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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,035 comments Add your comment
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
February 26th, 2009
5:43 pm
Steve in NC,
Actually Lincecum threw 7 perfect games, all 9 innings, while solving the world hunger problem and finding a cure for cancer in his first spring training….
Hanson just isn’t cut from the same cloth…… *sigh*
Braveheart
February 26th, 2009
5:44 pm
Braves Fan 88, it’s been mentioned on here a few times that Hanson’s walk, fly ball and home run rates are a concern.. In additon, that slinging/whipping action he exerts on his arm raises injury concerns for later on down the road. But to say you didn’t notice a difference between his stuff and that of other homegrown farmhands we’ve seen is a bit much.
brent a.
February 26th, 2009
5:46 pm
I thought Hanson’s stuff looked downright nasty.
The expression on the faces of the first two Astros’ hitters after his first pitch to them was telling.
Heading down to sunny Florida tomorrow and am going to do my best to make it to McKechnie Field for the Braves and Pirates.
I’ve been to Spring Training games before, but never the real thing, in Florida or Arizona.
Epinephrine
February 26th, 2009
5:47 pm
Actually, Lincecum had an ERA of 9.00 last spring. What a bum.
deester11
February 26th, 2009
5:49 pm
Fan88 – If you saw nothing special about the kid, you must not have seen the slider or whatever that he got his first strikeout on, or Carlos Lee be made to look silly. No one said he’d be Sandy Koufax his first time out (Or Bob Gibson…he’s a righty), but there wasn’t anyone from the telecast or his coach that wasn’t impressed by him. You could tell with him on the mound there was a presence about him. Maybe he’ll throw a no-hitter from this day forth every time out and you’ll have the pitcher you want.
By the way, how does a first spring game show you he’s NOT what everyone thinks he is? It’s his first game.
Braves Fan 88
February 26th, 2009
5:49 pm
Buffalo NY Braves Fan, oh I’m supposed to ignore the walks and runs, ok..gotcha! I’m being fair to the kid, he wasn’t anything special today. He gave up earned runs, he walked people, he gave up hits, I mean, except for the payback, there was nothing more pretty about his missing location than some other prospect.Now next time, if he comes out and doesn’t give up any runs, I’ll be impressed and will say so. Today there was nothing that stood out about him. And seriously, stop with this “I never say anything good about…..”. There have been other highly touted pitching prospects to come up and y’all are acting like y’all never had a special word to say about any of them which we all know is not true. I hope this kid makes it just like I hope Morton and JoJo make it and like I wished Davies and the others would’ve made it. The difference between me and I guess everyone else now is that I refuse to crown this kid. You people have crowned him and protect him like he was blood kin. Well not me, when he performs well, I say so, but today was not a “special” performance.
David O'Brien
February 26th, 2009
5:50 pm
Talked to Carlos Lee afterward. He had no clue who Hanson was and that it was his debut. Said, “He throws hard. Kinda got behind some guys. But he’ll probably do better. He was must missing his spots. But he throws hard. He pitched good.”
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
February 26th, 2009
5:56 pm
88,
Sorry the kid didn’t dominate, I mean he gave up what 2 hits in 2 innings and had 1 walk? And 1 hit batter…. So he got a little nervous, gave up a couple runs in his first inning, came out and did what he needed to do in the 2nd inning.
You should be impressed with his stuff. Everything was at the knees, his curve was sick, and his slider was devestating. Plus the kid can reach back for a little extra and pump it up to 99 if he has to. 4 solid pitches, and it’s not like he was wild, he was missing but not terribly.
He was around the plate all afternoon, didn’t get rattled by his control issues, and worked his way through it. That is something to be impressed with. But hey, maybe you weren’t impressed with Jurrjens last year when he won 13 games because he gave up some runs and some hits, or maybe you weren’t impressed with Smoltz and Glavine in spring last year when they gave up runs. Those guys are no good either. Oswalt gave up a couple runs today too, are you not impressed with him as a pitcher?
Epinephrine
February 26th, 2009
5:57 pm
Braves Fan 88, it’s pretty clear you don’t know what you’re talking about. Even a casual observer knows the difference between a good slider and one that doesn’t dive, a curve ball that hangs and one with a sharp break, and the potential of a fastball that consistently sits at 96.
The danger with previous Braves prospects-Reyes and James perhaps being the epitome of this-is we have judged them on results rather than performance. That is, when they have dominated a league, we say he must be amazing. And the Braves have been burned by that in the past several times. But Hanson? He could have been touched for five runs, and it would still take a blind man to not realize the potential of a pitcher with three pitches that great. Oh and by the way, he has a pretty solid change as well. Performance in the spring doesn’t matter. What matters is having the stuff to consistently baffle major league hitters. Hanson exhibited that stuff today with stark clarity. If you didn’t see it, I don’t know what to tell you.
dogsbrekky
February 26th, 2009
5:58 pm
DOB – Did you speak to Gonzo ?
