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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,297 comments Add your comment
Wayne in Utah
March 15th, 2009
3:36 pm
Dave
Which of the new lefties looks better at this point in the spring? Logan or O’Flaherty?
I like what I am hearing from lots of our players right now. But then again, it’s a bit early to be proclaiming Brandon Jones the next Jermaine Dye.
Poorbrave
March 15th, 2009
3:37 pm
I agree with you LEW. Josh stays and Schafer goes AAA. If Josh can’t cut it you can always call Schafer up. AAA will only be 30 minutes away. Josh should have stayed up last year in my opinion and Blanco should have got more time in AAA. Just because you get hot in ST don’t prove you’ll be hot when season starts. There’s a lot of difference in Season and ST. Remember they both are Braves, stay positive.
cmac1919
March 15th, 2009
3:37 pm
Boone Logan seems like the real deal
AdirondackDave
March 15th, 2009
3:37 pm
LEW — I just now read DOB’s 3:34… That’s what I mean about Schafer being an impact player, with the stick and glove both.
Shawn G
March 15th, 2009
3:38 pm
There is ZERO chance Jordan and Josh are both on the 25.
N Nine (eta21)
March 15th, 2009
3:39 pm
“”It’s frustrating for me to be hurt,” Stockman said March 8. “But it’s the same problem. I’ve been rehabbing it for two years. I’ve tried everything and done everything the Braves have asked me to do rehab-wise, and it’s still there.”
Why didn’t he have a typical back surgery instead of going around the problem for such a long time? I don’t get it.
Schafer needs to be on this team. Its showing.
Bobby's Belly
March 15th, 2009
3:39 pm
Schafer’s got options blah, blah, blah.
Wayne in Utah
March 15th, 2009
3:40 pm
I understand the caution requested for several of our youngsers, but if a kid is ready, let’s not delay his debut (Schafer, BJones, Hanson, Medlen, Marek are names that come to mind.).
Wayne in Utah
March 15th, 2009
3:41 pm
At some point if Brandon Jones continues his spring showing, does he make Garret Anderson unnecessary?
Bobby's Cox
March 15th, 2009
3:41 pm
and pete,
what’s the issue if frenchy has turned into a merely .300 hitter with no power? You do realize that this team would then be stocked with a bunch of them right? Escobar, McCann, Chipper, Anderson, Diaz, Kotchman, Infante, Prado, possibly Kelly, and then Frenchy, could all be .300 hitters. I don’t see the problem as long as he can hit a single with a runner in scoring position.
You can’t pitch around a bunch of .300 hitters, especially when each one of them has a good change of going yard at any moment, and the lefties (garrett, kelly, mccann) do pretty well against LH pitchers also.
StingerSplash
March 15th, 2009
3:43 pm
That last 9.6 seconds of basketball in the SEC championship game may have been the worst 9-second span of basketball in history. It was enough to make Naismith, Rupp, Iba and Allen all roll over in their collective graves. It also gave John Wooden a throbbing headache, if he was unfortunate enough to watch that. Dreadful.
Love the eerily prescient Street Survivors album cover to open the blog. Listened to the second CD from Southern Rock Opera on the way home last night. Let me tell y’all a story. So far-fetched, it must be true ….
Fred
March 15th, 2009
3:43 pm
Shawn G, There is definitely a chance Schafer and J. Anderson could both be on the opening day roster if G. Anderson remains injured (or if another injury occurs). Under those circumstances, I could see Shafer starting in center with J. Anderson platooning with Diaz in left (or vice-versa). Obviously, B. Jones could also platoon with Diaz if G. Anderson isn’t ready opening night.
Random
March 15th, 2009
3:44 pm
Braddd (2:57 pm): “I think he meant Vazquez has been up [and] down in terms of ERA.”
Yeah, well so has Lowe — see Seattle and his last two years with Boston.
Thanks, though.
Run Heap Run
March 15th, 2009
3:45 pm
Great story about the voicemail, DOB. I don’t see how he kept from crying like a baby.
Beautiful day here in northeast bama….I’ve got my ipod strapped on and my dog at my feet…we haven’t ran in 2 days because of non stop rain. Have a good afternoon everyone and Go Braves!
rupert
March 15th, 2009
3:45 pm
I was for giving the job to anderson, and letting shafer get some tripple a seasoning, but his preformance this spring has changed my mind. Anderson is what he is. He is a high speed, low on-base guy who is a slap hitter. That is fine. Shafer has much more pop, a better arm, and his speed is close to anderson’s. He is the better ALL AROUND player.
I understand the financial side of this issue, but at some point, especially with the braves record the past 3 years, you have to put the best 25 out there.
brewdawg
March 15th, 2009
3:48 pm
DOB,
What I wouldn’t give to hear that voice message. Skip was a treasure. Gonna be awful strange to not hear his or Pete’s voice when I’m listening to the game when I go camping. There is a great satisfaction in listening to the Braves game while staring at a fire and drinking some brews out by lake Allatoona.
