CF and other important Braves stuff
Reclaimed Swampland, Fla. – A few thoughts from our rental estate hard by Midieval Times and the Mile 15 marker on U.S. 192, the spectacularly gaudy traffic artery choked with more go-kart track/miniature golf/British pub/Asian massage parlor/American chain restaurant/Chinese takeout/factory outlet/independently owned motel-not-hotel establishments than ol’ Walt could possibly have ever imagined would sprout up over the decades after he had them fill in this formerly wet land and build a colossus that would be The Happiest Place On Earth, dammit.
Be happy. Or else.
So anyway, do you think Gregor Blanco threw his hat back in the CF ring last night, or what?
Yes, he had a triple to the right-center gap last night against Pittsburgh, after hitting .400 with six hits including two triples and a double in 15 at-bats for Venezuela in the WBC.
But how many believe that Blanco is viewed as a serious candidate for the center-field job, alongside Josh Anderson and Jordan Schafer.
That’s assuming you don’t think the Braves are set on sending Schafer to Triple-A to begin the season — we still don’t know the answer to that, or even whether the Braves are still trying to decide themselves, in light of Schafer’s impressive performance this spring (.372 avg., five extra-base hits, five steals, but with 12 strikeouts and three walks in 43 at-bats).
As most of you know, Anderson is out of minor-league options, and Schafer and Blanco are not. Means Anderson can’t be sent to the minors without being exposed to waivers, and most will tell you that his speed and defensive skills would make it likely a team would snatch him off waivers if the Braves tried that move.
Anderson had a sluggish few weeks of Grapefruit League games, but turned it up recently and has lifted his average to .292 with six extra-base hits (two homers) in 48 at-bats, albeit with only one walk (.306 OPB) and one stolen base.
Blanco has more major league experience than either of them (Schafer hasn’t played above Double-A). But is that a good or bad thing for Blanco, considering the Braves saw enough of him last season in the majors to form opinions?
I’m not sure if a winter-ball season (he was good again in Venezuela this winter, as he has been in previous winters) and 15 at-bats in the WBC is enough to change those opinions to any great degree. But maybe it is.
Blanco, who is 25, had an impressive .366 OBP as a rookie in 2008. It’s the other numbers that might raise some red flags. He hit .251 in 464 at-bats with very little power, as evident by a .309 slugging percentage that was the third-lowest among all MLB outfielders who had at least 300 at-bats.
He had only 19 extra-base hits (one homer) in 430 at-bats, which wouldn’t be so bad if Blanco didn’t strike out much (he had 99 strikeouts, 74 walks) or if he caused havoc on the basepaths (he had only 13 steals in 18 attempts).
Hey, it was only his first season in the majors, and he did hit over .280 in each of the previous three seasons in the minors. But it’s worth noting, he also had only 54 stolen bases (in 87 attempts) during those three seasons combined, not to mention only 58 extra-base hits including three homers in nearly 1,000 at-bats (I know, they don’t need him to hit homers, but that’s extreme).
OK, let’s get to some other stuff quickly:
So have the past few days been a bit of a reality check for some here on the ol’ blog, as we head into the homestretch of this spring race?
Loading ...(Which is, of course, just the first leg of the beautiful marathon that is the baseball season, a distance race the Braves hope will finish in the postseason the way it used to for them.)
Hey, as we noted last week, the Braves look to be solid, with a greatly improved pitching staff. But they were going to lose some games eventually this spring.
For most of three weeks they couldn’t do anything wrong, and even when they did, they overcame it with a late rally or a collapse by some opposing non-roster pitcher.
But now we are into the final 10 days of exhibition baseball, and the WBC players have all returned to their respective full-time jobs, and roster cuts in coming days will start to narrow the focus more on remaining decisions and what teams need, and who’s available in potential trades, etc.
Now is when things really get interesting. I asked Bobby Cox yesterday about the next round of cuts, and he said it’ll probably be Thursday or Friday.
Some in Braves camp – Jeff Bennett comes to mind, after those two bases-loaded walks he issued last night — had a chance to make the roster when spring training opened, but surely not now. If Braves make a trade involving pitching, his name will probably be involved, assuming there’s a team that believes he’s a lot better than he’s shown this spring.
Buddy Carlyle and Jorge Campillo are desirable for several teams, including the Braves. The Braves will keep at least one of them, as both are solid starter options and long men out of the bullpen. But will they keep both? We’ll see.
Manny Acosta has a live arm that makes him attractive to some teams. Blaine Boyer is too, though Braves seem inclined to keep Boyer, a reliable workhorse until he faded down the stretch last summer, probably from sheer fatigue (he was at or near top among MLB appearance leaders most of the season).
Some have asked me about Martin Prado. Seems to me that the Braves value their bench – probably as good or better than any in the NL – too much to trade Prado, Omar Infante, Greg Norton, Matt Diaz, or backup catcher Dave Ross. Could be wrong, but that’s impression I get.
Links and other stuff, before we fire up a stogie, crank the CD player, and drive over to Viera:
♣ If you think the Braves have a surplus of outfielders, consider this situation/predicament the Nationals are in. What was Jim Bowden thinking? No, seriously, what was he thinking? And unlike the Braves, the Nats are trying to trade a guy (Austin Kearns) making $8 mill. In this economy? Good luck with that, Stan Kasten….
♣ Most of us saw the WBC, or highlights, so we’ve got a decent idea what Jake Peavy’s been faring this spring. But has anyone wondered how A.J. Burnett is doing, since he’s been a bit overshadowed in Yankees camp? The answer: Quite well….
♣ Having spent 13 years in South Florida and a little over seven covering the Marlins, I’ve said all along that I won’t believe they’re getting a new stadium built until the cranes are on the site, the foundation is laid and the seating bowl is being constructed. Maybe not even then. Maybe not until the sod is laid on the field. But it does appear they’re closer than ever to getting that long-delayed ballpark (I’d suggest a seating capacity of about 12,000).
Anyway, fellow KU alum Rob Neyer, in his ESPN blog, linked to this stark analysis at the Field of Schemes website that details why that ballpark deal ain’t as sweet for taxpayers as the ballclub and politicians have indicated….
♣ Speaking of KU: It went largely unnoticed outside of the greater Kansas City and Austin markets, and was overlooked by many of us who attended KU or Texas, since our basketball teams were involved in a little tourney over the weekend. So as a public service, I’m linking this story about the weekend sweep by the Jayhawks against the Longhorns, Baseball America’s No. 1-ranked team. You’re welcome, ‘Horns fans. It’s the least I could do.
♥ One more thing, on a serious note: The Braves announced today that they’ll honor retired broadcaster Pete Van Wieren in a ceremony before the home opener April 10th against the Nationals. That’s great to hear. Pete is already sorely missed by many of us who were accustomed to him coming to spring training every year to do some Grapefruit games and get the real rundown on the team before the real season started. Pete spent 33 years in the Braves broadcast booth, most of it, of course, alongside Skip Caray, who died in August. Salute to Pete, and one more tip of the cap to Skip.
“A MAN NEEDS A MAID” by Neil Young
My life is changing
in so many ways
I don’t know who
to trust anymore
There’s a shadow running
thru my days
Like a beggar going
from door to door.
I was thinking that
maybe I’d get a maid
Find a place nearby
for her to stay.
Just someone
to keep my house clean,
Fix my meals and go away.
A maid. A man needs a maid.
A maid.
It’s hard to make that change
When life and love
turns strange.
And old.
To give a love,
you gotta live a love.
To live a love,
you gotta be “part of”
When will I see you again?
A while ago somewhere
I don’t know when
I was watching
a movie with a friend.
I fell in love with the actress.
She was playing a part
that I could understand.
A maid. A man needs a maid.
A maid.
When will I see you again?
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983 comments Add your comment
brent a.
March 25th, 2009
1:43 pm
I think the Braves need to put the best player in center field, period.
ncgary
March 25th, 2009
1:44 pm
ooops
Random
March 25th, 2009
1:45 pm
Baseball Prospectus’ Clay Davenport on Kenshin Kawakami, 20 Jan:
Kenshin Kawakami
DOB: 6/22/75 (33)
Height/Weight: 5-10/200
Bats/Throws: R/R
Team: Chunichi Dragons, Central League, NPB
Kawakami has been one of Japan’s better pitchers over the last decade, with a string of honors that include an NPB Rookie of the Year award, an MVP award (in 2004), and a Sawamura Award (roughly the equivalent of our Cy Young Award). The scouting reports say that while his fastball is just average, he earns high marks for his cutter, his slow curveball, and his control. I can’t say I’m fond of the up-and-down pattern of his career, particularly since his three-year contract with the Braves is set to land on two of the down seasons were the pattern to persist.
There is a second reason for concern, however. Chunichi is regarded as a good pitchers’ park, and the translation process may not be doing an adequate job of rendering this. The pitchers who have pitched in both Chunichi and in the US since 2003 have a combined translated ERA of 5.15 in Chunichi, and 5.98 elsewhere. On the other hand, that stat comes from just five pitchers, only one of whom—Luis Martinez—pitched more than 80 innings in Chunichi. The translation makes Kawakami roughly as good a pitcher as Jair Jurrjens was for the Braves last year; I don’t think he’ll do quite that well, but he ought to be better than an average National League pitcher.
Random
March 25th, 2009
1:46 pm
Baseball Prospectus’ Clay Davenport on Kenshin Kawakami, 26 Feb:
Unfortunately for [the Orioles], as a starter [Koji Uehara]’s just another [question mark].
On the other hand, Kawakami gives the Braves a more hopeful case, though still not without cause for some doubt.
For two of the last three years, Kawakami has not pitched at the level of an above-average major league pitcher, though he did turn it around last year. If he struggles in the US, it will probably be because of his home-run tendencies (considering that the HR/9 column is set so that 1.0 is average). That’s a product of trying to get ahead in the count with an unimpressive fastball—hitters will have their chances to tee off on it. He’s been healthier than Uehara, but he did miss time with a back injury last season, as well as winding up spending some time with the Olympic team last summer.
Random
March 25th, 2009
1:46 pm
And here, by the way, is Kawakami’s Player Page on http://www.japanesebaseball.com.
Daybed Wagmoe
March 25th, 2009
1:47 pm
(Reposted from other blog:)
Lunatic Fringe — That depends on your dynamics with your daughter and your family, what kind of things you allow as a parent, etc — but no, I would not recommend letting a 12 year old daughter watching it. It’s very graphic in its violence, and while there are some things that it doesn’t show, there’s plenty of disturbing images in it.
N Nine — the operative word in that article is “eventual,” as in in a few years when Hoss is ready to hang up his cleats
Frankie Knucles
March 25th, 2009
1:49 pm
MLB.com has a write-up about Smoltz throwing a bullpen session today. Man, that still stings. If anyone can bounce back its Smoltz.
Thrillhouse44
March 25th, 2009
1:50 pm
there’s a site called japanesebaseball.com? That’s Random.
Ken Overstreet
March 25th, 2009
1:55 pm
Don’t get Braves ST games on TV here in Virginia so i haven’t had a chance to see Shafer play. But judging from last year, I would take Anderson over Blanco all day. BTW, I am jealous of you, DOB. I just spent 10 warm days at The Happiest Place on Earth and had to return to 40 degree weather last week.
Flamenco the Foot
March 25th, 2009
1:56 pm
Good…
Epinephrine
March 25th, 2009
1:57 pm
Thanks for that random. That is exactly what you want to see out of your 4/5 guy. Not amazing, but above average giving us a chance to win every time he toes the rubber. And that’s more than we can say about our rivals. For those guys, there will be a lot of Phillies and Mets fans holding their breathes.
Epinephrine
March 25th, 2009
1:59 pm
Breaths, not breathes….
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
2:03 pm
Daybed: I loved the Bluefinger CD, but haven’t heard that EP (nor even heard OF it, for that matter). I’ll have to check that out somewhere. I like just about everything he’s put out solo, and obviously everything the band ever did.
DAP
March 25th, 2009
2:07 pm
PWHjort
i read your Q and A. good job, great answers, but i cant believe you said the on player you would want from one of the NL east teams is adam dunn. i would have said carlos beltran. slugging, switching hitting out fielder, with good defense.
Kenny Powers
March 25th, 2009
2:07 pm
Kenny Powers knows the Asian massage parlors on US 192 quite well.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
2:09 pm
Ken Overstreet: The weather here’s been beautiful this spring, all spring. Terrific. And they’re getting torrential rains in Atlanta the next few days (and snow up in Coach’s neck of the woods, etc). So yeah, we’re happy to be in Sunny Central Florida.
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
2:10 pm
Ya, I figured that’d be controversial.
Kenny Powers
March 25th, 2009
2:10 pm
Kenny Powers always gets a happy ending.
Reid in EAV
March 25th, 2009
2:12 pm
Heck, there are probably Spring Training stadiums in Greater Miami with a capacity of 12,000 or so. Marlins should just use one of those.
Jim
March 25th, 2009
2:12 pm
Braves draft a 3B prospect?
The Braves will make over 30 draft picks and at least one of those will be some 3Bman, but the top 3B/SS prospect is a college player from UCLA who will most likely be gone in the first 3 picks (a Boras client). The other top prospects at this stage are either pitchers or outfielders. It is unlikely that there will be a deserving 3B pick available when the Braves pick at #8. The Braves don’t get to pick again until round 3, so the chance that they will find Chipper’s eventual replacement in this draft is not great. The Braves drafted Gilmore, a third baseman, in the sandwich round 2 years ago (between Heyward and Freeman), but traded him to the White Sox this winter as part of the Vasquez package.
Reid in EAV
March 25th, 2009
2:12 pm
Hilarious dateline. I just noticed that. Nice!
Eware
March 25th, 2009
2:13 pm
DOB, do you know anything about this new Lost Highway artist, Black Joe Lewis? From the short snippets I’ve heard on the internet, it sounds pretty good. Kinda like old Stax stuff.
Hillbilly
March 25th, 2009
2:14 pm
Now I’ve got the song Alabama stuck in my head, which is a very good thing, considering it’s the second best song on the “Harvest” album behind Words (Between the lines of age). When I read the last line of the lyrics you posted, my mind automatically kicks into the nasty guitar intro of Alabama because it’s the next song on the album. Thanks, DOB.
Ron Roberts
March 25th, 2009
2:16 pm
Dude, KU’s sweep of Texas didn’t earn ‘em enough respect to crack the Top 25 this week, though, DOB. Touche’. How ’bout them 6th ranked DAWGS, though? And my local team, Coastal Carolina, is up there, as well, but they’ve hit the skids a bit of late. Solid program, though. Apparently kids wanna play baseball in warm weather environments. Go figure!
DOB, any more discussion about the possibility of the Braves shedding a guy to pick up WIll Ohman? Seems after the weekend meltdown of two potential lefty bullpen arms that we have maybe ONE glaring need, and there’s one GLARING availability (still).
Marv Kleeman
March 25th, 2009
2:18 pm
Hey fellow Braves fans:
Long time, no speak
The “hot button” issue on this blog over the first several weeks of spring training has been the centerfield competition between Jordan Schafer and Josh Anderson.
The proponents for both players make valid arguments and a case can be made for either Jordan Schafer or Josh Anderson to start the season in center field. Plus, you still need to throw Gregor Blanco into the mix.
What do I think? I agree with “nolie” in that I trust the judgement of Frank Wren and Bobby Cox to make the right decision based on the data available to them.
However; what goes largely unnoticed on this blog has been the spring training performance of JoJo Reyes. JoJo is hands down the fourth best starting pitcher on the Atlanta Braves. He has earned the right to be the game four starting pitcher and to subsequently take the mound every fifth day (games 4, 9, 14, 19, 24, etc.)
Hopefully, the Braves run their organization as a “meritocracy” and players are awarded based on performance and not other considerations such as reputation and legendary status (Tom Glavine) or the size of their contract (Kenshin Kawakami).
Kenshin Kawakami is an unknown quantity at this point in time. In fact, one could say Kenshin Kawakami is “like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get”.
The Braves organization must have the “courage” to demote Kawakami to Gwinnett for further seasoning if need be the case.
Tom Glavine is a work in progress as he attempts a comeback from off season shoulder surgery. He still needs time to build up arm strength and increase the velocity on his fastball.
If the Braves demote JoJo Reyes to Gwinnett it could be perceived as a snub with the consequence being you could “lose” a young pitcher forever; metaphorically speaking.
Jay212033
March 25th, 2009
2:18 pm
The top 3B/SS in college is Grant Green from USC.
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
2:19 pm
Jim, I couldn’t have said it better myself. Though I believe the Braves pick 7th in the draft this year.
Random
March 25th, 2009
2:20 pm
Thrillhouse44 (1:50 pm): “there’s a site called japanesebaseball.com?”
Yes, and by some chance, here’s the Cuban baseball site: http://www.beisbolcubano.cu/home/default.asp
Jay212033
March 25th, 2009
2:21 pm
We also have the #7 pick.
Rodney Derrick
March 25th, 2009
2:23 pm
Having once lived in south Florida, it is easy to agree with DOB’s continued pessimism about the Marlins’ stadium, but it would certainly make life better for everyone in baseball. A quality field and a quality turf. An end to uncertainty caused by the threat of those thunderstorms. I believe they could have a significant surge in fan support especially with the Latin American connections. One of the serious deficiencies in the article in ESPN is its failure to cite three of the biggest taxpayer rip-off stadiums, the new Yankees stadium, the new Mets stadium, and some years ago, the Texas Rangers stadium. Not only did George Bush finally get big money from that one, but it enabled him to claim that he was a successful businessman, after innumerable failures despite the help of his very wealthy family and friends. And since that financial success enabled him to win the Texas governorship and then the Presidency, the whole world continues to pay an enormous price. The only good thing that can be said for Bush’s Presidency is that it was so bad, that something that seemed totally impossible very recently has occurred, and that is Barack Obama’s Presidency.
Jeff Blauser
March 25th, 2009
2:24 pm
DOB/ Fellow Die-Hards,
What are your thoughts on Mike Moustakas as a possible trade target? The Royals have Alex Gordon at third base and Moustakas is still a few years off. Baseball America rates his power at 70 on the 20-80 scale. It seems like the talent and timetable (late 2010 arrival) make him a good fit to replace Chipper. Did I say “replace Chipper”? That felt weird.
Any guess as to what the Braves would have to package to swing a prospect like this?
fastasballs
March 25th, 2009
2:25 pm
Tonight’s game is on MASN, the Nats/O’s network, at 7PM.
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
2:27 pm
Rodney Derrick
I hope you and your children enjoy your increased tax burden of the next 20+ years to pay for your new prez.
JEZ
March 25th, 2009
2:28 pm
Thanks for the sudden outburst for your political ideology..next time take it somewhere else
Chip of the ol Block
March 25th, 2009
2:28 pm
DOB,
do you think its a little too early to be shopping around for Chipper’s replacement?
he has atleast a good 3, 4 maybe 5 years left that he could play
i think we should wait just a little longer
bali
March 25th, 2009
2:29 pm
I listened to the last inning of the braves/mets game on sunday afternoon. It is reall going to take some time getting used to someone other than skip and pete informing us about what is going on during the game.Glad they are going to honor him on april 10th.Thirty three years goes by pretty fast.
KC
March 25th, 2009
2:29 pm
“For two of the last three years, Kawakami has not pitched at the level of an above-average major league pitcher.”
Huh?
