The 2009 Braves: They’re OK so far, but they need a tweak
A year ago the Braves beat Brandon Webb on Memorial Day, and these fallible fingers went to work. “They’ll be in first place by the Fourth of July,” they typed, “and come Labor Day they’ll be pulling away.” In a career of Dewey-defeats-Truman moments, it was among the dewiest.
One year on, no rosy proclamation will be offered. The forecast of May 2008 was based on the Braves getting healthy. (They would, alas, get hurt at an even more alarming rate.) These Braves are getting healthy, too, but there’s difference. What we’ve seen is apt to be what we’re going to get: Good starting pitching, not much hitting, a slew of games that must be won 1-0 or 4-3, which, not coincidentally, were the scores the first two nights of the Toronto series.
At peak capacity, the Braves as constituted could win 88 games. They cannot win 95. At best, they seem a wild-card team – good, but not that good. A lot of things have to go right for them to win, and lately they have. But I don’t see this offense holding up over six months.
The Braves’ starting outfield against the Blue Jays on Sunday carried a total of five home runs, two of which came on Opening Night in Philadelphia. The Braves as a team entered the game with 30 homers, which ranked 13th among 16 National League clubs. They’ve been putting the ball in play a bit more – they had the fourth-fewest strikeouts among NL teams – but it isn’t as if they’ve been reincarnated as the 1982 Cardinals.
This isn’t an offense built on speed. The Braves have 10 stolen bases, the fewest in the majors. (Brian McCann is tied for the team lead – with two.) This is simply an offense that, as much as it would like to generate the three-run homer on cue, doesn’t anymore.
Loading ...Speaking of those 1-0 and 4-3 victories, Bobby Cox was moved to recall a time when the Braves won such games as a matter of course. “Those were the days, man,” he said, but there are clear differences.
As good as Derek Lowe and Jair Jurrjens and Javier Vazquez are, they’re seven Cy Youngs short of matching the rotation of the ’90s. And there’s no Fred McGriff playing first base, no Ron Gant or David Justice in the outfield.
There’s Chipper Jones, who’s still great, and Brian McCann, who’s very good. And Yunel Escobar is a threat. But who else? Garret Anderson and Casey Kotchman are doubles hitters. Jordan Schafer is fighting to stay above .200. True, Jeff Francoeur seems to be coming around, but weren’t we saying that a month ago?
To their credit, the Braves just swept a good team. But the first two victories were hairbreadth things, and Sunday’s game was in the balance until the seventh, when the Jays left the go-ahead run at third and Jones, in his only at-bat of the series, lined a pitch off first baseman Lyle Overbay’s mitt to untie matters.
Said Cox afterward: “The hitting is timely, most of the time.”
Earlier in the day Cox had offered this appraisal: “I can’t say I’m thrilled with where we are, but I like our team.”
I do, too. But I’d like it more with another bat in the outfield. I suspect Cox would, too.
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165 comments Add your comment
curtis jones
May 24th, 2009
5:11 pm
We have another bat in the outfield. His name is Matt Diaz. He just doesn’t get a chance to go to the plate very often.
Max Sizemore
May 24th, 2009
5:13 pm
Mark, transpose the e and the u in Francoeur’s name. Then kill this out.
Mark Bradley
May 24th, 2009
5:18 pm
Thanks, Max. That’s one I don’t usually miss, but I missed it today. Know how I (usually) remember it? “E-U-R,” as in “euro.”
On the other hand, I also tell myself, “No ‘g’s’ in Jurrjens” and I still miss on that one about half the time.
Jimmy
May 24th, 2009
5:19 pm
Ahhhhhhhh man, those close games were the days, huh? Now we just have to sit back and enjoy the ride, until we fall off the edge of the cliff. Hopefully it will come sometime in August, and football season will take over from there.
Reid Adair
May 24th, 2009
5:25 pm
The starting pitching has been somewhat better than I expected. The key, as you pointed out, Mark, is a serious lack of power in the outfield. The overall lack of speed is also a concern.
brewdawg
May 24th, 2009
5:26 pm
Mark,
Okay, good article, now throw some possibilities out there for my amusement.
Paul
May 24th, 2009
5:26 pm
sure would be nice to ship Anderson back to the west coast and enjoy Matt Holliday roaming left for the rest of the season….
Drixie
May 24th, 2009
5:26 pm
The Braves starting pitching is good enough to keep us in most games. The offense needs to (consistently)score about 5 runs a game, and we will win between 85-90 games in 2009. The good news in the NL East is that no team is without its shortcomings: The Phils have the best lineup, but their pitching is suspect; The Mets have several very good players (Wright, Beltran, and Reyes), one very good pitcher (Santana), a somewhat improved bullpen (Putz is no longer dominant, and let’s see how Rodriguez holds up throughout the season), and mediocre defense; The Marlins have young talent; and The Nats have very little.
Jack G
May 24th, 2009
5:28 pm
Did I actually see some small ball play in this series?? (bunting, etc)
Mark Bradley
May 24th, 2009
5:31 pm
Actually, I brought up Matt Holliday’s name the other day and got hooted down on the ol’ blog.
OK, here’s another name: Jermaine Dye. Used to play here, did he not?
sansho1
May 24th, 2009
5:35 pm
Trying to look on the bright side, we’ve got some hidden pop in the number of doubles the team hits. We could end up leading the league. Enviable rotation, pretty good pen, solid infield and great bench. It’s all about the outfield, and that’s too big to fix this year. Here’s to a bright future.
(FYI Mark, you were right about Sansho the Bailiff. It’s a great movie, but too much of a downer for a lot of people.)
sansho1
May 24th, 2009
5:39 pm
I agree with Reid about the team speed. Not so much in regards to stolen bases, but we almost never take the extra base on balls in play.
Sidney Alphonse Sizemore
May 24th, 2009
5:40 pm
We must remember that Chipper has bad toes. If Chipper’s toes were not smeared pre-game with vaseline and cornmeal and encased in two pair of socks the man could not suit up. It is painful to watch. Today, he came off the bench and had a big hit. Tomorrow, he will likely be confined to the trainer’s room with toe distress. I admire the man. He shows some real determination to suit up with sore toes.
Francoeur starts every game and shows next to nothing while Diaz labors for a game appearance and seems to figure in a lot of game winning rallies. I wonder what would happen if Diaz played right and Francoeur spent two days on the farm making corrections like last year?
We Sizemore’s have followed the Braves since 1968 and it seems to me they just keep getting better and better to watch. I don’t care for the games on television, though, because of all the nose picking and scratching and lifting off the seat from Bobby Cox. I guess that’s just baseball.
virgilshouse
May 24th, 2009
5:41 pm
bring back barry bonnell toback up chipper……….that would help
siskel_god
May 24th, 2009
5:42 pm
I like the thought of bringing bac DeRosa, versatile on the infield and has more pop than all of our outfielders. Since the Indians are in dead last this may be a good possibility. Another guy not likely but possible is one we just saw in Vernon Wells. Big contract though, but i beleive the Jays will be out of it by the break.
Paul
May 24th, 2009
5:43 pm
Jermaine Dye would be great as well, but are the sox really interested in giving him up?
I really do think Holliday would be the best option. What does B. Beane want for him and is Wren willing to Do unto Oakland as he did unto Texas, i.e, give them four future starters for one year?
Bravos33
May 24th, 2009
5:43 pm
Yeah, Jermaine would be good, but what is he making? How old is he? And how long would we be on the hook for with him? Also, is he primed to stay healthy AND produce?
Brian D
May 24th, 2009
5:46 pm
Let’s enjoy the ride here. If I were to tell everybody that we would be in second place just a game and a half out tell me you wouldn’t take that…..top 3 in the rotation is fine, 4-5 spots are still questionable. In about a month bring up tommy boy from triple a and then let’s rock this joint.
Paul
May 24th, 2009
5:50 pm
I am certainly enjoying the ride so far, but the Phillies and Mets are not going to be within reach for the entire season. If they pull a trade for Roy Oswalt as Rosenthal suggested yesterday, the entire division will be in deep trouble and the Mets, we all know, will not sit on their hands either. I do enjoy watching Lidge revert back to his old ways, though (blowing saves).
Sidslid
May 24th, 2009
5:51 pm
Let’s try the Angels again. Garry Matthews will be their fifth outfielder after Guerrero comes back and there rotation is still shallow. Matthews has been solid while Guerrero has been DL’d. Vasquez for Matthews and Reggie Willits (for speed). Put Matthews in center and play Willits a lot in left and lead off particularly while Infante is down. Then decide who is gonna go, Frenchy or Anderson. Once that decision is made, play Willits full time. Still not great power, but gives you big speed in Willits and good speed with Matthews.
Brian D
May 24th, 2009
5:54 pm
Don’t trade any major pieces from the minors. We need a veteran centerfielder who ca pick it and can jordan some days off… Josh anderson would be nice.. Damn!
IlliniBrave
May 24th, 2009
5:59 pm
Mark:
Is there a problem with being a great-pitching, mediocre-hitting, slow-running team?
I remember the halcyon days of the early 90s, and if I recall correctly, we didn’t exactly have a killer lineup. Outside of Terry Pendleton’s clinical hitting and Ron Gant’s power in the outfield, our starting eight featured such speedsters as Sid Bream and Greg Olson (and who can forget the base-running prowess of Lonnie Smith!) and such hitters as Mark Lemke and Jeff Blauser. We pitched well, caught the ball, and played a lot of close games. If this team does that I have no problem whatsoever. Let’s not trade away some of our talent for a short-term rental like we did with Lofton and Drew and Tex.
