2010 Braves Outlook: Glaus the key

article

-1

2010-02-27T08:55:32-05:00

Playerpress

397 7724 <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"> <meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"> <meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator"> <meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator"> <link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CMax%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List" /> <link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CMax%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData" /> <link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CMax%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping" /><style type="text/css">  </style> </meta> </meta> </meta> </meta> <img height="194" width="300" src="/uploads/Image/slideshow_1437844_5.jpg" alt="" />   The 2010 Atlanta Braves are faced with a task that no major league team ever wants to face. Dethroning the two time National League champs, Philadelphia Phillies.  Now, for the Braves to do this many things must go right, but most of all Troy Glaus needs to return to World Series MVP form. Glaus, who is coming off arthroscopic right shoulder surgery, signed a 1 year incentive laden deal worth up to $4 million last off season. A lot of factors will play into whether Glaus can return to form, whether he can adjust to 1st base as quickly as the Braves need him to and whether he can stay healthy the whole season. If Glaus can be successful and return to form, I see no reason why the Braves won’t be able to take out the Phillies. <o:p></o:p>   Glaus was brought in by Braves manager Bobby Cox, who managed Glaus during the World Baseball Classic.  When asked if there are any health concerns for Glaus, Cox said "None. Absolutely no restrictions on anything. Just a little common sense, that's all.” Glaus said "I feel good, the thing about it now is to get up to speed and get the game going at the right pace.'' Now when healthy Glaus is one of the best power hitters in the game. Glaus has hit 27 or more homers in eight of his 11 seasons. He led the American League with 47 homers with the Angels in 2000 and added 41 the next season. This power would certainly be welcomed by the Braves who were 22nd in the majors only hitting 149 homers during the 2009 campaign. <o:p></o:p>   Glaus is projected to hit in the cleanup spot between Chipper Jones and Brian McCann. McCann led the team in homers and RBI’s while hitting 4th this past season, McCann said he wouldn’t mind hitting behind Glaus. "When Troy is healthy, you look at what he's done,'' McCann said.”He produces year in and year out when he's healthy. He's still young. We expect him to have a good year hitting behind Chipper and in front of me. It makes for a great lineup.” Glaus does not just want to be thrust right into the 4th spot he wants to earn it. "Look, I'll bat wherever Bobby wants me to hit,'' Glaus said.”Obviously I'd like to earn that spot and feel that Bobby and everybody is comfortable with me hitting there.''<o:p></o:p>   Glaus hitting 4th would help the Braves tremendously, not just because of his power butt McCann statistically has hit better in the 5th spot.<o:p></o:p>   Since 2005 Hitting 5th - 222 games, .312 average, 41 homers and 166 RBI’s.<o:p></o:p>   Since 2005 Hitting 4th - 168 games, .276 average, 27 homers and 129 RBI’s<o:p></o:p>   If Glaus is healthy the Braves 3-4-5 of their lineup will be tough to face.<o:p></o:p>   Braves projected lineup   <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"> <meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"> <meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator"> <meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator"> <link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CMax%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List" /> <link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CMax%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData" /> <link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CMax%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping" /><style type="text/css">  </style> 1.      McLouth<o:p></o:p> 2.      Prado<o:p></o:p> 3.      Chipper<o:p></o:p> 4.      Glaus<o:p></o:p> 5.      McCann<o:p></o:p> 6.      Escobar<o:p></o:p> 7.      Diaz/Cabrera<o:p></o:p> 8.      Heyward<o:p></o:p> </meta> </meta> </meta> </meta>    74.190.195.123

2010-02-27T08:55:32-05:00

2010-braves-outlook-glaus-the-key

Yes 74.190.195.123, 142.166.170.101, 174.37.205.76, 123.125.66.93, 66.249.68.236, 173.60.111.16, 174.37.205.85, 142.166.170.100, 88.162.35.120, 68.158.5.74, 206.74.233.55, 24.30.107.180, 75.91.107.223, 67.173.0.141, 76.97.224.74, 74.254.43.133, 67.195.115.214, 208.54.90.67, 71.229.41.27, 66.249.67.250, 216.96.199.96, 174.129.157.195, 174.129.180.142, 75.101.176.194, 76.87.1.131, 71.67.120.6, 174.96.167.241, 92.105.208.230, 83.149.199.55, 206.53.153.126, 66.191.197.196, 76.125.31.67, 76.122.80.117, 97.81.70.30, 76.192.140.131, 66.249.67.120, 68.32.41.61, 174.129.139.3, 75.101.191.46, 173.49.144.151, 75.130.158.145, 72.193.169.218, 38.99.96.233, 166.137.10.103, 70.68.182.137, 97.87.24.153, 75.101.249.213, 66.240.108.42, 83.149.199.54, 66.249.68.111, 24.99.6.193, 75.101.195.195, 67.166.176.182, 69.126.110.13, 67.205.247.188, 67.195.114.230, 129.252.127.58, 85.114.136.243, 216.24.142.45, 174.129.58.57, 216.24.142.46, 89.151.116.60, 67.202.5.6, 70.37.70.228, 75.101.170.136, 75.101.232.231, 72.13.91.40, 142.166.170.104, 208.74.66.36, 208.74.66.62, 75.101.147.15, 76.97.188.228, 174.129.90.99, 204.236.198.91, 89.151.84.35, 67.202.7.134, 70.37.70.230, 65.52.26.149, 79.99.6.106, 68.217.55.222, 64.13.147.187, 142.166.170.103, 216.129.119.81, 173.70.55.58, 68.60.145.213, 75.131.193.6, 85.131.223.21, 75.101.139.240, 174.129.152.40, 74.232.47.156, 86.179.53.164, 98.113.196.230, 174.129.95.55, 211.43.152.54, 216.24.142.47, 91.121.85.14, 211.43.152.57, 208.74.66.61, 68.158.33.50, 89.151.116.54, 166.137.8.147, 66.219.58.44, 65.12.179.187, 67.167.153.96, 68.34.198.17, 206.53.153.40, 68.219.110.137, 75.22.125.71, 38.99.186.6, 68.187.192.248, 72.218.133.15, 67.81.175.156, 222.255.28.54, 152.23.212.109, 128.241.112.231, 174.55.100.82, 98.71.149.21, 76.111.219.183, 75.101.174.137, 199.91.37.33, 68.35.111.23, 67.191.179.4, 70.126.29.117, 74.166.118.12, 67.85.178.193, 74.86.227.226, 174.37.93.230, 166.137.8.45, 166.137.11.224, 98.21.206.70, 68.196.200.233, 166.137.8.34, 72.204.192.18, 199.254.206.4, 140.180.2.220, 68.217.59.85, 123.204.70.65, 166.137.10.73, 65.0.118.182, 71.125.232.75, 70.90.252.89, 209.249.53.187, 166.137.9.249, 68.28.251.125, 74.53.28.82, 85.25.124.132, 87.250.252.241, 173.49.236.145, 174.120.246.34, 173.18.103.189, 174.129.93.123, 123.125.66.122, 66.177.17.55, 198.51.16.3, 71.192.102.58, 64.13.222.190, 66.172.194.105, 72.3.223.26, 66.249.68.184, 119.63.198.38, 71.86.205.67, 84.80.153.143, 76.181.233.213, 70.43.199.77, 67.195.113.247, 66.249.68.43, 66.249.68.178, 71.75.184.48, 198.245.254.124, 38.98.19.68, 66.249.68.233, 173.49.245.171, 85.17.171.225, 218.28.29.236, 63.116.24.68, 71.177.75.26, 206.53.153.209, 173.6.25.90, 216.129.119.11, 74.243.183.60, 67.218.116.131, 216.129.119.40, 95.24.251.28, 116.252.191.96, 222.216.71.126, 66.237.234.66, 67.166.216.227, 195.113.214.213, 71.95.178.68, 66.249.67.238, 72.48.211.34, 64.12.116.10, 63.215.202.234, 85.17.226.119, 174.129.237.157, 76.15.239.126, 217.128.239.137, 98.117.182.177, 216.248.174.73, 74.98.160.244, 69.180.1.59, 166.137.11.45, 64.19.87.21, 24.126.213.171, 216.189.209.130, 76.122.78.10, 204.236.241.80, 98.67.57.175, 66.0.124.66, 76.20.249.146, 24.30.31.66, 173.77.184.220, 24.99.200.162, 74.60.217.139, 166.137.10.31, 216.240.247.251, 98.17.150.179, 69.180.21.190, 72.37.171.76, 208.87.234.180, 98.248.67.89, 174.131.0.86, 216.163.254.1, 72.29.32.213, 192.138.53.36, 98.87.71.203, 64.234.30.39, 24.99.24.69, 74.184.186.212, 71.30.239.134, 76.123.247.237, 173.20.61.59, 66.147.54.49, 216.165.95.70, 74.202.145.66, 12.144.146.206, 65.202.125.122, 38.117.149.83, 69.73.76.64, 68.184.92.16, 96.38.251.174, 96.32.180.80, 64.222.69.10, 76.105.69.137, 204.235.145.62, 65.111.135.66, 158.71.44.94, 216.152.175.101, 74.176.209.193, 70.154.78.170, 76.7.184.233, 75.150.22.241, 174.50.113.171, 71.251.180.234, 68.215.177.19, 68.171.235.204, 70.129.197.15, 65.222.202.204, 205.173.105.210, 68.217.8.173, 64.74.69.5, 222.231.72.77, 24.218.4.13, 208.11.8.10, 170.185.232.19, 76.190.238.68, 76.17.106.108, 207.171.199.137, 168.11.168.2, 70.146.163.70, 75.117.23.93, 153.26.241.6, 69.85.235.3, 72.16.178.195, 206.53.147.24, 77.12.21.169, 170.17.165.131, 173.20.80.239, 74.138.241.19, 168.8.212.125, 71.120.170.209, 208.83.127.130, 166.137.8.114, 209.172.240.61, 74.175.128.38, 71.207.199.164, 66.190.120.50, 166.82.26.86, 76.164.41.242, 207.157.91.128, 72.145.119.116, 166.137.9.168, 24.196.21.65, 205.145.16.20, 75.106.192.36, 64.12.117.68, 141.165.110.158, 74.7.5.50, 157.127.124.15, 67.131.29.254, 192.154.54.11, 98.67.33.9, 99.26.112.58, 166.137.11.185, 64.129.88.26, 69.130.80.189, 174.129.21.207, 74.191.67.11, 72.159.146.131, 75.52.175.27, 192.138.72.196, 75.90.100.243, 75.202.43.38, 98.230.65.126, 98.244.152.229, 76.97.179.242, 74.231.186.152, 168.9.26.2, 166.137.11.170, 208.105.115.50, 216.152.175.73, 74.133.145.74, 82.73.175.60, 79.228.46.191, 66.32.184.86, 66.6.146.60, 139.62.151.210, 72.18.101.82, 144.195.4.2, 76.97.13.209, 69.199.67.18, 76.120.195.193, 143.165.8.50, 66.102.227.191, 98.192.75.9, 13.13.16.2, 66.42.177.162, 66.195.250.227, 56.0.84.24, 24.99.153.9, 208.5.44.21, 74.39.233.74, 128.192.48.32, 74.232.81.153, 24.178.71.250, 67.16.94.2, 69.19.14.24, 207.171.253.181, 12.193.65.4, 71.207.242.83, 98.231.1.243, 165.2.186.10, 167.230.104.94, 148.87.67.132, 168.9.36.2, 98.21.223.138, 70.46.227.90, 204.49.124.15, 71.56.112.136, 207.216.178.226, 97.81.80.74, 68.32.71.156, 152.2.34.33, 163.246.163.179, 68.213.36.210, 63.71.120.26, 205.174.22.27, 68.53.9.141, 167.192.150.19, 74.162.33.61, 72.54.65.166, 69.173.100.249, 207.255.0.27, 98.18.246.177, 24.177.227.60, 71.30.236.161, 24.144.26.175, 76.168.95.249, 168.215.131.238, 24.126.252.24, 67.134.131.131, 65.183.97.113, 75.32.76.112, 173.95.147.203, 173.67.237.196, 79.112.98.194, 166.137.11.109, 66.21.26.162, 65.37.232.106, 68.214.217.130, 167.199.240.78, 132.32.201.8, 69.77.144.198, 69.15.45.230, 67.235.99.164, 72.30.161.246, 70.153.113.232

2010 Braves Outlook: Glaus the key

No Atlanta Braves, Brian McCann, Troy Glaus

2010 Braves Outlook: Glaus the key

280

writer

wire

2010-02-10T19:40:00-05:00

Playerpress

108 7416 According to sources, the Atlanta Braves have made an offer to free agent outfielder Johnny Damon.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The Braves offer is believed to be for one year and include deferred money. However, Damon is seeking a two year deal according to his agent, Scott Boras. <o:p> </o:p> Damon, 36, hit .286 with 24 homers for the New York Yankees last season and if signed by the Braves he would likely be their leadoff hitter.<o:p></o:p> 76.97.188.228

