Can you really feel comfortable if Braves stand pat?
Are the Braves getting drunk on success, or do they need another piece?
If the Braves don’t make a significant trade before the deadline – and that seems to be the betting favorite – this is what you’re going to hear from general manager Frank Wren:
> “We like our team.”
> “We have Tim Hudson and Omar Infante coming back soon, and we like our team.”
> “In these tough economic times, we don’t feel it’s prudent to give up young prospects and take on a high-salaried veteran in a trade. And we like our team.”
And you know what? Those are all valid reasons to stand pat.
But a question: If the Braves go through this trading deadline without making a significant move to improve the roster — despite desperately trying to stay in the National League East divisional race and at worst being in the middle of the wild-card race — would you feel a little unsatisfied? Uncomfortable? Un-playoff-like?
The Braves used to be a player at the trade deadline. Even recently, when the Mark Teixeira deal didn’t work out, it said something that then-general manager John Schuerholz swung a trade that led many to believe had lifted the club up to a World Series contender.
Now the players are elsewhere. St. Louis dealt for Oakland’s power-hitting outfielder, Matt Holliday. Philadelphia continues to circle Toronto pitcher Roy Halladay. If the Phillies don’t land Halladay, the Los Angeles Dodgers may be next in line to get him. So there’s three National League teams — Cardinals, Phillies, Dodgers — in the mix for major players before October.
The Braves? Maybe nothing. I’m just not sure I’m feeling that mindset.
So it’s your turn. (Again.) Hey, you’ve had an entire off day to think about this. Are you OK with the Braves not being a player?
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
207 comments Add your comment
Herschel Talker
July 28th, 2009
9:45 am
Schultzie – what do you suggest they do that doesn’t compromise the future, but helps the present?
Chris
July 28th, 2009
9:47 am
Good deal. I guess Bobby was just giving some guys the day off on Sunday, then. I wasn’t digging it when I saw Kelly start at second. Even though he had a good day, I think the blind squirrel stumbled on an acorn.
Prado’s great, though, and I hope he sticks around a long time.
Would it be fair to say that Prado contributes to this latest era of good feeling – chemistry-wise – the Braves seem to be having? Because it appeared that Kelly brought the team down a little bit psychologically. Of course, this is all from going to two games in person and watching the majority of the rest on TV.
But that’s why I ask you, the columnist – you get paid to find this stuff out!
Doug B
July 28th, 2009
9:48 am
Cant wait to get Omar back!!!! We could use a reliever because Moylan is terrible.
Don
July 28th, 2009
9:54 am
The problem with the Braves is not the talent on the 25 man roster; it is Bobby Cox. It is unbelievable how the baseball writers defend him when it is obvious that he does not understand the necessity for and makes no effort to teach/emphasize/demand that the hitters work the count – make the opposing pitcher throw a lot of pitches — the absoulte essential if you are going to have consistant good run production. The Braves are next to last in all of baseball in averge number of pitches seen per at bat – which will guarantee poor consistant run production and not being competitive int he division. With our Pitching, it is almost beyond belief that the team is not leading the Division. Working the count and making the pitcher throw a lot of pitches is the key to offensive production – it enables your hitters to see what the pitcher has, adust to the pitcher, get better pitches to hit, makes him make mistakes, tires him out both within innings and for the game, gets you into the teams weak middle relief. It not devlop and demand this is absurd. Watch good teams in their approach at the plate – then watch the Braves. Co doesn’ seem to have a clue. And this says nothing about his sometimes terrible strategy moves within games, his failure to make completely obvious changes, failure to have the most productive players in the lineup, failure to make batting order adjustments to take advantage of hot hitters, failure to get players out of the lineup when it is obvious they cannot produce, mismanagement of the bullpen etc. He won the 14 Division titles by having All Star pitching so dominant and so far far superior to other teams that it made it almost impossible to lose the Division over the long 162 game schecule — But even with all this, he usuall just barely won – and (with theis great Pitching) won only 1 WS in 14 opportunities – and that required Glavine to win a 1-0 shutout.
