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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
671 comments Add your comment
JSWI
March 12th, 2009
2:50 pm
DOB — What are Schafer’s chances of staring at CF ? Has Anderson been given that spot or is there still a position battle ? I apologize if this has been covered already, most projected lineups I have seen have Anderson. Just wanted your opinion. Thanks
StingerSplash
March 12th, 2009
2:51 pm
DukeBoy,
Knight still knows strategy and fundamentals as well as any coach alive. But I don’t think his style of coaching will get him the top notch recruits anymore. Plus, he up and walked out on Texas Tech in the middle of the year. Don’t think for a minute opposing coaches won’t use that against him on the recruiting trail. Also, he’s 68. The travel, the breaking down of game video, the practice hours, the recruiting … that fire in his belly for that may have died out, and at 68, it’ll be tough to re-ignite.
Slugger
March 12th, 2009
2:51 pm
ease19 – I respect your opinions on here, but it’s safe to say the Braves have a long-term interest still in Jeff Francoeur.
Why else would the Braves pay him what they paid him after last season.
McFann :Ô:
March 12th, 2009
2:52 pm
Thanks for the new Blog, Chief!!
From the last one, page 8, eighth comment up from the bottom:
Kim I really am a baseball-aholic, and not just a girlie girl going on about a cute guy! But, sometimes the girl in me takes over!
That goes for me, too.
David O'Brien
March 12th, 2009
2:52 pm
Braves have bases loaded after Ross hit a sharp grounder that the 3B couldn’t handle. Freeman up with bags juiced and two outs….
ease19
March 12th, 2009
2:53 pm
Oh don’t get me wrong, I am a Francoeur apologist, always have been, but its a slow day and I have become rather chatty today. Trying to upgrade my blogging status. I think he has done all the right things so far, but people continue to bring up his BA, OPS , etc and are all ra ra Heyward.
David O'Brien
March 12th, 2009
2:53 pm
Freeman with another good piece of hitting, goes the other way with a two-run single to left field to put Braves up 5-2.
mbatl
March 12th, 2009
2:54 pm
Regarding B Knight and UGA, I was all over it when the rumor first hit, but have backed off. From what I hear, Knight is not the greatest recruiter in the world, and at his age, he’s not likely to be in suburban living rooms 150 evenings per year. Yeah, some guys might come to UGA just to play for the legend, but I question whether that would balance a lack of active recruiting by the head coach.
chc4
March 12th, 2009
2:55 pm
DOB — Does Brandon Jones have any role on this team? Seems like he can hit some, albeit not much power. I guess the G. Anderson signing pretty much means he’s destined for AAA yet again.
Magnus Pym
March 12th, 2009
2:55 pm
carlyle is very good
David O'Brien
March 12th, 2009
2:55 pm
Gorkys Hernandez is coming to bat with runners on first and second, two out, and RH reliever Steven Shell entering game.
PWHjort
March 12th, 2009
2:56 pm
Someone: “What do you think about Tommy Hanson and Jason Heyward being ranked so high in Baseball America’s latest rankings?”
Bobby Cox: “They better take a look at Freeman.”
cphizzle
March 12th, 2009
2:56 pm
Freddie Freeman has got me stoked this guy is the future!
Anders
March 12th, 2009
2:57 pm
Anders just got gang tackled on page 8 of the last blog…Ha! (Ease19)
And he bolted, ease19.(PTBNL)
Ease19 and PTBNL = New BFF’s
Got to laugh at you two chumps high fiving each other upon arrival to the new blog like you just came back from gang fight.I’m guessing you’re just what we refer to as “scnabs” up here in this neck of the woods.
garlick
March 12th, 2009
2:57 pm
mbatl, you’re correct about Knight not being a very good recruiter. He wasn’t very good back in his hey day, and has progressively gotten worse. He’s a great X & O’s coach, but never was able to pull the talent to Texas Tech that he needed in order to be really successful.
