Glavine takes the mound vs. the Mets
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. – Guess who’s up and running again? FedEx package with a “new” laptop arrived a little early, actually, so I’m back in business. It’s a little bit like driving someone else’s car at the moment, but hey, at least I got wheels!
A little background for those whom I didn’t leave hanging yesterday afternoon: my laptop crashed yesterday mid-game, mid-blog, probably mid-Jason Heyward bomb. I tried to revive it with everything but the shocking paddles, and it was a no go. So the powers that be got me a laptop down from AJC headquarters, so that I could bring you important Braves action today!
We got Tom Glavine on the mound for the first time this spring (in a “real” game) and against his old Mets, no less. But it’ll be a chance for us to see how effect Glavine is, keeping in mind that he’s about two weeks behind everybody else in camp. He’ll be going about two innings.
I know there has been some speculation on the blog that this might be the beginning of the end for Glavine. That the shoulder/elbow won’t be strong enough and in a couple weeks, he’ll decide to hang ‘em up. (And no, I don’t see him failing in a comeback with the Braves and deciding to go somewhere else. I don’t see the logic in that. If he can physically comeback, he’s got a place with the Braves. Why would he go somewhere else?)
He’s got an uphill climb, there’s no doubt. This won’t be easy. But counting him out is something I’m not prepared to do yet either. The guy has got a competitive fire like, well, someone you’d expect who’s won 305 games. He won’t go down without a serious push. It’ll be interesting to see. (And who’s been to Carowinds in North Carolina? Remember the old White Lightnin’ Roller coaster, that opens with a guy on the PA going “Lightning….Strikes…..Now” and off you go! It came to mind for some reason….I think I woke up too early this morning and I’m a little punchy.)
I had some time to spend around the batting cage this morning, which has basically become the Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman show, watching them pound balls over the right field fence. And then Greg Norton got in on the act. They finished a round with one pitch each to swing for the fences, and Norton got a hold of one hitting left-handed that was heading toward the right field fence.
While it was in the air, John Schuerholz, who was among the onlookers, noticed the semi-truck moving along behind the fence in right field and got in on the act of encouraging the ball to hit the truck.
Which it promptly did. So hey, money goes to Norton today.
Frank Wren was by the cage as well, and I had a chance to pose him the question of what to do with some of this “surplus” talent as camp begins to wind down. You look at guys like Buddy Carlyle or Jorge Campillo, since both fill similar roles of long relief/spot starter, Josh Anderson, if he gets beat out for the center field job by Jordan Schafer, Martin Prado, who could be an every day second baseman for some other teams.
I asked Frank if the Braves were getting some interest, or expected to.
“I think there will be interest,” Wren said. “But at the same time, we’ve worked hard to build a surplus and to maintain it is just as important. Unless there’s a deal out there that really works well for us in terms of adding depth at another position, we’re not going to just be looking to make deals because guys have interest in our players. If we do make deals, we’re really focused on guys that can give us depth in another area.”
What do you guys think some of those areas are? Shortstop? Third base for the future?
So either that, or a really special prospect.
“And frankly, those deals are hard to make,” Wren said.
Chipper is feeling better by the way. He’s had back-to-back days of good batting practice. He’s hoping to back in there on Tuesday night, when the Braves play the Pirates. Bobby Cox might choose to give him a couple of days after that, but we’ll see. (We go to Port St. Lucie tomorrow; there’s an off day Monday.)
“I was able to extend it out to the point where I felt like I could be aggressive,” Jones said of his bp. “Being able to swing 90-100 percent.”
Kris Medlen is supposed to pitch today for the first time since March 12. He caught the bug that’s going around camp now, and lost six pounds. He’s back healthy though and will make a push at making this pen.
He’s a real pleasant guy and somebody I get a kick out of talking to and watching bop around. He’s got a ton of energy. I’m starting to see why the Braves brass wanted to see if by moving him to a starter’s role last year in Mississippi it would help slow him down a little bit. He seems to do everything fast, including answer reporter’s questions!
“My main problem is rushing,” Medlen said. “That’s in life, I guess. I’m constantly moving.”
And yes, he confirmed, he was a major fidget-er in the classroom.
“I was the worst student,” Medlen said. “I really was.”
He played shortstop in junior college and his manager now is starting to see that he probably needed to do that just to give himself something to do when he wasn’t pitching (he closed in college).
“He’s full of energy, watching him sprint around,” Cox said. “He’s the type of kid who wants to play shortstop when he’s not pitching.”
When he is pitching, he’s a quick worker, which his infielders have to love. That’s the upside. The downside, of rushing his delivery, he worked on last year in Mississippi, moving from the bullpen to the rotation.
“It helped me out, slowing down,” Medlen said. “It helped me learn how to pitch a little bit more. Instead of throwing two pitches in an inning, you try to use all your pitches, try to make adjustments.”
He threw mainly fastball, curveball as a reliever, but said he developed his changeup more as a starter.
Following Glavine to the mound today is Campillo for three innings and Peter Moylan. Lots to keep an eye on, so let’s get it going. Oh hey, not to forget, we got Dale Murphy on the radio broadcast today. Check him out.
LINEUPS:
Braves
Jordan Schafer CF
Yunel Escobar SS
Kelly Johnson 2B
Brandon Jones LF
Jeff Francoeur RF
Freddie Freeman 1B
Omar Infante 3B
David Ross C
Tom Glavine P
Mets
Alex Cora SS
Jose Valentin 2B
Daniel Murphy LF
Nick Evans 1B
Bobby Kielty CF
Ryan Church RF
Eric Campbell 3B
Josh Thole C
John Maine P
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410 comments Add your comment
Tom Hawk
March 21st, 2009
12:56 pm
First!
Brandon
March 21st, 2009
1:00 pm
C’mon Tommy Boy!
Kenny Powers
March 21st, 2009
1:02 pm
Kenny Powers has joined the blog
Brandon
March 21st, 2009
1:04 pm
welcome kenny
Tom Hawk
March 21st, 2009
1:05 pm
Thats a sexy lineup.
I dread the day Bobby throws in the towel. They should have included bobby cox in the poll “Greatest Brave Ever”
cvbraves
March 21st, 2009
1:05 pm
Little stronger lineup today…instead of one regular starter, we have three.
PWHjort
March 21st, 2009
1:06 pm
Kenny Powers. Step into my office. We’re doing a f’n line!
Kenny Powers
March 21st, 2009
1:07 pm
Kenny Powers thinks Jim Powell sounds alot like Bob Uecker
PWHjort
March 21st, 2009
1:08 pm
Wow, Glavine hit 78!
Runnin
March 21st, 2009
1:08 pm
Is that a 78mph fastball or change???
Tom Hawk
March 21st, 2009
1:10 pm
I wish this game was streamed on the internet!
why are preseason games locked down? does anybody have broadcasting rights?
Jim
March 21st, 2009
1:11 pm
Can we please leave all the political discussion on the last blog!!! We come here to talk about BASEBALL.
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
1:11 pm
OK first pitch from Glavine is 77 for strike 1 to Alex Cora. Believe that’s his fastball. his changeup is about 71. he just got his first out on a flyout to left by leadoff man Alex Cora….keep in mind when he’s going good, he’s mid 80s. ok just hit 80 on a flyout to left by Andy Green..
Green replaced Jose Valentin in the lineup. no reason given yet.
Epinephrine
March 21st, 2009
1:12 pm
Haha imagine Gonzo or Soriano coming on to relive Glavine. 78 to 95, ouch.
Runnin
March 21st, 2009
1:12 pm
He better keep that stuff on the corners.
PWHjort
March 21st, 2009
1:13 pm
Glavine consistently hit 84 last year. And that was with a bum shoulder.
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
1:13 pm
he just locked up Daniel Murphy with a 79 mph fastball….call him crafty. Glavine was perfect in the first inning. 15 pitches, 11 of them for strikes.
Woogidy
March 21st, 2009
1:14 pm
Game’s on the radio, 96.1 FM if you folks want to listen in. FYI
Epinephrine
March 21st, 2009
1:14 pm
If he is already throwing 80, he’ll be fine. Once his arm and shoulder strengthen, he’ll be back up around 83-85. With his change up, that’s not a problem.
Random
March 21st, 2009
1:14 pm
PWHjort — I apologize — I misremembered your handle (”name”).
I used it in vain in this recent comment:
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2009/03/20/andersons-jogging-d-lowe-is-pitching-and-glavs-on-the-horizon/comment-page-8/#comment-30922
Bring it on. son — refute me.
Brandon
March 21st, 2009
1:14 pm
Great start Tommy.
Jim
March 21st, 2009
1:15 pm
Glavine is still building up arm strength. I expect he will top out at 83-84 when the season starts.
Runnin
March 21st, 2009
1:16 pm
Even Powell is calling the speed of the pitches. Everyone is watching the radar gun.
Interested Observer
March 21st, 2009
1:16 pm
Is Kotchman still battling the flu?
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
1:17 pm
yes, Kotchman has still got the flu…
Escobar just about took Maine’s head off on a shot back to the mound.
PWHjort
March 21st, 2009
1:17 pm
I don’t understand, Random.
Jim
March 21st, 2009
1:18 pm
Did Glavine face a tougher lineup in the intra-squad game than he’s facing today?
Andy K.
March 21st, 2009
1:20 pm
Carroll, how far bak have the second round of cuts been pushed because of the bug in camp?
Pat
March 21st, 2009
1:20 pm
Carroll
What happened to you yesterday?
Interested Observer
March 21st, 2009
1:21 pm
Thanks, Carroll
As for potential trade returns, I would suggest either a SS or 3B prospect depending upon where you project HIcks over the long run. Or maybe a young catching prospect we can develop over the next few years.
propp
March 21st, 2009
1:21 pm
anyone know why Tex didn’t play first for team USA?
PWHjort
March 21st, 2009
1:23 pm
Because the Yankees don’t want to let someone they just gave a 180 million dollar contract to get hurt playing the WBC. Tex understood that and politely declined to play for team USA.
Bay Area Steve
March 21st, 2009
1:24 pm
Braveheart, thanks for the response.
Random, and anyone else who wants the play-by-play: try m.mlb.com
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
1:25 pm
Andy K, you eager for somebody to go? I’m not sure. Think they’re taking it day by day. They’ve still got almost two weeks of camp.
Pat, my computer crashed, and I had to file a story for print on one of the Braves intern’s computer but that was it for me and access.
Glavine just gave up back-to-back singles to Kielty and Church. Not exactly smoked, but solid singles. One out in the second.
Interested Observer
March 21st, 2009
1:25 pm
Tex was too busy counting his money.
Andy K.
March 21st, 2009
1:27 pm
Haha, sorry Carroll…these position battles are killing me… Especially since the games aren’t on TV to tide me over….haven’t subscribed to MLB TV yet either.
Pat
March 21st, 2009
1:29 pm
So far so go Glavin gets out of second inning.
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
1:30 pm
Glavine sawed off Eric Campbell on a pop-up to short, and Josh Thole grounded out softly to second. Glavine gets out of the second inning on 19 pitches, 12 for strikes. So that’s two innings, 34 pitches. He wanted to go 45 so maybe he comes out for another, we’ll have to see.
Valentin was a stiff neck, day to day.
Runnin
March 21st, 2009
1:30 pm
Well I guess that’s it for Glavine. Not a bad outing for the pin point puffball throwing lefty. Now to see how he felt.
Pat
March 21st, 2009
1:30 pm
Carroll do u know if they have a pitch limit on Glavin?
Pat
March 21st, 2009
1:31 pm
Jones, B, singles to left
Jim
March 21st, 2009
1:31 pm
Is this the Eric Campbell that is/was a Brave minor leaguer? Why is he playing for the Mets?
Wayne in Utah
March 21st, 2009
1:32 pm
Did I hear someone mention Braveheart? Haven’t seen that moniker in a while…
Do the Mets have a different Eric Campbell than our EC??? Or did we loan him to the Mets for this game??
Thanks in advance.
Andy K.
March 21st, 2009
1:32 pm
Jim,…it’s a different Eric Campbell.
Wayne in Utah
March 21st, 2009
1:33 pm
Jim Gotcha…
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
1:33 pm
Francoeur centered that ball…..liner to center, runners first and third now on Maine in the bottom of the second
Bay Area Steve
March 21st, 2009
1:33 pm
Different guy, and ours is better.
Pat
March 21st, 2009
1:33 pm
Francoeur base hit man on 1st and 3rd 0 out
Bay Area Steve
March 21st, 2009
1:34 pm
Wayne, see page 7 of the last blog. He had a great post on the value of Josh Anderson.
Pat
March 21st, 2009
1:35 pm
1-0 braves sac fly
Jim
March 21st, 2009
1:35 pm
Maine has an ERA of 9 this spring. Should Anders be worried?
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
1:35 pm
Freeman sac fly to center, Braves up 1-0….jeff just got picked off first. put out goes 1-3-6-3 for those scoring at home…
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
1:36 pm
Glavine going back out for more….top of third.
Woogidy
March 21st, 2009
1:37 pm
If you’re scoring a ST game at home, I got nothing on you when it comes to fanhood. Kudos to you.
cvbraves
March 21st, 2009
1:38 pm
Impressed with Jeff’s approach this year. Seems to be dedicated to staying with it.
TexasBrave
March 21st, 2009
1:39 pm
Carroll did Jeff just get caught stealing or was he snoozing at first?
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
1:40 pm
that’s two easy outs to start the second, comebacker by John Maine, soft liner to third by Alex Cora.
cvbraves
March 21st, 2009
1:42 pm
Carroll: We’re in the third?
