Comments on: With G. Anderson added, Braves ready to play http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2009/02/23/with-g-anderson-added-braves-ready-to-play/ We talk baseball, other sports, music, movies, BBQ and whatever (except politics or religion) Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:23:21 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Random http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2009/02/23/with-g-anderson-added-braves-ready-to-play/comment-page-9/#comment-20398 Random Fri, 06 Mar 2009 19:07:33 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/?p=146#comment-20398 <strong><del>Shaun</del></strong> Shaun

]]> By: Random http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2009/02/23/with-g-anderson-added-braves-ready-to-play/comment-page-9/#comment-20396 Random Fri, 06 Mar 2009 19:05:35 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/?p=146#comment-20396 <strong>PTBNL</strong> (5:08 pm): <i>”Shane, that is not totally true. Jeff had good people around him last year, but he did not get RBIs. If I remember correctly he led the majors in bases loaded opportunities (hmmm those around him must have been doing something right)…. but he failed to get them in…. which is not true of previous years. Yes, RBIs are a “team” generated stat to some extent, but the person who gets the RBIs also has to do what is necessary to get the runs in. No two ways about it. It is not totally and only (as you keep trying to say) a matter of those around a hitter. The hitter, too, must perform his task at the appropriate time. Jeff did not do that last year, but he did do it in previous years. Try as you may, you can not take that away from him.”</i> Hear, hear – are you listening, <del><strong>Shaun</strong></del> I mean, <strong>Shane</strong>? Francoeur had <strong>40 RBIs</strong> in 70 games in <strong>2005</strong>, batting .300/.336/.549: In <strong>2005</strong>, Francoeur came to the plate 274 times. There were 177 runners on base during those 274 PAs – he drove in 31 of those baserunners, for an OBI% of <strong>17.514%</strong>. This was <strong>first</strong> in the NL for RFs with at least 250 PAs, and <strong>4th</strong> among ML RFs, after VGuerrero, JRivera and GSheffield. (Bobby Abreu was 4th among NL RFs at <strong>16.25%</strong>.) Francoeur was 15th among all NL position players, and 2nd on the Braves to Chipper (<strong>18.545%</strong>). Francoeur drove in <strong>8.8%</strong> of the 91 runners he had on first base – also <strong>first</strong> among NL RFs with 250 PAs in <strong>2005</strong>. He drove in <strong>19.3%</strong> of 57 runners on second (6th), and <strong>41.4%</strong> of 29 runners on third (also 6th). Francoeur had <strong>103 RBIs</strong> in 162 games in <strong>2006</strong>, batting .260/.293/.449: In <strong>2006</strong>, Francoeur came to the plate 686 times. There were 437 runners on base during those 686 PAs – he drove in 74 of those baserunners, for an OBI% of <strong>16.518%</strong>. This was <strong>second</strong> in the NL among RFs with at least 450 PAs (behind JDDrew at <strong>18.307%</strong>), and 7th among ML RFs. Francoeur was 30th among all NL position players (BBonds was 31st), and 4th on the Braves to McCann (<strong>21.362%</strong> -- 2nd in NL), Chipper (<strong>17.751%</strong>) and Giles (<strong>17.193%</strong>). In <strong>2006</strong>, Francoeur was <strong>first</strong> among NL RFs with 450 PAs in driving in baserunners from first base (<strong>6.8%</strong>), <strong>first</strong> in driving in baserunners from second base (<strong>20.8%</strong>), and <strong>4th</strong> in driving in baserunners from third base (<strong>37.5%</strong>). Francoeur had <strong>105 RBIs</strong> in 162 games in <strong>2007</strong>, batting .293/.338/.444: In <strong>2007</strong>, Francoeur came to the plate 696 times. There were 487 runners on base during those 696 PAs – he drove in 86 of those baserunners, for an OBI% of <strong>17.659%</strong>. This was <strong>third</strong> in the NL among RFs with at least 450 PAs (behind BHawpe at <strong>18.630%</strong> and