AdirondackDave
March 15th, 2009
3:48 pm
I’m not trying to bandwagon Schafer but one more point. He made that great catch Friday in Jupiter right in front of me (I was in the cheap seats at that moment.) Made me realize in spades that he can do what Andruw most importantly did, which is make the pitching staff that much stronger and more confident knowing he’s out there in center to save some mistakes.
Epinephrine
March 15th, 2009
3:48 pm
I will say Brandon Jones is really showing something this spring. I don’t think a player of Garrett Anderson’s caliber should ever be called unnecessary. If he played for the Red Sox or the Yankees, I’d be willing to wager he would get a lot more respect than he does now on this blog. The numbers he has consistently put up over the years are very impressive, and deserve respect.
With that being said, Brandon Jones appears finally to be showing why he was once so highly regarded. This may be a fluke, but I’m starting to think he may have just put too much pressure on himself last year in AAA and in the majors. However, I’m just not sure there is room on this team for another left handed outfield bat. We’ll see. Maybe one more year in AAA while GA is a brave, or maybe we package him with some other guys for prospects.
Bobby's Cox
March 15th, 2009
3:48 pm
Poorbrave,
I agree with you that Anderson should’ve been the CF last year, so we don’t have to speculate anything right now. Now, Anderson is out of options and that most likely means the better player stays in AAA so we can see if Anderson can really cut it. You can’t cut a player outright with Anderson’s speed and base stealing ability. He should’ve been the backup outfielder to Kotsay last year to come off the bench late in games for base stealing/defensive replacement purposes. Seemed like a no-brainer, but apparently it wasn’t. That move and the Devine trade were the 2 bone-headed management decisions last year.
I like that we’re arguing over these type of problems. Having too many options is a good problem to have. Now Brandon Jones is making things even more interesting.
Mitchie-san
March 15th, 2009
3:49 pm
Braves win!
18 Wheels of Love
March 15th, 2009
3:49 pm
Chip and Powell on the radio said that Wren dropped a few hints that there could be at least 2 moves before spring is over. They talked the need for a power bat and some more HR’s….but where would that person go? Any thoughts that they might not be satisfied with LF, even with Garrett in the fold?
N Nine (eta21)
March 15th, 2009
3:49 pm
Wayne___
B. Jones looks more ready than before, but he couldn’t be ready at any worse time!
phishing with the braves
March 15th, 2009
3:50 pm
wayne in utah, quite simply, YES. same situation with hanson. hanson has made the glavine signing look questionable at best.
Andy K.
March 15th, 2009
3:50 pm
DOB: Who did the Braves replace Stockman with on the 40-Man????
mbatl
March 15th, 2009
3:51 pm
What’s the best you can expect from Josh? .300/.330/.400? Maybe 5-8 HR? And from Gregor, .270/.360/.390? 3-5 HR?
I honestly think Schafer can post something like .280/.350/.450 and 10-15 HR out of the box (and maybe much better). And play better D than either of them. Options and arbitration are a consideration, but not if a guy is ready to contribute.
Not gonna eat my gun if it doesn’t work out that way, but based on what I’ve seen this year (and last S.T. too, when he hit over .300) I think Schafer adds a lot to the lineup and is ready for prime time.
Random
March 15th, 2009
3:52 pm
Epinephrine (3:06 pm): “if you’d bothered to read the next sentence you wouldn’t have needed to type out the question.”
I read your whole comment.
Twice.
And it wasn’t a bother. Really.
I still don’t understand why you think we know more about Lowe than about Vazquez. The latter has pitched 2270 ML innings — the former, 1940.
Bobby's Belly
March 15th, 2009
3:55 pm
Rupert – Right on. Same guys trying to save the Braves 2 million a year early on a Hanson, Schafer, B. Jones arb clock argument complain about the $3 hot dog at TED. Can’t understand the Josh Anderson argument at all. Like some people on here don’t realize every org. in baseball has a Josh Anderson (or several). Fast as hell, solid defender, slap hitter, low avg, low obp. Go visit any of your favorite team’s minor league affiliates. They’re all over the place. When you see them in the bigs they’re coming in in the 8th to run or play D.
Bobby's Cox
March 15th, 2009
3:55 pm
Someone posted on the last page about Wren saying he could deal these extra arms for a power bat still. I don’t see how that’s necessary at this point, or who that bat would replace (Diaz, Garrett, Schafer, BJones, JAnderson?)
Just don’t see how Wren could say that now. I was speculating a trade all winter in dealing a combination of b. jones/diaz/parr/carlyle/campillo/redmond, etc.. to Texas for Nelson Cruz. Seemed like it would be a good trade thus far in ST based on what players have done. But, now after signing Garrett, how is that possible?
