Blanco does need to stay with the Braves if he wants to make the team, but as Bowman pointed out on his blog, there are different pressures on players from Venezuela.
Does he have any options left? It would be nice to have him stashed away there if Frenchy cannot turn it around or there are any injuries.
There is no point getting all wrapped up in Frenchy’s peformance so far. It looks like the Braves are determined to give him a chance to get it turned around despite what happens at ST, likely all the way until Memorial Day.
I do wonder what will happen if we get to the last week of ST and he is still below the Mendoza line and swinging at bad pitches, particularly if Schaefer, J. Anderson and Diaz all perform well.
DOB, is there any point at which the Braves could cut Frenchy and get some relief from his salary or are they on the hook no matter what? I seem to recall that when Varitek refused arbitration, Boras tried to justify the refusal by saying that a team could cut an arbitration player at some point prior to the regular season and get salary relief. Does that apply to Frenchy’s situation?
The internet will one day lead to the demise of pretty much every print newspaper. The larger cities will be the last and lone survivors (if any).
Once the baby-boomer generation is gone then the internet generation will assure this as happening. I think its like 7 out of 10 households use a computer right now ? That will be almost 10/10 in year 2020.
Tnbrian, I ‘ll agree except change McCann’s hr’s down to 27,Frenchy’s down to 21,Escobar’s up to 22. Of course, I hope Frenchy hits 35 homeruns but I also hope the Dow hits 10,000 next year too…
Braves4ever, I can speak for myself and say that it doesn’t offend me. The bottom line is, DOB knows that certain people are so sensitive with politics and they actually get offended…give me a f— break! But, it’s true. Whatever side a person is on, we can all pretty much agree that they’re all liars to an extent, no matter how certain media portrays their side.
robdawg, WOW…Escobar with 22 HR? Now, that would something. There’s no doubt, just by looking at him, that he can belt 22+ HR’s, but to me he has too much of a level, line drive type swing right now to hit that many. Who knows, you could turn out right.
Chipper- .335, 28 HR, 125 RBI…same ole Chipper with more power TnBrian
so you think Chipper is gonna hit at least 25 points over his career average for the third year in a row? Will he ever again cool off enough to only hit .310?
Andruw’s situation is weird. It’s like he’s swinging at b-bs with a pixie stick. Even when he gets a pitch he COULD pull, he can’t make contact. His hand/eye coordination is worse than Joe Cocker’s at this point…
What is Greg Olson up to these days? I know a lot of former Braves have been to Braves camp in the spring over the years but haven’t heard much of the where-a-bouts of Olson….and for that matter, Damon Berryhill, and Charlie O’Brien.
Oh…I have to ask this…have ya ever met ESPN’s Dave O’Brien? (Lol)
I was agreeing to the Hr numbers not the avg. & rbi’s. I think Chipper will hit .305 or so. He could hit higher if G. Anderson & Francoeur play well and get/leave him pitches to hit. Otherwise, he will be pitched around.
RichBrave-Yeah, it’s supposed to start snowing at four this morning and end in 24 hours. Only a foot this time-that will just make up for what melted when it hit the mid forties on Thursday. Typical winter storm in Vermont. Work and schools probably won’t even close tomorrow-maybe just open an hour late.
nolie, some of ya’ll don’t miss a beat. I figured I could maybe slip one by ya’ll, but I failed. Anyways.. yeah, I think Chipper will hit at or around .335 with a little more power.
tnbrian: I think your predictions are reasonable, but I would also agree with RobDawg’s adjustments. Don’t know that I’d go to 22 for Yunel’s homers, however. Maybe 17-18.
Frank from KS: Don’t know if you’re serious about the Dave O’Brien question, but I’ll assume you’re pretty new to the blog and are being serious. Anyway, as most of the long-timers here have heard me say, that Dave O’Brien was a Marlins broadcaster for most of the years when I was a Marlins beat writer. So yes, we’re friends. And back when we both stayed in the team hotel, it was chaos, him getting my calls, me getting his, etc.
He solved his problem by going under the alias of Placido Domingo (not making this up). But the problem only got worse for me when he did that, because then I got ALL the calls for both him (if they didn’t know or remember he was under an alias) and for me.
Finally, I stopped staying in the team hotel and avoided the whole mess.
But to this day, he’ll sometimes be in the same hotel before or after the Braves are in town, and our stays might overlap by a day, and I’ve gotten a few calls for him.
Someone last night questioned my knowledge of the braves…people, i live in Atlanta!! I grew up with the Braves, my dad is a Braves fan, all my friends are Braves fans…so trust me, i know what the Braves have. As they say, keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer…..
Some of you are misunderstanding me–when i mentioned depth yesterday, i didn’t include Tommy “the next Wilson,Pulsipher,Isringhausen” Hanson cause he hasn’t pitched above AA yet, and he didn’t even put in a full season there yet. If he pitches before July for the Braves this year, then that means the Braves are 20 games out. No pennant contender relies on a guy like that in their rotation. I’m not questioning his future impact necessarily, but i’m a guy who is talking about this season.
So while many of you were smirking earlier about Johan and his “injury”, hopefully you weren’t too disappointed by his not feeling any discomfort today after throwing 30+ pitches. But hey, we’ve got former all-stars competing for the 5th spot, so if Johan is okay, i’m sure we can work out a deal to give you one of our extra guys when you figure out Tom Glavine is done.
Hey the mutt and I have been to Little River Canyon in ‘Bama, nice place, the mutt liked it so much he peed on every 2nd tree…….. love the southern states in USA, shame so many up here in Yankeeville do not drive down and see their own country
DOB, nice piece on Heyward and Freeman. Sounds like all they need is experience, before they’re both in Atlanta to stay, making a certain RF expendable, and Kotchman trade bait.
I find it funny, that a 19 year old kid is talking about choking up, and shortening his swing, but not losing power (even referencing Bonds – which is DEAD ON).
