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Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
671 comments Add your comment
David O'Brien
March 13th, 2009
10:45 am
We’ve arrived safely to Jupiter .. from the galaxy (OK, couldn’t resist an Earth, Wind & Fire reference).
Little over 2 hours, no speeding tix, wide open on the Florida Turnpike.
Fredi Gonzalez’s boys are taking BP, and Tony Perez is by the batting cage. Gotta go down and say hello to one of the friendliest Hall-of-Famers to ever wear a uni.
I see the Bravos are starting to come down the left-field line from the visitor’s clubhouse. So I’m gonna get down there and see what’s up.
cphizzle
March 13th, 2009
10:46 am
dont know to many servicable MVPs like Terry, Wascally Wabbitt
Wayne in Utah
March 13th, 2009
10:48 am
Doubles vs Homeruns
I have often been torn when listening or watching a rally as to whether a homerun or a double are the best things for a team. Of course a homer adds one (at least) more run to the tally, but sometimes a double keeps the rally going so the next batter can get his shot at it. If there are runners on 2 bases and the batter crashes a homerun, then the next batter comes up with no body on base, and possible the momentum has stopped.
Does anybody else think that way when watching/listening?
DWW
March 13th, 2009
10:51 am
Wayne
I’ll take the homerun every time.
David O'Brien
March 13th, 2009
10:51 am
Dadgum, she’s not quite June Carter either, in June’s prime — smokin’ hot and one of the great voices.
MGL
March 13th, 2009
10:52 am
Wayne – Yes, but chicks dig the long ball.
Bobby's Belly
March 13th, 2009
10:54 am
Wayne – Luckily for you that’s not a big problem for this team.
DAP
March 13th, 2009
11:00 am
wayne
yes, i feel that way when watching a rally. its fun for it to keep going, but the big blast is usually the best climax to a rally. it also accomplishes the goal of a rally, which is to put up a crooked number.
DWW
March 13th, 2009
11:00 am
2011 line-up just for kicks
1.Schafer CF
2.Escobar SS
3.Heyward LF
4.Freeman 1b
5.Mac C
6.French RF
7.KJ 2b
8.Hicks 3b
9.Hanson p
Bobby's Belly
March 13th, 2009
11:01 am
Gotta go open up my swimming pool. I’ll be back for start of the game.
DAP
March 13th, 2009
11:01 am
p.s. wayne, if no one hits a homer and clears the bases, then you eventually have to suffer through one of your players “killing the rally”. so a homer eventually is always preferred.
DAP
March 13th, 2009
11:07 am
DWW i need to reprimand you for not putting chipper in your 2011 fantasy lineup. it would also be nice if we could find a way to split up those three big lefties.
Lew
March 13th, 2009
11:07 am
All we’ve heard for some years now is constant b!tch!ng, p!$$!ng, moaning and groaning that Bobby Cox counts on the three run Home Run. Now all we hear is that there is no one out there to hit a three run Home Run for the Braves.
Seems to me that no matter what happens, there will be people here p!$$!ng, moaning, groaning and b!tch!ng no matter how the team is constituted.
ease19
March 13th, 2009
11:08 am
Wayne – I would save that question for after the WS (ok a little homer optimism)…I believe that we will find it answered with this Braves line-up…
Wascally Wabbit
March 13th, 2009
11:08 am
You mean the 1991 MVP that Barry Bonds truly deserved? Maybe if Terry Pendleton didn’t so suspiciously turn into a .300/20/100 guy overnight when he was already over 30 years old right at the dawn of the steroid era (when he had previously only hit higher than .264 one time in his career while never hitting more than 13 homers in any of his first 7 seasons), Barry Bonds wouldn’t have finally given into the temptation and Frankensteined himself later in the decade. Terry was the best story in 1991. Barry Bonds was the best player in 1991. And spare us all the most valuable argument. We haven’t seen the Pirates since Barry left. The Braves never noticed Terry left. Who sounds more valuable?
ncscoots
March 13th, 2009
11:13 am
Lew, I’m not sure it’s the same folks doing the CBPMG in your first sentence and your second sentence, LOL.
