Chipper on Hanson: He’ll be No. 1 starter

Hey Dave, looks like your link on Hampton (above) has a space between the // and “www”. Thanks for the hard work.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

Thanks Steve. That worked just fine. ‘Preciate the help.

• Link
• Report this comment

HAHA gotta love the disclaimer Dave

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.)

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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

• Link
• Report this comment

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).

• Link
• Report this comment

DOB – Love the disclaimer! Don’t let them all get to you, man.

• Link
• Report this comment

Angels’ players surprised Garret Anderson can’t find a job.

• Link
• Report this comment

Very nice piece by Jayson Stark on the Braves rotation:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring2009/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=3924324

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

I still think Edmonds is a better option than Anderson.

• Link
• Report this comment

Efrim, I’m with ya, but then again I’ve never worked in a MLB front office so…

• Link
• Report this comment

would you guys like it more if the braves had signed pat burrel instead or kawakami..then just put hanson in the rotation?

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

Coxlover, a “win now” philosophy works if you actually bring in good players. Garret Anderson is not a good player anymore.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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

• Link
• Report this comment

BTW–Thanks for the new Blog, Chief!! I can’t wait to see Hanson pitch!

• Link
• Report this comment

We’re talking about Anderson, not Frenchy. And yes, Frenchy sucked something terrible last year. No arguments there.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

[...] Jones thinks Hanson will be a #1 starter one day and is ready for the majors now. ”Very impressive. He’s [...]

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

and/or women…..

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

That might have been the least funny attempt at a joke I’ve ever read.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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?

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

“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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

Tate, is an OF prospect, right. Plays CF…yes?

• Link
• Report this comment

I mean it’s not terrible, but below average.

• Link
• Report this comment

DOB,

So when will Garret Anderson be signing with the Mariners?

I keed I keed

• Link
• Report this comment

Well, that was quick.

• Link
• Report this comment

DOB,nobody does it like you brother, thanks for the braves insight 24/7

• Link
• Report this comment

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?

• Link
• Report this comment

DOB did you actually see the ink dry on the contract?

• Link
• Report this comment

I’m gonna puke.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

i wonder how chipper is going to react to the signing.

• Link
• Report this comment

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…

• Link
• Report this comment

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?

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

Thanks DOB….I am liking GA a lot better than Griff!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Jim- Couldn’t agree more with you man. I want one of the several pitchers that will probably be available at #7 this June.

• Link
• Report this comment

Thanks for keeping us in the loop DOB, it’s rare that someone gives the public minute by minute updates on a Sunday.

• Link
• Report this comment

Well, I guess that puts the kids vs signing a vet conversation to rest. Only time will tell if it was the correct decision.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

Must be a pretty strong wind blowing about GAnderson. Bowman is feeling the same wind on his blog.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.”

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

Anderson is a none deal…hell!!

• Link
• Report this comment

DOB – So the Braves are stupid AND liars?

• Link
• Report this comment

done….hell no another lefty.

• Link
• Report this comment

Any incentive on that deal that you know about DOB?

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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!

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

thats a great deal..glad we could find a bargin in all these remaining FA..now we should get Ohman back..

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

it’s a great signing! jeezuss…some of you people are absolute idiots.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

DOB, I’m sure you are all over this but I would love to see Kotch’s opinion of Garrett.

• Link
• Report this comment

And he’s half as good as Abreu…so I guess that’s about right!

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

Now there’s the possibility of having 2/3 of our outfield being named Anderson!

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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

• Link
• Report this comment

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…..

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

“As DOB said, he hit .338 with runners in scoring position and .358 with 2 outs last year.”

This is what you call cherrypicking statistics.Here’s a Pro-tip – ALMOST EVERYBODY hits better in RISP situations, because guess what? The pitcher throws strikes because he doesn’t want to walk you. Part 2 – when there are two outs, pitchers throw strikes for the same reason. Anderson would make a decent complementary player on a team that hits for power. That does not describe the Braves OF.

• Link
• Report this comment

TNScott

I picked that up from your comments. I was saying that might’ve played a part in his slow start as well. The benefit for Anderson will be, he is starting here from the ST versus coming here in July.

• Link
• Report this comment

Enter your comments here

• Link
• Report this comment

Worst-case scenario for an Anderson signing:

He sucks at an ungodly level and is released.

• Link
• Report this comment

Spike, would you stop complaining and just be happy for a change ?

• Link
• Report this comment

spike i was following until you advocated an OF of Abreu, Dunn, and Burrell. May as well have a couple of stationary bp nets up in the OF to play defense and let the ss run after the balls in the gap.

Guys GA is not supposed to be a big bopper HR threat. I don’t think that is the mission of this team this year. He is supposed to be a high average guy who drives in runners in the clutch – which he does. If you are expecting him to hit like Manny then you are setting yourselves up for disappointment.

• Link
• Report this comment

I noticed Anderson’s career hit total the other day, Coxlover. He would be an interesting case for the Hall. The only guys who have 3,000+ hits that aren’t in the Hall are Rose, Palmeiro, and Biggio. Biggio will get there at some point. Would Anderson make it?

• Link
• Report this comment

whoever was for the griffey signing (and i know there were a ton of supporters here) then you have to be all for this signing too baseball wise.

• Link
• Report this comment

Andy K–

No way. G. Anderson will hafta find another number for sure.

Tomorrow’s headline: McCann Gives Number to New Outfielder…

• Link
• Report this comment

“Of course, let’s not let the horse get ahead of the carriage”

N8, I think we should keep the horse ahead of the carriage. From my limited experience, horses are very bad at pushing carriages, but they can pull them pretty well.

• Link
• Report this comment

Coxlover, I am completely happy. We have a quality infield, rotation and bullpen. We even have a decent bench for a change. A couple of moves in the OF can make this a dangerous team. Anderson is not an appropriate platoon partner for Diaz, Sergeant Rock, John Wayne or anyone else for that matter. Why don’t you try not being intellectually dishonest.?

• Link
• Report this comment

ESPN is now reporting it so if you guys worried that only DOB is reporting it, you have some confirmation. DOB is right again. More often that not

• Link
• Report this comment

BFR – Frenchy would be the exception that proves the rule. How that stiff keeps a job is beyond me.

• Link
• Report this comment

I just think that Anderson is a player that we really need. Remember how many 1 run games we lost last year ? Anderson hits very well in the clutch.