Still, he’s not worth the reputation to have him on staff now, especially at his age.
PTBNL
March 12th, 2009
2:57 pm
Steve, there is some truth to that, but it is limited. As a general rule, you can not make a marathon runner into a good sprinter. You can make them a better spinter than they “normally” are, but you can not totally change the make up of the person’s muscle capacity. The muscle types are important in the working out process. For example, people often come me wondering why they aren’t making progress on their bench press like their workout partner is. I may ask them about other muscle group exercises and how they compare to their partner in them. Invariably they will be making progress in at least one muscle group that their partner is not. This is because they have differing combinations of muscle fibers but are doing the same workout (rep range, and number of sets). If I suggest that they change the rep range of their workout on the bench press, the roles then reverse and the one who was not making as much progress becomes the one who makes more progress. They may have been doing a workout for white fast twitch muscle for years, but his muscle cells did not drastically change to white fast twitch muscle. Instead he continued to have a higher concentration of red fast twitch muscle. So when the rep range was changed to accommodate his particular mixture of muscle cells, he made better progress.
David O'Brien
March 12th, 2009
2:59 pm
Gorkys just tried to hit a 2-1 pitch 600 feet, it appears. Spun in his shoes as he swung and missed.
Then took a pitch for 3-2 before striking out swinging way ahead of the pitch.
Epinephrine
March 12th, 2009
2:59 pm
Does Hanson go tomorrow? Too bad if so-game won’t even be on the radio.
ease19
March 12th, 2009
3:00 pm
I would regard a Bobby Knight signing as a Bill Parcels type hire. Bring him in to help rebuild the program, give it some credibility then pass it on to a young developing stud coach. Yeah, you may have seen that lost fire but he may have three years left to get a few studs, win a bit and see what happens.
Magnus Pym
March 12th, 2009
3:00 pm
B Jones would be better than Frenchy, as would the Schafer kid and almost any OF you can throw out there. I find it hilarious he suddenly needs to try out a new swing care of us for the MLB season when every other hitter in MLB sort of knows how to hit… he just really needs to be sent to AAA for a season…. Schafer is much better already
getnathan
March 12th, 2009
3:01 pm
Gorkys is anxious. I’m excited about our favorite baseball team people. GO BRAVES!!!! They’re gonna make some noise this year.
Bobby is da man!!!
March 12th, 2009
3:01 pm
maybe the dingo ate your baby…
JSWI
March 12th, 2009
3:02 pm
Nevermind that Schafer/Anderson question… I just realized it was addressed on the last blog… I am also in spring training mode it appears….
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 12th, 2009
3:02 pm
All this offense, going back to the minors. Garret Anderson isn’t even playing. I can’t help but laugh at the futility of it all.
ease19
March 12th, 2009
3:02 pm
Anders, it all good…you dish as well as you take…
Robert from SC
March 12th, 2009
3:02 pm
Brandon Jones will be up when G. Anderson gets hurt
garlick
March 12th, 2009
3:04 pm
That’s the problem, ease19, he won’t get studs. He’s never really gotten studs, and most kids don’t want a military style coach, they want a Calipari type that plays and up and down game, and will let the kids play freely.
With Knight, he’s a disciplinarian who beats you into submission. Just not a good combination for getting the “studs” who see themselves as NBA ready right now, and wanted to be treated as such.
McFann :Ô:
March 12th, 2009
3:04 pm
My dumb Gameday isn’t refreshing.
The thing still says it’s the bottom of them sixth and Escobar’s up to bat…and the thing is frozen.
PWHjort
March 12th, 2009
3:07 pm
The Garret Anderson signing was a really expensive way to say “we are confident that our youngsters will produce”.
DukeBoy
March 12th, 2009
3:07 pm
On Coach Knight, Ease19, exactly my point. Very well said.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
March 12th, 2009
3:07 pm
Anders,
I just got my tix for Braves vs. Bisons out here in a couple months. I’ll keep you informed as to how your AAA Mets do.
