Glavine back with the Braves?

According to the ajc.com, the Braves are in some sort of talks to bring Tommy Glavine back to the Braves organization. In what capacity remains to be seen.

The 305-game winner has been in discussions with the Braves about a possible position with the organization that could include duties ranging from front-office work to instructing players in the minor leagues and perhaps even some broadcasting.

“I’ve talked to Tommy several times since the season ended,” said Braves president John Schuerholz, who said talks were still in the preliminary stage. “It’s always been in our mind that ultimately, eventually something like this might be a possibility.

The unconscionable behavior by the Braves towards Glavine last season still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. No telling how Glavine feels right now about the way the Braves treated him; kicking him out of the organization, to the curb like a discarded tallboy can was simply unforgivable.

If Glavine wants to remain in baseball in some capacity, I hope the Braves will do the right thing this time, to make amends for the way they handled things last year. It would be too much for me to take to see Glavine show up as a pitching coach, consultant, etc for any team other than the Braves.

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Braves take a chance on Glaus

While the pending signing of Troy Glaus is old news, he finally passed his physical, agreed to terms, and made his 1 year, $1.75 million contract official.

Glaus can make up to $2.25 million in incentives in 2010 that are tied to staying off the disabled list and in the lineup, including a $250,000 bonus if he’s on the roster 100 days. The rest of the incentives are triggered by plate appearances — $350,000 each for 400, 450 and 500 PAs, $400,000 for 550, and $550,000 for 600.

Glaus will play 1B, and most likely bat in the 4th spot between Chipper and McCann. The Braves continue to build their roster, attempting to save a nickel, by signing older, possibly injury prone players. Seems a tad bit risky to me, but if Glaus stays healthy, makes a decent transition to 1B, he could be good for 25+ HRs, which would make the middle of the order extremely potent.

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Braves dump Vazquez

I am not sure what else to call this other than a salary dump. I really do not see how Melky Cabrera provides anything in the way of an upgrade for the Braves outfield other than a warm spot on the bench. I could do that, for a lot less money!

The only thing I can hold out hope for is that new Braves prospect Arodys Vizcaino is the second coming of John Smoltz. I assume that is doubtful, but according to Rowland’s Office, landing Vizcaino was a win for the Braves. Here’s to future days, but I’m not holding my breath!

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Braves need bats – start with LaRoche

It is no secret that the Atlanta Braves need a couple of bats, so I was surprised to see that Adam LaRoche was not wrapped up for next year. According to the ajc.com LaRoche is not in active negations with the Braves

Asked Friday whether he’d heard anything from the Braves since becoming a free agent, LaRoche replied in a text message: “No talk from ATL that I know of. Guess I should have hit .400 while I was there.”

LaRoche hit .325 with 12 homers, 40 RBIs, a .401 on-base percentage and .557 slugging percentage in 57 games after being traded to the Braves from the Boston Red Sox on July 31.

The article goes on to say that Atlanta may be looking for a sort of stop-gap until their first baseman of the future is ready, but for this Braves fan, the future is now. I am not saying that Adam LaRoche is the “answer” or anywhere near the best first baseman in the league, but LaRoche may be the best fit for Atlanta. We already know he likes playing in Atlanta and more importantly LaRoche ropes the ball in Turner Field. He is going to turn 31 this year, so he should have 2-3 25+ HR years left in him. How can the Braves so cavalierly turn down this type of power?

I say sign LaRoche to help steady the offense; he can always be traded later down the road. Of course Atlanta still needs a big bat in right field, but that is a different post. My guess is Atlanta does not have the money, and may not until they dump one of the starting pitchers, which is really a shame. We are not talking Yankees money here; “just” 7-8 million a year for 3 years.

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Braves dump Soriano

By accepting salary arbitration, Rafael Soriano completely screwed the Braves. Of course for the players and teams baseball is a business, and Soriano figured to get more money in arbitration than via free agency, so Soriano did what he had to do to protect his bank account. Or at least Soriano did what his agent thought was best. Arbitration made sense for Soriano, but sucks for the Braves and their fans.

By going the arbitration route, Atlanta will no longer get draft picks as compensation for the team signing Soriano, and the Braves were on the hook for an unexpected $7 million (or more) after already dipping their toes in the bullpen free agency market. The really sad part of this is reactionary move is that Atlanta would have ended up with a really solid bullpen if they could afford to keep Soriano’s salary on the books. Too bad because Soriano would have also brought a lot more via trade come July, than a December trade with Tampa Bay. The best the Braves could do was Jesse Chavez.