2010-02-10T19:40:00-05:00

7416-braves-offer-damon-a-contract-

Yes 76.97.188.228, 174.129.155.45, 211.43.152.49, 85.114.136.243, 211.43.152.53, 204.236.198.91, 216.24.142.46, 208.74.66.62, 89.151.116.56, 75.101.185.232, 174.129.142.69, 208.74.66.38, 67.220.192.215, 75.101.197.164, 67.207.201.151, 64.246.135.98, 64.13.147.187, 70.37.70.228, 216.24.142.45, 66.249.68.149, 123.125.66.57, 75.101.232.231, 174.36.241.149, 142.166.3.122, 83.149.199.55, 67.195.37.188, 67.195.112.114, 174.129.90.99, 96.246.112.236, 66.249.67.229, 216.24.142.47, 89.151.84.35, 208.74.66.36, 75.101.232.27, 208.74.66.39, 72.13.91.40, 72.150.158.230, 76.179.22.102, 98.137.72.249, 204.236.232.79, 93.32.48.17, 67.202.40.201, 65.52.26.149, 67.207.201.152, 98.137.72.220, 66.219.58.34, 64.233.172.6, 173.52.30.83, 216.121.78.19, 38.100.41.119, 89.151.116.54, 75.101.205.207, 67.202.10.201, 83.149.199.54, 174.129.93.37, 75.101.203.230, 174.21.243.205, 128.241.112.231, 72.44.48.172, 38.99.97.126, 174.129.134.85, 75.101.232.109, 65.78.127.90, 123.125.66.83, 87.250.252.241, 216.129.119.11, 64.184.179.77, 84.241.50.142, 70.126.192.46, 67.218.116.131, 64.13.222.190, 79.176.68.156, 79.182.4.253, 174.129.74.219, 209.249.53.187, 74.190.198.252, 66.249.68.155, 67.16.94.2, 97.81.94.124, 66.249.67.206, 66.249.67.44, 66.249.67.141, 66.249.67.150, 38.100.8.50, 67.195.112.88, 66.249.68.251, 66.249.68.172, 67.195.114.230, 66.249.68.236, 67.195.115.214, 13.2.20.44, 217.14.6.210, 66.249.68.81, 85.25.124.132, 66.249.68.184, 66.249.67.120, 66.249.68.233, 66.249.68.37, 67.195.113.247, 216.129.119.40, 95.24.251.28, 66.249.68.210, 69.115.241.123, 207.46.204.182, 66.249.67.248, 123.125.66.129

Braves offer Damon a contract

No Johnny Damon, Atlanta Braves, NY Yankees, MLB

Braves offer Damon a contract

administrator

article

-1

2009-10-13T20:52:47-04:00

Playerpress

214 5587 <img height="128" width="150" alt="" src="/uploads/Image/derek lowe.jpg" />    <div> <div>                 Derek Lowe’s days in Atlanta may be numbered. After signing a 4 year $60 million dollar deal last off season, Derek Lowe was slated to be the new ace of the Braves rotation. But after posting a 4.67 ERA and .301 opponent average, the emergence of Javier Vazquez and the return of Tim Hudson it seems as if there may not be a spot in the rotation anymore. Despite being owed $45 million over the next three years, you can be sure there will be takers for Lowe.</div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in"> </div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in">If the Braves were to trade Lowe, their rotation would consist of Tim Hudson, Jair Jurrjens, Javier Vazquez, Tommy Hanson and Kenshin Kawakami, who combined went 49 – 37 with a 3.17 ERA. The Braves desperately need a right handed power hitter, and by trading Lowe they could free up $15 million, which surely would be enough so sign the likes of Matt Holliday or Jason Bay, if they don not re sign with their former teams.</div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in"> </div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in">The Braves will have a tough task this off season, deciding weather to trade Derek Lowe, Javier Vazquez or picking up Tim Hudson’s option. One of those three will have to go and if I had to put money on it, Derek Lowe will Not be an Atlanta Braves in 2010.</div> </div>   74.190.190.130

2009-10-13T20:52:47-04:00

derek-lowe-on-the-move

Yes 66.249.68.248, 67.228.11.210, 74.190.190.130, 72.30.87.97, 66.249.67.136, 220.181.53.241, 119.63.199.42, 123.125.156.134, 220.181.53.238, 72.30.79.93, 174.46.170.180, 72.30.142.117, 218.28.29.234, 202.44.4.85, 65.55.105.226, 216.129.119.11, 79.180.59.83, 203.236.210.210, 67.218.116.130, 216.129.119.41, 67.195.115.229, 123.125.156.131, 121.28.34.69, 67.218.116.131, 65.55.105.217, 114.127.246.36, 222.124.212.196, 216.129.119.40, 66.249.67.67, 67.218.116.164, 85.17.211.164, 65.55.108.243, 59.36.98.154, 85.10.209.56, 67.195.113.245, 67.195.115.163, 119.63.199.61, 66.249.67.133, 216.129.119.44, 210.212.216.228, 66.249.68.245, 65.60.58.106, 210.51.10.197, 195.216.213.6, 202.54.61.99, 66.249.68.227, 68.185.242.189, 66.249.67.238, 203.147.4.68, 218.75.75.246, 174.46.170.184, 89.253.70.223, 24.196.150.147, 174.129.87.184, 195.2.216.186, 65.42.208.133, 189.14.192.91, 66.249.68.242, 68.54.2.208, 66.249.67.174, 189.8.36.90, 94.23.238.27, 38.103.17.185, 120.28.64.77, 67.195.112.109, 74.184.186.212, 66.249.67.27, 202.116.160.89, 212.12.160.52, 24.132.42.251, 221.215.1.224, 222.116.210.143, 123.125.66.29, 92.241.182.24, 65.55.106.157, 38.108.180.149, 82.193.114.204, 200.177.228.4, 85.25.124.167, 122.227.147.46, 65.55.207.136, 58.246.76.76, 123.138.18.114, 120.28.64.94, 67.195.112.159, 124.107.85.117, 195.113.214.214, 219.142.118.37, 120.28.64.85, 85.178.105.114, 200.129.25.14, 65.55.106.108, 71.126.157.36, 66.249.65.200, 74.62.154.166, 72.87.42.167, 65.55.106.163, 67.195.111.172, 211.99.141.10, 143.61.249.29, 174.133.177.66, 71.3.83.69, 63.215.202.234, 95.27.39.115, 163.1.5.150, 65.55.106.227, 38.100.41.67, 95.108.157.251, 202.180.34.186, 163.1.5.153, 123.125.66.102, 38.99.98.16, 142.166.3.122, 132.5.72.10, 87.250.252.241, 66.249.68.233, 212.227.136.205, 24.183.203.25, 66.249.67.91, 85.25.124.4, 72.30.142.161, 74.240.85.236, 72.68.114.73, 66.249.67.229, 65.55.207.131, 207.241.228.152, 74.53.3.132, 123.125.66.39, 98.194.10.177, 66.249.68.143, 38.99.97.84, 38.100.41.105, 92.241.182.23, 63.139.138.194, 66.249.65.109, 67.195.114.243, 67.195.114.42, 65.55.106.233, 66.150.224.245, 168.170.202.210, 65.55.107.182, 38.100.8.50, 65.55.106.229, 76.108.228.49, 65.55.107.227, 66.249.68.204, 123.125.66.92, 66.249.67.72, 67.195.37.188, 67.195.112.114, 66.249.67.44, 38.99.97.195, 65.55.106.112, 62.75.218.97, 65.55.106.211, 208.115.111.245, 65.55.109.237, 207.46.194.181, 66.249.68.187, 65.55.106.210, 67.195.112.88, 67.16.94.2, 67.195.115.214, 123.125.66.82, 207.46.204.197, 66.249.68.81, 85.25.124.132, 66.249.68.236, 67.195.113.247, 65.55.110.196, 207.46.12.70, 66.249.68.37, 38.99.97.22

Derek Lowe on the move?

No atlanta Braves, Derek Lowe, MLB

Derek Lowe on the move?

280

writer

article

2009-08-03T12:00:00-04:00

Playerpress

281 4664   You never want to be the man that follows The Man. It's a much safer situation to be the man that follows the man that followed The Man. To follow a legend, almost always leads to a predictable demise. That legend, whether a player, coach, or general manager, has obviously set such a high level of expectation, that his successor really has no choice but to fail. This was the thinking for Atlanta Braves fans when John Schuerholz left his position of General Manager and put Frank Wren in his former place.        You see, over the run of 14 consecutive division titles, Schuerholz became as much of a respected icon as the Braves manager, Bobby Cox, himself. From the worst-to-first season in 1991 to the "Baby Braves" divisional title in 2005, seemingly every move Schuerholz had a hand in turned to gold for Atlanta. So when Frank Wren was named the new General Manager of the Braves in October of 2007, skepticism flooded through the Atlanta faithful. Now that we are coming up on completing his second full season as General Manager, let's take a look at what he has been able to accomplish.     It didn't take Wren very long to make a splash, as only weeks after he was named GM, he dealt SS Edgar Renteria to the Detroit Tigers for SP Jair Jurrjens and OF Gorkys Hernandez. Wow. What a steal. Renteria struggled mightily for Detroit and has been on a downhill slide ever since his departure from the Braves. Jurrjens has emerged as a potential ace for a very deep Atlanta rotation and is only 23 years old. I will go into more detail about Hernandez later.     Wren's next major deal, involved the previously mentioned Teixiera. Trade deadline 2008 was looming and after brief negotiations with Scott Boras in an attempt to lock Teixiera up long term, Wren's hand was forced. The club was several games out of a playoff spot, in main part due to an injury depleted starting rotation, and decided to cash it in. With zero replacements options at 1B, Wren felt he couldn't simply keep Tex the rest of the year and pick up a couple draft picks when he walked in Free Agency. Atlanta at least needed a stopgap at 1B and took the best offer that came. The Los Angeles Angels sent 1B Casey Kotchman and minor league pitcher Stephen Marek to Atlanta for Teixiera. Clearly this move was made in order to salvage something for Tex, so it is unfair to criticize Wren for the trade.     The next major trade Wren made took place in December of 2008. After watching pitcher after pitcher fall to injury the previous season, Wren was determined to get a consistant workhorse or two for the starting rotation. Therefore he traded four prospects(C Tyler Flowers, INF Jonathan Gilmore and Brent Lillibridge, LHP Santos Rodriguez) for SP Javier Vazquez and LHP Boone Logan. At the time of the deal, many Braves fans were upset that such a promising young prospect in Tyler Flowers had been traded. However, realistically, Flowers would have never been able to play in Atlanta with Brian McCann firmly in place as the Braves backstop. This made Flowers very expendable. There was also plenty of doubt as to whether Vazquez would actually be a difference maker for Atlanta. To be quite Frank(pun intended) Javier has been splendid. As I type this, he sits at third in all of baseball in Strikeouts(158), and boasts a 3.01 ERA. Barring Tyler Flowers reaching a Victor Martinez level of production, this trade was a win for the Braves.     To round out the rest of the rotation, Wren looked to the Free Agent market. Although he wiffed on A.J. Burnett, he was able to land Derek Lowe for less money and one less year. There is no question that Lowe's stuff isn't near as electric as Burnett's, but his history of being able to take the mound every fifth day made him very desireable for the Braves front office. Some felt that Wren still overpaid for Lowe by giving him a 4 year deal worth 60 million dollars, and by the end of that contract, Braves fans may be very upset. For the time being, Lowe has been solid and hasn't missed any time due to injury. Maybe not worth every bit of 15 million dollars this year, but solid nonetheless.     His next pitching acquistion was the signing of the Japanese veteran Kenshin Kawakami. Wren gave Kawakami a 3 year deal worth 24 million dollars. In hindsight, this was a poor deal. Not that Kawakami has been awful, but Atlanta could have simply let Tommy Hanson and Kris Medlen fill out their rotation and use the 8 million extra dollars on a power bat that they still lack. That being said, if this is his worst mistake, I'll take it.     His next acquisition was pulling a rabbit out of a hat. Nate McLouth was the face of a weak Pittsburgh Pirates franchise and had just been signed to a very cheap three year contract. His name was never brought up in any trade talk segments on the internet or television. Yet one morning I woke up to find out Atlanta acquired McLouth in exchange for SP Charlie Morton, OF Gorkys Hernandez, and SP Jeff Locke. Unbelieveable. Morton was a spare part, since the rotation was terribly crowded with the energence of Tommy Hanson and the upcoming return of Tim Hudson in August. Gorkys Hernandez was the other piece brought over from Detroit in the Renteria deal, and the consensus was that he was Atlanta's second best Centerfield prospect behind Jordan Schafer. Jeff Locke is a high upside pitcher, but is still at least two years away from the Major Leagues.     Wren has recently made a couple minor moves that have solidified the lineup. He traded OF Jeff Francoeur to the Mets for OF Ryan Church. Even though Francoeur has been on a tear with the Mets, he was a blackhole in Atlanta's lineup and it became evident he would never turn it around with the Braves. Church has been unable to stay healthy enough to prove his worth yet for Atlanta, however the addition by subtraction method certainly rings true in this case.     The other minor trade happened an hour before the trade deadline when Wren shipped 1B Casey Kotchman to Boston for 1B Adam LaRoche. While this doesn't look like a significant upgrade, LaRoche's track record of being a great second-half hitter make this a solid gamble on Wren's part. Chipper Jones and LaRoche are great friends and this will only make for a stronger clubhouse. Additionally, with LaRoche's expiring contract, Atlanta's second best prospect, 1B Freddie Freeman, has an excellent chance to be the starting first basemen on Openning Day next year.     As tough as it is to replace a legend like John Schuerholz, Frank Wren has done almost as good of a job he could have. In a little over one year, he made a major weakness(Starting rotation) a strength, and has slowly but surely solidified the everyday lineup. With a crop of youngsters due up to the big club by next year, Wren has set the stage for another run of playoff appearances. It is now up to those players to determine when the postseason appearances begin again.   0.0.0.0

