first?

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DOB- what are the chances that Hanson comes in as our 5th starter this year to open up the season?

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So if Tommy is in camp, has there been a roster move?

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There’s a video somewhere on youtube of Kawakami crushing a home-run for the Dragons so he certainly can handle a bat. I’m also sure he can probably handle Ian Kennedy to so that will be interesting if Kennedy stays in long enough.

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Braveboi This is Carroll’s blog, not DOB’s

toga party I dont think they have to make a move until the season starts.

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ease19, please email me when you get a chance at kccjr1@gmail.com, and we’ll make sure we follow through on that wager!

Also, since you’re in ATL, you are invited to join us (”us” being a number of other Braves fans… primarily people from this blog) for an opening day viewing party. We did this last year, and it was a lot of fun. I’ll probably be at Frankies on the Prado sports bar on the north end of 285.

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CR – Seems that if at any point early in the season and Glav can’t go, then we’d use say Campillo or a long reliever for intermittent starts rather than hurry Hanson into the rotation… accurate? Later in the season probably a different story.

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It’s kinda nice to have a starting rotation again. Every team should have one. Thanks, Frank.

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KC

Its seems that someone else on the other blog once again confused your pred…(oh ok…hypothetical season) as mine…Well, I actually like them at this point too…

zephyr88

Kawakami is the biggest question mark versus a 42 year old coming off of surgery? Or the fact that Vazquesz has already been traded, and the question is to who?

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Why not put Caroll’s pic up there in DOB’s spot?

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBcLCirMa4Q

thats the address for kawakami’s home-run not sure if that will link don’t really know what i’m doing here..

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oh it did work..

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Wow, Yeh I just saw the video. Pretty good swing for a pitcher. He caught a hanging curve and put it in the LeftCenter bleechers. And he did a bat flip. Awesome

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How do people not realize that DOB is gone this week? That’s gotta be insulting for Carroll…it’s like calling your new wife your ex-wife’s name.

….except after a week the ex-wife comes back from vacation. But you guys get the gist

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Frankies has been close for quit some time. Might want to move that party.

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King521

March 4th, 2009
12:49 pm
Who cares about the home run swing…will we have a stuffed toy for him here in Atlanta to carry around after he hits a bomb?!?!

Also, are we gonna have to play “My Humps” everytime he comes to the plate?

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i hope braves kick yankees a…

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Marcus… the arb thing, yes, but also, it will have to depend on how Campillo/LR does… if it gets desperate, thinking it’ll have to happen sooner than later. I would rather wait until it’s essential.

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I’m glad Lerew took the assignment. It was a tough spot, finally getting a call up and then getting injured. I hope he can get his career back on track now.

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Carroll– Yesterday several of us on the blog asked about your reference to Jimy Williams working for the Braves, instructing bunting, since we have not read anything about this. Can you or DOB give us some details.

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Carroll, we all want to know if you have that ballcap thing working today?

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Why is the AJC so behind the times? Would it be asking too much for daily photos and video interviews with players? And hey, maybe you could even license the EXCLUSIVE footage to others, eh.

Btw, you’ve been doing a great job, Carroll Rogers. And your blogs and informational posts are far superior to anyone else on this site.

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What I want to know is why there is no audio out of Dark Star. I emailed MLB yesterday and they haven’t responded. Is the gravitational pull such that electromagnetic waves can’t escape?

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Anybody know who is scheduled to pitch Saturday.

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Ritchie from Scotland

Delaying Hanson’s arb eligibility is IMO one reason the Braves worked so patiently with Glavine. (That, and the need for depth given the uncertainty surrounding Morton and JoJo.)

Hanson would be the fifth starter at best coming out of camp. At Gwinnett he could get regular work and still be a short drive away in case of injury.

And besides, if Hanson’s anywhere near the pitcher he’s supposed to be, you want to start his arb clock ticking in late June rather than early April. Bringing him to the bigs early could cost the Braves what, $8 or $10 million by his second year, which would (I think) be 2013?

If you don’t have to burn that eligibility for the sake of three or four starts, then by all means don’t.

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MLB.com has Garret Anderson in CF. It’s actually Josh.

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no updates yet?

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Thanks for the update

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Believe that’s about the same KK did first time out, 1-2-3, 9 pitches.

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DAP</strong (11:59 am): “hm…no. what im saying is that he should have gotten two…or heck, even three. (did you notice he got 4?)

Like I said, Wren intended to get two SPs in the offseason, over and above Smoltz and Glavine.

When Smoltz left, he got three.

Thass all I’m tryna say.

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Pretty sure JA will be in CF and lead off come opening day. Good spring so far.

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Yeh Andersons gotta be starting CF this year. Hes is being projected at .285 4 HR 45RBI and a whopping 45 SB.

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Not so big on projections or predictions, but like what JA brings.

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wow Carrolls yupdate seemed to get better, and better, then better, and well….then theres the last sentence. But hey its only ST.

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>Jeff321: Thats ridiculous. Get outta here. Newspapers dont have the money to cover spring training like that. Spend some money and take a trip down to Orlando yourself.

The reporters are already getting paid. So, how much do you think it costs to upload photos and video? Oh right. Once you have a camera.. its basically the cost of labor and an internet connection. But, by all means — keep making excuses.

Btw, I live (4 miles on the same street) as the Nationals Vieira stadium and 50 miles from Orlando. So, perhaps you should give that advise to someone who doesn’t live in Florida!

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Thanks for the updates Carroll.. really appreciated.

Anyone think Kotch will surprise? Or at least do more that he did last year after coming over>

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zephyr8 just wondering where your projection came from. Not criticizing it at all…just curious.

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Would expect to see Kotchman have those same pretty good numbers he put up for the Angels last year.

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I’ve seen more than one question on audio/radio feed on today’s games. I just had a visit to the Braves’ site on MLB.com. They’re not scheduled for radio broadcast. Hey…that’s according to the site. The first game with audio & video feed will be this weekend. I printed off the schedule so I can keep up with it myself. Hope this helps everyone else out. GO BRAVES…beat the Yankees B—–eeeeehinds! (Keeping it tame….LOL)

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Keep up the good work Carroll… not liking the Frenchy pop-up, but we still have time.

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Bravos from NY: I checked an they have a ‘CLASSICS’ spring game on YES. I totally dont understand that. I guess their execs. feel that with out JETER no body cares about Bombers?

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Actually it wasnt 45 SB it was 33-39, but id still take that. But again, its only a projection.

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maybe Bobby is tired of his first-pitch hacks like everybody else.

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man mlb.com is so far behind….

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bobby must have talked to Jeff321 and decided to take Francouer out immediately because of one pop up.

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Actually while I’m at it heres fangraphs entire braves projection.

