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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Reality Check
June 27th, 2011
10:29 am
Last year when the offense was struggling, we were all calling for TP’s head; now with the offense still underperforming, many of us are calling for Parrish to be fired. While the hitting coach certainly must have some impact on his players (if not, why even have one?), it seems to me that the task of “getting the job done” falls with the players whose very job it is to produce results. Our 2011 offensive numbers are, well, offensive, but what’s the answer? We have new management, and a new hitting coach – the things many of us (including me) seemed to think would be the fix-all. But still we struggle. The bottom line, at least for me, is that the players need to find a way to step it up. That’s what they’re paid (very well) to do.
Whoop
June 27th, 2011
10:29 am
“Nate had the other half.”
And was on base all three times.
Bat Masterson
June 27th, 2011
10:30 am
Well surely things cannot continue along this vein, right AT.
But then again, that is exactly the kind of thinking that lead to me losing ten one hundred dollar chips in a row once, betting the black, on a roulette wheel.
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 27th, 2011
10:32 am
Coach About our catching corp. when it comes to defense….They have given up 63 stolen bases
I think about 60 of those were stolen off our pitchers.
Murph
June 27th, 2011
10:32 am
I was having a great day yesterday. Took the kids to a movie, went and got shave ice with ice cream at the bottom, and then an early dinner at our favorite Mexican food restaurant (yes, I got an order or sopapillas and they were awesome!).
Get home and suddenly remember the Braves played an afternoon game. Go running for the computer to see what happened and am slapped in face with another 2 hit performance. Took the wind right out of my sails.
I thank the baseball gods everyday for the Braves’ pitching staff. They are an amazing collective of athletes. Sure, Lowe isn’t very good as of late and Proctor sucks, but overall they are the one and only reason why this team is where they are.
If the pitching falters or a couple of guys go down to injuries you’re going to see the Braves plummet just like the Marlins did. Remember a few weeks ago when they were ahead of Atlanta? Well, now they are at the bottom of the division, and this team is susceptible to a fall just like that given how awful the offense is.
Yesterday’s lineup featured 2 guys hitting above .265. 2. Dos. That’s it. Hard to win ballgames when you can’t hit the ball. If it weren’t for McCann’s mighty bat… I don’t even want to think about what this team would look like.
I’m definitely not the type to be alarmist or to jump up and yell “TRADE!” when something goes wrong, but it’s obvious that this group of hitters is not the one you want to take with you to the post season. No chance they make it through a best of 5 hitting a collective .225. Just won’t happen.
If it wasn’t obvious to me before it is now… they need to go out and get a bat. However, the team also needs to look at the current squad and determine if they are capable of making a real run at the World Series before they leverage the future for a rental. The pitching staff is there and I think it’s safe to say that a post season rotation of JJ, Hanson, Huddy, and maybe Beachy with O’Ventbrell behind them is a dangerous one. However, the hitting is so anemic that I don’t know if I’d trade Teheran, Delgado, or Vizcaino in an effort to make a run this season. The kind of impact bat they need will be expensive, and unless the rest of the team picks it up, that very bat would be completely wasted because of the lack of production from the other 7 guys in the starting lineup.
I would rather see the Braves make a run with what they have and hope for the best, then cut some dead weight in the offseason and try to improve from there. I just don’t know if this horse has the legs to get to the finish line even with a big trade.
jeffrey d
June 27th, 2011
10:35 am
Shafer…Schaefer…Shcafer
Somewhere, Roman Gal is weeping
Afan
June 27th, 2011
10:36 am
you cant keep playing for next year…we have the pitching to win it but cant when you cant score any runs.
I am all for trading a young arm for a quality cf.
mclouth and shaffer have had their opportunity and have failed.
keylargo
June 27th, 2011
10:36 am
And about Schafer’s “hit” yesterday. I’m not really sure that was a hit since my TV went out while the ball was still in the air. I’ll need some visual corroboration to actually agree it was a hit.