Kim
March 12th, 2009
3:08 pm
McFann –
DAP
March 12th, 2009
3:09 pm
coachI can’t help but laugh at the futility of it all.
we know what you mean. everytime you post, we feel the same way.
ease19
March 12th, 2009
3:09 pm
garlick, that’s a really good point, “studs” who see themselves as NBA ready, have really changed the dynamic (and image) of the NBA recently. There are some really good kids out there now. But like Anders admitted yesterday when talking about cricket, I am really out of my element now…
Robert
March 12th, 2009
3:09 pm
Thanks for your great coverage of the Braves, DOB. I have a few questions that I’m sure you’ve already discussed, but I wanted to know your latest thoughts. First, are the Braves really comfortable with Logan and/or O’Flaherty as their lefties out of the bullpen? And is Will Ohman still just sitting out their unsigned? Also, while I like Infante’s flexibility as a utility player, can the Braves win with him (along with Prado) playing upward of 40-50 games at third (due to Chipper’s inevitable injury problems)? Finally, who if anyone in the organization is currently being groomed to be Chipper’s eventual successor at third base? Is it Eric Campbell? Does Escobar eventually move over from SS? Will Andy Marte return from exile (and fulfill his once bright promise)? What about Wilson Betemit? Is it a player to be named later?
brent a.
March 12th, 2009
3:10 pm
You know what’s sad?
Lockhart and Weiss are probably responsible for two of the 5 biggest (positive) Braves play-off moments of the last 10 years.
Gorky Miller
March 12th, 2009
3:11 pm
Anyone else sick of all this blah-blah about non-Braves topics? What’s going on in the game?
Anders
March 12th, 2009
3:11 pm
Buffalo – Appreciate that.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 12th, 2009
3:11 pm
DAP , I feel the same way every time Bobby Cox fails to retire.
chc4
March 12th, 2009
3:12 pm
Robert — From all I’ve read Campbell has been a disappointment. Not sure we have replacement at 3B currently in the system, at least not high enough up to be an option in the near future. I suspect we’ll sign CJ to an extension soon and ride him as long as we can.
DukeBoy
March 12th, 2009
3:12 pm
Robert does have a good question. Who will ultimately succeed Chipper at third base?
Slugger
March 12th, 2009
3:13 pm
CH4 – Brandon Jones hit 14 HR between High A and AA in 2006 then hit 19 HR between AA and AAA in 2007.
He only had a little over 100 AB last year and didn’t show his power, but look to his stats in AA and AAA to find the true measure of his power in an every day role.
Magnus – great insight, not to mention legibility.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
March 12th, 2009
3:13 pm
Anders,
I’m stealing a Fernando Martinez bat too….. I know the bat boys out here in Rochester…. so if he goes into a slump after he leaves Rochester, you’ll know why.
SeligSucks
March 12th, 2009
3:13 pm
Gorky Miller – I am also trying to get some Braves content here on the Braves blog
PWHjort
March 12th, 2009
3:14 pm
Robert, I’ll answer those. Yes, the Braves are very comfortable with Logan/EOF competing for the LOOGY job. Yes, Will Ohman is just sitting out there unsigned. Prado will probably get the lion’s share of chipper’s injured at-bats this year and he hit very well last year. Campbell and Van Pope are the prospects at 3B we currently have that could potentially take over for Chipper. My guess is we find a 3B in the draft soon, though. No, Escobar will never move from SS to 3B. Historically that doesn’t work. Plus, Escobar is an excellent fielder at short, he’s much more valuable at the more premium position. Betemit and Marte are no longer with the organization, so no on them.
Chop Chop
March 12th, 2009
3:14 pm
I follow the Moskva down to Gorkys Park, listening to the wind of change.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
March 12th, 2009
3:14 pm
Is if Martinez thats the Mets next version of Willie Mays? Whoever that big prospect is that you got haha.
