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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,035 comments Add your comment
Saff
February 26th, 2009
10:00 pm
yea im so sick of you guys complaining its SPRING TRAINGING matter infact the second day wayne in utha coulden’t have said it any better
Randy S
February 26th, 2009
10:01 pm
Danga
Looking at Wilco’s dates, if you can still get decent seats I would go to the Asheville show. They are playing in one of my favorite venues there. And Asheville in April should be wonderful. The place in Birmingham I have never been to, but I have been told is cool but not great sound, it is all this steel and iron.
Kinda funny, the venues they are playing in Athens and Asheville are quite similar. Both the civic center kind of place, both have a cool theater room and a terrible warehouse room. Playing the warehouse room in Athens and the theater room in Asheville.
Wilson
February 26th, 2009
10:05 pm
I hope Kyle Davies does well with the Royals. I always liked him, and he has the stuff to be a solid pitcher in the majors. I think he was under a tremendous amount of pressure here with the Braves, so a change of scenery, especially to the Royals who play in front of 10’s of fans, was probably the best thing for him.
TnBrian
February 26th, 2009
10:07 pm
Not that I’m glad in any way Hanson got hit a little today, but it can only help him in the future. You really don’t want him coming in with an attitude that the majors are anything like the minors. Not saying he would think that, but he is still very young, so I think today will only help him. All in all, the dude was very good, but you know it was nerves and I heard to that Oswalt was complaining about the balls, so there could be something to that. The reaction from one of the best hitters in the NL, Lee, says it all about what we have here in Hanson.
Also, Francoeur swinging at the first pitches was disgusting to watch. That stubborn mentality of not changing your approach no matter what got him in this mess to begin with…YES, change dammit! It’s ok to change.
joe fan
February 26th, 2009
10:07 pm
If Wilco is playing in the Classics Center in Athens I would stay far far away. I saw Wilco there a few years back and it had to worst sound of any show I have ever been to ever!! And I think the volume was turned off on Nils Cline’s guitar the entire time. I am looking at the Ashville show myself.
Kentavo
February 26th, 2009
10:32 pm
Tell you what, we’re going to have a good ol’ time here in Myrtle Beach with Heyward and Freeman (not for long, I’m sure) and Willie Nelson, Band of Horses, George Jones, David Allan Coe, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Morrissey and Modest Mouse coming to town.
John Quest
February 26th, 2009
10:35 pm
Thurs night Trivia
Which comdedian said, “I back ‘em, I back ‘em with my act”?
KC
February 26th, 2009
11:05 pm
Chop Chop, I was just refuting an opinion I disagree with. That’s all. Same as you.
I’m glad you’ll be trying not to let you’re “BS buzzer” go off anytime I say something. I’m sure that will be tough since you have a corner on veracity and innerrant thought. Your opinion is after all, the only one that’s right. I look forward to learning from you.
Atown
February 26th, 2009
11:05 pm
DOB,
I can’t thank you enough for mentioning that it’s The Man in Black’s birthday today. As a devotee of Cash the man and the musician this is a very meaningul day. All music lovers of all genres should have a moment of silence to remember him today. A truly special American and a symbol of what made this country and it’s music what it is.
cabravesfan
February 26th, 2009
11:23 pm
watching Tommy Hanson pitch- good lord that curve is a thing of absolute beauty!
Chop Chop
February 26th, 2009
11:40 pm
KC,
Come on, dude. You don’t have to play the “you’re a smug jerk” card with me. I know I’m wrong a lot. I’ll be wrong about some players on this Braves team. I’ll be wrong about some of our prospects down in the minors. I’ll be right some of the time, too. That’s because I, like you, am not a complete idiot. However, I wonder what causes you to be so positive, and combative with others who aren’t quite so positive, about anyone wearing a tomahawk. That may not be something you can explain, but I still wonder about it.
I can explain my point of view. I’d rather be surprised by good things than constantly expect them and be disappointed. I’ve learned this through relationships, friendships, following sports teams, and just about everything else in life. However I learned that point of view, it is mine. If you would be good enough to express why you see things the way you do, I’ll understand you better. (And I don’t mean telling me why you think certain players are going to be great. I’m interested in what drives you to have the thoroughly positive viewpoint that you always seem to have regarding a sports team.)
One thing I do know is that I’m no better than you or anyone else here. Yeah, even the idiots. We’re all here because we like the interaction. I know DOB does this because he gets paid, but my guess is that he’d be blogging somewhere if he didn’t have this gig.
GTI in Chicago
February 26th, 2009
11:47 pm
YES! NEKO CASE!
Very Best thing about the calendar turning pages this weekend is that Neko’s new album will finally be on the shelves on Tuesday.
None better. Highly recommended.