2009 Projection

1. Josh Anderson- .285 4HR 40 RBI 39SB
2. Yunel Escobar- .300 9HR 63 RBI
3. Chipper Jones- .315 23HR 82 RBI
4. Jeff Francoeur- .272 16HR 76 RBI
5. Brian McCann- .301 24HR 98 RBI
6. Garret Anderson- .282 16HR 83 RBI
7. Kelly Johnson- .284 15HR 67 RBI
8. Casey Kotchman- .282 14HR 78 RBI
9. Pitcher

Rotation

1. Derek Lowe- 14- 9 3.60 ERA 208 IP 132 K
2. Javier Vazquez- 13-11 3.80ERA 214 IP 195K
3. Jair Jurrjens- 10-9 4.02 ERA 178 IP 132 K
4. Kenshin Kawakami- 8-6 3.88 ERA 123 IP 113 K
5. Tom Glavine- 8-8 4.23 ERA 139 IP 73 K

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zephyr8,

so we put our worst hitter in the cleanup spot?

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Dynamite reporting Carroll, you should ditch your post and join them.

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Guess it is all about priorities with Jeff…who’s paying him the 3.xmillion…and what about the fans at Disney?

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Random, I know, just giving him a hard time…

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>bobby must have talked to Jeff321 and decided to take Francouer out immediately because of one pop up.

Or maybe Frenchy thought about getting shown up yet again by the young buck. I hear he has real fragile “feelings”, ya know!

Btw As I said before, Kotchman will lead the team in hits this year.

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Has Frenchy swung at the first pitch EVERY at bat this spring? So much for trying new things. I want to love they guy but he drives me nuts!!!

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Maybe Tiger can give better hitting instructions than Ruday Jamarillo?

Look, it’s Tiger, I get it…but that’s lame. Maybe Wren can pull a quick deal for Nady and have him take Jeff’s spot on the bench?

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Kenny’s dealing.

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oh, apparently Jeff has a golf outing today with Tiger Woods and John Smoltz. Still seems odd to get only one at-bat, but I guess that was it

Even I will admit I find that a little odd. It hardly seems appropriate after Francoeur himself said he wanted to get as many ABs as possible in ST to work on his mechanics. What, the only tee time they could get was 2PM Wednesday, LOL? I’m pretty sure Tiger can get in the box just about any time he would like, on just about any course.

Except Augusta, natch. God Himself plays when they tell him, at Augusta.

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Jeff321 – I have man love for you. I like Kotch as well, nice kid

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> B) I’ve re-upped my game day audio subscription, and CANNOT find a way to “bookmark” the game day audio “home” page. When you click on the link on the Braves page it takes you to the “sign up” or renew page, and wants credit card info.

Simply bookmark this page:

http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter/

(This way it gives you the new games around 11am each day.)

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Bravechick

In game two, Jeff took seven pitches in a row over the course of two at bats!

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We will have a good bench this year… Ross, Norton, Infante. Solid.

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Kenny seems to be working it. Excited for the guy.

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Still 2-0?

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I should add, you’ll need to edit an existing bookmark with the above address. Because it actually redirects to http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter/#20090304

And the number on the end is the date.. So, if you bookmark the “redirect” it will send you back to today — tomorrow.

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Carroll… where are we on the ‘ooooh’ count?

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Please someone tell me that is a joke about Franceour… A .230 batting average and trip to the minors last year does not give him an ‘idea’ that he needs every at bat possible. Or would it be the current .091 average he has in SPRING TRAINING agains MOSTLY MINOR LEAGUE pitching. Get him outta here. Id rather see a high school senior play Right Field.

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I don’t see Jo-Jo breaking the rotation even with injury, and they don’t like him in the bullpen… we have better options than Jo-Jo at this point IMO.

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ease19

He probaly didn’t want to mess up his golf swing!

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Given the fact that he swings at anything at ankle height, maybe Jeff can improve his game with Tiger.

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Frenchy only one at bat. I wonder if he’s been traded.

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Anyone have Frank Wren’s email

I am going to write to him about the golf and request that in future they make our lard ass RF actually do WHAT WE FANS pay him to do and that is HIT bloody MLB pitchers…. not play wannabe rock n rolla with Tiger

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Should we be ripping on Francour for getting in at least one at bat today? He could have just called in ’sick’ and taken the whole day off. Which is worse from a Fan’s perspective? I player who just totally blows off the day to play golf, or one says “Bobby, I can show up on time, give you one, maybe two at bats, but then I’d like the rest of the day off?”

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was a big fan of Francuer, not anymore. Tired of no care attitude. come on Heyward

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I would love for someone to ask Cox the following:

“Since Frenchy is and has been struggling.. Do you think its a wise idea to go on a golf excursion instead of getting at bats?”

And of course the follow up bonus questions: “What kind of message does this send? Would you say Frenchy is or is not a team player?”

And lastly: “Do you think Frenchy gets special treatment? Why do you insist on rewarding failure?”

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The worst hitting outfielder in the league takes off in the middle of a game to go play golf. Something wrong with that BC. And besides, Tiger has plenty of money already.

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ease19, LOL… yeah, 10-3 would be terrible.

Again though, feel free to join us for opening night, if you’re up for it.

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Were the dodgers bidding against themselves? I’ve got zero respect for a guy that fakes an injury on a team that provided him a world series victory – or any team for that matter.

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Top Half
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Ramiro Pena grounds out, second baseman Kelly Johnson to first baseman Casey Kotchman.

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B:0 S:3 O:2 – Ian Kennedy called out on strikes.

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B:4 S:0 O:2 – Johnny Damon walks.

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B:4 S:0 O:2 – Brett Gardner walks. Johnny Damon to 2nd.

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B:1 S:0 O:2 – With Xavier Nady batting, passed ball by David Ross, Johnny Damon to 3rd. Brett Gardner to 2nd.

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B:1 S:0 O:3 – Xavier Nady grounds out, third baseman Omar Infante to first baseman Casey Kotchman.

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I actually hope Jeff gets traded, but not because I don’t want him on the team, I just think no matter what he does, he’ll never get a fair shake from anyone in Atlanta anymore.

Everyone ripping him for popping out and then leaving the game, you have no idea what you’re talking about, yet because it’s Jeff you’re going to pile on.

It’s not fair to him at all, and I actually feel sorry for the guy at this point. He’s never going to win again, it’s never going to be a good environment in his home town, and I feel terrible that it’s gotten to this point.

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Michel: Just trying to fill in the blank’s between’s Carroll’s posts, i.e., Omar double (blank) KK’s curve ball.

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hey seymour, where are you getting the play by play?

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I haven’t seen anything as to where Frenchy definitely going to play golf, however, this is something he has done in the past. I would think he talked with the skipper about this and was probably told it was ok. Looking back, maybe Cox should have let him have the entire day off.
One thing I find positive about Francour thus far this year is that through about 15 at bats, he has not struck out. I believe Francour will have a good year…

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Also like the KJ bunt attempt… with no one on base, why not?