Robert from SC
March 12th, 2009
3:14 pm
The box score says Medlen is on to pitch
cvbraves
March 12th, 2009
3:15 pm
Inning 7
Top Half
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: Brooks Conrad replaces pitcher Buddy Carlyle, batting 2nd, playing second base.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: Diory Hernandez replaces shortstop Yunel Escobar, batting 3rd, playing third base.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: Brandon Hicks replaces second baseman Omar Infante, batting 5th, playing shortstop.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: J. C. Boscan replaces third baseman Martin Prado, batting 6th, playing catcher.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Pitcher Change: Kris Medlen replaces Buddy Carlyle, batting 8th.
Gorky Miller
March 12th, 2009
3:15 pm
Van Pope to replace Chipper!
Steve from OH
March 12th, 2009
3:16 pm
PTBNL, I agree with you on that. On your average joe, it’s a lot easer to interconvert fiber types (and you’ll see more of a difference depending on what they want to do), because the distribution is more even, but on elite athletes, they’re very likely to already be genetically predisposed to be good at sprinting or marathon running, and you’re not gonna see much change in them. Good assessment.
Personal trainer, eh? I like to work out as well. What type of weight exercises would you recommend for a guy with bad shoulders?
ShamusThacker
March 12th, 2009
3:16 pm
DOB, ever heard of a Waylon song/album titled “Cedartown Georgia?” Well, that’s right smack where I am. Johnny Cash filmed a pool hall scene at The Old Mill restaurant here, for a movie called “The Barron And The Kid.” Pretty cool/wild place, pretty nice folks too. Country sangers seem to like it anyway. lol Alan Jackson once lived 10-miles up the road in Cave Spring; sister still does.
Hey, on the baseball side of things, we sure do have a load of GREAT prospects, the most I can remember in 40-years of Braves fandom.
PWHjort
March 12th, 2009
3:17 pm
Gorky, looks that way at this point. Though I pray to christ that changes.
Magnus Pym
March 12th, 2009
3:17 pm
Brandon Jones lookes much better this spring and is ready for the show… we need to play a “Who is best plays today” game in 2009 and screw the local kid’s feelings……… this spring should be a wake up for all of our outfielders to perform and then we pick the best 4 from that performance to start the year
So far that would be Schafer, B Jones, Diaz and a toss up between Josh A and the kid away at WBC… along with the one sure thing Garret A, our current RF would be seventh ranked on recent form
mbatl
March 12th, 2009
3:17 pm
“From all I’ve read Campbell has been a disappointment.”
chc4, Campbell’s problems have all been between his ears. He has had discipline/attitude problems and been suspended a couple of times. He’s a fine talent. Hopefully, he’ll grow up a little and become the player he could be… not counting on it, of course, just hoping. It would be like a 1st round draft pick if he could get his act together.
DAP
March 12th, 2009
3:17 pm
Who will ultimately succeed Chipper at third base?
guys, we have one of the best third baseman in history and are about to sign him to an extension. its possible that chipper’s successor hasnt even graduated from high school yet.
McFann :Ô:
March 12th, 2009
3:17 pm
Kim–
Hahah…I don’t know about you, but I wish he was down in Braves’ camp right now. But it’s a mixed emotion because I don’t want the USA to lose…
Aw, well…it’ll be Opening Day before we know it…I hope…
Gorky Miller
March 12th, 2009
3:18 pm
i dunno. i think van pope is at least a good baseball name.
chc4
March 12th, 2009
3:18 pm
Slugger – Brandon Jones was a hot prospect 2-3 years ago but he has seemingly stalled. It’s pretty obvious Wren doesn’t see him as a solution or we wouldn’t have re-signed Diaz and brought in Garrett Anderson. Jones is not a good defensive OFer either so I think his future is limited. Would love to be wrong though.
cvbraves
March 12th, 2009
3:18 pm
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Alex Cintron flies out to right fielder Jason Heyward.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:2 – Luke Montz flies out to right fielder Jason Heyward.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:2 – Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Freddie Bynum replaces Steven Shell.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:3 – Freddie Bynum flies out to right fielder Jason Heyward.
garlick
March 12th, 2009
3:18 pm
ease19, I’m a huge college BB guy. I’m a U of Arizona grad, and we just went through the whole Lute Olson mess, and I can tell you with certainty, you don’t want to go through the aging legend drama if you can afford to.
