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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
597 comments Add your comment
Coxlover
February 22nd, 2009
1:51 am
Jed, if the Braves have the potential to win the WS, then why would Griffey go to the Mariners to “preserve” his legacy ? Wouldn’t finishing his career on a team with the potential to win the WS be a better legacy than finishing his career with a team that may lose 100 games ?
Andrew
February 22nd, 2009
1:55 am
sscribe,i agree with your points…Anderson really did have a decent season last year..i cant believe we wouldnt seriously think about signing him..unless the only reason we went after griffey was for ticket sales…its weird that with his numbers last year that he cant find a job.
Andrew
February 22nd, 2009
1:56 am
coxlover,just goes to show you that griffey doesnt care about winning…you play to win the game ..hellooo
jed
February 22nd, 2009
1:59 am
coxlover–from reading what griffey’s said, i dont think he would agree with you. he wants seattle to be synonymous with ken griffey jr. apparently. do i think the braves can win the WS? yes. but they have to fix the outfield first.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 22nd, 2009
2:08 am
I’m with the scribe, JJ is the Braves real ACE. Or at least until Huddy is back.
Three things that will pique my interest between now and the end of April.
When and if Josh Anderson and Jordan Schafer make the team.
How many different line up’s that Bobby Cox uses during the first month of the season.
The bullpen. Gonzalez, Soriano, Moylan and the rest must stay healthy and productive.
uga-brave
February 22nd, 2009
2:13 am
hey anders,
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME I CHASED ANYONE OFF THIS BLOG?
oh by the the way if vegas wanted to go 52.5 vs. 47.5 on odds wake me up.\\
dude, i traded on one of the most sucsessful equity trading desks.
we made money on the spreads.
you my friend have no idea.
i hear your rambles about about how you think you are a business. man, blah, blah, blah.
let me tell you yankee, dont f with me.
i traded so many straddles and spreads. it would make your simple head spin.
i never get prsonal with bloggers, but you got my ire up.
bad mistake.
ssiscribe
February 22nd, 2009
2:16 am
Coxlover: “Wouldn’t finishing his career on a team with the potential to win the WS be a better legacy than finishing his career with a team that may lose 100 games.”
Certainly on the surface, what you said is 100 percent correct. What player wouldn’t want to go out with a team that could be playing in October? And certainly, while we can debate all night whether the Braves as they are constructed at this point are good enough to earn a playoff spot, there is little debate the Braves have a better chance at getting to October than the Mariners.
But when you look at what happened with Junior, and look back at history, that totally throws logic out the window.
First of all, Junior played a big role in saving Major League Baseball in Seattle. He was the cornerstone of the team when they broke through in 1995, rallying to win that dramatic ALDS against the Yankees, Griffey scoring the winning run in extra innings of the decisive Game 5. Beyond that, his brilliance, his rise to superstardom, played a big role in the M’s staying in Seattle and the construction of Safeco Field.
And then, with Junior in the throws of the decision-making process, he talks with two Hall of Fame outfielders (two guys Griffey will join in Cooperstown): Hank Aaron and Willie Mays. Both Hank and Willie returned to the cities where they started their careers (Hank to Milwaukee; Willie to New York City). Both spoke to Griffey about cementing his legacy by returning to where their careers started.
That, and the incentive money Seattle kicked in, played the dominant role in Griffey deciding to sign with the M’s instead of the Braves.
For a guy who’s never played in a World Series, I would think the lure of getting to the Fall Classic would win the day. But, I do understand Junior weighing the importance of returning to where his career started. That’s why, while I understand your statement totally and agree that under normal circumstances the lure of playing for a contender would be a big factor, in the Griffey situation, the pull of Seattle won out in the end.
And for the record, there is no way in hell published reports factored into that decision. You’re talking about a guy who has 19 years of major-league experience, a guy who grew up with media attention surrounding his family, a guy who was the best high school player in the nation. I just can’t believe a newspaper report influenced his decision.
Rather, it was the chats he had with two Hall of Famers who spoke of returning home, and Griffey’s realization of what he means to Seattle baseball — and vice versa — that led Junior to go back to the M’s.
Jed: This team could be, as the phrase goes, “sneaky good.” Good enough that, if it indeed can secure a playoff spot, could be a nightmare for the opposition in October, because of its pitching. I really, really think this team could make a run through October.
