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102 comments Add your comment
Doc Holiday
February 22nd, 2009
2:20 pm
Lew
He did strikeout a lot, but an out is an out,specially if you are leading the game, there is no one on base to advance. He worked the count,you have to like that.
Blanco did strikeout 99 times in 430 AB, thats once every 4.34 AB. But What about Anderson? 33 K in 136 AB? thats once every 4.12 AB. In my math that looks a little worse. Not to mention only 8 walks in 136 AB, that doesnt sound good to me either.
David O'Brien
February 22nd, 2009
2:20 pm
One thing to keep in mind about Schafer, which he seems to be fully aware of (hence his comment in my story in today’s paper about “business side”) is that if he spends a couple months in Triple-A, he won’t be eligible for arbitration until after the 2012 season. If he starts season with Braves, or even comes up after a month, he could be arb-eligible after 2011 season, either with three years of service or as a “Super 2″ guy, that small percentage with the most service time below three years.
TJ
February 22nd, 2009
2:22 pm
DOB-
Can’t get the link you posted for the article on Hampton to work. It tells me the page is not available. Broken link possibly?
AZ Braves Fan
February 22nd, 2009
2:25 pm
Hey Dave, looks like your link on Hampton (above) has a space between the // and “www”. Thanks for the hard work.
Steve from OH
February 22nd, 2009
2:27 pm
Just go into the URL and delete the %20 from it and it will work (on the Hampton link). Good story.
toga party
February 22nd, 2009
2:27 pm
Nice blog DOB. Sure will be fun to see Hanson pitch some spring training and see what all the fuss is about.
I’m guessing he and Schafer start in AAA, preserving their clocks. Barring injury of course. I’m actually more concerned about Murphy’s plans for our roster this year than I am about FW’s.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 22nd, 2009
2:28 pm
I’m almost first and in about one hundred post’s, nobody will care. If you ask me, we should keep the new format and go back to the five minute wait. That will keep the blog under control.
TJ
February 22nd, 2009
2:29 pm
Thanks Steve. That worked just fine. ‘Preciate the help.
David O'Brien
February 22nd, 2009
2:30 pm
Now I’m hearing from someone I consider reliable that the Braves might already have a deal in place for Garret Anderson. I’m trying to confirm. Just want to be clear — MIGHT HAVE A DEAL DONE — not saying they definitely do. That’s what I’m hearing, however, that it might already be in place.
Kieran(Long Island Braves fan)
February 22nd, 2009
2:33 pm
HAHA gotta love the disclaimer Dave
Coxlover
February 22nd, 2009
2:33 pm
DOB, don’t tease us again.
KC
February 22nd, 2009
2:34 pm
LOL… LOL…LOL!!! DOB’s last post cracked me up. That poor guy’s going to have to qualify every report like that for the next year or so.
Andrew
February 22nd, 2009
2:35 pm
davey davey davey boy you have some balls man
Chop Chop
February 22nd, 2009
2:35 pm
If Schafer looks like the best (or second-best, depending on the addition of a vet in left field) outfielder we have in left or center, he needs to be up with the big club at the start of the season. If we’re truly trying to compete for something, we need our best guys here. If that means we pay him a year earlier, so be it. The goal is to win, not to pinch pennies.
(”If” is why I love February and March baseball talk.)
KC
February 22nd, 2009
2:37 pm
THE CASE FOR GARRET ANDERSON:
HE CAN HIT. A .296 career hitter, Anderson can still put the bat on the ball. He hit .293 last year, and unlike Griffey, he can handle lefties (.290 vs. lefties / .293 vs. righties).
HE’S STILL A SOLID RUN PRODUCER as his 84 RBI in ‘08 would attest. While he has lost much of his once considerable power, he still has pop… connecting for 15 homers last year.
DEFENSE: Yes, his range is diminished, but not as severely as a someone else stated here in a recent post. He can still span left-field just fine. AND Anderson has made 2 errors in his last 261 games.
SOLID PLATOON PARTNER: Anderson hit 14 of his 15 homers last year off right-handed pitching, while Diaz has shown nice pop off of lefties. Put those two in a LF platoon, and you’re likley to get the following from left field: A .300+ average, 15-20 homers, 75-90 RBI
WHY NOT? He should fit within the Braves budget just fine. He’s still a solid player, and for 2-3 million on a one-year deal… why not???
