2009 Ain't quite over yet [EDIT: Now it is.]

[Gman]

Sorry to break up the "wait'll next year" talk but doesn't anyone feeling just a little excited about the Braves hot run up the ladder in the wild card race? I mean they're making a great finishing run here! So great that I think they're actually gonna pull this off.

The Rockies pitching is tumbling down to earth (specifically Marquis and DeLaRosa), and the Giants bats keep costing them important wins. All of a sudden, the Braves have moved up another notch and sit directly behind the Rockies, 3.5 games out with 10 to go. They've knocked 4 games off the Rockies lead on them in the last 10 games. The math is getting a little more doable.

By the way the Rockies cupcake schedule mentioned in another thread (named "if a miracle happens and the Braves make the playoffs") has passed. Their bullpen is getting pressed hard by really short outings by DeLaRosa and Marquis. Street is just coming off bicep problems that kept him out for 2 weeks. One of their hottest hitters the past month (the kid they got from the A's, Carlos Gonzalez) is on the bench with a hammy problem. The Rockies still have 6 games left at home: 3 against Milwaukee, 3 against 1st place St.Louis, and close with 3 games on the road against the 1st place Dodgers. Like I said, no cupcake anymore.

Meanwhile, the Braves have the next three on the road against the Nats then close with 7 at home (3 vs. the Marlins and 4 against the Nats).

In case you're thinking the Cards and Dodgers are probably going to lay down over that final week for the Rockies, there's this great 3 way battle between the division leaders going on for home field advantage in the playoffs. That's a pretty nice thing to grab.

So the "it'll take a miracle" is down to, "if things keep going this way". That's a big jump! The Braves rotation looks healthy, the bullpen looks healthy, and the starting lineup looks healthy. Now, if Chipper can just find his stroke for the next 10 games....(he's got a barrel full of hits due him and they sure could use them)!

[Freddy_Ballgame]

I hope you're right, Gman. They are certainly making it interesting and the schedule should favor Atlanta, unless they decide to flounder against lesser teams again. I think Chipper may have to wait 'til next year to be himself again. He's still paying the "baseball gods" back for last season's batting crown!

[luvdembravos]

Stranger things have happened and if the Braves were to pull it off, it would be their greatest streak of winning baseball since the amazing run in 1993 when they went 54-19 down the stretch to overcome the Giants.

Personally, I wasn’t ready to throw in the towel until the Braves lost 73 games. Link (http://www.chopnation.com/boards/showthread.php?t=327)

I think it’s going to take 90 or more wins to get the wild card so the Braves absolutely can’t afford to lose more than 2 games over their next 10. If we can get the Rockies lead down to 1 ½ games by Sunday, it will be a VERY interesting week...and if we win tonight and tomorrow, I’m definitely going to the game on Sunday.

GO BRAVES!

[Middle Man]

Ha, you beat me to it Gman. Pssssst, don't tell anyone, but we're only 3 1/2 back. If the Braves can get it to 2 1/2 over the next 2 days, I'll see if I can scrounge up some tickets for Sunday's game in DC. So it's up to you Braves; if you want to see me on Sunday - and I know you do - pick up one more game by Sunday.

[sdp]

There is still HOPE!

[Wahoo]

It's doable, but we are playing the Gnats and Marlins who have given us stiff competition throughout the year. I think we'll go 6-4 over our last 10 games, which means we'll likely miss the playoffs by approximately 2 games.

[Middle Man]

We have 10 games left. It appears that the rotation (x2) for the final 10 games will be:

Vaquez
Hanson
Lowe
Jurrjens
Hudson

If the final game matters, who would you want to pitch the final game?

[jlcct]

That's a good question. I'm not sure who I'd pick. I think you could build a strong case for or against any one of the five. If I must pick, I'll go with Jurrjens. Who do you think Bobby would pick?

[quick]

It's doable, but we are playing the Gnats and Marlins who have given us stiff competition throughout the year. I think we'll go 6-4 over our last 10 games, which means we'll likely miss the playoffs by approximately 2 games.