Can you tell me how Francoeur’s swing has changed because I am a little slow and it looked the SAME to me ?
Freddie Freeman – nice stroke, nice physique……
Chop Chop
February 26th, 2009
6:00 pm
Jeff Francoeur and Andruw Jones worked with Rudy Jaramillo this offseason.
I’m not Catholic, but is St. Rudy the patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes?
Braves Fan 88
February 26th, 2009
6:00 pm
Braveheart and deester11, I have said it was a Spring Training game and the first one. I confined my comments to what I saw today and today only matched with what has been said about the kid on this blog. And I’m sorry, you can not be “impressive” in my book giving up earned runs and walking people. You can “ok”, you can be whatever is short of “special”, or “impressive”. The emphasis on Tommy Hanson has not been his lack of anything. While you could probably dig out 5-10 sentences out of the 10,000’s of comments, when people talk about Tommy Hanson, they say only great things, there has not been much discussion at all about any shortcomings. You can point to 3-4 sentences here and there I guess, but nothing more than that. I’m glad he was ’special” and “impressive” to all of y’all, but I’m as big a Braves fan as there is and I’m telling y’all today was not remarkable. I really think some of y’all see some big ol’ country boy and you get all fluffy. The Adam Dunn Syndrome!
monty
February 26th, 2009
6:00 pm
what was up with Gonzales? Fastball topped out at a very straight 88 mph.
Steve McP
February 26th, 2009
6:03 pm
DOB already commented on Gonzo, just getting warmed up. usual spring training schedule for him. Comment is on about page 11 – how I love these short pages!
Epinephrine
February 26th, 2009
6:05 pm
Braves Fan 88, there has been a wealth of conversation about the ups and downs of Hanson’s potential. Even if the comments section of this blog are your only source of information, it’s been discussed several times. But a simple google search would tell you that every scout lists his biggest potential weakness as control and flyball ratio. Home runs were a concern, but he nipped that in the bud pretty effectively this year.
But a 22 year old with control as his biggest foe isn’t exactly alarming. Anyway, the real question is why do you feel the need to provide continuous Hanson commentary when it’s becoming increasingly clear you haven’t even read a scouting report or analysis on his ability?
Steve McP
February 26th, 2009
6:06 pm
Actually DOB’s note about Gonzo is on page 9
Epinephrine
February 26th, 2009
6:06 pm
Right, Tommy Hanson, the Californian “country boy”. That must be why we are enamored with him.
Braves Fan 88
February 26th, 2009
6:08 pm
Epinephrine, screw you. Because I wasn’t impressed today I don’t know anything? You really are a dumb dumb. I’m talking about matching the buzz the hype to only what I saw today. I’m not dreaming of any other game he’s pitched in. I didn’t say he sucked. Ididn’t say I wish him ill. I only said that today I was not impressed. I see them runs he gave up. I see them walks too. I see that pitch count.Now that is basing an opinion on something other than how pretty his “down slope” looked. I mean really.HA. You are getting all emotional about this… go suck your thumb in the corner and don’t come back until you can handle adult conversation.
Braves Fan 88
February 26th, 2009
6:12 pm
Epinephrine, Tommy Hanson was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, not California. Perhaps you should be more careful question what others know until you get your act together. Now off into the corner you go!
Epinephrine
February 26th, 2009
6:12 pm
Seriously, keep up the ad hominem attacks because they definitely elevate your discourse to “adult level”. Me? I’ll keep my arguments to baseball, and your obvious lack of familiarity with the subject. I’ll gladly concede the playground insults to you.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
February 26th, 2009
6:14 pm
DOB,
Just a question from the other blog. What ever happened to Cody Johnson? Any way you might be able to find out where he’s at and why he’s not being mentioned with Freeman and Heyward? I know that those 2 kids are younger, but all 3 of them put up some great power numbers last year in Rome.
Anders
February 26th, 2009
6:14 pm
Lew- Damn right I’m nervous when I year the words “Sore’ and “elbow” in the same sentence when talking about Santana. I don’t care if it’s his non-pitching elbow. That’s still too close for me.
They’re saying it’s nothing serious, but hey don’t they always say that this time of year? Probably nothing to worry about but I’ll feel better when he takes the hill and let’s it fly.
