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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
597 comments Add your comment
Run Heap Run
February 21st, 2009
6:40 pm
Oh and DOB, if you see B-Mac wish him a happy birthday for us.
Anders
February 21st, 2009
6:42 pm
Lew- Your 6:39 left me speechless. Perhaps there is hope for peace in the Middle East someday!
spotts
February 21st, 2009
6:43 pm
Jay – nice Keith Lockheart burn
Doc Holiday
February 21st, 2009
6:48 pm
LEW
I just hope for the good of the team that this is t least half true, cause sadly, this team performance will (like last season) be strongly associated to how JF performs. We dont have to much power as we all know, so if he comes out and plays like cinderella again, we will be in a lot of trouble, no matter what the rest do.
PTBNL
February 21st, 2009
6:48 pm
Anders, I don’t know if the Braves actually had that in mind. However, it actually could play out that way. Hudson has already stated that he feels like he can be more of a leader since Smoltz is no longer there. It will be interesting to see how the dynamics of the team have changed.
Tomas
February 21st, 2009
6:50 pm
Well if Kawakami, doesn’t work out, it’s a good thing they resigned Tom Glavine. Jorge Campillo, Charlie Morton, Tommy Hanson, and Jo-jo Reyes could fill Kawakami’s spot if he doesn’t work out.
DOB, who has impressed you the most so far this spring of the Brave outfielders? Jayson Heyward, Jordan Schafer, Brandon Jones, Gregor Blanco, Josh Anderson, Matt Diaz or Jeff Franceour?
Lew
February 21st, 2009
6:55 pm
Anders-Hey, It’s kind of a hard thing to dismiss-like I said, he’s no longer a Brave and he’s somewhat P.O.’ed about it. I may be a smart a$$ and an occasional pain in the behind, but I am realistic (though some of the Doom and Gloomers would disagree). I DO know that there is a changing of the Guard in Atlanta-probably more so when Bobby Cox retires.
Lew
February 21st, 2009
6:59 pm
Doc-From all I’ve heard this winter, he changed his approach, his workout regimen to add increased strength with increased flexibility and is highly motivated to make himself be what he can be (without joining the Army). If Chipper says he’s changed, I will tend to believe it. Lord knows the raw talent is there and we have seen before he has the desire to change (going to right field late in the count like in 07). I’m willing to bet one of my drawings his numbers will end up at least to 07 levels and wouldn’t be surprised to see a breakout season from the Boy.
Anders
February 21st, 2009
7:01 pm
Lew- Agreed on your 6:55. Personally I think they’ll be happy to be competitive for most this year but they are really pointed towards 2010. If Hudson comes back near where he was begore the injury they may have a real good rotation.
By then they’ll have a good read on Frenchy and will most likely find the bat for LF they need.
I still think the bullpen needs to prove itself over the long haul.
Doc Holiday
February 21st, 2009
7:06 pm
Lew
Im pretty sure he is capable of more than what he did in 07, and we all wish he gets there. Only time will tell. But it sure is encouraging to read about chipper being close to the boy trying to help. At least it talks about the fact that chipper knows that situation is one of the biggest problems around the team.
David O'Brien
February 21st, 2009
7:07 pm
Tomas, too early to judge who’s impressed among OFs, in my opinion. Way too early. You just can’t get a gauge on guys based on a few days of batting practice, particularly when Schafer and Heyward have been on the backfield, where I’ve seen them hit once.
Next weekend, perhaps we can start talking about that stuff, after they’ve at least played a few games.
Gary
February 21st, 2009
7:07 pm
bigchief,
Andruw Jones was 19 when the Braves broke camp in 1997. He didn’t turn 20 until about 2-3 weeks into the season.
On another note, those of you talking about LF and CF and the options the Braves have. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Schafer platooning with Diaz in LF if Anderson shows the speed and hitting he did late in the season last year. Bobby has done this before with the man I mentioned above. Andruw came up in 1996 and platooned in mostly LF with Ryan Klesko and some in RF with Jermaine Dye right after Dave Justice was lost for the season with his back injury. When the Braves traded Grissom and Justice for Lofton and Alan Embree just before the 97 season, Bobby continued to platoon LF with Andruw and Klesko. The 97 season basically allowed Andruw to prepare to take over CF in 1998 once Lofton’s contract was up. Don’t be surprised if this happens with Schafer too. Bobby has been known to do this.