Aye, there's the rub. Frankly, the Gnats always give us trouble, and the Smarlins' pitching gives us fits, too. The Braves M-O all year has been beat the great teams, melt against the ones they should drill.

But...the playoffs are possible.

[Hobbes]

But...the playoffs are possible.
Which is better than not possible.

[warefreak]

Aye, it's funny but the only pitcher that makes me cringe anymore is our so called Ace, Lowe. I'm excited when any of the other 4 get up there and I feel like we should win.

Nonetheless... the final games are mostly against the Nationals... the worst team in MLB. Regardless of their success against us, if we don't overtake the Rockies with this schedule than we have nobody to blame but ourselves. Everything is lined up for us to take this!

[Middle Man]

That's a good question. I'm not sure who I'd pick. I think you could build a strong case for or against any one of the five. If I must pick, I'll go with Jurrjens. Who do you think Bobby would pick?

I think Bobby would re-sign Glavine to a one day contract. :D

I'd have a hard time making a case for Lowe, but each of the other 4 I can see being a reasonable choice. JV has been the the most dominant, imo, and probably has the best chance of pitching deep into the game. JJ has been almost as dominant but without the strike outs. Hanson has been completely unhittable at times but obviously lacks big game experience - and the walks make me a little nervous. Hudson has the experience but is obviously not the best pitcher on the staff at this point. JV would be my first choice with JJ being a close second.

[Hobbes]

Regardless of their success against us, if we don't overtake the Rockies with this schedule than we have nobody to blame but ourselves. Everything is lined up for us to take this!
Well, we need help from the Rockies no matter what we do.

JV would be my first choice with JJ being a close second.
:thumbsup:

[Gman]

We have 10 games left. It appears that the rotation (x2) for the final 10 games will be:

Vaquez
Hanson
Lowe
Jurrjens
Hudson

If the final game matters, who would you want to pitch the final game?

I think they're all solid but, for some reason I really like that fact that it's lining up to be Hudson. Just a hunch but he strikes me as the guy who'll throw a masterpiece if all the chips are riding on him.

[Middle Man]

It's doable, but we are playing the Gnats and Marlins who have given us stiff competition throughout the year. I think we'll go 6-4 over our last 10 games, which means we'll likely miss the playoffs by approximately 2 games.

The fishies will do everything possible to beat us even if they're out of it, no doubt.

The Nationals have a pretty strong incentive to lose though. They won't say it pubically of course, but right now they're about 4 games ahead of (behind?) the Pirates for the right to draft that dude from Las Vegas that Sports Illustrated says is the LeBron of baseball or something. I'd hate to be the manager that blew a four-game lead (deficit?) to the Pirates in the final week of the season.

[JESouth10]

The fishies will do everything possible to beat us even if they're out of it, no doubt.

The Nationals have a pretty strong incentive to lose though. They won't say it pubically of course, but right now they're about 4 games ahead of (behind?) the Pirates for the right to draft that dude from Las Vegas that Sports Illustrated says is the LeBron of baseball or something. I'd hate to be the manager that blew a four-game lead (deficit?) to the Pirates in the final week of the season.

Thats a very interesting thought that hadn't come to my mind yet. I think your exactly right though, its a descision to either not try to win a few games or change the future of your franchise. Its gotta be on their minds. Personally I would do everything i could to get that kid in my organization.

[Dreamscape]

The only way we will know if that's what the Nats are after is if they start benching their regulars, which I doubt they are after.

[Gman]

I also failed to mention the Phillies who are now only 4 games ahead of the Braves. We all know nothing turns a teams outlook to fatalistic like a bunch of blown saves (remember the Reitsma days?). Those last inning wins-turned-to-losses eventually eat your heart out. The Phils have weathered Lidge because they had safety nets like a big division lead, Madson to take over if Lidge failed, Myers ready to take over if Lidge and Madson failed. Well Madson failed at it, Myers has been pretty mediocre and Lidge is still failing. I remember when Reistsma flamed out, everyone else from the pen began to flame out with him. It wasn't until they got Wickman from outside that things settled down.