Brian D
May 24th, 2009
6:03 pm
Hawks talk for a few now.. Answere this- why didn’t woodson play ac law against the cavs and put him on delonte west??? Anybody? Bring back flip, zaza, and we always have that bargaining trade chip with j-chill. how bout this? trade marvin and bibby to portland for travis outlaw and pryizbilla? draft ty lawson or pattie mills. Starting 5: lawson, joe, smoove,al pryzbilla. bench: flip, law, evans, outlaw, zaza add another big.
Atlanta Journal Constitution » Blog Archive » The 2009 Braves: They’re OK so far, but they need a tweak
May 24th, 2009
6:04 pm
[...] Mark Bradley | ajc.com – [...]
KingfishStevens
May 24th, 2009
6:09 pm
Great win today. What if the Braves moved K.J. back to the OF, then either sign a 2B or put Prado there. Ship out G Anderson, then put Matt Diaz in the everyday lineup?
rainman
May 24th, 2009
6:10 pm
It’s nice to get a blowout every now and then, and today’s game allowed us to sit back and make several evalualtions. If we can assume the eyesight problem with McCann is over, let’s just quit the speculation and count on him to be our cleanup hitter. The Braves have not been secure at cleanup since McGriff (Tex was a rental) and at lead-off since Furcal (we tried to get him back). Chipper feels better at 3, and I just knew he would keep the rally going today when he came in to PH. He just extended his contract, so barring major health issues, our 3-4 is set. The lead-off hitter will not be established until Schafer improves, another prospect moves up, or a trade is made. I just don’t see Johnson, Escobar, or Infante being the long term solution.
The pitching staff seems to be coming around, so that leaves the outfield as the major question mark. I agree, I would like to see Diaz get more opportunities. We just need to stay calm and let the Francoeur situation run it’s course and Schafer gain his experience. Garrett Anderson needs to decide if he’s going to give it his all, or simply to ride it out.
T'Challa
May 24th, 2009
6:19 pm
Maybe they could sign Michael Vick to STEAL Bases.
DHD
May 24th, 2009
6:21 pm
Go get DeRosa and Uggla. Both are available. Then, you can mix and match with KJ. I know that’s no Tex, but you can’t just go out and get a stud. Holliday is a possibility but he would be a rental and we don’t do well losing young players for rentals. Heyward and Freeman are just around the corner.
Bravoshawkin
May 24th, 2009
6:33 pm
Why all the worry? Our SP is great, we have solid players in McCann and Chipper, and I have no doubt Frenchy and Anderson will come around. Heck, Anderson was hurt early on, give him time. Also, with our injuries, we’re winning series. Go back to how we became great in the 90’s, it wasn’t anything more than what Bobby Cox said, “Try to win every series, it’ll take care of itself.” It’s not the best time to worry, you sound like Cubs fans……
Bravoshawkin
May 24th, 2009
6:35 pm
Brian D? This is the absolute worst time to dissemble a team. Didn’t we wait long enough without making the playoffs? I.e. Mookie, Mutombo, Smith
Mark Bradley
May 24th, 2009
6:35 pm
Vernon Wells is a nice name (and a nice player), but I don’t see the Jays being out of it anytime soon. They’ve lost six in a row, but they’re a good team.
Supes
May 24th, 2009
6:43 pm
Mark, the Braves can’t afford to go after a 3-4 month rental like Matt Holiday (who btw has tailed off considerably from last year’s numbers), or Jermayne Dye (also prone to injuries and with a fat contract for next year to boot).
It’ll be the Mark Texiera trade all over again if either of those 2 players are aquired for some young starting pitching (and make no mistake, that’s what they are going to want most of all).
The only way a trade should be considered if the Braves get a young player (who is inexpensive or signed to a more affordable long term deal), who can play the OF and be penciled in for the next 3-4 years (at the least).
I know the Pirates signed Nate McClouth to an extension but that’s the kind of caliber of young Outfielder that we do need here.
This current OF group will simply not do in the long haul.
James Youngblood
May 24th, 2009
6:45 pm
Enter your comments here
James Youngblood
May 24th, 2009
6:48 pm
love the Barry Bonnell reference….(where did that come from…I remember him..) he hit lots of doubles…he could hit…I am so excited at the Bravos…Mark why this article after such an impressive sweep..????
The Observer
May 24th, 2009
6:50 pm
Maybe the AJC should STOP idiots from posting!
gponced
May 24th, 2009
7:00 pm
Why not bring up heyward?
James Youngblood
May 24th, 2009
7:00 pm
“the Observer”…you speak like a man of experience
BringOnHanson
May 24th, 2009
7:03 pm
Dye is a cocky, arrogant person. I don’t care for him much as a player and I am not for trading the youngsters that they will likely ask in return. Again, I have said this until I’m blue in the face. The Braves right now are still a mediocre team. You don’t trade away your future to make a mediocre team slightly above mediocre.
PN
May 24th, 2009
7:03 pm
Do you really see Oakland trading Holliday for anything short of Medelin? Granted, Medelin is nothing proven or gauranteed a la Joey Devine, but Holliday would be a one year rental (I believe his contract is up this season, maybe next?) Let’s see, it’s almost June. I think 2 weeks from now we can start the annual “Braves should trade for Griffey” posts? Honestly, there aren’t many teams that out of any races, so it would be difficult to get anyone of value without dumping the farm. And I think Wren proved this summer the Braves are not willing to dump the farm for any player, regardless of how big (see Jake Peavy).
Mark Bradley
May 24th, 2009
7:06 pm
Holliday’s contract expires after this season. And the A’s would surely like prospects for him.
PN
May 24th, 2009
7:07 pm
Bravoshawkin — How are you certain Francoeur will come around? He has proven that you should only be certain that he will always lean on bad habits and poor mechanics if he has a bad day. I said this after 2 seasons of Francoeur and I certainly stand by it now, the Braves should have traded him when his value was up. He is not a good hitter, period. If it were not for the hype around him coming up and Bobby’s loyalty to players, Francoeur would be a 4th OF on most teams. Granted on this team, 3 HRs for an OF after ~60 games is outstanding.
Burgess
May 24th, 2009
7:17 pm
The Braves won’t win because their best player will only play in about 120-125 games. That Chipper Jones is a real Cal Ripken,Jr isn’t he ?
Let’s see so far this young season, he’s missed games because of his thumb, elbow and big toe, right ?
How can the self proclaimed leader of this team be out of the line up so often ?
NCBravesFan
May 24th, 2009
7:25 pm
Unless a slam-dunk deal comes our way for a player who we can control for a few years, I’d be inclined to roll the dice with this team. Our best days are coming – 2010 and beyond is when we figure to get well.
That said, I agree with those in other spaces who have said that perhaps it’s time to ship Francoeur out for whatever we can get for him. He’s doing better, but being a singles/doubles hitter in this offense is not good enough.
Mark Bradley
May 24th, 2009
7:43 pm
Let’s put Francoeur aside for a moment. How much longer do they go with Schafer in CF?
Rick Caffery
May 24th, 2009
7:52 pm
Hey, Burgess…better Chipper takes a game or two off here and there throughout the year than push it too hard and end up on the DL. He’s avoided that so far. Cut him some slack, he’s, what, 37? He’s going to have some injuries, man. I think he’ll play in 130 games or so. Give me that many games from a future HOF thirdbaseman anytime.
Aborting Braves Fan
May 24th, 2009
7:52 pm
Schafer has until All-Star Game or Braves are out 8 games, whichever comes first, to get to and achieve above 0.275 RISP. Otherwise, we should be talking about Cox’s contract extension, as well as Holliday’s.
Shadetree
May 24th, 2009
7:54 pm
Burgess, the Braves just swept the Jays without Hoss (until the end)
Supes
May 24th, 2009
7:56 pm
Mark,
That’s on Frank Wren. He and Bobby Cox hitched their wagon to a talanted but inexperienced minor league player who had never played above AA ball prior to Spring Training this year.
Not saying Josh Anderson is a world beater, but he was more proven and consistant at the major league level as a lead off guy too (solve 2 problems at once, since Jordan is hitting 8th in the lineup right now).
They have to go with Schafer barring a complete collapse (something like hitting below .200 when July rolls around.
Weakest OF in MLB – I give you your 2009 ATL Braves. Darn shame too, it didn’t have to be. It’s on Wren and Bobby (they sold us the bill of good about going for it this year, when it’s clear this is at best around a .500 team, unless Kelly, Yunel, Casey, all the supporting crew other than B-Mac and Chipper start hitting!)
Frank from KS
May 24th, 2009
8:00 pm
rainman
Don’t forget…the Braves also had *Big Cat* Galarraga for three years.
Mark Bradley
May 24th, 2009
8:04 pm
I’m not sure you want to keep playing Schafer if he’s not hitting .200. Don’t want to crush a young guy in his first season.
NCBravesFan
May 24th, 2009
8:06 pm
I think you stick with the kid until it’s clear he can’t handle the majors – as it is, I can deal with a .330 OBP out of the 8-hole given the defense he’s playing.
But again, my view of the Braves is that this is a transitional year, so I don’t expect them to beat out the Phillies, and maybe not the Mets.
brewdawg
May 24th, 2009
8:12 pm
C’mon Mark,
You were all for the Braves turning to the future earlier this year. Let’s not give up on young Jordan just yet. He strikes me as mentally tough, someone that can take his lumps and eventually come out stronger. I’m honestly still more concerned with Frenchy’s lack of power at the moment.
rainman
May 24th, 2009
8:18 pm
Mark, it is a learning process with Schafer, and since they committed to him. they should try to give him every opportunity. He provides the defense in CF (although its clear he is learning there also), and either he becomes more disciplined at the plate, cuts down on strike-outs, increases his OBP, steals more bases — or he doesn’t.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
May 24th, 2009
8:22 pm
Hey Bradley, do me a favor and don’t tell Braveheart that we need another big bat in the outfield ( Matt Holliday ).