CHart at <strong>18.328%</strong>). (XNady (<strong>17.333%</strong>) was 4th and Junior (<strong>15.254%</strong>) was 5th). Francoeur was 6th among ML RFs, and 18th among all NL position players (XNady was 19th, APujols 35th), and <strong>second</strong> on the Braves to McCann (<strong>18.227%</strong) -- Chipper (<strong>16.782%</strong>) was 3rd. In <strong>2007</strong>, Francoeur was 8th among NL RFs with 450 PAs in driving in baserunners from first base (<strong>4.3%</strong>), <strong>first</strong> again in driving in baserunners from second base (<strong>23.5%</strong>), and <strong>4th</strong> again in driving in baserunners from third base (<strong>41.4%</strong>). Finally, Francoeur had <strong>71 RBIs</strong> in 155 games in <strong>2008</strong>, batting .239/.294/.359: In <strong>2008</strong>, Francoeur came to the plate 653 times. There were 494 runners on base during those 653 PAs – he drove in only 60 of those baserunners, for an OBI% of <strong>12.146%</strong>, good for only 10th in the NL among RFs with at least 450 PAs (ahead of only JBruce at <strong>11.610%</strong> and KFukudome at <strong>11.594%</strong>) Francoeur was 20th among ML RFs, 76th among all NL position players, and <i>LAST</i> on the Braves behind Tex (<strong>16.338%</strong), Kelly (<strong>15.574%</strong), Chipper (<strong>14.972%</strong>), McCann (<strong>14.128%</strong), Yunel (<strong>13.774%</strong) and <i>Blanco</i> (<strong>13.214%</strong). In <strong>2008</strong>, Francoeur was again 8th among NL RFs with 450 PAs in driving in baserunners from first base (<strong>4.2%</strong>), and now 11th in driving in baserunners from second base (<strong>14.6%</strong>), and <i>LAST</i> (12th) in driving in baserunners from third base (<strong>27.7%</strong>). In summary, driving in baserunners in 2005, 2006 and 2007, Francoeur ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd among NL RFs; 4th, 7th and 3rd among ML RFs; 15th, 30th and 18th among NL position players; and 2nd, 4th and 2nd on the Braves. In 2008, he ranked 10th among NL RFs; 20th among ML RFs; 76th among NL position players; and LAST (7th) on the Braves. Francoeur did <strong>NOT</strong> stink at driving in baserunners in any of the 05, 06 or 07 seasons – he worked for and fully earned all his RBIs in those years. But not in 2008. Francoeur’s BA and OBP have been fluctuating each season with his “luck” (BABIP), but – alarmingly – his SLG and (especially) his Isolated Power have steadily decreased every year since 2005. You can see first this in his 2007 weakness in driving in baserunners from first. Francoeur needs to work on his strike zone awareness, pitch recognition and plate discipline, in addition to “fixing” his stance, grip and swing. He’s not yet hopeless, but he’s got a lot of work to do to be productive again. PTBNL (5:08 pm): ”Shane, that is not totally true. Jeff had good people around him last year, but he did not get RBIs. If I remember correctly he led the majors in bases loaded opportunities (hmmm those around him must have been doing something right)…. but he failed to get them in…. which is not true of previous years. Yes, RBIs are a “team” generated stat to some extent, but the person who gets the RBIs also has to do what is necessary to get the runs in. No two ways about it. It is not totally and only (as you keep trying to say) a matter of those around a hitter. The hitter, too, must perform his task at the appropriate time. Jeff did not do that last year, but he did do it in previous years. Try as you may, you can not take that away from him.”

Hear, hear – are you listening, Shaun I mean, Shane?

Francoeur had 40 RBIs in 70 games in 2005, batting .300/.336/.549:

In 2005, Francoeur came to the plate 274 times. There were 177 runners on base during those 274 PAs – he drove in 31 of those baserunners, for an OBI% of 17.514%. This was first in the NL for RFs with at least 250 PAs, and 4th among ML RFs, after VGuerrero, JRivera and GSheffield. (Bobby Abreu was 4th among NL RFs at 16.25%.) Francoeur was 15th among all NL position players, and 2nd on the Braves to Chipper (18.545%).

