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102 comments Add your comment
Pickens
February 22nd, 2009
3:38 pm
Fred,
It’s Garrett Anderson not Marlon Anderson. Know what you are talking about!
Steve from OH
February 22nd, 2009
3:39 pm
Richie, in all likelihood, we’ll draft a LHP out of high school (Matzek, etc) or Tate. There aren’t any good INF in the draft pool other than Green, and he’ll go no lower than 3.
Richie
February 22nd, 2009
3:44 pm
TNScott
We also have to remember Kotchman’s mom became very ill as well. He had to leave the team for a couple of weeks. He seemed to turn it back on later in the season after his mom began feeling better
TnBrian
February 22nd, 2009
3:44 pm
Why would any of ya’ll want Edmonds over Anderson? Seriously, the dude’s a freakin show off, overrated moron! You know Cox has seen that over the years with Edmonds, so even if he and G.A. put up the same #’s this year, G.A. is the better choice for this team. Sounds stupid, but Cox loves guys that don’t show the other team up, and G.A. is a perfect example of that.
Steve, nah, Anderson ain’t much of a differnce maker looking at his not so impressive #’s the last couple of years. But,you dig a little deeper, and you’ll figure out pretty quick that a vet that knows how to win can go a long way.
Garrett Anderson to Atlanta? | BravesInfo.com
February 22nd, 2009
3:44 pm
[...] from DOB on this. Now I’m hearing from someone I consider reliable that the Braves might already have a [...]
Richie
February 22nd, 2009
3:45 pm
Tate, is an OF prospect, right. Plays CF…yes?
Tomas
February 22nd, 2009
3:45 pm
KC,
Yes Garret Anderson just made 2 errors in his last 262 games. Pat Burrel one of the worst outfielders if not the worst outfielder in the majors had 2 errors in 155 games this season, a 991 fielding %. The real stat you need to take into account is RF(range factor), which was not good for Garret Anderson.
For Garret Anderson his RF was 2.00 in 82 games on the outfield, for Ken Griffey it was 2.08 in 123 games in the outfield, for Adam Dunn it was 1.83 in 141 games in the outfield, and Pat Burrel had a 1.61 in 155 games in the outfield.
What an average outfielder is around 2.10.
Tomas
February 22nd, 2009
3:46 pm
I mean it’s not terrible, but below average.
Efrim
February 22nd, 2009
3:46 pm
Richie- Yes, Tate is a CF…..and from Georgia.
Nick from PA
February 22nd, 2009
3:51 pm
DOB,
So when will Garret Anderson be signing with the Mariners?
I keed I keed
David O'Brien
February 22nd, 2009
3:51 pm
It’s a done deal, Anderson’s going to be here as early as tomorrow. He’s en route today, I’m told. Whether that means he’ll be introduced tomorrow, not certain. But likely.
Important thing is: He’s signed. And this isn’t a friend telling us.
Efrim
February 22nd, 2009
3:52 pm
Well, that was quick.
TDub
February 22nd, 2009
3:53 pm
DOB – ?!?
Andrew
February 22nd, 2009
3:54 pm
DOB,nobody does it like you brother, thanks for the braves insight 24/7
YunelFan
February 22nd, 2009
3:55 pm
News Report: Anderson changes mind and signs with angels. Said that the pull of his old team combined with DOB’s early report changed his mind.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 22nd, 2009
3:55 pm
The answer to the Braves LF, CF, RF, cleanup, right handed hitter riddle.
Nelson Cruz.
He’s 28. Out of options, buried in the Rangers depth charts and cranked 44 HR’s with 125 RBI between AAA and the Texas Rangers in 2008. He will make the league minimum this year. Plays outstanding defense, all three outfield positions, has a gun for an arm.
And our Braves are chasing a 37 year old who can’t even get a contract from the Angels who gave Juan Rivera three years and 12.75 million.
Dear Frank Wren, you really are drinking the kool aid, aren’t you?
mbatl
February 22nd, 2009
3:56 pm
Scoop! Thanks, DOB.