Getting there may be the more difficult proposition, though. But IF the Braves get to the playoffs, this team is built to win in October, with Lowe, JJJ, and Jurrjens as your three starters in the 10th month of the year, a deep bullpen, a good bench, and a lineup full of guys who can work the count and string together base hits.
–30–
dogsbrekky
February 22nd, 2009
2:18 am
uga brave – yeah I sold vol at >>> 60% in Oct 08′, but I am lying to you
uga-brave
February 22nd, 2009
2:19 am
oh by the way anders,
come find me. i usually can be found running around chastain.
always in a gratefull dead long sleeve t shirt, or georgia t shirt.
dont call me out.
come find me.
ssiscribe
February 22nd, 2009
2:23 am
Meant to say “Lowe, JJJ and Vazquez as your three starters in the 10th month of the year”
Time for bed … uga-brave, where do we bottom out, and what sector would you buy now?
Sleep calls, then duty calls tomorrow morning. Good conversation this evening/morning, folks. Thanks much, and talk with y’all soon.
Peace.
The Scribe abides.
–30–
johnbama
February 22nd, 2009
2:25 am
stop the anderson talk. seriously.
the braves to two steps back if they sign anderson. we have schafer and our own anderson waiting in the wings who i seriously believe have a much bigger upside. if those guys are good enough to be opening day roster guys….and i think anderson deserves that based on his shot with houston and with the braves….lets move forward.
so many on this blog are stuck on the older proven guys. sure they have done their thing but we are talking about guys that are on their last legs in mlb. why are you guys being so short sighted in this? at best a one year fix. what if a heyward is not ready in a year? do we then discuss bring shef back?
NickB
February 22nd, 2009
2:27 am
DOB you need to check out the original German Funny Games. I thought it hit much harder and was a much more effective film. Though the same director made both. Oh and make sure you check out Watchman in a few weeks. It’s the only comic to land in Time agazines top 100 novels of the 20th century. I own it and it is wonderful, am hoping the film can live up to even 50% of the greatness of the book.
johnbama
February 22nd, 2009
2:30 am
the more i think about this the more i get wound up. what did the braves do early in the 90s? trust their young guys….adding a significant older part. guys that we are talking about are not that significant. lets move on…give a anderson, jones and a schafer a chance. signing griffey or a garrett anderson sets us back 2 years easy.
uga-brave
February 22nd, 2009
2:31 am
anders,
you pick fights wit lew,
okay.\\
dont pick fights with flANGE or me.
i never call anyone out.
i am docile.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 22nd, 2009
2:33 am
I just had to share this with the blog. We (the spouse and I) were doing some late shopping at Wal Mart last night. Bored out of my mind and waiting for her to get finished, I made my way over to the magazine rack.
As I was reading this major baseball publication (It only comes out at the beginning of the season) I had to snicker at the sheer absurdity of the writer. This fella by the name of David King was giving his so called expert spiel on our Braves. His starting line up included Clint Sammons in CF and Jo-Jo Reyes as the fifth starter with Kenshin Kawakami in the bullpen. No, I’m not pulling your leg.
He really wrote this nonsense. Not to mention his statement that the Braves starting pitching is highly questionable due to all the injuries from last season. His rotation included Tom Glavine even though I’m one hundred percent certain that the article was written before Glavine was under contract for 2009. I was laughing my azz off at 12:35 in the morning in the middle of Wal-Mart while attempting to digest the idiotic, amateurish journalism of some hack writer who knows virtually nothing about my team.
At any rate, this blog is if nothing else, informative and accurate most of the time. But to see gibberish in black and white on a store shelf really took the cake.
Chop Chop
February 22nd, 2009
2:47 am
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=At_fe.KtAOTSfKtT0JI8O2c5nYcB?slug=ti-francoeur022109&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Ol’ Frenchy’s ready to go. I hope it works.
More interesting to me than the Frenchy stuff is Chipper’s preference for a left field bat:
…but they are talking to the Yankees about Xavier Nady (Chipper Jones’ preference, he said Saturday) and Nick Swisher, and spring training will be long enough to accommodate further roster adjustments.
General manager Frank Wren is wary of Nady’s cost in a trade and in salary ($6.6 million). So despite Jones’ lobbying, that may go undone as well, though if the Braves stay the course it’ll probably get heart-rending first.
