Farewell to Braves’ WBC boys
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. – Good Sunday morning from Dark Star, on the last day that Chipper Jones, Brian McCann and two other World Baseball Classic participants will spend with the Braves for a while.
Just got back from the Phillies clubhouse, where I spoke with a guy that looked a lot like the muscular Marcus Giles who was one of the majors’ best-hitting second baseman for a few years earlier this decade.
Oh, wait: It was Marcus Giles. He’s a non-roster invitee in Phillies camp, and he’s in the lineup today. Dude is ripped, folks. And says he’s got his motivation back, wants to play another 8-10 years.
Quite a change from a year ago, when he got released by Colorado in spring training, signed a minor-league deal with the Dodgers, and literally turned around on the drive to report to Triple-A Las Vegas. Went home to San Diego.
By August, he said he was pining to return to the game, missed the camaraderie of the clubhouse and all. He said being away from the game a year made him appreciate it more, and now he’s pumped (literally and figuratively) and eager to try to get back to the majors with the Phillies.
He’s back up to 182-185 pounds, after going to spring training a year ago at 170. Remember, he’s about 5-7. So far this spring he’s 0-for-5 with two strikeouts and a walk. I’m told he’s got a shot to make the team, particularly if Chase Utley (hip surgery) or Pedro Feliz (back) isn’t healthy when the season begins. Phillies need a right-handed bat off the bench.
– Aussie watch: Let’s hope we get this game in today, since Peter Moylan is scheduled to pitch. It would be his first game appearance since May 8 Tommy John elbow surgery. He’s ahead of schedule in his recovery, and there’s a chance he could open the season with the Braves, 11 months into a recovery that typically requires 12 months. It frequently takes a little longer, rarely a month less.
His Aussie pal Phil Stockman is also scheduled to make his first spring appearance today.
– Anyway, about the WBC: Chipper and Mac will report to Clearwater later today with other members of the U.S. team, and Gregor Blanco (Venezuela) and Jorge Campillo (Mexico) will join their respective countries’ WBC teams.
Don’t know if we’ll get this game in against the Phillies today, because there’s a front over Orlando and the tarp’s on the field, light rain beginning to fall. The Braves are stretching and hitting in the covered batting cages.
The other WBC-playing Brave, Javier Vazquez, is scheduled to stick around one more day and pitch in a three-inning simulated game Monday against Braves hitters, before heading out to join the Puerto Rican WBC team.
There’s at least a pretty good chance for any of the WBC teams that Braves are playing on to advance past the first round, and obviously a strong chance the U.S. team could go much deeper, perhaps even to the championship game March 24.
If that happens, Jones and McCann would be away from Braves camp for 3-1/2 weeks. McCann doesn’t think it’ll be a problem for him, despite the presence of three new Braves starting pitchers he hasn’t gotten to work with much.
Bobby Cox said that while he’d prefer to have McCann in camp working with the pitchers, he also fully understands the desire for players to represent their countries (or in Vazquez’s case, his territory) in the international tourney.
As McCann said, he views this as the Olympics of baseball (many other players do, too, particularly now that there is no baseball in the Olympics).
He said his communication with Japanese pitcher Kenshin Kawakami has been fine so far. Of course, they haven’t had to have any mound discussions to make in-game adjustments, as Kawakami’s only made one start that lasted two innings.
McCann should have enough time to get at least a couple of starts with Kawakami after he rejoins Braves camp. Here’s another thought: Could Dave Ross be assigned to catch Kawakami? He’d probably have more time to learn some Japanese than McCann.
Bobby hasn’t given any indication of whether he’ll assign Ross to one pitcher, as he’s done some years in the past with his backup catcher.
By the way, it’s pretty obvious to anyone down here who’s watched Ross that signing him to a two-year contract this offseason was a sound move. Just watching him in drills, you can see he’s got a great arm and strong defensive skills, plus some power (he’s already hit one homer this spring).
– Speaking of Braves catchers, former Atlanta slugger Javy Lopez was in the clubhouse this morning. No, he’s not mounting another comeback. He’s got a startup bat company, Bones Bats, that’s MLB-approved for 2009.
– Jair Jurrjens is also scheduled to pitch in that simulated game at 11 a.m. Monday at Champion Stadium (but Jurrjens isn’t going anywhere afterward; he’s not playing for the Netherlands in the WBC).
Prospects Jason Heyward, Jordan Schafer, Freddie Freeman and Brandon Hicks are among the eight scheduled to hit against both pitchers (minor leaguers will be in the field).
– Questions answered: For those who’ve asked about the TV and radio schedules, ticket prices and such at Disney’s Wide World of Sports, etc., you should check out this guide that our AJC people put together online. Got a lot of good info in it.
– Brutal times in our industry: The newspaper biz has been hit about as hard as any recently, and the bad economy only exacerbated our problems. A lot. Check out this video about the end of the Rocky Mountain News, a 147-year-old paper that ceased publishing after putting out Friday’s paper.
– If that was too depressing, check out my man Wayne “The Train” Hancock singing his song Tulsa live in Houston, in this video that someone shot from the crowd.
– One other music note: Bought the new M. Ward CD, Hold Tim, last night in Clearwater and listened to it on the drive home. Outstanding. His sixth solo album, and it might just be his best.
It’s definitely his most accessible, to borrow a music-critic term. But most-accessible isn’t always a good thing, as you all who love a particular band or artist know, when he or she puts out something that sounds like a blatant attempt to get more airplay and exposure, at the expense of craft.
That’s not the case with this one. It’s got a richer sound, more layers and instrumentation than his usual rather sparse Americana sound. But it’s still unmistakeably an M. Ward record, with rich lyrics and a rootsy, bluesy/country feel, but with a little more rockin’ sound on a few tunes.
The duet with Lucinda Williams, a cover of Oh Lonesome Me, is achingly beautiful, but the first few songs, where Ward and band cut loose a bit, are the ones that really grab you.
– I got to the ballpark today and the amiable Alan Butts, Braves baseball systems operator, stepped out of the batting cage and greeted me with a handshake. I said, “Good Sunday, nice and easy,” and he said, “You gonna use that on your blog, ‘easy like Sunday morning?’”
It ain’t “Sunday Morning, Coming Down,” but it’ll do just fine. (Those of you who call me a music snob — whaddya got to say now?)
“EASY” by Lionel Richie
Know it sounds funny
But I just can’t stand the pain
Girl I’m leaving you tomorrow
Seems to me girl
You know I’ve done all I can
You see I begged, stole
And I borrowed
Yeah!
Ooh, that’s why I’m easy
I’m easy like Sunday morning
That’s why I’m easy
I’m easy like Sunday morning
Why in the world
Would anybody put chains on me?
I’ve paid my dues to make it
Everbody wants me to be
What they want me to be
I’m not happy when I try to fake it!
No!
Ooh, that’s why I’m easy
I’m easy like Sunday morning
That’s why I’m easy
I’m easy like Sunday morning
I wanna be high, so high
I wanna be free to know
The things I do are right
I wanna be free
Just me, babe!
That’s why I’m easy
I’m easy like Sunday morning
That’s why I’m easy
I’m easy like Sunday morning
Because I’m easy
Easy like Sunday morning
Because I’m easy
Easy like Sunday morning
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978 comments Add your comment
PTBNL
March 1st, 2009
11:57 am
Hate that they have to go. But maybe it will be worth it to them.
PTBNL
March 1st, 2009
12:10 pm
It as actually snowing here in South GA. Weird! Of course it is just specks, but still unusual.
Maddux
March 1st, 2009
12:13 pm
Pretty big snow flakes here in the North Druid Hills area. Bring me some baseball!!!
Runnin
March 1st, 2009
12:14 pm
I’m worried that Brian isn’t going to get enough ABs before the season starts.
18 Wheels of Love
March 1st, 2009
12:23 pm
There is a great cover of ‘Easy’ out there by Faith No More…yes, Faith No More. I definitely recommend it.
Good stuff DOB. Hope they get the game in.
Eric from MO
March 1st, 2009
12:24 pm
Runnin he is going to be getting plenty ABs in the WBC. Besides he is a veteran and he knows how to prepare. Hell, his dad is a hitting coach, he prepares all offseason. I can understand being worried he wont work enough with the new pitchers but I wouldnt worry about him being ready to hit when the seasons begins.
ncgary
March 1st, 2009
12:24 pm
anyone else smell a trade brewing?
Andy K.
March 1st, 2009
12:24 pm
Hopefully we get this one in…wanna get me some baseball today…
PTBNL
March 1st, 2009
12:28 pm
ncgary, I don’t know about smelling anything, but it seems that we have some guys that if we don’t make a trade, they may be claimed off waivers. So… I wouldn’t be surprised by a trade.
Josh from Columbus
March 1st, 2009
12:29 pm
Snowing here in Columbus DOB. We’re about an hour south of Atlanta…
joeshmole
March 1st, 2009
12:32 pm
Do you think they are gonna get the game in DOB?
tr
March 1st, 2009
12:32 pm
ncgary
Whatcha got in mind, trade-wise?
Runnin
March 1st, 2009
12:35 pm
Will Brian be the starting catcher for team USA?
Tomas
March 1st, 2009
12:35 pm
What a depressing video of the Rocky mountains newspaper. I hope those 700 billion are put to good use, and save the banks, and companies.
braves4ever
March 1st, 2009
12:40 pm
No trades, we don’t need anybody yet.
My kids have built a snowman in the back lawn,whee doggies, its about 2 inches here in NW atlanta area,and I just heard thunder.
This is gona be a Braves year, crazy weather Mar 1st,things are shifting
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
12:40 pm
Joeshmole: It does look like we’re going to start on time. Tarp’s off, sun poking through heavy clouds.
Andy K.
March 1st, 2009
12:46 pm
Chipper and B-Mac both playing today…
ease19
March 1st, 2009
12:49 pm
Snowing pretty fierce here in Woodstock…too bad the ground is already so wet
spotts
March 1st, 2009
12:51 pm
I wasn’t aware that Faith No More had more than one song
cvbraves
March 1st, 2009
12:52 pm
Anybody got a lineup for todsy’s game?
18 Wheels of Love
March 1st, 2009
12:55 pm
Faith No More actually put out some great albums after that one you are referring to, The Real Thing (single What Is It?). Weird dudes but they made some good music.
Runnin
March 1st, 2009
12:56 pm
Here’s a lineup:
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2009_03_01_phimlb_atlmlb_1
Bobby's Cox
March 1st, 2009
12:56 pm
why is Johan going back to NY for an MRI?
Isn’t Dr. Andrews in Alabama?
Andy K.
March 1st, 2009
12:56 pm
DOB, the Bravos re-signed Wes Timmons to a Minor League deal, right? It says that he played yesterday, but I can’t find his player profile anywhere on the web, except for CBS. anyways, I hope he is back. He’d be good for the younger kids in Gwinnett, plus he seemed like a good guy when I met him, and I’ve heard nothing but good things in terms of his attitude/teamwork. He’s probably the equivalent of Howie Clark to Rochester Red Wings fans. Clark used to be the captain, and is probably the biggest fan favorite up here.
spotts
March 1st, 2009
12:57 pm
If Giles’ passion faded once, why won’t it happen again? He sounds like a fat person who just ordered a Thighmaster. Eager at first, done after a month.
spotts
March 1st, 2009
1:00 pm
I thought their hit song was called “Epic”? That’s all I’ve heard by them
braves4ever
March 1st, 2009
1:00 pm
David , that was a very hard to watch video of the Rocky Mt news,its a sign of the times. But its not all economy related. I stopped paying attention to or watching the big networks or reading newspapers except the sports almost 20 years ago. The media has gotten so Liberal in its reporting its has turned off the majority of the readers & viewers in this country who supported them. Liberals don’t buy papers or watch the news much, they just don’t care thats their basic view. It will continue to erode just look at the ratings of the big 3 in viewership.
I say the AJC will hold on only from Sports, they better see that.
Lets play Ball.
Harry
March 1st, 2009
1:01 pm
DOB: don’t know if anyone’s given a Lucinda reciew from her show last night at the Tabernacle. Pretty good stuff, except the best sideman I can think of, one Doug Pettibone, was not there. Lucinda without Pettibone is like Levon Helm without Larry Campbell.
True Braves Fan
March 1st, 2009
1:01 pm
Wonder if any other major league team has their 3 outfielders and DH hitting in the 6 – 9 holes?
Michael (ex-sports editor)
March 1st, 2009
1:01 pm
We have about three inches of snow on the ground here just north of Columbus.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
1:03 pm
Forgot the lineup again:
1. Escobar
2. K.J.
3. Chipper
4. Mac
5. Freeman, 1B
6. Francoeur
7. Norton, DH
8. Heyward, LF
9. J. Anderson
True Braves Fan
March 1st, 2009
1:03 pm
AJC has offset their decline by completely destroying their daily comics.
WestPalmDawg
March 1st, 2009
1:03 pm
Giles was a pothead, probably still is. It’s a shame to see that kind of talent go to waste. Loved how he always put his nose in the dirt, his uni never finished a game clean.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
1:04 pm
By the way, Andruw had another 0-for yesterday.
Made him 1-for-9 with eight strikeouts, a walk and an infield hit.
Wow.
Lew
March 1st, 2009
1:04 pm
Spotts-Take my word for it-Fat people will never order thigh masters-unless Suzanne Sommers comes with it.
tr
March 1st, 2009
1:05 pm
braves4ever
Any trade talk now would likely be more about OTHER teams’ needs and getting something for our spare parts (guys without options and unlikely to make the roster) that we might lose on waivers (and get nothing in return)
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
1:07 pm
Knucksie just took the lineup card out. He’s been in uniform, meeting-and-greeting people, talking to players, etc. Same as last spring, only this year he’s actually coaching, too — coaching his nephew Lance in the art of the knuckleball.
Lance, the late Joe Niekro’s son, is over in minor league camp, which just opened. But Joe’s been here a couple weeks, because he lives in Lakeland. (Played on the same soccer team as Matt Diaz when they were in grade school, Diaz told me the other day when the Braves were at Lakeland.)
Razzle
March 1st, 2009
1:07 pm
From Wiki:
“On February 24, 2009, Faith No More announced they would be reforming with a line-up identical to the Album of the Year era. A prior statement from Mike Patton’s publicist suggests they will be touring Europe.”
hmmm
dogsbrekky
March 1st, 2009
1:07 pm
I hope al newpapers survive except the Communist Times up here in NY, they just outright make up stuff and report opinion as fact… okay
baseball – Marcus Giles – always liked the guy, I wish him well except when he plays us..
See they have Escobar leading off and Josh Anderson 9th !
Hope Freeman crushed some more balls
Mark Hampton
March 1st, 2009
1:08 pm
DOB,
If Mac did have to make a visit to the mound when Kawakami is pitching, would Kawakami’s interpreter also come to the mound? Is that permitted? Or is Mac listening to those language tapes on the bus to and from games?
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
1:08 pm
Harry:Why wasn’t Pettibone playing? I’ve seen Lucinda five or six times, never without him. (You ever hear his solo stuff? I’ve got one of his CDs, and it’s very good — Lu sings on a couple of songs)
dogsbrekky
March 1st, 2009
1:09 pm
DOB – Andruw has finally found that consistency everyone has been looking for since mid 2006
PTBNL
March 1st, 2009
1:09 pm
Isn’t Joe dead?
Andy K.
March 1st, 2009
1:09 pm
He means Joe’s son, Lance….
18 Wheels of Love
March 1st, 2009
1:10 pm
Nice find about FMN reunion
I thought it was Lance, not Joe.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
1:11 pm
Mark Hampton: Interpretor can’t go to the mound during games. He’ll be in the dugout, though.
PHILS lineup:
1. Rollins, SS
2. Victorino, CF
3. John Mayberry Jr., LF
4. Howard, 1B
5. Geoff Jenkins, RF
6. Stairs, DH
7. M. Giles, 2B
8. Jason Donald, 3B
9. Carlos Ruiz, C
Robert
March 1st, 2009
1:12 pm
Rollins 6-3
Victorino – F8 just shy of warning track
Mayberry – base hit past diving Jones
braves4ever
March 1st, 2009
1:12 pm
tr, yes I agree in picking up young players to stock up the farm more , but thats going to be interesting too as Gwinnett is going to be a strong club for anybody AA to make, its going to be fun to go to a AAA game there.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
1:12 pm
Reyes gave up a single to Mayberry RFD, then got Howard to roll out to 1B to end inning.
Robert
March 1st, 2009
1:13 pm
howard grounds to freeman to end inning
amanda
March 1st, 2009
1:13 pm
tr- are you the guy in Montgomery? What are the road conditions like? Would you feel safe letting your daughter drive from north east alabama to auburn? It’s nothing here really, barely a dusting and the roads look good. I would certainly drive it myself but what I would do and what I want her to do are entirely different things.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
1:14 pm
Sorry about that. Yes, Joe’s son Lance, the former Giants 1B prospect. He was originally drafted by the Phils, by the way. But didn’t sign, went to Fla. Southern and then signed with Giants.
Robert
March 1st, 2009
1:14 pm
they hit some balls hard foul in the inning
braves4ever
March 1st, 2009
1:15 pm
DOB, Is Andy & Barney there too
Robert
March 1st, 2009
1:15 pm
Escobar 6-1
Glen W
March 1st, 2009
1:15 pm
Lance, Joe’s son, right? It looks like Heyward and Freeman are getting some serious looks this spring. Where do you see them starting the season, DOB? AA?
Robert
March 1st, 2009
1:16 pm
Johnson INF hit
Harry
March 1st, 2009
1:16 pm
She made no mention of Pettibone’s absence. He’s got a new album out, so maybe he’s on tour solo. She did have some other dude who looked kinda like him and played the lap steel, but he was no Pettibone, for sure. Overall, a solid show- much better than last summer’s show at Botanical Gardens.
dogsbrekky
March 1st, 2009
1:17 pm
DOB – is McCann batting 4th indicative of what to expect this year (even factoring in Garret)
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
1:18 pm
Chipper just doubled to left, moved Kelly J. to third, two in scoring position for Mac with one out….
Robert
March 1st, 2009
1:19 pm
2B for Jones
2nd and 3rd
patrocket
March 1st, 2009
1:19 pm
DOB, what kind of dough do the guys make playing winter ball in places like Venezuela or the Dominican?
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
1:21 pm
Mac sac fly, Braves up 1-0.
Freeman flies out to fairly deep RF to end inning.
KC
March 1st, 2009
1:22 pm
Did anyone hear Leo Mazzone on 680 last week? I’ve been told that he said he believes Kawakami will win at least 12-14 games for Atlanta. Did anyone else hear that?
Lew
March 1st, 2009
1:24 pm
KC-Someone mentioned it here the other day. Didn’t go into detail, but the quote appeared on the blog-I forget who posted it.
tr
March 1st, 2009
1:24 pm
amanda
I’d wait a while – let the temperature rise – most roads are okay, but all it takes is one icy spot to end in disaster! – if she goes, make sure she’s VERY careful (no brakes, no gas – just coast) over bridges, overpasses, and low, shady curves where ice can be almost impossible to notice!
18 Wheels of Love
March 1st, 2009
1:25 pm
Faith No More – Easy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNvpOGJ06os&feature=related
tr
March 1st, 2009
1:27 pm
amanda – road in front of my house LOOKS clear (and snow has melted in most places) but a car skidded off the road just a bit ago! And I’m well south of where she’d be driving!
Andy K.
March 1st, 2009
1:30 pm
It’s just so interesting to see how you guys react to a little bit of snow. After living in the south and north, I mean, by the north’s standards, the “snow” you guys are getting today is child’s play… If you think what you’re getting is crazy, spend a winter up north…it’s brutal.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
1:31 pm
Giles reached on a fielder’s choice and stole second base on the lefty Reyes….
Place is packed today, by the way. World Series champions on a Sunday, good mix, even if rain threatening.
Jeff321
March 1st, 2009
1:31 pm
Did Giles steal that base off the pitcher? How was McCann’s throw?
Salty Dawg
March 1st, 2009
1:31 pm
The Faith No More cover wasn’t bad per se, but it wasn’t up to snuff with the Commodores version either. I’ve always been of the opinion that if you can’t improve on the original then leave it alone. Too many artists today take a classic song (or movie) and butcher it. I will agree though that FNM put out some pretty decent music in their day.
Runnin
March 1st, 2009
1:31 pm
Marcus steals 2nd on McCann. Reyes walks Donald.
Zach
March 1st, 2009
1:31 pm
I think its funny that chippers hitting doubles and its snowing sideways here in Auburn. lol
dogsbrekky
March 1st, 2009
1:32 pm
I have a few Faith No More Albums, some interesting stuff
KC
March 1st, 2009
1:32 pm
Lew, it was Grinch who told me about that, and he was quite wasted when he told me (LOL) so hearing it from a second source confirms it. That boy likes his cough syrup!! =)
Lew
March 1st, 2009
1:34 pm
AndyK-I live in central Vermont (after 35 years in Georgia and Florida. We’re due a fott tonight, but it will effect us less than the Georgians. We have a secret weapon that they don’t-Snow Tires. They make all the difference in the world.
braves4ever
March 1st, 2009
1:34 pm
Zach, yeah it is wild, my 12yr olds travel team was supposed to start their season here today, snow out.
carmatter
March 1st, 2009
1:34 pm
I’ve lived north and south, too. Couple of big differences – in the north we spent a fortune on DOT equipment, supplies, and labor to make life continue regardless of the snow. Not much sense in spending that money in the south for such rare occurrences. And in the south, we seem to have our snow on top of a layer of ice more often than not.
I do miss those big snows, though.
amanda
March 1st, 2009
1:34 pm
Thanks tr…I’m going to just have her wait until mid morning tomorrow when it will be warmer. Her first class isn’t til noon but not a big deal if she misses it. I’m sure 280 would be good it’s just getting to 280 thru all those middle of nowhere areas that concern me and she has no experience in driving in anything like that. Thanks again.
tr
March 1st, 2009
1:35 pm
Andy K – agreed, but VERY few here can handle driving in it! Snow brings out a LOT of stupid when they only see it every three or four years!
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
1:36 pm
Heyward struck out looking to end second inning.
Woogidy
March 1st, 2009
1:36 pm
Andy K, The problem is the roads here in the south are carved out of mountains and hills. There isn’t a straight, flat road in the entire state of GA. Also, there aren’t any salt trucks ready at a moments notice. After living in Chicago area for a while, I’d compare a 25 inch snow storm there to what we’re getting here in ATL today.
Andy K.
March 1st, 2009
1:37 pm
Lew-Exactly my friend…what’s a few inches among southerners? The real snow show is up north…
McFann :Ô:
March 1st, 2009
1:38 pm
It ain’t “Sunday Morning, Coming Down,”
It is here…actually, it’s Sunday afternoon and the snow is coming down! Lew, gonna have some pics coming your way…maybe tomorrow.
Sac fly for Mac? Sweet…forgot there was a game today!
McFann :Ô:
March 1st, 2009
1:38 pm
Oh VORP…Joe West and the Reaper in the same game…yuck…
amanda
March 1st, 2009
1:39 pm
Andy – yes I amuse my northern friends by getting excited every time there is a fraction of a chance of a fraction of an inch of snow here. Like I said, if it were me driving I would hit the road without batting an eye, but my baby girl? I wouldn’t take a .0000001% chance on her.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
1:40 pm
Nice scoopy by Kotchman on throw from Escobar to nail Jimmy Rollins.
Lew
March 1st, 2009
1:40 pm
Woogidy-And Vermont is flat? The problem is not needing to be ready for bad road conditions cause it rarely happens. I saw two feet of snow in Macon close the area for four days. I’ve seen three feet in Vermont close the roads for a couple hours. Frequency and preparation. I can drive through four inches of snow with my snow tires.
keylargo
March 1st, 2009
1:41 pm
Jim Bowden, Nats GM, resigns.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090301&content_id=3900318&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
Lew
March 1st, 2009
1:41 pm
McFann-I’ve got those ST pics from FLBravesGirl for you, too.
bf bravesfan
March 1st, 2009
1:41 pm
score-inning?
Lew
March 1st, 2009
1:41 pm
McFann-AND the finished Hank portrait.
BravoMan
March 1st, 2009
1:41 pm
These Philly announcers are dbags lol
spotts
March 1st, 2009
1:42 pm
Just saw that Nats GM Jim Bowden resigned for some illegal signing practices.
….the Nats were cheating?
Robert
March 1st, 2009
1:43 pm
Jo Jo 3 scoreless
Runnin
March 1st, 2009
1:44 pm
When are we gonna get some Braves announcers on Gameday Audio?
tr
March 1st, 2009
1:44 pm
Snow in Alabama means no bread or milk in stores and wreckers out in full force!
winterville
March 1st, 2009
1:45 pm
DOB did you mean nice scoop by Freeman? Is he a good fielder?
Lew
March 1st, 2009
1:45 pm
Spotts-I believe it was from when Bowden was with the Reds. Apparently there were illegalities with signing bonuses not being paid or some such thing. I think there were White Sox officials involved, too, but I haven’t really heard details, just rumors.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
1:46 pm
Josh Anderson CAN FLY. Just hit a standup triple to the R-C gap, to the wall.
Run Heap Run
March 1st, 2009
1:46 pm
….the Nats were cheating?
LOL spotts, that’s scary huh?
braves4ever
March 1st, 2009
1:46 pm
I think Bowden was skimming the signing bonus of the out-of US players, taking advantage of them.
Robert
March 1st, 2009
1:46 pm
Triple Josh Anderson
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
1:46 pm
Escobar comes to bat with runner on third and none out.
Last year, there was a decent chance Braves wouldn’t have gotten him in…. Let’s see what happens.
Jim
March 1st, 2009
1:46 pm
Kotchman? I thought Freeman was playing first base.
braves4ever
March 1st, 2009
1:48 pm
David isn’t he by far the fastest on the team?
BravoMan
March 1st, 2009
1:49 pm
Sac Fly for Escobar. Executing in those spots is a big key to the season.
Steve from OH
March 1st, 2009
1:51 pm
Lew–it’s up to the mid-20’s here in Ohio! Things are looking up…
Salamander
March 1st, 2009
1:51 pm
Speaking of Mike Patton (from Faith No More), I think his collaboration with the Dillinger Escape Plan back around 2002 (leading to the EP “Irony Is a Dead Scene”) is some of the best stuff I’ve heard from Dillinger.
Black Lips’ new album “200MillionThousand” is growing on me.
Jim
March 1st, 2009
1:52 pm
Who’s pitching for the Phillies?
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
1:52 pm
Hey DOB, it’s snowing in Atlanta.
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
1:52 pm
Brett Myers started the game.
Run Heap Run
March 1st, 2009
1:53 pm
You follks up north will get a kick out of this pic posted on the birmingham news site –
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2009/03/medium_snowbirmingham011.JPG
LOL
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
1:53 pm
Reyes 25 strikes in 46 pitches.
McFann :Ô:
March 1st, 2009
1:53 pm
Lew–
Oh boy! Can’t wait to see them! The unfinished portrait was something else–the finished one’s gonna be really good!
Dude…these are the biggest snow flakes I’ve ever seen. What was great was driving through the snow listening to Surfin’ USA.
Steve from OH
March 1st, 2009
1:53 pm
DOB, until you start posting some Dokken lyrics I will always consider you a music snob! (Just kidding)
Robert
March 1st, 2009
1:55 pm
DOB
How did Reyes look. Were many ball hit hard
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
1:57 pm
Solid outing by Reyes (two hits, one walk in three innings) and a clean fourth inning by O’Flaherty.
Dadgum
March 1st, 2009
1:57 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…….
Jim
March 1st, 2009
1:57 pm
Has Morton started throwing again? Is there any schedule for him to appear in an exhibition game?
Bravely going forward
March 1st, 2009
1:58 pm
hasn’t jo jo looked pretty good so far this spring?
Razzle
March 1st, 2009
1:58 pm
Not a single flake yet here in the mountains
Chop Chop
March 1st, 2009
2:00 pm
Maybe they’ll find some gloom and doom in there during his Monday MRI, but Johan Santana says he feels fine after a 31-pitch bullpen session today.
KC
March 1st, 2009
2:01 pm
Does anyone know anything about the new (coming soon) MLB Iphone app? It’s supposed to feature Gameday audio, but I’m wondering if that will be included in the price of the app. I don’t want want to order and pay for Gameday Audio now before that app comes out… and then have to turn around and basically pay for it AGAIN when the app comes out, if I want to hear it on my phone.
If Gameday Audio is going to be included in the price of the app, I’m going to just want and order that app when it comes out.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
2:02 pm
The Harlem Globetrotters just did a little exhibition behind home plate between innings. Seriously. Dudes are still cool….
Now, Peter Moylan is warming up…
Infante moved to center, Heyward from LF to RF, Anderson from CF to LF
tr
March 1st, 2009
2:03 pm
does jojo have options left?
Robert
March 1st, 2009
2:04 pm
These Philly announcers suck
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
2:04 pm
Why the hell is Infante in center and Anderson in left? Makes very little sense.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
2:04 pm
Giles singled hard up the middle off of Moylan’s glove to lead off the inning.
Robert
March 1st, 2009
2:04 pm
DOB still Anderson over Schafer
McFann :Ô:
March 1st, 2009
2:04 pm
DOB–
Has McCann taken many pitches? I know that’s kind of a dumb Q, but I’m just curious.
N Nine (eta35)
March 1st, 2009
2:05 pm
welcome back peter moylan!!!!! We sorely missed you! oy oy oy
Run Heap Run
March 1st, 2009
2:06 pm
Razzle I’m in the mountains of northeast AL and this was our view about 4 hours ago – http://i43.tinypic.com/14ecshh.jpg
It’s almost all gone now, it snowed hard off and on for several hours this morning but the wind is blowing really hard and the ground is warm so not much of it stuck around. It was actually central alabama who got the most snow on the ground this time.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
2:06 pm
Moylan gets ahead 0-2 to Jason Donald, then misses inside.
Fly to deep center, Infante nice running catch. Runner doesn’t advance.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
2:07 pm
Carlos Ruis flies to right, brings up Rollins with two out and Giles still at first
Jim
March 1st, 2009
2:07 pm
Francouer is now batting 0.100 for the spring. Is there any reason to hope that this is just too small a sample to be significant? Is he starting to press?
Global Warming Nonbeliever
March 1st, 2009
2:07 pm
Geez, we here in Georgia could use some of that man-made global warming about now.
Crista
March 1st, 2009
2:08 pm
MOYLAN<3!
I’ve missed him so freakin’ much. I wish I could be watching this game
Jay
March 1st, 2009
2:08 pm
Better for the Braves:
A season-ending injury for Johan Santana
or
A season-ending injury for Jeff Francoeur?
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
2:08 pm
Giles just stole second base again, on first pitch from Moylan to Rollins.