Chino Cadahia
February 26th, 2009
11:52 pm
DOB,
How much does Francoeur and his representatives pay you to write wonderful things about him for the paper?
cabravesfan
February 26th, 2009
11:53 pm
ok my completely unsolicited opinion on Tommy Hanson- definately has the potential to be the ace of this staff. Did notice the whip-like action, espically on his fastball but not going to be concerned with that right now…breaking stuff (curve, slider) is GREAT, control could be a little better but for a first outing I am impressed and really looking forward to the day he is part of the rotation
Steve McP
February 26th, 2009
11:53 pm
I liked Hanson’s stuff, but I am looking forward to Kawakami’s curve ball.
N8
February 27th, 2009
12:05 am
dogsbrekky
Sorry dude. I suppose it appeared that I was attacking you more than I actually was.
I just get so tired of hearing people whine about ESPN’s “coverage” of the big markets, and NOTHING on the Braves. Yet, everybody forgets that when Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Chipper, etc… were in their prime they couldn’t stop GUSHING over the Braves, and pretty much weekly had at least one national coverage of a Braves game on.
Braves start winning again, and they’ll get the coverage.
But to agree with you, at first it seemed a bit “odd” that they weren’t commenting on the game, (weren’t even mentioning the hitters coming to the plate – other than Freeman and Heyward). But then common sense prevailed and I realized that this was NOTHING MORE than a glorified “Baseball Tonight” with a live game being on the screen instead of the announcers’ “mugs”.
So I can understand that you were annoyed. I chose not to be. Besides, anytime they can mention Arod and steroids in the same sentence is fine by me. Any fan of the Braves and Hank Aaron should LOVE that Aroid and Barroid are synonomous with the juice.
blueridge
Totally agree on Hanson. I wasn’t complaining about his outing one bit.
In reality, the fact that he threw at Tejada, pretty much doomed the inning. I can live with that.
When he gains more consistency and control over his OUTSTANDING looking stuff, he’ll be able to plunk a guy in retaliation AND still get out of the inning by working around it.
I’m guessing he was pretty hyped up, being on national tv and all.
He’s gonna be a good one.
TnBrian
February 27th, 2009
12:20 am
For me, just watching a few clips of Hanson,Heyward,Schafer,Freeman live the last two days will ease the frustration if Atl. has another down year in ‘09. Because you just know we’ll be back soon. Those are just too many projected impact prospects to ignore. On top of having those guys up in the bigs is the fact that you have maybe a Vazquez and maybe a Kelly you could trade for a big need, which wouldn’t be many with that kind of team. In the future, if these prospects are as good as they say, I’d like to see a trade for Brandon Phillips. Maybe KJ/Vaz. and a prospect for him would be nice. But, that’s way down the road.
John Quest
February 27th, 2009
12:23 am
Andrew Dice Clay
uga-brave
February 27th, 2009
12:25 am
i dvrd the game.
a couple of thoughts…
hanson throws hard and has good movement.
he also has the look of somebody that will throw a heavy ball….
great downward tilt.
well of course we all think that after two innings.
either way he has the height and the downward tilt that makes certain pitchers better then good.
freeman has got a great looking swing. the dinger was off a LH pitcher so that should be encouraging.
dont rush freeman or heyward.
the only problem i have, ALL OUR DECENT PROSPECTS are all left handed.
schaffer, heyward, and freeman.
at some point we need a right handed batter.
we will have the same problem this year. go deep into close games this year and we will have matchup problems.
mac, kj, kotchman, anderson, etc.
i know a lot of you will say they hang in there against southpaws, but are they capable of hitting for power against left handers?
Wayne in Utah
February 27th, 2009
12:27 am
Glass Half Full = KC
Glass Half Empty = Chop Chop
I personally choose to be half full myself.
Supes
It is entirely possible that Francoeur will never be more than an average hitter, with a strong arm. If he gets to 275/320/475 with 25 HRs and 100 RBI’s, will folks like you be happy enough, or will you still call him Francine?
Coming from a mid-50s guy, I can still call him a kid.
Wayne in Utah
February 27th, 2009
12:30 am
uga
Haven’t you heard. Hanson gave up 2 runs. Let’s trade him for Xavier Nady…..
uga-brave
February 27th, 2009
12:39 am
N8,
100 % agree.
all the super genius baseball fans on this blog need to remember baseball does not revolve around the braves.
that was the BASEBALL TONIGHT crew that called the braves game today.
it was meant to be a TALK ABOUT BASEBALL WHILE A SPRING TRAINING GAME WAS GOING ON.
actually it is somewhat embarassing when several of our new denizens,
continued to beech when the game was late and the announcers could not give a a crap who won.
would any of you care if the pirates were playing the royals late?
as for myself, i would much rather listen to peter gammons and the crew talk about the game in general.
Chop Chop
February 27th, 2009
12:40 am
My glass is rarely half-empty, Wayne
I just kinda like to see what’s going to happen before I get too high or too low. When I’m dealing with something I have absolutely no control over, that’s how I roll.
(It is true that I used to call Terry Pendleton “Teresa” in order to shame him into getting a big hit. My brother and I both tried to use shame and reverse psychology to achieve the desired results for our Braves. After 1993, we gave up.)
