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
4,474 comments Add your comment
Heath
February 11th, 2010
3:42 pm
If it is determined that Heyward needs to start off in AAA and we don’t get Damon….we could be looking at an starting OF of Melky and Matt…I don’t want that. Plus, Heyward being so young, may not produce this year what is needed from RF. Because of that, I think we should get Damon. Damon in LF and a Melky/Diaz platoon in RF…atleast for the first half of the year would be fine. Not getting Damon, IMO, means we are putting all our eggs in the Heyward basket, because Diaz and Cabrera starting is just not gonna work to me.
thickfreakness
February 11th, 2010
3:45 pm
Isn’t Diaz the emergency catcher? Consider how valuable Diaz is, but we still need a leadoff hitter.
BravoMan
February 11th, 2010
3:48 pm
I dont think we should judge McLouth solely on his stats from last year. I think he could prove to be a pretty solid catalyst at the top of the line-up next year if healthy.
TnBrian
February 11th, 2010
3:49 pm
We definitely could use a good leadoff man. I don’t know what will happen, but maybe Wren makes a trade for one before or after ST. Seems like he’s so much better at trading for guys than negotiating with FA. Sucks that Nate will probably be the leadoff man again with his major uppercut swing. Dude needs to “cut” that out.
Sgt. Pepper
February 11th, 2010
3:50 pm
Rosenthal’s reporting the Tigers are offering 2 years, $14 million. Looks like Damon will be a Tiger.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/Detroit-Tigers-Johnny-Damon-021110
TnBrian
February 11th, 2010
3:51 pm
Two-years, $14m offer by Detroit. It’s official, Damon to Tigers.
BravoMan
February 11th, 2010
3:51 pm
A 2 year 14 mil offer from Detriot to Damon according to Rosenthal! Well Tigers front office may learn to regret that deal…
Frankie Knuckles
February 11th, 2010
3:51 pm
2 years 14 million. Have a nice day.
Shankapotamus
February 11th, 2010
3:52 pm
As quickly as it started, it looks like its over…..
Tigers owner Mike Ilitch has authorized a two-year $14MM offer, sources tell Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. If the Tigers make this offer, it’s hard to imagine Damon turning it down.
via Mlbtraderumors.com
Chopshop
February 11th, 2010
3:52 pm
Detroit has offered Damon 2 years and 14 million per Ken Rosenthal.
Let’s go Melky !!!
Macon Braves (RIP)
February 11th, 2010
3:52 pm
thick—Omar at 2nd and leading off? So what happens to Prado then?
dogsbrekky
February 11th, 2010
3:53 pm
Got MILK !
Frankie Knuckles
February 11th, 2010
3:53 pm
How the heck does Boras do this? The Tigers just beat themselves.
thickfreakness
February 11th, 2010
3:53 pm
Bravo-
McLouth’s career stats as a leadoff hitter to begin a game or start an inning would not indicate that he is properly cast in this role.
BravoMan
February 11th, 2010
3:55 pm
The question is now does ATL stop and and remain focused at what they got…or do they look at someone else for the OF just in case. Can’t expect Wren to go 2 years with Schafer and Heyward waiting in the wings…
P'cola Brave
February 11th, 2010
3:56 pm
Wow did Boras sucker the Tigers. Enjoy the Detroit weather Johnny. And thrid place if the Royals dont take that from them.
NORRIS
February 11th, 2010
3:56 pm
If the Tigers wanted him that bad then why would they wait and then offer the contract? I hate this time of the year. It really makes me dislike baseball. I hope the guy bats 120 this year and calls Greg Norton to help him with his swing.
lexbrave
February 11th, 2010
3:56 pm
wow 2 years and 14 mil, the tigers reek of desperation…well that stench is actually most likely the smell of all of the bad contracts they have floating around in that clubhouse.
P'cola Brave
February 11th, 2010
3:57 pm
I think the Braves go to spring training w/ what they got since Johnny will more than likely be a Tiger. If someone doesn’t perform there is always Dye.