Maybe he was just saying in case RF was a problem? Just seems odd Wren would say that now. Was it really on the broadcast today?
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
4:01 pm
The Braves only have 72 strikeouts all spring, and 25 of those came in 70 at-bats by three kids: Heyward (nine), Schafer (eight) and Conrad (eight).
Schafer, by the way, got lauded again by Cox afterward. Terrific defensive play with two outs and runner going in ninth, another two-hit game including a bunt single … he’s doing a lot of good things every day, it seems, to make Braves think long and hard.
Fillies Feeling Frightfully Philharmonic
March 15th, 2009
4:01 pm
Braves CF options in order
Jordan Schafer
Greg Blanco
Josh Anderson
but I would gues you will take the worst option
FWIW – Schafer is one of the quickest guys we have scouted on the base paths this spring (he clocks quicker than Anderson), he is mighty fast
Doc Holiday
March 15th, 2009
4:01 pm
I dont think that just a year after our SP s…….ed (like it did in 2008), that signing Glavine for so little could look questionable. Specially on a refurbished rotation that has no aces, out #2 is a sophomore, our #3 has some question marks and our #4 has never pitched in the majors. Not to mention that Hanson has not done so either (regular season…….excuse me if Im wrong). JoJo you cant trust, nor Morton. This signing could look bad by ASB if our youngsters start tearing off AAA and one of them is given the opportunity at MLB and he succeeds. But what if something goes awfully wrong with JJJ or with Kawakami (or whatever his name is) ?Then youll see Glavines importance. Im not a fan of having him around, Dont think he is an important piece, but think about it twice, he could end up being important. You never know.
Epinephrine
March 15th, 2009
4:02 pm
Random, once again you make it clear you have no idea what you are talking about. Actually, Lowe has been the model of consistency over the last few years. He has been in the top 3 in ground ball ratio since 2002. That is 6 years. He has had a sub 4 ERA since 2005-every year he has been a starter in the NL. He has ha a sub 5 ERA every year but one in which he has logged significant playing time.
Vazquez has had ERAS since 2002 of: 3.91, 3.24 (both NL), 4.91, (AL) 4.42 (NL), 4.84, 3.74, 4.67 (all AL). That is, he has bounced back and forth over the 4.00 line several times over the last few seasons. We are hoping to get a sub 4 Vasquez thanks to being free of Ozzie and back in the NL. We may get the +4 Javy that has excellent stuff but can’t quite get it together. Who knows.
But there is reason why Lowe was regarded as one of the most coveted FAs this off season, and why Vasquez is regarded as something of an enigma. It is because one is consistent and the other isn’t. But nice argument anyway.
Bobby's Cox
March 15th, 2009
4:03 pm
I really don’t think management is really THAT concerned about postponing the arb clock on Schafer. If he’s ready, he’s ready. They were willing to start the clock last year. I just find it odd that people here think management is that concerned about saving 2 million 2 years, or 3 years from now, on a guy who is most likely going to be a franchise player anyway, and whom Wren will try and sign to a deal similar to McCann, Howard, Braun, Longoria before he’s even arb eligible.
I think they’re more concerned with letting go of Anderson’s ability without either trading him or giving him his fair shake. That’s all. I don’t think the money is an issue. I think the minute Anderson shows some success, they trade him for a lefty bullpen arm prospect and bring up Schafer because Schafer is showing he’s got Anderson’s game anyway.
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
4:03 pm
Bobby’s Cox: They have a surplus of young pitching, but I don’t think you’d expect to get a major league power bat from kind of guys I think he’s talking about possibly trading. Rather, you could get a young guy with power, a prospect. I think that’s probably what he’s talking about or alluding to.
dogsbrekky
March 15th, 2009
4:03 pm
Bobby’s Cox – Wren intimated on “SEVERAL” immediate deals (2-3 weeks) involving some of our excess pitching and
“We need to know/be sure where our offence will come from”
Epinephrine
March 15th, 2009
4:05 pm
As I read that back, it was too harsh. Didn’t mean to come off as condescending.
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
4:06 pm
Andy K: Nobody yet. They don’t have to have the 40-man filled. If, for instance, they wanted to add Schafer, that’s not a decision they have to make today. Not that I’m saying that’s what they they intend to do, just giving you an example.
Pete
March 15th, 2009
4:07 pm
B’sCox,
Well Im just not quite as optimistic about JF as you. Seems as if pitchers have made necessary adjustments, and JF cannot or has not found the right answer yet, although obviously hitting .340+ with only 1 K is encouraging.
