Chipper's not happy!
Click on the link and read the comments by Chipper Jones, if you haven't already. This may be some initial shock, but the mood of this team, its players, and its fans is not a good one right now.
about 1 year ago
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That’s one depressing read…
I guess I should be one to talk.
There's nights that I can't even walk.
There's days I couldn't give a fuck.
And in between is where I'm stuck.
by Smoltz's Beard on Jan 8, 2009 4:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Reposing a question...
Frank Wren’s winter has been worse than Geo. Washington at Valley Forge!
I posed this question a few weeks back following what was the beginning of Frank Wren’s forgettable off season…I will pose it again…Does Frank Wren have what it takes to close the deal?
Is he the Dan Kolb of GMs?
Is it time for Johnny S. to come riding in on his white horse to save the franchise?
In closing, given Smoltzy’s competitive nature how much of this is him attempting to go to a team that will get him to the Fall Classic and get him another ring?
IMO—Frank better pick it up or we are sunk. There is still time for him and the Braves to make a splash this off season and retool and compete for ’09 but he better splash some cold water on his face and get busy! Sign Lowe, roll the dice on Kawakami and move KJ to lf and sign Orlando Hudson. You build with pitching and defense and the O Dog gives you that at 2B.
by Mike de La Hoz on Jan 8, 2009 10:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
only problem is…KJ is an upgrade in left, but he’s…not a power hitter. at all.
BIG JOE SUCK ONE
by bigjoe on Jan 8, 2009 10:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And didn’t somebody on here figure out that Hudson’s defense is actually pretty even with Kelly’s?
by cbwilk on Jan 8, 2009 11:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
After watching Kelly for a couple of seasons I can’t agree on any level that he would equate to Hudson defensively. I’ve seen too many instances where good fielding 2basemen make the plays that he botches. It’s not all the plays, just the ones that you have to make in order to win.
BigJoe, I agree with you that Kelly is not the prototypical power hitting leftfielder but given the current situation regarding our pitching needs and our apparent lack of funds to get things done we cant’ sign pitching and a slugging OF too. I wish it were true.
by Mike de La Hoz on Jan 8, 2009 11:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
all the hudson signing would really do is give us yet another 2 hitter…he’d be what, our 3rd one? we’d be counting on francoeur or kotchman or KJ to be the 5th place hitter…and that absolutely horrifies me
BIG JOE SUCK ONE
by bigjoe on Jan 8, 2009 11:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not saying KJ is a great second baseman. If we’re being generous, he’s average. But I’m pretty sure somebody on here threw up some numbers from those new fangled metrics that showed that O-Dawg isn’t as amazing as his rep would lead everyone to believe, that he may, in fact, be closer to average.
And, like Big Joe said, he’s another 2 hole hitter. Kelly’s not all of the sudden gonna turn up the power because we stick him in left field. He’s an above average hitter…at second. Not so much in left. He’s an upgrade over what we’ve been getting, but there are plenty of players available that are too.
by cbwilk on Jan 8, 2009 11:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
he’s like the torii hunter of 2B, possibly…makes avg catches look really difficult…
not saying this is true, just that its a possibility
"We win today, that's two in a row... if we win tomorrow, that's called a winning streak. It has happened before..."
by Swo12bv on Jan 9, 2009 12:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I have a buddy who interns in the Braves’ FO and he says Frank Wren and Bruce Manno (Assistant GM) were called into a closed-door meeting with Terry McGuirk, John Schuerholz, and Bill Bartholomay this morning. He said it was pretty abnormal because Wren and Manno usually work together most of the day and only occasionally deal with McGuirk and Schuerholz.
- Oh, Bobby. -
by sdp on Jan 8, 2009 4:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I hope they were telling Frank he was FIRED
by jjcollins on Jan 8, 2009 5:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Do you ...
really think JS didn’t know we weren’t going to match Boston’s offer? Or that he had a problem w/ that?
"He's getting better, but he's not there yet ..."
- Bobby Cox (talking about Boyer)
by FrankyWren on Jan 8, 2009 5:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think someone seriously dropped the ball and mishandled John Smoltz.
