Hanson on hill in Jupiter

First? Go Braves!

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Hey Dave

When do the Braves expect Glavine to pitch in a live game? How is he coming along?

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What’d we miss?

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The WBC is annoying to the MLB teams no doubt, but for the fans it gives a good opportunity to watch all star quality teams play each other rather than 4 innings of your team followed by prospects, projects, and hopefuls. I could see why managers such as Jim Leyland are annoyed (he’s missing his entire outfield and 1B) but at the same time it gives the fans something meaningful to watch in between the Superbowl, March Madness, and the actual baseball season.

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DOB,
Enjoyed your story on Frenchy a few days ago but it prompted a question:

So, he went out and spent a few days with Rudy Jaramillo and had a hitting clinic – does somebody get paid for that? If it was a Braves coach, then everybody’s just on the company clock, right? But it’s a coach from another team doing a player a favor, does the player pay the guy for his time? Does somebody write a check to the Rangers? Is it a less formal thing, like a barter or trade of some kind? Does Frenchy, in exchange, offer to build Jaramillo a set of bookshelves for his study or something? Just wondering what the custom is.

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Hanson’s not ready.

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just because the guy has a bad inning means hes not ready? comon

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What’s with Hanson hitting guys?

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Lets see if he can settle down after the rough fist inning

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On Baseball Tonight last night, they said that Francoeur played in a split squad game yesterday, and had 2 hits.

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How has Francouer done this spring ? This guy he hit off today is very very good, but has he hit the other MLB calibre guys ?

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KC: I missed baseball tonight the past few days, have they started saying anything positive yet about the braves, oh i dunno, maybe that they’ve won like the last 12 games or so in a row?

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no strike outs yet 4 french

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Bravely going forward, I rarely watch Baseball Tonight, because they so rarely talk about the Braves at all. I just happened to catch it last night, and they were speaking (positively) about the adjustments that Francoeur has made at the plate.

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The important thing is not what the Marlins are doing with Hanson (a little adversity will only help him). But, look what the Braves are doing to Johnson!

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From the last blog who actually believes they could be my alter ego but ain’t got the nads to post under their real name- I’m not complaining about complainers. As I’ve said in the past-why throw soap to the unwashed masses? They’ll likely just turn around and eat the soap. I wasn’t complaining about them, merely remarking that no matter how the team is constituted, someone from the opposing view of “How Things Should Be Done” will gripe about it-without fail. As for me leaving. You”re going to drive me away? Sure you are.Yeah, right.

Scoots-You’re correct-they are two different groups. Results look quite similar, though.

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I think you have to pick your counts to swing for the fences. If you’re in a situation against a pitcher with a live fastball and you’re up in the count 2-0 or 3-1 you can swing hard and still be very alive in the at bat if you come up empty. The more Francouer works on his plate discipline the more results we’ll see in average, obp, and slugging.

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I think Hanson’s strategy against potential base thieves is going to be to not let the on base to begin with.

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KC- I am in agreement with you in so much as Frenchy, I beleive, at least has a good chance to hit at or near .300 the way he is approaching each of his AB’s so far this spring.

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Has French even swung and missed yet?

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If I’m the Braves upper management and Rudy is able to fix both Francoeur’s and Andruw’s swing then I might look in different directions as far as hitting coaches go, despite allegiances. If one person is able to turn their careers around then it does say something about TP’s abilities as a hitting instructor.

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I think both Frenchy, KJ, Escobar, and Kotchman could all potentially have break out years. It’s unlikely they will all do so at once, but any one of those guys is capable of making a big step forward. And if any 2 of them do, it will be great for the Braves.

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DWW,
Don’t know for sure, but I wouldn’t expect that anyone’s faces felt slapped by it. Seems to be something that sort of happens a lot. There was a lot of talk last year about all the advice that Smoltz and Glavine were giving Blaine Boyer, and that was right under McDowell’s nose. It sounds like Maddux was practically Derek Lowe’s personal pitching coach the end of last year with the Dodgers. I think it falls under the idea that you never know who is going to make the one little comment or observation that really helps a guy out.

But it still made me curious how other teams or coaches get compensated when a player goes outside the organization for that help.

(And you never know, maybe TP called Jaramillo himself and asked him to take a look at Frenchy.)

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hanson had a bad inning. not only should he not be in the rotation now, he should quit the game of baseball altogether…

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what were you doing watching baseball tonight last night?

there was a badass 6OT bball game going on that you should have been checking out

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Rodney Derrick – I second that. With so little ST games (period) on TV, its at least nice to watch some baseball. And I think that is a good idea.

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I have been a scout for a long time, came on to see if anyone was showing the Hanson kid pitch today. Shamefully no-one is. I saw him in Arizona and a few of us think he is the best thing since Smoltz and Avery… We cannot say we like Atlanta but you have to respect the changes your GM made this winter especially after taking a hammering by the Atlanta media… so now you have 5 very good (1 former great starter), 2-4 excellent back ups (5 if you add young Medlen)..

your weakness in the OF and contact/pressure hitting was addressed with Garret Anderson…. the big ?????? is your very very poor RF. If he were here in our town he would be in AA for a long time until he hit consistently…

As for the NL EAST, yes it will be us and Braves, I hear a certain team with throat problems has a superstar pitcher in some bother… history will show that they will mess up his long term future for an April/may gain…

Most stats sites have it 86-89 wins for Phils, Braves and Mets, so it will be close

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josh b, it was 2 on and sammons up. Not bases loaded. I don’t know what happened.

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Because all you do is complain and whimper. Oh and try to give your shoddy artwork away because apparently no one wants to buy that crap.

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garlick: Scroll up a few comments.

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VT 74 Carolina 71, who else is in line to pitch today?

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As a former baseball player who had the priveledge to play through college(NAIA), I can tell you that the fundamentals to hitting, pitching, fielding are the same, no matter what level you play on. Going through high school, my coaches taught me the exact same things I learned in my college years. Once I reached college though, the things that were being taught to me “clicked” and I fully believe that it all came from the fact that it was coming from somebody else. The message was the same everywhere I played. How the message is delivered made all the difference in the world.

The message here is that not everybody can teach everybody. Hearing it from a different person can make all the difference in the world. Sometimes when you are being taught by the same person for an extended period of time, if things aren’t going well, then both parties can get frustrated and you get to a point where you feel like you are beating your head against a wall. A different voice delivering the message can sometimes make all the difference in the world.

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I hear a certain team with throat problems Phillies

Love it.

