Griffey to Atlanta: Nevermind
Editor Note: Because of technical problems, we’ve copied Dave’s 12:26 a.m. entry here so that you can continue commenting. For now we’re limiting the display to just the latest 100 comments. For full explanation please read the explanation from our geeks.
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Uh, oh.
Ken Griffey Jr. crushed the Braves’ hopes Wednesday night, and did a pretty good number on my evening, too.
Two days after Griffey told a close friend that he planned to sign with the Braves — which we reported in the AJC, to the chagrin of Griffey, his agent, and the Braves — the outfielder reversed course and decided to go to the Mariners, the team he played for during the first 11 seasons of his illustrious career.
It’s the fourth time in four months the Braves fell short pursuing a star they thought they had a good chance to get (including one, Rafael Furcal, they said they had an oral agreement with) and now general manager Frank Wren will have to look elsewhere to boost an outfield that had just 27 homers in 2008.
It was a stunning reversal for the Braves, after they read and heard many reports that indicated Griffey was going to sign with Atlanta to stay closer to his family in Orlando and play for manager Bobby Cox.
Braves players came to the ballpark Wednesday hoping Griffey might be suited up for their first full-squad workout. They’ll come to the ballpark Thursday morning asking what the hell happened.
“All signs are good,” third baseman Chipper Jones said Wednesday morning, but he was quick to add that he wouldn’t get too excited until Griffey signed on the dotted line. Previous experience this offseason had made Jones very cautious with his optimism. Smart man.
Jones had talked to Griffey daily for the past week and seemed confident he was coming to the Braves. “But I’m not going to smile until he’s signed,” Jones said, alluding to the previous times the Braves were jilted this winter.
Well, he’s signed. With the Mariners.
And for the past three hours or so, I’ve taken a beating on the ol’ blog here. Hey, bring it. I hear ‘ya and understand the passion. Your team has taken you on a rollercoaster of emotions a bunch of times this winter, but all in all, this isn’t nearly as impactful as, say, losing out on Jake Peavy or even Rafael Furcal, who’d have been the leadoff man the Braves lack.
Griffey was going to be a platoon left fielder, most likely. The Braves can still go get another free agent, like Garret Anderson, if they want to. Or suck it up and spend a couple extra mill, if necessary, to take on the salary of a Nick Swisher or Xavier Nady, giving up a prospect or two in such a deal if that’s what it takes, if that’s what they believe is really necessary to shore up this lineup.
In the meantime, here’s a response I had to one of the many scathing missives directed at me on the other blog tonight, before I posted this new one.
Occasionally you’re going to be castigated by angry fans for reporting something that doesn’t turn out as planned, and in this case what obviously makes it worse is published speculation at MLB.com that our story had something to do with Griffey’s decision.
And I’m not blaming Mark Bowman at all for writing it, because I was standing there today when Frank Wren said Griffey’s agent all but ended communication with the Braves right after our AJC story came out Tuesday.
But let’s be clear: What we wrote was a story that said Griffey told a close friend that he had decided to play for the Braves over the Mariners. We wrote it, because that’s what the close friend told our Terry Moore, who goes back a long way with them (Moore is from Cincy, like Griffey).
We did not write that Griffey had agreed to a contract, or that he’d even told the Braves he was going to sign with them. We wrote that Griffey told his good friend that he had decided to play for the Braves.
Now, as for the headline in today’s paper, I knew nothing of it until tonight, when someone at the paper informed me that it said “Griffey to play for Braves.” Folks, I’m in Florida, and I send my stories to the paper, not headlines. I have absolutely no control over headlines in the paper.
Far as I know, neither Mark Bradley nor I wrote that Griffey was definitely going to play for the Braves. Again, we wrote that he told his friend that he’d decided to play for the Braves. And that it looked like a deal would get done.
Now, if our story actually had any influence on Griffey’s decision, if Griffey is actually flighty enough to change such an important decision, to go play across the continent after telling others that he was going to play for Atlanta in large part because of the proximity to his family … well, then I’m flabbergasted.
If that’s actually the case. If he’d let his purported anger over that story affect his decision … well, that just seems a bit far-fetched to me.
Anyway, we wrote a story that said he’d told a friend he would be playing for Atlanta this season. Now he’s going to play for Seattle, and I’ll take a beating on the blog. But I’m a big boy. I can live with that.
If we’d written something that was erroneous, if I’d written that Griffey had agreed to terms with the Braves, that’d be one thing. We did not write that, at least I don’t think we did.
Anything I said on this blog the past two days, about how I still believed he was coming to play for the Braves, etc., I was giving you my opinion. I thought that was understood. This is a blog. I give opinions.
Again, I can live with the harsh criticism. Goes with the job, once in a while when something like this happens. Hopefully, just once in a great while.
Now, as I promised in this morning’s blog I would do if he changed his mind, here’s a new song for Ken Griffey Jr.
“GOING, GOING, GONE” by Bob Dylan
I've just reached a place
Where the willow don't bend.
There's not much more to be said
It's the top of the end.
I'm going,
I'm going,
I'm gone.
I'm closin' the book
On the pages and the text
And I don't really care
What happens next.
I'm just going,
I'm going,
I'm gone.
I been hangin' on threads,
I been playin' it straight,
Now, I've just got to cut loose
Before it gets late.
So I'm going,
I'm going,
I'm gone.
Grandma said, "Boy, go and follow your heart
And you'll be fine at the end of the line.
All that's gold isn't meant to shine.
Don't you and your one true love ever part."
I been walkin' the road,
I been livin' on the edge,
Now, I've just got to go
Before I get to the ledge.
So I'm going,
I'm just going,
I'm gone.
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889 comments Add your comment
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
12:34 pm
Alec Baldwin in Glengary Glen Ross:
“A – B – C – always be closing.”
Ben Affleck in Boiler Room:
“Remember Glengary Glen Ross? A – B – C – always be closing.”
blah blah blah
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
1:54 pm
Mike, losing Griff MAY not be earth shattering, but it could be. What if he hits 30 homers like he did just 2 years ago ?
Jim
February 19th, 2009
1:55 pm
XM Radio has Braves looking at Luis Gonzales. Hits RH pitching ok. In ‘08, .267/.770; 7/38; 270 ABs. Not great, but apparenlty a good influence on younger players. Has always hit well against the Braves.
Hit 31, 57, 28, 26 HRs, ‘00-’03, with Arizona. What was he taking? Wonder if he’s one of the “missing 103?” Has anyone asked ARod?
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
1:55 pm
oldbravesbag, you’re mostly right. Plus, Junior can DH most of the time. And he’ll be compensated as an ambassador for the club long after he retires. Even though he’ll finish his career for an awful team …
DunderChief
February 19th, 2009
1:55 pm
DOB – Or anyone else who knows the answer. Is Jeff Francoeur really eligible for free agency next year, or is this the lowest of the low for the AJC poll question? I’m 99% sure he’s got a couple of arb-eligible season left right?
MetsFaninATL
February 19th, 2009
1:56 pm
DOB — this ain’t your fault! If a story in the AJC was the deciding factor in Griffey playing for the Braves or not, then the team didn’t want him here anyway. Right? But that wasn’t it. It was, ultimately, Griffey wanting to end his career where he started it and having the chance to play more often (thanks to the DH). I love Griffey and hate the Braves. In the end, I think both are better off in this situation.
It takes a lot for me to feel badly for the Braves, but this almost does it.
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
1:56 pm
Coxlover (sorry, just can’t get past addressing you with that name)… yes, he gives depth… without him you have less pitchers… with him, you have more… hence, depth.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
1:56 pm
JM, Seattle may be a beautiful city but the weather is DEPRESSING. I’ve been there before and I couldn’t wait to leave.
LVChad
February 19th, 2009
1:56 pm
Let’s say the friend (the source) was actually telling the truth that Griffey did indeed say he was going to sign with Atlanta. Then when Seattle sweetened the deal, Griffey changed his mind.
How is that bad journalism?
How is that printing a false statement?
Did the source suddenly come out and say they were lying? Griffey called the Braves, so I think it’s possible at some point he really did say to a friend he was going to sign with Atlanta because that was indeed his intent.
Time to let all of the bad journalism stuff go, no? If anything direct your anger at the person who put up the incorrect headline not the guy who has proven to be stand up and printed what he believed to be information from a reliable source.
John Quest
February 19th, 2009
1:57 pm
Shut Up DOB, ESPN is an electronic, now digital, mullet wrapper. They have but a few good reporters, that’s it. Most of their news is imported from other sources. Oh, then there is that obnoxious cable crawl they actually think viewers are watching.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
1:57 pm
Jim, I’m about 105% confident that Luis Gonzalez took roids the year he hit nearly 60 homers.
todd h
February 19th, 2009
1:57 pm
not trying to wave pom-poms but, dob is one of the best. very informative, entertaining and willing to give OPINION. i for one, appreciates that.
macdwolfpack
February 19th, 2009
1:57 pm
DOB, idiots are everywhere! You do an excellent job and it is much appreciated. If Griffey can’t recognize the better organization and is this wishy washy, then he needs to be in Seattle, maybe we can convince them to take Soriano back with him.
I find nothing wrong in what you wrote and hope you continue to share you knowledge.
In the meantime this is history and what I and many others care more about it your telling us what is happening with our team in Orlando during spring training.
So quit apologizing or explaining and go bring us some reports from spring training.
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
1:58 pm
Jim,
Yeah, Gonzalez looks like a poster child for juicing. Them’s Brady Anderson-like numbers.
UF Brave
February 19th, 2009
1:58 pm
Frank Wren needs to start taking some notes from Kyra Sedgwick…the man needs to learn how to close a deal!
JournalistJeff
February 19th, 2009
1:58 pm
Coxlover did you actually read the story? Or are you one of those people who only reads the headlines? If you actually read the story, it didn’t say he signed with the Braves, it said sources close to him stated he was coming to Atlanta. For all the people who want to question the way DOB does his job, maybe you should learn how journalism works. The Editor picks the headline NOT the writer. Was the headline a little misleading? Not if you actually read the story. DOB did his job, he had a credible source and he told us as much. He never said it was written in stone, or that Griffey had made up his mind 100%. If DOB would have waited to hear it from Griffey then the same people blaming DOB now would be yelling that DOB didn’t give us the scoop. And to top it off, the AJC was not the only one reporting that Griffey was “heavily leaning” towards coming to the Braves. ESPN and Foxsports also had “sources” stating that he was coming here.
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
2:00 pm
don’t like Gonzalez… didn’t like Griffey… on the fence about G. Anderson… and don’t like Edmonds… where’s Charles Thomas when you need him?
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
2:00 pm
2Parc, with Glavine we have more pitchers unless he gets injured, which at age 43 i would be very surprised if he doesn’t get injured at some point this year.
nolie
February 19th, 2009
2:01 pm
I guess you think Diaz is better than Griffey ?
Against lefties? no question Diaz is better now.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
2:02 pm
JournalistJeff, I didn’t read the article on the AJC because my computer was acting up at the time. So all I read was the headline that said ” Griffey signs with Braves”
Bravesgal
February 19th, 2009
2:03 pm
Dtown – why should DOB take the blame for the headline? He did not write it.
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
2:03 pm
And then, Coxlover (ahem)… you now have depth and a choice of other pitchers to fill the void.
John Quest
February 19th, 2009
2:03 pm
Just because I mention a few languages now I’m a basher? You are very thinned skinned, masivatack. I will refrain from similar comments.
Sorry.
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
2:03 pm
John Quest,
You’re dead wrong about ESPN. They report almost all their own stuff using staff reporters. Their problem is being spread thin and being based in the NYC area. They seem to be a lot more interested in teams along the Boston-NYC-DC corridor (and in the nation’s other mega media market — LA) than in those around the rest of the country.
National networks have almost always shared those flaws. I’ll be interested to see if MLB Network does a better job covering the entire sport, not just the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets and Dodgers.
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
2:04 pm
The headline said ‘Griffey chooses Braves’ – nothing about signing.
Bud Selig
February 19th, 2009
2:05 pm
Look, when I hear people say “The Commissioner turned a blind eye to David O Brien’s irresponsible reporting” that irritates the you-know-what out of me. The truth is, I’ve been championing responsible reporting for years, now, and I think Major League Baseball has come farther than any sport in taking steps to clean up this mess.
tulsabravo
February 19th, 2009
2:05 pm
“Goes with the job, once in a while when something like this happens.” Once in a while?
David O'Brien
February 19th, 2009
2:06 pm
Really does sound like Braves are going to give the young guys a chance to show they can handle CF and LF (along with Matt Diaz). Josh Anderson, Brandon Jones, Jordan Schafer and Gregor Blanco are all going to get consideration, get to show what they can do this spring.
PTBNL
February 19th, 2009
2:06 pm
KC, the other day you admitted that your conclusions about Smoltz were speculative. Why do you insist on repeatedly claiming them as dyed in the wool facts? Please, if you are going to say such things over and over, acknowledge that it is your belief that Smoltz left for bla, bla, bla. You should respect Smoltz enough not to speak for him without his telling you what he is thinking.
From the facts that we know, it is possible that what you have said about his reasons for going to the Sox is true. But the facts are very skimpy and leave many possibilities available. You seem to have chosen one and convinced yourself that it is the truth, when you really don’t know that it is true…. and have admitted that it is speculation.
So again, let your “beliefs” be known…. as beliefs… not as facts.
Thanks.
dondi123
February 19th, 2009
2:07 pm
Based on the reporting in this blog and elsewhere, the Braves / Wren have tried and failed to cut deals for Peavy, Burnett, Furcal, Smoltz and Griffey in the last 4 -5 months.
In the Schuerholz era, I don’t believe the world would have known that all those misses had happened. So, Scheurholz was either 1) a better deal-maker or 2)better at keeping news / negotiations under wraps. Which one do you think it is, DOB?
PTBNL
February 19th, 2009
2:08 pm
David, are player visits to the blog out of the question any more because of the bad experience yesterday?
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
2:09 pm
Bud Selig,
Good one.
David O'Brien
February 19th, 2009
2:09 pm
Workout shortened by rain today, but Braves got everything in except their extra BP that some guys take at the end.
Cox was impressed by Kawakami’s session today, as the man with the large media entourage (yes, still following his every move) added the curveball to the mix. He’s on his own schedule, being permitted to come along slowly at first, as he prefers. Threw fastballs and curveballs today, after only fastballs in his first two ‘pens.
He’ll face hitters for the first time Saturday.
Workouts are 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, by the way. Because of physicals in the a.m. both days.
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
2:09 pm
Good… let the boys give it a shot… I like the non-Yankee approach anyway.
DOB – ever heard of Outformation? Local southern rock band?
nolie
February 19th, 2009
2:09 pm
Platooning is admitting you don’t have a good enough player to play that position. Either let Diaz play 162 (minus a few games off) games there or get a player that will. Why don’t they also platoon McCann,Francoeur,KJ,Yunel,Chipper,Kotchman,etc. if its the way to go ?
Everyone except Chipper has a worse average against either lefties or righties. Boom. ROBDAWG
so what? You’re making a lot of foolish statements today.There is absolutely nothing wrong with platooning. The Orioles and Yanks for instance did a huge amount of winning with platoons on a regular basis.
Trent
February 19th, 2009
2:09 pm
Not to add confusion my post was to “Shut up DOB”….not the actual DOB
Billy Walsh
February 19th, 2009
2:09 pm
Robdawg08
On which teams would Andy Petite and Phil Hughes be an ace on? Did you see Petite pitch after the all star break last year? Phil Hughes hasn’t one a MLB game since the 2007 season. Burnett has ace ability but he is never healthy and Wang is coming off a major injury. The only bona fide ace on the Yanks staff is CC. Give me the Rays starting five anyday. Price is going to be a stud…along with Kazmir, Garza, Shields, and Sonnanstine. I agree with you on the platoon. Starting the year with a Diaz/Jones platoon would be a disaster. Wren needs to find an everyday LF and have Diaz and Jones come off the bench.
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
2:09 pm
Coxlover – you know what happens when you assume….
Danga
February 19th, 2009
2:10 pm
I am all for giving the young guys a chance. All of the in house options are certainly better defensive options. Lets see what the Bravos can do with a strong pitching staff and good defense. Hopefully, we do the little things well and actually win some 1 run ball games this year.
Billy Walsh
February 19th, 2009
2:10 pm
I think the Rays will be even better than last year
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
2:11 pm
FWIW, RotoAuthority rated our own Javy Vazquez as the seventh-best starting pitcher in baseball for fantasy leagues. Lowe is 27, Kawakami 30, JJ 63.
lfp6
February 19th, 2009
2:11 pm
I overheard a discussion about Griffey at my work.
Mr. A.: Well, if Junior plays for us, I hope he gets his stroke back.
Mr. B.: Oh he’ll get a stroke, allright….just not the one youre thinking.
Junior IS 39, and I’m willing to wager that he did NOT want to platoon, hence going back to Seattle.
As for Frenchy, this year is ‘put-up or shut-up’, imho ^^. Oh, and no arbitration for Jeff: he and the Braves went with a 3.375M USD contract.
Lastly, getting us another boom-stick OF…Garret Anderson does look like a possibility that should be investigated, but will we be able to afford him?
The Artist Formerly Known as Too Hot For Teacher
February 19th, 2009
2:11 pm
glad to hear the Spring Training updates. Once some hitters face Kawakami we’d be interested to hear what they have to say – seeing how nobody has ever faced him before.
John Quest
February 19th, 2009
2:11 pm
BravesFanintheRockies, I listen to ESPN quite a bit, and many of their lead in stories are prefaced with, “XYZ and Co. are reporting……., or ESPN has learned……”. This is my point. They do have many reporters in the field, but I usually find a story on the internet long before I hear it on ESPN.
Friday The 13th Remake Was Okay
February 19th, 2009
2:12 pm
I dont blame DOB, I blame Franky “gorgy fan” Wren. Its going to be a terrible season for us brave fans. I hope some people have Fire Wren signs at the ball park, but lets face it this team is going to struggle this year…Hopefully if Frank bombs next winter he gets a good talking to by the head guys and maybe quit or get fired.
I do have to ask DOB, if you were to put a record on this upcoming season as of right now what do you think? Sadly I think something along the lines of last year, but I dont see us winning more than 60 games this year.
JSS
February 19th, 2009
2:12 pm
DOB, what kind of reviews is Tommy Hanson getting so far? You mentioned earlier that Chipper was impressed with his stuff…
NotForMe
February 19th, 2009
2:13 pm
He’s still one of the best defensive third basemen in the game (though few people seem to realize that), KC
actually I’d say that you and a few other homers are about the only ones in the world who “realizes” that. At one time he was one of the very worst fielders in baseball. He is somewhat better since returning, but more like in the middle than one of the best.
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
2:13 pm
BTW, on those fantasy predctions, Braves are one of three teams with three starters ranked in the top 30; other two are Yankees and Cubs.
Just a Fan
February 19th, 2009
2:14 pm
DOB YOU ARE THE MAN. LOVE YOUR BLOGS. KEEP IT UP.
I live in NYC and you are one of my main sources of info on my beloved braves. Much love.
Just a Fan
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
2:14 pm
Friday, I agree that this could be a very long year for the Braves. I think the Braves will win around 75-80 games. That’s assuming that Chipper stays healthy and Frenchy has a better year. If Chipper is hurt a lot and Frenchy has another year like he did last year, I think 65 wins is more likely.
Poco Springfield
February 19th, 2009
2:14 pm
DOB,
Do you see anyone platooning or getting spot starts with Kotchman at first base? Could Kala Ka’aihue eventually be the right handed part of a platoon with Kotchman?
Will Prado platoon at second base with KJ?
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
2:15 pm
Bravesfan, rankings mean nothing.
f.n. hale
February 19th, 2009
2:15 pm
Holy Crap! I thought it was a joke, but people are seriously upset with DOB and the AJC over this thing? I wasn’t all that psyched about Griffey coming anyway, though it would have been cool seeing a future hall of famer, but folks, we’re just talking here and the only thing reported was that a writer who is known to have a relationship said Griffey told a friend he was coming here. What was supposed to be verified? That the guy really told Terrence that or that Griffey really told his friend that? Maybe DOB should have verified it was really Terrence relaying the info or maybe the guy wasn’t really friends with Griffey after all. How about if he had written “unconfirmed sources have indicated that Ken Griffey, Jr. told other unconfirmed sources that he was going to play for a major league baseball team that some believe to be the Atlanta Braves”? On the other hand, it would be kinda cool to have that kind of power. Hey DOB, can you make mention that Jennifer Aniston has told a friend she had decided not to sleep with f.n. hale?
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
2:15 pm
John Quest
Fair point, esp. if you’re talking about their radio shows. Those do often function as a headline service for plenty of other media sources.
Thrillhouse44
February 19th, 2009
2:15 pm
Strong DOB, has Kawakami indicated how he’s adjusting to the bigger balls in the American game?
getnathan
February 19th, 2009
2:16 pm
Jim if the Braves are looking at Luis Gonzalez, that, to me, would be a mistake. They might as go with what they have.
dap01
February 19th, 2009
2:17 pm
I don’t understand the FIRE WREN comments. He inherited a mess. He has helped create a turnaround that all of us agree is coming.
We have excellent pitching depth now and in the future (Hanson, Morton, Robough, Locke, Tehran). We have great positional players coming up Schafer, Heyward, Gorkys). Griffey used the Braves as leverage, not fun for us but it is a business. The only thing that Wren could have done differently was over pay. Overpay is not good.
What Braves fan is not excited about our team for years to come?
We are not the destination of choice anymore but we are headed in a great direction.
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
2:17 pm
Coxlover
The point is, the Braves staff has been overlooked or underrated by a lot of so-called experts. We shouldn’t be surprised at all if they kick some butt.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
2:18 pm
dap, yeah we have a lot of good young players and when they start getting good and the Braves can’t afford them, they’ll go to big market teams like the Yankees or Red Sox.
BigHittas
February 19th, 2009
2:18 pm
I’ve said it before on this blog….I think Glavs will be the opening day pitch. I think there’s a better chance of that than the Braves signing Griffey at this point.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
2:19 pm
I just don’t see how Braves fans think we have any shot of making the playoffs as bad as our outfield is. We had the WORST offensive production in the outfield last year.
Danga
February 19th, 2009
2:20 pm
Friday and Coxlover…You expect this team to win fewer games than last year? This team still has weaknesses, but you have to remember that Hudson, Smoltz, and Glavine all went down with injuries last year. That left JJ and Campillo as the aces of our staff. They had fine years last year, but Hudson and Smoltz they are not. The Bravos have pitching depth this year, and that will give them the time they need to determine if the kids can handle the OF jobs.
Thrillhouse44
February 19th, 2009
2:20 pm
If Luis Gonzalez ends up on the Braves roster, I’ll gladly buy his Tic Tacs from Jose Canseco.
moose knuckle
February 19th, 2009
2:20 pm
dob:
how is Kawakame adjusting to the bigger ball?
BamaBrave
February 19th, 2009
2:20 pm
Regarding Edmonds… “Not sure why he hasn’t been mentioned more prominently here or elsewhere”
- Mr. Baseball
Pure speculation on my part…but I was always under the impression that Edmonds used his mouth more than his ears in St. Louis, and was an injury-prone prima donna. As a consequence, I don’t think he was a “Bobby Cox” kind of player. Maybe he’s mellowed, maybe he hasn’t. I just don’t see him being the wise old outfield mentor, holding court in the dugout with Anderson, Schafer, etc.
Redirect
February 19th, 2009
2:20 pm
“…has Kawakami indicated how he’s adjusting to the bigger balls in the American game?” Thrillhouse44
Must…not…make…snide…or crass…comment! Must refrain…bad thoughts…sensory overload!
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
2:21 pm
last year is last year… don’t you people have any optimism?
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
2:22 pm
And for another take on Griffey, this, from a CBS reporter who covered him in Cincinnati:
“So all that talk about doing things ‘for my family,’ as he has said over the years, is a bunch of crap. Junior, as I have always suspected, is full of crap. Because if he were all about his family, as he has said time and again, he’d be an Atlanta Brave right now.”
Chris
February 19th, 2009
2:22 pm
Enter your comments here
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
2:22 pm
Danga, keep in mind that we didn’t have Smoltz and Hudson last year and we don’t have them this year either !!!! Smoltz is gone to Boston and Hudson probably won’t play this year.
Braveheart
February 19th, 2009
2:22 pm
Good line about the tic tacs Thrillhouse
Andy K.
February 19th, 2009
2:22 pm
DOB, in regards to Kawakami, are Bobby and Roger going to be more lenient with his pitch count once the season starts? Because those guys in Japan throw way more than pitchers here do.
Mets Stink!
February 19th, 2009
2:23 pm
I don’t get why people are hating on Frank Wren. It’s been a tough offseason for the braves, but they are going to be better this year with the new additions. We didn’t get Peavey, but the Padres were asking for way too much in return. Burnett chose the Yankees over the Braves, and by doing that he’ll have a much better shot at a World Series ring. Furcal and his agent backed out on a deal at the last minute. Griffey chose the Mariners after they offered more money in incentives and after speaking to Willy Mays. In my opinion, the only bad thing that Wren and the Braves did was letting Smoltz get away. With the way Smoltz has acted the last couple weeks, I’ve been more convinced that losing him wasn’t that bad of a thing.
I think Wren has done everything that he could with the money he has available to build a better team. This isn’t the braves of the mid 90s. There’s not a lot of money to throw around, so players aren’t going to line up to come here like they did.
jared
February 19th, 2009
2:23 pm
Going to give the young guys a chance in the outfield? Sounds a lot like last year if you ask me. So basically Wren is saying that he is content with having the worst offensive outfield in baseball for the second straight year. This guy is a joke.
sinking ship
February 19th, 2009
2:23 pm
the only thing sad about Griffey going back to the Mariners is that he is not taking Bobby Cox and Jeff “Flounder” with him
Man With No Name
February 19th, 2009
2:23 pm
DOB, no word on going after G Anderson, J Edmonds, or Swisher/Nady deal? Can we really go with what we’ve got in the young guys in the OF. We need power in our line up in a bad kind of way. We had Tex in there with Chipper and scored some runs but our pitching was depleted. Now we have some supposed pitching depth but a serious lack of power. However, I guess if L Media won’t give you some funds to spend like Ted used to, you gotta make lemonade out of lemons.
semiballcoach
February 19th, 2009
2:24 pm
rather than sign anyone or make a rash trade, braves might be better off waiting until june to see which teams are impacted by the economy and see who’s available
TrueBlueBrave
February 19th, 2009
2:25 pm
Whatever happened to being a fan win-or-lose, good-or-bad?? I suffered through the awful teams of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and some of the 90’s and remained faithful. That’s what a REAL fan does. I truly enjoyed the ride we had for those 15+ years at the top of our division and will continue to support the Braves through thick and thin. It would’ve been nice to have Griffey hit his last few HR’s with us, but it wasn’t meant to be. Who cares why or whose fault it was that he didn’t sign with us….he just didn’t. End of story. Any given team can beat any other on any day of the week. There’s a ton of luck involved in this game and you take what is given and graciously lose when it swings the other way. All the same, at the end of the day, you’re either a Braves fan or your not. I have very little tolerance for those that have to have a scapegoat when things go bad. We’re talking about a game where grown men hit a ball with a stick. Get a grip on reality, pick a team, stick with them win-or-lose and enjoy the ride. GO BRAVES!!!
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
2:25 pm
It comes down to this folks. Griffey is not a family man. He cares more about his fans in Seattle and his loyalty to the Mariners than he does about his family.
Mets Stink!
February 19th, 2009
2:26 pm
I’m also interested to see how Kawakami will be treated in the early part of the year with his pitch count and his spot in the rotation. I hope the Braves would be a little more conservative with him to start the season.
Danga
February 19th, 2009
2:26 pm
Coxlover…But we do have Derek Lowe, JJ, KK, Vazquez, and {insert Hanson, Glavine, Morton, JoJo here}. That is a solid rotation. If we are snake bit again this year and lose 3/5 of our starting rotation we’ll probably lose 90 again. But right now, this team is deeper and better than the team that limped to 72 wins last year.
Thrillhouse44
February 19th, 2009
2:26 pm
Must…not…make…snide…or crass…comment! Must refrain…bad thoughts…sensory overload! Redirect
I served that one up there just for that purpose. It’s ST – time for gopher balls anyways. Swing away!
John H from NC
February 19th, 2009
2:27 pm
Kevin Kennedy on MLB Home Plate said his source is telling him that “Luis Gonzalez will be a Brave”. Wouldn’t surprise me. Good clubhouse presence, decent bat and glove in LF. Probably about the same as signing KGJ.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
2:27 pm
Well, I take that back, Griffey isn’t loyal to the Mariners. He left the Mariners in 2000 to take less money with the Reds. So i’m not sure what to make about Griffey.
MLH
February 19th, 2009
2:27 pm
I find it comical how the AJC put up the poll late last night asking readers who they think is at fault for Griffey not signing. One of their choices was AJC, then when 90% of the public chose that option they quickly took it down.
Bobby's Cox
February 19th, 2009
2:27 pm
DOB,
I really don’t care that Griffey went to Seattle. Personally, I rather see B. Jones out there. And, although i’m not a huge Bowman fan, I’m not mad at him either. There’s a story on Yahoo that says Griffey changed his mind after talking to Willie Mays.
So, so what if a platoon outfielder went somewhere else. We have the pieces to make a trade mid-season. And, GA is still out there. At this point in their careers, Garrett is a better hitter than Griffey anyway, and they’re both left handed hitters. The only thing Griffey would’ve done was put some butts in seats, and maybe that’s what angers Wren if it does at all anyway.
Here’s the link to the Yahoo article.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/rumors/post/Willie-Mays-helps-Griffey-decide-on-return-to-Se;_ylt=Ah6OZMxQDKKWXB8mLuqkHiARvLYF?urn=mlb,142554
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
2:28 pm
I feel like I’m in a Depression Anonymous meeting. And a couple of guys from the Idiots Anonymous meeting think they’re in the right room.
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
2:28 pm
Coxlover
All I know is that by the end of last year our rotation was Jurrjens, Campillo, JoJo, Elmer Dessens and maybe Len Barker. If you can’t see the improvement, there’s no hope for you.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
2:28 pm
Danga, maybe our pitching is deeper but what about our offense ?