I get the fact that these guys need to prove it in the big-leagues before we annoint them the “2nd coming” of the Natural (Francoeur pun intended). But it’s that kind of attitude (Freeman), at a young age, and the apparent ability to execute said plan/attitude successfully, that seperates the good players from the great players, IMO.
OMG, what’s wrong with Bowman’s lineup? That’s pretty much how I’d do it. I might flip-flop Garret and Chipper against righties and lefties, along with doing the same with Escobar and KJ. Though, IMO, Escobar is probably the better #2 hitter. KJ is perfect for that 8-hole, to get rallies started, and have pitchers bunt him over (or a PH late in games, knock him in). Like having a semi-experienced lead-off hitter at the bottom of the order.
That being said, I think that young Jordan Schafer might have a lot to say about how often Josh Anderson plays.
mets fan in Atlanta- Wilsn, Pulsipher and Isringhausen were overhype New York prospects made famous by the New York media. They were never on the level of prospects that Hansen is. The Mets were desperate to creat their own Maddux, Glavine Smotlz. Did not work out well
If Freddy Garcia or Livan Hernandez has a better season the Glavine I will my last copy of the Rocky Mountain News
I wouldn’t start talking about Johan being ok just yet. They will still check him out
Some Sense: In answer to your question 2:19 about why I still buy so many CDs. I don’t consider downloading songs or even whole albums to be a suitable alternative to owning the album or CD. For one, the sound isn’t as good, isn’t as rich, on MP3 files. But beyond that, I like to have the entire product the artist put out, including the artwork, the liner notes, the lyrics if they have a lyrics sheet, etc. I like to play them in my car and at home, in whole.
I use my Ipod while working out and on the road in hotel rooms (or this rental house), so i’ll have tons of songs without carrying tons of CDs. But I still take 10 or so CDs on the road with me for driving, if I’m gonna be in a rental car. I’ve got about 40 with me down here — in a couple of leather wallet CD holders, not with all the individual cases and packaging.
If you only have downloaded music, how in the world can you sit back years from now and enjoy your collection, remember where you were in your life when you were into this album or that CD, look at the artists as they’ve changed over the years, check the date on the cover to see what year the album/CD was made, etc.
All you’ll have is a little piece of metal with thousands of songs in it, nothing more. No thanks.
Jim, Charlie Morton’s side is still sore, so he’s going to wait at least a few more days and test it again. It’s been a week, which was when they hoped he’d be ready to throw again. But it’s not healed. Still feels it when he extends at end of his pitches.
Is it just me or is it still very strange to see Johnathan
“Coach” Coachman on ESPN News? I keep waiting for Vince McMahon to interrupt him, or maybe Stone Cold’s music to start playing…
You’re being too optimistic. Expect Chipper to hit for a high average but not as many homers or RBI’s just because he’d be very lucky to stay healthey for 130 games.
Frenchy not as many homers.
Garret Anderson a 100RBI man, I don’t know thats a bit too much, maybe 80 if he does indeed play everyday and there is no platoon.
Josh Anderson 260 AVG 4HR 45 RBI’s, 40-45SB’s, and a 315 OBP
Yunel Escobar 295 AVG 15HR 80 RBI’s, and a 365OBP
Chipper Jones 345 AVG 25HR 85 RBI’s, and a 430OBP
Garret Anderson 305 AVG 14HR 80 RBI’s, and a 330OBP
Brian McCann 310 AVG 28HR 105 RBI’s and a 400OBP
Jeff Franceour 260 AVG 15HR 90 RBI’s and a 310 OBP
Kelly Johnson 295 AVG 22HR 80 RBI’s, and a 380OBP
Casey Kotchman 287 AVG 17HR 87 RBI’s, and a 330OBP
Ric Flair, I asked Chipper a few days ago and he said nothing new on that front….
By the way, TOM GLAVINE is scheduled to be in camp Wednesday….
And I asked Bobby about possibility of Reyes in bullpen, since Reyes said he just wants to try to win a roster spot, doesn’t care if it’s rotation. Bobby said his value is as a starter, and they like him there. In other words, he’s not being considered for a bullpen spot.
tnbrian: Agree with Tomas that your projection of Chipper’s RBI total is quite high. That’d be an RBI a game for him, probably, given how many games he’s played in recent seasons. Closer to 90 RBIs.
LOL… Oops, I’m on my iphone, and it’s fairly liberal about correcting your typing if your off by one letter and it thinks you meant to say something else. I meant to say “take”, not “dame”.
KC, routine flyout, routine groundout for Francoeur, from what I remember. Just glancing up and down from writing to see guys hit, focusing on a couple of other guys, his at-bats just didn’t stand out for me today.
DOB, thanks for the ideas about the song in answer to my question Fri. night/Sat. morning. I ended up going with George Jones’ “Choices” (”Kentucky Rain” was already going to be on it and I have Dwight Yoakam’s “This Time” CD with “A Thousand Miles From Nowhere”, indeed an excellent song). In listening to the songs you suggested, I heard some songs I hadn’t heard before, and that’s always a good thing. Appreciate it.
DOB, thanks. Hmmm… I really thought he’d come roaring out of the gate this spring. Plenty of time left, but it won’t take me much longer to start getting nervous.
Freeman says in DOB’s article: “I focus on hitting the ball hard and low, and if it goes out for a home run, it’s a mistake. A good mistake. If I try to hit home runs, my swing gets long.”
Boy! One just wish all the young hitters, especially JF, see this and learn a thing or two from this teenager.
Is it me or does it seem like best case scenario for Francoeur is a low liner gap shot? I know we read about him in batting practice calling “Oppo-Bombs” and with his new stance and hands back he can “get more power” and “strength” but it seems to me like the last 2 months last year and from what his swing has shown this Spring that everytime he does make contact they are little looper-liner hits. I havn’t even seen him crack the ball for a deep flyout…
I am very worried that Francoeur’s new stance is %100 compromising his power. I just remember old Jeff in 2006 crushing balls. I remember one in particular upper deck bomb he hit off Glavine at Shea stadium. There is no chance he can hit it that far with this new stance. Again, it seems like best case scenario is a little looper base hit. Where did his power go? Him and Andruw are mind boggling….