In fact, the story goes that when Lute retired, Knight called the Arizona AD and said he was interested in the position, but was told politely that we weren’t interested, so all of this is very familiar, and I had to learn a lot about Knight and what he was about, and he’s really not worth the risk at this point.
David O'Brien
March 12th, 2009
3:19 pm
We were waiting downstairs to talk to Jurrjens and missed Heyward’s home run. Some here thought it was a mistake call by umpire, that the ball didn’t actually clear the fence. Umpire ruled it hit off the black batter’s eye wall behind the fence in center and caromed onto field.
I didn’t see it and there is no replay, so can’t tell you what happened. Just what others up here said.
Magnus Pym
March 12th, 2009
3:19 pm
Busy inning for Heyward
Pitcher Change: Kris Medlen replaces Buddy Carlyle, batting 8th.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Alex Cintron flies out to right fielder Jason Heyward.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:2 – Luke Montz flies out to right fielder Jason Heyward.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:2 – Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Freddie Bynum replaces Steven Shell.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:3 – Freddie Bynum flies out to right fielder Jason Heyward.
DukeBoy
March 12th, 2009
3:19 pm
DAP, good point Chipper can still produce..Frank Wren needs to begin organizing an extension..
Anders
March 12th, 2009
3:20 pm
DAP -If he’s related to you I’d bet on it. OK Ease 19 and PTBNL , you can pile on now.
Steve from OH
March 12th, 2009
3:20 pm
chc4, don’t dismiss Campbell quite yet. He had a nice offensive season in MB (though he was a bit old for the league) in a very tough hitter’s park (.841 OPS, 19 HR). His performance at AA this season will be very telling. If he’s over his attitude problems, he might have a breakout year. If not, he’ll probably go the Van Pope route and become more suspect than prospect.
David O'Brien
March 12th, 2009
3:21 pm
Medlen is pitching to Eldred, and he looks to be about half the size of the giant Eldred. Just cut him down, though, struck him out swinging to end the inning.
The kid’s impressive, looks so small and young, especially in his baggy uniform.
David O'Brien
March 12th, 2009
3:22 pm
Medlen gave up a leadoff single, then induced a double play before striking out Eldred.
Robert from SC
March 12th, 2009
3:22 pm
when did Heyward homer
PWHjort
March 12th, 2009
3:22 pm
DAP, yes. I think it is very, VERY possible that Chipper’s replacement is yet to graduate high school. I know Wren hates college players, but it’s also a possibility that Chipper’s replacement will be in college soon, if not already.
Magnus Pym
March 12th, 2009
3:23 pm
DOB – a lot of people compare Medlen to a young Maddux, your thoughts ?
DAP
March 12th, 2009
3:23 pm
andersIf he’s related to you I’d bet on it.
haha…nice.
Robert from SC
March 12th, 2009
3:23 pm
Did Heyward homer today
Robert from SC
March 12th, 2009
3:24 pm
DOB – can you give us some updates – mlb is slow
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 12th, 2009
3:25 pm
Josh Anderson, 28 official at bats, ZERO walks. The proof is in the pudding.
Lunatic Fringe
March 12th, 2009
3:25 pm
Looks like Tech is holding up against Clemson—tied at half!!
BSI
March 12th, 2009
3:25 pm
I think Heyward doubled in those runs…didn’t hit a homer according to mlb.com. I’m guessing DOB hit the booze a little early due to the Kansas loss!
po' lil' frenchy
March 12th, 2009
3:25 pm
I wonder what Francoeur is doing with this day off
PWHjort
March 12th, 2009
3:25 pm
Mark Bowman says he homered.
