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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
895 comments Add your comment
braves4ever
February 28th, 2009
9:49 am
Run Heap Run , The new FaceBook page looks interesting, I have never had a page on there, my Kids have used it 3-4 years. I just don’t see myself having the time to do a page and update it dailey ,as it seems to be a must for my teenagers.whew my days keep getting filled (I have 2 that play baseball,and I coach too) to the brim. But then I find myself on the blog ,working, on-phone,bloging ,etc for hours, go figure. Anyway looks good keep the denzies hooked maybe I will find time to post.
I too would like know about Chiper’s contract, should be close.
David, did Esco say anything to Hanson in the way of thanks for being there the other day?
Random
February 28th, 2009
9:56 am
Found this absolutely hilarious comment on Chop Chick’s blog right after Junior decided to take his balls and go “home”:
By Palin
February 19, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this
Now I can see Griffey from my front yard.
Now THAT’s “Laugh Out Loud”!!!
Also, santa3247 is alive and ill with the Chop Chick – he’s apparently been wintering there all off-season.
Southern Bones
February 28th, 2009
9:56 am
what is pagination and how does it work? thx
YoungBuck
February 28th, 2009
9:56 am
DOB Do you (or anyone) know if there has there been a radio schedule release for the spring games?
Run Heap Run
February 28th, 2009
9:58 am
Yeah my daughter scoffs at “old people” using facebook but it seems like most everyone I knew in high school and college uses it and after about 6 people emailed me inviting me to use it I finally broke down and checked it out. You don’t really have to update it daily, I don’t, and having an app on my phone that goes straight into it without having to log in is something that I use when I’ve got time to kill while waiting for an appointment, or a class to start, or a baseball game to start, etc.
TEC
February 28th, 2009
10:00 am
Is there a TV schedule anywhere. I live in Texas and have to work hard to see the team
Run Heap Run
February 28th, 2009
10:01 am
YoungBuck – here you go..
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2009/02/10/atlanta_braves_spring_schedule.html
Random
February 28th, 2009
10:02 am
Taylor (9:36 am): ”I know there was a DH against the Pirates yesterday, but what is the scouting report on Kawakami at the plate? Did he hit any during his years in Japan? If so, what kind of hitter are we looking at, a Mike Hampton or otherwise?”
Otherwise, I’m afraid — 川上 is no Mike Hampton.
Here is 川上’s Player Page on http://www.japanesebaseball.com.
378 Pas, 342 Abs, 55 Hs, 5 HRs,18 RBIs, 28 SacBunts, 0 SacFlies, 8 GIDPs, 139 Ks, 8 BBs, 0 SBs, .161/.180/.231
PS: I posted some BP analysis of 川上 back on page 2.
braves4ever
February 28th, 2009
10:06 am
YoungBuck this link should take you to the schedule
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/schedule/broadcast.jsp?c_id=atl
nashbrave
February 28th, 2009
10:11 am
What is the link to Obrien’s facebook page? Thanks
braves4ever
February 28th, 2009
10:12 am
Sometimes this Page-of-a-Braves-Nation doesn’t load up fully?
Doc Holiday
February 28th, 2009
10:13 am
“Unless you’re talking about Rickey Henderson or Pete Rose, I don’t think it really matters who you use in the leadoff spot,” Cox said.
That explains a lot of our past failures to win some more rings…….airhead
Southern Bones
February 28th, 2009
10:17 am
Yeah a leadoff hitter only leads off one time a game. The cleanup hitter leads off alot when the 1st inning goes 1-2-3
BravesAc
February 28th, 2009
10:34 am
DOB
Saw something about Neko Case on NPR and due to this blog I gave it a look. Good stuff. They had a taste of Bishop Allen’s Grrr and something from Small Sins new cd as well )mood Swings) and for a guy who hadn’t bought anything since Van Morrison I was so impressed Ibought the 3 cds )preordered the BA – it comes out in Mar). Even the wife, and we’re both on the wrong side of 50, though she looks a damn sight better than me -loved the music. So thanks to the blog.
And what a boost it would be if Hanson and our first Japenese import worked out well this summer. If Glavine can turn back the clock and add to the turnaround, 90 wins sure would seem attainable…especially if the Braves are in contention at the trade deadline and they can pick up a good bat dueto the economic dump of some team.
John Adcox
February 28th, 2009
10:37 am
What’s the name f the Facebook group? I couldn’t find it, alas. Thanks for setting it up!