Maybe Wren fell through on some deals but this is BAD PR and free agents, fans, and MLB in general will notice. It questions Wren’s ability as a GM. I don’t think he has been horrible but PR wise he leaked to much info early and now the quite abyss could be bad with the news of smoltz leaving. He needs to start making a splash to change the news headlines. Honestly I think he will be evaluated after 2010 and if we don’t have some progress with our prospects or at least be in the playoff hunt then he will be gone and we will be calling Dayton Moore. I still think we shouldn’t be calling for is head. YET
by Charmin519 on Jan 8, 2009 5:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My point
Was that Wren/Manno weren’t getting chewed out this morning at this alleged “closed door mtg” … JS knew we we weren’t going to guarantee Smoltz 5 million, and he probably thought that was the best decision. Whether it was the best decision, I’m not sure yet. Ask me at the end of next season.
"He's getting better, but he's not there yet ..."
- Bobby Cox (talking about Boyer)
by FrankyWren on Jan 8, 2009 5:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I dont think they were chewed out either
But if the next two seasons go bad then this will be the event (in the uneducated fans mind) that will ultimately lead to Wren’s termination. However, I still think there is time to put together a good team for next year and 2010 looks promising.
by Charmin519 on Jan 8, 2009 6:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Chippers right. This is so depressing, why the fuck coudnt’ we sign him
by SayHeyWerd on Jan 8, 2009 5:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
My God
do I ever hope that Burrell has a great year for us and we find someone who wants him and his 9/mil salary so we can get Chipper as our DH.
Never happens but he’s my fav of all time and now that I’m living in Tampa, man…
Rays 2009 Slogan: "Come back with your shield or on it"
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jan 8, 2009 5:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
yo I'm a braves fan, a huge chipper fan, and just moved to tampa as well.
I like you style and I like your moves. When this is all over I think we should get a place and move in together.
by Charmin519 on Jan 8, 2009 5:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hell, I need you. I’m a mess without you. I miss you so damn much. I miss being with you, I miss being near you. I miss your laugh. I miss your scent; I miss your musk. When this all gets sorted out, I think you and me should get an apartment together.
Rays 2009 Slogan: "Come back with your shield or on it"
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jan 9, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i live in tampa
more than anything in the world Ron
"We win today, that's two in a row... if we win tomorrow, that's called a winning streak. It has happened before..."
by Swo12bv on Jan 9, 2009 12:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with Chipper. Furthermore, if Chipper doesn’t want to play for an organization that isn’t prepared to win, I don’t blame him and will still be a fan of his no matter who he plays for. Guys like Smoltz and Chipper can help the team’s future even if they wont be around when we are ready to win again. Those two guys know as well as anyone what it takes to win and win consistently. My request to the organization is to not let that culture that those players created in the 90’s die even though the run has ended and be a Champion whether we are a playoff team or not. And letting players with the heart, talent, and knowledge of John Smoltz leave, is bad business just as much as overpaying an aging star is.
by jeg on Jan 8, 2009 5:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’ve recently said that I wouldn’t mind if Chipper left for a contender, even though he’s my 2nd fave player of all time, behind Murph.
However, for some reason I see his situation and Smoltz’s situation a bit differently. I can’t name specifics but I know I’ve had the feeling for a long time that Smoltz seemed unhappy and I’m not at all surprised that he bolted. Chipper, on the other hand, I’ve always felt would be a career Brave, though I’m not so sure after this debacle.
by Bobby Cocks on Jan 8, 2009 5:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t see Chipper as one who would ask to leave but Bobby Cox and John Smoltz were the two guys Chipper always references. Smoltz is gone, Cox is probably in his last year. So what is left here for Chipper after this season? He took large paycuts so the organization could keep and acquire veterans to help this team win and they are doing neither at this point. I don’t blame him at all for being pissed off and would suspect this is enough to push him to the point where he would be willing to cut ties with the organization after his contract is up
by jeg on Jan 8, 2009 6:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Signing Smoltz wouldn’t have been a move of a team that is prepared to win. We need several pieces to win next year and I doubt we’ll get any of them. So signing Smoltz would have been a feel-good signing, no more, no less.
by Perrinbar on Jan 8, 2009 5:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No Smoltz wouldn’t make us a contender but that is not the point. It might not show up on a box score, but leadership is helpful at helping young players improve just as much as it is in helping you make the playoffs. There is some element of feel-good signing to the desire to keep Smoltz around but knowing what he has been able to overcome in the past, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him turn in a good year as a starter. He could have helped in many ways for 5 million dollars. Re-signing Glavine is a feel-good move that has no upside baseball wise
by jeg on Jan 8, 2009 6:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you, but would like, for a moment, to play Devil’s Advocate. If Smoltz has a bad season, wouldn’t hiring an experienced coach cost a lot less and do the same, if the coach has the ability to help a young player, financially speaking (I understand this isn’t a simple financial situation)?
Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.
by SunDolphin on Jan 8, 2009 6:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If Roger McDowell was a future HOF’er and had the upside to win 15 games this year, I would say give him a raise. Especially if I knew that said team had attempted to give AJ Burnett 15M dollars per year. The best leadership comes from within the ranks, not above. No matter how good the coach may be, he is at a disadvantage when it comes to relating to players when compared to a player himself. I’m not pretending to know whether Smoltz is an excellent teacher of pitching, I’m just saying his leadership in general has value that includes and goes beyond wins and losses. I believe we are a better team and I don’t think there would be too many fans criticizing the organization if the post had read “Braves sign Smoltz to 6M guaranteed contract” instead
by jeg on Jan 8, 2009 6:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.
by SunDolphin on Jan 8, 2009 6:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
John Smoltz
Is an excellent pitching coach
by Whodunnit?4040 on Jan 8, 2009 9:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
man, thats true....
Smoltz shoulda been with us for another 30 years, coaching, assisting, teaching, scouting, EVERYTHING…. letting him go now only taints our chances.
by traphicg on Jan 8, 2009 6:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Wahhhhh!!
Poor little Chipper had his feelings hurt. He needs to get over this crap. Smoltzie obviously wanted to go with a team with a real shot at the World Series this year. I can’t totally blame him for that but he needs to quit this shit about bad-mouthing the Braves in the press and to current Braves players. He should just be honest and say he wants to win another World Series. I would have respect for him is he just said that but instead he is scorching the earth and burning bridges with a city that has treated him like a king for 20 years. Just move on and STFU. And before everyone on here starts getting on my case please know that I grew up with Smoltz posters on my walls and every time I made a trip to see a series in Atlanta I always made sure that he was scheduled to go. He is my all-time fave Brave along with Chipper and that won’t change but really….he should just shut up or tell the truth. If he left simply because his ego was bruised or he was being a greedy bastard then I happily say “don’t let the door hit you on the way out”!
by KC Ryan on Jan 8, 2009 5:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think the truth is that he was lowballed by a team that he trusted would take care of him in the end. WS is great but he's got one already. I don't think it was his ego being bruised but rather the lack of respect for a 20 year team player.
Like chipper said, he has taken pay cuts, moved to the pen, moved back to the rotation, coached younger players, and been a damn good ORGANIZATION player for 20 years. After all that your gonna fight with the man over 2 more million guaranteed and incentives? Please. After 20 years no matter what your profession or your employer you have EARNED THE RESPECT and shouldn’t have to defend yourself. It’s the principal of the matter. I agree with Chipper commments and he’s right to consider his own future because one year ago Smoltz was going to be a major part of the braves rotation and things didn’t go as planned.
by Charmin519 on Jan 8, 2009 5:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
How much do you think a 41 year old pitcher with a dead shoulder is worth? Boston certainly has the money, and Atlanta certainly doesn’t. Boston is taking a chance, and had to spend a hell of a lot of money to do that, because anything less (in Boston’s mind) would have meant Smoltz suiting up for the Braves again.
Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.
by SunDolphin on Jan 8, 2009 6:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah ok! Go sell that trash somewhere else. Smoltz has earned about 130 million bucks over the years with the Braves. You know what? Several of those years included Smoltz sitting on the bench unable to pitch. I have no problem with how much we have paid him but if you seriously believe we should just throw good money after bad to a guy who may not ever pitch in the majors again then I nominate you to take over for Omar Minaya. So Smoltz wants to bleed the Braves dry for every penny possible with no thoughts to the thievery that was his his 2008 non-season. He made like 15 million bucks for jack-squat? And it’s not like this hasn’t happened before. We have paid him close to 40 million bucks for years when he was unable to pitch due to injury. If anything Smoltz owes the Braves a cheap season IMHO. Ok, now everyone can rain down hatred on me. I’m a big boy. My ego isn’t so huge that I will run off to another baseball blog because I feel unappreciated.
by KC Ryan on Jan 8, 2009 6:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
The main complaint I’m seeing here from disgrunted fans is based around money. How Wren didn’t offer enough, didn’t think Smoltz was worth it, even if he was spending 5 million for social security to a guy who has done everything for us. I understand being mad about the organization not doing all it can for a guy who has done all he can for the organization, but really, the money? Smoltz isn’t going to sign up for unemployment if he doesn’t get signed to a contract this year. In fact, Smoltz probably has a bank account with eight or nine figures in it.
Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.
by SunDolphin on Jan 8, 2009 6:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ego is not the same as respect
He has been injured for a total of 4 1/2 years out of 20+. He has been taken pay cuts in the past for the team. He has swapped roles to stay in Atl. He is a part of the community. He fills seats. He sells jerseys. He sells posters. He is a potential future manager at farm or MLB level. He asked for a 5% of our total projected payroll. He was willing to help younger players like Morton and Reyes. You have only been here for one year so your comparison about going to another blog was not only lame but pointless. Also insurance covers injuries and we did not pay out as much as you stated. It’s as simple as this,
"Hey John we are in a major shift right now with our organization. We truly want you back but we can not count on you and Tom like we did last year. However, we want you to retire in a braves uniform. I don’t think we can offer as much as Boston. However, we value you and everything you’ve done for the braves. What’s it going to take to keep you here. I’m sorry John but we can’t match Boston’s offer. I willing to give you 3 million guaranteed even if you don’t pitch. I’ll also give you the other 2 million if you give me 20 starts or a predetermined bullpen appearances. I’ll also give you 3 million in attainable incentives and 3 more million for harder incentives. That means you could make 11 million and 8 million of that is very attainable.
John I’m in a spot. You’ve seen what’s gone on this offseason. I don’t want you to think were not appreciated you. I wouldn’t be here talking with you if we didn’t. I know you can come back and I believe you. I believed you would do great things last year and I still believe you can do that this year. However, I still need two other pitchers and bat with a pulse in our outfield. What do you think?"
If he leaves after that then instead of looking like asses he looks like the ass because we leak that and we talk to OUR entire team (Chipper comments) and let them know that is our side of the story.
by Charmin519 on Jan 8, 2009 6:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe this has more to do with it. Maybe Smoltz wants one last chance to dance before midnight?
Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.
by SunDolphin on Jan 8, 2009 6:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
John Smoltz - "GREEDY EGOMANIACAL BASTARD?"
by KC Ryan on Jan 8, 2009 6:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
You know what? I DON"T wish him well…………….I hope he sucks like a hoover in beantown!
by KC Ryan on Jan 8, 2009 6:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hoover the vacuum or Hoover the president?
Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.
by SunDolphin on Jan 8, 2009 6:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey...how do you post pictures?
best defensive shortstop in baseball hahahahahahahahahah (omar visquel)
by mvandonsel on Jan 8, 2009 6:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
click on the photo tab when your typeing a post. Put the URL in. Click ok. And Type your comments out side of the bars.
by Charmin519 on Jan 8, 2009 7:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
best defensive shortstop in baseball hahahahahahahahahah (omar visquel)
by mvandonsel on Jan 8, 2009 7:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks!
But what if there are multiple pictures on one URL?
best defensive shortstop in baseball hahahahahahahahahah (omar visquel)
by mvandonsel on Jan 8, 2009 7:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately I'm not that advanced. I believe you can click on the photo and it will only display one photo. Then copy that url.
Nice photo above.
by Charmin519 on Jan 8, 2009 7:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for your help!
best defensive shortstop in baseball hahahahahahahahahah (omar visquel)
by mvandonsel on Jan 8, 2009 7:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
ugh....
what to say? I’ve been down in the dumps for a while, and then this comes along.
This is by far the most depressing article printed in the past 15 years. As if Smoltz leaving wasnt enough of a reminder that our “golden run” is in the past, Chip has to throw everyone under the bus. The thing is, most of us would probably at least sympathize with Chip and all he stands for, etc… And, to hear him saying that, I dont know, it just seems like the nail on TOP of the nail that sealed the coffin.
Perhaps that was his way of saying “See you down the stretch in my new uniform Smoltzie”
by traphicg on Jan 8, 2009 6:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Smoltz gone, maybe Chipper too?
What was great in Atlanta has been gone for three or four years now. Actually, I think the end came in the 500 inning game we had against Houston to knock us from the playoffs…was that in 04? I can’t remember. The problem is Atlanta has been trying to win with the weak links it has added since the 90s. I’m not talking about Chipper and Smoltz, but other players on the team that simply don’t get the job done. IMO we need to pull a Florida Marlins and scrap the team, regroup, and rebuild. What we’ve been doing for the last few years is akin to trying to rebuild your home around the burned-out structure, instead of knocking the black beams down and starting from the concrete.
Atlanta may be too proud to do that, but it can work if done right. Then I say this becuase we haven’t been able to win the way things have gone lately, but if that had been done right we’d be celebrating our WS instead of bemoning our future.
It’s an idea, if anything.
Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.
by SunDolphin on Jan 8, 2009 6:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I can reduce this rambling post to one senetence
We need to rebuild.
by Land-Man on Jan 8, 2009 7:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
haha, thanks.
Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.
by SunDolphin on Jan 8, 2009 8:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I hate to say it guys but Chipper won’t be a Brave after his contract runs out next year.
"The only time the Mets win is in the offseason"
by Falconzfan284 on Jan 8, 2009 6:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
And now, for something completely different...
Hey guys, did you know, that if you spent 20 minutes in the company of Tim Tebow your life will be better for it? The announcer said so, so it must be true.
by soup du jour on Jan 8, 2009 8:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Fuck Tim Tebag he is another faggot just like frank wren
by jjcollins on Jan 8, 2009 9:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I go to law school at UGA and am obligated to hate Florida but Tebow is a nice guy and a winner. I’ve got to pull for the SEC. Shit this announcer Brennaman is damn annoying though. Stupid phrases, fake laughs, and long pauses… almost as bad as Joe Morgan and John Miller. At least we don’t have to watch another dogshit Big 10 team get dominated in the Nat’l Championship this year
by jeg on Jan 8, 2009 9:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I have my TV on mute and am listening to hockey. I’m not a Florida fan, but in this game, against OK, it’s a no brainer. Florida is just better.
And Tebow is the MAN. You might hate him, but if you try denying the facts, well, what the hell are you doing on a sports blog?
Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.
by SunDolphin on Jan 8, 2009 9:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Tebow is awesome. I just hate how the commentators remind us of that fact every chance they can get.
by soup du jour on Jan 8, 2009 9:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I almost want to say he shouldn’t need reminding, but I’d just be an asshole. You’re right. Announcer always do that though. It’s part of the reason I hate them. They always seem to pick some piece of common knowledge they think only they have discovered and try their hardest to share it with the entire world.
Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.
by SunDolphin on Jan 8, 2009 9:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
its fox. as a general rule, they have to find one player a game to needlessly fixate on at every waking moment they get
BIG JOE SUCK ONE
by bigjoe on Jan 8, 2009 9:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
haha
Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.
by SunDolphin on Jan 8, 2009 9:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
unless its Tim McCarver and he decided to fixate on Bob Apadaca….the pitching coach for the Rox….in 2007, no lie McCarver said Apodaca like 30 times in one broadcast, and i might be lowballing it here
"We win today, that's two in a row... if we win tomorrow, that's called a winning streak. It has happened before..."
by Swo12bv on Jan 9, 2009 1:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He’s on Jeter’s nutts all the time but not as bad as Joe Morgan is on Bonds’
by jeg on Jan 10, 2009 1:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i’m pretty sure if both of their contracts expire, and they both go to TBS, and we get an announce team of caray/mccarver/morgan…well…
it would be AWWWWWWWWWWWWWESOME
BIG JOE SUCK ONE
by bigjoe on Jan 10, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
is there any way to get Madden and McCarver in the same booth… and then teach Frank Caliendo how to do McCarver and have him moderate it… theres no way that can be worse than Frank TV
"We win today, that's two in a row... if we win tomorrow, that's called a winning streak. It has happened before..."
by Swo12bv on Jan 11, 2009 1:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Have you pal tell Theo to send us Lester and Youkilis for you, Chipper
Chipper is on about “respect”, but the offer the Braves made to Smoltz, which depends upon his ability to actually pitch, was a fair one considering the condition of his shoulder. I have no “respect” for someone who would like to be paid millions even if he can’t work.
Maybe Chipper is so upset because he realizes the Braves aren’t a limitless cash machine, and he won’t be offered Teixeira money for playing the final years of his career in Atlanta. The team should talk with him about an extension, and if he won’t agree to terms then sadly he must be shopped. 2010 and 2011 matter more than 2009.
The problem is what we could get for him — nothing near his value. The only good news is the Yankees don’t need a third baseman. The bad news is Matsui won’t be their DH in 2010.
by JimK on Jan 8, 2009 9:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
???