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Caroll – can you give us Kenny’s line? Please include final ‘ooohs’.

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Bottom Half
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Yunel Escobar flies out to right fielder Xavier Nady.

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B:0 S:0 O:2 – Kelly Johnson grounds out softly, catcher Jose Molina to first baseman Juan Miranda.

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B:0 S:0 O:3 – Casey Kotchman grounds out, shortstop Ramiro Pena to first baseman Juan Miranda.

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I am more interested in helping Frency than beating him down. What could he do(no golfing, I know)to better his ab’s. We need this guy to succeed. Even if we did trade em , what could we get for a guy who can’t hit?

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Frenchy has had more than a fair shake. He’s been handed RF apparently until he just doesn’t show up for work one day. He was also just give 3+m for having the worst RF season in MLB. He also TWICE turned down a deal similar to McCann’s. TWICE.

And he ditches a game early during a pivotal spring traiing where he is retooling his swing. Maye he will be fine, I hope so, but to say he won’t be given a fair shake is bull hockey.

If I were GM, he’d be a Royal yesterday.

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dude – he should start with patience.

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If Francoeur had not been in the lineup for one at bat and had taken the game off no one would be complaining. Francouer has played in more spring training games so far than most of our players. Lets give the guy a break. This is only Spring Training.

If he is as bad in April as he was last year I will give him hell. but I will wait until then.

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KC: I’ll probably be at Frankies on the Prado sports bar on the north end of 285.

Unfortunately you wont be there; closed last year so dont waste a trip. Try Hudsons in Brookhaven, or Dantannas at Lenox. Am I invited? : )

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What? Ross is taking a couple ST innings off?!?

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18 wheels of love, you just proved my point. You want him gone so badly that even if he did do something good in a game, it wouldn’t make a difference, and for some reason you can’t seem to see that we didn’t really have a better option in RF last year.

It’s been 1 year that’s been bad. He had two years of 100+ RBI’s and one year of .300+ average, yet all of that is forgotten because he had a bad slump.

Also, if you remember, he was sent down to the minors last year, so he was told to stop playing, he was told to stop going out everyday and doing the job he was under paid to do, and now you’re complaining because he got a contract that was comparative to what others have made that have possessed his skill set.

I’m not a Jeff apologist, he had a ridiculously bad year last year, but I am a veteran fan, I’ve been watching baseball my entire life, and I’ve seen players go through slumps, and I understand off years, and I also understand that at his age, he’s got plenty of years to correct what he’s doing.

I’ve also seen fan bases that have turned toxic on players, and I thought Braves fans were better than that.

Apparently not.

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francouer’s swing is already messed up. golf messes up your swing. two negatives equal a positive

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Ross has a bomb and few hits and has thrown a couple of guys out stealing…he earned a few innings off.

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I wouldn’t look to Ty Cobb on how to live my life. He doesn’t scream sound decision maker.

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Big Chief did you say 091…….BINGO…….I miss Skip already

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Carolll is doing us a favor.. .she doesn’t GOTTA to do anything.

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Guess Brandon Jones (in for Francouer) walked in front of Heyward?

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brian

Well said…

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I want him to do well, but if he is not, I would move him and let someone else play RF. I want to win and if he is going to keep us from winning I want a guy that will help us win. I’m partial to the jersey, not the player, especially when they have shown the ability to adapt.

Yeah, we told him to stop playing when we sent him down…that’s exactly what happened. He was told to go to Miss. and sit on his can and do nothing. And he got sent down because he was completely lost. No one ever told him to stop playing.

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Suppose Hanson outperforms Glavine this spring. Can anyone imagine putting Glavine in the pen and using Hanson as the 5th starter?

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I know she doesn’t have to do anything. She was just so great in the first few innings, now isn’t providing enough for us to know what is going on.

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Carroll — this isn’t some kind of joke or something, you do have the facts right that Jeff was leaving the game to go play golf with Tiger and Smoltz? If that’s true, that’s ridiculous. It’s going to be hard for Jeff to sell it to the fans, writers, or other players that he’s dedicated to getting himself back on track to be the great ballplayer he once was when he’s leaving games early to play golf. I think that if I’m Tiger Woods, I would understand Jeff not coming to play golf so that he would have every opportunity to improve his swing and get better.

And Bobby would allow him to leave early like that? Seems odd.

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Carroll, you are doing just fine, we are busy out here and its nice to see the game updates. Nice article on Glav and Hanson today.
keep up the good work,DOB will be jealous.

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So infante hit into a triple play?

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We need to escape the call of MEDIOCRITY……. that means playing the best 3 outfielders based on current preformance not that from 2006..

very easy business decision…

get over the loyalty to local junior legends and we will be a contender in 2009…. I will bet anyone that the current RF doesnt hit either > 270, more than 90 rbi and more than 20 hr

Anyone can take me up on any part of the proposal,

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“Just for fun.. How long do you think the real HOF manager (Joe Torre) would have put up with this crap?”

Well, he did put up with “Manny being Manny” for part of last season – and apparently he will do so for the next 2 seasons as well.

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If Francoeur had not been in the lineup for one at bat and had taken the game off no one would be complaining.

Absolutely. I don’t begrudge the guy a day off during ST to play golf, especially a long ST such as this one. I guess it’s the appearance of today’s action that makes folks look askance. I mean, the one-AB-and-bolt just LOOKS bad, for a guy who struggled so mightily last year. A single game’s worth of ABs isn’t going to be the difference-maker in how his swing turns out, but, have mercy, that stuff today doesn’t seem to be a smart PR move. Better to have just gotten in his work, canned the game, and hit the links.

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Uh yeah, this is a BLOG not live game play by play. The host is a reporter not an announcer. Relax and enjoy THE COMMENTS.

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Carroll – my questions is: who looks like a better player right now? Francouer or Heyward?

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I cringed when Carroll reported that about Frenchy. Because I knew everyone on here was going to rip the guy to shreds. I know the guy had a bad year and I know its possible that he won’t bounce back, but right now it wouldnt matter what he did he would get slammed. MLB hitters play golf all year round with no problems, the swings are completley different. When Frenchy first came up and was ripping the cover off the ball, guess what, he was playing golf all the time back then as well. If he is going to have a bad year its not because he missed a couple of at bats in a spring game, not to mention that he probably knew about this golf thing a month ago and asked Bobby in advanced.

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Jeff321
If you think the braves are the only team that allows vets to leave early from a spring training game, you are very much mistaken. Just about every team (Torre’s included) allow them some free time, especially given teh longer traing this year…

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2-1 Braves after 4 1/2.

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http://m.mlb.com/scores/plays/2009_03_04_nyamlb_atlmlb_1/5

Some people seem to have missed seymours link to the play by play.

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DWW: You are probably exactly right. Too early to be ripping Jeff.

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KURT,

Well said, my man. Well said.

