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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
889 comments Add your comment
David O'Brien
February 19th, 2009
2:33 pm
DOB, I think you are missing the point. The source was obviously bad — or inaccurate — yet you went with it anyway. Why not get more than one source? – Bad Sources
One more time: We wrote that Griffey told a close friend he was going to play for the Braves, and that they still had to work out details of the contract. Not that he signed, not that he agreed to terms, only that he told a close friend he’d decided to play for the Braves over Seattle.
What part of that did you want verified by a second source, exactly? Did you want the close friend’s wife to confirm that Griffey said it? Maybe the close friend’s maid to confirm she heard Griffey say it loudly through the close friend’s cell phone?
You want a second source for a story that said Griffey told a close friend he had decided to join the Braves?
Besides, SI.com had him telling “friends” (as in multiple sources) that he was going to the Braves, and the story kind of blew up in their faces, too.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
2:33 pm
Danga, 6th in the NL but LAST in outfield production which is a very glaring weakness.
Since Capt.Mathews
February 19th, 2009
2:33 pm
It’s a pleasure to read this blog every day because of the professional (but sometimes smug) beat writer and the exemplary people he attracts.
Rudyard said it best “if you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you” and “if you can deal with triumph and disaster and treat those two imposters just the same”.
Hey but ship happens and it just improves conscientious professionals. I’m hoping to be enjoying the blog everyday and reading the words of our hard working if imperfect everyman. I’m emotionally attached to the Braves and we’ve had our ups and downs over the years, the last incident is just a mere interesting blip on the screen.
DOB, keep up the good work.
toga party
February 19th, 2009
2:34 pm
I think it’s funny that Frenchy’s contract is for $3.375M, with incentives up to $3.4M. I hope they gave him a $12,500 incentive for MVP, and a $12,500 incentive for playing 162 games. That will really make the difference in his motivation level.
Better yet, I hope the $25,000 is split into 5 different incentives. Seriously, what’s the point?
“I was going to try to pull every ball over the fence, but with that extra $25,000 out there, maybe I’ll listen to some advice and play the ball where it’s pitched.”
beachcomber
February 19th, 2009
2:35 pm
semi-ball coach, excellent post. No need for knee jerk reactions to the Griffey thing. Like you, I suspect there may be a lot better options waiting for us in June than the current crop. And if Diaz returns to his former form and French’s ‘08 was an aberration (admittedly too big ifs), we may not need anything by June.
Bobbymahlon
February 19th, 2009
2:35 pm
NO LOSS : I think that G Anderson would be of more help to the Braves than KG anyway. Griffey in his prime was great but he now is only a shadow of what he used to be and if you look at Anderson’s recent numbers they are impressive. Lets try and get GA instead of losing good young players trying to get Nady or Swisher.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
2:35 pm
Maybe Griffey should’ve just kept his mouth shut and not told his friends anything until he was sure what team he going to.
sinking ship
February 19th, 2009
2:35 pm
THIS JUST IN!!!!!!!! Griffey changes mind again “going to Yankees”–Bobby Cox to stay in Florida at retirement home–Barry Bonds to be named new Braves coach.
Andrew
February 19th, 2009
2:36 pm
DOB- do the enternal choices excite you? they dont do much for me.
Danga
February 19th, 2009
2:36 pm
Here is to hopint that a diaz/jones platoon produces better than .235 with 20 HR and 55 RBI which were Edmonds numbers from last year.
Friday The 13th Remake Was Okay
February 19th, 2009
2:36 pm
Look I am trying to be optimistic, but everything that has happened so far has been horrible this year. Plus I dont know about anyone else, but I use to be able to name at least 10 or 15 braves players at the drop of a hat. Now I can barely name 5, this team is too young and we probably will have to wait till 2012 to at least get back to divisional contention. Plus I dont see how everyone is so gun hoe about 2010 being “our year” We have a few years to go.
Plus Atlanta is just not the same place anymore as in the 90s. We are just a regular old franchise, those flags in left field for titles should just be taken down because that is all done in the past. It was great but sometimes I think the past is hurting us for our future.
Well at least the summer movie season will be kicking off during the season!!! Transformers 2!!!! Whooo Hooo…I think Frank Wren is Megatron trying to destroy our team
More than meets the Wren!!!
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
2:38 pm
I can’t believe I’m already tired of baseball season and it hasn’t even started yet. I hope this year isn’t as bad as I’m fearful it will be.