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Have a nice day, I look forward to seeing young Hanson and the Schafer boy by July

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Remember Gullickson doing very well with Montreal but forgot his Detroit tenure.

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Inning 3
Top Half
B:0 S:3 O:1 – Jordan Schafer strikes out swinging.

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B:0 S:0 O:2 – Yunel Escobar grounds out, third baseman Dallas McPherson to first baseman Gaby Sanchez.

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B:4 S:0 O:2 – Kelly Johnson walks.

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B:0 S:0 O:3 – Casey Kotchman grounds out to first baseman Gaby Sanchez.

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Presumably if Rudy J. was working with JF during the offseason, he would have had discussions with TP, and TP would be working to enforce any approach that JF now has and feels comfortable with.

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DOB thats story about cox and gullikson is the kind of thing that makes this blog so great. i felt for a moment like i was there. those little anecdotes are probably my favorite part of any blog. great job, and thanx!

i love the WBC, by the way. it might throw a kink in spring training, for for fans i think its great, overall.

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What’s the word on Javier Vazsquez? I’ve not read one word about him.

Great song from a great albumn by Tom Waits

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Kyle Kendrick or J.A. Happ will probably be the Phils’ 5th starter…lol

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Now it is final UNC 77 – VT 76

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*Fillies* “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” welcome to Braves/MIB/bbq

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I have much love for the WBC. Watched a fair few games already and they have been great. Being an International baseball fan myself it’s only doing the game good. Especially with the Dutch performance, maybe somebody will decide baseball is worth investing money in in Europe!

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And for those of you who care, Tiger Woods is 2 under through 4 for the day. 3 under overall. Leader is Prayd Marksaeng at 11 under with Mickelson 1 shot behind.

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whats the score?

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VA Tech 76 UNC 79 Final

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unfortunately UNC has won.

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Inning 4
Top Half
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Pitcher Change: Sean West replaces Josh Johnson.

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B:0 S:0 O:1 – Jeff Francoeur grounds out, shortstop Hanley Ramirez to first baseman Gaby Sanchez.

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B:0 S:0 O:2 – Omar Infante grounds out, shortstop Hanley Ramirez to first baseman Gaby Sanchez.

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B:0 S:0 O:3 – Matt Diaz grounds out, shortstop Hanley Ramirez to first baseman Gaby Sanchez.

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Whoever is posting the “Lew Is downright filthy” sh!t is a complete and total ass. You’re either 12 years old, or you’re a pathetic human being (probably living in your parents basement, unable to hold down a job at Subway). I hope for your sake, it’s the former.

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Wow, three groundouts to short…poor worms

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Always happy to have knowledgeable baseball minds around here, regardless who they root for. So Fillies…Philharmonic, welcome.

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Hanson is no Tim Redding.

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How’s Kotchman looking?

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Bottom Half
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: Frederick Freeman replaces first baseman Casey Kotchman, batting 4th, playing first base.

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B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: Greg Norton replaces left fielder Matt Diaz, batting 7th, playing left field.

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Lew is one of if not the most informed blogger on the site and he is doing it from Vermont. By the way, his art is appreciated by most on the blog that have had the opportunity to see it and by a lot of the Braves.

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I think this start again shows why Hanson is going to be special. He gets roughed up a little in the 1st inning and doesn’t have his best stuff. But he battles the rest of the game giving up nothing else

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chore

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I sure hope we carry this momentum from the meaningless spring games to the regular season and beyond. GO BRAVES!!!!

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c jonze

Good comment. Wren had an amazingly effective off-season. The most important part might have been not getting Peavy. He put together a terrific rotation after it imploded last year. The drama queens who were screaming and yelling about Wren look like idiots today.

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Will Hanson go 5 today?

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Will he steal 3rd?

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Weren’t the few troubles Hanson had in the minors just like this? Early trouble? I’ll take that. Seems like a better problem to have than the pitchers who do well until they lose a batter or two and then fall apart.

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KJ, break out year in 09

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The Brves have been like this all ST – beating up on the minor league pitchers.

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Hanson has first inning troubles?
The cure’s simple…move his locker away from Mr. First Inning Trouble – Glavine. Tommy’s “disease” may be catching!

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whos pitching for florida?

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Redirect – Right on the button!!!

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I second that “ATTA BOY FRENCHY!!!” KEEP IT UP!

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Nice

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I thought Tom Waits was Canadian. Best pure lyricist is Joni Mitchell, also a fine water color artist. Marci combines both of these skills.

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Well, at least the Dow is up this week.

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Gotta love it. The Boyz of Summer. You go, Kelly, Freddy, and Jeff. I shoulda been a cheerleader! And the Fish beat the Mets last night, 16-8.

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Sounds like Francoeur’s swing is definately coming around- good for him

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Freeman has to be opening some eyes. I hope to see him in Atlanta sooner than later. He’s a player.

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Dawg, if Frank Wren would have even considered trading all of that for Peavy, John S would have kissed him goodbye.

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FRENCHY!!!!!

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How is Sammons doing today?

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TheManMike…very creative

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So true BoH. The early reports on what the Pads were asking for seemed close to fair, but their demands, from all I have read, got steeper and steeper as the negotiations went on, eventually getting out of hand. Again, one deal that I am quite happy didn’t happen.

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whats Hanson’s pitch count up to?

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BringOnHansen What does your screen name mean? I mean, who is the Hansen you are referring to?

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At Doral, J. Singh, Mickelson, and Marksaeng at the top at 10 under through 9, 10, and 12 respectively. Tiger dropped a shot and is 2 under through 6.

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MLB Box score shows 7-2 Bravos

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Damn Infante…. he killed the rally.

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Seems like Maybin has Hansons number…

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Hey DOB – nice to see Blood Mountain in your cd collection.

Without question Mastodon blows Metallica out of the water in terms of talent. Drummers are crucial to great metal albums, and Dailor is vastly superior to Lars. Absolutely amazing fills.

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Hate to be a pessimist…but bringing in Parr might be looking at a 2-run shot by Hanley. Show me it isn’t so, James.

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cvbraves, nope a strike out by Parr.

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Parr, Struck out Hanley

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CVBraves im giving u the nickname “Mr. Negativity”

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Hanson needs to man-up and complete the five innings so he can get a win. Doesnt he know how wins work in MLB Spring Training, lol.

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“How you going to keep ‘em down on the farm?”

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LSU leads Kentucky 58-47 with 3:35 left in the game- SEC Men’s Qtr Finals.

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DOB,

Never took you for a Mastodon fan, good for you. And I agree they are the best metal band out there today.