Right now the only reason Charlie keeps going with Lidge is because Madson and Myers haven't given him any reason not too. Hopefully, to much damage will have been done before Charlie looks at Pedro to close.

The Phils have only 3 road games left, all against the Brewers this weekend. They then finish with 7 games at home, 4 with Houston and the final 3 against the Fish. Is there a titanic sinking walk-off grand slam coming from Lidge next week? I can see it.

[Wahoo]

I also failed to mention the Phillies who are now only 4 games ahead of the Braves. We all know nothing turns a teams outlook to fatalistic like a bunch of blown saves (remember the Reitsma days?). Those last inning wins-turned-to-losses eventually eat your heart out. The Phils have weathered Lidge because they had safety nets like a big division lead, Madson to take over if Lidge failed, Myers ready to take over if Lidge and Madson failed. Well Madson failed at it, Myers has been pretty mediocre and Lidge is still failing. I remember when Reistsma flamed out, everyone else from the pen began to flame out with him. It wasn't until they got Wickman from outside that things settled down.

Right now the only reason Charlie keeps going with Lidge is because Madson and Myers haven't given him any reason not too. Hopefully, to much damage will have been done before Charlie looks at Pedro to close.

The Phils have only 3 road games left, all against the Brewers this weekend. They then finish with 7 games at home, 4 with Houston and the final 3 against the Fish. Is there a titanic sinking walk-off grand slam coming from Lidge next week? I can see it.

Umm, except they are 7 games ahead of us. That is a massive lead that's damn near impossible to cough up.

[warefreak]

Well tonight the Rockies are facing Carpenter who is the only one with a chance of taking the cy young from Lincecum... and we're facing the Nationals who have every incentive to lose right now.

I fully expect us to be 2.5 games out of the wildcard in the morning. Please!!!

I can't believe I'm actually thinking we have a chance. This is torture. I love it though.

[JanShan12]

A month ago, I didn't think we had a chance. I went to work today talking to Cardinal fans about how my Braves need the Cardinals help to get into the playoffs. Who knew? :)

I'm so happy right now just because I feel like we're competing. This is going to be an interesting weekend. 2 losses this weekend and it's over. A sweep or 2 out of 3 and we are right in it.

The Cardinals should handle the Rockies this weekend with Carpenter pitching tonight and Wainwright tomorrow. They really want home-field advantage here in St. Louis!

[Gman]

Umm, except they are 7 games ahead of us. That is a massive lead that's damn near impossible to cough up.

Ooops. My mistake. I was looking at E# on MLB.com. Must something like the "magic number" for the Phils to take the division title.

OK...so probably won't overtake the phils maybe. Actually if things hold with Milwaukee it'll be 6 out with 9 to go. 8-1 for the braves 2-7 for the phils? Not so hard to imagine given Pedro's start just got pushed back again. Lee got lit up again. Amaro just announced it'll be closer by committee the rest of the way. Given all that, I wouldn't say impossible.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

If I had to have one game and rest wasn't a factor, I'd go with Jurrgens. A close second would be a tie between Javy and the forgotten man, Kawakami. He has been lights out in big "need" games pitching against the other guys' best.
Remember all that crap that was posted a couple of years back about how bad Half-Game James was? Jurrgens is that guy!

[Middle Man]

... Remember all that crap that was posted a couple of years back about how bad Half-Game James was? Jurrgens is that guy!

Jurrjens doesn't chew gum- he chews glass.

[argentina brave]

is it okay if i come back on here and spout some optimism? :)

if it comes down to one game, i'd just hand the ball to the freshest ace (we have multiple ones).

i'd be lying if i didn't say the fish scare me. if the dodgers can win 2 of 3 at the tail end, and the cards can take the next two, we're in good shape. the brewers don't exactly instill confidence on my part.

as for us, i think the braves' train is picking up steam, as a lot of opposing players are making hunting/fishing/eating with hooters' waitresses plans. (no, i'm not talking about chipper yet!)

go braves!!