BamaBrave
February 19th, 2009
2:39 pm
Totally agree, Mets Stink…
I hope McDowell was taking notes during Dice K’s first year. The dude hit the wall in late August because of the longer US season. Kawakami needs to be handled carefully.
Danga
February 19th, 2009
2:40 pm
Coxlover…There is not doubt that our OF was beyond awful last year. My only point is that this team is not worse than last year as currently constituted. And I believe that we are improved.
ncscoots
February 19th, 2009
2:40 pm
so what? [robdawg is] making a lot of foolish statements today.
What, as opposed to some OTHER day that the sun rises in the east?!?
We had the WORST offensive production in the outfield last year.
And, if they were still playing last year’s games, you might have a point. Luckily, that year is over, and 2009 has yet to be played. Players change, every year, and get better or get worse. Proclamations made in February, before you have even seen the first pitch of ST, tend to be ill-advised.
Fans are always preparing to fight the last war (DBackMac knows what I mean), instead of looking to the future.
Danga
February 19th, 2009
2:42 pm
Well said PTBNL.
Jackie Treehorn
February 19th, 2009
2:43 pm
I think Mark Bradley was spot on in his assessment of Wren. He’s a savvy baseball mind, no doubt, and he’s made some good moves. But he seems a little impatient.
I understand the need to carve his own niche, so he doesn’t have to mimic Schuerholz’s way of doing business. But this would have been a prime opportunity to utilize a Schuerholz-ian technique by not discussing specific players the Braves are targeting. He made it known the Braves were actively going after Peavy and Griffey, and neither worked out.
Less is more sometimes, and though it may not be his fault, neither player ended up coming to the Braves.
Also, by saying your team needs another outfielder, that isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement for the guys on the current roster. He would have been better served giving the likes of Bowman a bland quote the way Schuerholz used to do: “We’re always looking for ways to improve our team…..”
Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1988)
February 19th, 2009
2:43 pm
DOB, what is the schedule for tomorrow’s workout? Thinking of heading over tomorrow?
AZBravoFan
February 19th, 2009
2:44 pm
Have to agree with those who say that if Griffey made his decision based on an AJC article then good riddance and enjoy the rain. The Braves don’t need that kind of drama during the season. And for those who want to blame this on Wren, he wasn’t the one who went after Griffey, it was vice versa. I’ve had enough of all this. Wake me up on Opening Day and let me know who’s on the roster.
TommyP
February 19th, 2009
2:44 pm
DOB: Elaborate on the Tim Hudson comment you made earlier. Did he confront you on the “40-man comment” or were you just making a hypothetical statement?
chopper
February 19th, 2009
2:44 pm
I’m amazed how many journalism ‘experts’ this little flap has uprooted.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
2:44 pm
Yes, the Braves will probably be improved over last year, but improved won’t cut it. The Braves have to be MUCH improved in order to make the playoffs. Even winning 73 games would be an improvement but it wouldn’t get us to the playoffs. I think we are better but I just don’t think we are THAT much better.
Chop Chop
February 19th, 2009
2:44 pm
“Griffey is not a family man.”
Coxlover,
According to reports, his wife said she was behind the move 100% (she’s from Washington). His daughter, who plays AAU basketball in Atlanta, said she thought he should go back to Seattle.
Hey. Maybe his family doesn’t want him around or something. I don’t know. What I do know is that his family was consulted and they said “go to Seattle.”
braves4ever
February 19th, 2009
2:45 pm
David, let it go lewey, let it go.
tell us about baseball today ,stop letting all these idiots who can’t read earlier posts get you ruffeled up.you keep defending yourself over and over, you have spent most of your posts reposting.
You said you had some baseball stories to tell us today, I for one would like to hear more on Kawakami, on Jeffs signing, on Chippers contract extension, how about how the young outfielders are hitting.
Anything but this drama. please just ignore it.
Rod
February 19th, 2009
2:46 pm
So when is Griffey going to report? I saw he wasn’t with the other Braves players today. Will he be at camp tomorrow? Can’t wait to see him in his Braves uniform!!!
TN Jeff
February 19th, 2009
2:46 pm
Getting Testy ???
Please Please Please – don’t make any assurances that
Glavine is a done deal to sign. Doing so will only underestimate
Wren’s ability to screw up a “done deal” and also underestimate
Glavine’s greed (as well as underestimate your own inability to
prognosticate).
