Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
812 comments Add your comment
jtb
February 23rd, 2009
2:01 pm
this is really starting to look like a solid all- around team. i dont see any huge weaknesses except for maybe speed on the basepath, and it sounds like josh anderson can provide that.
TnBrian
February 23rd, 2009
2:02 pm
I feel sorry for B.Jones, but maybe Wren and Cox’s thinking is that he’s one of those players that has all the tools to be a star, but just doesn’t either have the work ethic, that skill to put it all together, or both. I mean, reading a baseball magazines this time a year ago, he was their next big thing. What happend? He’s still young and hasn’t even played a full year in MLB, so it could be a little unfair to judge him so quick, but it’s obvious they want to win now.
Chop Chop
February 23rd, 2009
2:02 pm
Poor Stacey Dales.
Ryan
February 23rd, 2009
2:04 pm
Glavine will be the #5 starter barring injury. he can still get it done. he brings so much experience to the team and young pitchers. Hanson needs to start in AAA this year get more seasoning no need to rush him.
Random
February 23rd, 2009
2:04 pm
DAP (12:54 pm): “do you relaize garrett anderson is replacing gregor blanco? thats an improvement, man.”
Appreciate the perspective — I admit I had not considered it in those terms. I cannot disagree.
Still seems to me that either Norton or Diaz will be odd man out, and THAT would significantly weaken the bench.
Marv Kleeman (1:04 pm): “Hey jmart 1951:
“An absolutely brilliant post at 11:59 am; especially the first paragraph. Everybody should re read it.”
Too late, dumb-axe. If it was that good, you shoulda cut and pasted it.
What about “Editor Note: Because of technical problems, we’re temporarily limiting the display of comments to the 100 most recent” do you not understand?
Dadgum
February 23rd, 2009
2:04 pm
Unless I am mistaken (often) Josh Anderson is out of options. He has to be the CF favorite at this point otherwise what do you do with him and his speed on a regular basis. So Shaefer will almost certainly start the year at AAA with Diaz backing up G. Anderson on a part time basis not a platoon. No matter how much Diaz spins the company line that has to hurt. NOt to mention B. Jones, Blanco and Shaefer. Luckily they all have plenty of minor league options left.
Rock on….
DAP
February 23rd, 2009
2:05 pm
wayne in utah
im not sure if its fair to say that diaz is below average defensively. i would give him average.
C-man
February 23rd, 2009
2:05 pm
So I guess this means the last bench spot will come down to Blanco, Norton and Brandon Jones, right?
I’m assuming Ross makes the team as the back-up catcher, with Diaz, Prado and Infante all more or less guaranteed spots. Prado can play first and Infante can play center, so that helps them as well (and Infante’s the only back-up shortstop on the team; I don’t think they think Prado could get the job done defensively if he had to spell Escobar for any length of time).
cheld
February 23rd, 2009
2:05 pm
“Good to know. I’ll jot that number down. Some of us could use it (I’m including myself).”
DOB – “The incident” (as it would be called if it was a Seinfeld episode) has been bothering me (from both sides), and I appreciate the humility there.
ncscoots
February 23rd, 2009
2:07 pm
TennPaul, the witless can draw any implication they desire from the comment. Luckily, I know you don’t dwell in that circle, and are just giving me grief. I hope.
Frank from KS
February 23rd, 2009
2:08 pm
Josh…..if you read my comment on the last blog….I think you’ll see that I said I liked the signing of Anderson. I think we’re set up pretty good, IMO.
and Lew…..your right. I guess I should’ve said that his HR production has declined since 2000 when he hit 35.
PIZZARO
February 23rd, 2009
2:10 pm
JTB—You won’t see any real weakness’s until they start playing games that count……Standy by
macdwolfpack
February 23rd, 2009
2:10 pm
DOB, would be interesting to get Kotchman’s thoughts on what Garrett Anderson brings to the table since he and Garrett were teamates.
To me Garrett brings two things to the table that the Braves sorely needed to add, one his a professional hitter and maybe some of that will rub off on guys like Franceour, and two both he and Kotchman have come from a team that has won championships recently and they know what it takes to do so (Braves running out of those kind of players lately).
DWW
February 23rd, 2009
2:11 pm
DOB
Does anyone look especially good hitting so far? I know its only BP but has anyone surprised you?
