Yes, the Yankees have permission to talk to Leo. We know already. I don’t think anything will come of it, though they’ll throw enormous amounts of money at him.
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Yes, the Yankees have permission to talk to Leo. We know already. I don’t think anything will come of it, though they’ll throw enormous amounts of money at him.
Use code “Journal” for a 5% discount.
I agree. It would be one thing if Leo were taking any real heat for the bullpen woes this year. But he’s viewed as a demigod by most fans and reporters. Think what would happen in the NY tabs if he went to the Yankees and the a repeat of game 4 of the Houston series happened to the New York bullpen come October 2006. Ouch.
The only other scenarios I see arising that would make Mazzone ever seriously consider leaving would be when Cox retires or an attractive manging job came available.
To repeat my question from the other thread, is there anyone in the Braves’ system is a Mazzone protege who would be a natural replacement if he does leave?
The Orioles are getting permission as well. Not to belabor the point or anything…
I’m about to start reading a book whose only endorsements are by Dan Shaughnessy and Josh Lewin of Fox Sports. I’m not sure I should even open it…
Maybe if Maddux retires we could get him. Charlie Liebrant and Charlie OBrien would be good pitching coaches.
I’d probably try to hire Mike Maddux.
Braves hitting coach Terry Pendleton became the seventh managerial candidate interviewed by the Devil Rays in less than a week on Monday, when he met with team officials during a two-hour interview in New York.
Do we really care all that much if Leo leaves? Look at the results over the past few years. The Braves’ bullpen has been a disaster recently. The veterans, who Mazzone supposedly turned from coal to diamonds in the past, certainly have not shown that type of improvement for the last three seasons or so. Look to the Astros’ bullpen; look at the Sox. These were the types of pitchers that the Braves used to turn into stars. No more. Maybe it’s time for a change.
I won’t to go BACK to the point that was JUST made MAC.
I think, possibly for 2007 season, the Braves should consider hiring Ned Yost to manage and Mike Maddux along with him to be the pitching coach.
I am not saying we SHOULDN’T retain Leo Mazzone, I am saying that Mazzone likely leaves when Cox leaves, plain and simple.
What I am seeing grow in Milwaukee is the kind of managing and coaching that would fit in the Braves, long term…the Yost-Maddux combo. Bothhave the kind of smarts that I think would be an excellent fit to take over for long term duty of the Cox/Mazzone combo.
Look, I know me suggesting this is disingenuous considering my strong dislike of Cox’s managing in October, but here’s the bottom line…Bobby Cox is either in his early 70’s or close to it. I think even many of you would look at the decision to start Brian Jordan in Game 1 as an ‘old school’ Cox decision that hurts the team and that maybe fresh leadership wouldn’t be the worst thing.
Look, I love what leo has done and have never complained about him (the way I have Cox) the last 14 years; but at SOME POINT, you have simply put in fresh leadership.
It’s not to say we should stick anything in there and hire the Lachemann brothers or hire Jeff Torborg and Dave Wallace…no, in speaking about Yost and Maddux, you are talking about two next generation leaders here who have already shown their meddle. Hell, Maddux deserves a humanitarian award for turning Kolbb into a good reliever in 2004.
The point is, we can’t hang onto Leo forever and though we may risk our division title streak by changing the philosophies in the dugout, if I could hire my ideal “tandem” to replace the Cox/Mazzone tandem, it would be that pair in Milwaukee who are rising that team up despite even less given resources then Time Warner now gives the Cox/Mazzone team.
I just think Mac has touched on something that we should consider exploring. And speaking of Maddux, if Greg retires in the next year or two, I think he might make an ideal front office guy as maybe an assistant GM role to JS. Here’s pretty intellectual and a smart, smart Baseball guy.
Organizationally, that would also bring in the kind of stability we have had the last 2 decades by making smart, strategic hires like the Maddux brothers & Yost.
