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We Support Frank Wren; You Should Too
Written by Rue on February 16, 2009 – 1:28 am
The majority of Atlanta fans were likely on their last nerve the day the news hit that John Smoltz, the face of the Atlanta Braves, was headed to Boston. It was the seeming icing on the (worst you’ve ever had) cake after being excited and then disappointed about Burnett, Furcal, and Peavy. Tons of questions were asked about the competency of the front office – it was seemingly obvious that the Braves did not have the front office leadership necessary to turn around the devastating outcome of the 2008 season.
After a rollercoaster ride, extra money in the budget, and nothing to write home about by early January, Braves fans pointed their fingers at the only obvious culprit: Frank Wren.
However, Frank Wren did nothing wrong and likely made some of the best possible decisions for the organization regardless of a very slow start. For every armchair GM out there, take a deep breath, and attempt to figure out how your decisons and trades would have led to a more successful lineup than the one that Wren is about to put in front of us. Baseball is a business, not a fantasy team roster; and as it has been so bluntly stated before, “If you think there is team loyalty anymore, you’re wrong.”
One Ace (the likes of Peavy or Burnett) was not going to make or break the Braves. If you would like to argue the necessity for a big name or two on your list of the starting 5, please resort to the optimism and “sure things” of starters from this time last year. Atlanta fans were looking for a safety factor, and saw that in the big names of Burnett and Peavy. Frank Wren was smart enough to look elsewhere – to the consistent arms and proven track records of Derek Lowe, Javier Vazquez, and the mystery man, Kenshin Kawakami. Bypassing an Ace for a lesser-known is not a mistake. If you want to talk about investment mistakes, let’s talk about the Yankees and C. C. Sabathia…
John Smoltz is gone. Was this Frank Wren’s fault? The only thing that I blame Frank Wren for in this situation is forgetting Smoltz’s importance to the Braves organization. As mentioned before, baseball is business. All names, nostalgia, and emotion aside, in a real business, no one keeps an employee who demands more money but is not sure to have a positive impact or performance. It isn’t logical. If John Smoltz performs beyond expectations, then a bad business decision was made, but hindsight is 20/20. Shelling out cash for an aging, injury-prone player who may not even come close to expectations is a gamble, especially for a starting pitcher. Any good businessman does not gamble – they take logical risks and invest for profit. That’s exactly what Wren did.
Frank Wren took his time during the off season, neglecting to make big moves quickly. Wren didn’t sit around in Vegas at the Winter Meetings without a plan and certainly didn’t sit by the wayside while many high dollar players went to teams with the cash to pick them up. Many fans never even took the time to research the options, they just hopped on the big-name bandwagon. When those “picks” didn’t come to fruition, the finger-pointing began.
Can you honestly say that our 4 definite starters upsets you? Can you honestly say that the buzz about Ken Griffey, Jr. joining the outfield is a negative thing for the Braves? Is your idealization of “loyalty” fogging your clear view of the best business decisions for our organization for the short-term and long-term?
Frank Wren looked at the big picture – not at the big name. Atlanta was devastated when Mark Teixeira walked away for more money and a better team. The same scenario likely would have played out with the Aces we hoped would grace Turner Field. There is no loyalty – not for these guys. Wren grabbed the players that we could keep, count on, and succeed with. So, Armchair GM, tell me how your decisions would have been good for both the short-term and long-term team outlook; and how the consistency and hope that we have for the 2009 season would surpass that implemented by Frank Wren.
Tags: Frank Wren, Front Office
Posted in General | 18 Comments »
By Colin Ake on Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
Full Disclosure: Rue has posed for at least three pictures with Frank Wren – including the picture embedded in the article, which she made him miss his elevator to take.
My personal thoughts: People who want to fire Wren because of some moves that didn't go the way they wanted them to are full of crap. Frank Wren knows his stuff. He traded Renteria for Jurrjens and Hernandez. He had to let Tex go because we couldn't afford him (no matter who's in the front office, if the owner of the team isn't ready to spend more money than Congress, that wasn't going to happen). Smoltz is a little bit of a sore point for me. I know we couldn't match the Red Sox offer – no way to do that and still have money to spend on things like Jr. It still hurt, though. But baseball is a business. Have to operate it to be financially viable.
