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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
597 comments Add your comment
Oromus
February 21st, 2009
10:34 pm
Andrew…
He had 10 stolen bases (1 CS) in 136 ABs in MLB last year. So, Cox ran him quite a bit. Multiply that out to 600 Abs, and we have something we haven’t had since furcal… a Lead off man with 45 to 50 Steals. Did I mention that the last time we made the Playoffs, Furcal was leading off for us? BTW, Anderson has also hit over 300 in 200 ABs in the MLB for his career so far. The dude deserves a real shot, IMO.
David O'Brien
February 21st, 2009
10:35 pm
Anders, it’s hard to really say with confidence what Chipper will get, because it’s a unique situation. Lot of facts to consider: His age, his robust numbers (when healthy) the past few years, his immense stature with the club, the fact he’s taken less to stay and would like something close to market value this time, the economy, etc.
So it’s just a guess, but I’m pretty confident saying it’ll be closer to $10 mill per year than $15 mill, if it’s a three-year deal. And it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s a little less than $10 mill per (also wouldn’t shock me if it’s slightly more).
Chop Chop
February 21st, 2009
10:36 pm
Junior doesn’t like to make decisions, Braveheart. His unwillingness to waste his immense baseball talent caused him to become a superstar in a game that demanded more of him than he felt comfortable with. Junior could have had things a lot easier if he had just decided to do something else with his life. Instead, he’s got millions of dollars and doesn’t really know who he is.
(Sounds like a character sketch, doesn’t it?)
Fred
February 21st, 2009
10:36 pm
Anders, Don’t forget how Robert Edwards blew out his knee at a pre-probowl event in Hawaii, which basically ended his career. I agree 100% with you (and most people not named Bud Selig) that the WBC should NOT be during spring training. I could easily see Chipper pulling a hamstring or a pitcher screwing up his arm.
David O'Brien
February 21st, 2009
10:37 pm
Andrew, I’ll do about 60-63 of the 81 road games, plus the All-Star Game (if we cover it this year) and World Series (if we cover it this year). Carroll does the other Braves road games.
Anders
February 21st, 2009
10:41 pm
DOB – Fair enough. On another topic, the WBC. I’ve been pretty clear I hate the risk it is to the players etc.. Can you share the general thoughts of mgrs etc on the tournament? I would think they hate turning over their best players to another mgr to be used as they see fit.
Also, what is the end game to having this tournament. Off shore teams?
Thrillhouse44
February 21st, 2009
10:42 pm
What cities do you try to avoid during hte year, DOB?
David O'Brien
February 21st, 2009
10:43 pm
Helluva comeback by the Sooners at Texas, with Blake Griffin out since before halftime with a concussion. Brutal assignment for the Jayhawks on Monday — at OU.
Braddd
February 21st, 2009
10:45 pm
Is it possible Martin Prado could get a starting job at 2B and Johnson is moved to the outfield?
David O'Brien
February 21st, 2009
10:46 pm
Thrillhouse: Every time I mention cities I try to avoid, I get angry e-mails. Since I’ve gotten a decade’s worth of angry e-mails this past week, I think I’ll avoid naming the cities I prefer to avoid at this time. I’m sure you can understand.
Andrew
February 21st, 2009
10:46 pm
Oromus, i agree with you about needing that speed in there at the top of the lineup..but you really can’t say multiple his numbers because you dont know if he will consistantly do that…
Poorbrave
February 21st, 2009
10:47 pm
Oromus, you are not the only one. Man I’ve been pulling for Josh to get a chance all last year but Cox waited till Sept. to call him up.(except for couple days) Thanks for info on Josh. Hope he wins starting job in CF. Give the man a chance and I believe he will produce.
Andrew
February 21st, 2009
10:47 pm
DOB, do you know if Charles Thomas is still with the A’s?
Thrillhouse44
February 21st, 2009
10:49 pm
DOB, I figured you couldn’t answer that. But, let them pile on now while your mail box is full and you’re half-reading them all anyways. Nah, I understand, bud.
jason in the atl
February 21st, 2009
10:50 pm
DOB – i’m watching the Texas – OU game now and it reminds me why i love college b-ball almost as much as baseball. I never saw your follow up to Chipper’s comments about loving T. Hanson’s game so much. Sorry, if you’ve already elaborated on that… but I’d like to hear more about the phenom…
Thanks!!!
