Emptying out the Locker

After 200 plus posts, I'm moving out of the dugout. I'm leaving for another blog to continue what I've been doing the past year. This time I'll be joining a fellow Braves fan as we keep talking chop like we have been. Be sure to check us out:

http://homeofthebraves.blogspot.com

Relief Pitcher Moves

Ken Ray has been claimed by the KC Royals. You might recall that Ray began his career as a Royal. Also, Kevin Barry has been optioned to Richmond to begin next year.
I didn't think Ray would have been brought back and frankly would have been suprised if he was.

Mr. Leadoff....oh and LF

I've been reading alot from Braves fans over the situation on LF and leadoff as we begin to rebuild for next season. Mostly there's a concern over who will be playing is a link from my Peeking towards.. posts where I briefly addressed the LF issue.

2006 LF scenario

Here's a shortlist of names that some fans have mentioned for possible replacements:
Carl Crawford, Juan Pierre, Gary Matthews, Jr., Coco Crisp

Carl Crawford:
Positive:I would love to see Crawford in Atlanta. Carl would provide a solid bat & glove plus the speed we've been missing at the top.

Negative:The Devil Rays have been tossing his name around and are expecting a huge return. You might recall that the D'Rays were stubborn when the Braves were working a Marte/Lugo swap last year, I think they were also requesting Brian McCann to be apart of the deal? They requested McCann for some deal, it may have been another one. Regardless, the D'Rays are stubborn when it comes to dealing. I mean really, it took like two years to finnally deal Aubrey Huff after everyone wanted him. Huff didn't really sparkle in Houston. Crawford will probably be dealt to whoever wants to ante up the most chips.

Juan Pierre:
Positive: Juan Pierre is fast.

Negative: Pierre is a slap hitter with an avg. mitt and a weak arm. He's good for the smallball game, but having him in LF isn't a good idea. His time at Wrigley wasn't as pleasent as Cubs fans hoped for. Some Braves fans will sacrifice the lack of defense for OBP while others just don't want the headache. Juan will probably get around $8M-$10M next year and I'm not sure the Braves will want to walk that line.

Gary Matthews, Jr:
Positive: Lil Sarge made a name for himself last year in Texas.

Negative: It only took about 7 years for Matthews finnally to break out. He's been a Braves for a little while. In 2004, the Braves cut him during Spring Training. Everyone knows that 2006 was a career year for Gary, and I'm not sure if he could kepp up the track record. Matthews could be worth a look, but I'm not sure if the Braves would be willing to sacrifice it.

Coco Crisp:
Positive: Crisp has shown he can put up some good numbers in the past. Atlanta wanted him before. Coco is still young.

Negative: Coco's numbers dropped considerably this past season. Maybe it's the drama playing for the Boston Red Sox that causes this. The Braves already brought back to life Edgar Renteria after his stint in Beantown. Could Crisp be next?

2005: 594AB 16HR 69RBI .300/.345/.465
2006: 413AB 8HR 36RBI .264/.317/.385
2007: 525AB 19HR 80RBI .302/.370/.450


If the Braves work something I think Crisp would be the one Atlanta goes after. I don't think it would take much for Boston to satisfy a deal. Possibly, Horacio Ramirez and Langerhans??

Nationals request Pendleton

The Washington Nationals have asked and recieved permission to speak with Braves hitting coach Terry Pendleton. Pendleton as well as Dusty Baker are on the short list for the Nats managerial opening. Talk about strange, the Braves could have another coach leave for a team in your own division. Good Luck to Terry.


Well it looks like my pick for the Dodgers to win the NL have just about vanished. The Dodgers are 1 game away from being eliminated. Although I still think the Mets will crumble before the Series.