With G. Anderson added, Braves ready to play

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812 comments Add your comment

BravesFanChris24

February 23rd, 2009
10:30 pm

Ricky The Dragon Steamboat added to Austin and Terry/Dory Funk for this year’s HOF :)

LTBravesFan

February 23rd, 2009
10:30 pm

DOB,
Thanks for the input, really. My question was more about who is considered to have a better chance based on what you have “seen/heard” (from scouts, players, coachs, etc) so far. I understand your logic and I’ve thought of that but I figured since you were there and around the team, you might have a little better idea than some of us that have fewer opportunities to see/hear what is going on especially on some of the players we have never been able to see. Not to mention some of us are more than 500 miles away.

Enjoy your blogs and stories. I look forward to reading them regularly.

Did the Jayhawks win tonight?

Chop Chop

February 23rd, 2009
10:33 pm

I’m just happy we started this wrestling talk today. It’s always fun to see the names of some of the dudes that made wrestling so much fun to watch when I was younger. It’s better than hand-wringing over lineups every damn day. There will be oh-so-much time to do that during the season. The non-baseball talk provides a refreshing break.

Alexander Hamilton

February 23rd, 2009
10:35 pm

I need some financial help. IF the Dow, S&P and Nasdaq were to hit ZERO> What would happen?? I guess it could only go to .01 as nobody would sell at 0.00. Maybe ZERO is extreme, BUT if someone told you in 07 that we would be worried about the failing of the banking system, what would you have said??

Sorry!! Did not mean to intrude, back to Garrett Anderson discussion. Does sound kind of silly??

Steve from OH

February 23rd, 2009
10:37 pm

Lou Vales, no one here is going to believe that you’re a long-dead (ex)-duelist. Give it up, brah.

JC form UT

February 23rd, 2009
10:38 pm

If Hanson pitches lights out this spring is there any hance BC follows Chipper’s idea of a 6 mn staff. Personally i like this idea to kkep everyone strong and fresh throughout the season. Also any word on Chippers extention. Perhaps a clause for a position with the club after retirement.

Alexander Hamilton

February 23rd, 2009
10:41 pm

I see a few references to this “Lou Vales” person. Is he the only person in your century who wishes to engage in dialogue pertinent to an impending economic meltdown?? I must meet this man. I hope he is not a duelist as the centuries have dulled my abilities in that area.

Steven

February 23rd, 2009
10:43 pm

David,

What’s the deal at Dark Star Tuesday? Its the last day of Practice are they still starting at 10? I was planing on showing up?
Thanks

brent a.

February 23rd, 2009
10:44 pm

I still kind of chuckle at all the, “if a family of four buys tickets, souvenirs, etc. ”

Either you like going to games or you don’t.

Either you feel like you have to have a great seat, or you don’t.

Either you feel the need to eat at the ball park, or you don’t.

The list goes on and on.

I am fortunate that I live close to Turner Field. Nonetheless, even in times when I didn’t live that close, I never felt that I was being as inconvenienced as the media tries to portray it when I attend games.

I have never minded sitting in upper level seats. I rarely eat or drink at the game, but if I do, I bring my own. I know where to find cheap or free parking.

The media seems to enjoy harping on the sports franchises about how expensive it is to go to games.

Last I checked, a first run movie costs nearly $10 in Atlanta.

I can usually get into a Braves game for $6 to $8.

I used to go to Reds games with regularity and I would pay $5 to park, and $5 to get in.

I used to live in Dallas, and I would go to Rangers games and pay either $0 or $5 to park (depending on the day), and about $10 to get in.

The key is for people to actually make an effort to find out how to attend sporting events at a price that is worth it for them.

Don’t let the media, and ill-informed fans, scare you away from attending games.

There are few, if any, “bad” seats at Turner Field. If you really enjoy baseball, then going to an Atlanta Braves game is a great bargain.

David O'Brien

February 23rd, 2009
10:44 pm

Fifthbusiness, and if you get a chance to see them live, do. The Hold Steady is a tremendous live band.

Marie Antoinette

February 23rd, 2009
10:46 pm

I am sitting here with Alexander and I have become fascinated with the words of a Scott Boras. He seems to be very reckless in his pronouncements pertaining to the lower classes. He seems to have complete disdain for the peons who attend these contests. He mutters frequently that the woes of the many are of little concern to the riches of the few. maybe i should correspond with this man. it is unwise to upset the rabble.

BravesFanChris24

February 23rd, 2009
10:47 pm

Agreed Chop Chop.

If you ever want a good wrestling discussion. I’m up for it.

JC form UT

February 23rd, 2009
10:52 pm

does anyone know if the MLB.TV package includes spring training games?