BosnianBaller
February 23rd, 2009
2:13 pm
I know G.Anderson had some weird sort of injury last year.anyone know what it was?I think it might of been something w/ his back.
Ryan
February 23rd, 2009
2:13 pm
B.Jones does have talent i think if he gets its together he can be a 270-280. 20 homer hitter in the bigs. but he could turn in to Andy Marte, who was one of the best prospects to come threw our system h early on he had a Chippers replacment label on him….. turns out he cant hit in the bigs worth a lick he’s a AAAA player superstar minorleaguer, but not even good enough to be a bench player in bigs. maybe u can add Wilson Betimit to the list too he was regared one of the best prospects with major league defense, i actually seen him play in the minors when he was with richmond. he never panned out either.
mbatl
February 23rd, 2009
2:13 pm
I met Stacy Dales briefly at a girls H.S. basketball camp in Virginia (yes, I hang around girls H.S. basketball camps whenever I can), and all I can say is, wow. Both visually and personally, a very impressive woman. I’m sure she’ll find someone that will fly her first-class…
WILD BILL
February 23rd, 2009
2:13 pm
ANDERSON WILL BE A GOOD MOVE FOR THE BRAVES, HE CAN PLAY CENTER AGAINST LEFTIES WHEN DIAZ IS IN & REPLACE JOSH WHOS A LEFTY. LOOKS LIKE BLANCO IS OUT UNLESS THEY CARRY 5 OF, THEY NEED TO START JOSH IN CENTER SO WE HAVE SOMEONE WHO CAN STEAL BASES, THE DUDE LOOKED GOOD LAST SEPTEMBER. WE HAVE 3 GOOD STARTERS NOW, IF DUECE K ( K. KAWAKAMI) COMES THRU & WE ADD HANSON & HUDSON IN THE 2ND HALF WE WILL HAVE THE BEST STARTING ROTATION IN ALL OF BASEBALL YES I MEAN ALL, THE ONLY GUY WE HAVE IN THE LINEUP THAT DOESNT HAVE POWER IS JOSH WHICH IS GOOD AS LONG AS HE STEALS HIS 40+ BASES, BY THE WAY QUIT CALLING G. ANDERSON A SLUGGER THE GUY IS A CONSISTENT PROFESSIONAL HITTER BUT NEVER HAS BEEN A SLUGGER CHECK HIS NUMBERS, HE SHOULD HIT 5TH BEHIND MCCANN WHO DO YOU GUYS THINK SHOULD HIT 2ND, ESCOBAR OR KELLY JOHNSON, IM KINDA UNDECIDED ON IT BUT PUT FRANCOUER 6TH & SEE WHAT HE DOES BEFORE DROPPING HIM DOWN, GIVE THE GUY A CHANCE TO COMEBACK, WE COULD REALLY BE GOOD THIS YEAR IF THE INJURY BUG STAYS AWAY, GO BRAVOS!
DAP
February 23rd, 2009
2:13 pm
randomStill seems to me that either Norton or Diaz will be odd man out, and THAT would significantly weaken the bench.
im not sure how you figure that, unless you believe that bjones or blanco need to make the team. they both still have options, so they dont threaten to take diaz’s or norton’s spot. here is my 25 man (with one blank…not sure who will play CF, and disregard my bullpen projections)
Rotation:
1. Derek Lowe SP
2. Javier Vazquez SP
3. Jair Jurrjens SP
4. Kenshin Kawakami SP
5. Tom Glavine SP
Fielders:
6. Brian McCann C
7. Casey Kotchman 1B
8. Kelly Johnson 2B
9. Chipper Jones 3B
10. Yunel Escobar SS
11.Garrett Anderson LF
12. CF
13. Jeff Francouer RF
Bullpen:
14. Mike Gonzalez RP
15. Rafael Soriano RP
16. Peter Moylan RP
17. Blaine Boyer RP
18. Boone Logan RP
19. Jeff Bennett RP
20. Jorge Campillo RP
Bench:
21. David Ross BUC
22. Omar Infante 2B, SS, 3B, LF, CF
23. Martin Prado 2B, 3B, 1B
24. Greg Norton PH, 1B, LF
25. Matt Diaz LF, RF, 1B
i guess if you see diaz and norton as being the same player, i see where your coming from, but they arent. norton is a PH and an emergency position player. diaz is going to get chances to start in LF.