If you’ve got Anderson/Diaz in left field, you’ve got 4 positions (LF, SS, 2B, 1B) from which you can expect a .280-305 average, 13-20 homers, and at least 65 RBI… to go along with Chipper, McCann, and Francoeur.
If you add Anderson and get a rebound from Francoeur… that’s a nice lineup folks.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 22nd, 2009
2:39 pm
Tommy Hanson has the talent to make the Yankee’s rotation. He really does. I saw him pitch in the Arizona Fall league during the one game that MLB.com showed live on the net. He was a man among boys.
That said, the Braves rotation of Jurrjens, Lowe, Kawakami, Vasquez and Glavine is all but set. I agree with four of those names. One is a waste of 11.5 million. Hanson is more than capable of filling out the rotation at the league minimum. The flip side of that argument is that we all know the number one golden rule: You can never, ever have enough pitching.
It just stinks that the Braves didn’t have enough cash left over to get a really good quality veteran right handed bat to hit clean up and play LF. I must commend Frank Wren on his single minded approach at fixing the starting pitching. I just don’t agree on the way he spent the estimated 40-45 million available.
Chop Chop
February 22nd, 2009
2:39 pm
DOB,
Ifs, maybes, and possiblys are your friends.
“IF the source I consider reliable is, in this case, reliable, Garret Anderson could possibly be a done deal mAyBe MaYbE maybe IF this information is possibly reliable iF If iF.”
brian
February 22nd, 2009
2:40 pm
thanks for the info DOB. Great blog as always. Thanks also for ignoring the haters and keeping us informed.
The Braves should be thankful for this blog. This blog does more for interest in the Braves than their marketing people could dream of
Coxlover
February 22nd, 2009
2:40 pm
Well, if Garret does come to Atlanta at least he will be around someone familiar ( Kotchman) so maybe it wont take him long to adjust.
Doc Holiday
February 22nd, 2009
2:41 pm
Chop Chop
That wouldnt be pinching pennies exactly but I like your comment. On the other hand, do not forget, the money they save with Schafer on any given year, they can use somewhere else (somebody else).
HeywardTheFuture
February 22nd, 2009
2:41 pm
Thanks for the scoop DOB, if it’s true I like the signing he’s durable and consistent, and put up a killer OPS after the all-star break last year.
James is Red
February 22nd, 2009
2:42 pm
DOB – Love the disclaimer! Don’t let them all get to you, man.
ease19
February 22nd, 2009
2:42 pm
At least Bowman reported it first this time, now DOB can throw him under the bus…If it comes to that!
Chop Chop
February 22nd, 2009
2:42 pm
Angels’ players surprised Garret Anderson can’t find a job.
Run Heap Run
February 22nd, 2009
2:43 pm
Wow I’m excited to see Hanson in action now. I don’t pay much attention to pre-season hype but when salty old Chipper speaks that highly of someone, I’m inclined to listen.
Thanks for the heads up on the link, AZ Braves Fan. I was just about to ask.
BTW, do we have enough denziens on facebook to make a DOB blog fan group?
KC
February 22nd, 2009
2:43 pm
Very nice piece by Jayson Stark on the Braves rotation:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring2009/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=3924324
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 22nd, 2009
2:45 pm
Well, I wasn’t on board with Griffy and I’m firmly in disagreement over Garrett Anderson. This is more of the WIN NOW philosophy, damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead approach.
Doing the smart thing and letting the kids play like the Braves did back in 1990-1991 won’t work. We need more veteran’s so Cox can look good. Somebody please hit me with a bat and don’t wake me up until October
PTBNL
February 22nd, 2009
2:46 pm
If at all possible, I would like for Schafer to not make the team at the first of the year. It would give him opportunity to really solidify himself and it the arbitration issue would be in the Braves favor as well. My question is, would it also affect his free agency availability? I am suppose to know that, but I have forgotten the rules.
Efrim
February 22nd, 2009
2:47 pm
Good point about Schafer. He needs more development time anyway. Keep him in Triple A until at least June. Teams do this. Red Sox and Rays are two that come to mind.
Jerry
February 22nd, 2009
2:48 pm
Can anyone finally determine why Anderson wasn’t woth the Braves sooner. Did he do something to piss Cox off. There’s going to be some guys that don’t make the 25 man roster that could play elsewhere and be used for trade bait.
