Atlanta Braves Off-Season Assessment

October 2nd: Andruw Jones: The much anticipated off-season began with the expected: The Atlanta Braves decided they will not be bringing back Andruw Jones. Looking back on it months later, everyone got what they wanted. Andruw Jones got his large and undeserved contract. Yes, it was easy to predict someone would still be dumb enough to pay him All-Star money. On the Atlanta Braves side, they were given the opportunity to experiment with one of their minor league prospects, test the Free Agent market, or trade for a quality veteran. No matter what, one thing was for certain - this was destined to happen. While we can't assume that Andruw's decline in performance was in result of his demands to be moved, it is evident that both parties need to go their seperate ways. For the Atlanta Braves, his hefty contract demands and rally-busting hitting immediately results in addition by subraction. His Hall of Fame talent in centerfield will never be replaced, but I sure hope we find a replacement who will do what he failed to do in the batters box: hit in the clutch.

October 11th: Frank Wren: First and foremost: Congratulations! A much deserved John Scheurholz took his decade and a half long winning streak to the bank and was rewarded with the role of Atlanta Braves President. In effect, the vacant GM position was given to Scheurholz's sidekick, Frank Wren. Unfortunately, what we will find out is that transactions will have a different flavor and 15+ years of acquiring and trading a certain way will dissapear. In my eyes, his promotion will become the spark that ignites the long downward spiral in immediate transactions for the 2008 off-season.

October 29th: Edgar Renteria: With the pleasant emergence of Yunel Escobar, this trade was inevitable to happen. Though, I am very dissapointed with what the Braves received in return. We all know what the team needed and every club knows what Edgar brings to the table. He has been one of the most consistent and durable hitters for years not and the Braves could have used him to address their need for an already proven starter or replacement in Center Field. Word on the street is the Gorkys Hernandez is a 5-tool player who is about a year away and Jair Jurrgens is a prospect at best. While these players may prove me wrong and help the team in the long-run, we all know that 2008 will be improved by these new acquisitions.

November 18th: Tom Glavine: Most Braves fans will be excited that #47 is back with the team that he was so successful with. Though, bear in mind his age and what was not added to the Braves roster by his signing - another dependable starting that the rotation desperately needs. Sure, the price tag was not an arm and a leg and we all know he will fit in fine as the #3 starter. Though, please keep in mind the obvious trend situation with all the starters... they're all freakin old! John Smoltz had a hell of a year and show no signs of slowing down, we all need to be aware of his age and what long term #1 ace will be for the Braves.

January 14th: Joey Devine: I have always been a fan of Joey Devine. While his nunbers have not shown promise, we can all see he brings the heat. Sure, we will always think about the grand-slam he gave up when he made his debut (in addition to Chris Burke's 18th inning blast in the play-offs), but one thing is for sure: if he matures and is tamed, he can easily be one of the top closers in the game. No matter what others will say, he is a closer in every way and has the stuff to prove it. What is also comforting is that he showed significant improvement in 2007 and it seemed like he was ready to turn the corner. Unfortunately, his future is now on the West Coast and we will never see what could have been for the Atlanta Braves. In return, we receive an old veteran, with a bad back and I believe he will be of little impact, if not any, in our line-up. I'd never thought I'd say it, but Andruw Jones looks like a million-dollars compared to him.

January 17th: Willy Aybar: When hearing the news, my initial reaction was that Wilson Betemit was given up for scraps. Ever since the year started, it was evident Willy Aybar was useless for the Atlanta Braves, and thus, needed to be moved. Especially with being MIA and possibly fighting in Iraq in 07 (for all we know). What puzzles me is that a, Assistant GM at the time, whom obviously had a hand in drafting Fontaine in the second round, would be so eager to give him away for a journey-man at best. This guy has a career 186. ERA in .1 of an inning.... what else is there to say about him? Sure, we may have a need for lefties in the bull-pen, but come on, is this the best we can do with highly sought out prospects? We all know what prospects can go for in this league. If it were just Willy Aybar, I would have had said fine: Crap for Crap. Unfortunately, Chase's opportunity to shine will be with the Rays and all we can do is hope Wren see's something special in Ridgeway that will be revealed in '08. I'm going to be as optimistic and positive as I can.

	Mark Teixeira/Atlanta Braves '08

The Countdown to 20,000,000+ Fan Votes has begun:

Mike Hampton		Mark Teixeira

Salty Aftermath: Am I Mad ???

Comments? KeepTeixeira@gmail.com Sign Your Name