And as for Greg Norton, he ain’t getting it done this year. I have made the argument that Brian Barton would be a big improvement team wise. Unfortunately, nobody is listening. So, one more time:
Greg Norton can pinch hit.
Brian Barton can pinch hit, pinch run, spot start, hit lead off, play all three outfield spots, late inning defensive replacement, carry the water cooler. etc.etc.etc. Won’t hit any worse than Norton’s current .115 BA.
Frenchy’s new batting stance works. Unfortunately, his approach at the plate never will. He’s too aggressive and still hasn’t learned how to be disciplined. taking four wide ones and getting a free pass to first base won’t kill him.
losing Omar Infante hasn’t hurt yet, believe you me, it will.
Jordan Schafer needs to sit every once in a while. Our Braves don’t have anybody else who can play CF. It’s a problem and it ridiculous.
The pitching is carrying this team right now. When our Braves eventually run into equal pitching, they are gonna be in trouble. So enjoy the 23-20 record, it won’t last.
trey
May 24th, 2009
8:39 pm
How negative can you be, Bradley? The Braves can win 95 games, you have always been negative about Atlanta.
Sidney Alphonse Sizemore
May 24th, 2009
8:40 pm
Delta dropped Frenchy and so should the Braves. Send him to Rome to work on an apple farm and play a little ball. He is a three pitch pony. In fact, he could probably be a star in pony league.
virgilshouse
May 24th, 2009
8:42 pm
J YOUNGBLOOD i think rufino linares could help us as a pinch hitter……..that guy could and still can hit
Steve from OH
May 24th, 2009
8:51 pm
Eh, Schafer has shown very good defense, a good arm, good speed, and good plate discipline so far. He’s got a more than passable OBP for a rookie with just about a half-season at AA. He’s shown the ability to hit in the minors, and his plate discipline has impressed me–can’t teach that. Besides, whom do you suggest we call up? Gregor Blanco?
If that question is even to be asked, I think it is more applicable to ask it in reference to Garret Anderson and/or Jeff Francoeur.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
May 24th, 2009
8:52 pm
Enter your comments here
Shamus Thacker
May 24th, 2009
8:58 pm
Nice piece Mark.
Every team in our division sux in one way or another. Nothing wrong with that, just baseball. Thankfully for us, the parts of us that suck might suck a little less than the suck-friendly pieces of our rivals. That, my friends, is something to smile about!
Oh yeah, we need to fire Pendleton. Brad Komminsk knows more about hitting…
Mark Bradley
May 24th, 2009
9:06 pm
Brian Barton is hitting .244 at Gwinnett. And Gregor Blanco is hitting even worse.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
May 24th, 2009
9:06 pm
Need another big bat? Really?
I could not agree more. Matt Holliday or even Brad Hawpe would go a long way toward putting this team over the top.
Speaking of the offense. Frenchy’s new batting stance works. Unfortunately, his approach at the plate doesn’t. He’s too aggressive, has no plate discipline and has yet to learn that four wides ones resulting in a trip to first base isn’t a bad thing.
And as for Greg Norton, he’s a waste of a roster spot. His .115 BA isn’t getting it done.
I have made the argument that Brian Barton would be a big improvement but it has fallen on deaf ears so far.
Greg Norton: pinch hit.
Brian Barton: pinch hit, pinch run, plays all three outfield spots, can start on occasion, lead off, steal a base, Come in as a late inning defensive replacement, he’s a rocket scientist etc.etc.etc and can’t hit any worse than Norton’s .115 BA.
Losing Omar Infante hasn’t hurt yet but it will eventually. Enjoy the 23-20 winning record, it won’t last. June is coming and it’s a monster.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
May 24th, 2009
9:09 pm
Now my first post shows up, lol.
Brian Barton’s hitting .244, Greg Norton’s hitting .115 , I have already mentioned the rest. Which do you prefer?
SCBravesFan
May 24th, 2009
9:13 pm
Trey,
I’m as big a Braves fan as you’re going to find, but the 2009 Braves, as they are currently constructed, are not going to win anywhere near 95 games. I will gladly take that bet for any amount of money you care to wager.
Frank from KS
May 24th, 2009
9:23 pm
Coach
I seem to remember during the early part of the run…that sometimes they would be about a .500 team or a bit better and then somewhat get on a run.
Ya never know…that might happen this year IF they get middle of the order bat which Anderson so far isn’t. I mean, yeah…he’s doing better at the plate as of recently….but as someone said on DOB’s blog(s)…there needs to be 20, 25, 30 or more HR’s out of the cleanup spot in the order.
I think what may play into things going the Braves way…is that the whole division is very weak.
Paul Lentz
May 24th, 2009
9:26 pm
If Franceour doesnt start producing by the All-Star break, I would hope that Bobby Cox would consider starting Omar Infante in right field (assuming his broken hand heals by then). The Braves need someone in that 6 or 7 hole who can hit. Against right handers, I’d have a batting order of Johnson, Escobar, Chipper, Anderson, McCann, Infante, Kotchman, and Schaffer. Against left handers I’d have a batting order of Infante, Escobar, Chipper, McCann, Prado, Diaz, Kotchman, and Schaffer. If Kotchman could run a little faster, I’d have him hit higher. However, he is too damn slow, plus he doesnt have the home run power to justify a 4 or 5 slot in the batting order. I like his ability to hit doubles in the 7 spot. When Infante comes back, the Braves cannot afford to have Franceour’s rally killing at-bats in the line-up. Infante hits for average, moves runners over, and has some pop in his bat. About the only thing that Franceour has over Infante is his throwing arm. I have a feeling that Franceour simply will never develop into a power hitter.
Our starting pitching this year is so refreshing. I love our depth. It’s nice when a Jurrgens goes six innings and it’s considered a “struggle”. I’ll take Jurrgens’ struggle start of today over any of that crap that we had last year. Last year the Braves had problems getting starters into the 5th inning.
I said this in a posting yesterday. I hope Bobby Cox gives Medlen at least a couple of starts to earn that 5th spot. He has good stuff. I feel that he can earn that 5th spot. As a Braves fan, I appreciate what Glavine has done in the past for the Braves. However, how far can we expect Glavine to go into games? I seriously doubt that he can go 5-6 innings consistently. I’d rather have those innings go to a youngster that will give the Braves the financial ability to put the 3-4 million that Glavine is due if he makes the roster and stays the rest of the year, towards acquiring a big bat at the trade deadline, should the right one become available. We have 4 starters now with the capability to go 6-7 innings every time out on a consistent basis. If Medlen doesnt do well in the next few starts, why not give Hanson a chance to earn that 5th spot? It isnt like the Braves need him to carry the staff. I just dont want to see the Braves waste 3-4 mil on Glavine.
Dr. Van Nostrand
May 24th, 2009
9:30 pm
Vernon Wells and Jermaine Dye make more money than the Braves are likely to be able to afford. Wells is in the midst of a seven-year, $126 million deal that pays him $10 million this year, $21 million in 2010, $23 million in 2011 (he can opt out after season), and $21 million per year 2012-2014. That most definitely doesn’t fit into Atlanta’s budget unless there’s a change in ownership. Dye is due $11.5 million this year with a mutual option for 2010 worth $12 million. It would probably be a stretch fitting Dye into the budget as well unless they can convince the White Sox to pick up part of the tab.
If the Braves are going to make a move to bring in another bat, it’s going to be a much more modest move than some of you have suggested. One that fits into the team’s budget rather than blow it up.
Farsider
May 24th, 2009
9:41 pm
If Francouer can’t be platooned, then he must go. Hard to let a popular local athlete go, but its way past time. He is not an everyday major league right fielder. We need to trade this guy if he has any value, whatsoever.
Terence Moore
May 24th, 2009
9:43 pm
I say trade 4 future MLB starters for a bat that will be a free agent at the end of this year. You know like the Matt Harrison, Elvis Andrus, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Neftali Feliz for Teixeira trade I lobbied hard for.
We don’t need a bat at the expense of the farm system again. We just need more guys hitting. Be patient and supportive and let TP and BC work their magic.
Plus for the first time in I don’t know how long, we have the pitching to over come insconsistent hitting.
We sportswriters need to stay they heck out of it.
Terence
Terence Moore
May 24th, 2009
9:49 pm
“Holliday’s contract expires after this season. And the A’s would surely like prospects for him”.
Brilliant idea Mark (lol). And why not just let the A’s pick the 4 players they want in exchange for him. LOL
You guys that survived the AJC cuts amaze me.
Capt Caveman
May 24th, 2009
9:50 pm
Well I see Coach has used his traditional cut-and-paste and posted another “already been said by somebody else” comment.
What a douche !!!!
Wes A
May 24th, 2009
9:52 pm
The Braves will probably not make any major moves. Once Infante is back start him at 2B and move Kelly Johnson back to LF. Make a trade or move around some of the bullpen guys such as Peter Moylan. No need to give up top prospects this year. Heyward, C. Johnson, Freeman are still two years away and will not be here this year. I don’t see Frank Wren adding payroll especially when attendance has been down with the economy. Bring up Hanson and we have the best rotation (1. Lowe 2. Jurrjens 3. Vazquez 4. Kawakami 5. Hanson) in MLB if he lives up to the hype.
Terence Moore
May 24th, 2009
9:54 pm
“OK, here’s another name: Jermaine Dye. Used to play here, did he not”?
Another bright idea Mark (lol). Bringing a bat in because he used to play here. That’s great reasoning (lol).