But Im not sure the power will come; its certainly been long enough in spring to have at least 1 double, not to mention HR. Its worrisome to say the least. Im guessing there is 50/50 chance he will not be a Brave in 2010.
dogsbrekky
March 15th, 2009
4:07 pm
epinephrine – Ozzie snorts too much and is a cancer to anyone in his clubhouse with sensitivity,
give the Braves FO etc some kudos at getting a proven KKKK king with Vazquez……………….in a pitcher’s park he will be much better
Random
March 15th, 2009
4:08 pm
Epinephrine — And it looks like I’m not alone in not buying into your seemingly arbitrary distinction between Lowe and Vazquez:
Andy(1:14 pm): “Epinephrine, yes there is uncertainty. Yes……. . . Lowe and Vasquez you pretty much know what they are going to get—pretty much.”
Jim(1:12 pm): ” Epinephrine, There is uncertainty at this point with most every rotation. Having . . . people like Lowe and Vasquez who have consistently avoided injury and provided 200+ innings in the rotation provides a reasonable assurance that the pitching will be at worst average with reasonable protection against the complete breakdown that occurred last year.”
Fillies Feeling Frightfully Philharmonic
March 15th, 2009
4:09 pm
Nelson Cruz for Josh Anderson, Parr and Morton may be on
David O'Brien
March 15th, 2009
4:10 pm
Cox said Moylan used a new changeup he’s been working on, threw a few of them today including one to strike out a lefty hitter. He threw his regular changeup, too.
Cox thinks Moylan might be ready for opening day, but still not certain. Said a lot depends on how many pitchers they keep, since they’ll have to be careful and not use Moylan on back-to-back days right away, etc.
He fully expects Soriano to be ready.
Doc Holiday
March 15th, 2009
4:10 pm
I also have to admit that JF has improved, I just hope he continues to play good baseball, he is one of the missing pieces that could turn us into such a special team.
One last comment………We are ready to rumble people. Think about it: When a team has these many pieces, abundance, for example. What the hell is Glavine doing around here as a 5th starter? Wow, I can picture more than half teams on the league that would love to have that situation around. What about having a monster waiting in the wings to make the team as a 5th starter (hanson). What about having to decide between Schafer, Anderson, Blanco and BJ for only 1 spot remaining in the roster? Not to mention Heyward is not to far behind (2010). This could be a very special year for the Braves, we are in form to win more than 90 games easily I would say.
Lets go Braves!!!!!!!!
dogsbrekky
March 15th, 2009
4:11 pm
Guys turn on the WBC now
This Cuban guy is pitching…… he is freakish 101 mph, 77 mph knee buckler curve……. Chapman and Cuba vs JAPAN
will be the game of the event !
Jackie Treehorn
March 15th, 2009
4:11 pm
A lot of you have expressed concerns over the outfield saying that the good play of Brandon Jones and Jordan Schafer makes guys like Garret Anderson and Josh Anderson expendable. I think it is important to remember we’re in Spring Training, and through injuries or otherwise, we’ll likely see both of these guys this year. A good spring will likely carry over to good starts from both Jones and Schafer at AAA, which can only help their confidence. But what happens when the Braves go with Schafer to open the season and try to get Anderson through waivers, only to have him claimed by some other team? Then, if Schafer proves to not be ready, you’re left with a bad situation in center.
All I’m sayin is, unless Anderson stinks up the joint for the rest of spring training, he at least deserves a chance to be our center fielder/leadoff man from Day 1.
Bobby's Cox
March 15th, 2009
4:12 pm
thanks DOB and dogsbrekky. That makes some sense now.
Mekons
March 15th, 2009
4:12 pm
DOB: That’s the sense I got out of Wren’s statement, too. For instance, we could really use someone who could play a lot of 3B in a couple of years, or a power bat for LF down the line.
dogsbrekky
March 15th, 2009
4:13 pm
lol at Garret being expendable
We got him because he hits and hits and hits…..
Doesnt matter the time of year or pitcher or situation, guy hits consistently
Pete
March 15th, 2009
4:13 pm
B’sCox: “and pete, what’s the issue if frenchy has turned into a merely .300 hitter with no power? You do realize that this team would then be stocked with a bunch of them right? Escobar, McCann, Chipper, Anderson, Diaz, Kotchman, Infante, Prado, possibly Kelly, and then Frenchy, could all be .300 hitters. I don’t see the problem as long as he can hit a single with a runner in scoring position.”
If JF doesnt deliver some power this year, believe me, its a huge problem. Braves have built their team counting on him being a power hitter. And no I dont mean 35+ bombs either; Im talking 25 or so with 30-35 doubles. Youre assuming a lot of .300 hitters there; a couple wont and then you have injuries, etc.
dogsbrekky
March 15th, 2009
4:16 pm
This CUBAN is nasty, let’s get Yunel and some mates to kidnap him (nicely) and have his agent sign a nice long term deal with us
Doc Holiday
March 15th, 2009
4:16 pm
Pete,
Truth is, Braves dont really need JF to hit 35 HR in 2009. He is not our cleanup hitter. What they really need if for him to hit about .295 and drive in more than 95 runs. if he is hitting 5th or 6th and he does that, I can guarantee you that we will be in business.