If you haven’t heard them yet, they’ve released 2 songs from their upcoming album “Crack the Skye” titled Oblivion and Divinations, both are great, the vocals are a lot cleaner on these two songs, and that’s a trend I hope they stay with..

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Hanson is going to be back soon. I don’t know who is going to have to go to make room for him, but after a bit of time at AAA, it’s going to counterproductive to waste his arm on games that don’t matter much.

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DOB – So did Freeman hit a first pitch single or did he fly out to end the inning?

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I guess you can’t really put up a lot of runs playing small ball. We definitely need a big bat in left field.

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DOB… How was Hanson’s velocity today? Not too many strikeouts for a strikeout pitcher.

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He meant Heyward I think

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CB–

Thank you. I’ve gone bright red.

Random–

Thanks for the tip. Hope my bolditizing the link works!

Dude, the Braves are on some kind of a roll, eh? Guess they don’t need Chipper and McCann after all…:cry:

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That’s s’posed to be a

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Bottom 6th.

Bottom Half
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: Brandon Hicks replaces shortstop Yunel Escobar, batting 2nd, playing shortstop.

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B:0 S:0 O:1 – Dallas McPherson flies out to center fielder Jordan Schafer.

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B:0 S:3 O:2 – Wes Helms strikes out swinging.

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B:0 S:0 O:3 – Cody Ross grounds out, third baseman Diory Hernandez to first baseman Frederick Freeman.

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Good to see Frenchy getting hits.

Oh and Kudo’s on the Tom Waits DOB!! Most important songwriter of the latter half of the 20th century IMO. People can have Dylan, but I would raise them a Swordfish Trombones or Rain Dogs, or hell pretty much anything!

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DOB – kust looking at the box score and it looks like Florida is using DH and Braves are batting the pitcher. I now this is ST, but thought both teams would play to the same rules!

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DOB: What time of you would you think might be best for WBC?

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For all of you ready to give Hanson a spot in the rotation, you need to chill out. The guy has been very impressive and is a future ace, no doubt. But, he still hasn’t pitched above Double-A. He is pitching against teams that are missing a lot of their best players to the WBC. It is a wide known fact that pitchers are WAY ahead of hitters in Spring Training. Hitting is all about timing and takes a while to get back. Especially, when the guy throws 95-99 mph and with the kind of stuff he has. He needs some seasoning and fine tuning in Triple-A before he is fully ready. The last thing you want to do is stunt his growth from hurting his confidence by bringing him up too early.

Not to mention, there is absolutely no room for him. He is not going to take Lowe, Vazquez, Jurrjens, Kawakami, or Glavine’s spot. Glavine’s would be the most likely based on ability and money, but know way he is going to take Glavine’s spot for him. If someone gets hurt, there is no guarantee he would even get the start. I think Reyes would get it at this point. I could be wrong, but I do not think he is in the Braves plan for this year. Unless, it is in the bullpen in a late season call up like David Price and Samardzja last year.

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

this is pretty hilarious

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Cameron I think you are pretty spot on with that about Hanson

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Wow, Memory Dean…where have I heard that name before? Reminds of Athenaeum for some reason.

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Cameron
I agree that Hanson should start the year in AAA, but as far as people that need to “chill out”, you better add Chipper Jones to that list if you are going to make it. In Chippers opinion he is ready, and Chipper might know a thing or two.

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DOB said at beginning of game Marlins were going to use DH and Braves opted to let pitcher hit.

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Also reminds me of this musical time frame…the mid to late 90’s and the Southern swing for local bands…

Uncle Mingo
Spider Monkey
Sqwearl
Hobex
Danielle Howle and the Tantrums
Muthafist

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DWW:

Chipper said that he is the real deal and that he is an ace. He did not campaign for him to be on the opening day roster. If he played for the Royals, would he make their team? Probably, and he would probably have a decent season. I am just relaying my opinion, what Bobby Cox, and Wren have commented all along.

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Lol, the braves are trying to lose games by not using the DH and still win, lol.

Also, Hanson is ready for the Majors, but he really isn’t needed…based on the fact that we have 4-5 quality starters. I think on many other teams…he would be up in the Bigs starting in April.

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cvbraves

Can you post link to play-by-play? I always have trouble finding it.

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Is there any real downside of him pitching in AAA? There could be a lot of positives…getting to work on his stuff a little more, trying different things, etc.

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Cameron, FYI, I’m really talking about Hanson coming up around July 1… I don’t think there’s much chance he’s on the opening day roster. And even then, of course that assumes that he’s progressing properly at AAA, and that Glavine isn’t winning every time out.

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Gotta go with Cameron(3:06)on Hanson. Plus,our second tier guys Reyes,Campillo,Morton ,And yes James Parr are all in the mix.

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whats the score? Ive been watching the ACC Tournament.

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mbatl, that would be 10 or so starts in which you’re saying Hanson gives you a better chance to win than the guy in the usual spot. If that’s the case, he shouldn’t be pitching at 5, LOL.

I imagine he still needs to refine his changeup some (he’ll need that more in the bigs than he ever did in the minors), and it would be nice to see him tone down his flyball rate some. Anything that will help minimize the rough bumps in the ML road that he’s bound to endure, can only be a blessing.

Unless Kawakami and Glavine do total face plants, I think it unlikely that Hanson, as a rookie, could provide significantly more wins than either. Why take the chance of rushing him, says I?

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Inning 8
Top Half
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Clint Sammons grounds out, third baseman Robert Andino to first baseman Gaby Sanchez.

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B:0 S:0 O:1 – Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Wes Timmons replaces James Parr.

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B:0 S:0 O:2 – Wes Timmons grounds out, pitcher Burke Badenhop to first baseman Gaby Sanchez.

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B:0 S:0 O:3 – Jordan Schafer doubles (2) on a line drive to right fielder Cody Ross. Jordan Schafer out at 3rd, right fielder Cody Ross to shortstop Manuel Mayorson to third baseman Robert Andino.

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Here is another good source for game updates today. This guy is at the game and “tweeting” updates. My last post was just a repeat of what he said.

http://twitter.com/crookedpitch

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Buena in to pitch for braves in 8th

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Why are people trying to predict things like Hanson coming up, when we have absolutely no idea how the season will play out–injuries, injuries, injuries !!! Also the ST stats that will start to have some meaning will begin on games after Monday, March 16–you can ignore virtually everything before then. We have a history of pitchers and hitters looking awesome early, only to fade in the last two weeks of ST.