Frankie Knuckles
February 11th, 2010
3:57 pm
680 The Fan has a Tommy Hanson interview if anyone is interested.
Andrew in PA
February 11th, 2010
3:57 pm
Wow, Scott Boras is a beast.
ugaaccountant
February 11th, 2010
3:58 pm
Hey thickfreakness – not to start a fight but I have to brag here- Did you notice that when I said 5+ million sounded high for the Braves offer it actually turned out to be 4 million?
Then did you notice when I said I didn’t believe he actually had another real offer, meaning the tigers, that he actually didn’t until we made one?
Not wanting to start a fight with you because i’ve noticed you do have some good ideas, such as showing how Nate needs to bat anywhere but leadoff due to his stats which match his stated preference not to bat 1st.
NEW CARS
February 11th, 2010
3:58 pm
I’m still trying to figure the Tigers out…They dump Granderson and go after a lesser player (at this time in their careers) for more money….Maybe that’s part of their plan to supplement social security, with what they are paying Magglio Ordonez…
thickfreakness
February 11th, 2010
3:59 pm
Macon-
As young as Prado is and starting 140 games, he’d probably like 22 games off during the 6 month schedule. Keep him fresh for the inevitable post season. Or, he goes to 3rd while Omar plays 2nd and Hinske plays 1st with Diaz in LF. Really, the point is the versatility of this team. I doubt anyone in either League has this much quality diversity. I’m certain people will be amazed at how good this team will be and I haven’t even begun to talk about the pitching depth.
Fischerking04
February 11th, 2010
3:59 pm
From the “ON THE PLUS SIDE” department:
If Damon signs with the Tigers there is a better chance that the Braves will choose to utilize Schafer in their plans. If Damon had come to ATL the likelyhood of the Braves trading Schafer at some point this year were much higher IMO. Now he may be a more integral part of our outfield plans. I still ave really high hopes for him.
Thanagar
February 11th, 2010
3:59 pm
So they trade Granderson, who was due to get 5.5 mil this year, and then two months later, sign Damon for 7 mil? They’re either geniuses or clueless, not sure which.
ugaaccountant
February 11th, 2010
3:59 pm
Tigers front office just got hoodwinked. They outbid a 4M offer by jumping to 2 years 14 million. Wow!
Frankie Knuckles
February 11th, 2010
4:00 pm
Throw a few million of that cash at Smoltz to get him back in the fold. He’s worth that being around and mentoring Tommy H everyday.
P'cola Brave
February 11th, 2010
4:00 pm
Damon has a chance to be in a good lineup with the Braves or a lineup in flux in Detroit. See what kind of decision he makes.
GovClintonTyree
February 11th, 2010
4:00 pm
Rosenthal and Morosi reporting Ilitch okayed a 2 year, $14m offer to Damon from the Tigers. Adios, Johnny.
BravoMan
February 11th, 2010
4:01 pm
I wouldn’t call Boras a beast in this case more like that Tiger’s front office is foolish. We all remember a certain trade that involved a young man from Curacao…
Andrew in PA
February 11th, 2010
4:01 pm
Mark Bowman is smiling at the Ted,while eating a snickers.
keylargo
February 11th, 2010
4:02 pm
The Tigers traded Curtis Granderson, an All Star making $3.5M so they can give Johnny Damon 2 years @ $7 per?
NORRIS
February 11th, 2010
4:02 pm
Well we have shown our hand and proven that we have some money. So yeah, lets sign Smoltz to a one year deal and use him as the 5th starter and put kawakami in the bullpen. I think he would be a tremendous asset to the pitchers and brings a veteran to the fold.
thickfreakness
February 11th, 2010
4:03 pm
accountant-
I believe in Schafer and never really cared if Damon signed as long as Schafer gets a chance. Damon was nothing more than an insurance policy against the failings of very talented young players in the major leagues. I agree with you 100% on overpaying for insurance – Damon.
GovClintonTyree
February 11th, 2010
4:03 pm
I wish Damon well with the Tigers, but – what the hell is Dombrowski doing? Why deal Granderson, who’s making $5m, and sign Damon for 2 at $7m? They’re making some screwy moves in Detroit this offseason.
ncscoots
February 11th, 2010
4:04 pm
So they trade Granderson, who was due to get 5.5 mil this year, and then two months later, sign Damon for 7 mil? They’re either geniuses or clueless, not sure which.