Dadgum
February 23rd, 2009
2:14 pm
Ryan, how do you know Glavine can get it done? When? Remember, we don’t really care if he has over 300 wins. Can he be what the Braves need in a #5 slot on opening day 2009? I say the Braves have better options and they just wasted 2 mil if he is on the opening day roster.
Random, your 2:04 is a little uncalled for dude. New blog format and I guess not everyone is as up to speed on the rules as you. But by all means keep torching the denizens. Fine form.
Rock on……
chuckw/deadjournalist
February 23rd, 2009
2:14 pm
Wayne in Utah (and Random) –
I agree with the principle that Diaz and Norton are similar player. Diaz does hold additional value as he is the emergency catcher. Norton, however, is a switch hitter which make him the most value pinch hitter on the squad, as it is today.
Keep in mind, J. Anderson is out of options and surely would be claimed. Again, Shafer not being on the 40-man roster means his clock isn’t ticketing toward arbitrations.
If Diaz and Norton both make the team (which I think they will) and think Diaz might benefit from learning from Norton. Diaz is only 30 and could have a nice career as a 4/5th outfielder/pinch-hitter for another decade.
It is so nice to debate the margins! TGI-Spring Training.
Frank Wren
February 23rd, 2009
2:15 pm
I know G.Anderson had some weird sort of injury last year.anyone know what it was?I think it might of been something w/ his back. -Bosnian Baller
Whaaaaa??
elliwg6
February 23rd, 2009
2:18 pm
Big Daddy
Really like that lineup. I think Anderson makes Escobar and Johnson better bc he’s a constant threat to steal once he gets on base. He might be a singles hitter, but his speed effectively makes him a doubles threat too. I also like KJ in the 3 hole. I think he’ll really benefit if he stays in the same spot all year long. Streaky, yes, but you have to think it’s a possible product of having to take so many different approaches, though of course he’d never say that.
Also Chipper is a disciplined hitter as we all know and while individually he’s most valuable at the 3 he’s the best option to hit cleanup. He knows how to change his game to fit a new role. Might not bat .364, but he’ll still rake.
I also like the balance at the end of the lineup. There are some pretty good left handers in the division and I think it’s really important to get good production out of the back end against them. I think G. Anderson plays almost everyday, but Diaz gets some regular at bats against certain pitchers, (Santana, Hamels etc.)
Also I don’t know who’s seen the ST pictures, but Diaz seriously has lost weight, and hope that he at least gets a chance to compete for a platoon role at the very least. He deserves a shot.
Ryan
February 23rd, 2009
2:18 pm
Norton will be on the 25 man roster, he’s our main pinch-hitter option and can play 1b and Corner OF , i think our bench is set barring and breakout sping by another position player like Blanco did last year.
Infante, Prado, Ross, Norton, Diaz/Garret whoever is not starting, it looks like the best bench in baseball to me
RMK
February 23rd, 2009
2:21 pm
Why are we discussing this already? It’s only been reported by the AJC. I think we should wait until we see Anderson in a Braves uniform and know he isn’t going to get a better deal from the Angels before discussing possible roster situations
Random
February 23rd, 2009
2:22 pm
mbatl (1:57 pm): “to me, the bench seems pretty clear-cut:
“Prado (2B, 3B); Infante (SS, CF, 2B, 3B); Norton (1B, PH, OF/3B if things get really desperate), Ross (C), and Diaz(LF, RF maybe some 1B).”
You may be right, but like I said, I see Norton and Diaz as essentially the same talent. The Braves may very well want to have both on the bench. Or not.
C-man
February 23rd, 2009
2:22 pm
Remember, the Braves don’t need a No. 5 starter until April 19, so they could carry two of J. Anderson, Blanco and B. Jones until then and let them fight for the spot. Then when it’s Glavine’s turn to start, they make a roster move.
As for Garrett Anderson, he had plantar fasciitis is his feet a few years ago, but was totally healthy last year. He’s played 140-plus games in 11 of the last 13 seasons, so injury-prone ain’t one of his problems.