C's
February 21st, 2009
10:51 pm
DOB – As discussed earlier, would Bobby consider putting Anderson in CF and platooning Schafer with Diaz in LF? The way he did Andruw before he took over the full time CF job.
Oromus
February 21st, 2009
10:52 pm
Braddd
Prado will likely hit 5 homers at most…. Why would you play him every day when KJ at 2nd will hit around 15 and a Diaz/Jones platoon could produce 15 to 20? Prado is a good bench guy, but, he doesn’t really have any skills that say he should be an every day guy. He has had a good average, but, with more ABs and betetr scouting reports, that will drop. Which will leave us with a completely average guy at 2B at best.
Not only that, but, they are looking to platoon Diaz in left and KJ was 2nd in the Majors last year among lefties with a 330+ average against left handers.
Braveheart
February 21st, 2009
10:52 pm
——- Every time I mention cities I try to avoid, I get angry e-mails. Since I’ve gotten a decade’s worth of angry e-mails this past week, I think I’ll avoid naming the cities I prefer to avoid at this time. I’m sure you can understand ——-
Nah, embrace it like your brother Conan O’Brien did in his Conan Hates My Homeland series of skits.
Awhile ago, Conan did a bit where he showed fake Euro coins. One of those coins made fun of the Ukraine, which provoked a lot of angry letters. Here’s the interesting part: those letters were from the Ukraine. Conan had no idea that Late Night was aired in the Ukraine, and began to wonder where else he was on. You would think he could just ask NBC, but they won’t tell him, because then they’d have to pay him more. There is just one way to find out, and that is to viciously insult every nation in the world, and see which ones he gets letters from. Read the insults here: http://conan.kary.ca/
Anders
February 21st, 2009
10:53 pm
DOB – I did see that you mentioned Seattle as one of your favorite cities. I too love that city. Especially when the mountain’s out. What a view from the Waters Edge hotel.
Also, if you’ve never taken the underground city tour there I reccomend it. It’s a little corny at times but very, very interesting.
My favorite city? San Diego.
Andy K.
February 21st, 2009
10:54 pm
C’s (DOB please correct me if I’m wrong), but I think DOB has already addressed this, saying Schafer is far too good of a defensive player to platoon in left, so he would likely be in CF…
Andrew
February 21st, 2009
10:55 pm
Oromus, so i guess Anderson’s average will drop too when they get his scouting reports out huh?
Andy K.
February 21st, 2009
10:56 pm
DOB, how does Jordan pronounce his name???? Shea-fer or Schaf-for, because i know some people with the last name who pronounce it both ways.
Thrillhouse44
February 21st, 2009
10:58 pm
San Diego…I wonder what Marcus Giles thinks of that city now. I wonder how much Marcus weighs now. DIdn’t he sign somewhere?
Oromus
February 21st, 2009
10:58 pm
Andrew, it;s highly possible, but, he DOES have a skill that could make him a line up regular. 40+ SB potiential. Prado doesn’t have any speed or power. That’s the difference. Anderson at 275 or 280 with 40+ steals would still be productive. Prado at 275 or 280 with 1 or 2 steals or maybe 4 to 5 homers would be a waste when you have better options at 2nd base in KJ and better options in the outfield as well. Are you just trying to argue tonight or what? lol
Oromus
February 21st, 2009
11:01 pm
Thrillhouse44 .. I think Giles signed a minor league deal with the Phillies. Either that, or he got a non-roster invite. I think they are looking for someone to start the season with in case Utley’s hip surgery keeps him out a while.
David O'Brien
February 21st, 2009
11:03 pm
Andy K: Shea-fer.
David O'Brien
February 21st, 2009
11:03 pm
Thrillhouse, Giles signed a minor league deal with the Phillies.
C's
February 21st, 2009
11:03 pm
Andy – If that’s the case, my bad. I missed that.
But I guess then I’d have to ask…..Andruw was a pretty good defender himself (<–understatement) and he wasn’t too good to platoon. So why would Schafer be too good?
Andrew
February 21st, 2009
11:04 pm
Oromus lol im not trying to come at you like that im just talking braves with fellow fans..but seriously Anderson is NO power threat at all…Prado has more power then Josh…we do need speed but also need some power so hopefully jeff bounces back and left gives us 15-20…i really want Schafer to show us why he is such a highly regarded prospect.