It does seem odd, on the face of it. I’m not all that wired into the Tigers organization, though, and can’t really speak knowledgeably about their possible reasoning in those moves.
Still…odd.
Mike In H-Town
February 11th, 2010
4:04 pm
Wow…way to get fleeced, Detroit.
TnBrian
February 11th, 2010
4:05 pm
“Mark Bowman is smiling at the Ted,while eating a snickers” Andrew in PA
That was fu**!@ halarious and I’d be willing to bet it’s true. Fat boy’s gotta have a big grin on that face only a mother could love.
That was mean.
P'cola Brave
February 11th, 2010
4:05 pm
I wouldn’t sing Smoltz unless we needed to. Maybe a ST invitation and if hes throwing good then give him the offer. Maybe sign him for June or July through September. I don’t know if he can hold up to a whole season anymore.
BravoMan
February 11th, 2010
4:06 pm
White Sox in the hunt for JD now according to mlbtraderumors
Andrew in PA
February 11th, 2010
4:06 pm
now the white sox are bidding on damon
lexbrave
February 11th, 2010
4:07 pm
bravo boras..braaavo.. there is a reason why you are the best at what you do. he might end up getting damon a raise from last year yet!
P'cola Brave
February 11th, 2010
4:07 pm
I agree with a lot of yall on the Tigers.
There offseason has been a mess besides locking up Verlander. They lose Rodney and Lyon. Trade off allstars Edwin Jackson and Granderson and bring in Valverde at like 8 mil I believe and then two years, 14 mil for Damon? Some screwy thinking over there.
Frankie Knuckles
February 11th, 2010
4:08 pm
I’d rather see Smoltz in the pen. But, it would be cool if he was the opening day starter IMO. Him and Bobby walk away wearing the tomahawk.
ugaaccountant
February 11th, 2010
4:08 pm
Who did the Tigers get in just the Granderson portion of the trade(s)? Not the Edwin Jackson portion. I would just look it up, but I wasn’t too familar with them in the first place and I am curious if they got “worthwhile” prospects in return for him?
I’m really starting to think Detroit might be the worst run organization based on their trades with us, and several of their contract signings. The worst though has to be paying Sheffield something like 20M to not play? It’s not like he wasn’t worth a roster spot as we saw he was decent with the Mets immediately afterwards. I mean they cut him for Josh Anderson for goodness sakes.
P'cola Brave
February 11th, 2010
4:09 pm
Boras used us to set up the market. From no bids to three in one day. Now hes even getting his two year offers. If he goes to the White Sox the Tigers are screwed.
JUST SAYIN'
February 11th, 2010
4:09 pm
Thanagar
February 11th, 2010
1:58 pm
Why are we rehashing the Glavine episode? He got paid a million to throw in the minors for a couple of months. After that, not only was he not good enough for the Braves, but he wasn’t good enough for any other team in MLB. What exactly was unfair about that process?
—————–
VERY WELL SAID and I completely agree. Just what would those who keep saying Glavine was mistreated, have done, write him another check for $1 million on his way out the door or sign him to a contract when the Braves did not believe he could pitch effectively again?
Glavine was not mistreated. He was paid well and the ability to pick up those big checks depends on performance. Glavine could no longer perform. We saw the absolutely correct decision being made last year. To have waited another day or another week to release Glavine would have cost the Braves another million bucks and for what?
Heath
February 11th, 2010
4:09 pm
I has basically assumed that Schafer would be in AAA to start the season…but I guess it is possible to have Schafer, Diaz, Cabrera, and McLouth as our 4 outfielders out of ST. ST is very important this year….we could see one of Heyward or Schafer make the team…or both….or neither (which would be bad).
csg
February 11th, 2010
4:09 pm
P’cola Brave
“February 11th, 2010
4:00 pm
Damon has a chance to be in a good lineup with the Braves or a lineup in flux in Detroit. See what kind of decision he makes”
you really think he cares. one team is offering a guarantee of $4.5mil and the other is offering $14mil. Easy decision
Macon Braves (RIP)
February 11th, 2010
4:10 pm
Prado isn’t going to need 22 games off if he is healthy. Heck, that 13% of the season! Prado will be the 2nd baseman and will start 150+ games if healthy. And to get Omar in the lineup some, why would you move your starting 2nd baseman to 3B to get him in there. Why not just stick Omar at 3B to give Chipper a day off and leave Prado at 2nd?