Venice Jim
June 27th, 2011
10:38 am
Since I was there, I can confirm it was a hit…
O.J.
June 27th, 2011
10:39 am
Why do we need Hank Aaron as our pitching coach?
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 27th, 2011
10:39 am
Has anyone else had a problem all season with being able to hear our announcers? The crowd noises are LOUD and clear, but we turn the volume up over halfway and cann still barely make out what Joe and whoever are saying…
keylargo
June 27th, 2011
10:43 am
Well, Venice Jim, I’ll take your word for it. I’m not kidding about the TV going out though. Several others had the same problem. I’m really most sorry I missed Hinske scoring from 1st on a double.
Tom O'Hawke
June 27th, 2011
10:43 am
I think I figured out why the Braves have so many oblique injuries.
If they read the post-game blog trade proposals following a loss, as I just did, then they split their sides from laughing so hard, as I just did.
I’m day-to-day.
Steve from OH
June 27th, 2011
10:44 am
YIKES is all I have to say about this subject.
I highly doubt that.
Tom O'Hawke
June 27th, 2011
10:46 am
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
Check the stereo balance of your TV. It sounds as if the crowd mike side is too strong.
Bat Masterson
June 27th, 2011
10:47 am
I loved seeing Chipper make the adjustment, after he started his swing, for a double Saturday night. The view at the end of this video from left field is great.
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_06_25_atlmlb_sdnmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=atl
Arkansas Transplant
June 27th, 2011
10:48 am
Bat, I don’t know how long it can continue since we’re talking about more than just one person turning things around. Hopefully they decide to break out of it at the same time…. and hopefully sooner than later.
cricket
June 27th, 2011
10:49 am
Has anyone else had a problem all season with being able to hear our announcers?
Not me. I always try other team’s feed on MLB EI, if available. I try my best not to have to listen to what one specific ‘whoever’ is saying…
Arkansas Transplant
June 27th, 2011
10:50 am
Afan, do you seriously think that Schafer or Mclouth is our biggest concerns? Were we really expecting that much from them in the first place?
Venice Jim
June 27th, 2011
10:51 am
I totally missed whatever happened in the outfield after the ball got through because I was watching Hinske storming around third base…
jeffrey d
June 27th, 2011
10:54 am
Besides the blown save, how was the game, VJ?
Bat Masterson
June 27th, 2011
10:55 am
Well that link does not go straight to Chippers video. You have to click the Uggla link and then scroll down the other highlight videos for Chippers double.
unbelieveable
June 27th, 2011
10:58 am
“Has anyone else had a problem all season with being able to hear our announcers? – McFann”
If Chip is announcing I usually try to mute the TV. So, I dont know how to answer.
Venice Jim
June 27th, 2011
10:59 am
jeffrey – it was good – we did get very hot, sitting in the sun, but we really liked the stadium (last year did not get a chance to look around because we got there right at game time)…
Tom O'Hawke
June 27th, 2011
11:01 am
Did you say “hi” to DOB, VJ?
Lew
June 27th, 2011
11:02 am
WE had two hits yesterday.. We had four its on Friday night. Who the hell do you think if is brought in improves that considerably? Even if we had Kemp (or name your player) there was no one to knock in..
There is no quick fix. This team’s offense is totally contingent on the players we have hitting like they have in the past. There is no one player who will turn it around. Period.
And as for the Phillies being willing to play for it all and to go out and get who they need – where is the deal? Seems to me no one has made a blockbuster deal yet – or, for that matter, any deal of consequence.
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 27th, 2011
11:02 am
Tom O’Hawke—
Hmm…do all TVs have stereo-thingies…? This bad-boy we’ve got has gotta be over 12 years old…
But I think you’re right in that something’s gotta be loose in there—a lot of our other channels come out sounding like they’re under water. TVLand is BY FAR the worst…
unbelievable—
Heeheehee…aawww…
Arkansas Transplant
June 27th, 2011
11:05 am
Lew, I’ve been trying to point that out all morning.