Rollins then punches a hit through left side of infield, Giles races around and slides in ahead of throw, which is also a bit off target allowing runner to advance to second (E7, but Rollins gets RBI)
Robert
March 1st, 2009
2:09 pm
how does moylan look
KC
March 1st, 2009
2:09 pm
Never mind, I found the answer to my question. The iphone/mobile MLB app will be completely separate from a standard Gameday Audio purchase. If you buy Gameday Audio now, you’ll still have to pay full price for the mobile app. So if you get the MLB app mainly for the ability to listen to Gameday Audio, but want to listen on your computer as well… you’ll basically have to pay for the same thing twice.
Jim
March 1st, 2009
2:09 pm
I assume Infante is in center because that will be a position he will be asked to play at times this year when he subs for Anderson or Schafer.
Jeff321
March 1st, 2009
2:10 pm
Is anyone besides DOB actually watching this game? Because the Phillies announcers are whacked. They’re talking about hummingbirds and other unrelated crap!
I would like to know how McCann’s throws have been to second base on the two steals.
Blair
March 1st, 2009
2:10 pm
Enter your comments here
Razzle
March 1st, 2009
2:12 pm
RHR – looking at Cohutta Mtn out the window… clouds, still no snow… radar is untruthful at this moment
will
March 1st, 2009
2:13 pm
If anderson did lead off for us, or any center fielder for that matter, wouldnt that mean one of our more proven hitters would have to hit 8th? as in 1 anderson 2 escobar 3 chipper 4 bmac 5 g anderson 6 francoeur 7 kotchman/johnson 8 kotchman/johnson. I just dont think its worth it
Robert
March 1st, 2009
2:13 pm
DOB how did Moylan look
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
2:14 pm
Heyward just singled to right with one out
Robert
March 1st, 2009
2:14 pm
It sounds like Heyward has professional at-bats
KC
March 1st, 2009
2:15 pm
If you are planning to purchase the upcoming MLB Iphone app (which may be available for any mobile phone), it’s probably not worth buying Gameday Audio now. The app, which will be available April 2nd, will allow you to listen to home or away feed for each game with no blackout restrictions. If you buy Gameday Audio now, and then buy that app, you’ll essentially be paying for the same thing twice. Sure, the app also includes scores and updates… but you can easily get that from other sources on your phone.
Robert
March 1st, 2009
2:15 pm
Anderson showing he wants the CF job
DCBrave
March 1st, 2009
2:16 pm
Neither AJ nor JF shows signs of recovery so far 4 games into ST: average of .111 and .100, respectively. Hopefully it’s just too early.
Woogidy
March 1st, 2009
2:16 pm
Robert I suggest a google image search for wondering how moylan looks
Robert
March 1st, 2009
2:17 pm
I meant how his pitching looked
KC
March 1st, 2009
2:18 pm
Woogidy, gonna join us again for opening day viewing party this year?
Oromus
March 1st, 2009
2:18 pm
will … So, you’d rather have an unproven hitter batting 8th? Why? I’d much rather have a good 1 – 8 than a good 1 – 7.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
2:18 pm
Gotta be awfully encouraging for Moylan, just 9-1/2 months after TJ surgery, to pitch like that. He looked good, pretty much like the old Moylan, near as I could tell.
some sense
March 1st, 2009
2:19 pm
DOB,
Enjoy your stuff as such for music commentary and selection as ball. Question – Why do you still buy so many cd’s? I haven’t bought a cd since I got an iPod.
Just curious.
ease19
March 1st, 2009
2:20 pm
DCBrave – JF has not struck out yet, so I would say there is no comparison, despite the average
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
2:20 pm
“Shop elsewhere for hummingbird nets” – Phillies Announcers.
DWW
March 1st, 2009
2:21 pm
DOB
I’ve heard that when pitchers come back early from TJ they are the ones that usually have problems. Any worries about Moylan?
N Nine (eta35)
March 1st, 2009
2:21 pm
Folks, hold your breath while we get a full understanding how Johan’s elbow tests go 2morrow. Big news in the spring.
KC any sympathy? JK
Razzle
March 1st, 2009
2:22 pm
iTunes does not sell songs in lossless format… over 50% of my iTunes’ almost 10k songs are encoded in that… maybe DOB can tell the difference as well, yes?
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
2:23 pm
Mayberry reached on E5 (Chipper) to lead off sixth. Chipper fielded it on line, but not cleanly, dropped it before could throw.
Mayberry steals second with Ridgway pitching, and Howard walks.
Runners on first and second for Jenkins with none out
KC
March 1st, 2009
2:23 pm
Will, the 8th place hitter still gets to hit. Does KJ or Kotchman deserve to hit 8th? Of course not… but that goes to show the depth of this lineup. No, there are no 30-40 homerun hitters here, but (assuming Francoeur bounces back), you’ve got solid hitters all the way up and down the order.
If Anderson can reach base at a good clip, and can do it vs. lefties as well as righties… then his speed makes him a FAR better fit for the leadoff role than anyone else on this team. And it allows Escobar to hit 2nd, where God intended him to hit. For that matter, I don’t think we have have another prototypical #2 hitter on this team. Escobar’s the guy you want hitting 2nd. Anderson leading off allows him to do that.
DCBrave
March 1st, 2009
2:23 pm
ease19-
that’s why I only listed average, which is a comparison. As to JF, swinging on first pitch hasn’t changed much, which leads to all the groundouts albeit he has shown more patience. As I said, hopefully he’s catch up soon.
RBP
March 1st, 2009
2:23 pm
I hope Moylan isn’t being antsy and coming back too early. We can’t afford to lose him for the year again.
KC
March 1st, 2009
2:24 pm
N Nine (eta35), I’m stopping by the Hallmark store later, just in case.
RBP
March 1st, 2009
2:25 pm
KC, you’re right about Esco, he’s close to a perfect number 2.
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
2:26 pm
Folks when you come back from Tommy John, you begin throwing a long time before you’re MLB ready. Tim Hudson has already started his throwing program, though it is just playing catch at this point, and he had TJ 6 months ago. Just because he’s throwing doesn’t present any cause for concern. If he’s throwing at 100%, that’d certainly be cause for concern, but he isn’t.
KC
March 1st, 2009
2:26 pm
RBP, I agree. Hope he isn’t rushing it. But usually Bobby Cox is pretty good about that sort of thing. He’s cautious with guys returning from injuries. Whenever someone that’s healing up says “I’m ready”, he always says “great, take another day”. So hopefully, Moylan pitching is a sign that he really is ready. I’m sure the if team doctors didn’t think it was a good idea, he wouldn’t be pitching.
1057.29
March 1st, 2009
2:27 pm
Article on Lowe at Yahoo! mlb sports.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AooWvCm28HyJeJrAUxbYINQRvLYF?slug=ge-lowe022809&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
will
March 1st, 2009
2:27 pm
johnson batting lead off allows him to do that too. Nothing anderson has done has shown that he has any kind of batting eye. You cant steal first.
TnBrian
March 1st, 2009
2:28 pm
GEEEZ…tell them to go easy on Moylan! Damn if he and Soriano aren’t keys to this team. That’s a very good sign, but I wouldn’t have minded if it were another couple of weeks before he faced other teams.
Giles was a pothead? Huh, well I do remember him acting like a 8 year old high on sugar a couple of times in the dugout. I remember the camera catching Chipper rolling his eyes after Giles trying to joke around with him on one of those hot summer day games. I liked him though
Chop Chop
March 1st, 2009
2:28 pm
Is a perfect #2 one that doesn’t require any wiping?
RBP
March 1st, 2009
2:28 pm
I understand you start throwing before you come back, but if he is going too hard it’s not good for us or his elbow.
18 Wheels of Love
March 1st, 2009
2:29 pm
Isn’t this game at Dark Star? The mlb feed sure does sound like there are a lot of Philly fans there.
RBP
March 1st, 2009
2:29 pm
Chop Chop, Touche good sir.
DWW
March 1st, 2009
2:29 pm
PWHjort
Why would he even be in the game if he wasnt going to throw 100%? If he is not ready to go full throtle it seems he would just be throwing in the bullpen. DOB also said that he looked like the old Moylan. That doesnt suggest that he is throwing easy.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
2:29 pm
Ridgway gives up a sac fly, then a two-run double to RF that puts Phils up 3-2
tr
March 1st, 2009
2:30 pm
chop chop – That’s sick, disgusting, and quite amusing as well!
braves4ever
March 1st, 2009
2:30 pm
chop chop, too funny
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
2:30 pm
Gotta go down and talk to Reyes and hopefully Moylan will be in there, too
RBP
March 1st, 2009
2:31 pm
has anybody seen batting stance guy’s attempt at the Braves?
Bubdylan
March 1st, 2009
2:32 pm
Chop Chop, you’re my new favorite.
braves4ever
March 1st, 2009
2:32 pm
Can anybody take DOB’s chair, I mean call play by play
Dack Jerrick
March 1st, 2009
2:34 pm
Brian’s inability to throw out baserunners is going to be exposed this year. That is the message the Phillies are sending right off the bat. Instead of working on his hitting, which is excellent, he should have spent the winter developing an effective throw to second. Without it, every walk and every single will put a runner in scoring position as they will all run, run, run.
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
2:34 pm
Ridgeway is tanking. It is now 3-2 and the bases are loaded with only 1 out.
Carlos Ruiz just hit a 2 run single, score is now 5-2. Runners at the corners still only one out.
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
2:35 pm
Dack Jerrick: Brian McCann spent all off-season working on his defense, specifically his throw down to second. So, he sort of took your advice. Though the timing doesn’t quite line up.
Dean
March 1st, 2009
2:36 pm
KU up 18 on Mizz in the first half.
Isenberg
March 1st, 2009
2:36 pm
RBP, I’ve seen them… seems like an utter waste of time to me, him doing that I mean.
McFann :Ô:
March 1st, 2009
2:37 pm
Dack Jerrick–
FYI, McCann did work on his defense over the winter.
Without it, every walk and every single will put a runner in scoring position as they will all run, run, run.
Not true, buddy. Not true.
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
2:38 pm
Bruntlet just hit Ruiz in the leg. Runners at the corners, 2 out. Ridgeway is out of the game.
RBP
March 1st, 2009
2:38 pm
yeah, he’s really quite distant on a couple, but their pretty entertaining.
Jeff321
March 1st, 2009
2:38 pm
Did Bobby Cox really need to get another look at Ridgeway? WTF is this guy even doing in camp?
Woogidy
March 1st, 2009
2:39 pm
KC, will do. Although, I didn’t make last years, I had just bought a new 46″ TV and decided to watch it at home. Where to? Hudson Grille perimeter? or Jocks and Jills Galleria? Oh, and RAZZLE, agree with you on that. I’ve got to get the CD. If you have a speaker system, you can definitely tell the difference. It’s like night and day to me.
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
2:39 pm
I BSG nailed most of the Braves’ batting stances.
Salamander
March 1st, 2009
2:39 pm
Global Warming Nonbeliever – Don’t presume to understand the complex dynamics of regional weather systems operating in the grand scheme of the “global climate.” The mid-latitudes will experience the least amount of initial change whenever the climate shifts. High latitudes are the first areas of Earth that will change in response to climate stimuli. Have you heard about melting Alaskan permafrost, the increased sea ice off the coast of Antarctica, or the thawing tundras of Siberia?
A good rule of thumb in terms of climate change is that weather will become more erratic due to increasing longwave radiation being trapped closer to Earth. This doesn’t mean that temperatures will go up everywhere at the same rate. No one really understands what the longterm consequences of the giant chemistry experiment that human civiilization is conducting on Earth will lead to. The real issue is NOT what will happen in the next 100 years, but what will happen over the next 5000 years as the atmosphere adapts to human-induced change.
McFann :Ô:
March 1st, 2009
2:40 pm
PWHjort So, he sort of took your advice. Though the timing doesn’t quite line up.
LOL!
Hey, this is sweet: Thunder with the snow! The guy on the TV said it was thunder-snow.
TnBrian
March 1st, 2009
2:40 pm
I agree, McCann can’t throw a runner out to save his life. You’re right , the Phillies will expose that every time they get on base. Sh– every team will.
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
2:40 pm
Zach Schriever is on for Ridgeway. The Phillies announcers, as well as I, know nothing about him. But they’re making fun of Jeff Ridgeway which is pretty hilarious.
Randy S
March 1st, 2009
2:40 pm
These Phillies broadcasters are painful.
RBP
March 1st, 2009
2:41 pm
he didn’t get the patented Klesko “Lean Back”, which i copied repeatedly as a kid.
dogsbrekky
March 1st, 2009
2:41 pm
The Phillies radio announcer just bagged the hell out of Ridgway..
I for one, had NOT heard that WHAM had reformed and had converted to baseball
Magnus Pym
March 1st, 2009
2:41 pm
Mayberry trade for Francouer, straight up…
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
2:42 pm
Schriever retires the batter. 5-2.
McFann :Ô:
March 1st, 2009
2:42 pm
TnBrian I agree, McCann can’t throw a runner out to save his life.
You just wait, pal. You just wait!
dogsbrekky
March 1st, 2009
2:43 pm
Kansas b/ball looking very good, better than several top 10 teams
KC
March 1st, 2009
2:43 pm
Someone brought up the fact that Escobar hit into a lot of double-plays last year, and said that for that reason, he wasn’t a good #2 hitter. That’s a valid point, but he’s still the best choice for the 2 slot for the following reasons:
- He had a solid .366 on-base % last year, and OBP is important for anyone hitting 1 or 2.
- While he isn’t a base-stealer, he does run very well, and won’t clog up basepaths.
- Being a strong opposite-field hitter, he’s ideal for hit-and-run plays, which could be much more common if Anderson (a legitimate base-stealer) the leadoff hitter.
- He won’t be as prone to hit into DPs hitting 2nd behind Anderson. First of all Anderson will steal a lot of bases when he gets on, and as I mentioned, you’ll also see some hit-and-run plays. Also, consider that last year, with Escobar hit leadoff a lot, and often the runner on ahead of him wasn’t a threat to steal, so the first-baseman didn’t have to hold runners as diligently.
- Also, Escobar gets a lot of hits toward the gaps, and if Anderson’s on, he’ll get to third every time on a single toward the gap.
tr
March 1st, 2009
2:43 pm
chop chop – think i’ve discovered a flaw in the “perfect #2″ theory – if you don’t wipe, how would you know you didn’t need to? unless, of course you have a mets fan to check for you
cabravesfan
March 1st, 2009
2:45 pm
I have to say I am enjoying reading about all the snow you guys are getting in atlanta…while i look out my open front door into beautiful blue skys on an 80 degree Sunday here in Southern California:)
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
2:45 pm
Escobar is actually a good #1 hitter, but the organization is retarded in the sense that they try to get him to be very aggressive in the #1 spot. If he would take the same approach that he does in slots 2-8, he’d be an excellent lead-off hitter.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
2:46 pm
Back from clubhouse just in time to see McCANN HOMER on a 2-2 pitch from Chan Ho Park
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
2:46 pm
Brian McCann Homer. 5-3.
18 Wheels of Love
March 1st, 2009
2:46 pm
McCann, mcgone!
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
2:47 pm
DOB, who was that reliever we used after Ridgeway tanked?
braves4ever
March 1st, 2009
2:47 pm
tr, A Mets fan would be the wipe right? which would blow your theory
dogsbrekky
March 1st, 2009
2:48 pm
No love for my WHAM joke………
KC
March 1st, 2009
2:49 pm
Woogidy, sorry, got you confused with someone else. But YES, definitely be great to have you there. Last year we did it at Frankie’s on the Prado, on north end of 285 near GA-400. That worked out pretty well, but nothing’s set yet.
We talked about doing it at The Bullpen next to Turner Field, but surprisingly, not only were they not staying open to show the game… they didn’t even know it was on!! For a business with the Braves at the center of their business model, I found that a little difficult to understand.
Anyway, email me at kccjr1@gmail.com, and I’ll keep you in the loop.
Tim
March 1st, 2009
2:49 pm
Guys. How is it always the catcher’s fault when he doesn’t throw out the guy at on the bases? The pitchers have to do their job holding the runners closer.
tr
March 1st, 2009
2:49 pm
braves4ever – not everyone has a mets fan handy
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
2:50 pm
Dogsbrekky, if they hadn’t given away the game at Mizzou a few weeks ago, the Jayhawks would be unbeaten in Big 12 play now and ranked in top 10, probably about 6-7. But best to lose that game, bit of a reminder they have to play all 40 minutes. Young, young team, perhaps Self’s finest coaching job. To lose all five starters from last year’s team and be in position to win the conference again….
DCBrave
March 1st, 2009
2:50 pm
Randy S-
Compared to the Braves’ announcers …. Oh, where’re they?
BravesFanInRockies
March 1st, 2009
2:50 pm
Hey DOB
Thanks for posting the link to the Rocky’s closing. I’m one of the 200-plus people from that newsroom and it’s a very sad time. For us, for our readers and for Colorado. I really appreciate your sharing it.
dogsbrekky
March 1st, 2009
2:51 pm
KU looks like the dark horse for MM this year of those outside UCONN, Tarheels, Pit…
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
2:51 pm
Tim, it is a combination of both the pitcher and the catcher, but it is universally accepted that catchers are the most important person when it comes to holding baserunners.
McFann ;Ô;
March 1st, 2009
2:51 pm
WHOO-HOO!!! See? Makin’ up for those SBs…
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
2:52 pm
PWH, it was Schreiber, brought over from minor league camp.
Razzle
March 1st, 2009
2:52 pm
With so many competing for the last bullpen spots, I wonder what an outing like that might do for a pitcher’s chances…
PTBNL
March 1st, 2009
2:53 pm
PWH, what universe is that?
McFann ;Ô;
March 1st, 2009
2:54 pm
cabravesfan–
Huh…80 degrees…won’t be too much longer for us. But this snow is really pretty. HUGE flakes, too.
Feels funny, though–checking baseball scores in the middle of thunder-snow.
BO JR.
March 1st, 2009
2:54 pm
RAZZLE not much on trade market
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
2:55 pm
BravesFanInRockies: I had no idea you worked for “the Rocky” (of course, how would I?). Sad to see, man. I feel for you. That’s what most of us writers from various papers have been talking about a lot this spring, especially guys like the Philly writers here today (they’re papers’ ownership filed for bankruptcy, same owner has both papers there)
reagan
March 1st, 2009
2:55 pm
Dadgum (or anyone)….does Richmond have NO baseball team now?
DCBrave
March 1st, 2009
2:56 pm
Razzle-
Not much as far as Cox’s concerned based on his previous years.
Andy K.
March 1st, 2009
2:57 pm
reaganright now, Richmond doesn’t have a baseball team. but there is talk of a AA team known as the Connecticut Defenders moving in…I think they are the Giants…
dogsbrekky
March 1st, 2009
2:58 pm
Snowed here in NY this morning when the dog and I were in C Park, saw one of the huge Red Tail Hawks in the Ramble, hunting, amazing to watch,
think we are getting 6 inches tomorrow and tonight, a lot of fun for us outback boys
McFann ;Ô;
March 1st, 2009
2:58 pm
PTBNL–
Haha!! Good question!
Catchers do have a big responsibility in that regard–I mean, he cann signal to the pitcher to throw over, seein’ as how he’s got a better view of the runner–but the pitcher’s not off the hook when it comes to runners.
KC
March 1st, 2009
2:58 pm
I’m not saying that Escobar sucks as a leadoff hitter. But if Anderson can keep a decent OBP, he’s perfect. It’s a BIG plus to have a leadoff man with speed for many reasons.
First, as I said before, Anderson can really help you stay out of the double-play, be it by stealing second, or by way of a hit-and-run.
Also, Anderson has a few different ways to 2B. He can steal, he can be sacrificed over (though that isn’t Escobar’s strong suit), and If Anderson has a full season of at-bats in the leadoff spot, you can probably look for him to knock more than 30 extra-base hits. And when he does get on 2B or 3B, you’ve got two guys coming up behind him that are very good hitters with runners in scoring position.
And of course, a true SB threat on base is always a distraction to the pitcher.
Tim
March 1st, 2009
2:58 pm
PWH, The catcher doesn’t stand a chance at throwing out the baserunner if he’s half way to the base before the catcher get’s the ball.
Maybe DOB can tell us whose at more at fault for the stolen bases today. Are the throws bad or are the runners getting to good of jumps off the pitchers?
Jeff321
March 1st, 2009
2:58 pm
Ridgeway now has a 40.50 era. I bet he gets a spot in the bullpen…
Oh, and Infante getting worked out there in the outfield, eh? Imagine my shock.
We’re talking about Bobby Cox’s decision making again. He thought using Infante and Norton last year was a good idea… Sure they have talent but not in the outfield.
Daybed Wagmoe
March 1st, 2009
3:00 pm
Harry,
You mentioned Larry Campbell, Levon’s sideman. Back in 2004, I went to the Braves-Cubs game on Easter Sunday, and Bob Dylan was in Atlanta to play 3 shows at the Tabernacle, Monday-Wednesday. I was sitting about 25 rows behind home plate, and in about the 2nd inning, Larry walked in front of us and sat and watched the game behind the Cubs’ dugout. After the game, I went up to him and talked to him — really nice guy, sounded very much like the kind of guy that would be touring with Bob Dylan. He sounded a lot like Chong or The Dude (i.e., Big Lebowski), and talked like them too.
Erin
March 1st, 2009
3:00 pm
Is Infante really as bad a fielder as these Phillies announcers seem to think? They’re just ripping him apart–”they just want to find somewhere to play him where they can get his bat but won’t be hurt by his defense.”
dogsbrekky
March 1st, 2009
3:01 pm
If we use Josh as CF and leadoff, could we bat Garret A 2nd (he is a great all round hitter)
3. Chipper 4. McCann 5. YUNEL 6. KJ 7. RF 8. Kasey
Robert
March 1st, 2009
3:01 pm
Sammons sucks
Randy S
March 1st, 2009
3:01 pm
DC Brave
Yes it was much nicer last year when Pete did every single spring training game (and most of them alone). He was made for those kind of broadcasts. Could easily fill 3 hours with fantastic stories.
BravoMan
March 1st, 2009
3:02 pm
Philly announcers are dumb. Infante is a stud in both offence and defence for being a utility player. Whoever dumb and dumber are doing the play by play they should be told to suck it!
Tim
March 1st, 2009
3:05 pm
Jeff321, what are you smoking? Who else were we suppose to use in the outfield last year when Kotsay and Diaz were both hurt?
Robert
March 1st, 2009
3:06 pm
from RotoWorld
Johan Santana (elbow) felt well enough Sunday that he changed his mind about going to New York for an examination on Monday.
Razzle
March 1st, 2009
3:06 pm
I have read so many times about players liking to play for Bobby… and I wonder if one of the primary reasons is that if you really stink it up, even ad infinitum, he’s got your back.
cabravesfan
March 1st, 2009
3:06 pm
The catcher doesn’t stand a chance at throwing out the baserunner if he’s half way to the base before the catcher get’s the ball.
Tim- I was just about to type the exact same thing…a big part of the problem last year was pitchers not being able to hold runners close and that, combined with Mac having some…um…issues with throwing guys out made for a lot of stolen bases
McFann
It is really just stunningly beautiful today- postcard perfect…
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
3:06 pm
“Infante is a stud in both offence and defence for being a utility player.”
First of all, Offense and Defense are spelled with “s”s, not “c”s. Secondly, Infante is extremely lousy in the outfield. His defense is acceptable in the infield positions but well below average in the outfield.
DCBrave
March 1st, 2009
3:06 pm
Randy S-
I just appreciate the Phillies even have the announcers there, which’s better than nothing. Of course, who could beat Pete?!
spotts
March 1st, 2009
3:07 pm
Are you kidding? I’d say Ridgway deserves to be in the pen. He lowered his career ERA by 185.28 points last year. Not even Maddux has done that.
Bravely going forward
March 1st, 2009
3:08 pm
you there DOB??
cabravesfan
March 1st, 2009
3:08 pm
Robert-
The word is Santana isn’t going to New York becasue of the weather…
Hey McFann- what coding do you use for italics?
BravesFanInRockies
March 1st, 2009
3:09 pm
DOB, thanks. The video is something else. And the editor John Temple’s right. It’s hard to believe how much Rocky readers love the paper. I’ve been in the biz for two decades, with four different dailies, and I’ve never experienced the passion I have in Denver for a newspaper.
I’m thinking about y’all at the AJC, too.
Oh well. On to the Grapefruit League …
True Braves Fan
March 1st, 2009
3:12 pm
1. Anyone else listening to the game on MLB Radio? Boy the annouoncers stink!!!
2. Is is too early to worry about the Braves bullpen? Only Carlyle and Acosta have looked good so far..
Robert
March 1st, 2009
3:15 pm
did bennett pitch today
Braves fan in shadow of NYC
March 1st, 2009
3:16 pm
Are you kidding? I’d say Ridgway deserves to be in the pen. He lowered his career ERA by 185.28 points last year. Not even Maddux has done that.
haha pretty funny. also DOB when can we expect to see Glavine in a ST game. I havent seen the full schedule.
dogsbrekky
March 1st, 2009
3:16 pm
Jo Jo will be in the pen, I think…. anyone anyone ?
Jim
March 1st, 2009
3:18 pm
Will Stockman pitch today? Might the Braves be trying to hide him in the late innings of the game when all the minor leaguers are playing and no one is paying much attention so that they can try to sneak him through waivers?
Jeff321
March 1st, 2009
3:19 pm
>Jeff321, what are you smoking? Who else were we suppose to use in the outfield last year when Kotsay and Diaz were both hurt?
Anyone that knows how to play the outfield. (For instance — Josh Anderson and/or Brandon Jones were on the bench or in Richmond during this time.) I think Bobby Cox and his defenders should be ashamed for using players out of position. We have plenty of studs up here right now that know how to play. You don’t think they just learned defense this year?
In other words, it doesn’t really matter if they can hit or not.. Because Infante & Norton’s bat aren’t worth their shoddy defense in the outfield.
Plus, I’d prefer any of the young bucks rather than Frenchy this year. We could have signed Ohman with that $3M+ and cut the “hasbeen” loose.
Erin
March 1st, 2009
3:19 pm
True Braves Fan–
They seriously are terrible. And doesn’t one of them sound like Sylvester Stallone (and about as intelligent)?
richbrave
March 1st, 2009
3:20 pm
My wife’s second cousin is back on the sports desk at the RALEIGH NEWS-OBSERVER. Says things are rough. A neighbor’s sister who works with him seconds that take. The RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH is on its last legs. Maybe another year. That’s about it from what I’m hearing around the community.
Razzle
March 1st, 2009
3:21 pm
ok, light powder finally blowing in a stiff wind in the Cohuttas… baseball season is here for sure
John Facenda
March 1st, 2009
3:22 pm
From the high latitudes of page five a breath of hot air which could have, if on another day, affected the outcome of the the 1967 NFL Championship.
Bravely going forward
March 1st, 2009
3:22 pm
HAVE THE BRAVES STOP TRYING COMPLETELY?
BravoMan
March 1st, 2009
3:22 pm
Wooo I spelled wrong. Give me a break am I in English class? And you got me on his OF defenSe. He’s a infielder by trade.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
3:22 pm
Moylan said he didn’t have the sink that he had on his pitches during bullpens and BP sessions, that it was probably just a slight mechanical flaw from being overamped, the nerves and adrenaline in his first game back. But the arm was fine, which is what’s important right now. He iced and then went back out in the dugout to watch Stockman pitch that eighth inning from the dugout.
Said he’s got six weeks to be ready, goal to be on opening day roster.
Bravely going forward
March 1st, 2009
3:23 pm
*STOPPED
BravoMan
March 1st, 2009
3:23 pm
HAVE THE BRAVES STOP TRYING COMPLETELY?
Chill my man, it’s ST
dogsbrekky
March 1st, 2009
3:23 pm
Kansas still “pasting” the MIZZ, horrible drubbing
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
3:23 pm
Actually, it’s five weeks from today, not six. But who’s counting….
Jim
March 1st, 2009
3:27 pm
DOB
I’m looking at the mlb box score and it says Marek pitched the 8th inning.
PTBNL
March 1st, 2009
3:28 pm
Hmmm It says Marek pitched the 8th. Maybe Stockman in the 9th?
Pulpwood Smith
March 1st, 2009
3:28 pm
Agree with Harry, very solid Lucinda show last night. Great covers, including AC/DC’s Its a Long Way To The Top, Every Picture Tells A Story, Hendrix’ Angel, sweet Guitar Slim cover. Also, an impassioned rant against Ticketmaster.
Erin
March 1st, 2009
3:30 pm
richbrave–
That’s really sad about the Times-Dispatch. I still read it online even though I live in Seattle and have been away from Richmond since I graduated from college (’03). Hope it lasts long enough to have my wedding published in it–I always wanted the announcement in it, and now it’s only about another year until it happens.
braves4ever
March 1st, 2009
3:30 pm
David, uhh we are counting, its been a long winter break started back in Aug when we were out of contention.
Jim
March 1st, 2009
3:30 pm
Have NL teams used a DH in spring training against each other before this year?
Interested Observer
March 1st, 2009
3:30 pm
DOB: You mentioned a while back that Chipper said something about him and Hudson showing the young guys early on that some of the things they were doing last year weren’t going to cut it anymore. Have you noticed anything different in that regard?
Robert
March 1st, 2009
3:31 pm
Marek has looked good so far
dogsbrekky
March 1st, 2009
3:31 pm
STOCKMANNNNNNNNNNNNN awright Aussies
stormcommander
March 1st, 2009
3:32 pm
but i’m not gonna lie, i’ve been horny on the braves/MIB blog once or twice i think
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
3:35 pm
Did the hit Marek surrender get hit hard?
braves4ever
March 1st, 2009
3:37 pm
stormcommander , I have loved baseball for 40 years and never had that feeling about the game! its different than da lady that comes through in front of the TV.
Jeff321
March 1st, 2009
3:37 pm
1-2-3 inning for the STUD Phil Stockman.
But, will he make the team this year? And see any action? Ahh, the anticipation!
Chop Chop
March 1st, 2009
3:39 pm
Stockman has made more than 30 appearances only once in a season since turning pro in 1998.
Not good. Seems like a cool guy, though.
35YearBravesFan
March 1st, 2009
3:39 pm
You mean to tell me the Braves are too cheap to buy McDowell and McCann the Rosetta Stone language program for Japanese????
What gives???
Razzle
March 1st, 2009
3:40 pm
They’re going to buy English for Kawakami – 1 copy vs. 2, saves $$$
McFann :Ô:
March 1st, 2009
3:43 pm
cabravesfan–
Ours is postcard perfect, too…but obviously quite the opposite of yours! But I do love those nice, sunny spring days. 60s and 70s are my favorite.