2009-08-03T12:00:00-04:00

wren-s-not-so-bad-after-all

Yes 66.249.68.248, 65.55.207.24, 174.46.170.181, 82.130.28.24, 174.46.170.179, 91.121.96.210, 65.55.106.158, 85.17.211.164, 66.249.67.67, 85.10.209.56, 65.55.207.98, 195.210.57.83, 66.249.67.136, 66.249.68.245, 208.115.111.250, 67.195.115.163, 89.253.70.223, 66.249.68.242, 74.184.186.212, 66.249.67.27, 67.195.112.109, 123.125.66.51, 71.238.254.92, 67.195.114.233, 92.241.182.24, 216.129.119.40, 38.108.180.149, 65.55.106.232, 85.25.124.167, 64.13.159.90, 66.249.68.227, 65.55.106.180, 64.13.159.86, 24.236.149.228, 70.108.174.6, 206.83.86.2, 67.195.112.159, 93.96.49.215, 77.88.51.29, 66.249.65.200, 67.200.132.106, 63.215.202.234, 65.55.207.99, 65.55.207.22, 83.167.62.168, 202.180.34.186, 174.133.177.66, 66.249.68.230, 95.27.39.115, 77.88.51.49, 38.100.41.67, 95.108.157.251, 66.249.68.172, 163.1.5.153, 123.125.66.45, 67.218.116.131, 142.166.3.122, 67.195.111.172, 65.55.107.196, 87.250.252.241, 66.249.68.233, 212.227.136.205, 66.249.68.150, 65.55.207.28, 83.167.62.164, 85.25.124.4, 65.55.109.14, 66.249.67.131, 67.173.98.83, 65.55.106.133, 208.115.111.246, 66.249.67.229, 72.30.142.161, 166.137.9.21, 74.53.3.132, 65.55.106.228, 38.99.97.84, 208.115.111.245, 65.55.207.54, 92.241.182.23, 65.55.109.88, 195.113.214.214, 66.249.67.53, 66.249.68.137, 67.195.114.42, 66.150.224.245, 209.202.168.78, 65.55.216.10, 65.55.106.157, 64.13.159.91, 123.125.66.91, 67.195.37.188, 66.249.68.204, 67.195.112.114, 65.55.207.137, 65.55.216.11, 66.249.68.149, 142.166.170.103, 65.55.207.27, 130.209.239.6, 74.190.198.252, 66.249.67.44, 65.55.110.190, 38.99.97.195, 77.88.51.37, 67.195.112.88, 38.100.8.50, 65.55.207.125, 67.195.115.214, 123.125.66.94, 67.16.94.2, 67.195.114.230, 66.249.68.81, 85.25.124.132, 66.249.67.120, 66.249.68.66, 38.99.97.22, 67.195.113.247

Wren's Not So Bad After All

No Frank Wren, Atlanta Braves, John Schuerholz, Bobby Cox

Wren's Not So Bad After All

842

writer

article

2009-07-13T21:18:00-04:00

Playerpress

350 3823   Try not to think about what might have been, cause that was then. And we have taken different roads. Those are lyrics from the song What Might Have Been, by the country band Little Texas. Please excuse me, as I have listened to this piece of music several times since I heard news of the Atlanta Braves trade of Jeff Francoeur.  Several weeks ago, I actually wrote an article claiming that it was time for the Braves and Francoeur to go their seperate ways, in hope that each party could find true happiness and success apart. That was my head talking. The part of me that wants what is best for the Atlanta Braves and their playoff chances. I never thought about the bond that had been formed between Frenchy and the Atlanta area.   Francoeur had lofty expectations placed upon his shoulders when he debuted for his hometown team in the summer of 2005. That season was supposed to be the year that the Atlanta Braves string of division titles came to an end. It was a transition year of sorts, with Atlanta integrating several rookies into prominent roles with their club. However, with instant contributions from the likes of Brian McCann, Kelly Johnson, Ryan Langerhans, Wilson Betemit, Pete Orr, Kyle Davies, and Francoeur, the team took the National League East crown for the 14th consecutive year. The group of youngsters were labeled the Baby Braves.   McCann and Francoeur were the two that became instant fan favorites, Jeff even more so than Brian. The two had played traveling ball all over Georgia together since they were 12 years old. They played against each other a few times a year in high school, and remained close friends. When the 2002 MLB draft rolled around, both were highly regarded and Atlanta targeted both local products. The more celebrated player was clearly Francoeur, by some scouts estimation a 5 tool player, and the Braves snatched him up with their first round selection, 23rd overall. When their second round pick rolled around, they were pleased, if not astonished, that McCann was still on the board. Without hesitation, Atlanta took the catcher from nearby Athens, Georgia. Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann were teammates once again.   Francoeur and McCann rolled very similiarly through the minor leagues and were called up within a few weeks of each other. While they were both successful, Frenchy always seemed to cast a shadow over B-Mac. Jeff had the undeniable presence of a superstar. He was a good looking, athletic outfielder with a cannon for an arm, and a smile that drove the ladies wild. As recent as a few weeks ago at Turner Field, females wore more Francoeur jerseys and shirts  than all other Braves players combined. Meanwhile, McCann was the pudgy, red headed catcher, whose face seemed to always be hidden behind his catcher's mask. Not exactly the most marketable guy in the world.   Beyond the celebrity appeal for Francoeur, and lack thereof for McCann, Jeff did put up better numbers when they both burst on the scene in 2005. Before I present some of these stats, I must inform you that Francoeur had 77 more at bats in his rookie season than McCann. In that campaign, Francoeur hit .300, which was 22 points higher than McCann. Frenchy also hit 9 more homeruns and drove in 22 more runs than Brian. As previously mentioned, those numbers helped contribute to another postseason birth and took Braves fans on a new kind of ride. One that involved many new and exciting, young faces.   That rookie year led Francoeur to many titles, that recently have been used to mock him. Most famously, Sports Illustrated put him on the cover, deeming him "The Natural." As Bobby Cox started him all 162 games the following season and watched him hit 29 homeruns and drive in 103 runs, local media outlets began labeling Jeff the "Goldenboy," in that he could do no wrong. It seemed that Jeff Francoeur was born to be an Atlanta Brave. Perhaps the old saying "love is blind" is true, for no fan of the Braves could have ever seen that the honeymoon would end. Not only did it end, but the Jeff Francoeur train ran completely off the tracks and we were all left to cover our eyes, trying not to look.   Many people point the start of his demise, as well as his loss of endearment from the Braves fan base, to the offseason before the 2007 year. The Braves, impressed by the play of both Brian McCann and Jeff Francoeur, offered both long term contracts that bought out their remaining arbitration years. McCann quickly accepted the 6 year, 27.8 million dollar offer. However, Francoeur did not accept the long term deal that the front office had presented him. I am only speculating, but it would seem likely that the dollar figure probably would have trumped McCann's by a few million. For an organization that for the past fifteen years saw players take less money to come play for Bobby Cox and the Atlanta Braves, fans of the team looked down at Francoeur's rejection.   All of the contractual frustration was set aside in 2007 when Francoeur managed to raise his batting average 33 points, although his power numbers did drop. Apparently the decrease in homeruns that year weighed on Jeff's mind. In the offseason he reportedly put on 20-25 pounds, hoping to improve upon his power stroke. As frequently documented, it backfired on him terribly in 2008. Francoeur's performance at the plate was completely abysmal and culminated with a July 4th demotion to Double A, Mississippi. Francoeur let it be known that he was very upset about being sent down, and after a couple of timely injuries, the Braves were forced to recall the struggling Francoeur. His complaining of the demotion only further alienated him from fans and members of the front office. He finished the year with a .239 batting average and what once seemed to be a match made in heaven, began to look like an inevitable nasty divorce.   Francoeur slimmed back down prior to this season, attempting to regain the form that had endeared him to so many across the south. It did not work. His average was only a few points higher, however he was slugging for an even lower percentage than he was last year. Frank Wren and John Schuerholz had simply seen enough. They could not continue to allow Bobby Cox to pencil Francoeur, in the midst of a two year slump, into an already anemic lineup. Atlanta shipped him to the first club that offered any sort of Major League ready player in return. Oddly enough, that team happened to be a divisional rival, the New York Mets. A lifelong Peachtree state native to the Big Apple. Francoeur better perform if he wants any rest in the city that never sleeps.   How did we get here Jeff Francoeur? The hometown hero. The next face of the franchise. Goldenboy. The Natural. No one could have known you would play your way out of town before your 26th birthday. Now there are only two Baby Braves left, and without a doubt, your departure has been the most devestating blow. It wasn't supposed to end like this. The stars never were meant to align for such a sharp demise. The smooth, charismatic right fielder has taken his act to New York, and the plump, red head, whose face remains behind that catcher's mask, has become the face of the Atlanta Braves. 0.0.0.0

2009-07-13T21:18:00-04:00

what-might-have-been

Yes 66.249.68.248, 67.202.15.176, 65.55.106.187, 174.46.170.180, 67.195.115.229, 174.46.170.181, 174.46.170.179, 85.17.211.164, 83.167.62.168, 85.10.209.56, 67.195.115.163, 74.105.104.26, 65.55.106.209, 66.249.67.136, 67.195.113.245, 66.249.68.245, 96.32.142.248, 174.129.114.74, 174.129.101.63, 66.235.124.57, 66.249.68.123, 208.115.111.250, 66.235.124.8, 66.249.68.227, 195.210.57.83, 67.195.112.109, 66.249.68.242, 97.85.151.154, 74.184.186.212, 66.249.67.27, 65.55.106.203, 65.55.106.134, 124.115.0.161, 124.115.0.24, 71.238.254.92, 123.125.66.29, 92.241.182.24, 216.129.119.40, 38.108.180.149, 65.55.106.158, 85.25.124.167, 67.195.114.233, 67.195.37.172, 67.195.112.159, 206.83.86.2, 77.88.51.29, 123.125.66.21, 66.249.65.200, 65.55.207.120, 66.249.68.193, 202.180.34.186, 174.133.177.66, 124.115.4.195, 95.27.39.115, 77.88.51.49, 95.108.157.251, 66.249.68.172, 38.100.41.67, 66.249.67.143, 123.125.66.104, 66.249.68.178, 142.166.3.122, 87.250.252.241, 83.167.62.162, 67.218.116.131, 65.55.106.179, 67.195.111.172, 66.249.68.233, 212.227.136.205, 65.55.207.22, 85.25.124.4, 208.115.111.246, 66.249.67.229, 207.241.228.152, 65.55.106.115, 74.53.3.132, 66.249.67.108, 123.125.66.26, 70.86.22.66, 38.99.97.84, 38.100.41.105, 208.115.111.245, 123.125.66.28, 65.55.109.141, 117.193.193.154, 92.241.182.23, 195.113.214.214, 65.55.207.50, 67.195.114.243, 65.55.106.228, 66.249.68.137, 67.195.114.42, 66.150.224.245, 209.202.168.78, 65.55.207.136, 88.131.106.32, 66.249.68.149, 206.53.153.113, 123.125.66.133, 67.195.112.85, 123.125.66.67, 67.195.112.114, 67.195.37.188, 65.55.207.48, 62.75.218.97, 65.55.215.74, 67.195.112.88, 66.249.67.44, 38.100.8.50, 65.55.106.159, 67.195.114.230, 123.125.66.95, 123.125.66.86, 67.16.94.2, 67.195.115.214, 66.249.68.81, 207.46.204.197, 85.25.124.132, 66.249.68.66, 88.131.106.31, 67.195.113.247

What Might Have Been

No Atlanta Braves, Jeff Francoeur, Brian McCann

What Might Have Been

842

writer

article

2009-07-03T18:29:00-04:00

Playerpress

407 3724 With Atlanta's three game sweep of the division leading Philadelphia Phillies, the Braves find themselves only two games out of first place in the National League East.  I just got back home from Turner Field, and was fortunate enough to see the Braves break out the brooms against the first place Phills. To say Atlanta needed those three games, would be a huge understatement. After losing 6 out of 9 against the Yankees and Red Sox, the Braves were desperate to turn things around and at least give themselves a shot in the race for the N.L. East. There was no better time to get three wins than against a Philly ball club that beat them every time the two teams met at Turner Field in 2008.   Incredibly, the offense that has been so miserable all season, figured it out. Who knows, maybe it will be their most potent output of the year, and the bats will come back down to earth. Make that below the earth, because they have not been good enough to be called mediocre until this Phillies series. Martin Prado became a catalyst for a club that has had only three solid hitters this year( Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, Yunel Escobar). Prado nearly won the first game of the series by himself. He went 4-5 and drove in four runs, including the game-tying and game-winning RBI's.   Although Prado had the single best series of any Atlanta hitter, Gregor Blanco and Matt Diaz were just as valuable. Blanco, replacing an injured Nate McLouth, set the table all three games. His slap hitting mixed with great speed, reminded me of Otis Nixon. Even his outs tended to be productive and at the very least, put pressure on the defense. Matt Diaz, a guy who has been a streaky hitter his entire career, decided to become red hot. He went 7-11 in the series, scoring 4 runs and driving in 3, including a homerun. Diaz also enjoyed a clutch moment like Prado did in game one, by driving in the winning run in the series finale.   Other than the role players doing their job, the ball finally began to bounce Atlanta's way. What proved to be the key play of the third game of the series, was a wild pitch by Mike Gonzalez in the eighth inning. Jayson Werth took off from third when he saw the pitch deflect off of McCann's glove and head all the way to the backstop. Gonzalez, sprinted to cover home, and McCann slid to the ground to recover the baseball, spun, and threw a strike to Gonzalez at home. Werth slid head first as Gonzalez received the throw and jabbed his glove at the runner. The home plate umpire waited a brief moment, and gave an emphatic out call. The crowd went nuts. The players went nuts. Even Bobby Cox showed a sign of life. That momentum carried into the bottom half of the inning and led the Braves to three runs and the series sweep.   Nobody knows what this sweep of the Phillies will mean in the long run. It could certainly lead to an extended run for Atlanta, since they go to Washington for three games, starting Friday night. While the Nationals aren't a scary team, the Braves have a startling trait of playing to the level of their competition. It would not surprise me at all to see the offense go back into stand-by mode and lose this series to the Nats. But for right now, the Braves have swept the defending World Champions, and find themselves 2 games back of the division lead. And in Atlanta, that will suffice for now. 0.0.0.0