Andrew
February 27th, 2009
12:47 am
Hanson is already earning the respect from his teammates by hitting tejada…hanson wasnt wild throwing the ball all over the place,and if you saw the pitch he threw before hitting him u’ll see it was a perfect pitch..i love the fact that hes already being the type of teammate that the guys are gonna give it there all for night in and night out…
mbatl
February 27th, 2009
12:48 am
My favorite feminine nickname was “Crystal Chandelier” for Chris Chandler. (is a chandelier feminine? Maybe that’s a bad example)
uga-brave, I generally agree with you on the ESPN coverage. I posted during the game that their audience probably wasn’t too wrapped up in the Blanco-Josh Anderson debate, and some of the chatter was interesting.
But, they really should try to at least break away to let us know who’s batting… and I didn’t care for the half-inning devoted to their fantasy baseball product.
But for the most part, regarding national coverage… I don’t really care. Win, and it will come.
spotts
February 27th, 2009
12:57 am
I’ve been out all day and don’t feel like looking through all 17 pages…can someone tell me how Hanson and Schafer did today? And if anything else important happened?
uga-brave
February 27th, 2009
1:04 am
the hanson excitement is dead on.
there are certain guys when they step on the rubber, or step into the batters box that you can tell they are different.
for me, it was when david justice or larry wayne jones stood in there.
justice had that amazing homerun streak when he was a rookie.
HOSS always had that smug look and the ability to keep his hands back and quiet.
STEVE AVERY should of turned into steve carlton.
he pitched through a injury when he shouldn’t of.
that series against the pirates in 91 was amazing.
he hurt his oblique, changed his arm angle and was never the same again.
millwood had it, tommy hanson probably will have it.
AVERY definitely had it.
still wish LEO was around.
anyone else find it somewhat wierd that LEO has no pitching coach job?
jds
February 27th, 2009
1:09 am
Is anyone else concerned about the potential of having several lefties in the lineup for years to come? Assuming KJ and McCann stick around for awhile, and Schafer, Freeman, and Heyward are all regulars, that’s at least FIVE lefties in the lineup.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 27th, 2009
1:12 am
The stat of the day that really impressed me:
HBP: Escobar (by Oswalt), Tejada (by Hanson)
Tommy Hanson gave it right back. I like his moxy. The kid defended his teammate irregardless of the circumstance.
TnBrian
February 27th, 2009
1:12 am
Reading O’Brien’s article on Francoeur, I have to give him credit for trying to improve. I’d give it at least a few weeks into the season before Jeff gets out of his bad habits of pulling evrything, and get 100% comfortable with his slightly new approach…maybe longer. He’ll be alright
uga-brave
February 27th, 2009
1:12 am
jds read above you are late, but a valid point.
bravesfan54
February 27th, 2009
1:13 am
Baseball execs of the world take note: The folks who thought their combined annual income of 56K would support their purchase of a $430,000 home two years ago are the same people who think that Manny Ramirez deserves $25M for four (count ‘em) years. Guess what, it’s a new world. Please get real! The days of the $8 Budweiser are gone. (You’ll realize this in about another year or two, but the “fan” can tell you this now, if you will listen.
KC
February 27th, 2009
1:15 am
Chop Chop, alright… I suppose we can both tone down the condescension. =)
Honestly man, I feel like I do explain my points of view, for the most part. I have stated my beliefs about the bullpen in detail on more than one occasion.
In regard to the bullpen, I don’t consider my opinion to be “thoroughly positive”. I believe it’s fairly in-line with the facts. I thought the ESPN guys wildly undersold the Braves bullpen. That’s cool, they’re entitled to their opinion… I just don’t like listening to those guys.
Anyway, back to the bullpen. Again, I don’t have ANY trouble with anyone saying the Braves bullpen is a question mark because of health. That’s very fair. There are 3 surgically repaired arms at the end of the ‘pen. And while they all appear to be healthy, I can’t fault anyone for not feeling as though their health is a sure thing.
But the ESPN guys (or at least, whichever one was talking at the time), didn’t seem impressed with the talent in the Braves bullpen. That perplexed me. I’ll explain why in a subsequent post.
KC
February 27th, 2009
1:20 am
Chop Chop, here is an excerpt from a blog piece I wrote for bravesblast.com a couple weeks ago. This explains how I see each of the key arms in the ‘pen, and why it seems crazy to me for anyone to question the arms (unless regarding health) in this pen.
Mike Gonzalez has quietly become one of the game’s elite closers, carrying a (then major league best) 39 consecutive saves streak into last season after returning from “Tommy John” surgery. The lefty fire-baller featured a mid-to-upper 90’s heater while closing for the Pirates. Since his arrival in Atlanta two years ago, however, his arm that was never entirely healthy or rested, and his fastball topped out at about 93 mph. Despite diminished velocity, “Gonzo” has been effective, with a 3.38 ERA as a Brave, converting 16 of 18 save opportunities.