Epinephrine
March 15th, 2009
4:16 pm
Random, actually the post you quoted from Jim doesn’t have anything to do with your argument. In my post, I said our rotation could be “great” or “decidedly average”, due to uncertainty. I also said at minimum Vazquez will give us 200 innings and Ks, if healthy. Jim said that every rotation faces uncertainty, and that at least we would be average, with Vazquez giving us innings and uncertainty.
He didn’t say anything about how Lowe was less uncertain than Vazquez. But Lowe’s reputation is one of consistency, and Vazquez is known as a guy with great stuff that for some reason hasn’t become the pitcher he is capable of being. If that for some reason bothers you, I don’t know what to say except don’t take it out on me.
18 Wheels of Love
March 15th, 2009
4:18 pm
Doc, if Jeff hits HR’s like that, he will be our clean-up hitter.
3pitch
March 15th, 2009
4:20 pm
Wren stated that out of a seven man bullpen, they had seven pitchers vying for three open spots and some were out of options. He mentioned trading the excess (relief pitchers). And he is still not sure about the offensive capability…..do they have enough? At least, this is what I heard. There was no mention of trading young starting pitchers for outfielders.
Epinephrine
March 15th, 2009
4:22 pm
Absolutely no reason to trade young starting pitchers. The way I see it, only Lowe and Jurrjens are probables in our rotation in three years. We will need Reyes, Morton, Hanson, Rohrbough, Locke, and Medlen to fill those spots.
Fillies Feeling Frightfully Philharmonic
March 15th, 2009
4:22 pm
Atlanta has the best rotation in the NL now, regardless of ifs, buts and maybes…………
The only match up you have trouble with is maybe San Francisco if Randy is well…….. Lincecum beats Lowe
Johnson beats Vazquez (close)
Zito gets crushed by my grandma… so Jurrjens wins
Kawakami and Matt Cain ?????
Sanchez or Lowry vs Glavine = Braves
Braves are better than us, Mets, Marlins (who will be very good), Arizona, Cubs, Cards… so as long as healthy pitching is your strength
Your OF is a major problem outside Garret
N Nine (eta21)
March 15th, 2009
4:25 pm
“Truth is, Braves dont really need JF to hit 35 HR in 2009.”DOC
Which OF will produce the power then? Diaz? Schafer? The truth is we NEED power, can’t afford to be the worst power outfield production team for straight two years.
Random
March 15th, 2009
4:27 pm
Epinephrine (4:02 pm): “once again you make it clear you have no idea what you are talking about.”
Who, me?
No way.
(Btw, when was the other time?)
“Vazquez has had ERAS since 2002 of: 3.91, 3.24 (both NL), 4.91, (AL) 4.42 (NL), 4.84, 3.74, 4.67 (all AL). That is, he has bounced back and forth over the 4.00 line several times over the last few seasons.”
Lowe has had ERAS since 2002 of: 2.58, 4.47, 5.42 (all AL) 3.61, 3.63, 3.88, 3.24 (all NL). That is, he has bounced back and forth over the 3.85 line several times over the last few seasons.
You wanna compare their WHIPs over the same period?
(No, you don’t — trust me.)
TexasBrave
March 15th, 2009
4:29 pm
DOB if Glavine will not be needed until mid-April is there a possiblility that he could make some starts down on the farm to build up his arm strength? Is there a way to do that other than putting him on the DL?
oldbrave
March 15th, 2009
4:30 pm
the volunteer name came from the Texas fight for independence when Daid Crockett and A bunch of Tennesse Volunteres fought at the Aloma
Bobby's Belly
March 15th, 2009
4:31 pm
OF power is not an issue if Schafer is the CF’er. Diaz/GA = 18, Frenchy = 15 (hopefully many more), Schafer = 12-15 as a rookie. 45-50 hr’s is acceptable from the OF. Now you put JA into CF and you have last year’s production.
TexasBrave
March 15th, 2009
4:31 pm
oldbrave were you there?
Bobby's Cox
March 15th, 2009
4:33 pm
I still don’t think we need the power this year. Our pitching won’t give up many runs, and the way our lineup can string together hits now, i think we’ll be able to score more than we give up.
I think it’s still a little bit of a concern for Wren as the GM in the early stages of ST, but as a fan, I’m not that worried. Pitching wins ballgames. A poor offense will lose them, but this offense isn’t that poor without a power bat, as long as it’s more consistent than last season, which i think it will be. Nearly everyone can hit 15-20, so power isn’t even a concern.