Gil In Mechanicsville
July 28th, 2009
9:54 am
I am not so sure the Braves have not already gotten their act together. As for the Phillies, be honest, they really need a pitcher. Giving up Hawp for Hallady, however, would just be a wash for them.
I remember some other trades the Braves made because they thought the had to, Brooks Jacoby and Brett Butler anyone?
Cobby
July 28th, 2009
9:55 am
I am happy with the team.
Magnum
July 28th, 2009
9:57 am
Sonny Clusters—”Standing Pat”, nice work. I can’t get enough of your Francoeur memories. Keep ‘em coming.
PTC DAWG
July 28th, 2009
10:01 am
I don’t see replacing 3 of your starters since opening day as “standing pat”.
Possibly you do.
Joe Simpson the Great
July 28th, 2009
10:02 am
The Braves could use a power hitting first basemen and some speed off of the bench and some better middle relief. Greg Norton will probably get cut and once KJ is traded they can get Conrad back on the roster. Infante comeback will help this team in many areas. The Braves have really strong pitching that will get them through the dog days in good shape. I think the Braves will make a serious run at the division this season.
Average Joe
July 28th, 2009
10:03 am
With regard to the Hall of Fame eligibility question posed yesterday: I believe that MLB is setting itself up to implode. We should never, repeat never, allow cheating to become accepted as the mainstream. When a player chemically alters his abiities he becomes the product of the alteration, not the natural ability he was born with. This is cheating pure and simple. Look at pictures of Barry Bonds in late 80’s and early 90’s and then compare them to pictures from 2000 on. It’s obvious. And it’s pathetic.
The Mark McGwire’s, Barry Bonds’s, Rafael Palmeiro’s (where did disappear to by the way) and Sammy Sosa’s of the world are not fit to shine the shoes of Willy Mays, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, and Ted Williams. In fact, if we fans are stuck with these cheats, then I propose a SECOND “Hall of Fame” to be built in Branson, Missouri, right next to Ray Stevens and the Oak Ridge Boys, because they’re really just entertainers. They certainly are not athletes. And they certainly don’t deserve a place in the hallowed shrine of Cooperstown.
Mike Jones
July 28th, 2009
10:05 am
The constant posting seems to be making you a bit biter Jeff. Oooooooooooooooohhh…. Have you been instructed to take over for T. Moore as main meter mover?? Now I get it.
McCann Fan
July 28th, 2009
10:08 am
The lineup as currently constituted just feels like more of a true TEAM than before the all-star break. I know it’s easy to look at everything in a positive light when everyone is hitting and you are winning 70% of your games, but it just feels right.
With our pitching and a building chemistry this team could continue to win 6 or 7 games out of every 10 and get into the playoffs. Just making the playoffs would certainly be considered a success this year.
Bobby – Please keep Prado at 2nd and keep the lineup close to what it has been recently.
Charlie
July 28th, 2009
10:10 am
The assumption here is that the Braves can get a great player without giving anything of value up. It doesn’t work that way. The Texas trade a few years ago proves that. Sometimes you give up the farm, and the Braves did. Plus, you may still fall short and miss the playoffs, which the Braves did.
I like this team as is. Plus they do get two guys back in August that could be huge. Name one contender that wouldn’t want to have Tim Hudson added to their roster in August!!!
Bob Horner
July 28th, 2009
10:14 am
My swing WAS sweet – thanks for noticing. And my Golden Mullet charmed the drawers off many a Georgia Peach circa 1982… But I wouldn’t go crazy trading away players this year. This might not be our year, but NEXT year certainly could be. Kawakami will be replaced by Huddy, and our pitching staff will be even better.
Would be nice if we could land a true power hitter somehow (Adam Dunn?)
Jfreak
July 28th, 2009
10:17 am
In my opinion the Braves did make a big trade of sorts and that was putting Prado in the starting line-up. It bascially has worked out like a trade and the Braves and maybe even Kelly Jonhson will be the better for it?? Church is less than what we traded away in my opinion but not so much so that it will hurt our ability to make the playoffs. It may not help either though? Time will tell.