This is all pretty hard to take, but in the end I am not so sure it isn’t the right direction. I agree Smoltz probably should have been asked what it would have taken out of respect, but in reality, we are just not going to be all that good this year (on paper). In that regard, is it really a smart move to give a guy in Smoltz’s position a contract. I am not so sure. The business end of baseball sucks, but it may also bring us more quickly to the reality that we currently don’t have what it takes and need to start over.
by MurphyHOF on Jan 8, 2009 10:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Thinking more about Chipper
He talks about “money” and “winning” and staying a Brave all in the same interview. Which is it? It’s either Smoltz wants to win one last WS before he retires or he wants to make money or he wants to be a Brave. If i take anything from his answers, it’s that he’s really confused. Or maybe I’m just confused because Chipper combines so many conflicting ideals. If you want to win a WS then you will take less money to do so. if you want to retire a Brave you will take less money to do so. What it sounds like to me is that Smoltz hit the lottery and got more money and one of the best chances to win a WS avaliabe. Last time I checked, winning is more important than who you play for. That’s how it should be. I understand and respect team loyalty, but I accept an athlete’s need to compete and win even more.
Could it possibly be that Smoltz and Chipper are both upset that their drive to compete is conflicting with their love for Atlanta, and realize that Atlanta isn’t built at this time to win now going into the twilight of their careers?
And if Chipper’s attitude is the team’s attitude, I’m very worried about the mentality of the Braves. Sounds weak and fragile and ready for a cellar run.
Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.
by SunDolphin on Jan 8, 2009 10:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
look at the roster…aside from chipper and the decaying corpse of tom glavine, no one has had a solid postseason run. kotchman and his 15 postseason AB comes after those 2. hudson’s had 8 starts, but has never been out of the first round.
i’m not sure the team is really going to take losing so badly and have morale fall apart…because hardly any of these guys have really won anything aside from those 4.
BIG JOE SUCK ONE
by bigjoe on Jan 8, 2009 10:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know what to think at this point, but my first thought from reading your comment is that it’s possible that they may not care what the elder Braves do, and may just go out and play and do something unexpected, like win.
Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.
by SunDolphin on Jan 8, 2009 10:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
what are u talkign about, Francouer won a state championship in HS…so obviosuly he is a winner
"We win today, that's two in a row... if we win tomorrow, that's called a winning streak. It has happened before..."
by Swo12bv on Jan 9, 2009 1:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Wren can't win
If he had included Hanson in the deal for Peavy, a bunch would say “I can’t believe he is giving away the future”, when he doesn’t, a bunch says “I can’t believe he couldn’t make the deal”.
Oh, and Chipper is pissed… Big Fat Harry Deal!
Am I disappointed that JS won’t be back? Yes. Do I think it is all the Braves fault? NO.
Look at it the other way:
If John loved the Braves as much as he said, if he REALLY wanted to end his career as a Brave, then why didn’t he accept less money (as he has done in the past) and save the Braves some money to spend on others to help the ball club and in hopes to make it more competitive in his last season? It isn’t like he needed the money. He did what a number of players do, he equated money w/ love and respect. Stupid.
Does John Smoltz really think the Braves respect him less because they offered less money? PLEASE! The Braves have been dragging tail the last few years after a run of success. Why? Pitching. Why? Suspect offers to questionable people. Is JS competitive? Absolutely! Did that get him past shoulder problems last year? Absolutely not! Will his competitive nature let him pitch injury-free the entire upcoming season? Absolutely not! I am not saying he won’t pitch injury-free this season, I am just saying he apparently has NO REAL CONTROL over it or he would have done something about it before now. Can the Braves afford to have him sitting the bench and throw away 5 million? NO!
With the Red Sox, JS is insurance against other starting pitchers getting hurt (he is not expected to be ready out of Spring Training). In Atlanta, he would have been expected to be a piece of the rotation. So to sign JS, the Braves would have to have paid him and set up (and pay) someone behind him in case he couldn’t go (no matter what Chipper thinks, JS can’t WILL his shoulder & elbow to stay healthy).
It wasn’t just 2 million dollars difference between the offers, the Braves would have had to invest more money than that to sign John Smoltz.
by paraklete on Jan 11, 2009 10:45 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
well thgouht out
+1
….does everyone realize this is his first post…can we get a round of applause?
"We win today, that's two in a row... if we win tomorrow, that's called a winning streak. It has happened before..."
by Swo12bv on Jan 11, 2009 11:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hip Hip HOORAY!
+1
best defensive shortstop in baseball hahahahahahahahahah (omar visquel)
by mvandonsel on Jan 11, 2009 4:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice
Even if I didn’t agree I would have rec’d that one. First time poster with an Intelligent, well reasoned argument focusing on spelling and grammar to boot.
Welcome, here’s to hoping you hang around.
"Debated ya right not one person agreed with me" by ATLsportsfrk on Dec 27, 2008 6:31 PM EST
by scstrato on Jan 11, 2009 7:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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