Your attention, please: Braves have a new second sacker
You know dumb ol’ Bobby Cox? The manager who never changes his mind? The one who wouldn’t give up on Kelly Johnson as his second baseman no matter how little he hit?
Bobby Cox announced Tuesday night he has a new second baseman.
After Martin Prado had four hits (two singles, a double and a homer) and four RBIs (three to tie the game on three separate occasions, the fourth to win it in the 10th), Cox said: “Every time he’s in there, he does something good.”
So an enterprising journalist (blush) asked the manager: Is Prado your starting second baseman?
Loading ...Said Cox: “Right now, yes. He’s too hot to take out, unless his groin flares up.”
Contrary to popular belief, Cox isn’t the world’s biggest idiot. (As we know, this enterprising journalist is the world’s biggest idiot.) He has seen his team not hit for what seems like forever, and he has seen the nudge Prado has provided. Sometimes a nudge is all an idling team needs, especially one that pitches like this.
Kelly Johnson is hitting .216. Martin Prado is hitting .299. There’s no comparison, at least not at the moment. Cox had to make this change, and he has. This doesn’t mean Johnson will never play again. But I wouldn’t expect him to be in the lineup again this week, or maybe even this month.
See, as much as Bobby Cox loves his players, he loves something else, too. He loves to win.
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300 comments Add your comment
MatthewH
July 1st, 2009
10:56 am
This is an excellent choice. After seeing Kelly Johnson try to turn a routine double-play into a rundown on Sunday, he certainly needed to be benched!
All I'm Saying Is...
July 1st, 2009
11:04 am
About darn time KJ was removed. And Kotchman ought to be nervous cuz he should be on the clock. Further, Francoeur better keep it going at the plate the rest of the year whatever the cause. You can make all the wise cracks you want about Garrett not hustling enough for your taste or Escobar throwing his helmet etc. but the bottom line is that THE LACK OF HITTING FROM 2B, 1B, AND RF AND THE THREE HUGE HOLES THEY HAVE COLLECTIVELY REPRESENTED IN THE LINEUP EACH AND EVERY GAME IS WHAT HAS BEEN KILLING OUR BALL CLUB PREVENTING US FROM CONSISTENTLY SCORING RUNS.
mike
July 1st, 2009
11:15 am
“He has seen his team not hit for what seems like forever”
Exactly. He waits way too long to do anything about anything. He should have been playing around with this lineup weeks ago.
Go Braves.
Heywood Jablome
July 1st, 2009
11:18 am
Well, what do you know, Bobby finally realizes what the rest of us knew a month ago….Prado should be startin!
mountain_jim
July 1st, 2009
11:21 am
I could not believe how many bonehead plays Kelly made on Sunday.
Bob
July 1st, 2009
11:21 am
Love the way Prado plays: he hustles, does the little things it takes to win, and he’s a natural infielder, which KJ never has been. Bravo.
Blackberry Cobbler
July 1st, 2009
11:22 am
Booby Cox is still an idiot. It took him a month to realize and finally do what fans have been screaming about………. get KJ out of the lineup.
See ya Kelly (aka Trade-Bait Johnson). Been nice knowing ya.
Ed
July 1st, 2009
11:23 am
I want to personally thank you all for stopping suggesting that Vazquez be traded.
Leigh
July 1st, 2009
11:28 am
At our house we call Prado “The Museum,” because he’s world-class like The Prado in Madrid.
Don
July 1st, 2009
11:31 am
And it only takes him 10 times as long as any intelligent person to grasp the obvious.
benchwarmer
July 1st, 2009
11:31 am
Vazquez is pitching great! Why would anyone trade him?
Jamaaliver
July 1st, 2009
11:31 am
Mark,
Do we have any highly regarded 2B prospects in the pipeline? Is there a long term solution on the horizon?