I’m satisfied going with Kotchman, Johnson, Yunel, Hoss, McCann, Diaz, Anderson and Frenchy with Infante, Prado, Ross, Norton and Schafer
Pitchers will be Lowe, Kamakazi, Vasquez, Glavine, JJ as my starters and make a bullpen of Gonzo, Soriano, Moylan, Bennett and let Hanson get his work coming in as a reliever. Of course there’s 2 more spots to be filled with Logan, Campillo, Carlisle and the others.
Sounds like a good team to me.
Good enough to make the playoffs and let Smoltz watch us from his recliner.
Andrew
February 22nd, 2009
2:48 pm
i think we will get Garret ..i just dont see any other teams that will make a push for him..Diaz/Anderson platoon could turn out very nice..Anderson also could fill some leadership in the young outfield.
Steve from OH
February 22nd, 2009
2:48 pm
Coach, I think the Braves are playing the service time rules to their advantage right now. I think they already consider Schafer the superior candidate for the OF, but are going to wait in order to keep him under control for another season. Same for Hanson–I think they’re content to wait until someone gets injured or scuffles to bring him up. And I’m ok with that, I guess. I still think our rotation is pretty solid as it is. I agree with you that we can never have enough pitching. And for once, it appears that we finally do.
BravoMan
February 22nd, 2009
2:49 pm
Careful on the Anderson reporting DOB. If it doesn’t come true Bowman may rip yea lol
TexasBrave
February 22nd, 2009
2:49 pm
DOB if the Braves get G. Anderson would they still platoon him with Diaz? Seems to me, at least average wise, that he hits both lefties and righties well.
Also it doesn’t seem to me that he is the man we want batting behind Chipper. Again has a decent average, but no real pop especially in the latter stages of his career. Kind of seems like a 5th or 6th hole guy. We need someone who opposing managers/pitchers would not pitch around Chipper to get to.
Efrim
February 22nd, 2009
2:50 pm
I don’t think Anderson is the way to go. What don’t they like about Jim Edmonds? Seems no teams are in on that guy. Oh well.
C's
February 22nd, 2009
2:51 pm
I still think Edmonds is a better option than Anderson.
TexasBrave
February 22nd, 2009
2:51 pm
DOB your source isn’t from Terry Moore is it?
Steve from OH
February 22nd, 2009
2:52 pm
Efrim, I’m with ya, but then again I’ve never worked in a MLB front office so…
Coxlover
February 22nd, 2009
2:52 pm
Coach, what’s wrong with a WIN NOW philosophy ? Who wants to wait 2 or 3 years to win ?
Andrew
February 22nd, 2009
2:52 pm
would you guys like it more if the braves had signed pat burrel instead or kawakami..then just put hanson in the rotation?
raindawg722
February 22nd, 2009
2:52 pm
Hanson will get his share of starts with the big league club this summer. If recent history has taught us anything about starting pitching, it has taught us that the five guys you have going into spring training aren’t necessarily the five that you’ll get coming out of it, let alone have on your staff the rest of the season. And I know that we’re more than likely to get substantial innings out of this group of starters than we were from last year’s, but even last year, Hudson and Glavine were thought to be more or less dependable and even they went down.
KC
February 22nd, 2009
2:52 pm
Efrim, I disagree. I think Anderson is a far better choice than Edmonds. See my earlier post about the case for Anderson. He’s a nice addition, if in fact we’re truly getting him.
Bravesologist
February 22nd, 2009
2:52 pm
I don’t like Anderson at all. He’s had a 100 OPS+ 1 time in the past 4 years. I would wait to see if we can make a late trade for Swisher and if it doesn’t work out then go with the young guys. Brandon Jones can outproduce Anderson this season and if he succeeds he would be a viable trade option.
Steve from OH
February 22nd, 2009
2:53 pm
Coxlover, a “win now” philosophy works if you actually bring in good players. Garret Anderson is not a good player anymore.
JasonInFL (Formerly ME)
February 22nd, 2009
2:53 pm
KC, thanks for the link to the Stark article…I had missed it while perusing their site…
Coxlover
February 22nd, 2009
2:55 pm
Steve, Garret Anderson hit .293, 15 HR, 84 RBI last year. How is he not a good player? Heck, he was about 10 times better than Frenchy last year.