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No guarantee Heyward is in AAA… he’s 19. I’m not sayin’, I’m just sayin’.

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It’s not Seymour, it’s MLB.

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Ditto RIP Skip.

Geaux Braves!!

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DWW you are right, but it seems that he is assuming that everything will be ok come start of the season. When he is off to such a slow start maybe he needs the additional work. If he was off to a good spring then yes take off, but dont assume anything right now.

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Heyward is not going to tear up AAA to start the season, because he’ll be in AA to start the season. His highest level so far is A ball…no need to rush him (yet).

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Heyward will start the year at either Myrtle Beach or Mississippi. He finished last year at Myrtle Beach but got the lion’s share of his playing time at Low-A Rome last year. Regardless of what happens, he’ll finish the season at Mississippi or Gwinnett then come up to the big club in September.

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Carrol, how’d we get the run back?

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The Yankees are so sorry!! it is the 6th inning and Johnny Damon is still playing.

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Inning 5
Top Half
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Pitcher Change: Todd Redmond replaces Blaine Boyer, batting 4th.

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B:0 S:0 O:1 – Kevin Russo flies out to center fielder Garret Anderson.

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B:0 S:0 O:2 – Ramiro Pena flies out to right fielder Jason Heyward.

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B:0 S:0 O:2 – Dan Giese singles on a fly ball to right fielder Jason Heyward.

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B:0 S:0 O:2 – Johnny Damon triples (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Garret Anderson. Dan Giese scores.

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B:0 S:0 O:3 – Brett Gardner grounds out to first baseman Martin Prado.

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Bottom Half
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Martin Prado hits a ground-rule double (1) on a fly ball to left field.

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B:0 S:0 O:1 – Garret Anderson out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Dan Giese to first baseman Juan Miranda. Martin Prado to 3rd.

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B:0 S:0 O:2 – Yunel Escobar out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Brett Gardner. Martin Prado scores.

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B:0 S:3 O:3 – Kelly Johnson called out on strikes.

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Nice, completely manufactured run.

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Is there any update on Charlie Morton? Has he resumed throwing and will we see him in a game soon?

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Brian – good points on francouer
propp – very funny

I would only add that spring training is really no-win for jeff. If he does poorly, everyone jumps on him. If he does well, everyone writes it off as “only March.” At the end of the day, he is responsible for putting up better numbers. If he and Bobby feel its OK to take the afternoon off like all the other vets, no big deal in my eyes. Just so long as he produces come April. If he doesn’t, that’s on him and I’m sure he knows that.

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How did Medlen look?

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Also nice to see bobby having the players work on some fundamentals in game situations this spring (moving runners over).

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Still, Jeff had no business asking off to go play golf to begin with. When you’re the worst everyday player in the game, you don’t get that luxury. You should have to work to keep your job, not just show up and assume that it’s yours.

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“Still, Jeff had no business asking off to go play golf to begin with. When you’re the worst everyday player in the game, you don’t get that luxury. You should have to work to keep your job, not just show up and assume that it’s yours.”

People get regular rest. Chill. We don’t know the circumstances so we all need to shut the HELL up and quit speculating.

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The season hasn’t even started and the camps are already forming here on the blog. It’s almost as exciting as spring training baseball I can’t see or hear.

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Inning 7
Top Half
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Pitcher Change: Francisley Bueno replaces Kris Medlen, batting 3rd.

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B:0 S:0 O:1 – Kevin Russo grounds out, third baseman Omar Infante to first baseman Martin Prado.

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B:0 S:0 O:2 – Ramiro Pena flies out to right fielder Jason Heyward.

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B:0 S:0 O:3 – Dan Giese grounds out, pitcher Francisley Bueno to first baseman Martin Prado.

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Bottom Half
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Pitcher Change: Andrew Brackman replaces Dan Giese, batting 9th.

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Maybe Frenchy needs a break and not concentrate so much on the game. Sometimes it’s good to get away for a bit. Might actually help him.

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Lead off double for the fleet footed McCann.

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I agree Timmy. Even these supposed great years Francouer had werent really all that good. His OBP is terrible even back then

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Thanks Frankie

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Hanson has already made 18 starts at AA and has absolutely nothing else to prove against prospects. He took on the best prospects in the country regardless of level in the Arizona Fall League and smoked them. He’ll be at AAA Gwinnett to start the season. He’s hardly a prospect at this point, he’s GOING to the bigs. It’s a matter of when.

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He just doesn’t seem too concerned about making this club; and he really should be. I hope JHey keeps raking and makes sending him back down a difficult decision to make.

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Has anybody been 2 a spring game this yr for Bravos? At DISNEY? Just wunderin 4 ur observations. What stood out 2 U? Thanks

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Carroll: Think the link has been posted before. A matter of going back and forth, pasting.

http://m.mlb.com/scores/plays/2009_03_04_nyamlb_atlmlb_1/7

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just make sure you click ‘next inning’ when it appears

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Timmy
Jason Heyward is not going to be on the big league club coming out of spring- it has been said 100 times and I will say it once more- he is 19 and has yet to see a pitch above class A. The Braves are not going to rush him at all- no matter how impressive he is in spring

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“SHANE is right…Jeff’s OBP has been terrible all along. His first couple of weeks really inflated his value as a player. I HOPE I’M WRONG. But I don’t see Jeff as a capable Major Leaguer. What he’s doing now is more than a slump. It is a trend line and a predictor of future performance.”

My sentiments exactly. I hope he comes through, but people think he was good in 2006 and 2007 because he got lucky with RISP, which is not a repeatable skill. He has TWICE posted FULL SEASON OBP’s of below 300. Just so you know, 300 is the Mendoza like for OBP and 400 is the gold standard.

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Thank god for Buck & Kincade 3:00pm

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Chopper, I know you asked Carroll, but if I may, the Kobe steakhouses are great… Hibachi!

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Is it still Spring Training? I went to lunch…So Jeff really came into work on his day off to get some extra at-bats? What a bum…Wonder who will be the MVP of the Grapefruit league this year? Cy Young? Any ideas?

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I would like nothing better than for Frenchy to get his act together.

However, I’m not really one to make excuses when taking all the facts into consideration. I watched every single game last year (with the exception of a couple on game of the week that wasn’t televised in my area) and he sucks and will never return to glory.

Feel free to prove me wrong, Frenchy.

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In defense of JF, The players put in a 7-day work week with occaisional days off from now until (hopefully) the end of October. Those of us who work a five-day week should be a little less critical of Jeff taking a half day off now.

The almost certain destination for our prospects will be
Hanson AAA
Schafer AAA
Heyward high-A Myrtle Beach
Freeman high A

We will not see either Heyward or Freeman in Atlanta this summer no matter how badly any of the regulars may be doing. The club will not rush them beyond what is in their own best interests. Heyward and/or Freeman could get a mid-season promotion to AA, which would mean that we might see either or both in Atlanta sometime next year.
Neither player is on the 40-man roster and I will not likely replace anyone on the 40-man for a September callup. If Jeff F or Anderson struggle, the first to be called up will be Schaefer and/or Brandon Jones.

