Atlanta Braves Thread

Greg Maddux retires:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3748249

I miss when the Braves could send Maddux, Smoltz, Glavine and Avery out to the mound day after day.

 

So do the Braves.

 

Ok so Frank Wren is a complete idiot. [1] He let the deal for Peavy get away, because he thought they were asking too much for him. Hello...he's one of the best pitchers in the game, do you expect them to trade him and not get something in return! [2] He is going to loose out on Burnett too, because the Stankees have offered him more than Wren is willing to pay. And rightfully so, I mean I wouldn't pay him 90 million for 5 years especially with his injury history. The guy has only pitched over 200 innings twice and won more than 12 games once. I am really dissappointed with the Braves so far this offseason. In my mind they need to get rid of Roger Mcdowell and get Leo back. There were not near as many injuries to pitchers when Leo was there as there have been with McDowell. Also, Leo was the pitching coach the last time the Braves went to the playoffs, they let him go and what happened...we don't make the playoffs. Wren needs to go all in for Peavy because he's not going to out bid the Yankees for Burnett. And even if he gets Burnett he still needs to go all in for Peavy. This is Bobby Cox's last go round so give him the players he needs to win, because after this upcoming season he's going to retire. Come on Wren make some sacrafices that will pay off down the road!

 

Wren was right in the Peavy deal. In truth the Padres were never very serious about letting Peavy get away IMO. They wanted too much and even if the Braves had upped the ante, I think the Padres would have backed off. I think the only way they will trade Peavy is if they get blown out of the water by someone with a load of prospects. Burnett is not the answer and I hope the Yankees do get saddled with him. Strange thing about Leo is that nobody is hiring him. I find that interesting. The Braves took a chance last year on Glavine, Smoltz, and Hampton and they all broke down. They are not going to turn this team around to be a serious contender by getting quick fixes. They can get better as far as record is concerned in 2009 but the process of getting back to the post-season on a consistent basis is at least a couple years away. I think Braves fans and I have been one for my entire life, need to patient and see if some of their prized prospects are as good as they hope. One more thing, the deal to get Tex was ok but they gave up a lot. At the time they needed a bat in the worst way and it just didn't work out with no fault from Tex.

 

It's annoying that Wise One has me on ignore because it spares him from being reminded about what a complete moron he is. Yesterday he was insisting that Sabathia had never been great with the Indians, and now this. The Padres are very serious about trading Peavy, not because they want to get rid of him, but because the owner is in financial trouble due to a divorce and has to slash payroll. That's why they let Trevor Hoffman walk too. Meanwhile the Braves didn't make a remotely fair offer for Peavy, who I agree is one of the very best pitchers currently in the major leagues. I can't necessarily blame Atlanta for that because I'm not sure that they're true contenders even with Peavy, and they might be better off just sitting with what they have and waiting for some of the prospects to reach the majors.

 

Burnett to the Yankees. Whew, that was close.

 

Not going to outbid the yankees when they want something bad enough. I guess the Braves save 80 mil. With any luck the Sabathia and Burnett signings will work out like Pavano and be a millstone around the Steinbrenner's necks for the next 5+ years...

 

Looks like Furcal is coming back (per ESPN Radio)

 

It's brings up some interesting possibilities. Furcal could play 2nd base moving Kelly Johnson to left field. Of course it could mean that the trade rumors involving Escobar and or Johnson are back in play too. If the Braves do get Furcal it gives them some moves to make and some chips to play. I don't like trading Escobar because I think he has a very high ceiling but the Braves must get some pitching. The Peavy to Atlanta rumors have already started again. A number of teams are also asking about Frenchy.

 

Peavy to Atlanta is dead. Peavy will wind up in Chicago, LA (angels) or back in San Diego. Peavy wants the be in Chicago (wants to be in NL and wants out of SD). But, the Cubs seem to be placing a higher priority on left handed hitting outfielder (good choice).