Very hot stove...

[the splinter]

Perhaps the good Dr. Tax had a bit to drink.

The Braves are still the team to beat.


Yes, losing Leo will hurt ..in a year or two. Right now there are several vets who use Leo's model so they can pass it on.

Renteria will flourish under Cox's steady hand and streaky Furcal will be but a memory. Remember that last season was a reversal of performence from these two guys. Over the last 5 years its Edgar that wins gold gloves and hit .280+ with 75+ rbi's and its Furcal who boots 25+ hits .250 and can't buy a walk. I think Cox will be able to get the best out of Renteria.

The Braves will have 5 guys facing the sophmore jinx but again Bobby will prevail.

Closer smoser...Devine(last years grand slam donor) can get out hitters. He just had a tired arm after pitching in college, the minors and then in Atlanta.

Julio"Father Time" Franco is gone...while not a major blow it is one that effects the character of the team. He was like having another coach on the team. Good role model for the young kids in the clubhouse. I think he did the Braves a bit of disservice by leaving. Yes he got his wishes...a 2 year deal and a few extra bucks but Randolph won't use him like Bobby did. The Braves plucked him from the scrap heap and resurected his career ...I think you owed the Braves the trust of one year deals. Its not like the Mets won't cut him and eat the second year of his deal anyhow.

[LMBombers]

[quote:e9ff89a637="the splinter"]

Julio"Father Time" Franco is gone...I think you owed the Braves the trust of one year deals. Its not like the Mets won't cut him and eat the second year of his deal anyhow.[/quote:e9ff89a637]

I don't think Franco really cares if the Mets pay him to stay home in his easy chair. He was just looking for his last contract as a player and knew a 2 year deal would be the longest anyone would offer. If the Mets want to pay him to retire then so be it. I would have done the same in his situation. There is no guarantee that the Braves would have given him a 2nd one year deal or else they would have offered a 2 year contract.

If he hadn't gone to Japan Franco might be getting close to a record of games played in a career or other longevity records.

[JAYDINGESS1]

Splinter

While I will agree that Atlanta will be back, they can in no way be considered the team to beat. St Louis will still be the team to beat in the senior circuit. Yes, needs a plenty, but Jocketty will fill those needs just like last year.

One thing tho, the new ballpark dimensions are about the same as the old park, but the old cookie cutter was pretty much closed to wind affectage (not a word but still). The new stadium has one open end, RF, and with the wind here, predominantly west to east, and the angle of the stadium, I think it is going to be a lhh home run park. Now, I am definitely no scientist or weatherman for that matter, but that is what it looks like to me.

Anyway, never count out the Cardinals.

[the splinter]

Jay- I'm speaking of the East not the NL...so yes the Cards are probably still the team until someone proves otherwise.


[quote:e5e3de9649]If he hadn't gone to Japan Franco might be getting close to a record of games played in a career or other longevity records.[/quote:e5e3de9649]

He went to Japan because nobody here wanted him. He then went to Mexico because nobody in Japan wanted him. The Braves brought him back to life. Julio is set for life $$ wise. He doesn't play for the $$ as much as he plays for the opportunity to play until he is 50. While he is still an effective player when used properly I have to think the Mets made the deal inpart to take a tool away from Bobby. A 48 year old part-time player is not somebody you give multiyear deals to...unless you have underlying motives.

[LMBombers]

From 93-97, the last years Franco was in MLB before going to Japan, he hit:

.289
.319
.322
.270

So it is not like the reason he went to Japan is because he couldn't hit. They showed him more green (or whatever color Japanese money is) than the clubs in MLB. Franco could always hit. He has a .299 career BA.

[the splinter]

Never said he couldn't... I said nobody wanted him.

[STEPHENANDERSON 2]

Splinter.... I hope you are right. Did not realize father time was done. I do agree Devine could do it.

Lets hope for another, so they can flail in the playoffs.

[IrishJoe]

C'mon the Mets signed Franco so when Randolph inserts himself as a defensive replacement at 2B (he's probably still the best they have) he can deflect any criticism about his age. lol