Danga
February 19th, 2009
2:28 pm
Jared…Last year we had Kotsay in CF and Francoeur and Diaz both coming off good years. This is not like last year.
Moby Grape
February 19th, 2009
2:28 pm
Wow, What a group of morons the last few days. I think I’ll take a break and come back in a few days after this crap slows down and the newbies go away.
Novice Ned
February 19th, 2009
2:28 pm
DOB, how many bullpen spots do you think are open this Spring? Obviously, the lefty reliever job between those guys acquired in the winter… but aren’t the other slots pretty well claimed by Gonzo, Soriano, Moylan, Boyers and Acosta? I guess either Campillo or Buddy will be the long reliever. Where does that leave Stockman?
Thrillhouse44
February 19th, 2009
2:29 pm
Braveheart, let’s just hope it doesn’t come to that.
Redirect
February 19th, 2009
2:30 pm
Thrillhouse44
And the serve was a good one! An ace!
UNCBrave
February 19th, 2009
2:31 pm
So DOB the Braves and Wren are just banking that the young guys are going to hit for power against ML pitching? That’s stupid considering our OF produced 27 HR’s last year..
SIGN JIM EDMONDS…
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
2:31 pm
Coxlover
What about our offense? That is the question, indeed.
mbatl
February 19th, 2009
2:31 pm
“In the Schuerholz era, I don’t believe the world would have known that all those misses had happened. So, Scheurholz was either 1) a better deal-maker or 2)better at keeping news / negotiations under wraps.”
dondi123, I know you asked DOB, but I’m gonna give my thoughts on this.
First, except in 1991, JS never had to fill the number of holes the ‘09 Braves have, via free agency. That year, he signed Pendleton, Belliard, and Bream (none of whom were really a very big deal at the time). He signed Maddux in ‘93 (a big deal, of course) and Galarraga in ‘98, a pretty big deal). But he never had to fill 2-3 rotation spots plus at least one OF spot in one year.
Second, JS was indeed much more tight-lipped about things. We thought Wren had learned this lesson, but then he started talking again about negotiations with Jr. I don’t really understand why he did that. Maybe he’s “learned” the lesson, again.
And third, for most of JS’s tenure, there wasn’t a huge internet reporting/blogging community. Maybe a few rumors would be printed in the fine print of the sports pages, and of course in his last couple of years, blogging was growing, but not to the extent it’s grown to today. Now you’ve got an entire industry built around it. It’s like the paparazzi in Hollywood.
Danga
February 19th, 2009
2:32 pm
Coxlover…Our offense ranked 6th last year in the NL even with all of the woes we had. I really don’t see how we got worst.
Danga
February 19th, 2009
2:32 pm
*worse
bertbennett
February 19th, 2009
2:33 pm
lets see how many folks slamming dob on here are back after all this griffey mess washes over. OK well the young guys are gonna get a shot. The only real plus on that I see is maybe Jorday Schafer or Brandon Jones, Dont forget Heyward will be up in a few years and Jordan will move over to CF. I wish they’d take a look at Garrett Anderson as a stop gap but I just dont see them going after him, too expensive apparently. Well DOB keep up the good work man and try to get the paper to start letting you write those headlines, we know that wasnt in your hands and your reports were accurate, he simply changed his mind.
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.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
3:31 pm
Bville, considering Griffey could add 20-25 homers to a team, and considering our outfield was the worst in the NL last year, I would say that not getting him was a pretty big deal.
Eric In Albany N.Y.'s
February 19th, 2009
3:32 pm
In my view wren and the boys have had a lot of non moves that actually look better to me that we didn’t make then if he had made them.
Honestly the braves needed 3 things this off-season. 1 a pitching staff 2 a cleanup hitter. And 3 reconstruct the outfield!
Seems like we needed our club to rebuild the entire team from the ground up!
The braves had 2 things to work with… 1 a budget a bit higher then expected and 2 a farm club that had a lot of talent.
Somehow wren has rebuilt our starting pitching (with some depth in case of the DL) and added a couple of parts who he thinks will fill some spots in the pen after losing ohman. he has also created a future for the rotation while at the same time leaving it open enough to change day by day and year by yr
the club has somehow avoided selling off the entire farm and every prospect they have for a rental player or two. That to me is a huge deal!
if you really look at the deals that didn’t happen like furcal who would fix or replace a player in a position that wasn’t broken. In my view it would have been a waste of money.
A.J. who would have been a sure ace, may have been worth the Yankees money but sure as hell was not worth the braves money. We should all say thank you to the Yankees for outbidding us on a.j.! if we landed him we would far less money to spend this year and would have never even been able to talk to griffy.
John smolts? Well he’s just a baby. And once again too much money for the braves but not for the sox. There comes a time to put feelings aside and part ways when the time is right.
its not the same club john… and you’re not the same john, john!
Peavey? Like I said before… we didn’t mortgage the farm system and made our staff much better then it was a year ago.
And Griff? We All Need To Remember That He Honestly Would Never Be The Manny Type Hitter We Really Want On Our Team. (Not that we want manny in left or in the clubhouse)
Sure we don’t have a power hitting outfielder right now… but hey look at the rays… they didn’t have a DH and won the ALCS!
We all need to look at the fact that the team is much better then it was at the start of the off-season… and wren still has a lot of recourses to work with (Money And Young Talent In The Farm And On The Bench) during the season… hey you never know
Sometimes The Best Moves In The Off-season Are The Ones That Were Not Made. Going Into ‘09 with a much improved pitching staff and lots of resources is far better then going into the season with all the wrong moves!
Fact Is I Like The ‘09 Braves Better Then The ‘08 Club. And I Think They Will Win More Games Without A Doubt!
mbatl
February 19th, 2009
3:33 pm
flange1, thanks for the link. Good article. Francouer’s quote has to be one of the best I’ve ever read from a ballplayer:
“The way I look at it, A) I’m not going to suck and B) We have pitchers who will throw 200 innings,” Francoeur says.
I like that simple “I’m not going to suck” statement. Cuts through all the bs and just says that he plans to be good. Don’t know if it’ll work out, but I like the attitude.
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
3:33 pm
Coxlover… you’re like Eyore… ‘looks like rain…’
Dawg Fud
February 19th, 2009
3:34 pm
Give ‘em hell, DOB!
Keep up the hard work. I enjoy your reporting.
ncscoots
February 19th, 2009
3:35 pm
the best thing in the Rosenthal article? This line in a post by a commenter:
“Now if only Dayn Perry would admit that he is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot.”
I don’t know the identity of that poster, but that sucker belongs right here, right now, LOL.
David O'Brien
February 19th, 2009
3:36 pm
Andy Marte got designated for assignment and traded to the Rays.
So much for that “can’t miss” prospect.
TnBrian
February 19th, 2009
3:36 pm
Wren needs to get SOMEBODY…ANYBODY for LF! You don’t go into the season with Brandon Jones and Diaz and hope it’ll turn into majic. I’m sorry, but even Edmonds,L.Gonzo,G.Anderson is something. The best guy right now would be Nady, and Wren might just have to trade Hernandez and maybe Reyes to get him. At this point, it’s almost worth the a– reaming he’ll get for doing it. You know he;s gone after ‘09, but he will be a presence this year that will definitely improve the Bravos record.
dogsbrekky (aka the loser who got the Griffey story effed up)
February 19th, 2009
3:37 pm
TN Jeff – which part of this deal did Wren stuff up.. Junior approached us, agreed to join, told 3 separate people he was joining and THEN DECIDED with the help of his scumbag agent (sound familiar) to take another $2M plus from the cold wet hell hole in the NW…
Wren did zero wrong and tried to get us a good deal….. so we lost out, cut the losses and we head on
Next trade please !
Luke Scott might be available and is very cheap, the kids coming up look very good, Jim Edmonds can still hit righties…..
ease19
February 19th, 2009
3:38 pm
2Parc
“Coxlover…you’re like”…well he admitted he likes Cox…that should be enough said.
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
3:38 pm
Betemit, Marte…. I sure hope Hanson pans out.
rammerjammer
February 19th, 2009
3:39 pm
Andy Marte’ is the reason why no one in their right mind should assume Heyward, Schafer and Hernandez will be our outfield in 2010.
ease19
February 19th, 2009
3:40 pm
Friday, I am having veggie burgers and fries tonight.
PTBNL, thank you for your statements…you are one of the more reasonable and well spoken bloggers.
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
3:40 pm
ease19 – don’t think he gets it.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
3:41 pm
ease19, who doesn’t like Cox ? players love him and most fans do too.
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
3:41 pm
I think I’ve been reported.
glorydays
February 19th, 2009
3:43 pm
What recent evidence do we have that Frenchy is not going to suck?
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
3:43 pm
Reported for what 2Parc ?
3trees
February 19th, 2009
3:43 pm
flange – thanks for the Rosenthal link. Good to see him show some self-aimed humor there at the end. Pretty even-handed appraisal, overall. What’s the amp of choice these days?
Some interesting ‘ifs’ for the Braves this year. We’ll see how they all turn out. If some breaks that were missing in recent years fall their way, we may see a much improved record. On the other hand… Still, it will be interesting. Really looking forward to watching Jurrjens continue to develop.
BTW – I hope we can have some of the players blog like earlier in the week (before we got hijacked with the “Junior Biz”). That stuff was excellent and really funny (Diaz and the Aussies).
Go Braves!
Nick from PA
February 19th, 2009
3:43 pm
DOB,
Assuming Josh Anderson will be in center, who has a better shot at a platoon role with Diaz: Schaffer or Blanco?
2Parc
February 19th, 2009
3:45 pm
‘Someone’ has reported my comments. Till later.
Braveheart
February 19th, 2009
3:47 pm
Just ask right fielder Jeff Francoeur. “The way I look at it, A) I’m not going to suck and B) We have pitchers who will throw 200 innings,” Francoeur says.
Attaboy!!! Luv it!
ease19
February 19th, 2009
3:47 pm
2Parc – I think the trouble is that he does in fact get it…
The Braves are going to rock this year. Solid pitching, consistency throughout the lineup. We might start slow, but I bet we are in it to the very end…How’s that for optimism?
jed
February 19th, 2009
3:48 pm
how could we possibly go into the season with an outfield of JF, josh anderson and diaz/b.jones AFTER spending all this money on pitching? that would be idiotic.
this isnt rocket science. go find a lefty bat for LF!
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
3:48 pm
ease19, give me some of what you’re taking.
David O'Brien
February 19th, 2009
3:49 pm
Nick from PA: you’re forgetting Brandon Jones. He’s got a shot at a job, too.
And if Schafer’s on the roster, I’d guess he’d be in CF and Anderson would be a fourth-outfielder type, with Diaz not in a straight platoon. But so many ways it could go, if they don’t go get another OF. Schafer’s an outstanding defensive center fielder.
Ethan
February 19th, 2009
3:49 pm
Look at all you whiners. So mad and pissed off about this. Blaming Griffey, blaming the media, etc etc. Many of you now saying he’s “washed up” when you were so excited just days ago.
Just a week ago the Brave’s weren’t even a consideration! I think Griffey just saw that maybe there was another option and wanted to take a look. People have been saying ALL winter that Griffey will probably go to Seattle. Sure, the Braves had a chance, but in perspective they were lucky it even got as far as it did. The contract was small on both ends and he’s already filthy rich. Plus, Seattle and the Braves both lost over 90+ games last year, so winning just isn’t an option for him. It was more than that. More than the money.
Griffey would have been a good addition to either team, otherwise the Braves would have pulled out and said no thanks.
Some of his great friends are from Seattle, his wife is from Seattle, it just makes sense for him to be happy. His 13 year old daughter helped him decide, saying something along the lines of “Dad, go to Seattle. I don’t want you to have an regrets about this.” (This was mentioned in one of the many articles I have read on this in the past few hours)
And in the end, it’s the right decision for the game of baseball. 50 years from now, no one is going to remember this Braves signing issue, but everyone will remember that Griffey was a class act for going back to Seattle to finish his Hall of Fame career where at all started. He started out a kid, ended an adult, and will have done something that most great players only wished they could have done, and that is to go back to the team and relive the feeling one more time. It’s not just for him. It’s for the fans, for BASEBALL. He’ll go to the Hall as a Mariner wearing #24 and he’ll be looked upon as one of the greats. And he’ll have ended it the right way, unlike Jordan, Farve, and many others in history.
Although you would have made a great Brave, I say good for you Griffey.
Webhead
February 19th, 2009
3:50 pm
The 1 person who should be upset is Chipper Jones! He was used by Griffey to bring the Braves in this so he could get more $ from Seattle.And if Frenchy is worth 3.3 mil/yr How much is Chipper worth per year. Watch the Braves low ball Jones.This is getting hard to watch.
jtb
February 19th, 2009
3:50 pm
are brandon jones or josh anderson any good at all? ive never really heard of them. what kind of numbers did they put up in the minors. i quit watching the team in july last season so if they plaed late i never saw them
TuPac
February 19th, 2009
3:50 pm
“Just ask right fielder Jeff Francoeur. “The way I look at it, A) I’m not going to suck and B) We have pitchers who will throw 200 innings,” Francoeur says.”
That’s Ambitionz Az a Ridah right there.
ORbravesFAN
February 19th, 2009
3:51 pm
DOB- What the %$#!? Just Kidding! Personally I believe this is best for the Braves, I would have liked to have another guy with bad legs on the team, but there has to be better out there. Maybe not for the $2 million, but what the hell, maybe some of the kids will over-achieve like Frenchy did for a couple of years.
Honestly, the best option for the Braves would have been for them to have gone after Abreu and not sign Glavine. As Keith Law said, Glavine is the Braves 5th or 6th best option for the number five spot in the rotation. Instead we are going to overpay for Glavine and he will end up being the Braves version of the Mariners signing Griffey, a marketing ploy!
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
February 19th, 2009
3:51 pm
I find it interesting that since the “incident” that DOB has been less personable on the ole blog. I guess I can understand why he isn’t answering many questions though, I mean if I were in his shoes and had to read through all the garbage spilled at me, I wouldn’t want to be around much either.
DOB keep up with the good information, and don’t let the idiots on here ruin your blog for the rest of us that enjoy coming here and reading.
just listen
February 19th, 2009
3:51 pm
Nick from PA,
I would think that if Schafer is with the big league club then he would be in center.
ease19
February 19th, 2009
3:52 pm
Coxlover – Its called being a Braves Fan, and I take it every day.
just listen
February 19th, 2009
3:53 pm
sorry didn’t see DOB already responded
DCBrave
February 19th, 2009
3:53 pm
DOB-
Now that Grief is gone/done, how’s Soriano’s infection? Have you seen him throw? I hope he recovers completely, from that infection, and more importantly from his injury.
Doc Holiday
February 19th, 2009
3:54 pm
hello
ben
February 19th, 2009
3:55 pm
i was a reporter on a little paper for about a year. what amazed me was how much people lied, and i mean shamelessly, to us. i was amazed at how much of my job depended on my on-the-spot judgments about y’s relationship to x. I was also amazed at the sheer number of times people tangentially related to something or someone would have to fight the urge to sit next to me and just blather on and on about their tiny corner of a larger picture.
Folks, I’m here to tell you DOB has a hard and thankless job. We, for better or worse, think all printed in the paper or TV is gospel. And even if you’re doing your level flat-out best, it ain’t. The hard truth is people lie / overstate / recall incorrectly all the time. Dave, you did the best you could. A man on the train this morning said a good point: In sports, stuff is broken early all the time. Griffey, if he didn’t come here because of an early story, is a pedantic child and not a professional in the slightest.
One more thing, if you hate the AJC that much, there are other papers on the internet. Might I suggest the BBC, Reuters, or the New York Times.
MinnesotaJacket
February 19th, 2009
3:55 pm
DC Soriano through yesterday and looked good DOB commented on it yesterday
ease19
February 19th, 2009
3:56 pm
Random, are you trying to win another Wurlitzer from Lew?
Friday The 13th Remake Was Okay
February 19th, 2009
3:57 pm
DOB do they have those luther type burgers at the braves spring training, you know the ones with donuts for buns.
DCBrave
February 19th, 2009
3:58 pm
MinnesotaJacket-
Thanks. That’s good to hear.
Eric In Albany N.Y.'s
February 19th, 2009
3:59 pm
Fact… ‘09 will be better then ‘08!
No Hampton Tops The List Of Why!
KC
February 19th, 2009
4:00 pm
ESPN: “With help from Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and his daughter, Ken Griffey Jr. decided to return to Seattle.”
Hank Aaron???
Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t Hank Aaron work for the friggin Braves????!!!!!
Ethan
February 19th, 2009
4:00 pm
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3918723
Perfect video to sum up the situation with Griffey. Watch it.
tim- braves lifer
February 19th, 2009
4:00 pm
OutsideRobber if you don’t like the blog than your more than welcome to go read the mets,phils or anyone elses blog. If you spent much time reading this blog you wouldn’t find many sheep( except maybe ewe!)
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
4:03 pm
KC, So Hank Aaron helped Griffey decide to go to Seattle ? If that’s the case I’m not a Hank Aaron fan anymore.
bigchiefrg
February 19th, 2009
4:04 pm
So could we have a little more of what we can expect from Schaefer with what he is realistically and what his ceiling ‘could’ be? Is he like a Grady Sizemore type player or more like a Jim Edmonds when he was good type or am I not even on the radar?
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
4:05 pm
I think the Braves pitching will be a little better this year but I still think the offense will be worse. I mean we had Teixeira a good part of last year and now we have replaced him with Kotchman. So I think the loss of Teixeira and the addition of Lowe and Vazquez could even out.
OutsideRobber
February 19th, 2009
4:07 pm
tim-braves lifer, you must like the taste of mutton and kissing that ass? So it would seem along with most all the other sheep posting in this thread. Not all, mind you.
You? Sheep.
toga party
February 19th, 2009
4:07 pm
Ah, I see now that the $25,000 incentive in Frency’s contract is for 685 plate appearances.
I’m surprised he didn’t hold it up without an MVP clause.
While everyone’s piling on David, I bet Frenchy never would have had a bad year last year if DOB hadn’t reported Chipper’s “Lose an Andruw, gain an Andruw” comment. Frenchy was trying to prove Chipper wrong all season. Way to go DOB. You keep underestimating your power.
Think of how many musicians’ careers you’ve helped destroy too. Poor Whitesnake. Poor Bon Jovi. They could have made it somewhere if not for your opinions. Next thing you know, I’ll turn on the TV, and Coldplay won’t be cool anymore.
BA
February 19th, 2009
4:07 pm
So no one foresaw the technical problems here? It’s not like the ajc. didn’t know that DOB gets a LOT of traffic. Only the last 100 comments?
Here’s an idea- if you’re going to change your format, put a little forethought into the amount of traffic you’ll need to accomodate.
ajc technical staff= a bunch of hayseeds.
nolie
February 19th, 2009
4:08 pm
And third, for most of JS’s tenure, there wasn’t a huge internet reporting/blogging community. Maybe a few rumors would be printed in the fine print of the sports pages, and of course in his last couple of years, blogging was growing, but not to the extent it’s grown to today. Now you’ve got an entire industry built around it. It’s like the paparazzi in Hollywood. MBAT
very good point.The tremendous growth of this aspect over the last 3-4 seasons has changed the working conditions forever. Specialty sites like MLBRumore do nothing but search the entire web for anything that they might post. We don’t even know that Frank spoke about it in this case. Grif called Chipper and others, told his friends etc. The original stories( not jus Daves) were all over the web and likely came from one of those adjacent sources. I see no fault at all that should be thrown at Frank’s feet.
lt200
February 19th, 2009
4:09 pm
Hey DOB – Would the Braves ever consider a 6-man rotation with Lowe, Vasquez, Kawakami, JJJ, Glavine and Hanson. Since Hanson and Glavine would probably need extra time due to the amount of innings required in a ML season and Kawakami is used to pitching in a 6-man rotation. What’s your opinion.
DAP
February 19th, 2009
4:10 pm
coxlover
hey man, weird name. also, keep in mind that the braves scored runs at a better rate after tex left than when he was there. so one could argue that the offense will be better over all if its more like it was during the 2nd half last year.
the braves could have won last year with some pitching. terrible outfield and all. thats why its so great that the rotation is sooo much better, while the lineup remains roughly the same. the addition of one big bat would make a huge difference, but with some promising young players hopefully realizing their potential…(kotchman, francouer, johnson, escobar, mccann are all talented guys who have yet to totally put it together) we could be pretty dang good.
ease19
February 19th, 2009
4:10 pm
But Coxlover, Tex has been a traditionally slow starter. So what if Kotchman starts out well and is consistent. I think that may prove to be the better of the deals. Like I said earlier, I expect this years lineup to be more consistent.
Ryan
February 19th, 2009
4:11 pm
well not the news i wanted to see when i got off work…. i agree on giving the young players a shot but i think adding a vet in the mix is a must, Edmonds or Anderson, they both can hit between 15-20 homers , Anderson would hit for better average, but edmonds would play alot better D. if were not gonna make any moves , there should be no excuse to not have Chipper a extension very very soon. Jeff signed and that takes care of all the front office stuff except Chipper. Looks like Chipper is gonna hit 4th and Johnson in the 3rd slot to start the year unless Jeff returns to form.
Prime Time
February 19th, 2009
4:11 pm
If the Braves don’t get another bat, even if it’s a platoon type guy with Diaz then they may not have enough to contend with the Mets and Phillies.
It’s going to be a tight race to begin with.
Jim
February 19th, 2009
4:11 pm
This entire episode is a non-story generated by the ajc sports staff. What a waste of space. Everyone on your staff associated with this should be ashamed of themselves for keeping up this constant flow of BS that’s based on nothing. What a joke.
car3boogie
February 19th, 2009
4:12 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.
Random
February 19th, 2009
4:13 pm
ease19 (3:56 pm): Shhhhhhh — you never know when SomeOne might change Their Mind.
JK.
Nah — I saw Matt his own self pop in earlier, and since I had taken his name in vain this morning (in response to his circa midnight comment), I wanted to make sure he didn’t miss it in all the blog shuffling we’ve experienced today.
Thanks for asking.
brian-orlando
February 19th, 2009
4:13 pm
people change their mind, big deal… let’s move on, Garret Anderson, anyone?
Chop Chop
February 19th, 2009
4:13 pm
KC,
I mentioned something about the Aaron thing last night. Hank called Junior up and was trying to get him to come to the Braves. During the conversation, Hank apparently talked to him a little about legacy (even though Hank didn’t finish his career with the Braves, he did go back to Milwaukee and play in front of the fans that saw him break in). Willie Mays is the guy that Harold Reynolds, that former Mariner great, solicited to help convince Junior to go back to Seattle. Willie was basically giving Junior a sales pitch.
I gotta admit that I would kinda like to see a bunch of people start hating Hank Aaron because Griffey didn’t come here. That would be a nice **** cherry on top of the **** comments that have been appearing on this blog the last few days
Steve from OH
February 19th, 2009
4:14 pm
I see no fault at all that should be thrown at Frank’s feet. nolie
I don’t see how this should be thrown at anyone’s feet. Has anyone here actually talked face-to-face with Griffey, Wren, et al? If not, then all of you Wren/DOB bashers out there, (respectfully) shut the hell up, because you don’t know what you’re talking about. Griffey made a personal choice. His and his alone. It’s on him. Why should it be his fault that he made HIS choice? Why DOB’s fault? Why Wren’s?
Scott
February 19th, 2009
4:15 pm
I wasn’t all that excited about Junior coming to the Braves. I think they can get someone less prone to injuries. I watched him twinge a hamstrung once here in Milwaukee on a routine play. I’d prefer to see a younger player have a chance rather than bring someone who might only serve to eat some salary better used elsewhere. On that note, DOB, I wouldn’t fret about your reporting. These things happen…apparently quite a bit this year.
Ben
February 19th, 2009
4:16 pm
How long will it take to get this Wren on a bus back to Baltimore. I guess the Braves will fight it out with Washington for a last place finish.
mbatl
February 19th, 2009
4:17 pm
For those (like me, often) who don’t go to the Braves main page, DOB has a pretty good ‘daily report’ on the site, here. Glad to read that Kawakami is starting to throw ‘in anger’ and that Hanson seems to be feeling fine after the terrible broken nail incident.
getnathan
February 19th, 2009
4:17 pm
How much would Nady be worth on the open market?
Lew
February 19th, 2009
4:19 pm
Random is in good company. Other Wurlitzer winners include Chipper, Hank Aaron, Bobby Dews and DOB (the only Multiple Winner), as well as Tennesse Paul, Gil In Mechanicsville, The Infamous SI Scribe, McFann and several other distinguished Denizens. DOB gets several for putting up with us on days like today (I would have told most of y’all to go perform obscene acts upon yourselves with strange objects). No one else needs more than one-it’s an exclusive group, as is.
flange1
February 19th, 2009
4:20 pm
3trees,
I have too much gear! But my normal rig at home is a 66 Princeton, a 57 Deluxe, a 59 Bassman and a 61 Pro.
I have a 20 wall HIWATT amp, a Dr Z and a Carr Rambler that I love as well.
Too many amps and not enough time.
Don’t even get me started on guitars……..
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
4:20 pm
Getnathan, nady would be worth too much. I guess all I can see is that we have to be happy with what we got and hope a miracle happens.
nitram odarp
February 19th, 2009
4:21 pm
i would have to say that today DOB is Hanks biggest fan
BashBros.
February 19th, 2009
4:21 pm
Hey everyone, I was wondering how if it is possible to watch the braves spring training practices. If so, how, and are their workouts all day long?
Hooter Jones
February 19th, 2009
4:21 pm
Ethan – thanks for the linkage. Your right! This just gets better, better and better.
roman88
February 19th, 2009
4:23 pm
teixeira didn’t do anything the first 2 months and when he did get going he was gone, with nearly the entire staff injured last year, these additions will bring a big boast to the team, and the depth is there, face it doubters the days of spending and fleecing bottom market teams are over, it’s about pitching anyway and the braves have it, let the mets have the highest payroll and choke again,
AndyC
February 19th, 2009
4:25 pm
DOB, have you gotten any sleep in the last 48 hours? Dude, you must be exhausted!
getnathan
February 19th, 2009
4:26 pm
Coxlover – I’m talking about after this season. Would Braves consider signing Nady. Braves will have plenty of money available.
ease19
February 19th, 2009
4:27 pm
Kotchman was not really with the team that final 57 or so games either, so maybe he would have “heated” or I should say acclimated sooner and we would have been par for the course…thats all I am saying…
Random…NP, I get it, I hate commenting in the middle of a blog change…
Eric In Albany N.Y.'s
February 19th, 2009
4:29 pm
Great Little Story About Bobby Dews,
in 2004 the braves met the twins in cooperstown for the hall of fame game. The Braves starting catcher was none other then Mr Bobby Dews. Bobby was in what could loosley be called a crouch behind the plate and was taken out after the first couple of pitches.
it was very cool to hear his name over the P.A. as the starting catcher!
Talked To Him A Couple Years Later In Spring Training And He Got A Kick Out Of It and thought it was cool that I Got To See It…
DAP
February 19th, 2009
4:32 pm
hey guys email me if you want to get in on a DOB/MIB fantasy baseball league. there are several slots still available! daalper@yahoo.com
ncscoots
February 19th, 2009
4:32 pm
DOB, have you gotten any sleep in the last 48 hours? Dude, you must be exhausted!
Same could be said for some of the drive-by serial posters we seemed to have picked up. Holy Cornelia, do some people REALLY think they have 20+ worthwhile posts to make in fewer than three hours? I’m just asking here.
Original Jon
February 19th, 2009
4:33 pm
Ben How long will it take to get this Wren on a bus back to Baltimore. I guess the Braves will fight it out with Washington for a last place finish.
What is it with people like you? Do you get up in the morning and just look for things to be upset and down about? How in the heck can you possibly believe that this team is worse than last years team? Seriously?
Steve from OH
February 19th, 2009
4:34 pm
“Not to beat this out to death, but who was you’re source, or is it prohibited to reveal the source.” Tomas
You’re just jackin’ me, right? Let’s play a fun game, which we’ll call…DOB reveals his source. C’mon, it’ll be fun!
<strong.Tomas, other knuckleheads: DOB, who is your source? We demand answers!
DOB: Well, since you asked so nicely, it is (insert name here) of the Braves front office! Enjoy!
Tomas, others:: rabble, rabble rabble!
[Next Day] The Atlanta Braves would like to announce the firing of (insert name here) for “undisclosed” reasons.
[Two Weeks Later]Tomas, othersDOB, why no news? No player interviews? No guest bloggers? No 11 PM blogs? We must be entertained! Placate us!
DOBWell, shucks guys. No one will talk to me now because I have a terrible reputation for giving up my sources. Like Corky Miller for instance. Was gonna tell me a great story about how he obtained some very specific (and compromising) photos of a certain HOF manager. Now the guy won’t give me anything. Avoids me like his bat avoided baseballs. Oops, did I just say that!? Oh, dear. Guess you’ll just have to go to Bowman’s blog and annoy him. Seeya!
Tomas, other idiots[Wails of despair]
SoDak Brave
February 19th, 2009
4:35 pm
DOB,
I am sure you have heard it all by now but nothing you could do about yesterdays mess. But you said something about Chipper saying Hanson is a definite number 1. I would love to hear that story.
flange1
February 19th, 2009
4:36 pm
Steve from Ohio,
Still laughing at your 4:34…..
depley
February 19th, 2009
4:37 pm
Griffey was not going to make or break this team. It really is curious that he came to the braves not the other way around. When a player seeks you out you have to figure that he wants to be here. That e went back to Seattle, we all knw it will be a long season for them, they might lose 100 or more games. Enjoy Jr… As for the kids the braves have, there is no reason to think that Brandon Jones or a Diaz/Anderson platoon would do this team any good. We will, it that is the case, have the worst outfield in baseball and all the money so unwisely spent on starting pitching will have been a waste. And I say unwisely because the braves NEVER needed 3 starters, we needed 2 and a Lfer. What we got was 3 pitchers and a horribly weak outfield.
