Braves’ Lowe debuts in Dunedin
Dunedin, Fla. –- We’re here in Dunedin for the debut of Derek Lowe, and the crowd brings to mind a recent description that Tampa Bay reliever Joe Nelson had for the Rays’ new spring home of Port Charlotte, Fla.: looks like a casting call for Cocoon III.
Alright, alright it was just a joke, and not even mine. I just stole and relocated it. We don’t need missives from Dunedin residents.
Anyway, Lowe is scheduled to go two innings today, like all Braves starters in their first outing of the spring. His Jays counterpart is none other than Roy Halladay, continuing the first-week trend of aces for the Braves.
They faced Detroi’s Justin Verlander in their Wednesday opener, then Houston’s Roy Oswalt, Pittsburgh’s Tom Gorzelanny, and now Halladay, who might just be as good as any pitcher in the game.
We get a lot of debate on the old blog and elsewhere about Lowe and whether he’s an “ace” or a true No. 1. My answer is that, while he’s not going to absolutely dominate as many games as a Jake Peavy or (when healthy) A.J. Burnett, the sinkerballer Lowe is capable of going pitch-for-pitch with them or any No. 1 on any given night.
And some might suggest it’s a good bet that Lowe will average more starts, innings and perhaps even wins over the next few years than Peavy or Burnett. We’ll see.
Anyway, the Braves paid a lot for him — $60 mill for four years, much higher than other offers he received – but they did so because they felt they had to get a legit top-of-the-rotation starter after falling short with Burnett (not to mention the Peavy epic), and he was definitely the best still on the market.
As Bobby Cox has pointed out, the Braves were able to add three starters this winter (Lowe, Javier Vazquez, Kenshin Kawakami) without trading any of their top young pitching prospects, and losing only man-mountain catcher Tyler Flowers among their big-time prospects at any position).
I was just on the field talking to Terry Pendleton about Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman, the two 19-year-old sluggers who’ve created a buzz in camp with their talent, advanced skills, and maturity at young ages.
As Heyward, Freeman and SS Brandon Hicks was hitting bombs during a round of batting practice a few feet away from us, Pendleton remarked that from what he’s seen of all the young talent in the organization, the Braves’ future is bright.
Jordan Schafer is knocking at the door. Pitcher Kris Medlen showed his live arm yesterday against Pittsburgh, a day after uber-prospect Tommy Hanson made his debut and showed off both his talent and aggressiveness.
When Hanson hit the second batter he faced, shortstop Miguel Tejada, right after Oswalt hit the Braves’ shortstop Yunel Escobar, he impressed a whole lot of folks in his dugout.
Hanson is 6 feet 6, but at that moment he might have been 10 feet tall in the view of some who loved seeing a 22-year-old show that kind of moxy, even if the official explanation was the pitch just got away.
Anyway, all the young talent in the organization portending a bright Braves future was part of what agent Scott Boras used to sell Lowe on the Braves. Of course, if not for that big offer that Frank Wren made, it might not have mattered in the end.
But to get him to Atlanta to listen to their pitch, the Boras sell was key — about their young talent and good infield and fair pitchers’ park and, of course, the presence of Bobby Cox, whom Lowe has known for years.
Anyway, game’s starting now, so I’m gonna get this posted and we’ll fill you in on some other stuff in a while. The bare-bones notes:
– Tom Glavine is expected to report middle of next week.
– Most WBC guys will be leaving Sunday to report to their WBC teams, including Chipper and Brian McCann to the U.S. camp in Clearwater, Gregor Blanco (Venezuela) and Jorge Campillo (Mexico). Vazquez will report to Puerto Rico’s camp Monday.
– OF Garrett Anderson is expected to play sometime next week.
– The Braves will have a three-inning simulated game Monday for Vazquez and Jair Jurrjens to get their innings on regular schedule, since Monday’s an off day. Braves hitters will face them, and minor leaguers will do the fielding.
“IN SPITE OF ME” by Mark Sandman (Morphine)
Last night I told a stranger all about you
they smiled patiently with disbelief
I always knew you would succeed
no matter what you tried
and I know you did it all
in spite of me
Still I’m proud to have known you
for the short time that I did
Proud to have been a step up on your way
Proud to be a part of your illustrious career
and I know you did it all
in spite of me
In spite of me
Late last night I saw you in my living room
You seemed so close but yet so cool
For a long time I thought that you’d be coming back to me
Those kind of thoughts can be so cruel
So cruel
And I know you did it all
in spite of me
In spite of me
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
552 comments Add your comment
Mike
February 28th, 2009
1:28 pm
basehit right field Bautista
BuzzMEAT
February 28th, 2009
1:29 pm
is there any gameday on mlb.com because i cannot get the audio to work, with out a subscription
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
1:30 pm
snider singles……..
Mike
February 28th, 2009
1:30 pm
Snider gets single, runners on 1st & 2nd
Mike
February 28th, 2009
1:30 pm
Bautista scores, Snider to 2nd
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
1:31 pm
Lowe gave up a couple singles through the infield in the first inning, but two of these three singles to start the second inning have been sharp hits, nothing seeing-eye about them.
No. 8 hitter Jason Lane’s RBI hit just drove in first run.
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
1:31 pm
safe hit to LF , scores from 2nd
0-1 Braves
Steve McP
February 28th, 2009
1:33 pm
DOB – why the delay in getting G Anderson in the line up?
Jim
February 28th, 2009
1:33 pm
What’s the lineup today?
Neon Deion
February 28th, 2009
1:35 pm
Where McCarver at?
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
1:35 pm
Atlanta AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Schafer, CF 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .125
Johnson, 2B 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .167
Escobar, SS 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .500
Kotchman, 1B 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .200
Diaz, DH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .143
Jones, B, LF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .250
Ross, C 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .667
Prado, 3B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Blanco, G, RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .333
Totals 7 0 2
Josh B
February 28th, 2009
1:35 pm
Schafer CF,Kelly 2B , Escobar SS, Kotch 1B, Diaz DH, Brandon Jones LF, Ross C, Prado 3B, Blanco RF
Epinephrine
February 28th, 2009
1:36 pm
Is Lowe out of options??????????????
Mike
February 28th, 2009
1:36 pm
Schafer, CF
Johnson, 2B
Escobar, SS
Kotchman, 1B
Diaz, DH
Jones, B,
Ross, C
Prado, 3B
Blanco, G, RF
Pat
February 28th, 2009
1:36 pm
Lowe has been getting alot of ground balls so its a good sign they are just getting through the holes
Tim McCarver
February 28th, 2009
1:36 pm
While I am a douchebag simpleton, you’re a real man Deion, a real man.
Mike
February 28th, 2009
1:36 pm
Lowe is out of options
Pat
February 28th, 2009
1:37 pm
Lowe k’s last 2 guys to end the inning
Epinephrine
February 28th, 2009
1:37 pm
I was kidding
N Nine (eta35)
February 28th, 2009
1:37 pm
Ya KC. I hope the baseball GODS gives us a favorable chance. Its hard to repeat the struggles with injuries and close games(mlb record). I feel optimistic. But, wow, wouldn’t Santana be big if that sore elbow turns out a bigger issue? Muts pitching would not recover.. Maybe the REAPER gets hurt or hurts someone this year (wishful thinking)
DWW
February 28th, 2009
1:39 pm
I dont know if lowe is an ace or not, but he is one guy I always hated facing when we played against him. I’m thrilled to have him.
Chopdawg
February 28th, 2009
1:39 pm
Can’t find the game on my XM Radio! Thought XM carried ALL MLB games, #$#^&#!
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
1:39 pm
Lowe finished off that inning nicely, getting a popup to the catcher and two strikeouts, one looking (Marco Scutaro) and one swinging (Aaron Hill)
Mike
February 28th, 2009
1:40 pm
Blanoc walks
Josh B
February 28th, 2009
1:40 pm
Schafer Homers!
Steve from OH
February 28th, 2009
1:40 pm
I think you can get the game on mlb.com…that’s where I’m listening to it.
DiamondbackMac
February 28th, 2009
1:42 pm
Enter your comments here
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
1:42 pm
Lowe threw 24 strikes in 35 pitches, gave up a run and five hits with three strikeouts
Mark
February 28th, 2009
1:42 pm
My mlb.com feed must be behind…Haven’t heard the HR by Schaefer yet…
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
1:42 pm
Josh mine must be delayed cause Schafer is still hitting
scott
February 28th, 2009
1:43 pm
I met Mark Sandman and the other Morphine guys at a show at the Point years ago. It was amazing the sound that those guys could get out of a two-string bass, sax, and drums. Nice guys too. They let us hang out in the green room and drink their beer…all of it. They said they didn’t drink. Too bad about his early demise…a very talented songwriter.
Mike
February 28th, 2009
1:43 pm
Schafer walked
Mark
February 28th, 2009
1:44 pm
Schafer walked…No HR…
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
1:44 pm
BB to Schafer 1st and 2nd…. 0 out
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
1:44 pm
Blanco walked to start third inning, Schafer up now … and he walks, too
BRAVES LINEUP: 1. Schafer, CF; 2. K.J., 2B; 3. Escobar, SS; 4. Kotchman, 1B; 5. Diaz, DH; 6. B. Jones, LF; 7. David Ross, C; 8. Prado, 3B; 9. Blanco, RF.
Mike
February 28th, 2009
1:44 pm
BJ 14 pitches, 5 strikes
Josh B
February 28th, 2009
1:45 pm
Sorry guys I was channelling my inner Terrence Moore
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
1:45 pm
BJ Ryan throwing 80% balls
KJ at 3-1
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
1:46 pm
Way to work a walk after that big empty swing on first pitch, Jordan. Mature approach.
Attaboy, KJ.
Mike
February 28th, 2009
1:46 pm
Kelly base hit, 2 RBI
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
1:46 pm
KJ safe hit…. scoring Blanco and a speedy Schafer
Mark
February 28th, 2009
1:46 pm
2 run double for KJ…
Christy
February 28th, 2009
1:46 pm
KJ doubled – Blanco and Schafer came in.
Mike
February 28th, 2009
1:46 pm
Braves 2-1
Chopdawg
February 28th, 2009
1:46 pm
What was the most-used lineup in Richmond last year, anybody got any idea?
KC
February 28th, 2009
1:46 pm
Blanco homers!!!
Just kidding.
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
1:47 pm
Kelly J. still hitting the lefties, two-run double to left off B.J. Ryan (not a bad lefty at that)
Scott, that’s a helluva story. What a great band they were, but Sandman obviously integral.
Mike
February 28th, 2009
1:47 pm
Yunel walked
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
1:49 pm
Nice to see the sometimes-too-patient KJ is the guy with the base knock in this cascade of BB’s.
propp
February 28th, 2009
1:49 pm
braves seem to be taking alot more walks so far than i remember last year
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
1:50 pm
Kotchman just crushed a pitch foul, but not foul by much. Then grounded into a double play on next pitch.
Runner at third, Diaz up
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
1:51 pm
Kotchman 2-2 crushes one foul then GIDP… 2 out
Mike
February 28th, 2009
1:51 pm
Kotchman hits into DP
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
1:51 pm
Make ‘em pay, Matty.
Ian Curtis
February 28th, 2009
1:52 pm
I predict that KJ will make his first All-Star appearance this year. Bet.
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
1:53 pm
Diaz drove a double to LF to put Braves up 3-0.
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
1:53 pm
Diaz 3-0 BJ RYAN throwing like a rusty gate in a hurricane…
Base hit Diaz for double
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
1:53 pm
And BJ Ryan has a chance to get out of it with minimal dama….
Woo Hoo!
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
1:53 pm
And that’s it for B.J. Ryan. What an outing.
Mike
February 28th, 2009
1:54 pm
3-1
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
1:54 pm
3-1, right, DOB?
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
1:54 pm
Got some good old Dire Straits playing during the pitching change … “Check out guitar George, he knows all the chords….”
will
February 28th, 2009
1:55 pm
3-1 actually
will
February 28th, 2009
1:56 pm
you ever been to lebowski fest dave?
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
1:57 pm
Jooooooooooooones….
4-1
Woogidy
February 28th, 2009
1:57 pm
Wow really? Kelly Johnson an all star a 2nd with Chase and Uggla in the NL, not to mention Brandon Phillips. I’m not saying he has no shot, but name the name recognition certainly isn’t there.
Mike
February 28th, 2009
1:57 pm
4-1
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
1:57 pm
Brandon Jones greets RH Rick Bauer with a single to CF to drive in another run
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
1:57 pm
A Lebowski fest, when and where
Ian Curtis
February 28th, 2009
1:59 pm
Kelly can build name recognition by his performance alone. Nobody knew who Marcus Giles was until his All-Star year in 03. So it’s definitely possible…but we’ll see.
Patrick
February 28th, 2009
1:59 pm
Wow, looks like whatever bug Mike Gonzalez had, he gave to Ryan
Mike
February 28th, 2009
1:59 pm
Ross strikes out looking 3 outs
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
2:00 pm
Gee a catcher of ours DID NOT hit, check that water
Jim
February 28th, 2009
2:01 pm
Will Utley start the year on the DL?
I’m not a big Uggla fan, but even if Utley only plays for two weeks, he will be voted on to the team. If KJ puts up big numbers he could be added ahead of Uggla, Phillips or others. Uggla plays even worse defense than KJ.
will
February 28th, 2009
2:01 pm
theres one every year during the summer in louisville, ky. I also believe theres one in LA and Im sure there others, you should check it out.
Robert
February 28th, 2009
2:03 pm
Brandon Jones looks completely different this spring. Better defense and a lot better approach at the plate.
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
2:04 pm
“Donny was a good bowler”
Alright, can you give me a website for Lebowski fest, yeah baby
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
2:05 pm
will – its okay I found 1
Hope Springs Eternal
February 28th, 2009
2:05 pm
We might just win this Grapefruit League thing
Mike
February 28th, 2009
2:05 pm
lebowskifest.com
KC
February 28th, 2009
2:07 pm
I think Ross so far this spring has already surpassed Corky Miller’s ‘08 regular season hit total.
will
February 28th, 2009
2:07 pm
“phones ringing dude”
Woogidy
February 28th, 2009
2:08 pm
DOB, just was browsing around the internet, and you probably already know this, but Willie Nelson is going to be at HOB Orlando on March 13th. ($54.50-$123 tickets) Wow! He demands a high price.
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
2:08 pm
“Great pitch by Boyer” says the announcer. Kewl.
KC
February 28th, 2009
2:08 pm
Robert, agreed. B.jones may go to AAA and regain some of the high standing he had within the organization a couple of years ago.
propp
February 28th, 2009
2:12 pm
probably regain high standing for B Jones for July trade bait
Frankie Knuckles
February 28th, 2009
2:12 pm
Yeah, old Willy is trying to regain his wealth. I know a guy that toked with him and his band at a concert in upstate New York. Said he was as down to earth as they come.
Woogidy
February 28th, 2009
2:16 pm
Agreed Jim, but Kelly hit nearly .400 last September to boost his numbers, and Uggla has better numbers career in the first half. My pick would be Kelly if I was picking a guy for a season. However, no one could argue, for one game you had to win, you take Uggla 100% of the time.
The GM
February 28th, 2009
2:16 pm
What is the story on Brandon Hicks? What kind of power does he have? Is he a top shortstop prospect or could he eventually play thrid? Thanks
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
2:17 pm
1-2-3 up and down Schafer KKKKKs to end inning
Josh B
February 28th, 2009
2:18 pm
what is thrid?
Chopdawg
February 28th, 2009
2:18 pm
Saw Willie at Billy Bob’s Texas about 20 years ago, he rode his horse down the aisles thru the audience up to the stage
Zach
February 28th, 2009
2:19 pm
is anyone else as worried about kotchman as I am?
Jim
February 28th, 2009
2:21 pm
How did Boyer do? Who else will be pitching today?
bf bravesfan
February 28th, 2009
2:23 pm
I’m pretty comfortable with Kotch Zach its frenchy that scares me
propp
February 28th, 2009
2:24 pm
looks like Francisly Bueno is pitching next
bf bravesfan
February 28th, 2009
2:26 pm
Zach How’s mexico ?
Woogidy
February 28th, 2009
2:26 pm
Honestly, you could insert a question mark about 4 of the 8 positions in my opinion. CF, RF, LF, 1B. 1B would be at the bottom of the list for me though.
Jim
February 28th, 2009
2:26 pm
How did Boyer do? Who else is pitching today?
Frankie Knuckles
February 28th, 2009
2:26 pm
I know an Angels fan that likens Kotchman to a young Wally Joyner. Don’t know how accurate that is but this guy does know some baseball. He is fairly bitter about the Mark T trade.