Steve from OH
June 27th, 2011
11:08 am
Lew, that’s just how it goes. There will always be the contingent that thinks we have to go out and get that big free agent or that big trade piece every year, despite the fact that those moves often make zero sense for the club. Instant gratification abounds.
unbelieveable
June 27th, 2011
11:09 am
SS and CF are the only two spots that could really be addressed and an upgrade could be brought in. The price for elite players at those 2 positions is going to be very high. Its not a simple fix and I would be surprised if any move is made, unless its adding another bench player. I would think another reliever could be brought in, but Moylan and Medlen could be here by August anyways.
Steve from OH
June 27th, 2011
11:10 am
unbelieable–good post (11:09). Exactly.
Tom O'Hawke
June 27th, 2011
11:11 am
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
There are too many models to know for sure without seeing it. The newer it is, the better chance that it is stereo. You can check with your remote. Get into the menu, and see what or if it says anything about audio.
Or give me the make and model of your TV. I’ll check it online. It’s all moot, however, if you have a problem internally with the set. I can fix it, but my traveling fees are high.
ncscoots
June 27th, 2011
11:12 am
If the pitching falters or a couple of guys go down to injuries you’re going to see the Braves plummet just like the Marlins did…this team is susceptible to a fall just like that given how awful the offense is.
Are not the Phillies just as susceptible to such a thing? That offense is no better than what we’re seeing in Atlanta.
Steve from OH
June 27th, 2011
11:12 am
Like I said, JJ Hardy could be a player to target if the O’s don’t re-sign him. Gonzalez has been a pretty weak bat all year and Hardy makes a lot of sense for us…
AtlYnkHtr
June 27th, 2011
11:13 am
Tom O’Hawke, we are all day to day.
George
June 27th, 2011
11:14 am
Good morning y’ll
Murph 10:32
A very thoughtful post and I agree with at least 90% of it, if not more.
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 27th, 2011
11:14 am
Tom O’Hawke—
Haha, thanks! I’ll have to see about that menu thing…our remotes cann be QUITE confusing, but I’m sure somebody cann figger it out.
I can fix it, but my traveling fees are high.
Shoot…
Murph
June 27th, 2011
11:15 am
WE had two hits yesterday.. We had four its on Friday night. Who the hell do you think if is brought in improves that considerably? Even if we had Kemp (or name your player) there was no one to knock in..
Exactly. One of my worst fears is that the team goes out and trades the farm for a legit all-star bat that then gets dragged down by the rest of the offensive woes.
Better to make a run with the current team plus maybe a new bench guy, cross fingers, and hope things turn out well.
Fish Bisch
June 27th, 2011
11:15 am
That happened to me too key largo. See, I think the cameras was so shocked that the braves had their 2nd hit of the game in the eight inning that it threw fox sports into technical difficulties trying to compute what just happened.
Steve from OH
June 27th, 2011
11:17 am
Kemp’s not very good defensively in center, is he?
Lew
June 27th, 2011
11:19 am
Transplant – Bring your sledge hammer. It’s an awfully hard brick wall.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
June 27th, 2011
11:19 am
So, the Dodgers have filed for bankruptcy, and their biggest creditor is Manny. The gift that keeps on giving…
AtlYnkHtr
June 27th, 2011
11:20 am
AT, just because we did not expect much from CF does not mean it is not a position that could be upgraded, the easiest. I don’t understand the logic that says that we have so many areas to improve so any one improvement by itself is not enough and therefore should not be done.
Lew seems to think having Kemp, or a player like him, would not “turn around” the offense. OK, but any incremental improvement that is done without losing a significant minor leauger should be looked at. A new hitter in CF may not make Uggla or Heyward hit great, but that does not mean the offense would not be improved.