• Link
• Report this comment

I’m really concerned about Anderson (the Garret variety) has left. His numbers last year were solid (.293, 15 HR, 84 RBI in 145 G). But he hasn’t hit more than 17 HRs in a season since 2003. And he’ll be 37 in June.
And more than anything else, the Braves track record of signing such veterans, even when they look good on paper, has not been encouraging (B.J. Surhoff, Dave Martinez, anybody? In fairness to them, they each played solidly, if not spectacularly, though Surhoff’s injury cut short his Braves’ tenure. Then of course we had Wally Joyner and Bobby Bonilla. Not disasters, but not impacts, either. You want disasters – how bout Rico Brogna and Vinny Castilla? Yikes.)

• Link
• Report this comment

Well, we have added a guy that has only hit bellow .285 only twice his whole career. Looking at his RBI related to the games played on the season, I think we have ourselves a good acquisition. Even if he is old. He is as old as chipper is I think. And I dont see anybody complaining about the braves resigning chipper.

• Link
• Report this comment

“Of course, let’s not let the horse get ahead of the carriage”

LOL!! Now that’s a funny typo.

• Link
• Report this comment

So I guess this means Blanco will start the season in AAA.

• Link
• Report this comment

BFIR, true. GA beats the heck out of Blanco and Anderson. Not so sure about Jones, though he’s probably the better option over him, too.

• Link
• Report this comment

TOMAS, like that line up with 2 Andersons in outfield.

• Link
• Report this comment

mbatl Maybe THAT is why I can never get anywhere with my horses?

Sorry. I’ve never been so good with the cliche’s. I’m workin’ on 3 hours of sleep and one helluva hangover. But it was funny. I don’t mind being the butt of the joke when I type something stupid like that.

• Link
• Report this comment

Good signing for the Braves. His numbers are better than griffey’s and he comes with much less injury concerns. The biggest laugh I get here is reading all the blog “experts” talk about needing to give the “kids” a chance. Really? The only kid who was going to play left would have been Brandon Jones and maybe Blanco. It’s going to be anderson or blanco in center (as DOB stated earlier, unless Shafer pulls a Furcal and gives them no choice, better financially for him to spend time in the minors). Diaz should be on the team and was going to platoon with B. Jones, unless he falls on his face. So the argument here is B. Jones and maybe Blanco (neither of whom has a long-term future with team probably with Heyward and Shafer on the way) vs Garret Anderson. No comparison, not if your trying to make the playoffs and not for 2.5 million. I am all for young players, but jones and blanco are not hot prospects, they will probably be serviceable major leaguers at best. So I think some should examine the situation and not just always go with the idea of younger players.

• Link
• Report this comment

Are we Sure we have signed Anderson??? I won’t believe it until he is dressed out and in the line-up – if the AJC reports it I AM NERVOUS!!!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

So who gets taken off the 40 man roster? I feel a trade coming!

• Link
• Report this comment

great pickup imo….anderson has a great track record

• Link
• Report this comment

DOB: Everyone has noted how bad our outfield performed and particularly Francouer, it could have been worse. Just think how brutal our offense would’ve been if the Braves had resigned Andruw for the ‘08 season.

• Link
• Report this comment

Coach, I’ll answer the question. The Angels wanted Anderson, but only in a “limited role”, he was ready to accept that fact at the start of the offseason. Now at the start of ST and , until today, unsiged, he has come to terms with being a part-time player.

OPS is great, but it really only tells you that the player is likely to get an extra base hit, what it doesn’t tell you, like rbi’s, or BA, is when a player get’s his hits and extra base hits included.

Garret Anderson is for his career a .295 hitter with .796 OPS in late and close situations. Last season he batted in several different spots in the lineup and still did this:
Men on 2 outs: .366
Men on 3rd < 2 outs: 480
RISP w/2 outs: 356 (Runners in Scoring Position)
RISP: .338 (Runners in scoring position)
Runners on: .362

This is a great move people. Wren has done a good job this offseason, I can’t give it an A, especially because we couldn’t get Ohman resigned, but it’s a solid B+ now for sure.

The numbers remain high even if you look at the last 3 seasons.

• Link
• Report this comment

rupert at 4:50 pm – well said.

• Link
• Report this comment

what about:
josh/shafer
yunel
Chipper
mac
anderson
frenchie
kelly
kotchman

vs. righties
and
josh/shafer
yunel
Chipper
mac
frenchie/anderson
frenchie/diaz
johnson
kotchman

As much as i dont feel that great about sending josh anderson to the plate to start off games for us, he probably better than putting kelly up there. Kelly is much better a little farther down in the order.

As far as G.Anderson, if he hits so well with risp then I put him after chipper and mac (both over .300 career hitters) any time he is in the game.

• Link
• Report this comment

Anderson is a great pickup. Looking at the numbers, he is more of what we need than Griffey. We wanted Griffey because he is a bigger homer threat. I doubt this is a team that hits a ton of homers. I think we are going to have an offense that hits a lot of doubles. With this lineup, we’re going to score runs. I love the clutch factor, he obviously gets big hits late in games (which means he is probably coming through against lefties). This guy is a big time player. If he can duplicate last year’s performance, we’re going to win 90+ games (book it dano). Just imagine how much better we would have been early on if we had anything resembling production from our outfield?

Few recall that we wasted early opportunities because Tex started slow, and our outfield never came around in the run production category. That said, our pitching had succumbed to injuries by the middle of May. Our bullpen was overworked, we were toast. Our pitching quality and depth should have in games every night. This team can score enough runs to win. I can list the keys to this season (in this order):

1. Health in the pen. We need Moylan, Soriano, and Gonzo to be healthy and have big season. I am not worried about innings pitched, our starters are going to go deeper into games.

2. Frenchy bounces back. Offense will not be a problem if Frenchy becomes the feared right handed stick we all know he can be.

3. Healthy Chipper. Always a concern, but there is little debate that when “Hoss” is healthy, he is still one of the 10 most feared hitters in baseball.

If we look back in 09 and find that these things happened, I bet Atlanta played beyond the regular season.

• Link
• Report this comment

Christ, people, do you even look at statistics?” spike

Hmmm. Do you?

N8

Lifetime stats –
Abreu .300 .405 .498 903 OPS
Edmonds .284 .377 .528 905 OPS
Burrell .257 .367 .485 862 OPS
Dunn .247 .381 .518 899 OPS
Anderson .293 .325 .433 758 OPS

Can you guess which thing is not like the other? Can you guess which thing just doesn’t belong?

Richie –

Anderson lifetime close and late: .299 .339 .430 .769 Clutchy McClutch alright.