Jeff, just like AJ, tries to hit HRs. And that is mistake #1. They both just need to focus on driving the ball and the HRs will come naturally. I think (for some reason) both of them stopped trusting their talents and are just simply trying too hard.
Freeman says in DOB’s article: “I focus on hitting the ball hard and low, and if it goes out for a home run, it’s a mistake. A good mistake. If I try to hit home runs, my swing gets long.”
He didnt go to the Scott Thorman school of batting then?!
I’m late on the whole Blanco and Anderson debate but I would like to see Blanco get the job. After saying that I know that Anderson will probably get the nod over him given the fact that he is out of options and i’m ok with that. If Anderson doesn’t work out then they call up Blanco. No big deal. I would actually like to see Schafer get it more than those two though.
So what I’d miss here lately? I was busy just now having sex with my hot, modelesque girlfriend in my Salt Lake City mansion. Seriously. My life is great.
Anderson is a MUCH better base stealer, a better defender, and unlike Blanco, he can hit the ball out of the infield. You don’t want your leadoff guy swinging for the fences, but you want an occasional leadoff double. When you compare blanco’s numbers to Anderson’s… Well, there’s no comparison.
Nothing much, Wayne. A poor showing from Ridgeway this afternoon and a discussion about something none of us have any sway over … who should be our CF this year.
Another season with eeyore Cox at the helm. I swear if the ol’ donker signs another one year extension I can’t be held responsible in a court with reasonable jurors for my actions.
DOB give Donk a sugar cube and tell him I said hello.
PTBNL: Kinda like everyone went out to eat at the same time.
I bet you there was a glitch in the server or something and some messages are hidden somewhere. There’s just no way for zero posts between 10:08 and 10:27, not with this group.
DCBrave, you are probably right. It has been acting up. I had to keep refreshing and each time it would bring me back to a different place with some posts missing.
Several years ago I chatted in IRC and on occassion the server would split and half of the people in the “room” would go one place and the other half would go to another. Eventually, the two would be brought back to one. I don’t know if that kind of thing still happens or not.
And I would say to that KC that Blanco is a much better bunter can work a count and knows how to draw walks. Anderson has had two good Septembers but he hasn’t been up the whole season and proven anything yet. The Speed is attractive and I admit that but there is nothing else that has really seperated him that far in my mind from Blanco. If the Braves pick him over Blanco i’m cool with that i’m just saying Blanco is my preference and some other peoples.
nolie, some of ya’ll don’t miss a beat. I figured I could maybe slip one by ya’ll, but I failed. Anyways.. yeah, I think Chipper will hit at or around .335 with a little more power TnBRIAN
wasn’t picking on you alone. others have said thesame. I just think it’s likely that he is gonna drop off some though I’m not saying it’s a sure thing. Regression to the mean hints that he will eventually. I sure hope you’re right though, I’ll take that season.
>If you want Bobby Cox gone, you need you’re head examined.
Agreed. I mean, who doesn’t want another 4th place finish this year? And for icing on the cake.. How about Andruw Jones batting cleanup and hitting less than .200? You do realize Cox was lobbying hard for “Andy” to return, eh?
PTBNL: Kinda like everyone went out to eat at the same time.
I bet you there was a glitch in the server or something and some messages are hidden somewhere. There’s just no way for zero posts between 10:08 and 10:27, not with this group.DCBrave
Report this comment – I want to report someone talking trash about our new blog. The nerds said it was fixed and that’s all I need to hear.
I gotta say: That group that Run Heap Run started on Facebook seems like one hell of an interesting, eclectic bunch of people. Good to be associated in whatever manner it is with all of you on there. Just looked through a bunch of on the list. Couldn’t stop.
DOB:
Gonna be attending the Venezuela game on Thursday of this week at Disney. Any idea who will be scheduled to get some innings in pitching for the Braves? Venezuela?
People need to stop ringing their hands about Francoeur. Here are the facts:
1) Numbers in spring don’t matter
2) Numbers in April matter only slightly more than numbers in the spring
3) Even if they did matter, Bobby would ignore them, because he trusts his players.
For now, be thankful that Francoeur (unlike Andruw when he exhibited similar stats over the last few years) is aware of the problem and working to address it. Also be thankful that he is making contact-solid contact at that-this spring. If he was striking out a ton, I’d be worried. That is the Jeff of old, and that is what we absolutely do not want to see. Strike outs may mean there is a very real problem But he isn’t striking out. He is seeing the ball, and occasionally hitting it hard. That is the most you can expect from a guy tinkering with his stance in February.
He isn’t trying to tone back the aggression (which worked for him in 06 and 07), so I don’t know why people would be surprised at the first pitch swings. But anyway, you can save yourselves all a bunch of anxiety by not paying attention to Jeff’s numbers until we get near the end of April. It won’t make one bit of difference in his playing time, and it won’t tell us anything about his progression as a hitter. Instead, start hoping for more hard hit balls, and a continued lack of striking out. That’ll be far more indicative than his OPS or BA in February.
I was just going through all (and I mean *all*) my old albums from when I was a kid and my parents record collection also today and, well, I’m not gonna say I was reminded or rediscovered my childhood fandom of Lionel Richie but I wasn’t quite prepared to uncover how many of his records I used to own.
What was wrong with me? I was a kid though whis is weird but I don’t know, I used to love me some Lionel Richie.
Until this very moment I had intended to throw them out but now it just wouldn’t be right. Then again, if you want them they’re all yours… or anybody else for that matter.
It is interesting to put some of the nicknames to the faces, DOB. I basically look like a stoner in my Facebook pic. I have short hair and a full beard now, but my girlfriend likes that picture.
That **Robert** has been lights out this spring with his commentary. Hope he can bring me a sugar cube during spring training. I still need Andruw to change my diaper as it is full.
I am wearing a Hank Aaron jersey at a Yokohama BayStars game in my pic. Man, I really miss those games. I’ll never know, but out of all the games I went to, there is a really good chance that I saw Kawakami, Otsuka, Daisuke and all them that have made the transition to the MLB.