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
10:39 am
Those of you who’ve asked about the TV and radio schedules, all that stuff and a whole lot more is in the spring training guide that our people put together. It’s on the website on the Braves page.
Here’s the Braves schedule from that guide:
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2009/02/10/atlanta_braves_spring_schedule.html
braves4ever
February 28th, 2009
10:40 am
John Adcox, Run Heap Run set it up and its growing this is the page
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53472692450&ref=share
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
10:42 am
Here at Dunedin, at a ballpark that’s as old and small as Kissimmee (Astros), plucked right in the middle of a residential neighborhood. So small, you pay $10 to park even if you’re a media member.
Must get crazy over here when Yankees and the A-Rod circus are in town….
brent a.
February 28th, 2009
10:44 am
Got to attend this one yesterday. Nice atmosphere at the Pirates’ spring home in Bradenton.
Kawakami was effective. Hard to tell if he was brilliant, or not. Only one pitch that jumped right out as looking “different”, a breaking pitch that broke over the batter’s head.
Aside from that, I only remember one, really hard hit ball in two innings, the lead-off hitter shooting one to Freeman at first base.
Speaking of Freeman, the guy does not really look like an athlete. He’s a big, lumbering dude; but, he looked solid at first base. Fielding a couple of sharply hit balls.
Speaking of first base, got a good glimpse of today of why Martin Prado is not a first baseman. In the inning that Kris Medlen was pitching, Prado had to come off the bag for a high throw, which allowed the inning to extend. Medlen then walked another (his 2nd walk of the inning), to load the bases before finally retiring the side.
If Freeman had been at 1B, then he catches that ball without coming off the bag, and the inning was over.
Jason Heyward is a site to behold. It was fun watching him and Schafer go into the cage and hit bombs back 2 back. And the single Heyward hit in the 1st inning, was crushed, as well. The kid is scary.
Aside from that, the 2nd catcher, Codina (sp.), he definitely has some pop in his bat. Hit a couple of shots during BP, and the base hit he got in the game was also a hard hit ball. Not sure what his major offensive weaknesses are, but he can definitely hit fastballs.
Diaz, of course, is thinner, but he was unproductive offensively.
And, Francoeur, I certainly wish there was something I could say, but I can’t. He did draw a 5 pitch walk, which was different compared to his approach in 2005. Also, he came up once with the bases loaded, and actually hit one ball quite hard, but foul down the 3B line.
Then, he proceeded to ground out.
Fun time. Most of the Braves looked good. Chipper hit a bomb.
Oh, and Greg Norton, so glad to have him back. It’s rare it seems, for the Braves to keep a “good” pinch-hitter for a second year, but we’ve got Norton, and he can hit.
flbravesgirl
February 28th, 2009
10:50 am
Huh? My pics are on Facebook? Not sure how they got there or even where “there” is.
John Adcox
February 28th, 2009
10:52 am
braves4ever, thanks. I am al signed up.
Anthony
February 28th, 2009
10:52 am
DOB, how long do you think Glavine will be in the rotation this year (assuming no injuries), if Hanson is as good as people think he is going to be, the Braves can only keep him in the minors for so long.
DiamondbackMac
February 28th, 2009
10:52 am
DOB
If you saw this earlier on page 16 please forgive the repost.
Several years ago while working in Yankeetown, FL I had the good fortune to find what became one of my top five restaurants. It’s the “Compleat Angler Restaurant” located in Yankeetown inside the Izaac Walton Lodge. (1 63rd St. Yankeetown, FL, Ph (352) 447-2311) It’s on the bank of the Withlacoochee river just off Hwy 40 W. If you should ever get a chance to get over there I guarantee you won’t be disappointed in the food, service, or view of the river. You might even want to stop at “Our Pub” on Hwy. 40 W. I just wish I didn’t live 350 miles away and could get down there more often. Call ahead for reservations. Many of people driver up from Tampa to eat there which make weekend reservations difficult at times.
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
10:55 am
NewCars: Definitely seem to have a lot more pitching depth, and quality depth, than in a long time. I can’t see Heyward in majors this season, barring a rash of injuries and an unbelievable season by him. I mean, the kid’s 19 and has played two weeks above low-A (and none above high-A).
Schafer, i think we’ll see by early summer. But just speculation….
Cunning Stunt: Honestly, I’d have to say better than expected. But it was just two innings, so tough to draw any conclusions, other than, he’s certainly a good pitcher. How good, we’ll see. But that curveball is outstanding, and he throws a little harder than I thought. And locates well and uses both sides of the plate, even this early….