P'cola Brave
February 11th, 2010
4:10 pm
Ugaaccountant
They got Austin Jackson. Hes a legit prospect but from what I read a lot of scouts don’t think hes ready and I believe the Tigers are going to start him in CF.
BravoMan
February 11th, 2010
4:10 pm
White Sox and Tigers bidding on Damon? If Damon gets more than 2 yrs 14 mil im gonna $hit a…well you know.
NORRIS
February 11th, 2010
4:11 pm
If anybody needs a raise just call the braves. They will make you an offer that is really not forseable and then other people will see that people want you and then offer you more money.
I just called the Braves front office and they have offered me 1.5 mil for next year. Im looking for a 7 year deal though. any offers?
Eric In Albany N.Y.
February 11th, 2010
4:11 pm
Id like to take this time to thank the Tigers for putting the price way higher than the Braves would be willing to pay!
Thank god because damon would have set our club back way to far for 2011 than going with this current squad…
Thank god Thank god Thank god!!!
Keep the money and trade someone after the spring or b4 the deadline!
Thank God!
NORRIS
February 11th, 2010
4:12 pm
Prado is a marginal second baseman and im not sure of how many other teams in the league he could even start for…..
lexbrave
February 11th, 2010
4:12 pm
i wonder if boras sits around in his office acting all of these negotiations out with little gm hand puppets.
Daybed Wagmoe
February 11th, 2010
4:12 pm
NORRIS — You would really move a 34-year old non-closer pitcher who is making $6.7 million this year, had a 3.86 ERA in 32 starts and 156.1 innings last year to the bullpen in order to bring in a 42-year old (43 in May) pitcher who had a 6.35 ERA in 15 starts and 78 innings? You say it would bring a veteran to the fold — but you’d be replacing a veteran pitcher with a veteran pitcher. It’s not like our staff is too young and needs that kind of veteran leadership.
I am all for bringing Smoltz back, and I would love to see him go out in a Braves uniform. But to bring him back, it has to benefit the team — and one of the 5 starters gets hurt or *really* stinks it up, there’s not a spot for Smoltz.
Mike J
February 11th, 2010
4:12 pm
I dont get the Tigers decision there. How do you go from 1yr $4 mill to 2 yrs 14 mill? Oh well, would have been nice, but not necessary. Smoltz back would be nice, though it probably wont happen.
JEB
February 11th, 2010
4:12 pm
Wren was just helping out – Boras needed someone to help push the others over the edge to sign Damon.
Salamander
February 11th, 2010
4:14 pm
2 years @ $14 mill for Damon? Why did they move Granderson if they have money to spend? Were the prospects the Tigers received highly regarded?
I see that others on the blog are scratching their heads over the Tigers’ moves this offseason as well.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
February 11th, 2010
4:15 pm
NO MORE OLD MEN ON OUR TEAM!!!
NO MORE SMOLTZ!!!
NO DAMON!!!
NO MORE ANDERSON TYPE SIGNINGS!!!!
A PENNY SAVED IS A PENNY YOU CAN USE WISELEY!!!
NO MORE OLD MEN!!!
thickfreakness
February 11th, 2010
4:15 pm
Macon-
I was simply speaking to the numerous options Bobby has this year. Options he has not had in many, many years. You will see a HOF manager at work this year. I can’t tell you what players will play where and when, I’ll leave that up to the guy (Bobby) who does it better than anyone in Baseball.
BravoMan
February 11th, 2010
4:15 pm
Wren it’s time to pick up the phone and give The Sheff a call.
Josh
February 11th, 2010
4:16 pm
Norris- your comment about Prado…how much have you had to drink today?
Frankie Knuckles
February 11th, 2010
4:16 pm
Wren and Boras collude. Thats how Wren gets awesome contracts from Boras. i.e. Lowe.