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I think Heyward and Freeman probably go to Mississippi, not Myrtle Beach.

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Thanks 2Parc. Anywhere else? I’ll be in Orlando for 5 days.

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Top Half
B:0 S:0 O:1 – John Rodriguez grounds out, shortstop Brandon Hicks to first baseman Martin Prado.
B:4 S:0 O:1 – Austin Jackson walks.
B:0 S:0 O:2 – Todd Linden flies out to center fielder Reid Gorecki.
B:0 S:0 O:2 – Juan Miranda hit by pitch. Austin Jackson to 2nd.
B:0 S:0 O:3 – Justin Leone pops out to second baseman Brooks Conrad.

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Inning 8
Top Half
B:0 S:0 O:1 – John Rodriguez grounds out, shortstop Brandon Hicks to first baseman Martin Prado.

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B:4 S:0 O:1 – Austin Jackson walks.

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B:0 S:0 O:2 – Todd Linden flies out to center fielder Reid Gorecki.

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B:0 S:0 O:2 – Juan Miranda hit by pitch. Austin Jackson to 2nd.

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B:0 S:0 O:3 – Justin Leone pops out to second baseman Brooks Conrad.

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And Jeff321, Hayward>Francoeur, SHANE & PWH, you’re all proving my point. He’ll never be able to work out his kinks. You all want to see him gone so badly, that no matter what he does now, you’ll kill him in your writing, you’ll boo him on the field, and you’ll generally hate on him.

Even if he has a .750 OPS, which is Ok, you’ll still say he should be gone by the end of the year. Even if he gets an .800+ OPS, which he had his first half year in the league, you’ll still want him gone.

Nobody who’s bashing him here will ever be able to accept that Francoeur is not going to be an all star, because that was the expectation of him when he came up.

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2Parc: Take it over…thanks

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5-3 Team USA bottom of the 8th.

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Inning 8
Bottom Half
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Pitcher Change: Mark Melancon replaces Andrew Brackman, batting 9th.

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who is closing for team usa

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who is Team USA playing? BRaves still winning?

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Hey, who stuck me up this pig’s butt?

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Hopefully Jeff comes around. He’s played golf with Tiger and John every year, correct?

I’m glad to see he’s working hard on defense, though.

If Jeff struggles to start the year, they don’t need to send him to the minors. That bench will make you do anything to play again… (even if it means taking pitch after pitch until you can see the baseball again).

I know when I struggled we’d only work on hands drills. My teammate would move the screen 5-6 feet infront of me in the cage and sit on a bucket while throwing the ball as hard as possible.

Eventually you learn no matter what you do or how you guess, you just can’t hit some pitches. You learn your too, that with the pitch speed equivalent of 110-130 MPH in the drill, to trust your hands.

Jeff was always so quick with the metal bat that he could get by with swinging at bad pitches. I do think he has the batspeed still in there, but I suggest a MUCH lighter bat and slightly choking up on the bat.

If Jeff wants to be what he is instead of refining his swing to a more balanced approach, he needs to get an arm gard and get right on the plate. That way, all pitches are middle in (you can even pull the outside pitch). Not everyone has to hit to all fields. Some of the best hitters in baseball are pull hitters.

So Jeff:

-Focus on hitting a fastball, either out or in (or you can do up or down), and take until you get a strike every at bat.
-After you get a strike, you still have two more strikes to get the fastball in the location you’re looking for. If you swing at something that’s not a fastball or not a fastball in that location, write it down and practice that pitch that night in the cage.
-Once you are swinging at the pitch you’re looking for, try going back to the heavier bat you like and try having your normal grip on the bat (without choking up).

-Alternate strategy:

-Stand on top of the plate with a arm guard and be the player you are, but use a lighter bat. I still recommend at least looking at a certain zone (since you’re crowding the plate and a decent low ball hitter, I’d just look down in the zone and take anything the pitcher releases and appears remotely “up.”
-Get hit by pitches (hey it’s the price you pay for being a pull hitter, but look at the OBP), and pull the baseball.
-All those sliders you chased before are either going to be hangers or definite balls (since anything spinning away from you will break outside for a ball).

Jeff, your swing is a lot better this spring. No matter how good your swing becomes with off-season work, you’re not going to look your best if you can’t “see” the baseball and you swing at crap pitches.

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Inning 8 Bottom Half
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Reid Gorecki doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder John Rodriguez.
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Brandon Hicks lines out to second baseman Doug Bernier.

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Everyone may hate me for saying this, but the sooner team USA is eliminated, the sooner Jones and BMac can get back and focus on the season. Not a big classic fan. I fear for injuries and the fact that McCann has all these new pitchers to get used to.

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“How about making a roster decision based on the fact that Heyward has knowledge of the strike zone and Francoeur, despite his age, experience, and talent, has none whatsoever.”

Word. JFK should have been DFA’d. If he was still with the Braves, it should have only been because he went through the humbling experience of passing through waivers.

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Thanks Slugger! I’ll try it! (puts arm guard on face, stands with back to the pitchers mound, throws the bat between legs out into center field, falls down).

Dammit Slugger, just leave me aloooooooooooone……
…..
…….
……..
……………..ooh ooh, there’s Tiger….

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Slugger

That’s a bit sophisticated for most on the blog…you did not mention one single stat. You are right of course in your assessment, however most of us have only seen him in one game thus far. We have no idea what his is working on this early in spring training. He may just be working on contact at the moment since he has not struck out yet. Maybe next week he will work on keeping his hands in a driving the ball to right…who knows…But still great post.

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Were the Yankees a split squad today? Didn’t seem to be playing many of their starters (I know Jeter with USA and ARod hurt).

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Pete, Aaah, that’s a shame. It was a cool place. We’ll figure something else out.

No, you’re not invited. Just kidding. Yes, absolutely! Open invitation.

We started out with the plan to go to Foxsports Grill last year, but when I called, the MNGR was kind of a prick and they weren’t very accommodating, so we went in a different direction.

We’re looking for something downtown or a little north, inside the perimeter. Looking for a nice big projection screen, and enough seating to accommodate everyone in the same area. I’m open to suggestions.

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With the DR and Japan in the mix, USA probaby won’t be around too long…I hope. And in going to Spring Traing towards the end of March and I’d like to see Chipper and McCann there.

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Sounders like Anders is lurking…

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MLB is slooooow….

Inning 9
Top Half
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Pitcher Change: Juan Perez replaces Mariano Gomez, batting 7th.
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Austin Romine grounds out, shortstop Brandon Hicks to first baseman Martin Prado.

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B:0 S:0 O:2 – Doug Bernier grounds out, pitcher Juan Perez to first baseman Martin Prado.

