the Andruw Jones era is over.......

[cjonesfan921]

Re: the Andruw Jones era is over.......

And Brandon Jones and Matt Diaz will likely platoon in LF. Bobby really likes Matt, so he won't get pushed aside unless he is seriously outplayed.

That's the way I see it. Diaz has a good bat, so we need to get him in. Jones is the future though. I don't really see CF as a huge need. Pitching comes first IMO. Harris can hold down CF if need be.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: the Andruw Jones era is over.......

Willie Harris is a piece of ****.

If he makes the roster next year, I'm switching teams.

[bravosfan]

Re: the Andruw Jones era is over.......

I don't mind Harris as a super utility type of guy, but no way do I want him starting everyday. His 2nd half was more in line with the rest of his career. We can do better. Easily.

[BatsareBugs]

Re: the Andruw Jones era is over.......

I have a feeling that Mike Cameron will end up in Atlanta as their new CF'er. I know the Padres won't re-sign him (if they did, it'd have already been done).

[DonkeyJote]

Re: the Andruw Jones era is over.......

I don't mind Harris as a super utility type of guy, but no way do I want him starting everyday. His 2nd half was more in line with the rest of his career. We can do better. Easily.

His speed and versatility could make him useful, but you're right, he is not an everyday player.

And I agree that CF is not nearly as big a need as starting pitching. But I personally think that Tom Glavine is has great big neon signs over his head for Shuerholtz to see that say "Hometown Discount". He keeps saying that he wants to play, but only if he can be closer to his family. You know. The family that lives in Atlanta. And I think a big four of Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, and James is more than adequete for the season, and either Reyes, Bennett, Carlayle, or if he stays healthy and shakes off the rush (*crosses fingers*), Mike Hampton. It's got to be him, Livan Hernandez, or Freddy Garcia (I don't know why, but I've always thought he would do well in Atlanta - he's got great stuff). In a trade you're looking at Garland, Arroyo, or Blanton, but you're probably going to have to give up Renteria for any of them.

I would say CF isn't a big concern if they had anyone capable of playing the position. But currently the only player on their roster capable of being a CF'er is Willie Harris, and I don't think anyone is comfortable with that idea. They need to go get someone, and I figure since there is interest in aquiring a leadoff hitter, why not get a combo? Kelly Johnson is more of a #2 hitter, and Escobar (for now) only plays against lefties.

And yes that was what Liberty said at the time. They had to. A part of the condition of the sale was that they could not lower payroll. But we do not know if that meant during the season, or at all. Selig might have put that in to prevent an Atlanta firestorm. I really hope they do raise payroll. It is very possible to win with less money, but not when you already have all the big contracts Atlanta has. Mike Hampton was such a better value when Colorado and Florida picked up the tab.