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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
983 comments Add your comment
David O'Brien
March 26th, 2009
12:52 am
To call this a competition is demeaning to JS. — Bobby’s Belly
If Smoltz was still here and Schuerholz was GM, things would really get confusing with the JS’s, huh?
braint
March 26th, 2009
12:54 am
It’s a ST game…..relax.
David O'Brien
March 26th, 2009
12:54 am
Shaq’s free-throw form is a bit ugly, but the big fella is sure making them, ain’t he, Wayne? Hell of a finish to this game.
N8
March 26th, 2009
1:01 am
To say I’m concerned with Soriano’s latest injury, and Gonzo’s less than dominating Spring, would be an understatement.
IF this team is to do ANYTHING, it is based on Moylan, Gonzo and the biggest waste in salary (this side of Mike Hampton), Soriano anchoring the “three-headed monster” that the Braves pen is set up to be.
Not to mention O’Flarity, Logan and Ridgeway haven’t exactly been lights out.
That being said, if I’m gonna rag on the relievers that have looked poor, I must commend Francoeur, Diaz, B. Jones, Prado, right?
Add to that, Lowe has the “projected rotation’s” worst ERA at 3.94. So if he and Vazquez stay healthy (and productive), a dominating bullpen might not be as needed.
This spring, in general has been a very pleasent surprise from the games I’ve listened to, and seen on the MLB network.
I’m just concerned about Gonzo and Soriano.
Just goes to prove, that trading for bullpen guys, and giving them money isn’t spending your pennies wisely. If anything is a crap shoot in baseball, it’s lining your bullpen up with aging veterans that give you a couple of god years, and youngsters that just take over the roles neccesary.
Like every year, I suspect our bullpen in June will look NOTHING like the bullpen Bobby breaks camp with.
I missed Prince on the Tonight Show, was he stellar as always DOB?
Goodoleboy58
March 26th, 2009
1:03 am
Not sure if this was mentioned about Kearns or not but didnt someone claim him off waivers last year and the Nationals pulled him back? That should be ground for firing right there. Good luck trading him.
N8
March 26th, 2009
1:09 am
To those of you not paying attention, it’s getting pretty ugly up here in the upper mid-west. The Red-River (Fargo area), is about show how ugly things get when this state has record snowfall.
Here in Bismarck, the Missouri River had a couple of pretty massive ice-jams and caused quite a bit of flooding. Nothing like your streets and yards flooding in the day, and then freezing overnight, huh?
The corps of engineeers blew the hell out of one of the ice-jams with C-4 today, which should allow Bismarck to be just fine in a day or two. But another blizzard is expected next week. So it might not be done yet.
I live on top of a hill, so it hasn’t done much to me. But my daugter’s school was a little wet this morning. It was almost 60 here and most of the snow was melted and gone last week. Unfortunately, that’s the problem. When you’ve had a boatload of snow all winter, along with record lows, meaning NONE of it can slowly melt, and then spring hits.
Nothing compared to N.O. after Katrina in terms of sheer water total. But then again, when those people’s houses flooded, it didn’t get down to 15 degrees overnight either.
Anyhow, have a good night everybody. Season’s almost here.
Wayne in Utah
March 26th, 2009
1:22 am
Wow. I thought we were going to pull it out, but with the Sun’s releasing on our quick shots, Shaq’s FT excellence and the Jazz inability to hit the free shots earlier on, it was not the kind of finish I was hoping for.
The Jazz lost a lot of time early on with the injuries to Boozer and Williams, but what is going to kill them as a team is their inability to win a tough road game. We are killer at home, but suck on the road. (witness the losses to the Hawks and Heat a couple weeks back. Coulda/shoulda won both of those games.
Don’t you guys just love D-Will’s game though!! I think it is a tie between him and Chris Paul for top point guard status in the league.
Schafer looked good tonight, and he didn’t even play….
I think we need to temper our enthusiasm a bit about the season. Lots to like about our Braves, but I have some real concerns too. It will all come down to pitching, as it usually does.
N8
My feelings on the bullpen are that more is better. Like you say, it is a crap shoot sometimes. Those guys are pitching (except for the elite closers) in the pen cause they aren’t quite good enough to start, normally. The rotations ability to get ONE more inning averaged per game over last years results will make a huge difference.
I also like the work so far of Boyer and Medlen. I think Moylan is going to be OK and probably Gonzo, but he is scaring me a bit.