Marie Antoinette

February 23rd, 2009
10:54 pm

Marie, I do not need your advise. I have a firm grasp on the mentality of the lower classes that attend sporting events. They NEED my stars, they CRAVE my stars and truth be told they CAN’T live without them. Harken back to the sad days of 9/11, baseball was not really started up to “Prove they couldn’t beat us”–Rather baseball was started up because so many live for it. It is THEIR diversion. It gives themsolace in the midst of sadness. I can demand what I will of the Lords because they are held captive to the scorn of those who don’t participate in the charade.

Maria, appreciate your help, but I am immune. I am Scott Boras!!

Moondog

February 23rd, 2009
10:54 pm

DOB I need you to admit that Diaz has better numbers than Anderson against lefthanded pitching.

Give Matt his due!

kool$kat

February 23rd, 2009
10:54 pm

Nikolai and Vladimir Volkov vs American Dream Dusty Rhodes and Barry Windham…now those were the tag team days!!! And I miss the Freebirds, too. And Tommy Wildfire Rich!!!

Tomahawkin

February 23rd, 2009
10:56 pm

<<<>> Where Do you usually Park…I definitly need some inside 411 as to where to park at…? I used to take MATRA to 5 Points, tailgate and walk to the Ted From There, while gettin tuned up….

But I could use any pointers…

Also what channel Are the Spring Training games going to be on? I would assume FSN South, but I have not seen their lineup, and Atlantabraves.com has not put the listings up as to who is gonna carry the games other than ESPN….

Dick the Bruiser

February 23rd, 2009
10:56 pm

I remain the “Universe’s Most Dangerous Wrestler” while cavorting with Alex and Marie.

Tomahawkin

February 23rd, 2009
10:57 pm

That last statement was directed towards Bremt A.

Come on

February 23rd, 2009
10:59 pm

Comparing teams position by position like everyone seems to be doing today is really makes no sense. Its easy to say that Hanley Ramirez is better than Yunel Escobar. But the question really is how much better. Simply lining up players by position doesn’t really mean anything. Go loook at the project wins by Baseball Prospectus or fangraphs or any one a hundred sites that project the upcoming season. In just about every projection I’ve seen the Braves are picked to finish third in the division. Considering where they finished the past few years, and that they didn’t add any significant offense, third seems pretty generous to me.

mitchie-san

February 23rd, 2009
11:00 pm

MLB.tv shows “over 100″ spring training games. I had it last year and watched quite a few Braves games. Living in Hawaii, I dont get to see games (spring or regular season) very much. So I use MLB.tv

Tomahawkin

February 23rd, 2009
11:00 pm

Chop Chop I’m always down to talk old Rasslin (Wrestling) as well..All of the Attitude era Videos (1997-2000) are being posted on Youtube

Monday Night used to be Good TV back when Raw and Nitro had their Monday Night War….

BravesFanInCFL

February 23rd, 2009
11:03 pm

I think Hanson. JJ., Morton, Rohrbrough, and Locke in 2012 would be my dream. Nothing against Parr but I don’t see as much up side with him and haven’t seen significant improvement in JoJo. . I like the prospects for the future (pun intended). Good depth and even some pieces to trade for a 3rd base prospect , preparing for the inevitable day we need to replace Chipper.

Andrew

February 23rd, 2009
11:04 pm

DOB this is a GAME

uga-brave

February 23rd, 2009
11:05 pm

ou and ku are putting on a show.

David O'Brien

February 23rd, 2009
11:08 pm

Unbelievably good game going on in Norman, regardless of who wins.

Andrew

February 23rd, 2009
11:10 pm

wow, way to blow that dunk.

brent a.

February 23rd, 2009
11:12 pm

Tomahawkin’,

If you are going north after you leave the field, I have found that the best place to park is at the IBEW building on Central Ave.

Central is one way, going north, so you don’t have to deal with any of the Turner Field lot issues, nor do you have to cross traffic, etc.

This parking used to be $5, and was for several years. Last year, a new group took it over and started charging $8. This was a bit of nuisance; so, I actually quit driving. I live too close (about 2 miles) to TF to justify paying that much for parking. So, I park for free at the Inman Park Station, come in from the east on Marta, exit Ga St., and walk down.

And here’s the absolute truth. Many people shudder at the thought of walking south from Ga. St, because of the distance. I think that’s comical, when you consider where most people park any way.

If you park in one of the TF lots, then you can get stuck in there for upwards of 30 minutes after a game, and some times longer on the week-ends.

If you park where I usually park, on Central Ave (which is essentially directly across from the northernmost TF lot), then you are approximately half-way between the Turner Field, and the Ga. State station.

I don’t think it’s worth $8 to save that last 1/2 mile walk (if it’s even that far).