Over his last 3 seasons, Kawakami has gone 38-20 with a 2.81 ERA.
Now, if you think, as a few here do, that the Japanese league is equal to AA minor league baseball in overall level of play… then I guess his numbers don’t mean much to you.
But if you believe, as I do, that the Japanese league is at least slightly better than AAA baseball here… then you have to like those numbers.
Will he fare as well here as he did in Japan? Highly unlikely to say the least. But I think a starter that goes 38-20, 2.81 over his last 3 years in Japan… figures to at least be well above average here.
And I think Clay Davenports observations of Kawakami’s supposed “cycles” are silly. We’re not talking about the economy or the weather. There is no cycle here. Is there a Japanese Zodiac? Maybe he’d like to consult that as well.
dogsbrekky (UNC Rocks)
March 25th, 2009
2:31 pm
Jeff Blauser – now that guy could rock !
Andrew
March 25th, 2009
2:31 pm
it would be nice if we had smoltz instead of glavine..just because i feel smoltz is a better pitcher at this point in his career…lowe,smoltz,javy,jair,kenshin
JEZ
March 25th, 2009
2:31 pm
KC, I agree..Look what the Japanese just did in the WBC. I think KK will be a solid number 4 starter pending health of course.
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
2:31 pm
The problem with NOT pursuing Chipper’s replacement now is what happens if he continues to give you 100-120 game per year for the next few years? This is quite a quandry.
One of the Braves all time greatest players, and our best hitter by far, missing a large % of the game can spell disaster. I just don’t think filling in with Martin Prado is the answer.
Leland
March 25th, 2009
2:32 pm
Dear Mr. DOB–great song, great song writer. Bet Mark Bradley would eat it up. Your pal, Leland
dogsbrekky (UNC Rocks)
March 25th, 2009
2:32 pm
Japanese baseball is just below MLB………… IMO
lol at AA references
plus they now have so much more depth than they had in the early-mid 90s when Godzilla etc were stars
Baba O'Riley
March 25th, 2009
2:34 pm
New ballpark site is not a good thing for us folks here in Palm Beach County. Dolphin Stadium is easily accessible via the turnpike. Not many people north of broward want to drive to the Orange Bowl for baseball. Great attendance in year one of the ballpark, but you will see a steady decline. You think downtown Atlanta has bad neighborhoods?
dogsbrekky (UNC Rocks)
March 25th, 2009
2:34 pm
Neil Young – I had the pleasure of going to a private acoustic show he gave in Melbourne a long time back….. I was just inspired, that man is the “Guitar Man”……… good bloke too
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
2:35 pm
Andrew
You are talking about some pitcher named Smoltz??? Didn’t we used to have a guy with that name on our team? I think so, but I think he bolted for another team. Maybe that’s the same guy.
(why do we still have articles about a Bosox hurler on the AJC Braves page???)
Andy K.
March 25th, 2009
2:36 pm
Hmmm….lol this is interesting to see two sides of an opinion…DOB has Anderson in CF Opening Day, and Bowman has Schafer.
Rodney Derrick
March 25th, 2009
2:38 pm
There you guys go again, Wayne and Jez. I was just describing the results of taxpayers getting ripped off on stadium projects, a subject referenced by DOB in his opening story. So get real. Ha! Children not my worry, Wayne!
Bobbymahlon
March 25th, 2009
2:38 pm
I think that Josh after his call up in Houston and Atlanta with a batting average over 300 and his range in the outfield plus his base stealing has earned at least the job with a chance to succeed or fail. I don’t think one triple puts Blanco back in the running because if Josh was to fail Schafer will be called up. If we are so worried about Anderson being picked up if we put him on waivers doesn’t that tell you something.
Daybed Wagmoe
March 25th, 2009
2:38 pm
DOB – I had never heard of it either until I was on his official website checking tour dates, and I saw it on there. I’ve listened to it probably 5 or 6 times since I bought it late last night, and since it’s only about 20 minutes long it’s easy to listen to the whole thing in one setting. Definitely worth buying, especially cause it’d probably be $7 or so since it’s an EP.
It’s very solid, and compared to his other solo efforts, better than some of his rather mediocre, though still good, material, i.e. some of the stuff on “Black Letter Days,” “Honeycomb” or “Fast Man Raider Man.” This EP is more akin to Bluefinger and Teenager of the Year, the latter of which I’d dare to say is as good as any Pixies album.
Andrew
March 25th, 2009
2:39 pm
Hanson will be up by june or before…either kawakami will be a bust or injury..you heard it here.
N Nine (eta11)
March 25th, 2009
2:39 pm
Get Chipper’s eventual replacement, but sign Chipper also. Have you noticed the extension has been hush hush since the WBC injury…
DAP
March 25th, 2009
2:39 pm
rodney derrick, please control yourself. no politics on the blog please. you too, wayne.
richbrave
March 25th, 2009
2:41 pm
Is PETE VAN WIEREN completely done, or will his dulcet tones be heard occasionally like the Ol’ PERFESSOR’s were?
Andrew
March 25th, 2009
2:43 pm
Buster Olney just picked Kyle Davies to be a bargin in fantasy this year…wow.
JEZ
March 25th, 2009
2:43 pm
thanks DAP, that’s what I was trying to say…I understand the people getting ripped off for new..unnecessary stadiums just to be flashy. Just don’t bring up the past, this country should try and just move forward because the only crappy past I’m thinking about is what has transpired over the last 60 days…
TnBrian
March 25th, 2009
2:43 pm
My opening day lineup, I’d have, Schafer/Escobar/Jones/McCann/Franc./Diaz/Kotchman/KJ
As of right now, I’d put Reyes in the 5 spot till Glavine is ready.
They wouldn’t be smart to trade Bennett over Carlyle. Bennett can go longer and can get the groundout with the 2sm fastball in important spots. His control can be a problem, but ole’ Buddy gives up the long ball too much…pick your poison, I guess. I’d take Campillo over either though.
ease19
March 25th, 2009
2:44 pm
Its really hard to judge Japanese baseball by American standards and vice versa…they play two different games…it would be an interestingRandom stat to see how many American players went over to Japan and were a huge success ala’ Nomo, Dice K and Ichiro were here in the states. I just don’t think that American players have the same impact. Bob Horner finished his career in Japan, hit 30 home runs but was projected to hit 50, so he was considered a bust…
dogsbrekky (UNC Rocks)
March 25th, 2009
2:44 pm
I am surprised DAP that you did not take me up on that “value trade’
So I did another ex Bravo for Andruw……… Mr Renteria… it is an odd year so he will have a beauty
JMar
March 25th, 2009
2:45 pm
I disagree with Brent A. We all wish it were as simple as “play the best players”, but it’s not. What is simple to me is that the economics of the game dictate that if Schaefer is not head and shoulders better than the other options, he needs to be in the minors, and avoid early arbitration. If Anderson isn’t significantly worse than the other players, he needs to be traded or become the starting CF. Fact is, there’s no reason to believe Blanco or Schaefer will be that much better than Anderson, so don’t lose him just to find out. Play him a couple months, and if it’s a failure, re-evaluate.
BlawgDawg
March 25th, 2009
2:47 pm
You heard it here first, Braves will play 162 games in the regular season this year.
And it wouldn’t matter if the Braves started the year 20-0, if they lost the 21st game because one of the LOOGYs blew a lead, some on here would be screaming this team sucks and the season is over, time to look toward next year.
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
2:48 pm
Blauser, Moustokas (sp?) is a very highly regarded prospect and I don’t think the Braves have the pieces in place to net him. I don’t see it. I’d love to have him, though.
DAP
March 25th, 2009
2:48 pm
JEZ, i dont even mind bringing up the past. i think thats important. it just that politics dont belong here, and some people (even me sometimes) dont have enough self control to refrain.
BlawgDawg
March 25th, 2009
2:49 pm
Those same people would also dam Frank Wren for not resigning Will Ohman as well.
mbatl
March 25th, 2009
2:49 pm
“Buster Olney just picked Kyle Davies to be a bargin in fantasy this year…wow.”
We’ll see. I always thought the Braves (Bobby) were too quick to give up on him (though with all the starters we have now, it’s okay).
But on the other hand, even tho he’s got a 3.00 ERA this spring, 10 walks and 4 HR in 21 innings doesn’t suggest a huge breakout. Same ol’ problems. He’ll probably be an okay back-of-rotation starter in a low-leverage environment like Kansas City.
Steve from OH
March 25th, 2009
2:50 pm
Jeff Blauser, there is no way we’d get Moustakas for the likes of Bennett, Blanco, Anderson, etc. In fact, there’s very little chance that KC would even consider trading him.
It’s a good thought, but there’s no way that would happen. If the Braves really do want to acquire a succssor to Chipper, they’re likely to pick up someone that is 18-20 years of age at the start of the season, so that they can extend Chipper and give the prospect time to develop. I don’t see us picking up a near ML-ready prospect like a Brandon Wood or a David Freese from the Cards unless we’re not looking to extend Chipper, which I hope is not the case. In any case, the idea of picking up someone from an organization’s top 5 prospects for our spare parts is laughable.
If a trade happens, it will probably be for an under-the-radar type guy that our scouts love. Maybe we’ll try to swing a deal for James Darnell out of San Diego. He’s young and has a lot of upside, so we wouldn’t need to rush him, and SD is a good trade partner for us because we have excess pitching that they’d want. Actually, I just realized that he was drafted last August, so I don’t think he can be traded yet, so scratch that. Someone to keep an eye on in the future, though.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens.
Ncscoots:
(from the last blog): I dunno about Sheehan, I don’t subscribe to BP, I only read the stuff Random posts on here or the stuff he writes for ESPN insider, which is pretty solid.
Steve McP
March 25th, 2009
2:53 pm
Been very disappointed that the Braves announcers have not been getting in their pre-season work like the players. There have been few days when the radio broadcast was WGST and they will surely need to get into this pretty quickly to get their performances up to speed, just looked ahead and they are broadcasting only the upcoming Friday and Saturday games before taking another week off and beginning in earnest with the exhibition games at the Ted next week. I doubt that Skip and Pete left it that late to get their game voices going.
Coastal
March 25th, 2009
2:54 pm
DOB – Lived in Myrlte Beach for 5 years, so I know a little something about those Asian massage parlors. Never, and I mean never say yes when they ask if you want a “hot karl”.
Andy K.
March 25th, 2009
2:55 pm
but as bowman said, if we send Schafer down to start the season, and Anderson fails, those few games could cost us the season.
Turtsnap
March 25th, 2009
2:55 pm
Ok, so maybe its just me but….. If Hanson is going to be as good as everyone says he is, then RIGHT NOW, he has to be better than our 4 or 5 guy in the rotation…. Why send him down to the minors? I thought the objective is to win a pennant??!!
glove51
March 25th, 2009
2:57 pm
That’s funny, DOB, I just listened to Neil Young’s Decade greatest hits collection this morning on the way to work.
JEZ
March 25th, 2009
2:57 pm
DAP, I agree with you about politics not belonging on here. back to baseball!
cphizzle
March 25th, 2009
2:58 pm
i need more coverage on my radio and tv here in my neck of the woods in the north al. im am one of the many victims spoiled by tbs…come on somebody pick up peachtree tv i will pay good money
MFin04
March 25th, 2009
3:04 pm
The whole thing about Hanson…is saving the Braves $10 million….by bringing him up later in the season when they actually need him. Right now they have plenty of pitching…combined with the fact that he will earn a lot of money…a year later….thus the Braves save money on him for an extra year.
Cru Jones
March 25th, 2009
3:06 pm
cphizzle
You might be able to get it with Direct tv. And i just want to say, for anybody deciding between dish network and direct tv, DIRECT TV. I just switched, just to get peachtree, and my lord the customer service is outstanding. With dish its non existing.
Jeff Blauser
March 25th, 2009
3:06 pm
Steve from OH, thanks for the feedback. I realize you dont acquire prospects of Moustakas’ caliber in exchange for you’re spring training misfits, and this is not what I was proposing. It may well be that he is in the “untouchable” category of Heyward and Hanson, but unless he is able to change positions, he is currently blocked by Alex Gordon. Maybe that will eventually dictate his trade status.
I like Darnell’s power and the timetable matches up pretty well. Maybe come August, the Padres will have a need that we can fulfill (if Wren will speak to Towers).
ncscoots
March 25th, 2009
3:06 pm
Steve-OH, Sheehan is like some of our bloggers here, in a way. I’ll read a few posts, start giving a guy some cred, and then BAM! out of the blue comes a post that only a dolt would display in public. Tends to whip the bejesus out of any cred previously built up. When that happens once, I can chalk it up to a mere lunatic moment, but, more than that, I start thinking it’s a persistent symptom.
Sheehan hits me that way, I’m afraid.
BlawgDawg
March 25th, 2009
3:07 pm
Sorry people, the announcers aren’t getting enough work in this spring, season’s lost, so what free agents and trades are out there for the 2010 season? How about Will Ohman, will he have signed by 2010, why haven’t we signed him yet?
Braves announcers not getting their work in in spring training? Good grief, who in the H E double L gives a darn???!!!
Salty
March 25th, 2009
3:08 pm
but as bowman said, if we send Schafer down to start the season, and Anderson fails, those few games could cost us the season.
If Anderson fails, he fails. How can one presume Schafer wouldn’t fail, also? Is their a new logic I’m unaware of? A new, ‘random’ connectedness in the time-space continuum? Essentially…I don’t get your point….
Ron Roberts
March 25th, 2009
3:08 pm
Josh Anderson’s abilities and performance reminds me of a guy the Braves used to have, gave a shot at starting, failed miserably, was tossed aside and then thrived for the Chicago Cubs and will probably do well for Cleveland, too…Mark DeRosa ring a bell?
I know, I knwo; doesn’t play the same position. But to me, Josh and Mark are bother “above adequate” at just about every aspect of being an MLB player, and will do what you ask of him. If he’s out of options, I say keep him AND Blanco and if the “Renaissance of Jeff Francoeur” is a regular season dud, we have options. Schafer’s going to be a phenom, but if the Braves want to get the maximum from him for the minimum, dollar-wise, they’re gonna wait and bring up later in the season, anyhow, to avoid an earlier arbitration with him; besides, I think his playing every day at Gwinnett will be better for him, anyhow. Having Schafer, Heyward, and Hanson all at the AAA-A level of play… wow, exciting times to be a Braves fan, ya know?
PTBNL
March 25th, 2009
3:09 pm
Andy, by the same token, if we keep Schafer up and he fails it could not only cost the season, but his replacement could be gone as well.
Just different ways to look at it.
Anybody have a crystal ball?
cabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
3:09 pm
cphizzle
DirecTV carries Peachtree TV and MKB Network (the game tonight and the 3 this weekend are all on MLBN- at least according to the schedule that I copied on my trusty Post-It Note)…not sure if it would be considered a “local” channel (Peachtree) where you are but if not you may want to look into the MLB package on DTV- a little pricey but carries probably 150 of the 162 games (FOX game of the week blacked out)
Andy K.
March 25th, 2009
3:10 pm
Salty, that was more or less a quote from Bowman, he rationale being Schafer has more talent and upside, and if he tears it up in Gwinnett while Anderson stinks it up out of the leadoff spot, and the Braves finish only a few games outta first, Schafer could be the difference-maker.
cabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
3:10 pm
It sure would be nice if I knew how to type…obviously I meant MLB Network
Andy K.
March 25th, 2009
3:11 pm
lol i give up….
BlawgDawg
March 25th, 2009
3:11 pm
I know, I know, I’m being a jerk today…but the knee jerking that goes on around here just makes me shake my head sometimes.
Just like the other day after the loss against the Mets. The two lefties have had very good springs before then, but one bad outing and it’s time to call Ohman and offer whatever it takes. The great thing about baseball is that if you fail today, you have another chance tomorrow. Decision making shouldn’t be reactive, it should be proactive in this sport.
35YrBravesFan
March 25th, 2009
3:11 pm
Can we “Just say No” to more articles on Smoltz? Isn’t it time to get past it?
Jersey Gil
March 25th, 2009
3:13 pm
Steve from OH ….. Why not…in 2007 Baseball America has Elvis Andrus the num 2 prospect, he was in Class A. and the Braves Trade him.
If you offer KC a good Pkg for a Mayor league Pitcher and a Outfielder, why not. Kc has surplus of Third base (Gordon,Teahan also play third). this Kid Moustaikas has a Power since he was in HS.
Jeff Blauser
March 25th, 2009
3:13 pm
Andy K, That is the nuts of the debate, in my opinion. In a division that promises a 3 or 4 team race, can you afford to wait two months, or do you need your best players on the field from the start? It’s one thing to hold a pitcher back until June, but a potential everyday centerfielder and leadoff man? I think Schafer needs to start.
Cru Jones
March 25th, 2009
3:13 pm
cphizzle
You won’t be able to see peachtree on the list of channels, its called the braves network or something and you will only see it when games are on.
cphizzle
March 25th, 2009
3:14 pm
thank fellas, cant tell you how many times i have emailed and called dish network(which i unfortunately have)trying to get them to pick up peachtree tv. looks as if my best bet will be to make the switch to direct tv or hang out by my radio.
ease19
March 25th, 2009
3:14 pm
Dish has better equipment and I have never had a problem with customer service…and I get PeachtreeTV HD.
RHR
March 25th, 2009
3:15 pm
Tonights game is on mlb network – woo!
Andy K.
March 25th, 2009
3:15 pm
I agree Jeff Blauser, well said.
BlawgDawg
March 25th, 2009
3:15 pm
I’m in Middle Georgia and I get Peachtree (BRVS on the channel lits) FSN South, and Sportsouth all on my DirecTV with my regular package (I think it’s the second or third package of the choices). Last year, every game that was televised I was able to see, so DirecTV is definitly the way to go for Braves fans
ncscoots
March 25th, 2009
3:16 pm
BlawgDawg, this is minor-league knee-jerking. We don’t get full-out, All-Star-caliber knee-jerking until the first bad regular-season day by any player not named Chipper. You will remember this early-spring version with fondness, then.
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
3:16 pm
DAP
Sorry about that. BUT, when I see a dum azz statement like the one made, my first reaction is to fire one across the bow. I would dare anyone to find where I “started” a political confrontation. Sometimes my self control is lacking with those that would fire the first shot though, and that is my failing. (but I won’t apologize for responding to others)
Victor Lee
March 25th, 2009
3:17 pm
OK, being an ex-hack I rarely comment back to the beat guys I knew, but I gotta’ say that the first sentence of your blog today is one of the finest I’ve ever read. Way to capture the essence of the place.
Cru Jones
March 25th, 2009
3:17 pm
ease
You must be in metro atl. And if you havent had a problem with the customer service then you probably never had to call them, because if you did you would agree.
RHR
March 25th, 2009
3:17 pm
cphizzle, I’m not sure where in north al you live but I live on lake guntersville and charter carries peachtree tv for braves games only as does direct tv – which is what I have.
Fischerking04
March 25th, 2009
3:17 pm
Thanks DOB:
Are there any other players out there that, like Anderson, are out of options that teams are considering putting on waivers that the Braves might have their eye on?
It seems obvious that Anderson would be picked up off of waivers as quickly as he went on by some team. I’m not as in tune with other teams rosters to know of any other players that might be looking at the same fate of losing a talented player. Maybe a decent lefty reliever???