Rodney Derrick
March 21st, 2009
1:42 pm
gee, could the mets be playing rope-a-dope with tommy g…can he be this good already…maybe they think they can sucker braves into keeping hanson on the farm all year…but if glav can pick up a bit of velocity, watch out rest of league cause glavine could be back
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
1:43 pm
great running catch on a popup just fair inside the right field line by Kelly Johnson….that’s the third out and that’s three scoreless innings for Glavine. He only needed five pitches that inning, so he’s not even up to 45 yet. it’s 42 unofficially. but that should be it.
Pat
March 21st, 2009
1:43 pm
TexasBrave
Jeff got picked off on 1st by a good pickoff move from Maine
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
1:43 pm
after he hits i mean!
Supes
March 21st, 2009
1:45 pm
Jeff has turned into a singles hitter all of a sudden? It’s better than K’ing and making outs, but darn, where did all of the POWER go?
I guess would we rather have Jeff hit .265 with 25HR, 40+ doubles or do we want Jeff hitting .300+ with 15HR, 30+ doubles or so?
I hope if Jeff doesn’t hit for many HR this year, and hits for higher average/more contact, that he at least he hit 45-50 Doubles in the process and hit .300 or more with RISP.
Glad to see that Tommy G. had a good 1st start of the spring (against another team). I think he’s just as competitive as Smoltz, and it’ll take his arm falling off for him to retire at this point and walk away from baseball. I believe he’ll be the 5th starter as long as he’s healthy.
Also why trade for a minor league CATCHING prospect? They just dealt Tyler Flowers earlier this year (presumably our minor league catching prospect of the future) b/c the BRAVES believe B-Mac will be their backstop for the next 10 years. Yes I understand the need to always keep developing depth, but unless B-Mac is traded or experiences a career ending injury, no OTHER Braves catching prospect will be able to start for the ATL. Braves in the near future.
If anything, a 3B prospect (other than Hicks) is what the Braves need to really find, or focus on developing to eventually take over for Chipper in 3-4 years. Hopefully they draft someone (next year), and or can trade for someone who is 18-19 years old and can be developed properly in the farm system while Chipper gracefully exists the team.
Carol, good thing you got a new laptop. Hope the AJC gave you good one, no cheapie (yes it seems everywhere you go now…budget cuts), but a beat reporter has to have the best, right? (esp. if you blog as much as you and DOB do).
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
1:45 pm
don’t see that often, TG pop out on a bunt
Greg Olson Homers
March 21st, 2009
1:47 pm
CR – How were his velocities in the last two innings? Same? How come the Mets couldn’t hit it?
Jim
March 21st, 2009
1:48 pm
Did Glavine break 80 with any of his pitches?
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
1:48 pm
Supes, guess it’s not exactly the best cause there is some key that makes the curser just back to the left. kinda annoying, but hey, i’ll deal. just mind the typos!
two strikeouts for Schafer today vs. Maine, one looking and one swinging at a high fastball.
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
1:50 pm
Greg Olson, it stayed around 80 from what I saw. Don’t think he topped that. They didn’t hit it because he can put pitches on the corners and change speeds. He’s not out there throwing batting practice. There’s movement on the ball.
Daybed Wagmoe
March 21st, 2009
1:50 pm
“great running catch on a popup just fair inside the right field line by Kelly Johnson”
where was that in the 9th inning of that game against the Phillies last year?!?!?
I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist.
PWHjort
March 21st, 2009
1:51 pm
Yes, he hit 80.
Tomas
March 21st, 2009
1:51 pm
Is Glavine pitching another inning or jusst one more batter?
propp
March 21st, 2009
1:51 pm
daybed-just be happy he caught the pop up
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
1:53 pm
bases loaded walk by Brandon Jones makes it 2-0….brings up Francoeur with bases loaded.
Daybed Wagmoe
March 21st, 2009
1:54 pm
propp – you’re right.
here’s something a bit odd — the box score on atlantabraves.com has the francoeur pick-off down as a pick-off AND a caught-stealing, or at least i think that’s how it’s counting it…so it counts for both when that happens?
Brandon
March 21st, 2009
1:54 pm
C’mon Frenchy
Frank from KS
March 21st, 2009
1:55 pm
Woogidy re: @ 1:14 p.m.
Hey, what’s the call letters for 96.1?
radoncbravesfan
March 21st, 2009
1:55 pm
way to go frenchy
Tomas
March 21st, 2009
1:55 pm
Glavine hit 80mph, Moyer hits 83mph during the season. My guess is that once the season starts Glavine will be around the mid 80’s. Frenchy 2B or 3B with the bases loaded.
cvbraves
March 21st, 2009
1:56 pm
Okay, guys, let’s hear it for Jeff!
PWHjort
March 21st, 2009
1:56 pm
3-run double for Frenchy
Tim-Braves Lifer
March 21st, 2009
1:56 pm
way to go frenchy!!! 3 run double!
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
1:56 pm
bases clearing double over the head of Daniel Murphy in left. smoked. took third on an errant throw home. It’s 5-0….it was a 1-2 pitch that he let loose on. end of three innings.
Kenny Powers
March 21st, 2009
1:56 pm
Kenny Powers has moved Francouer from a sell to a hold
Brandon
March 21st, 2009
1:56 pm
FRENCHY!!!!!!!
Random
March 21st, 2009
1:57 pm
propp (1:21 pm): “anyone know why Tex didn’t play first for team USA?”
Maybe ’cause he’s with the Republic of Texas, not the US?
(Thank you, Six Flags!)
Interested Observer
March 21st, 2009
1:59 pm
Supes, I don’t disagree that a 3B prospect is a higher priority. A catcher was just a suggestion. Frankly, we don’t have a lot of immediate needs, even in the prospect area. But I said catcher for a couple of reasons. First, if we get a young prospect and develop him over a few years, if nothing else, he should have decent trade value later on. Plus, I think it’s nice to have a good prospect waiting in the wings just in case (God forbid) something happens to McCann, not necessarily a career type injury but any major injury.
I’m not sure what we have in the low minors, but Sammons and Boscan don’t excite me. This year, for example, if (again God forbid) McCann suffers a major injury, we’ll have Ross catching everyday, backed up by Sammons or Boscan I assume. Contrast that to 1B. If Koctchman goes down for a long period, we can plug is Freeman. We probably wouldn’t want to go with Norton, Prado, or Norton at 1B for a long period.
Anyway, I’m not tied to a catcher, but that was my thinking.
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
1:59 pm
It’s Medlen now. Campillo is warming up
propp
March 21st, 2009
1:59 pm
Republic of Texas could have a pretty decent team, thinking of all that pitching
Jay212033
March 21st, 2009
1:59 pm
Wow Frenchy!!!
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
2:00 pm
final line on glavine: three innings, two hits (singles), no runs, one strikeout. 42 pitches (14 balls, 28 strikes)
propp
March 21st, 2009
2:00 pm
Still like the money counting comment better though. Might keep him busy til the all-star break
Andy K.
March 21st, 2009
2:01 pm
Medlen? It says Morton on gameday….
Tomas
March 21st, 2009
2:01 pm
Chipper Jones has been right on with his opinions about Frenchy, and Andruw. Frenchy is having an excellent spring, and Andruw will be released once again. And I’m pretty sure John Smoltz will pitch great if he is able to get healthy, which I think he will.
propp
March 21st, 2009
2:01 pm
braves have got to be thin at catcher, traded Salty, Ramirez, and Flowers recently.
Brandon
March 21st, 2009
2:02 pm
Pretty Good Line for Glavine.
Andy K.
March 21st, 2009
2:04 pm
NVM, they just changed it
Jim
March 21st, 2009
2:04 pm
MLB box score has Morton pitching. Are they wrong?
Pat
March 21st, 2009
2:06 pm
I thought Jorge Campillo was supposed to pitch 2 or 3 innings after Glavin whats up with that?
Jim
March 21st, 2009
2:06 pm
Wayne and Random, if you can’t keep to baseball will you JUST SHUT UP!!!!!
propp
March 21st, 2009
2:07 pm
Campillo and Morton could pass as twins
Andy K.
March 21st, 2009
2:07 pm
Jim, yes.
Il Cattivo
March 21st, 2009
2:09 pm
propp
With McCann leading the catching corps “Thin” is not a word I would use.
Random
March 21st, 2009
2:09 pm
PWHjort (1:17 pm): “I don’t understand,”
Didja foller the link I gave ya???
If not, ferget it.
Idjit.
Wayne in Utah
March 21st, 2009
2:09 pm
Medlen is a good looking kid. Bobby is going to have quite a few choices for the bullpen, if early indications are correct.
And as to “needs” for our club, I would say that we have needs everywhere, and nowhere. We have some decent choices at many positions. Behind McCann, we could use a young catcher in the low minors with some potential (unless we have one I am not aware of)
We think of guys like Heyward, Freeman, Gorkys, etc as our future. But, we have a few others like Hicks, Campbell and CJohnson. But I guess we might be a bit lean at the infield positions.
Jim
March 21st, 2009
2:09 pm
Is Morton anywhere close to being ready to pitch, or will he be sent directly to the minor league camp?
Supes
March 21st, 2009
2:10 pm
OK, Jeff hitting a double, I can live with that. I can live with lots of doubles and hitting for average, and HR numbers that are down. I said I would crucify Jeff if he repeated his 08 performance (on the blogs anyways:) but so far he’s been making contact, hitting with RISP too.
Interested Observer, don’t get me wrong. I hold my breath everytime McCann gets dinged up, or is involved in some collision at home plate, b/c just like you, I’m well aware we are one “play away” from having the catching combo or Ross (a very capable backup actually, but not a starter) and Sammons at Catcher.
So I do think and I know they’ll develop another prospect at catcher, I just don’t ever see anyone being better than B-Mac (for the next 8-10 years) that may come through the system, to where we consider B-Mac expendable.
3B we both agree is the immediate need, as far as prospects. We are set at SS (Esco), 2B (Kelly), 1B (Kotchman) (next 2 years) then a FA…and you’ve got Freeman to take over from that point on.
OF, we’ve got Jordan S. B. Heyward taking over very soon, plus I anticipate at least 1 trade or a FA move in the near future for another OF position player (talking 2010 and beyond here) that will be an impact middle of the lineup type run producer.
So other than Chipper, who’s got 2-3 more good years left (if healthy), we are set (I believe), but I’m just not sure if Hicks is the 3B prospect that will be the one to take over for Chipper.
Think about what the Braves would need to replace, one of the greatest switch hitters of all time, and a pretty darn good fielder (enough of this fielding baseball bible CRAP, I know what I see with my own eyes, Chipper is a darn good glove man!).
Now I don’t expect them to “find that player” right away, but I’m hopeful in the next few years, that the next Evan Longoria will be wearing a BRAVES Minor League Team uniform:)
Woogidy
March 21st, 2009
2:10 pm
frank, WKLS
propp
March 21st, 2009
2:11 pm
Hey, McCann has thinned enough to double his triple output this year
Wayne in Utah
March 21st, 2009
2:13 pm
Sorry Jim, but Random is such an azz. Hard to let him go on with his drivvel with no response.
My error. I will refrain from this point on.
Is Francoeur finding that power stroke???
Wayne in Utah
March 21st, 2009
2:13 pm
Dale Murphy is in the mlb audio both…..what a treat!!
Wayne in Utah
March 21st, 2009
2:15 pm
Supes
It can never hurt to have 3-4 good prospects in the wings at every position, as most of the time, a prospect doesn’t really make it big in the bigs.
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
2:15 pm
Norton just put on a swing like i saw in BP. double to right center.
I’d bet when he is ready Morton will have to pitch on the minor league side, now that guys are honing in on getting ready for the season. I don’t expect him to be. He’s missed all of spring so far and has to build up arm strength. He’s been playing some catch and I think maybe a side session or two but that’s it. waiting, doing what the trainers tell him.
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
2:15 pm
there’s a walk for schafer, but two runners stranded on an Esco flyout
Interested Observer
March 21st, 2009
2:17 pm
Supes, I think we’re pretty much in agreement. We’re fortunate to have so much depth in the minors. Besides the 3B prospect and such we’ve discussed, we may just be in a position to trade a reliever without options for a young reliever with options.
PWHjort
March 21st, 2009
2:18 pm
Oh, you’re trying to pick another fight about the SS-3B thing. No thanks. I’m done discussing the issue. Which I’ve made my point on. I previously said I bet Hicks will do fine at 3B since he’s so young, if that’s what you’re looking for.
Random
March 21st, 2009
2:18 pm
Bay Area Steve (1:24 pm): “anyone . . . who wants the play-by-play: try m.mlb.com”
Thanks — and MLB Gameday’s rye cheer.
PWHjort
March 21st, 2009
2:19 pm
Supes, hitting with RISP is not a repeatable skill.
ColoradoBravesFan
March 21st, 2009
2:21 pm
Posted by Supes…OF, we’ve got Jordan S. B. Heyward taking over very soon, plus I anticipate at least 1 trade or a FA move in the near future for another OF position player (talking 2010 and beyond here) that will be an impact middle of the lineup type run producer.
I agree, and I think it will be a big RH middle of the order bat, for either LF. The Braves are really LH heavy in our line up. BMac, K. Johnson, Schafer, Heyward, Freeman. All these good LH bats we will need Francouer and anothr middle of the order RH bat to balance out the line-up.
GO BRAVOS
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
2:21 pm
Perfect first inning for Campillo on a pop-up and two groundouts.
Tomas
March 21st, 2009
2:22 pm
Quick inning by Campillo(I think).