Wayne in Utah
March 26th, 2009
1:24 am
The one thing I hate about these multiple pages, is that you gotta go back and check the end of the previous one to see if you missed anything….
wilymo
March 26th, 2009
1:27 am
Frankie Knuckles,
I’m just a close friend of his. Nothing more nothing less. I understand your frustrations and everyone elses. Trust me though, he’s just as frustrated. The handling of his injury made him look pretty bad. He deserves a lot of that blame for his lack of communication in regards to it. But to think he was being a baby about it or he was damaged goods and that’s why he signed the deal, is just wrong. Guys get hurt. The timing of his injury sucked. But sometimes it happens after signing a contract, look at Hamels and Ervin Santana. I think the whole on/off thing last year created a perception that he just pitched when he felt like it. But it was more of a trying to see if the pain would eventually go away, and when it didn’t he had to shut it down.
As far as his latest injury, before we throw him under the bus let’s see if it actually sidelines him for an extended period of time. Would you prefer he tries pitching through it to show he’s a warrior and have it lead to a full out strain or pull that leads to a really extended dl stint?
winterville
March 26th, 2009
1:35 am
I like Soriano, I think he’s had some bad luck. Hopefully he can come back strong, we could really use him.
Wayne in Utah
March 26th, 2009
1:42 am
wilymo
Any of us could come on here and pretend we are this player or that player’s friend. I am not saying you aren’t who you say you are, but just due to the anonymous nature of the blog, I am skeptical.
Why don’t you get a sanction from Dave as to your being a legitimate friend of Soriano’s, and then let’s talk.
Please don’t take this the wrong way, but I could come on here and say I am Jordan Schafer’s life long buddy, and explain away the whole HGH thing from last year, and how would you know whether I was indeed who I said I was.
Fair enough?? (btw, I am willing to give the guy the benefit of the doubt, but only for so long)
gotigers72
March 26th, 2009
1:43 am
DOB – The first paragraph of this blog goes to show why you’re a fine writer, not just a fine sportswriter. Wonderfully descriptive paragraph.
Does anyone know where Eric Campbell is? I thought he was the heir apparent at third base. Supposedly a decent third baseman defensively with some serious power. Had strikeout problems, but most power hitters do. I put in his name on the minor league website, but nothing on him came back.
Wayne in Utah
March 26th, 2009
1:43 am
winterville (what’s behind that moniker?)
Agreed on definitely needing Soriano for our pen!!
Nite all…..
Wayne in Utah
March 26th, 2009
1:45 am
After watching DHernandez and Conrad tonight, I too would love to know the whereabouts of Eric Campbell.
PWHjort
March 26th, 2009
1:47 am
Gotigers, Eric Campbell was suspended from the team twice and he’s run into very on and off field issues throughout his minor league career. Here’s his minor league stats page: http://minors.baseball-reference.com/players.cgi?pid=2201
PWHjort
March 26th, 2009
1:47 am
He’s currently in minor league camp.
wilymo
March 26th, 2009
1:49 am
Wayne in Utah,
I understand, obviously with the nature of the blog and internet, it’s easy to be skeptical. There’s not really any way for me to verify my identity and really that’s not even that important. I was just trying to point out a perspective different from what’s usually assumed from this fine crowd. I think there’s just a lot of misconceptions in regards to Soriano and everything that has gone on.
But hey I’m here in Kissimmee and I see DOB at the park everyday. I’ll hunt him down tomorrow or the next day during BP and if he gives me the time of day then he can verify my identity. I’ll bet he might even know who I am, not by name or anything but by recognition.
winterville
March 26th, 2009
1:51 am
Wayne
It’s sort of a running joke between me and my friends. We grew up in a small city called Winterville, GA and we all talk about it all the time like it was the best place ever. It is really just a tiny city on the outskirts of Athens, GA but to anyone we don’t know, we describe it as paradise. It really is paradise actually, things move at a slower pace there and you forget about all your worries and troubles. It’s basically a tribute to small town life and a place I can always go back to and call home.
Wayne in Utah
March 26th, 2009
1:55 am
wilymo
Do that if you can. It will give you some real credibility on the ole blog.
To be honest, last year, I thought Soriano was some sort of wimp. Nothing ever conclusive medically, until late in the season (or was it after the season, I can’t remember) when he got the nerve diagnosis. After that, I kinda felt bad with for some of the thoughts I had had for him.
But, I usually am a positive sort of guy (until somebody slams my politics here or some azz gets under my skin). My wife tells me it’s a character flaw I have. I call it just being human.
