Rowland's Office

Could Sciambi be heading west?

Here's hoping Jon Sciambi emerges as the current and future voice of the Braves. You don't replace Skip and Pete, but Atlanta fans seem to like what they've heard from Boog. 

They're not the only ones. 

The Padres have expressed interest in hiring Sciambi, and I bet he'll continue to be pursued by other teams with broadcast openings. 

Fox better not let that happen. Boog wears well over 162 games, and we already know how bad the alternative can be. 

--CB

(via Braves Love)

Birds and Braves

The Falcons are 6-3, the Hawks are undefeated and a black man was just elected president. What were the odds? 

The Braves better be paying attention to the success of the city's other pro franchises (forget the Thrashers -- they may end up following the Flames out of town). Atlanta's a fickle sports market, and the Braves now appear to be the team least likely to contend. 

That the local nine continued to draw decently through September surprised, but such loyalty is likely to be short-lived. Routines change, and a slow start next year could trigger Turner Field's lowest-ever attendance figures -- especially when you factor in the economic downturn. The team's season ticket pitch is depressing enough -- come see the Yankees and Red Sox! 

I'm not suggesting Frank Wren acquire Peavy, no matter the cost, but the Braves need to create some excitement. They have the money. They have enough prospects to use in trades without sacrificing their core of young talent. 

They better have a sense of urgency, lest they end up as irrelevant locally as the GOP is nationally.   

--CB