After his first full off-season since beginning his rehabilitation in 2007, his arm is now 100%, and Gonzalez says he’s “fired up” about the opportunity to finally show Atlanta his very best. With health no longer a concern, look for a big season from the Braves’ closer.
Rafael Soriano, when healthy, is among the best late-inning relievers in baseball. Since his move to the bullpen at that start of his sophomore season in 2003, Soriano has a career ERA of 2.53, with more strikeouts than innings pitched. In a word: Dominant.
Soriano began experiencing pain in his pitching elbow last spring which eventually cost him most of the 2008 season. Fortunately, the cause of the pain was not a structural issue within his elbow. Soriano underwent surgery last fall to reposition a nerve that was apparently the cause of the discomfort. MLB’s Mark Bowman recently reported that, “all indications are that Soriano is healthy”. That’s excellent news for Braves fans.
Peter Moylan was the only pleasant surprise of the 2007 season. Over 80 appearances, Molyan limited opposing hitters to a .208 average, and allowed only 16 earned runs for a 1.80 ERA. It was the third best ERA in all of baseball, and it was the first sub-2.00 ERA to come out of the Atlanta bullpen over a full season since John Smoltz did it in 2003.
Moylan’s stuff is outstanding, but what makes him truly remarkable is that he fires his mid 90’s fastball, baffling changeup, and hard-biting slider with a submarine delivery. Many submarine/sidearm pitchers develop a deceptive pitching motion to compensate for a lack of overwhelming natural ability. Not so in Moylan’s case. His stuff, coupled with a submarine delivery, seems almost unfair.
After experiencing elbow pain last spring, he made it only 2 weeks into the season before joining the expansive disabled list. He underwent “Tommy John” surgery shortly thereafter. Moylan is reportedly ahead of schedule with his rehabilitation, and could be ready for action on opening day. Like Soriano, if healthy, Moylan is one of the best late-inning relievers in the game.
Blaine Boyer has been described by scouts, coaches, and teammates as a talented young pitcher with “closer’s stuff”. Boyer features a heater that pops the mitt in the mid-to-upper 90’s, and a (at times) knee-buckling 12-6 curveball. Boyer was thrust into a key late-inning role after Peter Moylan and Rafael Soriano were lost to injuries, and he responded well to the challenge. Through the end of June, Boyer posted a very solid 3.63 ERA. However, after notching nearly 45 innings by the half-way point of the season, he appeared to “hit a wall”, and struggled throughout the second half.
John Smoltz is a big Blaine Boyer believer. He has raved about Boyer’s potential, and spent most of the winter training with him. And “Smoltzy” isn’t the only one ready to buy stock in the 6′ 3″ right-hander. Everyone within the Braves organization seems to think highly of Boyer. And he was rumored to be one of the pieces the Padres wanted in a potential Jake Peavy trade. With the depth of Atlanta’s bullpen this year, Boyer should benefit from less pressure and a reduced work load.
Manny Acosta is another hard-throwing young righty believed to have closer potential. Through 67 Major League games (2007, 2008), Acosta is owner of an outstanding 3.17 early career ERA. Like Boyer, Acosta features a fastball that rests in the mid 90’s. He struggles at times with his control, but if Manny can continue to develop his command of the strike zone, he could play a play a much larger role for the Braves in the near future. Either way, Acosta has already established himself as a valuable member of the Atlanta ‘pen’.
uga-brave
February 27th, 2009
1:25 am
KC,
get ready for FRANCOEUR to have a great year, i watched his AB’S today if he sticks with the open stance and pushes his hands back, he definetly will stay balanced.
wont put up monster #’s but i think the power will be there, think 24-32 dingers.
uga-brave
February 27th, 2009
1:35 am
braves54,
what is your point?
so the joint income of a family that makes 56k cant afford a $430,000, why should they ever?
what does that have to do with people that choose to drink 24oz. bud’s at the braves game?
KC
February 27th, 2009
1:36 am
uga-brave, well your take on Frenchy mirrors Chipper’s. Chipper said he believes Francoeur will hit cleanup this year. That was GREAT to hear.
As you probably know/remember, after working out with Francoeur and Andruw Jones all winter, he RAVED about Frenchy… not so much about Andruw. But his honesty about AJ made gave all the more credibility to his claims about Francoeur. Chipper’s pretty honest like that though. If you remember, he was critical of Frenchy last spring when he came to camp with a pull-it-over-the-left-field-wall mentality.
Based on Chipper’s comments, and what I saw today, I suspect he’ll have a nice season. Wouldn’t surprise me at all to see him hit 25 homers. That would certainly be just what the doctor ordered for this lineup!
Bravo Nam
February 27th, 2009
1:51 am
DOB
Nice song choice.
DiamondbackMac
February 27th, 2009
1:53 am
Saff
You’re the poster child for retroactive abortion. Where did you go to school? Or, did you go to school?
TnBrian
February 27th, 2009
1:58 am
KC, so you’re sayin there’s a chance? Sorry, Dumb and Dumber line was too tempting.