Now while I don’t like Terry Pendleton as the hitting coach, his style does bode well as a Manager should he either continue to be around the Braves or even leave for Tampa and then hire him back in a few years if he shows a modicum of success there. TP has the absolute right temperament for a manager job. I still prefer Ned Yost considering his track record is showing year to year improvement and great use of his talent in Milwaukee, (plus, he also has a long history with Atlanta) but I wouldn’t be opposed to TP managing.
As for making Leo Mazzone the manager should Cox retire next year, I don’t think so. Leo is a great pitching coach but he doesn’t have the right temperament and pitching coaches, for whatever reason, fail as managers. It’s generally proven. (I have not met Leo but my brother is a Macon sports writer and has spent extensive time around everyone from JS on down to minor league guys and he says the only guy who’s rather unpleasant to be around is Leo…he says what I already say about Cox which is that Bobby has the opposite temperament…a very nice and encouraging manager and very very easy to do interviews with).
Bobby is 64. He’s not even retirement age.
Ok, then just his MANAGING style is old.
What MAKES you THINK we CAN just LURE both MADDUX and YOST from MILWAUKEE, Alex?
Do we really care all that much if Leo leaves? Look at the results over the past few years. The Braves’ bullpen has been a disaster recently. The veterans, who Mazzone supposedly turned from coal to diamonds in the past, certainly have not shown that type of improvement for the last three seasons or so. Look to the Astros’ bullpen; look at the Sox. These were the types of pitchers that the Braves used to turn into stars. No more. Maybe it’s time for a change.
What? Umm, weren’t the Braves first in ERA last year? In fact, given the minor league staff he had this year, I thought is was a pretty impressive year for him. The plan for this year involved Martin, Bernero, Foster (if you want to count him), and nearly Gabe White among others. Leo didn’t get coal to work with this year, he got dog turds. That;s not much to work with. 26 pitchers threw for the Braves this year. From 2004 bullpen the Braves lost Smoltz, Alfonseca, and Juan Cruz. No one else stepped into these roles in 2005. Sosa might have had he been in the pen the whole year, but OH YEAH, the Braves lost 3 starters for significant amounts of time.
All of this supposedly “inside stuff” about Leo not being all that good. It’s garbage. Anyone who’s peddling it rides on the back of truck wearing an orange jump suit before the sun comes up. If Leo didn’t matter, and wasn’t part of the good stuff, he wouldn’t be there. Glavine, Maddux, and Smoltz, among others, wouldn’t sing his praises. And Leo wouldn’t sit next to Bobby on the bench. There is no doubt in my mind that other things about the Braves contribute to pitcher success, but Leo has to be a big part of it or he wouldn’t be where he is today.
I would say the chance to win Stu.
Let’s give Yost a few more years and see what he does.
I think, possibly for 2007 season, the Braves should consider hiring Ned Yost to manage and Mike Maddux along with him to be the pitching coach.
I was thinking the same thing the other day, if only we could somehow become the Brewers. October dissappointments are downers and I need more time to watch college football.
Might not be too bad as long as we get Uecker in the deal…
I alos bet Bobby hand pick his replacement. Don’t forget that Jim Fregosi is our top scout and could be the first in line to replace Bobby.
I’ll admit it: The first time I saw Leo Mazzone pop out of the dugout, I said, “Who is that guy? I want to see his credentials!”
Cut to the next scene: The very idea of having to defend Mazzone is patently ridiculous. I can’t even entertain that notion.
Stu, do you just wait until I comment and then take the dissenting position? 🙂 I am not offended…i actually think you & I should star in our own “Pardon the Interruption” type show so we can argue about everything–you in?
I second Smitty…that’s my whole point. Yost & Maddux will have a greater chance to win in Atlanta and have more media attention, more money and more TV appearances…plus, he would get offered more money. No brainer for Yost & Maddux; plus, where would any of YOU rather live? Milwaukee or Atlanta. DUH.