Oh and if you need evidence of Philly playing for it all and going for broke? See Cliff Lee signing.
Fish Bisch
June 27th, 2011
11:21 am
We need to trade for Tulowhatshisname.
Bat Masterson
June 27th, 2011
11:21 am
Boston’s Gonzalez heads first-half awards class
By Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports
In all likelihood, he’ll have made a strong enough impression with his performances, much like …
6. Craig Kimbrel(notes) is doing with his. Lots and lots and lots of them.
Kimbrel is the most-used closer in the major leagues, just like teammate Jonny Venters(notes) is the most-used setup man, and it seems as though Joe Torre’s mantel as foremost bullpen abuser is in good hands with Fredi Gonzalez. When a manager finds a reliever in whom he can trust, he uses him like a security blanket: any stressful situation and on he comes. Kimbrel’s been worthy of such treatment, with 58 strikeouts in 38 innings.
And Rookie of the Year voters love saves, which makes him the NL favorite for now,
Tom O'Hawke
June 27th, 2011
11:24 am
McFann
The “MENU” should be obvious. All you need to know is how to navigate once you activate the menu. Usually, there is something on the remote that doubles to move the cursor in four directions. Sometimes it’ll be marked by subtle arrows. The only other thing you may need is “ENTER”, which is usually, but not always, obvious.
AtlYnkHtr, ain’t it the truth?
VaBravesFan
June 27th, 2011
11:24 am
Steve from OH
that may be true, but its not like AGon is unperforming. He is playing around his norm’s and is doing whats expected.
VaBravesFan
June 27th, 2011
11:26 am
Matt Kemp will most likely be in LF in a few years.
Steve from OH
June 27th, 2011
11:26 am
that may be true, but its not like AGon is unperforming. He is playing around his norm’s and is doing whats expected.
Yea, it’s expected but it’s still not good. I understand he plays good defense and isn’t one of our chief worries, but he’s got a sub-.290 OBP. That really drags down a lineup after a while.
Like I said, we can upgrade in CF or at SS, but it’s not a must. What is a must is that our guys start doing what they’re capable of. That’ll be worth more than Matt Kemp or whoever else is out there.
Reality Check
June 27th, 2011
11:27 am
Scoots – Yes, the Phillies are certainly susceptible. Oswalt is already out for a long while. If another of their “vaunted” arms goes down…
Lew
June 27th, 2011
11:29 am
An incremental improvement will do nothing that one of our current players turning it around wouldn’t do for a much lower cost – significant minor leaguer or not..
Incremental improvements will do nothing to stop the bitching and moaning. Incremental improvements will not add to our impotent offense.
Y’all are looking for a player to turn around the entire offense. A single player – even were it a healthy Albert Pujols – will not do what you want. It is a pipe dream and nothing else.
We need Heyward hitting. We need Shafer and/or McLouth hitting. We need Freeman hitting consistently. We need Martin to return and hit like he can. And most of all, we need Uggla to hit like the player we signed for that purpose. Without at least a couple of them setting the table, Babe Freaking Ruth or Hammerin Hank wouldn’t be able to pull it off on their own.
Venice Jim
June 27th, 2011
11:30 am
Tom – we waved, not that we could see him…and I am off to work – cab should return from the gym shortly…
Mudge
June 27th, 2011
11:30 am
Of course Kemp would improve the team. Based on his performance, and if it continues, he is dozens of RBIs better than Schafer or McLouth. Up to 1/2 run per game. LA hits about the same, if not worse than Atlanta, so he should have equivalent men on base. Prado, Chipper, Kemp and McCann isn’t a bad sequence.
Lew
June 27th, 2011
11:30 am
And the Phillies did, indeed, go broke signing Lee.
MikeInFl
June 27th, 2011
11:31 am
I sure don’t want Wren to trade top prospects for a rental, and I don’t see us adding a superstar before the deadline.