We can argue about who might’ve been a better signing, but the fact is, this helps the Braves. A Diaz/Anderson platoon (and I doubt it will be a strict platoon, given that both guys can hit off-hand pitching) will be just fine.
TexasBrave
February 22nd, 2009
3:56 pm
DOB did you actually see the ink dry on the contract?
Fred
February 22nd, 2009
3:56 pm
Pickens, My bad. Let’s hope this signing works out. As I said earlier, I have my doubts.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 22nd, 2009
3:57 pm
I’m gonna puke.
crispy
February 22nd, 2009
3:57 pm
i think a confirmation of signing should read “garrett anderson is now a brave” to avoid any confusion or speculation.
David O'Brien
February 22nd, 2009
3:58 pm
Nick from PA: Doesn’t really matter, right? Some interlopers (not the blog regulars) here won’t acknowledge that we have this confirmed first, of that you can be assured. But that’s not a problem.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 22nd, 2009
3:58 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.
I’m still waiting for an answer…….
Jim
February 22nd, 2009
4:00 pm
I’m hoping that one of the top pitching prospects falls to us. Tate is rated very highly and is from Georgia, but he seems to be more of an athlete than a pure hitter — always a danger sign to me. If the choice is between Tate and a high school lefty, I hope we choose the lefty. The two top high school lefties do not appear to be Boras clients, as are most of the other top names in the draft, so they may be gone by our pick.
Daybed Wagmoe
February 22nd, 2009
4:00 pm
Any details on what the contract terms look like? I would guess a one-year deal, $3-3.5 million with possible incentives.
TennesseePaul
February 22nd, 2009
4:00 pm
So it has come to debating the merits of Anderson’s defense. This is a moot point. Not a single option available on th FA market was a good defensive LF. Not one.
I’ve given up hoping for the players I think the team should get. This off-season has pretty much shown the course Wren will take. And from that I can see why Anderson would be a possible target.
And, this off-season has shown that you can’t count on any player actually signing or being traded to Atlanta. So I’ll reserve judgement until something actually happens.
Ritchie from Scotland
February 22nd, 2009
4:01 pm
Not a massive Anderson fan but at least that gives us an experienced bat in the outfield, as long as he’s doing what Griffey was supposed to (platooning with Diaz in left) then it’s a solid signing. He probably didn’t cost us much either. Looks like that is us set now, let the fighting for places begin! can’t wait.
Andrew
February 22nd, 2009
4:01 pm
i wonder how chipper is going to react to the signing.
JOE
February 22nd, 2009
4:01 pm
thanks DOB!!! this really helps the braves outfield depth at the very least. i want to see the young guys thrive as much as the rest of you, but you cant say that last year our lineup was getting really thin really fast… nobody is saying Anderson is the power bat that nady or swisher brings, but a .293 average and 84 rbi’s is more than fine with me. Doubles and singles score runs as well!
Chris
February 22nd, 2009
4:01 pm
wow, being here in southern california and watching garret anderson every night since 1994, i can tell you that he is probably the better overall hitter than griffey is right now. anderson hits for a lot of doubles and in the clutch. he might not have as much pop as griffey, but he still plays good defense and 15 of his 16 homers are off right handed pitchers. he’s still a very good player folks…
Adam
February 22nd, 2009
4:01 pm
yeah I aint buying this until the t’s are crossed
David O'Brien
February 22nd, 2009
4:01 pm
It’ll be interesting to see how Bobby bats them. Maybe Anderson in cleanup hole against righties, between Chipper and Mac, and Chipper in cleanup hole against lefties? (assuming Anderson plays against some lefties, which I think he will)
TennesseePaul
February 22nd, 2009
4:01 pm
I’m typing too slow for my posts to have any relevance… That’s what happens when you cut the tip od your finger off and stitch it back on…
Fred
February 22nd, 2009
4:02 pm
Does anybody know where Anderson hit in the Angels line-up? Could he possibly hit 3rd for us (with Chipper 4th), or would he likely hit lower?