David O'Brien
February 21st, 2009
7:08 pm
Run Heap Run, I talked to BMac after the workout but forgot to say happy b-day to him. Sorry about that.
RIP Skip
February 21st, 2009
7:08 pm
DOB…sorry if I missed it, but what do you think about having a scout or two chat with the blog sometime this spring? Scouts are always interesting. Thanks for all your great work.
Andrew
February 21st, 2009
7:13 pm
DOB, what are your thoughts about adding Garret Anderson?
McFann :Ô:
February 21st, 2009
7:16 pm
DOB I talked to BMac after the workout but forgot to say happy b-day to him.
Mmm…shamey shamey!
Lew
February 21st, 2009
7:17 pm
Anders-I think you and many others will be quite surprised at how well the Braves keep up with the rest of the division this year. The team is much better than what many give them credit for. Not saying they’ll win the division, but they WILL contend.
McFann :Ô:
February 21st, 2009
7:17 pm
OK, I’m not sure why that whole post was bold. Sorry ’bout that.
C's
February 21st, 2009
7:21 pm
If we are to sign a vet to platoon in LF with Diaz, I’d rather it be Jim Edmonds.
2008 OPS vs RHP:
Edmonds: .883
Anderson: .773
Gonzalez: .770
Griffey Jr.: .841
ernesto
February 21st, 2009
7:22 pm
Don’t want to pile on, but the 100 post thing SUCKS!!! Fix it faster fellas. (I find a little alliteration always helps grease the wheels.)
Anders
February 21st, 2009
7:23 pm
Lew- If the Braves click on all cylinders, no injuries and all their guys return to their best forms than yes they will contend. I just don’t see all of that happening and I don’t think they have enough depth to withstand too many set backs or if guys fall off in production.
We’ll see.
Coxlover
February 21st, 2009
7:29 pm
DOB, If you see Kotchman tomorrow tell him we said Happy Birthday.
Chop Chop
February 21st, 2009
7:33 pm
What will “contending” mean in the NL East this year?
The Phils won 92 last year. I’ll give 87 this year.
The Mets won 89 last year. I’ll give them 91.
The Braves won 72. I have them down for 85.
That’s contending, but I don’t see the Braves necessarily getting better than those 85 wins in 2010. 2009 will likely resemble a last gasp attempt under Bobby to make the postseason. Should be more interesting than 2008, though. I guess that counts for something.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
February 21st, 2009
7:35 pm
DOB is there any way we can get the pic of that redsox guy off the front page of the AJC sports section? all i can think about is him crying all day and all night when i look at it… perhaps you put ton glavine up there… or someone who plays in atlanta
Just a thought
DAP
February 21st, 2009
7:39 pm
chopchop i wouldnt be surprised if 4 games seperate the top three teams this year, and i think that the braves will be one of those teams. i think we will be watching meaningful games in september.
Anders
February 21st, 2009
7:44 pm
Chop Chop – The Mets are bringing back virtually the same position players that were second in the league in runs scored. They’re brining back basically the same starting rotation where none are in the declining point in their careers and they improved their bullpen with two shut down guys and you only see 2 more wins?
Yet, you see the Braves winning 13 more games than they did a year ago? Sorry, that doesn’t compute to me.
ncscoots
February 21st, 2009
7:45 pm
So, Chop, without having seen even a single pitch or AB in a single ST game, you’re ready to make evaluations on the relative strengths of not one, but three teams, and call the end of the season six months from now?
I guess you could do that, if you assume that a not single player on either of the three teams will get hurt, that not a single player will underperform or outperform expectations, and that all the players on all three teams are exactly the same players they were the year before.
Otherwise, probably a touch premature. Heck, even KC will wait until the end of ST to declare the Braves WS caliber, LOL.
David O'Brien
February 21st, 2009
7:50 pm
Will try to remember that with Kotchman tomorrow. He’s really been in good spirits, as I mentioned the other day. I told Bowman that I couldn’t believe it was the same guy, he was smiling so much more than he did after he came to the Braves last summer.