But really don’t understand you guys who’ve put your foot down and decided that there is no room for improvement via trade. When you’ve got 2 chronically bad hitters manning CF and often batting leadoff, there is room for improvement without blowing up the farm.
A decent RH hitter who can play an adequate CF about 2-3 games per week and come off the bench against LHP when he’s not starting. It’s what Mather was supposed to be, I guess.
Whether Wren can find one, affordably, I don’t know. But the idea sure shouldn’t be off the table.
Mixxo
June 27th, 2011
11:31 am
Has anyone else had a problem all season with being able to hear our announcers? The crowd noises are LOUD and clear, but we turn the volume up over halfway and cann still barely make out what Joe and whoever are saying…
Yes, the broadcast audio is horrendous on both Braves networks. Audio is what I “do” so, I think I’m qualified in my evaluation.
George
June 27th, 2011
11:34 am
nolee 12:32am
Yup if now FREDI G and LARRY P’s fault who’s? How can a team drop about 20 points in BA from last year to this, with almost the same personal and UGGLA who was supposed to improve our offence not ruin it.
George
June 27th, 2011
11:34 am
memt ” if not FREDI G”
Lew
June 27th, 2011
11:35 am
MikeinFL – Big, big difference in not believing a trade would appreciably improve us and not wanting a trade at any cost.
I’m all for Wren making a deal to improve the team – likely a bench player with defensive versatility and RH bat with a touch of power and/or a middle relief pitcher (again, preferably a RHP). However, trading a big piece from the minors for a player that will – on his own- turn around the offense like some seem to think is not going to do what they think he will.
Coach (2011 Fredi G.a Go!)
June 27th, 2011
11:36 am
Bedard the lefty, Pinada the superb rookie and king Felix…..
Bend over and kiss it goodbye, this three game set that is.
Derek Lowe’s June record, 0-2 with in ERA of 5.02
Hugo Z Hackenbush
June 27th, 2011
11:37 am
The problem I have with the “stand pat” argument is that it doesn’t address center field in 2012. You want to trust Schafer next year? If you don’t, the free agent market ain’t lookin’ so hot for center fielders. If you have the chance to trade for an upgrade at cf, why not now rather than later?
VaBravesFan
June 27th, 2011
11:38 am
Steve from OH
I really hope the Twins become sellers and Michael Cuddyer can become a realistic option for the Braves. We got a while before trade talks heat up. But Cuddyer can play 5 positions, 1b,2b,3b,Rf,Lf. Depending on how Chipper/Prado/Heyward are doing health wise would make a move for someone like Cuddyer makes alot of sense. He’ll provide some power, can play everyday and he’s good vs LHP.
The wont upgrade at SS, I just dont see it happening at all. And face it CF is a weak position. Any team that has a legit CF wont be traded. The best CF who could be traded will most likely be Michael Bourn. Other options such as Coco Crisp or BJ Upton wouldnt be much of a upgrade There are more options to choose from with Corner Outfielders and Versatile players.
Jamey Carrol is another name to keep an eye on. He can play all over the field and he’s a good obp guy. Yes he wont provide power but he’s nice little player who would be a upgrade.
Lew
June 27th, 2011
11:38 am
Hugo – Why is it necessary to deal with 2012’s CF problem when we’re trying to win in 2011? Any one that would fit that particular bill right now would cost a hell of a lot more now than over the winter.
Doc Holliday
June 27th, 2011
11:39 am
Where did all the muts talk went?
LOL
They just disappeared from the map………..and all their trolls along with them.
AtlYnkHtr
June 27th, 2011
11:41 am
Lew, who is to say that there cannot be more than 1 incremental improvement? I don’t understand the logic. Can’t Heyward have a great second half and Uggla perform to his average and a new CF or SS improve upon the current player at that position? 3 incremental improvements for the price of a guy who even if he turns out good, is likely blocked at the ML level for the next four or five years?