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
3:20 pm
BlawgDawg
You are correct. There is much “short-term” memory on the ole blog, especially after the year gets rolling. Sometimes a bloggers mood can change “during” an at-bat (maybe that is a slight exaggeration).
I got my Direct TV here in UT, but no Peachtree TV or SportsSouth channels. Ouch.
ncscoots
March 25th, 2009
3:20 pm
Victor Lee, it wasn’t exactly “Call me Ishmael.”, but it did kinda waft that odor of Disney up the nostrils, didn’t it, LOL?
BlawgDawg
March 25th, 2009
3:21 pm
ncscoots Oh I know this is just the beginning, I’m a veteran on here (though I’ve only begun posting my own thoughts in the last couple of months) Just hilarious to me how the pendilum (sp?) swings on here from day to day despite the season being 6 months long. I can get emotional too during a game, but I always remind myself afterwards that it was only 1/162nd of the season. But one thing should always remain the same if your a true fan, you should always finish up with “Go Bravos”!
Cru Jones
March 25th, 2009
3:21 pm
Wayne
I agree. You cant let the idiot get a cheap shot in without responding at least once.
ease19
March 25th, 2009
3:21 pm
Cru, yes metro atlanta, and I have called them on multiple occasions, zero wait and very helpful (all the way from india, no less) and I could get FSN and Sportsouth (working on the wife for the upgrade) but I cannot get MLB Network. But I would not give up my dual TV DVR, too many good shows on this year!
TnBrian
March 25th, 2009
3:21 pm
Cru Jones, I don’t know if you remember me telling you, but you have RaD name, dude!
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March 25th, 2009
3:22 pm
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Jim
March 25th, 2009
3:22 pm
Jersey,
(1) The Braves gave up Andrus and (too) much more for Tex not a pitcher in the less than or equal to Morton class and an OF like JF, GB, or BJ.
(2) The Braves were in a pennant race with the belief that Tex could put them over the top that year. KC is not likely to seriously contend for several years, and has no need to trade a prospect for immediate help.
(3) Moustakas comes more highly rated as a prospect than Schaefer. Would you, if you were KC, consider trading Schaefer for some of our spare parts?
cphizzle
March 25th, 2009
3:24 pm
RHR, im out toward the outskirts of florence and unfortunately cable doesnt make it out that far so i am totally dependant on the dish and looks like i have the wrong provider. i get sportsouth and fsn but still want to be able to watch those 45 games on peachtree.
goatlbraves
March 25th, 2009
3:26 pm
DOB or anybody else that can answer my question, I see that the games on Friday (SPSO), Saturday (SPSO), and Sunday (MLBN) are going to be on tv, and I was just wondering who would be the starting pitchers in those games?
Cru Jones
March 25th, 2009
3:26 pm
TnBrian
I was wondering when someone would pick up on that.
ease
I was happy with my dish, but just blown away with direct. Direct allows you to record two shows at the same time and watch a seperate show on the same reciever. With dish you have to watch what is recording.
RC
March 25th, 2009
3:26 pm
Does anyone know if the “blackout rules” will prevent those of us in the Atlanta area from watching the game on MLB Network tonight? On their schedule it says “subject to blackout”, but it seems since no other network is showing the game that shouldn’t be a problem, right? Or is it going to be another of these cases where there is some excuse like, “Well, if you have Comcast, and live in the Northeastern quadrant of Atlanta, but not outside of I-285, and your 2nd born son is named Phil, then you can watch the game on CSS. Otherwise, go to h***”?
RHR
March 25th, 2009
3:27 pm
cphizzle – oh yeah I’d definitely switch then. It’s a hassle to keep up with the channels but every braves game was available for me last year. I eventually got a post it note and wrote down the 3 different braves channel numbers and stuck it inside a book I keep on my coffee table.
Dozer
March 25th, 2009
3:28 pm
Enter your comments here
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
3:30 pm
I think this year and next year are going to be the years where the Braves start to determine who will replace Chipper in the 3 hole, which is much more important than who will replace him at third.
Could the replacement be Heyward? How about KJ or Kotchman, or maybe Schafer? We really need a guy that can hit 300 plus, with decent power (not necessarily Chipper level power, but 20 HR power).
Whether that player ends up playing third is not the real issue. In saying that, we might also look outside the organization for a 3 hole hitter (Holliday?)? If we end up replacing Chipper with another stud hitter, then maybe a guy like Campbell, Hicks or Escobar (moved over) would be the next third sacker.
Whaddya think?
Dozer
March 25th, 2009
3:30 pm
DOB – what’s your take on Frenchy’s plate discipline so far this spring? We’ve heard about the weight loss, stance change, etc., but none of that has to do with his poor plate discipline. Can you tell if there’s any improvement?
Josh H
March 25th, 2009
3:32 pm
Jersey Gil:
We traded Elvis Andrus (and others) to get Mark Texeira. That’s hardly Buddy Carlyle or Jorge Campillo territory.
J Mar: This is a lot of reason to believe Jordan Schafer will be “much better” than Josh Anderson. We traded Villareal for Anderson. That was it. Schafer will walk more, hit for more power, and play better defense (that isn’t a knock on Josh Anderson, who plays great defense). He’ll also steal some bases.
He’ll strike out more, but does that really matter? You’re probably looking at 100-110 strike outs a year. A lot, yes. But that’s not Andruw Jones or Adam Dunn territory.
ease19
March 25th, 2009
3:32 pm
Cru, I know, but I also have a Tivo in the other room, don’t watch all that much TV anyway (and can’t stand live TV), just in chunks, so it all even outs…lol I would not mind MLB.com, but being metro, I am blacked out…argh…
BlawgDawg
March 25th, 2009
3:34 pm
Cru Jones Unless DirecTV has made some changes with new customers, if you are recording two things, you can’t watch something else(live anyway, you can watch something that you recorded previously or one of the two you are recording, obviously) But that still beats only being able to record one channel and not being able to watch anything else while it is recording.
cabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
3:37 pm
ease19-
I’ve got a duel DVR through DirecTV (also would not give it up for anything)…Since I don’t live anywhere near Atlanta and TBS has become boring I was forced to buy the MLB package (or be stuck watching the Dodgers every night)- best investment I ever made (and DTV carries the MLB Network)- and yes, Peachtree TV is actually labeled BRVS on the schedule. The biggest problem (aside from not getting the Saturday FOX games- damn regional broadcasting!) is that DTV keeps changing their channel order so I have no idea where anything is anymore
Cru Jones
March 25th, 2009
3:39 pm
BlawgDawg
You could be right, I’ve only had it a week.
ease
No doubt on the live tv. I dont think I can go through life without a dvr now, after having one.
Jersey Gil
March 25th, 2009
3:42 pm
Jim/Josh….i know when we trade Andrus…My point is that Andrus was ranking Higher at that Time by Baseball America than Moustakas now. I know that the Braves trade him to get Tex, But you have to remember that the Braves has a surplus of SS at that time(Esco,lilly,Pena), My point is KC has the same problem that the Braves at that time, surplus of Third Base. You don’t want to keep a good prospect in the minor if you have the change to improved your team.
brent a.
March 25th, 2009
3:42 pm
So, from what I’m hearing today, thanks to Walt Disney you can get a cheap massage in South Florida, and thanks to the founder of Six Flags opening its initial park in Arlington, Barack Obama is now POTUS.
RHR
March 25th, 2009
3:43 pm
Hmmm the duel DVR is new for directv, they just had the regular dvr when I got on direct. I can record 2 shows at once but I have to be watching (or at least have the channel on) one of them. I need to switch that out. I’ve had dvr for years, had it with charter for like 5 years before I switched to dtv and I honestly can’t imagine life without it. One of the best inventions ever.
Kenny Powers
March 25th, 2009
3:43 pm
Kenny Powers created The Sound of Madness
ease19
March 25th, 2009
3:43 pm
Blawg, back in the day of just Tivo…seems like the dark ages! I think the main difference wit the two is that Direct has better HD sports packages, where as Dish has more HD non-sport channels…other than that, you say tomato, i say tomato.
Lunatic Fringe
March 25th, 2009
3:45 pm
Daybed Wagmoe
Thanks for the movie update, I think I will make her wait for now. Sorry for the late reply, I have had to do some real work today.
Kenny Powers
March 25th, 2009
3:45 pm
Kenny Powers wrote the book on pain
Doc Holiday
March 25th, 2009
3:47 pm
Why dont we trade anderson yesterday? I mean………lets do it. If Schafer is our future, what do we want anderson for? Keep Blanco and send him to the minors in case some injury help or slump is needed and get what ever you can out of anderson.
Kenny Powers
March 25th, 2009
3:47 pm
Kenny Powers is still here to explain that the darkest hour never comes in the night
mr baseball
March 25th, 2009
3:48 pm
Why the Braves should start the season with J. Anderson instead of Schafer in CF:
If the Braves decide to start Schafer and try to option Anderson, it’s very likely they will lose him. If Schafer isn’t ready, that leaves Blanco, which is less than desirable. Hard to get enthusiastic about a player whose best attribute is that he draws a lot of walks. No power. Not a great hitter. Minimal stolen base ability. Sub-standard defensively.
If the Braves start Anderson and send Schafer to the minors, they have a more palatable option in case their initial decision was incorrect.
No one knows who is the best option for the Braves in CF right now. Those with opinions on the matter are just guessin. Anderson has played pretty well in two brief shots in the bigs. Schafer hasn’t played an inning above AA. Anderson is out of options and Schafer’s arbitration clock will begin the second he dons a Braves’ uniform.
Logic dictates that Anderson gets first shot at the job. But logic is more prevalent on Vulcan than in the Braves’ front office. The Braves, however, frequently make decisions based on $$$ (see Ohman, Will) and that would dictate Schafer being farmed out.
There is a way to keep both, but it would require the departure of Norton. Would the Braves be better off with a shared CF situation and no veteran lefty bat off the bench? Probably not.
Keep J. Anderson. Send Schafer to Gwinnett. Entertain trade offers for Blanco, if there are any. If not, send him to Gwinnett, too.
One more thing. Please, please, please sign or trade an MLB caliber lefty reliever. Right now, other than the closer, this team ain’t got one. I can’t wait for Boone Logan to enter a game in the 7th with Utley. Howard and Ibanez due up.
John McCain
March 25th, 2009
3:50 pm
thank god Obama is POTUS. Can you imagine what things would look like if we had stayed on that same path? Banging our head against the wall expecting a different result. At least now we have a chance.
ease19
March 25th, 2009
3:50 pm
Wow, Kenny Powers is mighty insightful today…I believe he’s right, for Mets fans the darkest hour comes in September.
Steve McP
March 25th, 2009
3:50 pm
I too have dish and have looked into changing to Direct TV, but the costs are too high, with no real saving in rates. The new dish DVR’s also allow dual recording and watching a pre-recorded programme. I got this upgrade without an up front equipment cost after I had been a customer for 2 or 3 years (had to still pay a 2nd receiver fee of $5 per month)
Kenny Powers
March 25th, 2009
3:51 pm
Kenny Powers name has been hijacked. Please stop posting as Kenny or I will hit you in the face with a fastball until your eye pops out.
Kenny Powers
March 25th, 2009
3:52 pm
Kenny Powers prediction for tonight …… rain.
Doc Holiday
March 25th, 2009
3:53 pm
Wayne in Utah,
Above who will fill in the 3rd hole……….its more important to find our new leader. We have none right now. Our team does not have a face besides Chipper. I mean Mc is growing and gaining respect, but he is still some years away from becoming a true leader. Smoltz is gone. Everybody else is either too young, new comer, rookies, etc. No franchise player here yet. Thats what braves will miss if Chipper dies tomorrow, not a 3rd hole hitter. It could be KJ, Yunel, Mc, Kotchman.
Hellraiser
March 25th, 2009
3:53 pm
I thought Pinhead was pain. as in “I will tear your soul apart.”
brent a.
March 25th, 2009
3:54 pm
Steve McP,
What are the high costs of Directv?
Don’t they still provide free equipment and installation?
Knowitall
March 25th, 2009
3:54 pm
I have a question for those of you with DIRECTV.
I’ve been a subscriber for a little over three years. A few months ago, I wanted to upgrade to the HD DVR. When the technician came out, he started talking about how I couldn’t get the service because I only had a single outlet and you need a dual outlet in order to be able to record on one channel while watching another. He also said that he couldn’t install the dual outlet since my outlet is on an interior wall. Was this guy just being lazy? I’d appreciate any comments/suggestions.
bravos
March 25th, 2009
3:54 pm
Kenny Powers is a freaking idiot!
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
3:54 pm
JM Does a snowball have a chance in Hell?
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
3:56 pm
Doc
I sense that Mac will be that new leader. Actually, sometimes the leader is the manager of the team.
BlawgDawg
March 25th, 2009
3:57 pm
I agree completely on not being able to go without DVR now. Completely spoiled with it now, as well as with HD. DirecTV has practically every channel available in HD now, when I watch something on a regular TV now I feel dirty and all.
With the DVR, I’ll actually go do something to kill a half hour or so when the Braves or Falcons game starts, just so I can come back and watch the game without sitting through the commercials.
Great for the kids as well. I’ll record the cartoons they like in the living room (I have a DVR in the living room as well as in my den) so that there is always something available to put on for them. Though, my little girl is 3 now, and she started to enjoy watching Braves games late last season, so hopefully this year she’ll be all about the Braves games.
Bobby's Belly
March 25th, 2009
3:57 pm
The concern re: Hanson / Schafer arb clock is valid and I understand it. But no one w/ that argument seems to contemplate year 1 of their free agency. Don’t you think both will be thinking they were screwed with when they earned jobs in ‘09 and will be looking to screw the Braves in 5 years or so in FA. And in 5 years is when they will be hitting their prime. If they get passed over now for $$$ reasons and leave down the road we’ll all trash them because ‘09 will be thousands of beers ago and our memory will be cloudy. Earning life for baseball players is short and they know it.
Christian
March 25th, 2009
4:00 pm
After the WBC im sure Wren can find some team willing to trade for Blanco. We should also try and trade Campillo. Trade them for what, I’m not sure. Minor league prospect probably. Schafer to Gwinnet to start the season isn’t a bad move, but the problem with Anderson starting in CF is that he cannot bat leadoff. He just doesn’t get on base enough. So then who do you bat leadoff? KJ? Escobar? Francouer? Just kidding about that last one. (Although Frenchy does have the power output of a leadoff man. Seriously, at this rate I wouldn’t be surprised to see Blanco hit more homers than Francouer.)
Doc Holiday
March 25th, 2009
4:00 pm
Wayne,
Mc may become the leader, but he is not right now, he is not that bad mean bat that crushes division rivals like chipper, jeter, mariano rivera, pedro, smoltz, glavine. I mean, you have to be a veteran in order to be a real face or leader of a team. look at the DBacks and Rockies, full of young players, playoff runs a few years ago, where have they gone? you have to be like a pain in the x for a few year so the league respects you and you become the team logo.
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
4:01 pm
knowitall. He’s lazy. Unless you live on a slab. If you have space under your house then he should be able to get to the interior wall. But if you do live on a slab I am sure they can get creative.
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
4:01 pm
Bobby’s Belly
Amen. That is why I think holding a guy back solely for the arb/free agent angle (like the Rays did last year with Eva) is a truly Barbra Streisand move.
Kenny Powers
March 25th, 2009
4:01 pm
Kenny Powers can sleep with a gun
ease19
March 25th, 2009
4:02 pm
I paid like 40 bucks for all my equipment (including Dual HD DVR, programming (Bronze) free installation) for 18 months several years ago with Dish and even now, it is still way cheaper than cable. But of course that was before TBS was sold-out. So now, a nice lovely evening, sitting on the back porch, sipping a cold one and listening to the soothing voice of Don Sutton, and Jim Powell will be enough…Plus, there is the blog
BlawgDawg
March 25th, 2009
4:02 pm
Knowitall Yeah, that guy was just being lazy. When I upgraded to the HD DVR, the tech that came to my house trenched the lines across my yard and moved my dish where I was wanting it. The tech that had come out when I first got DirecTV wouldn’t do it saying that it wasn’t part of his contract with them (though he offered to do it if I would pay him on the side for it). When I mentioned that to the guy that did do the trenching, he said it’s all about what kinda person the tech is, as far as what they are willing to do for you or not.
Cru Jones
March 25th, 2009
4:02 pm
Knowitall
He was being lazy. I just got mine installed and he had to add the extra outlet on an interior wall. I do have a spacious attic that made it easier for him, he even mentioned that. So, if you have limited attic space maybe he couldnt, but that seems a little weird that they couldnt figure something out.
Kenny Powers
March 25th, 2009
4:03 pm
When will Kenny Powers wake up and fight?
TnBrian
March 25th, 2009
4:04 pm
Cru, I picked up on it when you first posted on here with that name. Not bragging, I just loved that movie growing up. Remember the line, “it’s gonna take a radical miracle to beat this guy”. Corny as f- but that was the 80’s for ya.
Bobby's Belly
March 25th, 2009
4:04 pm
Christian – I agree Anderson can’t leadoff. That puts him 8th. Useless spot for him. Few opportunities to run w/ the pitcher at bat. Thus, you see why he’s a 6 yr minor leaguer. Love him off the bench as a 4th though, but FW F’D that up w/ GA.
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
4:06 pm
Doc
I think the team leader thing is way over-rated. Leadership evolves when a vacuum in leadership is present. On the Utah Jazz, for example, Jerry Sloan is the leader, though Deron Williams has evolved as the floor general.
Maybe we can package Campillo and Blanco to the Muts, as Omar likes his latino players. (he says only half kidding)
Epinephrine
March 25th, 2009
4:07 pm
I really wish people would stop with the argument that we should keep Josh Anderson, because if we put him on waivers, we will lose him. Fact: Josh Anderson doesn’t have much trade value at all. Prospectus describes him as “nothing more than a fifth outfielder”. Fact: Whether he wins the role out of spring training or not, Jordan Schafer owns the CF job for the Atlanta Braves going forward. Whether he begins playing now, or by July is the only question.
So right now, the question is do we lose Anderson on waivers, or do we eventually try and trade him in return for a low level prospect or as part of a larger package? The price in keeping him will be whatever additional wins that Jordan Schafer might give us. The cost in losing him would be a low level player and any impeding of Schafer’s evolution in cutting down on Ks (as he apparently has already turned the corner on hitting lefties). That’s hit. There is no great tragedy in losing him on waivers, because people, we aren’t getting much for him in return regardless.
DJScrib
March 25th, 2009
4:07 pm
RE: Drafting a 3B
With the fact that half of 1st rounders flame out, drafting for need is a pretty risky proposition. I think teams are wiser drafting best player available because who knows what the situation of the major league club will be 3 to 4 years down the road when the guy is ready to play.
I recall the Braves drafting for need and selecting Tyler Houston #1 overall, because we were trotting out the 3 headed monster of Bruce Benedict, Jodi Davis, and John Russell. By the time he was ready for the majors the catcher problem was already solved (and he kind of sucked).
As for the Jordan Schafer options angle. I keep hearing how Baltimore wants to wait til June to call up Wieters, and Tampa wanted to do the same thing with Longoria last year to effectively put off arbitration another year. If that’s the case, how many more wins will Schafer give us over Anderson for 40 games at the risk of losing him (or paying a lot more) a year earlier?
Let’s not pull a Joey Devine and rush the guy.
