Talk About Being SPOILED!!!!

I look at my calendar and it says August 2008, and for the first time in a generation the Atlanta Braves are not knee deep in the middle of a pennant race!

That’s right, for the first time since the 1990 season the Atlanta Braves were sellers not buyers at the trade deadline, as evidenced when they traded first baseman Mark Teixeira at the deadline to the Angels for Casey Kotchman and a minor leaguer.

Now, being forty-four I am old enough to remember the days when losing was an every year occurrence for the Bravos! The days when 7000 fans was a mob at a game, and the Braves found a ton of different ways to lose!

Once the Braves accomplished their worst to first season of 1991 they reeled off a string of division titles that had Braves fans nationwide used to winning!

Although the Braves managed only one world championship (1995) in their impressive run, no one can argue that The Atlanta Braves were the blue print when it came to running an organization.

From scouting and player development to developing their fan base the Braves paid attention to every detail.

Fast forward to 2008, the Braves are two owners removed from the days of Ted Turner, and the Braves are a middle of the pack team. That being said, while I, too, am disappointed that the Braves are seemingly going to miss the post-season for the third consecutive season, I also see the potential for another run.

The Braves will have ample money to wisely pursue free agents this off-season. There’s uncertainty in the starting rotation and a dire need for a power hitting corner outfielder.

At the same time, with the expiring Mike Hampton contract, the money saved with the trade of “Tex” to the Angels, and the impending decisions of John Smoltz and Tom Glavine, the Braves will definitely have the cash to spend on re-tooling the club.

There’s definitely talent down on the farm both via position players as well as pitchers.

The Baltimore Orioles of the 90’s and the Dodgers and Yankees of this decade have shown us that throwing money around wildly doesn’t always guarantee championships.

The combination of money and quality baseball minds is the true recipe for a long-term winner.

And, with apologies to my rotund friend Big Gene, the Cubs will STILL be without a championship at seasons end. After all they ARE the loveable losers, the Chicago Cubs!

That’s my rant, what’s yours? I hope you like the blog; feel free to respond. By the way, been to any County Council meetings lately? Who needs TV when we can have our own drama right here in good ole Laurens County!