Andrew
February 21st, 2009
11:07 pm
Oromus, also in no way was i trying to say prado should start 2nd or get more playing time cause i do like kelly there
Mania
February 21st, 2009
11:11 pm
Thrillhouse – I think M Giles signed with our good friends the Phillies.
flbravesgirl
February 21st, 2009
11:11 pm
I’d never heard that story before, Braveheart. Quite a different picture from the happy-go-lucky face Griffey has usually presented.
Mania
February 21st, 2009
11:12 pm
Anyone know when the first spring training game is on TV? Man I can’t wait.
Andrew
February 21st, 2009
11:13 pm
Griffey is going to regret his choice when Atlanta is pushing for a playoff spot and knowing he could have been here to help us get in..while the mariners sit in 4th
David O'Brien
February 21st, 2009
11:13 pm
C’s: Regarding your 10:51 question, if Schafer and Anderson made the team, I think it’d be more likely that Schafer would be the one in CF and Anderson in the platoon in LF. But I think it’s more likely, at least at this point, that Schafer spends a couple months at Gwinnett. Of course, that opinion could change in two or three weeks….
Jason in the ATL: Thanks for reminding me. I’ll put Chipper’s comments about Hanson in a new blog in the morning, OK?
Maddux
February 21st, 2009
11:14 pm
DOB, my fiance and I live near Fouous PUB. Can we meet up for a game?
Robert
February 21st, 2009
11:15 pm
DOB, does Hanson make the team if he is lights out or is he destined for AAA.
Frankie Knuckles
February 21st, 2009
11:16 pm
Anders – you just might be – your obviously, at minimum, subconsciencly intrigued by this historic organization. Your welcome on board man. But, i do understand you coming to this weblog – cause even New Yorkers can’t stand New Yorkers. Just kidding. But seriously, come to grips with it – denial aint healthy.
dogsbrekky
February 21st, 2009
11:17 pm
DOB – several things
1.Chipper is worth MUCH MORE than $10 based even on say 120 games per year if you look at Tex, CC, AJ and what ManBoras is gonna get, even at 38, 39, 40… his hitting is getting better as the roidless pitchers wear down
2. Oroless (????) – We had an awesome pitching line up early in 2008 season and lead the NL EAst in April
SMOLTZ
HUDSON
GLAVINE
JJ
Campillo
The injured LH dude with no heart (I mean a heart problem)
and a stacked healthy bullpen..
3. Josh Anderson – I like him a lot, and he is one factor in what we need (oh that makes me think about Mike Hutchence and INXS, “give you what you need, what you need, yeah…”
If you look at our 90’s teams we had some very weak hitting links but great defence, Belliard, Walt Weiss etc etc…. we had a few clutch hitters… Javy Lopez and Justice…. but awesome pitching
This year our pitching looks bloody good, deep and solid and a good 1-5 beats a Phillies great 1, avg 2-5 and Mets great 1-2 and poor 3-5 anyday
Anders
February 21st, 2009
11:17 pm
Told ya Stinky’s Clam Bar was the right play. Nobody admits going there.
dogsbrekky
February 21st, 2009
11:22 pm
Movies 2008 – My favs in order
1. The Wrestler
2. Gran Torino
3. Tell No One (Froggy flick)
4. Slumdog
5. Rachel getting Married and stoned blotto
6. Milk
7. Defiance
8. Rev Road
9. Vicky Cristina
10. UV (Froggy Flick)
Maddux
February 21st, 2009
11:22 pm
UFC 95. DIEGO????
Steve McP
February 21st, 2009
11:23 pm
DOB – Re: your 10.24 – Tomorrow in Sunday, so we expect something tomorrow?
Anders
February 21st, 2009
11:24 pm
dogsbrekky – I see your PG warning has been lifted. Have you sobered up in the last 90 minutes?
Your post says no.
bdbraves
February 21st, 2009
11:25 pm
DOB
Haven’t heard a thing about JJ so far this spring. Love watching him pitch. Got a gut feeling on how his sophomore campaign will go this year?
BossLady
February 21st, 2009
11:26 pm
Terrific Video of Chipper and the guys, Thank you.
It appears from the article that Griffey wanted to go to Seattle. Like I said he is a Superstar in that town.
