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576 comments Add your comment
Terry
October 15th, 2010
3:16 pm
Jermaine Dye will be available, and after sitting out last season, maybe he’s substantially lowered his asking price.
reagan
October 15th, 2010
3:17 pm
DOB:……the braves like Pastornicky better than Mycal Jones?!
Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
3:17 pm
2011 Dream lineup
My dream Line up
3rd base ….Chipper Jones
1st base ….To be named later …Un known
2n Base ….orlando hudson
short stop ..chris woodward
Center Field …Andrew Jones
Left field Johnny Damon
Bench Coach …Jeff treadway
Batting coach …Otis Nixon
That is the line up ..That I think would take them to the top
joe girardi
October 15th, 2010
3:19 pm
Andruw Jones is on the downside of his career but is still better than Milky. A team would be stupid to pay him big bucks. Braves don’t have big bucks and AJONES may just settle for anything.Wren probably won’t return his phone calls though. Wren only wants fresh throw aways. Only reason to get AJONES is to prime the next inline for the show.
joe girardi
October 15th, 2010
3:21 pm
AJONES would give Conrad a run for his money. His pinch hit GS was his highlight of the year.
joe girardi
October 15th, 2010
3:24 pm
All returning utility players should have to make the team in spring training. No free passes. Remember Francisco Cabrera? Won’t have to worry about Hinske, he will sign elsewhere. He has some market value and needs to get back to the World Series.
Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
3:27 pm
The problem with Atlanta is the growing number of power Hitting teams. Nationals are going to get stronger int he next 10 years . They will make it to 1st place easy . They Remind me of where Atlanta was in 1989 . I think the Braves need to keep a steady head to get them to first place for 2011 . It will be hard but it can be accomplished if they choose the right guys
Obee
October 15th, 2010
3:35 pm
As long as we’re dealing with dream time scenarios, I bet Barry Bonds can still hit.
Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
3:40 pm
Andrew Jones has 407 home runs in his life time now . He has crossed the 400 Home run mark . With 19 home runs in 2010 . He looks to be on the upper level of a power hitting come back player in my view . He still is only 33 . He played 107 games in 2010
Thundersticks
October 15th, 2010
3:42 pm
“Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
3:17 pm
2011 Dream lineup
My dream Line up
3rd base ….Chipper Jones
1st base ….To be named later …Un known
2n Base ….orlando hudson
short stop ..chris woodward
Center Field …Andrew Jones
Left field Johnny Damon
Bench Coach …Jeff treadway
Batting coach …Otis Nixon
That is the line up ..That I think would take them to the top”
LMAO, again!!!!!! Oh, wait. You’re still being serious?!?!?!?
You forgot to include Sid Bream at 1B.
Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
3:46 pm
Thundersticks
But history speaks for its self
Look at how good Andrew Jones was from 1996-2005 . He is only 33 . He could be part of the baby Braves still . Plus you could put Sid Bream on 1st . But that would be hard if he is retired . I did not think of that part last night . But chipper is sharp as a top shark . If he gets better and gets real healthy he could have the best season ever next year. And Otis Nixon was the king of base steals in Atlanta and he could lead off good . He would be a great coach
dmack2027
October 15th, 2010
3:51 pm
For those complaining about Alex Gonzalez, consider this: How many other shortstops can you find me that play good (if not great defense) while hitting 23 home runs and driving in 88 runs who are only making 2.5 million dollars. Simply put, the Braves have a bargain at a premium defensive position for next year, assuming Alex is able to repeat his numbers.
If you assume that Nate will be in CF, the Braves only have one opening, and that is in left field. I do not think Wren will feel comfortable trading Lowe or JJ until he is sure that Teheran and/or Delgado are ready to make the jump. Wren learned this year that what once looks like a surplus of starting pitching can evaporate very very quickly. This means you have find a left fielder before the season begins.
I think the Braves ought to see what the Cardinals and Dodgers want for Rasmus and Kemp respectively. Both have had very public problems with the organizations. We all know what this can mean for a player, as we saw Yunel get traded for these reasons.
I wonder if the Cardinals would trade Rasmus for Prado and maybe a middle level prospect. The Cardinals need middle infield help, and if the Braves think that Infante can play second every day, it might be a good time to sell high on Martin. Martin will be getting a substantial raise next season via arbitration. The Dodgers need all sorts of help, and maybe they would sell low on Kemp.
I also wonder if the Braves would consider bringing Andruw back on a low, incentive based contract. You can say what you want to about Andruw, but his power would have been a welcome addition in left field this year.
You could also sign a guy like Jeremy Hermida, who is only 27, as insurance. I wonder if how he and Fredi got along during their time in Florida together.