G-nite folks (and this time it’s for real)
PWHjort
March 26th, 2009
1:55 am
I feel the same way about my hometown.
wilymo
March 26th, 2009
1:56 am
And again, not to sound like an apologist, but everyone is acting like he’s completely stunk up the joint this spring and with his latest injury you might as well stick a fork in him. Let’s not forget that he hasn’t pitched in a game in 9 months or so, so of course his velocity is going to come and go. He’s gonna have to go through the building arm strength routine again. He’s been around 90-93 in his outings with the exception of his last game and the results have been pretty good. Yea I know he’s faced a lot of minor league type guys, but he’s also been the victim of some pretty crappy defense. And with the exception of McCutcheons bomb that went foul last night, there haven’t been many hard hit balls. I think his arm is sound, and that’s the most important thing.
Wayne in Utah
March 26th, 2009
1:57 am
winterville
Kinda like “Piedmont, SC” huh! Great place to grow up. We used to say all roads lead to Piedmont!
winterville
March 26th, 2009
1:57 am
Exactly.
vabravesfan
March 26th, 2009
1:58 am
wilymo were you at the astros game on 3/10 at the astros park? Only ask because was there when soriano was talking to a friend so might be able to verify that you at least know the guy if you are who i think you are
KC
March 26th, 2009
1:58 am
Well hopefully Soriano’s side muscle strain isn’t anything serious. We’ll see.
But I will say, respectfully, that I think many of you are waaaaaaaay overreacting where Mike Gonzalez is concerned.
It’s extremely common for even the best of closers to look imminently hittable in the spring, and in reg. season games when they are called to pitch in non-save (or game-on-the-line) situations. This sort of thing is VERY common.
When Gonzo first suited up for the Braves in early ‘07, his fastball was in the low 90’s (down from mid 90’s w/ the Pirates), and he was still dominant. Then after returning from TJ surgery mid-season last year, though he wasn’t 100%, he was still effective. He converted 14 of 16 save opps, allowing 26 hits and recording 44 strikeouts in 33 innings.
As long as his velocity is in the low 90’s right now (and it is), we have nothing to worry about. He’s a closer, through and through, and thrives on adrenaline-fueled situations. In fact he NEEDS that kind of scenario to be at his best.
According to Mike Gonzalez, he’ll be back at 95-96mph when the season begins and he starts coming into save situations. I don’t know if that will be the case, but I will bet that his fastball will at least be in the 93-94mph range, which will be plenty.
Really ya’ll, take a deep breath and relax. Gonzo’s fine.
Wayne in Utah
March 26th, 2009
1:59 am
I wonder if the REAL Wiley Mo Pena is available from the Nats? I would send them Campillo or Prado for him.
wilymo
March 26th, 2009
1:59 am
vabravesfan,
I was there, but the person I think you’re thinking of wasn’t me. Was it a fat short white guy?
Wayne in Utah
March 26th, 2009
2:02 am
KC
I really wish he would get off that “rocker” routine on the mound. I just can’t see where that will help him in the long run. His pitches are going to be the real distraction to the hitters, not that quirky motion.
Hey, your right though. Until his arm falls off at the elbow, I am going to send nothing but “positive waves” for Gonzo.
vabravesfan
March 26th, 2009
2:03 am
Yea he was talking to Soriano after he pitched and Diaz came out and talked to the guy too and Soriano was giving him his new cell number
PWHjort
March 26th, 2009
2:03 am
Wilymo, my stance on Soriano is I expect nothing from him until he shows me something in the bigs this year. I also have this stance on Francoeur, Gonzalez, Josh Anderson, Matt Diaz, Moylan, and Kawakami. I’m not a Soriano basher, but until he shows me he can get hitters out, I can’t say I trust he’ll be able to do so. Same with all of those guys. That being said, I’m pulling for all of them and I hope they all prove me an irrational skeptic.
Wayne in Utah
March 26th, 2009
2:03 am
fat short white guy…..hey, that might be me. Though I am 6′1″, I am definitely “short” for my weight!
wilymo
March 26th, 2009
2:05 am
Wayne in Utah,
The real wily mo pena might not have a roster spot, so if you’re willing to pick up the 2 mil that he’s owed, you can probably have him for free.
Also, MRI’s are so inconclusive they’re kind of a joke almost. Remember how many MRI’s Gonzo had in a 2 week span that supposedly showed nothing, then out of nowhere it showed he needed Tommy John? I think the reason it was hard to see anything, because what he had is somewhat uncommon. Dr. Andrews diagnosed it immediately. He had a nerve rubbing against his bone everytime he threw that was causing considerable aggravation. He also had a bone spur removed. Soriano had his TJ surgery done by Dr. Yocum in LA who apparently doesn’t move the nerve during surgery. It supposedly speeds up the recovery process. Dr. Andrews, however does move the nerve which does delay the recovery process a little, but prevents the issue from coming up in the future. Apparently, its kind of a preference thing depending on the doctor.