“It’s been frustrating, I can tell you that,” Jones said.
jed
February 22nd, 2009
4:17 am
jonbama–i’m pretty sure we’re going to give josh anderson a chance in CF, and i’m fine with that. but you want us to go with b. jones or schaefer as well, neither of whom has a resume to support such trust. two years ago, jones had a good season, producing 100 rbi’s between AA & AAA, but that’s still the minors. last year, he was far from stellar. schaefer hasnt been beyond AA. sure, schaefer is considered a prime prospect, and he might well make it to atlanta by mid-summer, but why rush him? most importantly, why spend all this money on pitching in the off-season and then just wing it by taking a huge chance on brandon jones in LF? i’m typically in favor of playing younger guys when it makes sense, but in this situation–with this many unstable pieces in our outfield–we need stability, and that’s why you sign garret anderson.
now here’s a scenario for you, and this is what my thinking angles toward: for the first few months of the season, we have b. jones and schaefer in AAA. we get to june and francouer is hitting .230 again. now’s the time to give jones or schaefer a shot, and if we start them off in AAA, they’re playing every day getting themselves ready for that possibility. and, in that scenario, all we have to worry about is fixing the situation in RF, because the platoon of diaz and garret anderson will have already solidified LF for us.
this is not some invented hypothetical situation. it’s a reality the braves may well have to concern themselves with. what happens with JF is anybody’s guess. dont worry, though, the braves will get jordan schaefer up as soon as they’re confident he’s ready. i’m all in favor of that. but the worst thing we could do is rush him and put too much pressure on him (the pressure that comes with signing 4 starters in the off-season) when he gets here.
Matt
February 22nd, 2009
4:38 am
Hey Are the Braves looking at the Kansas pitcher who throw a No No ? Names Shaeffer Hall?
Thanks
February 22nd, 2009
4:48 am
I hope Tim Hudson breaks your face.
Steve McP
February 22nd, 2009
7:31 am
Nothing for 3 hours – is this broken again?
ncscoots
February 22nd, 2009
7:34 am
Whether you prefer an aging vet or an inexperienced rookie in LF probably depends on how you evaluate the scenarios outside expectation. Is it more likely that an aging vet will underperform expectation, or that the young player will outperform expectation?
You take a chance either way. Swift declines in aging vets aren’t exactly unheard of, and even highly touted rookies can fail. But, most things being equal, I tend to like the upside potential of the young player. If that scenario fails, it’s much easier to pick up, say, a Garrett Anderson later, than to unload a declining Garrett Anderson’s contract.
Since the Braves weren’t able to pick up a real difference-maker offensively, might as well get a read on some of the young OF in ST to see if any of them will be able to help or not. There will still be time to make a trade or signing before April 1, if the need arises.
Steve McP
February 22nd, 2009
7:56 am
DOB just read yesterday’s article on Kawakami – will his translator be allowed to go out to the mound with Roger McD during a game?
Gil In Mechanicsville
February 22nd, 2009
7:59 am
Good morning all, ssribe.. if you are still around, I would like to point out that nearly all the former Braves who played for Richmond have what appear to be low home run totals. A couple of explanations. First, the IL is considered to be a pitcher’s league. While there will always be some dregs for which players can fatten their numbers, they will be the exception rather than the rule. Secondly, Richmond was a tough park to homer in. The dimensions may have been the same as Atlanta but the humidity and prevailing winds made dingers a rarity, unlike in band boxes like Pawtucket.
Brandon Jones is more of a gap type hitter than a homerun guy. A nice player but he will never have the potential of a Jason Heyward.
John Quest (off the DL)
February 22nd, 2009
8:10 am
Coach, did you buy the magazine or just read it? Isn’t that stealing? Walmart assistant manager was probably giddy over the fact that someone was actually reading one of their magazines and not just looking at the pictures. They have you on video, too.
dap01
February 22nd, 2009
8:37 am
If Jeff Francouer doesn’t bounce back during the first few weeks, at what point does Cox actually consider platooning him? RF was as week as any other OF position last year.
David O'Brien
February 22nd, 2009
8:39 am
Steve McP: No, the translator isn’t permitted to go to the mound with McDowell. But he’ll be in the dugout, in uniform, during games.
John Quest (off the DL)
February 22nd, 2009
8:44 am
Roger will need to learn this Japanese Phrase, “hit the mitt or hit the pine”.