Not saying go get Kemp for 3 of our best prospects, but lets get someone who we can be reasonably certain will outperform Schafer/Mclouth. That’s all, there really is not much risk involved in a trade for a guy like that.
VaBravesFan
June 27th, 2011
11:42 am
If the Braves have no confidence in Nate for the rest of the season, and really dont think Schafer is there man for 2012, They call Houston and see what it takes to get Michael Bourn. We dont overpay or anything, you just see. If we can make a deal that makes sense for both sides I say do it.
Lew
June 27th, 2011
11:42 am
Actually, if we’re going to do a deal with the Twins, I’d rather make the payoff for Denard Span, who is signed through 2015 (age 31) and is only making $9 mil by the end of the contract. Dude hits in the .290’s with a career OBP of .366 and plays some good outfield.
ncscoots
June 27th, 2011
11:42 am
If you have the chance to trade for an upgrade at cf, why not now rather than later?
No reason at all, if the FO evaluates Schafer as not improving enough between now and 2012 to be a viable candidate. If that determination hasn’t been made, and maybe even if it has, finding a guy who can play the position, hit, be under club control for a couple-three years, and actually be available? I dunno, that seems a tall order.
Lew
June 27th, 2011
11:44 am
AYH – Yes, I’ve noticed your comprehension issues. Not much I could do to help you.
VaBravesFan
June 27th, 2011
11:44 am
Lew
Thats another great option as well. Might cost alot more but he would be a nice Upgrade that would take care of CF long term for a long time.
George
June 27th, 2011
11:45 am
Looks like a sweep by SEA,they have a poor record and FREDI lets the team slack off and not play thier best against lousy teams.
Mixxo
June 27th, 2011
11:45 am
Coach (2011 Fredi G.a Go!) –
You’re right, we won’t win a game in Seattle. Lets tuck tail, swallow these losses and get back home.
The Lemmer
June 27th, 2011
11:45 am
This is a wasted topic, NO chance he gets moved, none nada dumb question totally! How about trade Schafer, Minor, & either Delgado/Vizciano to Dodgers for Kemp, huge RH bat with power & speed, they cant afford a pair of shoes right now & we give them some cheap prospects???
VaBravesFan
June 27th, 2011
11:47 am
There is no was Matt Kemp is coming to Atlanta quit dreaming.
AtlYnkHtr
June 27th, 2011
11:47 am
Lew, phillies are broke? Yeah I think I heard many people saying that before they signed Lee for 5/120. They keep selling out that park and making moves based on everything other than finances.
Dick's Dungeon
June 27th, 2011
11:48 am
I’ve been a loyal Braves fan for 20 years, but I’m running out of patience with guys who can’t hit. We can’t blame the Hitting Coach (according to Freddie Gonzales), because it’s the players who hold the bat. When we are faced with night after night of 2 or 4 hits and 0 to 2 runs, the only people to blame are hitters who don’t know how to adapt to pitchers. When the Braves start hitting, perhaps I’ll start watching again – until then I’ll just read a good novel.
VaBravesFan
June 27th, 2011
11:49 am
To add a Denard Span they would want MLB ready starter (Minor) and 2 top Prospects (Delgado/Lipka) Something around that makes sense. Could be a little less qualitly and more quanity.
Fish Bisch
June 27th, 2011
11:49 am
So ManRam is the Dodger’s biggest creditor? Where does Andruw Jones lie? Don’t the Dodgers still owe him millions?
VaBravesFan
June 27th, 2011
11:52 am
Fish Bish
I believe the Dodgers are paying A.Jones around 1.8 mil a year until his whole contract is payed off. I may be wrong but I do rememeber reading about it. They’ll be paying him for along time.
