With Oswalt trade looming, should Braves worry about Philly?

Last time I checked (today) Utley has been on the 15 day DL since 7/19.

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third!

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If it happens the Braves will be forced to make a trade for an outfielder with some pop I think. Then again will the Phillies weaken themselves by also trading Jason Werth?

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I think that if we can add another bat in CF, we’ll be able to handle the Phils – whether or not they pick up Oswalt.

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Could we turn around and surprise Philly with a trade for Werth? Ha – that would be awesome.

I think JS meant to say Placido Polanco instead of Utley

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Braves must upgrade at the CF position! Jeff, who do you think some of those possibilities are? I don’t think Cody Ross is much of an upgrade. I am thinking the Braves should make a run at BJ Upton. I think he just needs a change in scenery.

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Phillies will overtake the Braves anyway..Glaus is at 252, Heyward’s #’s will go down and Chipper will be injured..And there’s that centerfield thing..Where’s Mack Jones?

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Uhh…Chase Utley is NOT back. Not remotely…not even close. Chase Utley has not played since June 28th…and won’t be back for four more weeks at least. Yet you have him not only back, but hot? With numbers (18 for 39 [.467] over 13 games) to support it? Wow…impressively detailed delusion.

What makes the Phillies a bit of a concern is that Rollins, Werth and Ibanez have started to hit the last few days, and Howard has been hot since the All Star Break. And it was their offense that’s been holding them back thus far. The other concern is, the Braves are due to go through a cold stretch at some point. They’ve been so hot for so long, it can’t last forever. If they have a mediocre couple of weeks right when the Phillies start getting it together, a 7-game lead could become 2 or 3 games really quick.

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If the Braves get a right-handed bat for left field, then they will be fine. Oswalt really has not been impressive this year; for that matter, neither has Cole Hamels. I still like the Braves rotation better.

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Braves better be concerned about the Phils! They will be right there when the regular season is almost over. They are beginning to be reliable front runners again. It is going to be real close at the end of the season. Only 3 to 4 games difference between the Phils, Mets, and Braves!

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@Jfreak Not true. MLB rules are that teams within the same division cannot face each other in the Division Series

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Schultz…Utley hasn’t played since June 28th, so no he isn’t rolling. good grief get your facts right. Im aiming to be a sports writer and I know more then you.

I do not think ATL should be worried bc the only way they are getting Oswalt is if they deal Werth. If that happens, then Philly weakens their offense by losing 13 HR and 52 RBI as well as PROTECTION for Ryan Howard. Without protection, Howard will see less pitches to hit. Their lineup will be diminished severely if they trade Werth. The guy hit .268 last year and he’s hitting .286 right now and they want to trade him. Phillies fans are just dumb. The guy has a .380 OBP and a .506 slugging. I’ll take that from a corner outfielder.

One more thing Schultz, Oswalt has a no-trade clause and wants the 16 million dollar option for 2012 if he goes to the phillies, so I’m not so sure Philly is the favorite to have him right now. Either someone else jumps in or he stays put is my guess.

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Give the Braves a weak division and they will florish. But they will never play one upsmanship with a strong team. Too damn tight or too poor, take your choice.

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Demote McLouth is the only option as far as i’m concerned for the rest of the year, or at least until September Call-ups. Maybe a demotion will give him a sense of urgency

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If Bobby keeps trotting out Mclouth and Jesse Chavez, it doesn’t matter who the Phillies or we get . . .

Bobby Cox is apparently the only one who doesn’t see that Chavez is terrible, and Nate (this year) is right on his heels.

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Pitching hurt the Braves this weekend as much as anything.

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I am worried about them but only because the braves are cooling off just a bit. At the same time, the braves are doing exactly what they try to do, which is win series, last one excluded.

You have to figure the Phillies will start hitting again soon. I would be a little worried if they picked up Oswalt.

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Mike Minor could be our 5th starter is we move Medlen.

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I would rather Philly get Oswalt than St. Louis. We’ve got to think playoffs here. The Phils are going to have a hard time catching the Braves unless the Braves just fall apart. They have been playing at about .530 ball this compared to the Braves .582. If the Braves keep playing at that %, then the Phils will have to play above .600 ball to overtake us. I like our chances to win the division but when we get to the playoffs, I’d hate to run into St. Louis if they have Oswalt, Carpenter, Wainwright, and that good rookie.

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braves should be concerned, they let 2 crucial games against the fish to get away from us. i felt safer when we had a 7 game lead, 5 gets things a little closer.

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Worm, good on Mack Jones. My first memory of a Braves game was Mack’s name being announced. Anyway, I would worry about the Phils even if they don’t get Oswalt. The Braves should cut McLousy, stick with a platoon in the OF and trade for Aramis Ramirez from the Cubs. Ramirez gives the Braves options at 3rd or 1st and insurance for next year. Not to mention at .361 average in July with 9 homers.