Bowman then went and talked to him and came away with the same impression. Of course, Bowman will probably throw him under the bus at the first opportunity.
C's
February 21st, 2009
7:52 pm
Hahaha!!!
C's
February 21st, 2009
7:54 pm
BTW Dave, have you thanked Bowman for the tossing of you under said bus?
David O'Brien
February 21st, 2009
7:54 pm
Vol Brave: I texted Ohman last night to see if he’d signed, and no, he had not. He left me a voice message and sounded in good spirits, though, so I’d guess he might be close to a contract. That or he’s just a very calm individual.
cvbraves
February 21st, 2009
7:54 pm
DOB: Braves haven’t released or spoken about who’s going to pitching in next Thursday’s game in Orlando, have they? (I see on some web sites, a few teams had already set their schedule for the first few games). Anyway, I just got tickets to the Thursday game and am going to make a quick trip from St. Augustine to see ‘em play.
ncscoots
February 21st, 2009
8:01 pm
Bowman is obviously a man of no honor, DOB. Notorious bus-throwing and curb-kicking cur that he is, who knows the next target of his spineless ire?
But, other than that (and the West Virginia thing, of course; goes without saying)…
Chop Chop
February 21st, 2009
8:01 pm
Of course it’s premature, scoots. I can throw any prediction I want to out there and have it be wrong. Ain’t no skin off my arse, brother
Here’s my stupid reasoning, Anders:
Beltran and Delgado won’t be as good this year as last. The starting pitching will continue to be inconsistent. The bullpen will be better, which will make up for anything (and a couple of games more) that the Mets lose from a drop-off in production from Beltran and Delgado.
As far as the Phils go, Moyer won’t be as good. He’s old. The end of his career happens in 2009. Ryan Howard will reverse his overall decline a bit. Jimmy Rollins will be better, but Ibanez won’t provide the same kind of production as Burrell. Chase Utley will struggle. He will push too hard to get back early and have problems through a significant portion of the season because of it.
The Braves? The injuries will not kill the team like they did last year. The new pitchers, especially Lowe and Vazquez, will provide the solid if unspectacular innings that the team sorely missed in 2008. The bullpen won’t be great, but the reduction of innings will allow it to be better. As a whole, the lineup will be a little better this year. I think Johnson and Escobar are about where they’re going to be as big league hitters. Francoeur will be better, as will the overall outfield production. Chipper and McCann will not be quite as good. Kotchman will have a rather pedestrian year at first base. In the end, the significantly more reliable pitching and the uptick in hitting will make the difference. If healthy, the Braves were probably an 85-90 win team in 2008. I think that’s where they’ll be on the low end of that this year.
Leah
February 21st, 2009
8:09 pm
DOB, don’t forget KJ’s birthday tomorrow, too. Kotchman and KJ share the same birthday. Hope those two and BMac have/had a good one!
Chop Chop
February 21st, 2009
8:10 pm
It’s just a hunch on Beltran, Anders. He played 161 games last year. He hadn’t played in that many since 2002. He’ll miss 15-20 games or so (151, 140, 144 games played the previous three seasons). The same thing is true for my prediction about Delgado. The previous four seasons in games played for Delgado looked like this (128, 144, 144, and 139 in ‘07). He played 159 games in 2008. I expect him to miss 15-20 more games.
Leah
February 21st, 2009
8:11 pm
By the way, good to know that Kotchman is in great spirits and is fitting in well with the others.
Chop Chop
February 21st, 2009
8:12 pm
“I think that’s where they’ll be on the low end of that this year.”
Interesting attempt at a sentence by me. I guess it’s close enough for bloggin’.
Coxlover
February 21st, 2009
8:13 pm
I really think we’re going to see a big improvement in Kotch this year. I think it just took him some time to adjust being with a new team.
Andrew
February 21st, 2009
8:16 pm
Kotchman=Adam LaRoche
Reality
February 21st, 2009
8:20 pm
DOB says he’s guessing that Ohman might be close to a contract. Which, of course, means that Ohman won’t sign anywhere for at least a few more weeks.
steve
February 21st, 2009
8:20 pm
LaRoche hits more homers….and he’ll wait until about August to do it.