Piedmont Blues
October 15th, 2010
3:52 pm
Thundersticks,
I think it’s time to step away for awhile and hope the IQ of the blog improves. I’m not sure what’s more laughable — Atlanta braves fan of South’s roster or the idea that Jermaine Dye or Xavier Nady could help this (or any) club.
coach smith
October 15th, 2010
3:58 pm
Money coming off the Braves’ books
Wagner = 7.5 million
Saito = 3.5 million
Melky = 3.2 million
Glaus = 2 million
Farnsworth/Ankile = combined 1.5 million they paid
that is a CERTAIN 17.7 million off the Braves’ books..So….WHY can’t they sign Werth or Crawford???????
Sign one of those guys and bring Andruw Jones back for the minimum problems solved
Thundersticks
October 15th, 2010
3:58 pm
“Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
3:46 pm
Thundersticks
But history speaks for its self
Look at how good Andrew Jones was from 1996-2005 . He is only 33 .”
Look at his numbers for 2006 – 2010:
2006 41 HR, .262 AVG
2007 26 HR, .222 AVG
2008 3 HR, .158 AVG
2009 17 HR, .214 AVG
2010 19 HR, .230 AVG
And you seriously think “Andrew could hit around 320 and have 25-32 home runs” based on his current trend? You are dillusional.
Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
4:03 pm
Thundersticks
But Andrew is not just a player. He is a Hall of fame player
Every player goes into a slump . This could be his break out season ,
JD
October 15th, 2010
4:09 pm
You gotta be kiddin’ me?? Andruw (NOT Andrew) Jones? A career .256 hitter? Sure he’s got 407 career homers but so what? Seriously – we need to be look at Werth or Crawford type if we’re going to do it right. NOT Andruw…..
Skeeterleg
October 15th, 2010
4:12 pm
.Don(key) – You are doing a bit right? The Braves only have three major league quality players? The three you mentioned are all stars. Alex Gonzalez was second in MLB for HRs by shortstops. Freddie Freeman dominated AAA. Omar Infante was third in the league in hitting. McClouth and Chipper are all stars looking to come back from injuries. Don’t let facts get in the way of your posts though. These are all trash players according to you. What team has a superstar at every position? I’m sure your xbox team is great and all, but this is reality.
…and Lowe not productive? Even without the 31 wins in two years he more than proved himself again in the playoffs. Again, don’t let facts get in the way.
…and Bobby Cox is responsible for pitchers leg injuries now? I took the bait though. You have to be doing a comedy routine.
Thundersticks
October 15th, 2010
4:13 pm
“Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
4:03 pm
Thundersticks
But Andrew is not just a player. He is a Hall of fame player
Every player goes into a slump . This could be his break out season ,”
Andruw is a borderline HOF player at this stage. Could he be a useful part-time player? Yes. But he is not good enough to play full-time anymore so he is not going to put up the kind of numbers you’re claiming.
By the way, he’s not in a slump, he’s clean.
StingerSplash
October 15th, 2010
4:14 pm
Clicked on the Keith Richards/Mick Jagger story on “The Buzz” on the ajc.com front page. Hardly ever click there, but this was the Stones.
So Keith Richards gave up drugs four years ago after falling from a tree in Fiji and needing brain surgery. I guess maybe turning 63 wasn’t enough to convince him to give up drugs.
And though he calls Jagger “unbearable” (really? a rock n roll prima donna front man “unbearable”? Next, you’ll hear Eddie Van Halen saying David Lee Roth likes being the center of attention. And did you know Jerome Bettis played the Super Bowl in his hometown? But I digress…) they’re thinking about another Stones tour.
Please. God. No.
I love the Stones. The show I saw with them and Living Colour as the opening act is still hands down the best rock n roll concert I’ve ever been to.
But come on guys … even Gordie Howe retired. Even Gaylord Perry walked away. Even Brett Favre hung it … no, wait, he hung something else.
G’night, drive home safe! Don’t forget your tip your wait staff!
Curt
October 15th, 2010
4:17 pm
I can not believe that anyone can seriously think of adding Andrew Jones to the Braves.
coupled with Gonzalez, the duo might just set a record for the number of strike outs in the clutch.
I like Gonzalez’ defense a lot but I think that the Wren is totally wrong about his offense. Lets not forget about how many (ugly) strike outs Alex had and especially k’s with men in scoreing position.
I say its ok to keep Gonzalez as long as the rest of the offense can pick him up and then he can add whatever he can to the offense.
To have Gonzalez and Andrew in the same lineup would be the choke pair of all of baseball.