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Not time to panic yet – but we’ve seen the Phils make strong runs in the second half, and you can bet they will make it interesting. Braves can play steady and still win, but we can’t keep strolling McClouth out there.

JS – Any rumors on availability/cost of a Matt Kemp trade? He’s young, affordable, and has power from the right…am I delusional?

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If I recall correctly, the Phils trailed the Braves by 5 at the Allstar break. Thus, the “trimming” of the lead from 7 to 5 means that they only got back to where they were before the break after the Braves played 10 games and the Phils 11. The Braves just lost their first series out of the last 22 and people want to panic around here. The Braves just need to keep playing and worry about themselves.

Regarding Oswalt, what exactly do the Phils have that could possibly land him? They aren’t going to trade Dominic Brown and other than him, the are basically tapped out of good prospects that would interest a rebuilding Astros team. Can’t see the Astros taking Werth and his contract in a walk year.

I think we should wait to see if the Phils land Oswalt (or anyone else for that matter now that Haren is off the market) before you write this article. Even if they do, I think the Braves still win this thing!

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Last year**

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ATL fans hate to break the news to you but Utley was taking ground balls yesterday before the game and he is playing in one minor league game that is set for August 13th and they he will be back for the remaining 54 games…. you should start to worry!! also the reason they are willing to get rid of werth is becasue they have the Number one minor league prospect (dominic brown) batting almost 400 in triple A, has power and speed.. and is ready to come up… you will choke, and thats ashame to see cox go out like that….

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If you are going to deal for a CF, dont get a .275 hitter. We got that in a platoon situation. Either get a legitimate 40 steal guy or a combo average/power hitter like Kemp. Ross or guys like him are not going to add a whole lot. Speed is the wave of the future in baseball minus steroids.

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As far as Utley goes, he struggled before he got hurt, so what are the chances he regains form this year to do any damage?

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Hey PhillyFan…Dominic Brown is no Jason Heyward. And you guys will wish you never got rid of Jayson Werth.

Get back to me when you guys aren’t down by 5 games, alright??

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damn philly! we got a very good team, just continue to play baseball the way we have.and we will be fine. go braves

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I see that Colorado is looking to unload Hawpe and are looking for relief pitching. Maybe a package of Chavez, Kawakami, and Dunn could get Hawpe. He definitely needs a change of scenery. He may not have anything left in the tank (there are signs of that after making the All Star game last year) but if we could throw in McLouth in the deal, we would make a lot of fans happy.

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Kawakami is apparently the Japanese word for “albatross.”

To the person who said Oswalt has been mediocre this year: Only if you look at his won-lost record. His ERA’s right at 3. Put him on a team that hits and plays defense, and that w-l could easily be flip-flopped.

Consider this: If the Phillies get him, the Braves could face him three times in the regular season AND maybe twice in a seven-game postseason series.

Why aren’t the Yankees in this sweepstakes again?

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We can’t counter against that? The only one I give you the edge to is Hallady cause the Braves get owned by him, pure and simple. However, Hamels is not the Hamels of 2008 and I give the Braves the edge with Jurrjens. Tommy Hanson and Oswalt would be a good matchup. Its all pretty subjective really, but to say we CAN’T counter the big bad Phillies rotation? Please. And you guys have nothing after Hallady and Hamels anyways and you kinda need a 5 man rotation to get into the playoffs at all…

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You always have to worry when booby cox is your coach. He’s so stupid he lets McOut bat with the game on the line. That’s why this team had a dismal success rate of winning a world series. Phillies win 2 recent NL titles and one world series. Braves win 6 and one world series. All thanks to booby cox. The dumbest manager in history.

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tommy: hamels has given up one run in his last 23 innings. including a one hitter on sat against the rockies.

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Roy Oswalt wants to come to Atlanta so we shop trade Derek Lowe to Houston for Roy Oswalt.

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Hamels is overrated, we usually light him up. Phillies pitching hasn’t been the problem when they play us, it’s been their lack of offense. you think they’d realize that by now. HR’s don’t do jack if they’re all solo shots

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I think the Braves need to fear the Braves. Unless management is ready to fill the hole and realize that McLouth is and never was that great addition to center field, then we are going to start losing. We needed a bat, not a centerfielder who stands looking up while the ball is already on the ground behind him. Fluke? I think not. Fact is, if the braves want to win then they need to fill the hole in center. Diaz and Calberea are not all that terrific but they are ok to platoon but if we dont get a centerfielder and a right handed bat, we will again be going home in October.

We already have a nice lead in the National League East and these guys play their hearts out. Go and get that last piece or two of the puzzle and stop counting on a centerfielder who stunk last year and has not produced this year. You pay to play ya know!

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Am I the only one who sees Tommy Hanson as being the weakest link on our starting rotation? He’s terribly inconsistent and I can see him costing us some games in the playoffs, provided we get that far. Jeff, would it be possible for, say, Milwaukee to be interested in a deal that included Hanson and Nate “the Out Machine” McLouth for Corey Hart?… or would the Marlins bite on such a deal for Cody Ross? We could still have decent starting rotation with Hudson, Lowe, Jurrjenns, and Medlen. Just a thought… not trying to post a controversial remark, just idle conjecture.