I think Wren needs a good looking at if players think they can just play him like Furcal and Griffey. Who knows the others that we did not get details on may have done so too. If the plan is that you can just
meet with Wren you can get all his information to take to another team
for leverage. That is a bad reputation to have in this business. If he appears too eager and too willing to hand over the money players will continue to treat him like that. It is embarassing what has happened this off season and I personally do not like being considered as a town that get played on!!!
brian
February 21st, 2009
11:26 pm
DOB – If Schafer starts in Atlanta to start the season – do you think it would be an easier adjustment for him to play in CF for defense of will there be less pressure for him to be in LF so he can focus more on making the adjustments in hitting?
Chris from the Rock
February 21st, 2009
11:26 pm
Time to sign Edmonds. I think he’d be a fine LF platoon w/Diaz. He slugged .521 against lefties last year. And he may turn 39 this year, but he’d still be better than average defensively in LF.
Anders
February 21st, 2009
11:27 pm
Frankie Knuckles – Dogsbrekky said it’s your round.
dogsbrekky
February 21st, 2009
11:27 pm
Anders – I only drink on days ending in Y, nowadays..
went to an excellent little Italian on 52nd Street (oh Billy Joel references) and 8th/9th and had a few Amarone and now watching the best western ever (Unforgiven) and trying out some old single malts… the g/f is asleep……. wooo hoooo
“God bless Australia baby”
Braddd
February 21st, 2009
11:28 pm
Mania,
Theres a ST game against the Astros this Thursday on ESPN I believe.
Anyhoo,
Where will JoJo and Morton start the season, in AAA or maybe the bullpen?
Anders
February 21st, 2009
11:30 pm
dogsbrekky – I’m guessing the gf is just pretending to be asleep.
Rocker
February 21st, 2009
11:30 pm
The more thought I put into it, I think that the Braves really dont look that bad. They have youth and speed and by the sounds of it, a hunger to prove the world wrong (especially those whose chose other teams over the Braves) and make a point that there will be another great run. Just not sure that will be this year unless we get someone to protect Chipper and McCann. But we are moving in the right direction
Robert
February 21st, 2009
11:31 pm
let Schafer play CF against RH
let Anderson play CF against LH and LF against RH
dogsbrekky
February 21st, 2009
11:33 pm
I know squat about basketball but after watching Mar madness in Vegas for a few years and following it ever since, 2009 looks mystifying to me… will be the best tourny in years..
I kind of like Huskies and OKLAHOMA but am a UNC fan……….
Kansas looked okay today OB 1 Ke Nobi’
bdbraves
February 21st, 2009
11:35 pm
Braddd
Funny story about that ST game against the Astros. I installed a Satellite system for the parents of Wesley Wright(reliever for the astros). Said they were going to watch and heckle “Larry”. So i de-programmed their remote before i left.
PTBNL
February 21st, 2009
11:39 pm
If I remember correctly, Anderson hit the third highest HRs of all outfielders last year while only playing one month (essentially). Though he only hit 3 (in one month), that is not “no power”. But certainly it is not his strength.
David O'Brien
February 21st, 2009
11:52 pm
bdbraves: JJ has flown under the radar so far this spring, really has. so much attention focused on new guys, when we weren’t talking about that other guy, the one who went to Seattle.
Anyway, I’m gonna talk to JJ in the next couple days, i think. My gut on his season? Just think it’ll be good, for one reason: He’s a really good pitcher. Kid’s got toughness and talent. Seriously strong competitor.
David O'Brien
February 22nd, 2009
12:03 am
dogsbrekky: saw and loved every movie on your list except UV and Defiance (didn’t see either of them).
Tell No One would be on my top 10, too. Great movie that very few in the States saw. Great suspense.
You see Funny Games? Pretty wrenching, dark stuff. But very good. Not in my top 10, but it’d be in my top 10.
Frozen River with Melissa Leo, that’s another really good one you should see, if you haven’t. Awesome performance by Leo (she was a cop on the old Homicide show set in Baltimore).
bdbraves
February 22nd, 2009
12:15 am
DOB
I agree, jj may be 20 game winner in the not so distant future, especially with a durable rotation in place now. Not as much pressure to toss a complete game every start.
dogsbrekky
February 22nd, 2009
12:21 am
Funny Games – yes, with Tim Roth
Forgot about it, part of my brain damage problem and seeing too many movies
I was very disappointed with quite a few movies, so much so I could do a 20 worst list, Ben Button sucked but I am the only soul who thought so !