[IkeWagner]

The Rockies didn't lose today. That really hurts. We sweep the Nats and only pick up a game. We have it tougher than the Rockies for the next three, as we have the Marlins and they have the Brewers. We simply can't afford to lose a game in the standings over the next three. If we can keep pace, we have an outside shot.

[Chris_Moderato]

I'm throwing all the support I have behind the team. I think they can do it. I'm going to drink the Kool-Aid and get my hopes up, dammit, because what's the point of being a fan otherwise? Go Braves! You can do it!

[KB 34]

I'm not going to drink the Kool-Aid. It has too much sugar and doesn't taste that good anyhow. Instead I shall have a light lemonade, which tastes quite good if you avoid drinking soda. I don't know where this is going, go Braves. It can be done some how. Point and laugh at the Rockies until they cry or something.

[Lauren T.]

I'm having a Vault this morning. Go Braves!

[sdp]

Here's how it is: the Braves go 7-0 to finish the season, they'll be playing in October. Anything less than 6-1 makes it improbable.

[BigWorm]

Boom Boom Boom Boom
Boom Boom Boom Boom
Boom Boom Boom Boom

Woah Woah Woaaaah Oh
Woaaaah Oh Oh Ohoooooo o

[warefreak]

The Rockies sure are making it extremely difficult. I would not have thought they would have taken 2 out of 3 from the Cards.

The Brewers are a good team, but I would not be surprised if the Rockies swept. This is going to be a VERY hard series with the Fish as they still think they can get in. If nothing else they'll try very hard so that we won't get in.

Jurrjens, Hudson, and then Javier!

I'm thinking we get 2 out of 3. I just am not comfortable with Hudson yet.

[quick]

The Rockies sure are making it extremely difficult. I would not have thought they would have taken 2 out of 3 from the Cards.

The Brewers are a good team, but I would not be surprised if the Rockies swept. This is going to be a VERY hard series with the Fish as they still think they can get in. If nothing else they'll try very hard so that we won't get in.

Jurrjens, Javier, Hudson right?

I'm thinking we get 2 out of 3.


I am DEMANDING the Braves win out. No losses. Not even one. So there!:D

[Freddy_Ballgame]

Any way we can convince Bobby to skip Lowe?

[KB 34]

Have Chuck James call and say he needs help installing windows that night?

[bravos4evr]

I am starting to believe they can pull this off! The key IMo is that The Dodgers don't clinch home field throught so that they have something to play for against colorado. I am starting to invision a 1 game lead for the Rockies entering that series and with us at the Nats, I give us a greater chance to go 3-0 whilst the rockies go 1-2 then vice versa.

I have this weird feeling we will have to play the Rockies in a one game playoff for the wild card.

[Gman]

Watch out Phillies you ain't won nothing yet. Those imploding bullpens sure do take the starting rotation right down with them don't they? :p

[Hillbilly]

The Braves are 16-3 since I left Turner Field distraught and dejected earlier this month:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPw-3e_pzqU

[JanShan12]

Wonderful use of YouTube, Hillbilly! :)


ESPN just did a nice segment on the Braves. Buster Olney says the Braves are the team everyone needs to look out for. He had three reasons: they have the best starting pitching in baseball (3.51 ERA), they are the hottest team in baseball right now (15-2 over the past 2 weeks), and our schedule this last week is much easier than the Rockies.

I love it! I don't remember the last time I've seen so many people at ESPN jumping on the Braves bandwagon, but I love it.

They also mentioned that JJ is 4-0 with a 0.62 ERA his last 4 games and Prado has scored in the past 11 straight games.

[warefreak]

I love how we have the best starting pitching in baseball.

I remember 1995... good starting pitching beats good hitting everytime. If we get to the playoffs I think this team can go very, very far.

Who would you choose for the 3 games in the first round? I'd choose Javier, Jurrjens, Hudson.

[Middle Man]

Barmes dropped it (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/About-Clint-Barmes-incredible-catch-Was-it-?urn=mlb,192799)

Did everyone see this from Sunday's Rockies-St. Louis game? Bummer. It could have been 1 1/2 games - now 1 game.