Random
February 19th, 2009
4:37 pm
getnathan (12:57 pm): “Phils signed Ibanez and still have much of their WS team intact. Ibanez is an upgrade from Burrell.”
I believe you’re the only person outside of Bucks County who thinks that.
ncscoots
February 19th, 2009
4:37 pm
Steve-OH…
Jack Nicholson as The Crusading Everyman: “But you got to ask me nicely.”
Original Jon
February 19th, 2009
4:37 pm
getnathan Braves will have plenty of money available.
From where? Where will we have money coming off the books at? Name it?
getnathan
February 19th, 2009
4:43 pm
Original Jon,
You name it
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
4:43 pm
bham, thanks for rubbing it in
mr baseball
February 19th, 2009
4:44 pm
Anyone who ever watched both of them play knows that Andy Marte was Spanish for Brad Komminsk. Both had holes a mile wide in their swings, and it never creased to amaze me how both were considered can’t miss prospects.
I find it hard to believe that the Braves will go into the season with both Anderson & either B. Jones or Blanco as regular starters against RH pitchers, Maybe Diaz will hit righties well enough to be a mostly full time starter in LF but that’s an awfully big maybe.
The trade options center around Nady/Swisher and maybe Scott from the Orioles, but has anyone taken a look at the Nationals’ roster. Unless they move Dunn to 1B if Johnson is hurt, they have Kearns, Elijah Dukes and MIB blog favorite Willie Harris as their 2nd string OF. Not to mention the immortal Willy Mo Pena and the once highly touted Corey Patterson.
A team with 5 No. 5 starters in their rotation and a suspect bullpen might consider trading one of their surplus OFs for any healthy and available arm.
If the Braves actually bring in one of remaining geezers to play LF, why wouldn’t Sammons be the most likely choice to be DFA’d. Not a huge market for AAA catchers. He’s more likely to clear waivers than any of the 68 pitchers on the 40-man roster.
getnathan
February 19th, 2009
4:44 pm
Random,
I don’t live in Bucks County. And from what I remember, Philly fans are about as high on Pat Burrell as they are about Donovan McNabb.
McFann O –[zzz]
February 19th, 2009
4:44 pm
That picture is definitely worth a thousand words.
“Oh, dat’sa for sure! Dat’s for veddy veddy Danga sure!”
(Sorry…couldn’t resist…it’s uh…from the Flintstones…)
Efrim
February 19th, 2009
4:45 pm
Why do people still care about the Griffey thing? He made his choice. Good bye Junior. We barely knew ye. It happens. I think the Braves will survive.
Redstick19
February 19th, 2009
4:45 pm
bhamhusky , grown men in the 40s and 50s weeping over a baseball player? awkward.
Tomas
February 19th, 2009
4:46 pm
Steve from OH, man when you’re right you’re right. I am not saying this sarcasticly, because after I read it, I thought to myself, Why the hell did I write that.
bravo!
February 19th, 2009
4:46 pm
DOB,
Must be tough writing a blog that is only read by perfect people who never make mistakes. Drop by my place of employment, and I’ll make a guarantee you’ll see me make some blunders on a regular basis. All that aside, I don’t even think you’ve made a mistake here. What was reported actually happened. If Junior bolted because of journalists who are fueled by fervent and passionate fans, then let him go. He shouldn’t be mad at someone reporting something he said. Grow up junior, and all those out there who are bashing DOB. Besides, we just got saved from adding another question mark to the lineup. In fact, every move we have ended up not making would have been done so with many questions. Peavy: would we really have been that much stronger if we had to give up so much to acquire him? Hampton: an irregular heartbeat already this Spring has proven how unreliable he is going to be. Burnett: can anyone truly believe he’ll stay healthy to earn those big dollars? Furcal: see Burnett. Junior: does he really have anything left, and is he worth millions as a part time player? And so my final question to us all, are we really worse than we could have been? We’ve strengthened our starting rotation and bullpen, for sure. Everyone take a deep breath. DOB, keep reporting what you know, and give all the opinions you want to give right here. I appreciate your efforts.
Alexander Hamilton
February 19th, 2009
4:47 pm
Any thoughts on the nationalization of the banking industry?? I bet I will still read people saying “The Braves have plenty of money.” Has ANYONE conjured up the idea that many smart people are thinking now may not be the time to spend it on people who play games. The smart people may be thinking that the leisure dollar may just take a hit.
Dave, you remember few months back when you had that guy who warned of this and he was driven away by people who declared “This is jst another business cycle.” Nope! Don’t Think So!!
If you see Scott Boras, tell him I think he is an a$$hole.
Ryan
February 19th, 2009
4:48 pm
Nady would be a waste he make a little over 6 mil this year and he has only had one good year anyways. he’ll be a free agent after this season. Also he’s a Boris Client. i perfer Swisher, switch hitter and under contract for 3 years. plays all OF spots and 1B, he has 20-35 homer power. he gets on base a ton. i thkn the reason his average is so low 249. career is cause he has batted in a differnt spot every year, good example KellY Johnson came up as a middle of the order guy in the minors with good power. he comes to the majors we bat him 1st and 2nd. you try to do different things at the plate depending where u bat. So i think Swisher is a good choice. depending on what they want for him. if not him go with Anderson , above average defender, will hit around 290ish hit 10-15 homers in a platoon role. and i have heard he might have to take something like a 1 mil yr or less contract.
DAP
February 19th, 2009
4:48 pm
original jon<i.From where? Where will we have money coming off the books at? Name it?
i know you didnt ask me, but i made the same statement several blog ago, so i will defend it. mike gonzalez will be a free agent ($3.45mil, soriano will be a free agent($6mil), greg norton will be(about $1mil), as of now, chipper will be($11mil), and i believe vazquez will be traded after this year so that hudson’s option can be picked up, so thats another $11.5 mil, or if hudson is not retained, $12mil.
so, by those numbers, the braves will have about $33mil coming off the books after this year. thats just about the same amount as they had this year. they will probably use the money to extend chipper and sign a closer, and maybe after raises, they can afford a 1 year outfielder option… the braves in extremely good shape as far as the budget is concerned.
McFann O –[zzz]
February 19th, 2009
4:48 pm
OK, I really had the bug…was really excited about that one o’clock game on the 26th being on TV…then I found out:
I’m getting my hair cut at 1:30 that day.
Oh well…guess that’s what DVR is for…
[sigh]
Original Jon
February 19th, 2009
4:49 pm
getnathan What?????? That makes no sense at all.
Tomahawk Choppers
February 19th, 2009
4:49 pm
Griffey’s close friend’s maid could not be reached for comment.
Eric In Albany N.Y.'s
February 19th, 2009
4:54 pm
Forget joe torri forget john schuerholz… i wanna read wrens book about this offseason… i mean WTF! the title would be “That’s A Long Story”
cabravesfan
February 19th, 2009
4:55 pm
Hey McFann
It’s Spring…Wake the Turtle up!:)
nice headline
February 19th, 2009
4:58 pm
This just in…Dewey defeats Truman
Lew
February 19th, 2009
4:58 pm
Eric In Albany-My wife and I were at that game, too. It was on my birthday-we just went and spent the whole weekend there. Everyone should go to the HOF someday. There’s a lot of great baseball history there and a town dedicated to nothing but baseball (and Last of the Mohicans) has got to be a great thing.
Original Jon
February 19th, 2009
5:00 pm
DAP Gonzalez will be re-signed, i will guarantee that, so look for a raise in that category. Chippers extension will probably be more than 11 million a year, the only person I could see losing is Vazquez, but we will be losing him and gaining another pitcher that makes 12 million in Hudson. So really, we are only losing 11.5 million.
10 Percenter
February 19th, 2009
5:00 pm
I thought Alexander Hamilton was dead? If Citi is nationalized is the Mets’ew place still going to be Citi Field or U.S.Government Field? If I’m a baseball player in New York where nearly 1,000,000 people have lost their jobs, I would be very low profile about making over 10,000,000 a year. Probably not a good time to be saying “How am I going to feed my kids on that?”
Mike
February 19th, 2009
5:02 pm
Braves Fans… Stop the Griffey bashing… He was conflicted and took some time to think about it. When have you taken extra time to think about a decision that will effect your family and your legacy? All of you have and it is in the best interest for him to do so. News organizations and people should understand that a source is not 100% correct all of the time!
spotts
February 19th, 2009
5:03 pm
think we all need to remember that the most important thing here is family. Griffey said it’s important that he stays close to his family in Orlando. I don’t think any of us can blame him for picking Seattle so his family can visit him for a weekend when the Mariners play the Rays.
McFann :Ô:
February 19th, 2009
5:04 pm
cabravesfan–
Now it’s a little chilly, but he cann tough it out.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
5:05 pm
Mike, it’s ok to think about something before you make a decision but to tell your friends that you are most likely going to sign with the Braves and then end up signing with another team is just ridiculous. Griffey should have kept his big mouth shut before he went and told friends that he was probably coming to the Braves.
Random
February 19th, 2009
5:06 pm
getnathan — I see I must spell it out:
Only a hick Fillies phan would think Ibanez is an upgrade over Burrell.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
5:06 pm
What I don’t get is that Griffey left Seattle 10 years ago to go play for Cincinnati for less money. So how can Griffey care about the Mariner’s so much ? If he loved Seattle so much he wouldn’t have left Seattle to play for less money !!!
Anders
February 19th, 2009
5:08 pm
The smart people may be thinking that the leisure dollar may just take a hit. (Alexander Hamilton 4:47)
A truer statement has not been written on this blog today. People are squirreling away any discretionary $’s they have. Even those who still have their jobs and aren’t in imminent jeapordy of losing their home are tightening up their budgets “just in case”. Think of how much more discretionary income is spent today versus even 30 years ago? Travel, eating out, Movies, high end electronics, gyms, pools etc… Middle class America didn’t live like this 30 years ago. Now think of how quickly those things can be turned off versus car payments, mortgages, insurances etc that are required.
It’s not that people didn’t pull back on discretionary spending in tough times years ago, it’s that it represents much more of our economy than it did years ago. The spasm in this type of spending that is coming in the next 6 months will be violent. It will ripple through many, many industries. No reason to think baseball will be spared.
semiballcoach
February 19th, 2009
5:10 pm
all you DOB haters—the whole goal is to get traffic on this web page, the best way to have an impact is not to post…so keep making this the busiest blog in the country
as far as luke scott—don’t the braves need a 3 or 4 hitter? scott ain’t either, so why settle for a minor upgrade? much better waiting to see what may be available later…if the braves get scott now, will they be able to afford a bigger bat if one comes up?
Random
February 19th, 2009
5:12 pm
Eric In Albany N.Y. (4:54 pm): “i wanna read wrens book about this offseason… i mean WTF! the title would be “That’s A Long Story””
I dunno — I kinda favor “Weasels Ripped My Flesh!” for a title.
tlj
February 19th, 2009
5:12 pm
bhamhusky, what were the circumstances when Griffey left Seattle 10 years ago. I know he told the ownership he would only accept a trade to the Reds. Did he refuse to sign an extension or was it management’s decision to trade him?
I don’t find fault with him going back to Seattle, however I do find fault with bringing the braves into him making a decision.
Anders
February 19th, 2009
5:12 pm
I feel like I was in the limo on the way to pick up Ken Griffey Jr. for the prom, and now I’m pregnant and stuck rolling around in my double-wide from trailer park to trailer park with Matt Diaz. (Scott)
Great, great line. I swear if you work this enough you might have a country western hit on your hands.
Rip D.
February 19th, 2009
5:15 pm
Let’s get MANNY !
Eric In Albany N.Y.'s
February 19th, 2009
5:16 pm
Random Love The New Title!
Chop Chop
February 19th, 2009
5:17 pm
I’ll get a Wurlitzer someday.
I know I’ve never said anything of note up to this point, but as God as my witness, I’ll get one of those damn things yet.
indianabravesfan
February 19th, 2009
5:18 pm
we do not need any old geezers playing in the outfield!!! play the kids and give B.Jones, Schafer and Anderson a chance. I guarantee they will put up just as good or better numbers than Garret A and L. Gonzalez.
PLAY THE KIDS!!!!!!
DirtyDawg
February 19th, 2009
5:21 pm
I don’t think we’re making enough of the DH in Griffey’s decision. Seems to me the guy would like the idea of not having to work all that hard to earn his incentives – I mean, do you really think that they’re gonna make a big deal about the number of ‘put-outs’ or assists in the money they add on? It’ll be offense and it’ll be a lot easier to get when all you have to do is watch from the locker room and head out the dugout every few innings.
Eric In Albany N.Y.'s
February 19th, 2009
5:25 pm
This Blog Has So Many People In The NorthEast!
Gotta Love How We All End Up On The Blog For The AJC!
csg
February 19th, 2009
5:26 pm
Scott, my question is why would you want to go to the prom with KGJ or Diaz. What are you saying??
dogsbrekky (aka the loser who got the Griffey story effed up)
February 19th, 2009
5:26 pm
Eric in NY – Yes, it is better than reading anything on a blog actually for a NE team………..
Efrim
February 19th, 2009
5:26 pm
I think Schafer needs more time in the minors. Regardless of how he hits in a small sample size of spring training at bats. Go with Anderson or Blanco in center field(I’m guessing Anderson because Blanco has options) and, if you must, Diaz/Jones platoon in left field. I’d go with this lineup:
Johnson
Escobar
Jones
McCann
Francoeur
Kotchman
Diaz/Jones
Anderson
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
5:28 pm
Efrim, pretty sad when your #5 hitter (Francouer) hit .239 with 11 homers last year.
Bobby's Belly
February 19th, 2009
5:28 pm
Can we get a news story on Huddy and the AJC reporter confrontation – maybe from DOB? Seriously, can you take Huddy? More seriously(really), how about a daily dose of Anderson, Blanco, B. Jones, and Schafer. Two of these four are going to be up on opening day it appears. Come on Dave – we still like you. Don’t forget the Huddy question?
Stephen
February 19th, 2009
5:29 pm
I know this has been said, but DOB shouldn’t accept any blame for anything. We live in a blog world where everyone has a website and people want instant news and stories. You were being responsible in reporting what you were hearing. So what if Griffey doesn’t want to play in Atlanta? Does that have anything to do with our economy melting down? No, so people please don’t blow something out of proportion and let DOB do a great job of telling us what is going on with the Braves. DOB, anything else to report from Orlando today?
spotts
February 19th, 2009
5:29 pm
csg
way to kill a funny joke
geauxbraves2000
February 19th, 2009
5:30 pm
The only one this team really missed out on was Furcal, (not Braves fault) the rest of them, well, whatever. (And I sure wouldn’t want to be in Furcal’s shoes when he walks up to the plate at the Ted.) They replaced Burnett with Lowe, from what I’ve read I guess Peavy never really wanted to be here anyway, plus he would have cost a lot of prospects (wtg Wren on holding firm). JR would’ve been a nice addition, but that’s okay. I’ll never understand why Smoltz bolted, except maybe he thinks this Braves team can’t contend. All that being said, the Braves didn’t sign A) a player with a back problem B) an injury ridden pitcher C) a 39 year old coming off of knee surgery. Plus they kept their farm intact.
IMO, it has been a sucessful offseason. You know what they say, sometimes the best moves you make are the ones you don’t.
Geaux Braves!!
ps – DOB – just wanted to say thanks again for all the hard work you do. Don’t listen to any of the haters, (not that you would anyway), you are the best at what you do.
Bobby's Belly
February 19th, 2009
5:32 pm
Efrim – I’m going to try my best Dennis Green impersonation on you. “Anderson/Blanco, they are who we thought they were!” May the best man win the job.
Efrim
February 19th, 2009
5:32 pm
coxlover, that is what the Braves have to work with. I suppose they can bat Francoeur 7th, Kotchman 5th and Diaz/Jones 6th. But you and I know BC isn’t going to do that. I’d be fairly shocked to see Francoeur hitting any lower than sixth in this lineup. Maybe against right handers, if Anderson bats leadoff(which I hope doesn’t happen).
gobraves
February 19th, 2009
5:33 pm
No problems from me, Dave. You shouldn’t have listened to Terrance Moore first off. There’s a reason nobody likes that guy or thinks he is any good at what he does. At least we don’t have to read Moore’s articles about an African American signing with the Braves.
Keep up the good work, Dave. You do a great job.
mbatl
February 19th, 2009
5:33 pm
Whoever asked if we’d visit a blog for the Gwinett Braves if they built it (sorry, too much trouble to go back and look for your name)… I would, definitely.
Danga
February 19th, 2009
5:34 pm
Hey folks…I’m thinking of heading down to FL for my spring break this year and catch some rays and some spring training baseball. Can any of you recommend a good area to stay in? Anything down there I absolutely should not miss while I am there?
Efrim
February 19th, 2009
5:34 pm
Bobby’s Belly, I hope you slammed the side of your desk with your hand when that was posted.
Bobby's Belly
February 19th, 2009
5:35 pm
Breaking News: DOB/Huddy confrontation leaves Huddy unable to pitch until August. Fire DOB!
Bobby's Belly
February 19th, 2009
5:37 pm
Re-Breaking News: Sources close to Huddy confirm he was hurt prior to DOB opening up a can of whoop a$$ – was not going to pitch before August anyway. Re-Hire DOB!
Hammy the Brave
February 19th, 2009
5:37 pm
DOB,
I’m not that upset that Griffey went to Seattle. Like you said he would just be a platoon OF here, was very old and injury prone. He also didn’t fit the Braves’ real need of a righty power bat.
Are you hearing if FW is actually trying to acquire one of those- say a Ludwick, Nady, Swisher, Willingham, Dukes? Also is he going after a younger (than Glavine)lefty starter- like J. Sanchez with SF or Olsen from Washington.
I think both these moves would fit the Braves real needs better, make them younger, and be fairly cheap also.Do you agree, or do you think a Lefty power hitter really fills our needs?
Love to hear from ya
Hammy the Brave
The Ghost Of DOB! (AKA) TGO DOB
February 19th, 2009
5:40 pm
Braves Leaning Toward Internal Options In OF
By Tim Dierkes [February 19, 2009 at 1:12pm CST]
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. Pure speculation on my part – the Braves could definitely afford Luke Scott if he’s available for trade.
Bobby's Belly
February 19th, 2009
5:46 pm
Rosenthal says Glavine is back – to bad.
Bobby's Belly
February 19th, 2009
5:47 pm
Rosenthal says Glavine is back – to bad. A waste of $$$ we may need later.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
5:49 pm
Now that we have Glavine back that makes us an instant contender.
Original Jon
February 19th, 2009
5:49 pm
Glavine is back to bad??? How do we know this yet, he hasnt even thrown a single pitch yet!
Clay
February 19th, 2009
5:51 pm
Glad to hear the Braves aren’t excited about Garrett Anderson, if that’s true. Who would be? He is 37 years old and horribly overrated. His lifetime on-base percentage is .327. It’s never been above .345 for a full season and his highest walk total ever is 38. Thirty-eight. For an outfielder with some power, that is horrific. His lifetime slugging percentage is very average for an OF and it’s looked more like a 2B lately. I say no way. Seriously, I would rather play the kids than spend any kind of money on Garrett Anderson, who was never better than average and is even worse now.
Random
February 19th, 2009
5:52 pm
Lew — I finally got it — you meant for Wren’s book title!!!
doG, I am slow.
“Burnt Weenie Sandwich” — I don’t get it.
spotts
February 19th, 2009
5:56 pm
I don’t know if you guys read the Vents, but I hope no one did today….there’s a bunch of ignorant fair-weathered crap posted on there. My favorite: “Let’s bring up Heyward to platoon with Diaz.”
Clutch Factor
February 19th, 2009
5:56 pm
Clay
But Garrett Anderson is clutch.
lexbrave
February 19th, 2009
5:56 pm
i hope this wasn’t our dob
from cbssports
“But there was clearly some bitterness over the turn of events, some of it directed at media outlets that reported Griffey had decided to play for Atlanta. Pitcher Tim Hudson got into a heated argument in the clubhouse with a newspaper reporter, claiming his story angered Griffey and led him to back out of dealings with the Braves. A team official had to step in and lead Hudson to a back room.”
Bubdylan
February 19th, 2009
5:57 pm
Steve from OH, your 4:34 = Post of the Month
Chop Chop
February 19th, 2009
5:58 pm
Random,
I’m glad to know that I’m not the only crazy person that listens to me.
Lew,
Send DOB a Wurlitzer of him punching a blogger in the face. With a smile, of course.
Also, feel free to send copies upon request. That would be a good one to have.
Couch Tater
February 19th, 2009
5:59 pm
For those who are much more proficient and computer savvy than me; I hope you will take the time to correspond with computer guys at the top of this blog.
This is a great blog and I hope it stays that way.
Anders
February 19th, 2009
6:00 pm
Send DOB a Wurlitzer of him punching a blogger in the face. With a smile, of course -(Chop-Chop)
But who’s face to use? Hmm…..
Eric In Albany N.Y.
February 19th, 2009
6:02 pm
I Want Glavine Back! I Love Him… Class Act And A Hell Of A Guy To Place In The 5 Spot While Hanson Gets Ready
Hope He Signs… If He Hasnt Already
Cant Believe Anyone On This Blog. Not Even The Host… JK DOB… LOVE YA!
Dack Jerrick
February 19th, 2009
6:02 pm
Been following this team closely since 1966 and if you can’t remember the 70’s & 80’s you don’t know what bad Braves’ baseball is. This team will be OK no matter what FR does or doesn’t do from here til the season starts. It’s gonna be a hoot! Lotsa fun. Like Ernie Banks used to say “can’t we play two?”.
spotts
February 19th, 2009
6:02 pm
I believe it was stated yesterday, but if Griffey chose to sign with the Mariners just because the AJC reported that he picked the Braves, then how big of a baby is he?
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
6:05 pm
Tongue-lashing by Huddy? One T. Moore reported the conversation with Griffey’s friend, so it couldn’t have been him, now, could it?
lexbrave
February 19th, 2009
6:06 pm
i just cant believe that huddy, a grown man actually thought that a news reporter could sway griffey’s mind
braves fan 16
February 19th, 2009
6:06 pm
Erick I want Glavine back too. He has been one of my all time favorite players
Conan438
February 19th, 2009
6:10 pm
Frank Wren is a complete joke….How does this guy have a job…wasn’t he fired by Baltimore? He’s screwed up an awful lot in a little over a year.
Top 10 Screw ups by the great Wren…
#10 Did we really pay a bouncer (Corky Miller) for a full year?
#9 Current OF debacle – worst OF in the major leagues, maybe in history of MLB.
#8 Failure to sign Josh Fields from UGA – who needs a reliever that throws 100 mph anyway?
#7 Signing Tom Glavine last year and losing a first round pick, unbelievable.
#6 Mark Texeira trade… couldn’t get more than another stiff for 1st base
#5 Rafael Furcal almost never was trade.
#4 Ken Griffey almost never was signing.
#3 Javier Vasquez trade…gave up the #1 power hitter in minor league baseball for 12-16 and an era of almost 5? + 14 years in age??? WTF???
#2 Francouer embarrassment – 3 days in the minors – lost all respect for him at that point.
#1 Smoltz divorce – ’nuff said’
Wren is a joke as a GM – - – is Billy Knight available…oh wait, he sucks too…Don Waddell? Oh he sucks too…Atlanta, GA where GM’s come to destroy franchises.
Report this comment
Eric In Albany N.Y.
February 19th, 2009
6:10 pm
Glavine is the nicest Brave Ive ever met! Super Classy!
What Art The Facts About This Huddy Story?
Please Tell Me Just The Facts I Dont Know A Thing About It.
Bobby's Belly
February 19th, 2009
6:12 pm
BRAVES FAN 16 – I want Dale Murphy back. He has been one of my all time favorite players. Come on – As a fan you should want what’s best for the team. You can’t believe Glavine is what’s best. I’d rather see him on Dancing with the Stars.
John Quest 2
February 19th, 2009
6:12 pm
1992 I took my som and brother to Dodger Town in Vero Beach to watch our NLCS Champs. I miss those days when we battled it out with the Dodgers and the Giants. Anyway, what a blast it was to visit Dodger Town. Ryan Klesko had been invited to camp. They have these tall pine trees surrounding the outfield fence, and Ryan was hitting the ball over the tree tops during batting practice. You had to be there. chao.
Josh B
February 19th, 2009
6:12 pm
Not matter what is mis-reported or what I will always value DOB’s opinion over Mark Bowman. Shows more personality through his blogs and keeps me entertained. Keep up the great work DOB!
Josh
braves fan 16
February 19th, 2009
6:13 pm
YES he’s back according to foxsports .com. On paper we have on of the best 1-5 in the NL
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
6:13 pm
Just couldn’t resist, folks. I wandered over to Bradley’s column, and who would have posted there but our old friend Coach, who had this to say:
“Since some seem to be wondering, the Braves were 11-30 in one run games last year. To say that our Bravos are in need of an infusion of talent, speed, youth and defense is an understatement. Griffy would have met none of these needs.
This obsession with the long ball by some of the blogger’s borders on the edge of insanity. It takes more than just the HR. Speed, aggressiveness and solid base running at the top of the order will do much toward scoring more runs. Not to mention that Chipper, McCann and Francoeur will see far more fastballs, thereby resulting in more HR’s.
The 2008 Minnesota Twins are direct evidence of this phenomenon. They hit 111 HR’s, stole 101 bases and hit 298 Doubles, resulting in 791 RBI.
Compared to the Braves 130 HR’s, 58 stolen bases and 316 doubles, resulting in 721 RBI.
That speed and aggressiveness more than made up for the lack HR’s from the Twins offense.
I would absolutely love to see what Josh Anderson and Jordan Schafer could accomplish if a certain Hall of Fame manager would turn them lose like he did with Otis Nixon and Deion Sanders.
If the 2008 Braves would have had any semblance of a running game, they could have potentially turned some of those 30 one run losses into victories. Even splitting half would have resulted in the 2008 Braves finishing 87-75.
As they say, speed kills, it never slumps and it doesn’t take the day off. It is no coincidence that the Mets and Phillies are two of top three fastest teams in the N.L. Guys like Jimmy Rollins and Jose Reyes are just totally devastating offensive catalyst for their respective teams. Our Braves have not been keeping up with the JONES, so to speak. They need to get with the program and I’m talking about the fast track…… if you know what I mean.”
Not a peep from the other posters. Amazing. He could never get away with such assertions on the Braves/MIB/BBQ blog. We’d eat him alive.
Josh B
February 19th, 2009
6:13 pm
Wow, that last comment I made was full of mistakes, but I’m sure everyone got the drift.
Bobby's Belly
February 19th, 2009
6:14 pm
Tom Glavine Bobble Head Day would have been much cheaper. Not to mention we’d enjoy it more than the real thing on the mound.
BG FSU
February 19th, 2009
6:16 pm
The thing I don’t understand about this whole Griffey-being-mad thing is why would he take it out on the Braves? The sources of all the media stories that said Griffey was coming to Atlanta all seemed to be from people close to Griffey, not from Atlanta front office folks. If he’s mad about these stories coming out, perhaps he shouldn’t talk about his plans with friends before he makes up his mind.
Also, I hope this Hudson vs. reporter story is overblown.
Steve
February 19th, 2009
6:16 pm
Obviously you guys didn’t go down to the capital steps and pray hard enough for Griffey to stay. Everyone knows in Atlanta that’s the proper way to get things done. hahahahahaha
Josh B
February 19th, 2009
6:17 pm
BravesFanInRockies,
I 100% agree with that post, if Anderson puts up the speed numbers he did in September in a full season. We should be in pretty good shape.
Arizona Brave
February 19th, 2009
6:18 pm
DOB,
I’m equally as pissed that Griffey didn’t come to Atlanta as everyone else. But we shouldn’t blame you and start biting the hand that feeds us. You do a great job getting us the inside info and we are always craving it. You reported what you heard. You did your job. Does it suck that it had a big affect on Griffey? Yes, it does suck. Should Braves’ writers be a bit sensitive about what they report due to the numerous almost signings this off season? Yes, they should. But, honestly, if that was the difference maker, then that is kinda weak. In the end, he talked to Aaron and Mays and decided to complete his legacy. I hope the best for him and hope even more that the Braves get someone servicable to platoon in left with Diaz. Keep us informed DOB. Rock on, brotha.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
February 19th, 2009
6:21 pm
Way To Go DOB… Way To Break The Glavine Scoop! Or Were You Busy Breaking Your Nose On huddys Fist?
Cant Wait To Have Glavine Back!
spotts
February 19th, 2009
6:22 pm
I can
Bubdylan
February 19th, 2009
6:24 pm
They should have two special bobblehead days this season. A Griffey Jr one and a Furcal one, each with a face on the front and back of the head.
Oh, and one of Soriano made out of thin glass wouldn’t be bad, either.
And one of Smoltz made out of ANGER… uhh…
(I get the sneaking suspicion a two-faced bobblehead joke has probably already been done… oh well, I’m going with it…)
spotts
February 19th, 2009
6:25 pm
I just ran a news search and there’s only one story reporting Glavine signing…and it was posted about 30 minutes ago. Forgive DOB if he doesn’t sit with his nose glued to his laptop all day.
Anders
February 19th, 2009
6:25 pm
I’d love to see DOB’s picture above changed showing a little mouse under his eye and maybe a tooth missing but a wider grin signifying “You should see the other guy!”
JasonInFL (Formerly ME)
February 19th, 2009
6:25 pm
when did the Braves wants turn to a LH OF anyway…we need a righty to bat between Chip and BMac
David O'Brien
February 19th, 2009
6:27 pm
I’m hearing that we could be having a Glavine press conference as soon as tomorrow.
Jay Stiltner
February 19th, 2009
6:28 pm
Yo, DOB. To hell with all these heebs on your blog that are hating over something not even worth the time or negative bloggage. I think Griffey would have been a welcome addition to the Braves’ outfield and a good mentor to the youngsters, but I think most fans’ expectations weren’t high for him anyway.
You do a phenomenal job covering my team. I know you’re not sweating the negativity. Keep up the good work (know you will), and you were crystal clear on your explanation of what was ACTUALLY reported. Some people are skimming or don’t know how to read.