C's
February 22nd, 2009
2:57 pm
Anderson’s OPS vs RHP over the last 3 seasons: .799
Edmond’s OPS vs RHP over the last 3 seasons: .860
Chop Chop
February 22nd, 2009
2:58 pm
Doc Holiday,
I guess I should have clarified. If Schafer is the best outfielder we’ve got down at Dark Star this spring, he should be up with the big club. However, signing Garret Anderson would make it easier to not keep Schafer when the team goes to Atlanta. If Schafer ever becomes a good big leaguer that we’re not having to pay for an extra year, I guess we would have Garret Anderson’s one-year deal to thank for it.
You know, if the deal happens.
If.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 22nd, 2009
2:59 pm
OK, I’m gonna throw a monkey wrench at the Garrett Anderson supporter’s.
Why did the Angels award Juan Rivera with a three year 12.75 million contract and leave Garrett Anderson twisting in the damn wind?
Answer that one.
Steve from OH
February 22nd, 2009
2:59 pm
Garret Anderson 2008 OPS+=97. Below Average. Garret Anderson career OPS+=105. Ever so slightly above average. Anderson is also not getting any younger and ain’t no spring chicken out there in LF anymore, either.
He may very well succeed in a platoon situation, and for the amount of money he’ll likely make (2MMish), he’s not going to damage the short or long-term direction of the team. But let’s not kid ourselves–he’s not going to be the difference maker y’all want.
David
February 22nd, 2009
3:00 pm
I just watched hanson throw on the backfield and he looked good. Only one ball was hit hard. Schafer looked really good hitting against Parr. Took two out the opposite way, although one went just foul. Now hitting off of Medlen, he hit a couple ropes to the wall
18 Wheels of Love
February 22nd, 2009
3:02 pm
I like Garrett Anderson…a lot.
Think about this for a minute. Look at the missed deals versus the rebound deals Wren has pulled off.
Jake Peavy: We keep Hanson who everyone says is a future No. 1.
Furcal: Kelly stays at 2B. Ultimately allows us to get G. Anderson?
Smoltz: 5 arm surgeries, definite risk…would block Hanson. Got a horse in Lowe instead.
Griffey: G. Anderson?
Burnett: 1 good, full year. 80m??? Lowe instead…and cheaper and more proven.
If we win or seriously compete this year, it will be mostly on Wren’s 2nd option deals.
Unreal.
Coxlover
February 22nd, 2009
3:03 pm
Steve, GA’s OPS+ of 97 last year may have not been very good but it was a lot better than Frenchy’s OPS+ of 72.
McFann :Ô:
February 22nd, 2009
3:03 pm
Who likes weird stories??
http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Dellucci-s-alligator-Guillen-s-nail-kick-off-?urn=mlb,143117
KC
February 22nd, 2009
3:04 pm
Also folks, keep in mind that Anderson, if he signs, is likely to platoon with Diaz, and that should be a hell of a platoon. Anderson has more pop vs. lefties, and Diaz has more pop vs. righties. So, based on the numbers…
Here is what you’re likely to get from an Anderson/Diaz platoon:
.290-310 average, 15-20 homers, 80-90 RBI
We were without Diaz most of last year, so adding Anderson to a left-field platoon is very much like adding a player with the above numbers.
If the Braves were to add a left-fielder for 3-4 million (the estimated combined salaries of Diaz, Anderson) who hit .300, 17 homers, 90 RBI… would anyone here think that’s a bad idea. ANYONE???
This is really no different from signing a single player with the above numbers. If true, this would be a very nice pick-up for the Braves.
McFann :Ô:
February 22nd, 2009
3:04 pm
BTW–Thanks for the new Blog, Chief!! I can’t wait to see Hanson pitch!
Efrim
February 22nd, 2009
3:04 pm
KC, we are in two different leagues in terms of what we value dude. I value OBP more than most. Especially for a corner outfield spot. Anderson has never walked more than 38 times in a season and hasn’t had an on base in the .340’s since 2004.
But fine, whatever, he hit’s .290. Nevermind the .320 OBP and .430 SLG he’ll produce.
Steve from OH
February 22nd, 2009
3:05 pm
We’re talking about Anderson, not Frenchy. And yes, Frenchy sucked something terrible last year. No arguments there.