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McFann :O: – You’re right, but Mac did make a good point when he said that these guys are already established pitches. It would be worse if they were rooks…I think they’ll be fine.

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Nice win.

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Enter your comments here

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Lets be clear, I never said I support Jason Heyward over Jeff Francoeur. I just said that because the Braves’ won’t promote Heyward doesn’t necessarily mean they shouldn’t. I never said they should. I don’t know yet, I’ll have to wait and see the rest of Spring Training. In the mean time, I’m not ruling out either player as the best option to play RF, and the Braves shouldn’t either.

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It still feels good to win…even if its Spring Training! WHOOOOO!

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I’m going to keep going, only 31 total outfielders were at .800+ OPS. only 42 total were above .750 OPS. So there were basically 1.3 outfielders per team that had a .750+ OPS. Meaning that every team had 1.7 outfielders who were TERRIBLE.

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arobs3–

Yeah, that’s true–they’re established pitchers…but they still need time to work out with a new catcher.

I’m sure they’ll be fine like you said, but I still wish he was back at camp…

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Braves Win, Braves Win, Braves Win……AAAAAAAAAH the BRAVES WIN. Michael Kay is no Skip.

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spring training seems like its been going for months now

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so there’s such a huge difference between a CF and a Corner Outfielder that you can really make that distinction?? That makes your comment even more ridiculous.

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The only reason I see that Hanson should NOT be the 5th starter out of camp is to keep his option clock from starting (like the Rays did to Longoria last year). After that day, throw him out there and let get it crackin’.

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It’s somewhat frustrating to see Francoeur being treated so highly by the Atlanta brass. Seriously…
I know that the annual round of golf with Tiger is a big deal and there’s no real reason to push Frenchy so hard this early on in the spring training, but there is something definitely wrong with this decision.

It’s been often said that the real difference between a major league player and AAA player is not the natural physical talent or the skills level, but the mental make-up. The fact that you have both confidence about your abilities and knowledge from experience about what you can’t do is what makes a special player.

I know Francoeur is a local product and is a great boon in the marketing sense, and I also realize that he is still young, but I think his somewhat lackadaisical attitude or this laissez-faire attitude suggests that Francoeur will never be a special player that many of us once hoped he had been. Yes, pressing at 120% all through spring training is not the solution to returning to his expected level of play, but neither is acting like the whole debacle of 2008 did not happen. You can’t just continue to be the exact same way as before. Is one round of golf with Tiger going to hinder him physically? No. Is missing one day of spring training game really going to decrease his skills? No. But I just don’t see that Francoeur really has that drive to achieve the greatness. I think he’s just content on the level of accomplishment he has so far accomplished, and thinking to himself that if he keeps 2006-7 level of production, that would be great. Well, if he does that he may be an above average player, but he will never be “the natural” or the perennial all-star Braves fans once envisioned him to be.

Is anyone pushing Derek Lowe to get up earlier and run the stadium bleachers? No. But, Lowe has that desire to become an even greater pitcher than he has been, so he puts in that extra effort. It’s not about any physical enhancement. It’s a question of keeping your mind completely focused. And Francoeur’s rounding of golf after pretty much being one of 3 worst everyday players last year just shows his lack of mental maturity or concentration that will always keep Francoeur from being able to reach his expected peak performance.

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Thanks for the blog Carroll! I enjoy getting the play by play while I’m at “work”.

So who would you say looked like the “Player of the Game” for the Braves today? Did anyone else suprise you, good or bad?

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Thanks for the blog and all your work.

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Anders – just a hunch…you have a certain mischievous tone to your posts…(which is not a bad thing)

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Carroll: Thanks for the articles, blog, play-by-play, etc. Take the night off.

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Any idea who is slated to pitch for Atlanta this Saturday?

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Hey Owl, our Braves were ranked 14th out of 16 teams in the N.L in hitting the long ball last year. Better yet, they ranked 22nd out of all 30 ML teams in 2008 at hitting HR’s. We added Garret Anderson and subtracted Mark Teixeira. Read the hand writing on the wall. Coach

but we were 6th in scoring runs anyway weren/t we? and scored more after Tex left (no I am not blaming that on him) than B4. I think if this team can stay healthy they will surprise you a bit with their scoring ability. Of course if Chipper or Mac go down for an extended period all bets are off. As I have said B4 as much as I love OBP I like it to be more BA-driven that Dunn has done. You know kinda like Chipper 300/400/555. I’ll take 6 of those please.

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PWHjort

when I said Heyward has not hit above single A I meant (and I am pretty sure you knew this) in a game that actually mattered…hitting off guys trying to make the team in spring training is a little different then trying to hit Cole Hamels in Philadelphia on ESPN…Heyward will be in atlanta soon enough

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If Francoeur doesn’t produce again, and I’m beginning more and more to believe he wont, I’m in favor of using a Diaz/Norton platoon in right field. Norton hit 289 last year against righties with an OPS of 840. Plus he hit 7 HR’s in roughly 180 ab’s compared to Francoeur’s 11 HR’s in 599 ab’s. We all know Diaz can hit lefties. I think this platoon will be servicable at least until the trade deadline when maybe they can trade for a bigger bat.

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thanks cvbrave, 2park, carroll, and everyone else for the updates. sure beats doing actual work ALL day

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I’m excited about this roster! Can’t wait to see what everyone can do. I think we are all going to be surprised by a lot of guys this year. Kotchman, KJ, Garrett Anderson. I think all of them have a lot of potential to drive in a lot of runs and bat for a high average.

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Norton is not an outfielder, he is best used as pinch hitter. They will give Frenchy a shot and IF he falters again (which i dont see happening) They will just bring up Schafer and use him along with Diaz/Anderson/Anderson.

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Anders, you thought the line:

I mean between Chipper and Tiger somethings got to take – no?

would cement, as a joke, the lines:

Is it just me or is Frenchy coming off as the rich fat kid who goes to all the good sports camps, gets personal training, has all the newest and best equipment and still can’t put the ball in play?

No, hell, you didn’t.

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Uh-oh. Sounds like Frenchy might have some ’splainin to do. I mean the blogisphere knew before Mr Cox? Yikes.

We might have a mini A-Rod on our hands.

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Bubdylan – I forgot. Only you get to decide what is and isn’t funny here. My deepest apologies my liege.

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Anders I actually understood your post.

Nowhere in it do I see you questioning Francoeur’s work ethic; but rather, you are simply noting that he appears to be one of the privileged few; yet, despite all of his advantages, he still struggles.

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atlbravesfan44, do you remember what anyone hit last year in ST? No? Maybe because ST numbers mean absolutely nothing, good or bad. It could take Francoeur (or any other hitter) all of ST and half of April to get a new swing in shape. Who cares about ST batting averages and ERAs? There might be a less reliable indicator of a player’s coming performance, but it escapes me just this moment. Oh wait, winter league numbers. Those have just about as much meaning as ST.