Anders
February 21st, 2009
8:30 pm
Chop Chop
As soon as you start predicting guys droping off for no apparent reason but a hunch we’re spinning our wheels. Beltran gave no indication of drop off and as a matter of fact reported to camp feeling 100% better than last st when he came back after double knee scopes.
Hey, anything can happen to any of these guys but for the sake of these types of discussions all we can use is how each guy performed last year and then some overall depth to withstand the injuries that are sure to happen for all teams.
The Mets lost both corner outfielders, their second baseman, both catchers, John Maine and Billy Wagner all for significant periods last year. They played through it and were still right there on the last day of the season.
I’m still petrified about this damn WBC. Does nothing for me but make these guys play more meaningful games then they would normally have to and put them at risk for injury.
As an example what’s to keep K-Rods mgr from running him out there every game in March? I think the owners are nuts to put the top assets in mlb at this risk.
McFann :Ô:
February 21st, 2009
8:34 pm
Why no photos for today?
Steve from OH
February 21st, 2009
8:35 pm
Anders, F. Rodriguez is one guy I’d be worried about in the WBC. Dude is a prime candidate for TJ surgery, IMO, and the extra high-intensity innings that the WBC will provide certainly won’t help that. Good thing you guys went out and got Putz as a more-than-qualified plan B.
Anders
February 21st, 2009
8:36 pm
I just saw on the scroll on MLB network that based on a blog report the Phils saw on the AJC website they have stepped up there offer to Ohman and will likely sign him tonight.
In a related story Tim Hudson was seen screeching out of the Braves st complex parking lot in chase of what appeared to be a motorcycle.
Anders
February 21st, 2009
8:41 pm
Steve from Oh – Most pitchers today are candidates for TJ surgery, but asking a closer to do what they do in March is absolutely crazy imo. At best you lose quality innings off the guys arm that they’ll hopefully need in September.That’s the best you can hope for!
I still get pissed when I think about Mike Richter blowing out his knee at an NHL All Star game skills contest. The rest of that season was cooked for the Rangers.
Did you see Orlando Hudson signed for 1 year at #.38 mil with the Dodgers? Wow.
AZ Braves Fan
February 21st, 2009
8:41 pm
Lew, thanks for the feedback on your Extra Innings experience. And no, this was not a blackout issue (ie, in-market [AZ], Sat Fox national, or Sun night ESPN exclusive).
Being an out-of-market Braves fan and a software engineer, I was kinda driven to find an answer as to why some Braves games didn’t come across. Without taking too much precious blog space, I’ll try to explain what I found out.
I imagined that a broadcast Braves game (either from the home or away team) would flow from MLB –> Extra Innings (On Demand) –> Cox Phoenix –> my house. For other people, this would be different.
In fact, it’s more like Broadcaster (licensed by MLB) –> Extra Innings (On Demand) –> Cox Phoenix –> my house. The best I can figure it, On Demand had not succesfully negotiated with all the broadcasting entities to ensure rights. This would come into play if both the home *and* away feeds were coming from independent (?) broadcasters.
For example, any games on Peachtree TV automatically meant that either 1) I was getting the non-Braves feed, or 2) if it was an independent non-Braves feed like San Diego channel 4, or Texas’ KTVT, I got zip. I mean, it wasn’t even on the On Demand/Cox listings. It just wasn’t there period.
I discovered that some of the broadcast deals went all the way back to the 1970’s and created this patchwork of coverage that is just bizarre by the way we think of things today. Do you remember a big stink last year about MLB coverage and negotiations? This is part of that issue. And our not-so-beloved commissioner has said this would be worked out, but it’s a big mess involving $$$$, so I don’t see it ending anytime soon.
One more odd example. The Fox national exclusive deal (most Sat’s for games starting before 6pm ET) is just as limiting. Fox determines what game my AZ market will get those days. And usually it’s not the Braves due to a 1pm ET/10am MT start. So one day, I drive to the Fox Sports bar in Scottsdale. They’re Fox, right? They should be able to get it. Nope. No can do. On those days, I would have to go to another state (market) to get that broadcast *regardless* of whether or not it’s cable, sat TV, or even MLB.TV! This is a real pain in the arse on those days where you have a match up like Smoltz v. Glavine.