vabravesfan
March 26th, 2009
2:06 am
how many goodnights you gonna give wayne
wilymo
March 26th, 2009
2:06 am
Yea that was one of the Oakley reps
vabravesfan
March 26th, 2009
2:10 am
Oh were you nearby or something?
wilymo
March 26th, 2009
2:14 am
vabravesfan,
Yea I was there. I’ll try to hunt down DOB though so he can confirm that I’m not just bs’ing everybody. Not that its a big deal, but I understand you guys will probably take everything I say with a grain of salt. Honestly though I just felt a lot of the criticism, while fair was perhaps a little excessive. Maybe I’ll arrange a DOB blogger / Soriano meet and greet haha.
PWHjort
March 26th, 2009
2:15 am
KC, the points you made were valid. And I know Gonzalez is a guy that’s fueled by adrenaline when he’s on the mound. However, his ineffectiveness this spring could be for a different reason, we just don’t know. Just because that’s one of the possible explanations doesn’t mean it IS the correct explanation. Because of Gonzalez’s effectiveness in save situations and peripheral numbers last season, he’ll probably be fine when he has the adrenaline flowing and the reason for his lack of performance can probably be 100% attributed to the situations he’s pitching in, but I’ll stay away from completely buying in until he shows me I should.
N Nine (eta10)
March 26th, 2009
2:17 am
Wayne___ admit it you can’t sleep! Welcome to da club
KC____ I agree waaay waaaay too early. Its silly to get overwhelmed on a bad spring outing.
BB5795
March 26th, 2009
2:19 am
It would be funny if wilymo was really Soriano.
wilymo
March 26th, 2009
2:20 am
Maybe DOB can verify my identity if I tell you guys the story of when I started checking out the blog. On Soriano’s first day in camp as a Brave in 07 when he was a few days late with Visa issues, I was with him when DOB and I think Bowman first interviewed him. I think DOB was genuinely scared of Raffy because he was answering his questions in his monotone ‘I have a lot better things to be doing” voice. Afterwards, DOB wrote a blog talking about how intimidating he was, etc. etc. It was entertaining.
Bobby's Cox
March 26th, 2009
2:22 am
Schafer looked good tonight, and he didn’t even play
Good line Wayne.
Wayne in Utah
March 26th, 2009
2:23 am
N Nine
Insomnia sucks, but I am going to try to go to bed now. I have played free cell and computer hearts now to the point of being tired again.
vabravesfan
You gotta learn, you can’t believe anything I say, and half what you see me do.
Funny, you say goodbye, and with the immediate posts that happen on this new format, somebody answers a question you asked 2 minutes earlier, so you answer. It’s a vicious circle sometimes.
But, lets try it again, nite folks (this could be another lie!)
KC
March 26th, 2009
2:24 am
PWHjort, yeah… I’m not saying anyone should be 100% certain of Gonzalez right now. Just saying that what we’re seeing now, under the circumstances, shouldn’t be cause for sweating bullets. No one can predict the future. We can only talk about likelihoods. And the likelihood here… is that he’ll be just fine.
Bobby's Cox
March 26th, 2009
2:25 am
Wilymo,
I think you’re confused about the different types of MRI’s. I remember the braves administering a few tests on elbows via the MRI, with no avail. Then, they do like an iodine, or some other type of MRI (i’m no doctor), that is more revealing. Not sure why they don’t use that test more often. But, I remember there being 2 different types.
Wayne in Utah (sleep typing)
March 26th, 2009
2:25 am
Bobby I was kinda proud of that one myself!
Wayne in Utah (sleep typing)
March 26th, 2009
2:26 am
Had a cat scan not too long back, with the iodine contrast. Weird hot feeling all through your body. Almost makes you think your pee’in your pants.
Bobby's Cox
March 26th, 2009
2:27 am
Are cabravesfan and vabravesfan long distance brothers?
wilymo
March 26th, 2009
2:28 am
Bobby’s Cox,
I’m not sure either. But it baffles me that given the medical resources these teams have, they wouldn’t use the most conclusive MRI first, have a set answer, and be done with it. Know what I’m sayin?
Wayne in Utah (sleep typing)
March 26th, 2009
2:30 am
I know the Braves probably will start off with Josh or Gregor, but dang it, I can’t see not running the kid out there. Josh ain’t gonna ever be more than a 5th outfielder somewhere, Blanco too.