In short, I think that the shuttle running from Five Points to the game is great. However, on the way back, I think it’s best to walk back to Marta.

Believe me, it is a very safe walk back, mainly because there is a large police presence, all the way to MLK boulevard. Once you cross MLK (where the last traffic cop is), you are either a few steps from the Ga. State stop; or, you can head west, go about 1 block, and you can enter the Five Points station right where the shuttle drops you off. (The main reason to avoid the shuttle after the game, is if there is a long line to get on the bus, otherwise, use the shuttle, by all means).

I hope that long post makes sense.

Salty Dawg

February 23rd, 2009
11:13 pm

@Alexander Hamilton-

“I need some financial help. IF the Dow, S&P and Nasdaq were to hit ZERO> What would happen?? I guess it could only go to .01 as nobody would sell at 0.00. Maybe ZERO is extreme, BUT if someone told you in 07 that we would be worried about the failing of the banking system, what would you have said??”

It would never happen because at some point a company’s stock would be a buy simply because the break up value of the company would be worth more than the outstanding stock. At some point the Gordon Geckos of the world would buy the controlling interest in the company and sell off the assets at a profit. The same applies to the housing market. Make no mistake, the stock market will rebound and when it does some very rich people will get a lot richer.

hey DOB

February 23rd, 2009
11:15 pm

Can there be aspot in this article where it shows all [b]your[/b] comments?

BravesFanChris24

February 23rd, 2009
11:16 pm

My favorite era of wrestling besides the golden days NWA/AWA/WCW was the New Generation. Bret Hart, HBK and all the younger up and comers transitioning into the spotlight from the under card. However, nothing beats the days of Dusty versus the 4 Horsemen and also Magnum TA. Sad his career ended the way it did.

hey DOB

February 23rd, 2009
11:16 pm

how do yo bold?

Danga

February 23rd, 2009
11:16 pm

brent a…Right on. I’ve made that walk back to Marta many times. Never once felt threatened or that it was ‘too far.’

BravesFanChris24

February 23rd, 2009
11:18 pm

Some wrestlers today I like because it’s reminiscing of the old days are Chris Jericho, Randy Orton, CM Punk and quite a bit of others.

As a matter of fact, I used to write columns on old school wrestling for various wrestling sites, I lost touch in that.

Andrew

February 23rd, 2009
11:22 pm

anybody know when the braves are going to be on the 30 clubs in 30 days on mlb network?

Coxlover

February 23rd, 2009
11:24 pm

Braves are on the 30 Clubs in 30 Days show on Monday, March 2nd.

David O'Brien

February 23rd, 2009
11:28 pm

Wow. That was something else. KU made a great comeback and held on to win a riveting game, but OU might win the national title once Blake Griffin gets back to full strength. They’re a damn good team without him, and he’s the best player in the country. Aldrich 20 rebounds, Collins huge shots from NBA range … good stuff.

You guys have had quite the wrestling conversation going, huh?

Brent A., good, helpful stuff for those attending games at Turner Field, especially if they haven’t been there. Thanks, man.

Andrew

February 23rd, 2009
11:30 pm

coxlover,thanks.

BravesFanChris24

February 23rd, 2009
11:36 pm

I am gonna get MLB EI renewed as I did last season. I’ll be able to catch most Braves games. Sports South and FSN South games usually are on it. However, the Peach Tree games aren’t on MLB EI, unless they’ve come to an agreement. If it doesn’t I still get to see Braves via the other team’s broadcast. I can also see the games when they play Cubs (I have WGN) and Marlins. Also FOX and ESPN as well.

For the wrestling fans here, on WGN in April I think, they are bringing back an oldie but goodie. Superstars. Remember that show on Saturday mornings? Well, if I am not mistaken it’s being brought back, but gonna fit with today’s style of wresting.

Andrew

February 23rd, 2009
11:36 pm

DOB,is Ohman going to play baseball this year?

Chop Chop

February 23rd, 2009
11:45 pm

I have the feeling that we could keep some sort of wrestling thread going for weeks on this blog.

Tomahawkin

February 23rd, 2009
11:45 pm

Brent A. Thanks Bro…! I’m used to large Traffic lines leaving games…I used to live on campus at an SEC School, so I know how F-Up gameday traffic can be especially if you park in the wrong parking lots…So gameday traffic doesn’t bother me…

I plan on doing some Weekend games at the TED followed by taking Buses/Marta Trains on up to Buckhead to finish off Braves Victories at the Club…Thanks for the 411

I just Got Done Watch Ken Shamrock’s First WWF Pay-Per-View (WWF In Your House 1997) Against Shawn Michaels and that Match is an Absolute Classic (25 Minutes Worth)

As far as today goes, I only watch TNA, They actually do more stunts and have better athletic competition…I stopped Watchin WWE Years Ago when the Rock and Stone Cold Left…

BravesFanChris24

February 23rd, 2009
11:49 pm

I watch both WWE/TNA now. Both for various reasons. WWE has it’s good stuff and bad stuff as well as TNA. However, even though I don’t keep up regularly, the independents are very good, ROH and PWG just to name a few. ROH is like the old ECW minus the hardcore environment, just plain on wrestling.