Whereas the sat TV guys made their deal, and as I understand it, you can even add the Peachtree TV channel to your Dish subscription. So in theory, I could get all the PTV games in my house out here. But I don’t have Dish and am not likely to change.
bigchiefrg
February 21st, 2009
8:45 pm
Thanks gary…I dont know why I forgot about him. I saw him play in Charleston, SC against the Rainbows (now the River Dogs) in ‘95 when he was at Macon. He was a man amongst boys. Man I hope he gets back on his horse and finishes out what appeared to be shaping into a sure-fire HOFer.
Similarly last summer I saw Heyward playing for Rome at Charleston. He looked like he was in a completely different class. That kid will be in Atlanta sooner rather than later.
Leah
February 21st, 2009
8:45 pm
McFann –
I was wondering the same thing.
brent a.
February 21st, 2009
8:46 pm
I don’t really understand what Will Ohman is gaining by sitting around.
I wonder if some FO’s are concerned about his late season drop-off, and combined with the economy, are not offering him a decent contract.
Either that, or, there just aren’t any teams offering, for which he would really be interested in playing for.
It just seems strange that the guy hasn’t found work, yet.
TheManMike
February 21st, 2009
8:54 pm
DOB-
Love all the Dylan songs in the blogs lately. Its a Bob Dylan time of year i think….
doug h
February 21st, 2009
8:57 pm
DOB i was hoping you were banned from braves club house. Maybe the players will stop talking to you.
Anders
February 21st, 2009
9:06 pm
DOB i was hoping you were banned from braves club house. Maybe the players will stop talking to you. (Doug 8:57)
Yeah, that would make this blog fun for you Braves fans. Guy, you have no idea how lucky you are to have this much access. Trust me, I’m in NY and there’s nothing remotely close. With no player access you might as well just read the box scores.
ernesto
February 21st, 2009
9:16 pm
Doug H, does that H. stand for Head up ass? Cause it should.
Little Joe
February 21st, 2009
9:18 pm
AZBravesFan – great blog! good stuff. btw, your sundevils will be in Athens, ga for the big rematch this Sept.
ernesto
February 21st, 2009
9:19 pm
Ok, what’s with the Bowman throwing people under the bus thing? A story I missed? A blog joke? Something Bowman’s wanted for in another state?
McFann :Ô:
February 21st, 2009
9:23 pm
Leah–
Yeah. What a bummer. I always look forward to the photos. That sky-shot of all the guys stretching on Wednesday is funny…looks like their having a “dance fight”.
Also like the one from Monday that looks like BMac is holding the sun under his arm.
Lew
February 21st, 2009
9:28 pm
AZ BravesFan-That’s strange. I thought that MLB just broadcast and that was the EI package. Apparently there is cherry picking among carrier. I’m with Comcast, so I really don’t know how anyone else would do it.
Come to think of it, early last season Jersey Gil was having trouble with the game selection on his cable company, so I guess I’m not surprised as much as I thought. Nevermind.
Anders- What will happen will happen. However, I did research one thing which might prove interesting to you. Every single relief pitcher I found with 50 saves, dropped between 10 and 27 saves the following season. I may have missed someone, but I checked on Smoltz, Thigpen, Mo Rivera (did it twice-once at each extreme) and Gagne-maybe more-I can’t remember and have no interest in checking again tonight. I would not expect Rodriguez to save more than his normal 41 or so-exactly the paceWagner was on when injured the past two years. Loke I said-you improved your closer for September and not much more. Yes. Yes., I know the Mets only lost by a game or two the last two years. Hang on to that though. It might give you the comfort level to make it til September when the Mets fold again.
Frankie Knuckles
February 21st, 2009
9:28 pm
“Yeah, that would make this blog fun for you Braves fans.” – Anders
Who do you pull for man? just curious. And how long do you think it’ll be before you turncoat on your team and hop on the Bravos bandwagon?
spotts
February 21st, 2009
9:33 pm
Anyone see Bowman’s article on braves.com
Braves like what they see as Kawakami throws
Count manager Bobby Cox among those impressed after Japanese righty Kenshin Kawakami worked first in the bullpen and then to live hitters on Saturday
now I’m no Areopagus, but doesn’t that contradict DOB saying that Kawakami was unimpressive? Just curious (because I’m relatively new here) but is there some kind of rivalry between Bowman and DOB?