Second, regarding criticism of Mazzone, while his track record is not perfect, plenty of pitchers on his watch have failed, that’s in LARGE part due to the fact that those pitchers (like Adam bernero, SUCK). Cox can’t pitch for them.
Overall, Leo’s track record extends all over Baseball. Does anything REALLY BELIEVE Kevin Millwood wins the American League ERA title this year without the teachings he endured of Leo Mazzone? Or that Jason Schmidt realizes his full potential in San Fran. without the teachings of Leo Mazzone? Or that Mike Remlinger gets a 3 year deal with the Cubs in 2002 or Jaret Wright gets a 4 year deal with the Yankees in 2004 WITHOUT the teachings of one LEO MAZZONE?
I think not.
For every Bernero or Brad Clontz, there’s a Millwood and Schmidt.
I’m down with the TV show. I could dig that. Besides, you’re almost always wrong, so I’d win most of our arguments.
Well, Stu, I guess we know who plays the Kornheiser ego role on the show…that’s fine, I have met Wilbon a few times and he’s the nice guy of the 2 so I am happily going to take his role…and also be right most of the time.
Joe Torre intends to return as manager of the New York Yankees next season, saying Tuesday that “I still want to manage here.”
Alex R., reading your posts makes me begin to believe that you can’t stand Bobby and maybe even Leo but are tempering your remarks here because you know you would be blasted.
What I’m seeing is just like any other beginning of the off-season. Furcal this and that, Mazzone this and that, Farnsworgh etc, who do we get? etc and so on and so on.
A little patience folks because there is plenty not many know about. For example, who’s to say that Furcal doesn’t want to say and that his remasrks about money are just a way for the Braves to give him more. I mean after the Division clinching game Raffy was in a room aopart from the rest of the team because he’s not allowed to be in the same room with alcohol. So the entire team went into that room to spend some time with him before they went next door to party their heads off. I think Raffy might find some reciprocal loyalty because of that, don’t you?
Start slow, guys. Radio in Chattanooga maybe… 😉
Uh oh, guys.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2194428
This could be bad news. What do you think?
Michael,
This post is DIRECTED at you.
I have no problem with guys like Stu arguing with me or arguing with SOMETHING I SAY.
I take MAJOR MAJOR umbrage with people GUESSING what’s in my brain–that is NOT cool.
The person who runs this website, Mac Thomason has been my friend for 13 years. He can vouch for the fact that I have never ONCE blasted Leo Mazzone. Not once—NEVER.
I may blast Cox all the time and you guys can blast back…that’s fine, I totally respect that.
But I just in my last post wrote three paragraphs DEFENDING Mazzone and what’s he done so I find it incredulous that you would sit here and make an outrageous claim like that.
Even Stu, who disagrees with me ON EVERYTHING, can back me up that I have NEVER EVER said a bad word about Leo.
End of story, MICHAEL.
Micheal,
What a quaint notion. Lets see what if Furcal had ended the season like he started it? There would be no question that Wilson Betemit would be the first on the depth chart for starting SS. The Braves would have cut bait on him faster than you can say ‘DUI’. By the same token loyalty is the last thing on Raffy’s mind. If he is smart he’ll leverage his superb 1/2 season into a 4 year 40 million dollar deal. For every John Smoltz there is a Greg Maddux (who wouldn’t reduce his price), Tom Glavine, Gary Sheffield, Javy Lopez, need I go on?
Alex, I guess everyone knows by now that you and Mac are good friends. Thanks for reminding us.
Sarcasm alert.
Wow, Stu, I never saw that story before 😉 Har har.
Felix Heredia got suspended for juicing. Too bad he’s not on the Yankees still.