Pickens
February 22nd, 2009
4:02 pm
Garrett Anderson is a SOLID signing. Not flashy but just enough to give our lineup more credibility. I knew we could not rely going into camp thinking Jones/Blanco/Diaz were going to patrol LF. This puts a nice ending to an up and down winter. The Braves are laying in the weeds behind the Mets and Phillies which is just fine with me, because I know what our team can produce without receiving all the attention like NY and Philly.
Chop Chop
February 22nd, 2009
4:02 pm
Coach,
If the Angels had to do it over again, they wouldn’t have signed Rivera to that deal. I’m sure they’d tell you that off the record. Rivera’s not worth that amount of money.
Smokey Joe Wood
February 22nd, 2009
4:04 pm
I don’t think a whole lot of Anderson. He’s definitely slipping. But our OF is so bad, it’s probably an upgrade… as a platoon. The Braves really must not believe in Brandon Jones (who is getting pretty long in the tooth for prospect status).
Richie
February 22nd, 2009
4:05 pm
Which would be preferred…a HS lefty like Matzek, Purke or a closer to the bigs LHP like Oliver? I know drafting the best player available is usually what happens but I just wanted to know the preferences from our bloggers and DOB as well, if possible.
Chris
February 22nd, 2009
4:06 pm
Coach (skip and pete will be missed) the reason why the angels didnt sign anderson is because he had an option of $11 million. they declined it and felt that he was worth too much money and could get rivera alot cheaper while still going after teixeria. abreu and dunn were signed before anderson because they have been a little bit healtier and they have a bit more pop with abreu having more speed on the basepaths which the angels like. but anderson is definitly an everyday player and probably will have better value as a platoon player
CVan
February 22nd, 2009
4:06 pm
Thanks DOB….I am liking GA a lot better than Griff!!
mbatl
February 22nd, 2009
4:06 pm
“Why did the Angels award Juan Rivera with a three year 12.75 million contract and leave Garrett Anderson twisting in the damn wind?”
Coach,
Why did they trade a good young 1B (Kotchman) and a good pitcher (Marek) for half a year of Tex?
Why did they give Torii Hunter a $90 mil contract?
Why did they giver Gary Matthews Jr a $50 contract?
Why did they give Chone Figgins (with his .318 SLG %) a $5.775 mil contract?
Who knows why the Angels do what they do?
Efrim
February 22nd, 2009
4:07 pm
Jim- Couldn’t agree more with you man. I want one of the several pitchers that will probably be available at #7 this June.
braves4ever
February 22nd, 2009
4:07 pm
David, you da man,good inside tip earlier today. And after looking at Anderson’s past seasons and how he can fit into LF he’s a 2-1 better option than Griffy ever was. Griffey would be a better ticket draw at the beginning but after we are knee deep in playing then Anderson with good production and team play would be the man. Long haul we win with this team.
HeywardTheFuture
February 22nd, 2009
4:07 pm
Thanks for keeping us in the loop DOB, it’s rare that someone gives the public minute by minute updates on a Sunday.
Andrew
February 22nd, 2009
4:07 pm
DOB, maybe Jeff hitting clean up against lefties?
Danga
February 22nd, 2009
4:07 pm
Well, I guess that puts the kids vs signing a vet conversation to rest. Only time will tell if it was the correct decision.
Steve from OH
February 22nd, 2009
4:07 pm
Richie, the preference is probably Green, but he of course won’t get to us, and after him there is a smattering of LHP and Tate, so it could really be any one of a few guys. I’m of the “best player available” school, myself. But I do hope we shore up the INF in the later rounds.
SeaAtl
February 22nd, 2009
4:10 pm
Nice job, DOB, once again. Anyone that was excited at the prospect of Griffey coming here should be equally excited to have G. Anderson coming – not as historically exciting, but from a baseball-need sense, this isn’t a bad signing at all. Braves going into the season with a rehauled team, and only really losing out on one great prospect (Flowers). It’s been rough from a PR stand point for Wren and the Braves, but take emotion out of the equation and we should all be happy with the product being put on the field.
