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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,129 comments Add your comment
Waffle House or Bust
August 8th, 2012
1:34 am
And…..
Waffle House or Bust
August 8th, 2012
1:38 am
Nothing wrong with losing to a great pitcher like tonight but this offense scares me. The deeper you get into the playoffs the better opposing pitchers Braves will have to hit. Go ahead and tip your caps now but be ready come playoff time because you won’t be seeing Astro type pitching in October.
Ward
August 8th, 2012
1:40 am
Bats sucked, and that’s why the Braves lost. Not because Hamels is good. Braves offense went to sleep again.
Ward
August 8th, 2012
1:41 am
Braves can’t do this in the Playoffs. They have to find ways to win.
Ward
August 8th, 2012
1:50 am
Not mad , but disappionted, because I expected better than what I saw.
Ward
August 8th, 2012
1:52 am
Waffle – Playoffs are what worries me a little bit, and the Bats bother me some right now, but I will be cool…..
Mitchell
August 8th, 2012
2:04 am
Congratulations to the Washington Nationals on winning the division tonight.
Hats off to the Nats.
The race is over. They won.
The end.
Ward
August 8th, 2012
2:09 am
THe Braves need to hit, or they will bust again down the stretch, so if the Braves want to make it to the Playoffs? They better keep it going, and not give one inch. Play hard, and start hitting, or be watching the Playoffs on T.V. again.
Ward
August 8th, 2012
2:12 am
Each time you hit like sh*t! You owe me 20 push – ups…….Little humor to keep cool.
Ward
August 8th, 2012
2:16 am
All, have a good one! I’m cool…….Just hope the bats get going? Peace my friends, and “Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!” A little pep talk wouldn’t hurt.
nolie
August 8th, 2012
2:26 am
Mixxo
August 8th, 2012
2:45 am
Just saw that catch for the last out in the Nats game…..
….they want this.
Good for them.
Mixxo
August 8th, 2012
2:49 am
We’ll hit Ward. Just ran up against a buzz-saw tonight…..it happens.
We’ll hit.
tip of the morning to you
August 8th, 2012
5:13 am
the game last night sucked
Jeff R
August 8th, 2012
7:10 am
Braves can’t hit Hamels
I don’t think anyone could last night. Hamels was on his game plus. It happens.
Halbert
August 8th, 2012
7:30 am
Last night is exactly why I dont expect this team to go deep into the playoffs if they even get there. Streaky offense that struggles to manufacture enough runs to win against a decent pitcher. End of story.
Tomahawkin
August 8th, 2012
7:51 am
Halbert
“Last night is exactly why I dont expect this team to go deep into the playoffs if they even get there. Streaky offense that struggles to manufacture enough runs to win against a decent pitcher. End of story.”
Co-Sign, and we DONT have a Shutdown ace that can go 1 on 1 against another teams #1 starter
I called it 2 weeks ago that we Lose that Stupid 1 Game Wildcard Elimination created by Dud Selig…It should be a best of 3
And Forget about catching The Curley W’s. They are fixin to take the AAA Astros to the Woodshed
Tomahawkin
August 8th, 2012
7:53 am
tip of the morning to you
“the game last night sucked”
I turned It off after the 4th inning, knowing the offense was gonna mail it in so they could go hit up the Broad street Bars…
I chose to do yardwork instead. Not many times its 80 degrees in August in Jaw-Juh
Jeff R
August 8th, 2012
7:54 am
Last night is exactly why I dont expect this team to go deep into the playoffs if they even get there. Streaky offense that struggles to manufacture enough runs to win against a decent pitcher. End of story.
Shut down the blog. Halbert’s brought ultimate wisdom down from the mountain.
Tomahawkin
August 8th, 2012
7:55 am
Jeff R
—-Braves can’t hit Hamels
“I don’t think anyone could last night. Hamels was on his game plus. It happens.”
The 91-95 Braves teams would’ve atleast made him work and put up a fight instead of mailing it in…Especially that 93 team, they played every game as if it was Win or Go Home
Jeff R
August 8th, 2012
7:57 am
Yes, all is lost. The Braves are a whopping 4 games behind the Nats with… 52 games to play.
The Bravos should just forfeit for the remainder of the season. Save themselves the humiliation.