Cru Jones
March 25th, 2009
4:09 pm
TnBrian
It was a favorite of mine when I was around 12 years old or so. I watched it recently a laughed alot, but enjoyed it just as much as when I was younger. My favorite lines come from the “team mongoose” dance sequence and the “bicycle boogie” at the high school dance. lol
Knowitall
March 25th, 2009
4:11 pm
Thanks guys. I do live on a slab but my attic is very spacious. I was thinking that he should have been able to work something out but I was so p*ssed at that point that it was probably best that he just left.
MGL
March 25th, 2009
4:12 pm
That Met’s rotation is not too solid yet. Perez today: 3.2 inn, 5 Hits, 6 BB, 6ER + a HR
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
4:12 pm
Current XM challenge: If the Yankees put A-Rod on irrevocable waivers, would you want your team to pick him up. You add the salary and the personality, but wouldn’t have to give up anything for him.
Interesting Q…
Andy
March 25th, 2009
4:12 pm
Joey Devine is the real deal. The A’s love the braves for that one. Yeah lets hold off on Hanson and Schaffer.
brent a.
March 25th, 2009
4:13 pm
If the Braves open the season with a line-up of
Escobar
Johnson
Chipper
Mac
Kotchman
G. Anderson/Diaz
Francoeur
Anderson (or Blanco, for that matter)
and a rotation that does not include Tommy Hanson
I think the patience of the fan base will be pretty thin if the Braves have another slow start, filled with stranded runners, and one-run losses.
I’ve got a lot of hope for this season, and even more for the near future; but, I really think it’ll be a good shot in the arm for the team and the fans if Schafer or Hanson (at least one) starts the season at Turner Field after a moribund 2008.
Bobby's Belly
March 25th, 2009
4:14 pm
3 minor league seasons, 2 winterball seasons. That’s not rushing. Funny how people criticize ST #’s because lots of pitchers will be in AAA soon, but we need to Send Schafer to AAA for 2 months for “seasoning.”
Kenny Powers
March 25th, 2009
4:14 pm
Kenny Powers loves Shinedown
ease19
March 25th, 2009
4:15 pm
knowitall, that may be the case for a single tuner DVR, such as Tivo, which you would have to be able to split the signal yourself, which I was unable to do myself (but a technician should). But for a dual tuner DVR, the unit actually does it internally (which is why it is so doggone handy).
I would record the entire Falcon’s game and then come home and watch it commercial free! Only time I got busted was during UGA-Tech, while furniture shopping they had the fourth quarter on the radio overhead…That was a real bummer!
Jersey Gil
March 25th, 2009
4:15 pm
Wayne in Utah ….XM Challenge: NO, DAMAGE GOODS…
winterville
March 25th, 2009
4:15 pm
We really need a W tonight. The Cardinals lost already today and we were tied with them coming in for 1st place in the Grapefruit League. Kenshin is gonna need to step up and be a stopper! I really want that title.
BlawgDawg
March 25th, 2009
4:17 pm
Kenny Powers throws like a girl and hasn’t seen his toes since he was a little girl.
RHR
March 25th, 2009
4:18 pm
One negative about DTV is I have several tv’s and I pay $5 per month for each one of them to have its own little box. Including the tv in the guest room, the tv in my daughters who is off at college room, and the one in my son’s room even though he’s far too cool to sit around wasting his time watching television – lol. But I want it there if I want it, you know? As soon as I turned those unused boxes in something would come up where I wish I had them. That is the ONLY thing comcast or charter have over DTV and even with all that my DTV bill is still quite a bit cheaper than what I was paying charter for the same service and channels.
WILD BILL
March 25th, 2009
4:20 pm
We need Ohman alot more than we need Glavine, we have too many starters & need a lefty set up man, too bad Tom didnt retire. Josh should start in center & Schafer should start in Gwinnett, let him prove himself first before we give up Josh, he had a good September last year with power & speed. Blanco is not an everyday player so show him the bench. Just think when Hudson comes back, next years starting rotation of D. Lowe, Huddy, JJ, Duece K, Javy V., & Hanson. Oops we have too many starters, I think Javy V. will end up being traded eventually if Huddy comes back strong. What do you think DOB?
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
4:21 pm
Jersey
Big difference between A-Rod and Manny. Manny flopped on purpose. A-Rod’s biggest issue is being a prima donna and a liar. But a darned good hitting one!
bravos2249
March 25th, 2009
4:26 pm
cphizzle
I live in athens, al and i know you said you relie on DISH to get tv but here in athens the peachtree games broadcast on CSS…im not sure if you get that channel or know but I’d thought I’d put that out there.
Jersey Gil
March 25th, 2009
4:26 pm
Breaking News…Bad news for the Mutt, special to Carlos Beltran:
His pal and singer Elvis Crespo that one of his song is the introduce song for Carlos when he’s coming to bat was Arrested in Miami Airport for Masturbating in the plane.This was report in one of the Puerto Rican Newspaper Today.
brent a.
March 25th, 2009
4:26 pm
Kenny Powers would be much cooler if he had thrown water on Tim McCarver and still talked about 16.5 years later.
Knowitall
March 25th, 2009
4:26 pm
ease19, I was under the impression that there had to be 2 outlets on the wall that fed into the DVR. Are you saying that there is only 1 wire running from the wall to the DVR?
Chop Chop
March 25th, 2009
4:28 pm
You’re a real man, brent a..
BlawgDawg
March 25th, 2009
4:30 pm
My dual DVR has two cables coming in from the dish. Don’t have an outlet persay, the cables come in from the dish, through the floor, and into the DVR.
mbatl
March 25th, 2009
4:30 pm
A-Rod, for $26 mil/year for the next 8 years? No way, no how. First, nobody’s worth that much of our payroll. And second, if he is truly “clean” A-Rod is likely to start his inevitable decline in the next few years. And that’s not even taking into account his ho-ing and generally weak character. I wouldn’t take him at half the cost with that longterm commitment.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
4:31 pm
I like when to walk into a stadium and they’re playing something that I actually like hearing. Cheap Trick’s Surrender was just playing on the p.a. here at fabulous Space Coast Stadium on the wind-swept pasture of Viera. Gotta like early Cheap Trick.
OK, headed down to see what’s shaking with the Bracos. Nationals are taking BP now, I see Adam Dunn chatting with USA temmate Brian McCann behind the cage. Those two and other lefty sluggers can get a ball out here today, but righties can forget about it unless the wind changes direction before game time (7:05 p.m.)….
Nice, easy ride over from the Orlandisnopolis, smoking a La Gloria Cubana and listening to the expanded and remastered Otis Redding “Otis Sings Soul” CD and the still-pretty-new U2, which sounds better to me each time I listen to it. Really like “Moment of Surrender” and “Magnificent,” and the Edge’s work throughout, especially the stuff that sounds like the Unforgettable Fire.
KennyP
March 25th, 2009
4:31 pm
Anyone know who will be starting at the home opener on Apr. 10 yet? I would think KK, but what if the shoulder isnt feeling right? Campillo?
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
4:35 pm
mbatl
I think I agree with you. Especially at his age.
BlawgDawg
March 25th, 2009
4:37 pm
WildBill Couple of problems with your ideas. If how Shafer has performed so far in the Minor Leagues and in spring training this year doesn’t “prove himself”, how does a couple of months at AAA do it? Don’t see the logic there. Only place he can “prove himself” as a Major Leaguer would be in the Majors.
And as far as showing Blanco the bench, that would mean the Braves were planning on carrying five outfielders, not gonna happen. With Franceur, J. Anderson, G. Anderson, and Diaz on the team, Blanco would certainly have to be sent down or traded. No room on the bench for him and no room on the roster for a fifth outfielder (Infante and Norton would be a fifth outfielder if it was needed).
And the problem with too many starters next season, well like Bobby Cox likes to say, those things have a way of working themselves out. Huddy could have complications, other injuries could come up, etc.
Bobby's Belly
March 25th, 2009
4:37 pm
KennyP – Lowe should start, but won’t I bet. Would be normal rest and I say you pitch your ace every chance you get.
ncscoots
March 25th, 2009
4:38 pm
“Rickey Henderson be pretty hacked, what with this Kenny Powers dude rippin’ Rickey’s in-the-third-person persona.” (OK, that assumes Rickey actually owns the the word “persona”.) “Rickey the onliest man can do that trick. You hearin’ me, Kenny Powers? Be warned. Rickey OUT!”
Random
March 25th, 2009
4:38 pm
KC (2:29 pm): ” ‘For two of the last three years, Kawakami has not pitched at the level of an above-average major league pitcher.’
“Huh?
“Over his last 3 seasons, Kawakami has gone 38-20 with a 2.81 ERA.”
Geez Louise, KC, a fellow can say something like Kawakami “ought to be better than an average National League pitcher,” and you still go all ballistic because he failed to conclude that Kawakami would “at least be well above average”.
Yer insane.
“But if you believe, as I do, that the Japanese league is at least slightly better than AAA baseball here . . . “
I believe that BP goes on a little more than just their gut feelings when translating Japanese performance to US MLB equivalences. I believe that I’ll go with BP’s analyses rather than with your faith, creeds and dogmas.
PS: Btw, good call on figuring his ERA for those three years — it brought to my attention a discrepancy and apparent error in the Jan BP article, which may justify Davenport’s revising his entire conclusion (upward).
I just posted the following comment to Davenport’s Jan article:
There’s a discrepancy between the (”real”) ERs you show charged to Kawakami and those shown on his xttp://www.japanesebaseball.com/players/player.jsp?PlayerID=1026 page.
For example, for 2006 (215 IP), 2007 (167.3 IP) & 200[8] (117.3 IP), the Japanese page records 60, 66 & 30 ERs, respectively.
BP’s chart shows 74, 72 & 33 ERs for the same years.
I think these may be his total runs allowed, not his earned runs.
ncbravesgirl
March 25th, 2009
4:46 pm
Wasn’t Chipper drafter as a SS? Am I remembering that right? Just a thought on this whole “who will replace him debate.” ie, there may be other options not yet explored.
ncbravesgirl
March 25th, 2009
4:46 pm
drafted. Sorry
Cooper S
March 25th, 2009
4:48 pm
DOB,
The U2 album was a huge grower on me as well, especially the two tracks you mentioned. I think those two are among their best.
Jersey Gil
March 25th, 2009
4:49 pm
DOB….Now you taking “La Gloria Cubana’ the oldest Cuban cigar 1885. My favorite, also Montecristo…smokingggg.let me light one with a glass of Merlot.
cphizzle
March 25th, 2009
4:49 pm
bravos2249, im just down the road from you. i actually live in lexington and one of the downsides of that is we dont have cable access. its either dish or fire up the antenna.
Smitty
March 25th, 2009
4:50 pm
Francour is the elephant in the room(or in the outfield as it were). Looks to me like he should be on the bench with one of these other better hitting guys in right. Anderson,Anderson,Shafer,Blanco. But then what will we white guys relate to? Too soon maybe?
Cru Jones
March 25th, 2009
4:55 pm
ease
I just set my dvr, from work, to record the braves game tonight. lol… sorry, just wanted to brag.
brian
March 25th, 2009
5:02 pm
anyone forget Hicks as far as talking about who may replace chipper? Saying that, I hope Chipper has 5 more years in him
Rickey Henderson
March 25th, 2009
5:02 pm
Rickey knows what persona is. Persona was Rickey’s first girlfriend. Rickey still loves Persona.
Oh, Rickey has heard about this Kenny Powers cat. Rickey just wants to say that his hairdo coulda put Kenny Powers to shame. If Rickey had shaved lightning-bolt racing stripes into Rickey’s head, Rickey woulda stole about a thousand more bags. Rickey kept his hair in check because Rickey is too modest to make such a macrame of baseball.
spotts
March 25th, 2009
5:03 pm
DOB – cute club bullets. And the heart bullet for Pete Van Wieren was adorable
bravos2249
March 25th, 2009
5:06 pm
cphizzle
I bet that sucks…the only way i have ever watched a game for free while not having it was on mlb.com once a time ago…i dont remeber if i had a paid account then but like 10 minutes after a game happened i watched the whole thing for free…i remember being surprised so i guess it wasn’t when i paid anything…
idk if you can still do it but it is kinda cheaper and a better deal to have it on the internet…cause you can watch so many games from this year or earlier…only thing is if you get the 1 month it automatically charges you ever month
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
5:06 pm
Hicks, Campbell and Escobar would be the current candidates.
Christian
March 25th, 2009
5:07 pm
I heard some ideas floating around by writers of Freddie Freeman perhaps learning to play at third base. I think that kid is legit. Or the Braves could trade Kotchman for a serviceable 3rd Baseman and let Freeman take over at first in the 3 hole.
cphizzle
March 25th, 2009
5:12 pm
bravos2249, may want to sit down for this one…i cant get highspeed internet out in the sticks either! im tellin you i got dish and radio with barely a signal for either of them. tough in the streets!
WILD BILL
March 25th, 2009
5:12 pm
BLAWG DAWG, maybe cause Schafer has never played regularly above double A thats why DUH! No fifth outfielder good with me bye bye Blanco & since I KNOW you love all caps this is for you GET A LIFE AND QUIT BLAWGING ALL DAM DAY DO YOU HAVE A J.O.B. LMAO YOU DAM DONKEY HEE HAW MAYBE D O B CAN GET YOU A J O B GO BRAVOS
spotts
March 25th, 2009
5:18 pm
Except Freeman is nowhere near ready for the majors
Rob
March 25th, 2009
5:19 pm
Freeman is a year or a year and a half away. He is close
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
5:20 pm
Wild Bill
Might want to think about a decrease in the caffeine intake.
Is Freeman agile enough to learn to play third base? If he were, he would probably already be playing there.
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
5:21 pm
Have you ever seen Freddie Freeman play baseball? He’s got awful range even at 1B. There’s no chance he could ever play 3B in MLB.
Smack
March 25th, 2009
5:21 pm
I echo brian and wayne. We have internal options in Hicks, Escobar and Campbell. I have though figured for the past few years the replacement will most likely come from the outside. For now if something does happen to CJ, Prado is more than capable to fill in. Plus there are going to be some impact arms that will be available when we pick in the draft. Donavan Tate may also be available still at 7. Another athletic homegrown outfielder.
spotts
March 25th, 2009
5:23 pm
Careful, PWH – can’t badmouth a prospect on here
Sethual Healing
March 25th, 2009
5:23 pm
Does it bother anyone else that Francouer hasn’t gone yard yet? How many ABs has that been?
Steve McP
March 25th, 2009
5:23 pm
But Chipper wants a new contract for another 4 years, last season he won the batting title, why are we already looking to get rid of him in 2010/11? If he gives us 120 games he has to be worth keeping in the line up, the oblique is a worrying injury as it is a recurrence, but a lot of his time off seems to be for unusual things (like the hand injury when he fell over a fielder) rather than long term problems, especially as his feet do not now appear to be giving him difficulties, at least his bunions are not cropping up on the blog (now that sounds bad but you know what I mean) these days.
spotts
March 25th, 2009
5:24 pm
Smack – Do we really have the 7th overall pick this year? Wow…
Steve McP
March 25th, 2009
5:25 pm
Frenchy did hit a home run in one of the games against the WBC teams.
Cru Jones
March 25th, 2009
5:28 pm
Wild Bill
You dont get alot of “DUH” these days. You trying to bring it back?
cphizzle
March 25th, 2009
5:29 pm
doesnt bother me about frenchy. from what i hear every hit this spring has been solid so with everything new in his arsenal the power stroke with come with time.
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
5:31 pm
Steve McP
It’s darned hard to lose your best hitter for 25% of your games.
cphizzle
March 25th, 2009
5:32 pm
i meant will come with time…DUH…that one is for you wildbill
Woogidy
March 25th, 2009
5:33 pm
Braves fans, funny stuff here. http://www.hideyourbooze.com That stuff will pay for itself in one game!
Cherokee
March 25th, 2009
5:34 pm
ut if you believe, as I do, that the Japanese league is at least slightly better than AAA baseball here KC
what exactly do you base that on dude?How many Japanese league games have you watched the last couple of years? I think you are allowing the quality of the 60 or so players that you are aware of influence your impression of the hundreds that you are not aware of From top of the league to the bottom there is no way that they are in average better than AAA. Perhaps you should do some research instead of just spouting off about something that you obviously aren’t familiar with.And much of the gist of that article was concerning the extreme pitcher friendliness of his home park. Making that 2.81 ERA misleading.
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
5:34 pm
And when Chipper is down, and Mac getting a day off (about once a week, normally), that means you are without your TWO best hitters in the lineup. While Prado is an adequate replacement, he doesn’t fill the 3 hole very well.
We really need to develop or trade for an eventual replacement for Chipper in the 3 hole. (Heyward?, Schafer?, KJ?, Kotchman?, or a trade?)
spotts
March 25th, 2009
5:35 pm
I don’t think Hicks or Campbell are answers for Chipper’s heir. Seems like we’ve had Campbell forever and I don’t think he’s made it out of A ball. And Hicks hit .235 in A ball last year at age 23.
BB5795
March 25th, 2009
5:37 pm
BLAWGDAWG, that guy than duct taped the booze-filled plastic bags to his body, should check out Woogidy’s 5:33 post.
Old School
March 25th, 2009
5:40 pm
Cha-ching!
More revenues for the cash strapped AJC as another atricle about God – I mean John Smoltz – is written as he has pledged $100 for every article written about him in his post-Braves career.
It’s reallt sickening that the largest picture on the ATLANTA sports page is of Smoltz in a Red Sox uniform.
Sickening.
themarksmith
March 25th, 2009
5:41 pm
Does anyone think, with the White Sox looking for a speedy center fielder, that Blanco or Anderson might end up in Chicago?
Braveshoo
March 25th, 2009
5:42 pm
Moustakas or a similar A+ prospect can be had next year. We will trade either Vasques or Kwalquami(sp), whichever does worse this year to free up salary to resign Hudson and get a great 3b prospect. Next years rotation: Hudson, Lowe, JJ, Hanson, Vasquez/Kwalkami. This will be as good as any in baseball.
the artist formerly known as too hot for teacher
March 25th, 2009
5:43 pm
hey everybody debating about the merits of Japanese baseball – ummmmm….didn’t they beat us?
also interesting article about professional athletes and their finances in Sports Illustrated:
http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1153364/index.htm
WILD BILL
March 25th, 2009
5:46 pm
WAYNE IN UTAH I DONT DRINK CAFFIENE FYI UR IN UTAH? So who cares what you think, you dont even have basball out there LMAO Thats why Murph came here to play, what do you do in Utah sit around and watch the cars rust for excitement! LMAO Hey CRU JONES you dumb azz DONKEY DUUUUUH DUUUUH DUUUUH HEEEEE HAAAAW D.A. DONK
Ritchie from Scotland
March 25th, 2009
5:47 pm
looking forward to seeing Kawakami pitch tonight hopefully he will be able to get some success as it’s really getting close to the start of the regular season.
Andy
March 25th, 2009
5:48 pm
Hey KenOverstreet: the Braves game tonight against the Nationals is on MASN up here in the Virginia/DC area. Check it out if you get a chance.