Francoeur drove in 8.8% of the 91 runners he had on first base – also first among NL RFs with 250 PAs in 2005. He drove in 19.3% of 57 runners on second (6th), and 41.4% of 29 runners on third (also 6th).

Francoeur had 103 RBIs in 162 games in 2006, batting .260/.293/.449:

In 2006, Francoeur came to the plate 686 times. There were 437 runners on base during those 686 PAs – he drove in 74 of those baserunners, for an OBI% of 16.518%. This was second in the NL among RFs with at least 450 PAs (behind JDDrew at 18.307%), and 7th among ML RFs. Francoeur was 30th among all NL position players (BBonds was 31st), and 4th on the Braves to McCann (21.362% — 2nd in NL), Chipper (17.751%) and Giles (17.193%).

In 2006, Francoeur was first among NL RFs with 450 PAs in driving in baserunners from first base (6.8%), first in driving in baserunners from second base (20.8%), and 4th in driving in baserunners from third base (37.5%).

Francoeur had 105 RBIs in 162 games in 2007, batting .293/.338/.444:

In 2007, Francoeur came to the plate 696 times. There were 487 runners on base during those 696 PAs – he drove in 86 of those baserunners, for an OBI% of 17.659%. This was third in the NL among RFs with at least 450 PAs (behind BHawpe at 18.630% and CHart at 18.328%). (XNady (17.333%) was 4th and Junior (15.254%) was 5th). Francoeur was 6th among ML RFs, and 18th among all NL position players (XNady was 19th, APujols 35th), and second on the Braves to McCann (18.227%</strong) — Chipper (16.782%) was 3rd.

In 2007, Francoeur was 8th among NL RFs with 450 PAs in driving in baserunners from first base (4.3%), first again in driving in baserunners from second base (23.5%), and 4th again in driving in baserunners from third base (41.4%).

Finally, Francoeur had 71 RBIs in 155 games in 2008, batting .239/.294/.359:

In 2008, Francoeur came to the plate 653 times. There were 494 runners on base during those 653 PAs – he drove in only 60 of those baserunners, for an OBI% of 12.146%, good for only 10th in the NL among RFs with at least 450 PAs (ahead of only JBruce at 11.610% and KFukudome at 11.594%) Francoeur was 20th among ML RFs, 76th among all NL position players, and LAST on the Braves behind Tex (16.338%</strong), Kelly (15.574%</strong), Chipper (14.972%), McCann (14.128%</strong), Yunel (13.774%</strong) and Blanco (13.214%</strong).

In 2008, Francoeur was again 8th among NL RFs with 450 PAs in driving in baserunners from first base (4.2%), and now 11th in driving in baserunners from second base (14.6%), and LAST (12th) in driving in baserunners from third base (27.7%).

In summary, driving in baserunners in 2005, 2006 and 2007, Francoeur ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd among NL RFs; 4th, 7th and 3rd among ML RFs; 15th, 30th and 18th among NL position players; and 2nd, 4th and 2nd on the Braves.

In 2008, he ranked 10th among NL RFs; 20th among ML RFs; 76th among NL position players; and LAST (7th) on the Braves.

Francoeur did NOT stink at driving in baserunners in any of the 05, 06 or 07 seasons – he worked for and fully earned all his RBIs in those years. But not in 2008.

Francoeur’s BA and OBP have been fluctuating each season with his “luck” (BABIP), but – alarmingly – his SLG and (especially) his Isolated Power have steadily decreased every year since 2005. You can see first this in his 2007 weakness in driving in baserunners from first.

Francoeur needs to work on his strike zone awareness, pitch recognition and plate discipline, in addition to “fixing” his stance, grip and swing.

He’s not yet hopeless, but he’s got a lot of work to do to be productive again.