[Gman]

Barmes dropped it (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/About-Clint-Barmes-incredible-catch-Was-it-?urn=mlb,192799)

Did everyone see this from Sunday's Rockies-St. Louis game? Bummer. It could have been 1 1/2 games - now 1 game.

I watched that game and it never even came up! But when you watch the replay, it becomes obvious it was a drop. Not because you can see the ball trickle out but because you can see Barmes first instinct when he stood up was to throw to second to try for a force on Pujols. It was only when Spilbourgh pointed to first that Barmes changed where he was going to throw it.

Great clip MiddleMan. Thanks! Huge break for the Rockies again (remember Holliday's phantom tag of home?). But, the baseball gods always seem to even things out...let's hope they do it sooner rather than later. ;)

[quick]

Hopefully, we win tonight and it flashes through the Rockies' club house while they are still playing and it causes a little tightness among their players. We can only hope....

If the Braves pull this off, this will be one of the great stories of recent decades. And, unlike the Rockies' wild ride of a few years back, we have the pitching to make some post-season noise against anybody.

[Lauren T.]

Atlanta Braves
They have perhaps baseball's best rotation, but they'll have trouble winning any slugfests. Catcher Brian McCann is the only one who has at least 20 home runs and 80 RBIs as a Brave (Adam LaRoche has reached that figure, but spent the first half of the season in Pittsburgh). Their .409 slugging percentage ranks 20th overall (and last among potential playoff teams), and their 146 home runs is 22nd.
Worry Meter: 8

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_heyman/09/30/playoff.concerns/1.html#ixzz0SchZmNSH


I miss the days when SI would send you a football phone if you subscribed. I always wanted one of those.

[IkeWagner]

And so it ends.

[Chris_Moderato]

Pretty much. Technically it still ain't over, but it's down to one game for the stupid Rockies.

[warefreak]

I agree. We can pack it in.

I am hoping the Cards make it out of the National League. If for some reason the Rockies make it they'll just embarrass us again by getting swept. Their pitching will get hammered. The Phillies are in our division so naturally I hate them... (although they might be able to compete) the Dodgers don't have the pitching to win it. I think the Cards with their offense and the fact they have two Cy Young candidates might actually win the pennant for us National Leaguers.

[quick]

Indeed. I was there last night--should have been scoring, as I was not aware "Cy" Nolasco had 16 Ks. Brutal.

We looked really sad and would have continued in that vein but for some Fishy errors. Chipper's early error with 2 on really hurt, too. We looked overmatched most of the night.

It is probably best this way. I can move on to football rather than ride into the post-season optimistically only to watch us lose....

[warefreak]

Well the Rockies won...

I must say this last spurge was fun. A few weeks ago I was frustrated with the Braves and just generally mad. These last few weeks games (minues the last 2) got me feeling like I did in the 90's. I can't wait for next season and the offseason.

[-Dr. Brave-]

I definitely think we're headed in the right direction. If we don't do something stupid like trading away our best pitcher, we should have some really interesting pieces in place by next summer.

[Chris_Moderato]

I definitely think we're headed in the right direction. If we don't do something stupid like trading away our best pitcher, we should have some really interesting pieces in place by next summer.

I think if we get a bat worth the value of what Javy Vasquez provided us this year, then we can get along without him. I mean, we have a hell of a rotation even without Javy.

Don't get me wrong. If there is a way to both keep Javy and acquire the pop our lineup desperately needs, I'm all for it.

P.S. I assumed when you said "our best pitcher" you were referring to Javy.