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Braves get a new old bullpen

I am not sure how many times I wrote (complained) last season that the Braves needed to do something with the bullpen. Their closer situation (when healthy, Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano) was a mess; best left for setup duties and not to be fully trusted. A mess may be a harsh assessment, but let’s move on and see how have the Braves responded as they get ready for their 2010 campaign?

In two days, the Braves signed two relievers to one-year contracts worth about $10 million. Between them, Wagner and Saito have 77 years, seven children, 468 saves and 1,389 strikeouts in 1,079 innings. (Saito has three children, all daughters.)

“When one’s not available [to close], the other one can be,” said Wren, adding that the Braves could now narrow their focus to the pursuit of a hitter as they prepare for baseball’s annual Winter Meetings that start Monday in Indianapolis.

“We’ve very fortunate to get two outstanding relief pitchers, and we haven’t even been to the winter meetings yet,” manager Bobby Cox said. “So we are way ahead of the game. Gonzo and Soriano are both free agents, and we needed to fill those spots.”

It would have been nice to keep Soriano as a setup man; at times he did a nice job finishing out games for the Braves, but I think he could really work it in a setup role. Mike Gonzalez had one really remarkable year in Pittsburg (2006) before the injury bug set in, which in my opinion also renders Gonzalez as a replaceable part; not really worth the risk of a lot of cash investment. I expect Gonzo to have a great year (OK, temper expectations to good) if he is healthy, but his agent priced him right out of ATL.

So now we have a new bullpen featuring some old dudes. That will work out well. Probably.

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Shhhhh. Here come the Braves.

It seems like every time I write about the Braves being in contention for the playoffs, something miserable happens to them, so it is with trepidation that I write this post. Keeping my fingers crossed … here we go …

According to ESPN, what the Braves are attempting to do has never been done before.

This team was 8½ games out in the wild-card race with 21 games left in the season. And now, with seven games to go, these same Braves are only two out in the loss column.

So if they can stampede back this week to overtake Colorado, the Braves will go down in history.

The Elias Sports Bureau reports that before this outfit came along, only one club in history — the 1964 Cardinals — had ever been 8½ games back in September and lived to make up that entire deficit and play a postseason game. So the Braves would tie that record if they win the wild card.

But the last date on which those ’64 Cardinals were 8½ back was Sept. 5, when they still had 27 games to play. So the Braves would be the first team to trail by that many games as late as Sept. 11 on the calendar, and with just 21 to play on the schedule. Oh, and one more thing: If they somehow blow by the Phillies and win the NL East, they’ll own all these records unto themselves, since they were a whopping nine games behind the Phillies after games of Sept. 9.

The Braves have made up this ground by going 14-2 over the past 2½ weeks, with both losses coming against Philadelphia last weekend. The Braves finish the season with three home games against Florida (the Marlins are 4-2 at Turner Field this season) and four at home against Washington, a team they’re 5-0 against in Atlanta and 9-4 against altogether.

The Braves are currently up 3-0 on the Marlines in the 5th. Assuming I do not jinx them, the Braves will be 2 games back of the Rockies.

Go Braves!

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Everyone loves a winner. Time for Cox to go?

I really do not get the recent criticism of Bobby Cox. I do not see how another manager would have manufactured more wins, much less a playoff appearance, out of the current Braves or the past few teams that have failed to make the playoffs. Jeff Schultz has a blog entry on the current status of Cox; he may be contemplating retirement.

But there’s something about this team that Cox’s critics still don’t grasp: The Braves are only good, not great. With Chipper Jones slumping, they’re closer to average. They have very good starting pitching but sporadic hitting.

If and when the Braves miss the playoffs again, it won’t be because of Bobby Cox, it will be because of the personnel. But it’s the easy answer, isn’t it? Michael Vick breaks a leg, fire Dan Reeves. And where are Joe Paterno’s critics now?

Cox deserves better than being swept under the carpet, and before the Glavine debacle, I would have said it would never happen to one of baseball’s all time great managers.

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Can the Braves make me eat crow?