Terence
Terence Moore
May 24th, 2009
10:07 pm
Three reasons why I left the AJC-
Mark Bradley
Mark Bradley
Mark Bradley
At least I made the readers think. p-uLLEASE
Didn’t you guys learn anything from the Matt Harrison, Elvis Andrus, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Neftali Feliz for Teixeira trade?
Do you know how strong the Braves rotation would be when Hudson returns if we had Matt Harrison?
“Holliday’s contract expires after this season. And the A’s would surely like prospects for him”.
Brilliant idea Mark (lol). And why not just let the A’s pick the 4 players they want in exchange for him. LOL
“OK, here’s another name: Jermaine Dye. Used to play here, did he not”?
Another bright idea Mark (lol). Bringing a bat in because he used to play here. That’s great reasoning (lol).
Mark, Like me you need to resist shaping public opinion and let the Braves take care of the Atlanta Braves.
Terence
James
May 24th, 2009
10:17 pm
Matt Holiday would be a good addition to the braves only if they would not be asking for to much from the braves in return. I would also say Jermaine Dye he will be good also.
SlimG
May 24th, 2009
10:21 pm
Stay the course. Mark, stop getting ancy. You always jump the gun. If it were up to you guys, we would have fired Woodson after last season.
Paul Lentz
May 24th, 2009
10:22 pm
I think this year will be a different kind of trade deadline. Because of the economy, I think that more teams will be willing to move big salaried power hitters for either marginal prospects….or….for decent prospects but having to eat part of the salary. If the Braves are in the pennant race in late August, early September, then I think that attendance will pick up, which will help offset some of the increased payroll (along with not paying Glavine the 3-4 mil he is due if he makes the roster and sticks for the rest of the year). I feel the Braves can afford to take on added payroll because if the Braves dont resign Hudson, his salary ($12 mil option with $1 mil buyout) comes off the books next year (savings of $11 mil). I feel that it is too early to think about trading for a big bat. If the pitching holds up then depending on what happens to other teams, I’d take a look come July as to who I would want the Braves to try and trade for. With the way the economy is this year, I dont anticipate the Braves having to offer a kings ransom for a big bat.
Steve
May 24th, 2009
10:26 pm
Mark, I like our starting pitching, and the relief is better than recent seasons as well. Like the infield, but we could replace our entire outfield at this point as far as I’m concerned. I have said 88-74 since spring training, still like that number, especially if we can get healthy.
Two trades which will probably never happen: Medlen, Morton, and a couple of other minor league pitchers for Peavey. He wants to be here it seems. Then Kawakami and Hudson for Adam Dunn. Dunn is having a breakout season for the Nats. And could you imagine a rotation of Peavey, Lowe, Jurrjens, Vasquez, and Hanson? We’re close to a World Series team at that point.
dobearsbare
May 24th, 2009
10:38 pm
They need another bat, true enough. But who’s to say it has to be an outfield bat? Since the Padres appear in fire-sale mode, why not see if we can work a Kotchman-for-Adrian Gonzalez trade? No way SD is taking it straight up, and a couple of prospects will certainly have to be added on the Braves’ side, but I think if you add Gonzalez to this lineup and it has a ripple effect. While we’re at the trade talk, here’s a though: Maybe Medlen got his start as a trade bait showcase.
JAS
May 24th, 2009
10:39 pm
Funny, an AJC sports column that makes sense for once. I was starting to get worried about the AJC’s coverage of the Braves.
Between O’Brien’s un-entertaining, uninformative, and sardonic posts and the other three writers paragraphs of electronically regenerated acerbic inanity (see, for example, Bischer’s “Braves Talent On The Farm Has Dried Up”), I nearly, SHOCK, turned to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer for my Braves news.
Glad Mr. Bradley saved me from such folly.
Paul Lentz
May 24th, 2009
10:39 pm
Steve, I seriously doubt that Washington would basically give up Adam Dunn for Kawakami (Hudson, at most will pitch 2 months before he is eligible for free agency). Plus, the Braves need a right handed power bat (Dunn hits left handed) to balance out the lefty dominated line-up we have. Also, the Peavy trade doesnt make sense from an economic standpoint. The Braves cant afford to trade cheap prospects for Peavy if they want to get a power hitter as well. I’d keep Kawakami, hope for Hudson to come back the last 6-8 weeks of the season (perhaps making him a closer if our starters are still doing good by then)……and make the trade for a power hitter that doesnt bust the budget and does not require the Braves to give up the whole farm system. Again, with the way the economy is, I think that there will be some good bargains come trade deadline. It will end up being a buyer’s market. I know that making Hudson a closer seems far fetched. However I feel that he has the mentality to close out games. Soraino and Gonzalez both have great stuff. However, late in the season, I’m not sure that both have the make-up of the kind of closer who can handled the pressure mentally. I would rather have Hudson closing (if he is able to make that adjustment) and having Soraino and Gonzalez setting up, with Moylan 7th inning guy (or even the 6th inning guy if a double play is needed in a close game).
Rhaiz R Blaide
May 24th, 2009
10:41 pm
Three reasons why I restarted my stopped AJC subscription…..
Terrence Moore
Terrence Moore
Terrence Moore
Thank U Terrence… If you’re going to put your 2 cents worth into these blogs I’ll go back to the broadsheet…
Herschel Talker
May 24th, 2009
10:42 pm
Frank Wreck will trade away every good prospect for a bat, thereby hindering the franchise even more. He is a boob. Can we trade Bobby Cox, Terry Pendleton, Jeff Francoeur, Kenshin “Tomato Can” Kawakami, and Jeff “The Human Batting Practice” Bennett for a bat? Those 5 guys are all jokes.
Paul Lentz
May 24th, 2009
10:49 pm
dobearsbare, your proposed “Gonzalez for Kotchman (with a few prospects added in)” trade proposal is a waste of time. I would like to win the lottery, but investing time talking about it is a waste of time. I would rather see Braves fans propose halfway legitimate trade possibilities. The Padres are not going to trade Gonzalez. He is part of their marketing campaign (San Diego has a sizable Hispanic fan base). Plus is relatively young and a really good player. Even if the Padres were willing to trade Gonzalez, they would not accept any package with Kotchman in return. The Braves are stuck with Kotchman for this year. I actually think that Kotchman is a servicable first baseman. What the Braves need is some much needed right handed power in either left or right field. Schaffer’s ability to play good center field will help offset his struggles at the plate. However Franceour’s right arm does not offset his struggles at the plate. Let’s see what happens in a few months with the trade deadline. I’m optimistic that a good deal will be out there for the Braves to make. All I ask is that some of you guys be smart when you post trade proposals. Some of what you guys put out there is laughable.
Rhaiz R Blaide
May 24th, 2009
10:53 pm
And rainman, Schafer shouldnt be here while still trying to learn – - He’s playing CF for a Major league baseball team – He either has to hit NOW or be benched – - And back to Terrence Moore, exactly where can your work be found? Not that anyone’s interested…
Mitch
May 24th, 2009
10:55 pm
Mark, I actually agree with your assessment. On some nights, I watch the Braves, I think “Gosh, when are we going to score some runs”?
You mentioned Dye. He would have to play left field for us, would he not? We aren’t going to move Frenchy from right field.
So far, the thing I’ve been most impressed about is our starting pitching. Lowe, Javier, and Jair arent Greg, Tom and John in their primes, but they are very good.
One other note: I really wish that Bobby would make Soriano the closer all the time, and move Gonzo to the eighth inning setup role. I cant watch Gonzo pitch sometimes. Not counting the games Gonzo has overtly messed up, there are the others that he comes in with a two or three run lead, and gives up a run or two, before closing it down. I dont like the idea of a closer doing the highwire act all the time.
Overall, I’m very pleased with the way the Braves have played so far in 2009. They are much, much better than last year. If they continue to play as they have, stay relatively healthy, and get the one more bat that you mentioned, there is no reason why they should not be the NL wild card.
Mitch
the truth...
May 24th, 2009
10:56 pm
Are you kidding? We have to have a this and we have to have that?
The menality of this bunch of bloggers is absurd and is exactly what led to having four of our kids starting for Texas right now…
Get it yet? …no I didn’t think so…
Mr. Bradley…they can win 88 games they can’t win 95?????
Are you a wizard, a seer, a prophet? I think not, and when one makes those types of negative comments I don’t even think you’re a half a@@ sports writer…
As Skip use to say when people would ask if the Braves can do this or that….”that’s why they play the games”….sarcasticly at that…
So let’s see what happens when they play the games…and not give up players like Salty, Elvis, and the other two on the Rangers starting roster…and that’s just ONE TRADE….
Terence Moore
May 24th, 2009
11:00 pm
Rhaiz,
You do that bro
Paul Lentz
May 24th, 2009
11:05 pm
I think that when all is said and done, other than Harrison, I’m not sure that the other guys Texeria trade will ever be anything more than serviceable players. Salty is basically a switch hitting Franceour. I dont think that Salty will come close to being a good major league catcher. I’m not sold on Elvis Andrus ever being a good hitting shortstop. The other guys are just that, prospects. Even if a few of those guys become stars, a fan has to be realistic and realize that not every trade is going to be a home run. The Braves more than made out in the Renteria/Jurrgens trade. Jurrgens will end up being better than any of the players the Braves gave up in the Tex trade. Jurrgens is already a proven commodity. Let’s see what those 6 prospects do in a full season or two.
richbrave
May 24th, 2009
11:20 pm
curtis jones:
I catagorize MATT as one-third of a hitter. When he had to be used as an everyday player, his batting and fielding both suffered as did the team. BOBBY likes to use him in special situations and as a starter against left-handers because he literally rakes them. But that’s what he is, and COX uses him admirably. What we need is an all round hitter. GARRETT ANDERSON is rounding into shape, but too slowly, and is jeopardizing the season in the process.