Zach
February 28th, 2009
2:27 pm
its nice, thanks. but seriously. I think that he’s very good defensively but I have serious worries with him at the plate.
BraveTiger
February 28th, 2009
2:28 pm
DOB – Got a question that is not baseball related but thought you might know. Where is Tony Barnhart? In his last blog in January he said he’d be back with blog before national signing day, but haven’t heard from him and his blog link is not on webpage anymore. Thanks in advance. Go Braves!!!
JasonInFL (Formerly ME)
February 28th, 2009
2:28 pm
Good song…Sultans of Swing
Bedell
February 28th, 2009
2:28 pm
Hey Dave, I hope to come down and catch a couple of games the middle of March. Any nearby Cuban and BBQ restaurant recommendations?
Randy S
February 28th, 2009
2:29 pm
For anyone listening to the mlb.tv radio feed, I didn’t realize Jeff Mangum was doing commercials for Toronto cell phone stores.
Jim
February 28th, 2009
2:29 pm
Frankie,
I don’t blame him. That leaves 2 teams regretting that trade!
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
2:30 pm
Just got back from talking to Lowe and Boyer (1 inn, 1 hit, 1 walk, 1 K).
Lowe said impossible to gauge anything off two innings, and he knew AL teams are good fastball hitting teams. Didn’t throw a breaking ball until after he gave up five hits. Seven of last 10 pitches, he estimated were breaking balls. He got two strikeouts and flyout in that span.
Anyway, said he feels great, etc. Won’t know unitl about 10 days, when they’re throwing 4-5 innings, really where he stands with his pitches.
Jim
February 28th, 2009
2:30 pm
Any news from the game?
cabravesfan
February 28th, 2009
2:30 pm
Believe me, Kotchman is a very good baseball player- he may not hit 35 home runs but he is a great hitter and plays excellent defense. remember there was a lot going on with him when he came to the braves last year- changing leagues, adjusting ot new pitchers, and then his mom was in the hospital for a while- all that can really weigh on a young guy…give him a chance, you will really like him.
Robert
February 28th, 2009
2:32 pm
Schafer needs to cut down on the strikeouts
TBraveFan
February 28th, 2009
2:35 pm
Bedell – try Fat Boys in Kissimmee, I think on Vine…pretty good bbq
Zach
February 28th, 2009
2:36 pm
to me he seems to take that care free approach to the plate that roachy use to take, but he’s not as good as roachy.
Chop Chop
February 28th, 2009
2:37 pm
DOB,
Lowe doesn’t know where he stands after two innings?!?!?!?!? I need to readjust my prediction.
60-102.
Break out the razor blades, boys. We’re finished.
Wait. Boyer pitched a scoreless inning?
Okay. 95-67.
(That was close.)
Jim
February 28th, 2009
2:37 pm
Is there a problem with the system? Seems like the last 10 minutes has been dropped.
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
2:37 pm
who is Bueno the pitcher – is that Mickey Mouse with a mispelt firstname for Lake Buen(o) Vista
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
2:38 pm
one-out double by Rios.
bf bravesfan
February 28th, 2009
2:38 pm
ken griffey jr-jerry
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
2:39 pm
Strike-out, throw-out double play to end the inning. (runner trying for 3rd)
propp
February 28th, 2009
2:40 pm
not only does Ross have more hits than corky already, but he has thrown out more runners…
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
2:41 pm
Our catcher Rossy is in form…. gonna be good year for the Bravos… can get McCann some needed rest with a gr8 backup
BraveTiger
February 28th, 2009
2:45 pm
DOB – You may have missed the question earlier. Got a question that is not baseball related but thought you might know. Where is Tony Barnhart? In his last blog in January he said he’d be back with blog before national signing day, but haven’t heard from him and his blog link is not on webpage anymore. Thanks in advance. Go Braves!!!
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
2:46 pm
6th inning. Ross bats for the Bravos. Ross strikes out. One out, Braves still up 4 – 1.
Prado bats. (Announcers are drifting, drifting… that’s bad when it’s on the radio!) Prado grounds out. Two down.
Blanco bats. Two balls, no strikes. Strike one, 2-1. Ground ball, he’s out.
One, two, three. Bottom of 6th, 4-1. And… that’s the only inning I’m doing… back to Actinopterygii and Elasmobranchii. Ick.
Go Braves.
Frankie Knuckles
February 28th, 2009
2:46 pm
Jim
Yeah, We didn’t know about Netfali. But, if I remember correctly ATL was pretty excited about Mark T. It seemed like a good move at the time. I thought we would be able to sign him to a deal if we made the playoffs. His wife is from the ATL area and he went to Tech. But, as it turned out, he plays for the money. Hard to blame the man. If i had kids i would want to set them up for life.
Jeff321
February 28th, 2009
2:47 pm
Kotchman will lead the Braves in hits this year…
Jim
February 28th, 2009
2:50 pm
L.A.A. of A. fans probably thought the same thing. He was to be their ticket to the WS.
Zach
February 28th, 2009
2:52 pm
yeah with a career .269 average. chipper almost batter 100 points higher than that last year
yeah, im here
February 28th, 2009
2:54 pm
how did the braves score their runs? im a little behind.
Dan
February 28th, 2009
2:54 pm
mlb.com is sooo slow!!!
Jeff321
February 28th, 2009
2:57 pm
Frenchy will have the fewest hits among regular players this year..
Frankie Knuckles
February 28th, 2009
2:59 pm
The Bravos had a way better shot at landing Mark than the Angels. They were prospects that could have netted Mark T – minus the slow April he was heck of a player. By the way Elvis Andrus can’t sing no “Blue Suede Shoes”
Bedell
February 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
Thanks TBraveFan!
Frankie Knuckles
February 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
We had a better shot at signing Mark T than the Angels. They were prospects that could have netted Mark T. And Elvis Andrus can’t sing no “Blue Suede Shoes”. Alright that was lame.
Jeff321
February 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
These Blue Jays’ announcers are lame. I’m going to check out the Rangers game coming up shortly.. Andruw Jones is batting 4th, Salty 6th, and Elvis Andrus 9th.
18 Wheels of Love
February 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
Schafer mo’ betta than Anderson for leadoff!
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
3:04 pm
Schafer was credited with a double on that play, and the LF got an error. Schafer showed his speed there.
He told me he worked with a speed coach for a few weeks this winter in Tampa, and that he noticed immediate difference. The guy taught him some stuff about initial burst and what to work on to help his legs.
PABravefan
February 28th, 2009
3:05 pm
Schaefer Doubles in top of 7th. To 3rd on error
Infante Sac Fly – Schaefer scores 5 -2 Bravos
PABravefan
February 28th, 2009
3:07 pm
B. Hicks – K looking 2 out
PABravefan
February 28th, 2009
3:07 pm
Broken Bat Grounder to second 3 out.
TnBrian
February 28th, 2009
3:09 pm
KC, from the last blog, unfortunately, I don’t live in Atl. live in Chattanooga,Tn. That sounds like fun though.
Dean
February 28th, 2009
3:17 pm
Infante – the best – most underrated utility player – .
gophernarly
February 28th, 2009
3:19 pm
What’s going on with Manny Acosta. I haven’t heard anything about him at all this spring.
Robert
February 28th, 2009
3:21 pm
Acosta pitched once already
Robert
February 28th, 2009
3:21 pm
DOB
Why hasn’t Phil Stockman pitched yet this spring
Mike
February 28th, 2009
3:22 pm
DOB…
I know this is off game topic, but I am going to the Orlando area Mar 15-22, and I want to stop by and see the Bravos. I don’t necessarily need to see a game, I just want to be able to get up close with my son and see them practice and maybe get some autographs. What do you suggest? Do I need to go to a game and get there early, or can I just buy tickets to get in the WWoS and go to the feild. Do they practice on non game days? Sorry I know thats alot of questions, and I know your not a travel agent, I am just trying to figure out the best and cheapest way to go see them. Any advise would be appreciated.
TNScott
February 28th, 2009
3:23 pm
Did I miss something or did the new format just get some bad sausage and belch out about a ten minute blog?.
18 Wheels of Love
February 28th, 2009
3:24 pm
The one thing you cant say about Schafer is that he doesnt work hard. Always seems like the kid is training.
Robert
February 28th, 2009
3:25 pm
Schafer has work ethic, now he needs to cut down on the strikeouts.
Chop Chop
February 28th, 2009
3:26 pm
I noticed that someone on the last blog took me to task for wishing injury on the hated Yankee Mark Teixeira. It was a joke. I hope Tex does well enough in New York to make the fans wonder why he can’t lead his team to the promised land.
You see, it’s not all “I hope that guy tears his knee up” with me. I can be vindictive in a positive way.
keylargo
February 28th, 2009
3:28 pm
Guess who struck out today on the Ranges?
keylargo
February 28th, 2009
3:29 pm
Rangers?
Jim
February 28th, 2009
3:30 pm
Chop Chop,
He would have to stand in line behind ARod before the fans blame him for that?
Jeff321
February 28th, 2009
3:31 pm
Andruw Jones batting cleanup is the big strikeout king!
TBraveFan
February 28th, 2009
3:31 pm
Mike – let me check on something – I have 2 comp passes to get into the complex at any time, I don’t need them to come and go….so maybe that would get you close enough to the back fields during practices before bp, etc. I’m not at home right now to look at the passes, but once I am, I’ll look back on the blog and let you know.
Bobby's Cox
February 28th, 2009
3:36 pm
Zach,
Not sure why you dislike Kotchman so much. I can’t believe you said that Adam LaRoche is a better hitter than Kotchman. That infuriates me.
Everyone here in SoCal loves Kotchman and hates that he’s on the Braves now. They all say he was their MVP before getting traded last year.
Magnus Pym
February 28th, 2009
3:37 pm
Does Schafer also play RF,
G Anderson LF
Anderson CF
Schafer RF
Frenchy making frenchies
Mike
February 28th, 2009
3:39 pm
Thanks TBraveFan
Chop Chop
February 28th, 2009
3:41 pm
Jim,
Haven’t you heard that the healing power of forgiveness will allow A-Rod to produce a monster year? When the Yankees blow it this year, it’ll all be on the other soulless ex-Ranger.
Well, I hope it will be.
Magnus Pym
February 28th, 2009
3:43 pm
Adam Laroche absolutely rakes now in a CRAP team, 90 rbi in 2008
That would be more than any Bravos…. sadly
Kotchman, Francouer and Diaz just need to perform, no talk, no bs, just perform, then we can get back to being a meritocracy rather than a happy family of mediocrity
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
3:44 pm
Well, Luis Valdez’s debut was pretty much a debacle. (six batters, 1 run, 4 walks, 2 Ks)
Vlad Nunez (yes, they still have him on the minor league side) came in and got a flyout to CF to mercifully end that eighth inning and limit the damage to one run.
Jack Fate
February 28th, 2009
3:48 pm
DOB,
What were your thoughts on Rafael Cruz?
KC
February 28th, 2009
3:49 pm
TnBrian, bummer. Wish you could make it. Well, enjoy the game up there in TN. Hopefully we’ll be able to talk about an opening day V on April 8th. Especially given that it’ll be against the Phillettes.
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
Vlad Nunez in for Luis Valdez? I just caught Dyslexia.
Goldenglove002
February 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
whats the score?
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
Braves up 6-3 after Freeman’s chop groundout drove in a run here in the ninth. Infante had another hit in the inning.
Robot
February 28th, 2009
3:57 pm
5-3 Braves
Robot
February 28th, 2009
3:58 pm
oops Schafer scored
PTBNL
February 28th, 2009
4:00 pm
Goldenglove, latest I have is 6-3 Braves.
Chop Chop
February 28th, 2009
4:00 pm
The Good Fruit combo was a mixed bag today. Bueno lived up to his name. Fruto was slightly spoiled.
Bedell
February 28th, 2009
4:05 pm
Good thing the Braves don’t have Looper on their roster. “Bueno Fruto Looper” might be just too much.
Chop Chop
February 28th, 2009
4:09 pm
I agree, Bedell. I can’t deny that Fruit Loops are good, though.
Jeff321
February 28th, 2009
4:09 pm
Watch for Bobby Cox to be “really impressed” with Luis Valdez’ pitching.. And offer him Phil Stockman’s spot in the bullpen!
leland
February 28th, 2009
4:10 pm
Dear Mr. DOB–I have a suggestion. That’s all it is. If you don’t want to do it you don’t have to. Here it is: when you quote Kawoosee Kawasaki don’t say he said something through a interpreter. Just quote him and say he said it in Japanese. People will think you can speak it if they want to. But you didn’t say you did. See what I’m saying? And you can go right on with your work, and if something comes up you can always say you never said you could speak Japanese. If you see Mark Bradley down there tell him I said,”Hey.” Your pal, Leland
Rodney Derrick
February 28th, 2009
4:11 pm
DOB– Less than 3000 attendance at Pittsburgh and Toronto exhibitions. Any feelings as to concerns over levels of attendance in spring training so far?
Chop Chop– Good to see you were not serious in your negative wishes for Tex
McFann :Ô:
February 28th, 2009
4:16 pm
Sweet! Another win!
I like Ross, BTW.
bf bravesfan
February 28th, 2009
4:16 pm
game over?
Tomas
February 28th, 2009
4:19 pm
Schafer, worked with a speed coach. He is a guy who could steal 25-30 bases or more, man I wish they could give him the job from day 1, and have Anderson as the 4th or 5th outfielder.
Chop Chop
February 28th, 2009
4:21 pm
leland,
Claiming to be deaf also works. DOB could claim this and inform the players that he can read lips. When the quotes end up being a lot more interesting than usual, he can tell the guys in the clubhouse that he needs a new contact prescription. If worst comes to worst, DOB can sue someone for some sort of discrimination.
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
4:26 pm
Schafer – Kid has the right talent with a CAPITAL TTT
Right attitude (buys speed lessons, the best batting machine) etc etc
He can run, steal a base or 30, hit for avg and power and can field…
I hope thet just throw him right in that billabong to start the season and see if he can swim with the crocs…
FWIW – My mate works for a certain NE team and there is a MAJOR MAJOR problem with the (arguably) BEST picther in baseball (maybe them roids have worn off). I do not think he will be seen early in 2009 !!!
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
4:28 pm
PS Poor old lard butt has had 7 ks in his last 8 at bats and 1 infield single, a very sad end to a great career…. we are witnessing
spotts
February 28th, 2009
4:34 pm
Andruw got an infield single? Did the firstbaseman slip on a banana peel?
BO JR.
February 28th, 2009
4:38 pm
IS ANDRUWS AGE CORRECT? maybe hes 42
KC
February 28th, 2009
4:38 pm
Given that Andruw is almost certainly bound for the minors, he might want to seek a release from the Rangers and try his hand in Gwinnett. At least he’d be playing home games 15 minutes from his Duluth home.
Not that it will matter. As bad as he looks right now, I can’t see him hitting AAA pitching either.
Steve McP
February 28th, 2009
4:38 pm
I don’t know why people are being so hard on Andruw.
He was a great player for the Braves, (even in the last season he was still a marvellous fielder, albeit that he had batting woes), after he left he did not bad mouth the Braves and would have been very happy to return to the organisation if they had wanted him.
I cannot see what he has done to justify the venom and glee that has accompanied his loss of ability to hit.
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
4:39 pm
spotts – it was yesterday and I am told the infield had a rostered day off…….
Andrew
February 28th, 2009
4:40 pm
I know why doesnt everyone let Andruw be..what is the deal?
KC
February 28th, 2009
4:43 pm
BO JR., that’s actually a good question. I’m positive he’s not 42… but would any of us be SHOCKED to learn that he’s actually about to turn 35 or 36, rather than 32?
His age is probably accurate. And if it is, it sure is hard to figure what’s happened to this guy. Even if he was juicing, and a decline after coming off the stuff, he should fall THIS far in his early 30’s.
Goldenglove002
February 28th, 2009
4:43 pm
Dogsbrekky, how valid is that info on Johan?
KC
February 28th, 2009
4:44 pm
Personally, I hope he does seek a release and sign minor league deal with Braves to play in Gwinnett. I still wouldn’t be optimistic that anything would come of it, but I’d like to see him get that shot here (in the minors, of course).
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
4:46 pm
Steve McP – yes valid points sir, let me say publicly, ANDRUW is/was the best outfielder I have ever seen (I am not old enough to have seen Mays live) but I would take Andruw over Junior at his best, Bonds at his best ad infinitum…. but his attitude is/has been apalling in more ways than one….. sorry to say
KC
February 28th, 2009
4:46 pm
OOPS… Meant to say he shouldN’T fall this far in his early 30’s.
