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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,297 comments Add your comment
Bobby's Belly
March 15th, 2009
2:05 pm
Lew – 6 minor league seasons. That about sums it up. Schafer is the future.
Kyle
March 15th, 2009
2:06 pm
Don’t normally comment, just read the blog, but that was a pretty cool comment about Chip DOB. There is not much stronger than the bonds of a father and son tied by baseball.
Lew
March 15th, 2009
2:07 pm
BTW-September games count the same as games in April through August. I’ve never reallyseen the sense in discounting September performances. They take place in ML stadiums, against ML teams, and despite some September call ups, are played against ML pitching.
DukeBoy
March 15th, 2009
2:07 pm
any updates on the game?
Bobby's Belly
March 15th, 2009
2:08 pm
Lew – No reason? JA’s hitting .225 or so. You actually cannot steal first base.
2Parc
March 15th, 2009
2:08 pm
2-0 still
10-80
March 15th, 2009
2:08 pm
Awesome story DOB, you need to figure out a way to save that somewhere forever b/c god knows you might lose your cell or something and its gone
shane
March 15th, 2009
2:08 pm
I remember Gov Blount, had a helluva curveball
Shawn G
March 15th, 2009
2:08 pm
2-0…end of fourth. French hit a line-drive single to CF,
mbatl
March 15th, 2009
2:09 pm
“a significant chunk of Anderson’s good MLB numbers come from September games, which statistically should count for absolutely nothing given that he was playing for bottom dweller teams.”
Epinephrine, I don’t think the “September At Bats” arguments is valid. About half the Braves’ September games last year came agains the Mets and Phillies, who were in a death-match for the playoffs. No one was throwing softballs in those games.
10-80
March 15th, 2009
2:09 pm
also, i may have missed this but where is Don on the radio? just getting Chip some practice for the season?
Lew
March 15th, 2009
2:11 pm
Bobby’s Belly-Dude, didn’t you read what I said? I agree that Schafer is the Future-but not the immediate present. And if minor league numbers always equated ML performance, I don’t think McCann would have won Two Silver Sluggers or Three All Star selections. Mac hit all of .275 with a .334 OBP in FIVE minor league seasons. Find an argument that actually means something.
dogsbrekky (UNC Rocks)
March 15th, 2009
2:12 pm
Diamond Back – thanks you, kind of a clever name then like the “Sooners”, I actually guessed that one a while back…..
Lew
March 15th, 2009
2:13 pm
Bobby’s Belly-Dude, I’ll bet you one of my drawings that Anderson makes the team and Schafer starts the season in the minors. Argue all you like, but him not having options means one of two things-He either starts in Atlanta for the Braves or he gets traded. They will NOT just release him.
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
2:13 pm
Capellan had a leadoff single in the fifth, then Lowe struck out Matsui and Pence before Berkman grounded out to end the inning.
pfunkATL
March 15th, 2009
2:14 pm
DOB, AWESOME story about Chip/Skip…I REMEMBER that game…was watching as I do about 130 + a year ( mostly re-broadcasts as I work at nite). Love to hear your message on the cellie…any way you can audio-post it on here??? OR you could e-mail me it at pfunkatl2003@yahoo.com…PROMISE I am NOT a STALKER…LOL
ShamusThacker
March 15th, 2009
2:15 pm
lmao@shane
Bobby's Belly
March 15th, 2009
2:15 pm
Lew – Your arguing for a career minor leaguer wilting under the pressure of ST competition. Let me guess, you think the Tommy Glavine signing was a good baseball move too. Get a clue Lew.
Old Third Baseman
March 15th, 2009
2:15 pm
Kyle March 15th, 2009 @ 2:06 pm
Don’t normally comment, just read the blog, but that was a pretty cool comment about Chip DOB. There is not much stronger than the bonds of a father and son tied by baseball.
Gotta second this one DOB – very cool. Had to get up and walk away for a little while here on a rainy, gloomy Sunday afternoon. It will be very strange and sad without Skip AND Pete this year.
Bobby's Belly
March 15th, 2009
2:16 pm
I can draw stick men too Lew.
ShamusThacker
March 15th, 2009
2:16 pm
He could also freehand-roll a helluva blount. lol
DiamondbackMac
March 15th, 2009
2:20 pm
dogsbrekky
Here’s the rest of the article in case you’re interested.