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If Spring Training is really for training, our pitchers sure as h___ could use it to learn how to bunt. I was very happy to hear that Jimmie Williams was working with them earlier this spring. Last year was an embarrassment for ALL bunters, but particularly the pitchers.

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good grief fellas work has got in the way of keepin up with the braves today, if this keeps up i may have to look for another job

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keylargo–excellent point at 3:27

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Your 5th/6th starter doesnt have to be special…he is there to get quality starts.

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Frankie Good was actually pretty good today.

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I think Bill Gullickson’s son may pitch for Clemson. He did well last year, not so hot so far this year.

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Not saying Morton sucks (he’s better than anyone on this blog) but he just happens to be an odd man out at this point.

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McFann, don’t worry…no one can replace B-Mac (or Chipper, for that matter).

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B:0 S:0 O:3 – Robert Andino grounds out, third baseman Diory Hernandez to shortstop Brandon Hicks to first baseman Frederick Freeman.

That’s odd, why did Diory throw the ball to Hicks?? It wasn’t a double play.

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Inning 9
Top Half
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Pitcher Change: Christopher Leroux replaces Burke Badenhop.

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B:0 S:2 O:0 – Brandon Hicks homers (1) on a fly ball to left field.

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B:0 S:0 O:1 – Jason Heyward flies out to left fielder John Raynor.

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B:0 S:0 O:1 – Frederick Freeman singles on a line drive to right fielder Cody Ross.

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B:0 S:0 O:2 – Brooks Conrad pops out to first baseman Gaby Sanchez in foul territory.

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B:0 S:0 O:3 – Diory Hernandez grounds into a force out, third baseman Robert Andino to second baseman Chris Coghlan. Frederick Freeman out at 2nd.

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Mastodon KILLS Well done DOB. That’ll get that red bull pumping.

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I know, OHBravesGirl…I was kind of kidding.

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Thanks Garlick! Half of his hits are for extra bases that’s awesome!

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Just wanted to say..the title of this entry is a winner….now back to work so I can get outta here on time.

Oh and go braves! World series here we come!

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Cameron
I thought the original post was great. I just didnt like the “chill out” part directed at guys(including chipper) who might be a little over excited about this kid.

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Couch, you’re killing me, man, LOL. No drugs, but the Clemson loss is in the rearview mirror. Think that might have had me a little snarky yesterday.

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kenshin

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nice game bravos

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He shows a tremendous amount of maturity for such a young guy. At 23 I was nowhere near that put together. Thanks keylargo!

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i think the people in American media need to get behind the WBC and help make it a success… i think WBC is exactly what the game of baseball needs for its growth here and abroad… after all, baseball is our national pastime, isn’t it?

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Who is scheduled to pitch Sunday?

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The record may not mean much, but it is still pretty cool… they are playing very well.

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DOB – now that you’ve figured out the polls on wordpress, can you also add a counter to track the number of times someone asks you about the other Dave O’Brien?

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Must be nice to be Bobby Cox and Frank Wren these days,to actually have some talent to choose from.Its going to be some tough decisions to make over the next three weeks.THANK YOU GOD!

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“mbatl, that would be 10 or so starts in which you’re saying Hanson gives you a better chance to win than the guy in the usual spot. If that’s the case, he shouldn’t be pitching at 5, LOL.”

’scoots, well, yeah. That’s kinda’ the idea. Five “#2’s” getting lots of rest and giving us a chance to win every night. (it’s not a prediction, btw, just a fantasy).

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Well, winning never hurts, I don’t care if it’s the hearts game in the clubhouse. Just can’t project ST success on the regular season, is all anybody’s been saying.

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DOB

Is it Kawakami then D-Lowe this weekend?

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Figured you were kidding, McFann! I just enjoy your passion for the Braves and your favorite player. I love him too, but I can’t compete with you. Haha.

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Cameron
You didnt hurt my feelings, I was just sticking up for Chipper. (whose not here to defend himself)

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Just out of curiosity – who is the idiot official scorer? The way you described Hanson’s 1st inning, since the 2nd run scored without the benfit of an error, then the first runner (since he didn’t reach by error, only advanced a base by error) would also be earned. Who do we need to send a rule book to down there?

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Sorry David, but you’re a musical moron if you think Mastodon’s better than Metallica. Period.

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DOB, Heyward pitched today?

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Ahhh, very quick young grasshopper, lol

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Section327:

If Hanson is as good as advertised…runner’s stealing on him won’t matter

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DOB – yeah, noticeable effort to speed it up a bit. That little hitch does cost him a half step to the runner, so he will need some work on that. And, of course, Maybin and Ramirez can really run – not like these were catchers stealing on him. Again, though, the overall lasting impression was of the movement. A little bit of 12 to 6 movement, but more a 10 to 4 type. More horizontal movement than vertical, but it really jumps around.

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Yeah Josh H- I seem to remember runners taking anything they wanted against our old pitchers- and the Cy Young trophies just kept coming in anyway.

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JerseyGil,

Did you feel like the WBC generated excitement from the casual fan away from the ballpark (in P.R.)? Do you think it will have the effect that MLB wants?

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MFin04 did u notice the final box score and who got the WIN? TOMMY HANSON

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There have been a couple of good baseball items on NPR this week. During the story about the Netherlands upset of the Dominicans, the guy being interviewed said that baseball began in the Netherlands during WWII. The Dutch new it was the American pastime and started playing baseball as a way of thumbing their noses at the Nazi occupiers.

There was a story on yesterday about the “Curse of the Colonel”. check it out on NPR.org. I laughed my tail off.

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One more thought on Schaefer – he uncorked a beauty of a throw from fairly deep center to 3rd to almost get Hanley Ramirez tagging and advancing. The throw skipped away, but it was a solid one-hopper on a line. Very “un-Blanco-like.”

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Oh my gosh you guys! There’s a brand new article out about how Francoeur has
changed for the better and how he’s not going to suck this year!

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090313&content_id=3979046&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl&partnerId=rss_atl

Thank goodness! Its been at least 2 days since this story was last done. Whew. I can sleep good tonight!

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Mastadon reference is very cool but you just cannot beat the Tom Waits peice he gave us.
Best show of 2008, Tom Waits at the Fox.
I know you were there DOB.
Take care and thanks for the Play by play.

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Metallica is too clean, polished, and comercially oriented for my taste (metal-wise). I’ll take Mastodon over them any day.

Anybody listened to “Still Dangerous,” a new release of some 77′ material by Thin Lizzy? I LOVE it!