C-man
February 23rd, 2009
2:23 pm
Random, the difference between Diaz and Norton is that Norton is a switch-hitter. He’d be the only lefty on the bench if Blanco and B. Jones don’t make the team.
mike
February 23rd, 2009
2:24 pm
hi dob,
has huddy settled down and have y’all resolved your “disagreement”?
Tomahawk210
February 23rd, 2009
2:26 pm
Many people are forgetting that Bobby Cox doesn’t manage to play small ball so I don’t think Anderson’s speed is that big a deal and he doesn’t walk much so that plays a factor. I think if Schafer plays well and hits this spring he gets the job, plus if I remember correctly Bobby said he was really impressed by Schafer last spring, and he’s matured tremendously since then from all reports. And Scafer also has great speed and is much better defensively in CF, a very important position, which also gives Schafer an advantage.
ease19
February 23rd, 2009
2:26 pm
RMK – Hello…but all the major sporting news agencies are reporting it as well…Thats why it is being discussed.’
Graham
February 23rd, 2009
2:27 pm
C-man
To make room for Glavine, the Braves will be putting Tim Hudson on the 60-day disabled list. This is what I understand from what I have read in recent days. DOB, correct me if I am wrong.
David O'Brien
February 23rd, 2009
2:27 pm
DWW: As you said, it’s only BP. But I tell you what, Kotchman’s hitting some moon shots to the parking lot behind right field, and Kelly Johnson put on quite a display today, too.
Chipper and McCann have both looked good in every BP I’ve watched them take. No surprise there.
Heyward hit balls harder than I’ve seen anyone else hit them, on the backfield when I went back there the other day. And Freddie Freeman also looked very good on that same field. Schafer has a great approach, using the first swings of his round to hit balls the other way, nice, controlled swings to hit balls through the left side and up the middle, before he really starts trying to hit balls hard.
Ryan
February 23rd, 2009
2:27 pm
Glavine is healthy and i hope he proves u wrong, i rather i have a healthy Glavine over any other option we have for the 5th spot. he knows the hitters inside and out. and i think he will be very valuble. on and off the field. and besides if he gets hurt we bring another decent guy in there and glavine dont make his incentive money but he’s on our bench with the team still. it can go either way and that my opinion about it. Good Sign Wren
getnathan
February 23rd, 2009
2:28 pm
And why is nobody talking about Jeff Bennett? He can be an important set up guy in the 7th when Moylan comes back.
DAP
February 23rd, 2009
2:28 pm
RMKWhy are we discussing this already? It’s only been reported by the AJC.
that is false.
C-man
February 23rd, 2009
2:29 pm
Graham, putting Hudson on the 60-man is just to make room on the 40-man roster, not the opening day roster.
BosnianBaller
February 23rd, 2009
2:29 pm
The Angels took a huge step toward a future without Anderson by signing center fielder Torii Hunter to a five-year, $90-million contract in November of 2007, a move that pushed Gary Matthews Jr., Anderson’s heir apparent, to the corner outfield spots.
Then a funny thing happened on the way to Anderson’s retirement speech. A hip injury that sidelined Anderson for six weeks in the first half last season healed in early July.
The knee and foot injuries that nagged him in 2006 disappeared. His upper back, stricken with something called “undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis” in 2004, was not an issue.
And Anderson started raking, hitting .305 with 13 home runs and 65 RBIs in 67 games after the All-Star break before an eye infection in late September reduced him to a non-factor in the playoff loss to Boston.
Ten of those second-half RBIs came on a memorable, record-setting Aug. 21 evening against the New York Yankees, when he hit a two-run homer, run-scoring double, three-run homer and grand slam.
“It just confirmed what I still believe, that I can still play at a high level,” Anderson said of his second-half surge. “I never had any doubts about my ability, but you start wondering, is it time for my body to start declining?”
Chop Chop
February 23rd, 2009
2:30 pm
I think DOB is right that G. Anderson will be playing more than just against righties. Bobby loves consistent players. No matter how good we think Anderson is or isn’t, he is consistent.