David O'Brien
February 22nd, 2009
12:22 am
D-B Truckers are on Austin City Limits right now….
ssiscribe
February 22nd, 2009
12:23 am
What makes JJJ stand out for me is his understanding of the mental aspect of pitching. A lot of guys pitching in the majors rely solely on their stuff to get hitters out, their ability to throw the fastball past people, etc.
Jurrjens is different. You can see the way he sets hitters up, the way he throws a pitch with a purpose for setting up the next pitch and the pitch after that. It’s rare to see a guy who has such good stuff understand the mental aspect of pitching at such a young age. That, and his ability to grind through when he doesn’t have his best stuff.
I think Jurrjens is an ace in the making. You look at him and Hanson, and it’s easy to think these guys will be anchoring this rotation for a long time to come. Then you add in Lowe for four years and Hudson coming back next season and Vazquez for two years (although I could see him being moved this offseason with Hanson and Hudson coming into the rotation), and you’ve got the makings of a very deep, very good rotation.
And as the past three years have taught us, if you want to play in October, you’ve got to have good starting pitching.
–30–
dogsbrekky
February 22nd, 2009
12:24 am
JJ is compared to MAD-Dog in quite a few scouting type analyses..
Anders
February 22nd, 2009
12:29 am
Here in NY Manu Chao is on Austin City Limits. Different shows in different markets?
David O'Brien
February 22nd, 2009
12:29 am
Now Ryan Bingham’s on Austin City Limits. Glad I’ve got this one taping on the DVR back home….
Scribe: Good take on Jurrjens. I agree on every point….
Anders
February 22nd, 2009
12:31 am
DOB- I saw that Bingham show. very impressive performer.
David O'Brien
February 22nd, 2009
12:31 am
Must be different in different markets. I remember that tonight in Atlanta, this was the show, because I set the DVR after missing it the first time it ran. This is the repeat.
ssiscribe
February 22nd, 2009
12:38 am
You know, there is a certain Maddux-esque tone to the way Jurrjens goes about his business, the way every single pitch he throws has a purpose, as if it’s a brushstroke on a portrait. No wasted pitches whatsoever. Every pitch is thrown for a reason, every pitch thrown with the thought-process of setting up the next pitch.
Jurrjens still is a kid, but he pitches like he’s been in the bigs for a decade. I thought the same about Maddux when I watched him as a youngster in Chicago.
Even though JJJ is young, the kids could learn something from watching Jurrjens. He always seems confident in his stuff (Morton is who I think of here; Charlie has awesome stuff, but is lacking in the confidence department). JJJ can grind through those nights when he doesn’t have his best stuff or pinpoint control, keeping his team in the ballgame and avoiding the big inning (Jo-Jo comes to mind here; I think Reyes has good stuff and could be a solid major-league pitcher, but if he’s not sharp, if he doesn’t have his “A” game, then the wheels come off).
The way I see it, Morton and Reyes and Hanson likely will start 2009 in Gwinnett … pretty good top three for the G-Braves (worth the drive for the Scribe from the southern rim of the capital city to check them out). Campillo’s the long guy/spot starter, pitching out of the bullpen for the big-league club.
Any thoughts on Brandon Jones from the good denizens? I wrote about him for my little blog, how he could be the other part of the Diaz platoon in left. Dude hit 19 homers and drove in 100 while hitting .295 between Mississippi and Richmond two years ago, but seemed to take a step back in the power department last season (eight in Richmond, one in Atlanta).
While I’d like to see the Braves target Garret Anderson to go with Diaz, with the roster as it currently stands, I think Jones enters Grapefruit League play as the top candidate to play with Diaz in left field, with Josh Anderson winning the job in CF, and Schafer going to Gwinnett for the start of the season. All just my opinion, and all subject to change if Schafer shines in exhibition play (and he was pretty good last spring before being sent to the minor-league camp).
–30–
Marv Kleeman
February 22nd, 2009
12:40 am
Hey fellow Braves fans:
Some predictions for the upcoming season.
This is how the roster may shake out.