NORRIS
February 11th, 2010
4:16 pm
smoltz would be a good fifth starter or in the bull pen. kawakami showed last year that he couldnt pitch every 5th day. He needs someone to give him a week off on occasion. Smoltz could be that guy. How many times did kawakami miss his start last year? (im not sure but I know he did on occasion because they said he was tired.)
Tomas
February 11th, 2010
4:16 pm
I think signing Smoltz would be a good move. He is a perfect long reliever/spot starter at this point of his career, and they need depth in that area. The thing is Smoltz asks for too much money. I’d give him between 1 mill to 2 million, and I heard he was asking 4-5 million. Thats just crazy.
TnBrian
February 11th, 2010
4:17 pm
Why is it so strange the Tigers are offering Damon 2 years,14 mill? They got 4 players for Granderson/ E.Jackson and Damon can probably put up as good, if not better numbers than Granderson. A.Jackson is also supposed to be a very good player. Not weird to me.
Shankapotamus
February 11th, 2010
4:17 pm
You want Wren to call Sheffield to tell him its time to retire? Thats about the only productive thing that could come from calling Sheff.
BravoMan
February 11th, 2010
4:18 pm
Actually more I think about it ol Sheffield wouldnt be a good call. I just like the idea of having him back. Doesnt fit with the club
thickfreakness
February 11th, 2010
4:20 pm
Bravo-
Do you just throw sh!t out there to see if it sticks?
TnBrian
February 11th, 2010
4:20 pm
I bet they want more than ever for Heyward to start the year in Atlanta now. He’d probably have to fall on his face in ST for him not to start the year in the bigs.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
February 11th, 2010
4:20 pm
Im sorry to tell anyone who thinks smoltz is a good fit. there is no more room on the team for him. today we signed glavine leaving no more room for john in any effective roll with the club
thickfreakness
February 11th, 2010
4:22 pm
And what, what would Smoltz do for this team? How does he make them any better?
Thrillhouse44
February 11th, 2010
4:22 pm
Damon gets 2 years, $14 Mil…who’s the happiest guy of this bunch: Johnny, Boras, or Heyward?
With JD on the team, Heyward was pretty much guaranteed to start in AAA.
Frankie Knuckles
February 11th, 2010
4:22 pm
TNBrian. You want to buy my car? kidding! But to jump from a 4 mil offer to 2/14 is insane. There has to be more to the story.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
February 11th, 2010
4:22 pm
he would be a good front office assistant to the GM and thats it!
Slowhiteguy
February 11th, 2010
4:23 pm
Nicely played Boras.
Salamander
February 11th, 2010
4:23 pm
Well we have shown our hand and proven that we have some money.
Offering Damon $2 mill now and $2 mill deferred is closer to finding loose change in the couch versus having a chunk of cash to spend.
So yeah, lets sign Smoltz to a one year deal and use him as the 5th starter and put kawakami in the bullpen. I think he would be a tremendous asset to the pitchers and brings a veteran to the fold.
Can Smoltz actually hold up over the season as a starter at this point? Would KK (making ~$7 mill next year) go along with a bump to the bullpen again? Would Smoltz in the 5th spot really be an upgrade over KK? Do we need more expensive middle relief guys? Did you think before posting?
JEB
February 11th, 2010
4:23 pm
Smoltz can be the special asst. to the special asst. to ……
nevermind, we can create just any spot or position for him, we can even make one up for him.
Andrew in PA
February 11th, 2010
4:24 pm
the braves offer is one that woud more land dye then damon
ugaaccountant
February 11th, 2010
4:25 pm
Norris – Kawakami never missed a start for a rest. He missed one due to a line drive injuring him and then he was moved to the bullpen in favor of Tim Hudson.
And incidentally, the role you envision for Smoltz is currently filled by Medlen.
BravesFanLostInOhio
February 11th, 2010
4:25 pm
Norris, KK pitched just fine. Plus, we already have him.
P'cola Brave
February 11th, 2010
4:26 pm
Frankie Knuckles
The other part of the story is division rival White Sox are getting involved.
Say it ain't so!