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Hell no to Ross.

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If Bobby keeps running chavez and mcclouth out there then yes we will lose the division, but may win teh WC…The Phillies are going to be right on our heels sooner than we think…

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http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=140312839322140

everyone join the new Facebook page titled…. “get McOut Outta Here!”

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The pitching is fine, they can’t be lights out every night. The Marlins and Brewers both have great line-ups and they finally got to us the these last few games. No biggie, our pitching has been great all year and will continue to be great. Hanson is only in his second year of big league ball, and his first year wasn’t even a whole season. He’s been good this year except for a few blow-outs and I think we even came back to win one of those.

We just need to keep the offense as consistent as possible. Blanco was really helping to keep it all together.

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Well went to the Gwinnett Braves Game yesterday and came away really discouraged about what we have in minors. Not running out grounders, horrid pitching and a genearal sence of not giving a damn. I would say trade away anyone down there to get a big time Center Fielder.

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No one will take Nate’s contract unless Braves pay 75% of it.

Wren has said we will go all out this year to win WS. If that is so….he needs to get busy fixing OF, 1st, and relief pitcher.
Upton, Hart & Bantista etc.

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why do people keep calling for Upton. The guy is stinking up the place.
If we are going to have stinking ballplayers we might as well keep Mclouth.
If we are going to win this division we need another big bat. I say Corey Hart or go after a good average guy with Podsednik. Pod has been having a great year.

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they could just start Infante in center. that would be huge improvement.

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Don’t we have a trade deficit with China?? Yes. Do they have a baseball league there?? Who cares, I say it is time to Export Kawakami..Just a kind letter of acceptance is that US would require to complete this transaction. The Braves can even throw in the shipping if that will close the deal..

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Heisenberg: that’s the worse idea i have ever heard.

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If the Braves keep on winning (and not just tying) series, then there is little chance of the Phillies overtaking them. If the Phillies has to part with Werth to get Oswalt, it’s probably not much of an upgrade (and I do believe that Brown will be a good player) for this year.

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Some may I am crazy with this but here it goes. I would love to upgrade this time however, don’t think we need much. I know Prado has been a stud in the leadoff spot and Heyward has been great in the # 2 but what if we tweaked that a bit. what if we traded for Podsednik or Juan Pierre to bat leadoff, move Prado to # 2 and with Glaus’s recent struggles we move heyward down to the number 5 spot with Glaus at 6. heyward is raking right now and I would love to see him in more of an rbi spot in the order. With a guy like Podsednik or Pierre batting leadoff stealing some bags we just may score a ton more runs a game.

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“I’ve coached six major league teams, as well as two in Japan, three in Venezuela and the ‘29 Yankees.”

I’ll take professional ball coaches over AJC opinion writers any day. Thanks

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Braves and Astros need to be trade partners. Astros trade Roy Oswalt to the Braves for Derek Lowe. Braves need to also find another trade partner so they can trade Nate McCloth and Melky Cabrera.

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How about Oswalt and Carlos Lee for Medlen, Mike Dunn and Kawakami or Lowe, could even toss in one of the prospects we got for Esky.

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Of course the Braves should be worried. Glaus has difficulty running out ground balls, not sure if he has another streak in him. Two blown saves by the closer that is desperately needed. Center field needs are recognized by everyone. Venters walks way to many people to be a reliable set up man.

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With a couple of exceptions — CF Chris Young of the D-Backs being one of them — there aren’t any affordable center fielders out there who are any better than Blanco. Young is a fabulous defensive player, great spped, and hit 32 HRs in his rookie year, dropped off considerably last year and is having a strong year at the plate this year. He’s affordable. Doubt the D-Backs want to trade a 25-year-old with a bright future, but I’d trade Medlen, who I really like, and a prospect for Young in a heartbeat. Also, the D-Backs have one of the worst bullpens ever, and would surely covet some of the Bravos’ lesser arms. Dunn would be THE stud in the D-backs bullpen.

But I think you’ve got to release McClouth or send him down, and bring Blanco up.

And, again, will somebody goose Glaus? His slump is taking a huge toll.

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Two players the Braves need to go after are Scott Podsednik from Kansas City and Will Ohman from Baltimore. Both players have inexpensive contracts and having good years. Podsednik has a 309 batting average and has great speed. Will Ohman is having a good year with ERA in the low 2’s

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Hey who was on the bench yesterday when Cox sent Mc-out up to the plate to hit into the dbl play??? Anyone know???//

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Perry, I agree 110%

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I don’t know, guys. After this weekend, we might need another starting pitcher AND a CF. I think Wren is quietly cooking up something. Don’t be surprised if he has “secretly” thrown his hat in the ring for Oswalt, in some effort to block the Phillies from getting him. And, of course, don’t be surprised if he isn’t. With him, you can’t get a lock on what he’s going to do next. The Braves MUST do better against the Marlins their next series. It will be difficult for them to go head-to-head against the Phills & succeed if they end up acquiring Oswalt. McLouth & KK must go.