Don’t turn that karma thing on me. Remember last opening day when I posted the lyrics to “Instant Karma” on the blog warning all you Braves fans that it was bad karma to wish injuries on my Mets like many were- How’d that work out?
Hey did you catch a Mets box score from today? Lot’s and lot’s of crooked numbers.
McFann :Ô:
February 26th, 2009
6:15 pm
Chop Chop–
Haha…No, that would be St. Jude.
John Quest
February 26th, 2009
6:19 pm
Anyone else listen to Leo Mazz this AM on 680? He told the best Greg Maddox/Charlie O’Brien story. God, I love baseball.
LT- A Blogger
February 26th, 2009
6:19 pm
Santana sits Friday due to sore elbow. Is the Mets season ending early this year?
Anders
February 26th, 2009
6:19 pm
It’s February 26th and I’m watching my 4th game of the day. Yanks, Mets, Braves and now D’backs vs. Injuns on MLB Network. ST sure has come a long way from when the games weren’t even on the radio until late March.
BTW- A-Rod was booed at home in the Yanks game today. Amazing, standing O’s for Giambi and Pettitte after they admitted the juice but A-Rod gets booed. Jeters power over the fns is unmatched. He’s iced A-Rod forever – gonna be a long 9 years.
Anders
February 26th, 2009
6:21 pm
Not really my call, but is “Gonzo” really an appropriate nickname for a pitcher?
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
February 26th, 2009
6:23 pm
88,
Adam Dunn syndrome? Please explain that one… I’m not really one to check out dudes, let alone big country dudes….
Everyone was enamored with Adam Dunn because he can hit a ball out of yellowstone… should he make contact.
You are really making yourself look foolish by not knowing the scouting report of Tommy Hanson and his issues with control. The biggest knock on him is that he is sometimes wild in the zone, he does hit quite a few batters (ala Tejada) and now and then walks a guy or 2. He’s not superman, he’s going to give up some runs, but with the movement and pitch selection that he has, he IS something special.
KC
February 26th, 2009
6:24 pm
I always find the ESPN guys nearly unbearable to listen to. They WILDLY undersold the bullpen, commenting “they have the makings of a good bullpen, but a lot of question marks”. And when they said “question marks”, they were only half talking about health.
They seemed to have their doubts as to whether Mike Gonzalez can be a strong closer on a contending team. Huh? If he’s healthy, and has all his stuff, there’s no doubt at all that he’ll be lights out. I don’t think they ever mentioned Moylan, or the depth in the pen.
They were, however, fairly complimentary of the rotation. And one of the guys said the Braves pitching is underrated this year.
Braves Fan 88
February 26th, 2009
6:24 pm
Epinephrine, you are the one that said I didn’t know anything because I said I wasn’t impressed with Tommy Hanson’s performance today. I was just defending myself. And now you come with the “ad hominem attacks” card because you made a boo boo and said Tommy Hanson was from California. I don’t want to fight with you or any one else. I mostly lurk for that very reason. I gave my honest opinion, I told you why and that’s that. Unfortunately, some here are emotionally invested in this kid and so my saying that he wasn’t anything special out there today is just a grievous grievous blog sin that some of y’all take personally.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
February 26th, 2009
6:25 pm
Anders,
hopefully the Santana issue isn’t too serious. It is still spring, so he has time to sit and recover. I’d be ok with him starting a few games here in AAA, I’d pay to see that dude pitch again.
Anders
February 26th, 2009
6:26 pm
KC – When has Gonzo been lights out for a full season on a contending team?
KC
February 26th, 2009
6:26 pm
DOB, I’m certainly glad to hear Mike Gonzalez’s comments. And certainly glad to know that he was pulled because of pitch count.
When his velocity wasn’t what I was expecting, and then he came out of the game, I thought “you’ve GOT to be #$%^&* kidding me!!!”
But hopefully he’s not blowing smoke about his normal spring velocity. What he said was probably accurate.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
February 26th, 2009
6:27 pm
By the way, where’s all the Jordan Schafer to start in CF fans today?
Maybe after his poor performance he should start in A ball?
Epinephrine
February 26th, 2009
6:27 pm
Tommy Hanson is from California. He spent a few months in OK, which he doesn’t even remember. It’s also well documented that command isn’t one of his strengths. You don’t see to know anything about him, which is relevant to this thread. But calling people “dumb dumbs”? Go for it, but know it makes you look foolish.
Braves Fan 88
February 26th, 2009
6:28 pm
Buffalo NY Braves Fan, it was a freakin joke..that all. My gosh people, pull yourselves together. It’s one person’s opinion about one appearance in an early Spring Training game. Like I said, he was “ok”, at best, in my opinion. If he does better next time, I say so.