Re the book I’m reading: It’s actually not half bad. It’s called “Chasing Steinbrenner,” if anyone’s interested, but I’m not sure it’s the kind of hardcore book people here are interested in. The best part so far was the story about the guy moving Theo Epstein’s stuff to Boston stealing a beer from his fridge, crashing the van, damaging most of his stuff, and thereby causing his bed to completely collapse the following night when he tried to get into it. I’m not sure why that was included, but it was pretty funny.
Greg Maddux doesn’t strike me as intellectual at all. And I have no reason to think he has any great baseball knowledge other than about pitching. I read somewhere once where he said the only thing he ever read was the sports pages. Not that book smarts is the end all in being a GM, but Greg strikes as just a nice guy who happened to have a genius for pitching. With all the Ivy League guys taking over, I think Greg would frankly be out of his league in the front office. I think he should go back to Las Vegas, count his money and play golf the rest of his life, content with having been one of the best pitchers of all time.
Johnny-
I am WELL AWARE that people know about my long friendship with Mac…everyone is aware except Michael who waltzes in here and makes stuff up because he’s got nothing better to do.
Since Mac is my friend, well, then GEE, he could easily go back and pull a few years worth of comments, where I have probably PRAISED Leo Mazzone, oh about 158 times.
That was my point.
With regards to Wilson Betemit, I am one of those fans on here who thinks he carries a great bat and a cheap price tag and SHOULD play. Screw Furcal. He has no intention of giving us a ‘hometown discount’ and anyone who thinks he would is living in fantasy land where the Braves win the world series every year and we all live on clouds and eat popsicle sticks all day.
Back in the real world, the same world where I think Leo Mazzone is the best pitching coach in the history of Baseball, Furcal costs too much for the Braves; if we keep him it means buh bye John Thomson, buh bye, bullpen and maybe even buh bye Marcus Giles. I would rather play Betemit and Giles and re-build the pitching staff.
But hey, I am a looney who JUST HATES Leo Mazzone. That’s ALSO sarcasm in case you couldn’t figure it out.
How is eating popsicle sticks a fantasy? That would be incredibly painful, what with all the splinters.
Ok, Stu…that was funny. That’s actually sounds like something Mac would say.
Still, and no offense, but the funniest REGULAR in here (since I no longer post my ‘fake’ Daily show style news articles anymore) is JENNY.
The grass is always greener on the other side. Despite all the criticism of Cox, I don’t look forward to the day he and Leo leave the bench. How many other non-manager coaches do you know of that merit Cooperstown consideration like Leo has received over the last few years, or for that matter even managers that receive that sort of cosideration like Bobby. Whoever replaces those two has large shoes to fill – clown size.
Wow I thought I was funnier than Jenny.
ha ha ha, just kidding.
ububba, Chattanooga radio is terrible by the way.
Sporting News named Andruw player of the year and Bobby Cox NL manager of the year (Yost was 2nd)
I love splinters.
YES to Betemit next year at short!
ESPN Radio reports that Terry Collins is the front runner for the Dodgers job. So there is one TP destination that looks to be out of the picture.
Why Terry Collins? He was terrible with the Angels and Astros.
Smitty-
In short because ther ARE the Dodgers. hey…they didn’t seem to mind 15 years of Tommy Lasorda ruining pitcher after pitcher after pitcher. Hey, why stop now?
Better them then the Braves hiring that guy. Yeesh.
I wonder if they know Art Howe, Larry Bowa, Tom Teriblehorn, Cito Gaston, and Buck Martinez are all out there too in crapy manager land.
I swore after Jaret Wright that I wouldn’t doubt Leo again. Jorge Sosa certainly didn’t make me go back on my word.
I doubt Leo leaves, however stay or leave it makes no difference if we don’t have talented pitchers from the start. I hope we get a mix of known quantities and not the bag of castoffs we tried to pitch this year.
Although I do have to admit I will miss Kolb bashing. Is there anyway we could give him the send off he deserves? I just think he has given us so much entertainment and we owe him some gratitude for being the butt of our endless jokes.
IM NOT A BUTT!