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I’m not worried about our outfield. But I’m getting very worried about our bullpen. We have a rookie (Dunn)with control issues, and two guys (KK and Chavez) who can’t be counted on to do anything right. We need another arm or two to lessen the load off Moylan, Saito, and Venters. Will Ohman is having a good year with a Baltimore team that is horrible. Perhaps we could bring Will back in a trade. And whatever happened to Scott Proctor.

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Tommy Hanson has just switched agents…to Scott Boras. http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/atlanta_braves/index.html

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…..we need to pull Brady Anderson out of retirement. Enough said.

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I think the Braves have to make a decision that will result in Nate McClouth being the highest paid guy…on the Gwinnett ball club…atleast until he shows that he can outperform Gregor Blanco. Right now, he simply isn’t getting it done and we are STUCK with his salary. Tip your hat to Pittsburgh…some say they saw this coming.

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Just a couple of pitches, a couple of bounces, and an umpire not making JJ pitch through a rain storm and the Braves could have sweep the fish, or a least won the series.
Don’t push the panic button yet. I hope Wren doesn’t trade away any pitching prospects.
KK is tradeable, as he has has pitched some good games this year.

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If Dominic Brown is ready (and it looks like he is), and the Phils get Oswalt and deal away Werth, then the Braves should be worried…

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JEFF Schultz: What kind of money do the Braves have to play with right now? Making some trades would be great but at what Cost$$$? What can we afford to give up and how much can we afford to pay right now?

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Old Man Tate you got to be kidding me trading Jason Heyward would be dumb you must don’t know anything about baseball.

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And I almost forgot, a little bit better managing also, and the Braves could have sweep the fish.

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The Phillies are the team to beat in the division, not the Mets, not the Fish. The Braves need to decide on center field. If they are not trading (as I believe they should if they can make a reasonable deal) then give the center field job to Omar or Melky and move on. Give Mat the opportunity to play left and prove he can help every day not just with lefties. Nate should be traded if the organization feels he is done or sent down for the remainder of the year if not. I still feel good about our chances but do feel changes need to be made. Bobby has not and probably won’t consult with me but that is ok, I still think he is the best.

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As long as Bobby Cox is the manager, hell even the Nationals are still in it!

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ppplease get rid of Kawakami, Mclouth, Chavez, Jordon Schaefer & Derek Lowe for Roy Oswalt before it too late. Braves starters are somewhat over rated?

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Not saying U wrong Jeff but MLB said Scott had one year deal for less than million and no option. But what ever. Keep up the good job.

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There’s nothing we can do if Oswald goes to Philly or St. Lousy. We need to make a trade based on our needs not out of fear of where Oswald goes. For goodness sake get rid of McClouth even if we have to release him and take the loss.

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They should be concerned. CF is a hole and I am worried about Glaus too. He is all feast or famine. I would say trade one of the young pitchers in the minors and go get a CF.

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Turtsnap, the Braves will not cut 10 million………..

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Werth is having a bad year.

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Just read your email Jeff. is this better?

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Will Ohman would be a big spark. Players loved him in clubhouse and Team player.

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Jon. You’re not asking for a trade ‘partner,’ but a trade ’sap.’ And for all of you out of work grave diggers, get a grip. Nate (contract) is the new Mike Hampton. Deal with it.

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The Braves running the bases look like a overwieght Church softball team. Who was it that couldn’t score from 2nd on a single to right. GOOD LORD

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Maybe we can trade, Nate, KK, and Chavez for Oswalt.

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These people saying trade KK and McLouth are fools. Nobody is going to take those two players at that contract. Send McClouth down and leave KK in the pen. How about Posednik or Adam Jones?

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We seem really good at going from 1st to 3rd on a single…but can’t go from 2nd to home. Hmmmmm…..

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Why should we be worried about the Phillies are the allowed to use the Binnoculars to steal signs again.As far as not stacking up against strong teams…lets see 2of 3 from Tampa Bay(WS PICK)..2 0f 3 San Diego Nl West leader one of the best pitching staffs in MLB.2 0f 3 Minnesota..and last time 2 of 3 from the Phillies.not too mention we made the second coming of God Sthrasburg look ordinary..I guess fairweather fans will always be in Atlanta FIRE ALL ATL FANS NOW

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Atticus…. Frank Wren did.. Ha !

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The worst thing about Philly is that little league park they play in..How else do you think guys like Victorino Werth and Rollins hit 20 + Hrs a year..Ryan Howard and Chase Utley are the only real offensive threats they have..My 10 year old could rip one out of that park

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Delgado, Hoover, McLouth + cash to the Brewers, Corie Hart to the Rays and Desmond Jennings to the Braves.