Use the italics code on this page:
http://www.w3schools.com/html/tryit.asp?filename=tryhtml_formatting
but leave out the “p’s”. As far as the other codes on that page–I’ve never gotten them to work.
stormcommander
March 1st, 2009
3:46 pm
you ever notice while you’re at a toll booth that if you are all alone you can get the money from the coin trey in your car with no problem but if there is a long line behind you you can’t easily pick up the change and you fumble around and maybe drop some? i hate that.
spotts
March 1st, 2009
3:48 pm
35 – I saw one of those Rosetta Stone commercials the other day. Looks like the Braves won’t be helping out McCann/Dowell and they’ll have to learn a foreign language the old fashioned way – with headphones and in black and white. Learning a foreign language was so hard before Rosetta came along
stormcommander
March 1st, 2009
3:50 pm
i hear it’s stunning when the famous blue stuffed worm in flap-jaw space with the tuning fork does a rare blink on Hara-kiri rock.
Jeff321
March 1st, 2009
3:50 pm
There is something wrong with this blog software and/or servers.
The last post was 3:43 and with a refresh its back to 3:32. And when I hit refresh a couple more times its likely to reappear as expected.
With that said, I use broadband and have no need for a cache. (Its set to zero.)
So, the blame is all on your end.
dogsbrekky
March 1st, 2009
3:51 pm
The Texas Rangers are playing some dude named Hamilton in CF today instead of Andruw… wtf
tr
March 1st, 2009
3:51 pm
This text is an italics test
cabravesfan
March 1st, 2009
3:51 pm
Thanks McFann!
McFann :Ô:
March 1st, 2009
3:53 pm
You’re welcome, cabravesfan! Hope it helps!
nolie
March 1st, 2009
3:53 pm
With so many competing for the last bullpen spots, I wonder what an outing like that might do for a pitcher’s chances…RAZZLE
next to nothing,especially for a player that far off the charts. teams usually place less emphasis on what a player does in ST and in Sept. because opf the uneven competition. One of the reasons you see so many guys over the years who have ultra hot springs but do not make the big club, unless they are already on the cusp.
tr
March 1st, 2009
3:55 pm
dogsbrekky – Chumps, AJ must have ticked off somebody when he broke his K streak with a single. I know they signed him with hopes he’d reach the record!
cabravesfan
March 1st, 2009
3:56 pm
It does- I actually do a lot of computer coding for my work but it seems every program uses a slightly different code:)
PTBNL
March 1st, 2009
3:58 pm
AP article on AJC.com says that AJ is still confident. The batting instructor says that it may take 20 AB for AJ to be comfortable with his new stance.
dogsbrekky
March 1st, 2009
3:58 pm
tr – they should audit the at bat where he got the single, maybe he actually wacthed strike 3, umpire wiffed and called it a ball and ANdruw paid him off afterwards… but if it continues a 1 for 20 with 19kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk may be possible
PTBNL
March 1st, 2009
3:59 pm
20 seems like a very small number for all that AJ needs.
N Nine (eta35)
March 1st, 2009
4:02 pm
you guys get too excited about AJ failures
Interested Observer
March 1st, 2009
4:03 pm
According to ESPN, Johan Santana canceled his trip to NY for the MRI because of the bad weather, but he’ll be meeting with doctors in Florida instead.
nolie
March 1st, 2009
4:10 pm
But if Anderson can keep a decent OBP, he’s perfect. KC
well i don’t know about perfect, but IF he can have a decent OBP I agree that he makes a lot of sense there. The big part is the IF. He didn’t over the long run in the minors which is why so many think he won’t in the bigs, but it might happen. I still think Schafer is long-term CFer and perhaps LO hitter. I also doubt that he and Josh will be in the same OF over the long run either.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
4:12 pm
yes, Marek pitched eighth, Stockman a perfect ninth with one strikeout.
RBP
March 1st, 2009
4:14 pm
JA has a lot of speed but I’m not sure he’s going to be the quality LO hitter we need. I hear Otis Nixon is open to a comeback though.
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
4:14 pm
Interested Observer: I was not the one who mentioned that about Chipper and Hudson vis-a-vis the young players. Don’t know who it was, but it wasn’t me.
tr
March 1st, 2009
4:14 pm
For the AJ Fan Club, he has some work to do. The ML record for consecutive strikeouts belongs to a pitcher, Sandy Koufax, who whiffed 12 straight times over six games for the Dodgers (Brooklyn) in 1955.
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
4:18 pm
Chipper needs to stop hyping all the young talent. Tommy Hanson has enough pressure without Chipper saying he’s going to be the Ace of a staff so rich in pitching tradition pretty soon.
Dack Jerrick
March 1st, 2009
4:18 pm
Back when Piazza wsa with the Mets, even the conservative Bobby Cox ran at will and embarrassed NY. Brian may be able to throw as well as Piazza but he hasn’t shown it yet. Get ready ya’ll, if McCann can’t ramp it up our opponents are going to run, run, run.
McFann Is A Hero To All Good Braves/MIB Bloggers
March 1st, 2009
4:19 pm
thanks for the link McFann! You’d think a certain paper would have made sure those instructions were on it’s site somewhere, but I guess not.
testing:
there is no clutch..repeat after me..there is no clutch
stealing bases as Marcus Giles did was a waste of outs.what are those world champions doing, don’t they read this blog?
This blog Rocks
hip hip hoorah!
defense,/p> and offense may be spelled with c’s instead of s’s as they do in other english speaking parts of the world…..
wow, you sure gotta type alot to get the desired effects…i miss the * system :S
out.
spotts
March 1st, 2009
4:20 pm
I bet Howard and Dunn paid the Rangers to keep AJ out of the lineup. They want to keep their records secure
McFann Is A Hero To All Good Braves/MIB Bloggers
March 1st, 2009
4:22 pm
ok, didn’t work…where are the bolds and why didn’t all the emottie things work?
Boooooooooooo
Interested Observer
March 1st, 2009
4:22 pm
Sorry DOB, I remember hearing it somewhere, I thought it was from you!
For those who don’t know, ESPN is having a live Baseball Tonight from Disney until 6. They said they’ll have Francouer and Lowe on sometime later. And Steve Phillips just said he thinks that Jordan Shaffer will win the CF job.
CharlieAlphaBravo
March 1st, 2009
4:26 pm
Steve Phillips probably isn’t aware that Josh Anderson is out of options… He’s not aware of a lot of things, in case you hadn’t noticed.
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
4:31 pm
“He’s not aware of a lot of things, in case you hadn’t noticed.”
Agreed. Phillips talks way too much about things he doesn’t know anything about.
Hotspur
March 1st, 2009
4:34 pm
Like baseball.
Andy K.
March 1st, 2009
4:35 pm
Normally, I would say that Steve Phillips doesn’t even know what year it is…BUT, I agree with him here. I think, and sincerely hope that J-Schaf wins the CF job, and then (if he has a good year) we lock him up, so we don’t have to worry bout early arbitration.
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
4:40 pm
No reason to lock up Schafer until he gets closer to arbitration. Though I agree, I hope we put Anderson on the bench as a 4th outfielder and let Schafer play every day.
Kevin C
March 1st, 2009
4:42 pm
DOB
My wife works for Rosetta Stone and we will be in Florida this coming weekend–great product and works. Any idea if I could get a Bobby Cox autograph for a copy of say japanese? If so shoot me an email
thanks
Kevin
PS–Any idea who will be pitching Friday?
braves fan 16
March 1st, 2009
4:46 pm
Who still thinks we should have got Andrew. The guy is 1-9 so far he is done.
Paul W.
March 1st, 2009
4:51 pm
DOB- the only thing worth keeping in the AJC is the sports section. If Cynthia Tucker, Jay Bookman and the rest of those socialist keep demonstrating their bias and the resultant ignorance, you guys will be looking for work just like the employees of the Rocky Mt News.
vabravesfan
March 1st, 2009
4:54 pm
Hey everyone I will be attending the game this friday and was looking for some suggestions on getting some autographs. Just looking for some knowledge on if can get autographs before the games.
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
4:55 pm
Kevin, the atmosphere at ST is so relaxed and fan-centered you could probably get a Bobby Cox autograph for free as well as many other autographs. Just get to the game early.
ncscoots
March 1st, 2009
4:55 pm
I hope we put Anderson on the bench as a 4th outfielder and let Schafer play every day.
That would make it 5th OF, not 4th. Diaz, Anderson, Schafer, Francoeur leaves no room for Josh Anderson, if the Braves decide Schafer is ready form the get-go. Bobby hasn’t carried 5 OF since I-can’t-remember-when, and Josh Anderson doesn’t bring enough to the dance to come off the bench, anyway.
For those who missed it, Infante was originally signed because he could backup at SS and CF. His OF defense is no worse, no better than you would expect from any backup.
ncscoots
March 1st, 2009
4:58 pm
If Cynthia Tucker, Jay Bookman and the rest of those socialist keep demonstrating their bias and the resultant ignorance…
As opposed to marching in lockstep with Fox News, I guess, right?
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
5:04 pm
Looking at statistics like UZR and +/- Infante struggles in the outfield, though he plays decent, even above-average, defense in the infield positions. I realize that would make a 5th outfielder, but with Prado struggling early this spring that may be the best roster option. I know Bobby won’t do it but I think it’s the best option. The other obvious option is to trade Josh Anderson. He’s certainly a useful player and belongs on a major league roster somewhere, if not Atlanta.
Ebravesluvr
March 1st, 2009
5:06 pm
*hyperventilates at any mention of Marcus Giles*
I’m the equivalent of McFann is to Brian McCann. That’s how I am to Marcus Giles.
TnBrian
March 1st, 2009
5:11 pm
I have visions of a 2010-2011 OF of Heyward/Schafer/Francoeur. Infield of Jones/Escobar/Phillps/Freeman. Rotation of Lowe/Hanson/Hudson/JJ/Kawakami. Maybe trade KJ/Vazquez/prospect to Cin. for Brandon Phillips this offseason would be awesome.
Back to the present: I like Anderson opening the season in CF. He will only srtive harder to prove himself with Schafer around the corner, and can easily steal 35-45 bases. Wren and all of us will be saying, Furcal who?
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
5:15 pm
This Baseball Tonight is retarded. These questions they’re asking Lowe and Francoeur are TERRIBLE.
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
5:17 pm
“Heyward/Schafer/Francoeur”
Gorkys could fit into that mix too. I doubt Cincinnati would trade Brandon Phillips. Plus, they like their young rotation, wouldn’t really want Vazquez. They’re not in selling mode, they’re loaded with young talent.
KC
March 1st, 2009
5:18 pm
DOB, I see that Francoeur was 0-2, but how did he look? Did he make solid contact or hit anything up the middle or to right?
KC
March 1st, 2009
5:24 pm
ncscoots, Foxnews has a lot of right-leaning editorial types (Hannity, Beck, etc.) but their actual news reporting truly is, as they say “fair and balanced”.
Several non-partisan political watchdog organizations evaluated the news coverage of last year’s election, and found that Fox was actually the only network that really did play it down the middle. I know a lot of people on the right that were pissed with Fox’s coverage. They’re saying things like “Ah, Fox is just like all the other networks”.
Again, very right-leaning in their primetime commentary lineup, but news coverage is fair. That’s not MY observation… that’s based on some concrete research from credible organizations. Some people will choose not to accept that, but it’s as close to a fact as you can get with something subjective.
Interested Observer
March 1st, 2009
5:26 pm
During Baseball Tonight’s Bold Prediction segment Peter Gammons predicted that come September John Smoltz will be the best pitcher in the AL East. Not exactly surprising from a Red Sox homer. John Kruk predicted that the AL Comeback Player of the Year will be ….. Andruw Jones. Not exactly surprising coming from….well, John Kruk.
meansonny
March 1st, 2009
5:26 pm
Regarding the newspapers… It’s not the content that’s killing the business. It’s the cost.
I live in Dawsonville. AJC cancelled my subscription for me.
It stinks when a company does everything right on the sales side… but the net effect is that they are losing money with each subscription that they write.
Best of luck to those in Colorado. My prayers are with the AJC, too. I deeply miss getting the paper. We still drive out of county to get the Sunday edition (gotta have the coupons these days).
McFann :Ô:
March 1st, 2009
5:28 pm
Well, for starters, I wouldn’t call myself a hero, but thanks just the same.
To do bold, you have to type “strong” instead of “b”. As for the other ones…not sure how to them properly. They’ve never worked for me, either, as I stated when I gave the link.
Here’s a link for making emoticons:
http://codex.wordpress.org/Using_Smilies
They work well.
18 Wheels of Love
March 1st, 2009
5:30 pm
PMP8EZ
tr
March 1st, 2009
5:31 pm
TV news/commentary has become more about ratings than politics, playing to a salable demographic!
KC
March 1st, 2009
5:36 pm
meansonny, agreed. It’s not the content that is the problem. It is, as you say, the cost… as well as the changing landscape of journalism and communication. The first hammer strike to the proverbial nail in the coffin occurred the day AOL signed up its first internet customer. And it’s been a slope ever since then.
Newspapers have been surviving on mid-aged and senior readers who are accustom to receiving their news in print. But that can’t last forever. The culture is changing, and as time goes on, it will just be tougher and tougher for papers to survive.
Papers have to figure out new ways of doing business, and IMO, put a LOT more thought into how they can use their name-recognition/credibility to generate more revenue on the web.
tr
March 1st, 2009
5:37 pm
KC
March 1st, 2009
5:44 pm
tr, you are most definitely right. Cable news is about ratings, NOT a sense of duty to report the unvarnished news. Fox, while their actual news coverage really is more down-the-middle than many give them credit for, has chosen a conservative target demographic, and have effectively reached it with shows like O’Reily, Hannity, and Beck. CNN serves a left leaning audience, and does a pretty good job selling to them… while MSNBC serves a hard-left demographic. They all have their niches, and it’s intentional.
Objectivity in news reporting is a myth. There’s no way for anyone to be truly objective. Human being are literally incapable of even processing information independent of their worldview, let alone conveying it in a purely objective manner.
The most you can ask of any news outlet is to give you both perspectives. I think that’s what Fox tries to do in their reporting. Again, not their primetime commentary programs, which are clearly learn very much to the right… but in their news coverage tends to report both sides of political issues.
KC
March 1st, 2009
5:46 pm
Kruk predited A.Jones will be CPOY???? Has he been paying attention???
Ah, probably not. He doesn’t actually pay attention to anyone other than the Phillies.
KC
March 1st, 2009
5:48 pm
Meant to say “which clearly lean very much to the right”… But enough about that stuff. Probably more than I should have said here. My apologies. I don’t bring up politics here, and try not to get drawn into it when others do.
DOB, how did Frenchy look at that plate today?
ease19
March 1st, 2009
5:51 pm
Ah, probably not. He doesn’t actually pay attention to anyone other than the Phillies.
I am pretty sure that he pays attention to those who bring him food…
Doc Holiday
March 1st, 2009
5:55 pm
Lew,
Im sorry to tell you, but any time you do surgery, the scar tissue can trap the nerve or any other structure and it can lead to severe pain as well. And the transposition of any structure, specially a nerve to a position that its its usual position, can lead to pain as it is exposed to a whole new stress, different stress that is designed to take by nature. We shall see. Of course the surgery is intended to fix things, but you never know how it will end.
With all the respect.
tr
March 1st, 2009
5:56 pm
KC – When I ran a small town newspaper, I rarely editorialized, but rather regularly ran a feature called, “Side by Side” in which both sides of issues were presented side by side to let the readers decide for themselves. News itself was pretty straight forward, just the facts. And we prided ourselves on positive news stories and features as opposed to the “if it bleeds, it leads” philosophy. Went over VERY well!
C's
March 1st, 2009
5:58 pm
The story Jeff told on BBTN about Mac saying that Lowe is the best golfer he’s played with and then Smoltzie texting Jeff and telling him to tell Mac that Josh Bard is the best catcher he’s ever thrown to was great!! Funny stuff!
HootervilleHigh Bravos
March 1st, 2009
5:58 pm
DOB: What’s the story on Cruz? Does he have a chance to stick in the pen? This sounds like it could be a good story. Hope you can give us some more information on how the braves got him instead of the other clubs
Rabbit
March 1st, 2009
6:00 pm
Greg White is just like Josh Anderson. Good 4th outfielder/pinch runner types. Blanco .309 slugging percentage. What on earth is with peoples’ fascination for Blanco and Anderson? Neither should be starting on a good team.
Doc Holiday
March 1st, 2009
6:01 pm
What I have really like this spring is how much JF has improved. There is no doubt in my mind that he heard every single word chipper told him and is applying everything amazingly well. Having a slow start is one thing, but hitting .100 and worse than virtually every rookie OF in the club. Send him packing now before he is worth less than AJ.
PWHjort
March 1st, 2009
6:04 pm
Blanco gets on base well which makes him good in the lead-off role. By the way, Peter Gammons just made a bold prediction on Baseball tonight: the San Diego Padres will not win it all.
Jeff321
March 1st, 2009
6:11 pm
KC
What many FNC defenders forget to mention is: Fox & Friends M-F is a right wing hack show too.. So, couple that with Beck on (not during prime time) means the viewers who’re supposedly getting F&B news during the day are actually receiving 4 hours of hackery.
With that said, I’m not here to defend CNN or MSNBC either.
KC
March 1st, 2009
6:12 pm
tr, sounds like you did it the right way man.
PWHjort, Respectfully… unless Blanco reaches base at a .380 clip, which he doesn’t and won’t, he is a dollar short of worthless.
Blanco is fast, but isn’t an effective base-stealer. Also, he hits nothing but singles. That may not seem like a big deal at first look. After all, you don’t want your leadoff guy swinging for the fences… but a good leadoff hitter will doubles and an occasional triple. J.Anderson does that. Blanco doesn’t.
Minimal base-stealing ability, NO extra-base-hit ability, an extreme vulnerability to lefites, = a guy we don’t want leading off.
KC
March 1st, 2009
6:15 pm
Jeff321, you’re probably right about Fox and Friends. That’s another commentary type show. That’s not really part of their actual news coverage. So their news coverage, while fair, is a shrinking portion of their daily lineup. I’ll certainly concede that point.
Doc Holiday
March 1st, 2009
6:15 pm
Rabbit,
Blanco does what he is asked as a leadoff hitter and that is get on base, period. Its up to the manager to send him stealing and for his partners to drive him home. The guy had more than 450 AB and a very high OBP. , and he was send stealing only 18 times………ridiculous. How can you tell if he can do the stealing job if you dont send him? he was successful 72% of the time. Jose Reyes 79%, Juan Pierre 77%, BJ Upton 73%. Those guys are considered dangerous once they are on base, right? The difference is that they are sent and Blanco is not.
Doc Holiday
March 1st, 2009
6:17 pm
KC,
You ARE wrong, Blanco is not ineffective, if you consider him so, then Pierre, Reyes and BJ Upton are also ineffective. Right?
William
March 1st, 2009
6:28 pm
Francoeur is 1 for 10 and some of you freaks have quit on him already. Great fans you guys are!!!
ease19
March 1st, 2009
6:31 pm
Doc – I think that you are a little off base here (sorry for the pun). I am pretty sure that natural base stealers have the ability to steal at will and don’t need a sign to go. Bobby has never been one to be aggressive on the base paths because a) he has never really had any speed (exception Fucal) b) always was looking for the long ball. This year might be different with so much speed in camp.
Doc Holiday
March 1st, 2009
6:35 pm
ease19,
He has never had speed because he never ask for it to the front office.
He had nixon, sanders, furcal, grissom, omar moreno. He never sends them running, thats not his game, thats all.
And yeah you are right, lots of them run on their own, but not the young kids, they are still learning and they feel the pressure of being caught.
Oromus
March 1st, 2009
6:45 pm
Doc Holiday
Look at Blanco in the minors. He steals at about a 64% clip, which is awful. The guy simply isn’t good at stealing bases. He also had 19 XBHs in 450 ABs…… Whats the point in him having a 360 OBP when you constantly have to sacrifice outs to get him to second? He made it into scoring position by himself a total of 32 times last year in those 450 ABs. Anderson 21 times in 136 ABs. Not even close. Anderson will be standing on 2nd and beyond more than twice as much as Blanco without ever having to sacrifice any outs.
Also, why does everyone act as if Blanco will keep his high walk total up? If he does lead off this year, the scouting report will say “Takes a lot of pitches, strikes out a ton, can’t hit the ball out of the infield”. Which means pitchers will just be a lot more aggressive with him. If all he’s going to do to you is single at most anyway, why not be aggressive? How do I know this will happen? It happened to KJ last year and he actually CAN hit for a good slugging %. He dropped 20+ off his previous walk total thanks to pitchers pitching him differently. In Blanco’s case, it will likely be even more severe. I wouldn’t doubt a 250 BA with a 320 OBP given 450 more ABs.
For now, since Schafer doesn’t seem to be ready, Anderson is our man.
Italics man
March 1st, 2009
6:49 pm
I have a lifelong habit of leaning to the right.
That is not a political statement. Could use a V8.
tr
March 1st, 2009
6:58 pm
As eager as many here (myself included) are to see the young guys in Atlanta, minor league baseball is a valuable learning experience that helps develop talent appropriately, so that they are ready to handle the bad (struggles) with the good,
Case in point, as great as he was, how good would Andruw Jones have been and probably still be if he had learned to be a more disciplined hitter with a bit more time in the minors? He’s struggling now trying to learn something that should’ve come a LOT earlier in his career. Shear talent is great, but knowing how to fully harness that talent separates good players from Hall of Fame players.
If guys like Heyward, Freeman, Schafer, Hanson, etc. are good now, imagine what they’ll be like with a bit more seasoning, a bit more learning. As ready as they may seem to us, there’s a reason they’re not yet on the 40-man roster. I’d rather wait a half season, a whole season, or more, than to see flashes of brilliance (can you say Frenchie) that never quite becomes the whole enchilada.
Christopher Sauer
March 1st, 2009
6:59 pm
DOB, those Philly papers should be worried! This is what the descending newspapers of Benjamin Franklin get after he had some of his cronies burn down my printing press!
(Old family legend. Probably not true in the least, but it’s a funny story. To some.)
JasonInFL (Formerly ME)
March 1st, 2009
7:00 pm
Doc, Nixon stole 72, 47, and 42 stolen bases from 91-93 respectively. His success rate was only 75%. When he came back to the braves in 99, he stole another 26 bases at the age of 40. Bobby utilizes speed when he has it. Furcal basically had the green light to run at his discretion. Bobby can win with any type of team…young, old, power, pitching, speed. Does he play as much small ball as I would like? No, but to think he doesn’t know how to use a team to its strength is simply wrong.
nolie
March 1st, 2009
7:03 pm
You ARE wrong, Blanco is not ineffective, if you consider him so, then Pierre, Reyes and BJ Upton are also ineffective. Right? DOC
well Pierre certainly is next to worthless, but Reyes ain’t that same player.
macon county line
March 1st, 2009
7:03 pm
DO’B: There are 42 players on the 40 man roster with Hudson on the 60 day DL; don’t they have to make another roster move? If so, what do you predict?
Doc Holiday
March 1st, 2009
7:05 pm
Oromus,
That being said………you let Blanco play, let him get on base and let him steal. Not all leadoff hitters should be like Rickey Henderson (power).
But I agree……Anderson will be the man since he is out of options. If he was not, I would play Blanco.
Again……..if you are looking for a guy to be standing at second with a double when your #2 hitter comes to the plate, you should bat chipper leadoff.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 1st, 2009
7:07 pm
I’ll end this argument.
Josh Anderson will make the team. Gregor Blanco will not.
Doc Holiday
March 1st, 2009
7:07 pm
William,
JF is not 1 for 10……….he is like 50 for 500, this 1 for 10 is not new you know. And I guarantee it aint getting any better pal.
dogsbrekky
March 1st, 2009
7:16 pm
Frenchy – The whole point of the MINOR LEAGUES AAA – R is to sort out hitting styles etc etc… as much fun as we have with Jeff F it is time to just send him down for a long time until our hitting instructors advise that he is ready to hit MLB calibre pitching, to me he clearly has lost the ability to do what he is paid in 2009 $800k more than Garret Anderson to do..
No bloody politics on the blog please
“Shake and Bake”
ease19
March 1st, 2009
7:17 pm
Doc – good points…but consider this…Anderson played in 40 games last year with 130 at bats with 40 hits for a .294 avg, 7 doubles and 3 home runs…Blanco had 430 AB’s with 108 hits for a .251 avg, 14 doubles and 1 home run. Not need to extrapolate Andersons numbers for a full season I don’t think, should be pretty obvious I would say…That being said, Blanco is a prototypical 4th outfielder, but with Shafer waiting in the wings I just don’t see that happening with the Braves.
TnBrian
March 1st, 2009
7:18 pm
Anybody with any common sense knows Frenchy won’t be a Brave come Aug. if he 08’s us in the 1st half. So quit raising your blood pressure over something you just can’t control. If he won’t listen to Chipper,TP, or anyone else that knows their sh-, he sure as hell ain’t checking O’Brien’s blog and taking advise or anything to heart that we’ll write. He should’ve batted in the 8 hole last year, but good ole stubborn Cox had it his way..the wrong way.
ease19
March 1st, 2009
7:19 pm
Thanks Coach that was tiring…
tr
March 1st, 2009
7:23 pm
Blanco’s best chance of making it out of spring training with a major league job left with him on a plane to the WBC!
ease19
March 1st, 2009
7:29 pm
Anybody with common sense will realize that Rome wasn’t built in a day and the Braves have only played 5 SPRING TRAINING games and that that for people to judge performances now is a bit preimmature…
OMG
March 1st, 2009
7:40 pm
DOB, next time you see Mark Bowman, ask him about his LSD-induced lineup he posted here:
“Josh Anderson
Yunel Escobar
Garret Anderson
Chipper Jones
Brian McCann
Jeff Francoeur
Casey Kotchman
Kelly Johnson”
Honestly. Anderson third? Johnson eighth? Chipper not guaranteed to bat in the first inning? “Clogging the bases”? WTF?
William
March 1st, 2009
7:41 pm
Doc Holiday,
You are entitled to your wrong opinion. Francoeur had a terrible year last year. Nobody knows that more than him. Lets wait more than 10 AB’s to send him packing. He had two good years and tried something different and it clearly didn’t work. He’s tried to get back where he was with his weight and made adjustments to his stance and approach. Ten AB’s are not an indication that he will not have a great year. He hasn’t K’d and walked twice already. That to me is a sign of improvement. Go ahead and quit on someone on “your” team if you want. Don’t jump on the bandwagon if he has a good year though.
Frank from KS
March 1st, 2009
7:42 pm
To those who mentioned Fox & Friends….
Whether a ring winged show or not….they do have some nice scenery..(Lol);>) as well as the whole Fox News channel…(if ya catch my drift)
braves4ever
March 1st, 2009
7:46 pm
dogsbrekky, the chatter started earlier today when David posted about the Rocky Mt News going under. We all just said our peace about “why”.
I also distaste politics as I only watch and read Sports mainly. We would like the AJC to hear the long lost cry to stop going so “Left” which is hurting a lot of media. news is news without slant. I want DOB to have a job reporting Braves next year too. sometimes we just can’t be silent as good people lose their jobs because of a few radical leaders. Maybe 99.9 % BRAVES is not too bad.
Frank from KS
March 1st, 2009
7:48 pm
Opps…I meant…right wing show..(Lol)
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
7:49 pm
Gotta get out of this pressbox and go get some food. I’ll get back on at the house, but I need to bolt. Took me a long time to finish Heyward-Freeman story and trim a bunch off it to make it fit
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
7:50 pm
braves4ever, re: your views on right/left — please, no more. Your self-serving explanation for breaking the one rule we like to enforce here has become tired.
braves4ever
March 1st, 2009
7:51 pm
David I wish you could post the whole story on here and post the trimmed one on the sports page, Denzie rough copy eh
David O'Brien
March 1st, 2009
7:52 pm
omg: I can say with a great deal of certainly that Bowman has never dropped acid.
doc
March 1st, 2009
7:59 pm
well, a trip down memory lane with giles. seems he found a boat ride in the carribean this winter to the dominican republic or maybe found a fraud’s lost training bag. no way he wasnt on roids and isnt on it again. no other way to describe it desperation and where is the commish?
ease19
March 1st, 2009
8:00 pm
DOB Thats good to know, because dropping acid would be quite expensive, the goal would be to put it on you tongue and let…OMG, too much information!
braves4ever
March 1st, 2009
8:01 pm
Accept my apologies for the politics, just a sore spot and can’t help it at times. I will vent toward the Mets instead.
Doc Holiday
March 1st, 2009
8:05 pm
William,
What I like about you is that your faith is huge and your love for our team players is bigger than that of Cox, but, time will show you that Im not wrong.
Right now Blanco is our best option……..like it or not. At least until Schafer is ready or until Anderson get on base more frequently.
Steve from OH
March 1st, 2009
8:07 pm
BFIR, I’m truly sorry to hear about what’s transpired with the Rocky Mountain News. Best of luck to ya on getting right back on the horse, man.
richbrave
March 1st, 2009
8:14 pm
DAVID O’BRIEN:
My take from the numbers in regard to the three-headed lefty replacement for OHMAN out of the bull-pen is not so good so far. From here, it appears neither O’FLAHERTY nor RIDGEWAY faired too well in their first work in ST. Were they collared with the two losses? BOONE LOGAN’s stint appears fair. I suppose FW figured if no one jumped on OHMAN and he was still available late in ST after the lefty experiment fails, we could still pick him up on the cheap. He IS still available isn’t he? Inquiring minds want to know. Or have we just moved on and forgotten about WIL altogether. Have you heard anything at this point in regard to the three vs. WO?
jbutler
March 1st, 2009
8:16 pm
Loved the video about newspapers being hit hard…I had a job offer from the Rocky Mountain News right out of college- but decided to try writing for a magazine in NY. Big mistake. Its heartbreaking to see them close- growing up in Denver with radio being our family business we knew how rare it was for a city Denver’s size (not THAT bit) to support two major papers. RIP…
MLB was showing the HR derby from 2005 and AJ was in it. Boy..how long ago does that seem?
dogsbrekky
March 1st, 2009
8:17 pm
ac/dc on channel 720 TWC now
“Dirty Deeds Done Dirty Cheap”
OH this guy murders Bon Scott’s legacy
robdawg08
March 1st, 2009
8:23 pm
That line-up by Bowman is likely the opening day starting line-up.
Chipper will likely hit 4th since the Braves have no other 30 homer guy
on the team. Yeah, McCann and Francoeur have “potential” to hit maybe 30 homers. This ain’t 2004 when almost every player was on steroids hitting 35 to 45 homeruns. Expect a drop off in homeruns this year.
I hope they don’t platoon any position this year. A few days off is fine and pinch-hitting against the lefties (as many of you mentioned) late in games is fine. I think a player needs to get a lot of at-bats to get going.
This platooning will just keep two hitters not very ready. I’ll admit Diaz seems comfortable platooning.
I was thinking back about the players I think now used steroids over their career. We already know of use by Arod,Sosa,McGwire,Giambi,Tejada,Palmeiro,and Clemens.
