I'll preface this by saying I fully expect to get banned.  

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According to sportsbybrooks facebook page, there is a rumor that a high profile assistant coach in the SEC is being asked to step down. Early speculation is that it is Trooper Taylor, but that is just rumor. I just hope it isn't any of our guys. http://touch.facebook.com/#/story.php?id=1634665410&story_fbid=182106638492573 I'm mobile fanshotting, so sorry for the lack of a good link. I'll try to edit it for clarity later.

I thought it might be interesting to compile a list using the 2010 CHONE projections of potential right handed bats that could hit 30 home runs, since that is what Frank Wren says he is looking for.  Once we have those narrowed down, I'll look at the players left and give my thoughts on who we sign or trade for to be our big bat.

If you see anyone who I might have left out, please let me know!  Remember that these are based on CHONE projections, so if I left someone off it is probably because they weren't projected to do very well.

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http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2009/06/18/smoltz_braves_red_sox.html

You know, I'm glad Smoltz can heal and let go of his feelings and all that mushy stuff.  However, I'm still a little torn.

I think he needs to issue an apology to the Braves management and fans for running his big fat mouth and leaving for more money and a championship grab.  If that is what you are doing, fine, but own up to it, admit it, and go on.  Don't bash the Braves on your way out the door because you decided to leave (I'm looking at you, too, Glavine). 

I was ok with him until I read this part of the article:

“I’ll be forever, as you say, wearing an Atlanta Brave on my hat and on my chest and in my heart,” he said. “That won’t be the issue, not at all.”

He is confident Braves fans know how he feels about the team, the city and them.

“Oh, they know,” he said. “The whole city of Atlanta for the most part knows how I feel about, really, it’s my home. It’s the community I’ve come to love.”

That is just the point, isn't it Smoltzie?.  If you truly wanted to be here, if you truly loved the city, the fans, and the organization, then why did you poopoo on us when you left?  Why did you continue to do so when we cut ties with a 44 year old pitcher?  Why bitch and moan and burn the city over 3-4 million when you've made over $150,000,000? 

He was my favorite Brave.  His heart may have healed.  Good for him.  Mine is still a little raw.

This is my first FanPost, so don't crucify me too much.

What would you guys think about taking a flyer on Jim Edmonds now that Omar is out?  Yes, I do know he is almost washed up, but he did post a .343 OBP and 20 homers last year and theoretically could play all 3 outfield positions, including spelling Schafer on occasion.  I'd bet at this point he'd play for peanuts.... meaning we could afford him.

It would also give us an option if we wanted to dispose of Francoeur.  I would bet money that Edmonds would outslug and OBP Francoeur the rest of the way if we plugged him in there right now.

On the flip side, (I'm not advocating any of these guys by any means) you do still have Luis Gonzalez, Jacque Jones, Barry Bonds, etc. still sitting at home.  I don't see how any of those guys can help us, but are there any as-of-yet unsigned free agents that might could help us at this point?  Maybe there is someone I'm missing.

I'm probably rambling, but I'm just not liking what I see on teams that are wanting to shed payroll (we just can't afford Dye, Mags, Dunn, or anyone approaching 10 million a year without giving up ALOT).  I just don't want to see us trade good propects for rental players again. 

What do you guys think?  And, again please be nice. :)