Kenny Powers
March 25th, 2009
5:49 pm
Kenny Powers thinks WILD BILL is a big dummy.
spotts
March 25th, 2009
5:50 pm
I just looked up a few of the top first basemen to see how many seasons they were in the minors before staying in the Bigs for good:
Howard – 5
Berkman – 4
Fielder – 4
Morneau – 6
Youkilis – 5
The two biggest exceptions – Teixeira spent one year because he came out of college (and didn’t play in the majors until he was 23). And Pujols also spent one year because well….he’s Albert Pujols (and still, he was 21).
My point being – I know everyone’s enamored with Heyward and Freeman, but they’ve only spent a little over one season in the minors. It takes awhile for players to develop. Some people are talking like they should be handed the starting job today
Cherokee
March 25th, 2009
5:51 pm
many American players went over to Japan and were a huge success ala’ Nomo, eaes
way more than have been huge successes over here.Tuffy Rhodes tied the HR record at 55 and he was a .224/310/.120 that’s right a .120 slugger hit 55 there.The funny thing is that many of the Westerners who have done well over there have been scrubs over here and a lot of the successful MLB hitters like Horner have disappointed. THe Japanese call it ‘major league pride’ when big names fail to fit in and succeed. There are some great Japanese players no doubt and they are getting better each decade, but they are not equal as a league yet
RegionPuller
March 25th, 2009
5:55 pm
White Sox don’t want our sloppy seconds. They’ve already got an Anderson 4th outfielder (Brian).
WILD BILL
March 25th, 2009
5:55 pm
CPHIZZLE= DUH DUMB AZZ WHAT YOU DONT LIKE DUH THOUGHT MAYBE YOU WOULD UNDERSTAND UR OWN LANGUAGE? DUUUUH SHUT IT DUMMY LMAO GO BRAVOS HEY DID UTAH GET A BASEBALL TEAM YET???? LMAO OH THATS RIGHT ALL THEY GOT IS BYU THEY DONT GOT NO STINKIN BASEBALL MAYBE YOU CAN SEND THE FOOTBALL TEAM OVER SO THE DAWGS CAN STOMP THEM WOOF WOOF SEC BABY! LMAO
BB5795
March 25th, 2009
5:56 pm
I didn’t think Wild Bill was into coffee. However, methinks Mr. Daniels may have stopped over for a lengthy visit.
spotts
March 25th, 2009
5:57 pm
Isn’t it a little early for Mr. Daniels?
spotts
March 25th, 2009
5:58 pm
I’m quite embarassed he ended that with a UGA cheer
Cherokee
March 25th, 2009
5:58 pm
Japanese baseball is just below MLB………… IMO
ant posting of such.How long between your Aussieapanwere you in J
lol at AA references MuttsMorningMeal
I’m starting to et the impression that you have done about everything and are an expert in just about everything. What an exciting life you seem to have led from your constant posts about all your exploits and your beautiful GF that radio stars are alway trying to steal away. How long were you in Japan between your adventures with Craig Shipley and your exciting times in Vegas.LA and NY? Post some more it is very exciting reading.
cphizzle
March 25th, 2009
5:58 pm
wild bill needs help…professional help in the worst way. im pretty sure they make medication for that stuff.
WILD BILL
March 25th, 2009
5:58 pm
WHO IS KENNY POWERS????? I AM BIG THO SO I COULD STOMP UR AZZ. JUST SHUT IT BLOG BOY ANOTHER DAM DONKEY WITH A COMPUTER
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
6:01 pm
Wild Bill
FYI, watching rusting cars is darned fun! Ranks right up there with trying to clear our honey-do lists from our muitiple wives.
Also, Murph came from Oregon. Just in case you were wondering.
Come on out. We have a history of “Wild Bill’s” out west.
Schafer Obliterator
March 25th, 2009
6:01 pm
USA could put its best national team on the field and lose a 7 game series to Japan…….. and y’all will whine and say we are best but what have we ever won “world wide”…. we think we are the Brazil of baseball but we play more like the England of soccer………
I am by far the best CF option, no argument, right
Kenny Powers
March 25th, 2009
6:02 pm
Nobody and Kenny Powers means nobody talks to Kenny Powers that way especially a dumb azz gay cowboy like WILD BILL
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
6:02 pm
multiple
WILD BILL
March 25th, 2009
6:03 pm
HEY SPOTTS GO DAWGS SIC EM WOOF WOOF WOOF OOPS WE JUST FUMBLED THE KICKOFF AT THE GOAL LINE OK LETS GET THE PICTURE OOPS LARRY IS BACK DAWGS IN SILVER BRITCHES WITH RED TOPS OH YOU HERSCHEL WALKER HES RUNNING OVER PEOPLE MY GOD A FRESHMAN BILL BATES JUST GOT UP LMAO GO DAWGS!
spotts
March 25th, 2009
6:03 pm
What the heck is this…moron hour on the blog?
WILD BILL
March 25th, 2009
6:06 pm
EXACTLY! KENNY POWERS=NOBODY & QUIT USING MY DUMB AZZ WORDS YOU DUMB AZZ GAY BLOG BOY GET A LIFE YOU DAM DONKEY HEEEEE HAAAAAW
cabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
6:09 pm
spotts-
not sure if “moron” is the word I’d use but this is a family friendly blog…
cityofdecatur
March 25th, 2009
6:09 pm
WILD BILL just robert (cox is a donk) ignore him and maybe he’ll go away if not when you see the caps lock SKIP IT.
BB5795
March 25th, 2009
6:09 pm
Yes, spotts. It always seems to start right after happy hour ends.
WILD BILL
March 25th, 2009
6:10 pm
I love gay cowboys. I’m sorry for all the animosity guys.
Bryan
March 25th, 2009
6:13 pm
DOB – How was that thrashing the Horns gave the OVERRATED KU football team this year?! You’re welcome. The baseball sweep was a fluke – caught us during a slump. By the way – March baseball rankings are as reliable as preseason football rankings (i.e. Georgia, Clemson et al). I never thought Texas baseball was No 1 but we are certainly better than we played this weekend. Now about basketball….
Razzle
March 25th, 2009
6:13 pm
I didn’t know neuticles were so empowering
Tomahawk210
March 25th, 2009
6:14 pm
No line-ups for tonight yet?
Rob from SC
March 25th, 2009
6:15 pm
does anyone have the lineup
JerseyGil
March 25th, 2009
6:17 pm
DOB…Pack your longjohn if you are coming to opening days in Phillis…i just saw the long 15 day Forecast, and April 5,Sunday is high 50, with cold Rain, low 31 on Sunday,Monday Period of Snow and High 49…Wow..
dogsbrekky
March 25th, 2009
6:18 pm
PTBNL – I would rather bet the ranch/season on the Schafer kid then any other young OF….. afterall we have carried a few the last 2-3 years
Steve McP
March 25th, 2009
6:18 pm
Wayne – I know we will need a replacement for Chipper in time, but I don’t see any way that we get a like for like replacement for Chipper just appearing, I hope that we can keep him in the line up while he is still producing (even if that is in 75% of games) and get much more production from our other hitters as they improve. This season it will be interesting to see whether Frenchy, Kotchman, Schafer, Johnson, Escobar can move to another level. If these players do not produce some added power/production this year then we need to think where the power is coming from and maybe work the payroll for a power signing (missing from FW’s shopping list this year, GA is solid player but not a 25 homer guy).
BravesFanChris24
March 25th, 2009
6:19 pm
Any word on the lineup today?
I am finally glad to see some ST games televised. I get to see tonight’s and all three this weekend thanks to MLBN.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
6:26 pm
Guess who’s got a strained side muscle? Rafael Soriano. Didn’t say anything about it until this afternoon, apparently, and Braves don’t know severity of it. Wren said could be minor, like Chipper’s, or could be a full-blown strain. Until they know, won’t have any idea how much time he’ll miss.
Oh, and guess who’s pitching tonight? Charlie Morton. He’s thrown off mound three times in past 9-10 days, without any problems. So he’s scheduled to pitch in tonight’s game.
Kawakami is scheduled to get relief from Gonzalez, Moylan and Morton.
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
6:27 pm
Direct TV 640 tonight.
AGTFan
March 25th, 2009
6:27 pm
Great interview at SALON.COM today with a writer who’s latest book is a Biography of Yogi Berra.
http://www.salon.com/sports/kaufman/feature/2009/03/25/yogi_berra/index.html?source=rss&aim=/sports/kaufman/feature
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
6:27 pm
Steve McP
Yes, I have never had any illusion that we could get a like-for-like replacement for Chipper. I am just hopeful that we can develop a fair replacement for his spot in the lineup when he can’t make the bell.
In my way of thinking, Prado is a #2 or a #7 or #8 hitter. So, wouldn’t it be marvelous if one of the other guys could raise their performance a notch or two. KJ, Kotchman, Escobar, Francoeur. I am not choosy.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
6:28 pm
BRAVES LINEUP
1. Josh Anderson, CF
2. Escobar, SS
3. Chipper, 3B
4. McCann, C
5. Francoeur, RF
6. KJ, 2B
7. Diaz, LF
8. Prado, 1B
9. Kawakami, RH
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
6:29 pm
And I was just “taking up” for Soriano yesterday…….
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
6:29 pm
NATS LINEUP
1. Milledge, CF
2. Guzman, SS
3. Zimmerman, 3B
4. Dunn, LF
5. Dukes, RF
6. Johnson, 1B
7. Valentin, C
8. Hernandez, 2B
9. Balester, RH
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
6:31 pm
Dave
When you get a chance, if you have an update on Kotchman, I would really appreciate it.
thanks in advance.
dogsbrekky (UNC Rocks)
March 25th, 2009
6:31 pm
Nats lineup is really good from Nos 1-1 and 4-5. who are the rest ?
Lew
March 25th, 2009
6:32 pm
Not drunk-off his meds.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
6:33 pm
I love ALL CAPS posts, because you can confidently skip them and realize you’re probably not missing anything of importance.
brian
March 25th, 2009
6:34 pm
so no idea on how soon Rafael “Hampton” Soriano may pitch again? Either he is one unlucky dude or has no heart
Rob from SC
March 25th, 2009
6:37 pm
Soriano should change his name to Mr. Puss
Lew
March 25th, 2009
6:38 pm
I was all for giving Soriano the benefit of the doubt-had a respiratory infection last year that resisted antibiotics and lasted a month and a half. However, now I’m beginning to wonder if it’s not going to be one damned thing after another.
Dogsbrekky-Saw on the last blog where you were a Blackmore fan. Have you gotten into the band Cornerstone? I think they’re from Denmark and the singer was on the last Rainbow CD. Great band in the Deep Purple tradition. I think you’d like them.
ease19
March 25th, 2009
6:39 pm
Just got home after another nice day of ATL traffic…to finish the Dish question real quick before the game starts…
I have the dish coming in to the house through my co-axial, so only one cable is connected to the DVR…If your house is wired for cable, there is no need to have two connectors.
Cru, I set my Tivo to record American Idol before I left work…top that (only a little bit jealous), but hey, I get to see Kenny Powers make it to the top ten!
Rob from SC
March 25th, 2009
6:39 pm
Can’t give some people money. They get soft and lazy. That was a waste of 6.1 million
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
6:41 pm
Nats have a lot of outfielders. It’s going to be interesting seeing who they end up going with, and who gets traded/cut.
DMBJAMS
March 25th, 2009
6:45 pm
I seem to remember Rafael Soriano being sick all last spring too. I’m starting to doubt his physical AND mental ability to play in the majors. I think we should trade him and sign Will Ohman. I really miss that guy.
AL
March 25th, 2009
6:47 pm
Not sure if this has been posted already, but the Braves will be on MLB TV tonight. For Direct TV that is channel 213.
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
6:47 pm
Lew
We’ve been living that nightmare with Carlos Boozer for the past 3 years here in UT. When he is in and good, he is very good. When he is hurt, it seems to take forever for him to come back. (Shaq Syndrome??)
It just seems to me that Rob from SC might have it right about some players. When guys weren’t making so much money, they seemed to be more hungry to get back in the mix.
I don’t really know how you get around this sort of thing. You can’t read a guys mind. You try to make sure the players you develop have a measure of character, so as to avoid this sort of situation.
No gameday audio. I don’t think I get channel 640 out here, but I will go home later and check to see…..
tvsportscaster
March 25th, 2009
6:48 pm
Casey Kotchman must have the worst case of the flu bug in the history of the world. What’s up is actually going to return to the lineup sometime this decade.
spotts
March 25th, 2009
6:52 pm
I love how moron hour (Wild Bill, Kenny Powers, etc) ends and normal conversation resumes as soon as I leave
Jeff321
March 25th, 2009
6:52 pm
Its time for the Braves to just eat Soriano’s contract. Really, if they can’t trade him — What’s the point?
Write him off as a bad signing and get someone in here that doesn’t play sick all the time. Sheesh.
Bobby's Cox
March 25th, 2009
6:56 pm
I hate the comparisions to Hampton. Hampton at least has heart (maybe an irregularly beating one, but at least he wants to pitch). Soriano has none of it as far as I’m concerned. Hampton’s injuries were more physical, Soriano’s seem more mental.
NYSE
March 25th, 2009
6:59 pm
Trading Soriano isn’t a bad idea. If the Braves ate half of his salary, they could sign Ohman for the other half.
Jeff321
March 25th, 2009
6:59 pm
All Soriano wants to do is kick back and get PAID. And frankly, he doesn’t deserve a roster spot.
mbatl
March 25th, 2009
6:59 pm
That is a long flu bug for Casey… and you really have a hard time counting on Soriano for anything. Nothing we can do about it… no one’s gonna take on his contract, so you just move him from DL to roster, back and forth, I guess.
Kotchman – I don’t doubt for a minute any of his reasons for being out of the lineup – but again, sooner or later you gotta be able to count on a guy playing. Hopefully no big deal and he’s ready to go 150 or so once the season starts.
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
7:00 pm
Jeff321
Normally, I would agree with you, but, if you drop him, somebody else (Mets?) could sign him for the minimum and then if he comes back, you are screwed.
Best thing to do is to DL him and if you think he is faking all this stuff, you just require him to travel with the team and go through a rigorous rehab regime.
If you don’t think he is faking, then you just DL him and wait him out. Either way, you just don’t see teams dropping guys for the reasons I stated. They might come back to be a nightmare for you later.
There With Hank For 715
March 25th, 2009
7:00 pm
Epinephrine,
So Kawasaki is our 4/5? Wren signed him for 3 years at 8m a year? If he turns out to be a 4/5 in the starting rotation, Wren has been had. Again. He’s overpaying for Lowe and Valenzuela too. Get rid of Wren’s a$$.
Rob from SC
March 25th, 2009
7:00 pm
I really think Medlen will play an important role in this bullpen
Ritchie from Scotland
March 25th, 2009
7:01 pm
I doubt Soriano is playing at anything it’s his contract year and if he wants a decent one he knows he has to perform this year. Seems like a strange character though.
Notorious#10
March 25th, 2009
7:01 pm
I would think twice before switching from Dish to Directv. Directv sounds good to begin with, but it seemed like the bill got exceedingly larger with each passing month(and they had an excuse for every one, believe me). Before I switched I was paying the same price that I do now for Dish, except with Direct I had no HD, no DVR, and no sanity!
(plus I get all Braves games, except peachtree, can’t win ‘em all!)
Doc Holiday
March 25th, 2009
7:01 pm
Wayne,
Do you think the NFL defensive coordinator has the same importance than some bench coach in baseball?
This is baseball………..not the NBA.
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
7:02 pm
My take on Rob Dibble in a suit…”You can’t polish a turd.”
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
7:02 pm
Soriano is one of those signings you just say, well, we screwed up. But when you’ve got 6.1 million committed, you let him pitch.
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
7:04 pm
Maybe we could use Medlen for the back up SS??? How is his hitting?
Ritchie from Scotland
March 25th, 2009
7:04 pm
twiddling my thumbs waiting for the mlb feed to appear…nothing yet.
Rob from SC
March 25th, 2009
7:05 pm
I am not digging Josh Anderson
Chop Chop
March 25th, 2009
7:05 pm
Wayne,
Hell, it could be that Soriano just isn’t physically built to throw a baseball for a long period of time. It may not have anything to do with “character.” It’s easy for fans like you and me to question someone’s desire or will, but we also know that there are things in our own lives which will always prevent us from doing what we love most. It may be “soft” for one to ponder such obstacles, but understanding both the flaws and frailties of human beings is advisable.
Or maybe Soriano’s just a sandbagging SOB. I don’t know.
For anyone who’s interested, check out this list of all the stories pertaining to Rafael Soriano since 2003. If you scroll through that, you will find all kinds of injuries. It’s not like this started in Atlanta. Wren’s the guy who gave him $6.1 million this year. I guess things don’t always work out the way you think they will.
Doc Holiday
March 25th, 2009
7:06 pm
Sorianos days are over……..that guy has a problem and as nobody nknows what it is, nobody will be able to help. Tell me Im crazy but there is a good chance it is all psychological. He always seems to have something wrong with his body, call it arm, flu, abdomen.
JOE
March 25th, 2009
7:06 pm
me too Ritchie… me too
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
7:06 pm
Doc
I don’t understand your question.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
7:07 pm
Three up, three down for Braves in first, with Chipper lining out to CF to end inning.
Rob from SC
March 25th, 2009
7:07 pm
Esco and Chipper hit the ball hard
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
7:07 pm
2 hard hit balls, both on the same rope to CF.
Epinephrine
March 25th, 2009
7:07 pm
Why isn’t the video on mlbtv working? Anyone have a link?
Ritchie from Scotland
March 25th, 2009
7:08 pm
it’s up. Lets go Bravos!
Steve McP
March 25th, 2009
7:09 pm
Ritchie, click on the scoreboard tab at the top of the page, then hit mlbtv on the braves score.
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
7:09 pm
Chop Chop. Wren didn’t sign Soriano.
Steve McP
March 25th, 2009
7:10 pm
Unfortunately it also has Nationals announcers, where are the Braves guys hiding?
TnBrian
March 25th, 2009
7:11 pm
Soriano is doing this on purpose. WAAAA my chest hurts, my side hurts, my butthole is swollen, my tummy hurts……..
Jeff321
March 25th, 2009
7:11 pm
Wayne in Utah, you have a good point about Soriano possibly signing with another team in our division. However, I really don’t have enough faith in him to ever pitch on a regular basis again.
I just don’t want him pitching one day then sitting on the bench every other week because he’s hurt. (Whether its legit or not.)
Btw, Bobby Cox needs to start treating Josh Anderson like Willie Mays Hayes.. Because flying out weakly isn’t doing crap for his speed.
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
7:12 pm
Chop Chop
I hear exactly what you are saying. Last year, I was convinced he was wimping out (I was discussing this w/ someone yesterday). After hearing about the nerve issue, then I cut him some slack. But, it is hard not to think the worst due to his history.
Let’s hope he comes back.
BTW, it really ticked me off last year when many were slamming Hampton for his ailments. MH has character.
Steve from OH
March 25th, 2009
7:12 pm
Very nice catch by KJ.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
7:12 pm
Three up, three down for Nats against Kawakami. Got a groundout, flyout and popout.
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
7:12 pm
uno dos tres for Kawakami
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
7:13 pm
Nice play Kelly Johnson.
nick g
March 25th, 2009
7:13 pm
Maybe i’m asking an obvious question, but is there any reason Orioles 30 in 30 is on MLB Network instead of the Braves??