Chris
February 22nd, 2009
4:11 pm
anderson had some injuries in 2007 but he was healthier last year and still plays a fine left field. he hits for good average and still has some pop. remember, anderson was the clean up hitter for the angels the last 5 or 6 years even when his power number declined. he has always been an underated player even when he won the home run derby and mvp all star game. he’s a quiet guy, but he still really is a very good player
PTBNL
February 22nd, 2009
4:11 pm
Must be a pretty strong wind blowing about GAnderson. Bowman is feeling the same wind on his blog.
chuckw/deadjournalist
February 22nd, 2009
4:12 pm
that’s two boras clients in one off-season for atlanta, right?
SeaAtl
February 22nd, 2009
4:13 pm
Man, I love these stats from the AJC article on GA, “Last season, he hit .338 in 130 at-bats with runners in scoring position, including .356 with two outs. In the late innings of close games, he hit .371 with a .441 OBP in 89 at-bats.”
Chop Chop
February 22nd, 2009
4:13 pm
chuck,
Schuerholz just threw up in his mouth.
Steve from OH
February 22nd, 2009
4:13 pm
But I think if you had to put money on it, the safe bet is on Tate, because the Braves love their local boys. Of the LHPs, as of right now I prefer Matzek, but I haven’t read too much on the others (Oliver, Purke, etc.) to make a definitive statement. But I really hope we avoid Aaron Crow, because I don’t like what I’m reading about his mechanics.
Spike
February 22nd, 2009
4:14 pm
Christ, people, do you even look at statistics?
http://www.baseball-reference.com/a/anderga01.shtml
Garret Anderson sucks. He is the definition of a no-power hitter who can’t take a freaking walk, and it’s not even like he hits RHP well. The really bad thing is that even this bum had a better year than Frenchy, so of course he’s going to platoon with Diaz while Li’l Jeffy sucks up another season’s worth of outs. How goddamn hard is it to assemble a decent outfield in an offseason where Abreu, Burrell, and Dunn were all signed to discounted contracts?
David O'Brien
February 22nd, 2009
4:15 pm
From my story I sent in while ago: Anderson hit .293 with 15 home runs, 84 RBIs and a .325 on-base percentage last season, including 14 home runs in 433 at-bats against right-handed pitchers.
For comparison, Griffey hit .249 with 18 homers and 71 RBIs last season, including .272 with 14 homers in 327 at-bats against right-handers.
Soon after Griffey announced his decision, the Braves moved on to Anderson, despite stating publicly that they would take a look at their organization’s young outfielders and not immediately pursue another free agent or a trade for a veteran.
He doesn’t draw many walks, but Anderson is regarded as a “professional hitter” with a penchant for big hits. Last season, he hit .338 in 130 at-bats with runners in scoring position, including .356 with two outs. In the late innings of close games, he hit .371 with a .441 OBP in 89 at-bats.
Bobby's Belly
February 22nd, 2009
4:16 pm
Dale Murphy’s atleast right handed. What a waste. B. Jones, Schafer, Anderson and Blanco should all walk out of camp.
Poorbrave
February 22nd, 2009
4:16 pm
Anderson is a none deal…hell!!
TexasBrave
February 22nd, 2009
4:16 pm
I don’t believe GA should hit 4th. My hope is Jeff returns to form and then interchange he and McCann in the 4 hole with GA hitting 5th or 6th.
Bobby's Belly
February 22nd, 2009
4:18 pm
DOB – So the Braves are stupid AND liars?
David O'Brien
February 22nd, 2009
4:18 pm
It’s one year, $2.5 mill. Hey, at utility-infielder prices, not a bad pickup, eh? That’s half what Abreu got.
Poorbrave
February 22nd, 2009
4:20 pm
done….hell no another lefty.