Mark Windsor
March 15th, 2009
4:36 pm
This centerfield thing is really a problem the most complete player is Shafer he has good power great defense some speed the other 2 lack power and 1 of those 2 Blanco isnt fast at all but can hit singles and doubles..they are going to have to trade some fat away or maybe make a cut and with Anderson being 26 I think he is odd man out due to lack of power and his age.Shame Anderson has been in wrong placwe at wrong time with his career, he is a good guy.Wasnt a Brave that everyone loved named Bret Butler a similuar type player as Anderson?He had a great careeer with dodgers..the game has changed a lot..you need power I guess.
Tennbravefan
March 15th, 2009
4:39 pm
First of all, Stinger Splash, I agree worst 9 seconds of basketball I’ve ever seen in that SEC title game. As for the CF battle, at this point you have to go with Schafer, and you’ve got Blanco as a backup option in AAA. As for Anderson, package him in a trade along with Jo Jo Reyes. XM radio keeps talking about the Padres wanting young pitching. A package of Jo Jo, Anderson, and Kotchman may land A. Gonzales and a prospect. Cf solved and power bat solved. (probably never happen though)
N Nine (eta21)
March 15th, 2009
4:39 pm
Could Blanco or Anderson be on the trading block?
Random
March 15th, 2009
4:42 pm
Bobby’s Cox (4:03 pm): I really don’t think management is really THAT concerned about postponing the arb clock on Schafer. If he’s ready, he’s ready. They were willing to start the clock last year. I just find it odd that people here think management is that concerned about saving 2 million 2 years, or 3 years from now, on a guy who is most likely going to be a franchise player anyway, and whom Wren will try and sign to a deal similar to McCann, Howard, Braun, Longoria before he’s even arb eligible.
It ain’t necessarily the money — it’s also a question of which years of his career do we want in Atlanta.
Here’s how Baseball Prospectus’ Jay Jaffe put it in regard to erstwhile Brave Elvis Andrus:
I spent a bit of time talking about [Michael] Young in last week’s Outside Help piece on the AL West, much to the consternation of some Rangers fans who seem to believe that getting Elvis Andrus to the majors immediately is a higher priority than seasoning him in Triple-A and strategically starting his service clock so as to retain him a year longer. I mean, would they rather have him available as a 20-year-old in 2009 or as a 26-year-old in [2015], a point when the Rangers presumably won’t be staffing their rotation with the Padillas, Millwoods and Feldmans? From where I sit, the answer is so academic it hardly seems worth asking.
Pete
March 15th, 2009
4:43 pm
DOC: “Pete,Truth is, Braves dont really need JF to hit 35 HR in 2009. He is not our cleanup hitter. What they really need if for him to hit about .295 and drive in more than 95 runs. if he is hitting 5th or 6th and he does that, I can guarantee you that we will be in business.”
First of all in order to have a meaningful debate, please quote me correctly. I did not say JF needed 35 HR’s; I said 25 with 30-35 doubles. And in order to have 95+ RBI’s hitting 5th or 6th, my feeling is he will have to hit 25 HR’s.
And yes if he does get 95+ RBI’s, I definitely agree that works for the Braves.
Chop Chop
March 15th, 2009
4:44 pm
I heard that the “Volunteer” nickname comes from the time when Daniel Boone asked for some men to jump into the Cumberland Gap to see how deep it was. Them “volunteers” was Grade A Moe-rons.
Go Dawgs.
bravesfan54
March 15th, 2009
4:44 pm
Dave, this whole blog thing you’ve got here is an important activity/outlet – as part of baseball- in my life.
Todays blog, with the musical and Chip/Skip anecdote, was exceptional.
Me, as I type this I am listening to the re-mastered Moody Blues’ “On the Threshold of a Dream”.
Bobby's Cox
March 15th, 2009
4:44 pm
this is going to be a pretty good Cuba/Japan game. Wish Yu Darvish was pitching today though against this Chapman dude.
Jay212033
March 15th, 2009
4:45 pm
The kid Chapman from Cuba is good but he’s a head case!
Lew
March 15th, 2009
4:45 pm
Adirondack Dave-You have no need to convince me of Schafer’s ability or potential. I’ve been saying he’s the real deal ever since I saw him last Spring in Orlando and I’ve said throughout the season that he was an incredible defensive outfielder that is within reach of Andruw like defense-nor do I believe that Josh Anderson will ever be a truly standout player in the bigs where Schafer may very well.
However, there are other factors at play here other than the almost apopletic joy some seem to have of rushing him into the fray. The kid is just that-a kid-he’s only 23. He has had very little experience past A ball. Keep in mind that this is still only Spring Training and many of the better pitchers are off with the WBC. He’s performing admirably, but it will not hurt him in the least to start the season a half hour away at Gwinnett. Nor will it hurt (given the apparent consistent budget concerns the Braves have) to start his clock a bit later.