Vince
July 1st, 2009
11:34 am
I’ve been begging for Prado to be in the starting lineup all year. It’s about time and he should stay in there whether it be at first, second, third, or right. And the same when Infante comes back. Play him anywhere but somewhere! Let Kotchman & Francouer beware. There are enough tools in the chest but Bobby Cox sticks with slumping players way too long. If Philly can bench Rollins why can’t Bobby Cox bench Francouer, Johnson, Kotchman? He should bench all of his consistent “first pitch swingers” to send a message. Even Chipper’s swinging at more first pitches than he ever has. You don’t see the Red Sox and other disciplined teams doing that. And it’s not just a Pendleton problem, Bobby Cox who has benching authority should be all over his “first pitch swingers.” I am still wondering if someone other than Prado(Ross, Diaz) could play first base. It would improve the hitting if Ross could, he’d probably hit 20-25 homers. Either way, we have enough hitters, Bobby Cox just needs to play the motivated and hot hitters daily and change when necessary.
Mmmmm, Erin Andrews
July 1st, 2009
11:35 am
A F T
Don
July 1st, 2009
11:35 am
To the contrary Mr. Bradley, this adds additional proof as to his incompetence — taking such a long, long, long time to make the change. Not even talking about a permanent change you may wnat to make; Cox has never used the hot hand – or even adjusted his batting order to take advantage of the hot hand.
DeWayne
July 1st, 2009
11:35 am
Bout time they made some kind of change on offense, heck trade for mike hampton back since he can hit better than half the everyday players.
Cletus
July 1st, 2009
11:35 am
Mark Bradley likes to make self-deprecating remarks about his intelligence, but don’t be fooled by his coyness. He really is an idiot.
And since it took Cox (aka “greatest manager [Bradley has] ever seen”) only 3 months to see Prado is a better defensively AND offensively, I guess he’s an idiot too.
Cox has never shown the ability to manage games. He has merely shown the ability to make players get along with him and each other reasonably well. Almost any baseball manager could win a string of divisions with the players Cox had.
Now, along with not managing games particularly well, Cox has also lost the ability to manage a game according to his available talent. Even Earl Weaver would have had the Braves playing small ball by now.
Space Monkey
July 1st, 2009
11:36 am
I have to agree with Bench Warmer. It’s been clear since the first of May that KJ was a liability. He was the worst leadoff choice Bobby could find. Yet, game after game, we had to suffer through him. I’m betting that at the end of the season, two of those games where KJ played instant out in the leadoff spot will cost us a shot at the post-season. And with our pitching, the post-season could have been interesting.
John
July 1st, 2009
11:38 am
Brooks Conrad plays 2B for AAA Gwinnett. He is probably the 2B of the future. Looked pretty good in Spring Training too..
Robby
July 1st, 2009
11:39 am
I think KJ’s streaky hitting has much to do with Cox trying to make him a 2nd Baseman, a lead off hitter, then a middle of the order hitter. I would move him back to the OF as a platoon type player and challenge Frechy for the RF spot.
Mike lump
July 1st, 2009
11:41 am
“Right now, yes. He’s too hot to take out, unless his groin flares up.” Thats what she said..
Curtis Jones
July 1st, 2009
11:44 am
Agreed with Don at 11:35. With the right players penciled in the starting lineup this season, we would be in 1st place by 10 games. Unlike last year, we have starting pitchers who go deep into games, and Cox has set them up for failure most nights with his banjo-hitting, slow-footed lineup…while impact players like Prado, Infante, Ross and Diaz languished on the bench. Let’s put a starting lineup out there with some hustle, some speed, and some bats. Give our terrific starting pitchers a chance to win!
leggomyego
July 1st, 2009
11:47 am
One thing Bobby has always taken knocks for is his willingness to give players every benefit of the doubt. I remember when KJ came up and he stuggled so mightily; Bobby rode the bad streak out with KJ, saying things like ‘he’s putting good swings on the ball, he’s just not getting any breaks..” and things like that. This is why players love Bobby. He understands baseball. He understands guys sometimes need the time to get themselves straight. Baseball isn’t a fast-food sport. It’s not like football where you only have 16 games to get things right. It’s a 162 game marathon, and Bobby has always managed as such. Indeed, it was time for Prado, he earned the spot and KJ did everything possible to lose it. But now that there has been a change, there can be no ill will, no dark sentiment reflected by a player who thinks he didn’t get every chance to keep his job. There will be no one in that clubhouse who feels that way either. The clubhouse mentality will only improve with this decision, and no inklings of dissension will come from it because of the way it was done. Every player in that clubhouse now has been re-affirmed of two things: Bobby will give you every chance to keep your spot on this ball club, and Bobby will pull the trigger on a move when it’s time. Expertly managed in my opinion. Watch the Braves pick up steam from this.