C's
February 22nd, 2009
4:20 pm
I wanted to see BJones given a chance. But I still think Edmonds was the better option if we were dead set on signing a vet.
Steve from OH
February 22nd, 2009
4:20 pm
Any incentive on that deal that you know about DOB?
PTBNL
February 22nd, 2009
4:21 pm
Is it done? Or that is the rumor?
chuckw/deadjournalist
February 22nd, 2009
4:21 pm
spike – i was just looking at his numbers there as well.
anderson’s last really good full season was 2003. and while his numbers that last few years have been remarkably constistant, they haven’t been much better than league average (if that).
HOWEVER
this is the atlanta outfield we are talking about. the worst in the majors last year. so assuming this is a one-year deal, he adds a veteran bat that can provide depth, insurance and some stability. as a best case senerio, he platoons with diaz to provide 25/95. at worst he provides some much-needed leadership for the young guys. while his stats may have slip, i’ve been reading all winter about how he is one of the best people in baseball.
PTBNL
February 22nd, 2009
4:22 pm
Never mind. I see the article now. Wow! That was quick. lol
SeaAtl
February 22nd, 2009
4:22 pm
Too funny – guys like Spike insisting that Garret “sucks”? Former All Star, cleanup hitter for Angels, worst BA for a season in his career was .285, and half the price of Abreu or any of the other guys some of the whiners here seem to have preferred. This is not a bad signing at all. And the young guys (B. Jones, Schafer, Anderson and Blanco) should walk? They’ve had their opportunities to convince the Braves they are starters and the jury is still out! And they’ll get plenty of more opportunity this year! Wow, some crazy statements around here!
Jeff in Alabama
February 22nd, 2009
4:23 pm
Coxlover, you asked on the previous blog if the Braves spring training games are going to be on the radio. I was wondering the same thing and found this blog from radio producer Jake Cook on the WGST website…
http://www.wgst.com/pages/jakeblog.html
I take from his comments that they will not be broadcasting all of the games like in past years when non-radio games could be heard on MLB.com Gameday Audio. I can only speculate as to why, but I would guess Pete Van Wieren’s retirement combined with reduced advertising revenue due to the economy led them to cut back on spring training coverage.
By the way, the broadcast schedule is finally out on the Braves website…
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/schedule/broadcast.jsp?c_id=atl
Bobby's Belly
February 22nd, 2009
4:23 pm
Should go sign Edmonds now for CF and really piss on the minor league system. I foresee a bunch of kids doing their “time” the next five years and saying c-ya. Never worry, I’m sure they’ll keep signing DL Hughley/Chipper well into his forties.
DiamondbackMac
February 22nd, 2009
4:23 pm
Coach (Skip and Pete Will Be Missed) Boy, that Cruz kid sounds good. Just what makes you think the Rangers are in a hurry to get rid of him?
Andrew
February 22nd, 2009
4:23 pm
thats a great deal..glad we could find a bargin in all these remaining FA..now we should get Ohman back..
Jim
February 22nd, 2009
4:24 pm
DOB
Any word on the pitchers for the firs couple of Spring games yet?
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 22nd, 2009
4:24 pm
Now Cox is going to use 500 different line up’s in the first two months of the season and the Braves offense will have no continuity. Yea, I know 500 is impossible but so is the WIN NOW , Damn the torpedoes philosophy.
Screw Frank Wren and Bobby Cox.
Gibby
February 22nd, 2009
4:24 pm
Coach I hate to break it to you but Nelson Cruz is NOT buried on their depth chart. He is the guy they are counting on to play right field and if they move Hamilton to right Cruz goes to left and Murphy sits. Cruz is a beast and Texas knows it. You will not get him without giving up a really good pitcher. I wish we could but Cruz is not on the market.
jed
February 22nd, 2009
4:25 pm
it’s a great signing! jeezuss…some of you people are absolute idiots.