Taylor, haven’t seen him hit yet, but I’m told he was an outstanding hitter in Japan. Don’t know if he has Mike Hampton-type power at the plate (doubtful), but those who’ve seen him say he can hit….
patrocket
February 28th, 2009
10:56 am
Dave, are they high on Medlen as a starter or reliever? Is he going to start or relieve at Gwinett?
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
10:57 am
NewCars: Just noticed it was Freeman you asked about, not Schafer. My bad. Freeman hasn’t played above low-A (Rome). he’s 19. Braves have a good first baseman. Can’t see Freeman here this season.
cricket
February 28th, 2009
11:06 am
Run Heap Run,
Sorry, I must’ve missed it. What is the facebook group you set up?
chixluvthebraves2
February 28th, 2009
11:07 am
Good morning everyone,
DOB, random question. Pretending we are not an injury jinxed team and all 5 of our starters stay healthy and pitch well through August. Then, Tim Hudson comes back. Who gets the boot???
bravesfan
February 28th, 2009
11:13 am
Yeah-What about Medlen?I heard he as some good stuff! Possibly one to look out for in the future? I enjoyed watching him and Redmond pitch yest.
Danga
February 28th, 2009
11:15 am
Lew…Just looking at some of your drawings there on the facebook page. That is some nice work.
Danga
February 28th, 2009
11:16 am
Lets see if this works. Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53472692450
cricket
February 28th, 2009
11:19 am
Thanks, Danga.
new cars
February 28th, 2009
11:38 am
DOB, Meant Myrtle Beach, not major league…Sorry thought you had the decoder ring on…Just wondered if you thought if they would jump to Mississipi at some point
jcfromut
February 28th, 2009
11:39 am
DOB: Sorry if this has been asked and I missed it (whichI am sure it was), but who was moved from the 40 man with the Glavine and Anderson signings?
Danga
February 28th, 2009
11:44 am
jcfromut…According to DOB, the Hudson the the 60 day dl move cleared room for G. Anderson. Glavine’s contract has not been officially filed yet (waiting since he doesn’t report till later), so they have not made that move yet.
jcfromut
February 28th, 2009
11:47 am
Danga: Thank you for the info.
mustrdgasnroses
February 28th, 2009
11:49 am
jcformut:
They placed Hudson on the 60 day DL for the Anderson signing, and they haven’t officially filed the Glavine signing yet.
richbrave
February 28th, 2009
11:57 am
Almost no love for KAWAKAMI and the BRAVES on sports shows this morning. And of course the paper’s banned coverage on the BRAVES as you might imagine. But I’m not at all surprised by Mr. K’s performance. These JAPANESE guys are SERIOUS about their baseball, and though approaching old by AMERICAN standards, KAWAKAMI’s in his prime measured by JAPANESE chronology. So I’m curious to see how things are for KEN K the third time through the NL EAST. Will they have figured out his “JUNK” by then as they have with CAMPILLO, or will he adapt and overcome? And his pitches are of excellent quality, but he doesn’t have a high-velocity fastball. That’s the only reason I use the term “junk.” Like in GREG MADDUX “junk.”
18 Wheels of Love
February 28th, 2009
11:58 am
DOB on Facebook? Oh my! Now you can keep up with all those long lost high school acquaintances and see all of their kids and just how fat they all have become since the last time you saw them. Awesome!
GAPeach
February 28th, 2009
12:03 pm
DOB- I really enjoyed the daily pics. Can you bring them back?
richbrave
February 28th, 2009
12:06 pm
DUNEDIN:
Have a good friend and former work associate retired and living in DUNEDIN. Lovely neighborhood.
Doc Holiday
February 28th, 2009
12:29 pm
Johan Santana behind schedule with soreness in his pitching elbow. He had a knee operation last fall. They say it is not bad. I just take a deep breath when one of the Braves pitchers have a flu. Wonder how are the mut fans feeling as they are taking kind of a scare there.
Random
February 28th, 2009
12:30 pm
YOUR VIEW
Which Brave are you most excited to see this spring?
My long-term objective is to push Javier Vazquez into double digits. Currently he has pulled in all of 80 votes.
Out of 5,056.
My short-term objective is to vote for Javier Vazquez in half an hour.
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
12:30 pm
18 Wheels: To be clear, I had nothing to do with setting up a Facebook site. Nothing. Didn’t even know about it until after folks here mentioned.
Not being critical or anthing, not at all. Just saying, it’s not something I was a part of setting up.