JeanE
October 15th, 2010
4:17 pm
You know what, Jeff, MattE Diaz is not punchless, he missed 42 games with that infected thumb/surgery and he still gave the Braves everything he had! And if his last play is that wonderful outfield assist to gun down Pat Burrell, so be it!! We love ya, MattE!!!
Coach (2011 or Bust)
October 15th, 2010
4:19 pm
The Braves need a 20-25 HR, 75-80 RBI, .260-.270 BA bat in left field. Unfortunately Frank Wren doesn’t seem to be able to figure how to find the right dude.
I know his name and how to make it happen but unfortunately Wren is too much of a jerk to listen. I mean, who hears a pine cone when it drops in the forest. I yelled from deep in the woods back in 2008…….
GO GET NELSON CRUZ!!!!!! repeatedly. Instead we got Garret Anderson. I’m still laughing at the ineptitude of our front office.
The 2009 free agent market came and I yelled JUAN RIVERA!!!! crickets drowned me out. We watched as Matt Daiz, Nate McLouth and Melky Cabrera stunk it up this past season.
I give up. Frank Wren can’t find his ass in damn closet much less fix the outfield.
Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
4:23 pm
Braves 1990s season Records
wins losses
1991 …94 68 went to world series
1992 …98 64 went to world series
1993 ..104 58
1994 .. .68 46 < Strike …No one knows how many wins would have took place
1995 ….90 54 went to world series
1996 ….96 66 went to world series
1997 …101 61
1998 …106 56 < Had the best team ever…
1999 …103 59 went to world series
Those teams was hitting teams . what we need is to bring the hitters back
what of it?
October 15th, 2010
4:24 pm
must agree. I have zero confidence in Wren fixing the outfield. it’s been a problem his entire tenure
count_schemula
October 15th, 2010
4:39 pm
There will be blood.
Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
4:50 pm
Atlanta went to the world series 5 times from 1991-1999 ..Should have won every time they went ..But did not…However it was small plays that keep them from winning . like a Home run or a base steal
Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
4:56 pm
That is why Atlanta must get Andrew Jones . And have Otis nixon as hitting coach . Otis can help players learn the tricks and trade on how to steal 2n base . And maybe even 3rd base . And Andrew could have a Home run season and bat over 300 . Chipper returns to have a breakout year. All the rotation stays healthy and strong . 2011 could be when Atlanta returns to the world series for 1 last ride into the sun set
Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
5:03 pm
And just think of the sings at turner field …If Andrew did come back …They could bring back the ..Jones Boys signs ..And have the Jones twins signs . It would be a reminder of the past and help us race to the future . and they could win as many games . Derek Low could get 20 wins . Having Jones back and Having Jones return . but this is my view . Others do not want Andrew to return . But I would
Chaos
October 15th, 2010
5:10 pm
I would love to see the offensive philosophy change. We need speed and the ability to create runs when everyone is in a hitting slump. We need to break up the opposing pitchers rhythm and cause a little Chaos on the base-paths and then “POW” with the long ball
Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
5:20 pm
Andrew Jones is only 33 . He could have a breakout season any time . Do u want that breakout season to be with Atlanta ? If so . Your on my side . We need the Jones brothers to return . 2011 the year of the family reunion of the 1990s Atlanta braves . Having 2 players come Back and save the team and help i return to greatness it once had
Coach (2011 or Bust)
October 15th, 2010
5:22 pm
OK, here goes…….
Trade for Dan Uggla while negotiating a two or three year contract extension through 2012-13. Stick his butt in LF and leave him there. If it takes a top pitching prospect, so be it. Sign Coco Crisp as a back up and trade for my man Luis Durango as insurance in triple A. Ditto for Rick Ankiel, minor league contract and an invite to spring training. DUMP Diaz and Melky. Keep McLouth.
Dear Frank Wren, how bad do you want to see a Braves team succeed in the post season? Everything I just said involves power, defense, speed and youth. No way can the combination do anything except succeed.
Desibrave
October 15th, 2010
5:23 pm
Elvis Andruws generated 2 runs simply based on his speed. if we had someone like him (or hi) we would have won the series against Giants and will be preparing for the phillies by now.
