September 30
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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After seeing best-laid plans torpedoed by pitching injuries in his first year as Braves general manager, Frank Wren has a clear objective as he prepares for an important winter. "Improve our starting pitching - that's our No. 1 priority," Wren said Monday, a day after the fourth-place Braves closed a disappointing season at Houston with their 90th loss Wren said the Braves' payroll would increase next season, but would not say by how much. It's believed the Braves, with a increase from this year's $92 million payroll to something approaching $100 million, would have between $40-45 million to spend on additions for 2009. Wren said the Braves plan to acquire two proven starting pitchers - ..."
September 29
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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On the day he became the oldest switch-hitting batting champion in major league history, Chipper Jones reiterated Sunday a desire to finish his career with the Braves. But the 36-year-old third baseman, who finished with a career-best .364 average, has been around too long to not have a pragmatic view of the future. "Yeah, definitely," he said of his hope to stay with the Braves beyond next season. "I was born and bred into this organization. It's the only organization I've ever known. Bobby Cox is the only manager I've ever played for. "I can't imagine the grass being any greener on the other side. I don't want that to happen, but every dog has his day." Jones was limited to pinch-hitting ..."
September 28
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Chipper Jones said he didn't want to do it this way, but the sore-shouldered third baseman will probably back into the National League batting title while not starting any of the Braves' final eight games. He said the condition of his right shoulder regressed Saturday, diminishing the likelihood of doing more than pinch-hitting in the final two games of the season Saturday and Sunday against the Houston Astros. "I think that will probably do it for me," Jones said Saturday after reporting the soreness returned overnight. "It felt better [Friday] and I took ground balls, did a lot of throwing. All the stuff I did just made it worse." Jones entered Saturday with a .365 average, eight points ..."
August 27
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Center fielder Mark Kotsay was a late scratch from the Braves' lineup Tuesday as the Braves discussed a trade that would send him to the Boston Red Sox. A person close to the situation said the deal was close to being finalized late Tuesday, but an announcement wasn't expected until Wednesday. "They've been talking all day, and they're still talking," Braves manager Bobby Cox said after the 10-9 come-from-behind win against Florida, in which Kotsay pinch-hit in the four-run ninth inning and drew an intentional walk. "I'd have to say it's my weirdest night as a professional in the big leagues," said Kotsay, called to Cox's office before the game and told he was scratched because a trade was ..."
August 10
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Now that the trading deadline is passed, free-agent shopping days aren't far off. The Braves have significant holes to fill this winter: in the outfield, where they need power, and the starting rotation, now that Tim Hudson will miss most of 2009 following elbow surgery. With $30-40 million to spend, here are five free-agent starters the Braves might add to their wish list. Next week we'll look at five free-agent outfielders. 1. LH CC Sabathia (Age 28; 2008 salary $11 million). Who wouldn't want the 2007 American League Cy Young award winner? Last year at 27, he became the youngest pitcher to win 100 games since Greg Maddux in 1993. He won a career-high 19 games, led the majors with 241 ..."
August 9
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Now that the trading deadline is passed, free-agent shopping days aren't far off. The Braves have significant holes to fill this winter: in the outfield, where they need power, and the starting rotation, now that Tim Hudson will miss most of 2009 following elbow surgery. With $30-40 million to spend, here are five free-agent starters the Braves might add to their wish list. Next week we'll look at five free-agent outfielders. 1. LH CC Sabathia (Age 28; 2008 salary $11 million). Who wouldn't want the 2007 American League Cy Young award winner? Last year at 27, he became the youngest pitcher to win 100 games since Greg Maddux in 1993. He won a career-high 19 games, led the majors with 241 ..."
August 5
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Braves welcomed back Brian McCann to the lineup Monday, and the All-Star catcher said he wasn't concerned about any post-concussion problems. McCann had missed seven games on doctor's orders after sustaining a mild concussion in a July 27 home-plate collision with Philadelphia's Shane Victorino. going to be thinking about it." The Braves went 2-5 and hit only two homers during the past seven games before Monday, playing without McCann or third baseman Chipper Jones. Jones is on the disabled list recovering from a pulled hamstring and is expected to be activated Friday, the first day he's eligible. McCann was hitting .302 with 20 homers and 63 RBIs before Monday, when he hit fourth in ..."
July 27
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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It's decision time for the Braves, who have until Thursday at 4 p.m. to complete a deal to either add to their roster or build for the future by trading impending free agents Mark Teixeira, Will Ohman and Mark Kotsay. The potential centerpiece of a deal is Teixeira, the 28-year-old first baseman who is in his prime. The Braves could use a major-league ready first baseman in return, one who makes economic sense. Here are some first basemen from contending teams who have been linked to the Braves during this trading season. 1. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox Age: 29 Salary: $3 million Eligible for free agency: after the 2010 season Stats: He is hitting .311 with 17 home runs and 68 RBIs. The 68 RBIs ..."
July 22
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Raise you hands if you thought that on July 21, the Braves would be opening this series in Florida with the Marlins playing for a share of first place and the Braves contemplating trading away a star this late in the season for the first time since, well, since Dale Murphy was traded away on Aug. 4, 1990? And keep in mind, Murph was nearing the end of his career and didn’t object to being shipped away given the Braves’ situation in that last season before The Run began a year later. Mark Teixeira is not near the end of his career, he’s 28, right in the middle of his peak years."
July 20
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Rafael Soriano is expected to be the first in the long list of the injured to
return for the Braves in the second half.
His elbow came away feeling good from his bullpen session Saturday, Braves
general manager Frank Wren said, and after taking a day off, the Braves plan to
activate him Monday. "Roger [McDowell] said he threw the ball very well, and Raffy said h