PWHjort
March 21st, 2009
2:22 pm
ColoradoBravesFan, KJ, BMac, and Kotchman all hit lefties just as well or better than righties, so a RH bat isn’t as big of a need as we think. It’s overblown.
Smokey Joe Wood
March 21st, 2009
2:25 pm
Ron Shandler has the following projections for Schafer, based on his minor league stats (they do it the right way–the Sabremetric way, as pioneered by Bill James). Based on 505 AB. I’d take this, but I would hope the BA (and thus the OB and OPS) would be a little higher.
R:65, RBI:71, HR:14, SB:17, BA:.242, OB:.334, SLG:.404, OPS:738
Jay212033
March 21st, 2009
2:29 pm
“braves have got to be thin at catcher, traded Salty, Ramirez, and Flowers recently.”
Um………..you might not believe this but we have plenty more catcher and I mean plenty more catchers who have very good upside.
Christian Bethancourt, 17 – He was one of our top international pick ups a season ago.
Daniel Elorrgoria-Matra, 19 – Before his injury last season in the GCL he was the best hitter there.
Matt Kennelly, 20 – He was in Braves camp earlier and the kid is good. Saw him in Rome and I really like what I saw.
Braeden Schulber, 21 – I might have butchered his name and age just going off the top of my head but he was drafted this past season and he plays great defense and is pretty fast for a catcher.
Plus we still have Britton and Sammons.
Brandon
March 21st, 2009
2:32 pm
any game updates?
cvbraves
March 21st, 2009
2:33 pm
Catchers: How about Boscan and Colina in ST.
spotts
March 21st, 2009
2:33 pm
They should have included bobby cox in the poll “Greatest Brave Ever”
Oh dear
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
2:33 pm
that’s six in a row retired by Campillo
cvbraves
March 21st, 2009
2:34 pm
5-0 Braves after 5 and half.
Steve from OH
March 21st, 2009
2:35 pm
Boscan and Colina are the definition of “minor league filler”
Jay212033
March 21st, 2009
2:35 pm
cvbraves,
Those guys are career minor leaguers.
propp
March 21st, 2009
2:36 pm
seems like the Braves’ half of the innings are going even quicker than the Mets’
Leland
March 21st, 2009
2:41 pm
Come on, Frenchy. Hit dat baw. You better’n he are.
PWHjort
March 21st, 2009
2:44 pm
Jim Powell is a good announcer.
McFann :Ô:
March 21st, 2009
2:45 pm
Propp Hey, McCann has thinned enough to double his triple output this year
Yeah, seriously…
Supes I hold my breath everytime McCann gets dinged up, or is involved in some collision at home plate
Me, too…can’t stand those foul balls to the hand! Chase Utley’s elbow thrown to his head doesn’t do anything for me, either…those other collisions go without saying.
William
March 21st, 2009
2:49 pm
Once again I must say……………The Francoeur haters are VERY quite lately. Oh wait, let me guess………they are fans now. Funny stuff.
Jay212033
March 21st, 2009
2:53 pm
Powell is a very good announcer!!!
Random
March 21st, 2009
2:53 pm
Jim (2:06 pm): “if you can’t keep to baseball will you JUST SHUT UP!!!!!”
Sorry, sorry — not instigatin’, just respondin’ to others.
(PS: I hope to doG that you will likewise chime in when the talk turns to basketball, football, food, music, buildings, top ten pin-up girls, etc, etc, etc — don’t be shy, now.)
TnBrian
March 21st, 2009
2:55 pm
Even though Church and Murphy are probably the only guys on the opening lineup for the Muts and they both pretty much suck, Glavine with 3 scoreless is still good. You know he has to be getting good movement with his pitches. Man, if T.G. can get his fastball up to at least 87 in a month or so, with his changeup, he’d can probably put up his ‘07 #’s.
cvbraves
March 21st, 2009
2:55 pm
Diaz, Schafer back to back singles…battom of 7th.
Jay212033
March 21st, 2009
2:56 pm
Schafer is hitting lefties very well this spring
cvbraves
March 21st, 2009
2:59 pm
Kelly sca fly, Diaz scores, Schafer to 3rd, B.Jones up, 6-1 Braves
mbatl
March 21st, 2009
3:00 pm
“Man, if T.G. can get his fastball up to at least 87 ”
TnBrian, if Glavine gets his fastball to 87 he’ll probably win the Cy Young. If he can get it to 82 consistently, he might be a good 5th starter.
“Sorry, sorry — not instigatin’, just respondin’ to others.” – Randon. Why not take the high road and just not go there. Politics is verboten, whether you’re starting the thread or just responding. JUST SAY NO.
steve_97060
March 21st, 2009
3:01 pm
here is a link from SI on managing that some (coach) might find interesting..
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/03/20/royals.gobble/index.html
cvbraves
March 21st, 2009
3:01 pm
B. Jones single, Jordan scores, 7-1 Braves
TnBrian
March 21st, 2009
3:01 pm
While they still have value,I say trade Campillo,Reyes, and a minor league kid for a bullpen arm, or like mentioned here, a good infield prospect. I just think if we could get another lefty bp arm before the season hits, it would be a smart move. Ohman woulda been nice, but not for the price. An IF pros. would be a smart way to go too.
propp
March 21st, 2009
3:02 pm
if Glavine stays healthy all season, regardless of how hard he throws, he’ll be a good fifth starter
Doc Holiday
March 21st, 2009
3:02 pm
Hope ANDERS is not listening to the game……he is a good guy, does not deserve so much punishment.
N Nine (eta15)
March 21st, 2009
3:02 pm
Brandon Jones has really improved. Gonna be fun seeing ya in Gwinnett!
SCRusty
March 21st, 2009
3:03 pm
I can see the braves drafting or trading for more catching prospects. Can’t think of a whole lot of catchers having long big league careers other than the one in the HOF. Besides, BMac could follow the Joe Torre route:
Step one: Lose weight. (He’s doing that.)
Step two: Switch to 3rd base. (After Chipper retires.)
Step three: Batting title, MVP
Step four: Longer career.
propp
March 21st, 2009
3:04 pm
Gwinnett should sail to the IL championship this year
Doc Holiday
March 21st, 2009
3:04 pm
PROPP,
I wouldnt be so sure, its a good think we have campillo around.
propp
March 21st, 2009
3:08 pm
I’m thinking that pitting Glavine against the other fifth starters in the league….just likeing the Braves chances
cvbraves
March 21st, 2009
3:10 pm
Moylan (top of 8): E-5 (man on 1st), 6-3 DP (2 outs), E-7 (man on 2nd..what, they called it a double), F-7, 3 0uts.
TnBrian
March 21st, 2009
3:11 pm
propp, I to think he’ll be a good fifth starter even if he tops out at like 82-83mph on his fastball. But, with his ch.up, if he could put some more speed on his fb, it can make a huge difference. I was just thinking, even though he ain’t gettin any younger, he could have better arm strength than he’s had in awhile. It’s just hard to know with TG cause he’s never had any kind of surgery. 87mph might be a little much, I’ll admit, maybe 84-85mph.
Woogidy
March 21st, 2009
3:12 pm
Yeah, stroke of genius moving AAA to gwinnett with all these good kids gonna be there. I think they’ll run away with it. Let’s hope they do, because if they don’t that would mean all the good players are in ATL filling in for injured big leaguers.
propp
March 21st, 2009
3:14 pm
I agree, gotta feel more comfortable getting to the mid 80’s, but it won’t be like Redmond, toe nail or not. TG knows how to pitch, whether his fastball is 82 or 85.
Jay212033
March 21st, 2009
3:14 pm
Just like most Braves fans thought that Rome would have the best young staff in the minors this past season and what happened?!?!
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
3:14 pm
Just up from talking to Glavine….He seems cautiously optimistic to borrow a cliche. Taking the next step. Obviously watching velocity himself, and knowing he can’t read too much into what he did with the lineup he was facing, but he’s comfortable that he’s moving in the right direction.
Bumped into Jeff, who thinks today was his best day of spring, really felt good coming off his bat. he said is starting to feel what he needs to do one swing to the next, what adjustments he needs to make.
Moylan allowed a baserunner on a bloop hit but otherwise a perfect eighth.
And a line from the backfields, Jo-Jo Reyes pitched 4 1/3 innings in a minor league game vs. the Nats, allowing two hits, one walk and striking out six.
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
3:16 pm
double down the right field line for Freeman. it’s now 7-1 in the bottom of the eighth by the way
cvbraves
March 21st, 2009
3:16 pm
Bottom of 8th: Freeman doubles to lead off.
N Nine (eta15)
March 21st, 2009
3:17 pm
Speaking of Gwinnett, Id be somewhat disappointed if Jordan is their starting center fielder. Clearly he is ready and he should not be delayed. The ONLY argument against this is of course losing Anderson while not waiting until July to get that extra year for Jordan.
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
3:17 pm
oops, wrong on Moylan. Didn’t see the error and DP. thanks cvbraves
N Nine (eta15)
March 21st, 2009
3:17 pm
…but why waste a couple months with Anderson, when we all know the kid won’t last an entire season
Doc Holiday
March 21st, 2009
3:18 pm
propp,
Yankees have Petit as their 5th starter…..thats is depth.
garlick
March 21st, 2009
3:21 pm
N Nine, there’s some thought to waiting till right before opening day and trying to pass Anderson through waivers when all the teams have their rosters already set. It happens all the time, because teams don’t want to pick up a guy on waivers who they don’t know will work in their line up and have already invested all of spring into helping them make a team.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Braves tried that.
propp
March 21st, 2009
3:21 pm
Doc, Pettite is their fifth until Burnett breaks down in April. still I wouldn’t write the Braves off if it was Glavine versus Pettite
Pat
March 21st, 2009
3:22 pm
Conrad just missed a grand slam foul
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
3:25 pm
bases loaded double down the first base line by Brooks Conrad plates two and makes it 9-1 Braves, runners at second and third nobody out in the eighth
Pat
March 21st, 2009
3:25 pm
2 run double for conrad 9-1 atlanta
N Nine (eta15)
March 21st, 2009
3:26 pm
AdirondackDave
March 21st, 2009
3:30 pm
What’s happening in the bottom of the 8th, anybody know?
radoncbravesfan
March 21st, 2009
3:30 pm
josh anderson 3 run bomb
Minnesota Jacket
March 21st, 2009
3:30 pm
how did the mets score?
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
3:30 pm
three-run homer for Josh Anderson into the braves bullpen in right field. now 12-1. his second home run of Grapefruit League play
cvbraves
March 21st, 2009
3:31 pm
3-run pinch hit homer by Josh, 12-1 Braves, going to 9th.
AdirondackDave
March 21st, 2009
3:32 pm
Whew, I know these are mostly minor league guys, but still….
McFann :Ô:
March 21st, 2009
3:33 pm
SCRusty Step two: Switch to 3rd base. (After Chipper retires.)
What? You gotta be kidding me. He ain’t moving to third base.
N Nine (eta15)
March 21st, 2009
3:33 pm
Josh Anderson just countered punched my recent remarks…
AdirondackDave
March 21st, 2009
3:34 pm
Looks to me like the Braves have 5 outfielders that can help the team and deserve to start. Wonder how Bobby is going to sort this out.
AdirondackDave
March 21st, 2009
3:35 pm
Make that 6 outfielders. I forgot Blanco.
propp
March 21st, 2009
3:35 pm
i think alot of people are hard on Josh Anderson because they want Shaffer to play in Atlanta so badly. Josh really is a decent outfielder and could be pretty good. Not saying he is better than Shaffer, but just saying
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
3:37 pm
Blaine Boyer pitched a perfect ninth, just hit 95 on the gun. Braves win 12-1
Chop Chop
March 21st, 2009
3:38 pm
If this team doesn’t win the World Series, I’ll be disappointed.
TnBrian
March 21st, 2009
3:38 pm
I’m nervous and excited about Francoeur just cause anybody with a brain cell knows he’s the key for the offense. Pitching wins, but throw clucth hits in there to. McGriff, Justice, Pendelton, and Gant were some clutch MF’s, especially McGriff and Justice. If we could have Franc., Chipper and Mac be clutch, the pitching and D. will get us to the playoffs.
Jim
March 21st, 2009
3:39 pm
I count 7 outfielders — 2 Andersons, Schafer, Francouer, Diaz, B. Jones, and, Blanco — and with the extended look that Heyward and Freeman are getting because of the WBC, their ETA might be advanced
Random
March 21st, 2009
3:39 pm
William (2:49 pm): “Once again I must say……………The Francoeur haters are VERY quite lately.”
Yeah, well that may because their “genius” ringleader, Jeff321, has taken a vow of offensive silence. (We could only hope — perhaps he should be known as JeffZero?)
N Nine (eta15)
March 21st, 2009
3:40 pm
McFann
The DOB/MIB draft was today and I stole McCann!! I haven’t watched him much this spring but I’m sure he’s set for those triples that I’m counting on. I’m excited we cann watch the BEST catcher there is. Dude’s a doubles machine and now he might get more..!
TnBrian
March 21st, 2009
3:43 pm
I’m not taking anything away from the Braves, but what’s going on! How are we handing other teams their as– all spring? Maybe we are the sh-! Or other teams just have sh- prospects, because that’s what ST games are full of, mostly prospects trying out.
cvbraves
March 21st, 2009
3:44 pm
Thanks, Carroll.
AdirondackDave
March 21st, 2009
3:44 pm
Jim — You’re right, I just can’t count anymore. And they are all looking good. I tell you, the Braves could field 2 major league starting staffs, 2 outfields, and about 1.5 infields. Been watching baseball for 60 years and I don’t remember a team so deep. All kinds of things can happen (and probably will), but you have to be very optimistic about the coming season and years ahead for the Braves.