Here’s my list of most likely roiders :
Darryl Strawberry,Juan Gonzalez,Brady Anderson,Darren Daulton,
Larry Walker,Jeff Bagwell,Albert Belle,Cecil Fielder,Bobby Bonilla.
richbrave
March 1st, 2009
8:24 pm
LEW:
Lots of white stuff headed your way. Looks like you are on the western side of this moisture maker. We’ve got three inches on the ground and its falling fast. Snow is not news for you, and forty years ago, not for the RICHMOND area either. But with global warming, we haven’t see as much as the predicted 10 inches at one time since 1996. Funny, that was the first winter after my first by-pass. Same thing now after my second. Shoot a picture of a big ol’ gobbler for me will ya’, and snuggled with the wife close to the fire.
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.
Mitchie-san
March 2nd, 2009
2:08 am
or do I?
Mitchie-san
March 2nd, 2009
2:10 am
Oops. Oh well, I guess just search for it.
Runnin
March 2nd, 2009
2:52 am
OK, thanks Mitchie-san. Got it! I’m in Hiroshima-ken, btw.
Also, the first radio broadcast with home announcers looks like March 6 against the Astros. No radio at all until then though. Ugh!
Mitchie-san
March 2nd, 2009
3:24 am
You are welcome…
I personally cant wait until our broadcasters are on the air. Listening to some of the other teams’ has been brutal…
Are you a Carp fan?
winterville
March 2nd, 2009
4:36 am
Just got done with an 8+ hour game of Risk by candlelight since our power was out from the snow. Wow.
David O'Brien
March 2nd, 2009
4:48 am
Carroll will be at the controls this week, so please be cool and provide her tons of posts, as you folks have been doing all spring. I’m headed home to Atlanta for the week (higher-ups wisely decided this extended 50-day spring training was a bit much to cover without a handoff or two in the middle).
Mitchie-san
March 2nd, 2009
4:52 am
Have fun, DOB!
Runnin
March 2nd, 2009
6:06 am
Mitchie-san, yes, though not like I am a Braves fan.
braves4ever
March 2nd, 2009
6:39 am
David , have a good time this week ,I too will out on the road working,see you next week.
18 Wheels of Love
March 2nd, 2009
7:25 am
DOB, instead of going home just cruise over to the Magic Kingdom and get a park pass for a week.! That’s a vacation right there!
Gibby
March 2nd, 2009
7:41 am
How much snow did you guys get in Atlanta? I am in southern Pa. we are getting nailed with the storm right now. the weather here is saying anywhere from an inch to 6 inches.
D.O.B. is just going home to see the white stuff
David O'Brien
March 2nd, 2009
7:48 am
18 Wheels: Your 7:25 comment made me laugh so hard I spewed a couple of shredded-wheat pieces onto the laptop. Fortunately, there was barely any milk on those two pieces.
18 Wheels of Love
March 2nd, 2009
8:33 am
He he.
toga party
March 2nd, 2009
8:42 am
Sure is hard as hell to catch up on a poorly paginated blog.
BravesFanChris24
March 2nd, 2009
8:52 am
Tonight is Braves 30 Clubs In 30 Days comes on. I can’t wait to see it tonight.
toga party
March 2nd, 2009
8:53 am
Re: 30 Clubs in 30 Days
First showing is at 8:00 PM right? I know it will be on all night, and again tomorrow. I’m just wondering when the original airing is for each new team. But yeah, should be interesting. They’ve been pretty good so far
BravesFanChris24
March 2nd, 2009
9:03 am
Yep. 8pm (7 central, which I’m central).
DAP
March 2nd, 2009
9:03 am
how can i find run heap run’s facebook group?
ease19
March 2nd, 2009
9:09 am
DAP
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53472692450&ref=mf
Eeyore Cox
March 2nd, 2009
9:18 am
Hee, Haw. Hee, Haw. Where’s that sugar cube, Robert? I’m starting think about all those times when I left starters in for an inning or batter too long, cause I did not want to hurt any of the fella’s feelings. Wish Andy was here to solve our cleanup problems. Man I’d take Lockhart and Woodcrap in a heartbeat over Infante & Prado. Those boys were lights out.
Speaking of which, I get the feelin’ that I am lights on, nobody home. Anybody got a sugar cube so I can get a glucose rush? Maybe the Rangers would take Hanson and Heyward off our hands for Andy. I really need my diaper changed.
Dadgum
March 2nd, 2009
9:22 am
Like how the blog reads but the pagination thing is a little unwielding. Hard to remember which page certain posts etc. were on. Of course as requested they are working to hopefully add more posts per page. Sooner the better.
Braves playing pretty decent. Francouer’s situation is going to get interesting if he continues hitting below the Andruw Line. With all the talent we have in the outfield I can’t see the Braves standing pat if Francouer continues to struggle. Hope he doesn’t but just saying.
Rock on….It’s A Small World After All
Original Jon
March 2nd, 2009
9:32 am
So, what is this Facebook group called again? Only one I can find is “Fans of Braves beat writer David O’ Brien”
Is that it?
Original Jon
March 2nd, 2009
9:37 am
Haha, I joined the facebook group that ease-19 posted the link to. Pretty cool that we can all see each other now. We should all post a comment with our Blog name so we can put the faces to the name. The only one I can guess is Mitchie-san. lol.
Magnus Pym
March 2nd, 2009
9:56 am
Epinephrine – SPRING numbers in the case of the worst RF from 2008 do count because it may show if said RF has improved on what was a truly hoorid year… if this was Gregor Blanco we were talking about (assume he started RF last year with such horrid nos) we would already assume HE WOULD NOT start the year and did not deserve to…. Frenchy has to show some pop to right-center and some pummeled singles/doubles to the opposite field off say a breaking pitch or 2 to assume he is a major league player…
Players that fall off the mountain performance wise rarely recover (I think Dye is one who did that comes to mind) but but but…
Too many buts for us to assume anything but Frenchy must start to show some improvement for his own confidence, which in HIS GAME is everything..
I just hope we go all out to win win win … if we need to cut losses then before the season starts is the best time possible…
We will pray for him though !
dogsbrekky
March 2nd, 2009
10:02 am
Woo hoo – up to a foot of powder in Central Park and the dog loved it, but this Aussie wussy wuss froze his butt off
Baseball and mlb.tv – I paid for the premium package and then note that they are showing eff all BRAVES ST games and even missing a lot of radio games… wtf ??
Mitchie-san – I am a Yomiuri Giants fan, nothing like being in that DOME with 40k Japanese banging those thundersticks…
Keep safe today folks, a lot of winter……
northbeach Scott
March 2nd, 2009
10:04 am
DOB, enjoy your downtime. We do appreciate your dedication and perspective and all of the updates. I am headed to Dark Star for Friday night’s game vs the Astros and then all of the games through Thursday. I will provide some in game updates.
The situation with Bowden & Rijo with the Nationals (and Reds, previously) is just disgusting. I am sure Kasten is anxious to put this one behind the organization and move forward. Curious about possible GM candidates, is there anyone from the current Braves organization? Also, it will be interesting to see what happens with all of the old Bowden-Red’s players on the Nats, especially mediocre Kearns & Wily Mo. Got to believe there will be further shake ups in Nats-land.
macdwolfpack
March 2nd, 2009
10:15 am
The AJC staff read O’Briens comments about the Hooters Girls and wisely have called him back knowing his reality couldn’t handle his imagination.
ease19
March 2nd, 2009
10:23 am
Refresh is really buggy this morning…
Jackie Treehorn
March 2nd, 2009
10:33 am
So with Carroll at the helm of this blog, will DOB’s mug still pop up at the top?
David O'Brien
March 2nd, 2009
10:42 am
Interesting Sunday story in the Seattle Times about Harold Reynolds’ involvement in the Griffey decision: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/larrystone/2008797983_stone01.html?syndication=rss
Frank from KS
March 2nd, 2009
10:44 am
bravo 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…”
Hey bravo….Coachman is from Kansas too and went to HS about 45-50 minutes or so from my hometown and our HS’s were (and still are) in the same league. He was a senior when I was a freshman.
A interesting tidbit I thought I might throw out there.
BlawgDawg
March 2nd, 2009
10:47 am
Original Jon In the posts section of the facebook group page a lot of people have listed their “blog names”. Love that RunHeapRun started it. So far for me, almost noone looks like I was imagining them to look.
dogsbrekky
March 2nd, 2009
10:47 am
Yes, Harold should stick to being a reporter, or is he even considered a journalist (maybe a cheerleader ??)
Lew
March 2nd, 2009
10:51 am
It’s harder to call people And Idiots when you know what they look like.
DAP
March 2nd, 2009
10:54 am
lew looks pretty much exactly like i thought he would.
dogsbrekky
March 2nd, 2009
10:55 am
I watched my first full NBA game last night, is it always rigged bollocks…. HAWKS got gouged by the umpires…. joke that last call, no dude touched the ESPN man
Lew
March 2nd, 2009
10:56 am
DAP-Considering that I’ve repeatedly said I was a 57 year old 300 lb. Dude, I doubt it was much stretch of your imagination.
Lew
March 2nd, 2009
10:57 am
AND my picture was in Chop Talk.
Original Jon
March 2nd, 2009
10:58 am
This part of the article is what really pissed me off, and I quote Said Reynolds: “My point to Ken was this: Atlanta is in a division — and I honestly believe this — where they’re not going to win for a few years. You’ll be long gone when the Braves get over the Mets and Phillies. They’re going to spend money to make sure they stay on top.
“Seattle is in a division where it can get fun real quick. They have some pitching with [Erik] Bedard coming back, King Felix [Hernandez] and [Brandon] Morrow. You have three guys that can turn it around real quick, in a division with really one team on top, the Angels.
“I said, this isn’t a 100-loss season you’re looking at this year. They can turn this around real quick.”
Does Harold Reynolds know anything about baseball? At all?
He is honestly saying the Mariners have a better chance of winning with Bedard, Hernandez, and Morrow in their rotation than Lowe, Vazquez, Jurrjens, Kawakami and Glavine.
What an imbecile!!
KC
March 2nd, 2009
10:59 am
DOB, strop trying to shift blame and avoid responsibility for driving Griffey away!!!
Just kidding.
DAP
March 2nd, 2009
11:01 am
the seattle times article is interesting. its funny how from our perspective, the braves are the team with the better chance to win, but reynolds sees it differently, and thinks the mariners are in a better position to win. i dont see how, but whatever.
DAP
March 2nd, 2009
11:03 am
lew, haha, good point!
yeah, the thing that gets me, is reynolds says the mets and the phillies will spend money to stay on top, when the braves actually have more money than the phils, and the mets arent tops in the division….
dogsbrekky
March 2nd, 2009
11:04 am
DAP Phillies payroll is a whopping $130+ this year, and may go up more next year….. plus they sell out their park ALL YEAR, they are strong fiscally
JKM
March 2nd, 2009
11:06 am
Just posted on AJC.com: The Atlanta Braves and Clear Channel have announced that 2009 Braves games will be aired on 96.1 FM while continuing on 640 WGST.
The previous two seasons, games were on sister station 94.9 The Bull.
Clear Channel also will air 52 Braves games on VIVA 105.7, broadcasting every Sunday and Tuesday game in Spanish.
DAP
March 2nd, 2009
11:07 am
dogsbrekky didnt know that…obviously. i stand corrected.
dogsbrekky
March 2nd, 2009
11:09 am
DAP – yes, sad for us, no Uncle Ted anymore but we do have a tax dodging oufit from the west owning our asses…..
Anders
March 2nd, 2009
11:09 am
DOB- OK, Ok you’re off the hook for the Griffey affair. It was Reynolds who changed his mind. That along with Reynolds thoughts about the Braves chances as stated in Original Jons post above ceratinly gives Braves fans yet another mainstream media guy to hate. Me- I think the guy is great. He did a great job on FSNY last year when he was trying to get back in the game. He called many of the Mets players out on a regular basis when they deserved it – real refreshing as a opposed to a plastic and generic Al Leiter type who always sounds like he’s running for office.
Anyway- DOB – I haven’t seen anything from you regarding the MLB Network. What do you think of it? Have you heard anything from the players, coaches. mgt etc? I happen to love it. I’ve had a chance to get to know more MLB players, coaches and mgt. in decent length in studio segments since January than I’ve seen anywhere else before. The studio 42 field tips are great for young guys learning to play and coaches who want to see what drills MLB players use etc.
I’m really looking forward to what they’ll offer on a nightly once the season is in full swing. If you’re a baseball junkie this has to be your dealer of choice imo. Bye, bye Bristol.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
11:09 am
He honestly believes that, huh?
In his completely objective, unbiased opinion, the Mariners were the better choice?
My God, I would LOVE to take Heyrold Reynolds’ money!
ncscoots
March 2nd, 2009
11:10 am
Does Harold Reynolds know anything about baseball? At all?
He knows enough to say that solid pitching in a weak division could be an easier win than solid pitching in a strong division. Not exactly rocket science.
As to whether the Braves are years away from winning, I’d agree that he’s probably wrong on that score.
Mitchie-san
March 2nd, 2009
11:16 am
dogsbrekky, I have seen the Giants play the BayStars a few times. They have a fanbase in Japan like no other. We certainly never got 40k in Yokohama! (dont think the stadium could fit that many anyway)
Japanese baseball games are so much fun over there. With the bands, everyone singing, the big flags waving, the thundersticks….its definatly and experience I am sure all of the Denziens would enjoy.
I personally loved how each player has their own chant/song/cheer that everyone knows and says/sings each time they come to bat. It would be great if MLB picked up on some of their traditions, it really makes the game more fun.
I have some short videos that I can post on YouTube. When I do, I’ll post the link so others can see what I am talking about.
Couch Tater
March 2nd, 2009
11:17 am
I started to post this before. You may have read it a couple of weeks ago. (about Griffey Jr.)
content alert
http://sportsradiointerviews.com/2009/02/19/settle-down-seattle-hes-not-the-griffey-you-remember/
Kentavo
March 2nd, 2009
11:18 am
Yeah, Harold, how are The Mets on top?
They one the division once, so they’re on top?
Lew
March 2nd, 2009
11:18 am
Yeah-The Phillies and Mets are willing to spend money to stay on top (as if the Mets had even BEEN on top), yet they haven’t spent the extra bucks to make their ascendency a sure thing for this year, much less into the future (and let us not mention the Braves’ minor league system-much better than either the Phil’ or Mets’). I still don’t think that either team really has as much money as some seem to think. The Braves outspent both teams this season and had what I feel to be the most improvement over any team in the division. Yes, we may have had a greater distance to travel than either of our Divisional compatriots, but like I said IF they had all that money, they would have spent it so there was no doubt whatsoever of their dominance.
If I had been the GM of either team with all this money everyone attributes to them, I sure would have improved my pitching staff much more than re-signing Jamie Moyer or Oliver Perez and Tim Redding, had I wanted there to be no doubt whatsoever.
AS for the Phillies selling everything out-Let’s see how that shakes out both in Philly and New York when all of there blue collar fans can’t afford to attend in 09.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
11:23 am
dogsbrekky, the Phillies may be spending 130 this year, but they have almost exactly the same team they had with a 98 million dollar payroll last year. Swapping Burrell for Ibanez was a defensive upgrade, but that’s about it.
REYNOLDS IS AN IDIOT. Or maybe he’s just not paying attention, as is very often the case with national commentators. This team is going to compete this year, and I they’re just going to get better each season for the next several years.
My God, I still can’t believe the idiocy of that statement… “not going to win for a few years”.
Even if you’re bullish on this years team, next year, the Braves aren’t going to be back on top with a rotation of Hudson, Lowe, Jurrjens, Vazquez/Kawakami, Hanson??
Wow. The ignorance there is mind boggling.
cphizzle
March 2nd, 2009
11:28 am
well i for one am gettin a little aggravated that there have been a handfull of games i still have no tv coverage! i need boog, joe, and dreading turning on my radio and finding that both pete and skip are gone. little sad aint it boys?
Wayne in Utah
March 2nd, 2009
11:30 am
Maybe I have missed the boat due to this new format or my lack of consistent login’s in the past few days. Has there been any report or word on Brandon Hicks?
From the past, he is supposedly a good glove man, with a penchant for the K’s. Some power maybe.
Is he a true SS prospect (remember KJ about 5 years ago) or is he a possibility for another position down the road?
Curiosity is killing the blogger.
Thrillhouse44
March 2nd, 2009
11:32 am
I’m not surprised that the Braves aren’t getting much love this year from Harold Reynolds and the rest of the media. They haven’t won in a couple years, and it’s a tough division. Even during the streak, many people picked against them. Coming under the radar should make this season even more exciting.
As far as ESPN.com is concerned, the Braves are on top:
2009 National League – Standings
EAST W L PCT GB HOME ROAD RS RA DIFF STRK L10
Atlanta 0 0 .000 - 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0
Washington 0 0 .000 - 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0
NY Mets 0 0 .000 - 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0
Philadelphia 0 0 .000 - 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0
Florida 0 0 .000 - 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0
ease19
March 2nd, 2009
11:35 am
Who is this Anders fella, and why is he spouting all that nonsense? I guess that we here in Atlanta have been spoiled for the last 30 years having the great ones (Skip, Pete and Ernie) but to say that Harold Reynolds calls a good game, well, I guess that’s settling for mediocrity.
JTM
March 2nd, 2009
11:36 am
Heading down to see the Bravo’s this week, right now sitting in my office in Portland Maine, watching the third 12′ inch snow-event of the last 10 days…can’t wait.
Original Jon
March 2nd, 2009
11:39 am
ncscoots, yes, Solid pitching in a not so solid division is better than solid pitching in a strong division. But, I dont believe that the Mariners pitching is that strong at all. Certainly not stronger than the Angels IMHO
dogsbrekky
March 2nd, 2009
11:39 am
KC and Lew yes and no , the Phils tickets are much more affordable than the Mets… plus I always wondered why college games are sold out and the prices some people pay to go to them…
I think/know the Mets are in some bother (quite a lot) and their ticket prices are crazy this year..
also the Yanks have effed over ALL THEIR long time fans… a guy we know who had $14 tickets 5 years ago was paying $27 a game last year (these were package tickets for I think Fri night in BAD SEATS)… anyway this year they want $45 per game plus he has to buy 4 extra games in times he just cannot go… told them to go heave…
plus Yankees last week were taking out full page ads in the papers trying to sell premium seats…
I am guessing come 2010 Mets will shed payroll and Omar will be bye byes
Anders
March 2nd, 2009
11:41 am
Ease 19 – Reynolds didn’t call Mets games. He worked as an analyst in studio. You see the teams that want to generate maximum revenue have their own networks with in house studio’s that have pre and post game info for their fans as well as studio shows. They actually travel down to spring training with the team. broadcast the games interview the players, produce st segments etc.. You know, national network type stuff.
The game analysts are Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling. You might have heard of them?
I believe crossing your fingers that you can even find the game on TV each night is settling for mediocrity – although this not being a problem for me,I wouldn’t know.
dogsbrekky
March 2nd, 2009
11:43 am
Actually, Keith Hernandez and Ronny Darling are very very good commentators
ease19
March 2nd, 2009
11:44 am
Does anyone know if Carroll will give us new daily bloggage and play by play from the games?…DOB has really spoiled us so far this spring.
Wayne in Utah
March 2nd, 2009
11:47 am
Anders
You think that maybe being in the largest baseball market in the country might have something to do with the Mets being able to have their own network?? Just maybe.
And IMO, Harold Reynolds definitely does suck.
ease19
March 2nd, 2009
11:48 am
Ok Anders…got me, just a spoiled Braves fan here missing Skip and Pete…
I believe crossing your fingers that you can even find the game on TV each night is settling for mediocrity
Yes
too true, we were spoiled in that regard as well…
ncscoots
March 2nd, 2009
11:51 am
Certainly not stronger than the Angels IMHO
Doesn’t have to be. If Bedard and Hernandez are healthy, that’s as good a 1-2 as anybody, and Morrow is no slouch. That gets them in the conversation for the AL West, which is all Reynolds was implying: a potentially easier road to the playoffs than the Braves must travel.
Why some bloggers can’t understand different perspectives other than “Braves will field an entire All-Star team, capture every vote for the Cy Young, and win the division going away” is beyond me. Sometimes, it’s as if the demon-spirit of Bill Shanks is on a roll of blogger-possession.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
11:52 am
Ok, here is my first OFFICIAL PREDICTION for the 2009 season. “Official” meaning that you can hold me to it, and bust on me later if I’m wrong.
I don’t know how bold a prediction this year (probably not very), but…
Tommy Hanson will be in the Braves rotation no later than July
If Glavine (or any other starter) is out for any prolonged period of time, it could come before July. But if Glavine is healthy and effective, I believe Javier Vazquez will be traded at the deadline.
Trading Vazquez would give the Braves a major piece to package in a deal for a bat, and unloading Vazquez’s salary would give the Braves a great deal of flexibility to accommodate a bat.
Lew
March 2nd, 2009
11:57 am
KC-Sorry Dude, if the Braves are still in it at the trade deadline, it will likely be because of Vasquez’s contribution. The Braves will not trade him if such is the case. If they are out of it or he sucks, I doubt anyone would want to trade for him.
Mitchie-san
March 2nd, 2009
11:57 am
There are actually a bunch of videos about the BayStars, but here is mine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Dp_lrIvPeI Sorry about the quality…
Lew
March 2nd, 2009
11:58 am
And if the Braves ARE in it at the trade deadline, it will likely make another batter a moot point as we will likely have had the needed offense already.
Anders
March 2nd, 2009
12:00 pm
Wayne – I think it has everything to do with it. I was just answering a shot over the bow by Ease 19 about Reynolds and the mediocrity of the Mets broadcasts.
Personally I think the Braves fans could use some more contrarying voices, like a Hal Reynolds, around town to shake things up a bit with Braves mgt. But hey, it’s not my nickel.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
12:05 pm
I think the Braves are going to be far more likely to deal Vazquez than Kawakami. I don’t think they’d really want to deal Kawakami in the middle of his first season with Atlanta. As long as he’s performing well, it would probably considered bad form to deal him in the middle of his first year here.
But even if the Braves don’t deal away a starter before next winter, I still don’t think Kawakami will be the guy to go. Folks, I have a feeling this guy’s going to be better than a lot of people think.
I know that most successful Japanese pitchers don’t have an equal measure of success in MLB. Which is to say that the ERA usual won’t be quite as low as it was in Japan. But even if we assume that his ERA goes up a half-run, or even a full run from what it was in Japan… there’s plenty of headroom in his numbers.
I just noticed something…
Over Kawakami’s last 500 innings of work in Japan, he’s posted a 2.83 ERA. And he’s 38-20 over that stretch
No, the competition isn’t as good in Japan as it is in MLB. But it’s significantly better than AAA baseball here. And if you can go 38-20 with a 2.83 ERA over 500 innings in Japan… it seems to me that you can succeed in MLB.
Apparently, Leo Mazzone is a Kawakami, believer. I’ve heard that he very recently said (on 680am) that he thinks KK will win at least 12-14 games for Atlanta.
Oh, and his 7-8 million per year is a bargain for a high quality starter (assuming that’s what he turns out to be)… which is another reason he figures to be a Braves for the next couple seasons.
dogsbrekky
March 2nd, 2009
12:09 pm
KC – Kawakami is a gun, I laugh at all the nay sayers who know squat about Japanese baseball..
KC
March 2nd, 2009
12:15 pm
LEW, let’s say we’re looking at the following come July… (THESE ARE NOT PREDICTIONS!!!!!!!! Just a hypothetical scenario):
Let’s say that come July, our starters are well on their way to the following season totals:
Lowe: 16-8, 3.30 ERA
Jurrjens: 15-9, 3.54
Vazquez: 14-10, 3.80
Kawakami: 13-9, 3.85
Glavine: 10-8, 4.15
AND you’ve got (again, hypothetically) Tommy Hanson embarrassing AAA hitters, AND Tim Hudson’s rehab is on or ahead of schedule, and he appears primed for a late August return. AND you’ve got other viable temporary 5th starter option (Campillo, Bennett, Carlyle, Reyes, Morton)…
Under those circumstances, with Glavine healthy, and everyone in the rotation reasonable effective… you can’t picture the Braves being willing to deal one of their starters, opening up a spot for Hanson, or soon thereafter, Hudson?
Lew
March 2nd, 2009
12:17 pm
KC-Unlike many of the Denizens, I actually appreciate your optimism-however…….
If the Braves are in the pennant race at the trade deadline, they will not trade successful pitching-be it Vasquez, Kawakami or whomever-especially after watchig their rotation be decimated for the past couple years. They can’t have enough pitching. If they are out of it by then, I would imagine a large reason would be because the pitching didn’t hold up and their trade value severely diminished..
Vasquez is making $11.5 million this year (and next). If he is successful, it is doubtful BC would let him go (until offseason anyway, after Hudson’s option was picked up). If his performance is NOT good, no one will want him.
Now look at the potential suitors for him (in your scenario) who will likely be in the race. The Red Sox have more than enough pitching, even with injuries. They will not be interested.
The Yankees have all the pitching they need (or they’ll get more well before the deadline if they need it). They already had Vasquez and weren’t impressed.
The Rays won’t have the extra money (not to mention they’re stocked in the Farm System) to spend on the remaining $4-5 mil of Vasquez’s contract for 09.
The White Sox already dumped him and wanted to run his butt out of Shy Town on a rail, covered with tar and feathers.
The Tigers won’t spend that much money.
The Angels would find someone with a better A.L. track record for their $5 mil.
The Cubs won’t take Vasquez into a hitter’s paradise.
Not too sure who that leaves besides the Angels-another A.L. team.
Who you going to trade him to?
gotigers72
March 2nd, 2009
12:18 pm
DOB- Don’t know if you go this deep in the blog, but I have a question for you. Have you heard the Van Morrison “Astral Weeks-Live” CD yet? He was chosen to answer the 10 questions in this week’s edition of Time magazine. It seemed as if he was pleased with the results from that recording. If you don’t get Time, do what I do, go to the bookstore and stand there and read the 10 questions part.
Glad to see Marcus back in the game. It seemed to me that he played as hard as anybody I’ve seen. I still have a picture in my mind of him sprawling on the outfield grass, then getting up and throwing out the runner. He did that a lot, and until his last couple of years as a Brave he was a doubles machine. It was sad when he made the All Star team but was unable to play after being injured in that collision with Mark Prior
Not good to see Frenchy’s new stance and hands further back approach is not working. He’s not striking out as much, so maybe it’s a matter of time before he starts hitting gappers. If not …..
I hope the Braves’ bullpen is good enough that Bennett and Ridgway aren’t in it. Maybe Bennett for long relief. I know Bobby likes him and that’s always a good thing for a player. Good to see Carlyle did good in his first appearance. 3 Ks in 2 innings. I find myself pulling for guys like him. Unassuming, humble, just happy to be in the show after years of drifting around. Has done well for the most part since coming to the Braves.
Run Heap Run
March 2nd, 2009
12:19 pm
Oh Anders is back! Please join our facebook group – I even gave you a shoutout in the description.
Oh but call your mom down so you can get a photo of the two of you together first.
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
March 2nd, 2009
12:20 pm
I’m wondering if signing Dunn to a $20 mil two year contract had anything to do with Jim Bowden’s demise. After all other corner outfielders (of equal? value) were going for much less.
Wayne in Utah
March 2nd, 2009
12:20 pm
I will be surprised if the Braves trade any starter that isn’t named Morton or Reyes. I really don’t want those guys traded, but if we are in the hunt, I suspect it will be due in large part to what Vazquez brings to the table.
I know I am an unabashed homer (did I spell that right?), but I really expect a strong season from Lowe and Vazquez. I am hopeful for Kawakami and Glavine. Jurrjens is the wild card. While we all love what he did for us last year, there is always that twinge of doubt. Can he sustain it? Was it a fluke? Let’s hope he too is the real deal.
Reyes and Morton, if successful this spring, will make for a nice solid rotation for years to come.
Anders
I am all for shaking things up, but Reynolds seems to say some pretty stupid things sometimes. (I didn’t hear whatever it was that got folks off on him on the ole blog)
I think we can say he is a “looser” (thank you Bobby for the new catch phrase)
Anders
March 2nd, 2009
12:21 pm
KC- You forgot to add that the DOW is at 12,000 in July as well.
Lew
March 2nd, 2009
12:21 pm
KC-One more thing. Trying to predict pitchers W-L records and ERA before the season starts has got to be (IMO) one of the most absurd and fruitless past times anyone could undertake. There are so many variables as to make it little more than Fortune Telling or Tarot Card reading. Why do you bother?
KC
March 2nd, 2009
12:24 pm
Lew, don’t get me wrong… I see the logic in what you’re saying. And honestly, I’m partially split between what I’m saying, and your point of view. I can easily see the Braves hanging onto Vazquez for the remainder of the season. But again…
- If everyone in the rotation is healthy and productive
- If Hanson is outclassing AAA opponents
- If Hudson’s on or ahead of schedule
- If the Braves decide the need more offense
If those 4 things are a reality come July, I can easily see the Braves trading Vazquez. I can just as easily see them NOT trading him… but I can easily see them dealing him. It would make sense on a number of different levels, both for improving THIS year’s team… and his trade value will be higher in July than it would be next winter.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
12:27 pm
Lew and Anders… LEARN TO READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL
I mean, you guys are kidding, right? Please tell me you’re kidding.
What part of these are NOT PREDICTIONS!!!!!!!!! did you two not understand???
I’ll say it again, THEY WERE NOT PREDICTIONS!!!!!!!!!!! It was intended to lay out a hypothetical scenario in which the Braves might consider trading Vazquez at the deadline.
Geeze y’all… really, pay attention, will ya?! LOL
Wayne in Utah
March 2nd, 2009
12:32 pm
Will Eric Campbell gets some time at the big league camp with Chipper off playing with the WBC??
Daniel
March 2nd, 2009
12:32 pm
Any word on Will Ohman? if he is still available, how much could he still be asking for?
what is up with this facebook page?
Daniel
March 2nd, 2009
12:35 pm
Don’t fret KC, it can be fun to think about the depth of our starting pitching and how that can be used at the trade deadline. Lew and Anders are just grumpy. Everything we talk about in spring training is hypothetical…
I would say that if we are needing to trade for more offensive production that late in the season, we probably are out of contention
Lew
March 2nd, 2009
12:36 pm
KC-It won’t happen. Period. If any pitching is traded, it will be during Spring Training and will likely include Reyes, Morton, Lerew or any number of out of options relievers.
If the staff is effective until the break, Hanson will remain in Gwinnett if he has not been called up beforehand due to an injury..
Hudson, though perhaps ahead of schedule in his rehab, is still far from a lock to return (remember YOUR continuous rant two years ago about recovery time for T. Johnson surgery being 1 1/2 years?)-he may still experience broken scar tissue and plenty of other problems.
Yes, we have an abundance of pitching. However, most of the surplus is either out of options, on the DL, returning from injury and/or running on contract incentives (Glavine might go well before anyone else if he doesn’t step up fast), are relievers, is inconsistent (Morton, Reyes) or has not pitched above AA (Hanson).
Lew
March 2nd, 2009
12:37 pm
KC-Even if they were not predictions they are still an affectation that tells you absolutely nothing but how optimistic you are.