Lew
August 8th, 2012
7:59 am
Does everyone not realize that last night we lost to a pitcher who just received a $143 million contract because he’s a really goos pitcher?
And how about the fact that Minor gave up three in the first, looked like he was going to get lit up all night, yet gave up nothing else and went 7IP? Looks like the kid might just be figuring it all out. Earlier in the season he would have given uop another three HR, been torched and lasted 2 and 1/3Innings..
Tomahawkin
August 8th, 2012
7:59 am
Gotta Take the Rubber Match Today, even though it wont be easy, And we Most Definitely need to take 2 out of 3 in The Rotten Apple….
Jeff R
August 8th, 2012
8:00 am
Tomahawkin…
And the ‘57 braves could have done such-and-such and the ‘27 Yankees coulda, woulda…
I think you’re not giving Hamels enough credit. Darn good pitcher, though overpaid.
And do we really expect the Braves to have nothing but good pitching and good hitting every game? These guys aren’t machines (though Shaun tends to think so)
Tomahawkin
August 8th, 2012
8:00 am
Lew
No Pitcher Is Worth that kind of Money…In This Economy, Its abt as Sick as That Extortion Contract Drew Brees Con’d out of the Aints
Tomahawkin
August 8th, 2012
8:01 am
@Jeff R
Hamels is a Good pitcher, No Doubt, But the Braves have had decent success against him in the past….
Tomahawkin
August 8th, 2012
8:02 am
Jeff R
“Yes, all is lost. The Braves are a whopping 4 games behind the Nats with… 52 games to play.
The Bravos should just forfeit for the remainder of the season. Save themselves the humiliation.”
Uggh, yeah, The 2012 Curley W’s are just like the 1994 Expos
Tomahawkin
August 8th, 2012
8:05 am
@Jeff R
“And do we really expect the Braves to have nothing but good pitching and good hitting every game? These guys aren’t machines (though Shaun tends to think so) ”
No, I called it last night that we were due for a game like this
I’m still amazed at how silent the Philly crowds are as opposed to years past. Their Noise level rivals our Silent Corporate Crowds (Excluding that Loud Annoying woman who does the Lets Go every atbat)
Jeff R
August 8th, 2012
8:06 am
No Pitcher Is Worth that kind of Money…In This Economy, Its abt as Sick as That Extortion Contract Drew Brees Con’d out of the Aints
There’s still something of a free market in this country. If Hamels can cut a great deal for himself, more power to him. I just wouldn’t have paid that much for his services had I been the Phils’ GM.
Hamels is a Good pitcher, No Doubt, But the Braves have had decent success against him in the past….
Okay, but not last night. Just didn’t happen. But it doesn’t mean that the Braves are in trouble. One game doesn’t a trend make.
And we didn’t think that the Nats would clean up on the Astros? That the Braves had the tougher opponent in the Phils?
These are battles. The war is far from over.
Jeff R
August 8th, 2012
8:09 am
Tomahawkin, I don’t know if the Nats are the latest version of the ‘94 Expos. Maybe. But a lot of ball left.
And, yes, the Phils’ fans know they’re just cruise to the off-season. Hence, the Sound of Silence.
Lew
August 8th, 2012
8:09 am
THawkin – Yep, ridiculous contracts are being handed out. Don’t look for the practice to end with Hamels’ contract.
Tomahawkin
August 8th, 2012
8:11 am
@Lew
As Much As I rip our Owners for being Cheap, I’m glad they stay away from those types of contracts…The Blowe Experiement was bad enough
ncscoots
August 8th, 2012
8:18 am
Manager Fredi Gonzalez has said the idea of possibly going to a six-man rotation when Hanson returns for the remainder of August makes some sense.
Good grief. Just when I have hopes that Fredo is getting a handle on things, he gives you one of these.
Jeff R
August 8th, 2012
8:25 am
First, there were 4-man rotations augmented by a fifth starter during the dog days. Now it’s five starters with a sixth (?) to give poor, overworked starting pitchers a break.
Yep, making 200 innings a season might just be asking too much from a starter!
I think our friends in the Land of the Rising Sun have it right: what is it, 9-man rotations or something like that?