Random
March 21st, 2009
3:45 pm
mbatl (3:00 pm): “JUST SAY NO.”
NO, DOGGAMNIT, NO!!! No no no!!!!!!
whew
Easier said than done.
N Nine (eta15)
March 21st, 2009
3:51 pm
lol Random
DAP
March 21st, 2009
3:51 pm
the way this team is set up, it seems like the only trades that would makes sense would be out of options guys for relievers, or a few of our young position players for a superstar. the braves may be in a position soon to trade for an absolute stud from somewhere.
Chop Chop
March 21st, 2009
3:54 pm
Random,
“Quite” what?
Dude, you’re not going to hold William to a lofty grammatical standard?
For shame.
Mekons
March 21st, 2009
3:56 pm
I wish the season started tomorrow. It’s pretty hard not to be excited by this team. Wren has done a masterful job of fixing the rotation and the outfield. There are going to be some very painful cuts near the end ST. Heyward and Freeman, of course, are going back down, but after that, it’s going to be tough to send Jones or Schafer or Anderson down, although two of the three are certainly going, probably with Blanco.
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
4:04 pm
Tommy Hanson will throw in a minor league game on Tuesday. His turn is now the same day as Javier Vazquez, who is back from the WBC. They’ll keep Hanson and Jo-Jo Reyes going on the backfields and have them ready in case.
mets fan in atlanta
March 21st, 2009
4:13 pm
I am embarassed right now, cause i had just written a beautiful post making fun of most of you but apparently my cursor was on the subscribe link below, i accidentally clicked it and lost my whole diatribe.
Here’s the short message (cause i’m not typing it again).
Take off the braves-colored glasses and realize that Bobby Cox is going from a directive on high that the Braves had to win this spring training. For the last couple weeks, if i looked at the braves lineup, it looks like it could be a major league lineup (with the exception of
Freeman and Heyward–they obviously won’t be on the team). When you look at the opposing lineup, its a collection of hasbeens and neverwillbe’s. Against the braves the last 4 days, the Mets have run out AA and AAA lineups with at most 3 regulars sprinkled in. But notice, they don’t care if they win or lose these games. Their fanbase is already excited, and rightly so. The braves fanbase was wilting, season ticket sales were down, so Spring Training has been win at all costs basically. Could you imagine how many people would be at Turner Field if the braves limped through spring training with a losing record????
This is why spring training W-L record doesn’t count and if the Braves even have a winning record after two weeks in the regular season, i will come on here and apologize.
BravesAc
March 21st, 2009
4:28 pm
Nice to see all the Braves draft/prospect talk. I agree they are pretty thin at 3B prospects…but they have the 7th overall choice in the upcoming draft. It would seem to be an excellent opportunity to add to Brave’s depth.
Donavon Tate a Ga high school outfielder could possibly fall like Heyward did. Then there are 2 really top notch high school lefty pitchers…Matzek and Purke. Kind of doubt of the Braves would take a college guy so you have to look at the high school ranks. Matzek is really polished – something the Braves love in a lefty.
This is from Baseball America’s Feb pre-draft look…
1. Stephen Strasburg, rhp, San Diego State
The difference between him and the rest of this draft class is so huge, it’s hard to imagine anyone closing it.
2. Grant Green, ss, Southern California
Five-tool shortstop drew comparisons to Evan Longoria, Troy Tulowitzki in the Cape Cod League last summer.
3. Alex White, rhp, North Carolina
Pick your poison: He can make you look silly with his fastball, slider or splitter.
4. Dustin Ackley, 1b, North Carolina
College baseball’s best pure hitter has surprising speed, could boost his stock further with a move to center.
5. Donavan Tate, of, Cartersville (Ga.) HS
The son of former NFL running back Lars Tate is easily the best high school position player available.
6. Aaron Crow, rhp, Fort Worth Cats (Independent)
May go higher in the draft after failing to sign with the Nationals as the No. 9 overall pick in 2008.
7. Tyler Matzek, lhp, Capistrano Valley HS, Mission Viejo, Calif.
Scouts slightly prefer him to Matt Purke because he’s more physical and does things a little more easily.
8. Matt Purke, lhp, Klein (Texas) HS
Has a little more power to his arsenal than Matzek, plus a track record of starring with Team USA and at showcases.
9. Kyle Gibson, rhp, Missouri
Already has been very successful with a solid fastball and a nifty slider, and he has lots of projection remaining.
10. Kendal Volz, rhp, Baylor
Didn’t surrender an earned run in 14 innings as Team USA’s closer last summer.
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
March 21st, 2009
4:30 pm
mets fan in atlanta
When your team loses as badly as the Mutts have lost this year to Atlanta you surely have to have an excuse. And you came through. Your words come off as a bit of a fluff job, an all out effort to try to make yourself feel better. Hope it worked.
BlawgDawg
March 21st, 2009
4:32 pm
mets fan in atlanta Your not really that much of an idiot that you think that the Braves front office ordered Bobby to make sure they are winning in spring training now are you? And I guess your convenietly forgetting that the Braves were without several players due to the WBC as well huh. Ever heard of Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, Javy Vasquez, etc?
And I fully expect to see you on here in mid-April with your apology, or not only are you an idiot, your a liar too.
Lew
March 21st, 2009
4:32 pm
MetsFanInAtlanta-You should be very happy that Spring Training doesn’t count, when your “AA” pitcher Maine gives up five runs in four innings to our “AA-AAA” lineup.
William
March 21st, 2009
4:33 pm
I say again………….Francoeur haters are VERY “quiet” lately!!!
BlawgDawg
March 21st, 2009
4:34 pm
Oh, also mets fan in atlanta, bet you didn’t peek your little head in on this blog the last two Septembers now did you. It’s not us Braves fan’s fault that you root for a team of CHOKERS.
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
March 21st, 2009
4:35 pm
I have heard very little complaining about home runs lately. Now we all see it is entirely possible to win and while doing it, score a ton of runs with singles, doubles and a few triples. Oh yeah, one more thing. Atlanta has 7 stolen bases and have not been thrown out even one time this ST.
monty
March 21st, 2009
4:41 pm
William
Are there really that many Frenchy haters or are there just alot of people who were “put-out” by his sorry play last year? I am one of those who were miffed at his performance last year but I sincerely hope he turns things around this year. I don’t know of any true Braves fan who wants players to fail!
DirtyDawg
March 21st, 2009
4:43 pm
Let me see if I can remember…just what is it that the Mets have won lately? Last year? The year before? Other than ‘The Big Choke’ award, nothin’. OK, so you finished ahead of us, but that doesn’t give you braggin’ rights over the team that finished ahead of everybody in the Division for a decade and a half. Trust me. When the Braves win, we show up. By the way, how’s it gonna feel with one of those Robber Barron’s name on your new playing field…I know I don’t appreciate the fact that our tax dollars have gone into those naming rights.
Lew
March 21st, 2009
4:43 pm
MOnty-No, there are many Frenchy haters. It goes way beyond his poor performance last season. There are quite a few that felt his two 100 RBI seasons were sub par as well. Many here believe that RBI count for little and his low OBP defines him as a player.
nolie
March 21st, 2009
4:44 pm
McCann has thinned enough to double his triple output this year
I’d rather that he tripled his doubles output than doubled his triples output
TBraveFan
March 21st, 2009
4:46 pm
WOW – today is the day I’ve been waiting for all off season – Tommy finally pitching again! I was so psyched…and he didn’t disappoint either (other than the pop up bunt)…
Too bad there isn’t a photo link – I have awesome photos from the last 2 1/2 weeks – sorry McFann – nothing of Mac of course…
And Mets Fan in Atlanta — sounds like a bunch of sour grapes to me — if the Mess had a record like the Braves, you’d be ready to celebrate a WS. Granted they have a couple of big guns in the WBC, but sorry, they are still the NY Mess….
McFann :Ô:
March 21st, 2009
4:48 pm
N Nine–
You stole McCann? That’s great–yer lucky! I haven’t watched him at all this Spring (because they only show the WBC on ESPN “Deportes” or whatever it is–hey, us English speaking people like baseball, too, ya know! What are they showing on the real ESPN–basketball??)…uh…hmm…kinda went off on a tangent there, sorry…where was I…?
Oh yeah: I haven’t seen him at all this Spring–for reason stated above–but I’m sure he’ll give us those triples. Hmm…but what’s better: two triples or 30 homers? I’ll take 2 triples and 25 homers, no questions asked.
And I’m looking to see 40+ doubles again this year. Yep, ya might say I have high expectations, but he cann do it–he’s shown he cann do it. Of course, this is provided he stays healthy.
And as long as Team USA is in the semi-finals, I hope they take it to the finals. Heck, they’re playing Japan tomorrow–they gotta beat Japan! Course, the way it’s been going, tomorrow’s McCann’s turn to play, which means Iannetta will start if they make it to the finals…but that’s OK. Chris hasn’t done to bad in this thing.
McFann :Ô:
March 21st, 2009
4:50 pm
Nolie I’d rather that he tripled his doubles output than doubled his triples output
Haha, me, too…126 doubles! Let’s see anyone break that record!!
William
March 21st, 2009
4:52 pm
Monty:
You haven’t been reading much here lately then. Believe it or not there are some people here hoping he fails. Yes, they call themselves Braves “FANS” also. Even people trying to turn back to back 100RBI seasons into a negative. Most of the time I find it funny.
McFann :Ô:
March 21st, 2009
4:56 pm
TBravesFan–
Image Shack is a good website for uploading photos. I’ve used it a couple times. It’s pretty easy to use–just click on my link (I hope it works), then click the “Browse” button on the home page and select your photo from wherever it is on your computer. After that, click the “start upload” button.
The “start upload” button used to say “host it”, and that worked better…not sure why they changed it. But it still works fine.
Once you’ve got the photo uploaded, just copy and paste it’s address into the comments box here.
Chop Chop
March 21st, 2009
4:57 pm
I’m not sure when I would draft Brian McCann. I have a draft tonight, a draft tomorrow, and a draft on Monday (my own league).
I need to get some more people in my league.
nolie
March 21st, 2009
4:58 pm
KJ, BMac, and Kotchman all hit lefties just as well or better than righties, PWH
depends on your definition of “as well or better” I guess
they all do hit lefties pretty well for LHers, but they all hit them with less power than against RHers.. Still would not hurt to develop or acquire an accomplished RH hitter
TBraveFan
March 21st, 2009
5:31 pm
Thanks…..I’ll have to wait until I’m home next week. Dial up here in the ST house is too slow…I’ll download and post the link next week. I counted at least 120 photos people may be interested in (not counting all the solo photos of my fave coach LOL)….
McFann :Ô:
March 21st, 2009
5:34 pm
TBravesFan–
You’re welcome! Can’t wait to see the photos! 120? Wow!
(not counting all the solo photos of my fave coach LOL)
Haha…been there. We went to a game last September and Sammons caught, so I sat through a lot of the game taking pictures of the dugout…
Doc Holiday
March 21st, 2009
5:34 pm
William,
Im not a JF hater, Im one of the guys that have criticized him hard, just a little more than KJ. But Im not quite. I have been saying Im glad he has been doing his work lately. And I hope is not only a ST thing.
mets fan in atlanta
March 21st, 2009
5:48 pm
Actually, it must have been you who wasn’t here the last two septembers, cause yeah, i was. And my point was, John Maine threw to a major league lineup today (minus Freeman). And that’s the same lineup Bobby Cox has been putting out there every day the last two weeks. No, i don’t get excited when the Mets have good spring training records. I learned about that back in the early 90’s.
Maybe you guys and the Royals fans (hell the Rangers are in third place in Arizona) can sit back in a couple weeks when the games actually count and reminisce about how many games over .500 each of you were in Spring Training. Think about the “good ole days”.
ncscoots
March 21st, 2009
5:52 pm
And my point was, John Maine threw to a major league lineup today (minus Freeman).
Minus the team’s two best hitters, of course. Is there something that makes you the addition of those two to the lineup will somehow make the team worse?
Shamus Thacker
March 21st, 2009
5:55 pm
Allman Bros. with Derek Trucks, joined by Clapton.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/03212009/entertainment/music/clapton_adds_allman_joy_160524.htm
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
5:57 pm
Couple Glavine quotes for you:
Glavine on his velocity today/radar gun.
“Yeah, I check it out every once in a while,” Glavine said. “Obviously the first couple pitches I threw I was curious what it was. Every once in a while a ball comes out better than some other ones, I’m curious what it is. I saw 80 a couple times, maybe an 81. To me that’s a good sign because at least I’m going in the right direction and I’m not going to sit here and tell you that I feel 100 percent physically the way I want to feel, but I know that I’m slowly getting there. For me to be able to get to that point knowing I’m not where I want to be yet is a good sign.”
more on velocity:
“If I can get somewhere in that 83-85 range comfortably, and an occasionally get above that on a four-seam fastball, then that would be great,” Glavine said. “Right now it’s kinda taking my four seam fastball to get to 80, which that’s not exactly where I want to be but I’m confident it’s going to come.”
On considering retirement if this doesn’t come around:
“It’s not consuming me,” Glavine said. “It’s not like I’m going out on the mound, saying hey, this could be my last game, or any pitch I throw. It could always be that way. For 20 years I could have thrown my last pitch at any time. In my mind it’s more about just feeling like each day or each start I feel a little bit better physically, I feel a little bit more arm strength coming and It’s just something I have to be patient with. Yeah, I would have loved to have come down here and not had any issues whatsoever and felt like I could just let it rip and go get ‘em but I don’t know that I’ve ever had a spring like that before. And I don’t know if I could have expected that after surgery.