Mac
July 1st, 2009
11:49 am
Thank goodness. Is Infante out for the season?
Curtis Jones
July 1st, 2009
11:50 am
If indeed the Braves pick up steam from Cox’s long-overdue moves, let’s be honest. If the Mets and Phillies weren’t so inept and injury-riddled, they would already be leading the Braves by 10-15 games. Cox is lucky he’s in a weak division, which doesn’t make his inept managing so obvious in the standings.
FireCox
July 1st, 2009
11:51 am
Why in the world did this not happen at least two years ago? Prado has been the better player all along. KJ cannot hit and is not outstanding defensively.
It makes no sense that KJ has been starting at second for years except that Cox simply likes the kid. There is no other rational reason.
Yet 40% of this city still thinks Cox should be managing the Braves. Unreal.
Ralph
July 1st, 2009
11:51 am
Now, if we could get Infante back and playing right field and put either Ross or McCann on first we might go somewhere, Kotchman would do a good job as a bench hitter and Frenchy and Kelly could be traded for a couple of prospects.
Robert
July 1st, 2009
11:53 am
IT’S ABOUT TIME!!! Booby Cox messed this one up! It took him a month to realize and finally get KJ out of the lineup. He is way too streaky! i hope prado is the 2B the rest of the yearIf the braves are going to make a push for the division which is still very possible because the rest of the division kinda sucks then all the clowns have to go!!! KJ was the ring leader of the clowns!!!! he didnt hit, didnt play good defense, and make boneheaded plays!!! kotchman, francoeur, bennett, Pendleton are the next clowns to go but at least kotch and french play defense and are hitting better recently! Bennett punched a wall so he took care of that himself! and i think its funny that everyone because a worst hitter around TP!!! fire him and maybe, just maybe we can make a move in this division!!!! GO BRAVES!!!!
CS
July 1st, 2009
11:54 am
I said spring of 2008 this guy was ready but Bobby had to stay with the Kelly (outfielder) Johnson experiment when it was obvious Prado was better. This is much deserved and hopefully not too late.
Congratulations to the best 2nd baseman on the team.
mike
July 1st, 2009
11:54 am
Duh. Duh. Duh. What was he thinking?
JeanE
July 1st, 2009
11:55 am
I have to agree with the other posters…it took way too long to make what was an obvious move. We all know Kelly is a great guy, so what? Cox stuck with him as he does all his players whether they are producing or not until he had no choice but to bench them. Now, what about platooning Francoeur with Diaz in right????? Diaz deserves to play alot more than he does, D Ross, too.
Rich W
July 1st, 2009
11:56 am
As good as I feel about having Prado at 2B everyday, I am concerned about having a good back up infielder like Infante or Prado available. Who plays 3B or 1B when Chipper or Kotchman go down? Not Hernandez. Chris Burke (utility guy) was signed and has some ABs at Gwinnett. Will they bring him up? Who else?
Kenneth Simpson
July 1st, 2009
11:57 am
After watching Johnson on Sunday and Escobar’s attitude it is about time that the braves found someone who wants to play and let them play. It is such a shame that the braves gave away Elvis Andrus to Texas when they could really use him and his hustle now. The giveaway of all those players to Texas rates the worse trade the braves ever made. All they have to show for this bummer is Kotchman and look what he is doing. Play Prado and try to find someone else to play shortstop if the farm has anything left after all these bum trades in the past.
bird
July 1st, 2009
11:58 am
Bravo Prado!
NC Braves Fan
July 1st, 2009
12:01 pm
I disagree about Bobby taking too long to make the call – if I was in KJ’s shoes, I’d want every opportunity to work things out at the plate. He’s earned the right and Bobby showed some loyalty. Nothing wrong with that in my book.
Kelly has only himself to blame for riding the pines now. Hopefully Martin can continue to provide a spark. Getting Infante back in a few weeks will help, too.
Frustrated Braves Fan
July 1st, 2009
12:01 pm
About Da*n time. This should have happened at the end of spring training.