2009-07-03T18:29:00-04:00

the-braves-are-back-maybe-

Yes 65.55.207.74, 65.55.207.69, 210.51.10.197, 220.181.53.229, 66.249.68.248, 203.236.210.210, 59.149.151.81, 174.46.170.181, 67.195.115.229, 174.46.170.179, 200.188.178.38, 190.102.206.48, 65.55.105.219, 85.17.211.164, 66.249.67.67, 85.10.209.56, 67.195.115.163, 74.222.1.99, 83.167.62.168, 66.235.124.56, 66.249.67.136, 118.175.22.69, 59.36.98.154, 65.55.207.94, 208.115.111.250, 67.195.113.245, 67.195.112.109, 202.115.80.195, 202.112.126.123, 66.249.67.91, 203.147.4.68, 66.249.68.242, 122.70.146.53, 212.12.160.52, 221.215.1.224, 189.21.126.3, 202.44.4.85, 114.127.246.36, 71.238.254.92, 123.125.66.103, 65.55.207.53, 65.55.207.27, 92.241.182.24, 216.129.119.40, 67.195.114.233, 38.108.180.149, 85.25.124.167, 120.28.64.94, 195.2.216.186, 67.195.112.159, 219.142.118.37, 206.83.86.2, 66.249.65.200, 24.8.163.103, 65.55.106.163, 202.54.61.99, 202.180.34.186, 83.167.62.162, 174.133.177.66, 95.27.39.115, 95.108.157.251, 65.55.106.159, 38.100.41.67, 123.125.66.43, 67.218.116.131, 142.166.3.122, 65.55.106.206, 132.5.72.10, 87.250.252.241, 66.249.68.150, 66.249.68.233, 65.55.109.63, 67.195.111.172, 212.227.136.205, 65.55.207.48, 66.249.67.131, 85.25.124.4, 72.30.142.161, 72.68.114.73, 208.115.111.246, 65.55.106.138, 66.249.67.229, 207.241.228.152, 74.53.3.132, 123.125.66.52, 65.55.106.230, 38.99.97.84, 38.100.41.105, 208.115.111.245, 92.241.182.23, 195.113.214.214, 66.249.68.143, 67.195.112.92, 66.249.65.109, 88.131.106.24, 65.55.106.187, 67.195.114.42, 66.150.224.245, 98.17.188.153, 124.115.0.108, 123.125.66.120, 65.55.106.139, 65.55.106.183, 67.195.112.85, 66.249.67.44, 67.195.37.188, 67.195.112.114, 65.55.207.95, 88.131.106.31, 124.115.4.201, 38.99.97.195, 65.55.218.160, 67.195.112.88, 38.100.8.50, 67.195.115.214, 66.249.68.236, 123.125.66.69, 67.16.94.2, 67.195.114.230, 85.25.124.132, 66.249.68.66, 38.99.97.22, 67.195.113.247

The Braves are Back.....Maybe.

No Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, Martin Prado, Matt Diaz, Gregor Blanco

The Braves are Back.....Maybe.

842

writer

article

2009-06-29T17:59:00-04:00

Playerpress

517 3667   A few weeks ago I wrote an article about the Atlanta Braves and how they have treated Tom Glavine. <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div>  <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Although, the Braves made a bad PR move by getting rid of one of the greatest Braves of all time, I understand why they did it now. Tommy Hanson is the TRUTH.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Hanson, who is 4-0, is all he was made out to be and perhaps more. Though he struggled in his first game as a Brave, he has been strong ever since and thank goodness because they need him.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The Braves can’t put three base hits together to save their lives so they are going to need good starting pitching to back them up. This Braves team reminds me of the late 80’s teams of Glavine and John Smoltz who seemed to be on the verge of getting it done.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Glavine and Smoltz just like Hanson, Derek Lowe and Jair Jurrjens were young and had to pitch their guts out to get wins sometimes. You knew if you got to the bullpen, your chances of winning were better. But in those days the Braves were on the verge of breaking out, it was just a matter of putting the right pieces together.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Those teams always seem to have great pitching, but couldn’t hit to save their lives and I got a feeling this team is going through the same growing pains.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">This team has brilliant starting pitching, average bullpen and below average hitting, therefore they are below .500, lucky for the Braves the Mets and Phillies can’t seem to get it together either. You just get the feeling that if they could put the right pieces together, they could break out.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Plain and simple it may be time for the Braves to clean house. The pieces they have been working with the past couple of years is not very good. God bless Jeff Francouer, I really like the kid and hopes he turns it around, but he’s a bust. He’s a great outfielder, but he can’t hit. I don’t know what the solution is other then like a streaky basketball player just let him keep trying until he brings himself out of it, but Frenchie is not by himself.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Most of the Braves outfielders can’t hit, even phenom Jordan Schafter was sent back down to the minors because of his poor hitting. Maybe the problem isn’t the hitters as much as it maybe the hitting coach. Terry Pendleton, the Braves hitting coach, was never known as a power hitter when he played, so why he is the hitting coach is beyond me. Rumor has it that Pendleton is in line to take Bobby Cox’s place when he retires, so that maybe why he is allowed to stick around for as long as he has.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">One thing is certain, the Braves can’t keep depending on starting pitching to carry them the rest of the season, at some point they need to start hitting. As good as Hanson, Lowe and the other starters are, they can’t do it all and it will catch up to them if it hasn’t already.</div>   0.0.0.0

2009-06-29T17:59:00-04:00

i-owe-the-braves-an-apology

Yes 123.125.156.132, 65.55.106.132, 218.202.1.177, 118.98.212.43, 123.125.156.136, 85.219.163.185, 65.55.207.53, 123.125.156.135, 174.46.170.181, 220.181.53.240, 65.55.106.163, 82.231.61.186, 219.134.64.251, 66.249.68.248, 65.55.207.137, 85.17.211.164, 72.30.78.232, 65.55.106.156, 83.167.62.168, 85.10.209.56, 210.21.63.141, 202.44.4.85, 217.218.98.254, 210.212.216.228, 221.130.48.67, 66.249.67.67, 60.172.179.14, 38.108.180.175, 208.115.111.250, 221.215.1.224, 202.131.30.149, 61.135.249.205, 65.55.207.101, 67.195.113.245, 66.249.68.227, 67.195.115.163, 114.127.246.36, 203.147.4.68, 212.138.47.13, 120.28.64.94, 200.201.190.82, 189.21.126.3, 65.55.106.110, 201.225.226.68, 124.115.4.199, 189.14.192.91, 123.125.66.48, 71.238.254.92, 92.241.182.24, 216.129.119.40, 110.8.253.100, 38.108.180.149, 85.25.124.167, 190.102.206.48, 202.180.34.186, 123.125.66.46, 120.28.64.77, 65.55.207.23, 200.177.228.4, 58.246.76.76, 77.88.51.29, 202.131.30.150, 65.55.207.136, 66.249.67.120, 143.61.249.29, 174.133.177.66, 95.27.39.115, 77.88.51.49, 163.1.5.150, 95.108.157.251, 65.55.106.186, 38.100.41.67, 163.1.5.153, 123.125.66.113, 67.218.116.131, 142.166.3.122, 67.195.112.159, 66.249.68.195, 132.5.72.10, 67.195.111.172, 87.250.252.241, 65.55.207.100, 65.55.109.64, 66.249.68.233, 212.227.136.205, 66.249.68.150, 202.131.30.148, 124.115.0.104, 66.249.67.91, 123.125.66.52, 66.249.67.229, 85.25.124.4, 66.249.67.131, 83.167.62.162, 72.30.142.161, 71.234.245.185, 208.115.111.246, 65.55.106.115, 207.241.228.152, 61.247.222.82, 123.125.66.101, 38.99.97.84, 38.100.41.105, 67.142.168.21, 66.249.67.108, 208.115.111.245, 92.241.182.23, 195.113.214.214, 67.195.114.243, 65.55.106.179, 67.195.114.42, 65.55.110.64, 65.55.106.111, 66.150.224.245, 61.247.222.83, 123.125.66.126, 66.249.68.149, 123.125.66.78, 67.195.37.188, 61.135.249.203, 66.249.67.44, 67.195.112.114, 62.75.218.97, 65.55.207.93, 123.125.66.121, 61.247.222.46, 38.100.8.50, 65.55.107.179, 67.16.94.2, 67.195.115.214, 85.25.124.132, 123.125.66.87, 66.249.68.37, 67.195.113.247, 174.129.152.208

I owe the Braves an apology

No Atlanta Braves, Tommy Hanson, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz

I owe the Braves an apology

487

writer

article

2009-06-28T18:26:00-04:00

Playerpress

344 3653 The Braves rookie has become the team's "stopper."  When Atlanta called Hanson up to make his Major League debut against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 7th, expectations were sky high from people all over the league. The heralded righty turned in a rather sub par performance that day, but since then has been very R.O.Y.-esque.   His next start against Baltimore he allowed 2 earned runs, and those would be the last two he has given up to date. His consecutive scoreless inning streak is up to 21, which is no small feat for any pitcher, much less a rookie. Those 21 innings have come against some pretty solid offenses such as the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Ever heard of those teams?   What most people have already forgotten, is that Hanson is the main reason that Tom Glavine was cut. Some blamed it on those tight wads at Liberty Mutual, and the one million dollars that would have been owed Glavine had he been placed on the active roster. The real story was, Atlanta needed a fifth starter. Jo-Jo Reyes had been getting drummed every outing and Kris Medlen was a stopgap until the decision was made between the two Tommy's. Braves management deemed Hanson the most suited to fill out the rotation, and so far, he has made them look pretty smart.   Hanson is now 4-0 with a 2.48 ERA in the five starts he has made. Even though his walk total has been high(17BB in 29IP), the young Tommy has shown an incredible ability to get out of trouble. He has left an incredible number of guys on base, one of the biggest factors in his success. At first I thought he was getting quite lucky, but as he continued to work in and out of trouble, I started drinking the Tommy Hanson Kool-Aid.   His calm demeanor on the hill gives him the appearance of a 20 year veteran. This poise is also what helped him so much when he kept finding New York Yankees on the bases every inning of his start against the Evil Empire. In a sport with as many ups and downs over the course of a long, gruelling schedule, Hanson's level-headedness could prove to be his most important tool.   While Hanson is a long way from being mentioned in the same breath as Josh Beckett, Johan Santana, and Roy Hallday, a Rookie of the Year Award is certainly not out of reach. If he continues to get Wins that stop losing streaks as he did today and on June 18 against the Reds(both 4 game streaks), he will soon be known as Atlanta's "stopper." Much like the two future Hall of Famers that had their tenure's ended in a Braves uniform recently.   0.0.0.0

2009-06-28T18:26:00-04:00

tommy-hanson-continues-to-impress

Yes 174.46.170.180, 72.30.78.232, 65.55.207.123, 65.55.207.46, 85.17.211.164, 66.249.68.248, 85.10.209.56, 65.55.106.158, 66.249.67.67, 67.195.113.245, 66.249.67.136, 65.55.106.207, 38.108.180.175, 83.167.62.162, 208.115.111.250, 66.249.68.227, 67.195.115.163, 67.195.114.233, 67.195.112.109, 82.199.86.60, 124.115.0.142, 83.167.62.168, 65.55.106.229, 71.238.254.92, 123.125.66.115, 92.241.182.24, 216.129.119.40, 38.108.180.149, 123.125.66.26, 85.25.124.167, 124.115.0.141, 202.180.34.186, 67.195.37.172, 124.115.0.171, 72.87.42.167, 65.55.106.115, 66.249.67.120, 174.133.177.66, 95.27.39.115, 163.1.5.150, 95.108.157.251, 38.100.41.67, 66.249.68.172, 123.125.66.19, 66.249.67.91, 142.166.3.122, 67.218.116.131, 67.195.111.172, 87.250.252.241, 66.249.68.233, 123.125.66.107, 212.227.136.205, 67.195.112.159, 65.55.106.181, 85.25.124.4, 67.173.98.83, 208.115.111.246, 66.249.68.150, 65.55.106.112, 207.241.228.152, 65.55.232.22, 123.125.66.21, 66.249.67.245, 38.99.97.84, 38.100.41.105, 208.115.111.245, 117.193.193.154, 92.241.182.23, 195.113.214.214, 67.195.114.243, 123.125.66.78, 65.55.207.23, 66.150.224.245, 67.195.114.42, 65.55.207.94, 65.55.106.210, 38.100.8.50, 66.249.68.245, 66.249.67.35, 123.125.66.59, 67.195.112.114, 65.55.207.99, 67.195.37.188, 123.125.66.119, 65.55.106.162, 129.234.193.111, 220.181.94.231, 65.55.207.69, 67.16.94.2, 67.195.114.230, 123.125.66.93, 67.195.115.214, 85.25.124.132, 207.46.195.233, 66.249.68.37, 67.195.113.247, 123.125.66.68, 174.129.152.208