Saff
February 27th, 2009
2:01 am
If you would like me to write properly DiamondbackMac i sure can, and yes im in college for your information. I have to say people like you are the ones i was refering to and i can promise you that i know a hell of alot more about this team than you buddy!
DiamondbackMac
February 27th, 2009
2:01 am
Good night and God bless you all.
Saff
February 27th, 2009
2:04 am
Im going to assume you diden’t make it to college Diamondbackmac.
KC
February 27th, 2009
2:04 am
TnBrian, sorry man… never seen it.
Hey, want to hear the most annoying sound in the world?
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 27th, 2009
2:04 am
All right, this off the beaten path but I think Frank Wren would be wise to listen.
We know the Braves have to open up a roster spot for Tom Glavine. I think the Braves can kill two birds with one stone. Four of the six of the outfielders on the Braves depth chart hit lefty. Francoeur and Diaz are the only two full time OF’s who are right handed.
The St.Louis Cardinals are already experiencing health problems with their pitchers. We seemingly have depth in this regard (knock on wood).
Brian Barton is an outstanding athlete, plays all three outfield spots, hits righty and is the perfect fourth OF’er. He has options, the Braves could stash him in AAA Gwinnett.
Does a trade of say Jorge Campillo/ Brandon Jones for Brian Barton and a minor leaguer sound about right? It gives the Cardinals a veteran arm in their rotation and the Braves better depth and balance in the outfield. It also opens up the needed roster space for Tom Glavine.
DiamondbackMac
February 27th, 2009
2:08 am
Saff
im in college for your information
Syntax, spelling, and punctuation atrocious but, he’s in college, heaven help us all.
Saff
February 27th, 2009
2:09 am
I have a question for you Diamondbackmac, why the name are you a Diamondback fan? If so why are you taking up space on this blog?
mbatl
February 27th, 2009
2:10 am
tnBrian, that’s a great quote. One in a million? Yeah!
Saff
February 27th, 2009
2:13 am
DiamondbackMac sorry if your an old hack but on this blog i write for fun im not trying to write an english paper you old prick haha just ease up just because your bitter doesn’t mean you have to try and bring people down to your level i bet you can’t stand the way i wrote this run off sentence after run off wow this must be killing you loserrrr
DiamondbackMac
February 27th, 2009
2:17 am
Saff
Im going to assume you diden’t make it to college Diamondbackmac.
Corrections are as follows: apostrophe between I and M; “didn’t” not spelled with an “e”
I made it through two different colleges Saff. I sincerely hope you make it through one. I’ve also learned to use wordpress.
mbatl
February 27th, 2009
2:19 am
Coach, I actually think a trade like that makes a lot of sense, both for roster reasons and adding some RH depth in the OF. I doubt the Cards would do it, but if they would, yeah, a deal like that works. Campillo is a junkballer, and though I’m not in a hurry to get rid of him, B Jones doesn’t seem to have much of a future in Atlanta…
Mike in LA
February 27th, 2009
2:20 am
Does anyone else think this format sucks?
DiamondbackMac
February 27th, 2009
2:21 am
Saff DiamondbackMac is an old Marine Corps nickname. It has nothing to do with team affiliation.
Saff
February 27th, 2009
2:22 am
Here is my opinion on the 2009 Atlanta Braves roster.
Starting Pitching
1) Derek Lowe
2) Jair Jurjens
3) Javier Vazquez
4) Kenshin Kawakami
5) Tommy Glavine
Bullpen (7 pitcher)
Jorge Campillio
Boone Logan
Manny Acosta
Blaine Boyer
Rafeal Soriano
Peter Moylan
Mike Gonzalez
Lineup vs. RH
1)Josh Anderson
2)Yunel Escobar
3)Chipper Jones
4)Brian McCann
5)Garett Anderson
6)Kelly Johnson
7)Jeff Francouer
8)Casey Kotchman
Lineup VS. LH
1)Josh Anderson
2)Yunel Escobar
3)Chipper Jones
4)Brian McCann
5)Jeff Francouer
6)Matt Diaz
7)Kelly Johnson
8)Casey Kotchman
Note: This lineup could easily change for a number of reasons who makes the team if francouer bounces back but this is my opinion.
Chop Chop
February 27th, 2009
2:25 am
Ahhh, Ax Men starts up Monday.
I can’t wait.
DiamondbackMac
February 27th, 2009
2:36 am
<—–Got Dylan Turned Up.
DiamondbackMac
February 27th, 2009
2:45 am
Saff down, none to go.
uga-brave
February 27th, 2009
2:46 am
DOB,
you have to give kj heck about his song choice in sports illustrated.
as a somewhat music critic, you gotta kill him for that choice.
for those that have not read it, kj’s choice is ” your the best.”