There may be too many new parts to this team for its ultimate success this year. Chemistry requires time. And the resulting well-oiled machine may not be truely seen until the 2010 season.
Yes, a new and prolific bat is called for either as a lead-off man or in the power hole. OF is the least productive offensive component, and logically dictates the area where change should come.
Marc
May 24th, 2009
11:20 pm
I just read down to the part where people were talking about Matt Halliday. Why would anyone not want him? He had a slow start, but his numbers weren’t just a product of Coors field, remember they only play about 55 games there a year. The dude is a stud, I hope we can trade for him and lock him up. Unless of course Frenchy gets it together, but not even he came blame me for being skeptical right now. GA is proven a solid addition with Diaz in left.
Furman Bisher
May 24th, 2009
11:57 pm
That’s right, Marc- as we all know, 55 games is only half of the 110-game Major League schedule. Retard.
Billy Sample
May 25th, 2009
12:14 am
You tell ‘em, Furman. You old fart, you!!
Jon Sterling
May 25th, 2009
12:23 am
I think the Braves need to start using PEDs like my Yankees do. Hey, it’s worked for guys like A-Rod, Giambi, Pettitte and Clemens over the years. Yankees win!!
Dipstick McGee
May 25th, 2009
12:25 am
Mark Bradley, that interview you did on Cleveland television was pathetic. That whole thing, not just you, had to be the lamest trash talking attempt I’ve ever heard.
FrenchyFries
May 25th, 2009
12:27 am
About the White Sox situation:
“A new Rumblings and Grumblings column from ESPN’s Jayson Stark… Even if they don’t acquire Jake Peavy, the White Sox are apparently “open for business.” Stark takes that to mean names such as Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome, Paul Konerko, Octavio Dotel, and A.J. Pierzynski could hit the market.”
- posted May 21 at MLBTR
For Schafer, I think he needs to work the weight room 3-4 hours a day for 5 days a week. I can see he has potential but if he can’t increase his bat speed, his strikeouts are going to continue. If he can get more arm strength he can catch up to those fastballs instead of swinging past them.
dobearsbare
May 25th, 2009
12:35 am
Paul:
All valid points, but THE point here is the Braves need something above “serviceable,” and to get that, there will be a price to be paid. And I would point out that successful GMs don’t let their thinking get confined in the box labeled “realistic.” The mere notion of adding a big bat, as Mark put it, indicates big deal. I was merely proposing an option should none of the outfield options materialize, and if Peavy’s not untouchable, then I’m assuming nobody on the Padres’ roster is.
Steve
May 25th, 2009
12:37 am
Paul, agree Bravo’s need a right handed bat, but I’m trying to get anybody with a legit bat. The economics of the post – Kawakami (7.667 mil) and Hudson (12+ mill) for Dunn (10 mill.) saves the cash to get Peavey. Appreciate your posts though, well thought out etc.
gayle
May 25th, 2009
12:49 am
Matt Holiday, Dan Uggla, Vernon Wells, Jermaine Dye? Why not Albert Pujols or David Wright or Raul Ibanez while you’re at it? Does anyone here believe that any of these players are to be had without paying a ransom for them? And who will be that ransom? And how many more times will this team allow themselves to be burned by Rent-A-Players?
It is just that much nonsense. MB is right. This team has no speed, no power and he forgot to mention no leadoff hitter. I don’t recall alot of teams that have succeeded with such gaping holes in the lineup and that is even before we mention the relic in the dugout who has only mustered one title with 3 Hall of Famers in the rotation.
This team will not make the playoffs. It will finish in third place and we can watch other teams play in October for the 4th year in a row. Good work with the pitching this year, perhaps next year they can address the offense. But until they do, this team is not going anywhere.
Ron Roberts
May 25th, 2009
12:53 am
FRANCOEUR is 7 for his last 17, folks, and is at least hitting .265. He’s not a problem right now. Schafer’s getting to be scary, though. Whatever swagger this guy came in with has to be severely damaged, by now. No shame in sending him down for some tuneup from the neck-up.
bosox fan
May 25th, 2009
12:57 am
This is a good team. If they stay within striking distance until August they get Hudson and Infante back. Glavine needs to bow out gracefully. Medlen for now and Hanson next month will be much better options. Without steroids pitching is much more important and the Braves have an abundance of it. They do need to play Diaz more and get a big time outfielder to boot. Even if they stay pat, with their pitching they can win the East Mets and Phillies pitching stinks. Pitching wins in August and September. Schafer will be OK. Remember the Orioles won with the great fielding no hit Paul Blair and very good pitching.I think this team showed a lot this weekend. Thank God McCanns glasses work.
Dr. Van Nostrand
May 25th, 2009
1:04 am
What you have to remember though is that it takes two teams to make a trade. For example, ust because we want to offer Kawakami and Hudson for Adam Dunn doesn’t mean that the other team wants them or wants to trade Dunn. Same goes for Peavy. Peavy ain’t coming to Atlanta. That ship sailed during the offseason. Even if they were interested in starting talks again AND Peavy actually agreed to come here, we can’t fit him into the budget at this point. We could’ve back when those talks took place, but that was before we signed Lowe. Lowe basically took the budget slot that Peavy would’ve taken. Like I said in my post above, any trade the Braves make to bring in a bat this season will be a relatively modest one. It’s not going to be a blockbuster type of trade. Quite simply the money isn’t there in ATL’s budget to do it. If you really want to try to come up with trade ideas to talk about, look for reasonably priced bats that might be available.
I’ll throw out a few names that could fit that bill: Ryan Church (fallen out of favor w/Jerry Manuel in NY), Marlon Byrd (expendable given their OF depth), Ryan Spilborghs (solid hitter who seems to be constantly be mired in part time status despite career .793 OPS vs. RHP/.828 OPS overall), Josh Willingham (OF logjam in WSH), Luke Scott (currently on DL, but youngsters in BAL make him expendable once BAL is out of the race). All those guys are very cheap options who could help the ATL OF situation. Guys who are actually realistic trade targets, albeit not saviors. They’re the types of guys the Braves figure to add if/when they make a trade to address the OF. Those guys would actually fit into the budget.
Big B CH 99
May 25th, 2009
1:17 am
Mac definitely needs to be our everyday leadoff hitter, b/c bedsides Chipper he’s the only power hitter we have.
It doesn’t matter if we have speed or not, b/c Bobby NEVER steals bases. He believes in playing power ball (waiting for the 3 run bomb, but w/ only 2 20+ HR hitter (Chip & Mac), that don’t work, U need to use the speed U have & manufacture runs definitely w/ the doubles hitter we have that might work.
I would like to see Diaz get more PT, he’s seems to play well when he does get the chance, & maybe he’ll hustle a little more than Garrett, I know he’s lost a step in his age, but I see him being a little lazy running bases and in the OF.
We’ll just have to wait & see what happens.
Legend of Len Barker
May 25th, 2009
1:49 am
Watching the last two days makes me think there is hope, but alas that will be lost when a certain #10 gets back into the everyday lineup.
I think that without Chipper the rest of the club steps it up. With him, they subconsciously rely on him to produce (except for McCann). And since ol’ Chipper’s so inconsistent about being healthy, I’m about ready to ditch him for Prado.
Forget Diaz. When he’s not on a roll, he’s a complete frustration to watch. Not as much as Schafer, but my qualms with him are mainly that we’ve painted ourselves into a corner as we have no viable alternative. Who would’ve thunk that it’d be easier to replace Chipper than it would to replace a rookie? Can we still get Otis Nixon? Brian Asselstine? Albert Hall?
Sir Pop A-Lot
May 25th, 2009
1:50 am
Francoeurs problem is that he is hyperactive and has an attention defecit disorder. Maybe a little A.D.D. medication would do him wonders. ie, Adam Laroche. I am not kidding! The kid has ants in his pants. Just relax, look for your pitch and hit the freakin ball dude.
drago
May 25th, 2009
2:11 am
Bench Francoure and let Diaz play right field.
Shane
May 25th, 2009
3:10 am
Whats this love affair with giving away Matt Harrison. He stinks. His lifetime ERA is 5.27.
He is the second coming of Horacio Ramirez.
Paul Lentz
May 25th, 2009
3:27 am
Ron Roberts, your proposed Kamakami $8 mil, Hudson $11 mill, in trade to Washington for Adam Dunn $10. Why in the world would Washington make that trade. Kamakawi had a great pitching performance on Friday. However, he has to show that he can be consistent and keep his walks down before any team will consider obtaining him in a package. If Kamakawi improves and starts consistently pitching well, I see attendance improving with Japanese fans attending more and more games. While the that trade be a windfall for the Braves, there’s no way Washington would ever fall for that. I would rather keep Kawakami and develop him, and then possibly use Hudson as a closer (like Smoltz) if he can come back in August. Hudson has great control. Can locate his fastball. And has a sinker that will prevent hitters late in games from putting one in the cheap seats.
jc_dawgs
May 25th, 2009
3:46 am
Pitching is where its at. And folks….the Braves have it. I’ll take a starting rotation of Lowe…Jurjjens…Vasquez…Kawakami….Medlen/Hanson-aug/Hudson-aug (take your pick) any day of the week.
In fact….Vegas is catching on. Thats right…the boys in the desert have moved the Braves up to 14 to 1 from 30 to 1(open) to win the NL flag. They are seeing it too.
If they can just hang in there and keep it close…watch out. With the middle relief emergence of Bennet and O’flaherty…the pitching has great potential. Look for the Braves to go on a late season tear…similar to the 91 season…anyone remember? 9 back at the all-star break and then the pitching took over. They won the division and pushed the Twins to 7 games in the series.