WWE these days are going PG. Aiming it towards family friendly.

David O'Brien

February 23rd, 2009
11:52 pm

Personally, I’ve got fond memories of watching Saturday morning rasslin’ in Memphis in the mid-70s, and the Mid-South Coliseum shows in Memphis with Jerry Lawler (”The Kind of Memphis”) and cats like Abdullah the Butcher.

Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXicaN5sAvs

David O'Brien

February 23rd, 2009
11:59 pm

TnBrian

February 24th, 2009
12:00 am

Yeah man, those wrestlers are some role models, huh? I mean, I can name at least six famous wrestlers that have died from steroids, 2 that commited suicide, and who can forget the Benoit murder/suicide. That’s me being a hypocrite because I loved WWF and WCW more than anything growing up, but it’s still the truth.

BravesFanChris24

February 24th, 2009
12:01 am

DOB

Now you’re talking DOB. I wasn’t born then, but through the magic of technology and some very good resources, I was able to acquire some of the good stuff. Memphis wrestling with Lawler was magnificent. The whole Lawler/Kaufman feud was very entertaining.

Lawler’s matches against the late Curt Hennig, late Kerry Von Erich and many others were fun to watch because of how pure the feuds were and the matches themselves were good to watch.

Abdullah the Butcher is a fond one for me. In WCW he teamed with Cactus Jack. That’s how I found out about him.

Oh the memories :(

Tomahawkin

February 24th, 2009
12:04 am

Personally WWF Is Way Too Commercial and has been for years that’s Why I choose TNA over it but even TNA hasn’t been as good as it was 2 years ago…

Now This Is F-king Classic, The Rock at his best Sunday Night Heat 1999 and Shane McMahon Instigation the who beef, LMAO!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0tBzGXr6H8

BravesFanChris24

February 24th, 2009
12:04 am

TnBrian

Of course pro wrestling has it’s dark side in which wrestlers aren’t exactly saints, but you can’t really use those examples to characterize wrestling in general as bad. Wrestling can be fun and family friendly, as it was back in the day.

mitchie-san

February 24th, 2009
12:05 am

I met Abdullah the Butcher at Hartsfield when I was heading back to Japan a few years ago. Apparently he still heads over there to do shows every now and then. He was laying down waiting for his flight, man he is a big dude. Oh, his forehead was hard to not stare at…lots of scars. He was very nice guy, we talked for a long time while waiting for our flight.

TnBrian

February 24th, 2009
12:05 am

Keeping it going, does anybody have the Bret Hart DVD collection? It’s a 3 disc set that goes into him and the Mcmann drama and a lot more. My girlfreind even thought it was good, and she hates just about anything I like, including baseball. Also have the Warrior bio., but it’s nowhere near as good as Hart’s.

BravesFanChris24

February 24th, 2009
12:06 am

I miss the empty arena match between Rock/Mankind. However, TNA tried to replicate that with Sting/Angle lol.

One reason I like TNA is the Main Event Mafia stable they have going. Like Kevin Nash said on IMPACT, it’s like the Goodfellas, Godfather and Sopranos. All good quality TV shows and movies.

Tomahawkin

February 24th, 2009
12:07 am

Man Mr. Perfect, R.I.P. as well as the Big Bossman, I’m really suprised there hasn’t been more documentaries of the life of Wrestlers (the Glammour, Drugs Etc)

I had No Idea that Kevin Nash used Roids, But hell When You are on the road 330 days/year and put one’s body through all that stress that the Human body is not made to put up with, I find it totally undertsanding as to why there were so many wrestlers on roids…

BravesFanChris24

February 24th, 2009
12:08 am

I am a collector of all the special DVDs to be honest.

I have Bret’s, Jake The Snake’s, Superstar Billy Graham’s, Hogan’s, you name it I probably have it.

DiamondbackMac

February 24th, 2009
12:08 am

Just read the Jeff Schultz article on team rankings. I want some of what he’s smoking.

BravesFanChris24

February 24th, 2009
12:09 am

LOL

There’s a running joke with me and other fans on a wrestling forum about Nash and HHH blowing out their quads.