Tommy Hanson Continues to Impress

No Tommy Hanson, Atlanta Braves, Tom Glavine

Tommy Hanson Continues to Impress

842

writer

article

2009-06-22T18:10:00-04:00

Playerpress

197 3574  The Braves won the opener on Friday, but lost Saturday, fell behind Sunday and battled back but in the end dropped 2 out of 3.<div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "> The Sunday game went back and forth through some inclement weather.  Shortstop Nick Green hit the first pitch of the bottom of the ninth into right and a swirling wind and the ball wrapped around the Pesky Pole for a game winning home run.  The Pesky Pole is named for Johnny Pesky, a light hitting shortstop who created a reputation for hitting homers just around the right field foul pole, one of the shortest homers in baseball.  Pesky has remained with the Sox for decades, but actually did not hit many balls around the Pesky Pole. The Braves and Red Sox battled the elements all day.  Tim Wakefield started for the Sox trying for his team leading 10th win.  But the Braves scored 2 in the top of the first as the first two Braves singled and Brian McCann drove them in with a one out double. The Red Sox also got off to a quick start as Dustin Pedroia doubled and scored on a Jason Bay sacrifice fly.  David Ortiz hit a 2 run home run.  All of the runs were unearned due to an error on pitcher Jair Jurrjens error on a ball hit by Youkilis before Bay's sacrifice. It was 3-2 after 1, but both pitchers settled in and the weather continued to be damp and rainy.  The wind may have contributed to an Ortiz pop fly in the 4th that dropped untouched between the shortstop Yunel Escobar and third basemen Chipper Jones.  Ortiz eventually scored, the only run in the middle innings, and after 6 it was 4-2 Red Sox. Wakefield got into trouble in the 7th, and the Red Sox bullpen, which has been very reliable all season, provided very relief.  Ramon Ramirez allowed one of the inherited runners to score and was charged with a blown save.  After the Sox took the lead again in the bottom of the seventh, Hideki Okajima also was charged with a blown save as the Braves tied it again.  The Sox brought out their closer in a tie game at home for the bottom of the 9th, and Jonathan Papelbon loaded up the bases but pitched out of it.  Papelbon is becoming the type of pitcher who might cause some heart attacks or heart aches, seeming to put lots of batters on base When the Sox took the lead in the bottom of the seventh, it came on a J.D. Drew double on a 1-2 pitch.  However, the 0-2 pitch was quite controversial, and led to the ejection of Bobby Cox, and jones, who got a little too chipper, as well as pitcher Eric O'Flaherty.   On the first pitch of the bottom of the ninth, Green homered to right for a Sox win.  On as very grey day, it ended with Green.  </div> 0.0.0.0

2009-06-22T18:10:00-04:00

braves-battle-in-boston

Yes 83.167.62.168, 213.93.147.235, 174.46.170.179, 83.167.62.162, 85.17.211.164, 72.30.78.232, 85.10.209.56, 65.55.106.210, 65.55.105.211, 67.195.115.163, 38.108.180.175, 208.115.111.250, 66.249.67.67, 67.195.112.109, 71.238.254.92, 123.125.66.27, 66.249.68.242, 216.129.119.40, 92.241.182.24, 38.108.180.149, 85.25.124.167, 66.249.68.227, 77.88.51.29, 202.180.34.186, 65.55.207.26, 67.195.112.159, 174.133.177.66, 66.249.68.150, 95.27.39.115, 65.55.106.133, 77.88.51.49, 95.108.157.251, 38.100.41.67, 163.1.5.153, 123.125.66.18, 67.218.116.131, 142.166.3.122, 66.249.67.91, 87.250.252.241, 67.195.111.172, 66.249.68.233, 212.227.136.205, 66.249.67.131, 68.40.48.30, 88.131.106.21, 85.25.124.4, 208.115.111.246, 207.241.228.152, 123.125.66.115, 88.131.106.26, 38.99.97.84, 38.100.41.105, 66.249.68.143, 208.115.111.245, 92.241.182.23, 195.113.214.214, 67.195.114.243, 66.150.224.245, 67.195.114.42, 88.131.106.32, 66.249.67.44, 123.125.66.133, 67.195.37.188, 65.55.106.131, 65.55.106.233, 67.195.112.114, 38.100.8.50, 67.195.112.88, 123.125.66.77, 67.16.94.2, 142.166.170.103, 67.195.115.214, 85.25.124.132, 67.195.113.247, 66.249.68.37

Braves Battle in Boston

No MLB, Atlanta, Braves

Braves Battle in Boston

793

writer

article

-1

2009-06-22T11:27:00-04:00

Playerpress

541 3568 Chipper Jones was one of three Braves to be ejected in the 7th inning of Sunday's loss to the Boston Red Sox.  Finally emotion from an Atlanta Brave. This club has appeared to be dead to the world for much of the last two weeks. Not only have they been playing poorly, the losing seems to have no affect on them. I know these guys collect a paycheck whether they are ten games over .500 or ten games under, but it would certainly be nice to see these guys actually have one, single shred of pride.   This is the Atlanta Braves. America's team. The team whose fan base spread all over the nation when its owner, Ted Turner, put them on his little television network in the 70's. This is the team that won 14 consecutive division titles and one World Series in its glory days from 1991 until 2005. This club should have some freakin pride about them. They aren't the Chicago Cubs, who are more famous for how they always find a way to lose. They aren't the Washington Nationals, who are routinely mathematically eliminated from playoff contention in May. They are Chief Knockahoma and city of "The Chop." And it is about time someone acted like they care.   What ignited three Braves(Bobby Cox, Eric O'Flaherty, Chipper Jones) to the brink of eruption, was a poor ball-strike call by the home plate umpire. Let me preface the following scene by saying that this particular umpire had been terrible all day. His strike zone wasn't only inconsistant, it appeared to not exist. Pitches that were clearly out of the zone were called strikes several times, and pitches that caught quite a bit of the plate had been called a ball.   Chipper had been punched out on a bad call in the first inning which surely contributed to his mounting frustration. Later on in the seventh, O'Flaherty quickly got ahead of J.D. Drew 0-2. The next pitch, which was replayed dozens of times, nearly split the heart of the plate and was a little over knee high. When the pitch was located in the K-Zone, it proved to be almost directly in the middle of the box. It was called a ball. Predictably, the next pitch was hit off the wall and drove in the go ahead run from second. O'Flaherty began letting the umpire know what he thought about his call on the 0-2 pitch as Cox came out to remove him from the game. When Bobby saw this, he then changed directions and went to confront the umpire to defend his player. Improbably, Chipper Jones snapped.   He was right behind Cox, his head was leaning in over Bobby's shoulder. Screaming. Pointing his finger. Showing some fire. You have to understand the importance of seeing Chipper do this. He has always been an almost Tim Duncan-like figure. Always a great player, but never shows much emotion. He usually takes care of his business in a very professional way. Which is fine. Except that this team needs something to spark them. They have looked so lackadaisical it has been sickening. Braves fans have simply needed a reason to believe they actually care about wins and losses. Chipper provided that.   Even though Atlanta went on to lose that game on a walk off homerun, by of all people, Nick Green(a former Brave), there is hope in Atlanta. The culmination of the frustrations of the last three years seemed to have all been released on one rather pathetic, mustached umpire. It was absolutely glorious. I have never felt so wonderful about a loss in my life. Whether or not the Braves can turn that tirade into motivation and momentum is to be determined. At least there is hope. And for that, I must say: Thank you Chipper.   0.0.0.0

2009-06-22T11:27:00-04:00

thank-you-chipper

Yes 208.115.111.246, 220.181.53.240, 123.125.156.132, 123.125.156.131, 65.44.161.100, 195.2.216.186, 174.46.170.180, 66.249.68.248, 114.127.246.36, 60.172.179.14, 118.175.22.69, 65.55.207.121, 210.21.63.141, 85.10.209.56, 202.112.126.123, 95.62.147.8, 66.249.67.136, 195.229.62.157, 210.212.216.228, 65.55.207.71, 38.108.180.175, 208.115.111.250, 201.225.226.68, 67.195.115.163, 219.90.91.69, 65.55.106.155, 67.195.112.109, 203.147.4.68, 66.249.68.242, 66.249.67.27, 74.222.1.99, 120.28.64.94, 200.222.64.170, 222.116.210.143, 71.238.254.92, 123.125.66.47, 92.241.182.24, 216.129.119.40, 190.102.206.48, 67.195.114.233, 38.108.180.149, 120.28.64.85, 85.25.124.167, 202.180.34.186, 58.246.76.76, 67.195.37.172, 66.249.68.227, 82.114.160.36, 120.28.64.78, 66.249.65.199, 66.249.65.200, 67.195.112.159, 65.55.207.122, 221.238.17.245, 221.215.1.224, 174.133.177.66, 209.202.168.74, 209.202.168.80, 95.27.39.115, 163.1.5.150, 95.108.157.251, 38.100.41.67, 163.1.5.153, 123.125.66.34, 67.218.116.131, 87.250.252.241, 67.195.111.172, 66.249.68.233, 212.227.136.205, 65.55.106.208, 85.25.124.4, 207.241.228.152, 72.30.142.161, 66.249.67.108, 123.125.66.39, 65.55.106.157, 38.99.97.84, 208.115.111.245, 66.249.68.143, 195.113.214.214, 65.55.107.206, 66.150.224.245, 38.113.234.181, 65.55.106.182, 207.81.166.116, 173.183.76.251, 65.55.106.159, 67.195.114.42, 123.125.66.123, 67.195.37.188, 67.195.112.114, 65.55.106.139, 24.99.171.54, 88.131.106.31, 65.55.207.45, 124.115.4.204, 65.55.107.213, 66.249.67.44, 207.81.42.6, 38.100.8.50, 67.195.112.88, 173.183.76.143, 207.46.204.181, 123.125.66.86, 74.190.195.123, 66.249.67.250, 67.16.94.2, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.114.230, 85.25.124.132, 66.249.68.66, 124.115.0.170, 67.195.113.247

Thank You Chipper

No MLB, Braves

Thank You Chipper

842

writer

article

2009-06-15T15:20:00-04:00

Playerpress

300 3496 After Sunday's 11-2 defeat by a last place Baltimore Orioles team, it is apparent that the Atlanta Braves need to seriously consider replacing Bobby Cox.  Bobby Cox and Chipper Jones are the last two links in a Braves uniform to their World Championship team of 1995. I, along with every other Atlanta Brave fan, should be appreciative of what Cox has accomplished in his tenure as the Braves skipper. And I am. But all good things must come to an end. Cox's good thing in Atlanta ended with their last playoff appearance in 2005.   Watching Atlanta play over the last week or so, has been painful. Not only have they been losing frequently, they have played uninspired, ignorant baseball. From base-running mistakes, fielding errors, and other miscues defensively that do not show up in the boxscore, this club needs someone lighting a fire under them. Atlanta needs a Fredi Gonzalez/ Ozzie Guillen type manager that is not afraid to get in his players' faces.   Please do not confuse Cox's all-time ejection record for clubhouse intensity. Anybody with a pulse can argue an umpire's call. And anyone with a pair of legs can stand out there long enough to be tossed. Over the years, hundreds of players have put on a Braves uniform. Admittedly, most loved their time while playing for Cox. The consensus from those players is that Bobby doesn't say a lot, but what he expects is very clear. Fine. Maybe some of those guys from the past need to relay those expectations to the current players in Atlanta, because it is quite clear most of them have missed the memo.   The lack of focus defensively, and the poor discipline at the plate have been two consistent trademarks of the 2009 Atlanta Braves. Seeing the same errors and poor at-bats leads me to believe that Cox has become little more than a "cool uncle" figure. You know what I am talking about. That one uncle you had that would slip you a five dollar bill when he came to visit. The one that would let you punch him, kick him, and pull his hair and never say anything. That seems to be what Cox has evolved into. A manager that for whatever reason will not attempt to correct poor habits that his players have developed.   This year's Atlanta Braves, talent wise, actually have a chance to earn a playoff birth. They have the best starting pitching staff in the N.L. East, with the Florida Marlins coming in a close second. Their offense has plenty to be desired, but at least the organization attempted to upgrade by acquiring Nate McLouth. Offensively, that gives them a solid core of McLouth, Yunel Escobar, Chipper Jones, and Brian McCann. If this team can stay relatively healthy they can at least compete in a stacked N.L. East. First thing is first though, and this team, that has quite a bit of potential, needs a fire sparked beneath them.  0.0.0.0