DWW
March 13th, 2009
11:14 am
DAP
If you add a healthy Chipper to that line up its just too good. So good I thought it might be against the rules or something.
cphizzle
March 13th, 2009
11:14 am
well to even be in the discussion for MVP would be a given that you have a good and not servicable year. you need to work on your researching skills also, took way to long to come up with those stats on TP.
cvbraves
March 13th, 2009
11:14 am
Bobby’s Belly: Naw…I think the biggest surprise re: Josh was that the Houston Astros left him in the minors for 5 years…like they couldn’t find a spot for him? They used all his options…but I don’t think he needs one this year. I agree with DOB, he’ll be on the Braves opening day roster, and I believe he’ll stick.
18 Wheels of Love
March 13th, 2009
11:15 am
Wabbitt, that might be the stupidest argument against TP that I have ever heard. I am a little dumber having read that.
ease19
March 13th, 2009
11:15 am
Wabbit – I will give you Jim Presley in 89′ but when you consider how bad the Braves were in the 70’s and 80’s (for the most part) Jeff Blauser and Ken Oberkfell were more than serviceable 3B and Darrall Evans 41 home runs was pretty impressive as well. No superstars, obviously, but still more than “dweebs”. Horner would have been a superstar if his knees and shoulder held up and for you to say that about Pendelton kind of demeans the title MVP, especially for every guy that has only won the MVP only once…
18 Wheels of Love
March 13th, 2009
11:24 am
We didn’t miss TP when he left because of guy named Chipper, a future HOF’r. Your argument is completely lame.
Renegator
March 13th, 2009
11:31 am
Lew,
when the manager is waiting on the 3 run homerun and you don’t have anyone on the roster that can hit it – guess what? You lose 90 games a year.
PTBNL
March 13th, 2009
11:33 am
I didn’t go back to read the origin of this discussion, but it seems to have something to do with the quality of 3B in the Braves’ past. If I am off base, please forgive the post.
Eddie Matthews was definitely no slouch at 3rd. And Clete Boyer won a GG while with the Braves in 1969.
Steve from OH
March 13th, 2009
11:33 am
How exactly does one “wait” for a three-run homer?
Lew's alter ego
March 13th, 2009
11:34 am
What’s the point in yammering about complainers? If you really don’t like this place, why not pack all your stuff and leave.
DAP
March 13th, 2009
11:35 am
DWWIf you add a healthy Chipper to that line up its just too good. So good I thought it might be against the rules or something.
haha, awesome.
Wascally Wabbit i also think its funny that your blaming terry for bonds’ steroid use!
ease19
March 13th, 2009
11:36 am
18 Wheels – According to PWHjort, Chipper didn’t become more than a “serviceable” 3B until the 2007 season. Can’t believe I just wrote that…the dumb bug must be catching…
ease19
March 13th, 2009
11:37 am
PTBNL – Don’t worry, not much of a “discussion”.
PTBNL
March 13th, 2009
11:40 am
Okay Sorry for the intrusion. I should have kept my fingers out if it!
cphizzle
March 13th, 2009
11:41 am
i just think its funny that wabbit put steroids and terry “fat albert” pendelton in the same sentance as steroids
18 Wheels of Love
March 13th, 2009
11:43 am
14 in a row will cause people to become delusional because when they crunch their stats to come up with the ‘how did they do it?’ answer, it explodes their tin foil propeller hats.
cphizzle
March 13th, 2009
11:43 am
anyways who wants some fish for lunch???
18 Wheels of Love
March 13th, 2009
11:46 am
Seriously, about to walk out the door to hunt down some fish tacos for lunch. Good omen for the game today….
Bobby's Belly
March 13th, 2009
11:46 am
Allright – Can’t get the cover off the pool. I’ll stimulate the economy and call a pro. Back to blogging. CV – I like Josh Anderson. But not w/ the Braves. Atleast not as a regular. Truth is he should be the 4th outfielder, coming off the bench late. The GA signing was ridiculous at first glance and turning ludicrous before opening day. Pulled muscles on 35+ year old men are trouble. This team is built for ‘10, ‘11, and ‘12. Said repeatedly this team has .500 written all over them. That’s not meant as a knock on the Braves. They play in a tough, tough NL East. Hanson and Schafer should be facing the Howards’ and Hamels’ this year to gain experience for the next 3-4. Mediocrity w/ kids does not bother me. Mediocrity w/ veterans is a waste of time (development). Tom Glavine Bobblehead day would have been much cheaper for the Braves. What if (I know it’s a big IF), Glavine is healthy and stays healthy? How do you get Hanson to Turner Field this year? Are you going to release Glavine? I don’t think so.