Tomahawkin

February 24th, 2009
12:09 am

Braves Fan Chris
“I miss the empty arena match between Rock/Mankind. However, TNA tried to replicate that with Sting/Angle lol. ”

I saw Both Matches and the Rock and Mankind one was classic!

I couldn’t believe that TNA tried to duplicate that, there are just some things that need to be left untouched….

TnBrian

February 24th, 2009
12:09 am

BravesfanChris, did you know that Dino Bravo was murdered in a drug deal? Remember him? But, I know what your saying because it has changed so much since Mcmann went either crazy or maybe he felt it’s the only way to keep it interesting.

Chop Chop

February 24th, 2009
12:09 am

I haven’t watched wrestling on a regular basis since I was 20 or 21. I’m 29 now, but it’s not difficult to figure out what the hell is going on if I happen to flip the channels and end up on RAW for a minute or two. I haven’t watched much of TNA.

(I always held the WWF with contempt when I watched. I was always a NWA/WCW man first. Hell, Ted owned it and the Braves and Hawks. What the heck else was an Atlanta sports fan supposed to do?)

BravesFanChris24

February 24th, 2009
12:10 am

I definitely agree. I shook my head in disbelief they did it with Angle/Sting. I like both but seriously smh.

Tomahawkin

February 24th, 2009
12:11 am

Oh Yea And I really Miss the New Age Outlaws That was classic DX Shyt 10 years ago…I have never met anyone who didn’t like the old DX (1997-2000)

BravesFanChris24

February 24th, 2009
12:12 am

TnBrian

Yea, I remember Dino Bravo. I vaguely remember the drug deal gone bad. From listening to many shoot interviews of wrestlers of the past, the horror stories are scary.

Tomahawkin

February 24th, 2009
12:13 am

Does any one Miss WCW Thunder, I was watching that theme on Youtube and it brought back memories

CHOP CHOP I’m 25 And I stopped watching Wrestling after WWF bought over WCW…I haven’t watched WWE Since…I got back onto TNA about 2 years Ago, but still don’t think that the Pay Per View’s are worth buying, especially wit so much 411 on the WEB now…

Chop Chop

February 24th, 2009
12:14 am

Terry Funk vs. Jerry Lawler Empty Arena Match, Part 1

Terry Funk vs. Jerry Lawler Empty Arena Match, Part 2

I came across that on YouTube a few years ago. It is absolutely hilarious. The Funker was such a classic bastard, man. What a great heel.

BravesFanChris24

February 24th, 2009
12:15 am

I actually liked Thunder. SmackDown was created in spite of that and it stuck to the wall.

I’m 24 and I’ve watched since WM 4. Haven’t really stopped. I’ve lost interest here and there, but still watched regardless.

BravesFanChris24

February 24th, 2009
12:17 am

Original DX was purely awesome. I loved everything DX.

HBK by himself though with Ric Flair at WM last year, that was Match Of The Year. I shed a tear when Flair retired.

BravesFanChris24

February 24th, 2009
12:18 am

Yea. I’m glad Terry is going into the HOF this year. Shame Foley is in TNA right now. He’d be the perfect one to induct him.

TnBrian

February 24th, 2009
12:22 am

I didn’t know the Undertaker had any other characters besides Mean Mark in the WCW. I guess he was the Punisher. But I do know he’s one ugly dude!

Tomahawkin

February 24th, 2009
12:24 am

Actually I watch More Wrestling (Old Nitro/Old Raw) on Youtube more than I watch The Wrestling that is on TV…

As a matter of fact I might have to watch the Montreal ScrewJob 1997 in a Lil bit…That was a Messed up match…

ric flair

February 24th, 2009
12:24 am

Wooo!!!!!!!!

BravesFanChris24

February 24th, 2009
12:26 am

DOB that second one brings back memories. I have that on VHS somewhere. Good times.

Interesting fact, The Punisher in that is The Undertaker.

DiamondbackMac

February 24th, 2009
12:26 am

DOB

Three articles and a new blog. You’ve been busy today. Thanks.

Chop Chop

February 24th, 2009
12:29 am

I just like hearing Funk go off on everyone. At the end of the second clip, Funk has been stuck in the eye by some piece of wood or something that he had intended to use on Lawler. The clip I saw a couple of years back ends with Funk screaming about Lawler being a “damn yellow coward” and yelling that Lawler is a “PIG! PIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIG!!!!!”

Too bad that’s not in that second clip. I don’t think I stopped laughing for ten minutes after I saw it for the first time.

BravesFanChris24

February 24th, 2009
12:29 am

Yea, Tomahawkin

The Montreal Screwjob was messed up. If I am not mistaken that whole thing centered around Bret’s contract coming up after Survivor Series and Vince was afraid he’d take the belt to WCW and “Madusa” it (remember she used to be Alandra Blaze and she went to WCW and tossed the belt in the trash on live TV). Well, apparently neither could come to an agreement on the finish, so Vince apparently had that planned and boom there you go.