John Quest 2
February 19th, 2009
6:30 pm
Glavine does have a pretty good bat, though.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
February 19th, 2009
6:30 pm
DOB Love Bustin Your Stones! Keep Up The Good Work!
steveP
February 19th, 2009
6:31 pm
DOB…I live in Central FL and have a friend the saw Jr’s mom today (he has a business relationship with her). She told him that Griffey quite simply just wanted to finish his career in Seattle…nothing more.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
6:34 pm
Steve, well if Griffey wanted to finish his career why did he drag the Braves into all of this mess ?
Chop Chop
February 19th, 2009
6:35 pm
“Braves’ Furcal and Junior Pee Bottle Night at Turner Field” would also be popular, Bubdylan.
“Festivus in July: John Smoltz Airing of Grievances Night at the Braves” might work. The fan who exhibits the most support for the team’s handling of the Smoltz negotiations will receive an expired 20% off coupon for a Coke.
Josh
February 19th, 2009
6:38 pm
thanks for the news on Glavine Dob.
HeywardTheFuture
February 19th, 2009
6:39 pm
WooHoo, pretty much the equivalent to signing Barry Zito and letting Tim Lincecum rot in the Minors. Loyalty will kill you in the end.
Bubdylan
February 19th, 2009
6:39 pm
Chop Chop, KC might be a Pepsi man…
Chop Chop
February 19th, 2009
6:41 pm
I talked to Griffey today. He told me that he likes listening to Morrissey in the rain.
Bravesgal
February 19th, 2009
6:42 pm
Well, Mrs. Griffey – it’s really not that simple. The Mariners had an offer to Griffey, Jr on the table for a while now. If Junior really wanted to go back to Seattle he would have gone ahead and signed the initial offer. No, he just decided he would use the Braves to see if he could that Mariners offer just a little bit sweeter.
ric flair
February 19th, 2009
6:44 pm
I read this on yahoo sports.
But there was clearly some bitterness over the turn of events, some of it directed at media outlets that reported Griffey had decided to play for Atlanta. Pitcher Tim Hudson got into a heated argument in the clubhouse with a newspaper reporter, claiming his story angered Griffey and led him to back out of dealings with the Braves. A team official had to step in and lead Hudson to a back room
jds
February 19th, 2009
6:45 pm
crap….just saw on ESPN that it turns out the Braves didn’t really draft Brian McCann.
ric flair
February 19th, 2009
6:47 pm
This had to be what DOB was talking about with Tim Hudson yelling at him.
Chop Chop
February 19th, 2009
6:47 pm
Bubdylan, if KC is a Pepsi man, he’s just as much of a traitor as Smoltz.
Josh
February 19th, 2009
6:47 pm
Dob, what kind of season do you expect out of Kawakami?
dogsbrekky (aka the loser who got the Griffey story effed up)
February 19th, 2009
6:48 pm
President of Matt Diaz Club – CHIPPER JONES stated that Peavy DID NOT want to play for the Braves, I cannot think of a better source…
Braveheart
February 19th, 2009
6:48 pm
Bub, KC strikes me as more the RC Cola and moonpie kind of cat
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
6:48 pm
DOB was the reporter that Hudson was yelling at ?
jay
February 19th, 2009
6:49 pm
BravesFanInRockies: The Twins did benefit from speed on the bases, but they won due to an unsustainable batting average on balls in play (not going to look it up right now, but it was off the charts). That is mostly luck, not by design. Back to the braves: They could win with a lineup that such as
Johnson
Escobar
Jones
McCann
Francoeur
Kotchman
Diaz/Jones
Anderson
But only if Francouer, Kotchman, and Diaz all bounce back from bad years. I’d say Kotchamn is a good bet, as is Diaz. Francouer is a mystery – he could still be a star, or he may flame out completely. If the Braves have the money and two decent prospects that the Yankees want (none of their top starting pitchers or outfielders), I’d say trade for Swisher. Not Nady. Not Nady. Not Nady. Nady is only marginally more valuable than Diaz. And none of the Nats OFs are available (well, I’m sure Kearns is, but he was one of the few OFs last year that could compete with Francouer on the scale of suckage). If they can’t get Swisher (i.e., if the Yanks ask for too much or if the Braves can’t or won’t take on the salary), they might as well go with the best two out of J. Anderson / Blanco / B. Jones / and Schafer and hope for the best.
NASCAR Dave
February 19th, 2009
6:51 pm
**FIRE FRANK WREN!!!**
**FIRE FAKE SPIN!!!**
**FIRE FRANK WREN!!!**
**FIRE FAKE SPIN!!!**
ric flair
February 19th, 2009
6:51 pm
I had to be coxlover. That’s why I think DOB is really butt hurt besides everyone torching him today.
cmac1919
February 19th, 2009
6:52 pm
The thought of Tim Hudson picking a fight makes me chuckle. What is he, 100 lbs? A person wouldn’t know whether to punch him or pick their teeth with him.
Haha, he’s still my favorite pitcher though.
And Glavine’s back……great
NASCAR Dave
February 19th, 2009
6:52 pm
I don’t know who is more INCOMPETENT… Frank Wren (I mean “Fake Spin”) or Thrashers GM DONNIE FRAUDELL… FIRE both these bums!!! They are out of their leagues!!!
NASCAR Dave
February 19th, 2009
6:54 pm
Is Glavine really back though???
Didn’t we hear this about FURCAL, BURNETTE, PEAVEY, GRIFFEY, etc.
This list goes on and on…
FIRE FRANK WREN (I mean Fake Spin)!!!
Original Jon
February 19th, 2009
6:55 pm
You really “wrenned’ it? That is lame! If you wanted to be creative you should have said something like, “man, you really ‘Franked’ that up!!! But ‘wrenned’ it? Geeee.
Oh, and ‘Fake Spin’ is even more idiotic.
NASCAR Dave
February 19th, 2009
6:56 pm
It’s funny how “FAKE SPIN” FRANK WREN alweays tells us that we are going to get such and such player…
For future reference, when FRANK WREn (or “Fake Spin”) says we are going to get a player, it actually means we ARE NOT getting that player.
This guy is dumber than dirt…
DIAZ in Left Field??? What a friggin joke!!! LOL
Cellar Dwellers again this year!!!
NUFF SAID.
18 Wheels of Love
February 19th, 2009
6:56 pm
Anders, here you go! DOB’s got that phantom hook!
http://img239.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dobhb3.jpg
[URL=http://imageshack.us][IMG]http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/6416/dobna5.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://g.imageshack.us/img518/dobna5.jpg/1/][IMG]http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/dobna5.jpg/1/w552.png[/IMG][/URL]
richbrave
February 19th, 2009
6:57 pm
No players here who conjure up thoughts of a THUNDER JUG please!!!!NADY for $$$$ and one top ten prospect.
President of the Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
6:57 pm
Nascar Dave – patience! Wren will be gone if we fail to make the postseason. If we make it, Wren is GM of the year after this mess.
dogsbrekky (aka the loser who got the Griffey story effed up)
February 19th, 2009
6:57 pm
Lucky Hudson wasn’t dipped in BBQ sauce. DOB may have mistaken him for a sizeable portion of ribs and eaten him………..
Herbert Hoover Redux
February 19th, 2009
6:57 pm
Dave, Tell Glavine to put tht UAW shop steward hat on and get up to Motown. Maybe he can help with the GM negotiations. It might be hard for our scrawny little Tommy to relate to guys not making $200,000 a start, but what the Hell.
Tommy still needs more doesn’t he? The bleeding of the mets and Braves last two years was not enough?? Hey, Tommy has enough boosters in this Blog maybe he can get another gig.
I’m going to guarantee–let’s see how I do with this one Dave as compared to first recession predictions–by June the last thing on most sane!!! people’s minds will be the NL East Division race. It will be $1.00 Family Night in Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Arlington and maybe a couple of others. Braves will have some deals as well. I know!! I know!! ‘Let’s go get Swisher and Edmonds.”
18 Wheels of Love
February 19th, 2009
6:58 pm
Anders, here you go! DOB’s got that phantom hook!
http://img518.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dobna5.jpg
David O'Brien
February 19th, 2009
6:59 pm
Scratch that about Glavine press conference. Deal is to be finalized tomorrow, but no press conference, since he’s not reporting until at least late next week.
Bubdylan
February 19th, 2009
6:59 pm
NASCAR Dave, “Fake Spin” is that move your wife does to get things over with…
(dang, this blog is making me grumpy…)
President of the Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
6:59 pm
Cox – the problem is Griffey saw the headline as well!
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
7:00 pm
O’Brien says Glavine deal will be finalized tomorrow. I guess that means Glavine will be going back to the Mets in a couple days.
Ron in mobile
February 19th, 2009
7:01 pm
“Isnt it the way of the mongrels, to knaw at the tails of the champions”
DOB i will continue to read the blog twice a day. Forgive the idiots…bet most of them are bama fans anyway.
Herbert Hoover Redux
February 19th, 2009
7:02 pm
David, You still think covering these pompous A##ed Prima Donnas is a worthwhile use of your time?? imagine having to take crap from a physique challenged Timmy Hudson?? Tell Timmy to be careful so he doesn’t end up on Dr. Andrews’ table again!
David David David. Timmy Hudson, man that must hurt.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
7:03 pm
I just cut out the front part of yesterday’s sports section that read ” Griffey will play for Braves”. I’m gonna hang it up on my wall just as a reminder of what a joke the AJC is.
Bubdylan
February 19th, 2009
7:03 pm
Uh… DOB… think you could run that Unapprove do-hickey on my last comment? That was worse than I meant to be.
President of the Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
7:04 pm
In all seriousness. Why are we signing Glavine for any amount of money? Based on risk assessment: I would’ve rather given money to A. Jones. He’s younger and could have platooned in left. Someone tell me please what Glavine brings to our team besides the nostalgic crap?
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
7:05 pm
Chop Chop, as part of the “Festivus in July” celebration, Smoltz can wrestle homeboy to the ground, and they can replace the cow with an aluminum pole. I find tinsel distracting.
Emmanuele Stewart
February 19th, 2009
7:05 pm
DOB, i’ll take you against a 170 pound walking DL anytime. Any time. Any Place.
Original Jon
February 19th, 2009
7:06 pm
Jesus, you people need to get over it!!! I mean crap, DOB doesnt have to report anything anymore, is that what you want? Maybe you would be happy sitting here making stupid assanine comments to yourself. All the regulars know who I am talking about, all the losers who sit here and criticize DOB for doing his job and reporting the news. BFD that Jr. didnt sign with us!..What if he got hurt and missed the first 3 months of the season, how much bitching would we be hearing then??? Cheese and rice people, get the hell over it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
7:06 pm
President, I’m not excited AT ALL about bringing Glavine back. I’d much rather have Griffey to be honest. Chances are at Glavine’s age he’ll be injured by May and probably won’t play the rest of the year.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
7:06 pm
Original Jon, maybe you should tell Tim Hudson to get over it. It sounds like he’s mad just like a lot of us fans.
fordcobra
February 19th, 2009
7:07 pm
best way the braves can be assured of getting someone is a trade.
David "Hit Man" O'brien
February 19th, 2009
7:07 pm
Tim Hudson?? Tim Hudson?? I’d put my Welsh Corgi up against Tim Hudson. I will guarantee that Timmy never used supplements! Never!
We have this saying around the office, you really "wrenned" it
February 19th, 2009
7:08 pm
original jon
it’s a quote from the office, but instead it was you really “shcruted” it.
NewsFlash
February 19th, 2009
7:08 pm
I have to say that (assuming the report is true) I am very disappointed in Huddy. Sure, Griffey may not have liked the story, but does Huddy (or anyone) really think that influenced him to switch course and go back to Seattle. Please.
Will Huddy let his disagreement with DOB prompt him to demand a trade or to retire and walk away from the money owed to him. I doubt it.
Come on, Huddy, you should be ashamed of yourself!
President of the Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
7:10 pm
Original Jon – yes, that is what I want. Dude, quite being such a drama queen. Grow up. DOB gets paid to write on this blog. I get satisfaction. Deal with it.
Original Jon
February 19th, 2009
7:10 pm
Most of you people are a bunch of whining, sniveling little b*tches who know nothing about baseball and should go back to their pokeman blogs and talk about how lame pikachu’s tail is.
David "Hit Man" O'brien
February 19th, 2009
7:10 pm
I agree with Jon. Why would DOB take crap from this Blog and then, for the good of the organization, have to back down from a guy who resembles the advance party for a famine. We got your back bud.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
7:10 pm
NewsFlash, this is from mlbtraderumors :
Sources have indicated that Griffey’s tide turned shortly after he became upset with the fact that The Atlanta-Journal Constitution was reporting that he’d already decided to play for the Braves.
Tim Hudson is a lot closer to the situation than us fans are and if he thinks that Griffey changed his mind about coming to Atlanta because of the article then he is probably right.
bigchiefrg
February 19th, 2009
7:12 pm
DOB, give us more about the Huddy ‘misunderstanding’. I am losing a lot of respect for his intelligence if he really feels you had ANY bearing whatsoever on the Jr Griffey decision. I mean come on, it had nothing to do with Hank Aaron, Willy Mays, the extra $$$, or the option to be the DH. That is pure ignorance on his part.
But now that I think about it, it’s prolly not in your best interest to come on here and explain that story. I would imagine that it could only make things worse.
Whatever the case, what a putz Hudson really must be.
Original Jon
February 19th, 2009
7:13 pm
I think the bigger drama queens around here are you jerk offs that take crap out on a person that is just doing his job, actually, going above his job duties on this blog. He doesnt have to be on here everyday keeping us up to date on stuff. oh, and ‘wrenned’ it, not as much as you jock dwight schrutes ass.
David "Hit Man" O'brien
February 19th, 2009
7:13 pm
Nobody! gets paid enough to have to take crap from a sphincter like Tim hudson. What the Hell is going on?
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
7:13 pm
Well, “wrenned”, I don’t know if you’ve dropped in on any other baseball writer beat blogs, but lemme tell you, DOB spends about a zillion more hours on here putting up with our juvenile crap than any of the other writers do. Sure, being here is part of his job, but my guess is, he spends a lot more time tending to the animals off the clock than any of us imagine.
JEB
February 19th, 2009
7:14 pm
DOB
Do NOT let any of this sway you – or make you gun shy in reporting reputable sources and giving your opinion on news or insights that you receive!
I enjoy and look forward to your insights and inside thoughts (and your opinions) that is what makes your job / position unique.
We all want the info!! Even though sometimes it turns out to be bad.
You are a good journalist and reporter – just doing your job! You’re not making up stories – just reporting them! Do NOT let any one or any remarks cause you to change!
These cry babies want to blame you, and rag you out. The real problem is they do not want to admit how deep down hurt they are because things did not work out the way we wanted them to. So, it is easier to reflect the hurt into anger at you – simply because you did what you were supposed to do – report your findings, give your insight, share your opinion (God knows everyone else does on this blog – why not you!)
Keep doing what you’re doing – that is why we all check in and read!
Original Jon
February 19th, 2009
7:14 pm
I mean, you people are so bad that Charlie Morton had to leave the blog because of your bashing antics. Grow up.
mbatl
February 19th, 2009
7:14 pm
I don’t think Hudson’s problem, if he had one, was over Griffey. I think it was about suggestions that certain guys currently on the team should be dropped from the 40-man. He’s protecting his teammates, as the team currently stands.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
7:15 pm
I respect DOB but I will forever blame him for Griffey not coming to Atlanta. Sources close to Griffey say the article in the AJC played a factor so I’m not sure why nobody believes those sources.
Sir Stealth
February 19th, 2009
7:15 pm
For me it’s a lot less disappointing to miss out on a player than to find out that a player you previously liked a lot (Tim Hudson) has decided to adopt the attitude of a bratty troll venting on the internet. How a serious grownass man could believe that a newspaper headline could have influenced a player (or if it did, how that player could have acted reasonably) is completely beyond me. And if players are that grumpy, is our clubhouse psyche really that fragile? An aging player that we wanted to be in a platoon with Matt Diaz decided he wanted to go somewhere and cement some sort of legacy. I would hope our players can keep their heads and act like ballplayers, not internet whiners.
Sir Stealth
February 19th, 2009
7:17 pm
Coxlover, that’s a damn funny post at 7:15. I wonder if anyone will actually get it.
TnBrian
February 19th, 2009
7:17 pm
Of all the guys on the team, I wouldn’t think Hudson would do that. I could see Chipper saying something to O’Brien or another reporter. But I like Hudson’s temper and his nature, and this team needs some more guys like that. Even though I don’t think DOB did anything intentional, I can see someone getting caught up in the heat of the moment and vent a little. To whoever commented on Huddy’s size, how dumb are you? Believe me, size doesn’t matter that much.
dogsbrekky (aka the loser who got the Griffey story effed up)
February 19th, 2009
7:17 pm
Coxlover – yes the ajc.com story which was worth $0 to JR swayed the decision versus the extra $2 Millsky he could earn up in Seattle
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
7:17 pm
Sir Stealth, do you think that it’s just a coincidence that Griffey changed his mind about coming to Atlanta shortly after the article on the AJC came out ?
Sonny
February 19th, 2009
7:18 pm
So Francouer has one of the worst seasons in MLB history and he gets a $3.5 MILLION DOLLAR RAISE??? And you wonder why pro sports salaries have no bearing in reality.
Do well…get paid.
Choke…get paid.
F-ing amazing.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
7:18 pm
Dogsbrekky, i dont think griffey cares too much about the money. If he did why would he have left Seattle 9 years ago to go play in Cincinnati for less money ?
What's Fair Is fair
February 19th, 2009
7:18 pm
Right!! Don’t let it influence him that he gets verbally punked on the Blog he spends so much time on. Don’t let it influence him that he has to look away as a 170 lb marshmellow berates him. Don’t let it influence him that he has to be the fallguy because a decrepit, deteriorating, has been changes his mind.
DOB, Don’t let it influence you!! Tell them to Blank It. Write for a paper that would come out swinging in your defense.
Sir Stealth
February 19th, 2009
7:19 pm
Coxlover, after reading your earlier posts, it seems like you might not have actually intended to be ironic. Please tell me I’m wrong.
KC
February 19th, 2009
7:20 pm
Chop Chop, for record, I am NOT a Pepsi man. CokeCola all the way. I hope that clears his up as I would hate for any rumors to make their way around the internet. But if such a rumor does make its way around, I will angrily confront David O’Brien!!
Bubdylan
February 19th, 2009
7:21 pm
Sir Stealth, those guys live in a different world. It’s part of the bitter pill I’ve had to swallow to keep watching my favorite game. Their perspective on stuff like this doesn’t have to be very fine tuned, because they are millionaire athletes and who gives a crap if they step on a regular person’s toes. Not making that judgement on Huddy cuz I don’t even know the story, but it wouldn’t surprise me to find out he irresponsibly popped off. They just do that sh*t from time to time.
Rahul
February 19th, 2009
7:22 pm
Honestly, too much attention is being given to the Griffey non signing. The tragic event of the last 48 hours is Wren giving into Francoeur instead of letting him lose his arb case. Inexcusable, unless they think Francoeur would become upset at being ripped apart during the process, which would be pathetic. I do hope he proves me wrong and is actually worth more than 3.375m this season
Mae East and West
February 19th, 2009
7:24 pm
Tn Brian, Is that allegation true!!
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
7:26 pm
Sir Stealth, good point. I guess none of the sources can be trusted.
Supes
February 19th, 2009
7:28 pm
Tim Hudson should do his job, which is make sure he’s rehabbing and working out and leave the rest. After all, Braves are counting on him to PITCH and PITCH well when he returns in August. That’s all he better be worried about. Anything else, he comes out looking like a jacka&&
I’m glad Tom Glavine deal is going to get “officially done” tomorrow. Some good news to help us move past the player that I will not mention anymore in my posts (I wish others would do the same).
He should solidify our rotation, which is now solid (but not great), and should provide some veteran leadership (much needed after the John Smoltz departure) in the starting rotation. Let’s hope at some point Tommy Hansen learns all he can about being a successful major league starter from Tom Glavine (the future HOF-er)
DOB, I enjoyed your interview on 680thefan with Matt and Chuck and I’m glad they had your back as well. You couldn’t have explained it any better (what went down) and I applaud you for going on the record (on the radio) and standing your ground.
Lastly, I hope Wren stands down for a while now and let’s see how things develop during Spring Training. Like Coach said, we have some young speedsters on the team, maybe that’s one way they can go (if Jordan and Josh prove like they can handle it).
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
7:29 pm
Supes, yep . Signing a 43 year old pitcher who was 2-4, with an ERA well over 5 is VERY good news.
mbatl
February 19th, 2009
7:30 pm
DOB’s original comment about Hudson suggested that the issue was over possible roster moves, not over the Jr situation. Let the Griffey issue go, people!
Of course, that post by DOB seems to be gone now. I feel like I’m blogging in the USSR, circa 1978 (and we all know how hard it was to blog behind the Iron Curtain, before the Internet was created)
Sir Stealth
February 19th, 2009
7:30 pm
Right on, Supes
David O'Brien
February 19th, 2009
7:32 pm
Glavine will report on around March 1. Not sure how much of his salary and bonus will count against payroll, but Braves should have at least a few mill to spend after he signs.
And if they don’t get an outfielder now, they’ll be able to have, in effect, twice the money to spend around the All-Star break, when teams are unloading players as they fall out of contention. Because $3 mill now would get a $6 million (annual salary) player in July, if you follow my drift. Or $2 mill would get a $4 mill player, etc. Like I said, not sure exactly what Braves have to spend, but it’s about that much after Glavine signs $1 mill deal that includes a $1 mill bonus for making the roster and two $1.25 million bonuses, one for being on roster 30 days and one for being on it 60.
Most or all of the bonus money will be deferred.
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
7:34 pm
KC
Thanks for posting the Bowman dispatch. Taking that with the CBS Sports story from Greg Doyel, who said Junior wanted to go where he’d be worshiped rather than simply cheered, clears up a lot of this.
We’ll always wonder who the source is “who regards himself as one of the outfielder’s closest friends.” Unless it’s Terence Moore.
Steve from OH
February 19th, 2009
7:34 pm
I can’t read any posts before 6:00…someone fill me in, please!
Chop Chop
February 19th, 2009
7:35 pm
Thanks for the info, DOB.
I guess that means the payroll won’t increase in 2009. uga-brave had it right.
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
7:35 pm
Thanks for the Glavine updates, DOB. Looks like some budget room to sign a bat if needed.
Do we hope they need a bat at that time? Guess we hope they’re in contention so that the question’s relevant.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
7:37 pm
KC, again, if Griffey wanted to go somewhere that he would be worshipped instead of cheered for WHY would he bring the Braves into all of this mess ? It could have saved the Braves a lot of time.
President of the Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
7:38 pm
Can anyone tell me what the average age of all the braves free-agent signings are?
Duce
February 19th, 2009
7:38 pm
Chipper Jones
“There aren’t many times an organization is willing to step out and throw those kind of things out there [post-playing career role in organization, etc.]. He probably felt it was something he couldn’t pass up.”
Braves Management:
Step up and at least sign the last remaining tie we have to our WS Championship
President of the Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
7:40 pm
Guess the answer is too scary to even think about
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
7:40 pm
Coxlover,
Never underestimate the Svengali-like powers of agents to sway the minds of athletes. They have Alex Rodriguez believing he was a 23-year-old steroid abuser when he was in fact a 28-year-old steroid abuser.
KC
February 19th, 2009
7:42 pm
Coxlover, yeah… I think Griffey felt the Braves made all the sense in the world (and they did)… but he got cold feet at last minute and went with his heart. Some other people helped to talk him into that decision as well. It’s said that his agent REALLY wanted him in Seattle. And ESPN reports that Willie Mays and Hank Aaron helped him make that decision.
Perhaps Hudson needs to angrily confront Hank Aaron? =)
Geezer
February 19th, 2009
7:42 pm
Won’t matter in July anyway with the bum outfield we have now..we will be out of contention and we will be the ones dumping players.
Robert
February 19th, 2009
7:43 pm
“Glavine will report on around March 1. Not sure how much of his salary and bonus will count against payroll, but Braves should have at least a few mill to spend after he signs.”
You’re sure now? I mean, we’re not gonna read about Glavine signing somewhere else right? This came from a good source, right?
Duce
February 19th, 2009
7:43 pm
Enter your comments here
Garla
February 19th, 2009
7:44 pm
DOB, can you explain exactly how deferred money works? Is it as simple as counting those figures against future payrolls or is it paid with interest, etc?
David O'Brien
February 19th, 2009
7:45 pm
Coxlover, and President of the Matt Diaz Fan Club: You guys need to get out of the house more often if you really believe that story had anything to do with Griffey changing his mind. Seriously.
And Diaz is far too cool and amiable a guy to have you as prez of his fan club.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
7:45 pm
Everyone says it’s not a big deal that we didn’t get Griffey. Do people realize we have the worst outfield in baseball and ANYTHING is an improvement over what we have now ?
CVan
February 19th, 2009
7:45 pm
Thanks for the reporting DOB. Trust me we appreciate the work.
Sir Stealth
February 19th, 2009
7:46 pm
Robert I bet you got quite the chuckle out of that one you clever dog you.
David O'Brien
February 19th, 2009
7:47 pm
Sorry if I’m overreacting here. — Coxlover
No, you? Overreacting?
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
7:49 pm
DOB, I understand you want to believe the article had nothing to do with him changing his mind obviously because you wrote the article. If I had written the article I’d probably try to convince myself the same thing.
Steve from OH
February 19th, 2009
7:49 pm
I see. Interesting.
Danga
February 19th, 2009
7:50 pm
Coxlover…You have been making the same arguments/posts since lunchtime. Give it a rest please.
PIZZARO
February 19th, 2009
7:50 pm
Hey look at the bright side brave fans, you sign a 43 year old pitcher who “Wants” to play for you.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
7:51 pm
Danga, it’s becoming overkill by now I guess hasn’t it ? I guess I just need to get a life LOL. But you can understand where I’m coming from, since Griffey is my favorite player.
ncscoots
February 19th, 2009
7:51 pm
Everyone says it’s not a big deal that we didn’t get Griffey. Do people realize we have the worst outfield in baseball and ANYTHING is an improvement over what we have now ?
The OF is so bad, but a part-time 39-year-old would be good enough to fix it? What did you do, pick up the last copy of “Baseball For Dummies”?
Confess, you’re really robdawg in disguise, right?
President of the Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
7:51 pm
Danga – you’ve been reading this since lunch time. Give your eyes a break for goodness sake!
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
7:54 pm
ncscoots, keep in mind that Griffey hit 30 hr’s 2 years ago so I would say he would definitely be an improvement over the outfield we have now
Charles H
February 19th, 2009
7:55 pm
Griffey leaving from a pure numbers standpoint hurts. He would have helped, and a good fit to platoon.
Where it REALLY hurts is psychologically and emotionally. Griffey is a bona fide superstar draw. He brings national media attention. He is arguably the best player of this generation. Having him penciled into this lineup behind Chipper would have been reason to go out to the ballpark.
Let’s face it — Smoltz’s departure took a lot of star luster off this team, and an lineup peppeed with Kotchman, Diaz, Blanco, Frenchy, and KJ doesn’t exactly inspire confidence or entertainment.
Reality is that while improved, barring injury to many Phillies or Mets, this team as configured is looking at 3rd place in this division.
We simply don’t have the offense to compete with NY or Philly.
This is the same lineup that struggled woefully during long stretches last year to produce runs (and don’t post overall numbers b/c most our runs came in one game outbursts), and that was with Tex, Chipper at his peak, and a lot of Kotsay.
This lineup is worse, plain and simple (look at Chippers average before and after Tex left).
We have to have another bat. We don’t have the plate discpline, speed, or manager to play smallball, and we don’t have the power to score otherwise.
We are looking at a lot of 2 and 3 run games offensively, and that won’t cut it.
So, here’s to hoping we grab somebody to play left. Somebody to drive in runs. We need it.
LT-A blogger
February 19th, 2009
7:56 pm
Good news about Glavine- pitching really looks deep.
I don’t think he’s gonna be blocking Hansen- somebody is bound to get hurt at some point during the season. Also, won’t be sold on Kawakami until I see him pitch.
I like Franceour and think he’s gonna rebound, but how is he making more money than Kelly Johnson? I don’t get it. Did he come up earlier- I can’t remember at the moment?
PIZZARO
February 19th, 2009
7:56 pm
Now that the teams are pretty much set, it seems it’ll be a race between the Mets and Phillies for the division. If the braves had more power out of the the outfield and 1st base I’d throw the braves in there too. If the Mets have learned anything in the last two years it’s that they’ll have to match the Phillies intensity in Sept to win the division……Stay tuned.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
7:58 pm
Charles, I agree. We absolutely need another bat, preferably someone fairly young. Right now we’re relying very heavily on a 37 year old injury prone player ( Chipper) and we’re hoping and praying that a miracle happens and Frenchy has a HUGE rebound this year.
TexasBrave
February 19th, 2009
7:59 pm
DOB with Glavine not reporting until March 1st would that put him behind the other pitchers in terms of being ready to pitch coming out of ST? I realize that he would not be needed until April 19th, that is a long time to go without throwing in a live game. Any possibility that he is sent to the minors (or extended spring training) to get a couple more starts in before his first appearance?
ncscoots
February 19th, 2009
8:01 pm
Coxlover, son, I don’t know what the record was for Total Number Of Inane Posts By An Unbelievably Obtuse Blogger In A Single Day, but you broke it today with the ease of an Olympic swimmer.
Folks, call me when this all is over and some semblance of sanity returns.
President of the Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
8:03 pm
What about Julio Franco in left; platooning of course with Diaz my boy.
President of the Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
8:03 pm
Assuming he still alive
G thebrave3
February 19th, 2009
8:04 pm
I can’t wait till the spring games start. I’m in the mountains of west virginia where it’s 9n degrees outside. Spring training games means warm weather is only about a month away ( by warm I mean 60s). But I can’t wait to see what the younsters are going to do. The youth movement and a few great gambles on free agent pickups fired up the team to there first of 14. jordan S is going to win rookie of the year, just wait and see.
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
8:06 pm
JimD,
Logic is lost on this crowd.