I just noticed two Braves’ lineup predictions made tonight…
I wonder if TnBrian and Tomas know that no team in baseball had more than 3 players with 80+ RBI last season. (I didn’t. I looked it up.) TnBrian has five Braves doing that in 2009. Not to be outdone, Tomas posted his predictions several posts later. He has seven (!) Braves posting at least 80 RBI.
Just to make sure that no one thinks Tomas isn’t aware of his crazy predictions, he made sure to inform TnBrian that “you’re being too optimistic.”
Hey david, did you happen to notice the one guy whose profile pic looks like he is smelling of a cannabis bud although i’m pretty sure that couldnt possibly be what it is i have to admit i have looked at it several times trying to decide. Just me?
I like how almost everyone has their profile set where the profile pic shows up even if
Youre not on the friends list.
Damn iphone typing…KC remind me to link you to a hilarious blog about iphone typos sometime..
978 comments Add your comment
TnBrian
March 1st, 2009
8:25 pm
My “expert” predictions:
Anderson- .284, 4 HR, 45 RBI…he’s going to steal at least 40-45 bases
Escobar- .287, 12 HR, 65 RBI
Chipper- .335, 28 HR, 125 RBI…same ole Chipper with more power
G.A.- .292, 16 HR, 105 RBI…batting in between Chipper/Mac will help
McCann- .310, 32 HR, 110 RBI…we haven’t seen the best he can do
Franc.- .265, 25 HR, 90 RBI…still going to K his way into our hearts though
Kotchman- .287, 17 HR, 88 RBI…breakout year, at least that’s what I’ve read
KJ- .275, 15 HR, 72 RBI
You can call me a “homer” all you want, but I really think these guys can put up those stats.
RMF
March 1st, 2009
8:26 pm
Blanco does need to stay with the Braves if he wants to make the team, but as Bowman pointed out on his blog, there are different pressures on players from Venezuela.
Does he have any options left? It would be nice to have him stashed away there if Frenchy cannot turn it around or there are any injuries.
There is no point getting all wrapped up in Frenchy’s peformance so far. It looks like the Braves are determined to give him a chance to get it turned around despite what happens at ST, likely all the way until Memorial Day.
I do wonder what will happen if we get to the last week of ST and he is still below the Mendoza line and swinging at bad pitches, particularly if Schaefer, J. Anderson and Diaz all perform well.
DOB, is there any point at which the Braves could cut Frenchy and get some relief from his salary or are they on the hook no matter what? I seem to recall that when Varitek refused arbitration, Boras tried to justify the refusal by saying that a team could cut an arbitration player at some point prior to the regular season and get salary relief. Does that apply to Frenchy’s situation?
robdawg08
March 1st, 2009
8:30 pm
The internet will one day lead to the demise of pretty much every print newspaper. The larger cities will be the last and lone survivors (if any).
Once the baby-boomer generation is gone then the internet generation will assure this as happening. I think its like 7 out of 10 households use a computer right now ? That will be almost 10/10 in year 2020.
richbrave
March 1st, 2009
8:34 pm
Ol’ “roo nads” stands tall. He was lights out in the first half of ‘08 here in RICHMOND, and not because he’s 6′8″…..
ease19
March 1st, 2009
8:34 pm
robdawg08 – Cecil Fielder? Seriously? So can we expect David Wells to be on that list as well…LOL!
robdawg08
March 1st, 2009
8:34 pm
Tnbrian, I ‘ll agree except change McCann’s hr’s down to 27,Frenchy’s down to 21,Escobar’s up to 22. Of course, I hope Frenchy hits 35 homeruns but I also hope the Dow hits 10,000 next year too…
TnBrian
March 1st, 2009
8:35 pm
Braves4ever, I can speak for myself and say that it doesn’t offend me. The bottom line is, DOB knows that certain people are so sensitive with politics and they actually get offended…give me a f— break! But, it’s true. Whatever side a person is on, we can all pretty much agree that they’re all liars to an extent, no matter how certain media portrays their side.
robdawg08
March 1st, 2009
8:36 pm
Fielder was chubby but he went from averaging 15 homeruns to 50 in Japan then 40+ with the Tigers. He was on roids.
TnBrian
March 1st, 2009
8:38 pm
robdawg, WOW…Escobar with 22 HR? Now, that would something. There’s no doubt, just by looking at him, that he can belt 22+ HR’s, but to me he has too much of a level, line drive type swing right now to hit that many. Who knows, you could turn out right.
nolie
March 1st, 2009
8:39 pm
Chipper- .335, 28 HR, 125 RBI…same ole Chipper with more power TnBrian
so you think Chipper is gonna hit at least 25 points over his career average for the third year in a row? Will he ever again cool off enough to only hit .310?
ShamusThacker
March 1st, 2009
8:39 pm
Andruw’s situation is weird. It’s like he’s swinging at b-bs with a pixie stick. Even when he gets a pitch he COULD pull, he can’t make contact. His hand/eye coordination is worse than Joe Cocker’s at this point…
William
March 1st, 2009
8:43 pm
Doc Holiday,
We agree to disagree. Time will tell.
robdawg08
March 1st, 2009
8:43 pm
More like Stevie Wonder’s…
ric flair
March 1st, 2009
8:45 pm
DOB any news at all about Chipper’s contract extention?
Frank from KS
March 1st, 2009
8:46 pm
DOB
What is Greg Olson up to these days? I know a lot of former Braves have been to Braves camp in the spring over the years but haven’t heard much of the where-a-bouts of Olson….and for that matter, Damon Berryhill, and Charlie O’Brien.