CrαZy
August 8th, 2012
8:30 am
I’ve never liked the 1 game format for the wildcard playin/playoff game or whatever they want to call it…
Lemke's Knuckler
August 8th, 2012
8:32 am
Just caught us on some of the responses to my comment on the previous blog that Medlen will be a consistent 15 game winner. To me, a consistent 15-game winner is someone that wins 13-18 most seasons, obviously with a few exceptions for injury or lack of run support or whatever. I never said he would be in the same category as the elite pitchers in baseball. But I can see him putting up multiple seasons with a 3.00 ERA and a 14-8 or 17-9 record, much like Tim Hudson. Does that make more sense, you boobs!!!
All I have to say is you guys keep selling the kid short and come back and talk to me in 10 years when the rest of the world has finally caught up and realized how good of a pitcher he is. I’m still shocked that you guys can watch the games and not notice it too.
CrαZy
August 8th, 2012
8:33 am
I’ve never liked the 1 game format for the wildcard playin/playoff game or whatever they want to call it…
↑↑Didn’t mean to submit that yet↑↑
I like the idea of playing a 3 game set in 2 days 1 game day 1 and 2 if needed on day 2. I think it would be a great way for MLB to solve the issue of not wanting to make a team sit for multiple days waiting on a series to conclude.
Efrim
August 8th, 2012
8:38 am
Last night is exactly why I dont expect this team to go deep into the playoffs if they even get there. Streaky offense that struggles to manufacture enough runs to win against a decent pitcher. End of story.
Of course. It’s NEVER the opposing pitcher spinning a great game. Can’t give Cole Hamels, one of the ten best pitchers in the sport, any credit at all for what happened last night. It’s gotta be that streaky offense.
Give me a friggin break.
Lemke's Knuckler
August 8th, 2012
8:39 am
What do you guys think about what the Rockies are doing with their “Project 5183″. Using a 4-man rotation and pulling them after 75 pitches regardless of the situation, then having 2 “piggyback” starters to come in and fill the gap to the setup guys and closer.
It should be an epic fail, but wouldn’t it be funny if the Rockies led the NL in ERA next year. Hilarious. Jim Tracy has some big kahunas.
Lemke's Knuckler
August 8th, 2012
8:40 am
Crazy…”I like the idea of playing a 3 game set in 2 days 1 game day 1 and 2 if needed on day 2. I think it would be a great way for MLB to solve the issue of not wanting to make a team sit for multiple days waiting on a series to conclude.”
First round double-header? You have me intrigued…
CrαZy
August 8th, 2012
8:41 am
No Pitcher Is Worth that kind of Money…In This Economy, Its abt as Sick as That Extortion Contract Drew Brees Con’d out of the Aints
Gotta disagree… If you can find someone to pay you what you want then you’re worth it… That person might be a fool for overpaying you, but money is the same even if you’re getting paid by a fool. It’s free market, supply and demand pays… If more people could pitch like Hamels and lead a team like Brees then they wouldn’t get paid so much…
I’ve never once in my life complained about someone else’s pay, because I know if I was as gifted as they are I’d try to make as much as I could as well!!
Efrim
August 8th, 2012
8:41 am
2 more strikeouts for Heyward last night. He’s up to 110 on the season and is on pace for 162 strikeouts. Just bizarre. He’s struck out 44 times in his last 123 at bats while posting a .260/.348/.431 line in 141 PA’s.
CrαZy
August 8th, 2012
8:45 am
First round double-header? You have me intrigued…
I just think it would be fun to see… You’d have to start the series on the first day after the final game of the reg season that way you could get at least 1 day off before the NLDS. That only makes the division winner wait 3 days between the final reg season game and the start of the NLDS. But the union would probably vote it down….
Trader Jack
August 8th, 2012
8:47 am
One stinkin’ loss and the cliff jumpers are back.
CrαZy
August 8th, 2012
8:47 am
What do you guys think about what the Rockies are doing with their “Project 5183″. Using a 4-man rotation and pulling them after 75 pitches regardless of the situation
Since starting this project I believe they have the worst ERA in baseball… Seems dumb to me!!
ncscoots
August 8th, 2012
8:48 am
Streaky offense that struggles to manufacture enough runs to win against a decent pitcher. End of story.
And by “decent pitcher”, I assume Cole Hamels? The guy the Braves hospitalized on July 27, winning 6-1? That guy?