• Link
• Report this comment

and blair… add one thing to that list, healthy starting rotation

Jair was the one one NOT to go to the DL

• Link
• Report this comment

kirknga, now that the big issues are resolved (LF, 5th starter, arbitration with Kotchman, Frenchy and KJ), I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Braves make another offer to Ohman, if prices are as depressed as we’re hearing … a guy like Boone Logan is gonna command at least $400 K; if there’s any money left at all, I wouldn’t be surprised to see us offer Ohman $900 K instead.

Just a guess, though. Maybe not.

• Link
• Report this comment

Sorry about the “christ” thing, but N8, if you value hitters by BA and RBI, really, we’ve got nothing to talk about. Sorry to have riled you up.

• Link
• Report this comment

“Slugger”? Is this the Dead Ball Era? Because Anderson has hit between 14 and 17 homers every year in the last five. How is that a slugger? “Former slugger”, maybe. “Tweener”. “Has-been”.

• Link
• Report this comment

“Re: Garrett Anderson: I’ll believe it when I see him wearing a Braves jersey.”

Hell, Tron, where’s the fun in that??

• Link
• Report this comment

Cali, GA played LF 82 times last year with 0 errors and 9 assists

• Link
• Report this comment

Good point, Spike.

Here’s a stat line for ya:

This guy is a career .290/.378/.541 919 OPS hitter.

His career close and late stats?

.282/.379/.555 933 OPS

Who the hell could this clutch player be?

• Link
• Report this comment

It’s Mark Teixeira.

• Link
• Report this comment

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 C’s

yes he does, but with his penchant for diving all the time and his age, perhaps they view Anderson as the safer bet injury-wise.

• Link
• Report this comment

DOB, Yes you deserve The Roses…thanks

• Link
• Report this comment

Spike

It’s not Dec. 1 any more. Anderson and Edmonds were the only two remaining options, and it’s not at all clear that Edmonds will play at all for what DOB correctly calls utility man money. He may just retire.

Heck, I’d rather have Ibanez than any of those guys, but he’s not available. And going with GA is much less risky than hoping Brandon Jones or Blanco or Josh Anderson will play well above anyone’s expectations.

• Link
• Report this comment

Hey DOB can you have someone take a photo of G Anderson in Braves gear when he arrives tomorrow? Just for reassurance amongst the denizens.

• Link
• Report this comment

like the signing…always been a fan. He may not be a great power hitter (although I have no problem with 15-20 HR’s a year from him) but he is a consistent hitter who hits for a good average against both LHP and RHP, he is very patient at the plate and drives in runs…what else do you need? Those things will win us more games then sitting around waiting for a three run homer.
Bobby’s Belly you ask what message this sends to the young guys? I would respond the same one that the team has been sending all off season and into the spring- they have not hidden the fact they were looking for an outfielder and Garrett Anderson will not be playing centerfield…

• Link
• Report this comment

2008 SEASON – STARTED 142 GAMES – LF 82 STARTS – DH 60

• Link
• Report this comment

Well it’s obvious FW didn’t read my post earlier and take my advice, be patience. Don’t make any moves yet, a good deal will come in the form of a trade in May. No instead he signed another aging player, that hasn’t played much in the outfield in a while.

FW didn’t even give the kids a chance to try to fill the position. I wonder how many Garet Anderson jersey’s will sell for the Braves? Is there any reason to buy one? You could make a case for Griffey future hall of famer. You can also make a strong case for our young players, they might actually turn out to be great players. But Anderson’s days of hope are over, he is a platoon player at best. Yeah we have another platoon player, I’m all a quiver.

Right now on paper the Braves are still the third best team the division, maybe forth. I can see the Met’s and Phillis sweeping our butts now. GOOOO Platoon,yeaaaaaa.

• Link
• Report this comment

cabravesfan – Reality is there were 2 open spots. And now there is 1. And that spot is probably going to be J. Anderson due to options. For a team that won 70 games last year to go into the START of spring training with (questionably) only 1 open job is ridiculous imo.

• Link
• Report this comment

If you seriously think “EVERYONE hits better in RISP situations,” then clearly you never watched Francoeur play last year. —BFIR

nor has he spent very much time studying stat break-downs

• Link
• Report this comment

edmonds hits like 230…not good ..would rather have anderson for sure.

• Link
• Report this comment

Anderson is a good stick, but he and Chipper are the only bangers in this pathetic lineup as presented by Tomas above. Its going to be a long season unless the pitching can hold the opposition to no more than three runs per game. The Marlins will be better than the Braves..

• Link
• Report this comment

Braves managed to go through this off season without giving up our top prospects like Heyward, Freeman and Hanson…, etc

Great point, Kris. Haven’t even given up lower-tier prospects (except Flowers). Rohrbough, Locke, Gorkys, etc. stay in the fold. Reyes, Morton and a ton of pitching, plus probably B. Jones and Blanco in the minors, plus a #7 pick in the draft upcoming. It’s all good.

• Link
• Report this comment

Getting another outfielder makes me feel a lot better. also the news that Chipper may get an extension soon. I love hearing what Bobby and Chipper have to say about the young guys. Nice scoop DOB

• Link
• Report this comment

mbatl, I would hope so, his price must have decreased significantly at this point. But DOB has said he isn’t in their plans soo.

While I’m happy about this Anderson “report”, I’m not going to start projecting him in any Braves lineup until I see him up on the podium with a Braves jersey and cap and a beaming Frank Wren.

Like Jason Stark said, many Braves for someone reason seem fixated on who the Braves didn’t get this offseason and haven’t taken a fair and honest look at those who did become/remain Braves.

• Link
• Report this comment

“edmonds hits like 230…not good ..would rather have anderson for sure”

Agreed, I’d take high average over power any day. It makes more since with our club that is attempting to focused on fundamentals and speed rather than an offence that is just waiting for the 3 run homer.

• Link
• Report this comment

Dearest DOB,

Just wanted to drop you and the AJC a note saying “thank you so much” for going out and getting us a quality hitting left fielder like Garrett Anderson.

I know that things were very harsh for you after you screwed up the Griffey deal. Especially after Braves management had a sparkle of confidence all offseason up to that point.

But now you have redeemed yourself! We Braves fans certainly owe you one.

Most Sincerely Yours,

JayDub

P.S. Last game I attended, the lighting was bad, the music was poor, soda was warm and my hotdog vendor only came by twice per inning. Please see what you can do. (Thanks in advance.)