Mudge
June 27th, 2011
11:55 am
Sounds like the Dodgers can’t make payroll. Kemp is one of their creditors (someone also mentioned Manny). MLB will not allow a firesale like Connie Mack conducted back in 1915 or so. Any trade for Kemp will have to be based on equivalent value, be it prospects or current major leaguers. The Dodgers have no dependable pitching aside from Kershaw and they have no closer. The Braves have lots of pitching. They’d have to give up some quality to get a player like Kemp and I sense no interest in doing that. They are tied for second best record in the National League based on that pitching, why fool with it?
Hugo Z Hackenbush
June 27th, 2011
11:55 am
Gents, that’s why I said “if you have a chance,” not “when.” I don’t know if Houston or Minnesota or the Cubs are willing to trade players, now or next month. I don’t know what they would want for them if they do. I was saying that you don’t reject the idea of trading out of hand because you don’t think one new player is going to be enough to make a difference.
AtlYnkHtr
June 27th, 2011
11:56 am
Lew, there is one thing…make sense. Try that out.
Lew
June 27th, 2011
11:56 am
Yes, they are broke – They had to get speical dispensation from the Ownership to do the Lee deal.
So far, we’ve heard they are looking at Pence and Willingham – supposedly who the broke Braves are looking at (if any of it even vaguely resembles the truth). Sounds pretty low rent to me.
T for Texas
June 27th, 2011
11:58 am
Andruw is Dodgers’ second largest creditor. Absolutely shameful thing, bankrupting the Dodgers. Frank McCourt should be proud.
Koolbreeze
June 27th, 2011
11:58 am
The dodgers owe Manny $21 mil, Jones 11 mil, Kuroda 4.5, Furcal 3.7, and that’s just a few. Top 13 players are owed more than $63 mil
MikeInFl
June 27th, 2011
11:58 am
Well, Pence is a nice player. I wouldn’t mind having him on my team. But unless he can still play CF (I have no idea), just don’t see how he’s a fit. You don’t get a guy like that to serve as a backup OF.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
June 27th, 2011
11:59 am
The Dodgers owe Andruw 11 million.
MikeInFl
June 27th, 2011
11:59 am
Oh, Lew… thought you were talking about for us, not the Phils. My mistake.
What I keep hearing now is that the Phils are more focused on relief pitching than hitting.
Lew
June 27th, 2011
12:00 pm
But go ahead and believe whatever it is you want to believe. I’ve pointed out legitimate reasons why one player won’t do the trick and even mentioned a single player or a couple of possible trade directions the Braves could explore. You still claim non comprehension – or, to give you the benefit of the doubt – disagreement.
No way I’m going to change your mind on anything – nor do I care enough to even try. Seems you’ve developed a bad case of Shaunian tunnel Vision and see only whatever it is you want to see.
Bobby Hill
June 27th, 2011
12:02 pm
So, I’m as frustrated as anyone with the way the team is hitting. I’m particularly disgusted that Wren signed Uggla to an unnecessary extension before he had ever played a game in a Braves uni, but oh well.
Taking a look at the standings, the situation really isn’t as bleak as you might guess by simply watched the Braves get shut down by mediocre pitching. The Phillies are going to win the division again. Sorry, but it had to be said. We’re the second best team in our own division. I don’t see that changing this year. The good news is that we can still make the playoffs, and the playoffs are such a crap shoot that the best team rarely wins the World Series.
The Giants are also going to win their division, and probably the Brewers. That leaves the Braves in a dogfight with the Cardinals and the Dbacks. I honestly have a hard time seeing those two teams sticking around all summer, and the Braves bats can only get better. I foresee a first round Braves and Brewers matchup in the playoffs.
VaBravesFan
June 27th, 2011
12:03 pm
I agree with LEW that 1 player isnt just gonna fix this offense, yes it will help but its not gonna make our struggling players just turn it around.
AtlYnkHtr
June 27th, 2011
12:04 pm
VaBravesFan, I think Span could be had for less than that, if Minnesota is a seller and that is a big if given that division, the way they have played recently and their finances (big payroll and new stadium). They may ask for 3 players of the type you referrence, but take out Delgado and I would say deal. Minor/Lipka.