David O'Brien
February 22nd, 2009
8:45 am
Alabama’s “Mount Rushmore” foursome in this ongoing ESPN series was pretty incredible: Hank, Willie Mays, Bear Bryant and Bo Jackson.
18 Wheels of Love
February 22nd, 2009
8:47 am
DOB,
I’ve heard mentioned several times that Frenchy seems to have regained his stroke and confidence. Can you compare his BP AB’s this spring to what you saw last year during BP? I imagine Frenchy still hit some bombs in BP last year even though he was sucking wind during games. What makes this spring BP different so far?
18 Wheels of Love
February 22nd, 2009
8:51 am
Here’s my pick for SC’s Mt. Rushmore:
Joe Jackson, Jim Rice, Larry Doby and Radio.
richbrave
February 22nd, 2009
8:51 am
Hey Gil, you sound like you know what you’re talking about.
18 Wheels of Love
February 22nd, 2009
8:53 am
And Griffey looked totally unconvinced that he made the right call to go back to Seattle.
richbrave
February 22nd, 2009
8:53 am
GIL:
Looks like BLANCO is the marginal player we thought he would be. vAnd the LIL’ Bridge’s bat just wasn’t ready for prime-time.
John Quest (off the DL)
February 22nd, 2009
8:58 am
18 Wheels – are you still wearing chains?
18 Wheels of Love
February 22nd, 2009
8:59 am
Chains as in? Alice in? Break these?
ncgary
February 22nd, 2009
9:06 am
agreed scoots at this stage of the game , might as well allow the kids to see who shines unless something good is dumped into wrens lap
braves fan 16
February 22nd, 2009
9:07 am
Hey Dave, where do you see Stephen Marek starting out, and do you see him making the team out of Spring.
John Quest (off the DL)
February 22nd, 2009
9:10 am
18 Wheels as in: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVkxX-1gdMg
ncgary
February 22nd, 2009
9:12 am
best way to pick up that big bat is to keep touting how good all these braves pitchers are throwing this spring, that will bring the big bat here
mike p in wc
February 22nd, 2009
9:15 am
DOB,
Heading to see Ryan Adamas in New Jersey tonight. Hopefully, he puts on a good show, last couple times I’ve seen him he’s been average compared to how great his recorded stuff is. I’ll let you know how it goes. Keep up the good work down at ST.
David O'Brien
February 22nd, 2009
9:30 am
18 Wheels: The difference is apparent in Francoeur’s swing — much better balance, and the hands are in better position and moving a lot less before pitch arrives. He’s hitting balls up the middle and some the other way. But again, this is B.P. I think most people are waiting to see if he carries it over to the games.
C's
February 22nd, 2009
9:35 am
dogsbrekky – You’re not alone on your assessment of Ben Button. That movie was “ehh”, at best.
Rodney Derrick
February 22nd, 2009
9:37 am
Gregor Blanco can bunt, and aside from Tom Glavine, he has been the only Brave in recent years who knows how to do so. That does not mean he will make the team, but folks should remember his good points, which also include big time hustle and the ability to work the count, two additional skills lacking with much of the team.
C's
February 22nd, 2009
9:37 am
Jed – If you’re set on getting a vet for a LF platoon, why Anderson over Edmonds?
John Quest (off the DL)
February 22nd, 2009
9:38 am
DOB – They should be throwing sliders and curves, only, to Frenchy the entire Spring.
T2daD
February 22nd, 2009
9:44 am
Gotta agree w/ ya DOB, AL.’s Mt. R was awesome… Especially the BO running the wall highlight.
Doc Holiday
February 22nd, 2009
9:48 am
Braves are among the top 10 teams in the majors(8th) in the FOXSPORTS ranking, still the mets and phillies in front of them. No team from the west is ahead of us. Only the cubs ranked ahead of us besides muts an phillies. Sounds like people are starting to notice our chances.
Doc Holiday
February 22nd, 2009
9:53 am
Something tells me that the t greatest pitcher of all time, Jake Peavy (LOL yeah right) is going to regret not agreeing to sign with us.
Doc Holiday
February 22nd, 2009
9:55 am
Interesting fact…….. according to FOX power rankings, 6 out of the best 8 teams in MLB are from east. No need for me to list them.