Spike
February 22nd, 2009
4:27 pm
Luke Scott and Jim Edmonds punish RHP. Either would have been superior to this really marginal “let’s do something so we look like we’re doing something” vanity. The fact that Anderson outhit the ENTIRE Atlanta OF last year says a lot more bout the abilities of our front office to construct a decent roster than it does about Anderson’s value. It’s like being the tallest pygmy or something. Anderson’s rep is based on a high batting avg that is in fact empty BECAUSE HE MAKES A TON OF OUTS. We already have a guy in the OF who can do that.
Richie
February 22nd, 2009
4:27 pm
you aren’t reading his all the way as well. In his entire career, he has reached the 100 strikeout plateau….once, 1 time and didn’t go over that mark. So while doesn’t walk much. Doesn’t strikeout much either.
Coxlover
February 22nd, 2009
4:27 pm
Jed, it’s impossible to please some Braves fans. Just ignore them.
18 Wheels of Love
February 22nd, 2009
4:28 pm
DOB, I’m sure you are all over this but I would love to see Kotch’s opinion of Garrett.
Doc Holiday
February 22nd, 2009
4:29 pm
Wren should keep looking for OF since anything could happen from now until Anderson puts the Braves jersey on. And I mean anything,
UF Brave
February 22nd, 2009
4:29 pm
And he’s half as good as Abreu…so I guess that’s about right!
Tomas
February 22nd, 2009
4:29 pm
Done deal. Well that was fast and efficient. Maybe when the media isn’t involved things moved so much faster. Derek Lowe, and Kawakami deals were done really fast, and it was because they didn’t make the negotiations public like they did with Jake Peavy, Ken Griffey Jr, Aj Burnett, and Rafael Furcal.
Coxlover
February 22nd, 2009
4:29 pm
Folks, Garret Anderson is known for hitting well in the clutch. As DOB said, he hit .338 with runners in scoring position and .358 with 2 outs last year. Good signing Braves.
mbatl
February 22nd, 2009
4:29 pm
Lots of bloggers (including me, probably) would’ve been okay with giving G. Anderson a 2yr/$15 mil deal a couple of months ago. GA is not the greatest option for LF, but he’s an upgrade, a very solid overall player who will give us good production and decent defense in LF. Good for Wren biding his time and getting him at a discount.
Coxlover
February 22nd, 2009
4:30 pm
UF, oh come on. Anderson isn’t half as good as Abreu. He’s probably 80% as good which means we got a good deal.
C's
February 22nd, 2009
4:30 pm
I would like to hear the argument on Anderson over Edmonds. I haven’t heard one yet. Look at the numbers. Edmonds hits RHP better.
TNScott
February 22nd, 2009
4:30 pm
Richie, I agree that had something to with it maybe a lot; however, I was just noting there’s generally a learning curve that usually follows that transition. If memory serves me correctly and that’s a large “if,” Tex had a few issues early before tearing it up at the end of the season. I just wonder how effective an aging outfielder with naturally declining abilities, who is now switching leagues, is going to be. It’s worth a shot after all it’s not my money, anyway.
Bobby's Belly
February 22nd, 2009
4:31 pm
SeaAtl – Saying they should walkout was an exaggeration. But let’s be clear, this team has .500 written all over them. They cannot contend in the NL East this year. But how ’bout getting the future ready. Hanson, Schafer, few others should of got a cup of coffee last Sept. Don’t tell me about the business side. It amounts to a few mil 1 year earlier. As you see, we’re spending a few mil for G. Anderson. I’d support this if the Braves were close this year. They’re not. Wouldn’t you rather be mediocre with kids than mediocre with guys holding on to the end of their career.
McFann :Ô:
February 22nd, 2009
4:31 pm
Now there’s the possibility of having 2/3 of our outfield being named Anderson!
CCjacket
February 22nd, 2009
4:32 pm
Nothing personal DOB, but no one else is reporting this yet. So I’m going to wait until we see FW & GA at the press conference to pencil him in as MD’s LF platoon partner.
But,
if it does indeed come true,
does this mean the Braves have officially given up on Brandon Jones?