Turkey Underpants
July 1st, 2009
12:04 pm
I’m glad Prado is in the lineup as much for his defense as his offense. He has been solid defensively all year, even when he was playing first base. I don’t expect Prado to hit as well as he did last night every night, but I am anxious to see what he can do now that he has the chance to play every day.
Also, please stop killing Francouer. He is having a very solid homestand and I have been increasingly pleased with his approach at the plate. Plus, his range and arm in right field make him a valuable asset even if his power numbers don’t turn around.
I have to keep telling myself that last night was only one game, but it sure would be nice to go on a winning streak and really get back in the thick of the division race.
Jordan, True Brave Fan
July 1st, 2009
12:04 pm
Finally after all this time, Martin Prado starts. I’ve been saying it for months and it finally will happen.
Now all the Braves need to do is get rid of Kelly and Bennett and get another bat before the trading deadline and they’ll be set.
PMC
July 1st, 2009
12:05 pm
Of course, all we need now is for him to stay healthy and for Infante to make it back healthy and keep tearing it up.
Also Francouer seems to be hitting much better.
All I can do from here is to hope bunt practice is in full effect and they start finding out how to score runs with RISP and less than 2 outs.
The 5 No votes
July 1st, 2009
12:05 pm
Should Martin Prado start at 2B the rest of the season?
* Yes. (98%, 237 Votes)
* No. (2%, 5 Votes)
Signed,
Kelly Johnson, Kelly Johnson’s mom, Kelly Johnson’s dad, Kelly Johnson’s wife, and Kelly Johnson’s mom one more time for good measure.
NC Braves Fan
July 1st, 2009
12:07 pm
Turkey – I agree with you on Francouer … I think Garrett is the guy who should be traded if anyone – he might bring a little return since he’s hitting better, and in the process we might be able to solve the LF offensive and defensive “issues” we’ve had all year.
BradInHuntsvegas
July 1st, 2009
12:08 pm
KJ in 07 and 08 had some of the better offensive years historically for an Atlanta second baseman – Lemke for example had only one comparable year. Baseball is weird in that occasionally an established and productive player just goes flat as a pancake for an extended period (Andruw). Hard to tell when to give up. Braves had to do that with Mark DeRosa, and he went on to have a very solid ML career.
owl hunter
July 1st, 2009
12:08 pm
I agree with leggomyego about the 162 game arguement. Also, please stop throwing Infante in with the “languishing on the bench” thing. He is INJURED! He will get his playing time when his broken hand heals. The clowns that think he should be playing right now, Ross should be playing 1st, or Lowe/Chipper are going to be traded are the same people who will turn on Prado the first time he makes an error, or goes 0 for 4.
Tjsorrow
July 1st, 2009
12:12 pm
now move anderson to right diaz in left bench francour as well
Wes
July 1st, 2009
12:13 pm
Mike and Heywood: don’t forget Prado has been banged up for a few weeks now and the groin is nothing to mess with. If he’d been healthy, he would have seen some more PT
Wes
July 1st, 2009
12:15 pm
NC Braves. Who in the hell would trade FOR Anderson??? No one would even sign the guy for 2 Mill when he was a FA. He has no trade value, therefore, will NOT be traded.
We should unload Francoeur now that he has a couple of hits. He may have actually put a tiny bit of value back in himself on the market for us.
perry
July 1st, 2009
12:16 pm
Bobby Cox should change his name to One Month Delay as it took him late July to remove A. Jones from cleanup batting below 200. He is getting faster making decisions on Prado as it is only 1st of July!!
Johnny Bravo
July 1st, 2009
12:16 pm
It’s about time Prado gets his shot. Heart goes out to KJ but you have to produce to play.
Ron E.
July 1st, 2009
12:18 pm
I refute you thus, Mark Bradley: Jeff Francoeur.
Tony
July 1st, 2009
12:20 pm
This is the perfect opportunity for a trade before the deadline. Kelly Johnson and Frenchy for a good hitting outfielder. Keep Escobar. The Braves would still have Hernandez and Infante, when he returns. The pitching staff is set as the Braves are 4th in ERA in the majors. We need a power hitter in this lineup.
Bravedawg
July 1st, 2009
12:20 pm
NC Braves Fan – who would you like to trade G. Anderson for? Remember that he’s hitting .284 and has been steadily improving all year.