“I’ve got another month now before the season starts for me,” Glavine said. “I’m trying to approach this like I would any other spring. Obviously it’s different in that I was 29, 30 years old and I was dealing with some things I wouldn’t even contemplate for a second, well I’m not sure I want to deal with this, I’m going to retire. At this stage of the game, yeah, that’s always a possibility. Because I’ll be the first to tell you. If I don’t feel like I can physically go out there and do what I want to do then it’s not worth me going out there and doing it. Not worth it for me or for these guys. But I’m a long way from getting there, based on the slow progressions I’ve made, based on the little conversations I have with the doctors and what not. I’m confident that in time I’m going to get there. But I have to be patient and take my time.”
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
5:58 pm
Dang, that was a long post. Sorry bout that.
Off for a run and to watch the Dookies. Sounds like the Met invasion is keeping you busy!
William
March 21st, 2009
6:01 pm
JF is the key to the Braves season. To many of you that’s a scary thought, but it’s the truth. I’ll be surprised if Chipper plays in 120 games.
Doc Holiday
March 21st, 2009
6:04 pm
William,
You are right, JF, as I said before, is the difference between a good team and a great one right now. But I would say that in order to say that, Chipper has to play at least 125 games.
AdirondackDave
March 21st, 2009
6:11 pm
Mets Fan in A. — You miss the point about the enthusiasm here on the ol’ blog. Braves fans are excited because of the level of play of the starters and position players. I agree, the won-loss record doesn’t mean much. However, from all reports (confirmed by stats) virtually every one of these guys is performing very well. And considering the ages of these guys, the future (which begins in 2 weeks) is looking mighty good.
Braves fans have enjoyed 14 winning years and lately, 3 down years. Now, it looks very much like the pendulum is swinging back to the winning side for an extended period. Can’t help but be enthused.
f.n.hale
March 21st, 2009
6:15 pm
And my point was, John Maine threw to a major league lineup today (minus Freeman).MFIA
You’re absolutely right except for the center fielder and left fielder who will likely start the season in the minors and the backup catcher and third baseman. So five of the eight starters may be ML quality players but not starters for us guys. I don’t think anyone here is predicting the Braves will win 128 games this year (which is what the ST winning % would project). O.K. maybe a few of us do, but we’ve played all spring without our 3 best hitters and a lot of games without our regular first baseman, as have the Mets, but our backups and minor leaguers have looked a little better, IMO.
zookey
March 21st, 2009
6:17 pm
Mets fan in atl
Don’t worry yourself Maine will come around,remember those rose colored glasses you mentioned.
Get off the high horse these are Braves fans and if they are winning two weeks into the season no one will care about your apology…
Gil In Mechanicsville
March 21st, 2009
6:19 pm
Melvin Nieves, Tony Torasco, Pat Rocket.. All names of can’t miss players who were either traded and didn’t blossom or wasn’t traded and fell flat… Folks, enjoy the good spring the Braves are having but always keep in mind most players are neither as good nor as bad as they might first appear.
Still a long ways off from June 1st, the traditional time for a team to take stock of it’s needs…
PWHjort
March 21st, 2009
6:19 pm
Our spring training run differential is very good. That’s what I’m excited about.
spotts
March 21st, 2009
6:25 pm
Has Josh Anderson bulked up or something? Working on a new swing? Why’s he hit homers in back to back games (after hitting what…3 last year?)
Seeing “J. Anderson homers to right field” doesn’t always make me happy. I wanna see hits, walks, SBs, triples. But not homers. I remember when Furcal went through spells of trying to be a power hitter and it didn’t turn out good.
cmac1919
March 21st, 2009
6:26 pm
“And my point was, John Maine threw to a major league lineup today (minus Freeman).”
So? Isn’t he a major league pitcher? Maybe if he went up against high schoolers he would’ve had a better outing (probably not)
And besides, the Braves only had three starters in the lineup today (Johnson, Francouer and Escobar) No Chipper, McCann, Diaz, G.Anderson, or Kotchman. The rest were bench players and/or minor league. John Maine just sucks.
AdirondackDave
March 21st, 2009
6:26 pm
Yup, good point, PWHjort.
ncscoots
March 21st, 2009
6:29 pm
Our spring training run differential is very good. That’s what I’m excited about.
Low threshold, I’m guessing, LOL. Ironic to see the usual good post from Gil, followed immediately by that one. Why would run differential in ST have any more relevance than any other stat in ST? Which is to say, little? The team has won a buncha games this spring, so it follows that their differential would also be good. Unfortunately, neither circumstance has much value in forecasting how real games will go.
But, good is better than bad, I’ll give you that!
ease19
March 21st, 2009
6:31 pm
If this team doesn’t win the World Series, I’ll be disappointed.
Don’t we already have the t-shirts, hats, etc printed…?
Steve McP
March 21st, 2009
6:34 pm
Just checked the line up to confirm what Muts fan said – starters today included Ross as C, Infante 3B, Freeman 1B, B Jones LF, J Schafer CF. This makes 5 of the 8 position players not starters on opening day (I know Schafer might start, but he has no major league experience yet). So although it was not all our minor leaguers, the only everyday starters were Johnson, Frenchy and Escobar. The Mets only had one real starter in Church, but only two that had no experience in the majors, so their team was also made up of mainly back-up players.
Chop Chop
March 21st, 2009
6:34 pm
I bet the Braves’ Pythagenport record is about where it should be. Greatest team ever, no doubt.
Chop Chop
March 21st, 2009
6:36 pm
I’ve got the T-shirts ready.
Even printed some up with 2009 World Series MVP Jeff Francoeur’s mug. The DVD’s coming out next week. I accept PayPal.
ncscoots
March 21st, 2009
6:39 pm
ease, if you read the blog, the rings are sized, and players are already spending the incentive money for ROY, MVP, the Cy, and All-Star berths, LOL. Eight GG and nine Silver Sluggers, at least.
Plus, David Wright will demand to be traded to the Braves, so he can join a team worthy of himself.
spotts
March 21st, 2009
6:47 pm
I heard that most of the major stars have already demanded trades to the Braves. Colorado and Pittsburgh have already forfeited their seasons in fear of facing the Braves.
phishing with the braves
March 21st, 2009
6:55 pm
in response to mets fan in atlanta,
i just pray that no one (braves fans) on this board goes over to mets’ boards and post idiotic comments like his…because, quite frankly, you would be embarrassing the braves fan base like that jack**s has done to his fan base.
ease19
March 21st, 2009
7:00 pm
Does that mean that Peavy will also want to play here too?
ease19
March 21st, 2009
7:02 pm
who has the time to go over to Mets blogs? Speaking of, does anyone know how old Anders is? I know that you aren’t supposed to ask a woman about her age…but he sounds like a kid brother sometimes….
Chop Chop
March 21st, 2009
7:08 pm
scoots,
David Wright doesn’t demand to be traded to a team worthy of himself. Teams worthy of David Wright demand to be traded to him.
spotts
March 21st, 2009
7:12 pm
ease – Peavy will play here, but with CC, Lincecum, and Santana all coming over, he might start the year in AAA.
Oromus
March 21st, 2009
7:14 pm
“And my point was, John Maine threw to a major league lineup today”
Uh, we had THREE lineup regulars in there today… Escobar, Johnson and Francoeur. Everyone else were either bench players or will start the year in A ball. And Maine gave up 5 runs to them in 4 innings. Why not just admit that Maine sucked today? Just think how much more damage he would have had to endure if McCann, Chipper, G.Anderson and Kotchman were also in there today? You had two line up regulars (Murphy and Church) and we had 3. Huge difference there……
ease19
March 21st, 2009
7:19 pm
spotts – Would we be giving up any prospects?
Lew
March 21st, 2009
7:21 pm
A great winning record in Spring Training may not mean much in terms of reality, but think of all the b!tching and prophesies of impending and immortal doom etc. that would be going on if the record were reversed-whether or not Spring Training records mean anything.
PWHjort
March 21st, 2009
7:24 pm
ya, it’s not worth much. Better than W% though. Any trade predictions in the next 3 weeks?
RHR
March 21st, 2009
7:28 pm
monty 4:41 – That’s me. Happy to see him turn around, hope he keeps his attitude in check.
ease19
March 21st, 2009
7:31 pm
Man, did LSU just stop playing?
Doc Holiday
March 21st, 2009
7:36 pm
ease19,
I agree……..I wonder what does Peavy thinks of our Braves now.
cabravesfan
March 21st, 2009
7:38 pm
ease19-
You aren’t kidding…I checked the score like 5 minutes ago and UNC was only up by about 4
PTBNL
March 21st, 2009
7:41 pm
It’d be interesting to know the conversations between Peavy and Chipper during Chipper’s stay in the wBc. I would imagine Chipper knows some things that he is not telling (concerning Peavy’s thoughts past and present about the Braves).
William
March 21st, 2009
7:47 pm
I’d love to see Jake Peavy come to the Braves. I love his makeup.
nolie
March 21st, 2009
7:52 pm
I’d love to see Jake Peavy come to the Braves. I love his makeup. WILLIAM
Is it his blush, eyeliner or mascara that you like best? What shade is that anyway?
PTBNL
March 21st, 2009
8:03 pm
Oh, I thought that maybe he had come out with his own makeup line. Perfection by Peavy.
PTBNL
March 21st, 2009
8:06 pm
On the other hand, he must use some kind of vanishing cream when he wants to hide behind his agent when maybe his voice should be heard.
ease19
March 21st, 2009
8:07 pm
PTBNL – definitely not a best seller!
Anybody else see the irony of Peavy throwing to B-Mac in the WBC?
Sir Stealth
March 21st, 2009
8:11 pm
Carroll, I love you – please, PLEASE stop spelling Dukies that way. Go Braves.
Doc Holiday
March 21st, 2009
8:12 pm
What I would love to see is Peavy watching the Braves win some playoff games on TV at home.
PTBNL
March 21st, 2009
8:15 pm
LOL I agree, ease19.
Frank from KS
March 21st, 2009
8:15 pm
MFIA
Ya know, you JUST better get off your high horse about your Mutts who (if memory serves) CHOKED a 7 game lead with…..what 18 games left in 06 or 07 (can’t remember which) and choked again LAST season.
I loved it when the Muts choked the 7 game lead and then the Phils didn’t just get beat……they got SWEPT. SWEPT by the Rocks in the playoffs.
I said…”Yes, there is a God”
richbrave
March 21st, 2009
8:18 pm
After blistering my face sans hat and sunblock as my youngest grandson played in his first Junior High game, I listened to XM 177 and caught a little of the MURPH 7 through 9. Pretty smooth. I like.
richbrave
March 21st, 2009
8:22 pm
OMG, another drool-faced METS clown. Jeeze, one’s enough. At least ANDERS has some solid takes on things BRAVES.
ncgary
March 21st, 2009
8:30 pm
if a trade were to be made id want either halladay , holliday , or berkman, why bother with any others. lol
ease19
March 21st, 2009
8:30 pm
Mets Fan in Atlanta…hmmmmisn’t that an oxymoron? Or how about a donkey mates with a female horse and is called a mule right? And a mule only has 62 chromosomes versus 64 for a horse. the mule is inferior to a horse so can we infer that…
Mets Fan In Atlanta=Mule?
Frank from KS
March 21st, 2009
8:30 pm
N8
I think it was you who named 1 or 2 of the greatest players from some of the organizations..(Braves, Toronto, Milwaukee, Kansas City, etc) from the last blog(s).
Growing up here in Kansas, I was a HUGE Royals fan but lost interest in them after Brett retired (not because of the losing). Even after he retired, I still followed them(and still do to this day) just not as much as I did before. Ya mentioned George Brett as the top KC player which I don’t disagree with. I just want to add…Frank White to that list. One hell of a 2nd baseman in the AL during his run with the Royals.
ease19
March 21st, 2009
8:32 pm
I must correct my earlier statement PTBNL, since you brought up vanishing cream…I think it would indeed be a best seller…based on how effective it was! Go Cubs Go…well maybe not…lol.
Couch Tater
March 21st, 2009
8:45 pm
June 1, the tradional time for a team to take stock of it’s needs
Gil, that’s why I wouldn’t mind Shafer and Hanson beginning the season in AAA. If we can do well without those guys and bring them up after the break, they could miss that long road trips of 6/12 to 6/21 and 7/3 to 7/12. It would suit me just fine if the plan was for them to come in fresh for the 2nd half.
Metropolitan Man1
March 21st, 2009
9:03 pm
I see some are putting a lot of stock in the Spring Training numbers while a few have maintained a level of sensibility. So let’s see what happens when not only Santana pitches but the Delgado and Beltran are reinserted into the spring lineup tomorrow. Those two guys had an incredible WBC and are already playing at high intensity levels as is Wright, Putz, McCann, Velázquez, K-Rod and a few other Mets players (all except that guy Chumper). Not sure if Reyes and Castillo will be in that lineup tomorrow but if they are you will see a more balanced MLB team.
Glavine pitching 3 scoreless innings was not impressive to me but I’m sure it was to you. I’m hoping he makes the team so Hanson’s much needed experience for MLB pitching will be delayed. In the meantime Glavine will stink it up once the season starts. I predict 1 good start out of every three until he gets the hook for good or succumbs to injury. Real Mets fans are always and still excited, but the reality of the past two years lets you know to stay proud and loud but keep it low until the season actually begins. Mets fans are concerned with Maine obviously, and who is going to make the bench, and the final bullpen spots. All starting positions have been filled so the Mets have been tinkering instead of playing to win. Enjoy the wonderful spring training record. Once the season starts and the spark plugs head to AAA and the DL bound guys start the season, reality will set in. Then the problem will being finding the right AAA guys to call up to mesh with the rest of the big league that are still standing. Yeah, I can agree the brave’s future looks bright but I don’t see it taking complete form or shape until 2011.