Here’s the problem:
Anderson has played over 100 games in the field exactly once in the last five years (106 games in 2005). Unless he returns to his past durability (no DH in the NL to save his legs), I think we’ll be seeing some of those younger guys get a shot out there when Anderson gets hurt.
dogsbrekky
February 23rd, 2009
2:30 pm
Oscars sucked big time, plus no win for my man “Randy the Ram”….
almost as cheesy as the “Tony Awards”…
WHY wasn’t my man Will Ferrell nominated for something, guy just “rakes”
Great news on GA, he brings a lot to our team, hopefully some young hitters watch him in action…… Frenchy may even have to perform just to hold his own for a month, cause if he doesnt perform his ass could be headed to AAA for a while…
I suppose we will start Schafer in AAA to save some forward $ re- arbitration, but if he performs in spring I say throw him in the “pond”
Great blog again DOB…. Thanks
PS I subscribed to MLB.TV premium but so far nothing works and their sucky service area doesnt returns emails or seem to know how to check my account for whether they have me subscribed (or not)
“Shake and Bake”
C-man
February 23rd, 2009
2:31 pm
Hey DOB, just as a physical specimen (i.e., a tall, lefty-hitting outfielder), Heyward reminds me of a young Cliff Floyd … fair?
moose knuckle
February 23rd, 2009
2:31 pm
dob – you get to park the bike out back next to the coaches cars in right?
Original Jon
February 23rd, 2009
2:33 pm
DAP Doesnt Bobby usually go with 13 pitchers on the roster? If so, I think O’Flaherty will be in the pen and Prado will not be on the roster.
Salt
February 23rd, 2009
2:34 pm
DOB,
Do you look like a young Mort Sahl in real life or is it just the picture?
Mobile Slim
mbatl
February 23rd, 2009
2:35 pm
“And why is nobody talking about Jeff Bennett?” — getnathan
I don’t know just what there is to talk about at this point, but I agree that he’s a valuable part of our bullpen.
Take away his mediocre numbers as a starter (and if I recall, at least one of those starts was on ZERO notice, maybe when Hampton went down pre-game)… and his bullpen numbers were 80.2 IP, with a 3.12 ERA. Better than Boyer (even first half), better than Acosta.
To me, both Bennett and Carlyle are way under-appreciated.
csg
February 23rd, 2009
2:35 pm
DOB, any progress on the Chipper extension?
BlawgDawg
February 23rd, 2009
2:37 pm
Wild Bill thanks for posting in all caps. It saved me the time of reading your post since I always scroll right on by any idiot that thinks that posting in all caps is ok.
Random
February 23rd, 2009
2:38 pm
Dadgum (2:14 pm): “your 2:04 is a little uncalled for dude. New blog format and I guess not everyone is as up to speed on the rules as you. But by all means keep torching the denizens. Fine form.”
I suppose it’s only natural for you to defend Marv Kleeman (1:04 pm), since you did the same damned thing at 1:54 pm.
Me, I’d just like to know what jmart 1951 actually said at 11:59 am. Eff form and effusion.
“Clap on, clap off…….”
PIZZARO
February 23rd, 2009
2:38 pm
Here are your final standings for 2009: Mets
Phillies
Marlins
Braves
Nationals
Ryan
February 23rd, 2009
2:39 pm
no Bobby uses 7 man bullpen, 5 man bench, 5 starters, 8 pos. starters
but i last year we had to go to a 8 man bullpen cause of the injuries and overuse of the bullpen.
braves4ever
February 23rd, 2009
2:39 pm
BlawgDawg , right on
Graham
February 23rd, 2009
2:40 pm
C-man
My bad. Sorry, my brain is not functioning. It’s Monday.
DAP
February 23rd, 2009
2:40 pm
original jonDoesnt Bobby usually go with 13 pitchers on the roster?
no, he doesnt. he has done this at times during the season, if the pitchers have been over worked, and a position player goes on the DL, so that he can get an extra arm in the bullpen or something, but bobby doesnt break camp with 13…ive never known him to do that. standard for bobby is to have 12 pitchers.
cabravesfan
February 23rd, 2009
2:40 pm
Chop Chop-
No DH to save his legs, true, but he will be able to get some rest when Diaz is playing left field…he did play 145 games last year (I know some was at DH- I think the number was around 60?) So I think he will be good for 100 games or so out there this season with Matt Diaz filling in just fine the rest of the time
Rick Mac
February 23rd, 2009
2:41 pm
By the end of last year Jeff Bennett was the best reliever on the staff. I thought on many occasions, he could have closed for us. He was tough and had a lot of confidence. I think that Bobby is going to have a hard time not putting Carlyle in the mix too. It makes the decisions a lot tougher when you add Campillo to the bullpen.