As has been said before-Anderson is out of options, has played well when called up the last couple years, and I just don’t see the Braves releasing him and getting nothing in return-and I bet he won’t clear waivers. Maybe they will decide Schafer is, indeed, ready and package him with some of the excess of pitching and pick up a decent prospect. I certainly don’t discount that possibility. But all things being equal, I see Josh starting in center, but he will not remain there for long.
shane
March 15th, 2009
4:47 pm
The Volunteers (or Vols as it is commonly shortened to) derive that nickname from the State of Tennessee’s nickname. Tennessee is known as the “Volunteer State,” a nickname it earned during the War of 1812, in which volunteer soldiers from Tennessee played a prominent role, especially during the Battle of New Orleans.[5]
Mitchell
March 15th, 2009
4:48 pm
Braves win 3-2 over the Astros.
It’s a good thing too. I was really starting to get tired of losing.
Uh, so I know none of this is supposed to matter but can they keep doing it anyway? I don’t know how ready some of the older players are for the season to start what with injuries and their sad aging bodies but these youngin’s came to play. Let’s get this thing going baby, I’m ready for opening day.
You know, given the current economic crisis maybe they should just cancel the Final Four tournament altogether considering the amount of office productivity that is commonly lost with coworkers constantly updating their brackets and following the up-to-the-minute scores.
Can America really afford yet another NCAA Men’s Basketball at this crucial time in our history?
Baseball Ray…
Bobby's Cox
March 15th, 2009
4:48 pm
Random,
I don’t think it’s a question of the years either. Like I said, he’ll most likely be a brave for a long time. So, i think he’ll get a McCann-esque contract. The money nor the “years in which he’ll be in Atlanta” aren’t an issue to management IMO, nor should be. The concern would be, what to get for Anderson, and when they could trade him for peak value instead of sending him through waivers.
Bobby's Cox
March 15th, 2009
4:50 pm
mitchell,
always enjoy your wit.
everyone have a nice sunday.
flange1
March 15th, 2009
4:55 pm
Lew,
Your 4:45 is exactly my feelings on the Schafer/Josh center field issue.
I sure wish we had a spot for B Jones……
Random
March 15th, 2009
5:04 pm
Chop Chop (4:44 pm): “I heard that the “Volunteer” nickname comes from the time when Daniel Boone asked for some men to jump into the Cumberland Gap to see how deep it was. Them “volunteers” was Grade A Moe-rons.”
Don’t judge us all by tnbrian. We’re takin’ up a collection to get him to change his handle to “wvbrian“.
TexasBrave
March 15th, 2009
5:04 pm
Lew I see where you are coming from and I agree to a certain extent. However, lets fast forward and say that Schafer is still swinging the hot bat and Anderson isn’t. I can’t see the Braves keeping Anderson and sending down Schafer just because they don’t want to start his clock and don’t want to release Josh without getting something in return. If all things are equal and both are performing the same then Josh should be given the chance to prove himself until the Braves are ready to start Jordan. But if Anderson is not performing at the end of ST and Schafer is why would the Braves not want to start the best player regardless of the clock or someone being out of options.
I will reserve my final judgement until the end of ST. But it ended today I believe Jordan gives us more than Josh does and makes us a better team now instead of waiting later.
Doc Holiday
March 15th, 2009
5:05 pm
N Nine (eta21),
All I can tell you is that I rather see JF hit for average than TRY hitting for power and ending up with a .240 BA.
With the pitching we have and lots of good hitters, you dont really need HRs. HRs is not the only way to win games. Besides, we can get HRs out of Chipper, Mc, Kotchman and Yunel, some out of Anderson/Diaz. So I think we will be just fine if JF gets on base, and not necessarily hitting the big fly.
Pete,
I never said that you mentioned those numbers precisely. I think 25 HR out of JF would be more than enough from him. At least in 2009. He needs to get more selfconf. before trying to become a HR king.
Lew
March 15th, 2009
5:06 pm
Flange-Me too. I think Brandon will be a very good player given the chance.
Jim
March 15th, 2009
5:07 pm
Mitchell,
If they are updating there brackets, they are not creating worthless derivatives or laying off more productive workers. Maybe we need to stretch the tournament out longer.
Saltywoody
March 15th, 2009
5:09 pm
here’s a good youtube clip of the chapman kid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE0iQmsFSms
a little after the 3:00 minute mark, he dials up 100 and looks like he not only throws it by the batter, but almost gets it be the catcher. pretty nasty.
