over with them. If I do go, I am taking that drawing you sent me to see if just maybe I can get McCann to sign it for me, too. That is, if you don’t have a problem with that
Tomahawkin
December 24th, 2009
1:30 pm
Billy
The Braves were out of it After getting swept by the reds at home last year so the Offense hit with no pressure on them to execute for the last month of the season hence the winning streak at the end that played with fans emotions
flange1
December 24th, 2009
1:31 pm
I for one am thankful that we have Frank Wren. I have been pleased with his moves so far and hope to see a couple more in January.
And DOB,
Thanks for all the time that you put into making this blog one of the best sports blogs I have ever seen. Those of us who have been on the blog awhile know the amount of time you are on here is WAY beyond the job that you are paid for.
As a group, we can be a real pain in the backside, so thanks for having the energy to put up with all of our varying personalities.
Merry Christmas to all!
Billy (TBFKB)
December 24th, 2009
1:32 pm
Tomahawkin,
If you want to have a good debate or discussion you should respond to question or problems that are posed instead of the conjecture and subjective analysis.
How much would you spend? Of course if you spend like the Yankee you probably get a few more fans but will enough come to operate the franchise in a economically solvent way. This is pretty much what JS said after the 2003 season. So answer the question how much would you spend?
Would you operate at a loss? If so how much of a loss? Would you go bankrupt to win?
Tomahawkin
December 24th, 2009
1:32 pm
Omar Minaya
Is an idiot, I’m suprised he still has a job as GM and isn’t working for BSPN…
C's
December 24th, 2009
1:33 pm
Jay212033 – After seeing your favorite CD’s of the year and seeing that your favorite movie is “Friday”, I’m starting to think we were separated at birth!
Bravesfan54
December 24th, 2009
1:34 pm
ok, here’s the ticket. On business model, which do you prefer the Tampa Bay Rays, who for years had 30M payroll, and received more than that amount from the limited revenue sharing that exists, plus pro-rata share of the luxury tax money. Rays would net around 15M, best figures I’ve seen (admittedly speculative). On the other hand, Baltimore was typically spending 90-110 maybe 6-8 years ago, and likely losing 20+ millions (no figures available). Baltimore, of course, made very poor business decisions (Javy Lopez comes to mind). Tampa Bay kept their model until it paid off. Marlins have bought a WS (high payroll), and the next time stole one – low as hell payroll. I think their payroll last year was mid/high 30’s and they finished higher than we did.
The obvious point is that payroll can be highly overrated, even though one has to acknowledge some correlation between spending and success.
David O'Brien
December 24th, 2009
1:35 pm
ccrider: Thanks for the kind words in the wee hours. Just saw them.
Tomahawkin
December 24th, 2009
1:36 pm
Billy
Its moot point, and I love to debate but I have to go hit up Wally-World, ARGH!!!
And No I’d invest wisely like Ruben Amaro is doing in Philly right now, I’d never follow the Spend, Spend, Spend philosopy that WhineBrenner and the Yanks employ
I’m still against Liberty Media and will continue to bash if our offense remains like it is as of right now
Billy (TBFKB)
December 24th, 2009
1:38 pm
Bravesfan54,
Good points and its obvious we chose middle of both philosophy’s in order to try and compete year in and year out. It probably warrants some criticism based on past 3 years of poor performance. But I don’t think the answer to the problems is spending more money. Did not work for us when we were winning why would it work when were losing.
bravemandan
December 24th, 2009
1:41 pm
DOB,
MERRY CHRISTMAS big guy!!! I sincerely hope you have a great vacation and want to thank you for keeping the old blogs a coming, sure helps pass the time during the off season and during winter weather like we are experiencing in Oklahoma. Today is a cold sleet rain mix with snow on the way.
Tomahawkin
December 24th, 2009
1:43 pm
“But I don’t think the answer to the problems is spending more money
Did not work for us when we were winning why would it work when were losing.”
You Might want to attest that to Bobby’s managing in the postseason, which is another reason why I’m glad that this will be his last season…
jeffrey d
December 24th, 2009
1:44 pm
But I don’t think the answer to the problems is spending more money. Did not work for us when we were winning why would it work when were losing
So the answer is being thrifty and signing a bunch of Garret Andersons?
Billy (TBFKB)
December 24th, 2009
1:45 pm
While I’ve been loyal to BC for ever it may be a good time for him to step aside. DOB any insight to who will replace him at the end of the season?