• Link
• Report this comment

Another viewpoint about this signing. Suppose, Diaz doesn’t return to his former form against Lefthanders(He looked bad against everybody the last time he got his shot to start). Garrett Anderson still hits almost .290 against lefties, albeit with less power.

• Link
• Report this comment

cabravesfan – I understand your point. But atleast give the farm a chance in ST. I dont think it’s implausible to believe 2 of the 4 could have earned a job as starting CF and platoon guy. Maybe GA was being heavily pursued and FW didn’t think he could wait a few weeks, but it’s 2/22 and no one showed GA much love the past 3+ months. I find it hard to believe there were other suitors.

• Link
• Report this comment

DOB

Any chance that the longer Will Ohman is unsinged the Braves would look at him?

• Link
• Report this comment

Don’t know if it’s been noticed on the blog, what with the comments disappearing, but ESPN’s site’s givin’ the Braves a little love today. Nice article on Chipper and also one on the revamped rotation. Stark and Kurkij… Kurjkia… Kyrkyj… Stark and some other guy.

• Link
• Report this comment

Bobby’s Belly- and I don’t necessarily disagree with you…but I feel better having another vet in the lineup and in the outfield and as someone pointed out (sorry to whomever it was- too lazy to scroll up to find out) if Garrett sucks we don’t lose much in the way of money if we release him and go with one of the young guys (but I think you will like him)

• Link
• Report this comment

So, uh… did they actually sign Anderson or should I wait until Opening Day when he’s actually in the dugout to know that he’s a Brave?

• Link
• Report this comment

Tomas, agreed, if Francoeur hits more like he did in 2006-07, he should bat behind McCann. And I’d also agree that if he doesn’t, have KJ hit behind Mac.

But are the lineups you’re proposing what you would go with from day 1? We’re not even to Spring Training yet, and you automatically want to have him hit anywhere above the 8 spot? I don’t see what he’s done this offseason to merit anybody hypothetically putting him behind Mac in the lineup. Remember, last year going into Spring Training, DOB and others were commenting on how much Francoeur had beefed up (i.e., muscle, not fat) during the winter, but it turned out not to be an improvement.

• Link
• Report this comment

mbatl- “I’d rather have Garrett Anderson at 1/$2.5 mil than Raul Ibanez at 3/$30 mil.”

Amen to that.

• Link
• Report this comment

Come on guys quit your belly aching. This is a nice signing. I would much rather have a guy that hits for average and in the clutch than a broken down former home run champ. DOB & the AJC should be sainted for making the Griffey, Burnett & Furcal deals fail. I say that tounge in cheek but I really would rather have Lowe than Burnett, Escobar than Furcal & Anderson better than Griffey. Now we really have a lot of options in the outfield if Francour doesnt bounce back. Hey Dave feel free to report the next lacky that we might sign ahead of time!! We owe you.;)

• Link
• Report this comment

Like I said on the last blog-No Way the Braves sign Garrett Anderson. Shows how much I know.

DBackMac-Thanks.

• Link
• Report this comment

Abreu at $5 million vs. Anderson at $2.5? Hmm.

Abreu: career .300/.405/.498 hitter; 20 SB+ a year for ten years in a row; six straight 100 RBI seasons

Anderson: career .296/.327/.469 hitter; 78 career SB in 15 seasons; hasn’t driven in 100 runs since 2003

I think the Angels and Braves did just fine with their steals.

“Yeah, yeah. Where’s the defensive stats, Chop Chop?”

Abreu has played at least 146 games in the outfield per season for eleven straight seasons. Anderson has played more than 100 games in the outfield once in the last five years. Abreu may suck as an outfielder these days, but his usage has been close to Andruw Jones-like over the last decade. If Anderson’s a better fielder than Abreu these days, it’s likely because he’s been playing close to 60-70 fewer games out there.

Even so, the Braves got Anderson for $2.5 million. I like him better at that number than Griffey. Anderson has gotten used to not starting everyday in the outfield. That makes him more likely to accept a platoon.

• Link
• Report this comment

Why don’t you yahoos wait until the Braves make the official announcement on the Anderson signing before reporting it? Your inside sports news is about as believable as a cartoon.

• Link
• Report this comment

If Hanson is as good as advertised then Kawakami better be plenty good from the git-go or he will be spending some time in the pen or at AAA.

• Link
• Report this comment

shano229 – Agreed up to a point. However, if you look at it in another way… I’d rather have Peavy over Lowe, Furcal over Kelly and Jones over Anderson or Griffey. Like Chipper said regarding A. Jones:”He’s my boy,” Chipper said. “He looks great. I hit with him this winter. He’s lost some weight. If he can stop trying to hook the ball around the left-field foul pole, he’s going to be all right. He has such great power to right-center. But we’ll see.

• Link
• Report this comment

Brian, all our lefties have options, as far as I know. So if we could pick up Ohman on the cheap, just send those guys (Logan, O’Flaherty, Ridgway) to AAA. Or trade them when the opportunity arises.

Again, I’m not saying it’s likely that we sign Ohman, just that it seems like it would only cost us about half a mil, which is a pretty good deal if we have that kinda’ cash laying around, now that the big issues are solved.

• Link
• Report this comment

I could be stretching here, but I seem to remember that Anderson is somewhat tight with Kotchman. Anderson was there when Kotchman started coming up, with Kotchman’s dad playing a big role in the Angels’ organization and all. Maybe with Anderson here, it will make Kotchman feel that much more at home. DOB, maybe you could ask Kotchman about his thoughts on the Anderson acquisition.

• Link
• Report this comment

Great move to sign Garret Anderson. Plain and simple. Look at the numbers against right-handers. Look at the way he finished last season (particularly his second-half play). Look at his production.

Great move. Get Anderson to do what he does against right-handers, get Diaz back to 2006-07 production against left-handers, and I think this lineup is good enough now to go toe-to-toe with the Phils and Mets.

Yes, the addition of Garret Anderson (a guy who hit .293 with 15 homers and 84 RBIs last season) is the final piece of a roster upgrade that has landed Lowe, Vazquez, Kawakami, Ross, Glavine and now Anderson. Sure, the Braves missed out on Peavy, Burnett, Furcal and Griffey.

But that doesn’t matter. The team the Braves have assembled is good enough to win the NL East.

There. I said it. Now I’m gone, so rip me apart non-believers

The Scribe abides.

–30–

• Link
• Report this comment

Does anyone know what Liberty Media plans are for the Braves long-term? What’s their thinking behind raising the payroll anyway?

• Link
• Report this comment

DOB, what does it look like the Braves plans are for diaz? are they going to stick with the platoon anderson with diaz or are they going to make anderson the everday LFer?