Run Heap Run
February 26th, 2009
6:29 pm
One more try on the facebook DOB blog fan group link:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53472692450&ref=share
Anders
February 26th, 2009
6:31 pm
Buffalo- I don’t think it is. The pitching Coach Warthen was just on the WFAN and said if it was a regualr season game he would go. Just being cautious.
My biggest concern is this damn WBC. 4/5’sf the infield is going along with Beltran, K-Rod and Putz. Thank god insurance costs kept Santana out. Even if they all come back healthy it’s unnecessary wear and tear plus it takes away from the Mets jelling as a unit.
I’m gonna really be upset if one of these guys gets hurt playing in this bogus tournament.
KC
February 26th, 2009
6:31 pm
Anders, I never said he had been. I just said that there was no doubt at all in my mind about him. In early ‘07, the Braves expected to contend, and Mike Gonzalez came into some pressure situations. I also remember him working his way out of one helluva jam against the Phillies after he first arrived, and I was very impressed by his mental toughness. Ask anyone in or around the Braves organization if they have an ounce of doubt about Gonzo’s makeup.
I don’t think anyone who had been paying attention to Gonzalez over the past few years would have those doubts. But that’s the thing about national analysts… they often don’t pay close attention. That can’t because they cover 30 teams.
But Anders, do YOU have doubts? Would you would like to put money on Gonzo this year? Name your terms, and we’ll do it.
Braves Fan 88
February 26th, 2009
6:32 pm
Epinephrine, great..are we done with this now? I mean really, feuding over 2 innings of an early Spring Training game? Wow! Tommy Hanson wasn’t impressive to me today you can lash out all you want but I’m not going to grade a mediocre performance higher because it’s Tommy Hanson. Don’t take it personally, ok?
kyle2355
February 26th, 2009
6:35 pm
Honestly 88? Anyone who judges someone on 2 innings pitched doesn’t have a clue about baseball. Please stop talking and don’t come back with some childish third grade remark either.
KC
February 26th, 2009
6:37 pm
Braves Fan 88, if you’re talking about results, then I agree… ok at best. But if your talking about his stuff (which most of us just saw for the first time)… filthy. Absolutely filthy.
Mid-90’s fastball that is released a few feet closer to the plate than most pitchers… it comes in on a downward plane WITH MOVEMENT!
He has a “Smoltz-like” slider, and a beautiful 12-6 curve. Did you see the one he got the strikeout on? It started at the guys helmet and dropped in at his knees. He has 2 DOMINANT pitchers, and 4 above average (by big league standards) pitches overall.
He missed with his location a bit today, but as DOB said, he was undoubtedly jittery, pitching to big league hitters for the first time in his career.
Everyone in baseball who has seen this kid says he’s got #1 stuff, and after seeing him, I certainly can’t disagree.
BrandonC
February 26th, 2009
6:39 pm
I was personally VERY impressed with the stuff Hanson was throwing today. I fully expected him to be a little nervous his first inning with the amount of attention he’s been getting. He’s even said in the past that sometimes he’s nervous in the first. He has a presence on the mound like nothing rattles him. When he hit Tejada he walked toward the plate with a glare on his face like he’s not backing down from anything. I admire that big time.
To see the gun read 96-98 mph just made me grin from ear-to-ear. This kid is the total package to say the least. That slider is plain filthy, ala John Smoltz. I’m definitely going to Gwinett to see him pitch, I’m not waiting for him to be called up.
It was also good to see Schafer, Heyward and Freeman play. Heyward and Freeman are freaks of nature. Those two are definitely going to be big for us in a couple of years. I just wish Bobby had let Heyward have more AB’s than one, but I understand he’s only 19 and in his first camp.
Chop Chop
February 26th, 2009
6:40 pm
KC,
Why do you do anything other than read what comes from atlantabraves.com or listen to anyone other than the Braves’ radio and TV announcers? You complain all the time about someone selling the Braves short. Who cares, man? Do you honestly think that national media should be as excited about the Braves as you are? As far as the Braves’ bullpen goes, it does have a lot of question marks. Look at it, dude. You’ve got Gonzo with his history of injury. You’ve got Moylan coming off Tommy John surgery and one, count ‘em, one very good season under his belt as a big leaguer. You’ve got Soriano, who is an injury waiting to happen. If they’re all healthy and perform their best, they’ll be very good. It’s just difficult to count on those things to go right. That’s why the bullpen is a question mark.