Good Luck next year Danny Boy. I know you’re gonna have a rough time finding mlb work next year. That is unless Chuck Lamar can get a GM job somewhere.
joshg, Leo matters a lot. A LOT. If he leaves, kiss the division goodbye. If he stays, look forward to another title. He is the difference maker.
I agree that Leo is an immensely valuable part of our 14 year run. I’m only stating that he has to have more talent to cultivate. Sometimes I fear JS thinks of the bullpen as the last item to worry about. He figures if he has Leo as the teacher, then it does not matter too much who his pupils are going to be. Just because Leo has been a ‘miracle worker’ before does not mean you should put him in the position to have to do that every year. If he can do great things with guys like Chris Hammond and Jaret Wright, then why not give him Kyle Farsworth and Scott Shields for an entire season and see what he could do with them.
Smitty and Alex R: I only attempt to be funny in order to cover up the fact that I generally don’t know what I’m talking about. It appears to be working 😉
I really don’t want Betemit at short next year because of his subpar defense, but if Furcal walks, I really have no idea other options we’d have. I just have nightmares of him botching double plays so that Marcus routinely gets completely trucked at second trying to make relays and either airmails the ball into the dugout or gets seriously injured, preferably the former. Yuck. Can Marte play short or is that not an option?
Marte doesn’t exactly have a shortstop’s body.
Does Betemit? I thought people kept saying he was too tall and not quick enough.
All right, I just saw the funniest fake headlines:
“Carl Everett Believes God Speaking Through Incompetent Umpires.”
and
“Despite Elimination, Sox Fans Relieved They Won’t Have to Listen to Tim McCarver.”
And an article that may resonate with many of us…
I wonder when he tested positive. If he tested positive in, say, mid-August, there could be a bunch more positives in the pipeline ready to spill out during or after the World Series.
Jenny:
I generally stay out of stuff and read, because I find the knowledge level here is “usually” well above mine, but you made the following statement on Furcal:
“I really don’t want Betemit at short next year because of his subpar defense, but if Furcal walks, I really have no idea other options we’d have.”
I would like to address than and add my 1 cent (it’s not worth 2 cents) on Furcal.
Furcal is a “middle of the road” ss in an extremely talented group of SS in the major’s right now. 15 years ago he would have been among the best. But now, the position is really “top heavy”. All those that are looking at last years contracts, may (operative word is “may”) be surprised. The “big money” teams have pretty much filled their SS needs from last years “crop”. So, dispite how much SS’s commanded last year, Furcal MAY have trouble getting the 40 million 4 year contract that people are tossing around. They MAY put him in the price range for Atlanta to resign.
If not, I would think that Betemit will start the year at SS (and I personally do think Furcal will go elsewhere), but the Braves have a prospect that ended up at Rome last year named Yunel Escobar, who could be brough up mid-year to start being “groomed” as the SS of the future. I do NOT think it is Tony Pena, Jr. Escobar is 6 2 and has had some defensive lapses (not uncommon for young middle infielders – remember Giles). No power yet, but a good bat. Look for him to start at Mississippi, and if he does well, to get a quick mid-year call up with the big club.
Why spend a lot of money when you have someone homegrown just about ready.
The Braves desperately need middle relief help, and some funds need to be spent there.
jenny: I too have wondered if marte can play short. My guess is the braves won’t consider it because of the glut of solid ss prospects in the minors already. I also am wondering what it means when people say so and so doesn’t have a SS body. Personally, I don’t care what he looks like in jock strap so long as he can field the positions. 🙂
All you need is one team that’s willing to overpay. That team is the Cubs. Everyone is predicting that. Furcal is one of the better shortstops in baseball, a better player than any of the bunch (Renteria, Rollins, Cabrera) that got paid last year.