Oh…I have to ask this…have ya ever met ESPN’s Dave O’Brien? (Lol)
ShamusThacker
March 1st, 2009
8:50 pm
Ted Williams, though frozen solid, his freezerburnt noggin in a bucket, could outhit Andruw right now.
robdawg08
March 1st, 2009
8:50 pm
I was agreeing to the Hr numbers not the avg. & rbi’s. I think Chipper will hit .305 or so. He could hit higher if G. Anderson & Francoeur play well and get/leave him pitches to hit. Otherwise, he will be pitched around.
tr
March 1st, 2009
8:51 pm
robdawg – that was so rude, and I loved it -lmao!
dogsbrekky
March 1st, 2009
8:57 pm
robdawg – How would Straws fit ‘roids in with all of his other “medications” ?
Lew
March 1st, 2009
8:57 pm
RichBrave-Yeah, it’s supposed to start snowing at four this morning and end in 24 hours. Only a foot this time-that will just make up for what melted when it hit the mid forties on Thursday. Typical winter storm in Vermont. Work and schools probably won’t even close tomorrow-maybe just open an hour late.
TnBrian
March 1st, 2009
8:59 pm
nolie, some of ya’ll don’t miss a beat. I figured I could maybe slip one by ya’ll, but I failed. Anyways.. yeah, I think Chipper will hit at or around .335 with a little more power.
George Lombard
March 1st, 2009
9:09 pm
**RHP**- NE Al. is one of the South’s hidden gem’s. Little River Canyon is beautiful.
Larry Cambell is the man- seen him w/ Dylan and Phil & Friends
I’m pretty sure M. Giles was a huge pothead and ate a ton of ecstasy…
Go braves.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
9:13 pm
tnbrian: I think your predictions are reasonable, but I would also agree with RobDawg’s adjustments. Don’t know that I’d go to 22 for Yunel’s homers, however. Maybe 17-18.
tr
March 1st, 2009
9:13 pm
George – beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe Little River Canyon – it is heaven!
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
9:17 pm
Frank from KS: Don’t know if you’re serious about the Dave O’Brien question, but I’ll assume you’re pretty new to the blog and are being serious. Anyway, as most of the long-timers here have heard me say, that Dave O’Brien was a Marlins broadcaster for most of the years when I was a Marlins beat writer. So yes, we’re friends. And back when we both stayed in the team hotel, it was chaos, him getting my calls, me getting his, etc.
He solved his problem by going under the alias of Placido Domingo (not making this up). But the problem only got worse for me when he did that, because then I got ALL the calls for both him (if they didn’t know or remember he was under an alias) and for me.
Finally, I stopped staying in the team hotel and avoided the whole mess.
But to this day, he’ll sometimes be in the same hotel before or after the Braves are in town, and our stays might overlap by a day, and I’ve gotten a few calls for him.
mets fan in atlanta
March 1st, 2009
9:17 pm
Someone last night questioned my knowledge of the braves…people, i live in Atlanta!! I grew up with the Braves, my dad is a Braves fan, all my friends are Braves fans…so trust me, i know what the Braves have. As they say, keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer…..
Some of you are misunderstanding me–when i mentioned depth yesterday, i didn’t include Tommy “the next Wilson,Pulsipher,Isringhausen” Hanson cause he hasn’t pitched above AA yet, and he didn’t even put in a full season there yet. If he pitches before July for the Braves this year, then that means the Braves are 20 games out. No pennant contender relies on a guy like that in their rotation. I’m not questioning his future impact necessarily, but i’m a guy who is talking about this season.
So while many of you were smirking earlier about Johan and his “injury”, hopefully you weren’t too disappointed by his not feeling any discomfort today after throwing 30+ pitches. But hey, we’ve got former all-stars competing for the 5th spot, so if Johan is okay, i’m sure we can work out a deal to give you one of our extra guys when you figure out Tom Glavine is done.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
9:19 pm
Nolie, good post at 3:53 p.m. Accurate.
dogsbrekky
March 1st, 2009
9:21 pm
Hey the mutt and I have been to Little River Canyon in ‘Bama, nice place, the mutt liked it so much he peed on every 2nd tree…….. love the southern states in USA, shame so many up here in Yankeeville do not drive down and see their own country
N8
March 1st, 2009
9:23 pm
DOB, nice piece on Heyward and Freeman. Sounds like all they need is experience, before they’re both in Atlanta to stay, making a certain RF expendable, and Kotchman trade bait.
I find it funny, that a 19 year old kid is talking about choking up, and shortening his swing, but not losing power (even referencing Bonds – which is DEAD ON).
I get the fact that these guys need to prove it in the big-leagues before we annoint them the “2nd coming” of the Natural (Francoeur pun intended). But it’s that kind of attitude (Freeman), at a young age, and the apparent ability to execute said plan/attitude successfully, that seperates the good players from the great players, IMO.
OMG, what’s wrong with Bowman’s lineup? That’s pretty much how I’d do it. I might flip-flop Garret and Chipper against righties and lefties, along with doing the same with Escobar and KJ. Though, IMO, Escobar is probably the better #2 hitter. KJ is perfect for that 8-hole, to get rallies started, and have pitchers bunt him over (or a PH late in games, knock him in). Like having a semi-experienced lead-off hitter at the bottom of the order.
That being said, I think that young Jordan Schafer might have a lot to say about how often Josh Anderson plays.
Gibby
March 1st, 2009
9:27 pm
mets fan in Atlanta- Wilsn, Pulsipher and Isringhausen were overhype New York prospects made famous by the New York media. They were never on the level of prospects that Hansen is. The Mets were desperate to creat their own Maddux, Glavine Smotlz. Did not work out well
If Freddy Garcia or Livan Hernandez has a better season the Glavine I will my last copy of the Rocky Mountain News
I wouldn’t start talking about Johan being ok just yet. They will still check him out
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
9:28 pm
Some Sense: In answer to your question 2:19 about why I still buy so many CDs. I don’t consider downloading songs or even whole albums to be a suitable alternative to owning the album or CD. For one, the sound isn’t as good, isn’t as rich, on MP3 files. But beyond that, I like to have the entire product the artist put out, including the artwork, the liner notes, the lyrics if they have a lyrics sheet, etc. I like to play them in my car and at home, in whole.