Hanks heroes 44
February 21st, 2009
9:34 pm
Is the Braves contract offer to Ohman still on the table? and are we in the ballpark with that offer.
Anders
February 21st, 2009
9:36 pm
Lew- I certainly don’t expect 60+ saves from K-Rod. I do think he will get 45 or so. Plus Putz will pick some up along the way. There’s no denying overall the Mets bullpen has been well upgraded. It’s the first thing out of every baseball reporters mouth I’ve seen when they discuss the Mets. If the Mets added K-Rod and nothing else to the pen I think your point would carry much more weight.
If the Mets had K-Rod or wagner last September I think we both agree they make the playoffs – that’s my point.
Steve McP
February 21st, 2009
9:38 pm
Frankie Knuckles – Don’t come here much? Anders is a Mutts fan, but he enjoys the baseball comment here and for that he puts up with lot of flak.
Leah
February 21st, 2009
9:38 pm
McFann –
Maybe they didn’t post them today because of the physicals that took place this morning, which pushed the workout back to 1:00 pm? Just a thought. If that’s the case, then there likely won’t be any pictures tomorrow either.
Yes, I look forward to them daily as well since I can’t get down there to watch the action myself. Maybe one day, though.Yes, a lot of those pictures are really good. Not sure that I have a favorite, though, but there are some good pictures in the ones that have been posted. Hopefully there will be lots more of the same quality.
Anders
February 21st, 2009
9:39 pm
Frankie Knuckles – Yeah you got me. I’m positioning myself to jump on the Braves bandwagon. And Lew’s a closet Mets fan.
Graham
February 21st, 2009
9:39 pm
Hanks heroes 44
The offer to Ohman was pulled some time ago, possibly December. It wasn’t known until just a week or so ago that the Braves did pull it, but the offer no longer exists. If the Braves have gotten involved in discussions again, they are keeping it close to the vest.
bigchiefrg
February 21st, 2009
9:39 pm
Its good to see all the haters dwindling away and people going back to talking baseball. Now if we could just get the post level back to 100 we would be set.
hey DOB…u a scotch or bourbon guy?
dogsbrekky
February 21st, 2009
9:43 pm
So I subscribed to mlb.tv premium here in the northern Metamucils wasteland… let you know if it is as good as projected…
Saw a great flick tonight, a frenchie flick called UV… worth checking out…
Good to hear everyon is underestimating my man Kamikaze… leave the dude alone… he will rule in ‘09
“Shake and Bake”
PG Warning – the author of this part of the blog is inebriated muchly…
Andrew
February 21st, 2009
9:46 pm
DOB- where do you watch the braves games when their on the road?
McFann :Ô:
February 21st, 2009
9:46 pm
Leah–
That’s a good point–could be the physicals.
I look forward to them for the same reason you do–can’t get down there in person. I’m sure once the weekend’s over, they’ll post some new photos up.
ease19
February 21st, 2009
9:50 pm
Anders (Newman) – This 100 post thing is really a drag…I don’t have the time to spend all day reading a blog! I love the jousting and hopefully it will continue once the geeks fix things. I am just as much as a sarcastic smartass as you are! And in defense of Lew, there is no such thing as a closet Mets fan. A Braves fan would break out in hives just thinking about it.
NO SOUP FOR YOU!
Anders
February 21st, 2009
9:50 pm
Andrew- DOB watches most of the road games in Stinky’s Clam Bar in Norcross.
Leah
February 21st, 2009
9:51 pm
McFann –
Let’s hope so.
Andrew
February 21st, 2009
9:53 pm
Anders,haha
Anders
February 21st, 2009
9:53 pm
Ease 19 – Glad to hear we have an understanding. Looking forward to posting with you.
Lew needs no one defending him. He’s certainly got that covered.
ease19
February 21st, 2009
9:54 pm
Anders – Again, get your facts straight before you talk smack!…Its called Barnacles and is next door to Oasis (a gentleman’s club)…Can you fault him for that?