David O'Brien
February 27th, 2009
2:58 am
Spend the last four hours passed out on the couch, as if someone had drugged my Cuban food. Went to the gym, went to Havana’s Cafe, then out like a light after eating a load of chicken, black beans and rice, plantains…
Woke on the couch at midnight, too tired to move or take contacts out, and went back to sleep again for 2 more hours. I’m officially in spring-training sleep mode now, it sees. Took a couple of weeks (and about 10 days of breaking-news type of days) before the early morning wakeup calls finally caught up with me.
Now I’m on retirement-home sleep schedule, er spring-training schedule — out early, up early. That’ll change overnight once the reg season starts, then it’ll be up until about 2-3 a.m., sleep till 9 a.m…..
FlaBravesGirl: Yes, Mac’s catching in Bradenton, or at least that’s the plan Cox said yesterday.
DiamondbackMac
February 27th, 2009
3:02 am
One week into spring training and everyone is predicting lineups. From what I’ve been able to determine Bobby Cox sets his lineups according to the opposing starting pitcher. And, it’s not just LH or RH, it’s what kind of stuff he throws and who can hit what he throws.
David O'Brien
February 27th, 2009
3:02 am
uga-brave: I’m the SI Braves correspondent, so it was me who asked Kelly those questions for the SI pop-culture grid, or whatever the hell they call it. I gave him some crap when he picked that song. actually, when he handed me his Ipod after he checked it to find a song.
Most of his tunes on it were good, by the way. probably the best I’ve seen among current Braves. Kelly’s a very cool, easy-going guy. And so nice, impossible not to like. But that tune…
David O'Brien
February 27th, 2009
3:07 am
RandyS, Wilco in the smaller venue will be outstanding. (In any venue, they’re great. Saw them at the Fox Theatre a few years ago, great show). Speaking of the smaller room, they used to have that Cotton Club room in basement at Tabernacle in Atlanta. Real small room, compared to the great former-church space upstairs. It ain’t there anymore, at least not for shows. But I saw My Morning Jacket there, and it was long enough ago that they were OPENING for the Doves. Terrific twinbill, would be reversed these days, though. (Don’t know what happened to the Doves. They were quite good.)
DiamondbackMac
February 27th, 2009
3:09 am
DOB You’re just making it to the second showing on what appears to be a split shift and I’m already late for bed. Thanks for all you do. Good night and God bless.
David O'Brien
February 27th, 2009
3:18 am
Supes, I’ll ask about Freeman and Heyward, but am certain they won’t be going to Gwinnett to start season. That’d be huge jump, considering Freeman hasn’t played above LOW A (he was at Rome all year) and Heyward only spent a few weeks above low-A (he was at Myrtle at end of season, Rome rest of season)
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 27th, 2009
3:25 am
Mbatl, I saw Brian Barton’s career .413 OBP in the minors and did a double take. For any lead off type hitter, that is an impressive number. His .314 BA ain’t shabby either. Like I said before, he has options, is a great fourth outfielder, hits right handed, plays all three OF spots, is an outstanding athlete and he can run too. The Cardinals appear to need pitching and Barton is all but guaranteed to end up in the minors.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 27th, 2009
3:41 am
One or two more points and I gotta make my rounds (freeze my butt off).
The Gwinnett Braves are gonna be kick azz. Hanson, Morton, Reyes, Parr, Lerew and more. I envy those living in Atlanta. Big league and AAA ball, it ain’t fair.
Yes, this blog would be much improved if the tech whizzes would increase the block sizes to 100 posts each.
David O'Brien
February 27th, 2009
4:00 am
Coach, that 100-post-limit per page has been requested, and I think they’re working to make it happen. Hopefully soon.
BA
February 27th, 2009
5:04 am
I was impressed by all three of Hanson’s pitches (and I thought I saw at least one changeup as well). For Anders to classify a kid with three (maybe four) plus MLB pitches as a “thrower” after 2 innings is laughable.
Reyes batting third, however, is not laughable- I don’t like it at all, it’s a very smart, very non-Mets kind of move.
With Hanson, Heyward, Freeman, and that new catcher, we’ve got a good looking frontcourt, for certain.
Special thanks to XM radio, you simple thieves. Guess I’ll hear about Kawakami on the ‘ol MIB-Braves-Page Navigation-DOB Glamour Shot blog. I hope MLB TV doesn’t buy this beauty.
Dean
February 27th, 2009
5:21 am
Oh, to be in Bradenton today. What one wouldn’t give for the feel of McKechnie field on a Spring afternoon with cracking bats in those cozy confines. It seems ages ago when I used to stroll through the crowds to get a glimpse of Bonds riding off on his motorcycle after a game. He was just a lanky kid then – and actually talked to people after the game. I guess times (and physiques) change.
How ’bout a little haiku for though McKechnie? Built in 1923 my friends. And, today, my Sarasota friend will take my place along the right field line as he thinks of yesteryear while today’s boys of summer appear.
blue Spring skies of old
green walls and palmetto fronds
baseball hearkens back
David O'Brien
February 27th, 2009
5:48 am
Run Heap Run/Amanda: No problem on using the banner on the Facebook thing. We’re flattered you made the effort. Thanks.