I can’t get over how everyone just hates Kotchman and Anderson for no apparent reason. Kotchman has been hovering between .270 and .300 all year, and provides Gold Glove defense at 1B…the man hasn’t made an error since becoming a Brave almost a year ago. Anderson has been performing very well after a rough start – again, he’s hitting .284, which is HOF numbers compared to the rest of the anemic offense. Just because Anderson doesn’t run around the outfield with reckless abandon doesn’t mean we need to tar and feather him.
And Cox hasn’t played Prado as much because A. he’s had a lingering injury almost the entire season, and B. KJ has shown that he is a streaky hitter, and Cox was hoping he’d come out of this slump – he has in the past. I agree that I’d rather have Prado out there, but let’s not act like the answer has been so obvious all year long.
BIG DAWG
July 1st, 2009
12:20 pm
Hey, where is Glavine now? Anyone heard?
Turkey Underpants
July 1st, 2009
12:21 pm
Just got out of the dryer. I’m feeling 8-0.
Mark Bradley
July 1st, 2009
12:21 pm
I would guess that Prado would have been starting 10 days ago but for his groin injury. But that’s me guessing.
Bill Heller
July 1st, 2009
12:22 pm
50th? Let’s teach Kelly Johnson how to throw a knuckleball…
Herschel Talker
July 1st, 2009
12:22 pm
Your attention, please: It matters not. Stick a fork in the Braves. They are done.
Ry
July 1st, 2009
12:24 pm
Has anyone heard rumors of Escobar being on the trading block? It would kind of make sense, since Bobby has been sitting him recently.
Mark Bradley
July 1st, 2009
12:25 pm
Oh, and on the subjects of benchings: Charlie Manuel sat Jimmy Rollins for four days. Rollins returned Tuesday and went 0-for-5, dropping his average to .207. Sometimes moves work; sometimes they don’t.
owl hunter
July 1st, 2009
12:26 pm
Tony
What “good hitting outfielder” can we get for Frnchy/KJ?
Tony
July 1st, 2009
12:26 pm
Mark, can you make a call to the front office? We need a trade before more aggressive teams take whatever is left to help us.
Ken
July 1st, 2009
12:27 pm
Giving Terry Pendleton his walking papers should be next on Bobby’s “to-do” list.
My son’s little league coach could do a better job than he has. Seriously.
Marc
July 1st, 2009
12:27 pm
I don’t know if this move was as obvious as you guys make it out to be. Prado has been in the majors about as long as KJ has and despite Kelly’s 6 errors this year KJ still has better defensive numbers than Prado does in their careers. There’s the reason the guy was an utility man. He’s almost as streaky as KJ is too it’s just less noticeable when a backup player hits a funk or a hot streak. Hopefully he’s really improved though and can maintain that as an everyday player. I guess what I’m really trying to say is: this team still sucks.
Wes
July 1st, 2009
12:27 pm
BIG DAWG: He’s actually getting ready to mow my lawn in a couple of minutes.
Mark Bradley
July 1st, 2009
12:27 pm
Whenever I call the Braves’ front office, I get to hear that recording of Pete saying, “All our operators are helping other customers …”
Tony
July 1st, 2009
12:29 pm
Well there is Alex Rios and Jermaine Dye for starters…
Knock-a-homerun
July 1st, 2009
12:30 pm
FINALLY! Now do the same to Francouer.
Wes
July 1st, 2009
12:30 pm
Bradley-
Any chance Kelly goes down to take a breather and retool himself back to the OF? Don’t have the info infront of me — does he have any options left or does he have to clear waivers?
SEC Fan
July 1st, 2009
12:30 pm
This is about 2 months too late, I like KJ as a person and know he is a good guy but he is not a everyday major league 2nd baseman-i like the way Prado plays the game and this was an easy call by Cox
Robert
July 1st, 2009
12:33 pm
IT’S ABOUT TIME!!! Booby Cox messed this one up! It took him a month to realize and finally get KJ out of the lineup. He is way too streaky! i hope prado is the 2B the rest of the yearIf the braves are going to make a push for the division which is still very possible because the rest of the division kinda sucks then all the clowns have to go!!! KJ was the ring leader of the clowns!!!! he didnt hit, didnt play good defense, and make boneheaded plays!!! kotchman, francoeur, bennett, Pendleton are the next clowns to go but at least kotch and french play defense and are hitting better recently! Bennett punched a wall so he took care of that himself! and i think its funny that everyone because a worst hitter around TP!!! fire him and maybe, just maybe we can make a move in this division!!!! GO BRAVES!!!!
owl hunter
July 1st, 2009
12:33 pm
I realize there are hitters out there, but what gm wants our garbage for one of their top hitters? We can’t afford Dye, and the Sox aren’t even sure they want to trade him.