Every time I write about the Braves being in the thick of the playoff action, they prove me wrong, and start dropping games. While the NL East is a lost cause, the Braves are now within 3 games of the Wild Card. Will Hudson’s return give them enough of a boost to push them over the hump?

I still think this team is too flawed to make a serious push or if they make the Wild Card, to go very deep in the playoffs.
The starting pitching is deep enough, but as has happen in the past, a power outage or a leaky bullpen will let Atlanta down. Brian McCann (17) and Chipper Jones (16) are the Braves HR leaders. Rafael Soriano (20 SV) and Mike Gonzalez (9) are better setup guys than closers.

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Stick a fork in ‘em 2009 edition. Braves are done.

After falling to San Diego 12-5, and going .500 in their last 10 games, the Braves are 8 back of the Phillies. The NL East crown is going to have to wait, and it looks like the playoffs are now out of reach. Atlanta is now 5.5 back in the wild card chase, and I do not think they can overcome Florida, San Francisco, and Colorado. Not going to happen this year.

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Sports Monday.

If you work for a living, Monday’s basically suck. Those of you lucky enough to be at home because you want to be out of work get to watch the circle boys take on Watkins Glen today at noon. This is one of my favorite courses on the Sprint Car circuit, but alas, I will be at work.

The Braves have been on a mini tear of late, winning three in a row over the Dodgers, and five of six to pull within 3.5 of the Wild Card lead. Of course every time I write about Atlanta, I more or less jinx them and they fall to pieces again.

The Falcons resume camp today, this time with a full compliment on the offensive side of the ball. I hope to goodness that the Detroit game this Saturday is televised. Nothing like watching the rookies, seeing the depth charts fill out, taking a quick look at Gonzalez, and of course seeing what former Georgia Bulldogs QB Stafford can do for the Lions.

Football officially kicked off last night with the annual Hall of Fame game. Tennessee beating Buffalo 21-18. It was preseason football, but the Statue of Liberty like trick play by Tennessee was good fun.

Happy Monday. Deal with it.

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Braves are dreaming of October baseball.

Philadelphia has been on an incredible run, 9-1 in their last 10 games to take a 5.5 lead over Atlanta. The Braves have also been on a run of sorts, going 8-2 in their last 10, doing their level best to keep pace with the defending World Champs.

Atlanta is now 49-46, and a legitimate Wild Card challenger. I am not sure that the Braves have enough power and a real quality stopper to make a move, but it is nice to actually see the Braves in the playoff picture.

Mark Bradley of the ajc thinks Atlanta has a playoff worthy team.

This isn’t the same team we saw in May, both figuratively and literally. Jordan Schafer and Kelly Johnson are in Class AAA and Jeff Francoeur is a Met. Those were, as a multitude of you pointed out, the biggest holes in an unassuming batting order. But now Martin Prado is hitting like Pete Rose and Francoeur isn’t killing innings and Nate McLouth is providing professional, as opposed to amateurish, at-bats. And did I mention that the pitching is still great?

Good points. The starting pitching has been very good, but the bullpen, always the Achilles heel for the Braves, still scares me. I would just stick with Soriano and see if they can trade for someone that will absolutely eat up the 7th and 8th innings.

It is still July, but at least I can talk Braves playoff hopes and dreams.

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Friday Stuffs

Because it is Friday. And I have stuffs to discuss.

She’s a good hearted woman…
Happy b-day T! You’re still the best!

Many happy returns.
I never could get Sony’s online repair system to tell me squat about my PS3, but last night I received noticed that my PS3 just left Laredo, TX. It looks like it is due to arrive July 21. After going so long without playing, I am surprised how much I miss the little bastard. Cannot wait to play some more Ratchet & Clank.

That did’t take long.
July 4 I wrote a bit about the Braves making a bid for the NL East. So much for that. At the time of that article, the Braves were 2 GB, 1 under .500 (39-40). Today? Atlanta is still 1 under .500 (44-45), but they are now 6 GB. Sell, sell, sell!

Beckham madness over?
I never thought I would see the day that Beckham was ripped on ESPN, but it looks like that day has finally arrived.

In his first match since the Italian League’s season finale on May 31, Beckham was often behind the play and seemed winded. He had no free-kick chances near the goal, didn’t make any crosses that created threats and didn’t even take all the Galaxy corner kicks while he was in the match.