Tennessee has had several nicknames, but the most popular is “The Volunteer
State.” The nickname originated during the War of 1812 when thousands of Tennesseans
enlisted in response to Governor Willie Blount’s call for volunteers.
Other nicknames include the “Big Bend State,” which refers to the Indian name of
the Tennessee River; “The River with the Big Bend”; and “Hog and Hominy State,”
now obsolete but formerly applied because “the corn and pork products of Tennessee
were in such great proportions between 1830 and 1840”; and “The Mother of Southwestern
Statesmen,” because Tennessee furnished the United States three presidents
and a number of other leaders who served with distinction in high government
office.
Tennesseans sometimes are referred to as “Volunteers,” “Big Benders” and “Butternuts.”
The first two are derived from the nickname of the state, while the tag of
“Butternuts” was first applied to Tennessee soldiers during the War Between the
States because of the tan color of their uniforms. Later, it sometimes was applied to
people across the entire state.
Lew
March 15th, 2009
2:21 pm
Bobby’s Belly-Get a clue? From YOU? Seriously? You can draw flies, too, I’m certain of it.
ShamusThacker
March 15th, 2009
2:23 pm
Non-connoisseurs of the finer shrubs will have a tough time understand my last comment.
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
2:24 pm
Expect two of the eight cuts tomorrow to be starting pitchers Todd Redmond and James Parr. Neither was going to make this team, obviously, and the Braves want them to go to minor league camp now so they can get stretched out in preparation for the season.
Josh B
March 15th, 2009
2:25 pm
Can someone give us some play by play action? Or give out the radio station?
The Real Don Steele
March 15th, 2009
2:25 pm
Shamus – your 2:16 post. Now that’s funny!
Epinephrine
March 15th, 2009
2:27 pm
MBATl, you need to check your stats. Anderson hit .296 for the Braves in September, with an abysmal .317 OBP. His gaudy MLB numbers come from his tenure with the Astros, where he hit .356 on September with a .400+ OBP. When he faced the Mets and Phils last September, he reaffirmed my belief he has trouble getting on base. Speed isn’t too important when you are on base only .317 of the time-and that is when he was hitting well.
Also, the quality of the opponent is only half of the “September numbers don’t matter” argument. The simple truth of the matter is that the players don’t feel the pressure to win and succeed to the same extent as they do in the regular season. The consequences aren’t there and the pressure is lifted.
Bobby's Belly
March 15th, 2009
2:27 pm
“I’m certain of it.” OK – I give up.
Lew
March 15th, 2009
2:28 pm
And maybe someday soon, you’ll learn to draw reasonable conclusions, too.
Random
March 15th, 2009
2:28 pm
Lew (10:22 am): “Pete died of a previously undiagnosed congenital heart defect. Kurt Cobain blew his head off. Pete played basketball. Kurt played guitar.”
Sorry, all — my bad. Thanks for the corrections.
I was thinking of his his mom.
Epinephrine
March 15th, 2009
2:28 pm
And as I type, Schafer lays down a bunt and gets on base…
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
2:28 pm
After a Prado leadoff single and Lowe one-out sac bunt, there was a pitching change. Then
JoshAndersonSchafer lays down a nice bunt that lefty pitcher Wesley Wright couldn’t field cleanly near first-base line. Ruled a single.Kelly grounded out to end inning with two on.
Lew
March 15th, 2009
2:29 pm
Random-Seriously? I wasn’t aware of that.
Larry Whisenton
March 15th, 2009
2:29 pm
Lew likes to ride the log flume backwards.
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
2:29 pm
SORIANO in to pitch. Only his second appearance, the other also against Houston on Tuesday.
JerseyGil
March 15th, 2009
2:30 pm
Eight Man Out:Redmond,Parr,Ridgway,Valdez,Parr,Boscan,Conrad,hicks.
Rodney Derrick
March 15th, 2009
2:30 pm
On the radio via MLB.com, Frank Wren said he expects to move some pitchers before end of spring, especially those not set for big club or Richmond.
Epinephrine
March 15th, 2009
2:31 pm
DOB, that was Schafer, not Josh Anderson I believe…or at least that is what the announcers said.
mbatl
March 15th, 2009
2:31 pm
Epinephrine, no real big argument here. My point was just that in general, you shouldn’t dismiss September stats as meaningless, because the other team often has something to play for. September stats shouldn’t be viewed as meaningless.