Braves Fan 88
February 26th, 2009
6:41 pm
kyle2355, what part of “today” didn’t you get? “Today” I think Hanson only pitched “ok”, not impressive. That’s all. I didn’t say he would never be impressive. I was real careful to limit my opinion to today only. But apparently people are personally offended by this and say thing that are true or start hurling insults. I’m entitled to my opinion on today’s performance and I will not be bullied into saying something I don’t believe. Now if Hanson comes out next time and gives up no runs, or has no walks, or strike’s out the side in an inning, then I’ll say he impressed me, or at least he pitched better than today. I didn’t say he sucked, only that I wasn’t impressed. Ok?
Chop Chop
February 26th, 2009
6:41 pm
Oh, I forgot to add this to my last comment…
ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
tr
February 26th, 2009
6:41 pm
Run Heap Run – link worked well!!!
Anders
February 26th, 2009
6:43 pm
KC- You gave your opinion and they gave their’s. Being that Gonzo has never been in that situation who know’s who’s right?
My opinion? If he stays healthy he should be ok. Lights out top flight closer? I haven’t seen anything to date that would suggest this and it’s rare that it would materialize in his 6th year in the bigs – we’ll see.
I don’t gamble – sorry.
Braves Fan 88
February 26th, 2009
6:46 pm
KC., that is exactly what I am talking about..today’s result only. People are taking this and running with it. I said it was a Spring Training game in my first comments. As far as pitch speed, he’s not the only such prospect to achieve such speeds. Is that wrong to note? I’m about results, what did the guy do when handed the ball? There were no sloppy defensive plays that lead to questionable earned runs being awarded, so it was all on the pitcher. Next time, is next time, but today, I didn’t see anything special.On another note, you must be loving that someone else is taking the heat for a change!
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
February 26th, 2009
6:49 pm
Anders,
so what you’re saying is, I shouldn’t make plans to take a short trip up I90 to see Santana on rehab? Oh well…..
From what I have read of your posts, you’re one of the more “even tempered” Mets fans, its kind of refreshing to know you’ll bash your team and talk highly of the rivals (as you did of Hanson earlier)
Not saying I expect it on a regular basis, but it’s a pleasant change.
Tomahawkin
February 26th, 2009
6:55 pm
Run Heap Run
That last link Worked, I just got up on that Facebook Group…I have the First post post on the wall…Represent Baby! Baby!
Mitchell
February 26th, 2009
6:57 pm
I saw the game today, most of it at least. I guess it didn’t occur to me the significance of it being Hanson’s debut in front of national media. I was sort of disappointed although it sounds like nobody else was. Probably not a big deal the two runs.
Here’s the big deal as far as I’m concerned: I was listening to Buck and Kincade all afternoon and they never even mentioned the fact that we came back from a 5 run deficit. I thought that was pretty damn awesome. Oswalt was bringin’ some serious heat there, I didn’t think we were gonna put up a fight but I guess they did.
There you go.
Tomahawkin
February 26th, 2009
6:58 pm
Hey Who is the Amanda (edited), Who created that Group on Facebook…? Please Stand Up…?
David O'Brien
February 26th, 2009
7:06 pm
Those who asked about Gonzo, I’ve got a note about him in my Braves notes, should be online.
Also just filed a Francoeur story, just a short update on his swing changes, etc.
VENEZUELA
February 26th, 2009
7:08 pm
I know people are in love with Tommy Hanson right now! But I cannot get OHMAN out of my mind!!!!
I think WILL OHMAN needs this TEAM!!! And this BRAVOS !! NEED OHMAN!
This topic is old news for DOB! But could u please call him or something just to get an idea…or ask someone at the front office to tell the OHMAN Chapter is totally closed!! so I can move on! Because i would fall from a building if Marlins, Phillies or Mutz get Ohman …he is just tooooo gooooddd and tooo classsy and just to cheap to let him pass to another team! sorry guys
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
February 26th, 2009
7:15 pm
Will Ohman is not coming back here unless someone gets hurt. It’s been said before, get over it.
Mitchie-san
February 26th, 2009
7:23 pm
Hey DOB, are you gonna join the denzien Facebook group?
Choppinmama
February 26th, 2009
7:30 pm
John Quest – for those of us who didn’t hear the interview, what was the Maddux/O’B story?
KC
February 26th, 2009
7:32 pm
Chop Chop “Why do you do anything other than read what comes from atlantabraves.com or listen to ayone other than the Braves’ radio and TV announcers?”
Chop, why do you read my posts? You always disagree with me, and can’t ever seem to let a difference of opinion go without making that abundantly clear. Yet, you question why I listen to them or feel the need to disagree with them??
I don’t have ANY problem at all with questioning the health of this bullpen. That’s PERFECTLY Fair. But to also question the ability of this ‘pen, if healthy… that strikes me as downright asinine. I heard as much or more of the latter from them than the former (or at least, that’s they way I interpreted what they said, and didn’t say).