Lew
March 15th, 2009
5:11 pm
TexasBrave-Short of trading Anderson, I don’t see Schafer starting the year on the Braves. Too many practical reasons why they won’t. He’ll be back soon, but starts at Gwinnett unless Josh is traded. They will not release Anderson just to start Schafer’s clock. Makes no sense to do so, especially since this is back to being a pitcher oriented team and Josh’s defense is excellent.
Random
March 15th, 2009
5:12 pm
Bobby’s Cox (4:48 pm): “I don’t think it’s a question of the years either. Like I said, he’ll most likely be a brave for a long time. So, i think he’ll get a McCann-esque contract. The money nor the “years in which he’ll be in Atlanta” aren’t an issue to management IMO, nor should be.”
Gotta disagree. Respectfully, as it were.
There’s no guarantee he’d go for a McCann type deal — Francoeur didn’t. Many don’t.
The only guarantee is that Atlanta will have roughly minimum 6 years ML service from him before he’s FA eligible.
And which years in his career those will be is one of the foremost concerns of GMs everywhere. It’s one of the most important (and hardest) parts of their job. Of course it’s an issue to Braves’ management, imo.
Abbott Costello
March 15th, 2009
5:13 pm
Someone’s one first.
Someone Else is on second.
Until a decision is made, third base is Random.
Who’s Runnin? Ncscoots.
Outfield: Bobby’s Cox. (Sorry.)
Bullpen: All left Anders.
i can’t take it anymore, getnathan……
Abbott Costello
March 15th, 2009
5:14 pm
Ooops… someone’s “on” first, I meant. Sigh.
Pete
March 15th, 2009
5:15 pm
TexasBrave Says: “But if Anderson is not performing at the end of ST and Schafer is why would the Braves not want to start the best player regardless of the clock or someone being out of options.”
Because being “out of options” means JA would have to clear waivers before being sent down, which means another team would claim him. So the Braves would either have to trade him, or protect him by keeping him on the 25 man roster.
Mitchell
March 15th, 2009
5:15 pm
Wow Bobby (apostrophy ‘S’), thanks. I’m touched.
I always appreciate the innuendo… your’s, not mine. The touching is purely metaphorical. I am trying to cut back though.
Pete
March 15th, 2009
5:17 pm
DOC says: “I think 25 HR out of JF would be more than enough from him.”
Thats my point…you agree with me so why the debate? Read my 4:13 post not sure if you saw it.
Random
March 15th, 2009
5:18 pm
Lew (5:11 pm): “TexasBrave-Short of trading Anderson, I don’t see Schafer starting the year on the Braves. Too many practical reasons why they won’t. He’ll be back soon, but starts at Gwinnett unless Josh is traded. They will not release Anderson just to start Schafer’s clock. Makes no sense to do so, especially since this is back to being a pitcher oriented team and Josh’s defense is excellent.”
Gotta agree 100%. Respectfully, as it were.
(Plus, his elephants is decent.)
Josh B
March 15th, 2009
5:20 pm
Is Chapman currently in the minor leagues?
Lew
March 15th, 2009
5:20 pm
Random-But does his BABIP Fluctuate? And if so, how much?
Mekons
March 15th, 2009
5:23 pm
The Braves could try sneaking Josh through waivers at the end of ST, when most teams have already made all the moves they plan to. His only real value is as a placeholder for Schafer; I’d say he’s behind Blanco as an actual useful piece in the future. I like the guy, but he’s last in usefulness amongst our seven outfielders.
If they’re going to send Schafer down, which I think they’re going to do, Blanco should probably start in CF and if G. Anderson is on the DL, Brandon Jones should platoon in LF with Diaz.
spotts
March 15th, 2009
5:25 pm
Chapman plays for Cuba. In case you haven’t heard, Cuba and the US haven’t really communicated in oh….40 years. So I wouldn’t expect him in the majors anytime soon.
BravesFanInRockies
March 15th, 2009
5:27 pm
Lew,
I’ll be surprised if J.Anderson isn’t on the opening day roster, but if Schafer keeps playing the way he has (and JA shows he still can’t get down a bunt, for instance, and Schafer can), it will make the team’s decision tougher.
The way I see it, Josh has some big league at bats, but he’s a poor man’s version of Schafer (or what Schafer should become). When your OF put up the worst offensive numbers in baseball last year, why not give the kid a chance?
Besides, If everyone’s so confident J.Anderson would never clear waivers, then the Braves should get *something* for him in trade if they decide he’s not going to make the opening day roster.
(This team has too many Andersons in the OF anyway.)
spotts
March 15th, 2009
5:30 pm
Unless he pulls a Yunel
Josh B
March 15th, 2009
5:33 pm
Spotts what does him living in Cuba have to do with anything? Yunel is from Cuba so I dont see how that would effect anything
Steve from OH
March 15th, 2009
5:35 pm
Uhh, Josh, have you been following the news recently? And by recently, I mean the last 50 years…