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
4:46 pm
Chop Chop, hilarious at 4 p.m.
Lew
February 28th, 2009
4:47 pm
KC-What about Andruw’s winter performance or his time in Texas is confusing to you? Dude’s washed up and won’t be getting it back. It’s been more than 2 1/2 seasons now and no improvement has been sighted. I think the writing has been on the wall for quite some time.
PTBNL
February 28th, 2009
4:47 pm
McP, it is my understanding that the Braves would have been interested in signing him to a minor league contract, but that Andruw would only sign such a contract with Texas.
Lew
February 28th, 2009
4:51 pm
SteveMcP-It’s not that no one likes Andruw or is not appreciative of his time in Atlanta. I mean, I’m not going to go play catch with the dog using his autographed ball or anything. It’s just that people keep acting like he’ll return to productivity and it’s just not happening. We wish him well, but see little reason to make him a Brave again.
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
4:52 pm
Jack Fate, you asked my thoughts on Rafael Cruz. Well, the mystery man from Japan (actually from the Dominican, but he somehow ended up pitching for Chunichi, Kawakami’s team) was dealing today. Cox said he thought he was throwing at least 95-96, maybe higher (no gun on the stadium board). Cruz also threw a couple of nasty sliders.
He’s the guy that no one knew when Braves scouts saw him throw 98 mph in a Dominican game this winter and signed him. A couple of nights later, he hit 99 mph and a few scouts supposedly followed him to the clubhouse to talk to him, and he waved them off and said he’d already signed with the Braves.
His bio sheet has no accouting for about five years earlier this decade. Braves couldn’t find any numbers for him. I’m telling you, this is an enigma wrapped not in a riddle, but a tortilla of anonymity.
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
4:52 pm
Goldenglove – from a physio unfortunately, but they usually see the damage only under treatment so am not sure what the real John Dory is but there is much moaning allegedly from Manuel and Omar (major pain I am told)……
KC
February 28th, 2009
4:54 pm
ESPN.com: “PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Mets ace Johan Santana says that his Opening Day start could be in jeopardy as he continues to battle tightness in his elbow.”
HA!! That’s great!
I’m sure someone will chastise me for finding glee in a sports injury to a player of a rival team. And they my be right. It’s probably a character flaw on my part. But…
I CAN’T HELP BUT LAUGH!!!
After what happened to the Braves last year, and all the sh!t Mets fans talked throughout the season… given the complete lack of empathy from most Mets fans last year, I’m afraid I can’t muster any for the poor NY fans if Santana’s elbow issue turns out to be more than a short-term thing.
Of course, this may turn out to be nothing… but if it IS significant, Mets fans can expect the same measure of kindness from me that we were shown last year.
Jim
February 28th, 2009
4:54 pm
It is a shame to see Andruw Jones decline as fast as he has. I hope that when he returns as a retiree to be inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame, that he is appreciated for his first ten years and not denigrated for his last three.
Silas
February 28th, 2009
4:55 pm
DOB, any idea what happened to the updates of the photos on the AJC Braves site? Just seems like there haven’t been any new photos in a while and it would be great to see some photos of these games. Thanks.
Jeff321
February 28th, 2009
4:55 pm
I was an Andruw Jones fan for quite a few years.. Until the last couple with Atlanta.
There is something about smiling after striking out that just makes me angry, eh?
Anyway, as you all probably know — Cox was lobbying hard for “Andy” to return. Which is yet another reason why I dislike Bobby Cox.
KC
February 28th, 2009
4:56 pm
LEW, you’re VERY likely correct. I’m highly improbable that AJ will ever get it back. Still… I’d like to see him get at least a brief opportunity in Gwinnett. But not until he shows a commitment to at least TRY to hit to all fields.
KC
February 28th, 2009
4:56 pm
LEW, meant to say: I’m sure it’s highly improbable…
Lew
February 28th, 2009
4:58 pm
Goldenglove002-I don’t know how valuable his info is, though Dogsbrekky has \never given us reason to doubt him, but look at it like this-Pizzaro the Bizzaro and Anders have not been back to the blog since Johan’s difficulties have been reported. THAT has got to say a lot.
KC
February 28th, 2009
4:59 pm
Well since I was once again suckered into the posting the last item of a page… please forgive the re-post here
ESPN.com: “PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Mets ace Johan Santana says that his Opening Day start could be in jeopardy as he continues to battle tightness in his elbow.”
HA!! That’s great!
I’m sure someone will chastise me for finding glee in a sports injury to a player of a rival team. And they my be right. It’s probably a character flaw on my part. But…
I CAN’T HELP BUT LAUGH!!!
After what happened to the Braves last year, and all the sh!t Mets fans talked throughout the season… given the complete lack of empathy from most Mets fans last year, I’m afraid I can’t muster any for the poor NY fans if Santana’s elbow issue turns out to be more than a short-term thing.
Of course, this may turn out to be nothing… but if it IS significant, Mets fans can expect the same measure of kindness from me that we were shown last year.
Lew
February 28th, 2009
4:59 pm
KC-It’s just that if he hasn’t gotten it into his head by now that his approach needs changing, it never will.
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
5:00 pm
KC – It is much worse than missing 1 start
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
5:01 pm
and they knew about it for quite a while, you may have noticed the “Mucils have signed a lot of minor league type deals recently and they are really pushing young John Maine to get ready…
KC
February 28th, 2009
5:02 pm
dogsbrekky, well… I’ve been saving up all my assholeness (or at least, a large portion of it) for a time such as this. Mets fans will receive NO MERCY from me!!! lol
Jay212033
February 28th, 2009
5:03 pm
Nefi Feliz’ line for the day.
2 IP…3 H…1 R…1 ER…1 BB…4 K
Gibby
February 28th, 2009
5:05 pm
KC While I don’t have your glee that a player could be hurt. That doesn’t mean I don’t share your glee in the Mets season going in the tubes possibly before the season starts. I think even the Mets will admit without their Ace and only consistent pithcer they are toast. Maybe they should not have pushed Santana at the end of last season. If I remember right didn’t he try to be C.C. and pitch on 3 days rest a couple times
jds
February 28th, 2009
5:08 pm
You know to Andruw’s defense (pre-2006 defense), some people’s faces naturally look like they’re smiling without even trying…mine included. It stinks sometimes because people won’t take you seriously when you’re trying to be very serious. I’m sure Andruw’s not happy when he strikes out.
Robert
February 28th, 2009
5:08 pm
DOB
Does Bueno have a shot as a LH in the bullpen
Goldenglove002
February 28th, 2009
5:09 pm
You’ve got a great point about the lack of annoying Mets fans on here recently, Lew. It’ll be great too see them cry if he goes down for a while.
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
February 28th, 2009
5:11 pm
I live just 8 miles from the Mets training base in Pt. St. Lucie and this place is really in an uproar over the elbow of a certain pitcher with the first name of Johan.
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
5:11 pm
I cannot understand the Mets with their medical policies, remember the RF, I think Church took out Yunel and suffered such serious concussion that brain damage was feared, yet they flew him within days and played him.. they effed him up good long term, then I think he suffered another concussion…. in footy we have them rest for a month with such an injury otherwise you end up life effed (my bro in law suffers vertigo from footy concussions)… with Johan they knew in 2008 something was going on… wtf
Derick Richards
February 28th, 2009
5:11 pm
There’s no glee in Santana’s injury, but there’s no real comparison to the Brave’s miseries of last year until the Mets have three more starters end their season and their best three relievers end theirs. Then, and only then, will they know the frustrations the Braves had last year. Right now, they only realize an imagined possibility.
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
February 28th, 2009
5:14 pm
Here is an excerpt from MLB.com today.
“Patriotism could be the reason, pitching coach Dan Warthen said Saturday morning after Santana laid out a scenario that might push his first exhibition-game start into the third week of March.
Warthen believes Santana’s desire to pitch for his native Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic prompted the Mets’ primary starter to “push too hard” to prepare, and that the tightness that Santana now feels behind his left elbow is a result of the push.”
chuckw/deadjournalist
February 28th, 2009
5:15 pm
i just read jayson stark’s article on dontrelle willis and his fight to regain the magic that he lost a couple of years ago. sad story because he is/was a great ambassador of the game. his batting numbers are solid, and while i haven’t seen as much as a whisper about this, i wonder if any thought in the tiger organization as been to move him to the outfield. at the price tag of his contract i can understand then wanting to do everything possible to get him right and in the rotation (or at least a lefty specialist out of the pen) but if he doesn’t rebound this year one has to wonder about his future as a pitcher.
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
5:15 pm
KC, take the high road. Not that I don’t understand…
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
5:17 pm
chuckw/deadjournalist, I’ll be pulling hard for Dontrelle. Next to Randy Johnson, watching him was about the most fun I ever had watching a non-Brave pitcher. Here’s hoping.
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
5:18 pm
Bear – I am no medico but my ex father in law was a sports physio so I understand the lingo a little and this was something that happened a while ago and has been strained…be interested to see if he does a Glavine/Smoltz and pitches until the thing falls off the left side of his body (well right side for Smoltz)… but you get the drift…
having said that the guy is gold and will probably be abck better than ever…………
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
5:21 pm
chuckw – funny how certain 2003-2005 stars kind of fell apart at the time a certain report into PEDS was released…… wasn’t that 2007 kind of…………
Jeff321
February 28th, 2009
5:25 pm
>some people’s faces naturally look like they’re smiling without even trying…mine included.
Fair enough. So, would it be asking too much for Andruw to slam his bat or helmet down in frustration? Or how about seeking out a reporter to vent a little?
See, I didn’t just jump off the bandwagon at the first sign of trouble.
18 Wheels of Love
February 28th, 2009
5:26 pm
An enigma wrapped in a tortilla! Now that is humor right there!
Speaking of food, just cracked a cheap bottle of red and some nice cheeses. Some aged gouda and a jalapeno havarti.
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
5:28 pm
18 wheels, drinking my 1st beer in 3 weeks, have lost 20 lbs doing a sick no sugar, no pasta, no cheese, milk and intesnive sprinting program
I look great
but feel like sheet… so I bought some nice Pecorinos, danish blue and some boring old Jarlsberg and 2 doz shrimp… cajun prawn time and Sam Adams……
Tuxie Mama
February 28th, 2009
5:31 pm
No food talk please…. I am not allowed cheese…
I have been watching the preseason games (stats etc)..
It appeard to me young Jordan Schafer and Jones, Freeman deserve a shot very soon……….. even if it means dropping other better names
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
February 28th, 2009
5:34 pm
I believe every Braves fan enjoyed Andruw’s great years, both in center field and with the bat. Frustration began to set in when he absolutely refused to even try to hit to all fields. He even said that he was a pull hitter and was not going to change. When he displayed that attitude and then began his decline in batting results his fans began drifting away from him. At the end only a very few remained in his corner.
The fact that he continues to refuse to take coaching (I believe) is what is behind the fans’ dislike of him now. I don’t think many actually hate Andruw. I certainly don’t but I don’t respect him because he has constantly refused to try to improve himself. He has shown that he believes he is above help, that he knows all there is to know about hitting and he is obviously wrong. If he continues this hard headed road then his career is over. And it will be Andruw’s fault, not the fault of the fans.
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
February 28th, 2009
5:36 pm
I just checked the Rangers’ box for today and Andruw has struck out two more times. He has now been to bat 9 times, has one single and 8 K’s. What will it take to get through his thick head? I don’t think there is a cure for what he has.
Lew
February 28th, 2009
5:37 pm
There may be no real comparison to the Braves’ decimated pitching staff in 08, but the loss of Johan (I’m not wishing this on any athlete) would be a good start and would provide a bit of karma to the Trolls and the constant crap we endured from them the last couple years-and might just convince some of the resident Gloom and Doomers that the Mutts are not nearly as strong or as worthy of fear as they would have us believe.
Tuxie Mama
February 28th, 2009
5:39 pm
Bear – Andruw hurt his elbow (hyperextending) just before the 2006 ALL STAR game… since then his offence has just died… I think he played for us in pain thru 06-2007 and then reality hit home…
he is absolutely finished and he does not seem to have the intelligence to learn how to correct mistakes
worse – we have another younger less talented Andruw now
Steve from OH
February 28th, 2009
5:40 pm
Dogsbrekky:
Read this. And I think there is a link on the ajc “Health” page with newer research as well. The jist–type of diet not so important, calorie control=very important. Obviously, gotta cut down on trans fats and the like, but no need to cut out the cheese entirely! Of course, I’m only saying this because cheese takes up about 50% of my daily food intake….
Gibby
February 28th, 2009
5:40 pm
Can anyone call Anders and Pizzaro. I would love to hear from them
TnBrian
February 28th, 2009
5:41 pm
I do remember hearing whispers when Santana was traded that he would soon suffer elbow, shoulder problems soon. Now, I’m sure a lot of people just thought it was BS and something to make a story, but it’s starting to look true. That not only bad that their ace could be out for the wins he brings, but the mental part of it for that team is beautiful.
Steve from OH
February 28th, 2009
5:41 pm
Page five being the key page in that article…
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
5:44 pm
Will have a gander Steve OH – thanks..
TnBrian
February 28th, 2009
5:45 pm
My last post, I should’ve wrote that rumors that Min. traded him instead of Liriano was the fear that his elbow could explode at any time. That might not even be true, so I don’t know. But, I won’t cry if he’s out for awhile, that’s for damn sure!
nolie
February 28th, 2009
5:45 pm
I live in Port Charlotte and he’s absolutely right. It has the oldest average age of any county in America, just chock full of snow-birds too.
KC
February 28th, 2009
5:46 pm
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum, your last post is a perfect example of why holding the WBC immediately before that start of the season shouldn’t even be considered and option!!!! Selig should be shot for allowing the present timing of this damned thing.
Lew
February 28th, 2009
5:48 pm
According to the Mets MLB site, the reason is Santana’s “Patriotism”-he pushed it too hard getting ready for the WBC. If such is the case, there goes the WBC -We can only hope!!!!!!! They’re claiming he will need to pitch 3 batting practice sessions before his first start-NONE have been scheduled yet. They are already claiming doubt that he will make his opening day start. Sounds to me like they’d better get him that High Res MRI and not mess with the lousy one and then book a visit to Dr. Job. Sounds just like Hampton, and Moylan, and Gonzo, and Hudson, etc.
Steve from OH
February 28th, 2009
5:48 pm
Here is the AJC article. A little newer, a little more definitive.
NEXT
February 28th, 2009
5:52 pm
Let’s hurry up and get to the next page, shall we?
NEXT
February 28th, 2009
5:53 pm
Come on… next page already!!
NEXT
February 28th, 2009
5:55 pm
Why this taking so long?
NEXT
February 28th, 2009
5:56 pm
We’re almost there!!!
TennesseePaul
February 28th, 2009
5:57 pm
I don’t know what this season will bring for the Braves, but should they win, I’d would be ever so much more impressed and pleased with topping healthy opponents. Santana’s possible injury, to me, is not something I look at with glee. When playing ball in my youth I enjoyed it most when the other team, other player, was bringing their best and most honest game. When it was over, win or loss, there would be no excuses.
Mets fans may have been @ssholes last season, but I still can’t think of a good reason to sink to their level.
Richie
February 28th, 2009
5:58 pm
Sounds like Santana has Tommy John on the horizon. He had elbow problems his last year in Minnesota. He might’ve had some elbow issues last year with the Mets, which led to his up and down season last year. .
Chop Chop
February 28th, 2009
5:59 pm
Keith Brooking signed with the Cowboys. Good for him. I hope he helps lead the Cowboys to another missed postseason.
Brad
February 28th, 2009
5:59 pm
Lew, I agree with you the Braves got shot in the foot last year when three of their best starters and two of their best BP guys were lost for the season (Gonzalez returned in June but was not at full form). I honestly don’t think that will happen again to the Braves because it is very rare for a team to lose three of it’s best pitchers due to injury. That is what ultimately kept us from being competetive last year. If the pitching had stayed healthy who knows where we would’ve ended up record wise.
This Santana injury could be more serious than the Mets think. Of course the fans are remaining optimistic and rightfully so (he’s their best pitcher) but deep down you know they’re freaking out about it.
Power pitchers seem to always have arm surgery at least once in their careers: Ala John Smoltz.
I don’t know if Santana’s ever had it but with the way he pitches you know it’s going to be coming eventually.
I heard on the radio that he’s going to throw a BP session tomorrow and if he still feels pain afterward they’ll fly him to NY.