Mac – you are universally on target, and you are certainly right – one team willing to overpay will get Furcal a big contract. Maybe the Cubs will do that …. time will tell … but I do disagree with you about Renteria – I’ll take Renteria any day on my team over Furcal, any statistics not withstanding. And I LIKE Furcal, I’m not knocking him. Also, Rollins has a higher “upside” than Furcal in my book, though he has yet to proove himself over time. It is just a very very strong group of SS’s right now.
Even if the cubs don’t pony up the big bucks, I wouldn’t be suprised if the Tigers threw some more money around. I’m not saying it would make sense for them, just that it seems to be there M.O. these past few off-seasons.
Dombrowski is on good GM – he is not going to overpay. The Tigers do have $$$$ this year, but they need to completely rebuild their farm system. This will take some $$$$ to do. Their SS was “adequate” last year …. so … the question begs … would Furcal bring them to the next level …. probably not.
I know this has probably been squashed on another thread, but, if Furcal walks, why not try to sign Garciapara….seems as though he would be looking for work next year….
Garciapara signed with the Cubs, I believe – and although there was talk of moving him to third, that makes little sense when you can get a third baseman for less than Furcal will command.
Nomar was never a good shortstop and now will probably have to move to third base. Plus he’s another righthanded power hitter, something that the Braves don’t really need any more of.
Carlos Guillen, when healthy, is a really good player, and the Tigers have committed to him. They won’t be interested in Furcal.
Why would you take Renteria? They’re even as defensive players, even as hitters, Furcal is a better baserunner and two years younger.
Rollins is all of thirteen months younger than Furcal, and a less accomplished player. They’re close, but Furcal is better and there’s no reason to think Rollins will get any better.
It’s not really overpaying. If all these guys who are similar players got $8-10 million over 3-4 seasons, he’s going to get $8-10 million over 3-4 seasons, or more with inflation.
Easy Mac – Renteria is more consistant and is a proven clutch hitter.
Yahoo says Pendleton cancelled his interview with the Dodgers.
Somehow I just now found this site! AMAZING considering I have been the biggest Braves for almost 20 years!!!
You guys raise some interesting points and all of you have good support to go with your reasoning. This is how I think the Braves should look next season:
1) Furcal-SS (if he doesn’t go somewhere like the Tigers)
2) Giles-2B
3) Chipper-3B (I know Chipper is a team player but c’mon, let him finish out his Hall of Fame career at third!)
4) Andruw-CF
5) Langerhans-LF
6) Francoer-RF
7) LaRoche or Marte-1B (doesn’t really matter to me)
8) McCann-C
Now, as far as Furcal, if he does happen to land a big contract that takes him away form Atlanta then Betemit will fill his role nicely defensively and offensively. The only problem that arises there is who can be the leadoff man??? Maybe Francoer??? I don’t know yet. The reason I put McCann in the starting lineup is because I think we need to get rid of Estrada like we did Javy. Coming off one of his best seasons offensively and defensively, use that as a selling point and get some bullpen help!!!!
The starting rotation will work itself out in Spring Training as will the bullpen. One guy I would love to see as a middle reliever believe it or not is Devine. That guy prolly had the most control out of anybody coming out of the bullpen. Yeah, he gave up those “famous” HR’s but the guy has got the speed and movement on all of his pitches to make it and become another Mazzone prodigy. I think they ought to look at keeping Sosa as a starter and make him maybe #4 behind Smoltz, Hudson, and Thompson. Leave the 5th spot for the guys to fight over in Spring Training. Every guy has a shot and you have so many like Devine, Davies, Brower, Boyer, McBride, and and Foster who all contributed this past year, even with their downfalls! Farnsworth has definitely got to be the closer with Reitsma as the set-up guy.
On the bench we should have Julio “The Great”, Johnson, Marte, Betemit (if Furcal is back), and Orr. Two other possibilities to the bench could be (and I am just throwing these out there!) Pena and McCarthy.