Or would it be guys like Santana, Dickey, Strasburg, Gio, Bumgarner, those guys who have all taken losses against the Braves this year? Any of those?
ncscoots
August 8th, 2012
8:52 am
Since starting this project I believe they have the worst ERA in baseball… Seems dumb to me!!
Yeah, but I think they had the worst ERA before starting the project, too.
Efrim
August 8th, 2012
8:56 am
Buster Olney’s blog this morning:
Michael Bourn’s market among rivals
One executive joked recently that there is not a more inevitable offseason connection than the Nationals and center fielder Michael Bourn, who is eligible for free agency in the fall. “Can we just put that one in the books now?” he said, noting all the factors in play. They are:
1. The Nationals need a center fielder, and Bourn is a former Gold Glove winner whose performance this year is charting very well. His UZR/150 rating is the best among those at his position, according to FanGraphs.
2. Bourn, 29, is at the peak of his career as a hitter, and his .756 OPS this season is his second-best. Bourn ranks sixth in the majors in runs scored, and of course, all of his damage has been done as a lead-off hitter. Washington’s leadoff hitters ranks 19th in OPS this year.
3. And Bourn is represented by Scott Boras — and there are a whole lot of Nationals represented by Boras, from Stephen Strasburg to Bryce Harper to Jayson Werth to others.
But another rival official noted all the money that the Phillies have freed from their payroll, with the trades of Hunter Pence, Shane Victorino and Joe Blanton. “You know who they want, right?” the official asked. “They love Michael Bourn.”
He was drafted and developed by the Phillies, of course, as a fourth-round pick in 2003, and the Phillies know all about his gregarious personality, and that he has a grinder’s mentality. For years, Charlie Manuel has tried to settle on a lead-off hitter, and sometimes he used Jimmy Rollins, sometimes Shane Victorino.
If the Phillies make a strong push for Bourn, it’s unclear whether they would be willing to outbid the Nationals. Washington opened this season with a payroll of $92 million and if its wealthy ownership is willing, it has a lot of room to grow under the luxury tax cap. Bourn figures to get a multi-year deal for something in the range of $16 million to $22 million annually, and as has been well-documented over the last six weeks, the Phillies already have a lot of payroll obligations well into the future, with $20 million-plus commitments to Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels and Ryan Howard on the books. The Phillies also will have to find a third baseman, a starting pitcher and at least one outfielder, depending on their internal evaluations of Domonic Brown and John Mayberry, Jr..
Josh Hamilton will be the most dynamic free agent outfielder this fall, albeit with a lot of questions about how much he can be counted on. But Bourn might be in the best leverage position of all the outfielders, if, in fact, the Nationals and Phillies — division rivals — focus on luring him away from another division rival, the Braves.
TennesseePaul
August 8th, 2012
8:59 am
Good grief. Just when I have hopes that Fredo is getting a handle on things, he gives you one of these.
Curious scoots, what part of the 6 man is most irksome? Is it that Hanson will be pitching again, or that Meds isn’t booted from the rotation?
Efrim
August 8th, 2012
9:01 am
Bourn figures to get a multi-year deal for something in the range of $16 million to $22 million annually - Buster Olney
Haha. So, is that just speculation from Buster? I mean, I think when he writes his blogs, he speaks to some executives and they throw around some numbers, right? Not just a shot in the dark.
So, does any Braves fan think Wren and the Braves will commit something like 16-17 million a year on a speed player like Michael Bourn who will be 30 years old on April 1st, 2013?
Also, does anyone really think Wren won’t make the qualifying offer so the Braves get a compensation pick if(when) Bourn leaves?
ncscoots
August 8th, 2012
9:04 am
What numbnuts pays $20MM+ for a guy who hit seven dingers in a career year and has a .750 OPS? I love the guy, but that’s so far off the scale of value that it becomes absurd.
Efrim
August 8th, 2012
9:04 am
By the way, I see no reason why the Twins wouldn’t trade Denard Span. Ben Revere could and should take over in CF and Aaron Hicks is having a bounce back year in the minors. No reason not to sell high on Span this winter for a team in desperate need of all sorts of starting pitching.
ncscoots
August 8th, 2012
9:06 am
No reason not to sell high on Span this winter for a team in desperate need of all sorts of starting pitching.
