I am not good at posting links, but, as a Braves fan who had to endure his team's disappointing 79-83 finish in 2006, it was comforting to read today that just because the division titles streak has ended, the team is not going into "fire sale mode".
According to an article on AJC.com, a highly placed Braves official told a well respected Atlanta columnist who has covered the Braves for a long period of time that:" Payroll will not be reduced in 2007, or for the forseeable future, and might even be raised a few dollars". Time Warner does have the Braves up for sale, but, supposedly, will want a commitment from the new owners to keep the same organizational people in place, and a commitment to winning. General Manager John Scherholtz, and Manager Bobby Cox have contracts for next year, and hopefully wont be going anywhere anytime soon, and, at least until next year, the Braves have no possible major free agent defections.
Given all of the Braves injuries, and the lack of a realiable 9th inning guy, until Bob Wickman came along in July, and the team's more than 20 blown saves, it seems likely that having Wickman around all year, and a return to health by the likes of Mike Hampton, along with better seasons from pitchers like Tim Hudson, should at least bring the Braves back to wild card, and possibly division, contenders, in 2007. After seeing free agent defections the last few winters, by important members of the Braves like Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, JD Drew, Gary Sheffield, Kyle Farnsworth, and others, it is nice to know that none of those caliber of guys will be leaving this winter, and, that we might even get another decent player or two. As for next year, when Andruw Jones becomes a free agent, we can just hope for the best, and hope we can somehow find the money for him to stay. He says he wants to be a Brave for his whole career, so, just maybe, he might sign for a slightly reduced contract to stay in Atlanta.
I believe that if everyone is healthy, and the bullpen is solid, the Braves can add at least seven to ten more wins, and have a legitimate shot to take the wild card in 2007. We had an off year for the first time in fifteen years, it is probably allowed, and expected, but, it is nice to know that nothing dramatic will be changing in Atlanta next year, and that our commitment to winning is still there. Hopefully, if we can stay healthy, we will be back in the playoffs in 2007.
Mitch
According to an article on AJC.com, a highly placed Braves official told a well respected Atlanta columnist who has covered the Braves for a long period of time that:" Payroll will not be reduced in 2007, or for the forseeable future, and might even be raised a few dollars". Time Warner does have the Braves up for sale, but, supposedly, will want a commitment from the new owners to keep the same organizational people in place, and a commitment to winning. General Manager John Scherholtz, and Manager Bobby Cox have contracts for next year, and hopefully wont be going anywhere anytime soon, and, at least until next year, the Braves have no possible major free agent defections.
Given all of the Braves injuries, and the lack of a realiable 9th inning guy, until Bob Wickman came along in July, and the team's more than 20 blown saves, it seems likely that having Wickman around all year, and a return to health by the likes of Mike Hampton, along with better seasons from pitchers like Tim Hudson, should at least bring the Braves back to wild card, and possibly division, contenders, in 2007. After seeing free agent defections the last few winters, by important members of the Braves like Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, JD Drew, Gary Sheffield, Kyle Farnsworth, and others, it is nice to know that none of those caliber of guys will be leaving this winter, and, that we might even get another decent player or two. As for next year, when Andruw Jones becomes a free agent, we can just hope for the best, and hope we can somehow find the money for him to stay. He says he wants to be a Brave for his whole career, so, just maybe, he might sign for a slightly reduced contract to stay in Atlanta.
I believe that if everyone is healthy, and the bullpen is solid, the Braves can add at least seven to ten more wins, and have a legitimate shot to take the wild card in 2007. We had an off year for the first time in fifteen years, it is probably allowed, and expected, but, it is nice to know that nothing dramatic will be changing in Atlanta next year, and that our commitment to winning is still there. Hopefully, if we can stay healthy, we will be back in the playoffs in 2007.
Mitch