I’m actually hoping (and expecting) that Schafer is the starting CF on opening day. He’s certainly not been overmatched this spring, and he hit well (.316/.358/.421) in ST last year. Brings much, much more to the table that Josh or Gregor.
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
2:32 pm
And of course, Lowe’s already ready to talk to us. He showers and is ready to bolt.
I’m watching a few Soriano pitches, at least, before I go down.
He’s already hit 94 mph three times in the first batter.
Got him out on a groundout, 92 mph pitch
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
2:33 pm
OK, gotta get down there or Lowe’s gonna leave
BravesAC
March 15th, 2009
2:33 pm
DOB
Really enjoyed the Skip/Chip story. Made me laugh…and re-connect for a bit with a guy who was a true asset to the Braves even if he wasn’t on the field.
Bobby's Cox
March 15th, 2009
2:35 pm
Nice to see Anderson execute things he’s been working on this spring too.
rob
March 15th, 2009
2:37 pm
Schafer had the bunt hit
Patrick
March 15th, 2009
2:38 pm
Can someone keep up with the play by play while DOB is gone?
Bobby's Belly
March 15th, 2009
2:39 pm
Schafer just said give the hit to Anderson. He needs it more.
phishing with the braves
March 15th, 2009
2:41 pm
yeah, diaz can swing the bat on occasion but man he is a slob in LF…
Jim
March 15th, 2009
2:43 pm
From the MLB box score, Schafer had the bunt hit and Escobar grounded out.
Anyone
March 15th, 2009
2:47 pm
Patrick I think Someone is taking a break.
Bobby's Cox
March 15th, 2009
2:47 pm
Well, box score says it was Schafer with the bunt. Man, the kid is looking at Anderson’s strengths and executing those on the field. 1-3 today, hitting .360 now.
Box also says Diaz has a hit today and is now hitting .393. Pretty Diaz-like.
Other meaningless stats:
Frenchy, who has his 1st K, has another hit in 2 AB and his avg keeps rising (.345). This “frenchy hater,” or doubter as I like to say, is starting to believe more and more everyday.
Prado keeps hitting, 1-2 ad now at .323. He and Infante look good, better if Prado can cut down on the base path errors as we move closer to April.
Ross seems like he hasn’t got a hit since the 1st week. 0-2 again today.
Freeman is also 0-2. Kid is going to be good. I like how he hits using all fields.
Soriano gave up a hit in 1 scoreless inning.
Kelly is 0-2 and has fallen to .300. I hope he can be more consistent than he was the last 2 seasons. He’s been looking good so far.
Someone Else
March 15th, 2009
2:49 pm
Patrick I think Someone went to his mother’s house for Sunday dinner.
Josh Anderson's Mom
March 15th, 2009
2:49 pm
Lies! It’s all lies!
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
2:51 pm
Yes, that was Schafer on the bunt hit. Which might tell you something about that speed he worked on this winter. I mean, I looked up to see him bolting from the box, and I swear just from the speed I thought it was Anderson, that he’d come in the game.
YunelBar
March 15th, 2009
2:51 pm
How has Yunel’s spring gone so far? Really have not heard much about him to this point?
StingerSplash
March 15th, 2009
2:52 pm
DOB,
I think the story of your voicemail message is better than the reputed answering machine message Will Clark used to have.
BTW, B.B. still puts on a great, great show and his band is beyond tight.
CT Splitter
March 15th, 2009
2:53 pm
Lew is too busy drawing a ‘mean johnson’ to provide game updates.
Braddd
March 15th, 2009
2:54 pm
For those not listening to the game, Frank Wren was on and saying he may trade some of the young pitchers. He (implied) it could be for a power bat. Though that really doesnt mean anything.
Random
March 15th, 2009
2:55 pm
Epinephrine (12:56 pm): “Duke Boy, I still think there is a whole lot of uncertainty with our starting rotation. It could be great, or it could be decidedly average.
“We know what we have in Lowe, and it will be good. Could be very good.
“We don’t know what we have in Vasquez.”
If we don’t know what we got in uninjured, 11-year veteran Vazquez, then we flat out don’t know nothin about nobody, and should prob’ly all of us just shut up.
How is it that you think we know more about Lowe than about Vazquez?