Starting Pitchers:
1)Derek Lowe 2)Jair Jurrjens 3)Javier Vazquez 4)Kenshin Kawakami 5)Tom Glavine
Relief Pitchers:
1)Mike Gonzalez(Closer) 2)Blaine Boyer 3)Manny Acosta 4)Jeff Bennett 5)Buddy Carlyle 6)Jorge Campillo(Long Relief) 7)Boone Logan(Lefty)
Footnotes:
Rafael Soriano(arm) and Peter Moylan(elbow) are both coming off major surgery. The Braves have incredible bullpen depth; there is no need to rush them into action. Let them continue to rehab so they can come back at one hundred per cent (i.e. the ability to pitch on back to back days.)
Though I like him; the one guy on the “bubble” may be Buddy Carlyle.
Starting Lineup:
1)Josh Anderson CF
2)Yunel Escobar SS
3)Kelly Johnson 2B
4)Chipper Jones 3B
5)Brian McCann C
6)Jeff Francoeur RF
7)Casey Kotchman 1b
8)Matt Diaz / Gregor Blanco LF
9)Pitcher
Footnotes:
I truly believe this would be the Braves most productive lineup. Kelly Johnson really raked in September for the injured Chipper in the number three spot.
Batting Gregor Blanco eighth gives the Braves a “de facto” second leadoff hitter. If Blanco gets on base the pitcher can sacrifice him to second and he can subsequently score on a single. When was the last time the Braves were able to play a little “small ball”.
Jordan Schaffer and Brandon Jones begin the season at Gwinnett.
Bench:
1)David Ross C
2)Greg Norton 1B / OF
3)Martin Prado 2B
4)Omar Infante 3B
5)Matt Diaz / Gregor Blanco LF
Conclusion:
The Braves are a .500 team who project to finish behind the Phillies and the Mets.
But anything can happen. That’s why they play the game.
So play ball.
keylargo
February 22nd, 2009
12:42 am
It would be great if Josh Anderson reversed his strikeouts and walks to be 90 walks and 38 strikeouts.
David O'Brien
February 22nd, 2009
12:46 am
Wow — Joe Ely just came out and joined Bingham mid-song. Says plenty about how much respect this young gun Bingham already has. Great stuff.
nolie
February 22nd, 2009
12:47 am
Here in NY Manu Chao is on Austin City Limits. Different shows in different markets?
Yeah. Here in SW Florida we can’t even get ACL.
dogsbrekky
February 22nd, 2009
12:48 am
Marv – most intelligent Braves analysis I have seen this year
Now get off this blog, you are too bloody good mate
“Shake and Bake”
uga-brave
February 22nd, 2009
12:51 am
anyone else go to the steamhouse oyster fest today?
BIG line fest.
all we did was stand in line.
well at least marta got their 60 million.
gotta love our new sociastic govt.
let the banks fail.
uga-brave
February 22nd, 2009
12:59 am
oh by the way i callled the lehman, bear sterns, collapse one year ago.
ask flange, or brave-dave.
Danga
February 22nd, 2009
1:03 am
uga-brave…That is exactly why I don’t do any kind -fest anymore.
Anders
February 22nd, 2009
1:05 am
Uga-brave If you guys didn’t chase fans from other teams off this blog maybe George W. would have come on here to talk Texas Rangers smack and you could have warned HIM rather than Flange and brave-dave and this whole mess could have been avoided.
We were this close….
Danga
February 22nd, 2009
1:05 am
Hey DOB…Enjoyed my first cheeseburger from the Earl tonight with some sweet potato fries on the side. Then I went home and put on some good music that I purchased from Ella Guru earlier in the day. Thanks for the heads up on both of those spots.
Danga
February 22nd, 2009
1:06 am
Anders…That is funny. But you are living proof that the regular bloggers here are not very effective at chasing off fans from other teams.
ssiscribe
February 22nd, 2009
1:09 am
Marv: I’m normally a little more optimistic about things than I should be, so I’m gonna weigh in on why the Braves should finish above .500 and, while I think they’re one power bat away from being even with the Phils and Mets, I think they’re going to stay in the race all season.
(And speaking of being optimistic and bullish, uga-brave, when are we gonna hit a true bottom in the market? I know I’m loving buying shares on the cheap — my Roth cash goes in Monday — but if we get below 7,000 on the Dow, I’m gonna get a little worried.)
Now, baseball (noted transition from the Scribe): I think the Braves, as they are constructed right now, are good enough to win 87-89 games. Yes, I really think this team is good enough to win that many, and that might be enough to grab the wild card … though I recognize the NL East is going to be ultra-tough, with the Phils and Mets looking formidable.