Anders
March 2nd, 2009
12:39 pm
KC- My statement was hypothetical too. And just as likely. Get the point?
Lew
March 2nd, 2009
12:39 pm
Daniel-Grumpy? Dude, I’m one of the most optimistic fans on this blog and KC and I are friends. I just prefer to remain somewhat more realistic in what’s going on this season.
Besides, nothing I’ve said has anything to do with what has happened in Spring Training-which I routinely pay no attention to..
Josh B
March 2nd, 2009
12:40 pm
What was that pitchers name that broke his arm while he was pitching for the Braves. Was it John Foster?
Bravesforever
March 2nd, 2009
12:44 pm
Now that the taxpayers “own” 40+% of Citicorp – I’ll bet this deal with the Mets stadium does not last very long and then add on top of that Wilpon’s astounding losses in the Madoff scandal. We’ll see how long and how much the Mets spend from no on.
TBraveFan
March 2nd, 2009
12:44 pm
Carroll (or O’Brien) — how about the AJC does what the Rays’ local paper does, have a link for fans to downlaod their photos of ST? Sounds like there are plenty enough of us down there to add a few each day…and didn’t you have that option as part of the regular season last year?
Daniel
March 2nd, 2009
12:45 pm
Dude- my comment was in response to the way that you reacted to KC’s hypothetical. You seemed to suggest that the idea of hypothetical discussions in and of themselves were “not realistic”. I said that the only things fans can opine about during ST are hypothetical, because no games have been played. I am not questioning your friendships. But, dude you seemed to question the value of KC’s comment as inherent as opposed to your opinion, which either makes you grumpy or just down right disrespectful. I was being kind and choose grumpy
ease19
March 2nd, 2009
12:46 pm
Josh B – Jay Powell
Josh B
March 2nd, 2009
12:48 pm
Thanks! That has really bothered me since it happened because I couldnt think of his name.. Now I have closure
KC
March 2nd, 2009
12:48 pm
LEW, you may very well be right. Again, I’m not convinced that Vazquez will be traded. I can very easily see the Braves refusing to trade any pitching mid-season, no matter how deep they are. BUT… that’s nowhere near as much of a certainty as you think it is.
“or has not pitched above AA (Hanson).”
That’s irrelevant to this discussion, because that won’t be the case come July. By then, Hanson will have had a half-season at AAA, and may have already made a couple of big league starts filling in for one of the Braves starters.
And if he looks just as dominant against AAA hitters, and gets a couple big league starts in – looking like he belongs…
And I’m well aware of Hudson’s situation. Not a lock by any means. Just saying that it’s one more possibility, should Hanson join the rotation and not fair as well as they expect right at first.
But my main point here is that if everyone is healthy and effective – and more to the point, if Glavine is healthy and effective (and you’re not afraid to call him your 4th starter), then whoever joins the rotation from there, is your 5th starter.
Between Hanson, Hudson, Campillo, Reyes, Morton, Bennett, Carlyle, etc… I think they can find a very effective 5th starter.
But I don’t think they’d do it unless they are pretty well CERTAIN that Hanson is 100% ready to step in.
AND, they wouldn’t do it just to do it, or just to clear a spot for Hanson. IF they were to do it, it would be for the purpose of bringing in a big middle-of-order bat.
Jim
March 2nd, 2009
12:50 pm
If the Braves have to make room for Hanson in mid-season (because he is dominating in AAA and there is no reason to keep him in the minors any longer no matter how well Vasquez or Glavine might be doing), I think KC is correct that a spot will be opened for him and that Vasquez is the most likely candidate to be traded. The likelihood of such a trade might depend upon whether JF continues to slump and the Braves need another outfielder. If the Braves make such a trade, they would assume that Hanson could put up numbers that are as good or better than Vasquez, even if Vasquez’s numbers are OK. I agree, that Kawakami would have to suck big-time before the Braves would consider trading him and losing a revenue stream from Japan. I wouldn’t expect Hudson back before September, and back to full-strength before next year. If they add him to the roster in September, they don’t have to make a roster move (except on the 40-man) and can use him as the situation might dictate come Sept.
Daniel
March 2nd, 2009
12:51 pm
still wondering if anyone has any Ohman news?
Dave Drevecky
March 2nd, 2009
12:52 pm
John Foster LRP, si
KC
March 2nd, 2009
12:54 pm
Lew, get real. Throwing out PURELY hypothetical scenario says NOTHING about optimism or skepticism… because it tells you NOTHING about actual expectations.
Hy-poth-e-sis: a tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences
And based on what I emailed you, I can only conclude that your last post was intended to bother me, which is kind of uncool.
Dave Drevecky
March 2nd, 2009
12:55 pm
Ooops! ease19 is right it was Jay Powell. Foster simply sucked with his whole arm.
Supes
March 2nd, 2009
12:58 pm
KC, I completely agree that Harold Reynolds is wrong about the braves (in what he said). I believe he was trying to throw a bone “to the mariners fans and their franchise” and just trying to sound optimistic in defending KGJ’s decision.
As far as the Braves, I’ll be shocked (if our major players stay healthy) and we don’t contend in 2010 and beyond (considering the impact young players we have coming up).
I think this season, for me a .500 record would be commendable (anything beyond that I’ll be pleasantly surprised), but next year and the years after that, watch out. I think the Braves will be back to being a dominant team and the Mets and Phillies run will end (as far as being the top 2 teams in the NL East).
Lew
March 2nd, 2009
12:58 pm
Daniel-A hypothetical situation is nothing but supposition. Indulge yourself all you care to, but it doesn’t make it realistic or mean it will happen. Hypothesizing what numbers a player will put up is useless. How can you possibly know what their season will be like? It is as useless as those speculating we should sign Manny Ramirez. Why bother if you know it will not happen? It tells you absolutely nothing.
Had KC said “I think Jeff Francoeur will improve his numbers over his 08 production”, or “I think Tommy Hanson will be a stud pitcher in the Bigs”, I never would have said a word (and I tend to agree). You might note that I didn’t say his speculation of trades at the deadline were useless-I said I disagreed and told him why I did-that’s debate.
However, there’s conjecture and then there’s conjecture. Disagreement with a point of view does not constitute grumpiness. It denotes disagreement and nothing else.
Lew
March 2nd, 2009
1:00 pm
KC-Your use of Wikipedia is impressive. Considering I once taught HS English, I didn’t need your help. You just take it personally when someone disagrees with you. I was even being nice about it. I could have gone all Chop Chop on you.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
1:01 pm
Jim, I agree that you have to expect it to be Sept. before Hudson can return. And even then, you can’t bank on him. I don’t think they would be banking on him. I just mentioned him as one possible failsafe if Hanson inexplicably weren’t effective (which I think is highly unlikely).
I didn’t even give any thought to Hudson at all until I noticed what Chris Carpenter did last year after a September return from TJ surgery (looked pretty darn good). Just one possible asset down the road. But there are 5th starter options to go to if Hanson weren’t the answer. But again, they’re not going to do that unless they sure that Hanson is 100% ready.
northbeach Scott
March 2nd, 2009
1:02 pm
KC, you are overly optimistic and Lew was simply suggesting that the overly optimistic scenario was not surprising since it is consistent with your normal commentary. It is not that we do not appreciate your positive perspective on the Braves, but you are notorious for having the rose colored glasses on when it come to the Braves.
Regardless (not irregardless, as there is no such word), your hypotheis is a reasonable approach as we consider “what if” scenarios. You might have added an occurance probability of 5-8% as that is likely the upper limit to better qualify your theory.
Just messing with you KC
Epinephrine
March 2nd, 2009
1:03 pm
I don’t get all this, “hasn’t pitched above AA”. AA tends to be a more talented and competitive pool than AAA. AAA is filled with AAAA players, whereas AA is prospect heavy. Frankly I put more stock in what a guy is able to do in AA than AAA.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
1:04 pm
Lew, I don’t take it personally when people disagree with me. People disagree with me all the time here, if you haven’t noticed. And if I didn’t enjoy the debate, I wouldn’t post here.
I just take exception to responses that essentially say “this just shows how unrealistic you are”, which was the essence of your previous post. Disagree with me!! I welcome it. I enjoy it! But why can’t we debate the assertions, rather than trying to dismiss the person making that assertion? That’s all I’m saying Lew.
JOE
March 2nd, 2009
1:04 pm
in response to all this mid-season trade a pitcher for a power outfielder… i’m pretty sure that any teams that are going to be looking for an arm to lead them to the playoffs come the trade deadline are not going to be willing to dish out a power hitting outfielder to get one… those trades don’t happen… usually you send a pitcher to a contending team in return for prospects… i understand your scenario KC but i have to side with the others on this one
Epinephrine
March 2nd, 2009
1:05 pm
Also, I have said repeatedly I put little stock in spring training numbers…but with Jurrjens getting shelled again today, I do get a bit nervous. I think we all need to be cognizant of the potential of a sophomore slump with him. I think a lot of us are assuming he will only be better this year, and that is a dangerous assumption.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
1:06 pm
LEW, also, it was dictionary.com, not wikipedia.
Goes to show how much you know! lol
JOE
March 2nd, 2009
1:12 pm
the way i look at it we’re all excited to see hanson pitch this year. But in my eyes, its a win win. If its september and he’s not in the rotation, our pitching staff is having a helluva year and we’re in the playoff hunt. If he is in the rotation, we may still be in the playoff hunt, and we get to see a little more of that nasty slider everyone’s talking about!
KC
March 2nd, 2009
1:13 pm
northbeach Scott, some people haven’t been paying attention, but I’ve had a lot of that knocked out of me. For a good while, even early last season, I kind of expecting things to fall in place. I expected the variables to roll the Braves way… because for so long, they did! They had to have a lot of luck in those last few years of the streak to keep that going.
The 2008 season has jaded me a bit. lol I’m always going to be an optimists to those are typically pessimistic, because compared them, I am! But when I speak of actual expectations… not hypothetical scenarios, but expectations, I’m curious to hear what anyone thinks is pie in the sky about the way I’m looking at this team.
I’ve said all along that I agree with Dayn Perry’s take on this team… If the Braves get a little more offense (they did get some with G.Anderson, but still need Francoeur to bounce back) and a healthy bullpen… the Braves can win this division. If not, they can’t.
That’s my take. Nothing rosey or unrealistic about that.
Frank from KS
March 2nd, 2009
1:13 pm
Lowe: 16-8, 3.30 ERA
Jurrjens: 15-9, 3.54
Vazquez: 14-10, 3.80
Kawakami: 13-9, 3.85
Glavine: 10-8, 4.15
Kc….regarding your 12:15 post
I think Lowe will win 18-20 games and Kawakami and Glavine will both win 14. Other than that….those predictions look pretty good to me. Maybe JJ wins 16 or 17.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
1:18 pm
Frank from KS, thanks man, but those weren’t actually predictions. Just a hypothetical scenario in which the Braves might consider trading Vazquez at the deadline for a bat (if they’s pretty well certain that Hanson is 100% ready).
I don’t think the numbers you mentioned are farfetched, but I’ll wait until the end of the spring to go on record with my expectations. I still want to see how everyone looks this spring, particularly Kawakami and Glavine.
Lew
March 2nd, 2009
1:19 pm
KC-Debating assertions are fine. As for your “assertions” about pitching being traded at the deadline-I DID debate you-gave you many reasons why I disagreed. Making up numbers- Hypothetical season productions in such specificity as you delineated -and then discussing them-is, as I said, Useless.
Yes, you do have many people here disagreeing with you-for various reasons. Those who jump on you because of optimism are wrong. Those who disagree with you about specific views you hold have much validity behind them at times. And yes, You DO get all bent out of shape and take it personally when someone disagrees with you. You might not see it, but others certainly do.
beachcomber
March 2nd, 2009
1:20 pm
DOB – Pretty sure I spied you (talking with Wren) in Dunedin Saturday. Would have liked to said hello but you seemed pretty engrossed in your conversation. Perhaps next Wednesday in Clearwater.
N Nine (eta34)
March 2nd, 2009
1:21 pm
Said Reynolds: “My point to Ken was this: Atlanta is in a division — and I honestly believe this — where they’re not going to win for a few years. You’ll be long gone when the Braves get over the Mets and Phillies. They’re going to spend money to make sure they stay on top.
GRRRRRRRRRR what a dumb loser. What happened to this lost baseball analyst? I used to respect him on baseball tonight, now he’s lost that gig and has no clue about baseball. Seattle over ATL are you kidding me. No wonder espn dumped him
ease19
March 2nd, 2009
1:24 pm
KC – I have to agree too…Your predictions look pretty spot on…
toga party
March 2nd, 2009
1:25 pm
Looks like I’ll be able to watch the game on Wednesday (on YES) vs the Skanks. Can anyone tell me who’s scheduled to pitch Wed.?
RIP Skip
March 2nd, 2009
1:27 pm
I don’t know about you guys (and gals), but it sure hurts to know we wont’ be hearing “chopper to Chipper” or “right you are, Don Sutton” this year.
Having followed the Braves since 1976 from Ohio, Skip and Pete have been my window into the Braves. With TBS gone (I still get MLB Extra Innings), it has been different watching the Braves.
Anyone else thinking about their absence this season?
18 Wheels of Love
March 2nd, 2009
1:32 pm
Someone forward that Harold Reynold’s story to Tim Hudson. I think his email is step12@rage-a-holics.com
N Nine (eta34)
March 2nd, 2009
1:33 pm
it has been different watching the Braves RIP SKIP
Yes, It will be hard to adjust to changes especially after so many solid years. I liked the boog and simpson combo(for the most part) having Sutton will help also. Will always cherish the good days…..
Runnin
March 2nd, 2009
1:33 pm
Kawakami starting against the Yankees.
Jim
March 2nd, 2009
1:35 pm
The only significant righthanded hitters in the everyday lineup besides Chipper when facing a lefty are Yunel and JF. The top hitting prospects in the organization — Heyward, Schafer, Freeman, B. Jones are lefthanded hitters. Going forward, the Braves are going to have to add a (young) righthanded hitter or two to balance the rest of the lineup in 2011 and beyond when these prospects are ready to play at the major league level. The need will be particularly acute if JF does a Super Joe Charbeneau act. I think that by the trade deadline Frank Wren will know what direction the Braves will need to go in (present or future) and what impact the financial crisis will have upon the makeup of the 2010 team.
northbeach Scott
March 2nd, 2009
1:35 pm
And that foul ball was caught by a fan from Mason, OH. We’ll miss ‘em both every game. Just a like a part of my childhood died with Skip. Will always hold his sour, but lovable demeanor and commentary in my heart.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
1:37 pm
Lew, you and I have spoken on the phone once, and emailed a couple of times, but we haven’t gotten a chance to know each other very well. If you did know me, you would know that’s completely and totally untrue. I LOVE to debate, which by its very definition requires someone to disagree with you. I would challenge you to fine one occasion, just ONE where I have EVER been bent out of shape because someone disagreed with me.
I wasn’t bothered in the slightest when you disagreed with my assertion that Vazquez could be traded. Not in the slightest. Again, I enjoy it. I ONLY take exception to responses that are intended to dismiss the source, rather than the assertion or the argument. You’ll notice that I never once said “Lew, this just shows that you’re cantankerous and can never admit when you’re wrong”. I’ve never said anything like that to you. I just debate your assertions.
It appeared to me that YOU, not I, got irritated at a certain point in the debate, and rather than offering any further counterpoints, you just resorted to a short dismissive post (12:37).
But look…You’re a good guy, and this isn’t really that big a deal. I’m just at a point where I don’t usually take dismissive posts sitting down. Again, I enjoy the debate, but don’t appreciate people flippantly dismissing the source, rather than sticking to the debate itself. That’s all I’m saying.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
1:41 pm
No Braves game today?
since57
March 2nd, 2009
1:46 pm
For anyone that gives a rip, Hampton’s line today vs. Yankees: 2 IP 4R 4ER 6H 1BB 2K. No word if he his healthy or not or if all the pats on the back for making it thru 2 innings caused serious back injury.
N Nine (eta34)
March 2nd, 2009
1:47 pm
JOJO just got denied by COX. So if were “set” on the rotation and he can’t be “valued”in the pen then what is JOJO shooting for? Ya he kinda sucks but no chance given at all?
toga party
March 2nd, 2009
1:48 pm
Thanks Runnin. KK will probably only go 3 innings at this point I’m guessing. Can’t wait to get my first real look at him. Hopefully he’ll be mowing ‘em down.
Jim
March 2nd, 2009
1:48 pm
The Phillies may be in decent financial shape to remain competetive for an extended period of time. (They do have the problem of Ryan Howard becoming eligible to be a free agent next year.) But I question the financial viability of the Mets. The Wilpons and the team itself have invested some undiclosed amount of money with Bernie Madoff; the naming rights to the stadium could be in jeopardy; significant players like Wright and Reyes will be reaching free agency soon; and the Wall Street crowd is not so likely to be buying up those expensive boxes to entertain their clients — not on our dime! Except for their weak financial base, I would fear the Marlins in the near future more than the Mets.
reagan
March 2nd, 2009
1:48 pm
RIP Skip…………..Yea…I’m thinking the same thing. Skip and I used to find the other at the same haunts in the old days. ….couple of places at the prado and of course Johnny’s Hideaway (in Atlanta). Definitely a fun guy. First bumped into him at the 7th tee at Chastain Park……he was unloading on the Braves for letting Neikro go. Super nice guy and totally down to earth. Completely unaffected by any celebrity status. Pete was definitely in the role of …smoother and more professional. You could tell they really got a kick out of each other.
N Nine (eta34)
March 2nd, 2009
1:49 pm
since57,
I think we got lucky he turned down a bigger offer from us. We wouldn’t have either Kami or Glavine. In my books both are far better…….
Wayne in Utah
March 2nd, 2009
1:49 pm
N Nine Where is your Cox/JoJo comments coming from?? (JoJo believer here)
ease19
March 2nd, 2009
1:50 pm
KC – Off day, they are just an playing an intersquad game for JJ and the soon to be traded Vazquez to get some innings before Vazquez leaves and maintain there schedule…
Jim
March 2nd, 2009
1:51 pm
Where is this information about JJJ getting shelled today (there’s no game) and JoJo getting “denied” by Cox coming from?
toga party
March 2nd, 2009
1:54 pm
dogsbrekky
March 2nd, 2009
1:54 pm
Yes all well and good boys but I was at a meeting with Jeff Immelt (GE) in Jan and he told me straight to my face NO WAY would GE cut its dividend…. stock was at $15.60… now at $7.60 and dividend cut by 70%..
I will believe everything only when I see it
dogsbrekky
March 2nd, 2009
1:55 pm
sorry I meant to add in the JOHAN Sultana is gonna have major problems in 09′
N Nine (eta34)
March 2nd, 2009
1:56 pm
last night DOB said: 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.
ease19
March 2nd, 2009
1:58 pm
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.
ease19
March 2nd, 2009
2:00 pm
I hope so toga they are supposed to be facing Heyward and the boys/men with the minor leaguers in the field…I would like to see how JJ bounces back.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
2:02 pm
ease19, LOL… no, he won’t be traded ’til July. =)
Actually, as I told Lew, I’m not at all convinced that he’ll be traded. While I think there’s a very real chance of that happening at the deadline, it’s probably just as likely that he won’t be going anywhere until next winter. But I decided to go out on a limb and say “Hanson will be in the rotation in July”.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
2:03 pm
Yeah, as couple of other folks here have said… it’s awfully tough to head into a season without Skip or Pete). Just not the same.
NCBravesFan
March 2nd, 2009
2:04 pm
KC – I doubt Vazquez would be traded unless 1) the economy is a lot better in July than it is now and/or 2) the Braves are willing to swallow part of his contract in the deal. In this economy, his compensation doesn’t represent very good value for a #3 / #4 starter for an acquiring team.
Epinephrine
March 2nd, 2009
2:05 pm
Jim, there was an intersquad game with Jurrjens and Vasquez going against Heyward, Freeman, Schafer, etc. You can read about it on Bowman’s blog. Apparently Heyward owned JJJ.
N Nine (eta34)
March 2nd, 2009
2:08 pm
ummm_ carroll where are you?
Robert
March 2nd, 2009
2:10 pm
where is his blog
Robert
March 2nd, 2009
2:11 pm
can you link Bowman’s blog
Robert
March 2nd, 2009
2:12 pm
is anyone concerned about Jurrjens, he pitched a lot of innings last year. At least a lot for him
Anders
March 2nd, 2009
2:13 pm
Jim-
As soons as the government pulls the naming rights deal from Wilpon I fully expect they’ll do the same to all the Nascar teams benefitting from GM and the like who also showed up with their hat in hand. Watch what affect that has on the Nascar circuit. You see, if we’re going to let the government get into the business of marketing rights for any of these groups who get bailouts I say we go all in. Should Delta or Home Depot shows up for their money I hope you have the same vindictiveness in your heart.
As for the “Wall Street” crowd buying the expensive seats for their clients – you certainly can’t be naive enough to think they only own seats at the NY parks? I would guess that all the major banks, brokerage firms etc have seats at almost every major city venue in the U.S. While many of these banks, brokerage firms and insurance type companies do their business on Wall Street many are not even based there. The fact that so many think the cause of this economical turmoil happened soley on the 8 miles of Manhattan is ridiculous.
Yes, if you want to talk about the unfair bonuses some of these guys got ok they may have their office here, but focusing soley on that is just following the media’s easy reading sensationalism that feeds the masses.
What we’re experiencing is an all encompassing nationwide economic meltdown driven by the overleveraged housing market that everyone from the Government, banks, brokerage firms, Wall Street and yes Joe consumer willingly participated in. We all have some skin in this. Therefore, if you think that the impacts of this will soley affect the Mets and Yanks you have your head in the sand. If anything the Mets and Yanks are in a better position to handle it than most having various revenue streams etc..
Said differently – be careful what you wish for.
matt
March 2nd, 2009
2:14 pm
DOB- what’s the latest with Gorkys?? I thought I remember hearing that he was supposedly really good or had great potential. Is this still the case? Just haven’t heard anything. Also, at one time Jon Mark Owings was thought pretty highly of. Do you know anything about his situation? He’s a local boy from the Forsyth/Gainseville area.
Sandlot
March 2nd, 2009
2:15 pm
Seems I’ve read that Jurrjens has been working on some strength training and conditioning specifically to help him not tire out late in the season. I hope that pays off for him.
Bill M.
March 2nd, 2009
2:15 pm
Jim
The Phillies won’t have to worry about Ryan Howard. He signed for 2 or 3 years. Can’t remember the number of years.
N Nine (eta34)
March 2nd, 2009
2:15 pm
robert: http://markbowman.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/03/cox_places_heyward_and_freeman.html
11:47am comment
Robert
March 2nd, 2009
2:16 pm
that doesn’t say anything about today’s intersquad game
KC
March 2nd, 2009
2:17 pm
NCBravesFan, well… I guess I have a little different take on Vazquez than you do.
Multiple scouts have stated an expectation that Vazquez will have nice season in Atlanta (similar to the 15-8, 3.74 ERA he produced the year before last in CHI). They cite the fact that he will be leaving the AL (and the DH), will be trading a hitters paradise for a pitchers part, and overall comfort… there is a feeling that he’ll be more at home in the NL, and will respond much better to Bobby Cox than Ozzie Guillen, whose management style isn’t for everyone.
I tend to agree with that take. Frankly, I’ll be surprised if his ERA isn’t under 4.00. And if he does look anything like he did in 2007 (and his last several years in Montreal), there will be plenty of teams that will want him.
As for the economy being a consideration… post-season play generates revenue. So if a team thinks he can help them make the playoffs, it makes sense. Also, if he’s traded at the deadline, a team would only be responsible for less then 4 million dollars of his 2009 salary at that point. And there are still going to be teams willing to take on a little payroll at the deadline in order to win.
And the hypothetical scenario (that everyone is mistaking for a prediction) in which I suggested he could be traded… is one that would have him pitching more like a #2 or a strong #3, similar to his 2007 performance. And of course, in that scenario, the Braves wouldn’t even consider trading him unless everyone else in the rotation were healthy and sharp, and Hanson were 100% ready.
I don’t know that Vazquez will pitch that well, but the stars seem to be aligned for him to have a nice season in ATL.
dogsbrekky
March 2nd, 2009
2:19 pm
Where is the news of today’s workouts/tryouts coming from please
I also wouldnt worry about pitcher’s getting lit up as they are being told to work a lot of fastballs, not exactly game conditions..
Jim
March 2nd, 2009
2:21 pm
Lighten up! An intrasquad game is glorified batting practice — a chance to work on secondary pitches. If JJJ or anyone else is struggling at the end of March, then there is cause for concern.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
2:21 pm
Robert, actually, Jurrjens pitched 140+ innings several times at the minor league level. So his 188 innings last year represented a jump of about 40-45 innings.
Nearly every big league pitcher has to make a 40+ inning jump at some point, whether at the minor league level, or at the big league level.
http://www.thebaseballcube.com is a great site for seeing both minor and Major League stats (including innings pitched). If you just start looking up established big league starters at random to see what their largest innings leaps were early on… I think you’re fears will be put to ease.
DCBrave
March 2nd, 2009
2:23 pm
came to check what DOB has to say on a boring day, and not much except the spilled wheat pieces, and the agree/disagree, real/hypothetical, personal/nonpersonal nonesense. It’s boring day after all. Will go to check what Manny has to say or not to say.
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
March 2nd, 2009
2:23 pm
Jim,
The Phillies don’t have a problem with Howard. Here is a quote from a press release.
“Phillies agreed to terms with first baseman Ryan Howard on a three-year, $54 million contract.”
———–
Epinephrine
March 2nd, 2009
2:28 pm
Robert, read the comments. There are a few posts on the intersquad stuff today. I’d think given that we are all posting on a blog-this blog in particular-the people here could ferret out that info…
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
March 2nd, 2009
2:29 pm
For some reason I am optmistic about Frenchy. I was looking for an improvement in K’s and he is showing us that. Lowering K’s and raising BB’s are the two things I am most interested in at this point. If he does those he will also be putting the bat on the ball and when he does that good things will happen. Frenchy will be just fine if he can control the K’s and BB’s.
DWW
March 2nd, 2009
2:29 pm
KC
What contender is going to want to give up a power outfield bat for a number 3 starter at the deadline?
Anders
March 2nd, 2009
2:31 pm
Jim,
BTW- David Wright is signed through 2012 with a club option for 2013. Reyes is signed through 2010 with a club option for 2011.
That gives them 3 years at worst before they have to address either player you mentioned.
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
March 2nd, 2009
2:34 pm
I can see what KC is talking about. It just may be possible for a team to have four outfielders better than our worst Outfielder. And that team may well be in terrible need for a starter. At the same time Atlanta could find itself with six reliable (good) starters and in terrible shape for a hitting outfielder who is at least better than our weakest link. If those two things should come together then it is highly possible for a trade to be made.
Who is a possibility for such a trade? Well, right off the bat I can see such a possibility come to fruition with the Cardinals.
N Nine (eta34)
March 2nd, 2009
2:35 pm
DWW, im sure it wouldn’t be a one for one swap. We are STOCKED with young kids(best in N.L.) If the right guy hits the market, you never know…
I agree with KC. If we are doing well and only a power hitter away from reaching post season, I think its possible. kinda like TEX in 07.
DCBrave
March 2nd, 2009
2:35 pm
Robert asked: “is anyone concerned about Jurrjens, he pitched a lot of innings last year. At least a lot for him.”
Robert, I cringed when I saw that. I couldn’t help but recalling the outstanding rookie years of the likes of HRimerez, KDavies, CJames, and then their terrible sophomore years. Then we have Moylan who’s got a great rookie year and then a TJ for the second. One just hope JJ is different.
Steve from OH
March 2nd, 2009
2:38 pm
Great Interview by Squawking Baseball with John Coppolella, Braves director of baseball administration. A must-read.
Jim
March 2nd, 2009
2:39 pm
Anders, I don’t follow NASCAR, but I think that sponsorship money from the auto companies is down. I don’t know if the government will make a bank in which they are now the largest shareholder give up naming rights to the new stadium, but the schedule of payments could be deferred. CitiCorp has become the poster child for the “zombie” bank and is therefore a special case. You are right about the the effect of the recession (depression) around the league, but the Mets and, in particular, the Yankees are somewhat more vulnerable in that they are moving into new stadia with much higher per seat prices. The prices at Yankee Stadium are especially outrageous and can only be sustained by willing corporate buyers. I am hoping that they do take a big financial hit that may break this cycle of extravagance that has effectively priced the average fan out of the ball park.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
2:41 pm
DWW, “What contender is going to want to give up a power outfield bat for a number 3 starter at the deadline?”
No one.
But why are we assuming that Vazquez will be a #3 starter (in terms of performance)?
I agree that his 2008 numbers are very representative of a #3 starter.
But let’s not forget that in 2007, he went 15-8, with a 3.73 ERA. And that was in a BIG time hitter’s park, with the DH. And that was very much in line with what he always did in Montreal before moving to the AL. So we know he’s capable of more than a typical #3 guy. And I think those numbers are more representative of a strong #2 starter than a #3. Especially when you factor in 200 innings and 200 strikeouts.
I in NO WAY think it’s a given that he’ll produce at that level in Atlanta. But again, multiple scouts have said they expect something more in line with his 2007/Montreal performance (for reasons I won’t list again).
But even if he does pitch like a #3 starter, and not like a strong #2… there are always teams out there at the deadline desperate for a quality starter, even it’s just a middle-of-rotation guy. So even if Vazquez has, say… a 4.50 ERA at the deadline, as long as he’s giving innings and quality starts, there will be interest. And packaging him with a (non-core) prospect or two would likely be enough to net a production bat with some pop.
But if he’s pitching as he did in ‘07, you could deal him straight up.
dogsbrekky
March 2nd, 2009
2:41 pm
“The Lucky Ones” is a wonderful movie currently on Time Warner Cable channel 1000 under Indies, well worth the $5.99 if anyone is inclined
Has Tim “Shawshank” Robbins and a nice young lady (name ??) about returning servicemen travelling across US to Vegas… well done flick
JOE
March 2nd, 2009
2:42 pm
THANK YOU DWW
KC
March 2nd, 2009
2:43 pm
meant to say… “a productive bat”.
Danga
March 2nd, 2009
2:44 pm
Hmmm…I just saw Tim “Shawshank” Robbins in Mystic River. Finally got around to seeing that one. Good movie, but not the kind that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I’ve always enjoyed Mr. Robbins though.
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
March 2nd, 2009
2:44 pm
Why spend so much worrying time over Jurrjens? The boy has done BETTER every year he has been in baseball. There is no reason I can see for him to go backward this year. He was the real deal last year and he is the real deal this year. If he proves he is not then we will be concerned for him and his future. Until then we enjoy his career with him.
I am an ole dude and I cannot find room (or time) for worrying about things that are not likely to happen. If you think positively you will live a happier life. To worry about things over which you have no control is an exercise in utter futility.
I am going to enjoy 2009 while you worriers spend your time crying about someone splitting a fingernail.