DMBJAMS
December 24th, 2009
1:46 pm
emptyseats – how do you not have DMB’s new album in the top 50 of the year, it’s easily his most inspired cd and in my opinion the best new cd i’ve heard in years from any band.
I’ve been trying to show DOB the light for a couple of years now. Nice to have you on board.
Forever dancing with the GrooGrux King.
Bring Me the Head of Deforest Kelley
December 24th, 2009
1:47 pm
“The Braves now have what some scouts say are three of baseball’s highest-ceiling pitchers in the low minors: Teheran, Vizcaino and Randall Delgado, 19, who had 141 strikeouts in 124 innings at Class A Rome last season. With that trio and 23-year-old major league standouts Jair Jurrjens and Tommy Hanson, the Braves might have more elite young arms than most organizations ever dream of. And the potential for their 2012 or 2013 rotation is staggering.”
With the way this front office operates, Jurrjens and Hanso will only have a year or two of affordability left, and the Braves will deal them away while their trade potential is “the highest it will ever be”. Don’t worry, we’ll get solid prospects in return that will be ready for the 2018 season…
A week ago, the Braves were still in the best position to compete for a postsaeason slot at any point in the past 4 years. Now, we’ve taken a huge step backward by…
1 – replacing Soriano with Wagner, and hoping Saito still has something left. Here’s hoping the Braves have enough duct tape and rubber bands to keep these two’s arms attached.
2 – replacing our top rotation pitcher with a .260/10HR platoon outfielder. As if we didn’t already have a surplus of these.
3 – signing a converted 3B to play first after missing nearly all of last year, and following years of steady decline in power. Did I mention his average is around .260? Get ready to see that number up and down our lineup….
But all’s well, because we our farm system just continues to be overflowing with top-caliber prospects. This should make us all feel better as we continue to watch 4 other NL teams playing in October year after year.
Wise up O’Brien. After covering the Florida Marlins, I’d think you of all people would recognize what the Braves are turning into.
Radio Cure
December 24th, 2009
1:49 pm
Buster Olney via twitter: “Heard this: Mark DeRosa is leaning toward taking the two-year offer from the Giants. Not a done deal, though.”
The offer is 2 yr $12 mil. Can’t we at least match that?
nolie
December 24th, 2009
1:51 pm
Chipper Jones ( Hit .364 in 2008 and one of the best hitters in the majors. NO WAY he has a bad season) Home
a number of us said all winter that he was due for a major regression, though we weren’t thinking 100 points, but I thought he would hit around 300 or less
collegeballfan
December 24th, 2009
1:51 pm
On your top 25 CD list – the only artist I ever heard of was Rosanne Cash. Does that say something about me or emphasize something about you.
I like Wren’s moves so far this year – 2009. Damn he is stockpiling some young pitching talent. Besides Jurrgens, Hanson, and the 3 youngsters you mentioned, he also has Minor from last year’s draft and O’Flaherty & Medlen, both youngsters in the 2009 bullpen.
What they will miss the most about Vazquez is the 219 innings pitched.
Maybe with a full season Hanson can pick up the staff with those kind of innings.
Hurry up April!
O.J.
December 24th, 2009
1:51 pm
Radio Cure, I am sure they are offering him a starting position. I dont think we would offer him that much for a utility role.
Norton2010
December 24th, 2009
1:52 pm
Is it just me or does the Nationals roster look better than the Mets now.
jeffrey d
December 24th, 2009
1:54 pm
With the way this front office operates, Jurrjens and Hanso will only have a year or two of affordability left, and the Braves will deal them away while their trade potential is “the highest it will ever be”.
Come on….with the way this front office operates?? When have the Braves not locked up a young star before losing them to free agency?
McCann, Andruw, and Chipper (just to name a few) were all signed to long-term deals well before they hit free agency.
jeffrey d
December 24th, 2009
1:55 pm
The offer is 2 yr $12 mil. Can’t we at least match that?</i
What is the big obsession with DeRosa? He won't help us very much.
Billy (TBFKB)
December 24th, 2009
1:55 pm
jeffrey d,
As far as I know we only signed on Garret Anderson. If are serioulsy comparing GA to T. Glaus I have to wonder about your baseball knowledge. Don’t you presume that Glaus is a better offensive player than GA?