Doc Holiday
February 22nd, 2009
10:01 am
Maybe this has been posted already but here it goes again:
Ken Rosenthal wrote this:
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.
johnbama
February 22nd, 2009
10:04 am
Jed,
I understand what you are saying but again there comes a time when you have to move forward. We did with John Smoltz, thankfully we did not sign Griffey. Based on your thought process you could have a old Anderson adjusting to a new league and a struggling hitter in right. I am not say we need to force feed a Josh Anderson or Schafer or Jones…..but if they show that they are ready to become productive major league hitters (define that as you may) during the spring then move forward. Guys like Smoltz, Glavine, Anderson and Griffey are great…..but it is time to move forward. I would much rather see the Braves trade for a Swisher than sign Garrett Anderson.
Run Heap Run
February 22nd, 2009
10:11 am
All this Francoeur hype needs to stop until at least … what is it? April 3rd? April 4th? I mean, I hope the kid has a better season, not because I like him but because he plays for my team. Until then I don’t need a daily comment about how much better he is than last year. I mean, “I’m not going to suck”? Did he plan to suck last year? I just….ugh. The boy gets under my skin. I hope he has a good season but to be honest I can’t wait until he’s wearing some other team’s uniform.
Lew
February 22nd, 2009
10:23 am
Maybe that time Frenchy spent with Chipper is paying off if he’s hitting the ball up the middle. That’s one of Chipper’s bigest theories-try to hit it through the center field wall. Now if that approach works for Frenchy like it works for Chipper-or even half as well-then Jeff’s back.
keylargo
February 22nd, 2009
10:26 am
Here is what I think will happen with Jordan Schafer this year. I think he will open the season in AAA and let Anderson have a shot at CF. There is a number of days of service that a player gets during the year that determines whether or not he is a rookie again the following year or a second year player. I could use some help on what that number is exactly, but I think it is 86. Using that number, I think Schafer will be called up when he can NOT reach that number, thus still having 3 years to go before he goes to arbitration. Some time in late June or July he will get called up.
oldbravesbag
February 22nd, 2009
10:27 am
Dave, Can we get any thoughts on Kelly and Escobar this spring. Thanks..
John Quest (off the DL)
February 22nd, 2009
10:28 am
For all you Soriano fans – He went on the DL 3 seperate times last year.
Chipper was on the DL once, and on the day-to-day list 8 times.
Keep stretching boys!
18 Wheels of Love
February 22nd, 2009
10:30 am
My obsevation of Frenchy the last 2 years is that his hands have been his problem. They have seemed really slow through the zone. I compare it to an amateur golfer blocking his drives. If you watch Chipper his arms go through the zone before his hands, but his hands very quickly catch up. That is what Jeff has been lacking. If he can add that to his game he can be successful. Kelly is also very good with the hands through the zone.
C's
February 22nd, 2009
10:32 am
keylargo – I think you’re right and that is something everyone should take into consideration when predicting who makes it out of ST. Same goes for Hanson as well.
Dadgum
February 22nd, 2009
10:32 am
Frank Wren it appears to me is going to stick with youth in LF. I like Anderson/Diaz in LF, Shaefer in CF, and Francouer in RF. In fact, that group should have an over/under of 50 homers. I’m taking the over.
For those clamoring for Edmonds, well, why? Do you think that he will put the Braves over the top? As much as you need experience you need youth and talent more. This is the perfect year to inject youth into the team. Talented youth mind you. This is the very reason I am not upset about Griffey. While it sounded cool to have Griffey it would have been merely window-dressing.
Unless all the young options prove unworthy in Dark Star I would hold my cards if I was Wren. So far I have to disagree with Wren on the Glavine signing. I have been a very vocal opponent of bringing Glavine back from the get-go (after the Mets). I know that was Schurholtz. Maybe Glavine will prove me wrong and I can handle that. So far I am right until proven wrong. I contend that there is no reason to play Hanson in AAA if he is effective at Dark Star. To that effect Wren just threw away 2 mil on Glavine when there is a better option as the #5 starter. In my opinion this will be the major theme at spring training and it is to be seen if Glavine will emerge as the #5 or retire. It’s almost even money either way. Oh yeah have I mentioned youth yet?