The blueprint for success with the Braves in the 1990s rested on strong starting pitching, and a deep and solid bullpen. I see this Braves team constructed in much the same way, not with Cy Young starters going three out of every five days mind you, but with guys who can churn out quality innings and save your bullpen from entering games in the fifth and sixth inning every other night.
The health of Soriano and Moylan is critical to the pitching success of this team. We all saw last year that Boyer and Acosta aren’t cut out to pitch the ninth. But, you’ve got those guys locking down the seventh, with Soriano and Moylan pitching the eighth before Gonzalez pitches the ninth, and I think you have a very good formula for success.
Lowe and Vazquez typically hit 200 innings, and I think Jurrjens will join them — were the Braves in the race last August and September, I think Jurrjens would’ve pitched 200. Kawakami topped 145 innings in eight of his 11 seasons in Japan, and if Glavine is healthy, I think you could get 25 starts and 150 innings out of the fifth spot.
Offensively, Frenchy has to bounce back. We all know that, and I think we’ll see a bounce back from Jeff-ro. Just too talented to hit .239 again. The leaner Francoeur, not adjusting his stance from AB to AB (as we saw last season) should be good enough to hit .270 with 20 homers. And he’ll have plenty of RBI opportunities.
While I’d like to see the Braves pursue Garret Anderson to platoon with Diaz in left, even with the roster the way it stands now, I think the Braves are good enough to be in the race come mid-September. They may fall a few games short, but I think this team is better than .500. It very well may be a team that wins 88 games in the East and finishes third, but if the Braves are healthy and get a bounce back from Frenchy, then I really think this team is going to be in the hunt all season.
Just my opinion, of course. And being the optimistic type I am, knowing the type of talent bubbling at the surface of the farm system that will arrive in Atlanta the next couple of years (Hanson, Schafer, Heyward, Freeman, Medlin, Marek, etc.), I really think this team is going to be playing October baseball again, and soon.
–30–
Andrew
February 22nd, 2009
1:11 am
scribe, i agree with all your points of Jair…he’s so young and what really stands out is his command he has of his pitches
jed
February 22nd, 2009
1:12 am
i cant believe so many here are still opposed to signing garret anderson to platoon with diaz. look at the rotation. look at the bullpen. look at the infield we have. you can win a world series with these guys. provided of course you can put together an outfield, which, right now, we do not have. francouer is a question mark. so is josh anderson in CF. i’m fine with matt diaz but he’s the righty bat in the LF platoon, the one who doesnt play as much. what some of you want to do is add one more question mark to the outfield (jones, schaefer, blanco, etc). why not limit your question marks? sign garret anderson and you can count on that platoon giving you around 100 rbi. problem solved. i’m optimistic about josh anderson in CF. but i have no such optimism regarding b. jones, nor do i have any reason to believe schaefer is ready, much less believe he should be rushed. and here’s the thing: if francouer is still tanking by the time we hit june, you’re gonna have to replace him. wouldnt you rather take steps now and assure that you only have one OF position to fix, as opposed to getting near july and having a lack of production from both left and right field?
dogsbrekky
February 22nd, 2009
1:15 am
uga-brave – God, there are some of us sad capitalists left
I grew up in socialist Australia, it sucked then………..
god bless USA……… think we are going to need him to straighten out our lame asses
dogsbrekky
February 22nd, 2009
1:17 am
jed – I think if they are GOOD ENOUGH, they are old enough
Throw ‘em in the river and see if they can swim
Did Tracy Austin, a few Williams sisters, Tiger, Jack Nicklaus, Glavine etc etc okay
jed
February 22nd, 2009
1:25 am
brekky– hey, if they’re good enough, i agree. but there’s zero reason to believe b. jones or blanco is going to give you RBIs in LF. braves would just be hoping there. and by all accounts, schaefer is scheduled to be in AAA this year. why rush him into a situation he’s not prepared for? i want to see young guys playing too. but only when they’re ready.
Danga
February 22nd, 2009
1:26 am
G. Anderson has been on steady decline for a while now. He only hit 15 homers in 557 at bats last year. Diaz hit 12 dingers in 358 abs in 2007 when he was healthy. I don’t like the prospect of Anderson changing leagues and running around in left field on those creaky old knees. Seems to me we’ve got a god shot of his production with better defense with a Diaz/insert kid here platoon.
keylargo
February 22nd, 2009
1:27 am
Dogsbrekky & ugabrave
The Braves have about 6 million left to spend. If the Braves send you guys that money can you turn it into 10 or 12 by the trading deadline? We could pick up a couple of big guns to bring us home>LOL
Danga
February 22nd, 2009
1:28 am
*good shot, not real sure what a god shot is, but it sounds awesome.