Bobby's Cox
March 26th, 2009
2:33 am
Yes Wayne, I ask myself the same question.
wilymo
March 26th, 2009
2:34 am
Soriano’s really screwed this year though either way. If he’s healthy and has a great year, everyone will be saying of course because its a contract year and this guy is the biggest primadonna in baseball. If he gets hurt then everyone will just say he was the biggest puss the Braves have ever had and he’s got some sort of mental problems to overcome and that he has no heart. Oh well I guess.
Ed
March 26th, 2009
2:37 am
Hello Winterville…I’m sure you know where Watkinsville is. You are so right about a different way of living. I really miss it…
Goodoleboy58
March 26th, 2009
2:38 am
I rarely get into the music scene on this board because its a little past my realm but if anyone likes country Eric Church has a new album… and hell and old album for people who haven’t listened to him… Carolina is his new album and Sinners like Me is his old album… If you like country music, waylon willie and the boys country music not rascal flats pop-country then take in some eric church. His newest cd is only 9.99 on itunes and his older (i think better) cd is 12.99. Tells a good story in a song has some good beer drinking tunes whats not to like. You try everything else on this board give it a shot.
Goodoleboy58
March 26th, 2009
2:39 am
wayne? you want willy mo? joke right? over the OF’s we got… what do we need him for to swing hard and pull his ribcage week 1?
wilymo
March 26th, 2009
2:43 am
One good thing wily mo pena could bring is a daily batting practice clinic for fans…. you won’t see a guy hit the ball further in BP then him. Unfortunately that doesn’t translate to the bendy pitches in an actual game.
BB5795
March 26th, 2009
2:44 am
wilymo, the man has to do what he has to do. The hell with what other people say. What do they know? Soriano is the only one walking around in Soriano’s shoes.
wilymo
March 26th, 2009
2:47 am
BB5795,
That’s how he actually feels and why he doesn’t feel the need to explain himself for what’s gone on over the last year. That in turn has given him a pretty bad rap on the blog, which has led to me having to stick up for him heh. Too bad everyone didn’t share your opinion. Then I could just be entertained by all you guys and not have to jump in like I have
Soriano Lovers
March 26th, 2009
2:53 am
Lets invade the blog
BB5795
March 26th, 2009
2:55 am
wilymo, I’m glad you jumped in. Your posts are insightful. I hope you join in again.
Wayne, I’m gonna try and do this on one take. Goodnight everybody.
square leg
March 26th, 2009
3:08 am
hey its 5pm here in Australia and just catching up with the comments and to my chagrin the Bravos lost today. I guess another fine performance by Josh. I now am starting to feel like management should go with the kid Schafer. I believe we shouldn’t get too worried about Gonzo IMO he should be fine. If your still awake Wayne … what part of Utah ?
square leg
March 26th, 2009
3:18 am
good to see Moylan had a good outing… he should be a very important part of the puzzle.
square leg
March 26th, 2009
3:21 am
Beuhler, Buehler. anyone…..anyone
Time Zones Suck !
Typical Music Talk Hater
March 26th, 2009
3:24 am
DOB, have they approached you about writing all the music reviews as a cost cutting AJC measure?
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 26th, 2009
4:23 am
Wayne, yes. We are probably overreacting concerning the performance of Mike Gonzalez yesterday. But when the Braves start crowing over his fastball (92 MPH) as being the best they have seen so far in spring training, my bull crap meter goes haywire.
People forget that Gonzalez is just one year removed from elbow surgery (March 22, 2008). Before the arm injury his velocity was in the high nineties. The conclusion is obvious. The Cobra ( Gonzalez) is not up to full speed as of yet.
Neither is Soriano. The back of the bullpen is very much in question until proven otherwise and the lefty situation has been even more problematic.
I did not like seeing Josh Anderson hacking at the first pitch yesterday, that is the wrong mindset for a lead off hitter. A lead off man can’t be afraid to hit with two strikes.He has got to take a lot of pitches. Anderson’s job is to allow the other hitters to see as many pitches as possible and get on base via the bunt, walk, base hit or by even getting hit by a pitch.
As of right now, Josh Anderson has not earned the CF gig.
Jeff Bennett has pitched his way right out of a job.
Jeff Francoeur looks like a completely different baseball player. He’s having a great spring training. The starting pitching continues to be stellar. Kudo’s to Peter Moylan, the aussie is back.
Chipper isn’t one hundred percent yet, but even 80 or 85 percent from Hoss is better than most as we saw with his HR and double yesterday. Atlanta has now lost four out of their last five spring training games and it doesn’t mean a thing.
Random
March 26th, 2009
5:12 am
Wayne in Utah (11:42 pm): “didn’t somebody tell you that a blog is open conversation between many. If you want to send personal messages, use email.”