Rock on……we like our beer flat as can be, we like our dogs with mustard and relish, we gotta great pitcher what’s his name ah we can’t even spell it, we don’t worry ’bout the pennant much we just like to see the boys hit it deep, ain’t nothing like a view from the cheap seats.
TnBrian
February 22nd, 2009
10:33 am
I’m glad to read Chipper lobbying for Nady instead of just content that Frenchy is their right handed power bat for ‘09. Just like he said, until Frenchy faces live pitching, he’s pretty much the same guy that we saw in ‘08. To think ,all the work Wren did on the pitching might not be enough if Frenchy and KJ, especiall Franc., doesn’t bounce back. It can still be a disaster of a year.
Tyler
February 22nd, 2009
10:37 am
Yes, I do think the Braves have a few talented prospects. I’m not sure though, If they have enough experience to carry this years team. The Braves still need another veteran bat in their lineup. I think I saw where Chipper touched on this. I mean he does know this team well enough to know they need help. I believe their lineup would be average at best. What ever happened to the talks with Swisher and Nady. Those talks were going on before the Griffey one’s even began. (Come on Wren, I don’t think you’re a bad GM just a little unexperienced like this lineup will be if we don’t get ONE more veteran bat. I think Garret Anderson is still available too, at least make a move for him. Chipper needs help in the order, and Anderson, Diaz Shafer isn’t gonna cut it. Atleast not in the NL East. Sorry!!
Dadgum
February 22nd, 2009
10:38 am
It can also be a disaster of a year if they bring in a veteran and he doesn’t produce where youth would have been better served. Oh yeah and throw away another few million to boot.
Rock on….
Doc Holiday
February 22nd, 2009
10:42 am
Keylargo
You think the Braves are thinking about Schafers chances to be rookie of the year? or you think the rather fill out the blanks in the OF? I think they will call up the kid the if there is the need, period.
If I missed your point, then im sorry.
Doc Holiday
February 22nd, 2009
10:48 am
Dadgum
Dont forget that as we speak, CF belongs to Blanco, whether you like it or not. And dont forget about his OBP either, 3rd on the team only behind chipper and Mc. Schafer can beat him or Anderson, but they will have to work hard to do so.
Danga
February 22nd, 2009
10:50 am
“All winter long I’ve read where we need a right-handed power bat,” Francoeur says. “I know where that big right-handed bat has been. It’s right here.”
Gotta like the attitude. Hope he is right.
Danga
February 22nd, 2009
10:58 am
I agree with ya Dadgum…It seems to be a good year to bring in the kids. We have a good pitching staff which should give the kids a bit of time to find their stroke at the major league level. From what I have read all of the kids can go get the ball which will help our team defense. Pitching and defense is as good a way as any to win a baseball game.
Doc Holiday
February 22nd, 2009
11:00 am
Tyler
I understand your point about how young this team is. But dont forget that this guys are not getting any younger. KJ is not a baby anymore, neither is Mc. Kotchman is not a veteran but he has more than 1000 MLB AB. We will see a more mature yunel. Diaz isnt a kid either. We will have not rookies in the starting day lineup, so, that tells you something. They are young but they have some experience. Of course a veteran would fit just great, I have to agree.
David O'Brien
February 22nd, 2009
11:00 am
oldbravesbag: Escobar’s in even better shape than he was last year, just coiled muscles in those arms. He looks very good in the cage, but again, that’s all we’ve had so far. too early to judge anything. Kelly’s looked same as last year, no noticeable differences. I mean, they haven’t played a game, just facing BP pitching and doing infield drills.
Mr. B
February 22nd, 2009
11:01 am
I really don’t think that if the Braves signed Garrett Anserson, they will be concerned with his OBP. He is probably the biggest bat that we can actually afford right now, so at least try to get him here. Any word on him?
John Quest (off the DL)
February 22nd, 2009
11:03 am
It’s nice to see some other posters in here talking sense about a youth movement. I was getting hammered in here a week ago with the same perspectives.
Doc Holiday
February 22nd, 2009
11:03 am
Like somebody mentioned, maybe our best choice is Edmunds
mbatl
February 22nd, 2009
11:04 am
Doc, I think the point keylargo was making is that if the Braves can hold off on calling Schafer up until some point (I think in late june), they gain an extra year of control before he reaches arbitration. I’d guess it’d be a nice luxury if Josh can handle center field, but not worth losing many games over is Schafer is the clearly superior player at the start of the year. Doesn’t have anything to do with “rookie of the year” concerns.