I’m not a Span fan.
Efrim
August 8th, 2012
9:07 am
What numbnuts pays $20MM+ for a guy who hit seven dingers in a career year and has a .750 OPS? I love the guy, but that’s so far off the scale of value that it becomes absurd.
I think the floor for Bourn is five years, 75 million. And I have no doubt that Boras will be seeking about 25 million or more than that right off the bat in early November and he’ll drag it out through Christmas. He’s a goner.
Lew
August 8th, 2012
9:07 am
Maybe we could get Nate back.
TennesseePaul
August 8th, 2012
9:08 am
What numbnuts pays $20MM+ for a guy who hit seven dingers in a career year and has a .750 OPS?
I too find this hard to believe. I suppose a Yankee could snap a femur and they’d suddenly be in play, much like Detroit with Fielder. But that speculation of AAV for Bourn is exactly what I was talking about when I said he has the potential to be the worst deal. I’d much rather this team sign a pitcher to $20M a year than to give Bourn $16M-$22M.
Efrim
August 8th, 2012
9:09 am
I’m not a Span fan.
I like that he can take a walk……but I don’t like that it’s another LH hitter and has poor splits away from home.
Jeff R
August 8th, 2012
9:14 am
So, does any Braves fan think Wren and the Braves will commit something like 16-17 million a year on a speed player like Michael Bourn who will be 30 years old on April 1st, 2013?
Nope.
ncscoots
August 8th, 2012
9:15 am
I’d much rather this team sign a pitcher to $20M a year than to give Bourn $16M-$22M.
I’d rather pay the dang ballboys, if it came to that. That’s less insane.
Bourn is a complementary player, fercrissake. He brings a lot to the table for a team that has the other parts necessary to a good offense, but, geez, he can’t carry a team. Someone is telling me that the Nats might pay Bourn more than Ryan bleepin’ Zimmerman? That’s just off the planet, man.
Jeff R
August 8th, 2012
9:16 am
Maybe we could get Nate back.
Not a bad thought. Wonder what it would cost to pry Nate loose from the Orioles?
Lew
August 8th, 2012
9:17 am
Jerff R – Prado, Jurrjens, Teheran and Delgado.
Jeff R
August 8th, 2012
9:17 am
Someone is telling me that the Nats might pay Bourn more than Ryan bleepin’ Zimmerman? That’s just off the planet, man.
The way salaries are going in the game, quite possibly.
Lew
August 8th, 2012
9:17 am
And maybe a couple of low level prospects.
Jeff R
August 8th, 2012
9:18 am
Jerff R – Prado, Jurrjens, Teheran and Delgado.
Sounds fair. Prado’s a bencher, anyway. Teheran and Delgado are overrated prospects. Jurrjens might be the hardest to part with.
Efrim
August 8th, 2012
9:21 am
Someone is telling me that the Nats might pay Bourn more than Ryan bleepin’ Zimmerman? That’s just off the planet, man.
They are paying Jayson Werth more. Hell, would anyone be surprised if the Dodgers said screw it, we’re moving Kemp to a corner and bringing in Bourn?
ncscoots
August 8th, 2012
9:21 am
So, the Nats pay Bourn something outrageous, and he replaces Adam Laroche (I assume Morse would move to 1B)? How exactly does that make them a better offensive team?
ncscoots
August 8th, 2012
9:26 am
They are paying Jayson Werth more.
Yeah, but there was opportunity value there, selling the perception that coming to DC was OK for a FA. Anyway…
I know the ownership in DC is big-flush, but one would think that they would cast at least a cautionary glance northward at what’s happened in Philly with outsized contracts.
CrαZy
August 8th, 2012
9:28 am
scoots….
And what they gain in CF defensively they’ll lose at 1B with Morse.
raleighbravefan
August 8th, 2012
9:29 am
scoots – I understand all the arguments against a 6 man rotation, and generally agree with you. However, Fredi is only talking about the 20 game stretch coming up, with no break. All our guys could probably benefit from an extra day rest duing this 3 week stretch, leading into the push during the final month. (especially Hanson and Hudson). Also give the team some extra opportunities to asses Hanson vs Medlen. I don’t see a lot wrong with the strategy.