I like our model helluva lot better than
Fla
Was
NYM
SF
OAK
TOR (Well their old model)
Diamondbacks
SEA (Like thier moves more since they fired Bavasi)
DET (They make the worst trade and signings)
BAL
TEX
CHI Cubs
CHI Sox
Thats off the top of my head.
Heres the model I do like
BOSox
NYY (This one you can argue but they are the largest market team and act like it)
Angels
MIL
TB Rays
HOU
LA Dodger (They always been good at producing talent)
In other words we could be worst and believe Wren should have 5 years before we judge his philosophy. He had to undue some mistakes JS did. He rebuilt this team under our very eyes while maintaining the illusion of us competing. While I will say thats manipulation at its finest but still he’s done a helluva job since taking over.
Austin S
December 24th, 2009
1:57 pm
This comment is definitely late, but this is the first time i’ve read this blog.
I like the job Frank Wren has done so far this offseason except for the Vasquez trade. Just think about how much more the Braves could’ve gotten for Vasquez near the deadline. Having him starting for us for half a season would’ve been great and we could’ve traded him for two great prospects at (or near) the deadline to a team that is desperate for that top of line starter. You see it happen every year, a team is desperate for a pitcher who they think will boost them into the playoffs, and are willing to give up almost anything for that pitcher. We got Melky Cabrera (13 homers) and prospects who might or might not pan out. Just don’t like the deal when we could’ve had Vasquez for 3 months and ,barring injury or a terrible first half, recieved sure-thing, top prospects.
jeffrey d
December 24th, 2009
1:57 pm
Is it just me or does the Nationals roster look better than the Mets now.
Just you. Wright, Beltran, Reyes, Santana, and co. are a lot better than Dunn, Marquis, and co.
FEAR
December 24th, 2009
1:58 pm
Sportscaster George Michael dead at 70
RIP. I use to watch the Sport Machine on Sunday nights at like 2 am in DC. He used to cover Pro Wrestling too.
Radio Cure
December 24th, 2009
1:58 pm
O.J.
True, but with our outfield not really set and Glaus’ health questionable, there’s a good chance he’s playing everyday. If not trade him before the deadline for another arm.
I just need a little more security to feel happy about the team so far.
jeffrey d
December 24th, 2009
1:59 pm
Billy – you said spending money isn’t the answer. I said that we signed GA last year because we couldn’t spend a lot. Hence, you can’t win if you don’t spend.
brent a.
December 24th, 2009
2:00 pm
I still don’t know why people ever spend $50+ to go to a Braves game!
$8!
$8!
It makes the on-field product much more palatable.
Billy (TBFKB)
December 24th, 2009
2:01 pm
“Jurrjens and Hanson will only have a year or two of affordability left, and the Braves will deal them away while their trade potential is “the highest it will ever be”.
Epitome of no foresight. I find it Ironic that everyone of our largest contracts will be off the books by that time. I wonder if that is by design. Hmmmmm. What young talent have we traded or did not tender when they became arb eligible? I can think of two and if you think they were worth the price it would of cost then something is seriously wrong.
iowabrave
December 24th, 2009
2:03 pm
We’ve got 3 kids, so we still appreciate a white Christmas, but this is just plain silly. I think we are gonna be pushing 2 feet of snow before this one is over. When does spring training start?
Billy (TBFKB)
December 24th, 2009
2:05 pm
jeffrey d,
Instead of making the comment you can not win unless you spend why not come up with a figure you think the Braves payroll should be. How much should they operate at? Should they operate at a loss? If so how much? That’s the problem I have with everyone here who suggest the payroll is the problem. While I wouldn’t agree but a much more effective point of veiw in my mind would be mismanagement from the front office. But if you want to continue the payroll debate please at least elaborate on what you think it should be and provide information on why you or I should think that?
The_Superhoo
December 24th, 2009
2:05 pm
Melky + ? for Uggla.
Then we’d have 2 or 3 30 HR guys on the roster: Uggla, Glaus, BMac.
Plus Chipper with 20-25 HRs.
THAT is a recipe for success!
Russ
December 24th, 2009
2:08 pm
DOB-
Responding to your assessment of Frank Wren. I agree with you about the sensitivity factor. Could be a little more tactful. But the thing I like about him (if I may make a pitching allusion) is that he doesn’t walk people. When the count is full and and the bases are loaded (move really needs to be made), he WILL throw the ball over the plate. It will be the best pitch he can make at the moment and sometimes it will get hit out for a homer, but at least he got beat on his best pitch instead of the ignominity (sp?) of walking in a run. I would rather have someone who can pull the trigger and screw up sometimes than someone who is too cautious to ever pull the trigger.