]]> By: JMX the FORMER Braves fan http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2009/02/23/with-g-anderson-added-braves-ready-to-play/comment-page-9/#comment-13093 JMX the FORMER Braves fan Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:48:45 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/?p=146#comment-13093 Jim Stewart is a pure TOOL with this line -up 1. Josh Anderson- again he is no Jose Reyes 2. Casey Kotchman- he has no speed or power like Chase Utley 3. Chipper Jones- looks around and sees a bunch of n00bs 4. Garret Anderson- 4th ARE YOU SERIOUS? 1 yr contract= 4th? 5. Brian McCann-Good we agree on something 6. Jeff Francouer- He should be on the bench but 6th fits him 7. Kelly Johnson- again hitting 7th for the Braves is a joke unlike the Phillies or Mets 8. Yunel Escobar- WAY too low So what about the double plays? Somebody should be stealing that base Jim Stewart is a pure TOOL with this line -up

1. Josh Anderson- again he is no Jose Reyes
2. Casey Kotchman- he has no speed or power like Chase Utley
3. Chipper Jones- looks around and sees a bunch of n00bs
4. Garret Anderson- 4th ARE YOU SERIOUS? 1 yr contract= 4th?
5. Brian McCann-Good we agree on something
6. Jeff Francouer- He should be on the bench but 6th fits him
7. Kelly Johnson- again hitting 7th for the Braves is a joke unlike the Phillies or Mets
8. Yunel Escobar- WAY too low So what about the double plays? Somebody should be stealing that base

]]> By: JMX the FORMER Braves fan http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2009/02/23/with-g-anderson-added-braves-ready-to-play/comment-page-9/#comment-13092 JMX the FORMER Braves fan Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:42:37 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/?p=146#comment-13092 Pizzaro is correct. The Braves are now officially a joke. The Braves big signing was an aging outfielder who hits are around 15home runs ooo wee. This is the projected line up and how I view the Braves Projected Lineup: 1. CF Josh Anderson or Gregor Blanco-EXCUSE ME are they even considered lead off? 2. SS Yunel Escobar-Marcus Giles could hit 2nd on this team...oh wait he already did 3. 3B Chipper Jones- He is upset like me with Braves penny pinching for non supporting cast 4. C Brian McCann- He is a good 5 hitter...yes i said 5 5. 2B Kelly Johnson-This is a joke a him hitting 5th..is this protection? 6. RF Jeff Francoeur-The cat is out the bag..he isnt that good 7. LF Matt Diaz or garret Anderson-We all know hitting 7&8th for the Braves is a joke 8. 1B Casey Kotchman- He will get alot of walks or strike out trying to actraully do something Pizzaro is correct. The Braves are now officially a joke. The Braves big signing was an aging outfielder who hits are around 15home runs ooo wee. This is the projected line up and how I view the Braves
Projected Lineup:

1. CF Josh Anderson or Gregor Blanco-EXCUSE ME are they even considered lead off?

2. SS Yunel Escobar-Marcus Giles could hit 2nd on this team…oh wait he already did

3. 3B Chipper Jones- He is upset like me with Braves penny pinching for non supporting cast

4. C Brian McCann- He is a good 5 hitter…yes i said 5

5. 2B Kelly Johnson-This is a joke a him hitting 5th..is this protection?

6. RF Jeff Francoeur-The cat is out the bag..he isnt that good

7. LF Matt Diaz or garret Anderson-We all know hitting 7&8th for the Braves is a joke

8. 1B Casey Kotchman- He will get alot of walks or strike out trying to actraully do something