2009-06-15T15:20:00-04:00

time-for-change-at-the-top-in-atlanta

Yes 72.30.79.93, 72.30.142.117, 174.46.170.180, 66.249.68.248, 123.125.66.105, 65.55.105.213, 66.249.67.67, 65.55.106.230, 85.10.209.56, 66.235.124.58, 66.249.67.136, 83.167.62.168, 67.202.4.247, 195.210.57.83, 38.108.180.175, 83.167.62.162, 208.115.111.250, 67.195.113.245, 67.195.112.109, 66.249.67.27, 65.55.207.95, 67.195.114.233, 124.115.4.204, 71.238.254.92, 123.125.66.100, 98.22.212.94, 92.241.182.24, 216.129.119.40, 38.108.180.149, 85.25.124.167, 202.180.34.186, 66.249.67.120, 66.249.68.227, 65.55.106.133, 67.195.112.159, 66.249.65.200, 124.115.0.139, 71.126.157.36, 193.130.78.102, 65.55.109.21, 174.133.177.66, 95.27.39.115, 65.55.106.207, 95.108.157.251, 38.100.41.67, 66.249.67.85, 123.125.66.23, 142.166.3.122, 67.218.116.131, 87.250.252.241, 123.125.66.103, 67.195.111.172, 66.249.67.91, 66.249.68.233, 212.227.136.205, 85.25.124.4, 66.249.67.131, 207.241.228.152, 65.55.207.45, 123.125.66.39, 66.249.68.135, 38.99.97.84, 38.100.41.105, 72.30.142.161, 208.115.111.245, 66.249.67.245, 92.241.182.23, 195.113.214.214, 123.125.66.97, 66.249.65.109, 67.195.114.243, 66.249.67.53, 67.195.114.42, 66.150.224.245, 65.55.207.134, 209.191.123.35, 65.55.106.229, 123.125.66.85, 67.195.112.85, 67.195.37.188, 93.214.188.246, 67.195.112.114, 130.209.239.6, 65.55.207.50, 38.100.8.50, 67.195.115.89, 207.46.199.52, 67.195.115.214, 123.125.66.67, 67.16.94.2, 123.125.66.64, 66.249.68.236, 67.195.113.247, 66.249.68.66, 66.249.67.18

Time for Change at the Top in Atlanta

No Atlanta Braves, Bobby Cox

Time for Change at the Top in Atlanta

842

writer

article

2009-06-13T13:40:00-04:00

Playerpress

409 3475 Tommy Hanson earns his first MLB win in his second start for the Atlanta Braves.  Perhaps it is a little early to determine whether it was the right decision to cut Tom Glavine, or if it was the right time to call Tommy Hanson up to the Majors, but one thing is undeniable. Hanson has the stuff to be one of the best pitchers in the game. How fast he achieves that status, if he does at all, is to be determined.   After giving up three homeruns to the Milwaukee Brewers in his Major League debut, I was admittedly a little concerned. I did not expect sheer dominance in his first start, but I did not expect he would give up three long balls and seven runs in six innings. He left his fastball fat way too many times and one of the best hitting teams in the National League made him pay. It wasn't all bad, however, as he struck out the side in the second inning, giving the Braves faithful a glimpse at what he could possibly be.   His most recent start, he faced the Baltimore Orioles. While they may not be quite the offensive force that the Brewers are, Hanson would have to face an "extra" hitter in the lineup since the Orioles use a DH in the American League. Hanson gave up more hits(9), but was able to keep the ball in the yard. It appeared that Baltimore's strategy against Hanson was to jump on the first pitch. Brian Roberts and Matt Wieters both accounted for one line-drive base hit each on the first pitch of an at bat. Amid the fourteen base runners he allowed(9 hits, 5 walks),Tommy was able to do a great job of damage control and limited the Orioles to only two runs. Peter Moylan relieved Hanson in the sixth inning with the bases loaded and two outs. His strikeout of Adam Jones on three straight pitches proved to be the most important plate appearance of the game and secured the Braves lead.   Could Hanson have been better in his first two starts? Of course. But he isn't some sort of immortal as many Braves fans thought he would be from the get go. He's a rookie. A darn good one at that. It will be intriguing to watch Hanson as he grows from start to start and becomes a better pitcher. Nothing can prepare you for Major League hitters and he must learn the tendencies and weaknesses of each hitter he will face. As far as my two cents go, Hanson certainly has the tools that scouts have raved about for over a year now. It's simply about him doing his homework and gaining Major League experience to become the phenom that Brave nation has labeled him. 0.0.0.0

2009-06-13T13:40:00-04:00

early-return-on-tommy-hanson

Yes 220.181.94.231, 72.30.78.232, 174.46.170.179, 65.55.107.180, 65.55.106.185, 85.10.209.56, 67.195.115.163, 66.249.67.133, 67.202.4.247, 38.108.180.175, 65.55.106.184, 208.115.111.250, 66.249.67.67, 66.249.68.227, 67.195.113.245, 67.195.112.109, 216.24.142.47, 75.101.232.231, 65.55.207.126, 66.249.68.242, 82.199.86.60, 124.115.0.164, 71.238.254.92, 123.125.66.34, 92.241.182.24, 216.129.119.40, 65.55.165.121, 38.108.180.149, 85.25.124.167, 65.55.106.208, 67.195.37.172, 124.115.4.198, 83.167.62.168, 83.167.62.162, 202.180.34.186, 67.195.112.159, 65.55.207.26, 174.133.177.66, 95.27.39.115, 163.1.5.150, 95.108.157.251, 65.55.207.98, 123.125.66.105, 38.100.41.67, 163.1.5.153, 123.125.66.31, 142.166.170.104, 142.166.3.122, 65.55.106.228, 67.218.116.131, 66.249.67.91, 67.195.111.172, 87.250.252.241, 66.249.68.233, 212.227.136.205, 66.249.68.150, 65.55.109.220, 65.55.207.99, 85.25.124.4, 66.249.67.131, 208.115.111.246, 207.241.228.152, 65.55.207.138, 38.99.97.84, 38.100.41.105, 123.125.66.101, 208.115.111.245, 92.241.182.23, 195.113.214.214, 66.249.67.108, 65.55.218.159, 67.195.114.243, 67.195.114.42, 66.150.224.245, 65.55.106.109, 38.100.8.50, 68.81.117.234, 65.55.106.183, 123.125.66.127, 65.55.106.205, 123.125.66.92, 97.63.62.38, 66.249.67.142, 67.195.112.114, 66.249.68.204, 67.195.37.188, 65.55.207.71, 65.55.106.231, 65.55.109.204, 67.195.115.214, 207.46.204.197, 66.249.67.120, 123.125.66.88, 85.25.124.132, 95.24.251.28, 123.125.66.71, 207.46.204.233, 66.249.68.8

Early Return on Tommy Hanson

No MLB, Atlanta, Braves

Early Return on Tommy Hanson

842

writer

article

-1

2009-06-11T18:26:00-04:00

Playerpress

256 3440   The time has now come for the Atlanta Braves to send the hometown hero out of town.    This is tough to write because I have wanted him to succeed as much as anyone in the Atlanta organization. After one of the most prolonged slumps in the history of baseball, I must finally admit that the Braves need to trade Jeff Francoeur. No more waiting for him to turn it around. No more hoping a team is going to actually give up a top prospect for him. The right fielder has run his course in Atlanta.   The Braves are at a pivotal point in the season. They just dealt three prospects for Nate McLouth, and appear to be in it to win it this year. However, that is not going to happen when they pencil Francoeur in the lineup every night. Maybe they could hold out a little longer if he was a Gold Glover at a position in which defense is incredibly important, like second base or shortstop. That is not the case. He is a corner outfielder, with an incredible arm, mind you. But his arm doesn't even come close in making up for his abysmal production at the plate.   I could bore you with countless statistics and numbers on just how bad he is, but I'll save you a great deal of time. Here are a few of the key ones. Last year his OBP was .294, due in large part to his inability to draw a walk. A .294 OBP is terrible. This year he is getting on base at a whopping .272 clip. Twenty-two points worse than last year's showing. His slugging percentage was even more disappointing. Last year Jeff slugged .359. For a corner outfielder that is especially poor. This year it has dropped to .336. There are absolutely no signs pointing toward him improving or coming out of this awful trend. If Francoeur was hitting for great power, you could almost swallow the .272 OBP. If somehow he was hitting the ball out of the park when he did make contact, the Atlanta Braves could afford to be more patient with him. It is simply not happening.   "Frenchy" has become a black hole in the Atlanta lineup, and no matter how you try to hide him, his spot has to come up eventually. The Braves have just had to pray that he isn't in the batters box in the middle of a rally. It is not as if Atlanta needs to trade for a Matt Holliday caliber player for right field. They at least need someone who can hit around .270 and make the pitcher work. Somebody who can occasionally extend an inning rather than kill it.   So, Atlanta is left with their backs against the wall. They must trade a player with negative trade value and pray they can get more than a water cooler and bag of baseballs in return. Once deemed, "The Natural," by Sports Illustrated, Francoeur now looks as lost as last year's Easter egg in the batter's box. It has been one of the most rapid and disturbing downfalls the sports world has ever seen. The only chance for Francoeur is a change of scenery. Somewhere he can truly relax and find the player he once was. "The Natural." 0.0.0.0

2009-06-11T18:26:00-04:00

it-s-time-for-francoeur-and-braves-to-part-ways

Yes 174.46.170.180, 66.249.67.67, 67.195.115.229, 123.125.66.15, 65.55.106.229, 72.30.78.232, 72.30.87.99, 85.10.209.56, 24.1.110.31, 66.249.67.136, 67.202.4.247, 38.108.180.175, 67.195.113.245, 208.115.111.250, 67.195.115.163, 65.55.207.30, 65.98.224.6, 67.195.112.109, 83.167.62.168, 66.249.68.242, 71.238.254.92, 123.125.66.28, 216.129.119.40, 92.241.182.24, 38.108.180.149, 66.249.68.227, 67.195.37.172, 67.195.111.172, 202.180.34.186, 65.55.207.50, 67.195.112.159, 174.133.177.66, 95.27.39.115, 38.100.41.67, 95.108.157.251, 65.55.106.207, 123.125.66.41, 67.218.116.131, 87.250.252.241, 66.249.68.233, 83.167.62.162, 72.30.142.161, 66.249.67.91, 208.115.111.246, 207.241.228.152, 123.125.66.101, 38.99.97.84, 38.100.41.105, 208.115.111.245, 66.249.68.143, 92.241.182.23, 195.113.214.214, 65.55.207.119, 66.249.67.175, 67.195.114.42, 66.150.224.245, 38.100.8.50, 66.249.67.35, 123.125.66.121, 65.55.106.109, 67.195.37.188, 67.195.112.114, 65.55.106.108, 65.55.207.54, 67.195.110.171, 77.88.51.37, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.114.230, 123.125.66.89, 67.16.94.2, 67.202.2.164, 66.249.68.37, 67.195.113.247, 207.46.204.240, 66.249.67.141

It's Time for Francoeur and Braves to Part Ways

No MLB, Braves

It's Time for Francoeur and Braves to Part Ways

842

writer

article

-1

2009-06-05T10:04:00-04:00

Playerpress

175 3345 Departure of Atlanta Braves icon Tom Glavine  I'll put away all sentimental feelings to do this. Which is not easy to do. Because I remember Glavine at his best. I remember Glavine holding the World Series Trophy, reflecting the smile that was on Ted Turner's face, and all of his incredible post season performances. The ease with which Glavine mowed down opposing lineups was matched only by his magician-like teammate Greg Maddux. In the only World Series I have been able to see my Atlanta Braves win, Glavine was named MVP. That is why it is so hard to type the next sentence. The time had come for Glavine to hang it up.   It shouldn't have come to this. Why could he have not just called it a career after his season ended last year with major surgery? He has the same problem that Michael Jordan and Brett Favre is currently having. To quote Chris Brown, "There's never a right time to say goodbye." However it is becoming more and more evident that Glavine's best time to say goodbye may have been at the conclusion of last year. It would have prevented this whole rehab mess through Atlanta's minor league teams and the ultimate release by the franchise he will forever be connected with. Could of, should of, would of. None of that matters now. While it makes Frank Wren look like a dog, he was trying to do the best thing for the Atlanta Braves now and moving forward. For that, I wholeheartedly respect his decision. It just doesn't ease the pain of the realization that the years of guaranteed postseason play and running out a Cy Young Award winner three out of every five days are over.   And perhaps that is what hurts the most. So much for a non-sentimental piece... 0.0.0.0

2009-06-05T10:04:00-04:00

so-long-tommy-glavine

Yes 66.249.68.248, 91.121.96.210, 66.249.67.133, 66.249.68.245, 38.108.180.175, 66.249.68.227, 67.195.115.163, 66.249.68.242, 67.195.112.109, 92.241.182.24, 38.108.180.149, 85.178.105.114, 66.249.65.200, 66.249.68.193, 174.133.177.66, 95.27.39.115, 66.249.67.85, 66.249.68.172, 38.100.41.67, 66.249.68.152, 66.249.67.163, 87.250.252.241, 66.249.68.233, 67.195.112.159, 66.249.68.219, 66.249.67.108, 66.249.68.143, 66.249.67.229, 92.241.182.23, 66.235.124.8, 66.150.224.245, 66.249.67.49, 38.100.8.50, 67.195.37.188, 62.75.218.97, 66.249.67.44, 208.115.111.245, 85.25.124.132, 95.24.251.28, 66.249.68.8, 67.195.115.214

So long Tommy Glavine...

No MLB, Braves

So long Tommy Glavine...