Braveheart
February 19th, 2009
8:07 pm
—— DOB – dude give us a heads up if you get an invite to appear on ESPN. You’ve become the news story here. Not good! —–
He’s only become the story to friggin’ retarded morons who don’t know a damn thing about baseball, journalism or the real world.
I’d say the majority of these douchebags need to go get laid but most of them seem to be so young and so sad, they likely need to just go do what do at least five times every day: go steal their momma’s Cosmo and whack off ’cause they ain’t got a prayer of getting laid anytime soon
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
8:10 pm
Chief Nock A Homa,
Jeez, Louise, facts are lost on this crowd, too. Point out where DOB ever said Griffey signed. He never did. He actually invited us to shoot him if Griffey didn’t sign, and I’m guessing some of you folks would don the goggles and the ear protection if you had the chance. Sheesh. (sorry, mcfann)
PN
February 19th, 2009
8:10 pm
Okay, I doubt Ken Griffey Junior gives a rats ass about the AJC. The biggest issue is that the AJC has been reporting speculation as fact this entire offseason. Poor journalism.
Lee G.
February 19th, 2009
8:11 pm
I know there is so many people to respond to and you won’t respond to me, but little old me, but I have lived many places and have read many columns, articles, heard tv reports and radio news. You are by far the best there is out there interact with fans more than anyone that I have ever seen. We fans are passionate about our teams and mostly stupid to what really goes on- I’m included. I appreciate your work and the way you carry out your work. Instead of tap dancing, you explained yourself and what happened instead of making excuses, etc and did all this when you didn’t have to. I know we are your readers and the Braves fan base, but you don’t necessarily have to answer to us. I think it is admirable that although you don’t have to answer to us, in a way, you make yourself responsible enough to care about us enough to answer to us. I thank you for that…
Anyway, enough with the sappy stuff. I ready for the season and trying to figure to what the Bravos are gonna do next. I don’t care what they do as long as we make Furcal, Griffey, and the rest of the league kick themselves by not wanting to be in Atlanta. We do that by winning. I hope it’s with the young kids coming up, but hey, if it’s Anderson, etc I don’t care! I was a Braves fan who grew up in SW Georgia and had to listen to them on the radio cause cable wasn’t around back then. I’m a Braves fan now and stupid crap like this won’t turn me back now…
One last thing: To all those idiots in NY, Chicago, Philly and generally in the media and fans of other teams, you all need to read DOBs blogs and see how passionate of a fan base the Braves really have. I’m tired of hearing the Braves have fair weather fans. We can get riled up as much as anyone. We just don’t throw throw crap on the field, charge the field, etc like they do… Go Bravos! (That’s all I got to say ’bout that…)
proeye
February 19th, 2009
8:13 pm
Whoops… Actually this appears to be an AP story that is popping up on various media outlets. Same title though. “After Griffey: Spurned Braves try to move on”
cmac1919
February 19th, 2009
8:13 pm
“Charles, I agree. We absolutely need another bat, preferably someone fairly young. Right now we’re relying very heavily on a 37 year old injury prone player ( Chipper) and we’re hoping and praying that a miracle happens and Frenchy has a HUGE rebound this year.” Coxlover
And yet, you were willing to rely on a 39 year old even more injury prone player to “save us.”
Ryan
February 19th, 2009
8:13 pm
i wish Nady talks would go away he is owed 6.4 mil this year and he will go into free agency after the season. trading away prospect again like with Tex would be stupid, and after what we got for Tex wow Kotchman a decent 1B men and a pitcher who will probably never see the big leagues we didnt get and kind of value outta that. rental players suck it makes no sense we gave up so much for him and got not near the value back so no for Nady!
Lee G.
February 19th, 2009
8:14 pm
And I’m sorry for the grammatical errors and words left out here and there… I forgot to proofread the above post… oh well…
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
8:15 pm
PN,
I thought you were leaving.
Ryan
February 19th, 2009
8:16 pm
i sure hope we get some outfield help that makes sense, it will suck to have a couple pithcers with 3 or lower era’s with more L’s than W’s cause we cant give him run support.
Rocker
February 19th, 2009
8:16 pm
Griffey wasnt going to be the savior but the fact that the Braves are going on and hoping for the best with Diaz, Blanco, Schafer and Anderson scares the hell out of me. Too many good things have to happen and I’m afraid its gonna be another long season in Atlanta.
Steve from OH
February 19th, 2009
8:16 pm
Lee G.–exactly. DOB was man enough to come out and face the criticism. But it seems that certain bloggers have no regard for gentlemanly conduct, as they still feel the need to go after him. Surprising? No. Disgusting? Yes.
And Braveheart, ditto to your 8:07.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
8:17 pm
Cmac, i said preferably a young player, although someone with the experience of Griffey would certainly have helped. I never said that Griffey would have saved us, but anything at this point is better than what we have now. One reason why I wanted to get Griffey was because he is my favorite player. Now that we didn’t get him, we need to get a good young bat.
McFann :Ô:
February 19th, 2009
8:18 pm
BravesFanInRockies–
That’s OK. These idiots warrant a few sheeshes…
Oh boy…another one of my comments awaiting moderation. At least now I semi-understand why.
Mitchie-san
February 19th, 2009
8:18 pm
What has happened to our happy little blog??
President of the Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
8:18 pm
No lawyers on here i SEE
President of the Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
8:19 pm
The answer is B OF COURSE
Braveheart
February 19th, 2009
8:19 pm
Hudson went to Auburn so naturally he ain’t the brightest cat around.
Danga
February 19th, 2009
8:21 pm
I wish there was a mute button for some of these cats…
KC
February 19th, 2009
8:21 pm
Griffey who???
Canadianbrave
February 19th, 2009
8:21 pm
DOB
I don’t know if you’ve had a chance to wrap your head around anything going on at spring training, with all this other”stuff” floating around, but are there any encouraging signs from these promising young outfielders that might harmonize some of these hostile bloggers. Is anyone catching your eye, or is there too much cognitive dissonance over
the events of the past while. I need some new Braves news to warm up in these sub-zero temperatures.
Bill M.
February 19th, 2009
8:22 pm
Tim Hudson needs to shut his d– mouth. Nothing that DOB or AJC wrote was the reason for siging with Mariners. Griffey is the one who contacted the Braves. He wanted to come here but had to much outside pressure put on him. This is not going to make or break the Braves. Keep up the great work DOB.
Braveheart
February 19th, 2009
8:22 pm
—— No lawyers on here i SEE —–
Oh, no, we’ve got lawyers on here who think you’re as dumb as a brick
flange1
February 19th, 2009
8:22 pm
Coxlover,
You are a tool. Do all of us a favor and shut up. You have changed your attitude 15 times as tou LEARN something about what really happened.
Bottom line ids Griffey changed his mind and moved on.
Bummer, we missed out on a PLATOON guy that might not be better than in house options.
Lets all scream and shout, and riot.
Call it Watts II the Atlanta version.
Move on dude….
Scoots, I agree with eitherr Robdawg or Bravesfan79……
Sir Stealth
February 19th, 2009
8:22 pm
Chief Nock A Homa, I’m jealous of your name, but you’ve got to understand that straight reporting and blogging are different things. DOB already noted that his comments that Junior would sign any second were his opinion, while the only true reporting was accurate in that it only quoted a source close to Junior who’d said he’d chosen the Braves.
Criticizing inaccurate opinions given by DOB on the blog is truly biting the hand that feeds you. Everyone was refreshing this blog over and over again rabidly awaiting the latest Griffey news. There was plenty of “DOB, where are you???? Tell us what you think now” kind of stuff. The best thing about DOB is that he really does post a heckuva lot of stuff on this blog, literally all the time, and is very responsive to bloggers. So he gave his opinion like everybody wanted and Griffey made an improbable about face. So are you just mad that he got your hopes up? I don’t think the response on here has been reasonable as a response to just being disappointed because he got your hopes up.
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
8:25 pm
Chief Nock A Homa,
Look, I was convinced the Mariner fans who dropped in were jerking us around. I thought Junior would be with the Braves, too.
I can understand how readers of the print edition of the AJC might be put out by a headline that was just plain wrong. I’ve also been in print journalism for 20 years and understand how this goes. The reporter rarely writes his own headline. He files the story and an editor heads it. So I’m guessing that sports editor has been called on the carpet.
Also, I understand how denizens can get bent out of shape, too. Griffey contacts the Braves and says he’s interested; the Braves didn’t approach him. Someone claiming to be one of Griffey’s best friends tells Terence Moore that Griffey’s leaning toward the Braves. (Who knows? Maybe the best friend is Terence Moore.) Chipper talks to Grif daily and thinks the same thing. Numerous other media outlets think the deal’s all but done. So much so that Harold Reynolds prevails on Willie-freakin-Mays to urge Junior to change his mind.
Sounds to me like a story you’d want to report, even if Junior does pull a 180 at the last minute.
I don’t see the problem here, other than the fact that Junior is with the Mariners and Braves fans are disappointed. But hey, don’t shoot the messenger, even if he did make that offer.
DOB, Braves new left-fielder
February 19th, 2009
8:37 pm
President of the Matt Diaz Fan Club is a genius!
FlyNavy92
February 19th, 2009
8:37 pm
I’m disappointed that Griffey didn’t sign with the Braves and with the fingerpointing that resulted, but I’m glad to see that the Kid is choosing to finish his career in a Mariners uniform. Classy moves by both Griffey and Glavine to finish their HOF careers at “home.”
I can imagine it was a tough choice for Griffey. Ironically, very similar to Smoltzie’s situation, but it didn’t seems so gutwrenching of a decision for Smoltz. Honestly, isn’t the team loyalty of Griffey and Glavine precisely what we all kind of expected from Smoltzie?
winterville
February 19th, 2009
8:38 pm
Thank you Danga, that is what I wanted to know. I appreciate it.
Morons On Parade
February 19th, 2009
8:42 pm
President,
The room ain’t 50/50 on DOB’s reporting skills. It’s just that the repeated posts like from you and “Cox is Over Rated Lover” are making up half the posts!
Saw the Mariners president on MLB Network at 7Pm. He was talking about the Tuesday report in the Seattle Times that said Griffey was going to the Braves. He said the Times credited an “impeccable” source and said it was a done deal. I wonder why Griffey didn’t go all goofball on the Seattle Times?
If the players are going off because of the AJC report, then some Braves players seem desperate. That doesn’t say too much for their mental state does it? The world is going to end! We lost out on a platoon for left field!
I wonder if the Braves had offered Junior a flat out contract for 8 mil how upset he would have been about the story? lol
keylargo
February 19th, 2009
8:47 pm
Coxlover – yes, Glavine went on the DL for the first time in his career last year. And had his shoulder and elbow repaired and is going to come back. Take out his injury year and he pitched 1000+ innings in the last 5 years. In 2007 he had 23 quality starts. That meant 23 times he got his team to the bullpen in at least the 7th having given up 3 or fewer runs. Do you think a guy would be helpful that could do that in your #5 slot in the rotation?
proeye – here is a link that mentions the Hudson/DOB issue: http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/story/11399744
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
8:48 pm
I heard that Willie Mays called Griffey at the request of Harold Reynolds. I’m not sure if that’s accurate or not.
bravesfan54
February 19th, 2009
8:49 pm
Lee G (at 8:OO) – good words, my man, to which I certainly agree!
Lew
February 19th, 2009
8:50 pm
BravesFan54-Don’t count on it.
Flange-Why bother trying to throw soap to the unwashed masses? They’ll probably just eat it.
flange1
February 19th, 2009
8:51 pm
Coxlover,
Glavne and Griffey are different. We are talking about Griffey. He CHOOSE to go play in Seattle. Glavine appears to have CHOSEN to play for the Braves.
And the poing is?
Chief,
ANd your point is that everything ALL of us say on this blog has to be proved guaranteed fact?
An opinion by definition is just that, someone’s thoughts. With DOB those thoughts have a basis in truth (ie a close family friends tells TM that Griffey is on his way to Atlanta). So he gives his opinion.
Dude, I thought you had been here for awhile and understood how this blog works.
DOB, gives his thoughts on certain things, MOST of the time they happen. Sorry that TM’s friend got bad info from Griffey (or Griffey changed his mind).
NATURE OF THE BEAST.
AS I said earlier MOVE ON.
In terms of the Hudson thing, I believe DOB said Hudson yelled at him about his discussions of the 40 man roster and who could be cut if Griffey and Glavine signed.
Anyone else remember that?
KC
February 19th, 2009
8:51 pm
Coxlover, Barkley had a rather long and drawn out Cunbya moment about his DUI conviction.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
8:51 pm
I really don’t think people should be getting so upset at Hudson. He just wants the best for the team. Maybe he went about it the wrong way but I just think this offseason has frustrated a lot of the players just like it has us fans.
Danga
February 19th, 2009
8:52 pm
Flange1…That is how I remember it.
Josiah
February 19th, 2009
8:52 pm
Now let’s go get Garrett Anderson. The guy hit almost .300 and hit 15 homers and 85 RBIs last year. and he played 145 games. I’d definitely say Matt Diaz and step in on the other 15 games. But that production for how cheap he is going to be is great. Let’s sign him.
1056.84
February 19th, 2009
8:53 pm
What if Huddy hurt his elbow b-slapping DOB? Holy mackerel!
Random
February 19th, 2009
8:55 pm
robdawg08 (February 19th, 2009 11:57 am): “The Braves will likely go thru arbitration with Francoeur”
And he continues his months-long streak of absolute error!
A strong, historic performance, folks!
proeye
February 19th, 2009
8:55 pm
Listen to this:
“Barkley said he would start using a driver when he goes out and likely undergo alcohol counseling — and even quit drinking if that’s what the professionals tell him.”
He would quit drinking if he is TOLD BY PROFESSIONALS? How about completely owning up? He said in this interview that he thinks it was bad but geez, don’t you think he should also say, “I quit drinking period.” Obviously this guy runs his life with alcohol.
Hey, and you know, I can say these things because I’m not a reporter. I’m just a dumb fan saying dumb things on a forum.;-)
flange1
February 19th, 2009
8:56 pm
How true Lew!
Sometimes just have to fight the good fight….
Andy K.
February 19th, 2009
8:56 pm
DOB, are you a Huddy gunna be alright? Or is he gunna be sore towards you for a while. What a shame…didn’t think a guy like Huddy would react like that
proeye
February 19th, 2009
8:56 pm
1056.84… I was thinking the same thing… Must be why someone had to hold him back. That’s a $15 million investment!
mbatl
February 19th, 2009
8:57 pm
“Anyone else remember that?”
Already posted that, in fact.
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
8:57 pm
Maybe the culprit isn’t DOB; maybe its mister Harold Reynolds, who according to the dreaded Wikipedia confirmed that an accusation of sexual harassment was the reason for his departure at ESPN. He called it “a total misunderstanding” and that “I gave a woman a hug and I felt like it was misinterpreted. This guys seems like trouble. This guy gave our beloved Griffey the ultimate hug of death!
Chief Nock A Homa
February 19th, 2009
8:57 pm
flange1:
Read what I posted… I expect what You say to be opinion – you’re not a professional beat writer working for the AJC…. Or, are you??? Hmmmmmm…. Mrs. O’Brien, or DOB’s boss – which could it be????
Either way, thanks for explaining how the blog works… I am completely enlightened… According to your logic, we’re all beat writers for the AJC now…
And, Lew- great words of wisdom…. Keep up the great thoughts…
flange1
February 19th, 2009
8:57 pm
Danga,
Thanks! I thought that is what I read. These other folks saying Hudson was mad at DOB over Griffey.
NOT TRUE!
proeye
February 19th, 2009
8:58 pm
Wow, this is surreal… Normally fans support the players and not the reporters… Guess too many of you are wrapped up in the tabloid reporting…
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
8:59 pm
proeye, so you’re saying someone held hudson back out of concern for hudson but not for o’brien ?
Sir Stealth
February 19th, 2009
8:59 pm
Chief, I (kinda, while disagreeing) understand where you’re coming from with DOB’s posts about Griffey. But if you feel that way, you should not be the one wondering where he is. If people on my blog were going over the top to criticize the posts that I put on for them, rushing back to post more stuff would not be my first priority. I think that time will smooth this stuff out, but I won’t be shocked if we don’t get the kind of frequent posting on here for the next few days that we had leading up to the Griffey thing after which everyone decided that they hated it so much.
Chief Nock A Homa
February 19th, 2009
8:59 pm
flange1:
What should we move on to now, now that I’ve vented and moving on??
What do we do in left now?? Youngsters, or remaining free agents?
proeye
February 19th, 2009
9:00 pm
keylargo… It’s an AP story… Same thing I’ve read on the ‘net on other media sources…
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
9:00 pm
Flange, I heard it with my own ears on the FOX 5 NEWS at 6 pm. Hudson is mad at O’Brien because of the article he wrote. Hudson thinks the article played a part in Griffey going to Seattle.
Chief Nock A Homa
February 19th, 2009
9:00 pm
Sir Stealth:
You’re right… I just thought he might take the other approach and get right back up on the horse so to speak, you know??
proeye
February 19th, 2009
9:01 pm
Coxlover… Just a joke about holding back Hudson…
flange1
February 19th, 2009
9:02 pm
Chief,
That is how the blog works..If you don’t like it sorry!
No, not Mrs. DOB or his boss.
Just a guy that likes the Braves and has enjoyed this blog for 4 years…..
Morons On Parade
February 19th, 2009
9:02 pm
President,
Yeah, there are probably a dozen that are mad, and they are posted over and over. And you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see that some of them are posting over and over under different names as well!
The majority of posts I’ve seen over the last 24 hours have been in support of DOB. I’ve even seen people post for the first time who have been lurkers saying that the treatment of DOB by some had prompted them to post in his support.
President….. You’ve seen history if it’s as you say! Tell me one other instance in the HISTORY of MLB where a player has decided not to sign with a club because of a story published that said he WAS going to sign with a team? Give me an example.
Remember what happened when it looked like the Red Sox were going to sign Tex and the story ran that the Angels were offering Tex more money and he was leaning toward taking it? The Red Sox put out a statement withdrawing their offer and wishing Tex good luck. Griffey and his agent were going to Seattle all along. They Furcaled the Braves. The Braves were in play just to drive the offer from Seattle. When the AJC broke the story Griffey was coming to the Braves they panicked. They stopped talking to the Braves and ran to Seattle before Seattle did a Red Sox and pulled the offer and wished Griffey good luck.
The only thing the AJC did was almost ruin Griffey’s chance to sign with Seattle. I could give a rats azz about that.
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
9:02 pm
Chief Nock A Homa – where have you’ve been. DOP I mean DOB has been doing a lot of talking today.
flange1
February 19th, 2009
9:03 pm
mbatl,
Sorry, your post wasn’t available to me! Only the last few so I missed your version.
Chief Nock A Homa
February 19th, 2009
9:04 pm
Pres:
Just jumped in a little bit ago… what did he have to say, besides Glavine’s a done deal… Did he mention this Hudson thing??
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
9:05 pm
Sorry Morons On Parade, I forgot what we were talking about. And to be honest, I’m too lazy to scroll up!
David O'Brien
February 19th, 2009
9:06 pm
Flange1, just for the record: he was upset over both (griffey, and speculating about who’d be removed from 40-man roster). Mostly Griffey, at least that’s what he mentioned most.
proeye
February 19th, 2009
9:06 pm
Any comments from the fans about bringing in Jim Edmonds? Maybe I missed all the comments since we are being limited to only the latest 100.
Personally, I think it wouldn’t be a bad idea, but if the Braves are thinking about just going internally then it’s dead.
Frankie Knuckles
February 19th, 2009
9:06 pm
Hey DOB
You should post the Boss’ lyrics to ” Glory Days ” in honor of Jr. He obviously wants to revisit the days when he was “the kid”. Any chance Tommy Hanson will see a call up this season – sooner rather than later?
Chief Nock A Homa
February 19th, 2009
9:08 pm
DOB:
Gotta say – respect that you are giving details… Not that you care, but gaining respect back…
proeye
February 19th, 2009
9:09 pm
Dave… Can you possibly retype that? Not sure what you are doing right now but the first sentence doesn’t quite make sense.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
9:09 pm
DOB, there weren’t any punches thrown were there ?
Danga
February 19th, 2009
9:09 pm
Bizarre story.
Robert
February 19th, 2009
9:09 pm
“But there was clearly some bitterness over the turn of events, some of it directed at media outlets that reported Griffey had decided to play for Atlanta. Pitcher Tim Hudson got into a heated argument in the clubhouse with a newspaper reporter, claiming his story angered Griffey and led him to back out of dealings with the Braves. A team official had to step in and lead Hudson to a back room.
“
proeye
February 19th, 2009
9:10 pm
But Dave… Who was he angry at? Was it really true that he had to be restrained? I hardly think Hudson would be that angry over the 40 man roster.
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
9:10 pm
DOB – here is a good song for ya:
Idiot Wind by Bob Dylan
Someone’s got it in for me, they’re planting stories in the press
Whoever it is I wish they’d cut it out but when they will I can only guess.
They say I shot a man named Gray and took his wife to Italy,
She inherited a million bucks and when she died it came to me.
I can’t help it if I’m lucky.
People see me all the time and they just can’t remember how to act
Their minds are filled with big ideas, images and distorted facts.
Even you, yesterday you had to ask me where it was at,
I couldn’t believe after all these years, you didn’t know me better than that
Sweet lady.
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your mouth,
Blowing down the backroads headin’ south.
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth,
You’re an idiot, babe.
It’s a wonder that you still know how to breathe.
I ran into the fortune-teller, who said beware of lightning that might strike
I haven’t known peace and quiet for so long I can’t remember what it’s like.
There’s a lone soldier on the cross, smoke pourin’ out of a boxcar door,
You didn’t know it, you didn’t think it could be done, in the final end he won the wars
After losin’ every battle.
I woke up on the roadside, daydreamin’ ’bout the way things sometimes are
Visions of your chestnut mare shoot through my head and are makin’ me see stars.
You hurt the ones that I love best and cover up the truth with lies.
One day you’ll be in the ditch, flies buzzin’ around your eyes,
Blood on your saddle.
Idiot wind, blowing through the flowers on your tomb,
Blowing through the curtains in your room.
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth,
You’re an idiot, babe.
It’s a wonder that you still know how to breathe.
It was gravity which pulled us down and destiny which broke us apart
You tamed the lion in my cage but it just wasn’t enough to change my heart.
Now everything’s a little upside down, as a matter of fact the wheels have stopped,
What’s good is bad, what’s bad is good, you’ll find out when you reach the top
You’re on the bottom.
I noticed at the ceremony, your corrupt ways had finally made you blind
I can’t remember your face anymore, your mouth has changed, your eyes
don’t look into mine.
The priest wore black on the seventh day and sat stone-faced while the building
burned.
I waited for you on the running boards, near the cypress trees, while the springtime
turned Slowly into autumn.
Idiot wind, blowing like a circle around my skull,
From the Grand Coulee Dam to the Capitol.
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth,
You’re an idiot, babe.
It’s a wonder that you still know how to breathe.
I can’t feel you anymore, I can’t even touch the books you’ve read
Every time I crawl past your door, I been wishin’ I was somebody else instead.
Down the highway, down the tracks, down the road to ecstasy,
I followed you beneath the stars, hounded by your memory
And all your ragin’ glory.
I been double-crossed now for the very last time and now I’m finally free,
I kissed goodbye the howling beast on the borderline which separated you from me.
You’ll never know the hurt I suffered nor the pain I rise above,
And I’ll never know the same about you, your holiness or your kind of love,
And it makes me feel so sorry.
Idiot wind, blowing through the buttons of our coats,
Blowing through the letters that we wrote.
Idiot wind, blowing through the dust upon our shelves,
We’re idiots, babe.
It’s a wonder we can even feed ourselves.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
9:11 pm
proeye, Dave O’Brien just told you that Hudson was mainly upset over Griffey, not the 40 man roster.
mbatl
February 19th, 2009
9:12 pm
flange, sorry for over-reacting. This blog s&cks right now. I’m gonna check out for a few days and see where it stands next week.
proeye
February 19th, 2009
9:13 pm
But… I can respect DOB for not elaborating on this if it means respecting Tim Hudson’s privacy–if he really went bizzerk. I wouldn’t want anyone reporting that I did a George Brett in the clubhouse.
If any of you didn’t get that, then question your baseball knowledge
oldbravesbag
February 19th, 2009
9:14 pm
Now we know that Tim Hudson is a whacko too. OMG….I knew most baseball players were not the best and the brightest, but this takes the cake. NO ONE that really wanted to play baseball for a club would change their mind because of a newspaper article saying that very same thing. It makes no sense…. and for everyone getting mad about it…stop and think for one second…because that’s all it takes.
Unbelievable……
Cory
February 19th, 2009
9:14 pm
Griffey Jr is an idiot plain and simple.. Lets get pass this and move on to the next rumor or big story that will be (should be anyways) coming along in the next few days or week.. What I hate about this situation is that Griffey contacted the Braves about playing here, not the other way around.. This should in no way fall on the shoulders of Frank Wren, and I don’t even blame DOB for this one..
So would it have been so difficult for Griffey to sign with the Braves and not even mention DOB? That is why I have a hard time believing that Griffey changed his mind because of the article that DOB wrote on the AJC.. If Griffey did change his mind because of that, then I don’t want a selfish player like that playing for the Braves.. They sure didn’t win 14 consecutive division titles by employing a bunch of selfish players..
Let him go back to Seattle and hit his 15-18 HR’s next season while he is the DH.. Maybe we can go after a Luke Scott, Nick Swisher, or Xavier Nady now.. I like Swisher because he is a switch hitter for one, and if we have to give up the prospects to get him, it will be more worth it to have him under contract for 3 years instead of 1 like Nady would be..Anything is possible, I just hope they can land a power bat at some point in the next week or two..
Andrew
February 19th, 2009
9:14 pm
DOB- do you see anything in brandon jones as a player that could battle for playing time?
Rip Van Winkel
February 19th, 2009
9:16 pm
Anything new to report on Furcal? I heard Ken Griffey is looking for a team to play his last year. My money says he signs with Seattle.
oldbravesbag
February 19th, 2009
9:16 pm
Dave….Seriously…this is all a bunch of crap. Most of us know you are the grownup in this situation.
Hang in there.
proeye
February 19th, 2009
9:16 pm
Coxlover… Kind of a cryptic way of reporting this isn’t it? And words like upset and mad don’t quite illustrate what actually happened does it?
But again, if there is not going to be any details that’s fine.
jbutler
February 19th, 2009
9:16 pm
Yikes…missed out on the Hudson drama. Turn the page and hope some youngster will fit the bill and make him forget. Wonder who leaked the story about the altercation
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
9:17 pm
Cory, nice! “Ken Griffey “Freakin” Jr is an idiot plain and simple.. ” Really? Come on!
Jim
February 19th, 2009
9:17 pm
Schumaker of Cards interesting. Bats L; can’t hit RHP – .168/.423; 0/6 in 119 ABs. Kills RHP – .340/.861; 8/40 in 421 ABs. Not much power, only 8/10 SBs, with 5 triples so might have a bit of speed.
Luke Scott v. RHP: .269/.838; 18/54 in 368 ABs. Against LHP: .215/.702 in 107 ABs.
Not sure what B’lmore needs; STL needs a 2B. Both have at least 2 more years under team control. Scott would be preferable. Baltimore rebuilding.
Issue for the moment – would one of these guys be that much better than Anderson/B. Jones/Schafer in ‘09? And what would be cost?
One more thought – cute blog blog names with some sort of sexual reference make this blog look like it is populated by a bunch of high school sophomores. Be more creative guys; don’t demonstrate the end of your formal schooling.
Dave – good work. You have nothing to apologize for. Your role in this blog is to start the ball rolling and report what appears to be true. You had more than sufficient basis for reports re Junior. Fact that Junior would rather watch himself on Jumbo Screen in Seattle than watch his kids play their games suggests that he might not be the team player that some of us are hoping Braves get.
Saltywoody
February 19th, 2009
9:18 pm
So Glavine’s going back to the Mets, huh?
KC
February 19th, 2009
9:19 pm
DOB, what do you think the chances are of getting Hudson to chat on the blog tomorrow?
Sorry, couldn’t resist. =)
For the record, sounds like he really overreacted.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
9:19 pm
Jim, I hope you’re not referring to my name. By the way, i’m not a high school sophomore. I’m a college freshman.
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
9:20 pm
Jim – I have no problem with someone supporting DOB. But “good work.” At the very least it was mediocre work!
Andrew
February 19th, 2009
9:20 pm
hopefully jordan schafer is better then we all think..it would be nice to have a rookie centerfielder who had comparisions of grady sizemore
KC
February 19th, 2009
9:21 pm
DOB, one of these days, you’re going to look back on all of this and laugh…
Oh boy. I really do feel for ya. I was just an ordinary Wednesday when you woke up yesterday…
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
9:22 pm
So who is to blame for the main headline in the AJC Sports Section reading ” Griffey will play for Braves” Is it O’Brien, Terrence Moore, the editor, or who ?
KC
February 19th, 2009
9:23 pm
Jim “One more thought – cute blog blog names with some sort of sexual reference make this blog look like it is populated by a bunch of high school sophomores.”
Sounds like you’re assuming that’s not the case. =)
N8
February 19th, 2009
9:23 pm
“I wouldn’t want anyone reporting that I did a George Brett in the clubhouse.” proeye
Perhaps you could have stepped it UP a notch, and stated that if you were Hudson, you wouldn’t want anybody reporting that you pulled a Hal McRae in his office?
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
9:25 pm
O’Brien, Schultz and Bradley have all blamed it on Moore, more or less (pardon the pun). Apparently this douche bag source came out of Cincy where as his fellow chums call him Terry
More Morons
February 19th, 2009
9:25 pm
Lets expand on the history making aspect of the Griffey deal that didn’t happen.
Baseball history February, 2009.
HEADLINE! Player Refuses To Sign With Team Based On Story Published That Said He Was Going To Sign With Team!
I still want an example when this has EVER happened before. What’s that you say? It’s NEVER happened before? Why not? Ohhhh because players don’t make decisions about their future based on a single news report speculating on where the player will sign. So in essence, it’s never happened before and it didn’t happen this time either!