Efrim
February 22nd, 2009
3:06 pm
And KC, please refer to C’s post about Edmonds and Anderson’s OPS vs. RHP.
Bravesologist
February 22nd, 2009
3:06 pm
Well shooting for higher than Francoeur’s last season will leave you with a pretty crappy team. 100 is average and for a left fielder 110 is average. The fact is that he was below average and Brandon Jones is a younger, cheaper, and similar option. If we get Swisher or at least Edmonds who actually has good platoon stats then I would be fine with it. Anderson is not much better than our current options.
David
February 22nd, 2009
3:07 pm
Heyward didn’t look as good as schafer, getting sawed off by Parr, but he did end his round with a bomb to right off of medlen
Coxlover
February 22nd, 2009
3:07 pm
Efrim, well if you value OBP most from a corner outfield spot, I guess you don’t value Frenchy since his OBP was .294 last year and Frenchy’s SLG was .359.
Chop Chop
February 22nd, 2009
3:08 pm
Some of you need to stop fighting it and just drink the damn Kool-Aid already. The Braves want to add a veteran outfield bat. Because the front office and Bobby Cox wants to do this, you need to get on board and stop complaining.
Mizzou Guru
February 22nd, 2009
3:10 pm
O’Brien, you’re still working for the AJC? I guess miracles do occur. You stink! By the way, to quote Bobby Cox about a prospect’s slider being compared to Smoltz is funny. Bobby Cox compared Kelly Johnson to Mazeroski. Hell, if I tried out at SS for the Braves, Bobby would probably compare me to Ozzie Smith. Bobby is a cheerleader for his players. Pull your head from your arse, you KU scumbag.
Coxlover
February 22nd, 2009
3:10 pm
I just find it funny that people are getting upset about the Braves trying to get a guy that hit .293, 15 HR, 84 RBI last year. Remember, the Braves had the worst offensive outfield production in baseball last year. How could it possibly hurt to get a guy that hit .293, 15 HR, 84 RBI last year ?
Efrim
February 22nd, 2009
3:12 pm
Coxlover, it’s an addition to the awful outfield, so yes, it’s a good thing when looking at it that way. But I’m just not going to say that it is a “great” move.
SC Ace
February 22nd, 2009
3:13 pm
Seems like the Braves always bring in one or two aging veterans to waste a roster spot. Remember bringing back Brian Jordan because of his “presence”? Chris Woodward. Raul Mondesi. You guys could fill out the list more, I’m sure.
Doc Holiday
February 22nd, 2009
3:13 pm
Cox Lover,
Are you seriously using JF to say what a good or bad player looks like? last year even Corky miller was better than JF…….well, maybe not.
Run Heap Run
February 22nd, 2009
3:14 pm
McFann that was gross!!!
Chipper thinks Hanson will be a #1 starter | BravesInfo.com
February 22nd, 2009
3:14 pm
[...] Jones thinks Hanson will be a #1 starter one day and is ready for the majors now. ”Very impressive. He’s [...]
Bravesologist
February 22nd, 2009
3:15 pm
It’s just a stupid decision. His power numbers are consistently dropping and if we are sticking him in a platoon then Edmonds is simply the better option. Edmonds hits right handers better and defends better as well, it isn’t exactly rocket science to realize that Anderson isn’t the best option. Jones had a down year but I like what I’ve heard from this Spring. I think he can bounce back and be a quality outfielder. We’re going to look pretty dumb when he outproduces Anderson this spring and we have to stick him back at AAA even though he’s our best option on the roster.
TnBrian
February 22nd, 2009
3:16 pm
Now, some of us need to get ready for the anti-Anderson posts. No matter what Wren does, some will bash him for something. Personally, I’m just glad the guy’s doing whatever he thinks is right to improve the team. G.Anderson’s stats the last couple of years aren’t mind blowing, but I really do think a vet like him means something to a team trying to contend again. Like someone mentioned above, he’s a winner, and seems like a good teammate.
In the end, I think no matter who they get for LF, Frenchy is the key anyways, so get Garret and lets start the da- season already.
KC
February 22nd, 2009
3:16 pm
Efrim, Anderson slugges .450 vs. righties last year, and that’s just fine by me for someone hitter .290 plus at the bottom of the order.