On a side note Hudson rehab is going amazingly smooth so I will stay aware that he may be back sooner thatn later but the same can be said for Wagner.
Wagner said he hopes to be back pitching in August. He’s been throwing up to 100 feet and claimed to be at least a month ahead of schedule.
“They just made me take two weeks off because I was so far ahead,” Wagner said. “They wanted to let time catch up with me.”
Wagner plans to head to Florida in June for what he’s told will be his spring training.
AdirondackDave
March 21st, 2009
9:06 pm
NCGary — You’re right about that. Braves don’t need any lateral moves. Unless there is a serious offensive force available that they can afford, I hope the stand pat. On second thought, if they could trade for a top pitching prospect, you can’t have too much pitching.
Il Cattivo
March 21st, 2009
9:17 pm
Regarding the trade front: Bennett or Acosta might be gone soon. Acosta’s value might be slipping based on his giving up homers and hits. Campillo has greater value but he can go to Gwinnett if not needed now. Carlyle is a wildcard. If Medlen is coming up north with the big team he’ll probably take up the Acosta slot.
Steve from OH
March 21st, 2009
9:25 pm
Can’t we just get a Brewers fan or something?
ease19
March 21st, 2009
9:27 pm
Based on my earlier example…
Metropolitan Man1 = mule
zookey
March 21st, 2009
9:29 pm
Metro Man
Trying to keep some level of sensibility but seems I am just as exciter over this Braves team as most fans and sports media…
But thanks for the Mets report.
Dadgum
March 21st, 2009
9:29 pm
Anders…please be sure and bring Mets Fan In Atlanta up to speed on our denizen sharp-shooter, New Cars.
Rock on….oh the visual
spotts
March 21st, 2009
9:32 pm
did you guys really read all of Metro’s post? I never read it when you guys make these huge posts.
mbatl
March 21st, 2009
9:35 pm
Wren’s in a very good position here. Only meaningful guy he might “need” to trade is Josh (and that’s assuming Schafer starts the year in Atlanta… if not, there’s really no one out of options that we need to move.) And, there’s no huge hole on the major league roster he needs to fill. It’s a good opportunity to maybe slick someone out of a very good prospect, or to just stand pat if no such deal comes along.
Metropolitan Man1
March 21st, 2009
9:37 pm
Thank you ease19, a mule should go along well with a team led by a Donkey.
Leah
March 21st, 2009
9:43 pm
TBraveFan -
Imageshack.us is a good image host for one or two pictures, as McFann suggested, but if you have 120 photos, you may want to try using Photobucket to store your photos. After signing up for a free account, you can upload more than one photo at a time and it takes less time doing so than if you were to do them one by one. You can also sort your photos in different albums and such, too, which makes things a lot easier in the long run.
cabravesfan
March 21st, 2009
10:13 pm
Anyone catching the 1st WBC semi? Korea is absolutely smoking Venezuela right now…7-0 in the 3rd inning
Carroll Rogers
March 21st, 2009
10:15 pm
Sir Stealth, I mean it in the most endearing way…
James is Red
March 21st, 2009
10:15 pm
Anyone know why Kawakami pitched so few innings in 2003? What was the injury?
zookey
March 21st, 2009
10:16 pm
Metropolitan Man1,Chill out its not like another metro metro man is throwing you under the bus…
DiamondbackMac
March 21st, 2009
10:17 pm
Here’s wishing all Mets fans everywhere New Cars for their birthdays.
Jake W.
March 21st, 2009
10:18 pm
You Mets fans are a little sad. You think that Braves fans getting excited over the success of our team this spring training is not good, yet if you were in the same position you would be just as optimistic. I doubt many people are taking the spring training record seriously but it does feel good when you see how well the guys are doing. I mean would you rather them be bad. You warn against Glavine probably being good maybe 1 in 3 games, but what Livan will be good 3 out of 3 right. Yeah we have a couple of guys who tend to get injured but so do you guys. I believe that is where the difference between our clubs become clear. The Braves have depth at almost all positions and pitching. You’re wondering about your bench while ours is set. The young talent is performing well which bodes well for us. How are your minor league kids doing?
Nice to know Santana is not hurt because we all know your season would be lost without him. Who could you replace the guy with, no one. That’s a problem we don’t have to worry about. We don’t have that dominant Ace like hime but once again we have a lot of quality arms and hopefully a future ace in the making. Plus we have a lot of just up and coming good young players like Heyward and Freeman. If you had the prospects we had and they were performing the way ours are you would be excited about spring training too. I know you feel confident in your team regardless of how they perform in spring training which is cool. Names like Delgado, Reyes, Beltran, and Wright would make anyone feel good about their lineup and team. Just remember those have been the big names for a while and what exactly have they done for you?
richbrave
March 21st, 2009
10:19 pm
METROPOLITAN MAN1:
BILLY’s a GREAT reliefer and VIRGINIAN, but his best days are behind him. That’s why you stocked up the bull-pen in QUEENS this off-season.
Chris from the Rock
March 21st, 2009
10:20 pm
Yeah, I switched back to B-Ball after Silva surrendered the 2-run bomb. Silva looks even more lost than he did last season. What a waster of $44 million by the Mariners.
richbrave
March 21st, 2009
10:21 pm
METS BLOG FANS:
SANTANA is damaged goods, and the first cracks are beginning to show. You’ll see what I mean in the latter part of this year.
Roach
March 21st, 2009
10:23 pm
7-0?? already
SmyrnaJim
March 21st, 2009
10:24 pm
Carroll – I’m getting very nervous!
cabravesfan
March 21st, 2009
10:25 pm
Roach-
It’s actually 7-1 now
cabravesfan
March 21st, 2009
10:27 pm
Anyone see the end to the Gonzaga Western KY game? WOW!
SmyrnaJim
March 21st, 2009
10:27 pm
Whoa – Zags!
cabravesfan
March 21st, 2009
10:27 pm
although I have to add that was some seriously crappy defense by Western Kentucky there…
spotts
March 21st, 2009
10:27 pm
I almost picked WKU to upset Gonzaga, and I was about to shoot myself if they pulled that off.
cabravesfan
March 21st, 2009
10:28 pm
Carroll, if your Devils blow my bracket…
ND Braves
March 21st, 2009
10:29 pm
I hope the Braves don’t pursue Peavy. He obviously didn’t want to be with the Braves the first time around and he hasn’t pitched well yet this season. I hope he spends the season with the Padres… should be enjoyable for him. If they win more than 60 games I’ld be surprised. Also, I hope the Braves keep the depth on their bench, especially Prado and Infante. I would rather see K. Johnson go than Prado. Prado has played very well this spring and has a really bright future. Hopefully KJ can have a good year. If the Braves can trade Jo Jo, Morton, or Carlyle to add someone that could make an impact this season I think they should do it. I’m not sure it would be the right decision to make a trade now though.
spotts
March 21st, 2009
10:30 pm
ca – only thing WKU could’ve donen to make that layup any easier was set up a ladder
spotts
March 21st, 2009
10:31 pm
The dookies got it
SmyrnaJim
March 21st, 2009
10:31 pm
What a play by Scheyer!
cabravesfan
March 21st, 2009
10:31 pm
wow Texas is sorta self destructing in the last minute or so…
Metropolitan Man1
March 21st, 2009
10:32 pm
Yeah, this WBC game could get interesting if Venezuela can keep finally stop making errors.
Jake W: No, having a great spring training record would not have me jump up and down with excitement. I’ve followed baseball to long to let that hype me up. Like I said watching the guys tinker with new things so they can be crisp against the scouting reports is a welcomed sacrificed for spring training wins any year. I already aknowledged the braves up and coming young guys, but most of them are currently blocked by fossils and reclamation projects. 2011 is a more reasonable year for the braves to really do damage unless you break the bank and get some offense that will keep up with the pitching.
Richbrave:
Wagner went down which exposed the rest of a weak pen (Omar dropped the ball as well on this). Obviously he wasn’t light out leading up tp the injury so there goes your reason. It really doesn’t matter if he comes back for any of the 09′ season, it would just add another vet to the pen possibly in the heat of a pennant race.
cabravesfan
March 21st, 2009
10:33 pm
spotts-
no kidding- how on earth do you let someone run the length of the court for basically a lay-up with less then 6 seconds? Shades of Tyus Edny…
Shamus Thacker
March 21st, 2009
10:35 pm
WOW, I didn’t get to stay tuned in past the second, then I see the score… WE KIGGED THEIR AZZ! We’re being WAYYY underestimated, even by some of our own here…
Summa y’all can’t see the forest for the trees; you let old baseball cliches about young players skew your thinking. “He’s gonna hit a wall,” “he needs to see AAA pitching,” (which is worse, btw, than AA pitching!), “ooooh, it’ll ruin his confidence if he comes up and gets hammered,” “he needs more seasoning at AAA.” BAAAAHLONEEEEEEEEEEE!!! All summa these yunguns need is a baseball, bat, and glove; THEY can play ANYWHERE, RIGHT NOW!
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
spotts
March 21st, 2009
10:36 pm
As a Georgia fan and alum, I’m actually used to teams making wide open shots and layups
SmyrnaJim
March 21st, 2009
10:37 pm
Okay, Carroll – way to hang on!!!!
Metropolitan Man1
March 21st, 2009
10:37 pm
Richbrave: A Santana injury would no doubt be a disaster in the Mets camp. I really don’t know what panic move Omar would make to bridge the gap. I guess it depends on the severity of the injury. Since you forsee this, why don’t you tell me the injury so I can pass it on to Omar so he can get the ball rolling on what to do.
Shamus Thacker
March 21st, 2009
10:40 pm
true spotts, and funny
spotts
March 21st, 2009
10:43 pm
Yeah…Harrick kind of killed my college basketball experience. Although I did beat Harry Dawg in a tricycle race at a game.
spotts
March 21st, 2009
10:44 pm
beat him good
TnBrian
March 21st, 2009
10:44 pm
OMG, these Met fans, Metro/MetInAtl., can’t be older than 15, right? If you are, for your sake, DON’T SAY! I’d be embarrased to come and talk smack to us when that “other” team of yours in New York has hidden behind the big boys for decades now and has never figured out how to beat us. It’s cool to cheer for your team but don’t think for a second that you’re going to make us second guess our team becuase of your jealousy. We’re a lot smarter than that. Sorry, but the Braves are better than the Mets, and they’ll prove it!
winterville
March 21st, 2009
10:45 pm
Carroll, maybe the haters will stay away for awhile. Nice win by Duke.
Shamus Thacker
March 21st, 2009
10:45 pm
Chavez will prolly declare Venezuela the winner, even if they lose.
cabravesfan
March 21st, 2009
10:46 pm
eh…making easy lay-ups is way over rated…just ask USC (they must have missed 8 or 9 in about a 10 minute span against BC yesterday…)
zookey
March 21st, 2009
10:47 pm
Metro Man,”2011 is a more reasonable year for the Braves to really do damage”bla bla bla.
You should know better than to come on here and get everyones hopes up…
Supes
March 21st, 2009
10:48 pm
ATTENTION BLOGGERS: Do NOT pay attention to any of these “so called” Mets fans, other than Anders, they just come in when it’s convinient.
At least Anders is entertaining, and is here all the time (usually).
BTW…It’s nice to see that the Mets “fans” are admitting, 2010-2011 looks pretty SCARY for their CHOKE ARTISTS otherwise known as the NY Mets. Yeah, by then the Braves will have the DEEPEST and BEST starting rotation in the NL EAST, and a pretty DAMN good lineup (full of young and talanted players), like Jordan S. ; Freeman and Heyward.
Meanwhile, Mets will get OLDER, all they have is David Wright and Jose Reyes. Oh, and Santana’s questionable ELBOW.
As a Braves fan, I’m more concerned about the Phillies (at least they have GUTS and firepower on the lineup) and the Marlins, who always, always have one of the best minor league systems/scouts and turn out so many young outstanding players!
William, you are walking a fine line sir, between BLINDLY defending Jeff, and using the “hating” term so loosely. Deserving, constructive criticism is quite JUSTIFIED sir, if Jeff (who am I well aware must perform or else for the Braves lineup) doesn’t live up to what the TEAM needs him to produce (numbers wise)
Shamus Thacker
March 21st, 2009
10:48 pm
I too believe the Bravos are better than the Muts, and I honestly don’t think it’s all that close. Maybe I’m nuts, maybe not, we’ll see…
spotts
March 21st, 2009
10:52 pm
I don’t get all the smack against the Mets. They’ve beaten us THREE YEARS IN A ROW!. I think we’ll finally regain bragging rights this year, but my goodness people…
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 21st, 2009
10:58 pm
Glavine pitched OK, but lets not get to excited, it was against the Met’s B squad.
Where did this trade talk come from? Pitching surplus is just that, a plus.
Josh Anderson is the only player of significance who is out of options. Boyer is out of options but he is likely to make the team.
Mark Bowman has mentioned Jeff Bennett, Buddy Carlyle, Manny Acosta and Jorge Campillo as names that have come up in trade discussions.
I would maybe consider Campillo and Carlyle as trade bait if the right deal comes up.
Atlanta does need a big another big bat. Preferably someone who can play third base and swing it from the right side.
Mark Teahen comes to mind but I doubt if KC would even consider such a trade. Teahen is banging away to the tune of .485 in spring training so far with five dingers. The Yankees are already chasing him, for obvious reasons.