February 11th, 2010
4:27 pm
If this offer from the Tigers is true then there is no denying that Scott Boras is a genius. From last week to this week Damon went from maybe a $3-5M 1 year deal to a $14M 2 year deal. Whether he is worth it or not remains to be seen.
Memphis
February 11th, 2010
4:27 pm
Johnny Damon is a good dude. Even though he was with the Yankees for a few years, he has always been one of my favorite players. I got a chance to meet Johnny when he was in the Royals system coming up. I was a batboy for a few of his games in AA. Every spring training my family would always go to Baseball City (Old Royals Spring Training) and then over to Orlando to see the Braves. I always hoped he’d play for the Braves, we’ll be fine. Heyward will be ready to go, I think Schafer will have a breakout year. Between Melky,Shafer,Heyward, Mclouth and Diaz I think we’ll be fine.
brian
February 11th, 2010
4:28 pm
I wanted sign Damon and think that he could help our team, but at 2 years $14 million NO THANKS.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
February 11th, 2010
4:28 pm
Ive said it a million times… not popular around here when i say it… but smoltz is dragging his career out mostly for money and i would need the money too if my ex wife took half my millions too… he was very money hungry when he left the club… and now he demands millions when no one knows if he can even make it thru the season… he had under 7 wins. how would a guy sell under 7 wins = 3 mill?
RETIRE ALREADY JOHN!!!
Macon Braves (RIP)
February 11th, 2010
4:30 pm
thick–I agree with you that the Braves have a very versatile bench going into spring training and that is definitely a very good thing. With Omar and Hinske they have a couple of guys that can play multiple positions in the infield and outfield. Diaz and Melky can each play any of the three outfield spots plus Diaz can play first and is the emergency catcher. If Heyward or Schafer make the team out of spring then either Melky or Diaz will be coming off the bench. Even after adding in Ross, the Braves still have one bench spot open for someone to claim in the spring.
Frankie Knuckles
February 11th, 2010
4:30 pm
P’Cola – Eureka
MitchC
February 11th, 2010
4:31 pm
Dave, I was surprised how many people voted that Heyward should be in the lineup Opening Day. I don;t agree. The guy is only 20, and I think he may need a little more seasoning. My vote was that he should have a half season in the minors, and join us after the Break.
On another subject: I’m sure you heard that Tom Glavine joined the Braves today in a new jack of all trades. What do you think of the idea that Glavine should be the Braves next manager, when Bobby retires?
JUST SAYIN'
February 11th, 2010
4:32 pm
Good news today.
No Damon and no interruption of young players’ careers. It is time to move on into the future with Heyworth and maybe Schafer. I think the team is well balanced and ready for battle.
As for Smoltz, if I were calling the shots there is no way I want someone who last year b!tched about the Braves all over New England for months on end. He thinks we have no class; fine, since I’d have no interest in trying to prove him wrong. NO WAY would Smoltz join the Braves. Besides he is not needed.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
February 11th, 2010
4:33 pm
MitchC have you ever seen Hayward in person?
brian
February 11th, 2010
4:34 pm
I am excited that Glavine is rejoining the Braves in a front office capacity. That is the way it should be with Glavine. I hope he is able to stay with the Braves for a long time
AustinBrave
February 11th, 2010
4:34 pm
I’m glad Damon’s not coming to Atlanta. It’s time for Mitch Jones to get a break in the majors. He could be our sleeping giant.
brian
February 11th, 2010
4:36 pm
if by some chance he signs for one year with the Braves I will be excited. The Braves are offering less money but are offering the chance to play for Bobby Cox in his last year on a team that is in better position for the post-season than Detroit
Frankie Knuckles
February 11th, 2010
4:36 pm
JUST SYAIN’ – His feelings were hurt man. Hey, it all worked out for the best. I was calling for Franks head when Smoltz walked. Smoltz was mad. I bet he regrets the whining.
P'cola Brave
February 11th, 2010
4:36 pm
With or without Damon I’d be suprised if Mitch Jones breaks camp with the team.
brian
February 11th, 2010
4:37 pm
Mitch Jones is low risk/high reward potential but I would not take him over Johnny Damon on a potential post-season