[KB 34]

I hate the idea of trading Vazquez but I don't like the idea of him leaving as a free agent after next season, or not addressing the problems with the bullpen and power hitting. My feeling is the Braves will have to gamble a bit by trading Vazquez to maximize their chances of competing next season. I wish there was a better way but Moylan as closer, Medlen as top setup man, and McCann as cleanup hitter won't cut it even if the starting rotation is amazing.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

Cox should try and convince Wren to swap Lowe to the Cubs for disgruntled a'hole Milton Bradley! Maybe Bryce can run the numbers up for both deals and see how they compare. Yeah. yeah, I know....Bradley is a lunatic. Lowe isn't worth what he's making so maybe it's a fit. Cox, being the apple polisher he is, surely can rein in that kook for one season! Who knows? Maybe Bradley would thrive under Cox, who keeps confrontations with his players to a minimum. I feel it's a dead cert the guy won't be back with the Cubs next season and they can always use pitching.
What do the numbers look like?

[Chris_Moderato]

Cox should try and convince Wren to swap Lowe to the Cubs for disgruntled a'hole Milton Bradley! Maybe Bryce can run the numbers up for both deals and see how they compare. Yeah. yeah, I know....Bradley is a lunatic. Lowe isn't worth what he's making so maybe it's a fit. Cox, being the apple polisher he is, surely can rein in that kook for one season! Who knows? Maybe Bradley would thrive under Cox, who keeps confrontations with his players to a minimum. I feel it's a dead cert the guy won't be back with the Cubs next season and they can always use pitching.
What do the numbers look like?

You use some of the strangest abbreviations sometimes, Freddy.

[luvdembravos]

I can't think of many players I WOULDN'T want on the Braves more than Milton Bradley. But it would be nice if Wren could trade Lowe ... but I don't think anyone will bite unless the Braves eat a significant part of his salary.

[Andy G.]

Agreed, luvdem. No chance I'd want Milton Bradley.

[Dreamscape]

I don't like Lowe very much.

Well, I liked him more than slayer entering last offseason. But the price tag and years really turned me off. But he's at least a productive major leaguer. Milton Bradley has been accused of milking an injury with the Rangers to keep his overall stats looking pretty. If the wind blows, he's wondering why there is a conspiracy against him. You need a trainer out there if he disagrees with an umpire.

As a player, I like Milton Bradley. When he plays, he has remarkable offensive ability. But when players like Bradley bounce around to what will likely be his ninth organization next year, there is a reason. If he was playing well and was a soon-to-be free agent, he makes an intriguing trade deadline pickup. But I just can't get behind acquiring him right now.

And he won't cost anything, let along a productive pitcher.

[Chris_Moderato]

I know the season is over and all, but the team really have to roll over and let the Nats walk all over them like they have this weekend? It's like they have no pride at all. It's a little embarrassing and has taken some of the shine off the fine finish we had been building toward.

[The Rap]

Freddy what are you smoking? Bradley? You have to be kidding. The guy is a cancer on any team he plays for. The only way to trade Lowe is to find a team that could use a veteran starter who hardly ever misses a start and has a player they are overpaying for but has value. One player is very enticing; Alex Rios. He just had a horrific year but is a known five tool player who could play LF for us and be the answer to our dreams. The main hangup is the age difference between Lowe and Rios. This would translate into us adding Ryan Church and/or Kelly Johnson to the deal.

[wordslayer©]

duplicate post

[Freddy_Ballgame]

Nice way to disagree Michael...by the way, what are you huffing?
I knew this would bring in some chatter! I don't like Bradley as a guy either. His baseball abilities are pretty well documented, however. While not on that scale at the time, the Braves brought in another head case who had reportedly, check that, admittedly tanked games, made errors on purpose and been a general jackball for most of his productive career. Remember Gary $heffield? He never caused a real problem with Atlanta until he was ready to move on to greener (meaning more $$$) pastures. Cox has a way with those guys and the notion of having a legit bat in the outfield again is compelling to me. Besides, Bradley would force Cox to earn his dough in his final year!
:D :thumbsup:

[Freddy_Ballgame]

Without a game thread running, let me say what a horses#!t way to end the season! Obviously the ump at third was ready to go home. What does he care? I guess it's like a microcosm for the season....build us up for the big finish, then peter out. Let me be one of the first to say,

"WAIT 'TIL NEXT YEAR!!!"