Hope Fredi and Wren get a speedy CF to bat leadoff,
Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
5:34 pm
How do you Remake something that was successfully powerful and on target major league teams was had from 1991-1999 ..You could start by adding a outfielder that could have a breakout year
C's
October 15th, 2010
5:48 pm
Atlanta braves fan of the south – So what are your thoughts on Andruw Jones? Do you think the Braves should re-acquire him? You’ve barely touched the subject today.
count_schemula
October 15th, 2010
6:09 pm
I posted Andruw Jone’s batting average earlier in this thread. He’s done. Even at his best he was streaky and strikeout prone. He is an AL player from here on out.
jayvee
October 15th, 2010
6:14 pm
Here’s an outfielder who’s got a great future and might be gettable for JJ and a prospect: Chris Young of the D-Backs. Kid hit 27 bombs, 33 doubles and stole 38 bags, plays fabulous D. He’s 27 years old and made only 3.4 mil this year. This guy will play for another 10 years, and only get better. He’s 6-2, and will only get stronger.
SR
October 15th, 2010
6:34 pm
“Nate McLouth will be back because he’s owed a $6.5 million salary in 2011, plus a $1.25 million buyout of a $10.65 million option. He’s virtually untradable after hitting .190 with six homers and 24 RBIs in 85 games, so the Braves hope he plays like he did for a brief stretch in September after returning from the minors.
He can play center or left, so at least they have flexibility in the search for outfield help.
Wren cautioned it could be difficult to land a power bat. But the Braves need to add at least one productive outfielder after getting little offense in center and left most nights from the combination of Melky Cabrera, McLouth, Matt Diaz and Rick Ankiel”.
Wow, just reading that is discouraging. In my view, not one of those players brings anything to the table and further, not one of them should be on the roster next year. If they really want to improve this team, as you correctly point at the beginning of the blog, they need to improve this “punchless” outfield; doing so in my opinion means replacing all the aforementioned stiffs while retaining the only real Major League quality player, Heyward.
James
October 15th, 2010
6:36 pm
I’m glad they are keeping Alex Gonzalez.
Nelson
October 15th, 2010
6:43 pm
Com’on Liberty media Open the wallet a little bit more, if not it will be the same Movie we are all tired of watching again and again and again…..
WREN DO NOT TRADE PITCHING, See what happenned with Vazquez trade, we got a disaster on Melky Cabrera!!!!
Jim
October 15th, 2010
6:48 pm
I wish they’d dump Alex Gonzalez
count_schemula
October 15th, 2010
6:52 pm
I’m ok with A Gon at $2.5m. Of course, the real reason is we have A Gon is that Yunel was a little biitch and really has us over the wheel now.
Nelson
October 15th, 2010
6:55 pm
Wren; I’ll tell you more, I prefer that you bring rookie talent instead of all those cheap and Junk players nobody wants and you guys find I don’t know where?.
The only way you could risk another more year with them is if you are able to land a great Hitting coach!!!!!
Athenzdawg
October 15th, 2010
6:59 pm
Last year they were doing everything they can to try and move Lowe, now he finally has some value and we are going to eat his salary ? Please move him while he has value don’t touch jurrgens and of course it goes without saying Kenshin goes too.
Nelson
October 15th, 2010
7:01 pm
Yes Count_Shemula, they said Escobar was the rotten apple in the club house, but when he started, he played outstanding baseball, the kind Braves are not playing anymore, I mean stealing bases, hitting the opposite field behind the runner, etc. The question for me is: Who corrupted Him??????????
The Abs Man
October 15th, 2010
7:04 pm
I’m totally disgusted Wren wants Alex-G back…..
Can’t he see Alex-G is no damn good…..
And let’s all hope Wren kicks Melk-Dud to the curb….I would retain Ankiel if he would take a pay cut….Ankiel would be a useful role player….
SoCalBrave
October 15th, 2010
7:13 pm
@ Nelson: Who corrupted Escobar? How about himself. He’s a grown man, not a child. He has to take responsibility for his actions, hopefully he has learned his lesson and will be a productive player for years to come.
David O'Brien
October 15th, 2010
7:24 pm
DOB:……the braves like Pastornicky better than Mycal Jones?! — reagan
He’s moved past him, in terms of who’s closest to being major-league ready SS. We could see Pastornicky at some point next season in bigs.
David O'Brien
October 15th, 2010
7:27 pm
DOB, don’t take the criticism from these bloggers so harshly. — b
Trust me, I don’t.
Hire Greg Walker hitting coach
October 15th, 2010
7:59 pm
Nolan just threw out the first pitch tonight,(owner) at 90 mph.
Feeanch
October 15th, 2010
8:01 pm
DOB, you da man. Now you’ve got time to get to see Mumford and Sons on Nov 7th.
bp
October 15th, 2010
8:02 pm
No way McOUT is on this roster next year.He is by far the worst outfielder in the national league.
Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
8:04 pm
On a final note ….I would like to add that the Atlanta braves have not made it past the Pennant in 11 years . meaning . There starting to get worse . I am not saying the year way bad . But unless u want to win games but not make it to the final stage that is fine . The point of baseball is to make it to the best possible outcome . 90 game winning seasons is good . But Atlanta has not made it to the world series in 11 years . They are in a downfall of greatness . They need to return to the greatness . No more wild card teams .
Hire Greg Walker hitting coach
October 15th, 2010
8:05 pm
Smoltz is calling the Yankee-Ranger game on TBS
Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
8:12 pm
By the way …Babe Ruth played for the braves also …So lets not let him down …Lets go after a power hitter
rugburn
October 15th, 2010
8:18 pm
i think escobar is an extremely talented ss who we should have kept. it didn’t help that the braves are such a bunch of lollygaggers. he thought he could too. with bobby in charge there was no fire or passion and especially no hustle. prado, diaz, and occasionally j-hey were the only ones to run out grounders (ankiel too). the examples of chipper, bmac, a-gon,melky(the list runs long)etc. do not breed winning baseball teams. hopefully fredi will pull some of these guys for poor effort.
rugburn
October 15th, 2010
8:22 pm
babe ruth may have been the 1st over the hill overweight player that bobby cox ever signed. we have too many guys that look like babe ruth but hit like ruth buzzi
David O'Brien
October 15th, 2010
8:28 pm
Freeanch, yes I do. It’s sold out, though. But I think I’ll be able to get a ticket (hopefully)
Feeanch
October 15th, 2010
8:28 pm
Frenchy’s up. Swinging? lol
Feeanch
October 15th, 2010
8:29 pm
Holy crap Frenchy took a pitch!
Feeanch
October 15th, 2010
8:30 pm
Lots available on Craig’s List. Let me know if you end up getting a ticket. Holy crap, Frenchy took another pitch!
Feeanch
October 15th, 2010
8:30 pm
There’s the Frenchy we all know
Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
8:32 pm
Atlanta needs a top caliber outfielder . That is where Andrew Jones have proven the test of time . He has the best gold glove . He made catches that no one could make . He has done it all . But he got worse batting the last few years . so now people will say ..He would not help . Lets not forget how good he was . 50 home runs in 1 year . All those game saving base hit catches that he made outs with . He helped save a lot of runs . He would help the team 100% in his own way
rugburn
October 15th, 2010
8:44 pm
hitting 50 hrs is what finished andruw off as a superstar. talk about a downward spiral. if tp had a few more years with him, andruw would actually be worse than mcclouth. andruw stopped hitting in sept of that year and never started back. hopefully tp finds his niche as a 1st base coach. he’s a quality baseball guy, just not a hitting coach
Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
8:45 pm
Also if you really want a team that can win games then you need a proven hitter . Someone that can get that extra run or that game saving catch . That is where the Andrew Jones formulation comes in to effect . If you bring him back there is the great outfielder and great hitter . Its all about how to push the effect
Bama Brave
October 15th, 2010
8:47 pm
no way on andrew jones.
Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
8:48 pm
rugburn
Do you not think maybe he had bad years for a normal reason ? Maybe it was hit time to have those bad years . I mean even the greats have had down falls in hits over the years. He is one of the best ball players ever in history . Jones will have a breakout year one day . And that is when a team will be like ..WOW he is the best ..but that is my view
Feeanch
October 15th, 2010
8:49 pm
Hello Andruw Roid Jones…can’t believe no one is talking about this more. He is so NOT an option.
rugburn
October 15th, 2010
8:49 pm
agreed.. just say no to aj
Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
8:50 pm
My last comment . Andrew Jones is 33 . He hit 19 home runs last year . He played over 100 games . He is back people , He is better than ever I think . And it would help the braves to sign him . thank u all
rugburn
October 15th, 2010
8:53 pm
great players don’t have slumps that last for years …2-3 weeks maybe but not years. andruw got complacent, then overweight, and then the skills went away, and then andruw went away.
O-Me
October 15th, 2010
9:16 pm
Thank God its your last comment on AJ..Damn give it a rest. Are you his brother are what?
count_schemula
October 15th, 2010
9:33 pm
I think I have figured out the backstory on KK. Read between the lines on this quote from Wren:
“I think we owe it to him and us to explore what possibilities are out there,” Wren said. “With the development of our young pitchers, it’s become difficult for us to project him in the rotation, and that’s really the best role for him. He very well might be back here. But I think we’ll at least explore alternatives for next year.”
I remember that KK said he was not able to pitch in relief. He’s very much a creature of habit, and thought of himself as ONLY a starter. When the Braves tried to get him to pitch in relief, he probably freaked out and became a head case about it.