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In related news, the sun rose in the East this morning.

Yeah, Scoots? Maybe so, but it was late!

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Bubdylan – do not sell yourself short

I find you bloody funny

Was thinking about Frenchy today and the analogy I use is those poor sons of you know what who buy those Russian mail order brides..

At 22 they are really hot but by 25 you are starting to see their wear and tear as they age… By the time they are 30 you know you have just dusted a few hungy k on some commie mole who was a 2 hit wonder and when you had the chance to offload them (it was at the back of your mind) you went with the loyalty to your religion clause thingy..

[T.I.C.]

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blahblahblah…ok guys this is gettin old you all are beatin this frenchy thing to death. it will take care of itself,just give the guy a chance to prove that he can turn it around and if he cant then we will part ways with him. newsflash its only the third week of spring training.

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Bubdylan – I think you’re selling yourself short. You’re one of the funnier bloggers on here. I always stop to read your stuff.

As for taking cheap shots. Cheap – not so sure. Shots – absolutely. When misunderstood I do try to clear the air as quickly as possible lest it gets away from me – kind of like this.

No bad feelings guy. I truly like your work.

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Going golfing, or whatever the hell he’s doing won’t make a differnce as far as i’m concerned. He had a ton of at bats in ‘08 without any improvement. He’s changed his stance a little so to bi– about him not hitting 4-5 times a game in ST is silly! The ones here complaining about that have probably never stood up their and hit 90mph fastball with the guy mixing in changeups. It will wear you down fast. I know, because of HS. This kid named Brandon had a 90mph fastball and 78 mph changeup…with no control. Got beened more than once. Anyways, it’s good for Francine to get a mental break from it and go at again in a day or two.

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Speaking of golfing, is that not the most boring thing on the face of the earth to watch? My God, i’d rather watch bowling. WEEEEE… lets try to hit a little ball in a tiny little hole!

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hahaha

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Hey, Prado fianlly got a hit and is batting a cool .091 this spring.

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PWHJort….sorry dude i think you may have misread the data…according to that he was -7 in the field but +5 with the arm…-2 overall…similar to UZR. Also Dewan has him +26 runs the last 3 years, UZR has +21 or so…he is a solid fielder.

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Anders,

I don’t see you as some mean ball of hate who passive-aggressively vents his anger toward the Braves and their fans through the form of jokes. I just see you as someone who likes the back-and-forth of talking a little trash. Nothing wrong with that. Some malicious intent should be added to such comments. As always, people here can’t see the gleam in one’s eye as something is typed. Some of us (I’m one, of course) get in trouble for that here. I don’t always want to use italics, quotes, or emoticons to indicate that I’m trying to be funny. I do know that some people who get angry here are serious. Those are the wackos you have to watch out for.

Also, I think it can be just as funny to represent a ridiculous point of view for weeks on end in order to annoy people, but the odds of many bloggers seeing through the ruse (or BS) are low. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if some of the most single-minded commenters here are just humorous figments of someone’s imagination. In fact, that’s the way I choose to view the posts from nicknames like Coach, Robert, U Kno Who, etc.

Anyway, back to baseball.

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Sunday liquor sales fail again. Dangit now I gotta stock up on Saturday. >:0

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Looks to me like we’ve got a surplus of arms in the bullpen. Wonder if we could package a couple of those and get a RH bat with some power to come off the bench? I don’t know any names off the top of my head; some of you folks no doubt do.

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From: PWHjort
“He (Francoeur) has TWICE posted FULL SEASON OBP’s of below 300. Just so you know, 300 is the Mendoza like for OBP and 400 is the gold standard.”
That is correct, and it is worrisome. Anyone else recall a guy name of Brad Komminsk? Also JF is greedy, so his head is messed up. He could have signed when McCann did couple years ago for roughly $25 Mil for 5 years, but thought he was much better than McCann and practically laughed at the offer…remember?
McCann is so much more valuable (being a catcher) than JF that you cant even mention them in the same sentence. Too many people for too many years have been telling JF what a stud he is, and unfortunately he believed it.

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[...] there is competiton for the fifth spot in the Braves rotation, and it’s between Tommys old and new. From Dave O’Brien’s notes column today, after Glavine went on about how his shoulder was kind of sore: I did toss out a question about [...]

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At http://www.billjamesonline.net/ he was -17 last year. And I didn’t misread anything.

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Bringing Bonds here would be blasphemous. He hijacked our icon’s record!

I think this is a solid team, top to bottom. Not a lot of standout superstuds, but not a lot of weaknesses. Solid team with a lot of depth.

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Anon+, you can’t win when you’re left-field is under indictment and in and out of a courtroom all years (potentially followed by jail) either.

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Anders has actually grown on me too. Once you get over the fact that he’s an ultra Met homer, he’s very funny. Once I quit taking him personally, I was really able to laugh at his jokes. (Although I still think should be placed beside his name whenever he posts.)

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Did anyone else notice in the USA game that the new Mets signing JJ Putz gave up 3 runs in the 9th versus the minor leaguers of Toronto – looks like a great signing

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For those tempted to go all OCD about the Putz post, they traded for him

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Jeff321-As a kid, were you Mikey on the cereal commercial? Dude, you don’t like anything about the Braves. Why are you even here? This team and it’s management obviously brings you no satisfaction or enjoyment.

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His anger with the Braves

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The Object of the Game: Dead on.

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How much is it actually going to cost the Braves in the long run to bring him up early? RITCHIE

possibly millions of dollars the last years of arb if he is as good as we hope. However I doubt that is the main reason that the Braves are thinking of not bringing him north right away. It certainly won’t hurt him to get some more seasoning at the AAA level. Someone earlier posted that AA is better than AAA, but that simply is not true. There may be more prospects in AA, but there are a lot in AAA too plus players who actually have experience in the bigs. Tougher tour of duty than AA or AFL. Plus he’s only an hour away if someone falters. Win/win situation for him and the team, regardless of how impatient many fans are to see him in the bigs.

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I personally think the Braves and JF need to part ways. The old “change of scenery” phrase comes to mind. Tell him thanks and good luck.

If he hits .300/35/100 with his new team, well good for him.

I know it’s way early in the spring, I completely understand that, but so far he’s batting .091. And then he takes off today when he really needs to work on what the Braves are paying him to do. Fine if you want to take the day off, but at least stay with team, study the opposing pitchers, etc.

But, easy to say from my chair. I want him to do well, but until he starts realizing that he’s not the stud everyone always told him he was, I think a rapid decline is in his future.

Okay, I’m done ragging on him. I have nothing personal against him, I just don’t think he and the Braves are a very good fit right now with everything that has gone on.

Geaux Braves!!

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That was directed towards Jeff321

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Geauxbraves:

Who’d take Frenchy right now? He is no bargain at 3 mil/yr. Best thing to do is let him serve out the season and hope he’s better, and hope the kids have matured enough to take the position in 2010. Then do the trade.