I like Brian Barton. But I’m not Frank Wren and the Braves probably think they have enough depth in the outfield. Barton has maintained a .314 BA in four minor league seasons but it’s his .413 OBP that that has my attention. He leads off and plays all three outfield positions equally well, is great fourth outfielder with outstanding athleticism. Barton bats right handed.
Jake W.
March 21st, 2009
11:01 pm
Met Man I never said you would be jumping up and down, I said you would be as optimistic as braves fans. I guess you think your team is the only one who tinkers with stuff in srping training. I mean Jeff Francoeur is “tinkering” with a new swing. Yunel Escobar is “tinkering” with new muscle. Kawakami is “tinkering” with an American baseball. Peter Moylan is “tinkering” with a new arm. Soriano is “tinkering” with health. Glavine is “tinkering” with his 70 mph fastball. I mean even with all this “tinkering” we are still finding a way to perform well. And go ahead and admit it. If you had the young guys we had coming up performing well in Spring Training you would be very optimistic or even excited about your future. But once again I ask you because I really don’t know the answer. Do you have any up and coming youngsters that you are excited about. I mean was the update on the Mets farm system?
nolie
March 21st, 2009
11:06 pm
I never read it when you guys make these huge posts. spotts
well it is the ADD generation
cmac1919
March 21st, 2009
11:08 pm
“I don’t get all the smack against the Mets. They’ve beaten us THREE YEARS IN A ROW!. I think we’ll finally regain bragging rights this year, but my goodness people…”
We beat the Mets. It was just the Phillies (and pretty much every other team in baseball) that gave us fits.
“I mean was the update on the Mets farm system?”
The Mutts got a farm system?
spotts
March 21st, 2009
11:09 pm
Pitching surplus is just that, a plus.
Why sit on a bunch of arms that aren’t going to be used? Between Lowe, Jurrjens, Vazquez, KK, Glavine, Hanson, Campillo, Morton, and JoJo, that’s WAY too many arms and insurance arms than we have a need for.
Same with the ‘pen. Gonzo, Soriano, Moylan, O’Flaherty, Acosta, Bennett, Boyer, Ridgway and others I’m sure I forgot
nolie
March 21st, 2009
11:12 pm
Nevermind, a Georgia grad. Now I know why you can’t read the long posts.
Tomas
March 21st, 2009
11:12 pm
Those Koreans sure can play. Wow 9-1 against Venezuela.
spotts
March 21st, 2009
11:13 pm
aguhguhguh…..funny
Metropolitan Man1
March 21st, 2009
11:15 pm
Jake W. come on give it rest. 16 Mets players participated in the WBC. Not all have returned so expecting a sub .500 win loss spring training record is of no consequence. So now you take the “tinkering” statement and make it seems as though the braves are tinkering. Please they are recovering from surgery and don’t want to break down in the spring, only during the season. Your young guys are nothing more than highly touted prospects with Hanson being the only close to sure thing. Over and over on this blog it has been stated a proscpect is just that, a prospect. So good luck thinking all these spring training guys are all future All Stars because all they have proven is the fact they are hungry. Myabe hungrier than other teams with so many open posistions to jock for. Add that with some good scouting and I can see the future optimism, but the present will be a shock in reality. Dues are being paid for 14 straight and they aren’t up yet.
spotts
March 21st, 2009
11:19 pm
Thanks teach. You sure opened our eyes
Doc Holiday
March 21st, 2009
11:22 pm
Poor Mess fans, they need to come here trying to feel better after 2 choke season and a 12-1 defeat
DiamondbackMac
March 21st, 2009
11:30 pm
Metropolitan Man1 – We definitely need to introduce you to New Cars. The sooner the better.
Doc Holiday
March 21st, 2009
11:31 pm
16 Mess players participated in WBC? no wonder why Korea and Japan might play in the finals.
cmac1919
March 21st, 2009
11:32 pm
Mutropolitan wo-man1
Seriously, instead of these long-winded posts, just say “I’m an idiotic Mutt fan.” See? That’s equal to what you’re spitting out in one compact sentence.
zookey
March 21st, 2009
11:35 pm
Metro Metro Man
Nothing moore than highly trouted prospects.
The present will be a shock in reality.
Now I am scared to face the season….
Shamus Thacker
March 21st, 2009
11:39 pm
I was contemplating a long-winded post, but as an easy out I’m just gonna say I’m an idiotic Braves fan.
Goodnight
Doc Holiday
March 21st, 2009
11:39 pm
Man………..Mess players dominate the baseball world……. what are we going to do now?
Should we play this season? or just hand the trophy to the muts?
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 21st, 2009
11:44 pm
Hey spotts, want to know how many starters the Braves used last season?
Eleven.
How many total pitchers?
28.
I rest my case.
By the way, the average major league team uses between eight and nine starters during the course of the 162 game marathon season.
Jake W.
March 21st, 2009
11:48 pm
You give it a rest Met Man. Prospects are just that Prospects. Yeah and so was Wright, McCann, Chipper, Reyes, and everybody who has made it to the majors. There is no gurantee that they will be the “real thing” but when did I ever say that. I said i was optimistic and excited over their play. I never said Hanson is the next Johan or that Heyward will hit home runs like A-rod and play defense like Andruw Jones in his slimmer days. Learn how to read please before you make a rebuttle. Prospects may not be a gurantee but if you have them you can trade for some major league talented players. I see you dodged my question again. I know,the mets don’t really have a farm.
And as for the “tinkering” statement, at least I stated some facts. Francoeur is tinkering with a new swing. Kawakami with a new ball and so on and so on. I mean are you the expert on “tinkering” where you decide what is or what isn’t. Maybe if you actually made a statement that wasn’t so biased and full of crap someone would actually take what you say seriously. Till then i’ll let your mets get back to tinkering and then maybe they can figure out how to win in September.
PWHjort
March 21st, 2009
11:50 pm
Kawakami was hurt in 2003 I believe. I just wrote an article on the possibility of trading some of our excess talent: h ttp://www.braves launch pad.com/?p=2546 (no spaces in the URL)
uga-brave
March 21st, 2009
11:55 pm
bay area steve,
glad that braveheart, set it right.
uga-brave
March 22nd, 2009
12:11 am
got two cats, and a huge german shepperd named “FRITZ”
mcfann no turtles? the cats mames are jose and billy white shoes.
fritz is a great german shepperd. he is a monster. he would eat everything.
bubdylan i am sorry about your dog.
fritz is not sure about our outfield.
spotts
March 22nd, 2009
12:19 am
Where did that come from?
N Nine (eta14)
March 22nd, 2009
12:28 am
noticed nobody talking about Glavine after the game. Lets see Glavine’s 78-82MPH or Hanson.
N Nine (eta14)
March 22nd, 2009
12:28 am
the count is not sure about our outfield
N Nine (eta14)
March 22nd, 2009
12:29 am
the count can’t count the OF depth of average players…
count choppula
March 22nd, 2009
12:43 am
the count thinks blanco has no chance.
the count thinks schafer might be the real deal.
the count loves francoeur’s new approach.
the count thinks, if brandon jones would of been a RH, he might of HAD a chance.
the count still thinks our outfield will suck.
riddle the count this, if brandon jones had as many at bats?
the braves traded laroche after a .280 30 85 rbi year.
he was arb eligible.
do any of you mensa members really believe he will be back next year?
dogsbrekky
March 22nd, 2009
12:47 am
Supes – I thought his name was JOSIE Reyes
dogsbrekky
March 22nd, 2009
12:49 am
Just saw Art Garfunkel at an awesome old theatre out on Staten Island (St George), his band was fab…….
uga-brave
March 22nd, 2009
12:51 am
well where is serbok?
braves-dave.
braves-dave is gone. braves-dave was the polar oppisite of KC.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 22nd, 2009
1:01 am
The Adam LaRoche trade was a mistake.
Not because Mike Gonzalez got hurt or because he hasn’t succeeded. If LaRoche had stayed, Mark Teixeira would have never been needed. All those prospects we traded could have been put to better use. As it is, Mike Gonzalez, Casey Kotchman and Steve Marek are really talented players. But they don’t add up to what was traded. Nor have the Braves come out ahead as of yet.
PWHjort
March 22nd, 2009
1:05 am
Coach. I agree those trades were mistakes. However, they aren’t bad YET. Until the prospects prove they’re legit MLB talent, we’re not behind. Now, it is very likely they will be MLB players and the Braves will end up behind, but it isn’t certain yet. See the Tim Hudson trade.
spotts
March 22nd, 2009
1:38 am
What’s ugabrave talking about? His posts look like modern poetry
Baseball has its glory days
Days can take a man’s life
Somewhere, a lazy dog is crying
Roach
March 22nd, 2009
2:11 am
anybody here?
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 22nd, 2009
4:06 am
16-4 so far and it looks like our Braves are going to win the Grapefruit league title. Do they get a bottle of bubbly for that or what? Sigh….if only the regular season were so easy.
According to MLBtraderumors.com the Frisco Giants are hunting for an upgrade in their bullpen. Preferably a long reliever. Atlanta is rumored to be willing to part with a bullpen arm.
Schafer's Wafers
March 22nd, 2009
4:40 am
Roach will now change his name to Schafers Wafers which by the way should be the crowd section for Jordan. We could dress up in wafer outfits btw wafers are a type of cookie if anyone doesnt understand
ncscoots
March 22nd, 2009
6:55 am
uga, no offense, but I can do without BravesDave resurfacing, though I imagine the first oh-fer by Francoeur in the regular season will cause a visit.
As far as Francoeur being gone in a year, I’m not the Laroche analogy follows. The Braves were trying to fill a glaring hole with that trade, and felt they had an adequate replacement at 1B. Moving Francoeur, after a good year, wouldn’t seem to fit the same circumstances. No RH sluggers on the farm are likely to break through any time soon, and the team is awfully left-handed already.
Random
March 22nd, 2009
8:01 am
Metropolitan Man1 (9:03 pm): “Real Mets fans are always and still excited, but the reality of the past two years lets you know to stay proud and loud but keep it low until the season actually begins.”
Yeah, well, I’d've expected that the reality of the past two years would have taught you to keep it low until the season actually ENDED.
Carroll Rogers
March 22nd, 2009
8:05 am
Top of the morning to you….Smyrna Jim and Winterville, thanks…survive and advance. I’ll take ‘em however they want to come this time of year. Never seen a play like Scheyer made, and I like it.
Got my run in already so I’ll be all set to bring it to you from Port St. Lonely here in a few hours. I had to wait til the sun came up so I didn’t get freaked out thinking about that woman who was stabbed running on Briarcliff. Beyond scary.
Talk at you guys around lunch time after I see what’s going on with the Bravos today.
Random
March 22nd, 2009
8:18 am
Schafer’s Wafers (4:40 am): “Roach will now change his name to Schafers Wafers which by the way should be the crowd section for Jordan. We could dress up in wafer outfits btw wafers are a type of cookie if anyone doesnt understand”
Schafer’s Waifs might be more appropriate if he begins the season in the Gwinnett AAA orphanage.
I myself still favor “Schafer’s Strafers” for when he finally makes the big team, based both on his automatic rifle arm and on the way he sprays the baseball to all fields. (If indeed he does.)
“Schafer’s Strafers” could all sit together in the outfield cheap seats (rookie = minimum salary or thereabouts) in face camouflage with mock AK-47s.
Random
March 22nd, 2009
8:29 am
Coach (1:01 am): “The Adam LaRoche trade was a mistake.
Not because Mike Gonzalez got hurt or because he hasn’t succeeded. If LaRoche had stayed, Mark Teixeira would have never been needed. All those prospects we traded could have been put to better use. As it is, Mike Gonzalez, Casey Kotchman and Steve Marek are really talented players. But they don’t add up to what was traded. Nor have the Braves come out ahead as of yet.”
Not disagreeing with you — not at all. I respect your baseball analyses.
But one unmentioned factor in the LaRoche trade MAY have been the Braves’ anticipation of a severe crackdown on meds coming out of the PED hysteria.
No way LaRoche could be productive without his meds.
(Admittedly, the meds crackdown has yet to happen. We’ll see what the next couple of years bring. But “Performance Enhancement” is the elephant in the room when it comes to LaRoche.)
dogsbrekky
March 22nd, 2009
8:31 am
Random = A+
Smokey Joe Wood
March 22nd, 2009
8:33 am
From Bowman, on Hicks: Hicks showed that he’s getting comfortable with some of the adjustments suggested by Pendleton. The 23-year-old shortstop… has widened his stance and attempted to better control his swing by using a 35-ounce bat.
“The bigger bat seems to be helping,” Hicks said. “I’ve got such good hands and that’s what they’re trying to capitalize on. It seems to be working right now.”
A guy strikes out 139 times in 396 at-bats and hits .235. His problem is making contact. So the hitting coach’s solution to this is to give him a bigger bat?? Slow his swing down? That seems to fly in the face of the laws of physics. Shouldn’t he go to a lighter bat? Shorten the swing? Choke up?
Pendleton is supposed to be a good hitting coach. Who are his big success stories? Francouer, who sought out another hitting coach before (apparently) turning things around? Andruw Jones? I’m just sayin’, look at the evidence.
Random
March 22nd, 2009
8:38 am
N Nine (12:28 am): “noticed nobody talking about Glavine after the game. Lets see Glavine’s 78-82MPH or Hanson.”
Anybody else think that if Smoltz had re-signed with the Braves, Glavine would’ve either retired or sought his fortunes elsewhere?
Given that Smoltz is at least a month or two farther along in his rehab than Glavine, who here thinks he would not have been ready to roll on 17 Apr? (Regardless of the Sox’ own plans to hold him in reserve him until this summer.)