Bravo Nam
October 15th, 2010
9:53 pm
DOB and Braves diehards
Been out of circulation for a while, but still been following you all. Great run by the boys given their injuries and lack of hitting talent- I’m proud of the heart they showed all year. A pity they fell short in Bobby’s last year, but at least they made the playoffs.
GTSteve
October 15th, 2010
10:11 pm
From DMAC earlier today…the smartest thing that I have seen on this blog in days…..
Wren learned this year that what once looks like a surplus of starting pitching can evaporate very very quickly
David O'Brien
October 15th, 2010
10:51 pm
Damn, Nam (9:53 p.m.), where you been? Good to hear from ya. And yes, it was a nice run for the fellas, especially under the circumstances. Team that faced Giants was a shell of the team that led the division for three months.
count_schemula
October 15th, 2010
10:55 pm
GTSteve, that’s what I’ve been saying. Do not trade a pitcher. Remember Chuck James and Charlie Morton? We can solve this with one GREAT signing, now if the team can only muster up the ballz.
marcus bales
October 15th, 2010
10:57 pm
The man that brought us Kawakami, McLouth, Caberra, Ankiel, Glaus, Gonzalez, Lee and Farnsworth is now going to trade one of the best young pichers in baseball-good luck Fred!!!
TBandATLfan
October 15th, 2010
11:29 pm
Carl Crawford will be paid out $20-$25 million dollar a year contract, the Yankees and Red Sox will get him, not the Braves and their Wal-Mart mentality when it comes to player salaries. I’d say let’s Oust Overpaid Frank Wren and John Schuerholz, and replace these old washed up men with 30-something GM with guts to spend some money, take risks, and get a winning team together to get the Fans out to the ballpark.
Adam
October 15th, 2010
11:44 pm
What a great trade. Andrus doing great for the rangers tonight.
Surprisingly little has been made of Mark Teixeira facing his old team in the ALCS, perhaps because he had stints with the Braves and Angels in between going from the Rangers to the Yankees.
Selected by Texas with the fifth overall pick in the 2001 draft, Teixeira hit .283/.368/.533 with 153 homers and 499 RBIs in 693 games for the Rangers. In the middle of his fifth season in Texas he reportedly turned down an eight-year, $140 million extension offer, at which point the Rangers traded Teixeira to the Braves on July 31, 2007 for a five-prospect package that included Neftali Feliz, Elvis Andrus, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Matt Harrison, and Beau Jones.
At the time Saltalamacchia was viewed as the centerpiece of the Rangers’ haul, while Feliz and Andrus were high-upside teenagers at Single-A. Four years later Feliz is one of the best closers in baseball and may win the Rookie of the Year award, Andrus is an elite defensive shortstop and the Rangers’ leadoff man …
Hobo
October 15th, 2010
11:56 pm
Carl Crawford will be paid out $20-$25 million dollar a year contract, the Yankees and Red Sox will get him, not the Braves and their Wal-Mart mentality when it comes to player salaries. I’d say let’s Oust Overpaid Frank Wren and John Schuerholz, and replace these old washed up men with 30-something GM with guts to spend some money, take risks, and get a winning team together to get the Fans out to the ballpark.
Where is the money going to come from? And the Braves are already a winning team.
jj
October 16th, 2010
4:27 am
The Braves will be ok,but as I said in a previous post,I wish Wren would not have let BC make those last trades(Escabor & Blanco),because I believe Freddie could have used them.I believe with those two at the top of the order,with Prado,I believe it would have been exciting around here next year.Hey,why not see what you can get for Huddy and Dunn.Most teams need a good starter and lefty in bull-pen.I like Hudson,but why trade youth when as The A’s did,get something before they end up like Lowe,ubtradable.I hope Freddie let Chipper know he is not Bobby Cox and although he is a potential HOF,his days of ease and calling his own shots are over.I believe training camp this year will be a lot different than those of Bobby.There will be more work on fundamentials than working on golf games.I believe Wren will get ample talent here as he has done in past,but I believe CFG will let this TEAM know in a hurry that it’s a new day.NO more favorites,but guys that earn it.I really hope Chipper has one more year in him and we get Mac some help in the middle of the order so he don’t think he has to carry this TEAM.I for 1(one) wish we could work out a deal with D.Lee.I think,if healthy,he is what we need.I believe Freddie is athletic enough to play LF. I saw Yogi and Elston Howard do it and also Hinke,McLough,and Diaz.How hard could it be for a young man with skills like I believe he has to give it a shot?With a healthy and hopeful motivated Chipper,and Lee in the middle of the lineup with Mac and Heyward,Ibelieve we could score some runs and keep our pitching staff in order.Imagine a line-up of Prado,Chipper,Lee,Mac,Heyward,Gonzo,Freeman,McLough(?)and pitcher.I think that would be interesting.Just saying! GO BRAVES
Bobby's chauffeur
October 16th, 2010
6:07 am
JJ… I agree..We don’t have to sell the farm. This group of guys need a rest, a conditioning prograam and possibly a base stealing lead off man. If Lee gets healthy, Chipper becomes the HOF’er he is, Freeman has a great year, Jason continues to improve, Mac has his vision restored and McLough finds himself. we will have a team. I think all of this is possible. Ok I’m being optimistic. Go Braaves
Chipper's ACL
October 16th, 2010
7:04 am
Little late getting in on this one but here you go. Crawford will not be in Atl. For those of you that don’t follow baseball and suggest he be the lead off hitter he does not produce in that spot in the order. He is a 2 or 3. He will also require a 20-25 mil a tear contract and probably demand an outragous number of years. So if he were signed, and the Braves are required to work within a budget, what room will they have to fill other needs in the near future? Gonzo after ‘11. JJ and Prado salary arbitration. Huddy, Lowe, Chipper after ‘12? So 1/4 of the budgeted payroll will be tied up with one player. That would make real good sense.