While this is not exactly a total bitch slap, the article was surprisingly overly negative towards Beckham. I agree with the overall assessment in the article. The Beckham buzz is done. Make of it what you will, but times, they are a changing.

Numbers game.
This article from EndSights (via N4G) contends that the latest NPD data shows that Microsoft is kicking Sony in the crown jewels. Actually, the author is trying to make a point that Sony fans are loyal, but the PS3 base is so much smaller than the 360 that the 360 will always have higher NPD numbers.

When you think about it, this is a bit of a head scratcher. I am not sure what loyalty has to do with it, right Sega fans?

Two of the biggest releases in June were Prototype and Fight Night Round 4, and both sold, in pure units, better on the Xbox 360. Prototype in particular was extremely pronounced, with the Activision published title selling 600,000 units between the two platforms, with the Xbox 360 accounting for close to 70 percent of those units — selling through close to 420,000 units. Fight Night Round 4 wasn’t as drastic. The title sold an impressive 471,100 units between the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, despite only being on retail shelves for five days. The Xbox 360 still represented the bulk of those sales, however, selling through 260,800 units — or 55.3 percent.

Despite the apparent dominance in the software sales chart by the Xbox 360, which, on one level, is an undeniable reality for Sony, also provides some rays of hope for the PlayStation 3 going forward. Conventional wisdom would say that Microsoft has a better hold on the hardcore gamer, as shown by their software sale dominance. Instead, if the June NPD numbers are any indication, it’s not software that Microsoft dominates — it’s hardware.

The whole system race (hardware game) is all about installed base. Grow your install base and make a cut off of each game sold. License fees and royalties rule.

All for now. Happy Friday!

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Braves finally dump Francoeur.

Not sure what else you can call it besides a dump. Most surprising of all, the Braves traded within the NL East.

Wow. Church must really have worn out his welcome with the Mets. Since coming off the DL in early June, Church’s line is .290/.336/.402 … far from good for a corner outfielder, but decent enough compared to most of the Mets’ other outfielders … and of course a far sight prettier than Francoeur’s .250/.282/.352 line for the season.

Defense? According to UZR, there’s little difference between them and Church might actually be better.

Handedness? With Fernando Tatis and Gary Sheffield, the Mets already had two righty-hitting corner outfielders; now they’ve got three.

So, let’s review: The Braves got a decent hitter and fielder who bats left-handed, and thus can platoon (or semi-platoon) with Matt Diaz in right field. The Mets got … what, exactly? If you figure it out, drop a line to Jerry Manuel. He’s going to need all the help he can get with this one.

Like everyone else in Braves-vill, I was all on-board the Francoeur bandwagon until the wheels fell off. As I said a few days ago, a change of pace would probably be good for him and help revive his career. I just cannot get over trading within the NL East, and I must admit that I do not know much about Church. Landing a 30 year old for a 25 year old, plus giving up cash does not seem like the best deal around.

What happened to Boston being hot and heavy for Francoeur? Was this really the best deal on the table? All I can say is rats!

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Braves bid for comeback in mediocre NL East.

At this point in the season, if you told me the Braves were going to be a game under .500 (39-40 to be precise), I would have told you the Brave would be 7+ games back of the Phillies and the Mets.

After winning 5 games in a row, including a 3 game sweep of Philadelphia earlier this week, Atlanta finds itself tied with New York, 1 GB of second place Florida, and 2 GB of slumping Philadelphia.

As we head towards the All-Star break, Atlanta has a chance of competing for the NL East title, but more realistically they will have to contend for the Wild Card spot. In order to push forward they need another bat in the outfield; they have to get more power and productivity from the corner outfield spots. While Garret Anderson has been solid in LF, when he is healthy, and Matt Diaz has been decent, their combined 9 HRs ties them for the team lead with Chipper Jones.

Then you have Jeff Francoeur in RF. It is time to move on from this failed experiment. A .620 OPS is just atrocious for a RF. How bad? Not only is Francoeur’s OPS the worst among all Braves starters, he is ranked 162 out of 169 across the board for the entire league. Then you add in Francoeur’s paltry 5 HRs, he is just not providing enough productivity to fill the starting RF slot. I know Francoeur is a hometown favorite that showed a ton of potential in his first three years, but I think a change of scenery will do him well.

Can the Braves make a push? It is possible, but one or two roster moves are in order for any sort of run to be possible.

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