Bobby's Belly
March 13th, 2009
11:49 am
Josh Anderson just stole first , again.
nfieldr
March 13th, 2009
11:49 am
DOB, any news on James Parr this spring. I haven’t heard anything about him. Is he in line to make the ML roster?
Wayne in Utah
March 13th, 2009
11:55 am
If the next batter coming up is the pitcher, then I definitely want my #8 man to hit a dinger…..not that it would happen much. I was just thinking similarly to what Lew was alluding to. We have a team that might not have the luxury of “waiting” for the three run homer.
Doubles are very nice…..
J.D.
March 13th, 2009
11:56 am
I gotta admit, I feel pretty good about being a lifetime ‘Cuse fan today. I’m heading over to MSG to see them tonight, don’t know how much they have left, but we shall see. The most amazing game I think I have ever seen, 6 OT’s, Onuaku, Ongenaet, Devo, Jackson all fouling out, big shot after big shot, just unbelievable. GO CUSE!
Random
March 13th, 2009
12:01 pm
Wayne in Utah (10:48 am): “Doubles vs Homeruns
“I have often been torn when listening or watching a rally as to whether a homerun or a double are the best things for a team. Of course a homer adds one (at least) more run to the tally, but sometimes a double keeps the rally going so the next batter can get his shot at it. If there are runners on 2 bases and the batter crashes a homerun, then the next batter comes up with no body on base, and possible the momentum has stopped.
“Does anybody else think that way when watching/listening?”
For me, it depends on how many runs you need — if the homer puts you enough ahead, then I’m happy to see it.
But if you think you’re gonna need even more runs than that one homer will give you, I think I’d rather see the double.
Three reasons I can think of (none to do with “momentum”, though):
a double seems less likely to chase a faltering pitcher off the field — you wouldn’t want him to be relieved by a likely better pitcher (OTOH, if you know your opponent’s bullpen stinks or is depleted, the opposite reasoning would apply);
most pitchers’ pitch don’t perform as well from the stretch as from a full wind-up — baserunners usually prevent pitchers from employing a full wind-up;
baserunners can disrupt many pitchers’ concentration or cause them to lose total focus on the batter.
I liken it to pulling toilet tissue off a confounded public restroom dispenser — if you know you’re going to need more after the current pull, you pull smoothly and gently so’s not to break it off in the innards of the machine, which would make you have to reach and scratch to get the next pull started. That would be a double.
But if you think the pull you’re currently going for will get the job done, you just yank it when you’ve got enough. That’d be the home run.
ease19
March 13th, 2009
12:06 pm
Random
I liken it to pulling toilet tissue off a confounded public restroom dispenser
That’s all too disturbing and yet true at the same time. Very funny!
Tomahawk210
March 13th, 2009
12:13 pm
I have a gut feeling that if Schafer outplays Anderson in the next 2 weeks Bobby will give Schafer the starting CF job. Everyone knows that Schafer is the CF for the future and if he continues to hit and steal base after base like he’s doing then Bobby knows what’s best for the team, and I don’t think Bobby cares about the arbitration and all the other stuff. I wouldn’t be surprised if G. Anderson starts the season on the DL and we have Anderson, Schafer, and Francoeur out there. I think Bobby is a big fan of Schafers, as am I after I keep reading how hard the kid works at everything and how he only knows how to play all out.
Wayne in Utah
March 13th, 2009
12:16 pm
I hate those TP dispensers!
Good analogy Random!
CB
March 13th, 2009
12:17 pm
I hear so many arguments on this blog about the lack of HRS,obp,hitting in the clutch.We all should understand this about the game of baseball- put a good manager,hitters and pitching together,you give yourself a chance to win.The Braves have done this-sit back and enjoy what is about to transpire.MCFANN you are my favorite blogger because you have such an innocent joy for your man and team.
DAP
March 13th, 2009
12:19 pm
random i love your analogy, dude.
ease19
March 13th, 2009
12:24 pm
Valid point, and I think most (including myself) would like to see that happen. However, who would play CF? I know that Schafer is fast but as Bobby says about Anderson, “He’s really fast.” If the worry is about Schafer going to AAA to get at bats, why not platoon him with Diaz in LF. With both of those guys in, Wow, totally changes the dynamic of the line-up! In retrospect, I think the G.Anderson signing was a bit of a panic move (although I still like it). Problem is, what to do about B.Jones?