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The above deal could work.

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Remember last year when Bobby put Matty in the lead off role for a while? And his OBP duing that stretch was like .500 or something? Why not try that again? With Prado batting second, he would get SO many more chances at driving in runs.

And I know this might sound silly to some, but it’s time to bat J-Hey third, and move Chipper down in the lineup. I know he said something earlier this season about he would “be ok” with the move down the line-up.

The MAIN thing(s) that HAVE to happen is McClouth has to be benched. No way we unload that contract to anyone. Speed off the bench for playoff run. And Chavez has to be sent down. Put KK in a specialist role or something. A trade WOULD be nice – but I really don’t see it happening.

Looking at the bench – man, what a strength we have. I would put our bench against ANY bench in MLB.

Maybe platoon Matty/Omar in LF and bat leadoff. Move Melky into CF. Platoon Glaus/Henskie at first.

Fixed.

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I’m not sold on Glaus any more. How about Prince Fielder and Corey Hart for Glaus, Diaz and a prospect?

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If we continue with a lineup that includes the likes of McOut, then yes we have a need to be worried about the Phillies. Those worries increase if we continue to pitch Chavez and I don’t care if he is our 12th pitcher. I do not want to see him on the mound unless we are hitting against him.

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If we want to really get gutsy (I know it’s not a word), how about Melkie, Medlen, Dunn and a low level guy like JJ Hoover or Robinson Lopez for Oswalt AND Hunter Pence…If we want to send Bobby out on a high and set this team up for Fredi that might be the way to go..Pence would be manageable in CF and would give up a good option in the 6 hole..And Oswalt would probably work with us a little like he was willing to do with the Cards…

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Oswalt is having a horrid year. Why is a “change in scenery” going to alter that ? Regarding center field, can’t Diaz play or he just a pinch hitter ?

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I don’t understand why people think that the Phils getting rid of Werth will destroy them. They’d bring up Domonic Brown (who is currently batting .343 with 5 HRs and 19 RBIs in 26 games at AAA Lehigh Valley) and would have an upgrade.

Furthermore, the Braves should be targeting someone like Chris Young from Arizona. I don’t know if ownership will allow the D-Backs to ship him out since they fired the GM, but he is under contract until 2013. I think if we package McLouth (and pay half of his salary next year), Medlen, and Dunn, we might be able to get him. Young is currently batting .266 with a .332 OBP and has 17 HRs and 63 RBIs (which puts him tenth in the league in that category). We can then call up Mike Minor to be the fifth starter, cut Chavez, and bring up Kimbrel or Marek.

I don’t see there being any way to trade Kawakami without paying his full salary. He has been so abysmal this year that no one will want to take him. We might be able to trade him this winter, but we will probably be paying half or three-quarters of his salary.

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It always makes me laugh at the ridiculous trade possibilities this blog comes up with. You people are quite entertaining.

I am not sure the Braves need to do a whole lot. If we can get a good OF bat (either power or average) without giving up too much then that could be something good. No way Oswalt comes to the Braves. He makes $16 million a year. Not gonna happen. Nobody is going to take Lowe to offset that.

Hanson has certainly been inconsistent. He will be fine. I would hate to see him go, but I would be OK trading Medlen as the core player of deal to bring us an OF that we could have beyond this season.

The big problem for the Braves is they simply can’t add significant $$$ to payroll. They have to make a trade that has a close to net $0 effect on payroll. Not sure the $$$ involved but I would be interested in sending Medlen, Dunn, KK, and Nate (if they will take Nate) to the Nationals for A. Dunn.

The nationals could add another quality arm to their rotation, and a promising lefty out of the bullpen. And if KK can turn it around, it could be big for them. I would like to see Dunn signed to a year or two extension so he would not be a rental.

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@ Pizzaman when you mention speed please do not put Nate’s name in the same sentence. 09′ SB-12 CS-6 10′ SB-4 CS-2 nice % you say. Fact : you cannot steal bases if you are not on the base paths & sitting in the dugout next to Bobby. This is not what we had in mind when we made the trade. 16 SBs Chipper has 9 SBs over the same period. Speed lol !!!!

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The truly frustrating part of this is that the Braves pretty much just gave away two games to the Phils last week. Heck, they actually gave away more, in failing to capitalize on Philadelphia losses with wins of their own. Cox’s great strength is also his undoing, and that is his patience with crappy players. I was dreading McLouth’s return because I knew he would be right back in the lineup, despite a mountain of evidence that Cabrera, Blanco, Omar Infante, trainer Jeff Porter, ANYONE deserved to be back in center more than he did. McLouth is a dud, but Bobby wants to give him a fair shake, so he’s back in there, dragging down the lineup. Plus, his defense sucks. It reminds me a lot of the Kelly Johnson situation, where a player was stuck behind him for at least a year despite overwhelming evidence that he deserved to start more than the white dude who used to be pretty good and happened to already have the job. Thankfully, Atlanta saw the light on Martin Prado, or this team wouldn’t even be in contention. When will they see the light on any of the various guys stuck behind McLousy? Perhaps they aren’t everyday center fielders… fine. NEITHER IS NATE McLOUTH.