I mean Span has not exactly torn up the league that last four year, all apologies to those who think .300 hitter is a significant statistic. As good as he was in 2009 was as bad as he was in 2010 (each time about 15% better or worse than the average). This year he has settled into the middle of those two years. I think he is way better than what we have would jump at the chance to negiotiate a trade, if I were Wren.
archie
June 27th, 2011
12:04 pm
This is an awful awf-ensive team. It’s too late now, but a year or two ago, someone should have put McCann in LF during spring training & winter ball…by now he could play there a couple times a week, he would be in the lineup more than 75-80% of the time, and it would extend his career. Defensive limitations? Have you looked at the list of teams that won championships with big bats/no gloves in LF? It’s a long one. Think Greg Luzinski. Yogi Berra. Go from there.
Schafer/McLouth are AAA players. Heyward is a below-average right-fielder. Uggla is, what Uggla is. Chipper’s one injury away from retirement (any day now). Freeman’s still a work in progress. Alex Gonzalez is not a championship quality player.
Thankfully, the Braves have a World Series pitching staff (assuming Lowe is the odd man out). If they make the playoffs this year, it’s only because of the pitching. And they won’t make it far.
cabravesfan
June 27th, 2011
12:04 pm
Morning blog folk
monty
June 27th, 2011
12:05 pm
As the team struggles to hit everyone becomes more panicky about how to fix it. Knowing that moves will not be made elsewhere all the attention turns to CF. Poor Schafer, a call-up who everyone knew leaving ST he wasn’t ready. But necessity forced him to be here. And what has he done as the “lead-off” hitter? Well leading off the game he has hit .400.,483,.520,.1.000. I believe that’s what a leadoff guy is supposed to do. No one can argue with his defense, arm, or his speed and his ablility to put pressure with his speed on opposing defenses. And he can steal a base or two. But everyone is howling about his avg. and OBP and rightfully so, however, he has had “some” success. For instance he’s hitting RHP at.268,.359,.717 OPS not bad. It’s just LHP he can’t hit. He has hit some balls square ,just right at the defense, and of course been robbed of a HR. And just to show you what small sample size means in his case, if he goes 3-4 the next 2 games he raises his overall batting avg. from .220 something to .270 something. Not saying he will, but the guy hasn’t had enough AB’s IMO to pull the plug on. Certainly not when compared to others who have come through the system. I believe there are some intangibles there that make it worth the Braves best interest to keep running him out there at least for awhile. The Braves aren’t hitting as a team, if they were Jordan’s defense and speed alone would be enough to make his offense a moot point for the rest of this season(remember Rick Ankiel?)
Lew
June 27th, 2011
12:06 pm
I still think he’s Shaun in disguise. Same mentality, if nothing else.
CB
June 27th, 2011
12:06 pm
One thing about trades – none of them will be made on this blog. I just hope Wren is doing due diligence on ways to improve Braves.
Fish Bisch
June 27th, 2011
12:07 pm
Top of the morning to you Cabbie
Mudge
June 27th, 2011
12:08 pm
AtlYnkHtr: The Phillies are not broke, but they have a large payroll they want to decrease, not increase. They need to pay Hamels next year, possibly Rollins and Madson. They lose some payroll too (Lidge, Ibanez, Blanton? and possibly Oswalt, all told about $48M) . They are winning without hitting and are vulnerable to left handed pitching. Sound familiar? The biggest gamble would be year trading Madson (with presumably other value maybe Francisco or Mayberry and a low level starter) to LA for at least Kemp . Kemp is worth $9M, Madson $5M.
VaBravesFan
June 27th, 2011
12:10 pm
archie
You do realize we have the 4th best record in all of baseball right? and yep we have done that with very little offense…. If this offense gets better as in Uggla playing his norm from here on out we prolly the best team in the NL.