On Gonzo, let him walk and take the draft pick. He may not be an A but should be a B. We need some solid draft picks that can advance quickly.Sell high. He has injury issues and had a career year. Won’t be the same in ‘11. Our best trade bait in Infante. Again, sell high. Last year of his contract, will still be a roll player for the Braves next year, and he would be valuable in a trade. After reading some other teams needs TB will be trimmimg payroll. As I stated before, and was stated on MLB, Bartlett should be available and the Rays will need a LF. Possible Diaz for Bartlett? Good glove, speed, and a small ball guy. As far as the OF needs, one CF stands out. Chris Young. Sure his BA isn’t .300 and he will strike out but he has power, speed, and plays strong defense. His right handed bat would fit well between all of the lefties on this team. Could Lowe get traded? I’d sure try. I’d go with Beachy and Minor to start the season. If Tehran progresses like he did this year he may be in Atl by mid season. Only way I’d let JJ goe is if Boras gets out of control, which is possible. It’s a shame both of our studs are under his care.
Last trade thought, Ellsbury. He may be available. So view my lineup with this three additions. Well under budget. All three have speed, play good D, and young enough to keep around a few years.
dap01
October 16th, 2010
7:18 am
DOB; Who are the best position players in the minors for the Braves (other than Freeman)?
Lil' Barry Bailout
October 16th, 2010
7:42 am
40 homers from your entire outfield is completely unacceptable and pathetic, and it was totally foreseeable BEFORE THE SEASON STARTED. Wren should be fired based on his outfield’s output alone.
Bobby's chauffeur
October 16th, 2010
8:30 am
on Wren…AT THE TIME..(signing) who would have thought KK would turn out the way he did?
same with Mc Louth and Melky…Wren is NOT a mind reader, went on the information he had at the time. He went with Ankeil and Farnsworth and that didn’t work out.(went on HOPE bad decision) Of course all of us have crystal balls and would have seen into the future and predicted all these scenerio’s and outcomes esspecially all the injuries. I still feel we are just missing a couple of pieces to the puzzle. We will be fine. Again, remember it is only a game and a lot of teams with much more payroll and better talent, sat out and didn’t get to the play off’s. Of course I want to win it all.. but geeezz. let’s watch the guys play and enjoy the games.
Bobby's chauffeur
October 16th, 2010
8:35 am
If anyone gets a chance to talk to…… Atlanta braves fan of south ……..Ask him how he feels about Andruw Jones… Just curious, since he doesn’t post often….Does he have an opinion on the guy?
jerry
October 16th, 2010
8:50 am
Prospect for prospect. P Julio Teheran for OF Mike Stout.
Buckeyebrave
October 16th, 2010
10:02 am
Pitching prospects are much more valuable than hitting prospects. You always have alot of hitting options at the other 8 positions. We should trade off pitching only when we can’t afford someone or when skill starts to diminish. Kind of like what the New England Patriots do in football. Maybe Wren should talk to Demitroff. We are real close to being outstanding. I like Ellsbury too,low salary high upside and a leadoff hitter.
Bill M.
October 16th, 2010
10:16 am
Jerry, who is Mike Stout?? Never heard of him. He must be some hot shot minor leaguer.