GTguy84
February 21st, 2009
9:59 pm
DOB – Any word on who might be getting the start Wednesday against the Tigers?
TnBrian
February 21st, 2009
10:04 pm
Anders, I hate saying this, but our Braves aren’t as offensively put together as your Muts. If both teams bullpens stay healthy, it’s about even in my book. The starting rotation tilts a little to our side when you’re talking about depth and really, the guy who’s not getting the attention right now that might have the best year out of all of our pitchers is Vazquez. Moving to the NL with Cox might be exactly what he needs to finally have that “breakout” season. Anyways, when it’s all said and done, if Atl. gets no one to protect our big bats in Chipper/Mac, I’m afraid your team will edge out mine this year.
But, I’ll tell you this right now, next year the Bravos should be very dangerous in every way you can think of. We Braves fans shouldn’t sweat ‘09.
Andrew
February 21st, 2009
10:06 pm
GTguy84, chuck james will sign a 10 day contract and start for us..even tho he is hurt he wants to show that he can be a true number 1 starter
Run Heap Run
February 21st, 2009
10:07 pm
Andrew – DOB goes with the team on most road trips. It would be easy to dislike him out of pure envy if he weren’t so darn good to us.
brian
February 21st, 2009
10:12 pm
obviously I am biased because I am a Braves fan, but this years team looks a lot stronger than last year. To get the pitchers we have while still keeping Yunel, KJ, and prospects (except for Flowers) is pretty impressive.
CF Anderson
SS Escobar
3B Chipper
C McCann
1B Kotchman
2B Kelly
RF Frenchy
LF Schafer/Diaz
SP Lowe
Jurrjens
Vazquez
Kawakami
Glavine
Not bad at all
Mark Windsor
February 21st, 2009
10:12 pm
I just dont understand why so many want swisher or nady..i mean these are marginal decent players who want between 4-6 million..Braves got talent in outfield do you really think a guy who hits 260 25 homers is gonna do it or maybe one of our own hit .300 12-15 homers 85 rbis and some good speed and cost 460,000 plus they gain major league experience to either improve with the Braves or make great trade bait..I think we are going to be okay..yes Im banking on Frenchy, but I think he can do it and if not we can make a trade if it makes cents.seems to me the yankees have let it be known to all these guys are available no takers..leave them in NY
Oromus
February 21st, 2009
10:12 pm
Josh Andersons Over all stats last year….
In 630 Abs
Hits 195
Runs 98
2B 32
3B 5
HR 7
RBI 52
SB 52 (Yes, 52!!)
CS 8
Walk 38 (His one flaw)
SO 90 (Only 57 in 500 Abs in AAA.. I think he was pressing in MLB. I’m expecting around 75)
Average 304
OBP 348
Slugging 416
Am I the only one rooting for him over the other outfielders to win a spot? I would love him to have a year similar to that in the lead off spot this year.
Andrew
February 21st, 2009
10:13 pm
Man DOB has the best job ever. I can see him and Huddy throwing them down this year.
Anders
February 21st, 2009
10:15 pm
TnBrian – I’ve said before that if Hudson comes back from his injury close to what he was before he got hurt they might have a real good rotation in 2010.
That gives them a year to figure out the outfield situation. The real risk for 2010 is Chipper. Will he hold up? Can he still be the center of their offense at 36 or so? It’ll be interesting to see what type of extension he signs and how much salary he gets. You could be looking at $30 to 32 mil in Lowe and Chipper alone. Heavy numbers.
Andrew
February 21st, 2009
10:17 pm
Oromus, what stats of anderson’s there are you showing? Career? His not an everyday starter in the pros. Most of that was in minor ball.
18 Wheels of Love
February 21st, 2009
10:19 pm
Finally saw Slumdog. Great movie. Very different but very well put together. Whoever edited that flick put in some serious overtime. Best of the year? I could see that because it hit you from a bunch of different angles and it ended very well. Those Indians love to dance in movies!. Every Indian movie I have seen (the other being one with Sayeed from Lost in it) they always have some kind of crazy dance in it. I prefer stuff like Frost/Nixon but this was still a good movie.