I expect wild accusations and crying from some of our more “learned” posters here, but Hudson believing that? Geez that guy must be dumber than a box of rocks!
I think the question should be put to Hudson: Would the deciding factor of whether you signed a contract worth millions of dollars or not be based on a news report that said you were going to sign? If he says yes, then he truly is dumber than a board!
John Quest 2
February 19th, 2009
9:25 pm
Coxlover – I’ll take the blame!! finally, we can move on.
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
9:26 pm
…Terry is from.
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
9:27 pm
Got to run, I’m late for a Mensa meeting.
JimD
February 19th, 2009
9:28 pm
For those who have postulated about Schumaker’s status, I believe the Cards are going to give him a go at 2B, and that is why they released Kennedy. So I don’t believe he will be available.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
9:28 pm
More, you would be surprised at what makes players sign with a certain team. When you are divided between 2 teams, almost anything can cause you to swing one way or the other. The article very well could have tipped the balance in favor of the Mariners for WHATEVER reason. Who knows. It may sound crazy, It may sound ridiculous, but the truth is nobody except Griffey knows if the article had any impact on his decision.
John Quest 2
February 19th, 2009
9:29 pm
I’d rather be moron than off.
Braveheart
February 19th, 2009
9:30 pm
——- Jim, I hope you’re not referring to my name. By the way, i’m not a high school sophomore. I’m a college freshman. ——-
Not a shock that you’re just a freshman. Also not shocking is that you are sitting in front of your screen with your little keyboard on a Thursday night when you are in college. It’s THURSDAY FRIGGIN’ NIGHT! You say you are in college. The party freaking starts on every freaking college campus on Thursday night. Doesn’t matter what college town you’re in, they never need to have drinking specials on Thursday, Friday or Saturday. But I guess you haven’t noticed because you’re too busy tapping the night and day away on the keyboard in between masturbation breaks. Get out of the house, crack a brew and get laid you wanker
oldbravesbag
February 19th, 2009
9:30 pm
Are any of you angry people really thinking about this? IF Griffey wanted to play for the Braves at all…why would a headline that says he will play for the Braves bother him at? What would turn him off about a headline? Did it ruin the party he was going to throw for the media? What??? What would make him so mad that he picked another team?
Sam 95
February 19th, 2009
9:30 pm
Weird but I’m excited again about the team. Everyone doesn’t give us a chance in Hell but how gives a damn!
rich
February 19th, 2009
9:31 pm
So O’Brien, now you are reporting that Glavine has signed….are you sure???
proeye
February 19th, 2009
9:31 pm
I’d like to get some perspective on how Wren thinks after being jerked around for the 4th time. Wow, this has got to suck for him.
I kinda wonder if this was all a set up by Griffey. It is just too peculiar. In fact, it sure sounds like a second Furcal situation doesn’t it? Since there is such a tight market right now, it could be that players/agents are trying to peg two teams against each other. They get one team to show that they are interested, then go to another team saying they want to join them. The next step is to leak it to the media that they are definitely going to the second team. Then at the 11th hour, either the first team comes back to negotiate or the agent contacts them. Just a wee bit too fishy.
So who got jerked around here? FW? DOB? The Atlanta Braves? The Braves fans?
Sam 95
February 19th, 2009
9:32 pm
I meant who…must be some dyslexia I don’t know about
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
9:32 pm
oldbraves, maybe the headline made him upset because he hadn’t made his decision yet and he felt like the AJC was making his decision for him ?
Random
February 19th, 2009
9:33 pm
Dang you, Braveheart!!!
I had the perfect comeback to your 8:07 pm (“I’d say the majority of these douchebags need to go get laid . . .”
I was gonna say: “Nah, they just need to renew their prescriptions to Cosmopolitan.”
Haha!
But then you go and steal my thunder by continuing: ” . . . but most of them seem to be so young and so sad, they likely need to just go do what do at least five times every day: go steal their momma’s Cosmo and . . . “etc, etc.
Dang you!!!
(JK)
Chief Nock A Homa (8:14 pm): “My point is that DOB reinforced over and over and over that Griff was going to be a Brave”
Well, sir, yer “point” is off-target, incomplete and misleading.
DOB reinforced over and over and over that it was his opinion — not a fact, but an OPINION that Griff was going to be a Brave.
And he gave us all the reasons he reached that conclusion. And he thereby allowed us to form our own opinions, based on the same info to which HE was privy, and to which we are not. (Btw, what more can you ask of a beat blogmeister?!?!?)
And some of us, sheep-like, latched on to and adopted his opinion as our own.
But when it turned out wrong, we disowned our opinion, and tried to make it wholly DOB’s.
Did I say “sheep”?
Make that Cannibalistic Sheep!!! Sheesh.
(I see now that I’ve repeated some of the points of Sir Stealth, BFIR, Steve from OH, flange1 and doubtless others.
Welp — it BEARs repeating.
More Morons
February 19th, 2009
9:33 pm
Yeah Cox you’re right. Nobody but Griffey and his agent knows for sure, but sure are a lot of people blaming DOB and the AJC for it aren’t they?
John Quest 2
February 19th, 2009
9:33 pm
We saw Tom Glavine at the IHOP on Int’l Blvd. He was trying to order from the senior menu.
DaleM
February 19th, 2009
9:34 pm
Ken Griffey Jr.? Yeah, I remember him. He was a good player back in the 90s. Whatever happened to him?
.
Marc Lazzeri
February 19th, 2009
9:35 pm
Whip his ass, DOB!
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
9:35 pm
Random, when the FRONT PAGE of the AJC sports section reads in large bold letters ” GRIFFEY WILL PLAY FOR THE BRAVES” and it turns out that it is totally untrue I think people have a right to be upset.
ccrider
February 19th, 2009
9:36 pm
ccrider
February 19th, 2009
8:02 pm
Anders: It is sad that instead of being a fan of your own team, on a blog with other Mets bloggers discussing your team’s possibilities and hopes, you spend your time pontificating about a team and it’s fans that you care nothing about. You would rather be a constant annoyance to everyone on this blog, most that do not enjoy your contributions(including DOB himself, whose is fairly tolerant), than go somewhere that you might be appreciated and conversed with in a more friendly way. I truly feel sad for you. You must live a life where the only attention you can garner is by being an contarian, thus drawing attention to yourself not for you wit or knowledge, but for your spite and ill intentions. You are like so many of the ill-informed bloggers that have posted on the Griffey signing. They don’t bother to see the facts of how and why it concluded the way it did, they just want to rail at someone for the inadequacies of their lives. You seem to be smart enough to see your not wanted here. Ask yourself a question? Why?
Report this comment
James is Red
February 19th, 2009
9:36 pm
For the love of God people! Do a little research. This whole Griffey thing is about Harold Reynolds and Willie Mays. DOB and the AJC were right a couple of days ago and then the Say Hey Kid intervened. There’s no competing with that. Read this: Reynolds had been acting all week as a liaison between the Mariners and Griffey, trying relentlessly to convince his buddy that Seattle was the place for him. And Mays was his ace in the hole.
“I called Willie, and he acted like an old friend,’” Armstrong said. “He talked about the importance of coming back, and asked if it would be an imposition if he called Junior and talked about it.
“I said, ‘Willie, you’re probably the greatest player ever, and the reason Junior wore No. 24.’ I gave him Junior’s phone number.”
Apparently, what the Say Hey Kid had to say hit the mark, because it was not too much longer before Griffey himself called Armstrong — who had just landed back in Seattle — to give him the good news.
“Ken said it was a legacy thing,” Armstrong said. “When he talked to Willie, that was the word he used – legacy, and what it meant to him and the Giants, and what Junior means to this franchise. He told him that would live on long after his own lifetime, and Ken’s lifetime.”
Ed
February 19th, 2009
9:37 pm
Ok, so we lost Griffey. But rather than trading for Nady or Swisher, why not make a try for Garret Anderson?
Jim
February 19th, 2009
9:38 pm
JimD – agree re Schumaker. There’s an article on mlb.com – Cardinals to that effect. It is not clear he can make switch from OF to 2B, but Cards like him very much as leadoff hitter. If he can’t play 2B, he’ll go back to OF. I like Scott better anyway.
Braveheart – actually, I’m old enough to be your Grandfather; since my kids are still in college, I’ll pass your advice on to them. Remember, study from 4PM to 9PM every Friday and Saturday. No one will know you are doing it, so it won’t hurt your reputation, and no good party starts until at least 10PM.
Cloudy
February 19th, 2009
9:38 pm
1) The AJC writer that wrote the story had to realize that no reader would care about the source. Readers only focus on what is printed. How long has he been in the news business ?
2) Now the club is asking why Ken approached them ? Geez … hello…wouldn’t any intelligent person approach a couple of perspective employers to investigate the opportunity ?
3) Maybe he just didn’t want to play with Chipper…LOL.
tr
February 19th, 2009
9:38 pm
Junior was quoted several times as saying that his decision was influenced by conversations with Mays and Aaron over his “legacy.” He also stated that the deciding point came after a conversation with his daughter suggesting that he’d be happier in the long run with the M’s. Add to that the fact that they offered him a larger ($) deal, and you have several “reasons” for his change of heart that make a LOT more sense than a story from AJC.
Patrick
February 19th, 2009
9:39 pm
DOB,
I hadn’t even realized until reading your last post that Hudson was upset. But you didn’t put out there who might be cut? That was Bowman, so was he equally upset with Bowman?
More Morons
February 19th, 2009
9:40 pm
It’s obvious whoever sets the headline does so without using the context of the reporting. That isn’t the first time I’ve read a DOB report and saw a headline that didn’t even resemble what was reported. I’ve noticed that on a number of occasions. I suppose the quality control of such a thing doesn’t come to a head until something like this happens. One thing for sure; On those occasions you can bet a reporter doesn’t report that he had biscuits for breakfast and then write a headline that said he had toast!
Jeffey
February 19th, 2009
9:41 pm
It is just very hard for me to believe that an adult who makes millions to play ball would choose his employer and his home because he didn’t like a newspaper article, and it’s equally hard for me to believe another adult who makes millions to play ball would blame a reporter for his team’s problems.
Speaking of high school I taught it for 13 years, and those are levels of immaturity I wouldn’t accept from my students. Some folks need to grow up, and it’s not the reporters who are doing their jobs.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
9:41 pm
I just think that the article makes the AJC look very bad. I mean when people pay money to read the AJC print edition, they expect the articles to be accurate and not so misleading.
John Quest 2
February 19th, 2009
9:41 pm
What we have here is a failure to communicate.
Good work, today, DOB. We’ll lose a battle or two, but will win the war.
G-day.
oldbravesbag
February 19th, 2009
9:44 pm
Coxlover…. You pretty much answered your own question…he wasn’t choosing the Braves…because if he was, he wouldn’t have been mad at all. Ken Griffey is 39 years old. Usually grownups don’t let things like a “jump the gun headline” influence life decisions that affect the entire family. But go ahead and think that Dave and the AJC had the power to do just that.
csg
February 19th, 2009
9:44 pm
DOB, every offseason we hear about players who have done this and done that in the offseason. Have you seen anyone that you’ve just been downright impressed by in the first few days?? Who would you say improved the most this offseason physical wise?? Who’s in the best shape on the team?
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
9:46 pm
oldbraves, i’m not saying the article did influence Griffey’s decision, i’m just saying it could have. What I am saying is that the headline of the ajc sports page that read ” Griffey will play for Braves” was totally inappropriate.
keylargo
February 19th, 2009
9:49 pm
I wonder how long before this makes Wikipedia? I can see it now – Dave O’brien, primarily know to be the first beat writer to cause player movement in MLB……………..
Matt
February 19th, 2009
9:52 pm
I think we should sign newly designated former top-prospect Andy Marte to a Minor League contract. Why not???
More Morons
February 19th, 2009
9:53 pm
Griffey has already said why he chose Seattle. He didn’t even mention the AJC article. To my knowledge, the only person who has said that publicly is Mark Bowman and he in effect threw the AJC and DOB under the bus whether he meant to or not. Some others have “run” with the idea, but Bowman was the one who put it out there. There are any number of reasons why communication with Griffey stopped when the story broke. Could have been that Seattle just stepped up their efforts and had his ear.
good lord people, grow up
February 19th, 2009
9:53 pm
DOB
Don’t sweat it. First, if Griffey didn’t come because of a newspaper report stating that he was, (doubtful) he’s a bigger prima dona than I thought. Second, most, I say MOST, of the bloggers on this or any other site are perpetually irritated at everything anyway and enjoy pointing fingers. Third, he’s 39 freakin’ years old and has been out of the lineup more than in the lineup for the last five years. He’s not suddenly going to revert to the ‘Jr’ of 10 years ago anymore than Glavine is.
We’ll be better off defensively with the people we have. More speed with any combo of Andersen, Blanco, B Jones and maybe Schaefer,(sp) Who cares if they hit 20 homers or not? Get ‘em on base, run ‘em and drive ‘em in. If they score 75-100 runs using their speed, I don’t care if they hit 5 or 50 homers. You don’t have to hit homers to score runs, but you do have to score runs to win games. There, that should get the half wits started.
Keep up the good work, DOB.
More Morons
February 19th, 2009
9:55 pm
We need to put this in context. It sure as hell wasn’t “Dewey Defeats Truman!”
fifthbusiness
February 19th, 2009
9:55 pm
Question How many bloggers wanting to can Wren have actually tried to draft a Little League team and run it. My goodness grasus I am tied of people calling for people jobs when all they have done is be a computer jockey. The Braves performance in the next few years will determine how well Wren does his job. Not even St Bill of sybermetrics is right at forcasting the future all the time. Lets play ball and see how bad he has done before we fire anyone.
tlj
February 19th, 2009
9:55 pm
The truth is we will probably never know why Griffey changed his mind but here is what has been reported:
1) Two weeks ago it was rumored only one team was interested in
Griffey (Seattle) and they might be able to sign him for $ 500,000
to $ 1,000,000.
2) Last week it was reported Griffey was about to sign with Seattle, he
then denied it at the golf tournament he was playing in.
3) Over the weekend he contacted someone at the Braves office and let
them know he was really interested in playing in Atlanta. He stayed
in contact with Chipper the past few days.
4) He abrutly changed his mind when offered more money and a chance
to continue with Seattle after playing days were over.
I doubt it was to insure his legacy, he is the greatest player of
the 90′S and a first ballot HOF. I think his legacy is pretty much secured. Unfortunately I think he used the Braves to get a better deal from Seattle. Hey it worked for Furcal.
I wish both of them luck in the coming season, I just don’t think either has character.
joe fan
February 19th, 2009
9:57 pm
i dont like this new blog anymore. i come on here to read all DOB’s posts from the day and they have all been truncated and nothing before 8 pm is available!
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
9:59 pm
While the article may have not caused Griffey to change his mind about going to the Braves, I think the article could have made the Mariners try to go after Griffey even harder.
Danga
February 19th, 2009
10:02 pm
Wow, wow, wow. Bravesfan79…I am really impressed. After the efforts from coxlover, the pres, and various interlopers I thought they blog had reached an all time low. But no! You sir have brought it even lower.
brent a.
February 19th, 2009
10:03 pm
This blog is drowning in Cox Love.
Have a good night and great weekend everybody.
More Morons
February 19th, 2009
10:04 pm
I’m Frank Wren and most everything I touched this year turned to crap. Not saying that it was his fault, just know that is what it has looked like.
Suddenly the Griffey thing is falling apart. Wren is going to look inept again! Wait! Haven’t heard from Griffey since the AJC story broke! That’s it! I’ll tell Bowman that we haven’t heard from Griffey since the story broke and he will run with the idea! Thats it! It’s the AJC and O’briens fault not mine!!
Then to boot, I’ll use the AJC article theory to save face with my players, the same players who probably aren’t too thrilled with me over letting Smoltz walk and failing to bring in the help they need. I’ll blame DOB and AJC!
(sometime later, Huddy goes off on DOB)
Now does this sound toooo far fetched?
Be Careful of Stones That You Throw
February 19th, 2009
10:05 pm
A couple of current Braves both dumped their wives and families for other women. Tell me, do THEY have character?
Matt
February 19th, 2009
10:05 pm
Who cares that Griffey went to Seattle. He would probably hurt a hammy or something by the end of April and we will be seeing a young player platooning with Matty D in Left anyways. Plus, we need a right handed bat between Chipper and Mac.
jds
February 19th, 2009
10:06 pm
You know what’s funny?
Terrence Moore’s comments are turned off
He posted an article at noon yesterday and there’s no comments. Can’t take the heat?
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
10:08 pm
Last comment tonight I swear: Maybe DOB can be the “Rachel Phelps” of the Atlanta Braves. The more I think about the Hudson incident -the more I’m convinced this could actually pull the team together.
David O'Brien
February 19th, 2009
10:08 pm
CSG, regarding your 9:44 questions: Unfortunately, we’ve been so wrapped up in the Griffey watch the past few days, and me in getting guys up to the pressbox for online chats the first two days, etc., than I’ve watched less baseball than ever in the first few days of camp. That should change now that the Griffey thing’s over and we’re getting to a normal routine (if God is a merciful God).
That said, McCann and Diaz are noticeably more fit, and Diaz actually looks five years younger he’s in such great shape. He followed that P90X diet and it worked amazingly well in a few months.
Lowe has looked great, been able to watch him throw a couple times. And of course, Moylan just dominated hitters in his first BP session, very impressive in his first time facing hitters since May.
Plan to try to go watch Heyward hit on Field 2 tomorrow, hopefully. And I want to watch Francoeur at the cage, haven’t done that yet.
Chipper looks good, noticeably thicker in arms, but a little slimmer around waist. He’s hit some moon shots in BP, but that’s nothing unusual.
shawn
February 19th, 2009
10:10 pm
DOB while I have been critical of your reporting (but not you blog in general which I really do like) I hate to hear the thing with Hudson. That is not cool and unneeded on his part.
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
10:12 pm
Just when I was going to go to bed you have to chime in. I swear I’m dreaming about Griffey and DOB’s LOVE CHILD TONIGHT
Mitchie-san
February 19th, 2009
10:13 pm
Has DOB even said it was him who got into it with Hudson? I dont think he has. DOB is not the only reporter to ever step into the locker room. I know someone heard it on “FOX FORCE 5 ACTION NEWS” or whatever, but he hasnt said anything. ( hey, it is FOX…so you cant trust it….)
Even if it was Dave, I seriously doubt he instigated anything.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
10:14 pm
Mitchie, yes he has said that the reporter was him and they also said so on Fox 5. He was interviewed on Fox 5 today.
Hudson's Missles
February 19th, 2009
10:15 pm
Hudson believed there were WMDs to.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
10:16 pm
If anyone wants to hear about the Hudson-O’Brien argument today they’re gonna show it on Fox 5 in a few minutes.
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
10:18 pm
We need to rebuild – not the ball club – the sport’s staff at the AJC. Just keep LEDBETTER around. He’s like my Starbucks – I can’t live without his reporting on the Falcons. Maybe he could cover both baseball and football.
Choppinmama
February 19th, 2009
10:18 pm
Morons……..your 9:10…….EXACTLY!!
Mitchie-san
February 19th, 2009
10:18 pm
OK, I stand corrected.
TennesseePaul
February 19th, 2009
10:19 pm
This pagenation thing they hope to implement… I hope they do in reverse order. I hate logging onto a blog and then filtering down to the last page to catch up to the conversation… Any way. I look forward to the next updates DOB.
Random
February 19th, 2009
10:19 pm
Coxlover (9:35 pm): “when the FRONT PAGE of the AJC sports section reads in large bold letters ” GRIFFEY WILL PLAY FOR THE BRAVES” and it turns out that it is totally untrue I think people have a right to be upset”
Perhaps.
But that’s NOT what DOB himself said. Or wrote. So why blame him? He wrote the story — he did not write the headline. You DID know that, right?
Did you not even read the story? Did you not read the blog? Can you not even parse 4th-grade newspaper English?
Your And Idiot, you know.
ccrider (9:36 pm): blah blah blah die Anders blah blah blah
blah blah blah hate Anders blah blah blah
blah blah blah kill Anders blah blah blah
blah blah blah just leave Anders blah blah blah
Anders is a heckuva lot smarter, wittier and more entertaining and insightful than most here (including your little rant).
I myself value his contributions and am glad that little pismires like you are impotent to drive him away. And I am not alone on this here.
Choppinmama
February 19th, 2009
10:21 pm
Morons…….sorry, another moron here(only I don’t parade)………make that your 9:02
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
10:21 pm
Enter your comments here
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
10:21 pm
Random, I’m just trying to figure out who wrote the headline. That’s who I’m most mad at. Does anyone know who it was ?
ncgary
February 19th, 2009
10:21 pm
this whole situation reminds me of 911, a whole lotta people being conned into believing somethin like that was possible, when anyone that has a head they use for things other than a hatrack immediately see through the debris and know who the real culprits are
Biren
February 19th, 2009
10:21 pm
I’m so excited to see the NEW Atlanta Braves!!! I can’t to see Kawakami, Lowe, Vasquez, a healthy Glavine, and a hopefully better hitter in Francoeur. Our bullpen is going to be one of the strongest in the league! No more losing 1-run games that essentially put us into 4th place. I hope we can get a strong bat in the outfield. We will not get swept by the Phillies like last year. We are going to win!!!
pfunkATL2
February 19th, 2009
10:22 pm
DOB
Thanks for stepping up to the plate and taking(whatever) responsibility you had in this situation. This is still the BEST beat blog I have ever read and I have lived in 7 major cities. Please don’t let the ignorant few(including some players) influence you to NOT post your opinions and/or impressions about what is going on. THAT is the reason we read this blog…well THAT and your EXCELLENT references on BBQ and DIVE joints. For what it’s worth, you have my ABSOLUTE and UNEQUIVICABLE support.
Run Heap Run
February 19th, 2009
10:22 pm
Can we just leave all of DOB’s comments and then how many ever others until it gets to 100?
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
10:23 pm
There’s only one president at a time; now,now imposter
Greg
February 19th, 2009
10:24 pm
This new software has killed the value of this blog.
pfunkATL2
February 19th, 2009
10:24 pm
I would, however, have LOVED to been a fly on the wall when Huddy had words with you. Gotta say, I would LIKE your chances against him, LOL.
JasonInFL (Formerly ME)
February 19th, 2009
10:25 pm
Hudson seemed like one of the least approachable players last year when I was at the Dark Star. I find his reaction a little odd, unprofessional, and to be quite honest; rather childish.
Choppinmama
February 19th, 2009
10:26 pm
DOB: sorry you had to get a very close look at the Worst Looking Bald Head On A White Guy when Hudson got up close and personal. Yowza.
Josh from Columbus
February 19th, 2009
10:26 pm
huddy’s from columbus too, so i hate to hear that. maybe he just got caught up in the moment. anyhow… no one seems to want to elaborate or comment on my manny suggestion (probably because the braves would never do it) but i was just trying to start some chatter. i really hope shaefer gets called up early this season. i hear he has a HOSE!
Random
February 19th, 2009
10:27 pm
jds (10:06 pm) — Yeah, I tried to share my Selig-Aaron-steroids conspiracy theory with him this morning, but no go.
Funny, that.
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
10:27 pm
Greg: there are over 650,000 to 750,000 — in the unabridged dictionary today. Those are the best ten you could muster?!
Efrim
February 19th, 2009
10:29 pm
DOB, sorry to hear about that crap that happened. I just want to thank you because this blog kicks ass and you do a great job. I really can’t imagine that report turning Griffey off from the Braves. Doesn’t make any sense. Anyway, back to baseball, was it in Heyward’s contract that he had to be invited to the big league camp this early in his professional career? Thought I heard that somewhere. Maybe even from you. Can’t remember. If true, I’m guessing that is standard for a high first rounder.
Bullseye
February 19th, 2009
10:29 pm
Why is everyone so worked up about a 39 yr old injury prone, slow LF. Fact is Griffey would have given the Braves a .260 bat with 15 -20 HR, below avg speed on the bases and below avg defense. All he could have brought to Atlanta is his name, that would be good for about 6 weeks then all you would have is a has been Cox would like he owed playing time. Go with the young guys and wait for a difference maker to become available, let pitching and defense win games early.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
10:30 pm
Bullseye, you could also ask why people are getting so worked up about a 43 year old, injury prone Glavine.
What's the deal w/Huddy?
February 19th, 2009
10:30 pm
What happened with Hudson? Does anyone have a link?
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
10:30 pm
Griffey hit 18 HR’s last year and he’s healthier this year, so I think he’ll probably hit 20-25 HR’s this year.
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
10:32 pm
BTW O’Brien: Diaz just called me, its the P9OX. Dude, I’M BEGINNING TO WORRY!
Jake W.
February 19th, 2009
10:33 pm
Well Mets and Phillies are at it again with their annual bold predictions and banter. I’m cool with that. Interesting that K-Rod comes in and jumps right into it without having proved anything. Other than the bullpen for the Mets I don’t think they are really that improved overall. Still should make for interesting division race. We have the most pitching depth even though we don’t have a true ace like the phils or mets. I still like our chances to compete. Afterall we did pretty against Santana last year as we won every game he pitched in against us. At least we know we can hit the guy, now if we could only do better against Mr. Hamels.
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
10:33 pm
What’s the deal w/Huddy?: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Apxgq2IuNFwwMbJY9i_l5D8RvLYF?slug=ap-braves-griffeyfallout&prov=ap&type=lgns
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
10:35 pm
Jake, most of the experts I’ve heard say the Braves will be 3rd or 4th.
Jake W.
February 19th, 2009
10:38 pm
Yeah and most of the experts last year were picking the Tigers to not just make the postseason but to possibly make the world series.
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
10:38 pm
***lover – check out this article: http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9238050/Improved-Braves-look-awfully-dangerous. Its pretty encouraging.
What's the deal w/Huddy?
February 19th, 2009
10:38 pm
Thanks, President of Matt Diaz FC. Thanks to the stupid cap on comments I can’t catch up on what DOB’s said…has he commented on this?
BravesFanInRockies
February 19th, 2009
10:39 pm
Coxlover,
Back briefly but just have to ask –
If we find out the identity of the headline writer, do you plan to head down to AJC headquarters and beat him/her up? Would that make you feel better?
I strongly suggest you get over it. Life is full of disappointments, and wonderful times, too.
Good night.
jds
February 19th, 2009
10:40 pm
heyyy! DOB’s on the news!
You made it!
brian
February 19th, 2009
10:40 pm
if Huddy really got into a heated argument claiming the story made Griffey back out I just lost a lot of respect for Tim Hudson. The stories were everywhere and if a player’s ego is so fragile that a story (even if premature or leaked) can make a person change his mind, that player is weak and a prima donna. Griffey going to the Mariners had nothing to do with the AJC it had to do with $$$$$.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
10:40 pm
What concerns me is that Frank Wren says he doesn’t think we need another bat. We had the worst outfield offensive production in baseball last year !!!
Nick from PA
February 19th, 2009
10:41 pm
DOB,
Did you throw down with Tim Hudson?
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
10:42 pm
Brian, if Griffey’s decision to go to the Mariners had to do with $$$$ then why did he take less money to go to the Reds in 2000 ?
Nick from PA
February 19th, 2009
10:43 pm
anyway to keep DOB’s comments up all the time, instead of deleting them every 100 posts??
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
10:45 pm
Yea – to give the man credit, he actually went into this in some detail. Paraphrasing of course, but he basically said Huddy had some choice words for him primarily due to his reporting on Griffey. There was also the other matter of his speculation regarding roster moves/spots after the fact i.e. Griffey and Glavine signing that is. I’m sure he’ll address this at length tomorrow once all this dies down a bit.
Efrim
February 19th, 2009
10:46 pm
Coxlover, wasn’t Griffey traded to the Reds?
Bullseye
February 19th, 2009
10:48 pm
Bingo and Smotzie too. BTW 18 HR in HR friendly parks and DHing for most of his AB.
Interested Observer
February 19th, 2009
10:48 pm
I think we can safely assume that Hudson wasn’t the player that told DOB the Braves should give the young outfielders a shot.
Jake W.
February 19th, 2009
10:49 pm
Wow, I never thought a player would take that stuff serious. Wow maybe Huddy doesn’t know much about blogging but people can say anything on their. Note to Huddy: If Ken Griffey is that sensitive that a leak caused him to run clear across the country you may not want a guy like that on your team anyway. Boy, I never thought Atlanta media would scare guys off. I wonder what would have happened if this would have been the Ynakees, Mets, Red Sox, or Phillies or any big market team.
Besides the fact is I really do not believe the Ajc or anyone who broke the story had anything to do with it. I would say Willie Mays, Reynolds, and Seattle upping the ante had the most to do with it. Don’t get mad at the man because he’s doing his job. If anything Huddy should have talked to Chipper becuase if he had I don’t think he’d be taking his anger out on a beat writer. Griffey the one he should be mad at because he approached us and wasted our time.
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 19th, 2009
10:51 pm
Good night ATL! P.S. DOB, no hard feelings. No joke! Just got upset. This team is all I have to look forward to some times after a 12 hr hectic work day. Its an escape obviously. And when that safe space gets disrupted – I react sharply. You were in my crosshairs today buddy. No hard feelings. This blog ROCKS and you’re are the main reason. So keep it up and please accept my apologies for being harsh. P.S. (2) With that said – my ironic name stands. If M.D. has a problem – so be it! zzzzzzzzzzz.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
10:51 pm
Jake, is it possible the Mariners upped their ante because of the article in the AJC ?
spotts
February 19th, 2009
10:51 pm
Yea…Griffey was traded to the Reds for a bunch of nobodies. And Mike Cameron. oh wait…
keylargo
February 19th, 2009
10:53 pm
Coxlover
That is the second time in the last hour you have said Glavine was injury prone. Last year was the first time in his career he was on the DL. He has pitched over 4000 innings in MLB. In 2007 he pitched 200+ innings and had 23 quality starts. He was hurt at the first of 08 for the first time since 1988 when he came to the Major League.
Where is your argument that he is injury prone?