18 Wheels of Love
March 12th, 2009
3:26 pm
Medlen reminds me of Roy Oswalt-lite.
Steve from OH
March 12th, 2009
3:26 pm
PHW, I don’t know that Wren hates college players. Take Hanson and Rohrbough…two of our top pitching prospects came out of college (draft-and-follow). Hicks was a college guy. Granted, the Braves do have a habit of taking HS guys in the early rounds, but that may be “best player available,” not strategy, talking. I mean, everyone was shocked that Heyward fell to us in ‘07.
JJ Hoover and Jacob Thompson out of last year’s draft both came out of college, off the top of my head. I remember them taking Josh Fields out of UGA a year or two ago in like the 2nd(?) round.
Robert from SC
March 12th, 2009
3:26 pm
where are you getting your updates from
Anders
March 12th, 2009
3:27 pm
DAP – I meant that in good spirit. Hope you took it that way.
ncscoots
March 12th, 2009
3:27 pm
What type of weight exercises would you recommend for a guy with bad shoulders?
Curling 12 ounces of Sam Adams.
Dave's Leather Jacket
March 12th, 2009
3:27 pm
go braves!
Kim
March 12th, 2009
3:27 pm
McFann – I totally agree with you; I wish he were in camp as well. It’s kind of nerve wracking because I worry he and Chipper will get hurt. Of course, Chipper’s already had his oblique issue. I’m keeping my fingers crossed they stay healthy throughout WBC and come back ready to go!
Robert from SC
March 12th, 2009
3:27 pm
the box at mlb.com said Medlen had a perfect inning
Magnus Pym
March 12th, 2009
3:28 pm
Lastings Milledge singles on a ground ball to center fielder Gorkys Hernandez.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:2 – Joel Guzman grounds into double play, second baseman Brooks Conrad to shortstop Brandon Hicks to first baseman Frederick Freeman. Lastings Milledge out at 2nd.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:3 O:3 – Nick Johnson strikes out swinging.
Steve from OH
March 12th, 2009
3:28 pm
Nah, scoots, not a drinker. Besides, I can curl like 24 oz. at least. Pfft…12 ounces!
cphizzle
March 12th, 2009
3:29 pm
frenchy is caddying for tiger today
18 Wheels of Love
March 12th, 2009
3:29 pm
Is it true that our AA right fielder is leading the entire spring training in HR’s? That’s awesome.
GwinnettFan
March 12th, 2009
3:29 pm
HR: Heyward (1, 7th inning off Shell, 0 on, 2 out).
BSI
March 12th, 2009
3:29 pm
Updated box score on mlb.com says Heyward DID hit a homer and it’s now 6-2 Braves!
Magnus Pym
March 12th, 2009
3:31 pm
ncscoots, yes a 12oz of the Sam White Ale for Spring does the biceps very nicely, add ‘roids for a super sized program of 12 beers a session, that will reduce the recovery time
ncscoots
March 12th, 2009
3:31 pm
Besides, I can curl like 24 oz. at least. Pfft…12 ounces!
It’s not the weight, it’s the reps, my man, LOL.
DAP
March 12th, 2009
3:31 pm
anders definitely.
Steve from OH
March 12th, 2009
3:32 pm
Scoots, you’re cracking me up today.
Chop Chop
March 12th, 2009
3:32 pm
It’s very possible that Chipper’s replacement is a baseball player.
Magnus Pym
March 12th, 2009
3:32 pm
J. C. Boscan grounds out, second baseman Alex Cintron to first baseman Nick Johnson.
——————————————————————————–
B:4 S:0 O:1 – Brandon Jones walks.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Matt Young replaces Kris Medlen.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:2 – Matt Young grounds into a force out, second baseman Alex Cintron to shortstop Freddie Bynum. Brandon Jones out at 2nd. Matt Young to 1st
cphizzle
March 12th, 2009
3:34 pm
no Chop Chop chippers replacement will be Shanes grandmother