842

writer

article

-1

2009-06-05T09:01:00-04:00

Playerpress

167 3344 Braves finally land proficient outfield bat  Welcome to Atlanta, where the players play, Nate McLouth. Before I break into another ill-fated attempt at rap, I would like to discuss the most recent Braves acquisition, what Atlanta gave up, and the reaction I have heard from many other Braves fans.   I for one am thrilled about the deal. No doubt a win for Atlanta. McLouth is young (27 years old), has a very good bat (9 HR and 34 RBI already), played a Gold Glove centerfield last year, and is signed through the 2011 season at an incredible bargain with a club option for the 2012 season. While he doesn't have incredible power, the 9 homeruns he has already hit lead the Braves. Bobby Cox has penciled him in the third spot in the lineup, behind Yunel Escobar and directly in front of Chipper Jones, with Brian McCann sliding into the five hole. It is pretty safe to say McLouth will see a better selection of pitches hitting sandwiched between those guys as opposed to Freddy Sanchez and the LaRoche brothers in Pittsburgh.    While there is quite a bit of certainty with the player Atlanta traded for, Pittsburgh is getting three question marks of prospects in return. This is why I cannot understand the constant complaining in Braves forums that we gave up too much. Let me start with the highest touted prospect Atlanta dealt, Gorkys Hernandez.   There is no denying that Hernandez is a freakish athlete. He is extremely fast and covers a ton of ground in center. Even though he has speed, his ability to steal bases can apparently  improve as he has only been successful 10 out of 18 times this year. While he has hit for good average at both A and AA ball his strikeout rate is a major concern. His K/BB ratio is 54/15. He has almost four times as many strikeouts as walks. So for those who thought he could eventually be Atlanta's leadoff hitter that they have so desperately missed since the Rafael Furcal era, wake up. When a guy strikes out that many more times than he walks in AA ball, what is there to believe something will change when he reaches the big leagues? Atlanta also has Jordan Schafer in Gwinnett now, where he needs to be, and most scouts agree that Schafer projects as the better Major Leaguer of the two young centerfielders. That alone made Hernandez very expendable.   The next prospect in the trade to mention is Charlie Morton. I watched Morton pitch several times for Atlanta last year and he mostly struggled in the Bigs. All I have heard for the past two years are his incredible numbers in AAA. Well, for whatever reason it never translated to success in Atlanta. I still believe his ceiling is that of a number four in an average Major League rotation. For those Braves fans who had a problem with him being in the deal and wanted Jo-Jo Reyes to be substituted, Pittsburgh nor any other franchise is that dumb. Reyes has negative trade value right now and Morton has put up solid numbers in AAA again this year. In case you don't know, we have a guy named Hanson that just got called up. I have heard some pretty good things about him. Morton was merely a spare part in the Atlanta organization.   Last, and the least I know about, is Jeff Locke. I have heard he is considered a "toolsy" pitcher and is a few years away from the Majors, if he gets there at all. His stuff is apparently very good, however his location has been his kryptonite. Maybe he works out the kinks in the Pirates organization, maybe not. Either way, he was not a super prospect by any means. Most reports had him as the tenth best prospect in Atlanta's farm.   The bottom line is, the Braves were able to acquire a very good bat for parts that were expendable in their current system. Obviously, Pittsburgh places a higher value on those three guys than I do, or Atlanta does for that matter. This deal in no way reminds anyone of the Mark Teixiera trade, as McLouth is under contract for at least three more seasons with an option after that. It is rather obvious that any Brave fan not happy with this deal would have not been pleased with anything short of Ryan Braun for Greg Norton. Realistically this is almost as good of a deal as Atlanta could have possibly made at this point of the season. Good job Frank Wren.   Don't Stop the Chop 0.0.0.0

2009-06-05T09:01:00-04:00

welcome-to-atlanta-nate

Yes 72.30.79.93, 66.249.67.133, 38.108.180.175, 66.249.68.227, 66.249.67.67, 67.195.113.245, 66.249.68.242, 85.23.35.18, 67.195.112.109, 65.55.207.54, 38.108.180.149, 67.195.112.159, 85.178.105.114, 66.249.65.200, 65.55.207.50, 174.133.177.66, 95.27.39.115, 66.249.68.172, 38.100.41.67, 66.249.68.152, 87.250.252.241, 66.249.68.233, 67.195.111.172, 66.249.71.207, 66.249.67.91, 66.249.68.219, 66.249.68.143, 67.142.168.21, 66.249.67.108, 66.249.65.109, 66.249.68.137, 94.75.231.12, 66.150.224.245, 66.249.68.248, 66.249.67.35, 38.100.8.50, 67.195.111.57, 208.115.111.245, 67.195.115.214, 66.249.67.250, 85.25.124.132, 130.149.228.7, 95.24.251.28, 66.249.68.8

Welcome to Atlanta, Nate

No MLB, Braves

Welcome to Atlanta, Nate

842

writer

article

2009-06-05T08:27:00-04:00

Playerpress

Yes

318 3341 With Tom Glavine being released from the Atlanta Braves, the official end of an era came with it. Glavine was the last link to one of the greatest pitching staffs in baseball history.Glavine along with Greg Maddux and John Smoltz combine for seven Cy Young awards, one World Series Title and numerous division titles with the Atlanta Braves. <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> I understand why the Braves cut Glavine, but the way in which they did it was tacky. A lot of the things the front office has done of late have been questionable. I know this is a business and the Braves want to win, but why sign Glavine back in the first place if you had no intentions of bringing him back into the rotation?</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Back in the late 80’s when the Braves were still struggling, Glavine was the hot pitching prospect of the organization. The Braves brought him up from the minors and although he struggled early on his career even losing 17 games in 1988, by 1991 Glavine was the ace of a good and growing pitching staff. That same year he won 20 games, posted a 2.55 earn run average and he picked up his first Cy Young Award not to mention leading the Braves to their first of 14 division titles.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">When the Braves acquired  Maddux in 1993 and from the Chicago Cubs and Smoltz from the Detroit Tigers a few years earlier, it began an era of total domination of the National League that would go on well past a decade. But Glavine was the first pitcher who got the Braves going so to speak. He was there for their failures and was there for their triumphs as well. I always thought of him as Mr. Brave especially after Dale Murphy left.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">He was gracious in defeat as well in winning and was always a class act. Though he did receive some criticism during the players strike back in the 1990’s for being one of the leaders of the players union, Glavine never backed down from his beliefs.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">One of the most disappointing days for me as a Braves fan was the day Glavine left to sign with the hated New York Mets. Though he was still a good and successful pitcher, it never did seem right to me to see him in a Mets uniform. In my heart and mind he was always a Brave. Even when he came back to Atlanta to play against the Braves, he was greeted with much love and respect of a returning hero by the fans.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">I think in the hearts and minds of all Atlanta Braves fans he will always be a part of us and a part of building a winning tradition. Since the Braves did a shotty PR job of releasing Glavine, why don’t they invite him, Smoltz and Maddux back to retire all three of their jerseys. I think not only will the fans appreciate it, but I can’t think of three deserving men. Hopefully, the organization will feel the same way.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> 0.0.0.0

2009-06-05T08:27:00-04:00

an-era-ends-in-atlanta-with-glavine-s-release

Yes 72.30.87.97, 66.249.67.136, 83.167.62.162, 85.17.211.164, 72.30.87.99, 83.167.62.168, 85.10.209.56, 67.202.4.247, 174.46.170.181, 67.195.115.163, 38.108.180.175, 208.115.111.250, 66.249.68.227, 67.195.113.245, 89.253.70.223, 65.55.207.117, 69.58.178.26, 65.55.106.183, 123.125.66.34, 92.241.182.24, 216.129.119.40, 65.55.106.134, 38.108.180.149, 65.55.217.67, 85.25.124.167, 66.249.68.242, 67.195.112.109, 67.195.114.233, 65.55.106.230, 67.195.112.159, 66.249.67.120, 66.249.67.206, 202.180.34.186, 174.133.177.66, 95.27.39.115, 95.108.157.251, 38.100.41.67, 123.125.66.17, 69.58.178.27, 66.249.68.178, 67.218.116.131, 132.5.72.10, 87.250.252.241, 66.249.68.233, 212.227.136.205, 66.41.56.194, 85.25.124.4, 72.30.142.161, 208.115.111.246, 123.125.66.112, 65.55.107.186, 38.99.97.84, 38.100.41.105, 208.115.111.245, 92.241.182.23, 195.113.214.214, 67.195.114.243, 66.249.67.175, 66.249.68.228, 122.117.160.26, 67.195.111.172, 66.249.68.137, 66.150.224.245, 209.191.123.35, 67.195.114.42, 66.249.67.35, 65.55.207.99, 66.249.68.245, 69.138.79.201, 123.125.66.59, 66.249.68.204, 65.55.106.158, 67.195.37.188, 65.55.106.139, 130.209.239.6, 129.234.193.111, 74.249.234.227, 69.58.178.32, 38.100.8.50, 67.195.112.88, 65.55.110.208, 67.195.115.214, 123.125.66.94, 67.16.94.2, 207.46.195.236, 85.25.124.132, 66.249.67.209, 66.249.68.43, 95.24.251.28, 69.58.178.30, 66.249.68.53

An era Ends in Atlanta With Glavine's Release

No MLB, Atlanta, Braves

An era Ends in Atlanta With Glavine's Release

487

writer

article

-1

2009-06-04T06:55:00-04:00

Playerpress

203 3320 Braves cut Glavine before chance to start.I'm a Braves fan but I am glad Glavine is gone. He's 43 and has not piched a game all year. How many wins did he have left? The Braves are going with young pitchers. This is from a lifelong Braves fan. I never liked Glavine going to the Mets and did not want him back. 0.0.0.0

2009-06-04T06:55:00-04:00

braves-cut-glavine

Yes 121.28.34.69, 123.125.156.133, 220.181.53.246, 222.124.212.196, 203.236.210.210, 74.206.98.195, 200.195.95.38, 219.90.91.69, 114.127.246.36, 66.249.67.133, 201.225.226.68, 38.108.180.175, 202.54.61.99, 203.147.4.68, 120.28.64.77, 221.215.1.224, 67.195.112.109, 202.112.126.123, 118.175.22.69, 66.249.68.242, 92.241.182.24, 82.165.193.249, 38.108.180.149, 190.128.225.182, 195.216.213.6, 66.249.67.27, 221.238.17.245, 222.116.210.143, 64.125.136.28, 94.23.238.27, 211.99.141.10, 85.178.105.114, 120.28.64.85, 221.224.206.86, 66.249.65.199, 189.14.192.84, 66.249.67.239, 174.133.177.66, 95.27.39.115, 38.100.41.67, 87.250.252.241, 67.195.112.159, 66.249.67.108, 92.241.182.23, 66.150.224.245, 66.249.67.49, 66.249.67.142, 67.195.37.188, 91.199.50.156, 38.100.8.50, 66.249.67.44, 67.195.114.230, 67.195.115.214, 85.25.124.132, 66.249.68.37, 95.24.251.28, 208.115.111.245, 66.249.67.248