Robert
February 19th, 2009
2:46 pm
DOB, who cares about Griffey. He is washed up. Keep up the great job of giving us Spring Training news.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
2:47 pm
Honestly, I blame Griffey more than anyone over the mess that HE created. He should NOT have told anyone where he was going until he was absolutely sure. He needs to learn how to keep his mouth shut until he can make up his mind.
TommyP
February 19th, 2009
2:47 pm
Griffey didn’t make his decision based on an article. Everyone seems to be saying that but from what I’ve read Griffey was irritated that the Braves leaked that info to the paper.
So it sounds like Griffey was irritated with the Braves brass, not the AJC ass. (sorry, couldn’t resist)
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
2:48 pm
Chop Chop, yeah that makes sense. If you were a kid and Griffey was your dad wouldn’t you want him to go as far away from Orlando as possible ? Doesn’t sound like a very close family to me.
BravoMan
February 19th, 2009
2:48 pm
Glad the Griffey drama is over. Now lets focus on signing Glavine and seeing how Schafer and Jones do this spring. We can always get a real good OF at the deadline.
DOB, any news on a Glavine announcement?
Original Jon
February 19th, 2009
2:49 pm
Braves should trade for Luke Scott of Baltimore.
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
2:50 pm
Who cares if Griffey is irritated?
getnathan
February 19th, 2009
2:50 pm
Greg Norton provided some timely hits off the bench, AND he was a Mets killer.
just listen
February 19th, 2009
2:50 pm
I posted this earlie but with the Blog removing random comments it got removed. And I know most of you don’t believe it whne people say they are “in the know” on players and such but trust me on this because I do know and this is the truth. KGJ went to Seattle because the Braves were not willing to give him a Box for his family and friends when they were at the games and Bobby Cox would not allow him to have his kids in the dugout at times, and these privileges are something he has had everywhere he has played and Seattle was willing to give them to him again.
He wasn’t mad at DOB for posting the blog or at the Title given to the story (though he did think it was a bit rediculous). This will probably never make it into any news report because Wren and Co. won’t reveal that this was the difference maker but that is why he chose to go to Seattle. I guess Bobby has his rules and you can’t make exceptions for KGJ w/o having to make exceptions for everyone. So you may or may not believe me but that is what know!
car3boogie
February 19th, 2009
2:50 pm
Ok Serious stuff now. I will be in Orlando with my son on saturday the 28th while the Braves play in Dunedin. Would it be worth our while to stop by the Dark Star complex that morning.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
2:51 pm
Robert, Griffey may be washed up but he isn’t any more washed up that Glavine is !!
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
2:51 pm
I’d rather have Luke Duke than Like Scott.
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
2:51 pm
*Luke
Eric In Albany N.Y.'s
February 19th, 2009
2:52 pm
I know everyone is mad about griff, but at least we dont have andruw in the outfield eating ho hos and looking like fat albert!
No Caps This Time!
Random
February 19th, 2009
2:52 pm
bravos: “I want to be a journalist because its one of the few jobs you can be wrong over half the time and still get payed.”
“I’d rather be right half the time than half-right all the time.”
robdawg08: “I guess you think Diaz is better than Griffey ?”
Against LHPs, definitely. And probably, defensively, nowadays.
robdawg08: “Griffey won’t be platooning in Seattle.”
Oh, yeah? Well, we’ll see.
robdawg08: “If he was told he would platoon there’s your real reason for him not signing with the Braves.”
Not the larger guaranteed contract? Not the larger amount of incentives? Not the lifetime personal services contract? None of that? Welp, I guess it musta been the platoon thang, then. Yer a Effingham genius! sarcasm
north ga bob
February 19th, 2009
2:53 pm
FLASH! A braves official was reported seen in Trion, GA. Could it be he was there to sign John Rocker to a new contract. Or was he merely turning himself in at the local federal prison for false reporting?
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
2:54 pm
Trion, GA ? How could anyone be reportedly seen in Trion, GA ? The only living things there are cows.
getnathan
February 19th, 2009
2:54 pm
Hey Eric, ho ho’s are good (depending on who you ask lol).
Mark Bradley says that FW should sit back and do absolutely nothing right now.
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
2:54 pm
ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick talked to Braves GM Frank Wren, who says the Braves are more likely to try their young outfielders than acquire a veteran outfielder after failing to sign Ken Griffey Jr.
Crasnick adds that the Braves “aren’t very excited” about Garret Anderson and have little to no interest in Jim Edmonds and Luis Gonzalez. He says the salaries of Xavier Nady or Nick Swisher might be prohibitive.
Daniel from OK
February 19th, 2009
2:55 pm
Forget Griffey. If he hits 10 HR’s this season I will be SHOCKED!