Fill your glasses half full and join those of us who are enjoying the art of living.
DCBrave
March 2nd, 2009
2:45 pm
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum-
The reason why Frechy hit into that many DPs last season is not because of those Ks. I really did not mind that much of his Ks last year, which just got himself out after all, but I was infuriated with the number of DPs he hit into, which removes somebody else who worked so hard to get on base.
Besides, we cannot lower our standard that much given that the team’s success realies on him a great deal. Merely not striking out doesn’t do the job. What’s what I require my little league son to do: just don’t strike out.
Having said that, I’ve not given Frechy up just yet. However, he does need to turn it around quick. Not just not to strike out but to get hits, big or small, just hits.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
2:48 pm
DWW, also, I would pose this question…
Would the package the Braves gave for Vazquez be enough – or almost enough – to net a productive bat?
I think it would. So if a team (the Braves) were willing to give up a quality package for Vazquez, that tells you what his trade value is. And that value will likely be at least as high at the deadline. His value will almost certainly enough to serve as the centerpiece of a deal for a hitter, if it can’t be done straight up.
dogsbrekky
March 2nd, 2009
2:50 pm
DCBrave – there is actually a theory on one of the stat sites which says Frenchy is probably better off BEING LESS PATIENT ala Vlad, just hack away at any thing he wants………. alas I am not in agreement but the argument is there that his best work came when he would just swing like a rusty door in a storm
James is Red
March 2nd, 2009
2:51 pm
SI.com has a good article on the Braves. But … it is yet another media outlet saying that the Braves’ chances all ride on how well Frenchy can bounce back. The guy is concentrating on a lot of stuff this spring with his new batting stance. I hope he can block it all out and focus on his mechanics and nothing else.
Mike S
March 2nd, 2009
2:55 pm
Waiting for the obligatory “I love Robbins acting, but can’t stand his political views” comment…
dogsbrekky
March 2nd, 2009
3:00 pm
Mike S – Susan Sarandon has a nice bod for an old sheila and Tim Robbins and her !@#$%%^^*))(*&^% $!)_)@_) poli!@#$
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
March 2nd, 2009
3:01 pm
DCBrave, you have me confused. You wrote these things.
“The reason why Frechy hit into that many DPs last season is not because of those Ks. I really did not mind that much of his Ks last year, which just got himself out after all, but I was infuriated with the number of DPs he hit into, which removes somebody else who worked so hard to get on base.”
————-
Then you wrote this.
Merely not striking out doesn’t do the job. What’s what I require my little league son to do: just don’t strike out.”
————–
If striking out doesn’t bother you so much with Frenchy why does it bother you so much with your son? I am confused.
What I said was that K’s and BB’s are what bothers most of us about Frenchy. If he can cut down on K’s and raise his walks he will have improved right there. I also said that when he is putting the wood on the ball good things happen. And there are going to be bad things also at, least 70% of the time. Some of them will be DP’s. You can’t hit into a DP or get a single or a double or a HR if you are not hitting the ball. I’d much rather go with the bat on the ball than anything else I can think of…other than a walk.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
3:01 pm
James is Red, I agree with that assessment. It does ride on Frenchy.
I think there’s a chance that the Braves could hang around long enough to get a deal done at the deadline for a bat (to replace Frenchy, if necessary)… but their chances will certainly be better if Francoeur can return to 2007 form.
PWHjort
March 2nd, 2009
3:01 pm
Vazquez is coming from a crackhead manager, terrible defense, hitters park, and AL team, to a very supportive manager, very talented defense, pitchers park, and NL team. Every one of those indicators points towards him having a better year. He’s going to rake in the NL.
cvbraves
March 2nd, 2009
3:02 pm
“Vazquez allowed one hit over three scoreless innings and Jurrjens allowed two runs on four hits in his three innings.” Bowman’s comment regarding todays intra-squad game.
DCBrave
March 2nd, 2009
3:02 pm
dogsbrekky-
With Frechy, no theory worked last year. He listened to everybody and tried everything: less patience, more patience, open up, squeez in, you name it. In the end, .239 and .294 are what he got.
When Chipper struggled before, he would go back to his dad and had things figured out. When Mac’s slumping, he did the same thing. Poor Frechy has to figure things out himself. If he’s ever gonna turn this thing around this season, he has to rely on his own baseball intelligence.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
3:03 pm
Mike S, I can’t stand that fact that actors/entertainers think everyone needs to hear all about their political views (whatever they are). It’s kind of arrogant. Celebrities often act as though their opinion should carry more weight than the average American.
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
March 2nd, 2009
3:05 pm
PWHjort
I agree with you on Vasquez. I have this hunch that he is so happy to be out from under Ozzie that he is really going to bust his butt for Bobby. Expect him to have a great year in 09.
DWW
March 2nd, 2009
3:05 pm
KC
It just doesn’t seem likely that a contending team will want to give up a bat in the middle of the season unless they had too many producing outfielders; in this case where do we put that bat in the line up? Are we benching JF or GA, or are we hoping this power bat plays cf? My question was intended to spark another “hypothetical situation” in which a team would have a power hitting outfielder that fit our needs. I just dont see how all this could possible come together.
Carroll Rogers
March 2nd, 2009
3:06 pm
OK, here goes…..My big test to see if this shows up in gray! This is my first foray into WordPress, just catching up to where DOB was a couple of weeks ago…
I’m in the Atlanta airport at the moment, about to get on a plane, but I got an update on today’s simulated game for ya from the Braves PR. Javier Vazquez went three innings, allowed one hit, one walk and three strikeouts. Of his 39 pitches, 27 were strikes. By all accounts, he was sharp. Now he heads off to pitch for Puerto Rico in the WBC, supposed to start for them on Saturday.
Jair Jurrjens wasn’t quite as sharp and he had Jason Heyward to thank. Heyward went deep on him, and apparently there was nothing cheap about it. He also doubled off Jurrjens but there was a little cheap about that – a minor league outfielder misplayed the ball, but they had to rule it a double. JJ’s line: three innings, four hits, two runs, no walks or strikeouts. 43 pitches, 25 strikes.
Next time you hear from me I’ll be in Florida. Good to be back on the beat for a little bit here.
Jim
March 2nd, 2009
3:08 pm
The most worrisome thing about JF last year was that he rarely drove the ball when he didn’t strike out. Even many of his hits were bloops and dribblers.
DCBrave
March 2nd, 2009
3:09 pm
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum-
You must be kidding me. You’re well aware that one is for a MJ big boy whose success is relied upon by his team, and one is a little league starter. Are you gonna apply the same standard? If you’re gonna be satisfied with what Frenchy could do what a little leaguer does, then don’t feel bad at all with Frechy: He can do a lot of little league things.
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
March 2nd, 2009
3:09 pm
Have fun Carroll and thanks for the update. Heyward is going to “take a lot of good pitchers deep” before his career is over.
Good news about Vasquez.
DWW
March 2nd, 2009
3:10 pm
KC
Thats what I love about Tiger Woods, he gets critisized alot for not voicing his politcal opionions, but i think he should be comended for it. People need to start thinking for themselves instead of always looking for the next person to follow.
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
March 2nd, 2009
3:11 pm
DCBrave,
I am not kidding you at all. The effect of a K or a DP is exactly the same whether it is a little league, high school or pro game. Makes no difference. Or maybe you can show us the difference.
DCBrave
March 2nd, 2009
3:12 pm
Carroll-
We need you more when the real season starts. I remember you’ve alway been the Braves’ lucky charm: Whenever DOB’s on leave and you took over the last couple years, the Braves had a much higher percentage of winning as far as I could recall.
Carroll Rogers
March 2nd, 2009
3:17 pm
Good point, DCBrave…Though I think even my luck ran out late last season….
The Braves just announced they’d signed the remainder of their 0-3 guys (0-3 years of service time), meaning everybody on the 40-man is under contract. The players they signed to one-year contracts: Manny Acosta, Jeff Bennett, Blaine Boyer, Buddy Carlyle, Jorge Campillo, Charlie Morton and Peter Moylan; two infielders: Yunel Escobar and Martin Prado; and outfielder Gregor Blanco.
ease19
March 2nd, 2009
3:18 pm
I guess we should go ahead an pencil JJ in at triple A to make room for Hanson…5 not so sharp innings…man this early in ST and he already looks terrible…Better yet, lets just package him up and trade him.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
3:18 pm
DWW, I hear ya…
If Francoeur bounces back, a bat obviously wouldn’t be acquired for RF. But they could choose to upgrade their lineup in LF. Not that there’s anything wrong with what they’ve got there now… but if they could get a bat with more power, and just as importantly, a RIGHT-HANDED power bat… that may have some appeal.
And Vazquez may not be traded directly for that bat. While not terribly common, 3-way trades do happen. But more likely, Vazquez could be traded for young talent that could then be flipped for a bat (or simply serve to replenish whatever they send away for that hitter). Even if they’re entirely separate trades, if the Braves want another bat, Vazquez may have to go to clear salary space for that player.
toga party
March 2nd, 2009
3:20 pm
Steve from OH, That was a great interview. Thanks for posting the link.
“Like I said, we are going to prepare a case that puts the Braves in the best possible position whether the player’s agent is Scott Boras or Scott Baio.”
That’s a really funny image.
Jeff321
March 2nd, 2009
3:20 pm
I don’t know if this has been posted since I just checked the last page of comments.
SB Interview: John Coppolella, Braves Director of Baseball of Administration
via MLB Trade Rumors
http://www.squawkingbaseball.com/?p=573
TnBrian
March 2nd, 2009
3:21 pm
Harold Reynolds played 12 seasons with 21 career HR’s and was a lifetime .258 hitter! Well, we know he is good at one thing and it ain’t playing baseball. Running his fat, ignorant a– mouth is all he’s good at. I mean, is there any other reason for the Braves to be motivated than to shut this little twurp up? GOOD…we don’t want or need Jr.’s drama filled, limping BS on the Braves. Reynolds played his sorry 12 yr. career, 11 with Sea. so he should know all about being a loser. Joe Simpson had pretty bad career stats with Sea., but he has never said anything as ignorant as this joke. It’s obvious that little Harold boy is jealous with Atl. in one way or another. Why else would he even campaign to get player to stay away from a team he has absolutely no ties. He knows nothing about our team.
Anders
March 2nd, 2009
3:25 pm
KC- Couple of points for your Vazquez scenario. He’ll be due about $6 mil more for this season at about the deadline and he has $11.5 mil coming next year. Big $’s for a number 3 in this market. He also has no trades to the NL and AL west teams. So forget Holliday on the A’s for example. Take out the NL east for obvious reasons and the AL east because the contenders there are loaded already and you have a pretty narrow group to choose from – “hypothetically” of course.
toga party
March 2nd, 2009
3:25 pm
Jeff321, that’s the one Steve from OH posted a little while ago. Great interview.
TennesseePaul
March 2nd, 2009
3:26 pm
DWW: What contender is going to want to give up a power outfield bat for a number 3 starter at the deadline?
I’ll be happy with him if he can some how manage to turn in one of his best seasons. This team is loaded with mid-rotation starters (2-6 starters). We probably won’t see a dominate ace-like season out of any one of them, but we should get consistency throughout all of them… The ERA may not be below 3 for any of the guys, but the standard deviation between all the starters ERA’s might just be nice and tight.
DWW
March 2nd, 2009
3:27 pm
Does anyone have a link to this Harold Reynolds story?
DCBrave
March 2nd, 2009
3:32 pm
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum-
You really want me to tell you why I asked my little leaguer son not to strike out but was not bothered by Frenchy’s Ks?
It’s not the effect of striking out but the effect not striking out that makes the difference. If you’ve ever couched a little league team as I have, you may have noticed that as long as you put the ball in play and not strike out, you’ve got a very good chance of being on base merely because of the levels of the little leagues’ defensive skills. That’s why I told my son just not to strike out. For Frenchy, on the other hand, not striking out usually means groundouts, flyouts, doubleouts, etc. because of the high defensive skills of the major leaguers. I was not bothered that much by his Ks because I know that’s not the reason he was struggling. If he did not hit into that many DPs last season, even if he was just struck out, we still could’ve won some of those games we lost.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
3:34 pm
Anders, yes I see your “hypothetical” points. I was completely unaware of the limited no-trade clause, so you’ve got me there.
He can veto trades to 9 NL/AL West teams. Doesn’t mean he couldn’t be traded there of course… just that he’d have to agree to it. That complicates that possibility, but certainly doesn’t eliminate it.
As for his salary, the trade deadline is about 2/3 of the way through the season, so his remaining salary will be closer to 4 than 6. And I won’t repeat everything I said earlier about him being a #2 or a #3 starter… but he’s just as likely, IMO, to look like a #2 (see 2007) as he is to perform as a #3.
I’m convinced that Vazquez probably will be traded, if not at the deadline, then next winter. At some point, the Braves will have to make room for both Hanson and Hudson.
Hey… it’s to bad Derek Lowe’s last name doesn’t start with an “H”. We could have the “killer H’s”! Doesn’t have quite the same ring as the “killer B’s”, but…
TnBrian
March 2nd, 2009
3:34 pm
Anders, you must feel proud to have a little piece of ignorant scum like Reynolds associated with your team. Hey, didn’t he get fired from ESPN? Wonder why. He’s definitely hit a nerve with us Braves fans and hopefully some of the players get wind of his stupid comments and shut him up. It’s one thing to talk trash about another team if you make decent points, but this moron honestly believes the Mutts will be better than Atl. for many years…uhhh, ok.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
3:41 pm
TennPaul, “Even in Vazquez’s best seasons he is merely a #3.”
2007: 15-8, 3.73 ERA, with 216 strikeouts and 213 innings (in a hitter’s park with the DH)
2003: 13-12 (for a terrible team), 3.24 ERA, 241 strikeouts, 230 innings
2001: 16-11, 3.42 ERA, 208 strikeouts, 233 innings
Those were his best seasons. Are those numbers “merely #3″ quality??
DCBrave
March 2nd, 2009
3:41 pm
Carroll-
I was kidding anyway. The denizens here all know that we’re lucky to have both DOB and you and other site or blog would be real lucky if they have only one of you.
Nice to see all those guys get signed, which I guess, was never a question anyway. But still it’s nice now that they can just focus on getting ready for the season.
Chop Chop
March 2nd, 2009
3:45 pm
Harold Reynolds helped us not get Griffey. That’s fine with me.
ease19
March 2nd, 2009
3:47 pm
KC
a bit contradictory today aren’t we…
Actually, as I told Lew, I’m not at all convinced that he’ll be traded. While I think there’s a very real chance of that happening at the deadline, it’s probably just as likely that he won’t be going anywhere until next winter. But I decided to go out on a limb and say “Hanson will be in the rotation in July”.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
3:47 pm
Chop Chop, I agree with you. We’re probably better off with the way things ended up.
brent a.
March 2nd, 2009
3:47 pm
Even at his age, how many of you would rather have Heyward starting in RF for us this year than Francoeur?
brent a.
March 2nd, 2009
3:48 pm
DWW,
I think DOB linked the Harold Reynolds article back around page 9, or 10 of this blog.
I would start there, and then move forward. (I think).
Wayne in Utah
March 2nd, 2009
3:54 pm
If Harold Reynolds somehow helped Ken Griffey Jr to make his decision to go to the Mariners, then maybe Harold isn’t such a bad guy after all.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
3:56 pm
ease19, LOL… I don’t think it’s contradictory, just stating two completely opposed viewpoints. Okay… I’m not helping my case.
But seriously, I’m NOT saying the Vazquez WILL be traded. He very well may not be. But I do think it’s a distinct possibility. There’s also a chance that Glavine won’t have stay healthy or won’t have much left in the tank (though I think he will).
But between the possibility of a Glavine break-down or a Vazquez trade… I’ve to the point where I think it’s probably more likely than not that Hanson will be in the rotation soon. It may soon be nearly impossible to keep him down there.
I would say I’m about 60/40 on that… but decided to go out on a limb and predict that he’ll be here sometime in July (if not sooner – if one of our starters break down).
spotts
March 2nd, 2009
3:57 pm
I wouldn’t want Heyward. I’m sure he’ll be great, but almost every player needs a few years in the minors. Even Andruw, who absolutely destroyed minor league pitching, hit in the low .200s his first couple of years in the majors (although I’m sure the Dodgers would’ve killed for lower .200s last year)
Jeff321
March 2nd, 2009
3:58 pm
Hampton pitched two innings today.. 6 hits, 4 runs, 4 earned, 1 BB, 2 SO, 9.00 ERA.
crap-wheelie
March 2nd, 2009
4:04 pm
Am I the only one who thinks the WBC is the reason that Francouer failed to mature as a hitter? Am I also the only one who thinks that Vazquez and McCann are being irresponsible. Vazquez hasn’t thrown a pitch to an opposing MLB team yet in a Braves uniform. McCann is leaving camp when we have two new starters for him to work with. As for Chipper…He’s a real veteran. If he wants to go play in that absurd WBC exhibition series, no one should stop him. But let’s get real. It’s not a world championship. It’s not even very good baseball. Worse, it takes guys away from camp when they should be working to get ready for the season. How definitive is the WBC when Oscar Villareal was one of its stars last time around?
Wayne in Utah
March 2nd, 2009
4:08 pm
Does anybody else think it would be wonderful if Frank McCourt came out with a two year, 30 million dollar offer for Manny, with a team option for the second season (no player offer).
In today’s economy, that is more in line with what he is worth.
He could say “Manny, either take the offer and get a haircut, or sit on your brains for the next year and let them dreadlocks keep growing.”
Epinephrine
March 2nd, 2009
4:11 pm
People are right in saying that the season rides on Jeff. What that means, though, is that the Braves cannot afford to have Frenchy replicate his numbers of last year. They CAN afford to have him play better, but not have a standout season. But replicating last year (given our other outfield members) will be a death knell for this team.
TnBrian
March 2nd, 2009
4:14 pm
crap-wheelie, NO, McCann shouldn’t have gone to that silly thing. He needs his butt in camp, not for the hitting, but learning the 4 new pitchers he’ll be catching. I threw Logan in their because he seems, as of right now, the opening day lefty in the pen. He should’ve waited until the next one rolls around, whenever that’ll be.
About Frenchy, the homepage has a article where it says Chipper thinks it hurt him because he didn’t get nearly enough at bats, and thinks Mac will get plenty. Soemthing like that, just don’t feel like digging it up and read it word for word.
Hey, I read DOB,Thomas’ comments on my predictions last night, and they don’t think Chipper will reach 125 RBI’s. WHAT? Why couldn’t he? If he could play 140-145 gms, he can easily reach that. He is the best pure hitter in the game, guys.
TBraveFan
March 2nd, 2009
4:15 pm
Hey Carroll – how long will you be covering ST? Eons ago, I think on a road trip to Pittsburgh (maybe??) we flew out on the same flight and you said (via the blog) if I ever see you again, to say hello… well, gonna be arriving in ST on Friday – will be there until the 23rd…
Robert
March 2nd, 2009
4:16 pm
Even at his age, how many of you would rather have Heyward starting in RF for us this year than Francoeur?
Didn’t you hear, Bobby the donk thinks of Francoeur as his son. So he’ll continue to play the worst everyday outfielder in the majors (minimum: 400 ABs) for two of the past three years.
Hee haw Hee haw Hee haw Hee haw Hee haw Hee haw Hee haw Hee haw
Original Jon
March 2nd, 2009
4:17 pm
TnBrian Chipper has never had more than 111 RBIs in a season, and that year he played 160 games. Why do you think he can have 125 in 20 few games??
TN Jeff
March 2nd, 2009
4:18 pm
Andruw Jones today – 1 for 2 with a K
Totals – 2 for 11 with a walk & 9 strikeouts
Yikes
RIP Skip
March 2nd, 2009
4:18 pm
I, for one, am willing to give Harold Reynolds the Atlanta Braves Platinum Excellence Award for keeping Griffey away. Definitely no hard feelings here.
I admit I wanted Bobby Abreu, but G. Anderson is fine with me.
Original Jon
March 2nd, 2009
4:19 pm
Meant 20 fewer games.
BA
March 2nd, 2009
4:19 pm
If Vazquez had been traded to the Mutts, Anders would undoubtedly classify him as a “strong #2″ starter.
At least NY resigned the dominant Oliver Perez to counter the three new Atlanta starters. Not to mention the lineup presence of Ryan Church and Brian Schnieder- to raise fear in the hearts of NL pitchers everywhere.
But at least the Mutts didn’t waste money this offseason. After all, who would want a 36 year-old that has won 15 games and pitched 200 innings every year since Nirvana came out? Let’s go with Perez…
BA
March 2nd, 2009
4:21 pm
Man am I glad to see Robert and his hee haw/donkey routine. It just doesn’t get any funnier than that. To bad history and reality contradict the hilartity.
Original Jon
March 2nd, 2009
4:25 pm
Robert, I am starting to think you are an actual Jackass, err, donkey, sorry about that.
Steve from OH
March 2nd, 2009
4:28 pm
Toga party, my favorite bit from the interview was this:
Bill Shanks wrote a book a couple of years back gushing over the Braves, which was mostly hostile to statistics and sabermetrics. Describe the culture within the Braves regarding newer, advanced stats.
“The culture within the Braves is to find the best players, period. In order to find the best players we use as much information as possible throughout the process. That process begins with our scouts, trusting in what they see, hear, and project in, about, and for a player. I truly believe we have the best scouts in baseball, a virtual All-Star cast of former players, managers, general managers, farm directors, and scouting directors: Jim Fregosi, Chuck McMichael, Dom Chiti, Dick Balderson, Tony DeMacio, Tim Conroy, and Jeff Wren, and that’s just our Major League scouts.
I also truly believe we have the best scouting and player development system in baseball. The work being done by Roy Clark and his staff on the amateur side, Johnny Almaraz and his staff on in the international side, and Kurt Kemp and his staff on the player development side is nothing short of outstanding. I can’t speak for those three individuals and their methods, but the results speak for themselves. I can say that there is a synergy among all those departments and within our entire baseball operations group that provides us with a competitive advantage when it comes to identifying talent.
And yet that isn’t enough. We want to continue to get better and to learn more about players and methods. Just as we surround our organization with the best scouts we want to provide Frank with the best information to supplement the contributions made by those scouts. To that end, we explore any and all statistics that may be relevant to a given player. We are on the cutting edge of newer, advanced stats and have created some of our own statistics and formulas, which obviously we cannot discuss. I think that portraying the Braves as hostile to statistics and sabermetrics couldn’t be further from the truth.”
DCBrave
March 2nd, 2009
4:29 pm
Boy, Robert, I’d really prefer to hear your play-by-plays in the last week.
Chop Chop
March 2nd, 2009
4:31 pm
BA,
Hmm…Nirvana hit it big in 1991.
Derek Lowe is 36 and has pitched over 200 innings five times (2002 was the first time he did it) and has won at least 15 games three times. Javier Vazquez is almost 33 and has pitched over 200 innings eight of the last nine years. He’s won at least 15 twice.
Uh…Glavine pitched over 200 innings 14 times? He was around when “Nevermind” dropped.
As for Bobby, he’ll deserve allllllllll the sugar cubes he can eat if he gets us into the playoffs this year.
Wayne in Utah
March 2nd, 2009
4:37 pm
TN Jeff
At least he isn’t hitting into double plays….
Robert
Damn, do we have to listen to your constant BC whinning this year? We get it. You think Bobby is a donkey. Can we get a refrain this year?
Robert
March 2nd, 2009
4:38 pm
Don’t be getting mad at me just because I questioned his royal highness: the donk.
The donk wanted Andruw back. The donk will play Francoeur everyday again whilst benching Kelly Johnson. The donk will start another idiotic platoon. The donk will use a lefty pitcher who is better at getting right-handers out as a lefty specialist.
HEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAWHEE-HAW
nolie
March 2nd, 2009
4:39 pm
when the braves actually have more money than the phils, DAP
Phils payroll this season is 135M, so I don’t see what you’re saying here??
DCBrave
March 2nd, 2009
4:43 pm
Robert: Is college closed today because of the snow?
DCBrave
March 2nd, 2009
4:44 pm
The stupid refreshing botton isn’t working again.
Robert
March 2nd, 2009
4:45 pm
Chipper Jones: The Most Overrated Player in Baseball
Chop Chop
March 2nd, 2009
4:45 pm
And I get the “Nirvana” thing. Pure hyper-bowl. Just wanted to answer your comment in a humorless way. Those are the best kind of responses. “Shaun-lite,” so to speak.
PTBNL
March 2nd, 2009
4:46 pm
“Everybody can hit bombs,” Jurrjens said. “That’s not a big deal. I’m just not hitting my spots like I want to and that’s making me a little bit mad right now. That’s my second outing and I need to start improving. I feel like I haven’t improved anything yet and that’s frustrating.”
Mike S
March 2nd, 2009
4:46 pm
Guys, I’m guessing (and hoping) that there are two different “Robert’s” here. The helpful one with the play by play the last few days, and the tired one trick pony no one can stand.
BA
March 2nd, 2009
4:47 pm
Yes, Robert. Of course he will.
Chop Chop, are you so devoid of a sense of humor that you actually took that comment literaly, or are you just pretending that you are because you desperately need to correct someone?
That’s cute the way you incorporate “um” and “hmmm” in written form. Maybe throw in a couple of omg’s or lol’s. Go ahead and dumb it ALL the way down.
Original Jon
March 2nd, 2009
4:49 pm
Robert, you are the DONK
Robert
March 2nd, 2009
4:51 pm
Frankly you eeyore Cox defenders make me fricking sick. I have a good mind to leave.
DCBrave
March 2nd, 2009
4:51 pm
Donka$$, that is. Sorry.
Original Jon
March 2nd, 2009
4:52 pm
Damn Robert I wish you would, leave. But if you want to stay here, just remember, you are only making yourself look like the ass and we will just start to ignore you, maybe even report your comments as a public nuisance.
Chop Chop
March 2nd, 2009
4:53 pm
Read my last post, BA. I was giving you the business.
Robert
March 2nd, 2009
4:53 pm
DONK: “Hee, Haw. Hee, Haw. Where’s that sugar cube? I’m starting think about all those times when I left starters in for an inning or batter too long, cause I did not want to hurt any of the fella’s feelings. Wish Andy was here to solve our cleanup problems. Man I’d take Lockhart and Woodward in a heartbeat over Infante & Norton. Those boys were lights out.
Speaking of which, I get the feelin’ that I am lights on, nobody home. Anybody got a sugar cube so I can get a glucose rush? Maybe the Rangers would take Hanson and Heyward off our hands for Andy. I really need my diaper changed.”
DCBrave
March 2nd, 2009
4:53 pm
Robert: Answer MikeS’s question please: Are you the one that did the nice play by play last week? If yes, we’ll forgive you.
nolie
March 2nd, 2009
4:59 pm
Has there been any report or word on Brandon Hicks? WAYNE
until he proves tha he can hit higher than .235 with a gazillion Ks, there isn’t much to tell. He is 6′2″200 kinda guy so likely third in the future but might stay a SS where he is a decent fielder. It’s way too early to be paying much attention to him given that he strikes out 40% of the time. If I had to guess right now I’d say it is unlikely that he will ever be worth thinking about at the MLB level. Check back in a year or two.
spotts
March 2nd, 2009
5:00 pm
Robert, I’m sorry I wasted my time reading that crap. Pretty much all that guy said was that Chipper was great during his prime, but his numbers have been declining in recent years. hmmm….it’s almost as if stats go down as players age? But not Chipper. He’s just overrated.
Original Jon
March 2nd, 2009
5:02 pm
Robert“Hee, Haw. Hee, Haw. Where’s that sugar cube? I’m starting think about all those times when I left starters in for an inning or batter too long, cause I did not want to hurt any of the fella’s feelings. Wish Andy was here to solve our cleanup problems. Man I’d take Lockhart and Woodward in a heartbeat over Infante & Norton. Those boys were lights out.
Speaking of which, I get the feelin’ that I am lights on, nobody home. Anybody got a sugar cube so I can get a glucose rush? Maybe the Rangers would take Hanson and Heyward off our hands for Andy. I really need my diaper changed.”
BA
March 2nd, 2009
5:03 pm
I would read it, Chop Chop (didn’t I already read it) but you know, ajc and the page navigation.
Man, this Donkey guy is just killing! Do the hee haw again, Robert- that’s funny right there, no matter who you are.
Guess we need somebody to make Cooch look smarter.
TennesseePaul
March 2nd, 2009
5:03 pm
KC: In a word. Yes.
What’s more likely, that Vazquez suddenly starts pitching like he’s 24 again, or that he pitches to the tune of a 4.50 ERA, 29HR and a 1.26 WHIP (his average over his last five seasons). Granted, he’ll probably toss a lot of innings and K a lot of batters. I’m glad for it. But I am not mistaking him for a #2 pitcher. His a #3 in his good years and less than that the rest of the time.
For his career by league:
Lg__W-L__ERA__WHIP_HR
NL 11-12 4.20 1.27 27
AL 13-12 4.52 1.26 28
Last five years
_W-L__ERA__WHIP_HR
13-12 4.50 1.26 29
He was acquired for his innings.
winterville
March 2nd, 2009
5:04 pm
Robert
Are you posting that POS about Chipper because you agree with it? If so then that goes way further than not liking Bobby Cox and thinking he is incapable. Saying Chipper is the most overrated person in baseball is plain ignorant. I’m by no means saying he is the greatest player ever or anything like that but that whole article is ridiculous. It was written by a bitter Mets fan who is tired of getting owned by Chipper. It is poorly written and it never even really says why the guy thinks he is overrated. Overall just a crappy article.
nolie
March 2nd, 2009
5:05 pm
Sometimes, it’s as if the demon-spirit of Bill Shanks is on a roll of blogger-possession. SCOOTS
BLASPHEMY !!!!!!!! You are only saying that cause you got kicked off his site I bet!!!!!! Better watch out or DOB will kick you off here too !!!!
Chop Chop
March 2nd, 2009
5:09 pm
BA,
‘Taint difficult to figure out the connection between Cooch and Robert.
DCBrave
March 2nd, 2009
5:10 pm
On the contrary, I think Chipper is one of the most underrated. Imagine if he were playing in NY.
Brad in MT
March 2nd, 2009
5:13 pm
Robert…please do us all a favor and get off the blog, you have to be the most ignorant baseball fan alive….
Robert
March 2nd, 2009
5:14 pm
No I don’t agree with the “Chipper most overrated” column. I just posted it for y’all’s amusement. I think Jose Reyes is the most overrated player in baseball.
The most overrated overall though, is no-doubt eeyore Cox aka the Donk.
Chop Chop
March 2nd, 2009
5:17 pm
(The funny thing is that I’ve wanted Bobby out of here since ‘99. As time went on, I realized he wasn’t going anywhere until the team either started sucking really bad or he retired.
McFann :Ô:
March 2nd, 2009
5:17 pm
winterville It is poorly written and it never even really says why the guy thinks he is overrated.
Kinda like those posts Mets Rule You Drool wrote in November 2007 stating that McCann was overrated?
