Comments on: Atlanta Braves: What impressed you most about extra innings comeback win over the Chicago Cubs?

By: Braves Event Recap : Technology Law Section

Braves Event Recap : Technology Law Section — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:43:34 +0000

[...] diehard fans who stayed until the end of the game saw a great finish in the 12th inning. As the AJC put it: “From the throes of being no-hit by Chicago Cubs, the Braves came up with the most [...]

By: Paul Lentz

Paul Lentz — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:58:28 +0000

More good news. Nate McClouth has a very team friendly contract. His 3 year-$15.75 mil contract began this year. $2.5 mil this year, $4.5 mil in 2010, $7.75 mil in 2011, and $9.4 mil “team option” for 2012. Man the Braves made out big time on this deal. A bonifide Major League centerfielder with a very team friendly contract. This actually frees up big money for the Braves to either acquire a big right handed bat before the trade deadline….or…..go after someone in free agency. Remember, Garret’s $2.5 mil, Tim Hudson’s $11 mil ($12 mil option minus the $1 mil buyout), and if the Braves do not tender Franceour (another $.3.75 mil savings) all could come off the books at the end of the year. That is big time money to use to go after that elusive right handed power bat.

This trade gives the Braves big time flexibility.

By: Paul Lentz

Paul Lentz — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:47:58 +0000

Also, Tommy Hanson gets called up and Kris Medlen goes to the bullpen. Interesting timing. I wasnt quite expecting that to happen. My thinking is that the Braves want to give Hanson 4-5 starts and see how he pitches at the big league level. If he can pitch well, and the other starters do not get hurt, then perhaps Frank Wren has a plan of action that includes trading a starting pitcher (Vazquez the most likely candidate) for a big right handed bat. If Vazquez is traded, then the Braves can put Medlen in his spot. I’m just speculating, but that is the only rational reason I can think of the Braves calling up Hanson right now. If Medlen had faltered on Saturday, then I could see bringing up Hanson. The timing leads me to believe that Frank Wren has the workings of another trade, but it all depends on how Hanson pitches this month at the big league level. Just a guess.

Ideally, if the Braves feel the need to get rid of a starter for a power right handed bat, then Kawakami would be the ideal candidate to get rid of. However I dont see any team falling for that.

By: Paul Lentz

Paul Lentz — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:37:41 +0000

OMG, Nate McClouth is only 27, has 2 more years after this year before he is eligible for free agency. He’s only making $2.5 mil this year. He can hit for power (9 homers, 34 RBI’s), has speed (7 stolen bases) and has a good strikeout to walk ratio (21 walks, 29 strikeouts).

I guess this means that Jordan Schafer will be staying in Triple A until the September call-ups. Also, I think that this means that Jeff Franceour is staying in right field for the time being. However, I’m hoping that Cox will eventually put Diaz in there. Or maybe he is waiting for Omar Infante to come back at the All-Star break. Still, I do “understand” why the Braves are still giving Franceour a chance. They are holding out hope that he will be the right handed power bat that we need. While I do hope that the Braves are still looking for a deal for a right handed power bat, the McClouth trade does help the offense while not sacrificing defense.

I see no problem with who the Braves gave up. Charlie Morton, at best, will be a 4th or 5th starter. Giving up Gorkys Hernandez, no better than a utility outfielder, late inning defensive replacement. And the other guy, I havent heard much on. Now this trade reminds me of the days that the Braves used to fleece teams. Remember the bums the Braves gave up to get Fred McGriff? This could end up being that kind of trade.

Releasing Glavine, trading for a bonifide centerfielder with power, without paying an arm and a leg and not busting the payroll…..what a day.

Frank Wren and company…..WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Meanwhile, Jeff Franceour….another weak popout to right field. Looks like he is back to his normal ways.

By: Paul Lentz

Paul Lentz — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:22:11 +0000

BJ Gotch, you are just another example of a so-called “Braves fan” who places loyalty to the player over the team. I’m a Braves fan first. Not signing Smoltz was the absolute right thing to do. While I didnt agree with the Braves signing Glavine, all it cost to use him as “insurance” was $1 million. If someone had faltered or gotten hurt, then of course the Braves would have added Glavine to the rotation. However that didnt happen so releasing him was the right thing to do.

I could care less about “giving playing time and throwing good money at past their prime players”. I want the Braves to spend money on players who will actually help us win now. Now the Braves wont be wasting $3.5 mil on a pitcher, when they can pay a younger, more durable pitcher less than $400k.

I’m anxious to see what the Braves are going to do next. Damn the Braves just acquired Nate McClouth from the Pirates. Damn. I need time to process the move. BRB

By: Paul Lentz

Paul Lentz — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:10:03 +0000

Wow, I just heard about Tom Glavine being released. Damn, maybe my constant postings about letting Glavine go did some good. Maybe someone from Braves management read my postings, lol. I’ve been a Braves fan since 1982. I appreciate all that Glavine did for the Braves. However it was time to move on. I’m not saying that he cant help another team win. However, Medlen has to ability to pitch the 5th spot in the rotation, at a much cheaper price than Glavine. And if anyone falters or gets hurt, Tommy Hanson can step in.

To be honest, I’m surprised that Frank Wren released Glavine. After still sticking with Franceour, I figured that the Braves would cave in to popular sentiment and give Glavine a few starts. Way to go Mr. Wren. Doing the right thing, especially when it goes against popular sentiment, isnt an easy thing to do. However, he did.

Now if the Braves can get someone to take Jeff Franceour off our hands, then maybe Braves management can use the money saved to acquire a legit right handed power bat.

I am so pleased. Thank you Frank Wren.

By: Mv

Mv — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:03:33 +0000

Frenchy got lucky.

By: BJ Gotch

BJ Gotch — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:13:00 +0000

If this is true and the Braves released Glavine after rehabbing his way back to make the team, I’m going to have a hard time rooting for them as long as Wren is in control. I live in Nebraska and have been a Braves fan since I was 11 when they made the run from worst to first and lost to the Twins in the World Series.

It makes me sick to see how the Braves treat their own. I have defended Wren up to this point, but I’ll be at the top of the list calling for his job if this is true. Two Braves legends gone unceremoniously within months of each other. Watch out Chipper, you’re next…

What a way to ruin the momentum of a great comeback win vs. the hated Cubs and their cry-baby fans…

By: mike pa

mike pa — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:06:54 +0000

espn says glavine ws released. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4228623 here comes tommy hanson

By: Max McGonigle

Max McGonigle — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:03:41 +0000

According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Braves have released Tom Glavine, which can only mean Tommy Hanson is on his way up and soon.