Andy K.
February 23rd, 2009
2:41 pm
DOB, has Garret Anderson arrived at Dark Star yet? (You may have already addressed this, but it probably fell victim to the the 104 blog rule.
Andrew
February 23rd, 2009
2:41 pm
DOB,any word when G. Anderson will be in camp?
BG FSU
February 23rd, 2009
2:41 pm
Thanks, Pizzaro. It’s good to know I don’t need to waste all that time watching the Braves this year.
David O'Brien
February 23rd, 2009
2:42 pm
C-Span, yes, comparable to Cliff, probably bigger at the same age, though. Heyward’s in incredible shape, very little body fat.
since57
February 23rd, 2009
2:42 pm
PIZZARO, you will be referred to BIZZARO by the end of the year when you see how the Braves kick the Met’s asses this year.
C-man
February 23rd, 2009
2:42 pm
cabravesfan,
Maybe so, but Cox’s comments thus far have indicated he views Anderson as a full-time player. Maybe he adjusts that after seeing how he does this spring …
PIZZARO
February 23rd, 2009
2:43 pm
How to you post in Caps? Italic?
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 23rd, 2009
2:43 pm
DOB – How do I get your job? Blogging/writing all day about the Bravos. I’m so envious.
PIZZARO
February 23rd, 2009
2:43 pm
I meant how do you post in caps and italics?
Original Jon
February 23rd, 2009
2:44 pm
Robert(Chipper Is The Best) Regarding your 1:13pm post. I seriously doubt that Schafer is on the opening day roster unless he just totally blows Anderson out of the water with an average over .400, hits like 11 bombs and just kills it. Only way Anderson doesnt make this team is if he gets injured or traded. He is out of options and the Braves know he would have to pass through waivers before getting sent down to the minors. He has too much speed and a pretty decent bat to be let go like that. So here is your lineup with Josh Anderson
1.J. Anderson
2. Esco
3. Chipper
4. G. Anderson
5. McCann
6. Franceour
7. Kotchman
8. Johnson.
9. Pitcher spot
Only way I can see it shaking out.
David O'Brien
February 23rd, 2009
2:44 pm
Andrew, he’s supposed to be here tomorrow, taking redeye tonight. So I don’t know if he’ll work out tomorrow or not, but he should be here.
chris from maryland
February 23rd, 2009
2:44 pm
DAP,
Agree wholeheartedly on your roster. But are you then saying Acosta is sent to the minors and Stockman and Lerew are released. Both are out of options.
Chris from MD
getnathan
February 23rd, 2009
2:45 pm
mlbatl – Bennett was lights out in the 8th in the last two months of the season. If he can be that way in the 7th inning, follow that up with Moylan and/or SOriano in the 8th and Gonzo in the 9th, Braves would have arguably the best pen in the NL.
I remember that dreadful start against the Cubs at Wrigley.
BO JR.
February 23rd, 2009
2:45 pm
G.A. has worked out all winter. I read where he wants to make sure he stays in shape to get 30000 hits. At 36 I see him getting 25 hr. 110 rbi. and hitting .320 at clean up. what a steal 2.5 mill. Ibanez or Abreau want do any better. Ibanez might hit 30 since hes in philli. Griffeys biggest upside could have been he can play lf cf rf if he had to for a short time. looks like roster is set except cf and 1 spot in bullpen. i see a couple of trades comming that will bring some lower level prospects. hopefully catcher, ss.
Rex
February 23rd, 2009
2:45 pm
How can some folks claim that Diaz and Norton are essentially the same player when Norton is a SWITCH hitter and Diaz bats right. Norton is basically our best pinch hitter and only Lefty bat off of the bench if G. Anderson is in the lineup.
No offense to anyone, but that arguement makes very little sense. Keeping Blanco and trading Norton or Diaz just does not make any sense.
PIZZARO
February 23rd, 2009
2:46 pm
That’s strange “since 57″ I could have sworn the braves didn’t even play .500 ball last year. Have you looked at your line up? it’s not going to scare anyone.