Braves cut Glavine

No MLB, Braves

Braves cut Glavine

838

writer

wire

2009-06-03T13:14:00-04:00

Playerpress

Yes

407 3312 From its earliest days as Terminus, a tiny railroad junction, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city> has been the hustle and bustle of a city on the rise. Constant change throughout the years along with new ideas and the increased population, have made the city of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:city></st1:place> the entertainment, artistic, and economic capital in Americas Southland.A metropolitan city with an accelerating state of mind located in the heart of the Deep South, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:city></st1:place> has hung on to its individualistic history even in the grasp of extraordinary development. <o:p> </o:p> The ever-increasing population and worldly corporations have turned <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:city></st1:place> into a civilizing and economic supremacy with historical museums, wonderful theaters, restaurants for all tastes, loads of shopping, and four pro sports teams with the Braves, the Falcons, the Hawks, and the Thrashers. <o:p> </o:p> One of the better ballparks in baseball is Turner Field. It captures the nostalgia and the atmosphere of old-time baseball and is filled with treasured artifacts and memorabilia that the whole family can enjoy before and after the game. <o:p> </o:p> After opening in 1997, Turner Field has quickly become an <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city> landmark. Turner Field is peerless in its mix of technology and entertainment. It has superior sound systems, the BravesVision video board in center field, the PlazaVision board in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Fan</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Plaza</st1:placetype></st1:place> and over 500 television monitors situated throughout the stadium.   <o:p> </o:p> The BravesVision video board is 29 feet by 38 feet, and has over 331,000 fluorescent light bulbs. The PlazaVision board is 17 feet by 22 feet. These two huge boards make Turner Field is highly unique compared to other ballparks as two completely different shows can be shown. One for the fans in general seating and one for fans in the Plaza. <o:p> </o:p> Inside the ballpark, fans are encouraged to do the tomahawk chop during a Braves rally by the 27-foot long "chopping" neon tomahawk located atop the video board, as well as kept up to date on the latest scores from around the major leagues by the out-of-town scoreboard. <o:p> </o:p> At the Braves Museum & Hall of Fame, fans can see exhibits that date back as far 1871, when the franchise began. The most popular attraction is the baseball bat that Hank Aaron used to hit his record-breaking 715th home run. The fans can also check out the statues of the all-time Atlanta Braves greats in Monument Grove. <o:p> </o:p> <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city> and the surrounding areas also have attractions that feature places of activity that honor the cities history in the Civil War and the African-American civil rights movement.  In addition, <st1:city w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:city> has become center of the information superhighway, as CNN, Time Warner and the Weather Channel all call <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city> home. Downtown <st1:city w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:city> and the Midtown areas are the hot spots for people visiting, with popular attractions such as Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, <st1:placename w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Cyclorama & Civil War</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Museum</st1:placetype>, World of Coca-Cola, High Museum of Art, Underground Atlanta, Margaret Mitchell House & Museum and the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Martin</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Luther</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">King</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place>. All attractions are within easy walking distance along the MARTA, which  is <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city>'s subway system. <o:p> </o:p> *Splash in the Fountain at Centennial Olympic Park The 21-acre legacy of the 1996 Summer Olympics re-opened for permanent use in 1998 and now hosts a variety of community events such as concerts and festivals. Still, the highlight of the park is the Fountain of Rings, where children and adults alike can play amidst the sprinklers or take in the dancing water show synchronized to such pop and classical fare as Neil Diamond's "Coming to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region>" and Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture". *Georgia Aquarium 225 Baker St., <st1:city w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">GA</st1:state> <st1:postalcode w:st="on">30313</st1:postalcode>, 404-581-4000 Located at the north end of the Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium contains just more than eight million gallons of fresh and salt water in all of its exhibits, and is the largest aquarium in the world. Opened in November 2005, it has more than 100,000 fish and sea creatures, including beluga whales, with 500 different species. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/">http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/</a> *Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, <st1:city w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">GA</st1:state> <st1:postalcode w:st="on">30315</st1:postalcode>, 404-658-7625 On July 22, 1864, Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman and the Union army won an eight-hour battle for control of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city>. The story of that struggle is told in the world's largest oil painting. Forty-two feet high, and 358 feet long, it stretches around a cylindrical wall, a kind of theater in the round. The painting has been on continuous display since 1893. The museum is a repository of Civil War history. The Cyclorama is located two miles southeast of downtown <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city>. There is ample parking or hail a cab. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bcaatlanta.com/index.php?pid=81">http://www.bcaatlanta.com/index.php?pid=81</a> *World of Coca-Cola 55 Martin Luther King Drive S.W., Atlanta, GA 30303 404-676-5151 or toll-free 800-676-COKE In California's Sonoma County, visitors go wine tasting. In <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city>, people flock to the World of Coca-Cola for everything Coke. Tour this ultra-modern homage to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region>'s most popular soft drink. Don't miss the free tastings. The World of Coca-Cola is located in downtown <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city>. There is ample public parking or take a taxi or rapid transit (<a target="_new" href="http://www.itsmarta.com/">http://www.itsmarta.com</a>) and exit at Five Points Station. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.woccatlanta.com/take_a_tour.shtml">http://www.woccatlanta.com/take_a_tour.shtml</a> *High Museum of Art 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., <st1:city w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">GA</st1:state> <st1:postalcode w:st="on">30309</st1:postalcode>, 404-733-HIGH The finest art museum in the Southeast, with more than 11,000 works in its permanent collection. It is especially rich in 19th and 20th century American art. The High displays the work of many Southern artists, and is the nation's leading museum for folk and self-taught art. The museum is located four miles north of downtown <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city>. There is ample parking or hop a cab or take rapid transit (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.itsmarta.com/">http://www.itsmarta.com</a>) and exit at Arts Center Station. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.high.org/experience/exhibitions/default.aspx">http://www.high.org/experience/exhibitions/default.aspx</a> *Underground Atlanta Five Points District, Atlanta, GA 30303 Atlanta's "city beneath the city" is a six-square-block area of restaurants and shops located downtown, one floor below street level and shaped by a welter of viaducts. The ornate marble storefronts, granite archways and decorative brickwork date to the late 19th century. It is the heart of downtown <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city>'s nightlife. Underground <st1:city w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:city>, located in downtown <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city>, is bordered by <st1:address w:st="on" tabindex="0" style="background-position: left bottom; background-image: url(res://ietag.dll/#34/#1001); background-repeat: repeat-x;"><st1:street w:st="on">Peachtree Street</st1:street>, <st1:city w:st="on">Decatur</st1:city></st1:address> Street, <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on" tabindex="0" style="background-position: left bottom; background-image: url(res://ietag.dll/#34/#1001); background-repeat: repeat-x;">Central Street</st1:address></st1:street> and <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on" tabindex="0" style="background-position: left bottom; background-image: url(res://ietag.dll/#34/#1001); background-repeat: repeat-x;">Martin Luther King Drive</st1:address></st1:street>. Best bets: take a tax or take rapid transit (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.itsmarta.com/">http://www.itsmarta.com</a>) and exit at Five Points Station. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.underground-atlanta.com/">http://www.underground-atlanta.com/</a> *Margaret Mitchell House & Museum 990 Peachtree St. NE, <st1:city w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">GA</st1:state> <st1:postalcode w:st="on">30309</st1:postalcode>, 404-249-7015 Margaret Mitchell wrote "Gone With the Wind," and 60 years later, people still give a damn. The tour covers Mitchell's distinguished career, takes you through the apartment where she wrote her most famous work, and finally to the museum – a collection of movie memorabilia, including the doorway to <st1:place w:st="on">Tara</st1:place> from the movie set. The museum is located three miles north of downtown <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city>. There is ample parking or take a cab. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gwtw.org/tour.html">http://www.gwtw.org/tour.html</a><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> *Special thanks to ESPN Sports Travel for its information on the above major attractions information for the city of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p> 0.0.0.0

2009-06-03T13:14:00-04:00

3312-3312-3312-3312-3312-3312-sports-travel-atlanta-braves

Yes 66.249.68.248, 65.55.207.133, 174.46.170.180, 72.30.79.93, 85.17.211.164, 72.30.78.232, 85.10.209.56, 208.115.111.246, 66.249.68.245, 67.202.4.247, 66.249.67.133, 38.108.180.175, 66.249.68.227, 208.115.111.250, 65.55.207.47, 174.46.170.182, 66.249.67.67, 89.253.70.223, 67.195.114.233, 67.195.115.163, 74.131.182.136, 174.129.101.63, 66.249.67.91, 67.195.112.109, 66.249.68.242, 69.58.178.26, 71.238.254.92, 123.125.66.21, 65.55.108.242, 216.129.119.40, 92.241.182.24, 38.108.180.149, 65.55.106.227, 85.25.124.167, 65.55.106.160, 67.195.112.159, 202.180.34.186, 66.249.65.200, 83.167.62.168, 68.217.100.244, 63.215.202.234, 208.43.229.68, 65.55.207.71, 174.133.177.66, 95.27.39.115, 95.108.157.251, 38.100.41.67, 163.1.5.153, 123.125.66.32, 67.218.116.131, 69.58.178.27, 66.249.68.152, 67.195.111.172, 87.250.252.241, 65.55.106.182, 66.249.68.233, 212.227.136.205, 209.249.53.134, 209.249.53.179, 66.249.68.150, 65.55.106.159, 85.25.124.4, 71.234.245.185, 66.249.67.131, 65.55.110.243, 207.241.228.152, 65.55.108.243, 123.125.66.45, 65.55.207.25, 38.99.97.84, 38.100.41.105, 66.249.68.143, 208.115.111.245, 92.241.182.23, 195.113.214.214, 74.53.3.132, 216.9.9.200, 65.55.207.51, 67.195.114.42, 66.150.224.245, 38.100.8.50, 74.124.195.29, 65.55.106.112, 98.206.193.97, 66.249.67.44, 123.125.66.129, 66.249.68.204, 65.55.106.136, 203.131.250.162, 67.195.112.114, 65.55.106.183, 67.195.37.188, 65.55.110.233, 38.99.97.10, 98.17.219.252, 66.249.68.149, 62.149.161.141, 66.249.68.187, 67.195.110.171, 67.195.112.88, 69.58.178.32, 123.125.66.71, 67.16.94.2, 99.37.224.206, 66.249.67.120, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.114.230, 66.249.68.81, 174.127.132.112, 85.25.124.132, 95.24.251.28, 69.58.178.30, 67.195.113.247, 66.249.67.141

Sports Travel- Atlanta Braves

No Sports Travel, Atlanta, Braves

Sports Travel- Atlanta Braves

231

administrator

article

-1

2009-06-01T08:49:00-04:00

Playerpress

79 3343 A look at the frightening consistency with how Bobby Cox seems to manage his bullpen.  <div style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; background: #eeeecc">Bobby Cox has achieved above and beyond what anyone could have asked for when he took over as the Atlanta Braves skipper in 1990. However, let's look at the reality of the fourteen consecutive division titles. Ted Turner provided the money, John Schuerholz chose the players, and Bobby Cox watched. Sure Cox drew up the lineup card and gave encouragement from the top step of the dugout, but when you have three Cy Young Award winners in your rotation your impact is not felt. </div> <div style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; background: #eeeecc"> </div> <div style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; background: #eeeecc">I am not trying to completely bash the only manager I have ever known for America's team. He was a typical "player's manager" and he always will be. Unfortunately for Cox and the Atlanta Braves organization, they have not had the "players" for the past three years and his managing has been openly scrutinized. The most glaring weakness in his managing has been with the bullpen. </div> <div style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; background: #eeeecc"> </div> <div style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; background: #eeeecc">Whatever the reason may be, Cox seems to have an obligation to at least one reliever per year that he must get 75 innings out of, blown leads be thrown to the way side. Last year it was Blaine Boyer. He threw the most innings of any reliever on the team (76) and posted an awful 5.88 ERA. In 76 innings Boyer gave up 10 homeruns. That same year, Jair Jurrjens surrendered 11 homeruns in 188 innings. Predictably we have a new Blaine Boyer this year. A guy that in 2007 was very dependable. One year removed from Tommy John surgery and we do not have the same Peter Moylan pitching in the seventh inning. Yet Cox continues to bring him in every seventh inning, in every meaningful game. In essence, Peter Moylan isn't only a reliever that Cox uses too much, he is our primary setup man. So far this year, in 16 innings, he has given up 11 runs, 15 hits, 14 walks, and has hit 2 batters. In Moylan's defense he probably still isn't 100 percent healthy from the surgery he had almost one year ago. He also never made any statement before the year that he expected to get the ball every seventh inning.</div> <div style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; background: #eeeecc"> </div> <div style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; background: #eeeecc">This is clearly another infatuation Cox has with an underachieving relief pitcher. Hopefully he realizes we have better options (Eric 0'Flaherty) and gets over his yearly man crush. This team has a chance. The starting pitching has been very solid this year and Cox must not continue to put our bullpen in positions to fail. Dont Stop the Chop </div> 0.0.0.0

2009-06-05T08:49:00-04:00

bobby-s-bullpen

Yes 213.93.147.235, 66.249.67.133, 38.108.180.175, 66.249.67.67, 67.195.115.163, 67.195.112.109, 38.108.180.149, 202.180.34.186, 66.249.67.239, 66.249.68.193, 85.178.105.114, 174.133.177.66, 95.27.39.115, 38.100.41.67, 66.249.68.152, 87.250.252.241, 66.249.67.91, 67.195.112.159, 66.150.224.245, 66.249.67.49, 66.249.67.44, 67.195.112.88, 38.100.8.50, 66.249.67.120, 208.115.111.245, 85.25.124.132, 66.249.67.214, 95.24.251.28, 66.249.67.209, 66.249.68.8, 66.249.67.113

Bobby's Bullpen

No MLB, Braves

Bobby's Bullpen

842

writer

article

-1

2009-05-07T13:54:00-04:00

Playerpress

106 2959 <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Hey don't I know you? Aren't you the Atlanta Braves? The team of the 90’s who won 13 division titles in the row? Won a World Series? What happened to you?</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">That’s what Braves fans around country are asking themselves what happen to the other America’s Team? I can tell you one thing; this team hasn’t been the same since Ted Turner left.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Every since good old Ted sold the franchise to the Time/Warner corporation, they haven’t won a division title since. Turner was willing to spend the money and did whatever it took to make sure his franchise was one of the best in baseball.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">If Turner was still with the Braves, Jake Peavy probably would be a Brave right now along with Ken Griffey Jr. Now, they are just like every other baseball team out there, struggling to even get to .500. But you can’t just blame the Braves collapse on just poor decision making by management, but key injuries and quite frankly cheapness.  </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">The problem is when you sell a franchise to a company rather then a person, the company is more concerned about their other investments instead of just one. While the Mets, Marlins and Phillies all have made moves over the years to improve their teams, the Braves remain basically the same. I respect them trying to go through their minor league system to build their team, but they also need to go through free agency. At least that’s what they were doing when they were winning all those division titles.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">When John <a title="John Schuerholz" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Schuerholz">Schuerholz</a>  took over the team back in the early 90’s, they sought out free agents. Because of free agency, the were able to build their pitching staff by signing Greg Maddux who along with John Smoltz and Tom Glavine became the most dominating pitching staff in baseball. If a hole needed to be filled, they would just go out and get someone. Fred McGriff was the perfect example of that. When the Braves needed a power hitter and a first baseman, they signed McGriff in the middle of the season.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> These days the Braves would rather fill the holes with young prospects that look as if they could have used a few more years of seasoning, now they are stuck with a bunch of kids who have no idea how to hit major league pitching and one fading star that can’t help them. Chipper Jones when healthy is still one of the best players out there, but he can’t do it by himself. Chipper has no one ahead of him to get on base and no big bat threat behind him.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">And let’s not even start with the bullpen. I cannot for the life of me understand why the Braves will not spend the money to at least improve the bullpen. That would be a start. The starting pitching for the most part still has managed to be pretty decent, but it’s hard to win games when your bullpen can’t hold a lead.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">I’m not saying the Braves need to become the New York Yankees and throw money at every free agent available, but it would be nice for the fans sake if management would at least act as if they want to win.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> 0.0.0.0

2009-05-07T13:54:00-04:00

what-happen-to-the-atlanta-braves

Yes 66.249.67.67, 91.121.96.210, 66.249.67.133, 67.195.114.233, 67.195.112.109, 66.249.68.242, 67.195.112.159, 174.133.177.66, 95.27.39.115, 95.108.157.251, 83.167.62.168, 87.250.252.241, 66.249.67.91, 66.249.68.150, 66.249.67.245, 66.150.224.245, 67.195.37.188, 208.115.111.245, 173.31.8.50, 216.129.119.14, 38.100.8.50, 66.249.68.172, 85.25.124.132, 66.249.67.75, 95.24.251.28, 66.249.68.40, 66.249.67.18

What happen to the Atlanta Braves?

487

writer