So stop whining and complaining and read the dam comments. KC’s 2:29 pm comment is still there, right where I left it, as well as the comment that he was responding to.
Like I said, either keep up or shut up. Never said it was personal.
And don’t blame me for the blog’s format (“You are the only person on here that gives a damn about going back and reading exactly what someone else posted.”).
Bravo Nam
March 26th, 2009
5:25 am
With all three of our lefties having had bad last outings, and the only thing certain with Soriano being uncertainty, Will Ohman is looking pretty good right about now.
ncscoots
March 26th, 2009
6:24 am
A blogger’s “bad outing” is a player’s “felt good”, and it doesn’t seem to ever sink in for some that there is a reason they call it spring “training”. If Gonzalez gets lit up his next three appearances, then you can start being concerned. Two weeks ago, he couldn’t hit 90 and the forum freaked, as if the player should come to PCR ready to throw gas and take names. Today, he tries to get a feel for his off-speed pitches, and posters are ready to demote him to LOOGY. Sheesh.
I’m more concerned about Soriano, because any down time is going to slow his recovery further into the regular season. As far as the uncharitable characterization of “wuss”, I kinda doubt the guy is going to be hypochondriac in his contract year. More likely to pitch with duct tape and baling wire, if need be.
David O'Brien
March 26th, 2009
6:52 am
Wilymo, Bobby’s Cox: Among reasons they don’t do the more sophisticated dye-contrast MRI first, are the facts that it’s even more expensive than the already expensive MRI, and, more importantly, the player can’t immediately go back to playing after having it, because it takes a while (not sure exact number of days, or if it varies depending on area MRI’d) for the dye to clear and the elbow or shoulder or whatever is safe to use again.
If it’s an injury that’s already going to sideline the guy for a while, the latter doesn’t much matter, obviously. But if it’s a preventive thing, an exploratory thing where the pain isn’t severe and he might be able to return right away, then they don’t want to do the dye thing and put him out of commission a while. Lastly, I’m not sure but there might be a recommended limit to the number of times it’s safe to do a dye-contrast MRI or CT scan — but again, I’m not sure about that.
square leg
March 26th, 2009
6:56 am
nscoots,
Agree entirely with your 6:24 post about Gonzo. As far as Soriano goes, wasn’t he a headcase prior to him coming from Seattle?. What I do know is that we are going to need Soriano to be good this (contract) year if the Braves are going to contend. So I share your concerns.
Mark Windsor
March 26th, 2009
7:25 am
I think Major League Baseball those very rich owners should have to share costs for these espensive new stadiums..The Tax payers get hung for everything these days not being political its just its not fair ..on the baseball side it looks as we need Jordan in the lineup come opening day Braves need to make trade riding themselves of Blanco, Anderson. To bad we couldnt keep Prado I beleive he is an answer to the aging Chipper…very good hitter
Mark Windsor
March 26th, 2009
7:30 am
DOB Ive had the contrast MRI/CTS many many times as far as I know no known effects . MRIs forsure have no lasting effects. CTs on otherhand good bit radiation is involved..however I always dread the tests!
indybrave
March 26th, 2009
8:32 am
DOB,
Great choice in driving music. Fight Fire with Fire starts the CD out the right way. Its a very good CD to listen if you’re driving alone. Trying to score some tickets to see your Jayhawks tomorrow night. I think we have a pretty good regional.
Anthony
March 26th, 2009
8:34 am
DOB,
If you had to pick the lineup for this team, what would it be?
Anthony
March 26th, 2009
8:34 am
And having a MRI is no joke. Pretty intimidating stuff.
Ritchie from Scotland
March 26th, 2009
8:43 am
I have to say I was quite impressed by Kawakami last night but I was also slightly worried. It seemed the first time through the lineup the Nats couldn’t figure him out. That seemed to quickly change the second time through with some hard hit balls (possible homers on a less windy night) and he started to pitch higher and higher in the zone. He’ll have to keep it low and really mix it up to keep them off balance.
Doc Holiday
March 26th, 2009
8:55 am
I also like soriano, what I dont like is for him sitting on the bench month after month after month, specially because all the explanation we are getting is…….. its not clear whats wrong with him. Always the same, he is not playing but its hard to explain whats wrong with whatever illness is in the batter box for him and which one is on deck.
Doc Holiday
March 26th, 2009
8:59 am
“The Marlins are looking for relief help. They like Will Ohman but not his $2MM asking price.”
Jeff Blauser
March 26th, 2009
9:00 am
DOB,
Second, actually. Decoration Day was first.