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DOB,
How was the Jamey Johnson CD? “In Color” is a good country song. I liked “The Redneck Side of Me” When your shades are on an’ your heads on ice, something I could relate to back in the day.

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You’re OK DOB but I wish you’d can it with the stupid music talk and stick to sports. You ain’t 20 any more. Leave it at the EARL. Don’t be a dork.

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There was a news today in PR about Bernie William, a lady accused Bernie of Punch her in the face in a night club on thursday after celebrating the Pool D Winner, police are investigating the accusation.
The accuser said that she took a PIC of Bernie an he approach her a broke her camara & punch her.

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cphizzle – He wrote about it in an earlier blog…bottom line is they are friends.

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Josh Anderson just stole first, again……

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Um, Um Schafer’s got options.

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cphizzle (3:28 pm): “good grief fellas work has got in the way of keepin up with the braves today, if this keeps up i may have to look for another job”

I got a GREAT job — I just took leave for every weekday day game for the reg season (and for the one televised ST weekday game on 3/27).

Woo hoo!

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section 412—- interesting comments about the schafer kid, this young man has an excitement that he brings into every game he plays in. the 5 or 6 games he has played in he just seems to be showing alot of his skills day in and day out.

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Sounds like Reyes is getting the choking part out early.

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Hey guys, anyone care to opine as to whether I should claim Moylan off waivers in my fantasy league??? Random question I know, but I’m pumped up about him and how has done, and I need RP.

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Jersey – I do believe they would like to move the Marlins to PR. It’s OK with me. Not that MLB is waiting for my sign off.

I would plan vacations down there to see the Mets play from time to time. Just not in July or August.

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Um, Um Schafer’s got options. (booby’s Belly)

Yeah but the last time he took one of those options it cost him 50 days in the klink.:}

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Shamus-Picked it up yesterday. It’s a great recording-very well engineered and re-mastered (Scott Gorham’s hand might be showing). Both guitar parts came through much better than on Live and Dangerous. Saw them about six months prior to the Tower Theater Show. They opened for Queen in Hollywood Florida.

Talking to Don from (the sadly closed) Ella Guru, seems we were at the show together, even though we didn’t realize it until over 25 years after the fact.

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Anders don’t you have a Mets blog to post on? I will never understand why a person comes to a rivals team board to talk with their fans instead of their own. Could he be a closet Braves fan?

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Oh by the way Anders- he was never actually using and if you read some of the comments previous people that have seen Schafer have said he’s not big at all. He made a bad decision as far as being around the stuff.

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I would make Hanson my 5th starter over Glavine. I see Glavine as a 8-12 pitcher. Hope I’m wrong. I think Hanson could win 12-15 games right now. At the end of the year I would hate to miss the playoffs by a game, with HAnson down in AAA for half the season!

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Someone was asking about Vazquez a while ago. I saw him pitch in the WBC last week. He went 4 innings and was LIGHTS OUT, UNTOUCHABLE.

———-

I lived in Taiwan for five years and got to see some pro baseball there. It is about the level of our high A I’d say but it is really popular over there and the turnout is very good. The game is gaining ground all around the globe these days.

———–

It’s nice for a change not to see those ridiculous calls for Frank Wren to be tarred and feathered. And it seems Bobby Cox is getting a lot less ugly crap being hurled his way these days. That’s also good. Not often a city gets the privilege of having one of the best managers of all time and get to enjoy 14 consecutive division championships. Cox will be around until he is ready to retire. You can count on it.

—————-

For those who say the Braves are beating only second grade players on the opposing teams this spring you really should fill your glasses. You might also consider the Braves are playing their prospects (and second teamers) at the same time. To me it looks like the Braves are going to open the season with a very well balanced team, capable of winning a ton of games and one that will bring excitement to Atlanta in 2009.

I wonder just what Cox and Wren are thinking in their decision making concerning their rotation. Sure looks like Glavine was not needed but they have him, if he can get people out, that is.

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Tomahawk – Calm down Kimosabe. We smoke peace pipe now.

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Anders….

“Options” do not = “PED’S” lol.

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Hey, Section 412 — Welcome Back!

And thanks for the ST info and insights.

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Personally, I thought what the Rays did last spring with Eva Longoria was chicken-$hit…..holding him back for contract considerations when he had clearly won the job in the spring. I hope the Braves don’t resort to such actions if indeed guys like Hanson or Schafer win their jobs in the spring.

Like some have said, put your best team out there, even if you have to put somebody else in the pen, or outright another player.

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Shameless plug here for my boys. I know music is constantly discussed here, and I want to let everyone here know 10 Years is going to be at the Masquerade on Sunday night. They’re a rock band from Knoxville, TN. If you listen to radio rock you’ve most likely heard their most famous song, “Wasteland”. It was at the top of the Modern Rock charts for a few months in 2007. They released their sophomore effort titled “Division” last May, and put on a hell of a live show. If you want to check them out http://www.myspace.com/10years or http://www.10yearsmusic.com . Tickets are $14 in advance and $16 at the door if you want to come out. I have seen them 10 times and this is the very first headlining show they’ve ever done in Atlanta. Let me know what you guys think.

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Dave , you are pretty much spot on with your take on the Braves so far… While it is still very early, it is nice to be ringing up wins. Good for the team and good for the fans. At least it has kept the drive by Mets fans from being too vocal….

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Gonna be tough to beat the Phils, but I think the Braves have a real, legit shot at the wild card. The Mets have way more weak spots in their lineup than we do (we have exactly NONE), and a far worse pitching staff outside of Santana. If the wild card doesn’t come out of the West, I think it’ll come out of Atlanta.
Go Braves!

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ChipperFan

While I think the Phillies will be tough this year, I really didn’t see them being the best team in baseball last year, as much as just being the team that peaked at the playoffs.

Once in a while a team is so dominant all year, and blast through the playoffs (Red Sox in 2007). Other times, a lot of teams are excellent at times through the year, and the one that peaks at the end wins it all.

Of course, there are exceptions to my points, but what I am getting around to saying is that I don’t expect the Phillies to dominate in the NL East this year. It’s anybody’s game. A lot will have to do with injuries and such, but there are 4 teams in the east with a shot. And then there is the playoffs for a team that struggles early, and maybe finishes strong.

It could be a fun year for Braves fans if the Braves avoid the injury bug, and a couple of things go our way.