Wayne in Utah
March 13th, 2009
12:30 pm
ease19
Too many OF’ers is a good problem to have…..
David O'Brien
March 13th, 2009
12:32 pm
Schafer leading off and playing CF today, followed by Escobar, KJ, Kochman cleaning up, Francoeur, Infante at 3B, Diaz, Sammons and Hanson.
I’ll get lineup in new blog I’ve gotta hurry to write before game.
ease19
March 13th, 2009
12:35 pm
Wayne, as is too many pitchers…Its gonna be a good year
Fred
March 13th, 2009
12:36 pm
I just saw that there is no radio through mlb.com today. Oh well, I will just keep up through this blog (and maybe I will actually get some work done). Last spring training was great, with Pete calling all the games over the internet.
Couch Tater
March 13th, 2009
12:38 pm
SteveOH,
Your comments yesterday about drafting high school players vs. college.
Question #8 somewhat addresses that, but I figured you may want to read the article anyway. (if, you haven’t)
http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/01/bill-james-answers-all-your-baseball-questions/
nitram odarp
March 13th, 2009
12:47 pm
unless j anderson just tanks these next few weeks it will be his job. the braves are going to send schaffer to triple a to start the year then maybe bring him up after a while just to save the arbitration years. also i like the idea of diaz as the fourth outfielder. infante can play a decent center field and i think diaz’s right handed bat off the bench is very logical in a heavy left handed line up
22oz
March 13th, 2009
12:48 pm
Fred, this year has been a big disapointment as far as radio broadcasts. Last year, Pete Van Wieren broadcast spring training game, and you could listen to them on the MLB gameday audio package, which led to me to purchase it again this year. Needless to say, i’ve been very disapointed.
22oz
March 13th, 2009
12:49 pm
*Geez, i meant to say Pete Van Wieren broadcast EVERY spring game…
cvbraves
March 13th, 2009
12:50 pm
Fish looked tough last night. Routed Mets, 16-8. Should be good test for Hanson. Think Johnson pitching for Fish, should be good test for Braves’ offense, too.
cvbraves
March 13th, 2009
12:51 pm
22oz: Agree with the big disappointment in ST Braves coverage.
Salty
March 13th, 2009
12:53 pm
DAP…playing catch-up and following the logic of homers vs. doubles affect on rallies. Metaphorically, if the homer is the best climax…then the double is extending the foreplay?
I’m gonna get in big trouble…aren’t I???
cphizzle
March 13th, 2009
12:53 pm
i bet pete still turns down the tv and does the play by play for himself
Ritchie from Scotland
March 13th, 2009
1:01 pm
disappointed there isn’t even any audio coverage of the game today on mlb.com, especially with Hanson pitching.
FilliesFeelingFrightfullyPhilarmonic
March 13th, 2009
1:01 pm
Is this game televised anywhere so we can see the next SMOLTZ action ?
DAP
March 13th, 2009
1:01 pm
salty i almost didnt use that word because of that…bad salty, bad!
Bobby's Belly
March 13th, 2009
1:13 pm
new blog?
KC
March 13th, 2009
1:13 pm
No TV, no radio (from either team). DOB, you’re our only connection to today’s game!
cvbraves
March 13th, 2009
1:14 pm
Inning 1
Top Half
B:0 S:3 O:1 – Jordan Schafer strikes out swinging.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:2 – Yunel Escobar grounds out, shortstop Hanley Ramirez to first baseman Gaby Sanchez.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:3 – Kelly Johnson flies out to left fielder John Raynor.
Ritchie from Scotland
March 13th, 2009
1:16 pm
I knew our ST performance has been pretty good, didn’t realise it was the best in both leagues….I know it’s only St but still…
Couch Tater
March 13th, 2009
1:16 pm
Random, you may want to stay away from fish tacos.
cphizzle
March 13th, 2009
1:19 pm
well somebody please wake DOB
David O'Brien
March 13th, 2009
1:20 pm
NEW BLOG SHOULD BE UP
Hanson’s allowed a single up the middle, hit a batter, and given up a run with two out in the first.
Mekons
March 13th, 2009
1:22 pm
I’m not seeing a new blog….
Bubdylan
March 13th, 2009
1:28 pm
Random, you have a poet’s soul, my man. (not sacrcasm)
Bubdylan
March 13th, 2009
1:29 pm
….whatever “sacrasm” is.