And another thing, it was all I could do to keep watching yesterday when the Braves trotted out Jesse Chavez. He’s a walking concession speech. His nickname should be “We Have a Plane to Catch”. He’s horrible. He’s awful. He’s surrender. When Bobby runs him out there, I just don’t know what he expects. He’s got nothing to use against a major league hitter. The lead Atlanta’s built doesn’t matter if they’re just going to throw it away waiting for crappy players to suddenly blossom into major leaguers. The division is Atlanta’s for the taking. All they’ve got to do is put the pedal to the metal, and give McLouth and Chavez an incorrect schedule for the rest of the games.

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As I was saying last week, we would do well to get Oswalt. he has experience and he is acclimated to pitching around 200 innings. Our younger pitchers may not be able to hold up in the post-season (assuming we get there).
If the Braves were to only play .500 ball we would win 89 games. For Philly to beat us, they would need 90 wins. That means they would have to have a .594 winning percentage the rest of the year. That is possible. But I don’t think the Braves will only play .500 ball.

Corey Hart has an injured wrist, so I don’t think we need to take a risk on him at this point.

I wonder if we could work out a deal with Houston for Hunter Pence and Roy Oswalt? Package Gregor Blanco and Kyle Cofield (MiLB pitcher) from the farm and Mike Dunn.

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@ReddJonn68 What I was meaning was as a pinch-runner situation during the playoffs. As in Glaus gets on late in the game – I’d take my chances with McLouth pinch running. He does NOT need to be in the lineup. NOONE is going to take that contract. We are stuck with him.

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Is it football season yet?

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Is this the basketball blog?

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Why not trade KK,McLousy,and Chavez to the Orioles for Adam Jones or Nick Markakis and pay McLousy’s salary rest of year ? Better yet to the Bluejays for Vernon Wells.

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NEW CARS, how about the first three relievers that went in the game pitching maybe 2 innings instead of ONE?? Saito, Moylan, and Venters all pitched 1.0 innings. And, all of these appearances with the game tied. Can Bobby thinde ahead just a little, like maybe the game may go more than nine innings. Samn, every one of those guys could go 3 innings, but like always, Bobby goes through the bullpen like he hasn’t got a brain in his head.

Oh and he coulda “trotted out” Dunn, KK, or even Wagner. Anybody but Chavez.

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Let’s play match the all-star player stats. We are comparing Nate McClouth with Tim Husdon as major league batters:
First up we have former gold-glove all-star Nate mcClouth.

Batting Average: .168
On Base Percentage: .279
Slugging Percentage: .265

Next we have all-star pitcher Tim Hudson.

Batting Average: .261
On Base Percentage: .261
Slugging Percentage: .326

I’m just sayin’…

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No. The Phils have been shut out so many times that a another good pitcher won’t be much of an issue. You can’t win when you score zero runs. Why is everyone worried when they string together a few wins. Remember when they lost 7 in a row or something like that?

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siskel,
You said “Nate for a case of bottled water.”
I think the Braves couldn’t trade Nate McClouth for a case of diarrhea.

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Wonder if Nate is free for Dinner with Shmucks? He would fit in.

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HAHA….Braves fear the phillies…good one Jeff…

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Not really concerned about the Phillies, but I am concerned about the number of men the Braves strand on base. They’ve won all year with a “team” philosophy, but a couple of guys are simply not pulling their weight in crunch time. I think we need another bat, not a Cody Ross, but an impact bat and I think that should complete the puzzle.

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i read not too long ago wren was considering ross for center. the pictching is not as great as one thinks as they win cause players hit and score. they will go down as far as third and climb back hoepful to 2nd. i not going make excuises for them but thats way i see it hope i am wrong

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The Braves need to worry about the Braves.

They need to worry about how they lost a series to the Marlins when they didn’t even face Josh Johnson.

They need to focus on sweeping the Nationals. Two out of three is not good enough anymore.

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package kk mclouth 2 prospect’s eat some salary get wkat we need in the of and chipper takes salary re structering

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thev braves need a starter and a center fielder matt kemp from dodgers ,and oswalt from astros , then we run the table give up what you have to to get this done today. thank you.

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we want a world series

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Anyone who suggests Medlen for Cody Ross must have posted after leaving the Crackhouse. Cody Ross has not proven he is an upgrade worthy of a trade involving Medlen. If we are to give up Dunn and Chavez then I am ok with that. I am sure Frank Wren will take everything into consideration and keep Medlen.

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If only Shafer had been the real deal like Heyward, we would be sitting pretty in the outfield. What happened to al those outfield prospects we were salivating over just 2 years ago? Blanco is a nice backup, but I dont see him as the star we need back there.