Don’t worry Chop Chop, I know you disagree.
KC
February 26th, 2009
7:32 pm
Oh, and I forgot to add this to my last post…
UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anders
February 26th, 2009
7:37 pm
Oh, and I forgot to add this to my last post… (KC 7:32)
Wanna bet?
BravesFanChris24
February 26th, 2009
7:42 pm
I got home from work and watched the game (I DVR’ed it). It was encouraging to see Braves come back and win by one run no less. I know it’s a meaningless game, but it’s a nice sign.
I was impressed with Hanson. Yunel getting hit and he returned the favor to the other team’s SS. That one strikeout pitch was nice. I think he’ll be up on the big club sometime this year.
Finally, Baseball Is BACK!
Jeff F.
February 26th, 2009
7:44 pm
Im hitting a robust .143, I told you gang I was going to kill the ball in 2009.
Supes
February 26th, 2009
7:47 pm
Same old Jeff Francine, Buck said it best on 680thefan today, Jeff should be put on a “pitch count” AT LEAST, he must see 12 pitches per game (4 AB). Still not working the count and hacking at pitches early in the count, is a sure way to go hit .230 again for 09.
Braves Fan 88, for a “rookie DOB blogger” you sure have ruffled some feathers around here today, how about calming the frak down and not riling up the blog regulars huh?
Anders, I have to give you major props. For being a Mets fan, I actually enjoy most of your blog entires and what you have to say is informative (always good to have inside info on the enemy, in this case the Mets). My only regret now is that we don’t have a “Phillies fan” to come in here and give inside info (on the other enemy we need keep an eye on).
KC, Absolutely agree about your comments on Hanson today. I normally don’t ever watch spring training games on TV, but I made an exception for today to watch Tommy “gun” bring it in the mid 90’s with movement. I believe he’ll be in the starting rotation in 2010 (if he stays healthy), and I do think some time at AAA will help him work in his control and situational pitching.
DOB, since both Freeman and Heyward are not projected to make the team now (and they need more work in the minors), do you see them jumping AA Mississippi and going straight to AAA (if they both have an impressive spring training, or do the Braves typically go one level up and have them go AA this year (for some of the time, and later to AAA). All of this with the thinking that in 2010 they will both be legit to make the opening day roster.
Chop Chop
February 26th, 2009
7:58 pm
KC,
It’s the interpretation, brother. You’re looking for a reason to defend the Braves from an attacker. I never have (and never will) understand fans who feel the need to do that. (Maybe that’s why Anders has never bothered me?) Anyway, that’s why we clash. I see that in you and it bothers me. However, because I am aware of it, I’ll try harder not to respond to the buzzer that goes off in my head when I want to call BS or something.
Doug Markham
February 26th, 2009
8:08 pm
Since Millwood? Didn’t we let him go pretty quick?
Tomas
February 26th, 2009
8:10 pm
I’m seeing the game with mlb.tv. Going to start the 3rd inning. Tommy Hanson wow, very good stuff, but can he get that slider for a strike like John Smoltz used to do? Saw the new Jeff Franceour stance, 1st at bat swung at the first pitched pulled off a fastball. Also saw his perfect throw to home, Tejada got in by a hair. David Ross what a shot, good timing, and good throw to get Erstad. Jordan Schafer, overmatched by Oswald, because of bad timing(first 2 at bat were all fastballs, chipper, and Kelly were late too). Jorge Campillo looked awful, his fastball velocity was very slow, but he normally doesn’t throw a lot of fastballs(lowest % of fastballs thrown), and the Braves might be trying to throw more fastballs, and he may get hit around until he is comfortable with it. Well that’s what I’ve seen so far.
Robert
February 26th, 2009
8:10 pm
DOB
who is scheduled to pitch tomorrow after kawakami
BraveApologist
February 26th, 2009
8:16 pm
Hey DOB,
How impressed are you with Boone Logan? After seeing him today I have to say I’m pretty excited about his potential.
Tomas
February 26th, 2009
8:30 pm
Yunel Escobar gets hit a lot. Obviously the scouting report on him is to pitch him in, and he does crowd the plate.
Frenchy’s second at bat, got a fastball inside, got jammed and popped it up to Tejada.
Tomas
February 26th, 2009
8:41 pm
The Astros have a good looking 3B prospect(Johnson) good power swing. I’m seeing Gonzo pitch right now, if he is not throwing 93-96, then obviously he is not going to be dominant specially if all he throws are 88 mph fastballs. If Gonzo learned to pitch in that outside corner, and not be so wild at times, hands down he is the best closer in the game.