Thrillhouse44
March 26th, 2009
9:03 am
I’m with you Doc. I was stoked when the Braves got Soriano. I dug his scowl and intimidation factor, but how can you be intimidating when a new injury pops up at a Hampton-esque frequency? Waiting on him to pitch is like waiting for Dr. Dre’s Detox album; they tell me it’s going to happen, but I’ll believe it when I’m unwrapping the cellophane and enjoying the what everyone says will be great.
CRL
March 26th, 2009
9:06 am
here’s some news about former UGA player Gordon Beckham…..
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/chi-26-white-sox-bits-chicago-mar26,0,678565.story
Doc Holiday
March 26th, 2009
9:18 am
Braves have to DL Soriano and send him to the minors……….and please dont bring him back before he pitches for a full month with any discomfort on a single hair on his head.
Doc Holiday
March 26th, 2009
9:21 am
I also have to add to this morning comments that there are also good news…….KJ made a superb catch in foul territory on a very windy night (30MPH) and its not the 1st time this spring that he does that. It looks like the problem is solved, but he still has a lot work to do……and I mean a lot…………..on ball hit over the middle and little bouncers that dont get out of the infield grass.
Cru Jones
March 26th, 2009
9:27 am
I am also worried about Soriano this year, but after seeing Moylan pitch well last night I feel better. He looks like he will return to what he was before he got injured. If we can get a solid year out of Gonzo or Soriano, either one, I think we will be fine. Because Moylan will, no doubt, dominate if healthy.
Tomahawk210
March 26th, 2009
9:29 am
I watched the game last night on MLB network and have a few observations. First is I really hope J Anderson doesn’t get the CF job and lead off. He looked terrible there-popped out twice in his first two AB’s. He couldn’t get around on two high fastballs up in the zone and seems to swing at the ball up which is not good for the type of batter he should be. It almost seems like he thinks he is a power hitter. Then in his 3rd AB he grounded into a DP and it wasn’t even close. Lazy fly ball for final AB. Just don’t see him adding anything to the team. Like I said from the start of spring-We need Schafer out there. The cobra(Gonzo) will be fine-velocity was getting there, just not hitting locations which is understandable given it’s spring training and not a save situation. Soriano seems like a china doll, whiner, head case but hopefully it’s just he doesn’t like spring training and will be ready for the season. As far as our lefty in the pen I think we should use Jo Jo there if Logan doesn’t work. Jo Jo has consistently shown he is pretty good for a few innings and then loses it in about the 5th. Moylan is on the way back-looked good also last night. Francoeur looks very good and taking balls way out of the strike zone and swinging at strikes. Looks very relaxed at the plate and I think he’ll have a great year. Again-Anderson BAD…Schafer GOOD. Bobby please please please pick Schafer for CF…it could make or break the season.
BA
March 26th, 2009
9:31 am
I can’t believe TnBrian called Random a “conceded azzhole” last night. At least he didn’t call him conceited.
Who did Random concede to? Did all of the ballots get counted first? I can’t believe Random would have to concede something like that.
Wait, TnBrian? Like Tennessee? Ok. Now it makes sense.
Kenny Powers
March 26th, 2009
9:34 am
Kenny Powers can appreciate hillbilly humor.
David O'Brien
March 26th, 2009
9:36 am
BA, that was funny. Does that mean he’s conceded that he is one, or what? I’d have to say, I’m a conceded azz—- at times, too. Much of the time, some might say.
Cru Jones
March 26th, 2009
9:41 am
Tomahawk
I agree with your observations last night. It didnt look like J anderson was even hustling on that DP. That was the first good look i’ve gotten of him this spring and he did look bad. I understand the arbitration and development issues with Schafer, but I think if that holds him down a while it should be Blanco instead of Anderson. This is the first time I have thought that, because I am not a Blanco fan at all, but he seems to be better than Josh right now.
WILD BILL
March 26th, 2009
9:42 am
Hey spotts yea he’s wearing a dam diaper why are you checking out his azz? MORON get a life & a wife you gay blog boy If you have season tix better hope spotts isnt sitting behind you LMAO MORON
Doc Holiday
March 26th, 2009
9:43 am
Tomahawk210 ,
I agree on everything you said
18 Wheels of Love
March 26th, 2009
9:45 am
TnBrian….are you the real Leroy Mercer aka John Bean up there in Tenn?
Eddie’s Auto
Hey, is this Eddie’s Auto?
Yeah, this is Ed.
Well, who’s this here?
This is Ed.
Well
Eddie’s Auto, this is Eddie Auto your talking to.
Well, this is Bill Morgan up here just this side of Maynardsville. Uh, listen. I bought an oil filter off of ya here-whall-back and, uh, believe my damn car’s blowed up now, and ah, well they told me to take it down there and that you’d pay for it.