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Nothing wrong with Hanson folks. He just needs to realize he is in the big league now and can’t smoke everyone no matter what part of the plate he puts it on. He need to work on his slider and change up more. If you stay ahead of the batter you can do that. BUT that doesn’t mean throwing a fastball down the middle the 1st pitch. Anybody beside me, and don’t remember which game, but they were lighting Hanson up on the first pitch. Seem like three batter in a row got hits off him. What I don’t understand is if they hit me like that in an inning, I darn would start the next inning with the same stuff.

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I know how important it is to get ahead of the batter, but that is just crazy.

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Why is Infante not part of this outfield discussion? All the guy does is have 2,3, 4 hit games and play good defense every time he gets the chance. Stick him out in center every day and see how it goes. I know he’s played some center before. Get past the “utility” designation and give him a chance as an everyday player.

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Totally agree with Philliesuk and others. I hope the Phillies acquire Oswalt. He’s old, expensive, and on the downside. Guy’s auditioning for a trade he requested, and he’s been terrible.

I like Gregor Blanco and Cabrerra in CF for the rest of the season. The few difference makers that are available are too expensive. Please no, don’t trade for Cody Ross.

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bat Nate 9th.

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I’m very concerned. With the Phillies win today, the Braves lead is only 4 1-2., going into games of July 27.

Last week, my friend Mark Bradley posted a rather boasting article trumpeting why the Braves WONT blow the lead. Since then, we’ve lost 2 1-2 games of our lead.

We don;t even have to experience a Mets type collapse like they did in Sept 2007. That was one of epic perporitions. This.. well.

Remember 1991? Braves 9 1-2 back at the break. 1993? Braves 10 back on July 23. 1969.. Cubs 9 1-2 up on August 16, finished 8 back of the Mets. There is plenty of time.

If Philly gets Oswalt, that will make them even better.

Funny thing, Bradley picked the Braves to finish third at the beginning of the season. Now, he’s trumpeting October.

The Braves need to be very worried. Only 4-1-2 up, if Oswalt goes to Philly, the Phillies could go on one winning streak, and our lead could be gone in a week.

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Simple enuff… two-way transaction – McLouth to Gwinnett & Blanco back to the big club. Addition by subtraction, and those guys’ll figure out a way to get it done. The chemistry will return, and they can get on a run *at the right time of the year* for a change. If anything, I’d keep an eye on Glaus – looked at his career splits and what-you-see is what you’re gonna get… and this guy couldn’t catch a balloon in a phone booth, either. Might wanna think about getting Hinske/Infante some seat time over at first… I’m just sayin’…

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I think Nate was a good player on a below average team (Pittsburg) but when he was traded to the Braves the pressure got to him. He might flourish again on another team but not one that is a winner. Some players just can’t be clutch on good teams. So Mr. Wren trade him to a team with low expctations and watch what he does.

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Nate needs to put some momentum on the ball.

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If Bobby keeps Mc (out) in the line up and Chevez on the roster, we better look out for Philly. Use some of our reserves in the minors, they have to be better than the above two. Look at Florida, they bring young people up and do fine, especially against the braves.

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It is not going to be easy. If you said in April after our 9 game losing streak that we would be up 5 going into August worrying about holding our lead, most would have said you are crazy.

All I ask for is a reason to watch, and I have one. Thanks Bobby.

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Would love to see the Braves shock the world and trade for Chris Young. He could be a big difference maker with his power, speed, and defense. The Braves would need to give up some young pitching to get him but I think he would be well worth it.

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Wooops….meant to say that Infante can’t play centerfield

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To the person that said Oswalt is having a “horrid year” Ah.. no.

How is a 3.42 ERA having a “horrid year”?. He’s 6-12 because he isnt getting any runs scored for him. If Philly’s lineup gets healthy, put him there, and he will win a ton of games. Philly then has a very formidable rotation. Halliday, Hamels, Oswalt. I’ll take those top three any day.

I’m telling you, its not over yet. Hopefully the Braves will find themselves against Washington, but, I just have a feeling that Philly is going to hang around, and make a run, at least.

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Yeah, like where are the Braves, and why aren’t they competing to get Oswalt. At least they could keep him out of the Phils hands, oh I’m sorry that’s what the Yankees do, and what do they know about winning World Series?

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philly fan according to mlb the reason there getting rid of werth is jenifer utley not some brown dude lmao nice spin doctoring though lol

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Yeah, Bobby, you suck. You are only #5 ALL-TIME in major league wins with 2,171 and guided the Braves to 14 Division titles.
JASon – is it time for your nap?

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I agree with Sonny Clusters. It does seem some chemistry got messed up when .310 Blanco got sent down for .168 Mclouth. My chemistry is messed up too with this stupid move so I will continue to turn the TV station to something else whenever I see Mclouth in the lineup.

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Only move needed: trade, demote, or release McLouth, Chavez and Kawakami – even if we get nothing in return. Who cares what they are making….Any 3 players from Gwinnett (or likely even Myrtle Beach) are better than these…Playing .500 baseball after the all star break will not win any divisions….