TnBrian
February 23rd, 2009
2:47 pm
PIZZARO, did you just come up with those standings on your own, or did you get them from a Mutt site? If you really think that Fla. will finish higher than Atl., baseball ain’t your thing. Throw your predictions somewhere else, like a Mutt blog, where they can be appreciated.
My ‘09 standings: 1)Philles 2)Braves 3)Mutts 4)Marlins 5)Nats
Robert
February 23rd, 2009
2:47 pm
DOB, do you give Schafer at least a 50/50 chance of wining the CF job
Random
February 23rd, 2009
2:47 pm
C-man (2:23 pm): “the difference between Diaz and Norton is that Norton is a switch-hitter. He’d be the only lefty on the bench if Blanco and B. Jones don’t make the team.”
Good point about Norton SH.
My gut still says it’ll be one of Diaz/Norton and one of Blanco/Jones on the bench to start the year, along with Prado, Infante, Ross.
barring trades and injuries between now and then.
cabravesfan
February 23rd, 2009
2:48 pm
C-Man
True but Bobby is usually pretty good about giving his guys some rest, especially the vets…bottom line- I’m not overly concerned about Garrett’s durability and not worried if Diaz is playing left field for a streach
Original Jon
February 23rd, 2009
2:48 pm
PIZZARO Seriously?? How do you post in CAPS? Seriously??
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 23rd, 2009
2:48 pm
What would one say is the biggest difference between Schafer and Anderson (besides the speed factor)?
DAP
February 23rd, 2009
2:49 pm
chris from MD i made sure i said to disregard my bullpen projections. im not good at figuring out those bullpen slots, so i just put in the names of my favorite guys. i have no idea how the bullpen will shape up.
(to directly answer your question, i dont think lerew makes the team, and im not sure about stockman, and, i do think acosta will be on the team until soriano and/or moylan are ready, because i dont think they will start the season on the 25 man)
Chop Chop
February 23rd, 2009
2:50 pm
Exactly, C-man. Bobby is going to love Garret Anderson. He’s a guy that Bobby can count on. He’s consistently consistent. A real Joe Morgan player (I miss FireJoeMorgan.com, man), so to speak.
Anyway, it’s going to be hard for Bobby to resist playing a well-established player like Anderson (the same would have been true for Griffey) more than is prudent. Remember: every guy who plays hard for Bobby and earns his respect is a guy who plays a lot. Andruw couldn’t get himself out of the lineup in 2007. Francoeur could not “wet paper bag a ball with a pathetic thud” enough to get himself out of the lineup. Anderson has more cachet (he’s an All-Star) than Francoeur, so I fully expect Bobby to try to get the most, and then some, out of Garret Anderson.
Original Jon
February 23rd, 2009
2:51 pm
BO JR. G.A. hasnt hit over 20 HRs the past 5 years. Why do you think he will hit 25 this year, especially coming to a league he has never played in before?
C-man
February 23rd, 2009
2:51 pm
CA,
I hope you’re right, though I like Diaz, too.
As for keeping both J. Anderson and Blanco, I don’t know why you would. Blanco’s essentially a worse version of Anderson. Decent plate discipline yes, but he might have the least power of any Brave since Rafael Belliard.
since57
February 23rd, 2009
2:51 pm
PIZZARO, it is really quite simple. No way the Braves lose anywhere near the same # of one run games as last year. No way that we’ll have the rotation that was in place for August/Sept last year. No way Frenchy & Kotch are as bad as last year. Finally, we all know how the Mets LOVE to choke when it gets tight. It is all about Braves & Phillies this year. Mets are not even a concern.
PIZZARO
February 23rd, 2009
2:52 pm
I meant bold letters…..
Original Jon
February 23rd, 2009
2:52 pm
What would one say is the biggest difference between Schafer and Anderson (besides the speed factor)? President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
Options are the difference. Schafer has them, Anderson doesnt.
BO JR.
February 23rd, 2009
2:52 pm
D.O.B. IS Andrew Anderson?
Catfish
February 23rd, 2009
2:52 pm
I think Garrett Anderson is a great addition. I had him on my fantasy team years ago and he was fantastic. He went down hill when that arthritis situation arose but it looks like that is completely behind him and look for him to have a big year with a new team to try and get a 2 or 3 yr contract to finish his career.