Original Jon
March 2nd, 2009
5:18 pm
RobertThe most overrated overall though, is no-doubt eeyore Robert aka the Donk.
Nate
March 2nd, 2009
5:22 pm
Starters #1-4 are gonna get just about the same number of starts, and after the first week ratations get jumbled so you can’t say that any team’s #1 starter is gonna face another #1 starters any movre ofter than the #4 guy. Arguing over what number starter each pitcher is or may be has no real relevance. The pitching order doesn’t matter during the regular season. Sure pitching order matters during the post season, but there pitching order is gonna be determined by in-season performance.
winterville
March 2nd, 2009
5:22 pm
Yea pretty much McFann!
NotForMe
March 2nd, 2009
5:25 pm
No, the competition isn’t as good in Japan as it is in MLB. But it’s significantly better than AAA baseball here. And if you can go 38-20 with a 2.83 ERA over 500 innings in Japan… it seems to me that you can succeed in MLB.
no it isn’t “significantly” better than AAA. How would you know anyway? Kk pitched in one of the best pitchers parks in Japan too. Did you know that? And if they aren’t predictions, just what the hell are they and why bother posting them? Man up fellow, you blew hot all last winter and spring and then pretty much disappeared when the Braves stunk it up. A little optimism is a great thing, but you might try mixing in at least a little realism. What a huge homer.
18 Wheels of Love
March 2nd, 2009
5:28 pm
F Y I
Beastie Boys ‘Paul Boutique’ remastered and re-released. I’m gonna have to re-purchase that one!
Robert
March 2nd, 2009
5:31 pm
This is the robert who gave play by play the other day, I will go by Robertfrom SC so you don’t mistake me for the the other guy
NotForMe
March 2nd, 2009
5:31 pm
I’m wondering if signing Dunn to a $20 mil two year contract had anything to do with Jim Bowden’s demise. After all other corner outfielders (of equal? value) were going for much less. THE BEAR
They have been investigation Bowden and Rijo for a year at least. Didn’t have anything to do with this winter’s signings
Report this comment
RobertfromSC
March 2nd, 2009
5:31 pm
I am getting a little concerned with Jurrjens, no strikeouts yet. He needs to find his control
Wayne in Utah
March 2nd, 2009
5:32 pm
Nolie
I kinda figured as much on Hicks, although the fact that he is getting some AB’s at the big camp are telling in one way. He must have some potential, or else another would be getting those reps.
I would love to see Eric Campbell get some starts with Chipper at the WBC. Dude has loads of potential. Hopefully, he has lost the attitude…
Lew
March 2nd, 2009
5:32 pm
McFann-You should have mail-if not let me know and I’ll try to re-send FLBravesGirl’s ST pictures.
RobertfromSC
March 2nd, 2009
5:35 pm
Carroll or DOB, how was Jurrjens velocity
cityofdecatur
March 2nd, 2009
5:40 pm
Robert’s back. been a couple of years it seems. **if you try hard you can bypass his one trick pony (donkey) bit and enjoy the blog**
cityofdecatur
March 2nd, 2009
5:40 pm
Robert’s back. been a couple of years it seems. **if you try hard you can bypass his one trick pony (donkey) bit and enjoy the blog**
cityofdecatur
March 2nd, 2009
5:41 pm
only hit it once hmmm
NotForMe
March 2nd, 2009
5:44 pm
LOWE 24-3 1.88
VAZQUEZ 22-7 2.28
JURRJENS 21-9 2.89
KAWAKAMI 20-11 3.21
GLAVINE 16-11 3.54
HANSON 12-2 2.24
rammerjammer
March 2nd, 2009
5:50 pm
Anders, I do believe you are the straw that stirs the drink around here.
The hypothetical Vazquez scenario you posed doesn’t bother me. It concludes half the teams in baseball would/could be interested, including the wealthiest teams from the AL East.
That those teams are loaded with pitchers ignores the real possibility that a pitcher or two or three will be lost to injury. How attractive, then, would a 200-IP guy look? Very, I’d say.
Still, enjoy your input.
RobertfromSC
March 2nd, 2009
5:51 pm
I wonder why Bobby Cox won’t consider Jo Jo Reyes in the Pen
Chop Chop
March 2nd, 2009
5:54 pm
We can do better than 115 wins from our starters, NotForMe. Gotta be at least 120, right?
Couple that with 7 guys with 80+ RBI this year (at last check, I haven’t found another team in MLB history that had more than five) and we should be a contender in the NL East.
Hypothetically, of course.
Chop Chop
March 2nd, 2009
5:56 pm
I should add that Donk would find a way to lose 90 games this year with 115 wins from his starters. He’s that damn good.
ShamusThacker
March 2nd, 2009
6:06 pm
Summa y’all spend more time fussin, than discussin.
We still gotta while before 2012, be happy… I don’t really believe the 2012 crap, but I’m gonna make sure I have loadsa’ fun on Dec 20… lol
TnBrian
March 2nd, 2009
6:17 pm
Cox was campagining for Druw pretty hard I heard. He does have some weird soft spots for certain guys. Druw is a lost cause with almost no hope, it appears.
Wayne in Utah
March 2nd, 2009
6:20 pm
Chop Chop
Kinda like the years when Phil Neikro was a 20 game winner…..and a 20 game loser in the same season.
Wayne in Utah
March 2nd, 2009
6:23 pm
At least Andruw’s not hitting into too many double plays so far!
Chop Chop
March 2nd, 2009
6:29 pm
Bobby should go to a three-man rotation. It’s stupid not to start our best pitchers 54 times.
NCBravesFan
March 2nd, 2009
6:35 pm
Anders: agree completely with your 3:25 on Vazquez. I don’t doubt that JV is capable of having a good season in ATL, but I question his trade value because of how much he’s going to be owed in this economy … if you are at the deadline and you need a #3, you want to get someone whose contract is up at the end of the year, or who is cheap … and cheap for a #3 starter in this economy is a heck of a lot less than $11.5 mill a year.
It’s like Neyer (I think) said … teams don’t acquire players, they acquire contracts.
NCBravesFan
March 2nd, 2009
6:40 pm
NotforMe – re: your 5:44 … I smell the sarcasm way up here in NC. Those six starters will combine to log 158 of the 162 decisions in 2009. lol Might as well give Moylan 4-0 and call it a day.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
6:43 pm
TennPaul, you didn’t see “he’s a #3 starter”. You said, that even in his best seasons, he was a #3 at best.
With all due respect, I don’t know that there’s a single person in baseball that would agree with that statement. Clearly in his best seasons, he was a strong #2.
Last year, he was a #3 type of starter. No doubt. And in every other season since 2003, he was a #3. But there can be no double that in his last few years in Montreal, and in 2007 in CHI, he was markedly better than “a #3 starter at best”.
We can spin numbers anyway we want. There are the breakdowns you mentioned… but then we can say that in 3 of his last 4 season in the NL, he was excellent. But it really doesn’t matter.
In the end, he’s a that was clearly a #3 starter last year, and in 2004-2006. If that’s how he performs, then he’ll be a #3 starter for us. But based on his ‘07 season and his last few years in Montreal, we can see that he’s most definitely capable of better.
So we can get a innings-eating #3 out of Vazquez, or way may get a strong #2. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Tomas
March 2nd, 2009
6:45 pm
Harold Reynolds is just unrealistic. To think the Mariners actually have a shot after a 101 losing season, it’s just crazy. I don’t know how good their prospects are, but you have to be kidding me that after trading JJ Putz, they will compete this season. The Angels, A’s, and Rangers have much better teams.
It’s like saying the Nationals actually have a shot.
From what I’ve read and seen this spring training, you have to be extremely optimistic about this teams farm system. The Mets have depleted their system with all the trades they’ve made, and their team is only slighty better than the Braves. That is if they are able to stay healthy, and it just seems they’re players are going to break down(Johan, Redding, Garcia, and K-rod).
The Phillies have the best team of the three, but not by much. They’re pitching just seems horrible, but that’s what I said last year. This time the Braves and Mets have reboosted their teams, so maybe this year will be different. If Cole Hamels, has some kind of injury, man they’d be screwed.
I just don’t understand why Reynolds doesn’t think the Braves will able to beat the Mets, and Phillies in a couple of years. At least they have a much better shot than the Mariners thats for sure.
McFann :Ô:
March 2nd, 2009
6:47 pm
Lew–
Thanks! I got your e-mail, and I’ve been trying to send a reply for the past…oh, maybe 3 1/2 hours. My attachments aren’t working properly at the moment…the dang things won’t load. But I’m working on it…sorry about the delay.
ncscoots
March 2nd, 2009
6:49 pm
nolie, I laughed out loud, man…spit all over myself, in fact, so I’m billing you for the dry-cleaning.
after the first week ratations get jumbled so you can’t say that any team’s #1 starter is gonna face another #1 starters any movre ofter than the #4 guy.
Actually, nominal 1 or 2 starters see their opposing counterparts, 1 or 2 starters, around 63% of their starts. The percentages for mid-rotation and back-end starters depends on how you typify the group (3 and 4, or 4 and 5), but it’s in the same ballpark. You would like to have as many pitching matchups as possible in your favor, or neutral, at worst. So, slotting matters.
It’s one of the reasons that Vazquez may not be as successful as bloggers may think; he’ll be pitching out of position relative to his past performance, and won’t be in as many favorable matchups.
Chop Chop
March 2nd, 2009
6:53 pm
Is a “ratation” what the Mets call their five starters?
McFann :Ô:
March 2nd, 2009
6:55 pm
OK, Lew, I just sent the e-mail. Not sure what the problem was, but let me know if you don’t get the pics and I’ll try it again.
TennesseePaul
March 2nd, 2009
6:58 pm
It’s one of the reasons that Vazquez may not be as successful as bloggers may think; he’ll be pitching out of position relative to his past performance, and won’t be in as many favorable matchups
Wait a minute… that’s not what I was told on the last page…
KC
March 2nd, 2009
6:58 pm
NotForMe, I disagree with your predictions. Here’s what I am looking for:
LOWE: 10-18, 4.67
Jurrjens: 8-14, 5.32
Vazquez: 8-20, 5.33
Kawakami- 7-15, 5.66
Glavine/Hanson: 3-32, 9.99
Chop Chop
March 2nd, 2009
7:00 pm
Glad you’ve seen the darkness in the light, KC.
TennesseePaul
March 2nd, 2009
7:01 pm
That Glavine ERA might not be too far off.
Wayne in Utah
March 2nd, 2009
7:05 pm
Maybe it’s just wishful thinking on my part, but I see a decent year for Vazquez and Lowe, and OK seasons from Jurrjens, Kawakami and Glavine. I am not really counting on Tommy G to get past the All-Star break, but who knows.
What I am definitely hoping for is that Hanson and one of the bobsy twins (Reyes and Morton) put it together before the weather gets hot in Hot ‘Lanta.
15 dingers from KJ and Kotchman, with BA’s hovering at or near .300. Escobar with a solid year, trending upwards from last year. Schafer making the team out of the spring, although it seems that very few on the blog are expecting that to happen.
And lastly, Frenchy to return to his pre-2008 form, if not better.
If all those things happen, it will be a fun summer.
TnBrian
March 2nd, 2009
7:11 pm
My “expert” rotation prediction:
Lowe- 18-8, 3.34 ERA, 167 K’s…he’s the ace, and he’ll pitch like it
Vazquez- 17-7, 3.45 ERA, 218 K’s…maybe the biggest surprise out of everyone in ‘09
JJ- 14-7, 3.43 ERA, 147 K’s…he’ll get hit a little more, but nothing major
Kawakami- 12-9, 3.64 ERA, 132 K’s… going to slump a little, with inconsistancy
Glavine- 12-7, 4.08 ERA, 112 K’s… old man can still fool guys with the arm action
Wayne in Utah
March 2nd, 2009
7:16 pm
TnBrian
I sure hope you are spot on, as that would put us into October play for sure. While I am an optimist, I see too many opportunities for things to not go that well with guys like JJJ, Glavine and Kawakami. Also, that might be a bit too good for Lowe and JV.
But, hey, we can always hope….
Wayne in Utah
March 2nd, 2009
7:17 pm
Manny might be the most expensive couch potato in the history of the world this year…
ease19
March 2nd, 2009
7:26 pm
Now Now KC I thought we over this contradicting oneself thing earlier…
tr
March 2nd, 2009
7:27 pm
amanda
Hope your daughter made it back to Auburn okay!
Chop Chop
March 2nd, 2009
7:28 pm
73 wins from the starters.
72 wins last year.
TnBrian, we’re in for a hell of a season, man.
Couch Tater
March 2nd, 2009
7:29 pm
So scoots,
How do you suppose a six-man rotation, as some have suggested, would affect those percentages? Henceforth to be called “Scoot’s Bayesian Rata-ta-tation Theorem”.
TnBrian
March 2nd, 2009
7:30 pm
Maybe this is more like it for some of you, just not me:
Lowe- 16-10, 3.55 ERA, 145 K’s
Vazquez- 14-10, 4.15 ERA, 205 K’s
JJ- 12-9, 3.42 ERA, 135 K’s
Kawakami- 10-9, 3.85 ERA, 125 K’s
Glavine- 9-9, 4.20 ERA, 90 K’s
There’s really no gaurantee that this prediction, or mine is closer than the other, but I’m just going to go with health, depth, better offense and solid D.
BA
March 2nd, 2009
7:34 pm
Lowe- 14-12, 3.56 era
Vazquez- 12-7, 3.38 era
Jurrjens- 10-12, 4.15 era
Kawakami-?????????????????
Glavine- 3-5, 5.67 era
Hanson- 5-5, 6.34 era
Frank from KS
March 2nd, 2009
7:36 pm
Just my $0.02 on Mr. Manny
He needs to crap or get off the pot.
This thing where he’s had offer after offer after offer and not signed is sickening. He thinks he’s going to keep holding out for a better offer.
I got news for him, after what he pulled in Boston, there AIN’T no chance in that happening. Ya better go sign with LA or get off the pot Mr. Manny.
Just a thought…..wouldn’t it funny tho, if the Giants swooped up and signed him away from the Dodgers…kinda poetic justice for us after the Furcal disaster.
TnBrian
March 2nd, 2009
7:42 pm
BA, I just don’t see that. The offense won’t put together team HR’s like Philly and maybe we don’t have 3-4-5 hitter like the Mutts, but IF Frenchy can come back, Kotchman,Esco.,KJ, G.A. are all pretty damn good hitters, man. The pen will no doubt be better. That’s something even a prick like H. Reynolds would admit. I don’t think a smart young guy like JJ will struggle in his 2nd yr either. He’s very smart and will know when he needs to make adjustments. With all of that, I think my rotation prediction is closer. They’ll get run support and bail outs from a very good pen.
TnBrian
March 2nd, 2009
7:44 pm
Forgot to mention Chipper and Mac, but we know what we’re getting with those two.
nolie
March 2nd, 2009
7:52 pm
But if he’s pitching as he did in ‘07, you could deal him straight up KC
if he’s pitching that well why would you want to trade him? Makes no sense to me. I doubt anybody is gonna trade a strong #2 at the deadline. If they did they’d be crazy.
BA
March 2nd, 2009
7:53 pm
I certainly hope you’re right, TnBrian. But your initial prediction, the 73 wins- that’s the kind of numbers Atlanta hasn’t gotten from the rotation since the Maddux/Glavine/Smoltz/Neagle/Millwoood era.
I do, however, think the bullpen will be good to very good, so I think more wins will come from relievers than say, Lowe winning 18 or Vazquez winning 17. Those guys will get a lot of wins AND losses because they stay in close games.
This is not going to be an explosive offense, by any means. It should be better than last year, but I can’t see it being so good that it’s going to propel this particular group of starters to 73 wins.
N Nine (eta34)
March 2nd, 2009
8:01 pm
The numbers game
Lowe- 17-10, 3.61 ERA
Vazquez- 9-9, 4.45 ERA
JJ- 13-7, 3.82 ERA
Kawakami- 10-9, 3.17 ERA
Glavine- 6-11, 4.94 ERA,
18 Wheels of Love
March 2nd, 2009
8:01 pm
Put it on MLB TV Network….30 minute Braves preview.
NotForMe
March 2nd, 2009
8:06 pm
Chipper will reach 125 RBI’s. WHAT? Why couldn’t he? If he could play 140-145 gms, he can easily reach that. He is the best pure hitter in the game, guys. TnBrian
and just how many times has he done that while in his prime and playing almost every game? Oh yeah, he hasn’t even come close to 125 RBI at any time. Another Pollyanna huh?
A FAN
March 2nd, 2009
8:12 pm
MLB NETWORK hour preview!!!!!
Anders
March 2nd, 2009
8:18 pm
Braves preview on MLB network. Interesting point just made – Derek Lowe is not an Ace. Hmm….
TnBrian
March 2nd, 2009
8:20 pm
OK,OK… maybe the 125 RBI’s for Chipper is a little exreme, but 100-105 is very realistic. I’ll stand by my rotation prediction.
A FAN
March 2nd, 2009
8:23 pm
Francoeur just said he had a good month of sept. ill give him the average he hit .278 but he struck out a third of the time and hit no homeruns and drove in only 11. i dont know about u guys but i dont think it is all that good
TnBrian
March 2nd, 2009
8:24 pm
Anders, on those Mutt blogs, is there a Braves version of Anders over there? Not trying to be smart a–, well yeah I am, but why do you care who our “ace” is. Honestly, I’d feel a little nervous right now and especially in the future with the talent Atl. has just around the corner. You can say they’re unproven all day/night, but it’s better to have them than next to nothing like your team.
BravesFanChris24
March 2nd, 2009
8:28 pm
Anyone watching Braves turn on 30/30?
Anders
March 2nd, 2009
8:36 pm
“A lot depends on Jeff” Chippers words. The pressure continues to build for Frenchy.
Southern Bones
March 2nd, 2009
8:45 pm
Anders is a closet Braves fan. He hangs here to see what it is like to be a Brave fan….I am told it is similar to kinda of like a closet gay guy hanging out in gay bars to check it out. Anders is our token gay/Braves fan
TnBrian
March 2nd, 2009
8:51 pm
Anders, i’ve got your Mutt lineup prediction:
Reyes- .284, 7 HR, 45 RBI…will pull his groin celebrating a 1st inning HR in Aug.-out a month
Castillo- .225, 1 HR, 16 RBI…just sucks
Wright- .310, 32 HR, 108 RBI…gets another undeserving GG for being nothing more than a NY meatball
Beltran- .276, 24, 79 RBI…Hamels drills him on the hand in Aug.for getting a bigger newspaper headline for a more unique bahsing comment than his- out for 2 months
Delgado- .251, 21 HR, 80 RBI… in Sep. he’ll be forced by the gov. to join the U.S. Army for spitting on the US flag on live TV
Tatis- .240, 5 HR, 32 RBI… everybody remembers that he really sucks
Murphy- .275, 10 HR, 65 RBI
mets fan in atlanta
March 2nd, 2009
8:56 pm
Hey Southern, sounds like you know something about that…….
For some reasons you keep asking why we hang out here, but you answer your own question all the time: this is by far the best blog around that any of us have been able to find. If i wanted to know any baseball talk in the offseason, i could come here and find it being discussed. Not just Braves, not just Mets, but anything. Now, at the same time, i consider Mets/Braves to be the preeminent rivalry the last 10-55 years in the NL East, even though the Phillies have snuck in there the past two years. I’m from MS, so i liken it to MSU/Ole Miss or for most of you, UGA/GA Tech. Those fans show up on each others blog all the time, what is the difference here?
Southern Bones
March 2nd, 2009
8:59 pm
mets fan in atlanta and anders are cute and I love your macho insults and your sweet buns. I do hate it when your mascara runs.
toga party
March 2nd, 2009
8:59 pm
Whomever suggested putting some lemon into a Jack and water has my thanks. Jack and water has always been my favorite “sittin around drinkin” beverage, and I never would have thought to add lemon. I must admit, it’s quite refreshing.
And I’ll never again claim that I don’t learn anything from this blog. (Never have, actually. I’ve learned a lot here over the years.)
James is Red
March 2nd, 2009
9:06 pm
Pretty interesting podcast interview with Glavine He talks about Smoltz, his own negotiation, ‘91 and ‘95.
Bubdylan
March 2nd, 2009
9:07 pm
Toga, that was Random, and it’s good, isn’t it?
Southern Bones
March 2nd, 2009
9:13 pm
Anders quote “I know longer wonder what your blog name means”. Anders when you get past the 7th grade they will teach you the difference between know and no.
mets fan in atlanta – I have never asked you anything.
The subtle shots you two take at Braves players are cute. I “know” longer wonder what your blog names mean…”troll”
Anders' Credentials
March 2nd, 2009
9:14 pm
I heard there was a stagger party here. Am I too late?
toga party
March 2nd, 2009
9:22 pm
Ahhh. Thanks Random. And cheers Bub. Your posts always make me laugh when I read the overnight comments.
Anders
March 2nd, 2009
9:23 pm
Southern Bones- You attacked me -not the other way around. If you have something productive to say please do, Otherwise I’ll just ignore your misplaced anger.
BTW- Anyone else watching “We are Young” on the MLB Network? It’s a documentary on Dimitri and Delmon Young and their family. Great production quality and very interesting. Telling you folks, if you’re a serious baseball fan you have to have this network.
Tomas
March 2nd, 2009
9:26 pm
TnBrian,
I hope you’re right, but you’re being to optimistic. Jurrjens, and Kawakami will probably have ERA’s close to 4.
My predictions would be:
Derek Lowe 16-11 with a 3.76 ERA
Javier Vazquez 14-8 with a 3.82 ERA
Jair Jurrjens 9-7 with a 4.05 ERA
Kenshin Kawakami 8-8 with a 3.97 ERA
Tom Glavine 8-4 with a 4.45 ERA
winterville
March 2nd, 2009
9:42 pm
Does anyone know who’s scheduled to pitch tomorrow?
toga party
March 2nd, 2009
9:47 pm
must be campillo and hansen again
toga party
March 2nd, 2009
9:50 pm
Or is Campillo going to the WBC for Mexico? I can’t remember.
SoDak Brave
March 2nd, 2009
9:55 pm
Campillo went to mexico I believe.
robdawg08
March 2nd, 2009
10:03 pm
Would it be smarter to have your best pitcher (ace) be the # 2 starter so he can face most other team’s # 2 starter ? Sooner or later the off days and different game scheduling would make it of no consequence anyway.
So when are G. Hernandez,Schafer,Heyward,others projected MLB ready ?
Thomas,the Braves lack the offense to likely compete with the Mets and Phillies. The Braves would have to have great years from all (except Chipper, that’s a given) to even have a shot. K-Rod will probably be the difference maker for the Mets this year winning the East. But the Mariners competing this year ? H. Reynolds needs to wake up…
KC
March 2nd, 2009
10:08 pm
Tomas, based on what we saw last year, I think you may be attributing too few wins to Jurrjens, and that ERA for him might be a tad inflated as well.
And while we never know for sure what a guy will do converting from Japan to the US… Kawakami’s recent numbers of there can give us some idea.
Over his past 500 innings, Kawakami has gone 38-20 with a 2.83 ERA.
No, Japan competition isn’t as good as MLB, but it’s significantly better than, say… AAA baseball. So I agree with what Leo Mazzone recently said about KK… I think he wins at least 12 games. Probably more. Your ERA looks pretty reasonable for him.
Your ERA for Lowe might be a tad high as well, but it’s certainly a reasonable prediction. Your predictions for Glavine and Vazquez also seem very reasonable.
robdawg08
March 2nd, 2009
10:08 pm
Nothing lately from Bugg Selig on the steroids front… Old Bud
(former owner) plays the middle man all too well… “Don’t blame me for the steroid era.” Let’s see, I believe that you were the commissioner of MLB those years ? If the Player’s Union doesn’t agree then its time for another work stoppage, Bugg. But you just bow down to their decree. Do your freakin’ job already…
robdawg08
March 2nd, 2009
10:12 pm
Sorry, that Selig vent has been wanting to escape me for a couple of weeks now. I’ll focus solely on the Braves from this steroid-free (?) day forward…
KC
March 2nd, 2009
10:13 pm
robdawg08, I disagree. The Braves pitching, assuming health, will likely be the best in the division, and that will count for a lot. They don’t need everyone to have great years. They just need everyone to do what we know they are capable of (within reason).
No, we don’t have any 30-40 HR guys… but as long as Francoeur bounces back (that’s a big key), the Braves have quality hitters all the way up and down this lineup.
Again, assuming a Frenchy rebound, about got 3 big run producers (Chipper, McCann, Francoeur)… but then you also have 4 positions from which you can expect .280-300, 13-20 homers, 65-90 RBI. That’s a very nice, balanced attack.
Again, don’t need big years… just need everyone to do their part. If that happens, the Braves edge in the pitching dept. will keep them in this thing AT LEAST long enough to find a bat at the deadline, if necessary.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
10:14 pm
OOPS… meant to say: assuming a Frenchy rebound, you’ve got 3 big run producers…
robdawg08
March 2nd, 2009
10:20 pm
KC, I agree that the Braves starting pitching can be better than the Mets or Phillies. But the bullpen (Gonzo,Sorio) needs to be lethal too.
This game is about both offense and defense. I’ll still beg to respectfully disagree with you that if the Mets and Phillies hitters are averaging 10 more homeruns and 20 more rbi’s (per player) than the Braves offense is then it will offset their pitching deficiencies. Ryan Howard,Chase Utley,Carlos Delgado,and Carlos Beltran could be the major reasons too. Based on last year’s Braves offensive numbers everyone except Chipper & McCann needs marked improvement to compete in the NL East.
robdawg08
March 2nd, 2009
10:22 pm
Francoeur is closer to losing his position right now than to hitting 25 to 30 homeruns next year. Truth be told.
nolie
March 2nd, 2009
10:23 pm
Bill Shanks wrote a book a couple of years back gushing over the Braves, which was mostly hostile to statistics and sabermetrics. Describe the culture within the Braves regarding newer, advanced stats.
“The culture within the Braves is to find the best players, period. In order to find the best players we use as much information as possible
I think you are reading what you want to read into that response.What else would you expect him to say Steve? That they ignore new stats? I doubt seriously he would say anything but what he did. The proof isn’t in what they say but in what they do, and even in that answer he starts with and emphases the scouting dept. As I said B4 they don’t ignore them, but they are a scout-approach team first and foremost and it has been a very productive approach for the most part.
robdawg08
March 2nd, 2009
10:26 pm
I can’t pass this one up…
Did Jeff Francoeur work out with Andruw Jones in the batting cage over the winter ? Lol.
Dadgum
March 2nd, 2009
10:39 pm
I agree Francouer is on the bubble concerning his starting position. Braves simply can’t go with him as their everyday RF if he tanks in ST. This team must get a solid year from the RF position to be even remotely having a chance to compete for the division.
Remember also that Glavine hasn’t made the team just yet. Predictions are just as likely he won’t be on the 25 man let alone guessing how many wins he will have. Something still tells me he won’t make it and something even more tells me he shouldn’t make it.
Am I missing something, because I am sure not going back over all the page clicks, exactly why aren’t we signing Ohman. Right now. He is dirt cheap and probably better in the pen than we got now. Just wondering.
Rock on……was 24 awesome or what!!
Sid Pendleton
March 2nd, 2009
10:41 pm
New reader/fan of the coverage. Really enjoy your insight and good to know you are from Greenville, NC as I am a 10 year resident. Keep up the good work. Thanks for the updates.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
10:44 pm
robdawg08, I certainly won’t argue that bullpen health is a key!!
I’ve said all along that if two things happen, the Braves ARE legitimate competitors, if not, it’ll be tough… and those two things are: 1) bullpen health, and 2) a Francoeur rebound
Right now, everyone appears to be healthy, so… knock on wood. Truthfully though, I think they’ll be just fine in the ‘pen, so long as at least 2 of their big 3 (Gonzo, Soriano, Moylan) are healthy at all times. There are some other good arms down there, and the burden this ‘pen will have to carry will be MUCH lighter than it was last year.
As for Franceour, no one knows right now, but I think there’s plenty of reason to be hopeful. There is PLENTY of precedent for a good hitter to have a terrible season-long slump, and bounce back the next year. It’s happened to better hitters than Francoeur. A couple that come to mind… Mike Schmidt had a terrible season (for no apparent reason) at a similar point in his career. And Mark McGwire had a season in which he hit .201, steroids and all. If we extend the conversation beyond hitters, Tim Hudson faced a similar situation a couple years ago after that awful ’06 season.
So I don’t have a difficult time at all envisioning Francoeur getting right back to where he was in’07, because this sort of thing has happened many times before in Major League Baseball. And I’m encouraged by his attitude and Chipper’s comments about his progress. That said, there’s certainly no guarantee. Way too early to judge his spring performance. We’ll have to wait and see.
Anyway, if everyone in the Braves lineup hits as their capable, I don’t think the Mets and Phillies are going to average anything close to 10 more HR per player. Again, no 30-40 HR guys (neither did the ‘98/’99 Yankees teams), but there’s pop all up in down the order. So this isn’t a team full of slap singles hitters. There’s enough HR power, and plenty of doubles power.
Again, offensively, everyone just has to pull their weight, including Francoeur. ESPECIALLY Francoeur. If the Braves get that, plus a reasonably healthy ‘pen… they’re going to be in this thing.
nolie
March 2nd, 2009
10:45 pm
OK,OK… maybe the 125 RBI’s for Chipper is a little exreme, but 100-105 is very realistic. I’ll stand by my rotation prediction. TN BRIAN
I agree with you that 100-105 is possible if he can stay relatively healthy. He’s never been a great RBI guy(big totals) but a consistently good one.
KC
March 2nd, 2009
10:45 pm
robdawg08, yes, Francoeur hit all winter with AJ and Chipper. You heard Chipper’s comments about the two of them, right? Chipper raved about Frenchy… but didn’t have a good word to say about AJ.
northbeach Scott
March 2nd, 2009
10:47 pm
Robert, for what it is worth, I am with you on the incompetent Ol’Donk. His in-game tactician skills are mediocre at best and frankly border on incompetent. Donk’s primary skills seem to be in talent evaluation and getting the most out of players that need to be placed in position to be successful. He does the later, in part, by establishing the clubhouse that is very player friendly.
My concern with Booby is that he seems to be unable to execute and to make competent decisions on line ups, pitching changes, by the book left vs left handed pinch hitters, and baseball fundamentals. He also seems unwilling to have “come to Jesus” meetings with the likes of Frenchy, Corky, Woodcrap, Lasse Wilson, etc. He does need to occasionally put a boot up some of these jerks’ butts to get them in gear.
Will really look forward the 2010 and 2011 Braves under a new manager–hopefully Freddy Gonzalez or Eddie Perez. Have appreciated your leadership Donk, but please hang ‘em up after this season.
ric flair
March 2nd, 2009
10:52 pm
Andruw only struck out once today in 4 at bats. He is getting better. LOL!!!