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Consider Nate. He is not great. He swings too late. He is not tall. Can’t see the ball. If he swings at all. The Braves will fall.

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Good point, John. You are right on. You know that fact . Will Wren react?

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I say don’t trade away any young talent. Sit pat with what we have.
There is plenty of talent on this team. Wait for Cox to retire and get a decent manager in here for next year. The Phillies Will take the division this year. Please just beat the Mets.

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Michael D. I see you you see. Just like me. About Bobby C. His time was great. Except for Nate. Let’s wish him well. And a happy trail. KEEP HOPE ALIVE! If Jesus saves — then let’s go Braves!!

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Maybe the other Braves players feel like Infante should learn English or maybe he is a “clubhouse cancer”. I’m guessing the players hate Omar Infante and Grand Dragon Cox and Grand Cyclops Chipper are teaching him a lesson! That’s why skinhead Conrad gets to play more than Omar does now! Heck, lets ship him off for a downgrade too. You know the Braves motto “If you can’t speak English, you ain’t staying” – Bobby Cox….

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Look guys lets trade every foreigner on the team! I’m racist and I want to ethnically cleanse the Braves! I am also having a Clan Rally at Turner Field on August 7th! Come out and hopefully we can get Infante, Kawakami, Saito, Chavez, Prado, and Melky off the team! In the brotherhood we trust!

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Just saw that it seems like the D’Backs are becoming big sellers. I like the idea of trying to trade for Chris Young. He’s under team control for a while and is a pretty good all around player.
Couple of things to add: Can’t send McLouth down unless we put him through waivers which will take a while, so that solution isn’t as easy as it sounds.
Also, the Phils only won their game today due to scoring on errors by the Rockies and if anyone noticed, Lidge gave up 2 runs in the 9th. (Howard, Ibanez and Rollins go 1-11 w/2 walks combined)Unfortunately for the Phils, lady luck won’t be at every game they play so they should be worried as well.
I’m excited to see what Wren has up his sleeve. He never seems to disappoint with a surprise.

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I think we should trade Kawacrappy, McOut, Jesse dont call me Hugo Chavez & Greg Norton to the Phillies for Ryan Howard,

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Hey, Jeff. Can you control this blog or not? This is getting completely out of hand here. Isn’t there some kind of filter, a webmaster. or something?? This kind of “free speech” will shut down every blog in the country eventually.Most folks here want to discuss sports. This kind of vitriol would never be published in the printed paper. What is the difference here? Free speech? This is hate speech!! And I thought there was a law against that in this country. I hope this is not the beginning of the end of your previously fine blog…………….

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maybe Dunn,Chavez,KK, Cabrera and Lowe to LA, Kemp, Oswalt to Atl, and Medlen+ Dodger propects to Houton

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Dear Schultz,

Your mind melt isn’t fully corrected, unless the Phillies are fielding two shortstops now:

“most notably to shortstop and leadoff hitter Jimmy Rollins and shortstop Chase Utley.”

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[...] ♦ With Oswalt trade looming, should Braves worry about Philly? [...]

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Why does everyone blindy assume the Phillies are going to make a strong push late. THEY ARE OLD (in baseball terms). And I dont just mean Moyer and Ibanez, Utleys 32 Werths 32 Rollins is 33 or 34 Polanco’s like 34 or 35 Hallady is 32 oe 33, even Howards 30 or 31. If they haven’t entered the twilight of their career theyve entered the twilight of their primes. This isn’t the steroid era anymore players dont get better going into their 30s, the Phillies window has shut.

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Just so you guys know the Phillies are gonna trade Werth cause his contract is up. The reason their gonna trade him is so that they can get prospects to trade for Oswalt. The Phillies with a Halladay, Oswalt and Hamels rotation are even more dangerous. Hamels has been great for them and Halladay has been Halladay and Oswalt has a sucky record cause he is with the Astros.

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C’mon Schultz; The Phills aren’t Defending NAtional And WOrld Champs because their mgmt is Stupid, THey Know what the need down the Stretch for 2010, and YES this is The Only Year that counts… it’s Right Now or Never…. Pitching is What Any Great Team Needs Desparately to WIN in Sept and Oct especially, yes all year but especially down the Stretch. Sorry for the folks who think Hitting is what Wins in Playoff and World Series… Sorry but your logic sinks to the bottom of the lake. Quality Pitching Wins Every Time !!!!!! Ask Washington NAtionals mgmt if they had hindsight to pick a Hitter over Strasburg????? Thats Totally IDIOTIC.

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[...] ♦ With Oswalt trade looming, should Braves worry about Philly? [...]

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[...] rumors began to heat up the other day that the Philadelphia Phillies were pursuing Houston pitcher Roy Oswalt — the gem of baseball’s trade deadline — I mentioned that such a deal could put pressure on [...]

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