And I don’t agree with you (though who knows!) on CF belonging to Blanco. He’s not a very good defensive CF – and he has options, so can be sent to AAA if necessary. I think Josh probably has the job until someone beats him out.
Eric from MO
February 22nd, 2009
11:05 am
Dadgum,”I like Anderson/Diaz in LF, Shaefer in CF, and Francouer in RF. In fact, that group should have an over/under of 50 homers. I’m taking the over.”
I will take the under. I would guess Diez gets 8, Anderson gets 4, Schafer 12, and Francouer (I will give some benefit) 20. That adds up to 44. With all that being said I would still rather have these guys than Anderson, Nady, or Swisher because I still dont believe they would improve us much, if any. With these young guys we get speed and they dont cost us anything.
Mr. B
February 22nd, 2009
11:06 am
DOB, is there anyone else who could push Kotchman at first base? He could potentialy hit sixth or seventh in this lineup. Has he looked good so far this spring?
Travis
February 22nd, 2009
11:09 am
Biggest asset to the Braves this year will be Kotchman. We didn’t see the real deal last year.
oldbravesbag
February 22nd, 2009
11:10 am
Thanks Dave…appreciate it. I’m just hoping Kelly takes what happened for him at the end of last year and expands on it. I think Yunel will be more confident and hopefully smarter with his immense talent. They could be something else up the middle for a long time…..
Mr. B
February 22nd, 2009
11:10 am
I think Nady or Swisher cost too much, which would be the reason not to even attempt a trade, Anserson on the other hand could be cheap, and could be a veteran to teach the outfield for the young guys, But I agree Nady and Swisher are not even an option at this point. Too much to give in return and salaries are too high.
Eric from MO
February 22nd, 2009
11:10 am
mbatl, I agree with you. I dont think our starting CF right now is Blanco. Most anaylists have said it would be Anderson, which I would agree with. The guy deserves a real chance. Even though he hasnt played a lot in the Majors he has done well when he has been up. Now he may not be able to do it over a whole season, but maybe long enough for Schafer to get a little more seasoning in the minors.
scott cohen
February 22nd, 2009
11:11 am
Dave. I wish you would have more information on your blog and less lyrics of songs (though I admit I like some of them) I really would like to know your thoughts on some of the other non-roster invitees, such as Emiliano Fruto. I really wish someone like Rafael Cruz could just blow Bobby away and make the roster. I don’t feel comfortable with pitchers like Jeff Bennett and Buddy Carlyle on the team.
Steve from OH
February 22nd, 2009
11:15 am
Mr. B, Edmonds is the best (platoon) bat that we can afford right now. I’d be ok with signing him, but if it’s Anderson or Gonzalez, I prefer B. Jones.
njbraves
February 22nd, 2009
11:16 am
Eric from MO….how can you say that Nady wouldn’t make the Braves better? He would be the best hitter in the outfield from day one. Swisher I want nothing to do with, but Nady for the right deal is the way to go.
Mr. B
February 22nd, 2009
11:19 am
njbraves, what is his salary, like 6 million/year? Only way I go after him is if the Yankees release him, we can’t afford that as we have seen so far this off season.
Danga
February 22nd, 2009
11:19 am
Nady scares me…I think last year may have been just a flash in the pan. Especially the power numbers.
John Quest (off the DL)
February 22nd, 2009
11:20 am
DOB musta been a church. we were up to 142 posts!
Rayman
February 22nd, 2009
11:22 am
Nady would be a nice addition IMO. I hope they find a way to make that happen. If not then I would jump all over Edmonds to platoon in LF and backup CF.
Daybed Wagmoe
February 22nd, 2009
11:22 am
DOB — went and saw Delta Spirit play last night at the sold-out Bowery Ballroom in NYC. WOW. Their album is great, but their live show is about as energetic, loud, and rockin’ as they come. It’s a wonder the lead singer is able to scream like he does without seriously damaging his vocal cords.
I see that they’re playing at the Drunken Unicorn on Wednesday. I know that you’ve talked about them before on the blog, so hopefully you’ll be able to take in the show.