• Link
• Report this comment

I’m not Dimitroff with the fancy statistical matrix

• Link
• Report this comment

David – the announcement of the signing is on the Braves official website.

• Link
• Report this comment

I’m on Team Hudson.

• Link
• Report this comment

I feel bad for Matt Diaz

• Link
• Report this comment

oasisbraves – Why not join his fan club? Dues are $20 a month, but for a limited time offer you can get free membership for 17.99. Let me know.

• Link
• Report this comment

Let me correct my awful syntax: membership is not free, but discounted.

• Link
• Report this comment

PrezMDclub,

The dropoff could be due to several things, including what you alluded to. We’ll never know all the players who used PEDs over the years. Maybe some of our own personal favorites did; who knows?
However, GA’s dropoff was not nearly as drastic as your original post on the subject inferred.

What I’m most concerned about now is if GA can adequately platoon with your fave in LF. I think he can.

• Link
• Report this comment

President of Matt Diaz Fan Club, wrong again dude. You simply can’t count 5 AB’s as one season, that’s fudging…lol!

Anyway, all I care about is that he’ knocks in runs when they count the most, if it’s by HR or single, I don’t care, just get them over and get them in.Too many games were lost last season when we got someone on and were luck to get him over, and hardly ever got him/them in from the 7th on. This guy will help with that.

• Link
• Report this comment

Seems we faced a bunch of left handed starting pitching last year, could be a challenge with this lineup, but we should wear right handing pitching out.
(Technical Question to one and all)- Does eveyones comments pop up on your screen?? Did the 1st day with change over,but now I have to refresh to get other blogger’s comments after my last entry.

• Link
• Report this comment

Lew – I like Jones. Glavine once said: (paraphrasing) He saves us at least 1 run a night with his defense. In ironic twist, years ago when we first tried to acquire Griffey (scuttlebutt), I recall Glavine saying that Griffey would have been the best left-fielder in baseball – obviously referring to Jones and his amazing defensive abilities. Besides, his problem really isn’t hooking the ball – its that he’s not seeing the right shrink. Get him on some good meds and he’s as good as new. To bring this full circle, maybe Smoltz could recommend the shrink he saw. No joke. These guys really get self-conscious on the diamond. I’m betting that’s Andrew’s problem. Dude can hit when he locked in and comfortable. Remember – he freaked out when the contract stuff loomed: pre and post. Just like A-ROD (Who took Deca-Durabolin instead of Prozac.) Jones doesn’t have to worry about money anymore. Sucks for his bank account, but might be great for his statistics and us.

• Link
• Report this comment

I am happy with the team…. e4specially with how many starters we have in our rotation. Plus we are forgetting about getting huddy back in august. Go Braves

• Link
• Report this comment

I am very pleased with this signing. It is not all that exciting, but it is the right decision. I actually thought this was the best move to make for the braves when all of the other LFs were still on the market. For the money G.A. easily has the most upside and is a proven winner. It’s nice to know that going into the season the lineup is much more complete. Well done Wren. Most of the questions have been answered, except of course for center and that will make for a great Spring Training.

• Link
• Report this comment

Diaz had his chance to be the guy in LF, but wasn’t a full-time player. 32 strikeouts in only 135 AB’s,with 14 rbi’s. He was good with RISP and with runners on. Put the two together and we’ve got something good.

This moves also helps the bench as whoever didn’t start in LF is going to be a nice PH. So that’s Norton, Diaz/Anderson, Infante as some very nice bats to have in reserve.We have to start looking at our bench as the best 1-2 in the division.

• Link
• Report this comment

kirkinga – Don’t forget we also have Glavine’s bat on the bench!

• Link
• Report this comment

I don’t think Anderson will be the answer. He’s never played in the NL, and many of the pitchers will be relatively new. Advantage pitching. I think he’s a slow, declining player who we got b/c Wren is desperate to get ANY outfielder at this point.

All b/c he didn’t wanna give up 1-2 prospects for Nick Swisher or Xavier Nady (who is a better player than Anderson and right handed, what we need since the Braves are now predominantly LH lineup).

I guess Matt Diaz could kiss any chance of significant playing time goodbye, same for Brandon Jones or Gregor Blanco. I can’t imagine either of those 3 guys being happy about the move.

• Link
• Report this comment

Diaz will get his share of AB’s ..there are a good amount of lefties in our division

• Link
• Report this comment

“clutch” is basically a myth, and impossible to prove on a season-basis, due to the small sample size of “clutch” situations. For what it is worth, G. Anderson’s “clutch” stats, for his career, basically line up with his overall stats, maybe slightly better (as it is with most players, since most batter’s stats improve with runners on). The second thing worth mentioning is that he does play ok defense, when he plays defense that is, as he hasn’t played more than 106 games in the OF since 2003. It’ll be interesting how he holds up, health-wise, if he starts 110-120-or-so games in the OF. If this is a straight platoon and Diaz bounces back from his lost season, the Braves have a chance for .300 / .340 / .450 production from LF. Basically league average, for the position I am in no way a big Anderson backer, but for the $2.5 million cost, the move actually makes sense. And as DOB mentioned, after being garbage in the first half, G. Anderson was actually good in the second half last year. I still think that (if he’s healthy) Griffey is the better player, but not by that much. It beats trading for the marginally better Nady, or even Swisher, the only one left in the conversation with some genuine up side potential. Now, if Francouer can get up to league-average production, the Braves may have a shot. Here’s a lineup:

1. CF: The big question right now…
J. Anderson / Infante: Josh Anderson deserves a shot, for at least 1/3 of a season. Even with his defense and steals, I think he’s crap, until he learns how to take a walk, but maybe I’m wrong. And if Infante gets some of the starts vs. lefties, that may mitigate Anderson’s badness If he can hit .290 / .340 / .400, J. Anderson is (barely) good enough to start… If his OBP is only around .320 after 60 games in, maybe Schafer will be ready by then.
2. SS: Escobar
3. 3B: Chipper
4. C: McCann (even vs. left-handers. McCann is the only legit #4 guy)
5. 2B: K. Johnson (really, Kelly at #5)
6. RF: Francouer (only this high in the lineup in order to break up the string of lefties)
7. 1B: Kotchman
8. LF: G. Anderson / Diaz (it is often good to have an aggressive hitter at #8, if they are selectively aggresive. I have my doubts with both these guys on that account, so it may be better to bump Kotchman to #8, as he may have the better approach for hitting before the pitcher).

That actually might not suck.