Seymour1948
February 22nd, 2009
4:32 pm
I think we will be pleasantly surprised by Anderson, especially if he is platooning and mostly facing righties. Also, I love the fact that we have him for just one year. He should be doubly motivated to put up big numbers this year facing another FA year next year, and we don’t have to worry about blocking our youngesters thereafter. Good signing at a good price.
Coxlover
February 22nd, 2009
4:32 pm
We definitely needed an upgrade in our outfield and GA automatically improves our outfield. No, he’s not a Manny Ramirez but he is a solid player. The Diaz/GA platoon in left is going to be fun to watch.
BlawgDawg
February 22nd, 2009
4:32 pm
Funny how no other news sources have reported this yet that I’ve seen. Think maybe their getting a little nervous about reporting Braves’ signings until they’ve seen a press conference anouncing it.
The Artist Formerly Known as Too Hot For Teacher
February 22nd, 2009
4:32 pm
i’m happy with a veteran hitter who will hoover around .300 and actually drive the ball with risp….and 2.5 million is dirt cheap – that was a steal and by the end of the year we may end up saying this was the best signing of the offseason – when you look at it from a cost benefit analysis.
Also have they fixed the blog so there can be more than 100 posts?
Richie
February 22nd, 2009
4:32 pm
you aren’t reading his stats all the way as well. In his entire career, he has reached the 100 strikeout plateau….once, 1 time and didn’t go over that mark. So while doesn’t walk much. Doesn’t strikeout much either. Plus, he is hit .293 vs righties last year and .290 vs lefties. So Matt better come with his hitting shoes on as well. He could turn out to be starting more games against lefties than we thought if Matt continues to slump this year
SeaAtl
February 22nd, 2009
4:33 pm
“Last season, he hit .338 in 130 at-bats with runners in scoring position, including .356 with two outs. In the late innings of close games, he hit .371 with a .441 OBP in 89 at-bats.” Scott, Edmunds, Burrell, Abreu, etc. didn’t have better stats in these situations – situations that every Braves fan knows we were horrific in last year. Good signing – quit b*tching.
Andy K.
February 22nd, 2009
4:33 pm
What # will GA wear? He’s worn 16 all his career, and I’m pretty sure B-Mac ain’t ready to give it up…..
N8
February 22nd, 2009
4:34 pm
“Important thing is: He’s signed. And this isn’t a friend telling us.” DOB
Yeah, but did Hudson give you permission to tell us about it?
OK, that might be a low blow. Just got back into town and haven’t scrolled through blogs posts since Friday morning. If the Hudson thing is water under the bridge, then I appologize.
But it was funny, none the less…. to me.
Anyhow, VERY impressed with Wren publicly stating for the past week, since the Griffey debacle, that the kids were gonna battle it out, and quickly moved on the “down low” to grab Anderson.
Lotta LH hitters in those OF bats (including the guys that are gonna start the year at AAA). But that’s OK. All winter, (when I was for the Braves making a low ball offer to Abreu), I’ve stated I don’t care as much about the LH/RH thing, as much as just finding a good HITTER.
Garrett Anderson, while a bit long in the tooth, and certainly not the HOF “name” that Griffey was, IS a good hitter. At 2.5 million, it’s a steal.
I’m telling you guys, based on what Chipper is saying about Hanson, if he goes out there and DOMINATES in the spring, I can’t see how they leave him off the initial 25 man roster. Which means that if what DOB stated last week when I asked him, that the Braves have zero interest in using him in the pen… somebody has to go.
Of course, let’s not let the horse get ahead of the carriage. Somebody could get hurt, and (or), Hanson might not dominate big league hitters in the spring, and need some time at AAA to start the year.
All in all, things are looking up. Then again, coming off of a 79 win season, it’s hard not to.
DiamondbackMac
February 22nd, 2009
4:34 pm
Jed
I’m in complete agreement. Great signing and some people just refuse to see the good in any idea except their own. I would feel sorry for them if they weren’t so mean spirited.