18 Wheels of Love
March 22nd, 2009
8:43 am
Carroll and Bowman both write articles about possible Brave trades on the same day? Methinks something will happen sooner rather than later.
Random
March 22nd, 2009
8:45 am
Smokey Joe Wood (8:33 am): “A guy [Brandon Hicks] strikes out 139 times in 396 at-bats and hits .235. His problem is making contact. So the hitting coach’s solution to this is to give him a bigger bat?? Slow his swing down? That seems to fly in the face of the laws of physics. Shouldn’t he go to a lighter bat? Shorten the swing? Choke up?”
Yeah, I gotta admit that’s got me scratchin’ my head.
It’d be interestin’ to hear what slugger, nolie or Coach think about that.
Or Captain Caveman — I wish he’d return soon.
richbrave
March 22nd, 2009
8:54 am
MMan1:
According to my source, a MINNESOTA scout told him that JOHAN had long-term damage that would begin to show up in about two seasons. The nature of the injury was not revealed, but evidently would need major corrective surgery. Than’s all I know. Now you know what all the regulars have heard from me since I stopped screaming for the BRAVES to sign him in October-November 2008. I guess we’ll see if my contact was correct before the end of this season. Good luck with that.
Ritchie from Scotland
March 22nd, 2009
9:16 am
Smokey Joe: Hick has said what Pendleton has suggested is working didn’t he? Each player is going to have to make different adjustments and not everything will work for all players. It can’t be an easy job and in no way would I say Pendleton isn’t doing a good job.
Random
March 22nd, 2009
9:21 am
Thanks, dogsbrekky — right back atcha, doubled an d redoubled.
Woogidy
March 22nd, 2009
9:43 am
Oh God, we’re doing the rhyme theme at Turner Field again? Are “Lowe’s Bro’s” gonna join us in right field this year? Or is it “Garrett’s Parrots” in left? Wait a minute… We’ll be “Ross’ Crosses” We’ll dress up and carry a cross. Oh, nevermind. Someone is telling me that’s not a good idea, especially if he gets on fire!
Lew
March 22nd, 2009
9:53 am
As to Brandon Hicks and a larger bat-Depends on why he was swinging and missing the ball. If he was not covering the plate, a longer bat might help. If he was out in front of pitches, a heavier bat may help him by slowing his swing..
I can definitely see cases where the larger bat might be of benefit.
spotts
March 22nd, 2009
10:06 am
Kawakami’s Salamis?
Doc Holiday
March 22nd, 2009
10:45 am
Braves Fielding Offers for Pitching
By Brian Shephard [March 21 at 6:01pm CST]
Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports that Braves GM Frank Wren may look to trade surplus pitching as the season nears. According to Bowman, “Wren has already started to receive a number of pitches from teams that need arms.”
Bowman writes that the “most expendable pitchers” appear to be Jeff Bennett, Buddy Carlyle, Manny Acosta and Jorge Campillo.
35YearBravesFan
March 22nd, 2009
10:49 am
I don’t hate JF either, but last year was terrible. Not sure if all the hype the year before got to his head, which got to his bat, or what. It seems his attitude has shifted as well as his batting stance, which is good in my mind. But I wish him the best, we really need him in there doing well.
GO BRAVES!!
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 22nd, 2009
10:53 am
Um, random, Adam LaRoche was diagnosed with ADD back in high school. He is the one ML baseball player who has a reason to be on meds.
McFann :Ô:
March 22nd, 2009
10:55 am
Leah–
Good point about posting a lot of pictures on Image Shack. That would be a royal pain…
cabravesfan–
Sorry…I totally read your post wrong. You said, “Anyone catching the 1st WBC semi?” But I just passed over it as I scrolled down the page, so I thought you were asking who was going to be catching the semi-finals…guess we know where my mind was…sheesh…
Jeff R
March 22nd, 2009
10:58 am
I’m with Wren: don’t move talented surplus players just to move them.
Braves need a solid prospect in the pipeline to replace Chipper, perhaps as early as next season.
The Pirates have two top prospects at 3B: Neil Walker and Pedro Alvarez. The Pirates aren’t going to swap Alvarez, but it would be interesting to see if they’d entertain proposals for Walker. He started out as a catcher in the Pirates system and was moved to 3B. He’s now slated to move to 1B and start there when Alvarez arrives in 2010. In the mean time, chances are good Walker will be back at AAA this season (the Pirates are starting Adam LaRouche at 3B).
Anyway, if Wren could pry away a solid 3B prospect, moving some combination of Anderson, Prado and the pitchers mentioned might be the right move at the right time.
McFann :Ô:
March 22nd, 2009
10:59 am
Um……where did my other post go? I posted something to Uga-Brave about his pets…and about our pets…and it’s not here…what in the world…?
Oh sassafras…Let me see if I cann find it in my computer history…shoot…
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 22nd, 2009
11:08 am
As far as the situation with Brandon Hicks, the heaver bat actually does make sense, and I’ll explain why.
Lighter bats of course generate quicker reaction time and bat speed. Heavier bats hit harder and the ball travels farther.
but this is why his hitting coach recommended the heavier bat.
A “super Light” baseball bat could be counter productive because it might alter the hitters natural swing. Hicks timing could be effected depending on his natural strength causing the bat head to be too out in front. If the bat is too light it might also be harder to control the bat through the hitting zone when coming in contact with the ball.
A “heavier” bat slows the whole process down and allows for improved bat control. Of course, this is all predicated on the player having the natural talent and ability to adjust and still be able to catch up to the fastball.
Roman Gal
March 22nd, 2009
11:15 am
Derek Jeter will be the shortstop, with Jimmy Rollins as the designated hitter.
He must want to lose. Seriously, what’s the point of this? If this is a must-win game, should you have the best team possible on the field?? USA should’ve hired me to be the manager…
Doc Holiday
March 22nd, 2009
11:19 am
Roman Gal,
You want the guy with the most experience out there to minimize the risk of making a dumb defensive play. JRo is very good at SS, but if you are looking for experience, Jeter is the man. We could argue about it all day. I think is not that bad a decision.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 22nd, 2009
11:30 am
For those of you who don’t have MLB.com and the ability to watch games online, Wednesday the 25th, Friday the 27th, Saturday the 28th and Sunday the 29th will all be televised by the new MLBN (baseball channel). Yea, four Braves games coming up later on this week all on TV if you get the baseball channel.
McFann :Ô:
March 22nd, 2009
11:42 am
OK…What’s the matter with this freaking thing? (Excuse my language.) I’ve tried and tried to post a response to uga-brave, but none of them will show up–not even the first one, which did not contain a link.
It’s really bugging me…I mean really bugging me…
Frank from KS
March 22nd, 2009
11:47 am
I don’t know about the rest of ya….but I could definately see the Braves going after someone like Matt Holiday at the deadline especially if the A’s are out of it in July and (which I believe they will be) the Braves in the thick of it in the NL East.
Here’s a non-Braves comment…..watch out for my home state Royals. I think they may surprise in the AL Central.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 22nd, 2009
11:50 am
Ya’ll ever heard of Jesus Guzman? Me neither.
But apparently he is the talk of the San Francisco Giants spring training camp. The 24 year old switch hitter is tearing it up with 4 HR’s, 14 RBI and a .404 BA. He plays 3B but allegedly has brick hands. He tore up the Venezuelan winter league and a broke 35 year old record with 67 RBI.
Here is an article about it: http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=1984
ncscoots
March 22nd, 2009
12:03 pm
I’ll tell you, I’m afraid to say anything about Brandon Hicks, anymore, LOL. I’ve seen him in maybe a donzen games over the last two years, and I didn’t come away with the defensive opinion posted by DOB and the Braves. Since I have to assume they know a little more about the kid than I (HA!), I’m starting to think I was watching somebody else altogether!
Lew
March 22nd, 2009
12:06 pm
Scoots-At least we’re all in agreement about Schafer’s defensive capabilities.
mbatl
March 22nd, 2009
12:09 pm
’scoots, have you watched Eric Campbell? What are your thoughts on him (attitude/discipline issues aside)?
Gil In Mechanicsville
March 22nd, 2009
12:11 pm
He plays 3B but allegedly has brick hands… Then the question becomes, is his lack of defense offset by his offensive production?
Thirdbase is where shortstops end up when the reach their manweight… If they can hit that is…
northbeach Scott
March 22nd, 2009
12:12 pm
:Coach: Thanks for the link to the article on Jesus Guzman-interesting prospect. Also appreciate your analysis on the Hicks/Pendleton batting change. Sounds like the approach is working with Hicks. The little I saw of him in ST from 3/7-3/12 games was solid.
Jim
March 22nd, 2009
12:24 pm
I doubt a team is going to give up a high 3B prospect for the likes of Campillo, Bennett, Carlyle, Acosta, Anderson, Blanco or even Jo Jo. I don’t think a package of any of the above brings back a player who will be better than Prado. If we were to include Morton, Prado, and Brandon Jones in a package we might get a good return, but I don’t think that is a deal that needs to be made right now. Prado is a big component of our team and is needed for Chipper injury insurance, and Morton and B. Jones could improve their trade value by a big 1/2 year/year at AAA. I like the upside of both Morton and Jones and would be reluctant to trade Morton at all. I would reluctantly trade Jones for good value only because we are too left-handed in the OF. I like our OF as presently constituted (both at Atl. and AAA) and don’t see a pressing need for another big bat (particularly a 1/2 year rental).
Andy K.
March 22nd, 2009
12:27 pm
Today’s Lineup::
Anderson, J, CF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .295
Escobar, SS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .295
Johnson, 2B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .262
Norton, 1B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .296
Francoeur, RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .368
Diaz, LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .410
Prado, 3B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .333
Sammons, C 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .412
Jurrjens, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .500
18 Wheels of Love
March 22nd, 2009
12:35 pm
The game is on Direct TV 639.
repeat
The game is on Direct TV 639
Andy K.
March 22nd, 2009
12:37 pm
Anyone remember C.J. Nitkowski? Well, In short, in 07 and 08, he was pitching in Japan, and started blogging and chronicling his experiences. This off-season, he was a free-agent, and almost came back to the MLB, but then took an offer from a Korean team, and has gone from relieving to starting. He has since continued his blog. It’s really interesting, and provides a lot of insight. I’ve been following for quite some time now. http://www.cjbaseball.com One of his teammates is Canadian WBC pitcher Mike Johnson.
PTBNL
March 22nd, 2009
12:40 pm
Random, if you are talking about Adam’s ADD meds, then the Braves would not have touched Lowe either. Lowe takes the same stuff (he has ADD, too) and was instrumental in talking Adam into taking the meds.
TnBrian
March 22nd, 2009
12:43 pm
Jim, I wouldn’t trade Prado either unless it’s for a player that can help us now. It wouldn’t make sense with Chipper’s shakey health. I’m not sure if you’re right about not getting a player better than Prado if they trade a package of Bennett,Campillo, etc. Teams need pitching bad and might get suckered into trading a very good IF prospect. It’s happend before, but I definitely wouldn’t have Prado in the trade. We still have Infante but what if he goes down with an injury?
Rodney Derrick
March 22nd, 2009
12:55 pm
You guys are crazy to think the Braves should trade Martin Prado. With the possibility of Chipper missing at least 40 or so games, having such a consistent and good hitter available is very very important. He is versatile, with big time hustle. Plus if Kelly got hurt, he is great for that role too. And a good pinch hitter. Do you guys speak negatively about him just because you are big Kelly fans. Hey, I like Kelly too, but he has a few weaknesses too, like going to the right on grounders, but he is making great progress. Remember how good Mark DeRosa is now!
ncgary
March 22nd, 2009
12:56 pm
what channel is that wpix
Brandon
March 22nd, 2009
12:56 pm
anybody have the link for the updated blog?
cabravesfan
March 22nd, 2009
12:59 pm
do we have an updated blog?
Todo
March 22nd, 2009
1:02 pm
Carroll,
I think the the braves should not trade Prado. It would be a huge mistake. He’s a solid and consistent bat who was great defensively in the minors. Moving him would severely weaken our strong bench. Is Wren really considering that?
Also, why couldn’t we move Johnson instead? Seems like they’re equal in talent with Prado being more consistent. Obviously Johnson has more HR potential, but with the averages (OBP, BA) of Prado, and the fact that he’s right handed and plays multiple positions, seems like Johnson is more expendable. Your thoughts??
Jeff321
March 22nd, 2009
1:02 pm
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2009/03/22/musings-from-mets-camp-jj-vs-johan-on-the-mound/
Tomas
March 22nd, 2009
1:04 pm
Johan Santana today vs Jair Jurrjens…. Good match up.
Todo
March 22nd, 2009
1:04 pm
You guys speak negatively about him just because you are big Kelly fans.
Exactly Rodney Derrick.
Carroll Rogers
March 22nd, 2009
1:05 pm
new blog should be up….
KC
March 22nd, 2009
1:27 pm
Yet another impressive at-bat for Jeff Francoeur…
Ball Hound
March 25th, 2009
8:46 am
Whatever happened to putting the best 5 guys out there? Hanson is ready, he needs to be in the rotation, with Glav as insurance for the long relief role ( if his ego will allow). Winning is the point.
Acworth Don
April 1st, 2009
12:05 pm
O’brian is right on. Chipper needs to “help” (in his own way) all of our new guys get the “feel” for
how to play and stay! He and Glav are worth all the $$$’s.
Cdmwmlqm
June 22nd, 2009
7:43 am
qPLmey comment6 ,
icons package
October 4th, 2012
4:27 pm
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