TnBrian
February 28th, 2009
12:32 pm
Is the game today on ESPN?
Doc Holiday
February 28th, 2009
12:35 pm
Got to wonder, if JF finishes ST hitting below .200, would Cox hit him above the 8th slot anyways?
N Nine (eta35)
February 28th, 2009
12:39 pm
Frenchy did have that epic 5 pitch walk with no swings! strike up the Frenchy-delta commercials again….
Doc Holiday
February 28th, 2009
12:39 pm
Enter your comments here
KC
February 28th, 2009
12:43 pm
I’m optimistic about the ‘09 season, but I hope we don’t do TOO well.
If the Braves win too many games, the federal government is likely to require that we give 4 players from our 40-man roster to losing teams.
KC
February 28th, 2009
12:47 pm
TnBrian, nope. We were lucky to get see the game on Thursday because that was the one and only spring training game ESPN will televise this spring. They’ll be televising the #$%^&* Wold Baseball Classic instead.
DOB and someone else posted the TV/Radio schedule above. Radio coverage starts next Friday, but it’ll be a little while before we see another game.
N Nine (eta35)
February 28th, 2009
12:50 pm
Santana could miss some time this year. He has a sore elbow.
BravoMan
February 28th, 2009
12:52 pm
Hey I’m at work lol. Where is a good place to get some play by play. Gameday off the Braves site maybe?
Danga
February 28th, 2009
12:52 pm
“We were lucky to get see the game on Thursday because that was the one and only spring training game ESPN will televise.”
Our luck is DOB’s misery. Only reason the Braves ended up on ESPN is because they play at Disney and ESPN was basically running a big advertisement for ESPN the weekend down there at Dark Star.
KC
February 28th, 2009
12:54 pm
N Nine (eta35), yup. As I’ve said before… after what happened to the Braves last year, I will have ZERO sympathy. Actually, I think the baseball gods owe it to us to give the Phillies and Mets a little taste of what we endured last year. I don’t mean losing… those franchises still remember that pretty well, I’m sure. I mean the injuries. Their turn.
18 Wheels of Love
February 28th, 2009
12:58 pm
Oh I know DOB, I remember you claiming way back when that you weren’t on Facebook (and rightly so IMO). I went on there for the first time 2 weeks ago and it freaked me out – I immediately deleted my account. That is just too much info out there…plus if I wanted to see everyone I went to high school with, I would move home or go to class reunions.
BravoMan
February 28th, 2009
12:58 pm
Time to see Wren’s 60 mil at work lol. I’m pumped for Lowe he should do well.
will
February 28th, 2009
1:01 pm
brent,
were you able to get any autgraphs?
yeah, im here
February 28th, 2009
1:06 pm
is any one doing play by play today?
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
1:11 pm
Our 1st 2 hitters struck out
Yunel hitting, I assume nos 3, crushes one to CF for a single
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
1:11 pm
Kotchman hits hard to 1st base, fielded outskyyyyyyyyyyy
Random
February 28th, 2009
1:12 pm
Denizens seem to be catching on to the 50 comment limit per page.
The first 10 comments on the previous page were posted at 9:49, 9:56, 9:56, 9:56, 9:58, 10:00, 10:01, 10:02, 10:06 & 10:11. Elapsed time: 22 minutes.
The last 10 qualifying comments on the previous page were posted at 11:58, 12:03, 12:06, 12: 29, 12:32, 12:35, 12:39, 12:39, 12:43 & 12:47. Elapsed time: 49 minutes.
And now, the first 8 comments on the previous page have been posted at 12:50, 12:52, 12:52, 12:54, 12:58, 12:58, 1:01 & 1:06. Elapsed time: 16 minutes.
Seems like everybody’s waiting for a new page to (un)load.
Except KC and <strong<DOB. Them two may never catch on.
Random
February 28th, 2009
1:13 pm
DOB (10:55 am): “Taylor, haven’t seen [Kawakami] hit yet, but I’m told he was an outstanding hitter in Japan. Don’t know if he has Mike Hampton-type power at the plate (doubtful), but those who’ve seen him say he can hit….”
Geez, I sure hope they’re not the same ones sayin he can pitch.
In 7 years (162 games, 378 PAs, 342 ABs), 川上 has achieved an AVG/OBP/SLG slashline of .161/.180/.231. For his career, Hampton boasts .241/.291/.352.
“outstanding hitter”, indeed.