Danga
February 26th, 2009
8:43 pm
Tomas…At that point in the game I was thinking that someone ought to remind Oswalt that this was just Spring Training. He was dealin.
PIZZARO
February 26th, 2009
8:44 pm
2009 win totals….Mets: 94 wins Phillies: 86 wins Marlins: 81 wins Braves: 80 wins Nationals: 61 wins
Danga
February 26th, 2009
8:51 pm
Oh…It must be time for the nightly pizzaro flame.
“2009 win totals….Mets: 94 wins Phillies: 86 wins Marlins: 81 wins Braves: 80 wins Nationals: 61 wins”
Ah. There it is. Does that win total reflect Santana’s elbow?
cabravesfan
February 26th, 2009
8:55 pm
does anyone else find it wrong that the Giants are paying Edgar Renteria $9 million but the reigning Cy Young winner only $650,000 this year?
richbrave
February 26th, 2009
8:57 pm
Great to see the home team scramble back from 5 down to put up a W. HANSON will be a serious pitcher. Today not so much, but look out when he’s seasoned.
Anders
February 26th, 2009
9:01 pm
Cabravesfan- Forget Lincecum, how do you think guys like Abreu feel seeing what Renteria got? At Lincecum will get his in the years to come.
Tomas
February 26th, 2009
9:02 pm
Jeff Bennet very good outing. This guy is going to be dominant this year, like he was at the end last year.
Anders
February 26th, 2009
9:06 pm
Tomas -You watching the Braves game or the McGruder film?
Tomas
February 26th, 2009
9:07 pm
DOB,
Did Kelly changed his stance? He looks a little different.
John Quest (radio story from this AM)
February 26th, 2009
9:07 pm
I’m back. Leo told the story of how Greg Maddog pick his catcher. He told Javey to set-up in the inside corner, but he was going to pitch a change-up on the outside corner, and to reach over and catch the pitch. Lopez couldn’t handle it, many times, and Maddog went to Leo and asked him to find another catcher. He sent Charlie O’Brien in. Charlie told Greg to pitch whatever he wanted to. He wasn’t going to flash any signs, and would catch anything he cared to toss. And it worked. He caught Greg for the rest of the season. The Braves gave up Javey’s bat in order to have someone catch Greg M. The best part of this story is, one time Greg came into the duggout all pissed, and Leo asked him what the problem was? Greg said he not only was trying to F-up the hitters, but he was trying to mess with Charlie O’Brien, and he still caught every pitch! (I love this game!)
cvbraves
February 26th, 2009
9:09 pm
Just got home from watching Tommy “Easy Gas” Hanson and the boys of summer win 8-7. Good blog and comments…but you shoulda been there!
Easy Gas Hanson!!!…all fast balls 94 to 97, one at 99. Gave up two runs, one a walk on a ball that shoulda been called a strike out and the second a “pay back” hit batter. Gotta give the Astro kid credit for the two-run scoring double, though.
Logan…great 1-2-3 inning. Looked good.
Gonzo…saw him hit 90 and 91 once, but you ever seen a closer throw well when it is not a close situation.
Bennett looked pretty good.
Nunez did his one-batter job for the third out of an inning.
Parr threw strikes and got outs…and the win.
Kotchman, Kelly, Omar and Conrad had great fielding plays. Francouer made a great throw home to cut down a runner, but the catcher’s swipe must have missed the runner.
Heyward can run…and Freeman can hit.
What an improvement Ross and Boscan are over “U know whoes” as backup catchers and they hit. Ross threw out the first runner (Erstad) who tried the steal second.
There was a lot to like folks…feel the Braves are going to battle for division this year.
Brandon Jones was special today, two hits and good in the outfield. Blanco run-scoring hit in his only at bat and nice centerfield play.
Lot to look forward this year!!!
Wayne in Utah
February 26th, 2009
9:13 pm
I have been out of the loop. Who is this Conrad getting some time at third?