]]> By: GT http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2009/02/23/with-g-anderson-added-braves-ready-to-play/comment-page-9/#comment-12879 GT Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:06:51 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/?p=146#comment-12879 re: importance of Morton I don't think Morton will be relied upon heavily this year, unless Cox is forced to do so because of injuries. Which is a shame, because I think he has the potential to outperform anyone in the current rotation - top to bottom. While his numbers last year weren't great, he still has a lot of potential IMO. He's got great stuff, and he clearly progressed throughout the season during his time in ATL last year. Compare his early starts with those he made later in the season. My point is if the Braves are to be succesful in getting to the postseason, I think its more likely to be because of contributions from Morton than from Kawakami or Vasquez. Chalk it up to not having a lot of faith in these two pitchers, I guess. Morton may suffer impediments along the way, but he is the one who has the stuff to be a #1 or #2 starter. Hanson may fill this role as well at some point, but Morton is farther along the curve since he already has some big league experience under his belt. re: importance of Morton

I don’t think Morton will be relied upon heavily this year, unless Cox is forced to do so because of injuries. Which is a shame, because I think he has the potential to outperform anyone in the current rotation – top to bottom. While his numbers last year weren’t great, he still has a lot of potential IMO. He’s got great stuff, and he clearly progressed throughout the season during his time in ATL last year. Compare his early starts with those he made later in the season.

My point is if the Braves are to be succesful in getting to the postseason, I think its more likely to be because of contributions from Morton than from Kawakami or Vasquez. Chalk it up to not having a lot of faith in these two pitchers, I guess. Morton may suffer impediments along the way, but he is the one who has the stuff to be a #1 or #2 starter. Hanson may fill this role as well at some point, but Morton is farther along the curve since he already has some big league experience under his belt.

]]> By: Steve from OH http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2009/02/23/with-g-anderson-added-braves-ready-to-play/comment-page-9/#comment-12831 Steve from OH Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:15:43 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/?p=146#comment-12831 Let's try this "link" thing.... <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/2009/267698.html" rel="nofollow">Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects are up</a> and Tommy Hanson and Jason Heyward come in at No. 4 and 5, respectively. Jordan Schafer comes in at No. 42, Gorkys Hernandez is No. 62, Freddie Freeman is No. 87, and ex-Brave Tyler Flowers came in at No. 99. Let’s try this “link” thing….

Baseball America’s Top 100 Prospects are up and Tommy Hanson and Jason Heyward come in at No. 4 and 5, respectively. Jordan Schafer comes in at No. 42, Gorkys Hernandez is No. 62, Freddie Freeman is No. 87, and ex-Brave Tyler Flowers came in at No. 99.

]]> By: cvbraves http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2009/02/23/with-g-anderson-added-braves-ready-to-play/comment-page-9/#comment-12830 cvbraves Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:14:56 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/?p=146#comment-12830 DOB: We're looking/waiting for a Garret Anderson sighting! DOB: We’re looking/waiting for a Garret Anderson sighting!

]]> By: car3boogie http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2009/02/23/with-g-anderson-added-braves-ready-to-play/comment-page-9/#comment-12828 car3boogie Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:13:27 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/?p=146#comment-12828 Neko Case, to be honest never heard of her until I read her name on the Blog the other day. Googled her, Images first of course.......very nice....... then her web site ........ sampled her songs ...... downloaded several songs......have been playing them since. DOB you and I do not mesh on music end very often, but this one is a keeper and dayum she looks good. Neko Case, to be honest never heard of her until I read her name on the Blog the other day. Googled her, Images first of course…….very nice……. then her web site …….. sampled her songs …… downloaded several songs……have been playing them since. DOB you and I do not mesh on music end very often, but this one is a keeper and dayum she looks good.

]]> By: Bob Dole http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2009/02/23/with-g-anderson-added-braves-ready-to-play/comment-page-9/#comment-12826 Bob Dole Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:11:43 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/?p=146#comment-12826 I heard yesterday at the Atlanta Braves Charity golf tourney that a Brave hit a hole in one, i was wondering who the brave was? I heard yesterday at the Atlanta Braves Charity golf tourney that a Brave hit a hole in one, i was wondering who the brave was?

]]> By: David O'Brien http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2009/02/23/with-g-anderson-added-braves-ready-to-play/comment-page-9/#comment-12825 David O'Brien Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:11:13 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/?p=146#comment-12825 NEW BRAVES BLOG is up NEW BRAVES BLOG is up

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