Mikeyy
March 25th, 2009
7:14 pm
am i the only one concerned about chipper? he has yet to have a hit this entire spring,is already hurt and getting older… i am very upset with this and also with our outfield. im sorry but francouer, injured hitless g.a. and hopefuly shafer but probably anderson is the weakest outfield in the majors with very little to no power. im rooting for our team just as much as the next guy but lets be realistic, finishing third in the division will be an accomplishment.
Chop Chop
March 25th, 2009
7:14 pm
Wren gave him the contract, PWHjort. Schuerholz made the trade for him.
Steve McP
March 25th, 2009
7:15 pm
When I first saw Soriano I was really impressed, but he just does seem to be bothered now he has the contract. With the Tex trade and the Soriano contract I am glad that JS passed the reins to FW when he did, Frank has done a good job this off season, as the Soriano issue shows us, you can never have too much pitching!
Shamus Thacker
March 25th, 2009
7:16 pm
I agree with Blauser, Schafer should get the nod.
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
7:16 pm
Mikeyy, we’re in the hunt. PECOTA and CHONE both have us right there.
JerseyGil
March 25th, 2009
7:16 pm
Can some one wait some more pitch of this guys…everyone swim first 0
or second Pitch..
There With Hank For 715
March 25th, 2009
7:16 pm
I hope Chipper doesn’t get in the batting title race again and start swinging for singles like last year.
brian
March 25th, 2009
7:16 pm
Braves were supposed to be on MLB – they list it on the guide but they are showing orioles preason issues
TnBrian
March 25th, 2009
7:16 pm
Doc, I’m almost with you on Soriano, just not yet. I’m leaning more towards you every time this dude has something negative going on. I also think he has some kind of mental problem that he needs help on. Now, I could be saying all that just out of frustration, but who the hell knows. It’d be nice to have him though, just expect the unexcepted with a head case like him.
Rob from SC
March 25th, 2009
7:17 pm
Scoring runs might be an issue
Jeff321
March 25th, 2009
7:18 pm
>Maybe i’m asking an obvious question, but is there any reason Orioles 30 in 30 is on MLB Network instead of the Braves??
You must be blacked out. Because I live 4 miles from the stadium and am watching on MLB Network/Directv.
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
7:18 pm
There has to be a mistake. You all know Kelly Johnson sucks as a secondbaseman.
Rob from SC
March 25th, 2009
7:18 pm
Maybe Soriano will realize that this is his contract year and pitch well
Epinephrine
March 25th, 2009
7:19 pm
Wow. Unfortunate about Soriano. That really hurts. Hello Kris Medlen?
TN Jeff
March 25th, 2009
7:20 pm
I’ll ask again tonight – IS KOTCHMAN STILL WITH THE TEAM? Is he trying to take Hampton’s place on MIA? Longest recovery from the flu – does this guy want to play? He stunk all last year and it’d be nice if he would play some this spring to win some of us doubters over to the possibility that he is not going to be a complete bust!
Minnesota Jacket
March 25th, 2009
7:22 pm
TN Jeff…dude Kotchman has been playing extremely well…he has the flu man I wouldn’t go to work if I have it half as bad as what I hear he has
Steve McP
March 25th, 2009
7:22 pm
Correct Chop Chop, makes my post a little redundant, he signed the extended contract last winter to avoid arbitration.
I think the vitriol for him is because he does not seem to care, maybe some of that is a language issue, but I am sure that the Braves must be very frustrated by him, also sure that DOB would not be able to say anything about that because of his relations with the team.
nick g
March 25th, 2009
7:22 pm
i’m in charlotte and i guess Time Warner is blacking it out. i guess i’ll settle for the Bobcats game.
the regular season can’t start soon enough
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
7:23 pm
My bad, you’re right.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
7:24 pm
Another 1-2-3 inning for Kawakami, who looks pretty sharp on this windy night.
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
7:24 pm
That was a heady curveball.
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
7:25 pm
TN Jeff
Last year, Kotchman was traded from a first place team to the Braves. then his mother almost died. Let’s cut him a little slack please.
I think this year we will see the real Casey Kotchman.
TN Jeff
March 25th, 2009
7:27 pm
I’ve NEVER missed a week of work from having the flu – prima donnas
Steve McP
March 25th, 2009
7:28 pm
TN Jeff – Kotchman did pretty well last year once he got back to the team after dealing with his family issues, also he was having a good spring until the flu took hold, The Braves know that he is their first base guy and so they are probably not going to rush him back until he is 100% and correctly so, even once he is over the flu it will take him a few days to regain his strength and there is no need to rush him back for ST games.
Bobby's Cox
March 25th, 2009
7:29 pm
I remember Bobby Cox being very, very frustrated with Soriano last spring in his comments to the media. Seemed like he needed Soriano out there and was pushing to get him to pitch, kinda like “dude, you’re being a p***,” or “when is this guy gonna be able to pitch?”.
Couch Tater
March 25th, 2009
7:29 pm
I would assume Bobby would like Prado to get some work at 1b before the regular season starts.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
7:30 pm
Prado just hit a ball hard to left, but you’d never know it from where it landed — wind held it up.
THEN KAWAKAMI singles through the right side — first hit of the game for either team.
You wouldn’t have believed how balls were being crushed to left field during BP and literally landing halfway between the infield and warning track, just turned into popups by the wind.
radoncbravesfan
March 25th, 2009
7:30 pm
Nice at bat for KK, base hit to right
Minnesota Jacket
March 25th, 2009
7:30 pm
does anyone have the gameday cast of this? also TN Id rather have Kotchman be fully recovered by next week than trying to battle back at 50% and maybe get dehydrated or have something worse happen to him…
Frankie Knucles
March 25th, 2009
7:31 pm
Man, a good flu can bring you to your knees.
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
7:31 pm
Josh Anderson sucks.
TN Jeff
March 25th, 2009
7:33 pm
OK – I’ll cut Kotchman some slack. You guys sound pretty confident he’s gonna produce.
wilymo
March 25th, 2009
7:34 pm
Ok as someone who actually knows Soriano personally I kind of feel like I need to take his back here with all the slamming. (And if you have doubts, I’ll get in touch with DOB somehow, who knows maybe I can arrange something).
For people to imply that he’s sandbaggin or faking injuries you guys need a reality check. Do you really think a guy in a contract year would jeopardize any chance of a payday to make up things like asthma and a side strain? I realize that he brings a lot of it onto himself because he’s quiet and doesn’t really talk to the media. But if you did some digging, you’d see that the guy worked his tail off this offseason to get ready for the season because he really does feel the need to live up to his contract. He’s been having the asthma issues since December and had it checked out when he was in Atlanta in January. It wasn’t some mysterious ailment he came up with when he arrived to Spring Training.
As far as last year goes, what most people don’t realize is that he really was trying to pitch through an inordinate amount of pain/uncomfort. Perhaps he would have been better served just getting the surgery done from the get-go instead of numerous attempts to rest and rehab. Because in retrospect it made it look like he was just healthy when he wanted to be. And not to knock the medical people, but perhaps its time they get some upgraded equipment at Peachtree Orthopedic because why would numerous MRI’s apparently show nothing and then Dr. Andrews does one and figures out what’s causing the discomfort. Same thing happened to Mike Gonzalez. How many MRI’s did it take until they finally realized ummm he has a torn ligament.
The other thing to keep in mind, is that pitchers know their bodies better than anyone else. If you followed his career in Seattle, he tried pitching through his elbow pain and that eventually led to a torn ligament. I think since then, he probably has been more cautious. It’s funny as a player you’re really damned if you do, damned if you don’t. If you pitch through pain, everyone thinks you’re a warrior, that is until you eventually hurt yourself, then people start questioning your intelligence.
I think if he opened up more to the people writing the stories, it’d be a lot easier to understand the guy. And for that, he has nobody to blame but himself. But as far as him having no heart, I think it’s a little harsh. Go back to 2007 in his first year when he had more than a few times where he pitched 3-4 days in a row and set career highs in innings and appearances. Did he just flip a switch when he got the money? I doubt it because I think he has a lot higher hopes for his future earnings to jeopardize that by making up injuries.
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
7:35 pm
DOB, have you noticed that McCann has dropped like 2/3 of the pitches before throwing it back to Kawakami?
Minnesota Jacket
March 25th, 2009
7:35 pm
There is a difference between a guy whos going through family issues where normal everyday people like us can relate…compared to Soriano’s mystery ailments which just PI SS us all off haha
mbatl
March 25th, 2009
7:36 pm
Oh, mama, can this really be the end? To be stuck inside of J’ville with those Braves blues again….
Can’t watch, can’t listen (blew 15 bucks on the mlb audio package, thinking that because I’m out of town a lot it would help, but they never have our games – maybe it’ll pay off later in the year). Updates much appreciated.
Minnesota Jacket, HERE is the Gameday broadcast. It’s awfully slow on updates during ST, but I guess better than nothing.
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
7:36 pm
Prado crushed that ball to left and it was halfway from the outfield grass to the track when it landed.
And Chipper just gave up on that – probably a good thing – and it landed fair.
Tomas
March 25th, 2009
7:37 pm
Kawakami get’s it to 89-91mph, with a good curveball.
Il Cattivo
March 25th, 2009
7:38 pm
Its good to see Kawakami in action. He comes to the plate after a very deliberate wind-up. Kinda like Daisuke except that he doesnt have that silly rocking action at the top.
Minnesota Jacket
March 25th, 2009
7:38 pm
Thanks mbatl…I get nothing up here haha
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
7:39 pm
Nine up, nine down against Kawakami so far. He doesn’t overwhelm; you don’t get a since you’re watching someone dominate. But he’s getting outs. Has two strikeouts, including Dukes and the pitcher (for the third out in the third inning)
Cherokee
March 25th, 2009
7:40 pm
There are people in the organization who say that Soriano’s act has gotten more than a bit tiresome.
perhaps the reason that we ot him so cheaply
Il Cattivo
March 25th, 2009
7:40 pm
Stan Kasten sounds like Richard Simmons.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
7:42 pm
Sharp single for Escobar, brings up Chipper with none out in the fourth
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
7:42 pm
Announcers say bad hop but that looked like Zimmerman misplayed it a little bit.
Chop Chop
March 25th, 2009
7:42 pm
A good flu can kill. You know, like the Spanish flu of 1918. That killed, oh, about 500,000-700,000 people in the U.S.
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
7:43 pm
Whoooooooop
Ritchie from Scotland
March 25th, 2009
7:43 pm
welcome back CHIPPER! 2 run homer
JerseyGil
March 25th, 2009
7:43 pm
Chipper go Deep
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
7:43 pm
Chipper CRUSHES a 1-0 pitch way over the RF wall.
Epinephrine
March 25th, 2009
7:43 pm
Really great point Mikeyy. Care to drop any more wisdom on us?
Tomas
March 25th, 2009
7:43 pm
2 run homer Chipper.
vabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
7:43 pm
wooow chipper just crushed a 2 run HR
winterville
March 25th, 2009
7:43 pm
Lotta Braves fans at the park. Nice cheers for Chipper on that dinger.
Steve McP
March 25th, 2009
7:44 pm
This C Jones guy they just called up looks pretty good – think he should stay on the roster
radoncbravesfan
March 25th, 2009
7:44 pm
chipper goes yard to right
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
7:44 pm
Millidge looks a dork with the way his hat just sort of floats on top of his dreads.
jonatuga
March 25th, 2009
7:44 pm
that was a bomb
Minnesota Jacket
March 25th, 2009
7:45 pm
That a way HOSS…I guess when your swing sux it only take a little while to make it not haha
Rob from SC
March 25th, 2009
7:45 pm
good rip by Francoeur
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
7:45 pm
McCann just hit a loong flyout to the CF track. Probably out of the park without the wind, which is blowing across the field from left to right most of the time.
then FRANCOEUR droves a ball to the L-C gap. Impressive knock into the wind. really hit that ball hard for a double.
vabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
7:45 pm
Jeff’s turn…only got a double though but hit it hard through that wind
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
7:45 pm
Damn, Frenchy just nked one through the wind to the base of the LC wall.
Steve from OH
March 25th, 2009
7:45 pm
Wow Frenchy musta really tagged that 2B if DOB is telling the truth about the wind.
Epinephrine
March 25th, 2009
7:45 pm
That would have been a HR without the wind
Ritchie from Scotland
March 25th, 2009
7:45 pm
Jeff doubles. He’s looking better hope it stays that way
Tomas
March 25th, 2009
7:45 pm
Frenchy double.
jonatuga
March 25th, 2009
7:46 pm
he did tag it
Epinephrine
March 25th, 2009
7:47 pm
Man Kelly just got robbed too.
Tomas
March 25th, 2009
7:47 pm
Wow what a play the Nats made. Robbed Kelly of a hit.
Jeff321
March 25th, 2009
7:47 pm
Wow, I don’t see how Kelly Johnson didn’t beat that out. I wonder if he was running hard the whole way or watching the ball.. Seems like the latter to me from the replay.
Rob from SC
March 25th, 2009
7:47 pm
nice play by Hernandez
Rob from SC
March 25th, 2009
7:48 pm
Nick Johnson got lucky
wilymo
March 25th, 2009
7:48 pm
As far as people thinking he’s got some mental issues, you know what he probably does. He has a huge extended family in the Dominican Republic that he’s extremely close to. Last year was probably one of the toughest years for him personally. Not being able to pitch, and as a result he basically just stayed in Atlanta and waited for his arm to get better. Imagine working overseas, not being able to do what you were there to do in the first place, and not able to see your family and kids for 6 months. It wore on him as the season went on. Not trying to sound like a Soriano apologist, but there’s a lot more stuff that goes on that the casual observer doesn’t see.
spotts
March 25th, 2009
7:49 pm
“He makes a perfect throw – Nick Johnson scoops it out of the dirt.”
These announcers are horrible.
spotts
March 25th, 2009
7:49 pm
And is Kelly Johnson wearing a diaper? It sure looks like it
Bobby's Cox
March 25th, 2009
7:50 pm
I had a flu last year that was pretty bad. Lasted about 2 days then came back out of nowhere and was even worse and lasted another 2-3 days. Worse flu by far i’ve ever had. Should’ve gone to the doctor because I honestly felt like I was dying. I remember laying in bed and getting woken up by hands which felt like they were on fire. Fever was 105. Yes the flu can get serious. I hope it doesn’t slow Casey down because you fans have been all over him. I think it’s important for him to get off to a good start.
ncbravesgirl
March 25th, 2009
7:51 pm
Stupid Time Warner Cable.
winterville
March 25th, 2009
7:52 pm
That’s not Wily Mo Pena is it?
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
7:52 pm
Guzman doubled to L-C, Diaz playing shallow due to wind, which had actually died quite a bit. didn’t hold up the ball at all.
Epinephrine
March 25th, 2009
7:53 pm
KK gets in trouble leaving that breaking ball and fastball up. If he leaves that stuff up he is going to get ripped.
Rob from SC
March 25th, 2009
7:53 pm
Kawakami better pitch the ball down in the zone
jonatuga
March 25th, 2009
7:53 pm
thats what i was thinkin winterville
Mekons
March 25th, 2009
7:54 pm
That was a pretty impressive play by the Nats 2B.
vabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
7:54 pm
KK got lucky with the wind there and Zimmerman’s long drive
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
7:54 pm
Zimmerman hit a BOMB straight into the wind, Anderson caught it on the warning track. That was a shot, folks. Would’ve been a two-run bomb without the wind, no doubt.
Tomas
March 25th, 2009
7:55 pm
KK leaving the ball up this inning.
Epinephrine
March 25th, 2009
7:55 pm
They are teeing off on him now. I’ll be surprised if Dunn doesn’t take him deep.
cvbraves
March 25th, 2009
7:55 pm
Notice Infante at SS…guess Yunel’s ok.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
7:56 pm
He walked Dunn, after Dunn hit a screaming foul ball.
Minnesota Jacket
March 25th, 2009
7:57 pm
hey DOB has it just been this inning where the pitches have been up?? If so can you tell if hes trying to iron out a pitch that is just giving him problems…or is it trying to locate his fastball thats hurting him
vabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
7:57 pm
Tough play for diory 2-1
Epinephrine
March 25th, 2009
7:57 pm
Also, Diory Hernandez is absolutely atrocious on D.
cvbraves
March 25th, 2009
7:57 pm
Hernandez at 2nd? Error.
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
7:57 pm
Kawakami is the only Japanese guy who doesn’t nibble.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
7:57 pm
Credited Dukes with a hit, even though Diory clearly could have gotten Dunn at second base if he hadn’t booted the ball (Diory H. is in at 2B now)
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
7:58 pm
As I typed that, scorekeeper changed the hit to an E on Diory.
TnBrian
March 25th, 2009
7:58 pm
wilymo, since most on here are peeing themselves in excitement over a practice game, I’ll respond to your post. I don’t know if you really know Soriano, but looking at it from that perspective, I would back him up on how fishy it looks through a fans eyes. But, nobody really knows for sure except for Soriano himself. The guy is very important for this team, so lets hope you’re right.
vabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
7:58 pm
Supposively they just gave diory an error on the play
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
7:58 pm
Anyone for Royce Ring? Just released.
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
7:59 pm
Diory Hernandez has a pathetic glove.
Tomas
March 25th, 2009
7:59 pm
Diory Hernandez needs to work in his defense. Has had a lot of errors this spring.
jonatuga
March 25th, 2009
7:59 pm
changed to an error
winterville
March 25th, 2009
7:59 pm
I like Kawakami from what I’ve seen. I think he’ll be just fine.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
7:59 pm
Heard a scout crack a joke about Adam Dunn’s defensive prowess tonight before the game.
“He has an allergy,” the scout said. “He’s allergic to leather.”
mbatl
March 25th, 2009
7:59 pm
Yeah, according to Gameday they changed the scoring. Geez, Diory makes an error pretty much every time he’s given playing time.
bravos11
March 25th, 2009
7:59 pm
DOB-
Is Yunel ok? I see that he left the game?
KC
March 25th, 2009
8:01 pm
KK got the ball up a little too much in that last inning. Maybe starting to tire just a bit.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
8:02 pm
Without that wind, we’d have seen at least three homers tonight to left, including Prado’s flyout that was just caught at the track.
Minnesota Jacket
March 25th, 2009
8:02 pm
starting to tire out after 4 innings of work…I hope to god not…
Tomas
March 25th, 2009
8:02 pm
Man that wind has robbed 3 homers already, prado crushed it.
Jay212033
March 25th, 2009
8:03 pm
These announcers are definitely one-sided!
vabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
8:03 pm
hahah if they have dukes and dunn in outfield it will be a long year for them wow
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
8:03 pm
Wow. A two-handed drop by the RF’r
jonatuga
March 25th, 2009
8:03 pm
that was hilarious
Bobby's Cox
March 25th, 2009
8:03 pm
So would that have been 2 bombs for Prado tonight?
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
8:03 pm
It’s not just Adam Dunn that can look foolish in RF — Dukes just had a fly ball bounce off his glove, letting Kawakami reach base a second time.
Then Anderson grounded into a DP
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
8:03 pm
Anderson 0-3, 2 pop out and a 4-6-3 DP.
Jay212033
March 25th, 2009
8:03 pm
Um……………Anderson sucks!!!!!!
Epinephrine
March 25th, 2009
8:04 pm
Anderson shows patience and working the count in an effort to up his OBP…by swinging at the first pitch. Ground out.
Il Cattivo
March 25th, 2009
8:06 pm
Their outfield is pretty bad huh.