Casey Kotchman is gonna have a very nice year.
Ryan
February 23rd, 2009
2:54 pm
will see about that PIZZARO ,you must be a Mets fan…. our rotation is better than the Mets, Our bullpen is better cause of depth. u better hope your bullpen can make it to the 8th and 9th and hope your 3-4-5 spots in the rotation pan out , were simply the better pitching team.
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
February 23rd, 2009
2:54 pm
O-John Fair enough – but take options out of the equation for a second. On a pure scouting level – where do both of them fall?
C-man
February 23rd, 2009
2:54 pm
Catfish — After the way he hit last August/September, Kotchman doesn’t have to do much to exceed my expectations, I’ll tell you that.
flange1
February 23rd, 2009
2:55 pm
Interesting comments about the bench.
To me 4 of the 5 spots are pretty much no brainers Prado (1B, 2B, 3B, LF,RF,SS) Infante (SS,CF,2B,3B, LF,RF) Ross (C) Diaz (LF,RF,1B,C, first RH PH)
Norton is a great addition because he is a switch hitter who is a great LH PH (1B,LF,RF,3B first LH PH)
Knowing how the Braves are as it relates to money, I think both Hanson and Schafer will start in the Minor leagues (just like Longoria did for the Rays last year) I believe it pushes the “service time in the Majors” back and would give the Braves team control for 1 more year.
I think Brandon Jones and G Blanco will start the season in the minors or get traded.
The bullpen is where we will have some excesses. If Stockman, Acosta and Bennett pitch well the Braves will have to make a decision on who to keep.
I know Stockman is out of options, I think Acosta has options (1) and I think Bennett is out….DOB HELP!
6-4-3
February 23rd, 2009
2:57 pm
I’ve been skimming through the posts today and two postings have listed this year’s potential roster for position players and both have left out Infante. Don’t know if that’s an oversight or they’re just assuming that he’ll be dealt, but I think Infante is a valuable player on this team that pretty much has a spot locked up.
BO JR.
February 23rd, 2009
2:57 pm
original Jon. G.A. has been working out. and 2.5 mill is a wake up call. If he does not anwser it now He never will. 300 career hitter. my money would be on him.
Chop Chop
February 23rd, 2009
2:58 pm
I’d kinda like to see the Andersons in the outfield. The Minnesota Wrecking Crew could always be counted on to pick an opponent apart. If the leg was hurt, they’d work the leg. If the arm was a little sore, they’d take a crowbar to it. Ole (that’s Garret…’cuz he’s old) and Arn knew how to break a man in half.
Just ask Dusty and Sting.
David O'Brien
February 23rd, 2009
2:58 pm
Cox on LOWE’s workout regimen, including all the running and other drills he does before the regular team workout: “I’ve never seen a guy do what he does — ever. Not Glavine, Maddux, Smoltz … not that much. He goes non-stop. He’s always in movement.”
DWW
February 23rd, 2009
2:59 pm
Why do people keep puting G. Anderson in the 4 spot? I dont think he is a clean up type at all.
PIZZARO
February 23rd, 2009
2:59 pm
TNBrien–what’s so impossible about the Marlins coming in ahead of the braves. They did last year by a large margin. The braves don’t have enough horses to win more games that the Mets or Phillies. The braves have an inferior line up and rotation…..go ahead, check for yourself.
ease19
February 23rd, 2009
3:00 pm
I am starting to think that DOB has a strong obsession going on with Heyward, hope he is not stalking the guy…Does he have big hands too?
I just watched Jason Heyward, he’s really tall, looks like he might have put on 10-15 pounds
He’s in terrific shape, not bulky but lean, narrow waist, wide back, big forearms.)….
Heyward’s in incredible shape, very little body fat.
BO JR.
February 23rd, 2009
3:00 pm
Enter your comments here
Ryan
February 23rd, 2009
3:01 pm
i think our bullpen will be
CL Gonzo
SU Soriano
7th Moylan
Mid Boyer/Acosta Battle
Long Bennet,Buddy,Campillo Battle
Lefty Boone, Ridgeway, O’Flarahty Battle
damn we have alot of depth it’s hard to choose spring will decide the winners
That
Andrew
February 23rd, 2009
3:01 pm
DOB,have you seen the new lefties throw yet? If so, what do you think?