Weldon
February 22nd, 2009
1:29 am
Garret Anderson is a waste of a roster spot. Anderson hasn’t had an OBP over .340 since 2004, and it’s not like Diaz can’t hit right-handed pitching. I don’t see how he improves the team. What we really need is a stopgap center fielder…or for Schafer to totally blow us away in spring training.
Oh, and for Frenchy not to suck. That would be immensely helpful.
Chop Chop
February 22nd, 2009
1:30 am
Hillary’s over in China begging them to keep giving us cash. The unions and poor people must have done it.
Let’s let all the banks and businesses who engaged in this credit mess fail. That will only mean the closing of thousands of businesses and the loss of millions of jobs. Who are the new entrepreneurs that will start the new businesses? The same folks who ran the old businesses. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
As Yakov Smirnoff used to say, “What a country!”
(Maybe this is why I see the Braves winning 85 games instead of 90. Do I see the cup half-empty? Quite possibly.)
Run Heap Run
February 22nd, 2009
1:30 am
Aghhh the comment eater is back. Gotta keep a close watch on this blog of ….. ours.
Danga
February 22nd, 2009
1:31 am
“Oh, and for French not to suck.”
Classic. The key to the season. Reminds me of this Posnanski column.
http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2009/02/13/the-francoeur-arbitration-case/
dogsbrekky
February 22nd, 2009
1:32 am
Keylargo – sadly not a time to be trading, unless you are buying Corporate binds at the great rate of 5% pa..
I haven’t seen such a mess since the Asian crisis in 97′
I like Anderson in LF with a suprt sexy slim Diaz and throw Schafer to the great whites in CF……. sometimes you gotta say “wtf”, kid can play I am told by many astute beis bol minds…
I am more worried about my beloved Frog in RF…… think he and 1st base will be good in 09′
jed
February 22nd, 2009
1:33 am
danga–against RHP, garret anderson hit .293/14/69 in 430 at-bats. you put him with diaz and you’ll get 100 rbi. he will also be a decent defensive LF. only thing that would concern me is him changing leagues. but that’s still better than having to learn how to hit in the majors, which all of these younger options would have to do.
ssiscribe
February 22nd, 2009
1:34 am
Danga: Anderson has made two errors in his past 261 games in left field. His defense is solid. And, while he may not be a game-changing power threat, he did hit as many homers off RHP as Griffey last season (14) while batting 21 points higher and driving in 21 more runs off RHP than Junior.
And for those who are asking about Edmonds, I offer this: Both Edmonds and Anderson hit .301 in 2004. Since then, Edmonds’ average has dropped every year. Edmonds hit .235 last season. Anderson in the past four years has hit between .280 and .297. He hit .293 in 145 games last season for the Angels.
I think Garret Anderson is worth asking about. If the Braves got Anderson and he replicated his 2008 numbers against RHP, and if Diaz can replicate his 2006-07 production, then I think the Braves are right there with the Phillies and Mets.
–30–
David O'Brien
February 22nd, 2009
1:34 am
Danga, good to hear. Did you say hello to ol’ Don while you were there? Man’s selling off his wares, ship’s going down … sad stuff. But he’s still got his damn Gators, who win a national title every few months.
jed
February 22nd, 2009
1:40 am
weldon–diaz has hit RHP in the past but he sure didnt last year. i sure wouldnt bank on it, not with what i saw from RF last year.
Danga
February 22nd, 2009
1:40 am
DOB…I did speak with Don…We talked a bit about the week you have had here, but I guess that is not as bad as losing the business you’ve been running for I don’t know how many years. It was a nice music shop. I wish I hadn’t waited until it was going out of business to check it out. And he did talk about being a big college sports fan, but I didn’t go into particulars because I overheard him speaking with someone else about living in Gainesville during college and I graduated from UGA. I don’t need to hear about them winning championship after championship. I have to see that crap every year.
jed
February 22nd, 2009
1:45 am
sscribe–yes, that’s my point exactly. you’ve got a team that has potential to win a WS here. i dont think a lot of the blog gets it.