But who knows what is going to happen this offseason. I really wouldn’t care if Jordan came back just to give a day off to Langerhans but he isn’t in the shape that Franco is in. I think the trade bait guys should be Estrada and Ramirez. If we can keep Furcal then I think that would be best just for the simple fact of his on base presence and defense. Give the Braves one more year to find a solid replacement as both a SS and leadoff guy. So there is my two cents (if it is worth that) and I look forward to checking into the site more often and reading other peoples thoughts on the Braves.
BWall – good post – Devine in the middle of the relief roll might just work out well…. I haddn’t really thought of that “long term”. But I see Davis as the 4 starter, with Thompson’s option being picked up and traded (as the best option). Davis, I do not think, currently has the mental make up for relief. Estrada is good trade material, dispite what people are saying about his lack of power. I do think that more than anything the Braves can pick up some good prospects with some trades. Free agency will bring middle relief.
Alex r., chill out my friend because you’re talking a molehill into a mountain. I made the mistake of including Leo in my message when the real focus is your attitiude towards Bobby. You can hate him if you want and that’s your rightand I respect that. Know what I don’t respect? Saying something like all I do is come on here and make things up. That’s bullshit if I ever saw it and quite insulting because I have never done anything of the kind. So it goes.
Regarding the Tigers, they already have a shortstop, but I bet they make a splash again this offseason regardless.
I am originally from Detroit, and a big Red Wings fan. Mike Illitch who owns both the Tigers and Wings is loaded, and loves his teams. Redwings payroll last time hockey played was $70mil. Now its capped at about $30mil, and I wouldnt be surprised if some of that money spills over into the Tigers payroll.
In fact, I read once that Illitch publicly stated that once Steve Yzerman (the Wings’ captain) retires, the Wings will go into rebuilding mode and he will focus on the Tigers more. Yzerman is undoubtedly in his final season this year, and the ownerships loyalty to him will no longer push them to pour money solely into the hockey team.
Johnny, what quaint notion? I heard the story about Raffy in a separate room from a good and reliable source and then read it somewhere on the internet after that. So all I said is I have no idea what that might mean to Raffy. I’m pretty sure if it was anyof us it might play a role in our decisions and that’s what’s most common among human beings. Being stroked always helps.
OK bipolarbaer….Add Thompson to the trade bait list with Estrada and Ramirez. Even throw in LaRoche if you want. I posted this on another entry but we have more than enough guys to fill the roles on defense as we have proven this past season. It won’t be half as scary as it was this past year because we have seen they can fill those spots and get the job done. Don’t worry about the defense….worry about the bullpen.
Take Ramirez, Estrada, Thompson and even LaRoche and use those guys to get at least one solid, strong reliever that is proven and has more than a year left in his arm. Then use what’s left and go after another quality reliever that can add to the bullpen. Keep Furcal and search one more year for another replacement or give Betemit another season to hone his skills on defense and improve his bat so that we don’t lose the presence of Furcal on the bases and being able to get on base and his defense. The middle of the infield is too valuable to settle for mediocrity. It might be possible to pick up another starter to take over the 5 spot unless we got someone like Zito as I have seen some people suggest on this site.
Just focus on the pitching and leave the defense alone for this year. There are plenty of young guns with all the praise and confidence in the world from the veterans on the team that are more than capable of getting the job done. I am quite confident if we did that we could have something close to the bullpen the White Sox or Astros have this year!
Renteria over Furcal, what a laugh. This place is comedy gold.
I’m going to reveal the secret to shoring up your bullpen. find an anonymous retread with “-ski” at the end of his name, pay him the major league minimum, and let him pitch 60-80 innings.
See: Gary Majewski, Joe Borowki, Kevin Gryboski, Al “The Mad Hungarian” Hrabosky…
You get the idea.
Once we get 2 or 3 of these blue collar guys in our bullpen, we’ll be able to spend our ENTIRE budget surplus on bringing back Paul Byrd.
I’d take Millwood over Byrd, if that’s the route we’re going.