Feel free to poke holes in this…I certainly respect your opinion.
Efrim
August 8th, 2012
9:30 am
How exactly does that make them a better offensive team?
Certainly makes them better defensively.
I know the ownership in DC is big-flush, but one would think that they would cast at least a cautionary glance northward at what’s happened in Philly with outsized contracts.
Yeah, I’m trying to find serious suitors for Bourn aside from Philly, D.C. and Atlanta. It’s difficult. But, it’s the Boras factor. He always finds a out of nowhere player for his guys. I expect it to be the same with Bourn and he won’t have a team during the Winter Meetings – meaning, Wren will have already moved on.
Efrim
August 8th, 2012
9:32 am
And what they gain in CF defensively they’ll lose at 1B with Morse
I know Adam is good with the glove, but please….
Bourn is one of the best defenders in the sport, period. It makes them better defensively. A lot better.
raleighbravefan
August 8th, 2012
9:32 am
One thing for sure about Bourn…SOMEONE will overpay and give too many years. I’d love to have him back, but not close to that price.
Efrim
August 8th, 2012
9:33 am
Oh yes, San Francisco. Forgot about them. They will have serious interest in Michael as well.
DiamondbackMac
August 8th, 2012
9:33 am
Efrim
Concerning your 8:38. How is it that so many people can’t understand something so simple? Sometimes a great pitcher will just pitch so well that no one can do anything against him. It happens often enough each year to a lot of teams that everyone should be able to recognize it when it happens.
Efrim
August 8th, 2012
9:35 am
San Fran is going to have serious money coming off of the books after 2013 – Lincecum, Pence, Zito…..
That’s like 60 million.
Efrim
August 8th, 2012
9:38 am
Zito – 27 million
Lincecum – 22.25 million
Pence – 14 million
63.25 million in 3 players for 2013. Wow.
Lew
August 8th, 2012
9:38 am
I would imagine the Giants would try to extend Lincecum despite his poor year.
Efrim
August 8th, 2012
9:39 am
So what does everyone think McCann will get offered by an AL team if he reaches free agency? Sigh….
raleighbravefan
August 8th, 2012
9:39 am
For all those bashing Wren…check out what the Phillies fans and writers are saying about Rubin.
He loaded up with fat, long, expensive contracts…Howard is one of the worse in MLB…Rollins, Utley, etc. Old guys making huge money into their 40s (or at least late 30s) He was intoxicated by the WS ring.
They need to get rid of Cliff Lee…Dodgers claimed him on waivers, but they pulled him back. I know they want some prospects (their farm is a dust bowl)…but they could have dumped $75M on LA. That would have been 1 more step toward moving on. Philadelphia Enquirer beat writer did a whole column on that blunder.
MFin04
August 8th, 2012
9:40 am
Don’t see the Braves paying for Bourn, Washington and Philly both can offer more, and probably will offer more.
Efrim
August 8th, 2012
9:40 am
I would imagine the Giants would try to extend Lincecum despite his poor year.
I’d pass if I were them. Cain, Bumgarner is a fine 1-2.
Efrim
August 8th, 2012
9:42 am
For all those bashing Wren…check out what the Phillies fans and writers are saying about Rubin.
He should be fired. He isn’t the guy to reshape that roster and he’s given out contracts just to keep the run going. Now that it’s over, he needs to go.
Jeff R
August 8th, 2012
9:45 am
I know Adam is good with the glove, but please….
Bourn is one of the best defenders in the sport, period. It makes them better defensively. A lot better.
Rather have a standout CF glove than an equivalent at first, if that’s the choice. Up-the-middle defense is primary.
Efrim
August 8th, 2012
9:45 am
Braves, Nationals, Phillies, Dodgers, Giants, Rangers, White Sox, Yankees – all potential Bourn suitors.
Jeff R
August 8th, 2012
9:51 am
For all those bashing Wren…check out what the Phillies fans and writers are saying about Rubin.
He should be fired. He isn’t the guy to reshape that roster and he’s given out contracts just to keep the run going. Now that it’s over, he needs to go.
I think a more creative GM would have found ways of replacing some of the key personnel that was contracted with for outrageous amounts and long terms.