I see 90-95 wins….call me crazy thats fine but the pitching is there.
jdmesp
May 25th, 2009
6:39 am
pitching wins games. i had copmletely forgotten about Hudson but if he can come back in august and even pitch to ahlf his potential, we’ll have one hell of a pitching lineup (starting and bullpen)
Julia
May 25th, 2009
6:53 am
I’ve been away from the blog for a time but I see an old friend blogging here. I would love to get together for a SHRIMP SAMMICH. Nothing beats a good SHRIMP SAMMICH.
hop
May 25th, 2009
6:54 am
clearly, the braves attendance this season is in the dumpster. this club is in the red big time, and the owners are not going to spend anymore money.
why should they, the fans are not supporting the club.the braves might be unloading salaries themselves and frenchy could be the first to go.he is simply not a very good player.
ttom
May 25th, 2009
6:56 am
We could have had Ibanez, who is doing rather well for the Phils but at the time I didn’t think that was a move we needed ro make. I think Schafer will come around and hit better but what is better? .260 or .270? I like Frenchy but maybe a change of scenery would do him good and get us some more power in the outfield. I don’t know who we try to trade for, the Texeria trade really killed us as far as prospects. I don’t think we can afford to give up too much more off the farm. We certainly don’t need to go after someone that’s a free agent anytime soon. In the mean time I think we should hit and run more and try few more straight steals when we do get men on base.
bobbert
May 25th, 2009
7:13 am
Move Kelly Johnson back to the outfield(center?) and get Matt Diaz in left more often.
Play Prado and Infante when he get back at second. They are both hitting around 300 and play better defense than Kelly.
Outside Robber
May 25th, 2009
8:07 am
Back to the Schafer question. I’m less concerned about his hitting than his inconsistent lapses as a fielder. The guy just doesn’t get a good jump on the ball. He’ll dazzle you on certain balls with a long flight but look lost at sea on those balls hit over his head or in front of him.
I’ve seen signs that his hitting is about to come around, getting more wood on the ball even if it’s a foul tip or whatever and have always liked the quickness of his bat. Pitchers are going after him on the inside stuff which is should have been expected but of late, I see him getting around a bit on those pitches as well.
Given the parameters of this team, as currently constructed, adding speed to the lineup would provide a new dynamic that’s certainly missing. Speed lurks in the minors with Gorkys and Heyward. Just saying.
Supes
May 25th, 2009
8:15 am
Dr Van Nostrand,
First…why even bring up Jake Peavy sir? He is not needed in ATL anymore, and apparently he is a baseball DIVA who did not want to be here (if the rumors were true, that the Trade was all but done and he said NO). On top of that…Kevin Towers is made to look like a full thanks to little JAKE (who has rather average numbers outside of PETCO park btw…when healthy he is an innings eater, but average numbers. Check for yourself). Out of all the teams (that we know about that tried to acquire Jake Peavy…the Braves offered the BEST package and the trade still didn’t get done. Padres asked too much from the Cubs, who also didn’t have the “right players” to trade. Jake Peavy “prefers the NL” so he declined the White Sox’s offer. He also “isn’t convinced that ATLANTA can win in the future” so he didn’t want to come here…yet he believes a team who HASN’T won the WS in over yes I lost count how many years will be more likely to win than the Braves. Have you seen the Cubs play this year? Injury central, combined with lack of scoring and they are 3rd in the NL Central now. So much for “little Jake’s” perception of who is going to be a winner and who isn’t. The point is…Braves don’t need a DIVA SP on this staff and looking back are LUCKY to have dodged this bullet. Good Riddance Jake Peavy. I hope I never have to blog about this guy ever again, b/c it’s like beating the dead horse:)
Now…onto your trade options…Josh Willingham had some health issues(concerns) and only projects as a part time player. I believe our BENCH is stocked full of guys who can give you those 40-50 games per year. Not what the Braves need. I am open to dealing for Luke Scott (who also has an injury problem), but seems to me to have the greater upside. I’ll say this…no matter what I’d much rather have a healthy Luke Scott in LF or RF than either one of our current options.
The person who wants Schafer to workout 3-4hrs a day, that couldn’t be further from what Jordan needs. Yes he needs more size to fill out his frame, but if he is going to do it naturaly (and not through illegal means) you have to remember that 1st he’s 22. His metabolism is sky high still, meaning he’ll need TIME to fill out his frame. He could be a solid 185-195 eventually. But TIME and actually LESS TIME in the gym is what’s needed here. No more than 45 min a day, also not sure how good his nutrition is, but that’s got a lot to do with it. But it’s mostly a combination that he’s young, high metabolism and needs TIME to fill out.
tom, Braves never considered Ibanez as an option here due to his age (which doesn’t make sense, b/c D-Lowe is the same age as RAUL and they gave him a 4 year deal!). A mistake on the part of the Braves. Raul Ibanez in LF would be a huge upgrade right now (numbers wise) from what they are getting out of Garret Anderson (professional singles/doubles hitter when healthy).
dap01
May 25th, 2009
8:17 am
Is there an unwritten rule that makes Jeff Francouer always have to play in RF? His OB% is less than .300, he hits singles. Let him earn time like everyone else.
braveshoo
May 25th, 2009
8:28 am
I agree with those who say the Braves are out of money, and cant afford a big bat like Holliday. They are going to have to win with pitching and defense, and I think they can. We have 3 starters pitching great. KK is coming around. I THINK THOSE 4 starters are a joint 20 games over 500 by the end of the year. Look at their record now. We would have a better record if our 5th starter could go 500. Add Hanson and hudson to this group, and our pitching is great.I say keep our prospects, and stick with the gameplan this year. Resign Hudson long term and trade KK or Vasques during the offseason to free up money for Hudson, and pick up a young outfielder who wont cost much and can add to the offense. Teams need pitching, and you can get a good young player without adding much payroll. Look for teams with a surplus of outfielders-Texas,for one. And during the offseason sign the hitting coach from Texas. He helps our hitters much more than TP. Make TP the bench coach. WE also need a ist base coach who can teach the art of stealing bases-Davey Lopes,or maybe Otis Nixon. Make Hubbard our 3b coach. Add these two coaches and watch how much better our current players will play. Other Bloggers-Mark Bradley, let me know what you think?
fieldofdreams
May 25th, 2009
8:49 am
Although I predicted a .500 finish at the beginning of the year, I’m thinking the Bravos can make a real shot at either a wild card or the division championship. Turner Field is a pitcher’s park, and we’ve got a really good starting rotation. If we get Infante back, and replace Frenchy in right with an honest to goodness Major League player, they have a real shot at the division. It’ll be interesting to see how effective Huddy can be. St. Louis wins the league, however, and Boston wins the World Series.
TommyP
May 25th, 2009
8:50 am
Mark: Great minds must think alike. Just the other day I noted that the Braves lineup reminds me of the ‘85 Cards….minus the speed.
That the Braves are where they are should be considered about as good as it gets with this current crop of players.
Schafer needs to go down for some more seasoning in Gwinnett. Bring up Blanco even though he’s struggled so far. Put him in the #8 hole. Maybe even bring up Barton and let the two do a strict platoon in CF. They’ve both had brief stretches of success in the majors and would just be the stopgap solution ’til Schafer is ready. Let’s remember…many players over the years have struggled when they’ve returned to the minors after a stint in the majors.
Gorkys is probably fine where he is for now. He’s striking out as much as Schafer but in AA.
Big OF bat is needed to balance out the lineup.
Another thought is if Francoeur doesn’t get back to where he was, platoon both he and Garret and get that big bat for the opposite corner position.
GT
May 25th, 2009
9:19 am
They will trade a pitcher for a hitter before the all star break. That is why Hanson is down and not starting. They are displaying a throw away pitcher, get the hitter, and bring Hanson up.
braveshoo
May 25th, 2009
9:24 am
One mistake we made in the offseason: signing GA instead of Adam Dunn. Both are poor defensively. Anderson cost 2.5 million. Dunn 5 million for 2 years, until our young OFs like Heyward are ready.Ther is no player on the Braves has more than 5 HRs(McCann) or 21 RBIs(Escobar, Kotchman,and surprise-Francoeur).Dunn has 14 HRs and 39 RBIs.Enough said.
the truth...
May 25th, 2009
9:26 am
Big Bat….Big Bat…Big Bat………..
give it a break and play baseball….anyone see McCann KILL THE SHIFT the other night with perfect bat control????????
that folks is baseball….did Bobby Cox teach that?….NOT….Brian learned that in youth sports, and whoever didn’t jump for joy when they saw that doesn’t know baseball….
Make McCann the hitting coach and see what happens…btw isn’t he tied for team lead in stolen bases?
Point made….a baseball player….
Mark Bradley
May 25th, 2009
9:42 am
The ‘85 Cardinals, minus the speed: That’s a ringing endorsement, Tommy.
richtfan
May 25th, 2009
9:47 am
the garret anderson thing has been a colossal flop in my opinion. what we need is to get someone who can play either right or left, and put anderson and francoeur that their jobs are on the line. if they want to play, start producing.
kcob95
May 25th, 2009
10:02 am
I would say the braves should go after Adrian Gonzalez of the padres. He does not cost a great deal and kotchman can fill in on his off days. That would provide a big bat and allow you to keep the “natural” even with his lousy plate discipline. If this guy swings at another first pitch, I’m going to puke. Damn! here it comes.
Braves73
May 25th, 2009
10:04 am
I agree with you Mark, the Braves need a power hitter in lineup. I would think that just about every team has a position and or positions of need. The Braves can only evaluate and make a calculated decision based upon trade partner/pieces. With that being said, they must make a very wise decision(s)…that last couple of trades “for a bat” have not turned out too well.