Milledge took a crazy route on the McCann flyball. Dukes drops a sitter and Dunn.. well.
Combined with their pitching staff it might be pretty high scoring everytime we play them.
Jay212033
March 25th, 2009
8:06 pm
Epinephrine,
LOL! That’s what he’s doing huh?
Snuffy
March 25th, 2009
8:06 pm
Observations after seeing Kawakami the first time.
When the hitters are in mid season form, that high curveball he keeps throwing will end up in the seats instead of being slapped to an infielder.
If he continues to work from that long, exaggerated windup instead of the stretch when a runner is on third, there will be a few steals of home against him.
Daybed Wagmoe
March 25th, 2009
8:06 pm
I thought Anderson’s speed was supposed to cancel out double plays. No?
wilymo
March 25th, 2009
8:07 pm
TnBrian,
Maybe somehow I’ll get in touch with DOB to confirm my identity, I see him at the ballpark everyday, although I’ve never met him.
I do realize everyone’s frustrations because Soriano is very guarded when it comes to expressing himself. He makes a lot of situations look worse for himself because nobody knows what’s actually going on half the time. Unfortunately he kind of has the attitude of he doesn’t worry what other people think (which I guess is something that a guy like A-Rod could use more of) but he needs to find a way to find a middle ground.
Tomas
March 25th, 2009
8:07 pm
KK, seems he can be very succesful in the majors but needs to keep the ball down. He has a reputation of great control in Japan. He did win a cy young in Japan(were Dice K, Darvish, among other great pitchers pitch.).
vabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
8:08 pm
Nice breaking ball by KK for the K
Rob from SC
March 25th, 2009
8:08 pm
curve was nasty
Doc Holiday
March 25th, 2009
8:08 pm
There is something I hate more than muts announcers…….and that is nats announcers…….they just talk as if the nats were such a good team, it just makes me sick. And they did the same thing all of last season. I hope our braves just make them swallow their words.
One more thing…….I dont like Anderson much hitting leadoff…….he doesnt even works the count, and he hits line drives almost all the time, doesnt know how to slap the ball and find the holes…… Give me Schafer Bobby.
Rob from SC
March 25th, 2009
8:09 pm
If Anderson gets the job over Schafer, it is all about saving money
cmac1919
March 25th, 2009
8:09 pm
That’s ridiculous, they pretty much handed the CF job to Josh Anderson and he’s just throwing right back in their face.
Gregor for CF. (Because I think it’s become clear that no matter how well Jordan Schafer plays, he’s going to start this year in the minors)
Epinephrine
March 25th, 2009
8:10 pm
Great curve…then leaves two up. Still, I’m satisfied with what I’ve seen so far. He definitely leaves it up when he gets tired, but he could be a nice option.
RLPmetro
March 25th, 2009
8:10 pm
Jay212033…of course the announcers are one-sided. They are paid by the Nationals.
18Wheels…you must have missed the Mythbuster episode where they did, in fact, polish a turd.
Doc Holiday
March 25th, 2009
8:10 pm
On the other hand……Hernandez still has lots of work to do with the glove before he even becomes a trade bait.
JF…….I like the job you have been doing…….keep the hard work boy.
Snuffy
March 25th, 2009
8:11 pm
He took A LOT off that last curveball. That one was like an ephus pitch. That other curve he’s been throwing is the one that worries me.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
8:11 pm
Kawakami just threw a big ol’ slow curve for a called strike to Wily Mo Pena, to get ahead 1-2.
Then a ball…
Bobby's Cox
March 25th, 2009
8:11 pm
WIlymo,
Are you Soriano’s agent or what? His wife? If you’re his wife, you’re pretty hot btw…
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
8:12 pm
Then an even slower curve that slipped out of his hand, ball three….
Then walked him.
Jeff321
March 25th, 2009
8:12 pm
Somebody page Carroll Rogers!!
I finally saw KK’s dirty curve! WOOOOOO!
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
8:13 pm
Kawakami has a smooth delivery but is very herky jerky between pitches.
Mekons
March 25th, 2009
8:13 pm
The announcers have to build up excitement for a pretty bad team. Give them a break. Their lineup is pretty good, a lot better than last year, but their pitching is pretty defective.
Jay212033
March 25th, 2009
8:14 pm
RLPmetro,
That doesn’t mean you have to be one-sided. The Mets announcers were not this one-sided!
RLPmetro
March 25th, 2009
8:15 pm
Doc Holliday,
The Nats kicked our Braves arse last year, so of course they were singing their praises when the Braves played them last year. You folks really need to get over the fact that announcers are rooting for the teams that they work for. It’s their job! If they were acting impartial, then they would work for ESPN. If you were a Nats fan, you would be loving the announcing. It is the way things are evolving in the world of sports announcing. Just get over it and move on!
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
8:15 pm
Snuffy, if he keeps the curveball down in the zone that’ll be the strikeout pitch. And nobody steals home.
vabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
8:15 pm
groundout to end the inning. Diory showing improvement by catching the flip from infante
Bobby's Cox
March 25th, 2009
8:16 pm
i wonder if KK’s shoulder tires fast from throwing the heavier US ball, which then elevates his pitches. I’m starting to doubt him being ready for the season. Seems like a great pitcher if he can keep the stuff down, which he can without any endurance(3 innings?). Maybe he should do some shoulder strengthening exercises…
Tomas
March 25th, 2009
8:16 pm
KK, has throws a 4 seamer or 2 seamer?
wilymo
March 25th, 2009
8:16 pm
Bobby’s Cox,
Na I’m a close friend of his that happens to check out the blog a lot. You guys are pretty entertaining, but man you guys sure jump on and off the bandwagon alot heh. Smoltz goes from being beloved to everyone being mad he took a better offer, people are about to start thinking Kotchman is a big wimp, etc. etc.
Tim-Braves Lifer
March 25th, 2009
8:16 pm
i’ve come to the conclusion that not only is Rob Dibble the worst analyst i’ver ever heard but he is also blind!!
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
8:17 pm
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090325&content_id=4065994&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
Ritchie from Scotland
March 25th, 2009
8:17 pm
Snuffy…what do you mean nobody steals home? As far as I know it’s happened quite alot in the history of baseball…
Ritchie from Scotland
March 25th, 2009
8:18 pm
sorry that was at PWHjort
Bobby's Cox
March 25th, 2009
8:18 pm
RLPmetro,
I disagree. The best baseball announcer announces his games pretty impartially. And eloquently if I may add. His name is Vin Scully. Hate the Dodgers, love Vinny.
BF Dawg Fan
March 25th, 2009
8:19 pm
I believe he’s only given up 1 hit and its like he’s lucky. If Hanson had this outing you folks would be going nuts about him not being in atlanta to start the season
Ritchie from Scotland
March 25th, 2009
8:20 pm
I know how important he is to the Dodgers and the history of baseball etc but I hate listening to Vin Scully.
vabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
8:21 pm
Guys I think chipper will be just fine just got a double
C's
March 25th, 2009
8:21 pm
What up with Diory’s defense? 6 errors in limited time? Ouch!
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
8:21 pm
Nice double poked down LF line by Hoss, who goes in sliding … and comes up uninjured.
Seymour1948
March 25th, 2009
8:21 pm
I believe the expression is you can’t steal first base.
cabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
8:21 pm
Bobby’s Cox
Are you from L.A.? Growing up there was nothing more enjoyable to me then listening to Vin Scully late at night when I was supposed to be asleep…
Snuffy
March 25th, 2009
8:21 pm
PWHjort
That’s the key, keeping the curve DOWN in the zone. I was more impressed with the fact that in the last inning, he actually changed speed on the curve.
As for stealing home, yeah……guys will steal home even in this day and age. Let a Jose Reyes, Victorino, Jimmy Rollins or any number of speed guys reach third when Kawakami pitches from the windup. If he pitches from the windup with speed at third, someone will get him before the season is over….. I’ll bet on it.
cvbraves
March 25th, 2009
8:21 pm
Bobby’s Vox: I second your last comment.
RLPmetro
March 25th, 2009
8:22 pm
Bobby’s Cox (love the name btw),
You are living in the past! I won’t disagree about Vin Scully. He is great. But he is old school. That is my point. The wave of the future is the homer announcer. See, the networks are trying to generate buzz and interest in the squad. As a Nats fan, you wouldn’t be tuning in game after game with announcers talking about how the team sucks! They are trying to get viewers to keep coming back. That’s why you will see more and more homer announcers.
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
8:22 pm
Dibble confuses Chipper’s ailment and says his groin was hurt during the WBC.
Fleming
March 25th, 2009
8:22 pm
only problem with Chipper is he hit that rally killer HR earlier
mbatl
March 25th, 2009
8:22 pm
Sounds like folks see a lot of flaws with KK. Man, his ST ERA is down to 1.23… but maybe it’s just because he’s not seeing bigtime hitters. Don’t know. Still haven’t seen him pitch, dammit.
Looks like Chipper is coming around though, and that’s a good thing.
Mekons
March 25th, 2009
8:23 pm
Well, that takes away my worries about Chopper.
vabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
8:23 pm
not to make it seem worse but diory has 7 not 6 errors. He got this one at 2b which I don’t think is his best position.
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
8:24 pm
When’s the last recorded incident of someone stealing home in a non suicide squeeze situation? Probably a long time ago.
vabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
8:24 pm
infield single rbi for frenchy
RLPmetro
March 25th, 2009
8:24 pm
Bobby’s Cox…I also meant to say that it isn’t the fan like you or I that the networks are trying to lure. We are gonna watch no matter what. It’s the fringe fan that they are trying to lure with the homer announcers.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
8:25 pm
Francoeur drives in Chipper with an infield hit, after Chipper had advanced on a groundout.
Brandon aka DukeBoy
March 25th, 2009
8:25 pm
just getting on the blog…nice to see Larry Wayne Jones, Jr. sending one deep.
BF Dawg Fan
March 25th, 2009
8:26 pm
was Diory not in Rome with Jeff and B Mac
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
8:26 pm
Kip Wells has pitched this inning, by the way. He’s non-roster in this camp.
ncscoots
March 25th, 2009
8:26 pm
only problem with Chipper is he hit that rally killer HR earlier
Well, he DID count on the wind keeping it in the park, LOL. Not his fault. No kangaroo court fine for killing the rally…
Cherokee
March 25th, 2009
8:27 pm
I know how important he is to the Dodgers and the history of baseball etc but I hate listening to Vin Scully. Ritchie
Say what? on his worst day Vin is still the best announcer in baseball
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
8:27 pm
bad call at first
RLPmetro
March 25th, 2009
8:27 pm
WOW…Hernandez was clearly safe there
Fleming
March 25th, 2009
8:28 pm
But if he hit a double then Frenchies double scores the two and rally still alive
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
8:29 pm
Gonzo’s in to pitch. Chipper and Mac out of game now
vabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
8:29 pm
I love how the first base umpire has made a couple of calls very dramatic in spring training
Bobby's Cox
March 25th, 2009
8:30 pm
cabravesfan,
Yes, i live in LA (la verne, claremont, san dimas, pomona area if you’re familiar) and am a TBS byproduct fan.
I loved listening to Vinny announce the home games (road games were televised) with my great grandmother while she played solitaire on her desk in the late 80’s, early 90’s. She always a crush on Vinny.
Ritchie from Scotland
March 25th, 2009
8:30 pm
I remember it happening twice in 1996 where somebody stole 2nd, 3rd and home in the same inning. Somebody from the Rockies and an AL team I can’t remember.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
8:30 pm
Guzman single to left on a 92-mph fastball
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
8:30 pm
MIke Gonzales should not have any say in his nickname…he is the Cobra.
Epinephrine
March 25th, 2009
8:31 pm
Nice throw Josh. Nice to see Gonzo hitting 92.
cmac1919
March 25th, 2009
8:31 pm
Josh Anderson has a terrible arm
Ritchie from Scotland
March 25th, 2009
8:31 pm
Cherokee – i’m not saying other people are wrong to think him the best. Surely like music we all have different opinions on what we like to listen to, I don’t like listening to Vin. No matter how good an announcer he is.
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
8:32 pm
Anderson’s weak arm and semi-lackadaisical charge on the ball allowed runner from 1st to 3rd.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
8:32 pm
Zimmerman singles up middle, goes to second on throw, runners at second and third for Dunn.
Strikes him out.
vabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
8:32 pm
vintage adam dunn right there with the k
Snuffy
March 25th, 2009
8:32 pm
PWHjort
I’ll try to look up the “stealing home” question shortly.
One reason you don’t see many steals of home these days is because virtually all pitchers work from the stretch with a guy on third.
Kawakami was featuring that exaggerated, slow windup with a guy on third. Maybe he’ll pitch from the stretch in that situation when the season starts. If not, we’ll see.
vabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
8:33 pm
2 run double by dukes all tied now
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
8:33 pm
Dukes hit a hanging curveball to left, two-run double.
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
8:33 pm
Gonzales not fooling anyone other than Dunn.
RLPmetro
March 25th, 2009
8:34 pm
Here we go again! Thinking the bullpen is solid, and they are starting to give it up. Although at least the starters should help the pen out more this year.
cabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
8:34 pm
Bobby’s Cox
Yeah I know the area…I am also a TBS byproduct fan (and as a result of 11 year old logic) Listened to Vin do a preseason game on Sunday- I had almost forgotten how wonderful his voice is
KC
March 25th, 2009
8:34 pm
Gonzo has given up a few hits, but that’s not really a concern for a closer. A lot of closers suck when they’re not in closer situations. He’s throwing about 92mph, so his velocity his fine. Hopefully, what Gonzo said about his velocity will hold true, and he’ll be back up in the mid-90’s when the bell rings next month.
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
8:35 pm
Gonzalez = the pit viper.
Tomas
March 25th, 2009
8:36 pm
Gonzales is just to wild at times. He is what you call effectively wild.
vabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
8:36 pm
wow nick johnson with the steal. Out by half a mile
Jay212033
March 25th, 2009
8:37 pm
RLPmetro,
Nobody’s talking about announers dissin their own team, we’re talking about them being very one-sided!
cabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
8:37 pm
When was the last time anyone saw a catcher lollipop a throw down to 2nd and get the guy by 6 feet?
DCDave
March 25th, 2009
8:37 pm
Lotta folks need to get more serious during working hours, particularly these days, or do you think companys can’t monitor internet usage? Wish the Braves, the country & the President the best, because Lord knows, we all need it. Enjoy the blog, most of the commentary, and any place dedicated to Mr. Cash rates high in my book. We’re getting close to needing some Woody Guthrie. Best to all.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
8:38 pm
Another RBI hit, before runner is thrown out stealing — only the second out, and Gonzo has given up four hits and three runs. Yikes. This ain’t pretty.
Throwing 92 on the gun, not much movement I can see, and hanging curveballs — another of which just got hit up the middle for the fifth hit of the inning.
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
8:38 pm
The hitch in Gonzo’s delivey is that he slows his arm speed on every surve and change up. Really easy to detect and he doesn’t have much command when he slows it down.
Fleming
March 25th, 2009
8:39 pm
Dont worry about monitoring at work. I run the servers.
Jeff321
March 25th, 2009
8:39 pm
I wouldn’t put much stock in any pitcher tonight.. Last check the wind was blowing SSE @ 20MPH. So, its got to be hanging up pitches too, eh?
Btw, did Infante just dog that play at SS? He sure didn’t exert much effort.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
8:39 pm
Inning over. Damage done. Concerns raised.
Oh, and Nats ahead 4-3.
vabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
8:39 pm
Don’t look good for the nats 2nd baseman as he limps down the line
Joe
March 25th, 2009
8:39 pm
nice to see gonzo is gettin people out……
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
8:39 pm
His fastball looks really flat and evidently easy to time.
Dude running to first just hurt his hammy or achilles.
Bobby's Cox
March 25th, 2009
8:39 pm
RLPmetro (thanks for the name props btw),
I understand networks are trying to get the fringe fan. However, there’s nothing more annoying than the HR announcer or the Fox TV crew that shows the bleachers on a flyout. The HR era in baseball is slowly dwindling, the HR announcers should too. And, with more people about to stay home due to the economy, networks should start hiring guys that can paint a baseball game again with their words. Maybe that will bring some of the lost tradition back to the game that was tarnished during the roids era. Seems like that’s what people love most about baseball, its tradition.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 25th, 2009
8:40 pm
That was an ugly inning from Gonzo. His fastball looked slow, he was up in the zone and all over the place.
RLPmetro
March 25th, 2009
8:40 pm
Jay212033…I know you aren’t talking about them dissing their teams. I said that when they cover a team that stinks, it’s really up to them to help keep the viewers coming back. If being a homer for the team that is paying them is good for viewership…which it is…then it’s a small price to pay.
mbatl
March 25th, 2009
8:40 pm
Geez, Gameday has completely frozen up after 6 innings.
KC, sure hope your optimism about Gonzo is justified. He just doesn’t seem to have much at all, which is a problem for a, uh, closer.
Rob from SC
March 25th, 2009
8:40 pm
Boyer will be the closer by mid season. I am big on Boyer’s talent
CaliChopper
March 25th, 2009
8:40 pm
Bobby’s Cox, I’m from that same place tho I did live in ATL for awhile. Lasorda was in town last Sat. infact
RHR
March 25th, 2009
8:41 pm
teacher – very interesting article you linked a few pages back. A raft for furniture? LMAO I mean….who ….what…..wow.
Ross
March 25th, 2009
8:41 pm
DOB, dude, I’m worried about you. That song is about breaking up with a suicidal actress. What the fielder does this have to do with anything? Are you a DJ or a beat writer? Stick to baseball! Can’t you throw up some home videos of Hanson pitching?
-drl
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
8:41 pm
Jeff321, how does a wind blowing in from left field “hold up” pitches?
vabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
8:42 pm
haha dibble says “I don’t want to speculate on the injury but normally means a hamstring injury”. Good hire by the nats. Don’t think he is a good replacement for sutton
booquinn
March 25th, 2009
8:43 pm
Enough of the John Smoltz updates with his picture on AJC.com sports tonight, he decided that he did not want to be in Atlanta anymore so leave it to the Boston papers to report on his progress.
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
8:44 pm
Heyward up. Wind blowing to right. Watch out Melbourne.
Lew
March 25th, 2009
8:45 pm
You can say what you want about Vin Scully being old school, or whatever, but does anyone seriously think he would have talked about Chipper’s “groin” injury? He never would make mistakes like that.
Ritchie from Scotland
March 25th, 2009
8:45 pm
12:45 am in Glasgow and time to hit the hay. Still not on baseball time, i’m having my own spring training. Many many many lates nights to come this summer.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 25th, 2009
8:46 pm
David Price, 2-0 with an ERA of 1.08 and the Tampa Rays option him to the minors.
WOW.
phishing with the braves
March 25th, 2009
8:46 pm
DOB, i really enjoy reading your stuff and your opinions of the bravos. but what is the love fest with anderson’s defense all about? i just dont get it….
WestPalmDawg
March 25th, 2009
8:47 pm
Not sure about Gonzo….just heard the Nats, formerly the Expos, took 12 of 18 from the Braves last year.
It it’s me, you look Anderson and Schafer. We have to have some pop out of our outfield. Period.
DOB, you heading to Bay Hill this weekend?
Tomas
March 25th, 2009
8:47 pm
The Nationals still have all their regulars in.