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First time braves blogger,enjoy reading everybodys opinions.Many good braves fans with different thoughts.Hey,thats cool.I think we all should be excited about the braves potential this season,barring too many injuries.I feel our offense is very balanced with an excellent potential for pitching staff.I hope everybody appreciates the chance to root for our favorite team and manage vicariously.go braves

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Anders – I am not quite so sure I believe you…eeriness aside, you were lurking…But I am afraid I am going to have to agree with Chop Chop…Sorry dude.

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Hubris -

I promise you Jeff Francoeur works extremely hard. Just because there isn’t a picture of him on the front of AJC doesn’t mean he’s the next lazy Andruw Jones.

Jeff Francoeur does work hard. He’s an ex football stud, so he’s got the football training work ethic. A lot of ex-football players are the hardest working baseball players there are. They are used to the “football mentality” and that strength and repetion can yield results.

If anything, the round of golf will help him realize this is just Spring Training and no one has a gun to his head…they will in July if he hits .200, but it might be nice for him to get exposure to Tiger again for a day so Tiger can teach him about mental toughness and perserverence.

Is anyone mentioning the positive side to spending four hours with one of the most mentally tough athletes in the last 100 years? The guy can stop his 100 MPH+ swing on the downswing before making contact if something screws with his focus.

Jeff has also not ever been a really fast guy. He moved well for a big guy, but he’s a pretty big guy. Slow guys look lazy.

Jeff’s swing looks different. I hope he continues with his new mechanics and does not revert to old if he doesn’t find instant success with the new.

That, or he grips it and rips it (as I previously mentioned in my last post).

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Jeff321-No, I just happened to take notice of your post about the pitching earlier-mostly I have a fair idea what to expect and just pass right on by. Maybe I made a mistake noticing your post?

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All -

This seems like it’s becoming an extended version of some fans taking on the liking of Gil Renard, with Jeff Francoeur being Bobby Rayburn (Wesley Snipes).

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Thanks, Lew! One back and forth with you is about all I can handle for one season.

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Hopefull Bobby will go with the 5 best pitchers in the starting rotation. If that means Glavine or someone else has to stand aside for Hanson then so be it. Bobby has got to do what is best for the Braves not what he would like to do. If he can’t bring himself to follow a new path then the Braves need to boot him upstairs or out the door and hire a manager capable of managing this new crop of very talented Brave players. Further, if Frenchy is over the hill then there is sufficient talent to roam the outfield until Heyward is ready. Tought times. tough decisions but the Braves have to move on just like Smotlz did.

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Agreed-Otherwise it’s just a re-hashing of the same old.

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Dammit…

Baseball Reference…

That should work.

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PWHJort, whatever you want to go with. Don’t know why that data seems so off. I’ll stick with the new and improved +/- from Dewan (http://sabernomics.com/sabernomics/FieldingBibleVII_Excerpt.pdf) and UZR, the two best fielding metrics out there, which seem to correlate pretty well with each other.

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chop chop – thanks I like the Batting Runs created stat,

looks like one of the better all round sites

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Probably longer than would please most of ya’ll. ThrillHouse44

Well said dude. As someone posted earlier, Joe Torre = Bobby Cox to all purposes. Both are player’s managers and Torre got ripped in NY for staying with guys so long just like Cox does here.

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Jeff Francouer!!!

Clap clap, clap clap clap!!!!

Jeff Francouer!!!!

Clap clap, clap clap clap!!!

Keep doing it kid, we are all behind you……….just keep walking, the exit is at the end of the tunnel.

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Yahoo! Fantasy Sports gave Yunel 1 star out of 5 and have him listed in the fifth tier of shortstops.

Call me a homer, but I think that guy’s a tool

http://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/mlb/news;_ylt=AuxD.Pik1dY4bDzfDHSiEau5bZ8u?slug=ys-posprimer_2009_ss

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Here’s a question. What % chance do yall give Jeff Bennett of making the opening day roster? Carrol? Everyone? I’ll say 70%.

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PWHjort ,
Ill give him 99% chance.

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I can personally guarantee Jeff Bennett will be on the roster (barring injury) and used frequently. (Whether he’s effective or not.)

The main stud we need (besides Moylan if he’s ready) for the 7th or 8th inning is Phil Stockman. However, I doubt Cox will have him on the team or actually use him in close situations.

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brian @ 1:59 pm,

who put jeff in the position he is in right now? the fans? cmon dude. nearly two years of absolutely horrible baseball will warrant criticism in any city. as a matter of fact, he is quite lucky to be playing in such a laid back city. if he were in LA or in the northeast he would be blasted for his play…and then he would gone. if he was there now instead of here, he would have been long gone by now. if you are complete garbage right now at the plate, would you blow off a couple of ABs to go play golf? i would hope not.

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I will add one thing to the 8:02 post. If Frenchy had the last two seasons he’s had in Atlanta in NY, Chicago or Boston and then blasted out today to play golf with Tiger and then after the game the media found out the manager didn’t even know about the golf game -watch out. The radio waves would be cooking with gas on this. I’m not saying it would be right to do so or that Frenchy did anything wrong. What I’m saying is the media would have a field day with it.

I remember when Glavine returned last season he said he was looking forward to only facing a couple of beat writers and one national guy. “You do your 15 minutes on the day you pitch and then you’re left alone for four days.” It’s not only the cost of living that demands why guys get paid more in the big cities.

BTW- Did Carroll ever come back with anything more on this story or did it just die on the vine?

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nolie, you can say it until you’re blue in the face, but there’s always gonna be folks screaming “play Heyward! Bench Frenchy!” from now until the end of time. Just do what I do…scroll right on past.

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[...] on Hanson 03/04/2009 at 8:23 pm | In Hanson | He knows pitching: “When you talk to a guy like that for five minutes, you throw the birth certificate out the [...]

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Steve- The only way the Rangers get deep in the playoffs is if Lundquist plays ridiculous goal – which he is capable of. Plus they have the number one PP killing unit. If they could just find some offense – especially on the PP, who knows? there I go trying to convince myself again. There’s nothing like playoff hockey though. Absolutely love it.

Yeah I knew Avery came up with the Wings. He’s really a self centered jerk. I’m not a fan but I have to admit when he plays for the Rangers they won a lot more than they did when he didn’t. Strange thing.

Sather really killed them with his signings. Drury, Gomez, Naslund and worst of all Redden. All overpaid. They have to find a way to dump one or two of those guys just to get cap space for next year.

Osgoods got two cups so you know he’s capable. Goalies run in streaks so you don’t want him too hot right now anyway.

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Im very happy glavine is in camp!
Last year i got to take a pic with him at champion stadium, and i hope this weekend i can get him to sign it! IM SUPER STOKED ABOUT GOING TO SEE THEM THIS WEEKEND!

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