• Link
• Report this comment

I think the signing was good–especially considering our options–but don’t you think the good lefties in the division–Santana and Perez for the Mets and John Lannan and Scott Olsen for the Nationals–are salivating at the thought of facing the lefty-laden Phils (Utley, Howard, Ibanez) and Braves (chipper–better from left side–McCann, Anderson, Johnson, and Kotchmann–not to mention J.Anderson/Schafer) ALL OF THOSE Games?! Hard to see how we’re going to fare well against those guys–but maybe Mets and Nats will fear the Phils more and tweak their rotations so that THEY face the lefties more often…

• Link
• Report this comment

This was the best they could do in the market without giving away the farm. I was talking about this earlier and you were right DOB, they had interest and they weren’t letting anyone know about it, but thank you for the insight. Now do you feel he will still platoon with Diaz or is the job his outright?

• Link
• Report this comment

Good pick up for a bargin price. Remember he did have a 10 RBI game in 2007. That would be about a month of RBIs for Blanco/J. Anderson combined.

• Link
• Report this comment

guys join the free fantasy baseball league for bloggers! email me a daalper@yahoo.com

• Link
• Report this comment

andrew, i think that’s the idea boras had when he got aj his opt out clause, not necessarily so he could resign with atlanta but with any team that might have an injury or a hole to fill by the end of march. that being said he would have to look pretty darn good in the few ab’s he would get in those 20 or so spring training games in order for him to opt out for a better deal.

• Link
• Report this comment

Lew – I hope so regarding Schafer and Anderson. But don’t get me started on Francoeur. You’re probably right about Jones not being the defensive player he was severe years ago. But most players his age are peaking offensively and he’s obviously not. It’s a gamble, but one I would have taken. What do you lose – a roster spot and chump change? No risk involved in seeing if he could regain his form.

• Link
• Report this comment

DOB

Any update on what the early spring training pitching rotation will be?

• Link
• Report this comment

Anderson will be a good fit in LF. He’ll platoon with Diaz; Cox isn’t going to let Diaz sit idle. The one year deal is the bridge Wren was looking for to ‘10, when one or two of the top OF farm prospects are ready for the Show.

• Link
• Report this comment

Hey Matt Diaz Pres, you are high on something if you would take Andruw over Griffey or Anderson. He is done. And you dont get the option of Peavey over Lowe because that was a trade not free ancency. Furcal has a bad back I’ll take Escobar and Johnson.

• Link
• Report this comment

Two things: (1) Regarding your comment, “I am not convinced PED’S enhance the numbers in crunch time.” Is that a question, period, or what? PED’S do something. At the very least the make you forget how to speak English when your “Say it Ain’t So Sosa”. (2) You said “this guy [Anderson] get’s it done offensively for a long time now.” Your right, and maybe that’s the problem. That is the last three words your choose to use in your argument: “long time now.” How old is he again?

• Link
• Report this comment

shano229 – Talk is cheap. What were you posting when DOB and the like were reporting he was a Brave. To be fair to DOB – that report wasn’t his fault it was Furcal’s agency.

• Link
• Report this comment

just got home from work and just want to say this whole 104 comment thing scuks i wish i could see more

• Link
• Report this comment

I think Anderson will be just fine in the LF/Cleanup slot. Braves now have a balanced lineup that should be more consistent and will likely produce more runs than last year. Along with the much improved rotation and (hopefully) a relatively healthy bullpen, they certainly should compete for a postseason spot. And Wren put the team together without trading any key prospects (except, unfortunately, Flowers.) If these guys just have an average health year, they should compete.

• Link
• Report this comment

Steve, I was very upset at first that we didn’t get Griffey and I blamed DOB for it. But now I think maybe DOB did us a favor. I think we are better off with GA.

• Link
• Report this comment

DAP – just emailed to join your league

GREAT NEWS on Garrett, solid player

Can Diaz play CF in platoon ????

• Link
• Report this comment

talk to u guys/gals later.

• Link
• Report this comment

KC what time is the ESPN game thur?

• Link
• Report this comment

HANSON ON THURSDAY???

Oh boyohboyohboy!!

Dagnabit…of all days to have a hair cut (which I really despise, BTW)…But we do have DVR…

• Link
• Report this comment

Very rare for a reporter of any level to be singled out by players for personal abuse having broken a story. I find it rather ridiculous that a player like Griffey would have allowed a Dave O’Brien scoop to affect his decision where to play. But it seems Tim Hudson concluded that it was a deal breaker.

I guess O’Brien can breath a little easier given whatever hard feelings were present will likely now subside given Garrett Anderson’s signing. Personally, I think his bat gives us more than Griffey who’s clearly on the ebb on his brilliant career.

Other than the John Smoltz situation the Braves did a nice job this off season. They filled all their needs and preserved the bulk of the farm players. I am optimistic.

• Link
• Report this comment

braves4ever, according to the schedule at Braves.com, game time is 1pm Eastern.

• Link
• Report this comment

N8 at 5:22. With respect, I disagree with you that Wren will be judged by those who got away. Peavey didn’t want to come, Furcal used us (and our offer was absurdly high. We screwed up with Smoltz, but Burnett is overpaid in today’s market. Griffey belongs in Seattle, not Atlanta, and Mike Hampton wanted to be in Houston, and has “bad history” here.

Lowe, Kawakama, Vasquez, and now, Garrett Anderson, are Wren’s coups – and I think I left out one or two others – and he deserves credit. A healthy Diaz, a settled Kotchman, and a rebound from Francour makes this team highly, highly formidable. No, this year, indeed, will not be about the “ones that got away”. (We will miss Smoltz – he belongs here.)

If Glavine brings anything, and if Hanson is ready, this could be a team for the ages – if all (or most)falls in place – I am serious, folks!

• Link
• Report this comment

Ken Stallings, agreed! The Braves picked up 3 quality starters, including a #1 guy, added a solid bat, and re-signed one other starter who may well have another quality season or two left. And did it all without giving up ANY noteworthy prospects, except for a catcher that would be blocked here anyway.

• Link
• Report this comment

I think DOB intentionally tried to get Griffey to sign with Seattle because he knew that we’d be better off with a guy like GA. Good job DOB.

• Link
• Report this comment

With the addition of GAnderson, our strategically challenged manager will have several options regarding the batting order, which may be more than he can handle.

If JAnderson (or Schafer) bats leadoff, who hits 8th? Kotchman would be the most logical choice, but he’s too good to hit in the 8 hole. That would also leave KJ hitting 6th or 7th and giving the leadoff hitter 100+ ABs more than him over the course of the season.