Sure, I’d like a higher OBP, but hackers like Diaz and Anderson can drive in a lot of runs, so long as they’re putting the fat part of the bat on the ball with regularity… which they most likely will.
Do you think we should trade half of our farm system for Nady instead? Should we simply trust B.Jones or Blanco?
This signing, if it happens, will help. I’m not saying the guy is anything like the player he was 5 years ago… but he can help. A Diaz/Anderson platoon will be very productive.
ppaddy
February 22nd, 2009
3:17 pm
Well I guess if the Braves DO sign Garrett Anderson, Brandon Jones just became trade bait. I just wonder what the Braves will do with their surplus of “borderline ready MLB outfielders?” Plus, the Braves will have to make room on the 40 man roster if they do sign him.
Doc Holiday
February 22nd, 2009
3:19 pm
SC Ace,
I have to agree with you on your 313 post.
Mizzou Guru,
you are right………I have never ever read a single sentence where cox says something negative about any of his players (not saying that it would be a good thing for him to do so). He always says things like “that kid has the best stuff I have ever seen”, “he is the best defender at his position ever”, “He has talents willie mays would only dream of, he is just having a bad season”. For some reason he always thinks and says his players have gifts out of this world and that we will soon get to see them.
TheManMike
February 22nd, 2009
3:21 pm
I think the season needs to start already; get some of these vultures off the blog. Braves have their BEST prospects in the area for the season, whomever we sign is only filler to the inevitable. I think the future is bright for the Bravos. I think their youthful spirit has returned.
With all the talk on Hanson, this only serves to confirm my opinions. May Hanson be a piece of the ‘New’ Braves – i can’t wait to find out in the Ted…
All the big names remembered in Braves history are the men who made The Big Play. Well, there are a few playmakers on this team and we’ll see if they can create greatness. Chill with all the negativity…………….man.
ssiscribe
February 22nd, 2009
3:21 pm
Let me submit for the court of public opinion why Garret Anderson is a good fit for the Braves.
This dude hit as many homers off RHP as Griffey did last season (14), while hitting 21 points higher off RHP and driving in 21 more runs. Some of you don’t like his OBP; I like the fact the past five seasons, he’s hit between 14 and 17 homers every year, hit between .280 and .301 every year, and has made two errors in his past 261 games in left field.
I hear everybody say, “Let’s just go with the kids.” I see that … but, what if indeed the kids aren’t ready. Suddenly, you almost have to get a .290-25-100 season from Frenchy or else this offense probably doesn’t score enough runs … instead of that, go with a guy who is a career .296 hitter, who will hit you 15 homers, drive in 80-90 runs, and play great defense.
Go get Garret Anderson.
–30–
C's
February 22nd, 2009
3:21 pm
Cox slammed Davies pretty hard for keeping his hamstring injury a secret and then going out there and really hurting it. And he has a few harsh words last year for Jo-Jo.
But yeah, for the most part Cox is homerific when it comes to his players.
TheManMike
February 22nd, 2009
3:22 pm
or, men…………
TheManMike
February 22nd, 2009
3:22 pm
and/or women…..
mbatl
February 22nd, 2009
3:22 pm
“Well I guess if the Braves DO sign Garrett Anderson, Brandon Jones just became trade bait.”
ppaddy, or he just goes down to AAA and works on his game. No big rush to trade him.
Efrim
February 22nd, 2009
3:24 pm
KC, if you have read any of my posts, ever, I am rarely for trading prospects….especially for a player like Xavier Nady. I think the Braves should of signed Abreu or Dunn, but that didn’t happen. I understand why they are going after Anderson, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a great move and makes a ton of sense. And how do you know GA is going to hit at the bottom of the order? I mean, I guess it’s possible, but I think it is too early to think BC would definetly bat Anderson at the bottom third. He loves vets.
dap01
February 22nd, 2009
3:25 pm
Can Garrett Anderson play right field?
Efrim
February 22nd, 2009
3:26 pm
KC- And Jim Edmonds slugged .521 vs. RHP last year. So I really can’t see why you think Anderson is a far better choice than Jim Edmonds.
CVan
February 22nd, 2009
3:28 pm
Is GA a type B free agent? I guess he wasn’t offered arbitration if he was, correct?