Carroll Rogers
March 2nd, 2009
10:52 pm
TBraveFan, I’m here until next Tuesday, so holler if you see a redheaded gal with a notepad. Not a bad idea on the spring training photos. Not sure if we can do it on the fly, but I’ll run it past the bosses and see what they say.
I must be in the right rental house – there’s a motorcycle in the garage!
Steve from OH
March 2nd, 2009
10:56 pm
nolie, never said or implied their approach was wrong. How can you not love their scouting approach, especially with the folks they’ve got working there? Just confirming my suspicions that Frank has a little bit of a different mindset from JS, that’s all….
The people you’ve got doing the work can make any approach look good if they do their jobs well. The Braves have some of the best scouting folks in the game, so why not use them? Likewise, if you have idiots in your FO reading the stats, they can make a sabermetric approach look silly too…
Stats and scouting go hand in hand man. And it looks like the Braves see it that way too. That’s all I’m sayin’.
Steve from OH
March 2nd, 2009
11:04 pm
Although neither of us can be considered impartial analysts of that particular answer, can we?
Joe Schmoe
March 2nd, 2009
11:13 pm
HOO WEE HOW BOUT THEM APPLES!
Bubdylan
March 2nd, 2009
11:13 pm
The Atlanta Baseball Talk telephone interview (I don’t know how to link, but the google route to that interview is logical) with Tom Glavine is a nice listen. I know Tom gets accused of grandstanding, but I thought he was pretty genuine and graceful. He gives talks honestly (tactfully, of course) about the Smoltz thing, even admitting how it put him at a certain advantage, with the team not wanting to publicly spurn two veterans in one offseason.
I know his arm can’t do the sexy things Smoltz’s can at this stage, but I’m glad Tom is back. I hope he has a good year.
nolie
March 2nd, 2009
11:17 pm
I agree Francouer is on the bubble concerning his starting position. Braves simply can’t go with him as their everyday RF if he tanks in ST. This team must get a solid year from the RF position to be even remotely having a chance to compete for the division
I think you guys are kidding yourselves. I think there is very little chance that Jeff doesn’t start the season in RF if he is still with the team, which is more likely than not. They didn’t just spend what they did on him, not to start him regularly. For veterans with largish contracts, ST at-bats don’t count for much.
J.Y.
March 2nd, 2009
11:19 pm
interesting… Met’s Hope to land Big Bat later in the season http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/93275-mets-hope-to-land-big-bat?eref=fromSI
Go Braves
flbravesgirl
March 2nd, 2009
11:25 pm
Welcome to Florida, Carroll! Sorry you got here just in time for a little cold snap.
Interested Observer
March 2nd, 2009
11:32 pm
Carroll, did DOB leave the key to the bike for you?
nolie
March 2nd, 2009
11:35 pm
Although neither of us can be considered impartial analysts of that particular answer, can we?
that was partly my point(I don’t think we disagree at all about how they should be used, just the degree to which the Braves are likely to use them), but I’ve been studying their actions for a lot of years with the previous experience to interpret them, and they are definitely in the bottom half of teams when it comes to newer stats. they have never shown any real interest in guys like Dunn who draw all the Sabre-love.I hope that Wren does change that a bit cause I agree completely that scouting & stats should be combined(well they are of very limited value when drafting HS players), been posting that for years. It seems like most people even many baseball execs are more comfortable with one approach or the other even if they don’t ignore the other one.
Chop Chop
March 3rd, 2009
12:05 am
Carroll,
Don’t forget to leave something (putting itching powder or a fake poop in the bed would be nice) at the rental so DOB will know you were there.
Chop Chop
March 3rd, 2009
12:07 am
You could also try Super-Gluing the toilet seat down. We always seem to forget to leave the seat down…
TnBrian
March 3rd, 2009
12:12 am
I think all this talk about Francoeur’s struggles in ‘08 will end soon. He’s not going to have that plate discipline like a Chipper or Manny, but he’ll put up his .250-.260 avg and give you 20+ hr’s. He just not the type you build a team around though. I don’t know who that next guy will be when Chipper is gone, but Mac is certainly possible.
I’ll tell you, if this Hanson kid turns out as great as most think, he and Mac are guys that will lead us to a new dynasty. If ‘09 is another year of a transition period, so be it. It’s baseball, and it was going to happen eventually. But, Wren has put together a very nice rotation, so we’ll see.
TnBrian
March 3rd, 2009
12:15 am
Carrol, he can’t stand the comedian Dane Cook, so maybe buy a huge poster of him and put it right over his bed. Or, better yet, get an autographed poster of Hudson and lay it next to his pillow.
Chop Chop
March 3rd, 2009
12:25 am
Not bad, TnBrian.
However, finding a fake white snake and putting it under the covers might be better. You could put a Post-It Note on it that reads, “Walk along a lonely street of dreams, ***hole. Whitesnake RULZ!”
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 3rd, 2009
12:27 am
I found this interesting little tidbit of information over at the baseball section of Yahoo:
Braves team report.
As for Kawakami, his honors in Japan notwithstanding, general manager Frank Wren and manager Bobby Cox never saw him pitch live until pitchers and catchers reported to spring training.
Wren tried on three occasions to see Kawakami pitch in Japan but was foiled each time. It seems that announcing probable starters is not done in Japan—it’s potluck for fans and visiting executives alike as to who appears at the beginning of games.
Did not David O’Brien tell us that Frank Wren had seen Kawakami pitch live in Japan? Once again, the information coming out of the AJC is not what it seems to be.
MattyRoss
March 3rd, 2009
12:29 am
DOB what do you think of Ra Ra Riot? Just saw them out here at the El Rey with all my Syracuse pals. Great fun, as always. Weird to see them hitting it big, as they were a campus band when we were there.
MattyRoss
March 3rd, 2009
12:31 am
Also, Coach, DOB actually specifically told us that Wren had gone, tried to see him and failed. Once again, the information coming out of this blog is weeks ahead of other places on the net. Good call, though.
TnBrian
March 3rd, 2009
12:34 am
Chop Chop, whitesnake’s not the worst hair band ever. They had some ok songs back in the day. Of course I was probably 7 years old at the time, but I can listen to them sometimes.
Coach, that was on the Braves homepage before. Bowman wrote that Wren tried to see Kawakami pitch in Japan. And I do remember DOB mentioning the same thing more than once.
nolie
March 3rd, 2009
12:38 am
Also, Coach, DOB actually specifically told us that Wren had gone, tried to see him and failed. MATTY
yeah that’s what Dave said quite a while ago
KC
March 3rd, 2009
12:43 am
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed), no… I think DOB said exactly what you just repeated in your last post. He said that they had tried to see him live, but weren’t able to catch him… and that Braves scouts had seem him live numerous times, and of course, the Braves watched plenty of video.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 3rd, 2009
12:57 am
OK, got it.
One other thing, today’s Yankee’s vs. team USA game at 1:15 pm will be televised live on the MLB network. Hoss and Heap will be playing.
Original Jon
March 3rd, 2009
12:57 am
Hanson is scheduled to start Wednesday against Panama WBC, so he wont be going today
Coach (I'm a babbling, drooling moron)
March 3rd, 2009
1:03 am
Foiled again!
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 3rd, 2009
3:48 am
Did somebody want my autograph? I seem to be famous.
NOT: )
Couch Tater
March 3rd, 2009
6:55 am
Carroll,
You may want to don your leathers and ride that bike over to Sopotnick’s to cover the coleslaw wrestling at noon tomorrow.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/volusia/orl-2009-bike-week-events,0,6315905.htmlstory
18 Wheels of Love
March 3rd, 2009
7:45 am
Downloaded the Isbell album last night….will listen to it today.
cvbraves
March 3rd, 2009
7:57 am
Carroll Rogers: As you probably noticed, but in case you didn’t, your comments didn’t begin in the left margin and didn’t show up in blue/gray. Some of us like to scroll quickly past other comments to see what folks in the know like DOB (and now you) may be saying about the team or the game.
Are you going to be able to keep us updated on what is happening in today’s game? Doesn’t look like it is on either MLB.TV or radio.
cvbraves
March 3rd, 2009
8:16 am
Panama vs. Braves game is today, not Wednesday.
Maddux
March 3rd, 2009
8:16 am
Who’s on the hill today?
cvbraves
March 3rd, 2009
8:19 am
Think it is Hanson.
ncscoots
March 3rd, 2009
8:20 am
How do you suppose a six-man rotation, as some have suggested, would affect those percentages? Henceforth to be called “Scoot’s Bayesian Rata-ta-tation Theorem”.
Couch, finally saw that post, and I’d say such a scenario would blow the percentages all to heck and gone, LOL. Cats living with dogs, 6’s against 1’s, end of the world stuff.
Love the name, though. HA!
toga party
March 3rd, 2009
8:20 am
Original Jon, the Panama game is today, and from my count, it looks like Hanson will be pitching, but I can’t find confirmation of that anywhere.
KK will be going tomorrow (Wed) against the evil empire (Yankees). I think you just had your days mixed up.
TBraveFan
March 3rd, 2009
8:22 am
Bubdylan – I beg to differ on your assessment that Tommy’s arm cannot do the sexy things Smoltz could… I think it’s very sexy what Tommy can do – at any stage of his game!!
Carroll – Will holler – from one redhead to another!
Original Jon
March 3rd, 2009
8:37 am
toga party I am just going by what DOB said in his blog the other day. He said Hanson was starting Wednesday, maybe he had his days messed up, lol.
Original Jon
March 3rd, 2009
8:39 am
This excerpt is from DOB’s blog titled, ‘Go to the TV, Hanson is pitching’
‘By the way, the only reason he’s relieving today is the fact that the Braves have so many starting pitchers in camp, and Bobby Cox wanted to give Jorge Campillo a start before he leaves to join the Mexican WBC team. Hanson is scheduled to make his first start in an exhibition game against Panama’s WBC team on Wednesday at Dark Star, aka Disney’s Wide World of Sports, which is serving as Panama’s training camp’
Original Jon
March 3rd, 2009
8:41 am
Either way, its the 3rd of March that Hanson is pitching, so yeah, he is starting today.
toga party
March 3rd, 2009
8:52 am
Oh, I see. Makes sense now. DOB just had the wrong day in there.
Either way, it really sucks that the game won’t be on tv or radio anywhere. Hopefully Carroll will keep us in the loop.
ease19
March 3rd, 2009
8:55 am
I think DOB just got his days mixed up…Today is definitely against Panama and would be the 5th day since Hanson last threw…
Maddux
March 3rd, 2009
9:04 am
Where is Carrol’s picture on top of the blog for this week?
David O'Brien
March 3rd, 2009
9:17 am
DOB- Don’t know if you go this deep in the blog, but I have a question for you. Have you heard the Van Morrison “Astral Weeks-Live” CD yet? GoTigers72
Yes, and it’s terrific. Commented on it a couple weeks ago, was listening to it in Fla.
Listened to the new U2 a couple times last night/today (buddy had burned an advance promo copy). Wouldn’t give it 5 stars or call it a masterpiece as Rolling Stone did, but it’s good/very good. Think it’ll grow on us U2 fans more with each listen, but first couple listens would yield about 3-1/2 stars (out of 5) from me.
David O'Brien
March 3rd, 2009
9:18 am
Ease19, yes, days mixed up. Hanson throwing against Panama today. (No, I’m not there, but I’m sure Carroll will be commenting in game, at least about Hanson)
David O'Brien
March 3rd, 2009
9:23 am
18 Wheels: No doubt about that remastered and expanded disc. That’s one to get
David O'Brien
March 3rd, 2009
9:26 am
Matt,you haven’t heard a lot about Gorkys since camp opened simply because he’s not IN camp. He’s in minor league camp.
His stock hasn’t fallen whatsoever, just young and doesn’t need to be in camp when they’ve got so many center-fielders competing for a spot already. No need to non-roster invite him. He’s the only one of the Braves’ five prospects in BA Top 100 who’s not in big-league camp.
David O'Brien
March 3rd, 2009
9:28 am
beachcomber, I was in Dunedin, but you didn’t see me engrossed in conversation with Frank. He was there, you apparently saw him talking to someone else, probably Tom Verducci from Sports Ilustrated. Was he in shorts? That was Tom.
I was by the batting cage for quite a while talking to Pendleton.
Scalp 'Em Braves
March 3rd, 2009
9:29 am
For all the chatter created by signing Lowe, Kawakami, Anderson (and the failure to sign others), thank goodness we didn’t bite on signing Andruw (to anything, not even a minor league contract) and Hampton. They are stinking up the state of Texas so far. Just glad they ain’t stinking up our roster
scottgt
March 3rd, 2009
9:30 am
What’s up with Will Ohman?
toga party
March 3rd, 2009
9:32 am
Yeah, can’t wait to pick up the new U2 today. Just have to decide on which version/s. Lots of cross marketing going on with this release. For some reason, I’m leaning towards the vinyl. Never heard U2 on vinyl. Not sure about the magazine or DVD yet.
toga party
March 3rd, 2009
9:34 am
scottgt, his wife wants us to talk about players that are actually on the Braves team.
18 Wheels of Love
March 3rd, 2009
9:41 am
Wow, I’ve never listened to a magazine before. Winder how U2 pulled that technological miracle off?
toga party
March 3rd, 2009
9:45 am
Yeah, it’s amazing 18 wheels. You can read the DVD too. You just need a magnifying glass. These guys never stop breaking down barriers.
Apparently my paragraph structure needs some work.
Random
March 3rd, 2009
9:47 am
Wayne in Utah (7:17 pm): “Manny might be the most expensive couch potato in the history of the world this year…”
Oh, yeah? How so?
Who’ll be payin’ him? How much? For what?
Random
March 3rd, 2009
9:57 am
Frank from KS (7:36 pm): “Just my $0.02 on Mr. Manny
He needs to crap or get off the pot.
This thing where he’s had offer after offer after offer and not signed is sickening. He thinks he’s going to keep holding out for a better offer.”
Getcher facts straight.
Boras/Ramirez have not simply been sayin “nyet, nyet, nyet” — they’ve been more than mere nefarious, niggling, nay-saying nabobs of negativism.
Thye HAVE made counteroffers which it was the Dodgers’ pleasure to reject.
dogsbrekky
March 3rd, 2009
9:58 am
[strong] GLAVINE BET FOR ANYONE [/strong]
I will bet anyone that not only does Glavine start on the opening day roster but he will win more than 10 games…. They WOULD NOT SIGN him unless he was looking good…
TY and “Shake and Bake”
Steve McP
March 3rd, 2009
10:03 am
Be careful with that bet dogsbrekky, he would not be scheduled to pitch until the second week and so they might not put him on the 25 man until nearer that time, using another bull pen arm instead for the first couple of weeks.
Alan W Rollins
March 3rd, 2009
10:07 am
Kudos from Knoxville, TN. I love reading your blog. Keep up the great work. It keeps me “in the game”.
Steve McP
March 3rd, 2009
10:09 am
This may post twice, sorry if it does, I posted and then it has disappeared into the ether.
Be careful with the wording of that bet dogsbrekky, I don’t disagree with you that the Braves would not have signed Glavine unless they liked what they saw of his health, but it is possible that he will not be on the 25 man roster for the first couple of weeks of the season as he would not be expected to pitch until April 19th, because of the off days in the early part of the season, so they might choose to put another arm for the bull pen on the roster until he is needed to pitch.
Lew
March 3rd, 2009
10:19 am
toga party-While I sometimes have appreciated U2 in the past, I’m not certain that reading a DVD with a magnifying glass could actually be categorized as breaking down a barrier.
dogsbrekky
March 3rd, 2009
10:21 am
Steve McP – point taken but you get my drift
but if Glavine says his arm is feeling better than it has in 6 years and remembering in 3/4 seasons he was 13 wins 15 wins 13 wins, then his arm fell off…..
“I’m a believer”………..
Watched a French flick which got 5 star rave reviews… The Class SO DISAPPOINTING…. not worth my $12.50
Runnin
March 3rd, 2009
10:22 am
I believe I heard April 19 as Glavine’s first start, almost 3 weeks into the season. But I think one of his money incentives is being on the opening day roster, so don’t how they will do that.
braves4ever
March 3rd, 2009
10:25 am
dogsbrekky , I would agree with you and also doesn’t Glavine’s package say that if he starts the season on the roster he gets a bonus?. If thats the case he will do everything to be on it day 1. I agree he’s a 10-12 game winner this year at least, dudes been there ,knows whats he is doing. Still has the experience to get great hitters out .
Daybed Wagmoe
March 3rd, 2009
10:30 am
DOB — I’m curious, if a team extends a non-roster invite to a prospect, does that affect his options later on down the road, or anything like that?
dogsbrekky
March 3rd, 2009
10:40 am
Quesion – can I use windex to clean a LCD tv screen ?
I am domestically challenged
braves4ever
March 3rd, 2009
10:43 am
I always do lightly, and use a cloth type rag not paper towels as paper can scratch.
Webhead
March 3rd, 2009
10:43 am
Chipper’s stats for this year- .355 19 hrs, 75 rbis. Folks, there is no one to protect him in this line-up. Not his fault but he will be hitting for avg. just like the last 2 years.It’s a great adjustment on his part because not everyone can adjust their swing when pitchers start pitching around you but sadly with this being the case there is no way he’ll hit 500 hrs for his career and it’s the Braves fault for not getting the players needed to back him up.
Random
March 3rd, 2009
10:44 am
toga party (8:59 pm): “Whomever suggested putting some lemon into a Jack and water has my thanks. Jack and water has always been my favorite “sittin around drinkin” beverage, and I never would have thought to add lemon. I must admit, it’s quite refreshing.”
Yer welcome — just a little 12th step service work (”takin’ the message to the alcoholic who still suffers.”)
And thanks to you Bubdylan (9:07 pm) fer the props.
KC
March 3rd, 2009
10:51 am
dogsbrekky, sulfuric acid works better.
KC
March 3rd, 2009
10:55 am
Is Tommy Hanson pitching in the WBC???
Someone said so on last page. I was not aware of that, if true.
Frank from KS
March 3rd, 2009
10:56 am
Lol@KC @10:51 a.m.
KC
March 3rd, 2009
11:01 am
Never mind. I get it now. He’s just pitching in an exhibition game against the WBC Panama team.
Bill M.
March 3rd, 2009
11:05 am
It was reported that Glavine might be the Braves opening day pitcher, Gwinnett Braves.
cphizzle
March 3rd, 2009
11:06 am
i really wish they would schedule the WBC some other time rather than right in the middle of spring training. seems to me it throws a kink in our hose.
Wayne in Utah
March 3rd, 2009
11:09 am
Random
Thanks for the couch potato correction.
Are you Scott Boras? or Manny’s mother?
Ritchie from Scotland
March 3rd, 2009
11:10 am
KC – Hanson certainly isn’t pitching in the WBC. He’s pitching against Panama in a Spring Training game against the Braves, not the US.
Ritchie from Scotland
March 3rd, 2009
11:10 am
……but i see you get that
Wayne in Utah
March 3rd, 2009
11:11 am
Random WOW! You actually go back in these pages to check on posts? Or do you just copy/paste them all and look for certain keywords?
Any way you slice it, I am impressed…..
cphizzle
March 3rd, 2009
11:12 am
i hope the bravos put a thrashing on them and make them wanna withdraw from the WBC
JPHunt
March 3rd, 2009
11:12 am
I think that Glavine can be on the opening day roster and not pitch until the 19th, the schedule in those first few weeks has plenty of off days allowing the braves to only use four starters.
Daybed Wagmoe
March 3rd, 2009
11:15 am
dogsbrekky — short answer, no. Google your question and you’ll be able to come up with some answers and tips that people offer on different sites.
Lew
March 3rd, 2009
11:19 am
Dogsbrekky-I’ve got a Toshiba (don’t know if it makes a difference0 and they say that while the TV is turned off, to use a dry, soft, cotton cloth and no cleaning substance at all. I haven’t noticed much in the way of dust adhering to the screen anyway. I don’t have young kids, so fingerprints are not a problem, much less sticky substances of unknown origin.
dogsbrekky
March 3rd, 2009
11:21 am
Is it sulphuric aicd or sulfuric for USA spelling, we do things differently down under
McFann :Ô:
March 3rd, 2009
11:26 am
That’d be weird if the Braves were playing the USA team today.
Lawman
March 3rd, 2009
11:26 am
Hey, DOB. Just back from getting snowed in NYC. Saw Van Morrison Saturday nite @ the Wamu Theatre. He did 2 hours 20 minutes, all of Astral Weeks, some rather obscure material & lots of hits. Great versions of “Mystic Eyes” & “Madame George”. Tremendous!
McFann :Ô:
March 3rd, 2009
11:27 am
dogsbrekky–
Hmm…”ph” or “f”? I’d go with “f”…
But that’s my anti-Fillie bias showing through.
cphizzle
March 3rd, 2009
11:32 am
are you guys passin round a foreign substance? the comments got me a little on the confused side today.
PWHjort
March 3rd, 2009
11:32 am
This was my response to the “Chipper Jones: The Most Overrated Player in Baseball” article:
“I just read your Chipper Jones article. I have to agree with some of the things that you said, though I don’t think Chipper Jones is “overrated”, he is what he is. A great contact hitter who is sidelined with injuries for around 30 games a year. I don’t think people claim he’s Albert Pujols or Barry Bonds, he’s nowhere close, but he certainly occupies the next tier with great fortitude. Chipper Jones produced a VORP of 75.9 last year, 3rd in Baseball. The year before that he was 6th with 76.9. I’m sorry, but you’re an idiot if you think he’s not a legitimately great hitter. As far as your critique on his defense, you need to do a little research before you write next time. Chipper has rated +3 and +9 on John Dewan’s fielding bible +/- system the past two years. (That is, he made 3 and 9 MORE plays than the average 3rd baseman would’ve made given the same set of circumstances). He’s no Joe Crede, but to say he’s a terrible fielder is a completely unfounded statement that you published only because you couldn’t think of anything else to take a stab at. This article was written to get an applause line from Mets fans while taking a cheap knock at the man that has made life miserable for them for the past 15 years. You did no research except the extra-base hits thing and conveniently failed to mention the fact that Chipper Jones drew a walk 17% of the time last season, good for 3rd in the majors. I’ll stop rambling but next time you write an article you might want to start with a question instead of going out and trying to prove something. Especially something like this, which is impossible to prove. This is just unintelligent crap.”
cphizzle
March 3rd, 2009
11:35 am
nobody else i would rather have up in a clutch situation than Chipper…he is like two-ply toilet paper…hes proven to be effective
northbeach Scott
March 3rd, 2009
11:39 am
Do not use windex (ammonia-based) on an LCD screen (pc nor TV) as it can cause damage. Also, do not use windex on auto windows as the the ammonia will destroy aftermarket window tinting. There are specialty products made for this purpose sold at Best Buy or any other major seller of TVs. Monster (as in Monster cable) makes a pump bottle. Use with a microfiber cloth (not a cotton cloth, nor papertowels).
I am and engineer and am in the business.
Anders
March 3rd, 2009
11:39 am
I will bet anyone that not only does Glavine start on the opening day roster but he will win more than 10 games…. They WOULD NOT SIGN him unless he was looking good… (dogsbrekky)
The Braves signed Glavine for $1mm. He has $3.5mm in staggered bonuses that kick in for making the roster, then again in 30 and 60 days of being on the roster. I’m not saying he will or won’t make the bonuses but this contract is not written in the deep confidence you are implying the Braves have in Glavine delivering the goods at this point.
Basically they gave him $1mm and are making him sing for his supper to get the rest. I think it’s fair.
ease19
March 3rd, 2009
11:42 am
Anders – you are spouting out numbers like a bonna fide Braves Fan…I guess Southern Bones got you out of the closet, eh?
Random
March 3rd, 2009
11:44 am
dogsbrekky (11:21 am): “Is it sulphuric aicd or sulfuric for USA spelling, we do things differently down under”
Tell us about it!
Why don’t you regale the group with tales of “aluminium” cans?
brent a.
March 3rd, 2009
11:47 am
Is it okay to use Windex on auto windows if you don’t have tint?
What exactly is “after market window tinting”?
brent a.
March 3rd, 2009
11:48 am
By the way, can someone please show me how to hyperlink a URL?
I promise, if you show me, and it works, I won’t ask again
.
Thanks
Anders
March 3rd, 2009
11:50 am
ease 19 -Someone’s got to reel these guys in. KC’s creating fictitious markets for a fictitious season Vazquez may have and now Dogsbrekky has Glavine locked in for a season no one, including Glavine, knows if he is capable of having coming off the first serious injury of his long career.
DiamondbackMac
March 3rd, 2009
11:52 am
Random al – u -min – i – um
ease19
March 3rd, 2009
11:57 am
Anders – I agree, its was hard to digest KC’s predictions when he kept flipping this way and that…And all this talk after 5 spring training games…I wonder what the discussions will be like once first pitch is thrown in April.
Steve McP
March 3rd, 2009
11:57 am
Hey I’m with dogsbrekky on this, correct spellings to me are mould, colour, labour, draught (as in beer) etc,. I think I have an advantage when playing scrable with Americans as we seem to use more letters in our words generally!
toga party
March 3rd, 2009
11:58 am
brent a., use the following syntax:
<a href=”http://example.com”>Example Text</a>
toga party
March 3rd, 2009
12:02 pm
So:
<a href=”http://www.google.com”>Linking to Google</a>
Yields:
Linking to Google
cvbraves
March 3rd, 2009
12:04 pm
Carroll: You getting (or have) the lineups for today’s games?
TnBrian
March 3rd, 2009
12:05 pm
My “expert” bullpen prediction:
Gonzalez- 4-2, 2.27 ERA, 68 K’s, 26 BB, 37 saves…better than ever
Moylan- 4-4, 2.05 ERA, 55 K’s, 28 BB
Soriano- 3-1, 3.12 ERA, 73 K’s, 21 BB…expect a full,healthy year
Boyer- 3-5, 4.32 ERA, 62 K’s, 18 BB…K’s should go down from ‘08 because he won’t pitch as many innings
Logan- 2-2, 3.12ERA, 57 K’s, 11 BB… has almost as good ‘09 as Ohman had in ‘08
Acosta- 1-4, 4.04 ERA, 28 K’s, 27 BB… will be sent to AAA and replaced by Medlin in July
Campillo- 2-2, 3.89 ERA, 38 K’s, 14 BB… will be in a trade in July and Bennett will take over the long relief role
Carroll Rogers
March 3rd, 2009
12:07 pm
New blog should be up!
Jason
March 3rd, 2009
12:10 pm
Anyone still regret not signing Griffey? Its spring training and he is already icing his knees! Not a good sign of things to come for Seattle!
DirtyDawg
March 3rd, 2009
12:11 pm
Don’t know if it’s been discussed here but watched the MLB Network’s take on the Braves chances this season. Now that I’ve seen all the NL East team’s analysis, I’m confused. These guys spent the entire hour talking about our lack of power, the fact that while we have inning-eaters but don’t have an ‘ace’, a closer that admits his fast ball isn’t up to snuff and a right fielder that seems to be whistling past the graveyard, but yet two of the three predicted us to finish second in the East (ahead of NY, I guess), yet they couldn’t have been more complementary of the Met’s off-season activity and their new bull-pen help. The only explanation I have is that we’re still getting the benefit of the doubt because of our fourteen-year run. As I watched it I got even more depressed than I already was. We’re counting too much on Francouer’s coming back and I don’t see it. Nowhere during the hour did they even mention Terry Pendleton. What’s up with that, has he simply lost faith in JF’s ability to listen and learn, or is it the other way around? The most excited I’ve heard TP was when he was talking about the kid Freeman’s chocking up and the difference it’s made in his swing…do you think JF would even dream or if, hell no, chicks love the long ball. I only hope that JS, Wren and Bobby are ready to pull the cord early in the season on our offense. If JF doesn’t come around, bench him…if Kotchman doesn’t contribute right away, send him packing…put the kids in and let ‘em play. Freeman at first, Schafer in left or center, J Anderson in the other, and Heyward in right. If we don’t have power at least we’ll have some speed and youthful enthusiasm.
TnBrian
March 3rd, 2009
12:14 pm
If you average out my predictions from the rotation and bullpen, that’s 92 wins and 70 loses. Should get us a 2nd place finish behind Philly, and I predict that’ll be enough to win the wild card, playoff spot.
ATL
March 3rd, 2009
12:16 pm
I am and engineer and am in the business.- Northbeach Scott
-an engineer-
What kind of an engineer is in the business of lcd screen cleaning?
KC
March 3rd, 2009
12:17 pm
ease19, HUH?
I guess you’re talking about my Hanson/Vazquez prediction yesterday. I thought I explained that, but…
I was 60/40 on my belief that Hanson would be in the rotation (which involve a Vazquez trade), but even at 60/40, I decided to go out on a limb and make the prediction.
Anders
March 3rd, 2009
12:28 pm
My “expert” bullpen prediction:
Gonzalez- 4-2, 2.27 ERA, 68 K’s, 26 BB, 37 saves…better than ever (TnBrian)
Where are you getting this confidence? From his second half of 2008 when he had a 5.09 era or the 5.89 he posted in September? Lots of hits and walks per inning in the second half for Gonzo. His whip went from .6 in the first half to 1.5 in the second half. Not a good sign. And now he shows up throwing well below normal. Hey, could be that he just needs to work out his arm, not uncommon for relievers, but his second half last year tells me I have to see more before I believe he’s beyond the surgery he had and will be effective.
northbeach Scott
March 3rd, 2009
12:37 pm
**ATL** I am in the chemicals business and have some product applications knowledge, especially in auto care. You really have to be careful with household chemicals and which surfaces to which they are applied. Many household chemicals are stronger than most understand.
**brent a.** One of my brothers is Brent A. (middle initial). Aftermarket window tinting would be placed on a car after it is sold new from a dealership vs original equipment. When you see messed up window tinting on cars it is typically from poor application and/or use of ammonia-based products to clean them.
Sorry in advance for digressing from baseball, but you asked . . .The standard for clean on a car windshield is much higher than in the home (i.e. you want to be able to see to miss hitting people and objects, whereas the home is stationary). Ammonia-based products (like windex) streak and frankly to a mediocre job of cleaning. Auto-specific window products do a superior job, because the standard is higher. You can use auto glass products on your house, just not vice versa (without risks). A company (that I do not work for)called Stoner (family name, not Dock Ellis), makes exceptional products for auto glass. More than you wanted to know.
Now baseball . . . Go get ‘em Tommy Hanson! It will be interesting to see if Manny Acosta pitches against the Braves for Panama.
brent a.
March 3rd, 2009
12:42 pm
northbeach scott
thanks for the info.
and, neat to hear that we are family, as well.
tell brent a. “hello” for me.
brent a.
March 3rd, 2009
12:43 pm
toga party,
thank you!
toga party
March 3rd, 2009
1:17 pm
No problem brent a. Glad to help.
Jeff321
March 3rd, 2009
1:18 pm
McFann – Are you watching the Yankees vs. USA on MLB Network? They got McCann hitting 8th! SHAME!