KC
February 28th, 2009
6:02 pm
Random recently pointed out that I have a tendency of being the last to post on a page, so let’s see if I can keep the trend going here…
This Cruz kid sounds interesting. Can’t wait to see him pitch.
TennesseePaul
February 28th, 2009
6:02 pm
KC: The first WBC was a hit. I went. It was an incredible experience. But I don’t know if it’d sell out all that much if it was held in November in Panama. It’s either March in America, or not at all. I’d like to see it continue. It’s good for the game.
KC
February 28th, 2009
6:02 pm
Nope… wound up on the next page. Oh well.
Let me be clear… First of all, when we say “injury”, we’re not talking about someone getting in serious car crash, which OF COURSE I would take no joy in at all. We’re talking about a guy having an inflamed tendon – or something – in his pitching elbow, which might require him to sit on the bench for a while and STILL get paid millions of dollars. Poor guy.
So let’s not overstate the maliciousness of grinning over such an event. Actually, I think “maliciousness” is far too strong a word for that.
Having said that, I don’t really find ANY joy whatsoever in a guy having an injury… even just a sports injury such as this. I wish no ill whatsoever to Santana. But I DO find joy in watching the Mets run into bad fortune after the way so many Mets fans reacted to Atlanta’s incredibly bad luck last year.
I’m sorry if that fate is the result of an injury. But I’m not sorry to see the Mets suffer a small measure of the sh!tty luck we had to endure in ‘08.
KC
February 28th, 2009
6:03 pm
TennPaul, I’m sure it’s wonderful. But putting seasons at risk, to me, is not an option. That’s why I think it should be held at a different time, or not at all.
18 Wheels of Love
February 28th, 2009
6:04 pm
Dogsb, I’m jealous. I want to drop 10-15…that is tough.
I’m a big Sam Adams fan. Love all of it.
Hey, next time I’m at Outback I’m getting a Tooheys – now that I know they serve them.
No sugar, no milk, no cheese? That is beyond tough man. But 20 lbs dropped is killer.
TennesseePaul
February 28th, 2009
6:05 pm
KC: There is no other time. Middle of the season isn’t going to happen. After the season is over isn’t either as it is cold in America at that time and all the other countries are starting their seasons. This is the only time of year that works.
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
February 28th, 2009
6:10 pm
KC, I couldn’t agree more. That WBC ought to be eliminated right now and should have never been allowed at a time when it would disrupt the US training period. That was another dumb move made by our commissar.
—————–
Tuxie Mama, I don’t agree that Frenchy is another Andruw. At least he is trying to make changes. I think he has a good chance to make them. I am not finished with Frenchy at all.
And for the record I have been a rider on KJ’s bandwagon for some time now. I especially liked what I saw at the end of last year, when everyone else was fading he was still bringing it. I see great things for him and am very glad they didn’t trade that young man.
I am concerned about Chipper’s health and an wondering what they are doing in getting ready for his finishing ride into the sunset. I am also concerned that a long term contract will never be finished. But I do think he deserves a moderate contract in exchange for all he has done for the Braves with his contracts up to now. Any screwing around with Chipper will bring down the wrath of God on the Braves front office.
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
6:10 pm
18 wheels – I have been very sick for 4 of the 6 years I have lived in USA… I used to be uber fit and since I recovered from my main problem I took my doctor’s advice to put on weight too literally.. so I went from a triathlete 170 lbs to a fatty Aussie beer swiller 218lbs… back at 198 but at least muscly, not skin and bone….
If you eat red meat, eggs and bacon you can survive without anything else a long time… kid of fun… steak for brekky, steak for lunch.
oh what will I have for dinner……….. steak… awright
KC
February 28th, 2009
6:11 pm
I wish I could remember… who was giving me $%^&* after I posted the following assessment of the Braves and Mets rotations a couple weeks back:
METS
1. Santana: A+
2. Perez: B
3. Maine: B-
4. Pelfrey: B-
5. Redding: C-
OVERALL GRADE: B
BRAVES
1. Lowe: A-
2. Vazquez: B-
3. Jurrjens: B
4. Kawakami: B-
5. Hanson of a fully healthy Glavine: B-
OVERALL GRADE: B+
When you average out those letter grades, you come up with pretty much the same thing. But I said I was giving the Braves a slight edge because of their depth and ability to absorb an injury in the rotation… even a significant one. The Mets on the other hand, don’t have the depth to cope with the long-term loss of one of their top 3 or 4 starters.
Someone in this blog, I can’t remember who… all but called me an idiot for my logic in giving the Braves a slight edge there.
Whoever you were, I would like to hear from you now.
How do you suppose the Mets are going to cope with the extended loss of Santana, if that occurs? They can’t. I was right. And I will be happy to accept your apology now.
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
6:12 pm
Tooheys is okay but where I am from it is Coopers, Red Back or Swan beer
more of a wine swiller myself… but cheese oh yeahhhhhhhh
BBQ (USA style) …….. oh yeahhhhhhhhhhh
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
February 28th, 2009
6:13 pm
If March is the only time that monster can be played then it ought to be eliminated. I see nothing good from it when we look at our teams. No team benefits from the WBC.
Zach
February 28th, 2009
6:15 pm
Bobby,
Kotchman batted a whopping .237 for the braves last year. .237! and on top of that he had a whole 2 homeruns. That’s production in 43 games. wow. thats one homerun every 77 at bats.
Overall LaRoache hit 9 more homeruns had 11 more RBIs in 10 less games.
at one point in his career LaRoache hit 32 homeruns.
I understand Kotchman had stuff going on with his family but his stats with atl last year were almost frenchie bad.
Oh and by the way LaRoache may have been the first guy I wanted up in the playoffs behind chipper. I know I can’t say that about Kotchman from what i’ve seen so far.
I’m not trying to knock him, but
KC
February 28th, 2009
6:17 pm
For the record, here was my take on the Phili rotation…
PHILLIES:
1. Hamels: A
2. Myers: B-
3. Moyer: B-
4. Blanton: C+
5. Kendrick: C-
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
6:21 pm
Enter your comments here
Moby Grape
February 28th, 2009
6:23 pm
oh what will I have for dinner……….. steak… awright— DogsB
If you’re on a protein diet why wouldn’t you eat cheese, or did I mis-read an earlier comment?
ease19
February 28th, 2009
6:25 pm
Zach
Kotch had two different seasons with the Braves last year. Before his mom got sick, yeah he was not that good, but once he came back from leave he started to turn things around a started stroking the ball. Its too early to give up on him yet.
Chop Chop
February 28th, 2009
6:28 pm
Your 6:11 post is ridiculous, KC. Someone owes you an apology because you think your opinion about something will end up being right? What if Santana isn’t seriously hurt? What if your pitcher ratings are incorrect? The season hasn’t even started yet.
Reminds me of a line from the Beatles’ “Happiness Is A Warm Gun”: Mother Superior, jump the gun.
cabravesfan
February 28th, 2009
6:28 pm
Zach-
Kotchman is NOT a power hitter, never has been. He will hit for a high average, drive in runs and play gold glove calibur defense. If you are only going ot compare power numbers then LaRoche is most likely going to come out on top…LaRoche is also 4 years older and has had nearly twice as many at bats as Casey. Why don’t we give the kid a full season before we start trashing him?
DiamondbackMac
February 28th, 2009
6:30 pm
Moby
Grape oh what will I have for dinner……….. steak… awright— DogsB
Maybe he just likes cheese.
KC
February 28th, 2009
6:33 pm
Zach, it takes some guys longer than others to adjust to a new league and a new team. Also, Kothman as very distracted by the fact that his mother was critically ill. He missed some time to be with her.
Overall, Kotchman had a very solid season. And if you look at what he did as an Angel in ‘07 & ‘08… he hit .292 816 at-bats, with 23 homers, 122 RBI, and 61 doubles.
To put that in perspective, if you average that production over 550 at-bats, you’ll have the following:
.292, 16 homers, 82 RBI, 41 doubles.
That’s not a bad hitter. Laroche has more power, but Kotchman hits for a little higher average, and isn’t as vulnerable to lefties as laRoche.
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
6:34 pm
I’m highly improbable that AJ will ever get it back. Still… I’d like to see him get at least a brief opportunity in Gwinnett. But not until he shows a commitment to at least TRY to hit to all fields. – KC
Right now, I think the Rangers would be happy if he hit to any field.
cabravesfan
February 28th, 2009
6:35 pm
LaRoche also struck out 122 times in 136 games; Kotchman struck out 39 in 143
KC
February 28th, 2009
6:36 pm
Chop Chop, you take issue with one of my posts???? I’m shock. SHOCKED!! lol
I’m just jabbing at whoever it was who ridiculed me for that point of view. Was that you? I don’t remember.
Just the real possibility that Santana could be out for an extended period highlights the lack of depth on that Mets staff. Yes, I think I was/am right about.
Again, though… I’m shocked that you disagree.
KC
February 28th, 2009
6:37 pm
DOB, I will certainly grant you that.
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
February 28th, 2009
6:38 pm
Dave, I wonder if the Rangers committed to pay him the $500,000 even if he doesn’t make the team. Do you have any info on this?
KC
February 28th, 2009
6:39 pm
Mean to say… “right about that”.
DiamondbackMac
February 28th, 2009
6:39 pm
dogsbrekky
I’ve been seeing a TV restaurant ad lately for a parmesan crusted sirloin. I think it was a Ruby Tuesday ad. Sounds good to me (haven’t tried it yet) and might be right up your alley.
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
6:39 pm
Cheese – I love it but am just following the rules for once
kind of works….
“Shake and Bake”……….. speaking of which the great Talladega was on again last night
Chop Chop
February 28th, 2009
6:41 pm
I didn’t say that, KC. I just thought your post was ridiculous…:P
Why? Because It reminded me of something that Hitler’s foreign minister Joachim von Ribbentrop once said to a Belgian diplomat on May 10, 1940. A Belgian diplomat arrived to protest the German invasion of his country. Ribbentrop claimed that France, England, and Belgium had forced the Germans to defend themselves. The diplomat rejoined that the facts were that Germany had illegally invaded his country and, in the end, history would judge Germany harshly. Upon hearing this, Ribbentrop shouted that “history has proved the facts!”
(Ribbentrop is also the guy who signed a pact with the Japanese and said that Germany and Japan were joining together to “save Western civilization.”)
Hey! Tornado sirens are going off here. Rock on, folks!
Chop Chop
February 28th, 2009
6:42 pm
:-p
Chop Chop
February 28th, 2009
6:42 pm
:p
KC
February 28th, 2009
6:42 pm
CHOP CHOP, also… I know there is no tone of voice in an electronic message such as these… but what exactly to you picture? Do you think I’m angrily DEMANDING an apology from someone for disagreeing? I’m just taking a jab at whoever was jabbing at me the other day. And I do it with a smile on my face (nothing maniacal… just having a good time). Lighten up dude.
PTBNL
February 28th, 2009
6:43 pm
So true, ease19.
It is funny how for the most part, the Angel fans hated to lose Kotch — even before Tex left them for they Yanks. But so many of the Braves’ fans wish that we didn’t have him. One set of fans know him and what he is capable of and the other set of fans seem to not be aware of what they have.
He most likely won’t hit 30 HR, but he will probably be consistent in his production. According to several Angels fans, Kotch should hit .285 – .300 with 18 – 25 HR, and he makes contact (does not strike out much). I did not realize that he had mono right after he was brought up to ML and was essentially out for a full year. So his development is behind what could have been. To them, he was beginning to break out last year. This is why they did not like losing him. He was home grown and a “good guy”.
Random
February 28th, 2009
6:44 pm
Chop Chop (4:21 pm) –
Very sweet comeback to and idiot. Very funny, too.
Lew
February 28th, 2009
6:44 pm
TenPaul-Ever been to Florida or Arizona from October through December? Too cold? Seriously?
KC
February 28th, 2009
6:44 pm
Chop Chop LOL LOL LOL… Sorry dude, you lost me at about the point you began comparing me to Hitler’s foreign minister. =)
KC
February 28th, 2009
6:47 pm
Random, what is up with you bro? I have disagreed with you on many occasions, but I’ve never marginalized you personally or called you an “idiot”.
dogsbrekky
February 28th, 2009
6:47 pm
Chop Chop – no politics please
muffin
February 28th, 2009
6:47 pm
i’m not surprised the schafer kid has had an impact in two of the three games he has played in, we should come to expect it. soon
to be superstar!!!!
Brad
February 28th, 2009
6:48 pm
Kotchman struck out 39 in 143
That’s good; it means he puts the ball in play a lot.
Frank from KS
February 28th, 2009
6:49 pm
Lol…DOB @6:34 p.m.
Hey, don’t look now…but after today’s win….the Bravos are 3-1. I know it’s early (REAL early) but if they keep playing well during spring training….it might tumble over into the regular season.
Bobby's Cox
February 28th, 2009
6:52 pm
zach,
not gonna go any further with you on the argument after this post…seems like others here are doing fine with the argument. But i’ll take the contact hitter any day of the week in this inconsistent lineup over the strike out prone, lackadaisical one who hits miserably with RISP and who doesn’t start hitting until after the all-star break when his team is out of the playoff picture.
I just can’t believe some people like you are so caught up in power numbers. There’s more to baseball than that, and what Kotchman did for the Angels last year is exactly what you want on your team, not Adam LaRoche.
Random
February 28th, 2009
6:53 pm
Steve McP (4:38 pm): “I cannot see what he has done to justify the venom and glee that has accompanied his loss of ability to hit.”
I’d say that at a good majority of the verbiage here comes from player haters.
Whether it’s Andruw, Manny, Tex, Schmoles, whoever, seems like most everbody here hates someone.
Bobby's Cox
February 28th, 2009
6:54 pm
Actually, keep it up Zach, cuz you’re gaining more support for Kotch than I’ve seen for the kid since…well, ever on this blog.
ncscoots
February 28th, 2009
6:55 pm
Chop Chop – no politics please
Bubba, that’s history, not politics. Hall monitors really should know the difference.
Random
February 28th, 2009
6:57 pm
KC –
Me, I’d rather the Braves beat the Mets with Santana than without him.
ease19
February 28th, 2009
6:58 pm
PTNBL
I think that to a large degree, the malcontent stems from the fact that we traded Tex and all his late season production for a relatively unknown. You are correct when you say that he is still developing, but to me he looks solid both on the field and at the plate and has the potential to be a .300 guy with 20+ homeruns. I almost feel bad for Freeman because I think that Kotch could be around for a long time. But it seems that there are those on the blog that belong to “I want it now” generation or “What have you done for me lately” and refuse to let a guy find his way.
Lew
February 28th, 2009
6:59 pm
ChopChop-Quoting Nazis, Dude? You need to go spark one and mellow out.
StingerSplash
February 28th, 2009
6:59 pm
Yes! Morphine! Yes! Yes! Yes!
It’s about time we got some Morphine!
Been a good week for blog song of the day — some Hag, some Morphine. Somebody’s on an early roll in spring training.
BossLady
February 28th, 2009
7:01 pm
That would be Longhorn’s steaks
TennesseePaul
February 28th, 2009
7:02 pm
KC: I live in So Cal. October has a World Series which prohibits the WBC. Novemeber through Decemeber consist of many other logistical problems aside from weather.
KC
February 28th, 2009
7:04 pm
Random, me too.
It’s just that after all the crap we took from Mets fans last year, and all the trash they talked (”you wouldn’t have been a 80 win team even with all your guys healthy” etc…) there’s something somewhat poetic about their having to endure a small measure of what we endured last year.
ease19
February 28th, 2009
7:04 pm
Random
Why? That makes zero sense…Were the Philles complaining that they beat the Braves youngsters?
kennesawmountainlandis
February 28th, 2009
7:05 pm
KC, don’t worry about it bro. Random is a small person, and that’s what small people do. They personally attack those with whom they disagree. It’s a sig of insecurity, and often, a lack of intelligence.
And I thought your point about the depth of Atlanta’s rotation vs. NY’s was an excellent one.
Lew
February 28th, 2009
7:05 pm
ease19-Freeman is only 19 and has only played at A ball (low A, I believe). Kotchman has two years after this before Free agency. I would bet that Kotchman will either be traded before he hits FA or will be let leave to test the FA waters as soon as Freeman is ready to rol in the bigs.
Random
February 28th, 2009
7:06 pm
KC (4:56 pm): “LEW, meant to say: I’m sure it’s highly improbable… [rather than 'I’m highly improbable. . .']“
Nah, I think you nailed it the first time.