Gibby
February 22nd, 2009
3:28 pm
It is nice to see D.O.B. is still willing to give us a rumor. Thank you. The chance at information like this is why I come here and D.O.B. is one of the only reporters that will give you a nugget like his post about Anderson.
big o
February 22nd, 2009
3:28 pm
What’s up Dob ? long time no post !! I would like to see the braves play some small ball steal some bases, hit and run more and use the kids that have speed. Give them a chance. If Hansen is ready I wonder why we needed Vasquez. We should have kept the young kid with power. Because I’m still a believer that power must come from your corner infield positions and the jury is still out on Kotchman for me. HE must be the least mentioned player on this blog.
Bravesologist
February 22nd, 2009
3:28 pm
Yes he can play right field. The only reason I would actually make the move for Anderson was if I didn’t have confidence that Francoeur can come back this season. Anderson hits lefties adequately and if Francoeur tanks you can have an outfield of Anderson, Schafer/JA, and Diaz/Jones. This can’t be said for Edmonds as he hits lefties poorly. Even so, I don’t think this is how the Braves are thinking.
Doc Holiday
February 22nd, 2009
3:30 pm
This is just in:
Kelly Johnson took fielding practice today……….1000 pop ups were hit to him, only 900 ever hit the ground.
Bravesologist
February 22nd, 2009
3:31 pm
That might have been the least funny attempt at a joke I’ve ever read.
Doc Holiday
February 22nd, 2009
3:33 pm
Bravesologist,
You have a very good point there, but im sure Cox will never agree with you on something like that,
Saltywoody
February 22nd, 2009
3:33 pm
So if Garrett Anderson signs with the Braves today, what time will he hold the press conference tomorrow about his returning to the Angels?
Don’t want to miss it.
Canadianbrave
February 22nd, 2009
3:33 pm
I think the Braves believe that if they sign GA the can start JA in centre for his speed, and let Schafer start in AAA. Makes sense to me!
Richie
February 22nd, 2009
3:34 pm
With that #7 pick in this year’s draft, I think we should attempt to draft prospect who can play the infield, 3rd base or a SS we can convert into a 3rd baseman. I said a while ago if the Braves didn’t have intentions on extending Chipper, then they might’ve attempted to talk to teams about their top 3rd base prospects. I would’ve like to the Braves talk to the Pirates about their top 3rd base prospect Neil Walker, who is of similar build in height, weight and attributes to Chipper. Since they are discussing an extension now, I think drafting the top infielding prospect and converting him would be the best option.
Bobby's Belly
February 22nd, 2009
3:34 pm
I’ve preached the business side all winter. Don’t sign Smoltz, Glavine, A. Jones – overpay for D. Lowe, Kawakami, etc. To hold Schafer or anybody down due to the “business side” is ridiculous at this point. Field the best team possible on Day 1.
MGL
February 22nd, 2009
3:34 pm
Efrim and KC -Why don’t you guys get an expert opinion from Terrence Moore on whether Edmonds or Anderson would be a better it?
Fred
February 22nd, 2009
3:34 pm
I’m going on record against signing M. Anderson. Chipper is correct, we desperately need a right handed power hitter in the middle of our lineup. But it appears we are once again pursuing a discounted aging veteran. I think the biggest mistake Wren made this off-season was not trading KJ for Ludwick. That would have added 2 righties to our primarily left-handed lineup (Ludwick and Prado at 2nd base).
TNScott
February 22nd, 2009
3:35 pm
One thing you worth noting about Garrett Anderson is that he would be coming into a new league, lest you forget the struggles of Kasey Kotchman after his tranxition to a new league last year. If this is just a one year deal, I don’t know if this is such a great move.
Richie
February 22nd, 2009
3:35 pm
I just read on Bowman’s Blog that it doesn’t look like Anderson will be platooning in CF. Anderson said after talking with Mr. Cox, they just have a simple game plan against lefties. Here is the link from Bowman’s Blog: http://markbowman.mlblogs.com/. It is in the piece that says Impressions of Kawakami. I mean assuming Josh Anderson wins the CF job in spring training.
Efrim
February 22nd, 2009
3:38 pm
“With that #7 pick in this year’s draft, I think we should attempt to draft prospect who can play the infield, 3rd base or a SS we can convert into a 3rd baseman”
Yea, Grant Green would be nice. But he isn’t going to fall to #7. I’m hoping for one of Matzek, White, Purke, Miller, Crow, Oliver or Gibson….all of which are pitchers.