Danga
February 27th, 2009
6:48 am
“You’re the Best” That isn’t the Karate Kid song is it? The one by Joe Esposito?
moose knuckle
February 27th, 2009
7:19 am
I’m no Dick Clark, but no one would’ve ever heard that song if it wasn’t in the movie.
run heap run
February 27th, 2009
7:20 am
Thanks DOB.
Danga
February 27th, 2009
7:24 am
So true moose knuckle. So true.
“Joe Esposito is a Grammy winning American singer/songwriter.”
Wow.
justdoit
February 27th, 2009
7:25 am
DOB are you hitting those ski slopes with charlie? you have been UP all night.
Gammons talking on Mike and Mike saying he likes the braves alot this year
David O'Brien
February 27th, 2009
7:25 am
Danga: Yep, that’s the one.
Danga
February 27th, 2009
7:29 am
That song may be the cheesiest song ever written. But hey, I love cheese.
35YrBravesFan
February 27th, 2009
7:40 am
Thanks DOB for the infor on Hanson. Some of us had to work and couldn’t get to see him pitch. I guess SS TV is playing the Braves this year, or maybe it was because it was on the dreaded ESPN.
Any way, good to hear how he did, great expectations. As far as Heyward, Freeman, etc al., they need to stay in the minors this year, don’t wanna ruin our future. Even Tommy H. can stand to start in Gwinnett. He’s only a stone’s throw away if something happens, as it did last year.
Is Francoeur’s attitude different as well as his swing? My opinion is that’s half the problem.
GO BRAVES!
moose knuckle
February 27th, 2009
7:47 am
told ya i’m no dick clark
Tara
February 27th, 2009
7:53 am
Hanson, Schafer yes but I really think McCann and Chipper might want to stay in spring training. They dont look real good and need to get ready for the season.
18 Wheels of Love
February 27th, 2009
7:59 am
DOB on the retirement home schedule?
You the new President of Del Boca Vista Phase 3? The writer for the Boca Breeze?
richbrave
February 27th, 2009
8:01 am
Things I liked about yesterday’s game.
1- We win a one-run game.
2- We come from behind to do it.
3- ROSS clubs OSWALT at his best.
4- ROSS throws out a runner.
5- FRANCOUER still has an arm.
6- HANSON looks to have great potential.
7- FREEMAN looks to have great potential.
8- HEYWOOD’s wheels.
9- PARR’s performance although not against the starters.
Things I didn’t like:
1- CAMPILLO’s batting practice session.
2- NORTON’s foul off his ankle.
3- CHIP’s and SCHAFER’s looks at OSWALT strikes, and whiffs when they did swing.
4- PARR’s pitches up in the zone.
Danga
February 27th, 2009
8:05 am
The 1984 Grammy for cheesiest songwriting of the year goes to…Joe Esposito!
It was a tough battle. Wham!’s “Careless Whisper” was in it right to the end, but “You’re the Best Around” just couldn’t be denied with this lyric.
“History repeats itself
Try and you’ll succeed
Never doubt that you’re the one
And you can have your dreams!”
Oldbravesbag
February 27th, 2009
8:08 am
Dave,
Are most of the wives around during spring training? I would be watching as much as I could, but then again…I’m one of those aberrations.
Random
February 27th, 2009
8:32 am
More No-Names
After the Braves scored four runs in the seventh to erase most of a 7-2 deficit, <strongleft-handed slugger hit a tying homer in the eighth against lefty . Freeman, a 19-year-old first baseman, is one of five Braves in Baseball America’s new Top 100 prospects list, including Hanson (No. 4) and outfielder (No. 5). The Braves were the only organization with two in the top 10. … Braves backup catcher ’ two-run homer was the only hit in three innings against Astros starter</strong .
What’s up with that, DOB?
dogsbrekky
February 27th, 2009
8:34 am
DOB – Please do not mention Millwood and Tommy HANSON in the same sentence again (please), SMOLTZ references are okay, he is the best pitching prospect since SMOLTZ (not Avery, not Millwood etc etc)
KARMA IS A WEIRD thing…
Francouer hit a called shot over the RF wall hey, was that a slider at 89mph over the outside corner or a 78 mph fastball down the pike…… exactly, when he starts to look like a hitter against pitchers… we will believe again
Da Mick
February 27th, 2009
9:00 am
This just in — Utilizing his “New Approach” against Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt, Jeff Francouer swings at the first pitch, of his first at-bat, pulling the ball to the third baseman for a quick ground out.
Why all the continuing hyperbole after all that we’ve already had about Francouer, and what he’s gonna do this season, blah, blah, blah — what’s the point of you adding more, Dave? Hasn’t the young man had enough egg on his face already in his young career? If he had any smarts at all, it seems like he would have figured out by now that the best thing to do is just keep quiet, concentrate on workng at whatever it is your doing to improve your hitting problems, and let your results do the talking. I know that approach doesn’t do help journalists much, but it would sure do a lot for credibilty — his and yours.