[-Dr. Brave-]

[COLOR=darkolivegreen]Without a game thread running, let me say what a horses#!t way to end the season! Obviously the ump at third was ready to go home. What does he care? I guess it's like a microcosm for the season....build us up for the big finish, then peter out.

That really was a horse**** call, but it was the 15th inning. Can't say I was surprised.

Braves get swept in a four-game series at home against the Nationals and lose their final 6 games, four of them by one run. Unfortunately, we took a step back (to 2008) in the final week of the season.

[Dreamscape]

Braves could afford to take chances that a player like Gary Sheffield would do big things for them a few years back. I wouldn't be too against bringing Bradley in on a GAnderson-type deal, but only after the Braves have brought in a complimentary bat to the outfield.

[-Dr. Brave-]

For the love of God, please don't let Milton Bradley and his mind games (pun intended) come to Turner Field. If Heyward arrives on schedule, Diaz could play in left field and give better production for less cost.

[Dreamscape]

Fun number on Milton Bradley.

Number of seasons with 120 or more games in the last six years:
Bradley - 3
Chipper - 4

On the plus side, if Chipper doesn't break a nail and Bradley doesn't have a discussion about race (http://keith.baseballevolution.com/miltonbradley.html) lined up, there will be some great OBP in the lineup.

[Gman]

Much as I cringe at seeing a perennial nutcase like Milton Bradley on the Braves, he's probably the one guy who the Braves could trade Lowe for even up without having to pay out a penny. So it'd be about 7mil pocketed by the Braves. That's almost what Hudson says he'd take. So it'd essentially be a swap of Bradley and Hudson for Lowe at a net additional cost of 2mil on the 2010-2011 budget. I'd do that. Even if Bradley tanks again, Hudson has a really good chance to out pitch lowe the next 2 years IMO.

[wordslayer©]

Cut to scene one:

Opening day 2011.

Wren says to Bobby:

"I hope your last year here is the best year you you've ever had in baseball. I want you to make it a great year, because you deserve it. Go out and really have fun with the players. Take joy in the fruits of your labor."

By the way, I just signed Milton Bradley

[KB 34]

I didn't understand the level of hatred towards acquiring Bradley. The Braves have done well getting players to behave well in the past and a bad in the lineup would be nice. Then I looked at his stats and realized the Braves would be getting a clubhouse bum with a bullhorn. Have fun with him Cubs, there's a reason you can't win a WS more than once every 100 years. The ivy and Wrigley sanitation system is more valuable as an outfielder than him.

[The Rap]

The difference is that Bradley is certifiable while Sheffield and others are more like petulant immature children.

[ScooterBrave]

Cox should try and convince Wren to swap Lowe to the Cubs for disgruntled a'hole Milton Bradley! Maybe Bryce can run the numbers up for both deals and see how they compare. Yeah. yeah, I know....Bradley is a lunatic. Lowe isn't worth what he's making so maybe it's a fit. Cox, being the apple polisher he is, surely can rein in that kook for one season! Who knows? Maybe Bradley would thrive under Cox, who keeps confrontations with his players to a minimum. I feel it's a dead cert the guy won't be back with the Cubs next season and they can always use pitching.
What do the numbers look like?

Bradley?! He makes Sheffield look like Mr. Sunshine! And worse, he brings everyone down with him. If we had a more veteran team that could move past his stuff, maybe, but not with these kids.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

Admittedly, Bradley's a kook. That said, I have never heard him admit to tanking games, striking out on purpose or making errors just because he didn't want to play for a club. The key here would be Bobby Cox. He's supposed to be the poster boy for "player's managers." He could really prove it by getting Bradley and his enormous potential to become a productive major leaguer. Hey, Bradley's running out of chances...kinda like that old doper Cox brought in to play first a few seasons back, Ken Caminiti.
As for Bradley's lack of fielding prowess, who's to say he would be worse than Joggin' GA? Do your stats that show him to be that bad, cover guys who aren't crushed by a statistic for only giving a half-assed effort? Hey, it's just an idea...besides, wouldn't a Jimmy Piersall (look him up!) style meltdown be a scream to watch? It'd be on YouTube forever!