BravesFanChris24

February 24th, 2009
12:31 am

I miss WCCW. World Class Championship Wrestling. Was a short lived promotion, but the Von Erich’s and Funks made it famous. Along with the FreeBirds.

KC

February 24th, 2009
12:38 am

tlj: “To the Mets fans, I suggest you spend less time worrying about the braves and start concentrating on the phillies. The mets team may be a little better than the braves but nowhere close to the phillies.”

tlj, bro, I think you are selling the Mets a little short, and you’re selling the Braves WAY short.

The Phillies finished 3 games ahead of the Mets last year. From Burrell to Ibanez is a slight improvement, but their roster is pretty much the same. In contrast, the Mets have significantly improved their team by fixing the bullpen. If they had Putz and Rodriguez in the pen all last year, don’t you think they could have won 3-4 games than they did?? There is very little daylight, if any, between the Phillies and Mets.

Now, as for the Braves… if you think the Mets are better than the Braves, and the Mets aren’t anywhere close to the Phillies, I’m assuming you think the Phillies are FAR better than ATL’s team. Nothing could be further from the truth.

I think many people fail to realize how good this Braves team has a chance to be. First of all, this offense will likely be very solid. Sure, there are no 30-40 homerun guys here… but the ‘98 & ‘99 Yankees didn’t have a single 30 HR guy either. You can have a potent offense without a huge power bat.

With the addition of G.Anderson… if Francoeur rebounds this year (and I think that’s more likely than not), the Braves will have quality bats all the way up and down the lineup.

They’ll have three 20 homer / 90-100 RBI guys (Chipper, McCann, Francoeur – again, assuming he bounces back), and 4 positions from which they can look for AT LEAST something in the neighborhood of .280-290, 15 homers, 65-85 RBI. There’s more power here than one would think at first glance. It’s just distributed more evenly throughout the order. They’ll get double-digit homers from 7 positions. And if Schafer wins the CF job, there might not be a single person in the lineup that doesn’t hit at least 13-14 HR’s.

I’m not trying to tell you that this is Murderer’s Row… just that this is likely to be a good offense. Not GREAT, but definitely good.

But the pitching is what has the Braves back in the picture.

The Braves rotation is slightly better than the Mets’, and significantly better than Phili’s. And the Braves bullpen, if healthy, is the best in the division… perhaps the best in baseball. The Braves pitching is being sold short by many, which is a mistake.

The Braves are going to have excellent pitching, and solid offense. And that will most definitely be enough to put the Braves in the same picture as the Mets and Phillies.

Tomahawkin

February 24th, 2009
12:38 am

“The Montreal Screwjob was messed up. If I am not mistaken that whole thing centered around Bret’s contract coming up after Survivor Series and Vince was afraid he’d take the belt to WCW and “Madusa” it (remember she used to be Alandra Blaze and she went to WCW and tossed the belt in the trash on live TV).”

Yeah You’re Right I Remember Bret Hart Spitting in McMahon’s face after the 3 count…There was a lot of stuff that led up to that night and not just the Finale…

I also Miss the Nation vs DX rivalry…Very underrated rivalry as well as the Steiner and the Outsiders….

There is no way in Hell that Scott Steiner is clean… And What Happened to Buff Bagwell? Is he in Japan…?

KC

February 24th, 2009
12:39 am

BravesFanChris24, I miss G.L.O.W wrestling. ;o)

BravesFanChris24

February 24th, 2009
12:39 am

Well, glad I’m not the only one who loves old school wrestling. Which is why I haven’t said anything till tonight lol. I gotta head to bed. Work tomorrow. Good talking to you all about the good ol’ days. I’ll check back before work and then hop on after work.

I can’t wait to see GA as a Brave. Hopefully the press conference will actually play for me :(

Chop Chop

February 24th, 2009
12:40 am

No way in hell any of those guys are clean, Tomahawkin. They’re all on something. They’ve basically got to be.

TnBrian

February 24th, 2009
12:40 am

I have to say one more thing on the topic of tonight. I remember when the WWF came here to Chattanooga, ‘93 I think, my grandad took me and my brother, and eventually fell asleep. How he did with the noise I don’t know, but he did. Anyways, when the Undertaker made his intro the lights would go out. As soon as they did, my grandad woke up and freaked out yelling, WHAT THE SAM HELL IS GOING ON! He said he actually pooped himself, it freaked him out so bad. We still laugh about when we all get together.

Chop Chop

February 24th, 2009
12:41 am

Gotta head out as well. Nice talking some squared circle with you fellas.