Submariner
July 1st, 2009
12:33 pm
Finally! I get to watch a game where they play some small ball! Thank You Bobby Cox! Although, I personally think that the guys took it upon themselves to bunt guys over! I also have to mention that Cox should have pinch hit for Lowe with the bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth.
Michael
July 1st, 2009
12:33 pm
Prado is hot….right now. But does everyone remember the Prado from last season? Very very weak bat. And has everyone forgotten KJ’s bat from the last few years? Has everyone forgotten the game at Shea that KJ won last year single-handedly? Prado and KJ are both average 2B’s and neither is the long-term solution. We need to look elsewhere for our 2B of the future. Prado’s history says that he won’t stay hot for long.
Tony
July 1st, 2009
12:33 pm
You are a good one Mark…maybe there is no one in the office… lol…I wonder what is the future of the Braves when we seem to always be strapped financially, trying to getting players for nothing. Any potential owners out there with some capital?
Daniel
July 1st, 2009
12:34 pm
thanks for that last point Mark, I guess the people on this blog don’t actually follow the team.
Turkey Underpants
July 1st, 2009
12:36 pm
Buster Olney reported the “rumor” that the Braves are willing to trade Escobar for a good hitter. I would love to see a deal where they send him to Oakland in some sort of package for Matt Holliday. Not sure if that would work with the Braves budget, though, since he’s making $13.5 million.
Larry
July 1st, 2009
12:36 pm
Mark,
You said: “Cox had to make this change…”
Exactly! A monkey on rollers skates new he HAD to make this change. When Cox starts making decisions when he should, or even anticipates that he should, and not wait until when he and every other human knows he HAS to make a change, the you’ll have something to write about!
Tony
July 1st, 2009
12:36 pm
Frenchy and KJ are not totally garbage. Maybe a new atmosphere will change their slumps. Both of these guys and a prospect should be enough to get a trade done for Dye or Rios. Rios really would be a beast here.
Ry
July 1st, 2009
12:37 pm
Robert, what are you talking about with Kotchman??? Dude has hit between .270 and .300 all year. Very consistent hitter and gold glove defense. What do you expect every one of the position players to hit .300 or better. Get real.
Submariner
July 1st, 2009
12:38 pm
Oh, and where was that philosophy in the 99 WS when Cox sat Brett Boone for game 4 after he went off in game 3? Prado should start a 2B and Blanco should start in LF.
Hoof Hearted
July 1st, 2009
12:38 pm
I keep reading and hearing how the braves need another “bat,” and most people equate that to a power hitter. I agree that we need another bat, and a power hitter would be nice, but what I think this team really lacks and needs desperately is a true leadoff hitter. Someone who can get on base and steal. Someone who can worry a pitcher to death. Sadly, I think such a player will be as hard or harder to find than a power hitter.
Wes
July 1st, 2009
12:38 pm
Prado hit .301 last year. Hardly a “weak” hitter. I mean, its no .211 THIS year, but hey.
Horner's Corner
July 1st, 2009
12:38 pm
Michael (12:33 post) – “But does everyone remember the Prado from last season? Very very weak bat.”
Is that the same Prado that posted the following numbers last year for the Braves? .320/.377/.461 Maybe you had someone else in mind.
Tony
July 1st, 2009
12:39 pm
It is better to write about Cox and other Braves than to be concerned with what Smoltz and Tex are doing. Good article Mark.
wawel78
July 1st, 2009
12:40 pm
so if you think the braves should bench everyone, who should play in their place? I like Franceour as the 8 hitter. I would have to check but i think he’s improving there from the lack of pressure. The backup catcher at first is a good idea but i think someone of you underplay the difficulty in switching positions at this level.