David O'Brien
February 21st, 2009
10:20 pm
Anders, I wouldn’t be looking for Chipper’s contract to be worth the average annual value you are projecting. He and Lowe won’t be $30 mill between them. You gotta remember, Chipper will be 38 and 39 in the second and third years of that deal, assuming it’s at least a three-year extension. I haven’t heard any figures yet, but I’m gonna guess it’ll be less than $10 mill per year for Chipper. But again, I’m just guessing.
David O'Brien
February 21st, 2009
10:22 pm
18 Wheels: The “Bollywood”-style ending to Slumdog was brilliant, the whole cast breaking out in song and dance. That was a terrific movie.
Oromus
February 21st, 2009
10:22 pm
Andrew, That was his “over all” year last year, as stated. MLB and AAA combined in 08. I like his potiental. 50 SBs in the lead off + 40 EBHs means he’ll be in socring position a LOT for the guys in the middle of the order. He’s the best lead off option we have and I hope Schaffer doesn’t beat him out because we need Andersons 40 to 50 SBs a lot more that the 10 to 15 extra homers Schaffer will provide.
TnBrian
February 21st, 2009
10:23 pm
Anders, sure, Chipper is a question mark as he gets up there in age. But at the same time, there is a light at the end of that tunnel with guys like Heyward,Schafer, of course McCann and if Francine turns it around from here on out, are guys that’ll be around for a long time. When Murphy left, we had Justice,Gant,Pendelton, etc. that more than made up for his loss. It’s definitely not Chipper’s talent any Braves fan is worried about, it’s obviously injuries.
Little Joe
February 21st, 2009
10:24 pm
Huddy will become trade bate for that ellusive left-fielder. We have all the pitching we need for now. I like Huddy, but I think he’s lost the edge he once had.
David O'Brien
February 21st, 2009
10:24 pm
GTGuy84, Bobby told us after today’s workout that they’ll sit down tomorrow and work out the spring rotation after talking to the pitchers, finding out if any have any early preferences, etc. He’ll probably announce the pitching plans tomorrow or Sunday.
Braveheart
February 21st, 2009
10:25 pm
——– saw Jr.’s press conference and he seems like a depressed and confused man. Maybe it’s just me, but he does seem a little off. I know it’s not right to judge someone you don’t even know, but still. ——–
I didn’t see it, but something has always bothered me about Junior. When he was a teenager he tried to commit suicide by ingesting 277 pills of aspirin. That’s always really bothered me about him. His dad was famous and wealthy. Junior was already a legendary prodigy who was about to get drafted and be in the big leagues like a year later, but he still had enough turmoil going on his head that he tried to kill himself. “It seemed like everyone was yelling at me in baseball, then I came home and everyone was yelling at me there,” he recalled. “I got depressed. I got angry. I didn’t want to live.”
I think it’s clear there’s still alot of turmoil going on in his head, with everyone pulling at him, always wanting him to be what they want/need him to be, which conflicts with what he really wants/needs, which is to be left alone to be happy and at peace with the game and his family. I think he really wanted to come here, but everyone started yelling and pleading and pulling at him again and he took the path of least resistance just to get them to back off. He even threatened retirement the longer that thing dragged out, which is akin to a suicide threat relative to his baseball career.
Anders
February 21st, 2009
10:26 pm
DOB – Really? I’m really surprised. I thought he’d want at least as much as Lowe being Lowe is 36 hasn’t thrown a pitch for the Braves yet and didn’t leave all the dollars on the table Chipper has over the years. If the Braves get Chipper for $10 mil per or below that’s a bargain imo.
Andrew
February 21st, 2009
10:27 pm
Oromus, cox doesnt run the steal that much…how many SB’s did Anderson have for Atlanta? I think Anderson had plenty of playing time last year for the Braves and i really dont think he can produce anywhere near his minor league numbers for the big league club..
David O'Brien
February 21st, 2009
10:27 pm
Actually, I like to cover most of the road games from Famous Pub in Toco Hill Shopping Center, near my house.
Andrew
February 21st, 2009
10:30 pm
DOB, so how many game are you on the road with the team?
Anders
February 21st, 2009
10:32 pm
Earth to Andrew, Earth to Andrew.