Amaro and team execs (it’s not just the GM) played for today like Vegas gamblers. Now they’ve come up short and are in a real bind – barring moving more contracts, somehow.
MFin04
August 8th, 2012
9:52 am
“Braves, Nationals, Phillies, Dodgers, Giants, Rangers, White Sox, Yankees – all potential Bourn suitors.”
Let me narrow the list for you…Nationals, Phillies, Dodgers, Giants, Rangers, White Sox, Yankees.
raleighbravefan
August 8th, 2012
9:53 am
Efrim – Of that group, the Braves probably have the least $$$…plus,and I repeat myserl, someone WILL overpay…by a lot. I love Bourn, but what else could we do with that money? You got to be smart about it, and I think Wren is very smart.
By the way, Wren bashers…do you really think he makes those big decisions without a lot of input from John Scheurholtz, Bobby cox, and the Braves scouts, coaches and braintrust? The hire of Fredi was likely dictated by JS and Cox.
ncscoots
August 8th, 2012
9:53 am
Certainly makes them better defensively.
That team is still on pace to score fewer than 700 runs this year. Subtract Laroche’s component, add in Bourn’s (even if he repeats this year instead of returning to his norms), and you’re behind that. You can always make the assumption that Werth might actually contribute next year, I guess, and that Harper will be less feeble. Still, run prevention only takes you so far.
It’s not that Bourn wouldn’t be valuable to any team, not at all. But pricing that value appropriately seems to be out the window.
TennesseePaul
August 8th, 2012
9:54 am
He should be fired. He isn’t the guy to reshape that roster and he’s given out contracts just to keep the run going. Now that it’s over, he needs to go.
You posted something similar about John Schuerholz, so at least you are consistent…
Jeff R
August 8th, 2012
9:55 am
Braves, Nationals, Phillies, Dodgers, Giants, Rangers, White Sox, Yankees – all potential Bourn suitors.
As discussed by others previously, I think the Braves will play early and then drop out of the bidding. I think Bourn’s cost will escalate fairly quickly. And by bidding, the Braves get a draft choice, if I recall.
Lew
August 8th, 2012
9:57 am
Do y’all actually believe that Ruben, Jr. signed those p[layers to those kind of contracts without ownership’s approval?
TennesseePaul
August 8th, 2012
9:58 am
That team is still on pace to score fewer than 700 runs this year.
Much like the Braves last year…. then they said, “we have a full year of Michael Bourn” and look at ‘em now…
cricket
August 8th, 2012
9:58 am
What numbnuts pays $20MM+ for a guy who hit seven dingers in a career year and has a .750 OPS?
my friends DC fans call Rizzo Boras’ bi**h. tho not sure how they will make space for him in OF.
TennesseePaul
August 8th, 2012
9:59 am
Do y’all actually believe that Ruben, Jr. signed those p[layers to those kind of contracts without ownership’s approval?
Of course. I read there were many times when he was running through the office building with the check book as the owners tried to stop him, but they just couldn’t catch him…
Jeff R
August 8th, 2012
10:02 am
Boras has quite a talent for leveraging his clients to the max. Anyone really think that Boras can’t find a suitor to pay Bourn premium dollars after what should be an excellent 2012 campaign?
Murph
August 8th, 2012
10:03 am
I look forward to our revamped rotation striking Bourn out with regularity next season… whether he’s on the Phillies, the Nats, or whatever… the Braves own him. A career .303 OBP against the Braves.
Him going to another team in the NL East for $15+ million doesn’t worry me in the least.
Efrim
August 8th, 2012
10:04 am
You posted something similar about John Schuerholz, so at least you are consistent…
Huh? When was this?
Lew
August 8th, 2012
10:04 am
The only way they couldn’t have caught him was if they had Howard chasing him.
Efrim
August 8th, 2012
10:05 am
Much like the Braves last year…. then they said, “we have a full year of Michael Bourn” and look at ‘em now…
Sort of my POV on it. I think they’ll be better offensively next year with the addition of Bourn, fullk years of Werth and Ramos. Harper in his 2nd year. Zimmerman was awful for the first two months, IIRC.
ncscoots
August 8th, 2012
10:05 am
Him going to another team in the NL East for $15+ million doesn’t worry me in the least.
Well, I agree on that, anyway.