Re: _Braves_, Deborah Gibson wrote to Terry May on 28 Feb 98:
 ->> Age, and in the case of last year, going from a hitters' park to a
 ->> park that is neutral at best.
 DG> 
 DG> On the contrary, I just don't think he's been the same at all since
 DG> the 1994 strike season.... And mind you, McGriff played in some
 DG> terrible hitter's parks and still would put up 35 HR a season (like
 DG> Jack Murphy and the first season in the Skydome, when it was a
 DG> terrible hitter's park) 
I believe I did mention age first.  But going from AFCS to The Ted didn't 
help, either (nor will his new digs).
 DG> *sigh* I think they would be better off with Belliard. At least he
 DG> would cost them less, and I actually do LIKE Belliard.
I don't know him personally, but I *HATE* him as a player.  He makes Walt 
Weiss look like Babe Ruth.  It doesn't matter if he agrees to play for free, 
I don't want him on my team, taking up a roster spot from someone who can 
actually hit better than the pitchers.
 DG> What's to say they shouldn't have left him around as the fifth starter,
 DG> considering that no matter how "good" the Braves have been in the
 DG> 1990's, they have never had a fifth starter... Avery may no longer be
 DG> ace material, but he could be a terrific #5 starter if he ever got it
 DG> together.....
You don't put in a washed up, overpaid pitcher in the #5 hole.  That's the 
spot you use for developing young, up and coming pitchers.  If the guy can't 
get anybody out in the #1-4 positions, why on earth do you think he'd make a 
"terrific #5 starter"?  #5 pitchers face the same guys that #1 pitchers do.  
It doesn't get easier just because you're in the #5 slot.  And the Braves 
have a very good #5 starter already.  He's younger, cheaper and better than 
Avery.  His name is Kevin Millwood. 
... Atlanta Braves - 1991, 1992, 1995 & 1996 National League Champions!
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