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
2:56 pm
2Parc, sounds like Wren is hoping for a miracle. Boy, this just gets worse and worse.
getnathan
February 19th, 2009
2:56 pm
2Parc
Braves “aren’t very excited” about Garret Anderson and have little to no interest in Jim Edmonds and Luis Gonzalez.
So that means there is interest ha ha ha
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
2:57 pm
Daniel, Griffey hit 18 HR’s last year and he’s in better health this year. I think 20-25 HR’s is a good bet for Griffey this year. I’m not sure what makes you think he’ll only hit 10 HR’s.
Spider29
February 19th, 2009
2:57 pm
Too bad for many that Griffey decided to go back to Seattle but I, for one, do not think what you wrote made the difference. Just keep on keeping on, DOB! Could you please give a brief “scouting report” on Brandon Jones? I haven’t seen him play that much and would like to know more about him. He seems to have good potential though. Thanks.
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
2:59 pm
getnathan – in the words of Lloyd Christmas in ‘Dumb and Dumber’ – ‘So you’re sayin’ there’s a chance.’
THE GREAT # 44 -LEROY KELLY
February 19th, 2009
2:59 pm
i’m a STEELY DAN man, myself !
what happened to JOE WALKER ? ( the blind sports announcer )
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
3:02 pm
I don’t see this as getting worse… I see it as a good solid team who will compete.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
3:03 pm
2Parc, you are pathetically optimistic. Why don’t you just face reality ?
BravoMan
February 19th, 2009
3:04 pm
I don’t see how G.Anderson’s stats are going to be very far off someone like B.Jones or Schafer. I do know that they’ll both have better defence than Anderson, so would you have Wren go out and waste money on a guy like Anderson or work with what he’s got?
Rodney Derrick
February 19th, 2009
3:04 pm
Good riddance! Griffey is dishonest and greedy manipulator. Probably just like AROD and Barroid!!! Did not really want to play for a clean team. Play the young guys and if they do not work out well, the economics of the time will result in lots of great bargains as the season proceeds.
Also MLB likely complicit with Harold Reynolds putting Willie Mays and Grif together. Remember the “say hey kid” was the king of greenies and Barroid’s godfather! Barroid and Griffey are sons of good players and both wanted to show up their dads. Generational issues here. And likely MLB nervous about baseball in Seattle. Remember they lost basketball Sonics to that dump Oklahoma City.
Bobby's Belly
February 19th, 2009
3:04 pm
Dear Frank Wren – Next time I want to see Glavine is on “Dancing with the Stars.” The kids are just as good, if not better. Same goes for the OF – play the kids.
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
3:06 pm
We haven’t even played a game yet… that is reality… and that is what I am facing.
lexbrave
February 19th, 2009
3:07 pm
hey dob, not that im avocating signing him, but what is it about edmonds that provides the braves with no interest considering they did have interest in griffey? both are aging former gold glove winning allstars, both are cheap right now, both have pop but only hit well against right handers. both have had checkered history in the health dept. they seem to be producing these days at about the same capacity.
Flamenco the Foot
February 19th, 2009
3:07 pm
I normally enjoy reading this blog, but now it is just a bunch people whining and complaining. As Logic Goes, So Goes Intelligence.
semiballcoach
February 19th, 2009
3:08 pm
luke scott wouldn’t provide any more power than the group the braves already have and at a much higher price
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
3:08 pm
Hey bloggers… who thinks Optimism is Pathetic?
flange1
February 19th, 2009
3:09 pm
Afternoon all,
It is getting more and more difficult to read (or scroll by) some of the posts by the purported journalists and other non-regular supporters of this blog that are just here to throw mud at DOB.
To be as nice as possible, if you don’t like the Braves, if you are not happy with the Braves, if you don’t like the AJC or you don’t like DOB, a quick and simple solution for all of you.
GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!
You are messing up a really fun place for the rest of us.
You have had your say and now lets move on.
Spring training is here and we have TONS of things to discuss and hear about, Griffey is gone. Done deal.
Time to end the vent session for the rookie bloggers.
Leah
February 19th, 2009
3:10 pm
Rhett Butler -
Frankly, my dear, DOB doesn’t give a darn about your, or anyone else’s, meaningless rants.
Keep up the great work, DOB!
CD
February 19th, 2009
3:10 pm
You didn’t report anything that wasn’t true. Who knew we would get “shunned” again (Chipper’s words)? I didn’t think it could happen again, but with the way this offseason is going, I can’t be all that surprised.