Thrillhouse44
February 27th, 2009
9:05 am
What a day yesterday was. The Braves win a spring game and my Redskins win the offseason. Now if these teams can just do it when it matters…
WackArnold's
February 27th, 2009
9:06 am
“Francoeur is effing up!”
BO JR.
February 27th, 2009
9:12 am
COACH: saw your trade idea. were talking about a rookie, but we do have surplus. maybe gregor blanco buddy caryle deal would be better. i think blanco will be solid M.L. player. maybe Barton will be a little better. IM STILL NOT SURE ABOUT CAMPILLO. I know he was a older rookie but, he was lights out a lot. unless some one gets hurt Bobbys gonna have some tough decisions. we would have lost 105 last year w/o Campillo.
toga party
February 27th, 2009
9:18 am
Francouer hit a called shot over the RF wall hey, was that a slider at 89mph over the outside corner or a 78 mph fastball down the pike…… exactly, when he starts to look like a hitter against pitchers… we will believe again – dogsbrekky
My sentiments exactly. Trying to pull the first pitch he sees in every at bat during spring training games does not inspire confidence in his ability to change his approach. I’m rooting for a turn-around as much as anybody, but so far, the only evidence of it comes from Chipper’s comments, not Jeff’s at-bats. I’d love to see some signs of change soon.
Fred
February 27th, 2009
9:34 am
Thrillhouse44, The Redskins won the off-season? Obviously the Haynesworth signing is good, but d-hall, for that amount of money? Having seen him play in Atlanta, I’m glad he was shown the door last off-season. It didn’t quite work out for him in Oakland, either.
Lew
February 27th, 2009
9:39 am
DBackMac-Saff’s just been reading too much Cormac McCarthy and thinks he’s being edgy. McCarthy is a good author and writes some gripping stories, but the lack of punctuation makes for tedious reading. I wonder if he does it because it’s edgy or if he never was taught how to use the punctuation correctly.
Kind of like Abstract and conceptual artists putting down realistic painters. Most realists can do the abstraction, but the reverse is certainly not true-they do what they do because they can’t do anything else.
Now Braves-I’m not thrilled with Frenchy’s first two games, but give the guy a chance. It’s two days into Spring Training and it’s the first he’s hit live pitching since September. Y’all are some of the most ridiculously impatient people I’ve ever encountered.
Thrillhouse44
February 27th, 2009
9:43 am
If you want some Wack Arnolds you gotta go through me, you cut off, bi!
getnathan
February 27th, 2009
9:45 am
People…it’s only been two games…relax!!!!!
Braves will be fine in my opinion. Hanson will only get better (and I don’t like the Millwood references because Millwood tips his pitches and he doesn’t play for the Braves anymore).
Heyward, Schafer, Freeman, we got a bright future. They’re good and it looks like they’re only going to get better. Wren will have to resist trading them for a high priced veteran outfielder or pitcher.
Thrillhouse44
February 27th, 2009
9:48 am
Fred, I didn’t say the money was well-spent. I’m very skeptical of the D.Hall signing. I think he played well for the Skins last year because he was playing for a contract. I don’t think the same thing will happen this year. I read the constant articles here on AJC about his training camp fights. I live in Hokie Nation, where many people love him, but I’m definitely skeptical of this signing. When he was with Oakland, I saw him get burnt worse than Cheech. And I think 7 years for a 27 year old D-Lineman is extreme. I was just saying that Dan Snyder reverted back to his form of buying the biggest names out there. As soon as I get $2 billion, I’m firing the Skins owner.
toga party
February 27th, 2009
9:56 am
Lew, it’s the entirety of last season + two games of spring training that has me concerned about Jeff’s approach. Not two games of spring training. Did you see anything yesterday that led you to believe he has actually changed his approach to hitting? Because I saw nothing that led me to be optimistic about his chances of turning it around. I hope I’m wrong, and I’m not going to start calling for him to be released / traded / sent down or any of that nonsense. I really hope he works it out over the next 5 weeks.
Making an observation that Jeff is still attempting to pull pitches very early in the count is not being impatient. It just means some of us aren’t drinking the Francoeur cool-aid quite yet.
Kind of ironic that you use the phrase “ridiculously impatient” about bloggers who think that Francoeur is ridiculously impatient in his hitting approach.
McFann :Ô:
February 27th, 2009
9:57 am
Coach Tommy Hanson gave it right back. I like his moxy. The kid defended his teammate irregardless of the circumstance.
Yeah…we shoulda call him up for a quick second last year to pitch to the Reaper…
eltrompoBRAVES Fan
February 27th, 2009
10:00 am
I can’t believe I didn’t hear about Freeman until this week! I like the guy’s stuff though!
McFann :Ô:
February 27th, 2009
10:03 am
DOB Yes, Mac’s catching in Bradenton, or at least that’s the plan Cox said yesterday.
Oh, that figures. Can’t play in the televised game, oh no. Hmm…at least you’ll get to see him, flbravesgirl.