As far as acutally making the playoffs I’d be surprised unless there is a big bat that is brought in. Nice run for the Braves the past 15 games but I’m not sure they’ll continue to produce the offensive numbers much longer. I mean how long will Escobar hit .400 and Prado hit .350?? I see the Braves coming back down to reality over the next couple of weeks and finishing 2nd in the division and out of the playoffs.
With that being said I’m pleased with the direction this team is going in. We’ve rebuilt our pitching staff and that’s no easy task and we’ve still got some young players that appear to have bright futures. I wouldn’t be willing to give any of those guys up to win now. I say build around them and if you can trade a Vet pitcher like Javier to get a nice bat for the middle part of the line up then go for it. Hudson will be back and hopefully he can step up. If not then do nothing and let’s just see how the cards fall. Go Braves!
AGTFan
July 28th, 2009
10:18 am
I say stand pat. Just as a side note, has anyone noticed that since he was traded, Jeff Francouer has a .327 BA, a .425 SLG, and a .817 OPS. I’m not knocking the trade. It was the best thing for everyone involved. If you’re interested in the same time Church has a .200 BA, a .300 SLG, and a .651 OPS. Of course he’s been hurt and I think those numbers will improve.
beekay
July 28th, 2009
10:24 am
The Texas trade wasn’t as bad as people think…Salty is average at best and would never have beat out B-Mac….Elvis is a light hitter that never would have beaten out Yuni….Harrison is a 5 starter at best and is always injured…Perez hasn’t pitched a big league game yet….we got back a season plus of Tex, Mahay who had a heck of a year,Kotchman and Marek. Not as bad a trade as most people think when you look at it closely
bali smith
July 28th, 2009
10:27 am
I still do not understand the Francouer trade. A starter for a fourth outfielder. 20 something verses 30 something does not make sense to me.As far as being a player in the trade market it seems to me the quick fix has not worked too well for the Braves in the past
MIKE
July 28th, 2009
10:27 am
KEEP IT THE SAME , DON’T TRADE THIS TEAM IS GOOD ENOUGH TO MAKE THE WILD CARD . BUT IF WE DON’T THEN WE SHOULD HAVE TRADED FOR ADAM DUNN . SEE NOW I CAN THINK LIKE A SPORTS WRITER .
bfred
July 28th, 2009
10:30 am
We are about a season away from having the best young lineup in baseball. I don’t see any one player out there that would put this team over the top (and if we’re going to give up any more prospects, it better be for a guy who blasts you to the WS) so there’s no point unless he’s cheap and under long-term contract. We may have gotten the closest thing there was in McLouth.
As for the Tex trade, I agree with the minority that it was a good calculated risk. He would have been with the team for 1 1/2 seasons, and with his Atlanta ties (wife’s family, GT) would probably have re-signed if the move had worked out.
And Average Joe is dead on. I saw a picture of Braves-era McGriff the other day and couldn’t believe how slight he looked compared to the guys who would dominate just a few years later. The whole thing is sickening, especially with the permanent damage done to the record books.
the real Andy
July 28th, 2009
10:33 am
if we could give up a B minus or C grade prospect to get a relief pitcher, i say go for it. don’t really think we absolutely need a bat, but we are wearing down our bullpen. If we’re not careful those guys won’t be able to answer the bell in late August and September. A reliable bullpen arm would be great.
Deadline (part II): Braves aren't going to bust budget | Jeff Schultz
July 28th, 2009
10:34 am
[...] probably should have made a bigger issue of this in my early morning blog on the probability that the Braves will stand pat at the deadline. So I’ll try to make up for it now. The Braves are NOT going to take on [...]
Tim
July 28th, 2009
10:36 am
We made our move earlier than all of the other teams when we acquired Nate McClouth. The chemistry of the team seems to be pretty good right. The pitching is good and has the potential to get even better. Stand pat…
submariner
July 28th, 2009
10:36 am
Adrien Gonzalez?