Walker Texas Ranger
October 16th, 2010
10:20 am
Here we go again, all the great trades where the Braves trade their crap for some other teams all-stars. All you will get for Lowe will be a Melky type. If the Braves want an outfielder, they will have to pay or trade a stud (top 3) prospect or Jurgens and a top 15 Braves prospect
wins-by-a-link
October 16th, 2010
10:38 am
Speculate all you want about 2011 braves but the simple truth is the braves will never win another championship with present owners, They will never invest the capital required to compete with the phillies or yankees, Wren and Cox did a heck of a job getting them into playoffs but this is a far as it goes.
Dent
October 16th, 2010
10:55 am
It’s Mike Trout and most feel he is untradable at this point.
NEW CARS
October 16th, 2010
11:08 am
DOB,
I wonder if Mycal Jones will end up as more of a Chone Figgins type. A leadoff guy that could play 2b, 3b or maybe CF. If that’s the case, he might be closer to the bigs than expected. Also, did the Braves hang on to Wilkin Ramirez and do you have any sense of whether he could be in the picture in the spring. His minor league career is sort of Nelson Cruz lite and we are due to catch a break with a guy like that. The Phils did with Werth, the Cards with Ludwick and there are other similar stories. Maybe he’ll be our cinderella story and we only have to get someone to put in the 4 hole.
Chillahill43
October 16th, 2010
11:26 am
Klaus is the only one of you nimrods that has reasoned thus out go back to page 2 and read his comments. The german is genuis. !!! All thus other bs is just that. Im now on the Klaus as GM. Bandwagon!!!! Fire wren. Hire Klaus. He is right on…
BBUA
October 16th, 2010
11:32 am
TN Brave Fan – Your numbers are skewed, you included Lee, Farnsworth and Ankiel’s entire salary as coming off of the books when in fact the Braves only incurred a small portion of those salaries.
The Braves have already advised the budget for 2011 will be about the same as 2010 which was
$ 83 mil. The Braves have 3 players (Jones, Hudson and Lowe) that will make $ 38 mil next year leaving $ 45 mil for the rest of the roster. After you deduct McCann’s $ 6.5 mil, McLouth’s $ 6.5 mil, KK $ 6.5 mil, Gonzalez $ 2.5 mil, Infante’s $ 2.5 mil and Ross $ 1.5 mil that leaves $ 19 mil. JJ, Moylan and Prado are all arb eligible and will secure something like $ 2.5 mil each leaving $ 16.5 mil. You still have Conrad, Heyward, Venters, Hanson and EOF, they will be entitled to a raise over last years salary. Let’s say Conrad, Heyward, Venters and EOF each get $ .5 mil and Hanson gets 1.0 mil, you now have $ 13.5 mil to work with. This accounts for 17 positions leaving 8 more positions to fill. If you fill 7 of the positions with the minumum salary of $ 400,000, you would have $ 10.7 mil to obtain a quality OF.
Unless some changes are made there will not be sufficient funds to obtain Werth or Crawford. I think we are looking at Cody Ross or Pat Burrell. They are not fancy but better than what we had last year.
Chillahill43
October 16th, 2010
11:43 am
Burrell will be cheaper i think but i would bet cody ross is our next lf he has a history with the new mgr. And reports this past summer had Wren all squirmy about getting him b4we made the ankiel/ farnsworthless trades. The part rhst really stinks is that Burrell was sitting at home and would have helped this team this year. But somebidy in our organization didnt have foresite.. Or fortitude!!! As much as i love these Braves. We are gonna need more than a big outfield bat, i think we are gonnna be looking fir a big bat at 1b i trully hope im wrong. But one home run off of Halluday.!! 22 other at bats didnt. See anything thst impressive… Yea i kno he wuz robbed his 1st and 2nd at bat. But his swing seemed awful long. Kinda reminded me of ROY RU when he was slumping… Go braves. Lets nit just stagnate. Lets move forward. Not stand still or go back.. GO BRAVOS!
stew
October 16th, 2010
12:09 pm
I don’t like it when Wren says he has to be creative. That means they don’t want to spend any money. That’s what they said when we traded Vasquez for Melky. Whenever they say “creative ” it’s another way of saying cheap it out. That means mediocre players with possible upside that don’t pan out. I’ve heard “creative” every year for a while now. Spend the money to compete or we’ll end up with a punch and judy offense again.
Braves
October 16th, 2010
12:40 pm
I don’t understand why we are spending half of what the Mets or Phillies are. When did we become a small market team? I know we can’t do $150 million, but why are we below teams like the Cardinals and Astros in payroll. The Braves are making it sound like their hands are tied with the OF situation, but it’s not. Just don’t be so cheap, and who knows if the team actually scored some runs, people might show up and watch.