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Sticking to the subject of Hanson, for all y’all that have seen him. What’s he look like. How is his motion, his mechanics? Is he going to blow up like Woods? Is he fluid, does he but undo stress on his shoulder or elbow? Does he look like a 20 year pitcher or a 5 year pitcher? How long before he has his Tommy John surgery? I hate to sound cynical but TJ surgery seems to be pretty SOP these days

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Wayne-I’m just not seeing Hanson start the season in Atlanta-or Schafer.

With so many fifth starter options with ML experience (Morton, Parr and Reyes, not to mention Glavine), there’s just absolutely NO reason for Hanson to start the year anywhere but Gwinnett.

Short of a trade, don’t expect to see either Blanco (still has options) or Schafer (clock hasn’t even started yet) start the year in Atlanta either. With Josh out of options and Brandon Jones hitting well, I just don’t see them making the team out of Spring Training.

There’s absolutely no reason to rush them into an early start when there are so many other alternatives. Like I said-without a trade (which is entirely possible), I doubt neither Hanson nor Schafer start the year on the ML team. It won’t hurt them to have some more time in the minors since neither has played above AA.

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Pete

There’s a lot to be said for some well placed “wildness” for a pitcher. I am thinking about Kevin Costner’s comments to the batter after Nuke hit the bull.

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I forgot to mention, in case DOB didn’t, that Schafer had a fine day. Made a spectacular diving catch in left-center and had a couple hits. His all-around play, including speed, is going to make it tough for Bobby not to keep him on the major league team come April. He did fan his first two times up but he still looked very good to me. A keeper.

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DOB,

Well since Coach K will pass both Dean Smith and Bobby Knight. You can cross them off the list however, John Wooden is another story. You got me with him.

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LEW — I sort of agree with you on Hanson and Schafer, especially Hanson. Here’s the thing with Schafer that I had sensed before and saw today. He seems to be that special player who can be a game-changer, both offensively and definsively. Clearly he has little or nothing left to prove with his glove and he really hits the ball with authority pretty consistently.

Anderson does have great speed and fits the lead-off mold better than Schafer and Bobby may see that as a more immediate need. I think Schafer will very soon be a 2-3-5-6 hitter. He seems highly motivated it going to make it a tough decision for Bobby. We’ll know in a few weeks.

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Hi folks, new poster (but a long-time lurker) here. I’m old enough to have seen Ted William pinch-hit at Yankee Stadium (he fouled to first.) My gal and I go to about twenty Braves games a year and I love the team.

Can someone provide an update on James Parr? His line was fantastic. Is he in the running for a bullpen job? Thanks!

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I’ve instructed everyone on my team that stealing first base is no longer permitted. Unless your OBP = AVG. Then I insist on it.

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With all due respect. O’Brien, you my friend have had way too much F-N red bull today.

Few metal bands on planet earth can match Metallica when it comes to pure power, vocals and lyrical genius.

Mastodon= Brutal Ear Rape. Decent band but in no way do they compare to the original Gods of metal music. Sacrilege, my man, sacrilege.

It’s nice to see Tommy Hanson doing his thing. My recommendation is for all you lucky fans in Atlanta to bypass Turner Field, save some bucks and go watch the Gwinnett Braves play. besides, they are almost guaranteed to dominate. Unlike our Atlanta Braves.

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Josh Anderson can absolutely fly folks, man. Here’s some recent times TP and I clocked on him:
2.6 sec
2.5 sec
2.4 sec
2.3 sec
Homeplate to dugout. Faster in the later innings! Really beneficial in the “speed up the game” era.

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Coach, you’re on acid. Evidently a 4-way hit… lol

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John Wooden actually grew up about 15-20 miles from where I live. He was long gone to California when I was born but interesting to know he grew up around the same area I did.

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Hard to argue with the Lou Reed trilogy either, There She Goes Again, Pale Blue Eyes, and Femme Fatale. Great covers from a great band……

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GM – Think Bobby plays who FW gives him. Sure he seeks BC’s opinion, but I bet FW has final say.

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AdirondackDave, thanks for the updates and the perspective from today’s game. DOB’s the best, but it’s great to get another perspective.

Rest assured, you didn’t miss anything up here in NY today. 17 degrees this morning.

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BravesFanInRockies: Didn’t have the good fortune to be a UNC alumnus, but I’ll forever believe Dean was/is the best ever.

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DOB — Absolutely, I agree. Schafer’s catch was AJ at his best. Can’t wait until we see him playing everyday in CF. I think he has the same game-impact type of capability we’ve seen in McCann, maybe more so because of his stellar defense.

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Good to hear Schafer and Hanson were good today, both are MLB ready…

Maybe your FO will mess up and trade them away for a rental, hopefully to us

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Dave – Thanks! Tommy really impresses me with his maturity and level head. And, his pitching ain’t too bad either!

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I guess that answers that question…..

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I know I waited on three-run homers from our outfielders last year. Pretty long wait most of the time…

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Jeff321: ”Well, I hope you got a good laugh.. because this will be our last engagement.”

How devastating – I’m crushed.

Listen, bud–

If you actually believe all the bile and bull you disgorge here, yer an fn moron.

Conversely (“OTOH”), yer just a petty and pitifully unfunny ahole.

So either way, yer little promise is win-win for me.

Thanks, buddy.

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I found Ken Williams’ platinum VISA card on the way home — maybe now we can afford Jermaine Dye.

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Bobby is a dead ringer for a dear (and dead, Gawd bless his soul) old friend of mine. If the pitcher had beer on the mound and a grill fired-up when Bobby went for a visit, it would be like revisiting the past with my old friend…

James (Tunney) Moore was his name; he was an American original.

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no crying in baseball:

Here is a small piece on Hanson’s mechanics.

Hope this helps.

And Couch Tater, I saw your link from the last blog, I’ll read it (probably tomorrow) when I get the chance.

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Steve, the link does not work on my computer.

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The Braves are looking awfully good this spring but I’m having cautious optimism. So many intangibles have to be present for a team to be successful. As we all know far too well injuries can sink a team. If the Braves stay healthy they could be one of the best teams in baseball. The bullpen would by far be the best in the majors. But, the key is staying healthy.

I’ll say this. Tommy Hanson, Freddie Freeman, and Jason Hayward not only give me lots of hope for the future but they are putting severe pressure on certain current Braves. If I were Jeff Francoeur and Casey Kothcman I would feel lots of pressure to succeed this year because if they don’t I don’t think they will have starting jobs next year. And Tommy Hanson has to have Bobby Cox and Frank Wren gushing like school girls. I really think this kid could get 15 wins this year if he started.