Lots of folks on here will disagree, but KJ may be the best bet to bat leadoff. He’s patient, draws walks and hits for a respectable average with some power. JAnderson may be the best option to bat 1st, but that’s only if he puts up numbers comparable to those in his two brief call-ups. Just as soon give those 100+ ABs to KJ and have someone who can actually drive in some runs in the leadoff spot. Josh can still use his speed hitting 8th.

One possible lineup of many:

KJ

Escobar

Chipper

McCann

GAnderson or Francour

Francouer or GAnderson

Kotchman

JAnderson or Schafer

Lineup vs. lefties will be a work in progress, depending on if the CF candidates can handle lefties and whether McCann is playing or not.

One thing’s for certain. This team will not suffer from a lack of offense off the bench, no matter who starts.

Now, if Wren will sign Ohman on the cheap, we can all agree to forget all the other nonsense that’s gone on this off-season.

• Link
• Report this comment

Jason, Coxlover, it was all part of DOB’s master plan.. Dude is like 2 or 3 moves ahead of everyone else…He’s diabolical…

• Link
• Report this comment

Mr. Baseball,

Everybody knows KJ is a better hitter if he hits 6,7 or 8th

• Link
• Report this comment

Mr. B, don’t mean to be contrary, but I don’t think a trade for Nady or Swisher would have had to include Schafer, and the CERTAINLY wouldn’t expect to get Hanson in return. Everyone in baseball knows by now not to even mention his name in trade talks. There are plenty of chips to get a deal done for Nady or Swisher.

However, while those two players wouldn’t be a part of any such deal, the Braves WOULD have to give up substantial talent. And they’d have the get the Yanks to cover part of their salary, which would raise the price in terms of the talent they’d have to cough up. So there was little chance of it happening.

• Link
• Report this comment

KC- I agree with you, just a scenario I was thinking, but I am sure they said both their names. I just say, when you look at who was really available and what it would have taken to get them here, G. Anderson was the only option left. Would much rather have him than Edmonds or Gonzales.

• Link
• Report this comment

I don’t know who Mr. Tom Tango, but I do know and respect Nate Silver. But with all due respect, his theory of clutch is way too broad, second, they then compare performance in clutch vs. non clutch situations and spit out a number they claim is the essence of “clutch” and therefore proves there’s not much difference in players performance so it’s really not worth talking about. That’s is a horrible sabermetric opinion of how to approach a part of the game.

As long as there are opportunities to drive runners in there will always be talk about “clutch”.As long as the Andruw Jones and Tori Hunter’s come in or jump over the fence to catch a ball, or Escobar/Furcal go deep in the hole to catch and throw someone out, there will be talk of “clutch” You simply cannot talk about any sport pretending clutch is just another stat.

Would any discussion about Bird or Jordan be complete without talking about “clutch”?How about Montana or Brady?

Clutch is the dramatic part of sports.It is real hard to reduce to a set of equations. All “clutch” really means, in any sport, no matter the position, is, “who is most likely to make a play when your team needs a play?” That’s what clutch is.

And we know in baseball,many games come down to what happens, or doesn’t happen, after the 6th inning.Who is likely to make a pitch when the team needs it the most, I’d say Mariano Rivera. Great relievers are clutch performers. You cannot, not talk about clutch in baseball. What Derek Jeter did against us in all the WS games doesn’t show up in in some sabermetric concoction, yet we all felt the pain nonetheless.

Sorry, clutch is always going to be a part of the discussion. And we’ll know this is true the first time someone fails to get the winning run in in a game. I guarantee people will not be comforted by that equation one darn bit.

• Link
• Report this comment

ncscoots- He is the best we could do for the price and what was available, and, I don’t think he will be around for a long term contract after this year, the kids will be ready next year at the latest.

• Link
• Report this comment

Braveheart, isn’t it a well-known fact that clutch players wear khakis?

• Link
• Report this comment

“A trade for nady or swisher had to include hanson and/or shaefer, so that was not an option.”

There was a GM who notoriously asked for too much in trades for his players. His name was Dave Littlefield. He is no longer the GM in Pittsburgh. Brian Cashman seems like a reasonable guy. I can’t imagine him asking for two of the Braves top three prospects for Xavier Nady or Nick Swisher.

• Link
• Report this comment

DOC HOLIDAY- He earned that spot 2 years ago and he will get that spot again. Now, what he does in that spot at the beginning of the year may move him down to 7th or 8th, but he has to be considered the 4th biggest bat right now behind chipper, mccann and Anderson, right? I think he will bat 6th at worst

• Link
• Report this comment

So “clutch” does exist. my bad. But one can’t show it in a season’s-worth of ABs. And over his career, G. Anderson’s OPS is lower in clutch situations than it is overall. So I guess he isn’t clutch. And like mr baseball above says, I too think KJ needs to hit at the top of the lineup. Makes the most sense to hit the CF #8. Escobar showed increase patience lat year, so he too could hit #1. As long as it works out for the various personalities involved, the only thing that matters is hitting Chipper #3, McCann #4. On McCann’s days off, maybe Kotchman #4, or God forbid, Francouer, if he is at all decent this year (and a LHP is pitching that day). After that, maximize the ABs for the high OBP guys (Escobar and KJ) and break up your LH batters if you can. Unless you are the LA Angels, and have no high OBP guys and not a lot of power, you just can’t put a moderate power, low OBP guy (such as G. Anderson) at #4.

• Link
• Report this comment

KC, I don’t know about pulling even with the Mets and Phillies, because the rest of the team still must do better with RISP this season than they did last year. Although McCann and Chipper did their fair share, the rest were disappointing for the most part. The Phillies kill us because they it’s the Victorinos and Werths that beat us just as much as the Utleys and Howards. With Anderson, we know have him to add to McCann and Chipper.

I know I shouldn’t even mention it, but it was a time when Francouer was pretty good with RISP w/2 Out.

But, your overall point is correct in that the offense has improved enough for us to contend in the division. This bat is a legit bat,you just can’t pretend away his solid production. With him in the lineup, and with starting better pitching giving up less runs and going deeper into games, we don’t have the same hurdle to climb as last season.

I

• Link
• Report this comment

DOB, as a longtime Kissimmee resident, Fat Boys is decent, but if you want the best BBQ in town, mapquest the directions to Blackwater BBQ on Orange Ave. (about 15 minutes south of downtown Orlando, about 20-25 minutes from your spring home there by Medievel Times). Now, about the Braves, what can we expect from Casey Kotchman? 15-20 HR’s and 80 RBI’s?