Pete
March 15th, 2009
2:56 pm
Bobby’sCox says: “Frenchy, who has his 1st K, has another hit in 2 AB and his avg keeps rising (.345). This “frenchy hater,” or doubter as I like to say, is starting to believe more and more everyday.”
The problem is he has yet to hit his 1st double, or ANY extra base hit, this spring (grapefruit games). Believe me, hes not paid to hit over .300 only; hes paid for power. Maybe all the adjustments he made cost him power? I dont know; just speculating.
Braddd
March 15th, 2009
2:57 pm
Random, I think he meant Vazquez has been up in down in terms of ERA.
AdirondackDave
March 15th, 2009
2:57 pm
StingerSplash — Let’s hear more about Will Clark’s machine message.
Braddd
March 15th, 2009
2:57 pm
I mean up AND down
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
3:02 pm
Moylan in to pitch, induces a 5-3 groundout to begin the eighth.
DukeBoy
March 15th, 2009
3:03 pm
Score?
Random
March 15th, 2009
3:04 pm
Mike S (1:07 pm): “Hate to hear that DOB. Stockman is one of my favs, it is a shame he never really recovered from that injury. Hopefully someone else will sign him and give him a shot.”
Of what — cortisone? Or did you have in mind something “stronger”?
(Cognitive dissonance, much?)
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
3:04 pm
Struck out Jason Smith for second out.
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
3:06 pm
and a 3-4-1 putout to end inning (ball went off 1B’s glove, fielded by 2B, who tossed to Moylan)
Epinephrine
March 15th, 2009
3:06 pm
Random, if you’d bothered to read the next sentence you wouldn’t have needed to type out the question.
AdirondackDave
March 15th, 2009
3:06 pm
DOB — Do Soriano and Moylan look like their old selves or do they seem to be holding back anything.
john10
March 15th, 2009
3:09 pm
DOB
Any idea why the Braves didn’t put Stockman on the 60 day DL instead of releasing him? Seems like a low-rent way of saving a few dollars..
rob
March 15th, 2009
3:10 pm
It is Schafer time
rob
March 15th, 2009
3:11 pm
base hit by Heyward off a lefty
rob
March 15th, 2009
3:11 pm
1st and 3rd no out
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
3:14 pm
Braves have runners on the corners with none out and Brooks Conrad batting. He just fouled back a pitch, has a 2-2 count.
Bobby's Belly
March 15th, 2009
3:14 pm
Oh, Lew. Schafer 2-4. Starting a rally. Put the crayons down and tell me Josh Anderson is the answer.
mbatl
March 15th, 2009
3:15 pm
I know many bloggers hate them, but now would be a nice time for a 3-run homer.
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
3:15 pm
Conrad hits a lazy fly to right, not deep enough to score the runner.
Brings up Brandon Jones.
Got over 8,000 in attendance today, they just announced.
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
3:17 pm
Jones hits a long double to the left-center gap to drive in both runs. Impressive piece of hitting there.
Score tied 2-2
mbatl
March 15th, 2009
3:17 pm
… or a 2-run double.
rob
March 15th, 2009
3:18 pm
Brandon Jones needs to be on our team
matt
March 15th, 2009
3:20 pm
Looks like Schafer should be the CF out of spring. I don’t think a roster spot should be determined by who does/doesn’t have options. Should go to the guy that’s playing the best, which is obviously Schafer so far.
By the way, does anybody out there actually have ESPN Deportes? I don’t have it down here in south GA. It’s really frustrating. I find it hard to get into the WBC when I can’t even watch the games. Would have loved to see the game last night, even though USA lost. Would’ve loved to see Vazquez pitch. If they really want to drum up interest in this thing, it would probably help if people could actually watch the games, at least the US games. If I can’t watch the games, I just as soon have Chipper, Mac, Vazquez back in Braves camp.
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
3:21 pm
Adirondack, Moylan was throwing a lot of changeups, the pitch he’s been working on this spring.
NOW Brandon Hicks just laced a single up the middle, putting runners on the corners.
Braves are doing this off lefty Tim Byrdak, who had allowed only five hits in 6-2/3 innings before today. They’ve got three against him, including hits by young LH hitters Heyward and B. Jones
Joshua L
March 15th, 2009
3:22 pm
It was on MLB Network as well, Matt. That is how I was able to watch the game…
Braddd
March 15th, 2009
3:22 pm
Braves lead 3-2
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
3:22 pm
Norton grounds into potential inning-ending double-play, but throw to first base for would-be second out was high and the go-ahead run scores.