I use my Ipod while working out and on the road in hotel rooms (or this rental house), so i’ll have tons of songs without carrying tons of CDs. But I still take 10 or so CDs on the road with me for driving, if I’m gonna be in a rental car. I’ve got about 40 with me down here — in a couple of leather wallet CD holders, not with all the individual cases and packaging.
If you only have downloaded music, how in the world can you sit back years from now and enjoy your collection, remember where you were in your life when you were into this album or that CD, look at the artists as they’ve changed over the years, check the date on the cover to see what year the album/CD was made, etc.
All you’ll have is a little piece of metal with thousands of songs in it, nothing more. No thanks.
Chuck James was Solid until the 6th!!!
March 1st, 2009
9:28 pm
“Zen why is it on ‘ze juke-bux?”
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
9:30 pm
Jim, Charlie Morton’s side is still sore, so he’s going to wait at least a few more days and test it again. It’s been a week, which was when they hoped he’d be ready to throw again. But it’s not healed. Still feels it when he extends at end of his pitches.
richbrave
March 1st, 2009
9:31 pm
DAVE? what have you seen from the three lefty reliefers so far.
Gibby
March 1st, 2009
9:31 pm
I meant eat my last copy of the newspaper
ric flair
March 1st, 2009
9:33 pm
DOB any news on Chipper’s contract extension?
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
9:33 pm
N8, thanks. Those kids are special, everyone who meets them seems to be in agreement on that.
mets fan in atlanta
March 1st, 2009
9:35 pm
better get an extra copy, if you were wanting to keep one for posterity
bravo!
March 1st, 2009
9:36 pm
Is it just me or is it still very strange to see Johnathan
“Coach” Coachman on ESPN News? I keep waiting for Vince McMahon to interrupt him, or maybe Stone Cold’s music to start playing…
Tomas
March 1st, 2009
9:39 pm
TnBrian,
You’re being too optimistic. Expect Chipper to hit for a high average but not as many homers or RBI’s just because he’d be very lucky to stay healthey for 130 games.
Frenchy not as many homers.
Garret Anderson a 100RBI man, I don’t know thats a bit too much, maybe 80 if he does indeed play everyday and there is no platoon.
Josh Anderson 260 AVG 4HR 45 RBI’s, 40-45SB’s, and a 315 OBP
Yunel Escobar 295 AVG 15HR 80 RBI’s, and a 365OBP
Chipper Jones 345 AVG 25HR 85 RBI’s, and a 430OBP
Garret Anderson 305 AVG 14HR 80 RBI’s, and a 330OBP
Brian McCann 310 AVG 28HR 105 RBI’s and a 400OBP
Jeff Franceour 260 AVG 15HR 90 RBI’s and a 310 OBP
Kelly Johnson 295 AVG 22HR 80 RBI’s, and a 380OBP
Casey Kotchman 287 AVG 17HR 87 RBI’s, and a 330OBP
Gibby
March 1st, 2009
9:39 pm
Mets Fan in atlanta- I feel safe with just one
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
9:42 pm
Ric Flair, I asked Chipper a few days ago and he said nothing new on that front….
By the way, TOM GLAVINE is scheduled to be in camp Wednesday….
And I asked Bobby about possibility of Reyes in bullpen, since Reyes said he just wants to try to win a roster spot, doesn’t care if it’s rotation. Bobby said his value is as a starter, and they like him there. In other words, he’s not being considered for a bullpen spot.
KC
March 1st, 2009
9:44 pm
DOB, sorry to keep asking, but… What was your dame on Francoeur today? I know he was 0 for 2, but how did he look? Did he make solid contact at all?
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
9:46 pm
tnbrian: Agree with Tomas that your projection of Chipper’s RBI total is quite high. That’d be an RBI a game for him, probably, given how many games he’s played in recent seasons. Closer to 90 RBIs.
KC
March 1st, 2009
9:50 pm
LOL… Oops, I’m on my iphone, and it’s fairly liberal about correcting your typing if your off by one letter and it thinks you meant to say something else. I meant to say “take”, not “dame”.
Couch Tater
March 1st, 2009
9:50 pm
DOB,
Have you read this?
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003939677
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
9:51 pm
KC, routine flyout, routine groundout for Francoeur, from what I remember. Just glancing up and down from writing to see guys hit, focusing on a couple of other guys, his at-bats just didn’t stand out for me today.
MIBravesFan
March 1st, 2009
9:51 pm
DOB, thanks for the ideas about the song in answer to my question Fri. night/Sat. morning. I ended up going with George Jones’ “Choices” (”Kentucky Rain” was already going to be on it and I have Dwight Yoakam’s “This Time” CD with “A Thousand Miles From Nowhere”, indeed an excellent song). In listening to the songs you suggested, I heard some songs I hadn’t heard before, and that’s always a good thing. Appreciate it.
KC
March 1st, 2009
9:56 pm
DOB, thanks. Hmmm… I really thought he’d come roaring out of the gate this spring. Plenty of time left, but it won’t take me much longer to start getting nervous.
DCBrave
March 1st, 2009
10:03 pm
Freeman says in DOB’s article: “I focus on hitting the ball hard and low, and if it goes out for a home run, it’s a mistake. A good mistake. If I try to hit home runs, my swing gets long.”
Boy! One just wish all the young hitters, especially JF, see this and learn a thing or two from this teenager.
Chuck James was Solid until the 6th!!!
March 1st, 2009
10:04 pm
Is it me or does it seem like best case scenario for Francoeur is a low liner gap shot? I know we read about him in batting practice calling “Oppo-Bombs” and with his new stance and hands back he can “get more power” and “strength” but it seems to me like the last 2 months last year and from what his swing has shown this Spring that everytime he does make contact they are little looper-liner hits. I havn’t even seen him crack the ball for a deep flyout…
I am very worried that Francoeur’s new stance is %100 compromising his power. I just remember old Jeff in 2006 crushing balls. I remember one in particular upper deck bomb he hit off Glavine at Shea stadium. There is no chance he can hit it that far with this new stance. Again, it seems like best case scenario is a little looper base hit. Where did his power go? Him and Andruw are mind boggling….