The Braves present looks pretty good. Their future looks a helluva lot better. Just think this could be the Braves lineup in 2010: 1B Freddie Freeman; 2B Kelly Johnson; SS Yunel Escobar; 3B Chipper Jones; LF Jason Heyward; CF Jordan Schaffer; RF Jeff Francoeur; C Brian McCann

The rotation: Lowe, Jurrjens, Kenshin K, Vasquez and Hanson with Reyes, Morton, and Parr lurking.

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I need over and unders for my Injury League:
(1)How many games does the Hooters Man play??
(2)How many innings pitched for the Billerica Union Organizer?
(3)How many games does the Madonna disappointer play??

Thanks in advance.

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Steve, may we assume you’re one of the AJC’s programmers? lol

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DOB re: @ your 5:53 pm post

Don’t forget Roy boy. Roy Williams, that is. :>)

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_science

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I abhor using bandwidth for this, but…

lol

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Sorry, doesn’t ring a bell.

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Brent Lillibridge? Yessssssss, I think my sister’s mentioned you. Weren’t you a Stewart Ave. transvestite-gigolo, for a while, years back?

My brain cell rock in high gear sometimes.

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You guys really should have taken me over that cad Chipper Jones. He is always hurt.

I’ll be back in a few minutes, the timer beeped on the flame broiler here at the Burger King I work at.

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Sounds like Agnes Moorehead.

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You know you’re getting old when scenes of Agnes Moorehead (deceast of old age btw) take on an all new glow…

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I agree with The GM…let’s put the best team on the field and not play politics. That being said Francouer doesn’t belong starting in RF. Yes he’s improving his batting techniques, but a 290 hitter with 20 homers or less doesn’t cut it as a RF in the majors. We have better players in Schafer or B Jones with bigger potential & they are showing they are ready. Just as the Rays showed last year you can win big with the young guys & moving forward for the Braves is essential after 3 disappointing seasons.

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Is there any real downside of him pitching in AAA?

only for all the Instant Gratification whiners

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ED___

B Jones does NOT have bigger potential than Frenchy (at least not this year)

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Pretty much everyone has better potential than Francoeur. He’s been in the majors 3.5 years, played in over 550 major league games and has had over 2,100 major league at-bats. The results? A .312 career OBP and two of his three full seasons in the majors he has been up an OBP in the .290s.

At this point, that is who he is: a huge out maker and on-base liability.

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Forget about it… the guys a Braves fan.. He just hasn’t come to grips with it yet. By the way, this team is looking as good as any this off season. Go Braves.

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reality, you might be on to something! Numbers brings out the reality

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I actually agree w/ .500. But I see it w/ whomever we put on the field. I just prefer to be mediocre w/ kids, not Tommy Glavine, GA, etc.

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Bobby’s Belly, you think this is going to be a mediocre team??

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Anders Tries a Mets Blog…….

Anders: So… how about our Mets, boys? No need to worry about the Braves, that’s for sure.

MetsOhMets457: Uh, yeah, okay.

Anders: I saw on a Braves blog where Chipper’s oblique is ailing from the WBC. Can’t say I didn’t warn them.

ReyesIsWright: So, anyway, I liked Garcia over Redding, even before yesterday’s debacle. Redding’s a nice guy, but he’s done.

Anders: He’s very nice. You know who isn’t nice? Yunel Escobar. Also, Jair Jurrjens. Both not nice.

FireOmar666: Hey, Anders, you live down in Atlanta or something?

Anders: No.

FireOmar666: Oh.

ReyesIsWright: What’s the least you guys think we can get Pedro for, if we went that direction?

Anders: Not the Braves.

ReyesIsWright: Anders, what are you talking about?

Anders: Not the Braves. Not that money. No. Braves are… not that money. Pedro is… he’s not a Brave. My credentials are… the Braves are… I will stagger you with them. In Atlanta there are Braves. The Braves of Atlanta…. the Braves of Atlanta… Anders isn’t here anymore…. can someone… are you Hank Aaron? Hello?

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I know BC and most, if not all, other managers do not much care about Ws and Ls in spring training. But I am glad to see the Braves off to a good start this spring. Here’s why. One spring, a certain Joe Torre [manager of the Braves at the time] decided that he wanted the Braves to put more emphasis on winning that particular spring because they had not played well for several years and he thought the emphasis on winning may help them develop a better attitude toward winning.

So they had an excellent spring, Then to start that season, they won 13 in a row and went on to win their division. The year? 1982. So winning in spring training CAN be important. Or also winning OR losing can NOT matter at all.

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Auburn is on fire right now…came outta nowhere. My auburn daughter has got the fever…

brian, that’s the ringtone on my phone right now. Love the mib.

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KC – I do think the Braves will be mediocre. Not a knock on them, but rather a testament to Phils/Mets – tough division. Braves have no legit #1. I’m amazed at how so many are so high on a declining/head case Vasquez and a Japanese player no one has ever seen. I’ll tell my kids about how great Tom Glavine was, but those days are past. Jurrjens is legit. But I just feel there are a bunch more ??????’s than most fans want to admit. Chipper out 30-40 games is a given. McCann out 25 because no one can catch more than 130-140 in ATL heat. Francoeur I won’t even get into. Closer………………….
Hope I’m wrong.

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Supes: “They could be a .500 team, even a slight bit better (if things break right, esp. team health).”

Man, honestly… I think you’re also selling them short.

OF COURSE we never know how things are going to go. ANYthing can happen. Things could go extraordinarily well, or unspeakably awful. But right now, on paper (which is all we can talk about several weeks before opening day)… the Braves look like a legitimate competitor in the east.

Call me a homer, but my very candid opinion is that he FLOOR for this Braves team (barring another completely ridiculous rash of injuries again) is about 85 wins. The ceiling? Hard to say, but if things roll the Braves way, I could easily see this team winning well over 90 games.

First of all, the Braves appear to have the best rotation in the NL East, which will count for a lot. And that’s not just a homer talking. I’m beginning to hear this being pointed out by national media sources as well. Foxsports had a piece the other day stating that ATL’s rotation is in fact the best in the division.

The Braves don’t have anyone quite as good as Santana, but they do have 5 quality starters, and plenty of depth to absorb injuries (which are nowhere near as likely to be a big factor with this rotation, BTW). The Braves go into the season knowing that if anyone falters or gets hurt, the top pitching prospect in baseball is ready to step in.

I’m not going to try to predict the health of the bullpen, or any other part of this team. I’ll just say that if the bullpen is healthy (which it appears to be right now), it is as good as any in baseball.

As for the offense… this lineup is, IMO, likely to be much better than many people think.