1056.84
February 19th, 2009
10:55 pm
This must have been a big embarrassing incident between Hudson and DOB. The ajc, in it’s usual clumsy, ineffectual manner, has decided to erase posting until everyone forgets DOB endangered Tim Hudson’s elbow.
Jake W.
February 19th, 2009
10:56 pm
Or Coxlover they upped it becuase they realized they were a 100 loss team with a struggling franchise and they needed some kind of ticket draw besides Ichiro becuase they knew they probably would not be able to compete again this year. The figures were out there before the ajc or anyone evern broke that he would come here. They said what we were willing to pay him and what they had offered.
Blame Ken Griffey for changing his mind. I’m sorry a newspaper article would make him trump what he feels about his family.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
10:56 pm
Keylargo, obviously the fact that he’s 43 alone makes him injury prone even if he doesnt have any history of injuries.
John Quest 2
February 19th, 2009
10:58 pm
I’m going over to the bowling blog on the Spartanburg Times. Not enough stress on this one.
Johnson's Girl
February 19th, 2009
10:59 pm
Geez people = get a clue…I can’t believe people keep sucking up to someone who the players don’t even respect.
Hudson Has Too Much Time On His Hands
February 19th, 2009
10:59 pm
If it were NYC, I could understand a player going off on a writer who was slamming him. Happens all the time in the big market towns. Writers in those markets are brutal!
To my knowledge, DOB has never had a negative word about Hudson. Heck DOB chooses his words very carefully every time he critiques the players.
Hudson is way off base on this one. If this is who the guy really is, he’s not very bright. Maybe that option for next season should be exercised by some other team and not the Braves.
You can educate the uneducated, but dumbazz is forever!
chrisklob
February 19th, 2009
11:00 pm
Random Yeah, I tried to share my Selig-Aaron-steroids conspiracy theory with him this morning, but no go.
Okay, you have my attention and I’d like to hear more.
Could someone catch me up on the Hudson blow up? I’ve been away from the blog since this morning and can’t find more than the last 100 or so posts so I missed whatever happened.
DOB, been an interesting couple of days on the old blog. Hold your head high. It’s amazing how many cowards have come out of the shadows to cast their daggers at you. Frankly, it’s quite sickening. As I said, I missed most of today’s action but last night and this morning I saw just a few regulars condemning you for what I suspect is really not your fault. Most of those losers were either new posters or cowards that were afraid to use their real name. How pathetic is that.
Dan R
February 19th, 2009
11:01 pm
from Lookout Landing, a Mariners blog:
It seems Braves fans are absolutely furious with David O’Brien for leaking the Griffey-to-Atlanta stuff before anything was official. They’re furious because there are rumblings that this leak contributed to Griffey’s ultimate decision. That sounds kind of silly at first, but I guess when you’re torn between family and fans, it doesn’t take much to tip the balance. I don’t know. Maybe it’s all a load of hoohah. All I can say is that Braves fans are taking the completely wrong approach, because if O’Brien’s leak really did play a part in all this, then he just saved Atlanta from a whole lot of defensive humiliation. It isn’t often you can say “I think a beat writer just made our team better.” This is one of those times. David O’Brien deserves to wake up to like three thousand muffin baskets in the morning.
brian
February 19th, 2009
11:03 pm
look at the contract Griffey got from the Mariners – much more than the Braves offered and much more than the Mariners offered before the Braves were involved.
Maybe Griffey would have come to the Braves if the Mariners didn’t increase their offer. Who knows? I still think he called the Braves to get them involved/get a contract offer. It was people close to Griffey who leaked the information that Griffey had chosen the Braves. They had to have known the leak would lead to many stories which it did. Griffey then was able to deny that he had made up his mind so he could go back to the Mariners for “one last chance.” Sure enough the Mariners came through with a higher contract offer. Griffey of course had his easy way out by saying he was hurt by the leak and the story.
Hudson Has Too Much Time On His Hands
February 19th, 2009
11:04 pm
So Johnson’s girl,
They should suck up to the players they don’t respect instead? Root for the team? Yeah. Automatic respect for the player because he’s a Brave or a ML player? Not on your life! Some of those guys would probably be in jail if they couldn’t play ball.
Jake W.
February 19th, 2009
11:06 pm
Johnson’s Girl, get it straight. A person 1 player doesn’t respect. If they didn’t respect him they wouldn’t give him the time of day. Yet they come up here and blog live and Chipper doesn’t seem to have a problem with him with his quotes. Chipper said himself he felt Griffey(who he had talked to on the phone) would be a brave.
keylargo
February 19th, 2009
11:08 pm
coxlover
That is the weakest argument I have ever seen coxlover. You might take a minute away from typing your uneducated opinions and actually look at some stats.
Two posts down from saying Glavine was injury prone, you predict Griffey will increase his homerun production over last year. Where is your argument for that old geezer? Why is he going to improve and Glavine is injury prone? Do you have any idea how often Griffey has had leg problems and been on the DL? I think you might have exhausted your quota of brain cells for the day with your 100 post day.
Good Post
February 19th, 2009
11:08 pm
Dan R
Nice Post @ 11:01!
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
11:10 pm
Keylargo, Griffey is several years younger than Glavine.
Good Post
February 19th, 2009
11:11 pm
keylargo,
There is NO logic to Coxlover. He lost the argument. End of story.
David O'Brien
February 19th, 2009
11:14 pm
I’ve always said, Lookout Landing is the finest baseball site on the blogosphere.
FSUbravesfan10
February 19th, 2009
11:16 pm
The truth on the Hudson-DOB altercation…
Hudson has been nursing his arm and had more time on his hands than he knows what to do with, so he decides one day “I’ll jam out to some classic 80’s music and read what DOB has to say on his lil old blog”
Right as he starts to strum his air guitar to “Here I go Again”, Hudson reads the most ludicrous statement ever made in his eyes by DOB. Something along the lines of Whitesnake, only be cool if you were a 14 year old girl or rocked a mullet… Poor guy is so insecure and heartbroken by these words that he decides to get in DOB’s face over a meaningless issue…and thus the beat goes on.
John Quest 2
February 19th, 2009
11:16 pm
If Griffey wanted to be an Atlanta Brave, he would have signed with the Braves. This shouldn’t so hard to comprehend. I’ve been busting my gut reading these idiotic comments over the past few days on how the Braves were jilted, and how DOB caused this, or how F Wren caused that. The front office made a conservative offer for his services, and he didn’t bite. Good! The NL doesn’t have a DH but we would have needed a designated runner for Jr. He needs to be back in Seattle where they worship shadow sightings. I hope you enjoyed this blog, for it will be my last. (J.K. in Macon, GA)
Billy Jack
February 19th, 2009
11:17 pm
DOB,Obviously this is none of my business, but it has not stopped anyone else. DOB, if you have kids you realize that they will go to school tomorrow and be told their father was yelled at by Tim Hudson. For your sake, and that of your kids(?), I really wish you would have told the emaciated munchkin to get out of your face before you kicked the crap out of him. Of course that would be a perfect world and we don’t live there. Just tell your kids that there are jacka##es in the world and sometimes those who play games really well have to be kissed up to because fawning adults with no lives worship them.
You have done nothing wrong, with the exception of laboring at a job that I guess requires you to be punked by a moron. Your employer should have your back, but once again , the perfect world thing.
m.hampton
February 19th, 2009
11:18 pm
injury prone? who dat called my name?
doug h
February 19th, 2009
11:19 pm
D. Obrien is full of excuses.Instead of going by a “close friend” do a little homework and get facts. Maybe the AJC should get rid of this crappy reporter.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
11:19 pm
Billy, DOB has no kids.
Billy Jack
February 19th, 2009
11:24 pm
Coxlover, Could DOB have told him “Get the Hell out of my face, you skinny twit.” I guess I just have a different code of conduct. Treat everyone with great respect and expect to be treated with just normal respect. If that tenet gets violated someone has to be called out for it. I hate bullies, even punk 170 lb bullies, whose ability to throw an out pitch gives them an inflated sense of worth.
i’ll be in DOB’s corner if he wants to little Timmy approaches him again.
spotts
February 19th, 2009
11:25 pm
well the good news is if the AJC decides to hire new reporters, we’ve got a ton of experts who suddenly decided to join this blog
1056.84
February 19th, 2009
11:25 pm
Gee wilikers, DOB is usually so gabby and quick to attack anyone that disagrees with his vitriol. Not too many posts by DOB. Maybe the ajc is erasing them, along with all the others.
Jeff321
February 19th, 2009
11:26 pm
Well, I missed out on the scoop since this POS blog doesn’t archive but an hour or two of comments!
Anyway, can we get a comment from Bobby Cox about Tim “HOT HEAD” Hudson? How is that for clubhouse etiquette you donkey. Why not reward him for bad behavior you hypocrite!
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
11:26 pm
Well, I think it was very unprofessional of Hudson to call out O’Brien in front of everyone. If he wanted to speak to O’Brien he should have done so in private.
Jake W.
February 19th, 2009
11:28 pm
Ok, lets humor all the people saying its DOB’s fault. Say Ken Griffey Jr. did go back to the Mariners because of a leaked story. How does this make Griffey look good. He chose the Braves but because of a leak by someone close to him that DOB and Mr. Moore reported he went back to Seattle. Not because of his love for the city or the franchise. So if i’m a Mariners fan i’m saying if the story doesn’t get leaked he goes to the Braves and doesn’t give a crap about us fans here in Seattle. It took a leak just get him to care about us. Wow, what a guy. Wish we could have had a guy of his character on our team.
Joel
February 19th, 2009
11:28 pm
Keep gettin’ after it DOB. You are by far the best writer of any of my sports teams. By FAR!!!
TnBrian
February 19th, 2009
11:28 pm
DOB, one of our own,Nady, Swisher, Ludwick, Ankiel, or G.Anderson? Who’s the Braves LF come opening day?
Muffin basket
February 19th, 2009
11:29 pm
DOB, how can I get a muffin basket to you?
Seriously, that was hilarious.
Yet true.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
11:29 pm
TnBrian, well Wren seems happy with what we’ve got so I think one of our own will be in LF.
Bubdylan
February 19th, 2009
11:30 pm
DOB, I saw a clip of Van Morrison doing “Sweet Thing” live at the Hollywood Bowl – is that the concert that’s recorded for the CD? I’m not finding an awful lot of info (okay, I only clicked three google leads) on the project. Is it REALLY good? As good as the extended Zevon?
He looked awesome in concert. Didn’t he release a performance DVD last year that was highly rated? I’ve been slow cranking up a music DVD collection, but I think it’s something I might get into. I really enjoy what little I have. Do you have any Van on DVD, or know what’s best to get?
(Thought I’d ask while things are slow….)
Tim Hudson's elbow
February 19th, 2009
11:31 pm
I hope I’m alright.
ncgary
February 19th, 2009
11:31 pm
bank of america and citi bank gone in 60 days? the same experts who singled out bear stearns and morgan stanley 6 months prior to their troubles says as much.
http://www.chartingstocks.net/2009/02/gone-in-60-days-citi-and-bank-of-america-wont-live-to-see-may/
Popeye
February 19th, 2009
11:31 pm
You can’t watch or play baseball on a blog but it looks like you can read the script from WWE sometimes. How about a no mercy match between DOB and Huddy. Using words of course. Whom ever writes the best script gets a date with Chop Chick, a famous baseball diva!
Kelly has a big Johnson
February 19th, 2009
11:32 pm
I heard the Marlboro Man whipped Huddy’s ass
Bryan
February 19th, 2009
11:34 pm
If THIS is what kept Griffey away then maybe that’s a sign! Good for us let Seattle have him, what would we end up with another David Justice argument with the fans at some point in the paper?
TNScott
February 19th, 2009
11:35 pm
Folks it’s time to move on and quit wallowing around in the mire of self-pity and criticism cause that won’t make the Kid reconsider. It’s over, and it is what it is. The 162 game season is long, and arduous. Predicting what’s going to happen during the next six months on the baseball field is as easy to predict as which stocks will or won’t do well during that span. Hope springs eternal every spring. Who could have predicted the Rockies would have been in the World Series two years ago mostly by having a phenomenal stretch run through September? Sometimes things just line up and something as improbable as the Cards winning the Series against what was considered by many a far superior Tigers team just happens. If Griffey has a great year, so be it. He’s in the other league.
If recent history of injury for players and player injury on certain teams are a predictor of future events, then the Braves and Griffey might not have been a good marriage. anyway. If Schaefer performs well and/or Heyward just has an off the charts spring who knows what might happen. We’ve got the potential for some really good players to produce and if we get a really good owner in 2011, or thereafter, who will put out the money needed to sign a free agent or two, we will be back. So sit back and enjoy the ride because spring and warmer weather can’t come soon enough for me.
Popeye
February 19th, 2009
11:36 pm
How about “let’s put a smile on that face”.
Wayne in Utah
February 19th, 2009
11:37 pm
So what is the details of the Glavine deal?
Also, who’s standing out so far this spring? (I know which guys are going to supplant Marie Osmond on the weight loss commercials.)
MiamiBrave
February 19th, 2009
11:37 pm
anyone tell me if DOB said the Huddy incident was with him?
all the comments are not up and didn’t get to see if he addressed that
thanks
keep chuggin along DOB
Andrew
February 19th, 2009
11:39 pm
so does everyone think we will settle with what we have now?
Matt022
February 19th, 2009
11:39 pm
DOB
Why dont you start a pole on who thinks Huddy is foolish for his actions and maybe he can read the results and see how much eveyone thinks of you. You never know he may be begging to be on the live blog.
Keep up with the good work!
Bursa Sca
February 19th, 2009
11:39 pm
Just got back in town. You must be kidding me! That skinny twerp with the crooked elbow messing with our DOB.
Hudson, take that rag arm down to Birmingham and tell Andrews to kiss it for you.
Popeye
February 19th, 2009
11:39 pm
And now for 20 million rupees, who was the Masked Mariner?
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
11:39 pm
Miami, yes the incident was with him.
MiamiBrave
February 19th, 2009
11:41 pm
thanks coxlover
can anyone paraphrase what he said about it? or did he just say that Huddy yelled at him?
Hudson in the Valley
February 19th, 2009
11:41 pm
We got your back bro. My son is 6 and his martial arts training is already enough for the Human Totem Pole.
Hudson Ferry
February 19th, 2009
11:43 pm
Hudson tore cartilage when he turned to yell at Dave. Expect him to miss two additional months.
P'cola Brave
February 19th, 2009
11:45 pm
Does anyone have the details with the Hudson thing? Missed it all and would like to know what happened?
MiamiBrave
February 19th, 2009
11:47 pm
lol Hudson Ferry
Popeye
February 19th, 2009
11:47 pm
Hey DOB, remember the opening line to the old Leon Russell classic ‘Roll Away the Stone’? ‘It’s a strange world we are living in”.
Andrew
February 19th, 2009
11:47 pm
hudson must think we really need more swagger in the outfield…its too bad we spend 80+ million dollars this offseason and have yet to add one one one one single bat..i think the braves prolly only have like 2 mill to spend on a hitter so were not getting swish or nady..
Bubdylan
February 19th, 2009
11:48 pm
Andrew, I hope we use what we have now, not to settle, but to get a feel in spring training/ early season for what we have. There’s nobody else, outfield-wise, to get all that upset about losing out on.
After spring, and early into the year, we’ll see not only how much outfield help we need, but also how much trade muscle we have. What if all five starters plus Hanson, Morton, Campillo, and Reyes show up looking great. With Huddy on the horizon, that’s TEN MLB-ready(ish) starting pitchers all told. Even just 8 or 9 would be a veritable log jam. Wouldn’t want to gut that, of course, but might get some outfield pop for some of it.
It just seems like a decent positioning move to wait a bit, as long as we don’t fall too far behind, which I don’t think we will.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
11:51 pm
http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/5214733/tim-hudson-has-words-david-obrien.html
spotts
February 19th, 2009
11:51 pm
Andrew
We haven’t signed one bat? What do you call beastly David Ross?
Dan R
February 19th, 2009
11:53 pm
Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake
johnbama
February 19th, 2009
11:54 pm
TNScott….I could not agree with you more. I think that this offseason may have been a success the more and more I think about it. Furcal…injury risk and attitude issue possibly by going to second? Lowe I feel strongly turns out to be a better investment than Burnett. Griffy would have been nice sure…in a retro kind of way…but maybe Brandon Jones can get us .280 15 60. Maybe Anderson and Schafer are to good in the spring to send back to the minors and one of them becomes part of the platoon in left with Diaz.
Truth is the starting rotation has significantly been upgraded. Soriano or no the bullpen could be one of the best in the majors. I think Frenchy bounces back to a .280 20hr level. The young players on this team are very exciting. Could be the start of a another interesting 10 year run.
Andrew
February 19th, 2009
11:55 pm
bubdylan, yea that AAA rotation looks like the should win the championship..i agree we should have good trade bait to use..plus waiting would not cost as much money..so being able to afford a better player for less.. and maybe liberty media will give us some more dough…i wish we still had the Ted owning the team..you’ve heard that he said on the today show that he really wanted to buy back the team ..
Mike S
February 19th, 2009
11:55 pm
Bubdylan, exactly my thinking as well (11:48pm).
There’s no rush anymore. No one out there is worth making a move for now. Wait until we have a better idea of what we need and what we have to move and then make a move if necessary. There will be more options available down the road (that aren’t available now), either later in the spring or during the season.
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
11:55 pm
johnbama, interesting that you didnt mentino peavy
Andrew
February 19th, 2009
11:55 pm
spotts, lol
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
11:56 pm
mention
johnbama
February 19th, 2009
11:56 pm
BTW TNScott….assuming you are from Tenn. Tenn fan? If so comments on Kiffen?
PTBNL
February 19th, 2009
11:57 pm
Blame, Blame, Blame.
Sides, Sides, Sides.
With as little knowledge as the average person has, how can anyone blame anyone else about what has gone on in the Griffey deal? The same is true in regard to Huddy and David. How can anyone put blame on anyone else? Why do we have to choose sides? We know that David has had a rough couple of days and we don’t know what may have been going on in Huddy’s personal life that brought this whole thing to happen. It may have been the results of things that neither person is aware if in the other person’s life. No one in our midst would want to be judged by people who know as little as most of us know about these two guys, what was going through their minds at the time.
The same is true of Griffey. I hear the reports of what he is saying. But really, can we take that as the total truth? “Legacy” has an appealing sound to it, but both before and after Griffey made his decision I read post from this blog and other blogs where Seattle fans were saying that Griffey is a manipulator. I don’t know if I can trust them or not. I don’t know if I can trust him or not. Earlier today one person came to this blog and said that he had some information and knew for sure that the thing that held up the deal with the Braves is that Griffey wanted to have boxed seats for his family and wanted to be able to bring his kids into the dugout during games. The Braves FO balked on the first point and Bobby said no the the second. He was not going to make an exception even for a HOF. I don’t know if that is true or not. The reason I mention is that there could be many things that we would never think of that goes on behind those closed doors. I doubt we get much true information about what actually transpires. We get what they want us to get and nothing more (most of the time).
I know what I have said does not dispense your hurt nor anger. But it may help to realize that your anger does not necessarily need to be aimed at any particular individual or group. It is possible to be hurt and not let it turn to anger. And it is possible to be angry and not turn it toward someone.
I don’t have to chose David’s side to say I am sorry for the weight he has had to bear the last couple of days. If he has done something wrong, I hope he is wise enough to realize it and to learn from it. If he has not, I hope he can bear the weight and come out a wiser person and more sensitive to others who may say things that are taken wrongly (or could be taken wrongly). Whatever.
Joe Mariner
February 19th, 2009
11:57 pm
Writing to you from Seattle and cracking up! Doesn’t it make sense overall that Griffey chose to come back to the Mariners for his final years, knowing he can do no wrong here in the eyes of the fans? I was at one of the games when the Reds visited in 2007 and we cheered everything he did, even the two home runs he hit against us. The ballpark was built with a short right porch in right field specifically for him and we all still own our number 24 jerseys from when he was here. If Brave fans need someone to blame, blame us Seattle fans forflooding the Mariner offices with e mails about making sure Jr. came back here. The Mariners sold 16,000 ticket packages today, Griffey’s first day back. Pretty smart move on their part…Good Luck Braves fans, but move on!
Wayne in Utah
February 19th, 2009
11:58 pm
Bubdylan
I too definitely agree that a “wait and see” approach would be a good way to go in the spring. Who’s to say that Schafer, Diaz and Jones might all come around and answer all our outfield questions. Maybe it is wishful thinking on my part, but I really think Francoeur, Schafer and Di-ones are going to make us forget about last years 27 HR’s
Andrew
February 19th, 2009
11:58 pm
im sorry people im lost..was it really DOB that hudson was so angry with…if so that is hilirous
Andrew
February 19th, 2009
11:59 pm
Joe Mariner , you guys arn’t goin to win 50 games this year fag
Coxlover
February 19th, 2009
11:59 pm
Joe Mariner, stick to your own team’s blog. This is for Braves fans only.
Popeye
February 20th, 2009
12:02 am
Joe mariner isn’t really a mariner. He’s a plumber and he wants to run for congress.
spotts
February 20th, 2009
12:04 am
way to be mature, guys
johnbama
February 20th, 2009
12:04 am
Coxlover….
I agree that Peavy would have been a great ‘get’. I do think though that hanging on to Escobar will end up paying dividends. I also think that holding on to guys like Hernandez and especially Locke will pay even bigger dividends in the future…whether by trade or their production with Atlanta in the future.
I will agree that the offseaon in the public eye has not looked great but I really have a strong feeling that this has almost been a addition by subtraction type of time.
Joe Mariner
February 20th, 2009
12:05 am
wow, you guys are an angry bunch! It’s true, I am a “fag’ plumber who wants to run for congress in Georgia and date Tim Hudson…
Andrew
February 20th, 2009
12:05 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4l0ZyKmeNE
that is what hudson said to DOB today in the locker room lol
Oromus
February 20th, 2009
12:06 am
Most of you are freaking morons. Tim Hudson, a Great pitcher for the Braves is upset over some writer/Blog guy potentially hurting his Ball club and you guys take DOBs side? Are you Braves fans or DOB fans? Hudson wants us to win. If he really got that upset, that was the reason. Everyone was looking forward to griffey coming, DOB writes up a little premature story about how Griffey had already decided, the M’s then call Griffey and say “We’ll give you more money! Just don’t sign with the Braves!” because they are in panic mode and Griffey stops responding to the braves calls. Hudson is on a team and he wants his team to win. If DOBs report really was a factor, Hudson SHOULD be upset. As should all of you….. Well, the ones of you that are Braves fans first, DOB fans second that is…. which doesn’t seem to be any of you from what I read. I mean seriously… someone even said the Braves should pick up Hudsons option because he hurt DOB’s wittle feelings? Give me a break…..
Coxlover
February 20th, 2009
12:06 am
Anyway, I’m ready to move on. I’m sick of talking about Griffey. I can’t wait to finally see the guys in action on Feb 26.
johnbama
February 20th, 2009
12:06 am
Wayne I agree again. The outfield that is in Atlanta, while it is very young, will outproduce what happened last year. I think that we could get a glimpse of several future stars.
Andrew
February 20th, 2009
12:07 am
spotts, mature isnt coming on to a blog that you prolly dont know much about that team and trying to talk sh*t
Popeye
February 20th, 2009
12:08 am
Joe Mariner, good get pal. Laughed my head off.
Bubdylan
February 20th, 2009
12:09 am
Oromus, we can keep our Braves loyalty intact and still support David O’brien. Sorry that warps your brain, but it’s possible to do both.
Coxlover
February 20th, 2009
12:09 am
I think our outfield production will be better this year. It certainly can’t be any worse. I have a feeling Francouer will rebound, which is really one of the keys this year to our success. I think our pitching has improved, especially when Hudson comes back late in the year.
Joe Mariner
February 20th, 2009
12:10 am
Andrew
There was no trash talking on my part. I was trying to give another point of view so maybe angry Braves fans, such yourself apparently, could get an idea of maybe why Griffey didn’t sign. FYI, I probably know more about Braves Baseball than you do about Seattle, and the word is Probably, not prolly…
Poorbrave
February 20th, 2009
12:12 am
DOB- I hope you kick Hudson A@@! That joke in RF got 3.5 million for nothing. We sign Glavine and give him 1 million to show up, 1 million to last 30 days, and another 1 million for 60 days, How’s that for a stimulus package? Good that Jr, the kid at 39 moved on. We need a r/h bat with some power not old age lefty. DOB you do a damn good job, some people just don’t get it.
Joe Mariner
February 20th, 2009
12:12 am
Thanks Popeye…Some of the bloggers need to drink less…
Oromus
February 20th, 2009
12:12 am
Bubdylan, keeping Braves loyalty intact means bashing Tim Hudson for calling out DOB for his involvement in Griffey stopping talks with the Braves? Because thats all I’m seeing here. A bunch of DOB kiss asses bashing Huddy because he is upset that his club was hurt due to some shotty reporting.
Chop Chop
February 20th, 2009
12:12 am
I got my copy of Baseball Prospectus 2009 yesterday. Let’s see what they’ve got Diaz, B. Jones, Francoeur, Schafer, Anderson, and Blanco down for in 2009…
Diaz: 225 PA, 10 2B, 5 HR, 28 RBI, 4 SB, .282/.324/.414
B. Jones: 486 PA, 25 2B, 11 HR, 56 RBI, 9 SB, .253/.323/.396
Francoeur: 596 PA, 31 2B, 19 HR, 81 RBI, 3 SB, .275/.328/.444
Schafer: 513 PA, 27 2B, 12 HR, 55 RBI, 13 SB, .238/.308/.391
Anderson: 541 PA, 23 2B, 3 HR, 41 RBI, 33 SB, .273/.318/.352
Blanco: 373 PA, 13 2B, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 11 SB, .263/.360/.344
(Note: The number of plate appearances is always skewed in the PECOTA projections. Somebody can have a go at those numbers and predict how much each guy will play and adjust the numbers accordingly.)
Andrew
February 20th, 2009
12:13 am
joe mariner is this you???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-0v5Z6McPM
spotts
February 20th, 2009
12:13 am
Oromus
Chipper also said he thought Griffey would sign with the Braves. Should Huddy stand up to him too?
If Dave said that the Braves shouldn’t sign Griffey because he dresses up as a hooker and works the streets after games, and THAT made Griffey change his mind, then I think people (Hudson included) would have some legit beef with DOB.
Coxlover
February 20th, 2009
12:14 am
Does anyone think Tommy Hanson will pitch in the majors this year ?
Oromus
February 20th, 2009
12:15 am
“DOB- I hope you kick Hudson A@@! ” – See what I mean? Lets all jump on Huddy because he’s upset that our Club lost a nice addition that could have helped us win this year…… Good Grief…
Joe Mariner
February 20th, 2009
12:16 am
Andrew… You need to sleep it off or at least stop drinking whatever it is you’re drinkin’
johnbama
February 20th, 2009
12:16 am
The scary thing is next year we could have a Lowe Hanson JJJ Hudson Kawa/Vasquez rotation. Or maybe a Hudson Vas or Kawa is dealt for a position of need. That does not even account for some of the other young arms we are going to see fruits from this year.
I really think that the Braves have put themselves in a great position to contend this year and a even strong position for future seasons. I am not sure the same could have been said the Griffey, Furcal and Burnett.
Andrew
February 20th, 2009
12:17 am
coxlover, i think he will at some point, just dont know when…
Oromus
February 20th, 2009
12:17 am
spotts, what you’re not getting is that all the report did was make the Mariners panic. Griffey likely stopped talks with the Braves because the M’s saw the report and went into “We’re getting him no matter what” mode. Without the report, the Braves may have struck a deal before the M’s knew what hit them. Either way, Hudson >>> DoB
Joe Mariner
February 20th, 2009
12:18 am
A few of the bloggers may need to get together for some group therapy after this and others of you are class acts. Thanks for letting me add my 2 cents worth…G’night from Seattle
Bubdylan
February 20th, 2009
12:18 am
Oromus, everybody who has DOB’s back isn’t bashing Huddy. For example, I’m not.
Secondly, what you’re talking about isn’t Braves Loyalty versus DOB Loyalty, it’s Tim Hudson Loylaty versus DOB Loyalty. Neither of them “is” the Braves we are loyal to.
By your logic, when Chipper and Smoltzy got into it a while back, what if we took sides with one of them, therefore against the other? Would we be against the team?
(I do agree with you that bashing Huddy without knowing the full story isn’t a great way to support DOB or anyone else, but keep in mind that a lot of bloggers do have kind of a friendship with David, and they’ve been watching him take a sh*tload of unbelievable heat, including “shoot-yourself” and so forth, for quite a few dreary hours now. Their not liable to be in any more rational a state of mind than… Tim Hudson.)
Andrew
February 20th, 2009
12:18 am
joe mariner i’m not mad at ya..i just think that youtube guy is funny for posting that
Bubdylan
February 20th, 2009
12:18 am
“They’re,” I meant… not “their.” Yeesh.
Wayne in Utah
February 20th, 2009
12:19 am
coxlover
How about opening day? (a pipe dream of mine)
johnbama
February 20th, 2009
12:20 am
Coxlover I think Hanson will play a major role in the second half and be a frontline starter for the Braves as early as 2010. Dude is special
Coxlover
February 20th, 2009
12:20 am
Someone actually told O’Brien to shoot himself ?
Andrew
February 20th, 2009
12:21 am
maybe Heyward will be the next griffey..if there ever will be one which im not so sure of that..griff broke in when he was very young so im sure others can..
Coxlover
February 20th, 2009
12:22 am
I think next year our pitching will be better than this year. Hanson will probably start all year next year, hopefully Hudson will be healthy. I doubt we’ll have Glavine though next year.
N8
February 20th, 2009
12:23 am
I have to say, I believe that I lost some respect for Hudson today. Too bad.
That being said, I’m not sure what was said between you two. But the only thing more ridiculous than the notion of Griffey NOT coming to the Braves because of what you reported, is that a current member (if you can call a guy that MIGHT pitch in a handful of games a current member), would call you out on it.
These guys have to realize that the SILLY (and it IS silly) money that they get to play a game is perpetuated by the media feeding the fans’ frenzy over coverage of them playing this game.