It’s obvious that something must be done. Diaz is a fantastic platoon player, but he has not been able to develop into a full time starter. Anderson is a not the BIG bat they need, Schafer has great potential just needs time, Frenchy…who knows?
TommyP
May 25th, 2009
10:06 am
Gotta say, though, it’s close to being completely accurate.
Let’s see…they had one power threat: Jack Clark.
After that, the Cards had several guys in the low teens in homers or less.
The Braves? We have Francoeur, Garret, Kotch, Kelly and Yunel. When Johnson is your best bet to be your next leading home run hitter, you have serious power problems.
And we’re the slowest team in baseball on the basepaths. Ouch.
Supes
May 25th, 2009
10:10 am
richtfan,
( put anderson and francoeur that their jobs are on the line. if they want to play, start producing.)
You don’t think they KNOW their jobs are on the line? Garret Anderson was LUCKY to find a job, and if he keeps it up…he’ll soon be reduced to an AL DH (some team is bound to give him a shot at that) or basically a platoon/4th OF on an AL Team in general. He’s got a 1 year contract and is basically “playing for his life” so to speak. If he fails (so far he has, esp. slugging % numbers) in 2009 with the Braves, word will get out that he’s “finished” more or less.
Regarding Jeff…Respected baseball minds have said repeatedly, that Jeff WOULD NOT start on any other MLB team OF, except the current version of the ATL Braves. So needless to say he’s playing for a job. This “hometown story” etc wouldn’t do him any good outside of the ATL, and even here people are starting to “wake up” and realize that Jeff “may never” recover to the guy who hit around 30HR and drove in 100RBI’s.
kcob95,
Adrian Gonzalez will COST PREMIUM type minor league players. It’s true he’s not “expensive” but are you willing to do another Mark Texiera type trade where you give up 4-5 prospects. That’s EXACTLY what Kevin Towers will want if the Padres decided to show Adrian on the block. No doubt he’s one of the premiere sluggers at that position, but the Braves are NOT 1 player away (esp at 1B, where Kotchman is much more servicable than let’s say ANY of our starting OF right now).
Braves entire OF production is what’s holding them back. Not Casey at 1B.
We need a Nate McClouth type player in a trade, anything else will be a 1 year rental and we will have paid premium price in pitching.
Thanatos
May 25th, 2009
10:16 am
Mark,
Why isn’t Terry Pendleton catching more heat? Or is he and we just don’t know it?
Under TP, two star players, Andruw and now Frenchy, seemingly forgot how to hit all together.
And Frenchy goes to the Texas pitching coach in the off-season for help? That seems strange.
Last week, we read where Chipper was trying to help Schafer in his hitting?
Again, where is TP? What’s the deal here.
Mark Bradley
May 25th, 2009
10:16 am
Funny how the Pirates have become the go-to supplier for outfielders — last year Nady and Bay, this year McLouth.
kcob95
May 25th, 2009
10:23 am
Supes! You may be right that he will look for a premium deal, but with Chipper getting older, someone will need to be the building block with so many young players. He’s not going to command “Manny money” but, I think we can give up a frontline pitcher with Hudson returning and the Pads looking to ship Peavy out of town. Either give up hudson in the deal and keep what you have in the rotation, or package him with one prospect and Francoeur. Have the padres work out a longer term deal with a sign and trade that is more feasible for the braves. The padres know this guy will walk if they can’t work out something soon-so we can make the attempt. Towers tried that crap with the cubs and whitesox and got nothing.
PMC
May 25th, 2009
10:26 am
Not going to happen. If the Braves were going to add a bat this year it would have been in the offseason. They are what they are, this team is constructed to win.. 85-88 games and compete if you will but they have essentially decided not to trade prospects this year. They aren’t bringing anyone else in this year it’s up to the guys on the squad already to keep producing.
Braves73
May 25th, 2009
10:35 am
PMC – I agree wit you…if the Braves were going to do something, they would have already pulled the trigger. I say bring up Heyward and slowly work him into the lineup (to gain major league experience). I realize that a lot of folks want to wait…WHY? If the objective is to win a World Championship, then put the best players on the field and let’s see what happens.
o-me
May 25th, 2009
10:40 am
A. Gonzalez will be up for trade in 4 or 5 weeks? Would love to have him. McLouth, yes its funny Mark about Pit & OF but I’d take him , Mc,in heart beat.
Todd
May 25th, 2009
10:40 am
Francoeur has peaked. He does have a good arm but he isn’t that great of an outfielder. Trade him while we can still get something for him.
Schafer is in over his head right now. He is a victim of good scouting. Other teams have found a hole in his swing and they stay there. Infante going down hurts big time!
lagnamor
May 25th, 2009
10:50 am
Agree with you Todd. Be glad when Frenchy is gone and Jordon is back in AAA.
rod
May 25th, 2009
11:04 am
Adam Dunn ?
Jeff R
May 25th, 2009
11:04 am
I agree with Mark. The ‘09 Bravos are good, and perhaps good enough to snag the Wild Card. This team wins in the mid to high eighties, optimum. But…
Shipping off another bunch of top prospects for a bat is pure folly. The deal that brought Super Tex to Atlanta was a disaster.
The problem with pro sports today is that the thinking is short term; tomorrow be damned.
Well, tomorrow finally came for the Rangers. They’re reaping the reward for the Braves’ overpaying for Super Tex.
We’ve got some very capable young talent coming up through the system. It would be a shame to mortgage the future (and I’m talking about ‘10 and ‘11 – not far off) for a chancey fix now.
Jeff R
May 25th, 2009
11:05 am
I’d send Schafer down if Infante was playing. But not now.
Joe
May 25th, 2009
11:05 am
I don’t see a viable trade option, given my limited vision. Vernon Wells is a good player but over-priced and over-rated. Can’t justify selling the farm for him, or Jermaine Dye. As far as Peavy, why are we still talking about that drama queen toolbag? Nothing is good enough for that douche. I say bring up the kid Heyward.
trey
May 25th, 2009
11:06 am
SCBravesfan, I said that they CAN win 95 games, and you are from SC, so you would be negative. I would wage money with you, but the military does not pay that much to gamble with.
Mitch
May 25th, 2009
11:34 am
Tommy, I’m sorry to say that this team is nowwhere near the 1985 Cardinals, who had 314 stolen bases, and won 101 games. This club wont approach either number.
More likely, from standpoint, and statistics, this team will be more like the 2000 Yankees (Winners of 88 games) 2007 Cardinals (Won it all with 84 wins, though I dont think we will), and 1973 Mets. (Got to the seventh game of the WS with 82 wins) I dont think we will do that either.
Does anyone remember the 1983 Braves? 1983 was the year I became a Braves fan. They had a 6-1-2 lead in August when Bob Horner went out for the season with a broken wrist. They subsequently proceeded to go from a 71-46 record at the time Bob was injured, to finish 17-28 the rest of the way, and with 88 wins. That team had a 272 BA, 130 HRS, and a 3.67 ERA. They had several good starting pitchers. (Perez, Mcmurtry, Niekro) A decent bullpen. (Bedrosian, Garber, Forster, and the late Donnie Moore) One superstar who could hit homers. (Murph), and a bunch of spray hitters and stolen base people around him. The 2008 Braves remind me of the 1983 Braves, with less speed.
Compare our team to the 1983 Braves. We have Soriano and Gonzo in the pen. We have several good starting pitchers. (Jair, Javier, Lowe). We have not much power or stolen bases, but we can hit the ball a little bit.
88 wins may be enough to get the wild card. I dont know. It may even be enough to snare the NL East, although that’s doubtful, because I still think the Mets and or Phillies are going to go on some kind of streak, at some point, and win more than 90.
I’ll say 88 wins for the 2009 Braves, and the wild card. Hopefully we can get a bat, and get Tom Glavine and Tim Hudson back. If those things happen, our current pitchers pitch well, and those guys come back and give us something, maybe we will hit 90 plus wins.
Mitch
Cedric
May 25th, 2009
11:36 am
should have traded frenchy some time ago and got something for him.
Cedric
May 25th, 2009
11:36 am
should have traded frenchy some time ago and got something for him.
Supes
May 25th, 2009
11:37 am
OK…the Braves ARE NOT going to trade Hanson. He’s a future ACE (or is slated to be one) and that is MUCH MORE valuable than a 1B slugger like Adrian Gonzalez.
Again, you are making an argument for switching a position player like Kotchman (who is going to be going to SD if such a trade was to happen. Who do you think the Pads would want out of our current players? Swapping 1B would be logical). So Kotchman, (Jo-Jo, Hanson and or one other B level minor league player) for Adrian Gonzalez? Are you serious? You wanna give up Hanson and Kotchman (who granted is weak as far as power numbers, but is a solid contact hitter, and may lead the NL in Doubles when it’s all said and done) for Gonzalez and how is that improving the Braves OF?
Don’t forget, this question is largely about the Braves OF production, or lack there of.
If the Braves were getting their 25-30HR from their Corner OF positions, Kotchman’s power numbers wouldn’t be scrutinized nearly as much. You could actually “live with” Casey hitting (projected numbers around 8-10HR, but about 45 Doubles while hitting around .300 and playing gold glove caliber defense).
Mark, Yes…Pirates have become the place where you go if you need to acquire some OF help.
Speaking of Nady…once he comes back and starts playing again…rumors about him may surfice yet again. However, him being a Scott Boras guy…is a bit of a problem.
Not sure what the Pirates would ask for Nate McClouth…but a top tier pitching prospect or 2 will be most likely what they want.