In fact, sometimes yer purt near inconceivable to me.
kennesawmountainlandis
February 28th, 2009
7:06 pm
Sign of insecurity…
GSU-Lee
February 28th, 2009
7:08 pm
“this is an enigma wrapped not in a riddle, but a tortilla of anonymity”
DOB, that might be the coolest thing you have ever said.
DiamondbackMac
February 28th, 2009
7:08 pm
BossLady Thanks for the correction. My memory isn’t what it once was. And, before someone else says it, neither are several other things.
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
7:08 pm
“Me, I’d rather the Braves beat the Mets with Santana than without him.” -Random
That’s what I was thinking.
jds
February 28th, 2009
7:09 pm
gigantic name….
KC
February 28th, 2009
7:09 pm
TennPaul, I know there are logistical problems wherever you put the thing. But I think possible interference with the MLB season is the ULTIMATE logistical problem. Shouldn’t be acceptable.
I think maybe playing it about the same time as the Arizona Fall League would be the right ticket. I’m SURE there are problems with that… but none as critical as having guys worn fatigued or injured at some point in the season because of their participation in the WBC (on top of lack of continuity with the team for missing spring training).
ease19
February 28th, 2009
7:10 pm
Lew
I don’t know about that…but I would hate to speculate about something that will/may happen two years from now…Freeman is still only a prospect right now…
KC
February 28th, 2009
7:10 pm
Random, again, I have never ridiculed you personally for disagreeing with me. I don’t get it.
But whatever man.
Steve McP
February 28th, 2009
7:11 pm
Before we get too carried away with the Santana thing, I recall that in ST last year the Mets had huge injury issues, but early in the season they were healthy and it was the Braves players that were falling by the wayside. Be careful what you wish for, that Karma can be a dangerous thing.
Zach
February 28th, 2009
7:13 pm
Look guys,
I’m not trying to stir up some crazy controversy about Kotchman. Ease I agree he needs more time, no doubt. I was interested to see that he was only 26. I’m just concerned with what he has shown me at the plate. Defensively he’s great, better than laroache, and maybe better than tex even though I think tex might have him by a little.
KC,
I understand how much a mothers illness can affect you and it puts a big toll on pretty much all aspects of your life. I’m not giving up on him yet, I’m just concerned about what he’s going to be able to do for us. Those are good stats, i’ll take .292 all day. However, the .230s he gave the braves this year gives me further concern that he might not be able to produce those numbers in the nl.
bobby,
Look I get that you like kotchman because he’s a good team player and he had a good average with the angels. However, no way he’s the mvp over Vlad on that team. Furthermore, I’m not obsessed with power numbers, however 2 homeruns in 43 games is no power at all. Especially for a position that is relied on to produce and drive in runs. Again I’ll wait and see what he does this year, but he is by far my biggest question mark on this team.
Again I like his defense, and I think that he can be productive. However, he hasn’t shown me anything so far, and I haven’t heard anything about he’s improved. If he bats .290 and hits 20 homeruns with 90 RBIs i’ll be happy. The braves just cant take .230 average again from him.
PTBNL
February 28th, 2009
7:15 pm
ease, you are probably correct. It is just not the way I saw the trade. We were not going to get Tex after his contract ended last year so to get something was better than getting nothing. And… Tex was not going to get us into the post-season. So to me it was the right thing to do. After what we gave for Tex, I would have liked to have gotten more in return, but when we got him there was (less than) a year and a half left on his contract. When the Angels got him there was (less than) a half a year on the contract. So naturally his value had greatly decreased in terms of a trade.
Anyway…. good points.
TP, one of the ESPN announcers mentioned the idea of having the WBC in place of the All Star game once every 4 years. I don’t know how scheduling would be for the other countries, but it seems like a more acceptable alternative to me if it could be worked out.
Random
February 28th, 2009
7:15 pm
dogsbrekky (5:18 pm): “Bear – I am no medico but my ex father in law was a sports physio so . . .”
So . . .
Did HE divorce yer mother-in-law, or did YOU divorce yer only redeeming feature?
Enquiring minds want to know.
KC
February 28th, 2009
7:15 pm
kennesawmountainlandis, yeah, I don’t get the whole personal attack thing, but that tends to happen when you have the anonymity of the internet. You don’t have to worry about what that says about you, because nobody actually knows who you are. I still don’t get into the name calling… but to each their own. Seems like we can have spirited disagreements without taking the low road.
PTBNL
February 28th, 2009
7:17 pm
Zach, did you notice who he hit those HRs against? Could be nice. We certainly need someone who can hit that pitcher!
KC
February 28th, 2009
7:19 pm
ease19, yeah, that’s kind of my point. The Phillies didn’t give a #$%^& that the Braves were injured. They still felt they earned it. And if the Mets had won it, it wouldn’t be any different.
Given their dismissal of the Braves (again, stuff like “you wouldn’t have won 80 games even WITH everyone healthy”), it seems a little poetic to me if they have to endure some of the same. And we can listen to them talk about about “well, if we were healthy…” and dish it right back.
Zach
February 28th, 2009
7:20 pm
here’s what the yahoo ranks are on kotchman:
http://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/mlb/news?slug=ys-expertpoll-09preseason1-1b
just to show you that I’m not the only one who has doubts about him
ncscoots
February 28th, 2009
7:22 pm
Oh, I think Kotchman will be fine, as long as fans don’t expect him to be other than what he is. But, in a convoluted way, you could say that the trade of Adam Laroche cost the Braves a good 1B, a boatload of prospects, and $60MM to Derek Lowe, in return for…one full year of Mike Gonzalez.
Had Adam not been traded (and I understood the logic; Thorman’s minor league numbers were legit, and there was no reason to think he would be such an epic bust), there would have been no need to look for a bat in 2007. Even if no good pitching were available at that time (and there wasn’t), some of those Tex prospects could have been used that offseason to pursue a Haren or Harden or other young stud pitching to fill the gap until the next wave of farmhands. Adding that young pitching would have eliminated the necessity of spending 4 and 60 for a Lowe (or even more for a Burnett, or whatever).
No telling how it all would have turned out in the real world, of course, and the Braves might have been no better off. Heck, they might have had to pay some outrageous price for a closer, and it would all be moot. Still, it’s an intriguing six degrees of separation. And, it sure would be nice to have that Laroche lumber in this projected lineup.
Chop Chop
February 28th, 2009
7:22 pm
I’m just funnin’ with ya, KC.
I’m mellow, Lew.
That Ribbentrop business always cracks me up, Random. It comes from “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich” by William Shirer. I’m a history buff, so it’s fun to be able to find some reason to honor insipid historical figures from time to time. It’s no reflection on KC, of course. He seems like a cool guy aside from being wrong about the Braves whenever he types anything here. (Again, a joke.)
I’ve been reading a book about the SS (”The Order of the Death’s Head). I just got “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead: The Dirty Life and Times of Warren Zevon” in the mail today. I’ve read it before. Great book.
Zach
February 28th, 2009
7:22 pm
atlanta braves preview from yahoo
PROJECTED LINEUP
1. 2B Kelly Johnson. Average at best in the field but productive with the bat.
2. SS Yunel Escobar. When healthy, which wasn’t often, was strong in the field and at the plate.
3. 3B Chipper Jones. Led N.L. in average (.364) and OBP (.470) for first time.
4. C Brian McCann. One of the game’s best-hitting catchers is in better shape.
5. LF Garret Anderson. A good Plan B after Ken Griffey Jr. chose the Mariners.
6. RF Jeff Francoeur. If he doesn’t bounce back, Braves could be in for long season.
7. 1B Casey Kotchman. Only two homers in 152 at-bats after trade from Angels.
8. CF Josh Anderson. Stole a combined 52 bases at Class AAA and majors.
KC
February 28th, 2009
7:23 pm
TennesseePaul: “KC: I live in So Cal…”
Hmmm… for some reason, I was under the impression you lived in Tennessee. Don’t know where I got that idea. =)
KC
February 28th, 2009
7:25 pm
It’s all good Chop Chop.
I don’t mind your disagreeing with me. You have the right to be wrong! =)
Random
February 28th, 2009
7:29 pm
Chop Chop (6:28 pm): “Your 6:11 post is ridiculous, KC. Someone owes you an apology because you think your opinion about something will end up being right?”
Good call! I completely missed the implications of that comment.
Must have been one of my moments of KC’s incoceivability.
Lew
February 28th, 2009
7:31 pm
ease19-While I think Kotchman will turn into a pretty damned good first baseman, I have a feeling Freeman will be even better. The way the business end of things in MLB works these days, and given that the economy will worsen before improvement, I think it is quite possible that the Kotchman/Freeman things shakes out just like I envision it.
If the WBC has scheduling conflicts, then just let them cancel it. Go back to playing international baseball in the Olympics. I enjoyed seeing the Netherlands play Cuba at the old Fulton County Stadium in the 96 Olympics.
eltrompoBRAVES Fan
February 28th, 2009
7:31 pm
Hola a todos!
With all the talk about wanting to cream the Mets, I personally have more harsh feelings towards the Phils. They are the cocky SOB’s year in and year out.
Lew
February 28th, 2009
7:32 pm
KC-He does live in S. California, despite his name. I sent his Wurlitzer out there.
Indigo Montoya
February 28th, 2009
7:34 pm
“Must have been one of my moments of KC’s incoceivability.” -Random
You keep almost using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.
Lew
February 28th, 2009
7:35 pm
ChopChop-Have I got an Annhilator CD you’d love-Maybe we could interest you in some Norweigian Death Metal? They go great with Hitler and the SS. Good background music.
Lew
February 28th, 2009
7:36 pm
Indigo Montoya-Inigo’s Blues Brother.
Random
February 28th, 2009
7:37 pm
KC (6:47 pm): “Random, what is up with you bro? I have disagreed with you on many occasions, but I’ve never marginalized you personally or called you an “idiot”.”
No, bro’, that wasn’t you Chop Chop was addressing in his very funny 4:21 comment (you should check it out), but leland.
(Am I including time references in my comments to no effect at all?)
ncscoots
February 28th, 2009
7:38 pm
What was Indigo Montoya’s repeated line in the movie? I can’t remember, and I’m sure it’s appropriate at some point in these environs, LOL.
ease19
February 28th, 2009
7:40 pm
PTBNL, don’t forget that we got Marek in the deal, and he is supposed to be another of THOSE prospects that we keep hearing about.
But remember fellas, this is going to be an exciting team to watch…so many unknowns (which could go either way of course!)…so does it really matter who we play?
Richard Wagner
February 28th, 2009
7:40 pm
“They go great with Hitler and the SS. Good background music.” -Lew
Amateurs…
ncscoots
February 28th, 2009
7:41 pm
Oh, right, Inigo Montoya, my bad. Got carried away with the poster’s moniker.
ease19
February 28th, 2009
7:42 pm
eltrompoBRAVES Fan
Couldn’t agree more! Think of the discourse if Hamels had a sore elbow…
ease19
February 28th, 2009
7:43 pm
nscoots
My name is Inigo Montoya…You killed my father…Now prepare to die!
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
7:43 pm
“Indigo Montoya-Inigo’s Blues Brother.” -Lew
OH, SNAP. I always get that wrong. Excellent pun, though.
Lew
February 28th, 2009
7:44 pm
It wasn’t Indogo Montoya-It was Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.
Lew
February 28th, 2009
7:45 pm
It would help if I could spell. Now I must prepare to die.
Lew
February 28th, 2009
7:48 pm
Yeah, but did Wagner ever burn down a church in Olso?
ncscoots
February 28th, 2009
7:49 pm
good deal, I’m pretty sure I was thinking of the “prepare to die” part, LOL. As in, for some posters, “You disagreed with me. Now prepare to die.”
yeah, that’s the ticket.
ease19
February 28th, 2009
7:50 pm
Lew – Don’t die, who can spend the time speell in this day and age of speelchcke…
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
7:50 pm
“It wasn’t Indigo Montoya-It was Inigo Montoya” -Lew
Yeah, that’s what I’m saying. I always add a silent D for some unknown reason.
Lew
February 28th, 2009
7:51 pm
And Inigo Montoya went to school with DOB at Kansas. Or was it Indigo?
Lew
February 28th, 2009
7:53 pm
ease19-It’s OK. I’m an Old Dude and I’ve lived a good life.
Richard Wagner
February 28th, 2009
7:54 pm
“but did Wagner ever burn down a church in Olso?” -Lew
Did I burn down a church also? Maybe. You need spelling AND grammar help.
cvbraves
February 28th, 2009
7:55 pm
Hope Santana will be okay…always want to play the best at their best…and win!!!
Indigo Montoya
February 28th, 2009
7:58 pm
For you, Lew:
I’m a swooooooooooooooord man… (duh-nunt dunnn, dununt da-nunnn…) I’m a swoooooooooord mayunnn…
Oh, that’s bad.
Lew
February 28th, 2009
7:59 pm
Sorry Richard-Forgot you’d never heard of The Norwegian Death Metal bands and their favorite pasttime. And we thought it was such a nice Protestant Boys.
Chop Chop
February 28th, 2009
7:59 pm
What’s “incoceivability,” Random?
I’m into Schleswig-Holstein death metal, Lew. Got any of that? Anything that challenges the hegemony of Denmark is cool with me, brother.
Lew
February 28th, 2009
8:00 pm
Indigo-You killed my song-prepare to die, Sam and Dave
Lew
February 28th, 2009
8:02 pm
ChopChop-No, but I’ve got some good Bal Sagoth and Trivium.
mets fan in atlanta
February 28th, 2009
8:02 pm
I’m letting yall have your fun, as i’ve been reading the blog since the first spring game and you are all “gushing” over your new pitchers. Everyone has hope in the spring–even KC and Pittsburgh. (BTW, in those 2 cities, they use Atlanta as one of those alternatives, haha)
Anyway, but i have to stop you for a moment about the injury crap. You act as if the Braves were the only team to lose players last year. Yeah, you lost Hudson and a lesser extent Smoltz, but the rest of the guys you “lost” were probably a blessing in disguise. You can’t count Hampton, and Glavine is done. He was done last year, and the injury was just an excuse.
The mets lost Alou (starting left fielder–remember him?) for basically the entire season. Ryan Church was lost for the last two-thirds of the season, and he wasn’t right when he came back. While those two were out, they also lost Beltran for about 3 weeks, and the backups to those guys got hurt AT THE SAME TIME! Angel Pagan and Endy Chavez were both on the DL for extended amounts of time, and Pagan eventually lost the entire season after a pretty good start. Even Marlon Anderson (who i think is now terrible) went on the DL for a while.
What does this mean? Enter Fernando Tatis, signed off of the scrap heap. What does he do? Just win Comeback Player of the Year. Guys like Nick Evans, Dan Murphy and other rooks played a lot more outfield than anyone thought they would–most met fans didn’t know their name at the beginning of the season.
On top of this, Wagner hurts his arm, we have to rely on waiver deadline pickup Luis Ayala to close games in a pennant race, he understandably doesn’t hold up at the end, and the Mets falter at the end.
So, you expect met fans to fall on their knees if Santana isn’t ready at the beginning of the season? Are you serious? This is a team that had Pedro Martinez on it the last 4 years. We have backup plans–they are just aren’t disguised like JOJO Reyes or Charlie Morton. One of them is Jonathan Niese, who if memory serves, threw a shutout against Los Bravos back in September. He’ll be starting at AAA.
I watched Livan Hernandez throw 2 innings in a start against the Cardinals the other day for the Mets. He looked crisp, and this was against pujols, ankiel, and the other starters for St. Louis. It didn’t take him 20 pitches combined for the two innings. And he’s considered to be our 3rd choice for the 5th starter!!!!!!!!
That’s depth—and its not named JoJo Reyes.
abravo
February 28th, 2009
8:03 pm
ease19: The notion that Kotchman could be around for a long time doesn’t jive with what I’ve seen over the years. Gap-hitting first-basemen tend to not stick around for long at all simply because it’s so easy to find a more productive hitter with defensive limitations and stick him at first. Even if Kotchman is a .300 hitter with with 40 K’s, I’d be surprised if he’s still a major league starter when he hits free agency unless he can also hit 25+ homers a year.
Lew
February 28th, 2009
8:04 pm
MuttsFanInAtlanta-Yes, we DO have new pitchers. Don’t you wish you did?
ease19
February 28th, 2009
8:05 pm
Lew – Old is just a state of mind…in the immortal words of Rod Stewart, “Forever Young!” (which by the way was my Mother/Son dance at my wedding, since my sister was only 13 at the time and my parents were in their 50’s)
Lew
February 28th, 2009
8:07 pm
ease19-That’s why I get into Juvenile Testosterone rock like Night Ranger and Whitesnake. It keeps me young.