Just Pat
July 28th, 2009
10:45 am
I like their chances just as they are and feel like they have a real possibility of making a run for it. Probablity, no…..possibility, yes.
Theo Epstein
July 28th, 2009
10:46 am
Charlie, thanks. But considering Hudson had to have his arm reconstructed, my Sox would not be interested in him now. Next August, maybe, but not now.
Mac
July 28th, 2009
10:48 am
Your psyche will thank you for it later if you expect absolutely zero from Hudson this year. Anything he does positively following such a major operation would be gravy.
Kashi
July 28th, 2009
10:57 am
I would say stand pat. It would be hard to take over Phillies – the way they are playing recently. TEXIER deal would worth every minor leaguer we send to TEX + penny if BRAVES had put every effort to sign him. Front office and ower just didn’t made any effort to sign him. They gave him one lousy offer during spring trainning and thats it. BRAVES sould have turn around for open talk when he was hitting low and wasn’t helping team until all-star gave. DON’T call TEX deal was bad. Its the effort that owner NOT willing to open his check book is BAD.
Patty321
July 28th, 2009
10:59 am
braves are goin to sweep the phillies again!!! we just gotta win 2 out of 3 or 3 out of 4 in each series and we will win the division.
Kentavo
July 28th, 2009
11:07 am
How long ’til Cox nullifies his moves by reinstating KJ at 2B and shifting Esco back into the 2-hole?
It is only a matter of time.
And waiting in the wings are Jeff Bennett and Buddy Carlyle!
Richard Gray
July 28th, 2009
11:09 am
I’m happy with our team. There is really no one, especially from a pitching standpoint, I’d be comfortable giving up for a bat. Vasquez seems to be a name many Braves fans want traded but I think that would be a huge mistake. I heard we were checking in on the Pirates Freddie Sanchez but I have to believe that is unfounded. Why would Atlanta look to improve second base after the play of Martin Prado and the resurgence of Kelly Johnson? The Braves have the pitching to make the Playoffs and even make a respectable run. I don’t know if we have the offense to make it to the World Series but I’m not giving up on anything. Crazier things have happened, remember the Rockies a couple of years ago? Pitching is how divisions and wild card races are won. Our pitching is good as anyone in the majors, especially if Hudson is able to return as Hudson. Let’s stand pat and go Braves!
John
July 28th, 2009
11:10 am
I am starting to think that the Francouer trade was more about getting rid of him on the bench and allow Diaz and Anderson to see time together. Francouer would not have been happy on the bench and may have hurt the team’s chemistry. Now we have three solid outfielders who know their roles and do not mind having a day off. I think Church will start to hit better.
Let's Go Bravos!
July 28th, 2009
11:19 am
Our team is fine and has the potential to get to the postseason. We have began to stoke the ball which is going to win us a lot of games to go with our good pitching. We’re just going to have to keep winning series after series and continue to beat up on the Phillies when we play them. We can’t depend on the WIld card because there are so many teams that are in that mix. We need to win the East. The phillies are bound to start losing a few games in a row sometime and we need to take advantage!
LivinInAl
July 28th, 2009
11:29 am
Would love to add a solid middle relief guy. I think our big Aussie is gonna wear out at the rate he is entering games.
JeanE
July 28th, 2009
11:33 am
Stand pat, I really like this team as it is! I think trading Javy Vasquez would be a big mistake, you can never ever have enough quality pitching & one of these guys could go down anytime, you never know. The bats are coming around & it is definitely contagious!
submariner
July 28th, 2009
11:34 am
kashi….I don’t think an 18 million dollar a year offer was NOT opening the checkbook. Texeira was going to leave no matter what dollar amount he was offered. It was plain to see that he wanted to go to NY.
submariner
July 28th, 2009
11:38 am
Send Church, Kotchman, Gonzalez and a player to be named later to San Diego for Adrien Gonzalaz and bring back Schafer to platoon with Diaz to play right field.
Alex
July 28th, 2009
11:38 am
Hello! Joshn Willingham people! The dude hit 2 grand slams last night
fieldofdreams
July 28th, 2009
11:39 am
Heyward call up is the only card left to play.Although he took his lumps during the off-season, Wren’s done a fantastic job, if we make playoffs he’s Executive of the Year.