Chuck James was Solid until the 6th!!!
March 1st, 2009
10:05 pm
****I don’t mean everytime he makes contact he gets looper-liner hits, I mean everytime he gets a hit…..As rare as it is….
C's
March 1st, 2009
10:08 pm
Jeff, just like AJ, tries to hit HRs. And that is mistake #1. They both just need to focus on driving the ball and the HRs will come naturally. I think (for some reason) both of them stopped trusting their talents and are just simply trying too hard.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
10:08 pm
Couch Tater: Interesting, for sure. And Sullivan makes very good points.
Il Cattivo
March 1st, 2009
10:27 pm
Freeman says in DOB’s article: “I focus on hitting the ball hard and low, and if it goes out for a home run, it’s a mistake. A good mistake. If I try to hit home runs, my swing gets long.”
He didnt go to the Scott Thorman school of batting then?!
Jake W.
March 1st, 2009
10:30 pm
I’m late on the whole Blanco and Anderson debate but I would like to see Blanco get the job. After saying that I know that Anderson will probably get the nod over him given the fact that he is out of options and i’m ok with that. If Anderson doesn’t work out then they call up Blanco. No big deal. I would actually like to see Schafer get it more than those two though.
DCBrave
March 1st, 2009
10:31 pm
I couldn’t get any posts after DOB’s 10:08pm and I bets there are a few after that.
Wayne in Utah
March 1st, 2009
10:35 pm
So what I’d miss here lately? I was busy just now having sex with my hot, modelesque girlfriend in my Salt Lake City mansion. Seriously. My life is great.
PTBNL
March 1st, 2009
10:35 pm
Kinda like everyone went out to eat at the same time.
PTBNL
March 1st, 2009
10:38 pm
Oh! They must have seen Wayne coming!
KC
March 1st, 2009
10:40 pm
Where is the Blanco love coming from??
Anderson is a MUCH better base stealer, a better defender, and unlike Blanco, he can hit the ball out of the infield. You don’t want your leadoff guy swinging for the fences, but you want an occasional leadoff double. When you compare blanco’s numbers to Anderson’s… Well, there’s no comparison.
PTBNL
March 1st, 2009
10:41 pm
Nothing much, Wayne. A poor showing from Ridgeway this afternoon and a discussion about something none of us have any sway over … who should be our CF this year.
DCBrave
March 1st, 2009
10:42 pm
Wayne-
Sex and politics are the two things that are forbidden here unless they’re in music.
Robert
March 1st, 2009
10:44 pm
Another season with eeyore Cox at the helm. I swear if the ol’ donker signs another one year extension I can’t be held responsible in a court with reasonable jurors for my actions.
DOB give Donk a sugar cube and tell him I said hello.
DCBrave
March 1st, 2009
10:46 pm
PTBNL: Kinda like everyone went out to eat at the same time.
I bet you there was a glitch in the server or something and some messages are hidden somewhere. There’s just no way for zero posts between 10:08 and 10:27, not with this group.
Blair
March 1st, 2009
10:48 pm
If you want Bobby Cox gone, you need you’re head examined.
PTBNL
March 1st, 2009
10:50 pm
DCBrave, you are probably right. It has been acting up. I had to keep refreshing and each time it would bring me back to a different place with some posts missing.
PTBNL
March 1st, 2009
10:52 pm
Several years ago I chatted in IRC and on occassion the server would split and half of the people in the “room” would go one place and the other half would go to another. Eventually, the two would be brought back to one. I don’t know if that kind of thing still happens or not.
spotts
March 1st, 2009
10:55 pm
Actually DC, we all went out to eat together. At the Olive Garden. Were you not invited?
Doug
March 1st, 2009
10:58 pm
There’s a bomb in the lasagna.
Jake W.
March 1st, 2009
11:02 pm
And I would say to that KC that Blanco is a much better bunter can work a count and knows how to draw walks. Anderson has had two good Septembers but he hasn’t been up the whole season and proven anything yet. The Speed is attractive and I admit that but there is nothing else that has really seperated him that far in my mind from Blanco. If the Braves pick him over Blanco i’m cool with that i’m just saying Blanco is my preference and some other peoples.
spotts
March 1st, 2009
11:02 pm
I don’t believe that was Doug. That was….what was his spy name?
spotts
March 1st, 2009
11:03 pm
Smash Adams?
Spongebill Circlepants
March 1st, 2009
11:04 pm
I could have been somebody.
nolie
March 1st, 2009
11:04 pm
nolie, some of ya’ll don’t miss a beat. I figured I could maybe slip one by ya’ll, but I failed. Anyways.. yeah, I think Chipper will hit at or around .335 with a little more power TnBRIAN
wasn’t picking on you alone. others have said thesame. I just think it’s likely that he is gonna drop off some though I’m not saying it’s a sure thing. Regression to the mean hints that he will eventually. I sure hope you’re right though, I’ll take that season.
Jeff321
March 1st, 2009
11:06 pm
>If you want Bobby Cox gone, you need you’re head examined.
Agreed. I mean, who doesn’t want another 4th place finish this year? And for icing on the cake.. How about Andruw Jones batting cleanup and hitting less than .200? You do realize Cox was lobbying hard for “Andy” to return, eh?
Nick from PA
March 1st, 2009
11:09 pm
DOB,
If you get bored, you should rent zack and miri make a porno. HILARIOUS flick!
Doug
March 1st, 2009
11:09 pm
A BOMB IN THE LASAGNA?!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0YwtVYYonI
spotts
March 1st, 2009
11:13 pm
Don’t know if this has been posted yet, but here it is
Someone asks him how he [Lowe] feels physically.
“I feel good, yeah, sexy,” he says. “Should have seen me in the shower. I want to read that someplace.”
The two Atlanta beat reporters turn to leave.
“Nice job, guys,” his tone pleasantly sarcastic. “Solid.”
I didn’t realize Lowe was so…..goofy?
keylargo
March 1st, 2009
11:14 pm
PTBNL: Kinda like everyone went out to eat at the same time.