Lew
February 22nd, 2009
11:23 am
JOhnQuest-Dude, I think the stretching is a good idea, too, but it won’t do a damn thing to remedy any problms Soriano had last year-off season surgery already did it. He had a nerve thaty would snap over the elbow every time he threw a pitch-sounds somewhat painful to me. They moved the nerve in the surgery and now it can’t happen anymore. Stretching, like I said, wouldn’t have accomplished any less time on the DL in Soriano’s case.
Doc-I think what Key Largo meant was that the Braves would be less than likely to start the six year clock towards Free Agency earlier with those players. I think it would be a moot point though, because the clock would have begun by placing them on the 40 man roster. I could be wrong about what KL was saying or the timing of their 6 year start, but I think that’s what the point was.
Lew
February 22nd, 2009
11:25 am
Scott Cohen-I seriously doubt that including song lyrics has anything at all to do with DOB’s other content. It’s not like they’re taking up space meant for other comments. However, people’s comments complaining about the music do take up the space.
Doc Holiday
February 22nd, 2009
11:27 am
If CF belongs to Anderson, how come Blanco was in Atlanta all of last year?
Lew
February 22nd, 2009
11:29 am
Mr.B-as to Garrett Anderson being cheaper than Nady or Swisher-have you looked up his previous four year’s salary levels? Dude has made between $9.6 and $12.8 mil each year over that time frame. Now with the current state of the economy for Free Agents this year, he may not command $12 mil agsain, but you sure as hell won’t get him for less than Swisher (minus the trade pieces, that is). He’s NOT going to sign for $1-2 mil.
mbatl
February 22nd, 2009
11:29 am
Lew, actually service time is based on being on the 25-man roster, not the 40-man. And Schafer is not on the 40-man anyway, and probably won’t be until he’s called up to the big club.
Doc Holiday
February 22nd, 2009
11:30 am
Sorry Keylargo…….looks like (as I said right from the start) I missed your point.
Mr. B
February 22nd, 2009
11:37 am
Lew-Mabey not but for Garrett Anderson we wouldn’t have to trade anything and he is younger than Edmonds is, I wonder what type of salary he is looking for because it seems as though he doesn’t have a ton of teams knocking down his door.
G thebrave3
February 22nd, 2009
11:39 am
mr. b I live right out side of pittsburgh and got to watch a half dozen of nady’s games he can play and is a great personality at the ball park. He would be a great pick-up if we could get NY to eat a couple mil of that contract and not have to give up to much.(nice thing about a deep farm system.) Even if it’s just a one year deal. Then jordan and heyward will be close to ready.
Eric from MO
February 22nd, 2009
11:48 am
NJBraves I didn say he wouldnt make any difference but he wont make a big difference. He normally bats .280 and has a .330 OBP. Not very good. Last year was his career high in homers. He is a one year rental and is going to cost prospects. It isnt worth it. We are not going to win it with Nady next year. Might as well hold out for something better. When we negoitating for Peavy wouldnt it been nice to still have those 6 prospects we gave for Tex.
CaliChopper
February 22nd, 2009
11:51 am
Teams are not knocking at GA’s door because while he may still be able to swing a bat, he’s old and takes plays off. He shows a lackluster approach to the game, kinda looks like Manny when he wanted out of Boston.
Mr. B
February 22nd, 2009
11:53 am
This is all I am saying, although it would be nice if NY could eat up some of his salary, I just don’t see him coming to us without losing Schafer or young pitching. Give me a break, I am in Iraq!
Eric from MO
February 22nd, 2009
11:54 am
Doc because it was a backup left fielder spot. Blanco isnt as good as Anderson defensively to covor CF. Also they wanted to get Anderson more at bats. Why do you think when Kotsay got traded Anderson became he starting CF?
Lew
February 22nd, 2009
11:56 am
MrB-It is immaterial whether we can get him without trading-we don’t have that much money. THAT is the problem, not giving upo a couple minor league players or one of our out of options guys.
mbatl
February 22nd, 2009
11:57 am
Problems with Nady:
1) Yankees are not desperate to trade him, so would want a boatload of prospects in return;
2) He makes too much money;
3) He’s not that good. Take away his huge 4 months in Pit last year, and his numbers are above-average, but not great;
4) If we got him, we’d lose him to free agency. In order to get draft picks in return, we’d have to offer him arbitration, and (in this market, which will be even worse for baseball next year), he’d probably accept and make $8-10 mil in 2010.
Other than that, I’m all for it!