Again…if you are a Braves fan, do you wanna give up “the future” for this season (not guaranteed to win anything anyways)
I say DO NOT play for 2009. Play for the future b/c we are a few years away from the next wave of “home grown talent” coming up and contributing to the major league team.
However, in the Off-Season, some type of move MUST and WILL BE made to improve our OF situation. I guarantee it:)
Mark Bradley
May 25th, 2009
11:56 am
A little cross-promotion: The new Bradley’s Buzz is up, and the lead item, which plays off Mark Bowman’s MLB.com blog, is on Jeff Francoeur.
Supes
May 25th, 2009
12:02 pm
Mark, will the AJC (you Schultz and others) start calling out Jeff or Frank Wren (for failing to address the OF situation) by July if things don’t improve or will the soft Media Market that is ATL once again write things like “What’s the Vitrol against Frenchy?”
David
May 25th, 2009
12:09 pm
Jeff Francoeur’s problems are between the ears, not his stance or swing. They wrote an article about Schafer and Chipper helping him, but what about an article about Jeff’s MENTAL approach to each at bat??
To me the differnce in this team is we should’ve gotten an OF that could eithar have hit HRs (Dunn)or even as important have a high slugging %…. or stolen bses (Abreau) and instead we got Anderson that is neither. Either Jordan gets it together and we can steal some bases or we trade Frenchy and a young stud for a big time right fielder that can drive in runs/steal bases and we can keep vs a one-year rental.
They do that and this team can beat anyone.
Al
May 25th, 2009
12:12 pm
Most of you bloggers wanted Andruw gone.Could it had been that he needed a few batting tip he seems to be getting in Texas? I know he is only playing part time.but if he was still with the Braves,he would be their best outfielder by far. Look up his numbers for this year.
OldSchool
May 25th, 2009
12:24 pm
Teams that go looking for home run power are going to get ripped off in any trade.
I’d try Frenchy in center, Diaz and Anderson in left/right. Shaefer is going to be good, but he is not good yet.
And when Infante is healthy, he can play center … not great but he’s not going to bat 200 either.
Ideally you’d like to see the Braves package up Frenchy and Hudson for a huge RF stick, but that ain’t gonna happen.
TommyP
May 25th, 2009
12:31 pm
Mitch: Scroll up and read what the comparison was.
I said that the Braves remind me of the ‘85 Cards….WITHOUT THE SPEED.
Pete
May 25th, 2009
12:31 pm
Ron Roberts: “FRANCOEUR is 7 for his last 17, folks, and is at least hitting .265. He’s not a problem right now.”
In fact he is definitely a problem. Total power outage is not what the Braves need or expect from him, due to lack of power from rest of lineup. He is not here to hit singles.
caz1158
May 25th, 2009
12:43 pm
Mark-Was’nt Ibanez signed for a song & a dance in todays market? Shame, we did’nt go after him.
Frank
May 25th, 2009
12:54 pm
Shafer is just apprenticing in center field this season. He will be very serviceable in a year or two, and by then, he will be traded away, or washed away on waivers when he gets sent back to the minors for mediocre play and unrealized expectations. Pitching, pitching, pitching, that is what we have, and as long as they stay healthy, the Braves will be in the thick of it in September.
Braves73
May 25th, 2009
1:01 pm
I agree with most of the above stated posts. Here are the only two options I see available.
1.) Mold the offensive mentality to your teams strengths…which is a little hard to determine right now. If it were me, I would put Schafer at leadoff, teach him to shorten up his swing and bunt at every opportunity, or bring up Heyward and work him in at right or left field. Make Martin Prado a starter at second base and move Kelly to the outfield.
2.) Make wholesale changes in the outfield immediatley
Bobby’s mentality is to sit back and wait for things to happen, let’s hope that he adapts to his teams strenghts and makes some tough decisions.
scott s.
May 25th, 2009
1:11 pm
OK, my idea would be to trade for an experienced CF that will hit just a bit better than Schafer and let Schafer finish the year as starter for Gwinnett. Maybe a Kotsay like player. Then in a ripple effect bring up Heyward. At least he will run into a few more that go out of the park. He seams to have a good contact make-up. This will at least get us a more powerful prospect into the line-up and more fear into the lower part of the line-up. Nothing to lose with this move I think! WHat do you guys think? Still lovin this years version of the Braves but agree we need a tad more power to say the least. Go Bravos!!!
Dr. Van Nostrand
May 25th, 2009
1:38 pm
Supes, Did you actually read what I said about Peavy in my previous post? Apparently not. We’re on the same page with Peavy and I got my point in across in far fewer words. LOL. I was just replying to a couple others who had mentioned him in page 1 of the comments on this blog. That’s the only reason I mentioned him.
Willingham has had back problems in the past, but is supposedly fine now. He has an .829 OPS lifetime vs. RHP and .840 OPS lifetime vs. LHP. He played pretty much everyday in 2006 and hit .277 with 26 HR, 74 RBI and .852 OPS in 502 AB. He logged 521 AB in 2007 and produced a .265-21-89 line in 521 AB. Not bad production at all when he’s been healthy. He’s been caught in a logjam in WSH this year. His past back issues would worry me a bit, but as long as he checks out OK with the medical staff, I wouldn’t be against adding him. Like I said before when I listed those guys, the guys I mentioned are guys who could be had and could actually fit within the budget. They’re not supposed to be saviors and as such, all of them are going to have flaws. That’s all I was saying. I wasn’t necessarily endorsing any of them, but rather pointing out our possible options. I’d rather talk about realistic options than pipe dreams that have zero chance of happening, so I threw that list out there. I think any of the guys I listed would be upgrades, obviously to varying degrees, over the present LF/RF situation.
At the very least, Matt Diaz should be playing more than he’s played. He’s been our most productive OF by far with an .863 OPS in 74 AB (Anderson .598 OPS, Francoeur .662 OPS and Schafer .641 OPS).
ABravesFan
May 25th, 2009
1:38 pm
It’s easy to say that we need another bat, but we’re in a position where we shouldn’t be too rash. The hitting as it stands can do ok and with that starting pitching, if we somehow makes it to the playoffs, we have a shot (alas 05 White Sox or 06 Cardinals).
With the slew of young players that will come up soon, I’ll be relunctant to trade the future right now. We should wait until closer to the deadline and reassess how we can acquire a cheap rental option.
Go Braves!
GaDawgs7
May 25th, 2009
1:40 pm
I agree that the big bat shouldn’t just be in the OF. Obviously, thats a big need, but 1B is a power position as well. Kotchman is a pretty good defensive player, but never going to give us a lot of pop in the lineup. Schafer has proven he’s not ready YET to be an everyday CF. Without a trade, perhaps Brandon Jones is someone to take a look at, but if we can pick up a power hitting outfielder, then I’m all for it. I agree we can’t give up the farm again, though.
Here’s something I’ll just throw in there for conversation sake. How about Victor Martinez, 1B/C from Cleveland? If the Indians keep struggling, rumor has it that he will be avaialable. The question is…what will Cleveland ask in return? He could be a big asset to the middle of the lineup…power, rbi, average. Just a thought.
Dean Lorentz
May 25th, 2009
1:45 pm
The Problem with getting Matt Holliday is that the Braves will be renting him for a summer, and he is not a lead off man. The Braves need a little bit of speed in the OF. I say we go to Pitt and try and get Morgan or McClouth. Then you got one of them batting lead off Escobar, Chipper, B Mac, Anderson, Kotchman, KJ, Frenchy. Schafer can be sent down and gain his composure so maybe in the future he can contribute. Speed is what the Braves need.
Dr. Van Nostrand
May 25th, 2009
1:52 pm
Supes, The chose not to pursue Ibanez because of the length and cost of the contract required to sign him. They didn’t want to bring in a guy who would block the youngsters from coming up. Ibanez, who will turn 37 on June 2nd, signed a three-year, $31.5 million contract with the Phillies. At that time, the Phillies caught some heat for paying that kind of money for Ibanez. Ibanez, while a solid offensive outfielder, has never put up numbers like he’s put up so far this season. His career high in HR was 33 back in 2006 and other than that he’s never hit more than 24 in a season. He’s got 17 so far this season in 42 games. His previous career high in batting average was .304 back in 2004–the only time he’s hit .300 or better in the majors. Who knew Ibanez would wind up on track for a career year in 2009? Rightly or wrongly, the Braves wanted a stopgap type of LF who would only be here for this season and at most next season. They wanted that type of player at a reasonable/cheap price. That’s why they didn’t go after Ibanez.
Gary
May 26th, 2009
10:25 am
Matt Diaz is a good hitter, but his defense has always been secondary. Frenchie is still making the plays in right field. Has anybody else noticed that Lowe is hitting better than a few of the position players? Combine my first three sentences and we have a radical idea. Join the AL, have Lowe hit for himself, Frenchie plays right field, but doesn’t bat, then Matt takes the DH position. Too radical?
Jason O'Quinn
May 29th, 2009
12:32 pm
Enter your comments here
kyle turman
June 5th, 2009
3:16 pm
…listen the braves are in serious need of a power hitter and they need a lot more depth in the pen. yes, they did trade for mccouth but what is he going to bring the typicall braves 25 homers a year. Baseball is past that day we need a guy that can hit 35-40 homers a year. And everyone is worried about the outfield our first baseman’s production this year has been horrible possible trade bait would be kotchman not francouer who still has potential. the braves also need to look to replace chipper in the near future when he retires into the hall of fame. because prado and infante are not the answer there. And how bout a change of ownership fran wren has the guts to make moves now lets get him the money to make some blockbuster deals that will leap the braves over the top of the national league as they were in the 90’s. maybe mark kuben?????? huh???? yes i said it mark kuben who would be willing to dish out the dough!!!!!!