Leah
February 28th, 2009
8:08 pm
I love it how Mets fans always think their team is perfect, even this early in spring training when play isn’t that important,…up until they choke in September that is and realize how un-perfect their team actually is.
Chop Chop
February 28th, 2009
8:08 pm
You’re a real gloom and doomer, Lew. You should take a chill pill and relax, my friend.
ease19
February 28th, 2009
8:10 pm
abravo
True…other than Chris Chambilss and the Crime Dog, first base has been sort of a rotating door. My point to Lew was lets not speculate on a “prospect” (remember Andy Marte) and two years into the future..
Indigo Montoya
February 28th, 2009
8:10 pm
MetsfaninAtlanta,
Somewhere between:
“Everyone has hope in the spring” (implying it means nothing)
and
“I watched Livan Hernandez throw 2 innings in a start against the Cardinals the other day for the Mets. He looked crisp, and this was against pujols, ankiel, and the other starters for St. Louis” (implying it means something)
you took a wrong street, didn’t you?
lexbrave
February 28th, 2009
8:12 pm
i dont think there is anybody outside of new york that thought that signing santana to a 7 year deal was a good idea. his current sore elbow may end up being nothing, but i remember reading somewhere at the time they signed him that most scouts believed his mechanics made him a ticking time bomb for a major surgery…and sooner than later.
ease19
February 28th, 2009
8:13 pm
Help…I …have…something…in…my …throat…and…I…can’t…breath…Oh wait, nevermind, I’m not a Mets fan…Boy, thats a relief, thought I was choking there for a minute.
Saltywoody
February 28th, 2009
8:14 pm
Andruw Jones is 1 for 9 with 8 strikeouts, if I’m reading and adding correctly. And this is spring training.
Apparently Andruw didn’t get that memo, though, and he’s treating is just like the regular season.
Lew
February 28th, 2009
8:18 pm
ChopChop-No need-I sparked one earlier and listened to some Jon Oliva’s Pain. I’m mellow.
Lew
February 28th, 2009
8:20 pm
ease19-I never bought the hype on Marte. Just on Hanson, Heyward and Freeman-and Julio Teheran.
Run Heap Run
February 28th, 2009
8:20 pm
Ok serious question guys…how many of you are on the crack pipe right now? Because….
Lew
February 28th, 2009
8:21 pm
Maybe the new Mets’ mascot for their new stadium should be named Heimlich.
nolie
February 28th, 2009
8:24 pm
Thorman’s minor league numbers were legit, and there was no reason to think he would be such an epic bust), Scoots
other than that I posted everywhere that he would never make it in the bigs..
actually I might notta been on here yet at that time.if so you’ll hafta take my word on it.
another Hessman-lotsa power and no ability to hit for average. So far Hicks is looking a lot the same though it is too early in his career to be sure.Campbell might end up the same. and Cody too…and there was Helms and there was Cameron. Not a great success ratio with big powerful third/first/OF kinda guys there. Seemed like they were on a bad streak there looking for another Klesko or better.
TennesseePaul
February 28th, 2009
8:24 pm
I’ve heard the All Star game idea for the WBC and I don’t ever seeing that happening. Imagine how upset everyone would be when the games are smack dab in the middle of the season as opposed to Spring Training.
Below the equator baseball is pretty popular. But, when we think of Winter ball, it’s actually summer down there. Those countries have regular seasons as well. Those seasons are from November to February. The goal of the WBC is to promote baseball and spread it throughout the world. That doesn’t happen when you cancel countries entire seasons so American MLB spring training schedules can satisfy a few crazed fans.
If it is possible injury or fatigue that is an issue, perhaps it’s best if we wrap all the players in bubble wrap and package them in styrofoam crates in the offseason so they don’t break a leg on a four wheeler or playing basketball, or cut a finger on a window or with an apple slicer…
Omar Minaya
February 28th, 2009
8:24 pm
Lew, I like: Heimlichez
Maturin
February 28th, 2009
8:27 pm
Chop Chop, do you know Godwin’s Law? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin’s_law
Jus’ Sayin’.
Omar Montoya
February 28th, 2009
8:28 pm
Prepare to die. We have no one to perform the Heimlich manuever.
Chop Chop
February 28th, 2009
8:29 pm
I’m aware of it. We needed a reference, Maturin.
Celebrity Post Night
February 28th, 2009
8:30 pm
Dang, the gig is up, isn’t it?
Frank from KS
February 28th, 2009
8:31 pm
ease19
Don’t forget Big Cat in your 8:10 p.m. post.
TBraveFan
February 28th, 2009
8:32 pm
Mike – I found the comp passes and they are good for any practice session. If you want to email me your address, I’ll be happy to get them in the mail to you. My em is tbravefan@aol.com
Chris Woodward Watch...
February 28th, 2009
8:43 pm
Chris Woodward is now hitting .667 for Seattle.
The Braves should consider reacquiring this talented and versatile player!
ease19
February 28th, 2009
8:51 pm
Frank from KS
Yes I did forget and also forgot Sid Bream (I know that is a Braves sin), but he still fits the mold…couple of years here then gone…Chambliss (7seasons) and McGriff (4 season) are the only two that had any staying power at 1B…
I am Blaine Boyer's belly
February 28th, 2009
8:51 pm
I am Blaine Boyer’s belly. I don’t need to have my apples sliced. I don’t need to have my steak cut up in little pieces. I don’t even need the food to be chewed. I eschew chewing. Teeth – you are no good to me. You just slow down the passage of the food. Get in my belly, food!
Run Heap Run
February 28th, 2009
8:52 pm
I love that we can count someone named Buzz Meatyard as one of our blog fans facebook group hahaha – just one of 76 people from all over the country have joined since yesterday afternoon – go us!
ease19
February 28th, 2009
8:54 pm
Chris Woodward Been there, done that.
ease19
February 28th, 2009
8:57 pm
Run Heap Run
I’ve learned that I am too old for MySpace, but not for Facebook…thanks for setting that up!
Allen Greedspan
February 28th, 2009
9:00 pm
I have been asked to comment on the Brave’s bullpen. We just don’t know if the bullpen is viable as there are toxic assets that keep decreasing in value (e.g. Blaine Boyer). We need to seperate the toxic assets. One way is to create two bullpens: a “good” bullpen, and a “bad” bullpen. We will move all the toxic assets to the “bad” bullpen so that the “good” bullpen can carry on with business as usual and help the Braves “save”. Private investors can then bid on the “assets” in the “bad” bullpen. Maybe this can be facilitated by a Resolution Trust type organization. We’ll put Scott Boras in charge of selling these “assests” since he can sell snow to Eskimos.
RLPmetro
February 28th, 2009
9:03 pm
I know it’s just hockey, but the Predators scored 5 goals in the first 11 minutes to take a 5-0 lead over the vaunted Red Wings! WOW
Bobby Cox's beverage of choice...
February 28th, 2009
9:04 pm
It is not a coincidence that Sid Bream rhymes with Jim Beam.
Just Sayin
February 28th, 2009
9:06 pm
“Dunedin” rearranged spells Dine Nud. Just sayin’.
Hope Springs Eternal
February 28th, 2009
9:10 pm
Or Nine Dud
Anders' Mom
February 28th, 2009
9:11 pm
Son? Hello? Can’t we please just talk about this? Where ARE you?
Just Sayin
February 28th, 2009
9:12 pm
Is Mark Few (coach of Gonzaga) and Orel Hershiser the same person? Just askin’!
KC
February 28th, 2009
9:16 pm
mets fan in atlanta, you think our depth is limited to JoJo Reyes??? LOL
You weren’t watching TV on Thursday, where you?
ease19
February 28th, 2009
9:17 pm
Anders Mom – That is funny, I was wondering the same thing…Pizzaro is an arse but I like Anders…
Bubdylan’s comment about Actinopterygii and Elasmobranchii reminds me that I have to go to work on Monday so I need to go drink heavily (Jim Beam perhaps) so I won’t have nightmares about what I will be facing in the office when I get there…Nite all!
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
9:18 pm
Or, tragically, “Nun Died”
Ander's Uncle Luigi
February 28th, 2009
9:18 pm
Well, I just been laid off from the pizza parlor. I been making pizzas for all the peoples for many years and now no work. What can I do?
Anders, I be moving in with you soon. You momma said you got to share the room in the basement with me. I also be needing room for my garlic collection. It’s a no problem. Keep a the cockaroaches away.
KC
February 28th, 2009
9:20 pm
Mets Fan In Atlanta, here is replay of Thursday’s game if you’d like to see what we have waiting in the wings.
KC
February 28th, 2009
9:21 pm
Oops, here it is: http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/espn360/channels?channel=3578771
Allen Greedspan
February 28th, 2009
9:21 pm
Blaine Boyer’s belly is bigger than the combined economies of Sweden and the Phillipines.
Run Heap Run
February 28th, 2009
9:26 pm
hahaha I love when Anders “family” comes along with their commentary. Funny stuff.
Steve McP
February 28th, 2009
9:29 pm
Or Undined (perhaps another word to describe Bulimia?)
Ander's Uncle Luigi
February 28th, 2009
9:36 pm
Anders, its a very cold here in the basement. Can maybe I borrow your snuggie? Need to keep a the hands free in case I making the pizza.
Ander's Uncle Luigi
February 28th, 2009
9:38 pm
Anders! Where I can put my Mario Lanza records?
Ander's Uncle Luigi
February 28th, 2009
9:45 pm
Let me tell you. I knew Bud Harrelson. And Jose Reyes, he’s a no Bud Harrelson.
Tim Hudson's elbow
February 28th, 2009
9:55 pm
Why didn’t Francoeur play today?
Jarryd
February 28th, 2009
9:57 pm
DOB,
Beer question, Lone Star? ever had it, picked up a six pack for the hell of it. Wanted to know what you thought.
RLPmetro
February 28th, 2009
9:57 pm
Francouer did play today…
RIP Skip
February 28th, 2009
10:01 pm
Thanks for the blogs DOB. But man, the AJC coverage of spring training hasn’t been much. No pictures (did I miss it because I haven’t yet seen pics of G. Anderson’s press conference), spotty game coverage.
Thank God for the blog at least.
SoWeGa Fanatic
February 28th, 2009
10:02 pm
I was just reading the Mets’ fans comments on here and was wondering why they were here. Admiration? Do any of you guys adore the Mets so much you lurk on their blogs? Me neither.
Jeremy Piven
February 28th, 2009
10:02 pm
The blog is toxic. It’s making me ill. I tried to read it. I really did. You can’t blame me. It’s the blog. It’s full of chemicals. That’s why I cry all the time now. It’s not because I’m an untalented, priviliged, fuss-pot. No it’s the blog’s fault. Waaah! Sob.
Ander's Uncle Luigi
February 28th, 2009
10:09 pm
This is a response to SoWeGa Fanatic. (SoWeGa? Rhyme with Luigi, maybe?)
Why Met fans here. Is a being reminded of story:
Cousin Alphonse get very very drunk. Coming home late, trying to get key in door to his apartment. Is too drunk and drops key. Luigi seeing him sitting under lamp-post. hey Alphonse, what you doing sitting under lamp-post. Alphonse: I drop the key trying to put in door to apartment. Can’t find. So Luigi say: then why you looking here. Alphonse say: Light being better here!
So is explained!
Jarryd
February 28th, 2009
10:21 pm
SoWeGa Fanatic, is your name Scott? If not, then disregard.
ease19
February 28th, 2009
10:22 pm
Anders (Newman) – So you are here…Can’t fool me!
Random
February 28th, 2009
10:24 pm
ease19 (7:04 pm): “Why? That makes zero sense…
“
Come on, now — that makes plenty of sense to plenty of people.
For example, check DOB’s comments about KS cagers beating OK with OK’s big man on the bench.
The greater the challenge, the sweeter the victory.
Unless you think the Braves’ ONLY chance to win the division is for the Mets to lose Santana . . .
I don’t.
ease19
February 28th, 2009
10:25 pm
And if not…As our former president said, “Fool me once….Never get fooled again!”
Seriously going to bed now.
Random
February 28th, 2009
10:34 pm
kennesawmountainlandis (7:05 pm): “KC, don’t worry about it bro. . . . that’s what small people do. They personally attack those with whom they disagree. It’s a sig of insecurity, and often, a lack of intelligence.”
Judge, if ya don’t know whatcher talkin about, I’d suggest you simply shut up.
And if you can read, you should know by now that you DON’T know whatcher talkin about in this instance.
I clarified it to KC circa 19:40.
(Though I’ve not yet progressed that far in catching up on the comments, so am unsure how he took it.)
Anyhoo, butt out, ncwesty.
ease19
February 28th, 2009
10:37 pm
Random
Ok, I take the bait…What if the (hypothetical) Braves were never to face Santana anyway based upon how the schedule worked out? Probably not gonna happen, but we have done well against the Mets historically so I am not that worried, regardless. Frankly a win is a win, who cares who it is against. I will cite my earlier post saying that Phillies won a World Championship last year…were they complaining that the Braves didn’t have much of a starting rotation?
Now I am going to bed…
David O'Brien
February 28th, 2009
10:39 pm
Jarryd: Francoeur didn’t make the trip. Neither did Chipper, McCann or Josh Anderson..
RIP SKIP, you wrote: “… but man, the AJC coverage of spring training hasn’t been much. No pictures (did I miss it because I haven’t yet seen pics of G. Anderson’s press conference), spotty game coverage.”
Well, glad you appreciate the effort. We’ve had one person down here for the past eight days, or since our columnist and photographer returned to Atlanta. Sign of the times, RIP Skip.
Times are tough, my man. Budgets are very tight. Newsroom staffs are shrinking. Papers are folding every day. The Rocky Mountain News just published its last paper on Friday. The San Francisco Chronicle is in trouble. The Seattle Press-Intelligencer might go under. We’re still covering every day of spring training, unlike some papers.
So to complain about not seeing photos of G. Anderson sitting at a podium at his press conference … well, hey, I respect your opinion, but we’ve got some bigger issues than that, my man. If AP shot the press conference and moved a photo, we used it. If they didn’t, we probably didn’t have a photo.
And as for “spotty game coverage,” it’s the first week of spring training games, RIP Skip. How long have you been following baseball, and when (and where) do you remember there being more game coverage of the first week of games? (Not to mention the fact that this is a longer spring than ever.)
You’ve got a lot of minor leaguers playing the last half of most of these games, many of whom won’t sniff the majors this season. The scores, while important to some fans, mean very little, if anything, to the teams, especially early.
They’re getting prepared for the season, and these games, particularly in the first weeks of spring training, are nothing more than glorified workouts where a score is kept and admission is charged.
I mean, we’re let into the clubhouse during games, to talk to the starting pitcher after he comes out of the game and, in the case of road games, often before he leaves the ballpark (most teams let starting pitchers, and some position players, leave early via their own transportation, before the game’s over).
This is not about writing game stories and “game coverage.” There are a couple of places online where you can get that, if that’s what you want. But between writing features, notebooks and blogs, there isn’t enough time for much “game coverage” even if we wanted to do it. Not this early. Later in spring, when the regulars are playing most of the games, yes, to a greater degree. But not now.
Just to give you some idea how it’s done elsewhere, when we go down to Port St. Lucie, the only writers in the pressbox are usually a couple of us out-of-town beat writers and maybe a guy from a Stuart or Port St. Lucie paper. The 20 or so writers and columnists from NY teams are sitting in the press room, watching the game on TV (if it’s televised) or writing and not watching the game at all.
Personally, I like to watch the game while I’m writing. But actual game coverage, as in accounting for scoring and all as if the game result was the important story of the day? No. When we leave Florida, the results of these games will mean nothing.
Random
February 28th, 2009
10:42 pm
KC (7:10 pm): “again, I have never ridiculed you personally for disagreeing with me. I don’t get it.
But whatever man.”
KC, every comment I’ve directed at you tonight has been in the spirit of good-natured joshing. (I even changed “Smoltz” to “Schmoles” in one comment specifically to avoid raising your hackles.)
I apologize if it didn’t come across that way — sorry.
Furthermore...
February 28th, 2009
10:46 pm
Along the lines of Jarryd’s complaint..
Why aren’t there any pictures of polar bears on this blog? I bet that in the past week the words “polar bears” do not appear in this blog at all. What kind of reportage is that?
Ander's Uncle Luigi
February 28th, 2009
10:52 pm
Is a big problem at my church. The priests, they all Mets fans. But the nuns – they all rooting for Phillies.
Nuns favorite player: Chaste Utley.