I bet you there was a glitch in the server or something and some messages are hidden somewhere. There’s just no way for zero posts between 10:08 and 10:27, not with this group.DCBrave
Report this comment – I want to report someone talking trash about our new blog. The nerds said it was fixed and that’s all I need to hear.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
11:16 pm
I gotta say: That group that Run Heap Run started on Facebook seems like one hell of an interesting, eclectic bunch of people. Good to be associated in whatever manner it is with all of you on there. Just looked through a bunch of on the list. Couldn’t stop.
AlwaysABrave
March 1st, 2009
11:25 pm
DOB:
Gonna be attending the Venezuela game on Thursday of this week at Disney. Any idea who will be scheduled to get some innings in pitching for the Braves? Venezuela?
Bubdylan
March 1st, 2009
11:35 pm
Random, if you’re out there, the water & lemon with Jack Daniels is as good as you said. You’re a pal/enabler. Is there a name for the drink?
Epinephrine
March 1st, 2009
11:41 pm
People need to stop ringing their hands about Francoeur. Here are the facts:
1) Numbers in spring don’t matter
2) Numbers in April matter only slightly more than numbers in the spring
3) Even if they did matter, Bobby would ignore them, because he trusts his players.
For now, be thankful that Francoeur (unlike Andruw when he exhibited similar stats over the last few years) is aware of the problem and working to address it. Also be thankful that he is making contact-solid contact at that-this spring. If he was striking out a ton, I’d be worried. That is the Jeff of old, and that is what we absolutely do not want to see. Strike outs may mean there is a very real problem But he isn’t striking out. He is seeing the ball, and occasionally hitting it hard. That is the most you can expect from a guy tinkering with his stance in February.
He isn’t trying to tone back the aggression (which worked for him in 06 and 07), so I don’t know why people would be surprised at the first pitch swings. But anyway, you can save yourselves all a bunch of anxiety by not paying attention to Jeff’s numbers until we get near the end of April. It won’t make one bit of difference in his playing time, and it won’t tell us anything about his progression as a hitter. Instead, start hoping for more hard hit balls, and a continued lack of striking out. That’ll be far more indicative than his OPS or BA in February.
Epinephrine
March 1st, 2009
11:43 pm
Oh, and you should be aware Jeff raked at .314 last spring. Spring numbers don’t matter. Take a deep breath and repeat. Spring numbers don’t matter.
Mitchell
March 1st, 2009
11:43 pm
Yo DOB,
I was just going through all (and I mean *all*) my old albums from when I was a kid and my parents record collection also today and, well, I’m not gonna say I was reminded or rediscovered my childhood fandom of Lionel Richie but I wasn’t quite prepared to uncover how many of his records I used to own.
What was wrong with me? I was a kid though whis is weird but I don’t know, I used to love me some Lionel Richie.
Until this very moment I had intended to throw them out but now it just wouldn’t be right. Then again, if you want them they’re all yours… or anybody else for that matter.
True story by the way, not making that up. Okay.
Epinephrine
March 1st, 2009
11:43 pm
**wringing, not ringing.
Chop Chop
March 1st, 2009
11:46 pm
It is interesting to put some of the nicknames to the faces, DOB. I basically look like a stoner in my Facebook pic. I have short hair and a full beard now, but my girlfriend likes that picture.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
11:50 pm
AlwaysABrave: Braves haven’t announced starters beyond Wednesday, but Thursday is Lowe’s regular turn, so I’d think it would be him.
EEyore Cox
March 1st, 2009
11:53 pm
That **Robert** has been lights out this spring with his commentary. Hope he can bring me a sugar cube during spring training. I still need Andruw to change my diaper as it is full.
Mitchie-san
March 1st, 2009
11:57 pm
I am wearing a Hank Aaron jersey at a Yokohama BayStars game in my pic. Man, I really miss those games. I’ll never know, but out of all the games I went to, there is a really good chance that I saw Kawakami, Otsuka, Daisuke and all them that have made the transition to the MLB.
Chop Chop
March 2nd, 2009
12:01 am
I just noticed two Braves’ lineup predictions made tonight…
I wonder if TnBrian and Tomas know that no team in baseball had more than 3 players with 80+ RBI last season. (I didn’t. I looked it up.) TnBrian has five Braves doing that in 2009. Not to be outdone, Tomas posted his predictions several posts later. He has seven (!) Braves posting at least 80 RBI.
Just to make sure that no one thinks Tomas isn’t aware of his crazy predictions, he made sure to inform TnBrian that “you’re being too optimistic.”
Amen! Hey…wait a…
(Okay. I feel like Random now.)
Amanda
March 2nd, 2009
12:15 am
Hey david, did you happen to notice the one guy whose profile pic looks like he is smelling of a cannabis bud although i’m pretty sure that couldnt possibly be what it is i have to admit i have looked at it several times trying to decide. Just me?
I like how almost everyone has their profile set where the profile pic shows up even if
Youre not on the friends list.
Damn iphone typing…KC remind me to link you to a hilarious blog about iphone typos sometime..
DCBrave
March 2nd, 2009
12:18 am
Enter your comments here
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 2nd, 2009
12:24 am
Blair, I need my head examined.
Cox has proven that he can lose four out of five WS with the best talent in the world and can’t win squat with average baseball teams.
My honest feelings toward Bobby Cox: I love the guy. I would fire him today and cart his butt into Cooperstown tomorrow.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
12:29 am
Amanda, yeah, I’ve had a few humorous typos with that thing.
Chop Chop
March 2nd, 2009
12:41 am
Vintage Bob Dylan singing about summa that ol’ abandoned love…
Runnin
March 2nd, 2009
1:00 am
DOB or Mitchie-san: How does one find this Facebook group being written about?? thx
Razzle
March 2nd, 2009
1:00 am
Go to sleep, little Earth…
Mitchie-san
March 2nd, 2009
2:08 am
Runnin, http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/groups.php?ref=sb or search for “Braves fans of DOB’s blog”
I dont know how to link it, sorry.