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
3:12 pm
This offeason is NOT that bad, people… really? You’re that upset over our current team… unbelievable.
Redirect
February 19th, 2009
3:12 pm
“Hey bloggers… who thinks Optimism is Pathetic?” 2Parc
Not me. I am just pathetically optimistic. “Big gulps, huh? Well, see ya later.”
BravoMan
February 19th, 2009
3:12 pm
Good news on Francoeur. Now all that’s left is to sign Glavine to provide some good veteran presence, and give Chipper his 3 year extention with a life time supply of Chick Fillet.
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
3:13 pm
Redirect – kind of an oxymoron, isn’t it? Just checking.
Ron Roberts
February 19th, 2009
3:14 pm
I’m alright with giving Diaz a full-time shot if he’s completely healthy and comes through ST looking like the pre-2008 Diaz we were accustomed to. He ONLY hits .288 vs. righties, as opposed to .328 against lefties. Where he takes a dip, is in his slugging percentage. Oh, and his defense isn’t stellar, but hell, Griffey wasn’t gonna be 2002-Griffey, either.
The Truth
February 19th, 2009
3:15 pm
I have a gut feeling that Garret Anderson will be our LF.
I have a gut feeling that Jim Edmonds will be our CF.
I have a gut feeling that Julio Franco will play for us as well.
I have a gut feeling that DOB has a gut feeling that the bloggers have a gut feeling that Mark Bowman has a gut feeling that Mark Bradley has a gut feeling that Keith Law has a gut feeling that Griffey will suck in Seattle.
BravoMan
February 19th, 2009
3:15 pm
2Parc, No matter how good our team is there’s always gonna be a large amount of fans tickeded off. Alot of the Atlanta fans ive seen on here are unappreciative and annoyig.
Andrew
February 19th, 2009
3:15 pm
luke scott hit 20+ homers last year..he would indeed upgrade
AZBravoFan
February 19th, 2009
3:15 pm
I think as soon as Griffey pulls up lame grabbing his hammy after legging out a dribbler to 3rd, Braves Nation will breathe a collective sigh and be glad we don’t have to deal with that. Let’s see if someone grabs hold of the job this spring, and if not then Swisher or Nady will still be there for the taking. I think Frenchy’s performance this spring will give us an indication of what needs to be done.
PTBNL
February 19th, 2009
3:16 pm
Strange, Coxlover, you admit that they will be better but continue to be down on them. One thing that has not been mentioned, which also coincides with the lack of team timely hitting (granting that Norton did indeed have some timely hitting… I was speaking of the team as a whole being winners), do you realize how many 1 run games the Braves lost last year? Think about it. Even with all the “less than expected” players the Braves had to use to field a team, they were that close to winning that many more games than they did. Again, to me, the key is that whole thing of being winners. A team of winners would not have lost the majority of those games. Plays would have been made that were not, hits would have been made at important times, etc. Their stats would not have needed to be any different, just a difference of when the hits were made and when the right play was made.
Having said that, it is my belief that this team can make the adjustments to be in contention this year. On the other hand, if that “thing” (for lack of a better term winner’s syndrome) is missing, they could be as bad as you seem to project. Odds are that they will be somewhere in between. However, I hope not.
MountainDawg
February 19th, 2009
3:16 pm
The price tag would’ve been too hefty for Griffey. He’s not totally washed up, but he’s past his prime.
getnathan
February 19th, 2009
3:16 pm
2parc – in the words of Lloyd Christmas in ‘Dumb and Dumber’ – ‘So you’re sayin’ there’s a chance
great minds think alike ha ha ha!!!
Steve McP
February 19th, 2009
3:16 pm
Looks like the blog crashed again – is there any way to go back and look at entries made on the blog before it was reloaded? Not that I particularly want to go over all that vitriolic drivel again (largely from names that we have never seen before), but more for future reference.
Chop Chop
February 19th, 2009
3:17 pm
Is a Chick Fillet sandwich kinda like a Sonee TV?
Redirect
February 19th, 2009
3:18 pm
2Parc – certainly.
brent a.
February 19th, 2009
3:19 pm
Hit “Ctrl-F”, type in “coxlover”, and count the number of times it appears.
It’s beyond ridiculous.
Redirect
February 19th, 2009
3:19 pm
The Truth
I had a gut feeling about quite a few things this off season. Turns out I had gas.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
3:19 pm
PTB, yes i admit the Braves will be better but that’s not saying a lot considering we lost 90 games last year. We could be horrible this year and still be better than last year.