Grow up Hudson. Better yet, put on some weight so you don’t dehydrate yourself in the southern heat down the stretch.
DOB, do you REALLY “strut” around the clubhouse the way that article says you do? LOL! I guess if you look like Nicholas Cage, you might as well act like him, right? “I said…. put… the bunny….back in the box”.
johnbama
February 20th, 2009
12:23 am
that is stupid!!! DOB does a great job….never entertained participating in a blog until i started reading this one. He does a great job.
Oromus
February 20th, 2009
12:25 am
Bubdylan, I’m not saying DOB deserves to be attacked, but he is the one who messed up here. Well, he and the AJC. The Article read “Griffey Chooses Beaves”. And even Wren says that Griffey and his agent stopped all contact after the Article came out. This is likely due to the Mariners calling Griffey and telling him that they’d do whatever it takes. It just seems that the AJC article definitely had a factor. And IMO, one of our players has the right to be mad over that fact. They want our team to succeed. Period. I have Hudsons back on this 100%. In the Furture I hope the AJC and DOB are a little more careful with the way they write things.
BA
February 20th, 2009
12:25 am
Hang in there, DOB. Got nothing but love for ya. What a rough couple of days!
Bubdylan is right. This ain’t about choosing sides. I love the Braves, and I’ve always liked Hudson.
But I don’t see Hudson on here fielding questions at two in the morning.
Andrew
February 20th, 2009
12:25 am
2010 rotation- hudson,jurrjens,lowe,hanson,kawakami or javy
DiamondbackMac
February 20th, 2009
12:25 am
Andrew Welcome to the blog. It’s nice to hear from someone new with a different slant on things.
Andrew
February 20th, 2009
12:27 am
we are going to have a helluva 1-2 punch..jurrjens and hanson…and there only what 22 years old? wow
Coxlover
February 20th, 2009
12:27 am
I still don’t understand why Tim Kurkjian says the Braves have nowhere near the starting pitching to compete with the Phillies and Mets this year.
N8
February 20th, 2009
12:28 am
spotts, your 12:13 pretty much sums it up for me.
That’s my question as well. Did Hudson have to be restrained from Chipper too? Because in the end, DOB was only reporting what Chipper told him. If Hudson has a problem with DOB, he should have a BIGGER problem with Chipper.
My guess is that he didn’t say a frickin’ word to Chipper about it.
I don’t dislike Hudson, in fact I hope he comes back and helps and that our season is stil relevant in August/September, so it actually matters.
I’ll root for him when he pitches, and hope the Braves excercise his 2010 option. He CAN help this team.
But getting into a spat with the beat-writer over a head case like Griffey apparently is, is silly at best.
Oromus
February 20th, 2009
12:30 am
“But I don’t see Hudson on here fielding questions at two in the morning.” This is DOBs JOB. He is paid to bring traffic to the site with this Blog.
Bubdylan
February 20th, 2009
12:31 am
Orumus, I think it’s reasonable for you to take sides with Hudson (would be easier all around if we knew more). Just trying to explain that the other side isn’t as goofy as it seems to you.
BA
February 20th, 2009
12:32 am
n8, what article did you read? I only saw the Yahoo Sports thing- can you tell me where to go to find some more of the salacious details?
This is just bizarre…
Keith
February 20th, 2009
12:32 am
If this is the reason Griffey signed in Seattle then he has less class then Furcal’s agents. Hotstove reporting is fun and rivals the July trade deadline. It is part of the business. Wren has had a baptism by fire. He and the Braves will be the better for it. Maybe not this year but next and so on. I still hope we land Ludwick. Maybe…
Chop Chop
February 20th, 2009
12:33 am
Oromus,
I’m glad that “Griffey Chooses Beaves.” Good for him.
Chop Chop
February 20th, 2009
12:34 am
In the furture, I hope that Griffey will continue to choose them.
Hudson Ferry
February 20th, 2009
12:34 am
IF little Timmy wants to help this club, instead of engaging in a shouting match with a reporter, how about getting his rag A$$ arm into shape and not continue this morphing into Mike Hampton.
Toe the slab, tough guy.
Chop Chop
February 20th, 2009
12:34 am
12:25 didn’t go to well for Oromus.
N8
February 20th, 2009
12:35 am
BA, click on the link that coxlover put up at 11:51.
You’re right. This is VERY bizarre.
hubris
February 20th, 2009
12:35 am
Who’d have thought Braves were capable of so much drama in the mode of the Yankees or the Red Sox. Seriously, the whole off-season of someone’s coming or not coming (Peavy & Burnett), a former fan favorite using his former team to get a better contract and his agent reneging on a “verbal promise” (Furcal), a legend feeling he was “disrespected” (Smoltz), a has-been trying to coerce the Braves a major league contract by instigating public opinion (A. Jones), a different legend “shunning” the Braves (Griffey), and now the team’s ace and the team’s most well-known beat writer in a shouting match.
All this and we haven’t even played a single game–not even a spring training exhibition game… Methinks this is going to be one crazy year.
Chop Chop
February 20th, 2009
12:36 am
The “to well” was my own attempt at typo glory. I’m not ambitious enough.
Hudson Ferry
February 20th, 2009
12:36 am
Chipper would pick up Hudson Ferry and deposit him into Lake Oswego. Real tough guy with the beat writers.
DiamondbackMac
February 20th, 2009
12:36 am
Andrew I meant to direct that last post to Joe Mariner.
AZ Braves Fan
February 20th, 2009
12:36 am
Here are the Glavine details, in case you haven’t seen them. And they’re penned by our fearless leader, no less, who must be tired after quite an eventful day….
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2009/02/19/braves_glavine.html
Oromus
February 20th, 2009
12:37 am
“Oromus,
I’m glad that “Griffey Chooses Beaves.” Good for him.”
Well, my mistake was only off by one key, DOB’s on the other hand…..
I honestly hope that a lot of the Braves stop talking to DOB as much when it comes to things like this. No one likes a reporter who jumps the gun carelessly. DOB was tasting his scoop so hard, he didn’t think for a second that it could hurt the Braves on going negotiations. Oh, but I forgot.. HE’S the victim here. Poor guy.
Hudson Ferry
February 20th, 2009
12:38 am
Oromus, Grammer is your friend. Do yourself a huge favor and avoid any room with a “SAT Testing in Progress” sign on the door. We must establish a minimum level of competence for Tim Hudson sycophants.
Andrew
February 20th, 2009
12:39 am
dbackmac, come on man dont hurt my feelings i was feeling welcome here after your nice comment
N8
February 20th, 2009
12:39 am
BA, I think we read the same thing (I just clicked on the link again, and realized that it too was from yahoo).
I don’t have any more “details”. But if Hudson had to be lead to another room away from DOB by a team official. Then I’ll assume that it was pretty heated. Nobody is gonna pull somebody away from a casual conversation. Just speculating.
I just think the fact (admittingly NOT knowing the facts or any real details – I’ll assume that DOB ain’t gonna give any details out), Hudson “went after” him is silly.
Hard to pass judgement on ANYBODY in all of this, without knowing the behind the scenes crap. But I would think that Hudson would have better things to do with his time.
Perhaps we’ll be lucky and Hudson will call into Buck and Kincade tomorrow and explain himself. I doubt it though.
David O'Brien
February 20th, 2009
12:40 am
NEW BLOG is up. Click on the top link on the RECENT POSTS to the right side of the column of this page, the “Griffey’s gone…” link.
Hudson Ferry
February 20th, 2009
12:41 am
Moron, You would know much about “tasting a scoop.”
N8
February 20th, 2009
12:41 am
“Oromus, Grammer is your friend. Hudson Ferry
I do believe that “Grammer” is actually spelled… grammar.
Sorry. Couldn’t resist.
DiamondbackMac
February 20th, 2009
12:42 am
Hudson Ferry Spelling is your friend. Do yourself a huge favor and avoid any room with a “SAT Testing in Progress” sign on the door. We must learn to spell “grammar.”
David O'Brien
February 20th, 2009
12:43 am
I honestly hope that a lot of the Braves stop talking to DOB as much when it comes to things like this.– Oromus
Why in the world would you want that, if you come to this blog? I mean, so you’re saying you want less information about your team, if at all possible? Makes sense.
Andrew
February 20th, 2009
12:43 am
DOB just wanted to be in the limelight for a minute..im sure every reporter has done what he’s done..its no big deal..he’ll move on and get the next one
N8
February 20th, 2009
12:43 am
“Oromus, Grammer is your friend. Hudson Ferry
Uh… I do belive that “Grammer” is actually spelled…Grammar
Sorry. Couldn’t resist.
N8
February 20th, 2009
12:44 am
Sorry for the double post. Didn’t think the first one went through, so I typed it again. I guess I thought the irony was too funny to let go.
DiamondbackMac
February 20th, 2009
12:46 am
Andrew You are welcome here. But, I didn’t want you to feel that I didn’t realize that you aren’t new to the blog.
uga-brave
February 20th, 2009
12:49 am
uga got a special treat tonight at CHOPS.
sitting at the bar tonight after work, walter and michael the two best bartenters in the atl., told me that vince dooley had a 7 p.m. reservation.
sitting there they reconizied, vince coming in and put a martini next to me. so vince sat there next to me.
met dooley and sonny seiler many times. never been starstruck before.
so it is me and vince. BRAVEHEART wake up.
i told him i am a ‘90 grad and the two toughest beats that i encountered were the 1985 drive by david shula in 1985 on labor day when bama beat us.
and of course, old dawgs ring in was the defeat by tommy hodson, when ben smith our stud safety made mim bite his tounge in half. it was a late hit.
the dawgs came back down the field at the end of the game, but at the twenty the pass went off the facemask of rodney hampton.
intercepted by nacho abergamno of LSU.
coach dooley remember’s it like yesterday.
coach dooley also said remember when we shut down lawyer tiilman when auburn turned the fire hoses on us.
and he said dont forget we beat mich. st. in my last game when we tried to shut down andre rison.
great twenty minutes.
nolie
February 20th, 2009
12:49 am
I wonder if Huddy is pissed at AAron for calling Grif and telling him to sign with Seattle, and if so if he’ll have the balls to call him out on it next time Hanks strolls through the clubhouse?
Steve from OH
February 20th, 2009
12:50 am
Oromus, you’re just jackin’ me, right? C’mon, if every single goddam player did a Griffey and had their feelings hurt every time a reporter says a deal is “close” or “nearly done,” there would be about 5000 free agents.
Or how about this guy (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2008754917_griffey18.html) from Seattle that says: “The Braves were said to have finalized details of the contract throughout the afternoon and were to meet in the evening with Griffey and his agent.”
DOB never said a deal was final. TERRENCE MOORE’S source is the one spewing the info. The headline writers (whom DOB does not control) wrote those headlines.
Why don’t you go over to the Seattle guys blog and crucify him? Or Terrence Moore’s? Jackass.
All of you DOB bashers are fools. If wittle Ken’s feelings were hurt that bad by DOB’s stuff, then let him whine his way back to Seattle. Oh, not to mention how the Seattle guys were saying the same thing DOB was. How you gonna rationalize that, you buncha pea-brained sadsacks?
BA
February 20th, 2009
1:02 am
That Talking Chop article was a bunch of speculative hooey. Sounded like some bitter dude that DOB kicked off of here. Please. As if “Talking Chop” isn’t sitting around like the rest of us waiting for this guy to break stories. Thanks for the tip anyway, N8.
Even if (and I just don’t buy it) Griffey’s decision was based on the article, Hudson’s got to have enough self control not to yell at a reporter in the clubhouse.
It just seems to me that Griffey needed a little leverage with Seattle, so he solicited Atlanta. But who knows WHAT has really happened (aside from the all-knowing literary authority at Talking Chop)?
And shouldn’t Griffey and Hudson be pizzed at the “close friend” of Griffey’s that leaked the whole thing in the first place? Does Huddy expect ANY reporter to just sit on something for the sake of the Braves?
The whole thing is just strange. If it’s any solace, DOB, it makes for some compelling reading!
BA
February 20th, 2009
1:03 am
How exactly do you use “grammer”?
Danny
February 20th, 2009
2:15 am
Even if Griffey didn’t change his mind because of the AJC story, the story may have tipped off the M’s that Jr. was leaning to the Braves. And then the M’s sweetened their offer. You cannot deny that is possible DOB.
Carson
February 20th, 2009
2:29 am
Chipper didn’t POST A LEADING STORY on our City’s paper. That is the difference. He simply said he thought Griffey was leaning towards the Braves, which he very well could’ve been. He even said he would smile until he signed. So don’t mention Chipper again dumbasses. Good for Hudson.
Wayne in Utah
February 20th, 2009
2:31 am
N8
The one thing that you are most certainly correct about is that the OF situation can go a 100 different ways. We all love to speculate on what we think will happen (one of the main reasons a blog like this exists), but in the end, it all comes down to who wants it the most.
If not enough of the kids comes through, then I would expect to see a trade for Swisher or Nady, or maybe signing one of the remaining FA outfielders. (Anderson, Edmonds, or Gonzalez)
Does anybody have any info on the prospects for those 3 FA outfielders? In other words, is Edmonds holding out for a 3-4 million dollar deal, or nothing? Only speculating, haven’t heard anything.
uga
Mark me down for a Frenchy breakout year. Damn what a shot in the arm that would be….
Campillo/Carlyle
Even if another team is desparate, I don’t think either of those guys would entice someone very much. Most likely, if we need to move a starter, it will be Reyes or Morton; as much as I would hate to see that happen.
What I will be interested to see is what the Braves will do if Hanson has the sort of spring we all think he will have. Who do you sit? Kawakami??? Trading Vazquez too early in the season, I believe would be a monumental mistake. I think that dude is going to thrive in ATL.
Just think about it. He, from all indications, is a sensitive guy, maybe not having a lot of confidence in himself (making some guesses that may not be correct here). Going from that band box in Chitown, to the pitchers park in Atlanta, and from the azz-hole manager Ozzie to a guy that is probably the easiest guy to play for in Bobby, it could end up being a career year for him.
I half way expect him to do better than Lowe. Jurrjens and Kawakami are the wild cards. We probably know what to expect from Tommy G if he is healthy.
I have rambled enough…..
braves70
February 20th, 2009
2:35 am
I hate that Frank Wren has become the laughing stock of GMS. He has been used twice now to get better deals for players who probably never intended to play for the Braves. If there is any fault here I place it on Wren. We have a dark future with him at the helm. Future free-agents: To get the deal you want from the team that you want to play for just tease Frank Wren with your interest and he will fall all over you like a puppy dog. The team you want to play for will then give you what you want.
Wayne in Utah
February 20th, 2009
2:39 am
Danny and Carson
Are you guys a couple of dumazzes or what? Have you ever heard of a player and his agent playing one side against the other to get a better contract. Junior did pretty well in the end, getting a LOT more from the M’s than the Braves were offering. We were played again.
Also, Carson, if you had truly read Dave’s first blog on the Chipper encounter, he said that Chipper wouldn’t smile until it was a done deal, then Chipper smiled at him (paraphrasing).
Griffey had everybody going. Chipper certainly didn’t post a story, and DOB also didn’t say definitively that Griffey was signed. He also didn’t write the title on the story. Some dumazz at AJC took that liberty.
I wish some of you children would quit acting like you know something, cause for my money, you don’t know $hit!
Wayne in Utah
February 20th, 2009
2:48 am
What is this obsession that Junior is some sort of saint or something??
I love the way some fans are so gullable. I have heard other stories over the years about him being a prima donna w/ the Mariners.
Also, with all this steroid/A-Rod crap going around, a lot of folks to me are sticking their heads in the sand about their favorite players. I have no knowledge whatsoever about who may or may not be juicing, but I just trust my instincts sometimes. If names like Chipper or Griffey or Pujols were associated with the list of 103, I personally would not be surprised. I am not saying I suspect any of those guys, just that we really dont know who was juicing.
Also, if the list did appear, that wouldn’t necessarily clear other names, as the Balco folks proved that they were developing designer steroids that couldn’t be detected.
So let’s not think that “Angel” Griffey would not be above playing the Braves for more money. (if I had to bet on it, I would say he is above the steroids thing…)
Where the heck is the Tylenol??
Wayne in Utah
February 20th, 2009
2:53 am
braves 70
Good points, but at what point do you become suspicious of everybody that says they are interested in your team. I am not sure what you do if you are FW???
Do you just tell everybody that you will offer them X dollars tonight, if they sign right now, or else go pound sand? Not sure how good that will work out.
It is frustrating though…..
Wayne in Utah
February 20th, 2009
2:54 am
you know your talking to yourself, if you have 4 posts in a row on the blog……..
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 20th, 2009
3:13 am
Tim Hudson and David O’Brien had an argument. So what, it happens.
Griffy did us a favor, now the kids get a chance to play. Schafer, Anderson, Jones and Blanco are not complaining about junior ending up in Seattle.
I knew right from the beginning of the off season that Frank Wren had an impossible task. He tried his best and didn’t always succeed. Peavy, Burnett and Tazawa were plan A. We ended up with plan B in Lowe, Vasquez and Kawakami. Hey, it’s better than nothing, right?
I would venture to say that on paper, this 2009 team already looks at least ten games better than they were in 2008. Barring some major injuries, this team should finish with a winning record. However, that means little because the rest of the division is gonna be even tougher than it was last year.
Bobby Cox and I do agree on one point. Those Marlins have the best starting pitching staff in the division. Maybe this revelation comes as news to most, but not to those who have been paying attention. Ricky Nolasco, Josh Johnson, Anibal Sanchez, Chris Volstad and Andrew Miller represent the youngest and most talented starting five outside of Tampa Bay.
Bobby Cox has his work cut out. Finally, the man himself will be on the hot seat. This team should win but only a great job of managing will allow for them to actually be in the playoff picture come August and September. If they lose and the injury bug isn’t to blame, Cox is gone. No way will the Atlanta Braves fan faithful put up with four straight seasons of non-playoff baseball.
One early clue to the fate of this team will be the inclusion of Josh Anderson and Jordan Schafer. I really believe these two youngsters represent the addition of youth, talent, speed and defense that has been sorely missing in recent years.
Glavine will help too. He matches up well with most fifth starters and gives the team much needed depth and experience. And O’Brien, too much information can at times work against the best intentions.
Wayne in Utah
February 20th, 2009
3:24 am
Coach
What I love about baseball is the fact that almost every season (unless you are the Pirates or Royals), you know if things go the right way, your team has a shot. Granted, some teams are more well stocked than others, but you are right about guys like Schafer and Anderson, though I am not too sold on Anderson yet. Hopefully he can learn how to cut down on the whiffs and figure out lefties a bit better.
He might end up sharing some time w/ Diaz if Schafer shines early on.
There are lots of wild cards in the deck for us this year. I like our chances if we don’t get killed by the injury bug.
Are the rest of you folks having a hard time getting this darned blog to load your comments the first time???? It is frustrating the heck out of me. I have resorted to copying all my posts before submitting them as it takes 2-3 times to get one to post.
Getting late here. All insomniacs must eventually sleep…
TBAATIL
February 20th, 2009
5:10 am
Are you dead yet? Need a gun? What was your quote? “Shoot me if he doesn’t sign”?
Mark Windsor
February 20th, 2009
5:59 am
By the way DOB you need to stop the Hudson bashing he is a fine person as well as player..fact is you guys did do shabby reporting..big deal its not first time..We need more players like Tim Hudson..I have looked all over for the blog by him but I dont see perhaps I am missing something here…are we really talking about the real tim hudson…
Sam 95
February 20th, 2009
7:13 am
I heard about a possible trade with the O’s for Luke Scott. I’m not sure what the O’s would want in return though.
TBraveFan
February 20th, 2009
8:08 am
Tim Hudson is my hero! I love a man who calls it like he sees it! Accountability is the name of the game!
Prime Time
February 20th, 2009
8:12 am
I missed this Hudson issue, can someone catch me up
Frankie Knuckles
February 20th, 2009
8:19 am
Prime Time, basically Huddy blamed DOB ( or the AJC ) for losing out on Griffey. Insert waambulance joke here….. But i would have given a weeks pay to see that confrontation. I mean, I’d be a little nervous if a pro athlete was getting in my kitchen, apparently Hudson had to be restrained ( or at least ushered into another room). What would the betting odds on a DOB / Hudson cage match be?
UncleBoogie
February 20th, 2009
8:30 am
Never before has so much print been wasted on a platoon player. Fact is Braves outfield looks awful and no matter the pitching improvement for 09, run prodcution looks way down.
Fred
February 20th, 2009
8:45 am
While I agree with you Dave that the Braves are better off without Griffey, there is still an undeniable trend developing which we should all be fearful of – the apparent gulability of Mr. Wren. While he is suppose to be an experienced professional in his field it is disconcerting the number of times he has been played this off-season. If the Braves are to again be a contender their management will need to be taken seriously by players and agents. I don’t think this off-season has moved the Braves forward in this regard. Instead I see the Braves becoming the favorite pry bar of the players. Mr. Wren – wise up, or toughen up (not sure which is required) before you become an embarrassment to the city.
Prime Time
February 20th, 2009
8:47 am
The attempts to get Furcal and Griffey failed and the fact that they were publicly screwed up (regardless of who’s fault), seems like the the players are getting upset that we can’t get any offensive help.
Does this make it more important to either sign Anderson or make a trade? I don’t think seeing what the young guys can do will help win the division or wild card (Seen what last years outfield did). There are question marks at every outfield position.
Can Diaz and Jones improve in the platoon LF, who plays center, and can Frenchy bounce back?
Arthur
February 20th, 2009
8:57 am
Lets look back. We think Drew will sign with Atlanta because his home is in Ga. We think Griffey will sign because he is near family. Same with Smoltz. Furcal was going to sign because he liked Mr. Cox. It is all about money and you writers know this better than we rank amateurs!!!!!
Arthur in Ruckersville
getnathan
February 20th, 2009
9:04 am
Coach –
If the Marlins had a veteran starter, their rotation would be even more effective than I think it already will be. I completely agree, best starting staff in the division. I hope Braves will be able to assemble that type of staff (with Lowe) in the next couple of years (starting with Hanson)
Mac in Tennessee
February 20th, 2009
9:12 am
I don’t get it. What’s the big deal. First, if the only reason Griffey decided not to come to the Braves is because of a newspaper article, well…….that’s pretty pathetic and shallow. So, I would hope there is more behind his decision than that simply because I’d be embarrassed for Griffey if that were the deciding factor. Second, who really cares…and, no, this is not sour grapes. I said when it was first reported that the Braves were talking to Griffey that if we were lucky he would not come. I have nothing against Griffey, but let’s face it. He has not had a really good season since leaving Seattle the first time. He has spent more time injured and/or on the disabled list than he has playing. He isn’t the young phenom he once was (which is natural —it’s called aging). And, we would have been paying him big bucks to platoon with Matt Diaz. Sorry, folks, but sometimes the best deal you make is the one you missed out on.
Tomahawk210
February 20th, 2009
9:29 am
Griffey not signing with us is a bleesing in disguise. A 40-year old with constant leg problems is not the answer. Besides one man does not make a difference on a baseball team, a certainly not a 40 year old one. I’ve been reading a lot about how Schafer is looking really good so far in camp and we will be reading and hearing his name a lot in the coming days. He is our answer in CF, dude’s can hit and already is the best defensive OF in Braves orginization. Schafer in CF, Anderson/Diaz in LF, and a new and improved Francoeur in RF. Oh yeah I heard Schafer has even a better arm than Francoeur. Can’t wait to see this kid play come opening day. No more BS talk of he needs AB’s in the minors, he won’t be facing minor league pitchers in the show. He needs(and the Braves need)him to start facing ML pitching. He’s 22 he’s ready now! No more babying these major league players. I remember when 18-19 year old kids were starting and learning in the majors.
Voice of Reason
February 20th, 2009
9:37 am
Well… back to square 17…
Wayne in Utah
February 20th, 2009
9:38 am
Mark Windsor
“DOB you need to stop the Hudson bashing”
Mark, I know Dave has not bashed Hudson. I would be shocked if any of the reputable bloggers have bashed Hudson.
I think everyone here (except for the children who will always find something to rant about) understands that Huddy was probably frustrated, and will have forgotten about this incident in short fashion.
Not to worry man.
shelby dawkins
February 20th, 2009
9:39 am
I’m a Fl Braves fan who loves the Braves and hates the Marlins. I saw this the other day on CNN and thought it was just a little bit funny:
It’s a little long so you may have to paste the URl into your browser
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0902/mlb.alex.rodriguez.headlines/content.1.html
cvbraves
February 20th, 2009
9:42 am
Can’t get to the top link of “Recent Posts”. No Recent Posts there.
Bob Horner
February 20th, 2009
9:59 am
I’m now rooting for Ken Griffey Junior to pop a hammy in Spring training. Run home to Seattle and suck in the American League, you has-been!
We should have never tried to pursue his ever-injured, brittle bat in the first place. Seattle can have that .240 average & long, labored swings.
I’d rather see a young guy out there anyways. GO BRAVES!
#5
Ed in Bama
February 20th, 2009
10:18 am
This is not DOB’s fault. He’s under the same pressure all writers are under. Get the scoop first, pressure from almost everyone on this blog daily, he cares about the Braves, the fans, trusts certain players. He knows how desperate most legit Braves fans have been, especially this off season and I’m sure if he thought this was going to happen he would have kept it under wraps. Ken Griffey would’ve helped our team offensively, but I remember early in his career, reports that he would’nt sign kids autographs unless there were cameras around, also he has refused more than once to participate in homerun derby and the all-star game. Good riddance JR. Go Braves and thanks DOB
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
February 20th, 2009
11:57 am
WAYNE,
It appears you are hitting on the real deal about Griffey’s intent and that was to play one team against the other. Let’s face it, that happens all the time. As a matter of fact all of us do it anytime we put something on EBay or any other bidding site. What we are hoping for are two or more bidders for if we only get one we are in trouble.
If I have a car to sell and run an ad for XXXX price (or best offer) I am sure hoping I am going to get more than one offer.
The problem here is that baseball contract negotiations are (in many cases) out in the open and there are hundreds of fans watching every move. And when the final decision comes down the losing fans get upset. What separates the good fans from the bad ones are at times rather dramatic. I will say I never dreamed we would see so many nutcases come out of the woodwork and vent their spleens over a has been star who is fading fast. One thing I noticed is that the most vicious were those whose monickers were some we had never seen on this blog before. Maybe they are regulars who are ashamed to show their real faces. If that is the case they should have known that what they were writing, yelling for DOB’s head (literally), was beyond the pale of decency. Idiots like that leave me perplexed.
The other factor is the availability of a blog such as this. Nowhere else in the country (to my knowledge) is there a blog that is as popular as this one. And, that is solely because of the effort David puts into this thing. He is on this site around the clock or so it seems from the timing of many of his posts. It is time we appreciate him for his efforts and get over Griffey. Griffey played this for all it is worth and he made it work. Until he contacted Atlanta he was stuck with one bid for $1 million dollar. He exploited that into the possibility of making $4.5 mil and a job with the team after his playing days are over. I’d say Griffey played this violin perfectly. And there is no way in hell Frank Wren could determine that he was simply being used as a ploy. No way.
Finally it is obvious Tim Hudson was out of line and I hope he is man enough to apologize to David O’Brien for what he said or did, whatever it was.
NASCAR Dave
February 20th, 2009
12:00 pm
Of course it’s not DOB’s fault… It’s Fran Wren (aka Fake Spin)’s fault… The guy needs to shut his big mouth and quit blabbing so much… He runs his mouth so much, it’s tipping off other teams to what he is trying to do. That is NOT how you do the GM job. Hold your cards close to your chest, and when the deal is FINALIZED, THEN you can blab about it all you want, Frank. Just ask Scheurholz, he was a master at it. Never heard about the trades until they were done. Scheurholxz needs to make Wren a training DVD to let him know how to properly do his job, that is, of course, if they don’t fire his incompetent a$$ first…
NUFF SAID.
Mystical Mo
February 20th, 2009
1:06 pm
i feel like Frank Wren is Professor Snape, Bud Selig is Voldemort, and DOB is malfoy. too little to have an actual impact, but annoying nonetheless.
cjones4mvp
February 20th, 2009
1:48 pm
i think the whole hudson thing boils down to him just being frustrated. Has there ever been a worse offseason in MLB for a single club than the one we’ve had this year?? I’m not knocking any of the signings or anything like that. im mainly talking about all of the underhanded/backstabbing events that have transpired with peavy, furcal, griffey, smoltz (i dont blame him at all). That being said, i think huddy just lashed out because this offseason has finally reached a boiling point for him and DOB just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I find it highly unlikely that griffey chose seattle b/c of a damn newspaper report. I think he wanted to go there and finish his career and probably just used us for some leverage and the fact that mays and aaron told him to go back to seattle didnt help matters..
CurtisD
February 20th, 2009
2:58 pm
O’Brien, your such a joke. Do us all a favor and stop writing. Your wrong all the time and your opinions are unwanted.
John Quest #2
February 20th, 2009
4:49 pm
Dorothy Davis
February 21st, 2009
11:18 am
This reporter should be more responsible than to publish an outcome on hearsay. I don’t blame Hudson for getting upset. I for one, would not believe anything O’Brien reports ever again.As for Griffey going to the Mariners, hey, whats so bad about losing a player who’s that “long in the tooth”? The Braves need to start using their “home grown” talent.
Ron
February 21st, 2009
5:15 pm
The thing that bothers me about the Griffey thing is that HE came to US….he begged the Braves……..not the other way aroound. The Braves had no interest in him until HE contacted the Braves….so you can be mad at DOB all you like but put the blame where it belongs….Griffey himself…who needs hime…..he’s a flake.
Ron
February 21st, 2009
5:16 pm
pardon my spelling on my post.I’m not as dumb as I type,thanks
Parker
February 22nd, 2009
8:56 pm
Stop making excuses. You are very unprofessional and should be without a job. You job is to report information based on reliable sources. You published a rumor….dissapointing and sad.
AiisuRu
June 14th, 2012
1:30 am
*Perfect length *Sturdy *The ball flies off of it *Black, not ugly yeollw *Looks and feels, minus the weight, like an official Major League baseball bat *Unfortunately, it’s a very pricy, but we still love it.