BravesFanChris24

February 24th, 2009
12:43 am

From what I heard Buff is either semi retired and doing bookings near his home or is completely retired.

KC

Glow was awesome for women’s wrestling. There’s a current one going that has good women’s wrestling. It’s called Shimmer.

Well, anywho, I’m out. Later you all.

Chop Chop

February 24th, 2009
12:45 am

I remember going to a WCW show with my brother. There was some crazy woman with more than a few teeth missing sitting next to us (we were, oh, maybe 7 or 8 rows back on the floor). When DDP came out (I think this was around ‘95, maybe) and did the diamond sign to the fans, there wasn’t much of a response. He hadn’t really hit it big in WCW yet. Anyway, my brother and I started cheering him on in the match. The woman next to us started yelling that, “You can’t cheer for him! He’s a bad guy! He’s evil!”

She meant it.

(Ahhh, good times.)

Tomahawkin

February 24th, 2009
12:49 am

As Big a fan As I was I never Bought any of the Wrestling shirts, When at the Time everyone had a DX or NWO shirt…I never bought a single wrestling shirt, even though I wish I did…

Tomahawkin

February 24th, 2009
12:50 am

Chop Chop:

You can’t tell me that You didn’t impersonate the personas at one time or another? Because that is all we used to do in High School

Stuart

February 24th, 2009
12:53 am

I remember the Monday Night Wars of the late 90s. That was some good TV. I liked WCW because they tended to wrestle a little bit more than the WWF. I thought then (and still do) that the WWE does too much talking and not enough wrestling.

The story lines were great NWO in WCW and Stone Cold vs. Vince, with the Rock making fun of any and everyone. It was like the working man’s dream when Vince would get the stunner and the finger. Who hasn’t wanted to do that to one of their bosses at least once? The Rock was coming into his own as the Brahma bull. It was great. Now the WWE is just too over the top, and since Benoit did his deed I can’t watch it anymore, yet every so often I catch myself watching 5-10 minutes on Monday night for old times sake.

I miss the days of Brett Hart as the ‘excellence of execution’ and Steve Austin as ’stunning’ steve austin in WCW. I remember when the undertaker used to creep me out as a kid. I used to love to watch the Steiner Brothers do the tag team thing. I think everyone remembers Sting when he had the loud colors with his paint. Those were the days.

Onto the braves. I wish they would think about signing Ohman even if it puts them a bit over budget. A bully with Ohman, Boyer, Moylan, Soriano, and Gonzalez, with Campillo as the long man would be outstanding. The braves are a better lineup today with Anderson, but the issue I have is they are weaker defensively. This team is screaming for a glove man for the OF for the late innings. Blanco and/or B. Jones have value in filling that role, IF the braves can get by with an 11 man bully. If they use 12 then there is no room for the 5th OF.

The health of Moylan is huge because when he is right, bringing him in as the middle innings ‘closer’ eliminates the need for the right v right and the lefty v. lefty in one inning. That is like having ‘two’ pitchers. Just bring in Moylan and slam the door. Ohman would have a chance to be a lock down lefty for the other time in a game that you have too match up if Moylan was not available or been used. Pair him with Boyer and good things could happen.

The braves are relying on a lot of repaired arms. They may leave some balls over the plate early in the year. I don’t think J. Anderson is the eraser Andruw was, it would be nice to have the flexiblity of the extra postion player early in the year, so they can go get it in LF and CF. Blanco and J Anderson would be the return of the Kudzu kids of a few seasons ago by getting to everything in the gaps.

Or Maybe if Frenchy goes back to his 2007 ways, he is a good if not great RF defensively. However if he doesn’t and if B. Jones gets back to crushing it, maybe the platton should be in RF, with Frenchy coming in late in some games to play RF and B. Jones moving to LF.

Time will tell, but the braves are better today than they were if they signed Griffey, and they are better today than they were yesterday with Anderson.

TnBrian

February 24th, 2009
1:13 am

Stuart, good point about relying on too many repaired arms out in the pen. But, the money they have tied up in Soriano, who I think is the biggest question out there, there’s not much they can do other than cross their fingers and take a deep breath. I have a good feeling about Moylan, though nobody really knows how he’ll be until he faces live pitching.

Speaking of injuries, Morton is a perfect example of a young guy trying to gun it out and impress his manager and pitching coach, that he ends up injuring himself. That might not be true, but it’s very possible.

renegade

February 24th, 2009
1:14 am

Why is one of the greatest ball players ever; still not in the HOF he played the game the way its supposed to be played he was an ;all out, hair on fire,steroid free,head sliding, tail bustin pro.Although he may have gambled on BB, it was after his playinng days.Ill tell you people what. PETE ROSE belongs in the HOF just on stats alone.He may have a character flaw or two, but God look at the players people are using for role madels now days,lying ,roid head, cheaters. Yes sir I want my kids to be just like them and make millions of dollars.So they can take care of me when I get old. Just a thought; yall dont have a hissy fit just ponder on this for a while.Oh and if you dont like what I wrote well UP YOURS

OCBrave

February 24th, 2009
1:18 am

Well, that was charming.