The Truth
February 19th, 2009
3:19 pm
According to one of my homies (source), Rafael Belliard has chosen the Braves over the Pirates to boost the bench. Welcome back, raffy!
roman88
February 19th, 2009
3:20 pm
maybe jermaine dye will want to come home. with everthing that could and did go wrong last year, this team is surely better by 15 more wins or so. frenchy’s 3.3 mill will seem like a bargain by the end of the year, It always comes down to pitching in the end, and the braves are stacked, and hudson will be coming back too, take some of that money and resign ohman
Ron Roberts
February 19th, 2009
3:20 pm
OH, and somebody tell Frank Wren to put that musty ol’ wedding dress up. Being left at the alter a bit too much…
ease19
February 19th, 2009
3:22 pm
What’s wrong with being so optimistic? If you are a Braves fan, then you are going to want them to do well no matter who is out there…Especially before Spring Training…If it’s August and we are 50 games out of it, well then rip away, but why can’t we think positive at this time?
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
3:23 pm
I would rather not type ‘coxlover’ at all anymore… there’s just something wrong about it.
flange1
February 19th, 2009
3:25 pm
Great Rosenthal article on the Braves:
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9238050/Improved-Braves-look-awfully-dangerous
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
3:26 pm
ease19 – right on.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
3:26 pm
2Parc, do you have something against my love of Cox ? He is one of the best managers in history and a big reason why we were so successful from 1991-2005.
Barnesy
February 19th, 2009
3:26 pm
Maybe Frank could borrow Theo’s gorilla suit for that overdue ride out of town.
PTBNL
February 19th, 2009
3:27 pm
Nevermind, Coxlover. You obviously just don’t want to see any possibilities. If it is guarantees you want, don’t watch baseball.
Friday The 13th Remake Was Okay
February 19th, 2009
3:28 pm
Okay change of subject for a sec. What is everyone eating tonight? I think I will be having some fries and garlic breaded gordon fish filets.
Chop Chop
February 19th, 2009
3:28 pm
PTBNL,
Hell, I think the team will be better, too. I’m just not all that enthusiastic about it. I don’t see how this team could be worse than it was in 2008. (I’m sure I could think of some scenarios involving the maiming of three or four starting pitchers by Disney characters.) I just don’t think 12-14 wins more than last year is something to get pumped up about. Maybe the folks in Pittsburgh or KC or Seattle or Washington would get pumped up (and rightly so) about something like that, but not me. I’ve seen a lot better from this franchise. I’ve seen worse (the mid-to-late ’80s sucked), but 1991-2005 changed my perception of what is “good” and what isn’t.
I’ve said this in the past, but it will take watching some really crummy Braves teams over a period of time to make me appreciate winning baseball sans glory. I’m glad that Smoltz, Maddux, Glavine, Chipper, Justice, and a cast of thousands led by Bobby Cox and John Schuerholz spoiled me like that. At least I know what top-flight baseball looks like.
Bvillebaron
February 19th, 2009
3:29 pm
I would have been okay if Griffey had signed, but losing him is not that big of a deal. I think the Braves should start spring training and see what develops with the outfield situation before deciding to make a move, particularly one that would involve trading any more prospects.
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
3:29 pm
Something positive:
http://www.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200902063804426&c_id=atl&partnerId=ed-2207386-72031646&source=ed-2207386-72031646
BigHittas
February 19th, 2009
3:29 pm
LOL Moby @ @2:28!
I gotcha moron right here!
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
3:29 pm
Ok, so Rosenthal says the Braves are much improved, but that’s still not saying a lot considering we won 72 games last year. 82 wins would be much improved.
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
3:29 pm
For the glass-mostly-empty view, there’s Coxlover.
For the glass-half-full view:
I’m disappointed Griffey chose Seattle, but see it this way. The 2008 Braves were 6th in runs scored and 12th in ERA. The rotation has been dramatically improved and the bullpen looks better too — if only by the return of Moylan, a full season of Gonzo, and (quite possibly) a lot more innings from Soriano and Acosta. The lesser contributors to the pen won’t have to pitch as often, or in as many crunch situations.
I could see the team’s ERA among the top five in the NL.
The pitching should be good enough to keep us in a lot more games than last year. And in 2009, we can’t be as snakebit in one-run games as we were in 2008.
So will the offense be adequate enough to make us competitive? I can’t say. Nor can anyone else. But I like our chances.