Pay fur what?
Pay fur the damn motor.
Bullschmidt, who told you that?
Huh? They told me up in Maynardsville, by God.
They did?
They said, by God, if he don’t, whip his damn arse.
Well you tell him, I’m right here any damn time he wants to come.
Well I’ll tell you what, he was a big son of a bitch that said it.
Well, I don’t give a damn, the bigger they are the harder they fall.
You ain’t so smart your darn self.
Okay, you forget it.
Well, are you going to pay fur it?
I ain’t paying fer a daern thing, I don’t even know what your talking about.
It’s a dang oilllllll filter. I bought it off of ya fair ‘n square. You said it wuz a good un.
I don’t know what you bought, I didn’t tear your motor up.
Well, my boy did.
Well who ever tore it up tore it up I didn’t tear it up.
Well, it seems to me a dang oil filter ought to hold up better than that.
Well, I didn’t make the oil filter, and I didn’t tear your motor up.
Well, sh#$-far you sold me the dern thing.
That don’t make a dern if I did I didn’t tear your motor up.
Well goldern, shizzle, don’t you stand behind what you sell?
I don’t, I didn’t tear your motor up to start with.
Well, it seems to me that a son of a witch that don’t stand behind what he sells…..
Well, I’m not no son of a witch and you might be calling me a son of a witch over the phone but I don’t think you’d do it, by God, standing in front of me.
Huh, I’ll whip your arse.
Well, let’s see you do it, there’s been bigger son of a witches than you tried it.
Huh, I’ll be down there before the dang day’s over.
Well, I’ll be right here.
You keep on, I’ll be there.
Well, you just come right on.
You evidently don’t know who I am….
BlawgDawg
March 26th, 2009
9:46 am
Gosh, it was so nice and peaceful here this morning, then that idiot had to show up.
Mekons
March 26th, 2009
9:49 am
I just noticed on Rotoworld that Lillibridge is leading the majors in strikeouts, with 22 in fiftysomething ABs. That’s a lot of strikeouts. But Schafer is leading the team with 11 in about 40 ABs. The rest of the stuff he does might make up for that.
I’d like to see if the WBC Blanco was for real. Like a lot here, I don’t see Josh Anderson as an everyday CF, although he’s better defensively than Blanco. Blanco gets on base and he’s a good baserunner, if mediocre at stealing bases.
If Schafer is going to AAA for a few months, I think I’d be more comfortable with Gregor holding his place.
El Ripper
March 26th, 2009
9:51 am
Soriano doesn’t like to pitch because he is forced to stand on the mound and smell his own farts.
BlawgDawg
March 26th, 2009
9:52 am
Just to avoid any confusion (though I’m sure you all know who I was refering to), I was talking about the cap lock moron.
CB
March 26th, 2009
9:54 am
A lot of panic on the Braves blog last night,time to mellow out this morning.Conversation was a little paranoid about Anderson and Soriano.I hear the putdowns of Josh in his competition with Schaefer.We need to remember baseball is a marathon and not a sprint.I feel he showed in September he deserves to at least be given a full shot in April.There will be time to make changes.As for Soriano,we also have other options if he is not ready.Stay cool guys and girls.
Jeff R
March 26th, 2009
9:59 am
Alright,I retract what I said about Kawakami yesterday, being something of a wild card. One outing does not a trend make, but he did look sharp, albeit against the Nationals.
On the other hand, I have to join with those who are expressing concern about Gonzo, Soriano and the lefty situation in the pen.
Braves had a lot of luck cobbling together bullpens during the division title runs, but no more, it seems.
Seymour1948
March 26th, 2009
9:59 am
Just saw that the Cardinals are trying to send Royce Ring through waivers. I’m not sure he’s the left we need, but what are the chances the Braves try and snag him just to see if he works out?
DAP
March 26th, 2009
10:00 am
coachPeople forget that Gonzalez is just one year removed from elbow surgery (March 22, 2008).
i dont think thats right. didnt he have the surgery in the middle of 2007? yes. yes he did.
i am a little worried about soriano, by the way. if everything goes right, the pitching staff is a big strength for the braves. losing the set up man will hurt. if soriano cant pitch, hopefully someone will step up.
spotts
March 26th, 2009
10:03 am
The one thing I hate about these multiple pages, is that you gotta go back and check the end of the previous one to see if you missed anything…Wayne
Agreed. And on the other end, oftentimes I’ll find myself making a hilarious or insightful comment, but it ends up on the end of the previous page so hardly anyone sees it. That, or maybe people see it and I’m just not as funny and insightful as I think I am.