• Link
• Report this comment

Hanson on ESPN on Thursday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m skipping school. This is way more important lol

• Link
• Report this comment

efrim- Then you are saying that it was salary that stopped trade talks, because I am assuming that at least one of their names had to come up. That is all. I don’t think they would have given up shafer or anderson for that matter, mabey heyward, but I even doubt that.

ncsoots-I am saying that shafer or b. Jones will be ready by next year at the latest. Obviously they feel they are not ready now, otherwise they wouldn’t be in a rush to sign a veteran outfielder. Heyward is a few years away, so no not him

• Link
• Report this comment

Mr. B

We are talking baseball, it is not like if JF was the king of spain. He has not earn anything. If there is a place he has earned it is the 8th slot, nothing higher. At least in spring until he shows things have changed.

• Link
• Report this comment

Was Slumdog any good?

• Link
• Report this comment

kirkinga, with runners in scoring position last year:

- Escobar: .297
- Jonson: .323.
- Chipper: .294
- McCann: .287
- G. Anderson: .338
- Kotchman: .290

One of the big keys to coming through in RBI situations is Jeff Francoeur. But as we all remember, before 2008, he was one of the best around at hitting with RISP. So if he bounces back to form (and I think he will), he’ll be another asset in those situations.

• Link
• Report this comment

Mickey Rourke looks so different now than he did 20 years ago.

• Link
• Report this comment

KJ was very good fine hitting leadoff in 2007 (.372 OBP and .441 SLG). Yeah, he was better hitting 7th that year. And last year he was much better hitting 6th/7th than he was hitting 1st/2nd. But over two seasons are we to base where he should hit on the 220 plate appearances he has hitting 6th/7th (out of 1222 total PA)? Maybe, I guess. But unless hitting at the top completely messes with his head, it is nuts to give up the 60-80 plate appearances (the difference between hitting 1st/2nd vs. 6th/7th) for one of your top 3 or 4 hitters.

• Link
• Report this comment

While I dig some Smithfields, I love me some Lexington.

• Link
• Report this comment

i agree with DOB’s Oscar picks. totally.

• Link
• Report this comment

Hugh Jackman as the host of the Oscars? If you say so.

• Link
• Report this comment

DOB
Good Call on Winslet. Terrific actress, and i certainly wouldn’t kick her out of bed for eating cookies. Isn’t Penn notorious for not showing up to award events? I know he’ll show for this, but I think he rubs the guild the wrong way. Great job in Milk ( and that coupled with his many other terrific performances might just put him over the edge) Now, if he could just calm down a little. “Sean, take it easy, not everything a crusade man”

• Link
• Report this comment

tomas- I think that I speak for Chipper when I say he would love to have Tex back. I know we had to let him go and am ok with kotchmann at 1B, but he protected Chipper so well, it would have been nice to have him long term. Still happy with the whole off season now, lets see how the spring goes

• Link
• Report this comment

I can never tell the difference between Amy Adams and Isla Fisher until someone calls their name. They look SO much alike.

• Link
• Report this comment

I know it’s been a roller coaster ride this off-season, but this is a damn fine team (on paper) at this point. I take our starters against any team in the NL. The bullpen could be good to spectacular. And we got a bat for the outfield. If Frenchy’s quote from the Ken Rosenthal article holds true, “I’m not going to suck,” then let’s go out there and win 90 games. It is very, very possible.

• Link
• Report this comment

DOB – any update on the Chipper extension? I know he wanted to get it done before the season. Also, who is in the wings (assuming there is someone)?

• Link
• Report this comment

[...] In the comments section of his blog, Dave O’Brien confirms that the Braves have signed Anderson. Says O’Brien: “It’s a done deal, Anderson’s [...]

• Link
• Report this comment

Kirkinga – My retort: why you bleepbleep####$$%%^^&$#$%%^$%#@@@#$%^%^!!!!!!!!!!!!!bleepblleepppppp!!!!!!!!! Ok, I feel better.

• Link
• Report this comment

DOB,
If Hanson rips it up in spring training; Do you see the Braves holding Hanson back b/c we already have 5? Whats your take? If its already been addressed – sorry.

• Link
• Report this comment

I haven’t seen the Wrestler, but have to admit- I hope Rourke wins just to hear his sure-to-be incoherent acceptance speech.

• Link
• Report this comment

President of Matt Diaz Fan Club, aww, bless your heart! Glad I could help…lol!

• Link
• Report this comment

nothing beats North Carolina BBQ though I differ with DOB in the fact that I love the vinegar based cole slaw with the BBQ unless I am at Smithfields

• Link
• Report this comment

Gotta say how much I don’t like posts getting deleted, for the sake of not being able to “back-track” on the old blog, especialy in a situation like mine this weeked, when I was gone for two days and nowhere near the internet.

Other than that, the “new” format is fine by me.

• Link
• Report this comment

brian – Lexington BBQ all the way.

• Link
• Report this comment

Are posts being deleted because of a glitch or is it a moderation thing?

• Link
• Report this comment

Moe: Hi, my name’s Moe. Or as the ladies like to refer to me, ‘hey you in the bushes’

• Link
• Report this comment

DOB’s girl just won Best Supporting Actress. Much deserved. Sweet tattoo on Whoopi’s boob.

• Link
• Report this comment

Can we just go ahead and give Ledger’s award already?

• Link
• Report this comment

DOB.. Or Anyone Else…

How Much Money If Any Do The Braves Have Left Over Now? Not That They Will Make Any More Moves, But If They Wanted To Would They Have More Then About 2-3 Mill To Spend? Or Would It Be More Reasonable To Think It Is More Around 1.5?

• Link
• Report this comment

Please remember, many normal people are facing tough economic times. Please save the fur coats, champagne, and caviar until after the TV cameras are turned off. Thank you.

• Link
• Report this comment

I want to to be the guy in the orchestra pit: I would have played that dude off stage.

• Link
• Report this comment

Joe fan – don’t go there.

• Link
• Report this comment

Agreed Run Heap…

• Link
• Report this comment

Last Tango in Paris? I’ve never seen it. Any reviews on it out there?

• Link
• Report this comment

Good evening all. In the category of how the same sentence can mean the complete opposite when said by different people I give you Jennifer Aniston and Jack Black saying “I can’t believe this is the pairing they gave me tonight!”

• Link
• Report this comment

Ok guys…Angelina or Aniston?

• Link
• Report this comment

Angelina

• Link
• Report this comment