Anyone who wants Frank Wren fired should be fired.
By Dan from MD on Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
Right or wrong, Wren is on a short leash with most Braves' fans. I will give him credit for revamping and otherwise hallow rotation, though I think he overpaid for all three additions and is on the verge of overpaying for Glavine.
He also deserves credit for things that did not happen. I wil also give him credit for not mortgaging the future for Peavy. We have lost way too many solid players over the past 5 years for one year rentals – let's hope we don't take that approach with Nady. He didn't give Andruw a major league contract.
Rue, I will say you're a bit inconsistent. On one hand, you said "Frank Wren looked at the big picture – not at the big name" and on the other you say "buzz about Ken Griffey, Jr. joining the outfield." Griffey is a HUGE name and will certainly be good for business, though alienating Braves fans by letting Smoltz leave will not be.
Oh well. No off season is perfect unless you have $200m to throw around. Let's hope Wren made the right moves, if not it'll be another long season!
By Colin Ake on Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
I think the point to make is that Griffey is being pursued because he makes sense FIRST and is a big name second. It's fun to hype his name and all that, but him on a platoon with Diaz would be sweetness in left field, let's be honest.
By Dan from MD on Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
I have no problem with Griffey, especially in a platoon situation. I also think he could be a great influence on our younger kids in camp and when the roster expands to 40 later in the year.
By Rue on Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
You're right, it is a bit hypocritical for me to have stated it that way. However, what I was trying to convey through the mention of Griffey was the fact that most of the decisions were made for the long-term, not the short term, but that we can't give up on the fact that Wren still has the ability to bring some excitement and flare to the club by not sacrificing too much money or stability.
By Larry on Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
I have to say after the first few months of disappointment and the episode with Smoltz I was ready for Wren to be out the door. After having time to let the Smoltz pain heal, Wren has done an excellent job fielding a competitive team this offseason. Furcal and Peavy were not his fault but I still see people pinging him when it was out of his control. Come midseason when the Braves are in contention you will see all the Braves fans 180 and be behind Wren. The only thing I can ask of him now is to PLEASE NOT DISAPPOINT US WITH CHIPPER.
By dave on Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
First off I want to give Frank wren an A for a grade. I am so glad the Peavy trade was not made, the price was way way to high. We know he is a good pitcher, but Yunel is one of the better shortstops in the game. Not to mention all the top prospects it would have cost. I honestly thought Burnett was going to be a Brave, but I guess money talks and loyalty walks. We offered the 5th year, and I feel we were used by Burnett to get a little more money from the Yanks. As it turned out good move Frank. It left enough money not only to get Derek Lowe who said he wanted to be a Brave, but to bring in Kenshin who I believe will prove to be a good move. Good move Frank, you got two quality starters with money to spare for the price of one. The trade for Javier Vasquez had only one sore spot that is giving up Tyler Flowers. I guess sometimes you do have to prioritize. I think Javier is a good edition. Good move Frank. I was thrilled Rafael Furcal wanted to be a Brave again, but I soon found out what kind of man he is along with his agent. I feel like we did not hear the truth from either one of them. Good move for you Frank, you were being honest, and they were not. A man is only as good as his word so that tells us all we need to know about Rafael and his agent. They used us enough said. As for John Smoltz it still hurts. I love John Smoltz for the class man he is. He is always kind, and willing to help the young players out he exemplifies what a ball player should be. I still wish we could have worked this out. I can't give Frank a thumbs up on this one. John at 50% is still better than 80% of all the other pitchers in the game. What a competitor. As much as I would like to see Tom Glavine back, because he is a lefty. I had still much rather have had John Smoltz. Now the outfield question. I have said all along we need to do one of two things. Be patient with Diaz, and Brandon Jones this year, or sign a older free agent like Ken Griffey Jr for a year or two. Help is on the way!!! I have been apposed to any trade that will deplete our farm system again. I do not care who it is we would be trading for if the price is to high forget it. I think we will be fine with Diaz, Jones or Diaz, Griffey. I for right now give Frank a thumbs up. Just as long as he doesn't make a stupid trade, and gives up to much. If you do make a trade Frank give up someone who is expendable no top prospects. On second thought just sign Griffey. One more thought when John Smoltz pitches the 7th game of the world series this year against the Braves, and beats us I believe in his heart he will still be a Brave. Good Luck and GO BRAVES
By Brent on Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
This is the first time in a long time the Braves have been this newsworthy during the offseason and I think it's pretty exciting.