Tommy
December 24th, 2009
2:09 pm
Uggla could be a bad idea. The Braves’ lineup’s biggest problem in recent years is strikeouts. We just added Glaus, a classic .260/100+ strikeout guy. Uggla is a windmill. Halladay, Lincecum, Billingsly, and every other power righthander in the NL will eat us alive if they are hitting 4 and 5 in our lineup.
Prado could be the #2 hitter we’ve been needing since Giles got nailed for stero—ERRR, got hit with injuries.
Personally I see a LF/1B type (Nady?) in our future. Don’t forget–Glaus is a natural 3B, which will come in handy when Chipper goes on his annual DL stint.
Overall I give Wren an A-. He makes solid moves but his office leaks too much info (like last year, talking about Furcal and Griffey before it happened).
nolie
December 24th, 2009
2:09 pm
Luis Valdez (Dunn) I know Valdez is RH and Dunn is LH but both have nasty stuff with closer ability.
Such optimism especially as regards Dunn.who wasn’t in their top lists at all. very very wild with only a fastball as a plus pitch.good luck on that one
jeffrey d
December 24th, 2009
2:11 pm
Billy – I’m not saying the Braves CAN spend. I understand their constraints. But I was just saying that it’s hard to compete without spending (which you said spending wasn’t the answer).
I’ve said it before, but I think that $95 million is a wonderful payroll, especially considering our attendance. People complain about Liberty and call them “cheap” but our payroll ranks in the upper half of MLB. Our attendance is right at 15th I think.
Again, I’m not saying that I think the Braves can or will splurge on a Bay or Holliday.
The_Superhoo
December 24th, 2009
2:13 pm
if you get power (which is absolutely what we need), you’re gonna get strikeouts. That’s how it works.
Look at Mark Reynolds, or Adam Dunn.
Nady is a hit for average guy. He only hits about 15 HRs a year. If we were going to play small ball then sure get guys that hit for average and have speed.
Bobby Cox is our manager. We don’t play small ball. (not an indictment of Bobby, just facts is facts)
Bill
December 24th, 2009
2:13 pm
I think he has done a good job with what he has ,but before we are to hard on him and say he has done a great job or a poor job, we see need to see the “puddin”. this next year if we go to the “promise land..(World Series)
C's
December 24th, 2009
2:14 pm
Tommy – Last year a ton of info was leaked. This year, not at all. There were virtually NO rumors about Glaus or Saito. We didn’t know until it happened if we’d offer Soriano and LaRoche arby. We had no idea where Sori would end up after he accepted arby. The Javy trade came out of nowhere. Etc, etc, etc…..
The_Superhoo
December 24th, 2009
2:14 pm
jeffrey d,
might as well not even MENTION Bay or Holliday. Both Frank Wren and Bobby Cox have said we’re not pursuing them.
mattdrum
December 24th, 2009
2:15 pm
Terrible news about Vic Chesnutt. From what I’ve heard, he took an overdose of muscle relaxers (he’s had a history of depression). He was not found for 12 hours and is now in a deep coma. The fear is if he makes it, he’ll have brain damage.
Everybody break out a Vic CD today!
Billy (TBFKB)
December 24th, 2009
2:16 pm
Christmas Eve and I finally have the time to spend with the ol blog and it goes pretty much silent. At least I have Jeffery D to keep me company.
jeffrey d
December 24th, 2009
2:17 pm
Both Frank Wren and Bobby Cox have said we’re not pursuing them.
That’s what I said!
Old Gator
December 24th, 2009
2:20 pm
The problem with Mr. Wren is that you can’t tell by the moves he has made if he is trying to win next year or getting prepared for the future with prospects. I don’t thing 2010 will be the Braves year.
jeffrey d
December 24th, 2009
2:23 pm
Oh, sorry Billy…I’m about to do some Christmasy things with the family.
China Grove
December 24th, 2009
2:24 pm
Baby, it’s cold outside.
Nova Scotia Steve: I found the theme on youtube a while back. If I find it again, I’ll either post it on here or facebook it to you. That’s right, same Luke, new name.