Alex
July 28th, 2009
11:39 am
Any deal for AGon will have to include multiple top level prospects not guys like Churcha nd Kotchman
Bill
July 28th, 2009
11:39 am
Braves will make a trade for bull pen help…..Braves bull pen can’t keep up the pace, three pitchers have already been in more than 40- 50 games. At that rate they will end up with 100 games each and no arm. Braves need another good relief pitcher, period.
Come on Wren get some Bull- pen help!!!!!!!!!!!!!
coach smith
July 28th, 2009
11:40 am
THE BRAVES HAVE NOT STOOD PAT!!!!!!!!!!!
Are we forgetting the fact that the Braves have already made their BIG DEALS?
why does it have to be at the “trade deadline” to be important
I think bringing in McLOUTH and trading Frenchy for Church are two pretty bug deals..
bry22
July 28th, 2009
11:41 am
One good month for hitting is not a trend! If they don’t get a RF bat, they will not make the playoffs again this year. The Braves are an average team with above average starting pitching. That’s all. They need one big bat to have a chance.
coach smith
July 28th, 2009
11:41 am
“big” deals that is LOL
I do think you’ll see them trade KJ for a reliever (Saito maybe)
dcp
July 28th, 2009
11:43 am
All – the Braves are much improved since the outset of the year. Let’s not get carried away and say they will be sweeping the Phillies and that the Phillies are bound to start losing a few games in a row. Teams are what they are – 100 games into the season the Braves are 3 games over .500, the Phillies are 8 games ahead in the loss column, which is what matters. The Braves have been much better (obviously) vs. the Phils than last year, but neither team is the same as it was early in the season. I don’t see anyone sweeping series against each other – the Braves need some power and should try to work a deal for Dunn. Today, you make a mistake against the Braves as a pitcher and it’s a single, against the Phillies, it’s a home run. Whether the Phillies get Halladay will not be a division impact, but it coud be a pennant or WS move. Let the season play out, hope the pitching can stay healthy, and see where the chips fall. Think about the proposed Hallady deal – would you trade Freeman, Heyward, and Hanson for Hallady? It’s doubtful the Phillies will do that with the 3 the Jays want.
coach smith
July 28th, 2009
11:44 am
submariner
LOL you think the Padre will give up ADRIAN for that package?????
to even being to get Adrian Gonzales…you would have to give up Freeman or Kotchman, Medlen, JoJo, and Schafer
which I WOULD DO by the way
coach smith
July 28th, 2009
11:47 am
If you trade for DUNN or GLAUS…they will end up at first base and be pulled late in every game for Kotchman
Glaus is interesting because the Cards don’t need him and they have loved KJ all along…they would probably eat most of his salary and we could send KJ out the door
TurnThePage
July 28th, 2009
11:48 am
MLBTRADERUMORS.COM mentions that Atlanta talked to Oakland about Michael Wuertz but that the A’s are asking a lot for him and that Atlanta may be looking at an “under the radar” type reliever. It also mentions that Atlanta checked in with Pittsburgh about Freddy Sanchez. Now why would Atlanta be interested in Sanchez with their second base situation seemingly solidified? Sanchez, who has good numbers could be the bat the Braves have needed by moving Prado to first base, but he’s a lot like Matt Holliday. He’s a one year rental. I don’t see why they would do that. I’ll say that they end up making a deal for a bullpen arm although they may not need to do that with Tim Hudson returning and one pitcher going to the bullpen.
Bill
July 28th, 2009
11:51 am
Schafer is not ready to come back. To be honest he has lost some of his shine, NATIONALS want him ,maybe good time to deal. Dunn are relief pitcher?
Del
July 28th, 2009
11:53 am
I would like to see one trade. Give up Johnson for some good middle relief bullpen help OR send Johnson to the minors for awile to reacquaint him with the corner outfield positions, then bring him up to replace Norton (whom I would DFA)