Random
February 28th, 2009
10:54 pm
Indigo Montoya (7:34 pm): ““Must have been one of my moments of KC’s incoceivability.”
You keep almost using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”
I can well understand your concluding that, especially when I spell it that way.
No, it’s an intentional malapropism, poking a little innocent fun at another commenter (whose name will be changed to avoid an emotional confrontation — call him CK), who had earlier written something like “I’m highly improbable. . .”
I suppose you had to be there.
Tim Hudson's elbow
February 28th, 2009
10:55 pm
Well then, why didn’t Francoeur make the trip today? Too tired? He’s not doing the WBC.
Mitchie-san
February 28th, 2009
11:02 pm
I think you about covered it, Dave.
Bubdylan (formerly Indigo Montoya)
February 28th, 2009
11:05 pm
Random, the whole (unfunny) joke was a riff off your mispelling + Inigo Montoya’s famed line about “inconceivable.” Apparently, you’re not the only joker missing the whole rim, net, and backboard tonight.
Could be the Jack Daniels, which I’ve now decided I’m just not ready for just yet. Is there something I can do with it besides put it in Coke? Too sweet. And no shots, please. Please.
Frankie Knuckles
February 28th, 2009
11:06 pm
10:39 – DOB
Yea, after all it is practice. Some folks just seem to be anxious for the real deal. Me, I just like to watch this promising young talent that’s not quite ready, but close. Watch out NL East.
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
11:07 pm
And yes, yes I did just misspell “misspelling.”
Chop Chop
February 28th, 2009
11:14 pm
I put some Jack in grape Kool-Aid one time. Tastes pretty good.
Random
February 28th, 2009
11:17 pm
Bubdylan –
You got any lemonade?
Better yet, unsweetened lemon juice — fresh, or “Realemon” reconstituted.
Yeah, the whole Inigo Montoya riff was WAY over my head — musta come from a movie or somethin, huh?
Frankie Knuckles
February 28th, 2009
11:17 pm
Jack in ginger ale. thats the summer time drink
Random
February 28th, 2009
11:18 pm
Or Nytol.
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
11:18 pm
Chop Chop, I’m trying to get LESS sweet than Coke. I’m not sure it matters. I can’t drive to the store. I opened the pantry and peeked in there and unless it goes well with italian bread crumbs or ramen noodles, Coke is as good as I’m gettin’ tonight.
I could probably just sip shots, but there really is a limit to how much shame a guy can live with.
TnBrian
February 28th, 2009
11:19 pm
I’m a little confused on some Braves critics out there. They say we don’t have the offense, but say we have the makings of one of the best rotations in MLB. These are more than likely the same people that say pitching and defense win championship’s. Of course we Braves fans know first hand all about that, but just confused with their take. I honestly could give a f– what they say, except for a few that make some decent points.
Frankie Knuckles
February 28th, 2009
11:20 pm
” or Nytol” if you like to hallucinate when you drink.
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
11:22 pm
Random, I have some RealLime. What do I do with it?
Yes, a movie. “The Princess Bride.” When you’re bored youtube something like “inconceivable inigo montoya” and you’re bound to find it.
Howie Longish
February 28th, 2009
11:22 pm
Tom Glavine should be great this year. He reminds me of a young Benjamin Button.
Omar Montoya
February 28th, 2009
11:24 pm
I had ghought that the game coverage was pretty damned good, considering DOB’s in game blogging during the games and several Denizens doing play by play. We even got some pictures sent by Florida Braves Girl. Blog’s got it covered.
Andy K.
February 28th, 2009
11:24 pm
Tim Hudson’s Elbow Because MLB puts restrictions on how many starters a team can bring on road trips/put on the field early on in Spring Training games. so Bobby decides who he wants to see, and who gets to stay at Dark Star to hit/play in a simulated or inter squad game.
Frankie Knuckles
February 28th, 2009
11:26 pm
Howie – sheit. Real young. Maybe he can still paint the coroners. corners
Chop Chop
February 28th, 2009
11:28 pm
I’m talking about the Kool-Aid in the packets, dude. No sugar in it. That way, the power of sugar addition is in your hands.
Howie Longish
February 28th, 2009
11:29 pm
I hear Blaine Boyer is doing real well, money wise. He’s a veritable corn dog millionaire.
Howie Longish
February 28th, 2009
11:31 pm
Has there ever been a Fred Ward film festival?
Bubdylan
February 28th, 2009
11:35 pm
Chop Chop, Oh. I’m retarded.
G’night, all.
Roman Gal
February 28th, 2009
11:36 pm
Is a big problem at my church. The priests, they all Mets fans. But the nuns – they all rooting for Phillies.
Nuns favorite player: Chaste Utley.
Oh, Anders Uncle, you slay me!
flbravesgirl
February 28th, 2009
11:38 pm
Glad you enjoyed the pics. I’m still mystified as to how y’all saw them though.
spotts
February 28th, 2009
11:47 pm
RIP Skip got O’Brien Burrrrned
Steve McP
February 28th, 2009
11:49 pm
John Mayer on Austin City Limits, surprised at the heavy guitar work on some numbers
spotts
February 28th, 2009
11:51 pm
RIP Skip got O’Brien Burrrrned
I got the OBB once…didn’t feel too good. Mine wasn’t as bad as RIP Skip though. After that burning you’d think Dave was Sherman
StingerSplash
February 28th, 2009
11:52 pm
DOB,
If you want to see something truly kick-in-the-gut hurtful, go to The Rocky’s Web site and watch their 20-minute video on the end of the paper. Got a little dusty here watching that.
I won’t take shots at the Cox clan (that’s the folks who own the AJC, not Bobby and his wife and daughter) – some papers, like the Globe, have a battalion of folks at spring training (Mazz, the chick beat writer, the backup guy, Ryan/Shaughnessy in and out) but they’ve always done that. Honestly, in the 25-plus years I’ve been reading the AJC, either with a copy in hand (no longer, since the cutback of the distribution area) or online, I can’t remember more than a writer and sometimes a columnist (maybe another scribe down there for very brief periods for feature pieces or preview stuff or opponent crap) being at West Palm or now Dark Star.
TnBrian
February 28th, 2009
11:53 pm
DOB, where are pictures of Garret in his Braves uni? What a discrace you and all of the AJC writers are to not snap a picture and give us what we want! He’s the new face of the franchise for cryin out loud!
Seriously, this blog only gets some of us more amped up than we really should be anyways. Come July, some of us won’t watch another game until late Sep., and that’s just if they’re in the race. Not me, to the disgust of my girlfriend. But hey, she has her purse and talking obsession, so I can have mine.
spotts
February 28th, 2009
11:53 pm
Steve – John Mayer’s pretty ripped at guitar. He’s really come a long way since “Your Body is a Wonderland.” I’m loving all his jazzy/bluesy music now
Random
February 28th, 2009
11:56 pm
Bubdylan –
Whaddaya mean, “G’night, all”?!?!? I was just joking about the Nytol.
What we’ve all forgotten is the simplest solution — branch.
Couple shots of Jack in a tumbler (up to a third full, add water, ice (optional), a couple of sqirts of lime juice to taste, and you’ll be singin “Eureka!!!”
TnBrian
February 28th, 2009
11:58 pm
Man, that was a close call! My girlfriend just rolled over and saw my last post. She must have missed the last sentence. She gets aggravated when I post this late anyways, but she went back to sleep. She gets on my last nerve, but I do love her to death. I obviously really do love her that much, or I wouldn’t be with for this long, wakeing up to her death breath in the morning!
Chop Chop
March 1st, 2009
12:04 am
Might wanna quit before she starts shoveling the dirt in the grave you dug for yourself, man.
TnBrian
March 1st, 2009
12:05 am
Spotts, Mayer is the definition of the word GEEK! But, geeks all around the world cheer when they see the women he dates. He’s one of those smart a-nerds that try to be funny, but they just humiliate themselves trying. Oh my bad, you were talking about his music.
Run Heap Run
March 1st, 2009
12:08 am
flbravesgirl what pics are you talking about?
TnBrian
March 1st, 2009
12:09 am
Chop Chop, man, you sound just like her.
Chop Chop
March 1st, 2009
12:16 am
****, man. That ain’t right.
Mitchie-san
March 1st, 2009
12:16 am
Well I have to say if we signed Griffey, there would be a bunch of pictures everywhere from the press conference. G.A. just isnt a big name like that.
Test
March 1st, 2009
12:17 am
test
Test
March 1st, 2009
12:18 am
test
TnBrian
March 1st, 2009
12:29 am
Mitchie, you couldn’t be more right. I really think that Jr. could’ve been a distraction to a team with guys like Francoeur,Kotchman, and even KJ needing to have bounce back years. Now, would I be writing this had Jr. signed with Atl…probably not. But, I still think it’s true regardless. Anderson seems to be like a lot of guys that are already
on the team. Just kind of low key.
My girlfriend is a beautiful sweetheart. We joke with each other all of the time. I just don’t want to sound like some punk.
nolie
March 1st, 2009
12:43 am
Has there ever been a Fred Ward film festival? HOWIE
If there is, I’ll go. For Robert Forster too.
Test
March 1st, 2009
1:13 am
test tickle
keylargo
March 1st, 2009
1:24 am
200 Japanese photographers following Kawakami and AJC can’t get a picture?
Dewey Cox
March 1st, 2009
1:29 am
I’m looking forward to cousin Bobby taking his team back to the playoffs this season!
StingerSplash
March 1st, 2009
1:57 am
Well, if John Mayer was singing “Your Body is a Wonderland” about then girlfriend Jennifer Love Hewitt …. he just mighta been right. Have mercy!
uga-brave
March 1st, 2009
2:12 am
bubydyan,
went old school tonight. saw a hair band at peachtee tavern.
they played some old ronnie dios songs.
remember “holy diver”
never was a hair band fan but, listening to ‘breaking the law’ BY JUDAS priest was kinda fun.
Razzle
March 1st, 2009
2:18 am
my, my – and poke, poke… what larks
KC
March 1st, 2009
2:32 am
MLB is going to be coming out with a new Iphone app soon that features gamesay audio. Looking forward to that.
Art in TN
March 1st, 2009
2:44 am
DOB and the AJC give more coverage, in his blog and notebook, than any other paper I have ever read. Stop bitching about the coverage. We have blog play by play for SPRING GAMES!!!!!!! Be happy you dont have to pay 100 bucks or whatever it is for the radio package to get the spring games. Jesus, u just cant make some people happy.
amanda
March 1st, 2009
3:02 am
I completely agree with art. We really are spoiled fans. The radio deAl is only like $12 btw, i had it last yr so i could listen to the spring and half dozen or so regular season day games from the office.
Art in TN
March 1st, 2009
3:23 am
12 dollars, 1000 dollars whatever. the coverage at the paper is fine. DOB busts his ass. have u read some of the other blogs??
CharlieAlphaBravo
March 1st, 2009
3:50 am
There’s no reason anyone’s need for unreasonable amounts of baseball should go unsatiated just because it’s March…
This blog is a damn fine resource for Braves spring training coverage and discussion. Hell, there are even player Q&A’s every now and again.
If this just isn’t enough to quench your unending desire for baseball, then surely the MLB Network and a DVR will do the trick. Pony up the extra $5 a month to the cable company and enjoy a 24-hour barrage of baseball coverage and programming.
After all, what’s the worst thing about Ken Burn’s Baseball documentary?? That’s right, it ends… Unlike MLB Network (which incidentally shows Burn’s Baseball as well.
And in case you haven’t heard, Ken Burns will soon release a tenth inning to Baseball. It will cover 1993 to 2008, and it will likely devote an unreasonable amount of time to the Red Sox. Nevertheless, I’m sure it will be an excellent follow-up to the orginal film, and it’s bound to mention the “team of the nineties” a few times.
If all of that is not enough, then… Well… Wait until April. Maybe read a book or something….
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
4:58 am
Wow, just saw the highlights of Blake Griffin’s performance tonight, that leap over the scorer’s table after returning from a concussion….
Regarding Johan: Not hard to imagine how much consternation there is coming out of Port St. Lousy over the Santana elbow. Think how Braves Nation felt about the John Smoltz shoulder situation early last season, turned up a notch due to the fact that the Mets don’t really have the equivalent of a healthy Tim Hudson in the rotation (which the Braves did when Smoltz got hurt), and also considering the size of the investment the Mets have in Santana, one of the very best pitchers in baseball.
They’ve still got a talented team and a great back end to the bullpen, but his potential absence, if it’s long-term, could be a crippling blow to the Mets with their otherwise less-than-overwhelming rotation.
William
March 1st, 2009
7:18 am
DOB, do you ever sleep?
Couch Tater
March 1st, 2009
7:23 am
Braves media guide lists no stats for him most of the decade.
Hmm, maybe he knew Rick “Wild Thing” Vaughn in California.
Runnin
March 1st, 2009
7:26 am
test
ncscoots
March 1st, 2009
7:45 am
nolie, re your earlier note about Thorman…I must have missed your jam on him back in those days. I’ll admit that I thought he had a chance, even with the Grand-Canyon-sized holes in his swing. Figured he would adjust, eventually, and I had his back in this forum long after it was appropriate, LOL. Oops.
Tomahawkin' Again (like it's 1991)
March 1st, 2009
8:20 am
DOB, sitting here in Kissimmee waiting for the rain to come through. I have tickets to the game today – still on? With it being spring training and the Phils having to drive over from Clearwater, different rain-out rules apply for spring training than the regular season?
brent a.
March 1st, 2009
8:31 am
Will,
You asked in the last blog if I got any autographs.
I doubt you’ll see this; but, the answer is, “I didn’t try”.
But, autographs are and were very available at Spring Training games.
In fact, you really see an abundance of patience, IMO, from some of the players, willing to stand for several pictures, etc.
I watched as Adam LaRoche stood for multiple pictures with a contingent from a group home. After the first picture (which took a while), the leader of the group said, “one more”, and you could see the first little look of surprise from LaRoche, followed by a quick change in expression that said, “sure, go ahead”. This went on for 3 or 4 shots.
Random
March 1st, 2009
8:32 am
ease19 (10:37 pm): “Ok, I take the bait…What if the (hypothetical) Braves were never to face Santana anyway based upon how the schedule worked out?”
Don’t be misled by my one example — I wasn’t talking merely about head to head with Santana, or even with the Mets.
And I wasn’t sayin that victory (any victory) isn’t sweet — only that the tougher yer opponents, the sweeter it is.
Yer correct — the Fillies got braggin rights and are indeed not complainin.
But think how much more braggin they’d be doin if they had bested a fully loaded, fully healthy Red Sox team in the WS (rather than a bunch of “upstarts”) without the benefit of some controversial calls and rulings.
brent a.
March 1st, 2009
8:34 am
I’m glad that Mets fan in Atlanta showed up yesterday to remind us just how little he knows about the Braves.
Couch Tater
March 1st, 2009
8:43 am
ncscoots
So, I guess you, Frank, and Bobby gave up to soon. Thorman .857 for the Brewers. You’re fired.
7 is the answer to your next question.
TommyP
March 1st, 2009
8:48 am
Finally March….the Madness is around the corner and regulars going longer in games will be here soon.
Used to read Ringolsby quite often. Loved that paper.
DOB: Where do you see the fate of print newspapers in 2-5 years?
Doc Holiday
March 1st, 2009
8:48 am
How about inserting Hanson as our 5th starter and making TG our top lefty reliever? I mean, he is older than last season and with a surgery in his arm. What are the chances of him making more than 20 starts? what are the odds of him making more than 25? What are the odds of him pitching more than 150 innings?
Instead, he can help us a ton in the pen since he is a veteran.
Maybe braves can make than kind of move if TG shows any signs that he is not gonna make it through the season or that he aint gonna pitch more than 4 or 5 innings per outing.
Thought?
I know some are gonna say that being a reliever is more stress than being a starter, but being a lefty specialist maybe is not as stressful, I even think its better for an old arm.
TommyP
March 1st, 2009
8:50 am
Oh yeah…anyone have any recommendations on baseball magazines (preseason)?
TommyP
March 1st, 2009
8:51 am
Doc: Isn’t Glavine better vs. righties?????
Doc Holiday
March 1st, 2009
9:02 am
I really dont know the answer to that question………just a thought, I have not done much homework about it.
Random
March 1st, 2009
9:08 am
Doc Holiday (8:48 am): “How about inserting Hanson as our 5th starter and making TG our top lefty reliever?”
Interesting.
It shouldn’t screw up his incentives, which to my understanding are not based on IPs but rather on roster time.
I’m sure Glavine would resist it, based on a combination of pride, self-worth, self-perception, etc.