PHIL

February 24th, 2009
1:22 am

Why are the Braves always trying to find a platoon mate for Diaz when he hits well over .300 and Frenchy hit his weight last year? RBI’s? Put Diaz in the ame slot in the order as him and let him hit .330 and see how many you get. He got those hitting nothing because he ALWAYS seemed to have men on base when he hit.

Stuart

February 24th, 2009
1:26 am

Brian, I agree with your point on Soriano. My gut tells me he will be fine. I am more worried about Moylan because of the surgery, but I definately agree with your points. To me Moylan is the most important pitcher on the staff because of how Cox uses him. There are a couple of guys the braves are overpaying on the pitching staff. I thought the braves wasted the money on Glavine and should let Reyes/Morton/Hanson have it out and used the money on Ohman. I think they overpaid for Lowe and are paying too much for Vasquez, but those horses have left the barn and ain’t coming back. I think Ohman would be worth the investment. I think the braves would make their money back by signing Ohman because they will be a better team and will win more games and more fans will come out.

BA

February 24th, 2009
1:40 am

Anybody know if the “game” on Wednesday will be on the radio? Thanks in advance.

Former compulsive gambler Pete Rose

February 24th, 2009
1:43 am

Renegade’s 11:14p.m. post was very well stated.

KC

February 24th, 2009
2:03 am

Anybody see Joaquin Phoenix on Letterman recently? It is the most bizarre thing I’ve seen in a while. Dude was stoned out of his mind during that interview. Here’s the clip on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDZl22QUl20

BravesAC

February 24th, 2009
2:31 am

I know it was probably before color tv, regular plane travel and the NFL_AFL merger, but my dad was big on wrestling and the guys I remember from our little black and white set were Bobo Brazil and his “coconut butt” he used (whacking people with his head) and a guy named Fritz Von erick and his “claw” hold that was the terror of all the kids my age.
Those names ring a bell with any wrestling fans? (Insert Feris Buehler’s “Anyone? Anyone? comment here).
I did get free tickets to see Junkyard Dog on the bill with Hulk Hogan in Philly’s Spectrum when we put Vet’s scoreboard in. I’ve seen Dr J rock the house, The Celtics, and a ton of other gans abut I’ve never seen a sporting venue rock like the Hulk did.

Serbok

February 24th, 2009
2:43 am

Wow:-(
I cant believe Wrestling??? has made it to the blog??????????????
Wrestling??? I had back surgery back in 1978! was stuck at home in bed for quite some time!!! Soooo I’m gonna go with “Luke&Laura” from “General Hospital” as the all time Champion Tag team Duos!!!!

Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

February 24th, 2009
3:15 am

As much as I disagree with the acquisition of Garrett Anderson, I agree with the idea of putting the veteran outfielder into a platoon with Matt Diaz.

Anderson is at best, an average corner outfielder. Platoon’s generally work well in that the lefty/righty match up’s tend to hit for a higher BA.

There is cause for some concern. Anderson has played his entire career in the A.L. and we have seen some players who have had difficulty in adjusting to the slight change in pitching philosophy. Edgar Renteria is just one example of this phenomenon.

Forget the idea of Garrett playing anywhere other than LF. He hasn’t played RF on a full time basis in more than a decade. Anderson has neither the range nor the arm for CF anymore. The fact that both Diaz and Anderson are limited to almost exclusively playing LF is going to hurt the flexibility of the team. Cox will want to bat Anderson in the four hole against right handed pitching but Matt Diaz has been a six or seven hole bat in Cox’s lineup’s in the past.

Atlanta’s gaping wound in the outfield hasn’t been solved just yet because Garrett Anderson is a band aid at best.

Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

February 24th, 2009
3:27 am

Pete Rose will never get into Cooperstown.

EVER.

Baseball has one single commandment: thou shalt not gamble on the game of baseball.

Rose broke that law. He is forever banished. Check out the 1919 season for reference. Sheoless Joe Jackson and the other seven Black Sox are forever disgraced.

Runnin

February 24th, 2009
4:00 am

There’s no way that Joaquin Phoenix is serious about becoming a rap/hip hop singer. He’s still acting and is pulling some kind of Andy Kaufman routine. And like Kaufman’s, the whole thing is more bizarre than funny.

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