Losing Smoltz hurt a lot but the wave of new players to watch this year is going to help heal those wounds. He will still forever be known as an Atlanta Brave the same way Maddux and Glavine will be.
It's nice to be able to look back now and be glad we didn't make those deals for Peavy, Burnett, etc. because at the time they were so enticing. It really was the smart move though… I still cringe everytime I hear Elvis Andrus mentioned among the top prospects in MLB.
I really hope we get the Griffey deal done, it would be awesome seeing him in an Atlanta uniform, and Glavine of course would be a welcome addition as well.
By Brent on Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
Just wanted to add according to Ken Rosenthal, Griffey could make his decision today…
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9220882/Source...
By josh on Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
I think Griffey will sign wiht us today. I say this because the A-rod circus begins tomorrow at 1:30 and the national media wont care about jr. I also read that Griffeys daughter plays basketball in Atlanta. Lets start thinking about putting a Griffey HR counter up. 611 all natural ( I hope) long balls!!!
By dave on Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
I just read Griffey would make his decision today or by early Tuesday who he would play for in 09. I read we had 2.5 mil to spend on him, if he would agree to that amount sign him!!! NOW do not hesitate.
By Larry on Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
When the Griffey and Glavine deals get done I think we are real contenders in the NL. Solid pitching and hitting with new players who truely want to be in Atlanta (Vazquez, Kawakami, Glavine, Lowe, Griffey). The pressure will be on the Mets and phillies. Welcome back October baseball in '09.
By josh on Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
Off Subject: It only took 2 days for a wierd injury or irregular heartbeat to sideline Hampton.
Get use to it Houston!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By dave on Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
Its gonna be great to put two guys in the lineup with 1,019 homers between them. Not to mention one is the 2008 batting champ. Better pay attention NY and PHILLY cause here comes THE BRAVES.
By Nick on Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
Overall a good offer, and we have to give Wren a chance. However,Tex didn't walk away, we traded him.
By BravesSince1969 on Feb 17, 2009 | Reply
Frank Wren has shown that he understands that sometimes saying NO is the right move.
By Chad S. on Feb 21, 2009 | Reply
Frank Wren Blows. He's blown deals trying hustle players on the cheap. The way he handled the John Smoltz situation was ridiculous trash. A viable GM would have landed Peavy or Burnett without being forced to give up the future. I viable GM wouldn't have tried to lowball one of the greatest players ever to toe the rubber in Atlanta and let him go somewhere else to finish his career….. and still roll out of the offseason with frigging nothing to show for it. You guys might be fine taking this effed up tea-bagging from a bum like Wren. Not me. I'm accustomed to excellence from the front office. Wren's excuses are already getting very old. He's NOT getting it done.
By Colin Ake on Feb 21, 2009 | Reply
I'm a little frustrated about the manner in which the Smoltz thing was handled – but the bottom line was that we couldn't afford to pay him guaranteed money without knowing he was going to pitch. Baseball is a business – there are such things as budgets and choices have to be made.
In your mind, you believe that a good GM can talk teams like the Padres into trading Peavy for peanuts? Have you seen what they think of the guy? They want everything and a bag of chips for him dude. I don't think anyone can talk them down on Peavy.
You're entitled to your opinion, but I think it's overly critical and the same moves would have been made with Schuerholz in the GM role.