Wayne in Utah
February 26th, 2009
9:15 pm
Oops, second…
njbraves
February 26th, 2009
9:22 pm
Are some of you seriously bashing Francouer after two spring training games?? Really?? Can the kid get more than a few at bats before he starts being roasted. Contrary to what many on here think, he has a ton of talent. I’m so sick and tired of hearing so called Braves fans rip the team and it’s players every time something doesn’t go they way they think it should. It’s the second game of spring training…get a grip.
cabravesfan
February 26th, 2009
9:23 pm
Anders-
I am not going to feel bad for Abreu making $5 million this year…just seems to me that Lincecum deserves a little more then $650,000 considering he is one of the best young pitchers in the game
cabravesfan
February 26th, 2009
9:25 pm
Not to mention Abreu can make close to $8 million in incentives (and just for the record Renteria’s deal pays $7 million + a $2 million signing bonus)
Randy S
February 26th, 2009
9:28 pm
Danga
I don’t know if anybody answered you already but as for your Wilco question from the last blog:
The place they are playing in Athens, the Classic Center, is awful. It is basically a big warehouse with a stage at one end and a bar at the other. And they only let you drink inside this roped off corner of the huge room. I have seen multiple concerts there, including Wilco, and they were all underwhelming. Terrible acoustics. That place is where good concerts go to die. So, I have no idea where they are playing in Birmingham, but it will be better than Athens. In a town with such great venues it breaks my heart when somebody plays the Classic Center.
Wayne in Utah
February 26th, 2009
9:29 pm
Supes Give the kid a chance. Damn, he ain’t played a week yet.
cabravesfan That’s the system. Lincecum will get his in time.
njbraves If you become a regular here, you will find that sort of attitude prevalent among the “what have you done for me today” crowd.
According to them, Campillo, Gonzo and Hanson are a couple of bums, as are anybody without a 300 average (or whatever ops) after two games.
Get used to it, my friend.
ShamusThacker
February 26th, 2009
9:33 pm
Hey, this thing is working pretty good now. Kudos to the drunks out back. Good job guys/gals…
I’ve been trying for a week to think of who it is DOB looks like besides Fonzie. The name struck me today. John Cassavetes. Mix the Fonz and JC, and you got DOB. You agree DOB, or am I forever banished from blogdom?
cabravesfan
February 26th, 2009
9:39 pm
Wayne-
Yeah I know Lincecum will get his in due time- it just seems kinda screwy to me…
cvbraves
February 26th, 2009
9:39 pm
Wayne in Utah.
Conrad played 117 games for Sacramento last year, hit .243 with 28 home runs and 91 RBIs. Also struck out 127 times. Got 19 at bats in six games with Oakland, three hits, .158 average. 28 YOA.
cabravesfan
February 26th, 2009
9:39 pm
I mean- the Giants were throwing money around left and right but see fit to skimp on their best player?
Tomahawkin
February 26th, 2009
9:42 pm
Anyone on Here watchin Rasslin Tonight?… Its Pretty Wack so Far…
And D.O.B. Everyone is catching onto your fanclub on Facebook…10 member have joined since 4pm today…I just ran into this one dude ( I met him at a party/bar) whom I haven’t seen in months from 700 miles away
John Quest (radio story from this AM)
February 26th, 2009
9:47 pm
DOB looks a buzzard perched at the top of the blog.
(just kidding)
Danga
February 26th, 2009
9:51 pm
Thank you Randy S…That confirms my suspicions of the classic center. I saw Ben Harper in the classic center a few years ago and I had the exact same impression. As much as I love Athens, I want to see one of my favorite bands in a decent venue.
flbravesgirl
February 26th, 2009
9:52 pm
Finally, Braves on TV! Seems like a year since the season ended. And tomorrow I get to see ‘em in person here in my humble hometown. DOB, any chance Mac makes the trip since he didn’t play today?
THB
February 26th, 2009
9:54 pm
I haven’t seen any games yet, but I like what I hear so far. Hanson’s got great potential. He can have an impact even if he gets called up later in the year. I really like Schafer still, really high on him. I think he can be really valuable – a guy who’ll hit .290/.375/.475 with 20 HR, 20 SB, 100 RBI and a ton of walks with great defense. Just a notch under a Sizemore type. I don’t think I even need to say anything about Heyward or Freeman, Heyward is a physical specimen and Freeman is a hitting machine, I take that back. They’re both hitting machines.
ShamusThacker
February 26th, 2009
9:55 pm
If Hanson were to come up in June and dominate, it could ignite an inferno through the rest of the p. staff and the team as a whole. Young, talented, players, can create an air of excitement that builds into a wave. If everyone gets excited and rides the wave, we could win 100.
Supes
February 26th, 2009
9:59 pm
Wayne in Utah…when does a 25 year old with 3 seasons of major league playing time STOPS being a “Kid”?
Enough of Jess being called a “Kid”.
Tommy Hanson is a “Kid”…aka someone who’s never played in the majors.
Jeff is a married, grown man who just got an astronomical raise in arbitration after an abismal 08.
Just enough excuse making for Jeff around here on the blog. It’s put up or shut up time for Jeff. If he proves me wrong (and I hope he does, b/c that means the Braves will be in the running for the NL EAST), I’ll admit it, be happy and give him credit for it.
Moving right along…