6-4-3
December 24th, 2009
2:25 pm
If DOB’s suggestion of possibly trading Melky and a prospect for Uggla were possible, I would be all for that. And twice on Sunday.
NOT a Melky fan.
China Grove
December 24th, 2009
2:25 pm
Enjoy, ladies and gents:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMdRAUbVOHs
David O'Brien
December 24th, 2009
2:25 pm
mattdrum: that really is awful to hear about Vic. just terrible. such a talented guy, and so sad how much he’s had to deal with.
nolie
December 24th, 2009
2:27 pm
Let’s see how Javy does this season. I think Javy is going to have a tough time in the AL East, especially in Yankee Stadium. joe r
what Javy does in NY has no bearing on anything since it has nothing to do with what he might have done here. he is going to a different league and a tougher park
nolie
December 24th, 2009
2:28 pm
Just for the record, don’t forget about Cody Johnson – I do believe he’ll be our LF in a couple of years Hoosier
wow you don’t believe in Glaus but you believe in CodY??
O.J.
December 24th, 2009
2:29 pm
Radio Cure, I am with you man, if we had to go to spring training with current team constructed, then I do not feel too good about it. But if we added 1 more bat with potential, then I would be very happy.
Here’s a question, last years focus was on getting good guys for the rotation that were durable, but why is this years focus getting guys that just came back from injury?
David O'Brien
December 24th, 2009
2:30 pm
On your top 25 CD list – the only artist I ever heard of was Rosanne Cash. Does that say something about me or emphasize something about you. — collegeballfan
You honestly never heard of Nirvana, Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits…? If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?
China Grove
December 24th, 2009
2:30 pm
actually, that theme I posted might not be the right one come to think of it.
Marko
December 24th, 2009
2:31 pm
Question:
Lets say the Braves are 5 million under the allowed payroll for the year. Can they use some of that in the 2011 season and go a little over the budget as long as it is not tied up long term???
VaBraveFan
December 24th, 2009
2:32 pm
If Melky stays on team. And we dont add another outfielder. He should bat lead off. If everyone looks at the mans numbers it proves he is successful leading off. Also he’s a switch hitter with good speed, just not a great basestealer.
297 Plate Apperances
255 AB’s
74 hits
32 walks
34 strikeouts
290. Avg
373. OBP
10 for 10 in SB’s
he would be a good fit there, McLouth will give us more power and Stolen Bases in the 1 hole but that could be better suited lower in order.
Jack
December 24th, 2009
2:33 pm
I like Wren. He’s doing a great job. I hope we keep all these pitching prospects.
TROTTINGHOME
December 24th, 2009
2:34 pm
ABOUT TIME WE GOT SOME REAL BASEBALL WRITING ON THIS SITE. THE LAST FEW DAYS HAVE BEEN A DISGRACE WITH MARK B. LEADING THE WAY.
‘GO DOB!!!!!!’
kip
December 24th, 2009
2:35 pm
amazing, I have gotten so old that I have only heard of six of the singers out of the 50
nolie
December 24th, 2009
2:38 pm
I think Uggla could possibly be had for Matt Diaz, Brandon Hicks and one Atlanta’s prized pitching prospects. Robert
I’m very sure that he could be but why in the world would the Braves do such a thing?
joerochester
December 24th, 2009
2:41 pm
My point, Nolie, was that we can’t predict how Javy is going to do next season. All we have to go by is the past. The past says that Lowe is very durable and consistent. The past says that Hudson has a better era and was worth the investment. And realistically, do you think that we could have extended Javy? Probably would have been far out of our price range. I’m glad we kept Hudson. When I look at the trade, at least we got something valuable for a guy who we would have lost next year anyway.
nolie
December 24th, 2009
2:42 pm
Lew, hold on to the Fredi Gonzalez signature. I think he’ll wear a Braves uni next year SSK
pretty sure that he is under contract to the fish for next year, Sid. I think it’s kinda unlikely they will let him go to a rival
Adam
December 24th, 2009
2:42 pm
Great work yet again DOB. You blow Bradley out of the water.
FEAR
December 24th, 2009
2:42 pm
I think Uggla could possibly be had for Matt Diaz, Brandon Hicks and one Atlanta’s prized pitching prospects. Robert
And Wren should be shot out of a canon if that happens
idfan
December 24th, 2009
2:43 pm
im against getting uggla we should do a trade for crawford but that will never happen