There isn’t a single 30-40 HR guy in this lineup. But the ‘98/’99 Yankees didn’t have a big slugger either. They had a lineup FULL of professional hitters, from top to bottom. While there were no 30-40 homer guys, nearly everyone in their lineup had some pop, and could hit for average. It was a lineup full of “professional” hitters. And ya know… that’s not unlike what the Braves have here.

Am I saying the Braves lineup will be as good as those 98/99 Yankees lineups? No I’m not. They had more speed that the Braves do, and a little more power (thought not MUCH more).

Here’s my point: Assuming Francoeur reverts to ‘07 form (or better) – and he certainly appears to be on the right track – the Braves will have three bit run producers… guys capable of hitting .290 or better with 20+ homers and 100 RBI (I know Chipper and McCann won’t get enough AB’s to reach the 100 mark, but that’s the type of hitters they are).

Beyond that, you have 4 other positions from which you can expect .280-305, 13-19 homers, 65-90 RBI. So you are pretty well assured of very solid production at 7 positions. Not bad at all. I mean… you’re likely to see a guy like Casey Kotchman hitting 8th. It’s a deep lineup indeed that has KJ and Kotchman at the bottom of the order.

There is no Teixeira or Gallaraga in this Braves lineup, but it’s solid from top to bottom. Professional hitters throughout. And with what is likely to be the best pitching in the east, that will be enough offense to keep the Braves right in the thick of this NL East race ’til the end.

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Bobby’s Belly: “Braves have no legit #1.

Derek Lowe has averaged 15 wins over the past 7 seasons. And over the past 4 years, since moving to the NL, he’s posted a 3.58 ERA. And of course, he takes the ball every 5th day and gives you 200+ innings every year. Oh… and like a number 1 starter, he steps up in big games. He has an excellent post-season track record, including being the winning pitcher in the clinching games of all 3 post-season series’ for the Red Sox in ‘04.

If he’s not a legit #1… he’s closest damned thing you can get to it.

“I’m amazed at how so many are so high on a declining/head case Vasquez”

I have heard multiple scouts comment (admittedly, indirectly) that they expect a big season from Vazquez. They cite the fact that he’ll be getting away from the DH in a hitter’s paradise of a ballpark, in favor of a pitcher-friendly NL park. Many in baseball believe that he’s more comfortable in the NL… and that he’ll respond better to someone like Bobby Cox than Ozzie Guillen, whose management style isn’t for everyone.

Will he have a great season? Who knows… all we can do is guess. But the stars do appear aligned for him here. And it was only the year before last that he won 15 games with a 3.70 ERA (in that AL hitter’s park), while providing 200 innings and 200 K’s, which he does every year.

“and a Japanese player no one has ever seen.”

Braves scouts have seen plenty of him (in person). They wouldn’t have signed him otherwise. And that Braves’ brass have seen plenty of unvarnished video. To say nothing of his numbers, which certainly provide some indication of his ability.

Leo Mazzone has seen him this spring, and commented on a local sports radio show that he expects Kawakami will win at least 12-14 games this year.

No one has a crystal ball. I’m just saying… it’s not as though the Braves decided to sign this guy on a coin flip.

“I’ll tell my kids about how great Tom Glavine was”

I don’t know if Glavine will fully recover from his surgery or not. But if he does… if he can pitch as he did in 2007 (when he won 13 games and posted 23 quality starts), he could surprise a lot of people. Hey… if Jamie Moyer can still do it, being several years older…

And if Glavine isn’t able to go, we have the top overall pitching prospect in baseball ready to step in. And I think think there are a couple of other guys that deserve more of a chance as well (Parr, Reyes, and others).

And as someone has already mentioned… you ask as though the Mets and Phillies DON’T have major questions, which is clearly not the case. They have all kinds of questions on their pitching staffs. More than the Braves do, IMO.

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kc, predictions usually are fiction.

you make so many. with all due respect you had the braves starters hitting close to 200 dingers last year.

spring training matters when all goes well, spring training does not matter when things don’t go well, so which is it?

all i know is when andruw clubbed 10 dingers a few years ago, he went on to hit 50.

spring does matter. there is no magical switch that most teams flip on april 1st.

that being said most vets only need 40 or so at bats to get ready.

i am not going to make any predictions other then if the braves stay somewhat healthy they should be somwhere around .500.

i still think they are a power bat away. they dont have a true leadoff hitter and a 4 hittter.

they are too lefthanded offensively for my liking. they will have matchup problems late in the game.

the positives, lowe looks like he is ready to be a number one starter. the rotation will have depth if someone goes down and francoeur has made noticable adjustments. at some point though he has to provide power.

if i am not mistaken the braves stranded more runners on base last year then any team in the N.L.

the outfield has to hit somewhere around 50 plus dingers for this to work.

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uga-brave, I didn’t make a prediction. I never claimed to be Ms. Cleo. I just expressed my opinion about this team and stated what my personal expectations were. Nothing more, nothing less. Isn’t that what we’re here to do?

Toward the end of spring training, I’ll go ahead and throw out some “predictions”, which of course are nothing more than guesses, just for fun. And I agree that predictions are fiction. Does it matter? I don’t know why some people get so bent out of shape when folks make “predictions”. It’s just something to do for kicks so you can look back later and see how close or far off you were. I guess some people take such guesses as proclamations of foreknowledge. I don’t get it.

Anyway, as to your favorite thing to reference… my supposed 200 homer prediction…

I did not predict the Braves starters would hit 200 homers last year, however, I DID think the Braves (team as a whole) had a good chance to hit that mark.

I realize how ridiculous that sounds now, but ANY positive expectations about last year’s team (and many around baseball had positive expectations for that team) now seem ridiculous. I would just point you to one fact:
If you include Teixiera’s entire ’07 homerun total, the Braves had about 190 team homeruns in 2007. With both Francoeur and McCann failing to reach 20 homers in ’07 (a mark they both topped the previous year), I figured they’d both pick increase their power in ‘08 to go along with a full season of having Mark Teixeira in the lineup. Instead, Francoeur, Chipper, and Johnson all saw their power numbers drop, while Teixeira started slow and was traded in June. Hey… again, I never claimed to be Ms. Cleo. And I wasn’t the only one surprised by the way things went in ’08.

I don’t know how ’09 will turn out. My optimism is more guarded these days than in years past after the punishment my inner-optimist took the last couple years (last year in particular)… but on paper – which is all we have to look at right now – I think the Braves are contenders. Feel free to disagree. Again, not a proclamation of foreknowledge… just my opinion.

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