I didn’t like KJ but Cox did the right thing by sticking by him. He is one of the streakiest hitters I’ve ever seen and Cox was trying to wait it out. The braves just can’t afford to any longer.
I’m not saying the division titles streak is the greatest record ever but if any manager could have done it, why is no one else coming close?
Marc
July 1st, 2009
12:41 pm
*Calls Toronto*
“KJ for Rios straight up!”
“No that’s stupid!”
“I’ll give you Jeff’s underwear!”
“WOW OK SIGNED AND SEALED!”
Submariner
July 1st, 2009
12:41 pm
Ry, On the nose with Kotchman.
Dawg A
July 1st, 2009
12:41 pm
Wow ….. there is a first time for everything!! Bobby putting the right thing over loyalty? Look out Bobby you might not win the S.I.’s “most like to want to play for” award. But you are safe for now the award just came out. You have time to earn the award again! I am certain you will return to your roots!
Tony
July 1st, 2009
12:42 pm
Hoof Hearted…I said this also yesterday…you are correct…whoever the Braves can get into the lineup with a trade would be a much needed addition…
Ry
July 1st, 2009
12:42 pm
Hoof Hearted, I could be wrong but wasn’t McClouth filling the lead off role quite well before his injury? He gets on base alot, can steal, and can hit for power.
Wes
July 1st, 2009
12:42 pm
RY- considering this is Major League baseball and not little league, high school or college, I think he has the right to expect either a .300 average or some power from the 1B position. Yes, Kotch has an excellent glove, but he is hiting .260 with no power and is the slowest guy on the field….not exactly appealing when you’re talking Major League first basemen.
owl hunter
July 1st, 2009
12:44 pm
If Frenchy can sustain this moderate uprising, maybe. KJ played his trade value away. Riccardi is an idiot, though, so he might fall for it. I think they should try that package for Pierre when Manny comes back. Pierre fits the need for a leadoff hitter with speed, plays ok defense and that might help us more than hoping for three run hrs now. We could then move McClouth to 5th in the order. That may have the same effect of having Rios. Pierre is about to be the odd man out in LA.
Mark Bradley
July 1st, 2009
12:44 pm
Here’s the thing about Escobar: He’s a great talent who’s tough to handle. But that’s why there are managers. If the job was easy, you and I could go do it.
Wait … I think I’ve just struck a nerve …
B12 JONEAL
July 1st, 2009
12:45 pm
Bobby did a great job trying to wait kelly out.now its Prado chance.i will put my money on that this will spark the braves to a playoff birth.People need to leave frenchy an GA because thy have been our best hitters latey an prado
Hoof Hearted
July 1st, 2009
12:45 pm
Ry, McClouth is doing better in the leadoff spot than anyone else has this year, and he’s more of a threat to steal than anyone else on the team, but that does not necessarily make him a true leadoff hitter who is a base stealing terror. Do you really think opposing pitchers are terrified of McClouth getting on base? Furcal used to give pitchers fits. I want somebody who consistently draws pick off throws to first and makes a pitcher nervous. Plus, McClouth is such a good hitter that he needs somebody on base that he move over or drive in. I’d like to see McClouth batting 2.
Wes
July 1st, 2009
12:46 pm
Anyone that listens to Howard Stern: What happened to Schuley?
Horner's Corner
July 1st, 2009
12:47 pm
Yeah, those speedy first basemen are a dime a dozen, why can’t the Braves aquire one.
Tony
July 1st, 2009
12:49 pm
Yes…KJ for Rios. He is a pretty consistent hitter, steals bases and has power. He would benefit tremendously in Atlanta’s lineup at 3rd or 5th.
BT
July 1st, 2009
12:50 pm
Mark, my sentiments exactly on Escobar. If you are unsuccessful motivating someone you just trade them? In the real world if you have a “producer” but he is a pain in the butt, you find another way to manage him.
Ry
July 1st, 2009
12:50 pm
Wes, I didn’t say he was the greatest, but certainly adequate. He is not a clown because he is hitting under .300. That’s ridiculous. The Braves cannot afford a team full of .300 hitters with power.
Tony
July 1st, 2009
12:51 pm
Owl Hunter, I made that argument yesterday as well…Pierre, Rios, or Dye should be in a Braves uniform this week.