川上 did have 28 sac bunts and only 8 GIDPs, but also only 8 BBs and 139 Ks. 5 HRs and 18 RBIs.
richbrave (11:57 am): I’m curious to see how things are for KEN K the third time through the NL EAST. Will they have figured out his “JUNK” by then as they have with CAMPILLO, or will he adapt and overcome?
Yeah, well I’ll be happy if he can make it thru the opposing teams’ line-up three times.
Him and Vazquez.
The jury’s still out on them both.
TnBrian
February 28th, 2009
1:14 pm
KC, thanks! That’s cool because that gives us, or at least me, more to look forward to when the season starts. I would like to see Lowe pitch today, but I know where I’ll be opening day…right here with a cold beer and pure silence, except for the TV blasting!
that's what I heard...........
February 28th, 2009
1:15 pm
DOB, who are you paying to post your comments all morning, (after midnight)? You need to seek medical attention (if it’s you).
Mike
February 28th, 2009
1:16 pm
Hill base hit to center field
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
1:17 pm
Millar base hit between 3rd and SS, 1st and 2nd Blue Jays, zero outs
KC
February 28th, 2009
1:17 pm
Random, I’m not that smart. =)
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
1:18 pm
sorry 2 outs
Steve McP
February 28th, 2009
1:18 pm
There are 2 on and 2 out for the jays
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
1:18 pm
KKKK
Mike
February 28th, 2009
1:18 pm
SO
Steve McP
February 28th, 2009
1:18 pm
Strike out ends the inning
Mike
February 28th, 2009
1:21 pm
Diaz grounds out
Oromus
February 28th, 2009
1:21 pm
Is this on the radio at all?
KC
February 28th, 2009
1:22 pm
TnBrian, if you live in ATL, you needn’t be at home watching the game. Last year, myself and some other people from the blog had an opening day viewing party at a local sports bar… and are planning to make that an annual thing. We had about a dozen folks last year. Probably be a few more this year.
If you live in ATL, and are interested, email me at kccjr1@gmail.com
Mike
February 28th, 2009
1:22 pm
B Jones out 2 outs
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
1:22 pm
B Jones gorunds out, 2 down
propp
February 28th, 2009
1:23 pm
so no more John Smoltz driving a mower for home depot commercials this year between innings
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
1:23 pm
1st pitch strike then sinker for ball to ROSS (C)
Fastball high 2-1
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
1:24 pm
Ross safe hit to CF on ground
Mike
February 28th, 2009
1:24 pm
base hit Ross
Lew
February 28th, 2009
1:24 pm
Random-I’m sure you know that Vasquez started out in the NL and was actually pretty successful. I think coming to a more pitcher oriented park from that hitter’s paradise in Chicago and no DH, will help him to be more successful back here than he was last year in the AL. We’ll see.
Dude, you haven’t contacted me about your Wurlitzer and you asked to let you know when I needed the Hank Aaron commentary. Now’s the time. I finished the portrait last night. Anyone else wanting to contribute commentary to The Hammer email me at Lewhartman@comcast.net Sorry to keep posting this but with the new format, continuity sucks.
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
1:24 pm
On radio thru mlb.tv…….. FAN radio
yeah, im here
February 28th, 2009
1:24 pm
are you watching the game dogsbrekky?
Andy K.
February 28th, 2009
1:25 pm
I think we’re in for a back-up catching treat having Ross for these next two years…
Trbodawg
February 28th, 2009
1:25 pm
Anyone else having trouble with the MLB.com feed?
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
1:25 pm
Prado up 1 and 3
KC
February 28th, 2009
1:26 pm
BTW, the opening day view party will probably be at Frankie’s on the Prado (North ATL – on 285)… and it’s an open invitation. Just email me at the email address from my previous post.
Mike
February 28th, 2009
1:26 pm
Prado grounds out 3 outs
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
1:26 pm
NEW BLOG IS UP
Lew
February 28th, 2009
1:28 pm
Interesting quote in the new Chop Talk (before the acquisition of Garrett Anderson). “We’ve talked about getting another “big bat” in the lineup and that would be great, but if not, we have a lot of speed. There are plenty of ways to skin a cat.” Who is this person and what did they do to Bobby Cox? Might we see some stolen bases and some small ball after all?
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
1:28 pm
trbdawg – refresh it a few time, I had a lot of problems
2nd base fields, inning over
Pat
February 28th, 2009
1:31 pm
Jays up 1-0
Pat
February 28th, 2009
1:33 pm
Lowe has been getting alot of ground balls just getting through the holes
Wayne in Utah
February 28th, 2009
2:00 pm
Can’t find the new blog…