MY main hesitation would be that it might be a humongous waste of talent — assuming he can still get RHs out.
As far as conserving his innings, that would probably come anyway as a natural consequence of his bein the 5th SP. Bear in mind that the rest of the rotation will have made two starts each prior to his first. I would expect him to continue to being skipped intermittently throughout the season — that would relieve some IP stress.
But like I said earlier — interesting. (But then they wouldn’t have ANY LH starters at all. Does that matter?
North Georgia Wisdom
March 1st, 2009
9:12 am
Enter your comments here
North Georgia Wisdom
March 1st, 2009
9:13 am
Huh?!?!?!?
North Georgia Wisdom
March 1st, 2009
9:14 am
hahaha im a dumb!
North Georgia Wisdom
March 1st, 2009
9:22 am
5000?
North Georgia Wisdom
March 1st, 2009
9:28 am
we need 100 comets par page dob is a dumb
PTBNL
March 1st, 2009
9:29 am
Having fun, NGW?
PTBNL
March 1st, 2009
9:33 am
I was reading Mark Bowman’s blog and was amused by one of the poster’s wit.
Mark had mentioned that Andruw had been to bat 5 times (at the time of posting) and had struck out all 5 times. Some were commenting on Andruw’s decline and one guy said, “It would seem the outfielders that the Braves avoided signing this summer included the Dunn brothers, Adam, and Completely.”
TommyP
March 1st, 2009
9:33 am
Lefties rake Glavine nowadays.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
9:55 am
Gonna rain here today, Braves hitting in the covered batting cages. Ed Mangan thinks they’ll get it in, but possible we could have delay.
#1 Smoltz Fan
March 1st, 2009
9:59 am
FYI Ice just hitting west Georgia on its way to you Metro Atlanta folks.
BraveTiger
March 1st, 2009
10:07 am
DOB – Ed Mangan, is he at Dark Star during the entire spring schedule or does he split time between there and Turner Field, getting it prepared for the season? Also, I asked yesterday about Tony Barnhart, where is he? He was supposed to be back the week of national signing day and wasn’t. His blog isn’t up anymore. Where is he?
braves4ever
March 1st, 2009
10:08 am
David, I hope you still have warm rain there, here its gone to pot. In the last hour its been 39 degrees,rail/sleet/some snow and expecting 2-4 on the ground today.
And a note about the chatter on AJC reporting. You have done a great job on covering considering the # of players there and cities to bounce around,I’m wondering when you sleep, you post at 1,4,5 am sometimes plus all day up to 11-12 pm. Keep up the good job.
Robert
March 1st, 2009
10:14 am
DOB, I have a couple questions for you
1 – Does Jo Jo Reyes have a chance of making the bullpen, is it a serious opportunity
2- why has Phil Stockman not pitched yet this spring
3 – with us not needing a 5th starter until April 19, will we carry 11 pitchers and 14 position players, or 8 in the pen
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
10:18 am
By the way, surprising development (or at least previously unannounced): Peter Moylan is scheduled to throw in today’s game. Bobby had indicated it’d be close call on whether Moylan would be ready to start the season. Well, if he’s throwing already, on March 1, then barring setbacks I’d think he’ll be on the team for opening day.
RLPmetro
March 1st, 2009
10:26 am
DOB, as soon as I read your note about the weather, it started getting nasty down here in Fort Myers. Crazy. Hopefully it holds off. I am supposed to attend the Sox-Twins game today.
Tomahawkin' Again (like it's 1991)
March 1st, 2009
10:27 am
DOB, what is the scheduled pitching rotation for today?
braves4ever
March 1st, 2009
10:28 am
Moylan is a important part of that Pin, when he’s on with that wicked movement on his pitches he so hard to hit. If we break camp with just him and Gonzo at the front of the relievers we are ready.
PTBNL
March 1st, 2009
10:32 am
Hmmm I wonder if that is a good thing (Moylan). Not only could it be wise to let him take it more slowly for his own sake, but it could be helpful to have him on the DL so they can test an arm or two for a little longer (in the bullpen). Kinda makes me wonder if Bobby does not see the bullpen as weaker than we may think. Pure speculation, so it is just a thought that I tuck away in the back of my mind…. waay back. lol
BravoMan
March 1st, 2009
10:36 am
If Moylan’s on the opening day roster then our bullpen will be stacked, much like our rotation.
DOB, When do you think Soriano will make a Spring Training appearance?
I heard he was throwing to hitters and hadn’t felt any soreness…
Doc Holiday
March 1st, 2009
10:40 am
Random,
About not having a LH in the rotation, I think it is important also. As you mention , I dont think Glavine would do something like that, neither would Cox. But If I was Cox, I would give it a try just to see what happens, it could be a pleasant surprise.
braves4ever
March 1st, 2009
10:43 am
PTBNL Thats a good thought, maybe Bobby does see that some of the young talents needs AAA a while. And I bet Bobby has 99% of his 40 man and 95% of his 25 man roster thought out. He probably is more settled inside about this team,pitching,hitting than he has been since 2005.
Doc Holiday
March 1st, 2009
10:45 am
BravoMan……Situation with Soriano is the same as JFs situation. Lots of expectations. They will both repeat their 2008 performances. Poor. And just add anxiety on the ball club. If they proof me wrong, Ill be happy. Problem is I dont think they will.
Salty Dawg
March 1st, 2009
10:45 am
@Bubdylan (formerly Indigo Montoya)-
“Could be the Jack Daniels, which I’ve now decided I’m just not ready for just yet. Is there something I can do with it besides put it in Coke? Too sweet. And no shots, please. Please”
Actually, I have a great recipe for you. Take the Jack and pour it in a squat glass. Drink and enjoy. Perhaps a little ice will make it more palatable.
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
March 1st, 2009
10:50 am
A question:
Since Glavine is a notoriously slow starter (first inning blues) is he likely to be effective coming out of the pen? Also his effectiveness against RHB vs. LHB.
Doc Holiday
March 1st, 2009
10:51 am
The Bear,
He might not, but we will never know if they dont try it. Pure speculation.
Salty Dawg
March 1st, 2009
10:53 am
@Couch Tater-
“Braves media guide lists no stats for him most of the decade.
Hmm, maybe he knew Rick “Wild Thing” Vaughn in California.”
Ha, ha. I actually thought of that too. Maybe he was playing in the California penal league.
DiamondbackMac
March 1st, 2009
10:55 am
DOB
Have you heard any explanation as to why Moylan is recovering so quickly. Is it because of his arm angle doesn’t stress the elbow as much as other angles might.
RIP Skip
March 1st, 2009
10:55 am
DOB…
Wow. Thanks for the burn. I was trying to be nice and thanking you for the daily updates while contrasting that with the overall AJC coverage which, to me, has been a bit lacking.
I didn’t even mention the fact that you have screwed up nearly every single story this offseason or that the stories that were true were reported by reporters outside Atlanta. If I had wanted to be rude like you I can have mentioned that your reporting this offseason has been a running joke and everyone who reads this blog knows it. Tim Hudson knows it too.
Keep up the great work.
Lew
March 1st, 2009
11:02 am
PTBNL-That one liner was brutal, but one of the best I’ve heard in a while-Completely Dunn-ouch!
Y’all want DOB to take pictures now too? Spoiled, aren’t you?
spotts
March 1st, 2009
11:07 am
Yeah and maybe he can throw a little BP too
spotts
March 1st, 2009
11:08 am
RIP Skip’s either getting another OBB or completely ignored
Eric from MO
March 1st, 2009
11:08 am
Doc Holiday-Situation with Soriano is the same as JFs situation. Lots of expectations. They will both repeat their 2008 performances. Poor.
I would bet your right about Francouer but Soraino was hurt. He had a nerve that would hurt every time he threw the ball. Sounds like that would be pretty painful and would defiently effect your pitching.
Eric from MO
March 1st, 2009
11:14 am
RIP Skip right on. For how many years have we bashed the NY Post for coming up with trade rumors that never ever come true. Now AJC does it and people get mad when someone points it out. Now I understand everyone screws up but you would think after Furcal that they would of learned to wait til a contract was actually signed. Thats why I didnt believe Griffey was coming and refused to include him on a made up lineup because no contract was signed.
Efrim
March 1st, 2009
11:14 am
Johan Santana to head back to New York and have an MRI. Where is Anders at? Wow. Wouldn’t that be a blow. The team that is prime to win a World Series(that hasn’t even made the playoffs yet) loses their ace.
Doc Holiday
March 1st, 2009
11:14 am
Efrim in MO,
Im not saying Soriano is a bad pitcher, he is a killer, when healthy. I jusst lost faith on him being healthy ever again. I just think he is one of those cases that no one will ever know why such a good player went down so quickly……something like Giles maybe or Horacio Ramirez, maybe those are not the best examples, but you know what im talking about. Maybe its like Prior or Woods…….when an injury goes for this long, you better start worrying.
PTBNL
March 1st, 2009
11:17 am
Lew, I agree about it being brutal. That is why I was careful to say that I found the wit amusing, not necessarily the idea that is conveyed by it. Fans tend to de-humanize athletes. An athlete can be dietized on the one hand or treated as though they have no feeling on the other. It is true that for the most part they don’t hear most of what fans say about them. But some things (thoughts, feelings, etc) do get back to them. I hesitated to give the quote because even if Andruw never knows that it is said, I don’t want to encourage people to speak as though he is a “thing”. So I am glad that you pointed that out. I was sharing the wit, not the sentiment. At least, that was my intent. I apologize if I offended any one.
Doc Holiday
March 1st, 2009
11:19 am
I dont really like that, muts will now have an excuse for their 3rd straight meltdown. For the sake of that city, I just hope that his prime clown is ready for opening night at their new circus.
President of Matt Diaz Fan Club
March 1st, 2009
11:20 am
I’m so excited because – according to Furman Bisher, “Now that the [trade] for Garret Anderson is done…” and “Brandon Jones offering [power],” it seems like we have a real shot this year. Good grief!
BravoMan
March 1st, 2009
11:21 am
Doc Holiday, Reguarding your comment on Soriano and Francoeur, I was asking DOB who actually knows what he’s talking about. Not someone who just gives their own negative opinion on certain players.
tr
March 1st, 2009
11:23 am
Salty Dawg:
A recipe from an old friend of mine:
Glass + ice + whiskey = a mixed drink
adding anything else is immoral (according to him)!
BravoMan
March 1st, 2009
11:25 am
Santana to have an MRI! What a blow it would be to lose him. Who would be their opening day starter? Perez?
dogsbrekky
March 1st, 2009
11:25 am
Moylan – I wish they would give him another few weeks, no point pushing him on what is a STANDARD 1 year return…. why pitch March 1 ….
Lonnie Smith
March 1st, 2009
11:29 am
I agree with RIP Skip. DOB’s response was needlessly defensive, perhaps because the criticism struck close to home. I think we all appreciate DOB’s efforts, but AJC coverage overall is dismal. The fact that times are tough is hardly an excuse. They are still charging the same subscription for an inferior product. The fact that DOB is doing a great job or not is irrelevant. You can also have a great waiter with a terrible steak. The fact you keep my water glass full will not make up for a lousy piece of meat.
Pedro Martinez
March 1st, 2009
11:31 am
Hello, Mets, I’m still available!
Doc Holiday
March 1st, 2009
11:35 am
CBSSPORTS Rank Braves 10th in Baseball as of Feb 16th. Interesting what they say about HAnson at the end:
The game’s preeminent sleeper? I’d feel much better about slapping them with the fateful “team Larry thinks will be much better than everybody expects” tag if they’d have bothered to address the corner-OF situation with any of the 39 bargains available this winter (insert could’ve-used-Abreu-or-Dunn blurb here). A Ken Griffey Jr./Matt Diaz platoon in left wouldn’t be the world’s worst solution, I guess. … Why not take another run at Jake Peavy? The Padres either have to move his contract or go back to single-ply paper in the clubhouse john. … I implore those in keeper Fantasy leagues to draft Tommy Hanson. That’s right: I said “implore.”
Lew
March 1st, 2009
11:42 am
PTBNL-Dude, you didn’t offend me. I always liked Andruw as a player, but while his decline has at least equaled that of The Roman Empire, more volumes have been written about it than Gibbons wrote in his epic history. I just don’t want Andruw to become a Brave again. However, all we can do is look at the situation with humor-otherwise it’s entirely too sad to contemplate.
Doc Holiday
March 1st, 2009
11:42 am
Sorry Bravo “Man”, didnt mean to waste your time. Next time, just dont read what I post, it will make your life easier.
Omar Montoya
March 1st, 2009
11:43 am
Pedro-Have your people get in touch. We Love You-especially when the only other option is Elmer Dessens.
Eric from MO
March 1st, 2009
11:43 am
Doc its only been one year. How is one year so long?
Tomas
March 1st, 2009
11:44 am
Man if Johan needs elbow surgery the Mets are super screwed. They’ll get a little taste of what the Braves had with almost everybody last year.
BravoMan
March 1st, 2009
11:45 am
Doc Holiday,
Maybe you shouldn’t write the comments at all, it would make life even more easier.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
11:45 am
NEW BLOG IS UP (or should be very soon)
Lew
March 1st, 2009
11:47 am
Doc-Even with the incredible pain he suffered last year, Soriano STILL put up a 2.57 ERA with 16K in 14 IP. When capable of pitching he has been incredibly effective throughout his career. Now that the problem has been corrected and can’t happen again, he will dominate. I’m willing to bet you one of my drawings that the Dude (if he remains healthy) will put up-at the very least-career ERA (2.91) and a 2-1 K to BB ratio.
Lew
March 1st, 2009
11:52 am
RIP Skip-Dude, if your discontent is that horrendous and intolerable, then find another newspaper. If, instead, your intent is to B!tch, moan, groan, and otherwise complain about how bad your insignificant life is, then just get in line. Your betters have preceded you by years. We’ve heard it all before. You’re nothing but a digitally defunct recording.
PTBNL
March 1st, 2009
11:55 am
Hmmm Anybody else having a hard time finding the new blog? lol
Doc Holiday
March 1st, 2009
11:59 am
Lew,
I agree, as I say on a previous post this morning, he IS a great pitcher when healthy. I just wont count on him until he pitches for a month without we hearing or reading about any pain. It might happen. I just wont believe he is ready until I see results. Remember, he is a power pitcher, easy to have the same injury again.
Frankie Knuckles
March 1st, 2009
12:03 pm
Just read a yahoo article on Derek Lowe. The guy seems like he might be a bit of a clown. He also came off like the Braves were not his top choice ( even if its true. thats not something you disclose). He’s going to be an expensive 3rd starter one day.
Lew
March 1st, 2009
12:13 pm
Docv-Sorry Dude, but that [articular injury is NOT possible again (and he’s already had Tommy Johnson surgery)
Dude had the ulnar nerve snapping across the elbow bone and catching on a bone spur-painful as all hell. The moved the nerve (Ulnar Nerve Transposition Surgery) so it can’t snap anymore and had the bone spur removed. He’s thrown a good bit of the winter without pain. Like I said, I’m willing to bet he’s fine.
tr
March 1st, 2009
12:35 pm
Frankie – Just read the same article and it sounded more (to me) that he THOUGHT he might be asked to go elsewhere instead of wanting to go elsewhere.
Dadgum
March 1st, 2009
1:48 pm
Saw ZOSO, the Led Zeppelin tribute band, last night in Richmond( I can hear all you music aficionados saying damn if I would see a tribute band). I had heard rave after rave about them. Let me say if you haven’t seen them trust me you can surely see worse acts. A lot worse. Extremely talented musicians that could, by all accounts, do their own thing but I guess they have a good gig and perhaps nobody lyrically inclined to sustain a new band.
Folks the $12.50 I paid was peanuts. They are worth more than that. The highlight songs for me were the very underrated Ten Years Gone, No Quarter, Moby Dick, When The Levee Breaks, and Stairway. The synthesizer on No Quarter and the drum solo on Moby Dick were worth $12.50 alone. Frankly, I have seen Zeppelin maybe 5 times but never have I heard Zeppelin play Stairway like Zoso played it. I won’t say flawless but you would have had a hard time finding one. 2:15 minute concert non-stop, no filler action in a superb acoustic setting at The National. Next up Isbell and teh 400 Units there.
Rock on…….
nolie
March 1st, 2009
2:05 pm
But If I was Cox, I would give it a try just to see what happens, it could be a pleasant surprise. DOC
I doubt that. Glavine has never been particularly effective against lefties and he often has trouble in the first inning or two. not exactly what you want in a lefty reliever.