Bobby's Cox
March 15th, 2009
3:23 pm
mbatl, we just hate when a team relies on them. Nice to have a team that, so far this spring, can string together some hits, something that our 3-run HR dependent team couldn’t muster consistently over the last few years. It’s nice to inject some speed into the lineup, and a few consistent hitters that analysts say this team needed.
but ya, that would be nice. Or another hit to put the tying run in scoring position with 1 out, or perhaps at the corners.
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
3:23 pm
Gorecki infield pop to end inning. Braves are up 3-2 entering ninth.
Bobby's Cox
March 15th, 2009
3:25 pm
amazing things happen when you put the ball in play.
matt
March 15th, 2009
3:25 pm
Don’t have MLB network either, cable really sucks down here in this small south GA town. Can’t wait to move back to Athens!
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
3:27 pm
Someone asked why Stockman not put on 60-day DL. I haven’t talked to him since they announced he was released just before game. But when I talked to him after the MRI confirmed the two herniated disks last week, he said the docs talked about him getting more injections possibly. He said we’ve already done that and it didn’t work. He was frustrated, you could tell, from going through all the work this offseason to get in shape, then having the same issues with the back and pain radiating down the legs, etc.
John Adcox
March 15th, 2009
3:30 pm
Man, it is getting harder and harder not to get on the Brandon Jones bandwagon. I can’t help remembering all those comparisons to Dye when he was young. I know he’s not going to live up to that, but he’s winning me over. That Diaz/Jones platoon sounds awfully sweet about now.
phishing with the braves
March 15th, 2009
3:30 pm
the reason that the WBC hasnt been on any of the major sports networks (espn and fox) for the most part this week is because the ncaa conference tourneys get much better ratings. hands down.
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
3:30 pm
I asked Garret Anderson about his calf this morning, said he’s doing better, but still hadn’t run on it. If I had to guess, I’m gonna say next weekend at the earliest before we see him play. Could be a little sooner, but considering he hasn’t run on it yet….
John Adcox
March 15th, 2009
3:31 pm
How’s Logan looking?
Bobby's Cox
March 15th, 2009
3:32 pm
pete,
I thought frenchy didn’t have the bat speed to be a ML hitter. Looks like changes to his stance, hands, feet, etc, are allowing him to see some pitches longer and put the ball in play with some authority.
I don’t think the lack of power is a problem. He’s hit a lot of balls hard, and as long as he keeps getting more comfortable, the balls will find power allies and the fence. The more his new approach becomes 2nd nature, the more he’ll be able to sit on his pitch in favorable counts and drive a ball as well.
Look back 2 weeks, and you’ll see my posts regarding Frenchy have turned a 180. Looks like he’s making progress. It’s not definite yet, but it’s very promising…
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
3:34 pm
Boone Logan just gave up a single and then a looong double by someone named Lou Santangelo off the base of the CF wall. But Schafer made a great play to get to it, field it cleanly and throw to the cutoff man, and the Astros held the runner at second.
Logan then struck out Abercrombie with runners at second and third to end the game. Braves win 3-2.
AdirondackDave
March 15th, 2009
3:35 pm
LEW — I see your points on the Anderson-Schafer battle. Here’s what it comes down to for me. Every day (including the Jupiter game I was at on Friday) Schafer seems more and more like a serious impact player. I know the clock issue is always in the background but I think if the pitching stays healty, Schafer can be key offensive player from the git-go. I’d like to see Anderson kept on as a 4-5 outfielder for his speed on defense and as a pinch runner. Garrett Anderson, I just don’t know what he brings now… I like Matty a lot but after his offensive (and defensive) showing this spring, maybe it’s time to trade him for a stellar prospect if that’s possible.
Frankie Knuckles
March 15th, 2009
3:36 pm
matt – regarding Jordan over Josh. We have to get something for Josh. Hes a good fielder and an absolute burner. You don’t walk away from that empty handed. Just wouldn’t be a smart business decision. This aint little league bro.
Epinephrine
March 15th, 2009
3:36 pm
Sounds like Schafer saved a run, won us the game. Anyway, I’m clearly in the tank for Schafer, but I will say Anderson has earned the chance to prove me wrong. We’ll see what he can do the rest of the spring. But if I am FW, I have a hard time sending Jordan back down.