Couch Tater
March 25th, 2009
8:47 pm
There’s been a lot of wind from left field on the blog today.
Jay212033
March 25th, 2009
8:47 pm
“Heyward up. Wind blowing to right. Watch out Melbourne.”
Watch out Space Shuttle LOL!
RLPmetro
March 25th, 2009
8:47 pm
Bobby’s Cox,
I wasn’t referring to HR announcers. I am referring to announcers who are “homers” or schills, so to speak, for the teams that they cover. It is really what they are paid to do these days. Back when there was only a couple games on a week, it was the impartial announcer that was successful. But, with every team having its own network, and fans being able to watch games covered only by their announcers, the announcer who is partisan is the way the industry is going. So it’s kind of pointless to complain about the announcers being one-sided, because you could complain about it every night. You know what I am saying?
Jeff Blauser
March 25th, 2009
8:48 pm
DOB,
After a long day at the lab, a bacon pizza, and a few pitchers of Dogfish 60 minute IPA, I found myself at the CD store here in Blacksburg Va. Bought Better than Creation’s Dark. Lovin it.
Go Braves.
Joe
March 25th, 2009
8:49 pm
rob dibble is a douche
vabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
8:49 pm
moylan is pitching now
Jeff321
March 25th, 2009
8:50 pm
DOB, I was trying by best “homer impression” and making an excuse for Gonzo.
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
8:50 pm
Jeff, you mean “Brighter than Creation’s Dark”, the DBT record? It’s decent, but I prefer Southern Rock Opera, Decoration Day, and The Dirty South.
Joe
March 25th, 2009
8:51 pm
did i hear the nats starter say that they’re going to be a contender? haha. lets make moylan the closer if gonzo or soriano cant get the fastball up to the mid 90s range
cabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
8:51 pm
Moylan is looking pretty good tonight
cvbraves
March 25th, 2009
8:52 pm
How about Gonza to get lefties, and Moylan as closer?
Rob from SC
March 25th, 2009
8:53 pm
Moylan-Boyer-Medlen will lead the bullpen. Hopefully Gonzalez rights the ship
cabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
8:54 pm
Nice to see the Nats guys finally get around to talking about the game
Tomas
March 25th, 2009
8:54 pm
Moylan’s getting it to 90mph with a lot of movement.
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
8:54 pm
I could see Moylan end up as the closer.
wilymo
March 25th, 2009
8:54 pm
Looks like everyone is off the Gonzo bandwagon…who’s next
Joe
March 25th, 2009
8:54 pm
moylan’s got wicked mvt. on the sinker and i think it can induce strikeouts
RandyB
March 25th, 2009
8:54 pm
Moylan is looking pretty good tonight
Until he walked the next batter
ncscoots
March 25th, 2009
8:55 pm
networks should start hiring guys that can paint a baseball game again with their words
Man, I hope Sutton doesn’t see THAT suggestion! Mercy.
Bobby’s, the only thing wrong with that is that TV doesn’t need the loquacious, it needs the succinct. Guys who fill the pauses in the action informatively, not wax eloquently about the grass-sky-geometry.
Radio’s a different story, and it’s difficult to find guys who can do both well. I know most folks here detest Jon Miller for his ESPN work, but the guy is absolutely terrific on radio. Go figure.
Anyway, I’ve been around long enough to have heard some great radio PBP guys, and I’d agree that the best ones can put you right in the stadium. But for TV, I want the guy to say “Here’s the pitch…”, and shut the heck up, LOL.
Jeff Blauser
March 25th, 2009
8:55 pm
PWHjort,
Was that my only typo? Sweet! Also own Decoration Day, but am still relatively new to the DBT. Also, it’s worth noting that I made that post after listening to the first 3 tracks. Also, watching the game on mlb.tv. Also like twix bars. Also Go Braves.
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
8:56 pm
Wonder why Moylan ditched the glasses?
KC
March 25th, 2009
8:56 pm
One of the Nats announcers just commented that Moylan throws from… down under. walka walka walka.
Corny joke… can’t believe I never thought of it!
Daybed Wagmoe
March 25th, 2009
8:57 pm
Jeff — “Brighter Than Creation’s Dark” was one of last year’s best albums, if not the best one of 2008. Terrific album from start to finish. Glad you’re digging it.
Joe
March 25th, 2009
8:57 pm
naw, i love gonzo and hope he can get it back to the dominating stuff. he belongs as closer and moylan as nasty setup man. but if he can’t throw 95…who knows.
Zachary
March 25th, 2009
8:57 pm
WOW! Moylan’s throwing more filth than G.G. Allin.
RLPmetro
March 25th, 2009
8:58 pm
ncscoots…nice post. I agree whole heartedly.
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
8:58 pm
I was just making sure you’re talking about the DBT record. They’re one of my favorite bands. I highly recommend Southern Rock Opera.
cabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
8:58 pm
RandyB-
Yeah, my bad- didn’t mean to curse Pete.
Hard to imagine Moylan not being ready to open the season- he looks ready to go
18 Wheels-
Pete had lasik surgery last year when he was recovering from Tommy John
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
8:58 pm
Josh getting a long look tonight.
Pennski
March 25th, 2009
8:59 pm
is this game on tv???
RLPmetro
March 25th, 2009
9:00 pm
The wave…UGHHH…seriously, when is it going to die!
Jeff Blauser
March 25th, 2009
9:00 pm
18,
Reckon this is the show me something or go on waivers stage for JA?
Jeff Blauser
March 25th, 2009
9:01 pm
PWHjort,
Thanks for the recommendation. Frankly, I wouldn’t know who they are without DOB’s endorsement.
KC
March 25th, 2009
9:02 pm
mbatl, well no, seriously man… it’s not really optimism. It’s a statement of fact. It is one of the most common things in baseball for a closer to look bad with you bring him into non-save (or game-on-the-line) situations.
We’ve all seen it a million times. You throw a closer into a laugher just to get him some work, and he gives up more runs in that outing than he will over the next 15 outings. Certainly a spring training outing doesn’t duplicate that adrenaline-fueled environment guys like him thrive on.
Gonzo’s stuff isn’t any different from what it was when he first arrived here, and he was wicked before he went down in early ‘07. He was even pretty good last year coming off the TJ surgery.
As long as he’s in the low 90’s (which is what he’s been at since he got here), he’ll be just fine. I truthfully and honestly don’t thing there’s any reason in the world for concern. Now, if he pitches like this on April 5th, talk to me then. But now? Ahhh.. don’t sweat it.
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
9:02 pm
I just think Schafer has looked better and performed better. Screw options.
cabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
9:02 pm
Wow- my last comment is lost in cyberspace…
18 Wheels-
Pete had Lasik surgery while he was recovering from Tommy John
Let’s not push the panic button on Gonzo yet guys- everyone’s entitled to a bad outing or two in spring- there is time for him to get his velocity up. This is probably pretty normal for him (the velocity i mean, not the crappy outing)
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
9:03 pm
Beck’s Modern Guilt and the DBT’s Brighter than Creations Dark were the 2 best albums of 2008.
mbatl
March 25th, 2009
9:04 pm
“Gonzo’s stuff isn’t any different from what it was when he first arrived here,”
KC, okay, I’ll take your word for it. But for the record, I’m a little concerned about him.
cabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
9:04 pm
Enter your comments here
cabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
9:05 pm
sorry about that. my last 2 posts have vanished so naturally the one I leave blank is the one that shows up
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
9:05 pm
Talked to Gonzalez, who said it was actually his best day of the spring, as far as feeling good. Said his arm felt great and he was happy to just let it go, to throw harder without any problems. Said he just left everything over the plate, but that he can work that out with his remaining outings.
“The results suck, obviously,” he said of his spring. “I’m not proud of the results. But I’m good. My arm feels good. I’m getting close…. It’s getting close to game time.”
vabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
9:05 pm
Charlie in
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
9:05 pm
Charlie Morton sighting!
Pennski
March 25th, 2009
9:05 pm
is this game on tv?
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
9:05 pm
Charlie Morton is in to pitch the eighth
cabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
9:06 pm
18 Wheels-
Pete ditched the glasses because he had Lasik surgery last year
cabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
9:07 pm
Pennski
It’s on MLB Network
vabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
9:07 pm
Dunn fought off a good down and in pitch for a single
Bobby's Cox
March 25th, 2009
9:08 pm
RLPmetro: I get what you’re saying.
Scoots: Nice post.
mbatl
March 25th, 2009
9:08 pm
KC, just one other point: these are kinda general numbers, but close: Gonzalez has appeared in about 222 major league games; about 50 of those were save situations. At what point did he decide he couldn’t get amped up except for a save?
Don’t mean to be argumentative (though I guess I am). I’m a little worried about him, though.
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
9:08 pm
Did Morton throw a curveball with Atlanta last season? I don’t remember him throwing one, but I could be misremembering.
Pennski
March 25th, 2009
9:09 pm
Thanks CA, I don’t get that channel.
vabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
9:09 pm
Charlie in a jam with 2 on with no outs
Tomas
March 25th, 2009
9:09 pm
Charlie is all over the place. Must be extra rust.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
9:09 pm
Charlies has allowed a single (Dukes) and a walk to first two batters
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
9:10 pm
Charlie is wayyyy up in the zone.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
9:10 pm
And an RBI single to center. Still no outs.
Jeff Blauser
March 25th, 2009
9:11 pm
Charlie’s wild. Ineffectively.
Tomas
March 25th, 2009
9:11 pm
Nick Johnson is a tough out.
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
9:12 pm
DOB, if talk to Jim Powell, ask him if he is going to have blog like he did with the Brewers.
winterville
March 25th, 2009
9:12 pm
PWHjort
Yea he through a curve last year. Don’t you remember all of DOB’s “Uncle Charlie” references?
cabravesfan
March 25th, 2009
9:13 pm
PWHjort-
not sure if he threw a curve all that much but I saw him pitch against the Angels in his debut and he threw a few absolutly wicked ones that were all but unhittable
winterville
March 25th, 2009
9:14 pm
Meant threw above.
Rob from SC
March 25th, 2009
9:14 pm
Here a a few thoughts
1. Josh Anderson sucks
2. We might have some issues scoring runs this season
3. I am very concerned about Gonzalez and Soriano
4. I think Francoeur will have a really good season
Rob from SC
March 25th, 2009
9:15 pm
I hate losing
A FAN
March 25th, 2009
9:15 pm
not mortons night although he has been out a while!!!
Joe
March 25th, 2009
9:16 pm
looks like back to AA for ol charlie
Tomas
March 25th, 2009
9:17 pm
In Charlie’s defense this is his first appereance this spring.
cvbraves
March 25th, 2009
9:17 pm
New National announcer sounds like Mets’ Keith Hernandez…must be doing double duty!
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
9:18 pm
That’s Rob Dibble.
Couch Tater
March 25th, 2009
9:19 pm
“Here’s the pitch…,” and shut the heck up.
Kinda like blog posts, scoots?
Andy
March 25th, 2009
9:26 pm
Tomas thanks for that. I didn’t know that. Wew.
JimD
March 25th, 2009
9:28 pm
Rob in SC, you said:
If Anderson gets the job over Schafer, it is all about saving money
How so? Schafer would make the MLB minimum of $400,000 and I believe Josh would make the same, maybe a tad more, but certainly not less. So how could Anderson over Shafer save money?
If they go with Anderson, I believe it will be merely to give Shafer some AAA time to “prove himself” over a longer haul.
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
9:30 pm
Soriano hurt? What a wuss. He reminds me of those NFL guys that fake injuries to skip training camp.
18 Wheels of Love
March 25th, 2009
9:31 pm
I think he means not starting Schafers arbitration clock.
Rob from SC
March 25th, 2009
9:33 pm
They would be saving money by delaying his ARB clock
RC
March 25th, 2009
9:33 pm
JimD,
Anderson over Schafer would save money in the long run, because the longer they wait to bring Schafer up the more time until he hits arbitration, meaning he can be paid that minimum of $400,000 longer. If they wait a month to bring Schafer up, it could push his arbitration back a year by not making him a “Super 2″ player.
Bry22
March 25th, 2009
9:37 pm
I been thinking this all Spring, why don’t the Braves get Ohman for around 1 mil and if at trade deadline they are out of contention, trade him him for someone that would definitly help next year?
Del
March 25th, 2009
9:38 pm
Wonder how Bobby will spin tonights performance by the pen?
BB5795
March 25th, 2009
9:40 pm
Salty just hit one out for Texas, if anyone gives a flying burrito brother. I want him back.
Phantastic Phillies Phan
March 25th, 2009
9:41 pm
losing to the pitiful Nats tonight are you? Like I said last night, now that the real teams are back and first stringers are playing much of the games the Braves will start losing regularly just like last spring. Gonna be a long long summer chasing fourth place again, tonight makes it look like the Nats might beat you out for it. Good luck for fourth!
Bry22
March 25th, 2009
9:41 pm
Why should the Braves be short sided in there thinking about Shafer being a Super 2 player. If he turns into a superstar they will sign him long term probably before arbitaion and if he doesn’t Super2 or not he will not get the big bucks!
Bry22
March 25th, 2009
9:44 pm
Phantastic Phillies Phan – Time will tell but I don’t think I would put any money on that stupid prediction.
steve_97060
March 25th, 2009
9:46 pm
I see the usual bandwagon jumping on and off is in full swing tonight with the game being televised. All this angst over spring training games, I hate to think what it will be like when the games actually count.. good thing the majority of you aren’t in a position of authority…
Jeff321
March 25th, 2009
9:47 pm
FYI – The Braves are on MLB’s 400K feed tomorrow. Also, it looks like no radio is available.
1:05 PM Toronto Blue Jays @ Atlanta Braves
JimD
March 25th, 2009
9:48 pm
Shafer is almost certainly the Braves CF of the future. Most likely if they send him to Gwinnett he will get a call up early enough in the season to give him his 86 days (I think that is how many it takes to qualify for Super 2). I believe the Braves just want to (a) do the right thing by Josh Anderson and give him a shot, and (b) give Shafer some AAA time to prove his swing.
By the All- Star break one of two things will a reality. Either Josh Anderson will be performing so well that we will not mind Shafer being in Gwinnett for one more season, or Shafer will be called up and take the starting CF position.
We’ll see.
melissa
March 25th, 2009
9:49 pm
Philley fan ! If you loved philly soo much ! Why are you living in atlanta ?!! Why don’t you take your yankee but back up north !!!!!!
JimD
March 25th, 2009
9:51 pm
Bry22 If no one wants to sign Ohman for 1 mil now when all it costs is cash, why would it be reasonable to think that come July 31 someone would be willing to pay approximately 1/2mil and give up a prospect or prospects?
There is something about Ohman that MLB knows that we don’t.
Tomas
March 25th, 2009
9:56 pm
Phantastic Phillies Phan, man the phillies are 10-12, the Braves are 16-7, spring results don’t matter. In a regular season game, Kawakami would have gone deeper on the game, and had kept Chipper, Kelly, Yunel, McCann, and Franceour on the game instead of (Diory Hernandez and Infante(who in comparison to Yunel, and Kelly they’re seriously lacking range)).
Not to mention there was no Garret Anderson or Kotchman tonight. And Mike Gonzales wouldn’t have come in the 6th inning.
Phantastic Phillies Phan
March 25th, 2009
9:58 pm
Philley fan ! If you loved philly soo much ! Why are you living in atlanta ?!! Why don’t you take your yankee but back up north !!!!! Melissa
but but but…it’s butt darlin’, and who said anything about living in Atlanta. What a disgusting thought. Have to watch the Braves all the time in their ineptitude? No thanks. But…keep working on that spelling at UGA lil’ darlin’.
Random
March 25th, 2009
9:58 pm
KC (2:29 pm): ” ‘For two of the last three years, Kawakami has not pitched at the level of an above-average major league pitcher.’
“Huh?
“Over his last 3 seasons, Kawakami has gone 38-20 with a 2.81 ERA.”
Geez Louise, KC, BP’s Clay Davenport can somehow project for Kawakami that he “ought to be better than an average National League pitcher,” and you still go all ballistic because he fails to conclude that Kawakami would “at least be well above average”.
Yer insane.
“But if you believe, as I do, that the Japanese league is at least slightly better than AAA baseball here . . . “
I believe that BP goes on a little more than just their gut feelings when translating Japanese performance to US MLB equivalences. I believe that I’ll go with BP’s analyses rather than with your faith, creeds and dogmas.
PS: Btw, good call on figuring his ERA for those three years — it brought to my attention an apparent error in the Jan BP article, which might would justify Davenport’s revising his entire conclusion (upward).
I earlier posted the following comment to Davenport’s Jan article:
There’s a discrepancy between the (”real”) ERs you show charged to Kawakami and those shown on his xttp://www.japanesebaseball.com/players/player.jsp?PlayerID=1026 page.
For example, for 2006 (215 IP), 2007 (167.3 IP) & 200[8] (117.3 IP), the Japanese page records 60, 66 & 30 ERs, respectively.
BP’s chart shows 74, 72 & 33 ERs for the same years.
I think these may be his total runs allowed, not his earned runs.
Tomas
March 25th, 2009
10:00 pm
By the way Phantastic Phillies Phan, the Nationals were at home and had all his regulars starting the game, and kept them all game(with the exception of Valentine their catcher, Adam Dunn who was replaced by a pinch runner in the 8th inning, and Anderson Hernandes who got injured).
Original Jon
March 25th, 2009
10:04 pm
Phantastic Phillies Phan, name some teams you faced that were so full of regular season regulars. Or maybe you could explain why the Phils are 10-12 in grapefruit league play. Not that it matters really because it is spring training, but dont be talking crap about how the Braves will start losing now that the regular players are back. What is your teams excuse then for having lost so many games already???
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
10:06 pm
Random
Are you still on this Japanese thing. Your post are so disjointed, they only mean something to you and MAYBE KC, that is, if he is even reading them.
I can’t tell what the heck you are talking about. And please, don’t try to explain….
Original Jon
March 25th, 2009
10:08 pm
hahaha, A guy/gal who spells fantastic and fan with PH at the beginning of the words is telling someone how to spell. Classic.
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
10:11 pm
I got a chance to watch about 2/3 of the game tonight. A couple of points. JAnderson was not impressive on that throw, or in any of his AB’s. Can you say Schafer?
The Nats announcers were woefully lacking in any game preparation. But, to be honest, rarely do I find any of the announcers these days to do their homework on the visiting team.
Gonzo needs to clean up that delivery. Morton, first outing, we will cut him some slack. Moylan looks real good.
Which brings me to a point I have made before. We have a 7th inning man, a setup man, and a closer. A couple of years ago, I liked the way that Moylan was used. Kinda as a stopper. He would often times come in when we needed someone to put out a fire, usually between the 6th and 8th innings. I like the idea of having a stopper for the bullpen. First guy in when things are on the line, BEFORE the 9th.
Could Medlen be that sort of guy?
Phantastic Phillies Phan's only friend
March 25th, 2009
10:20 pm
Listen fans, PPP has a saying “guys with wide butts, drive me nuts!” Look, I’m not saying he’s… well, you know. I’m just saying, as a Phily fan, he’s a little crazy when it comes to Utley…I,I, mean his boys..NO, I mean his favorite team. Sorry PPP, they had to know.
Random
March 25th, 2009
10:20 pm
Wayne in Utah (10:06 pm): “Are you still on this Japanese thing. Your post are so disjointed, they only mean something to you and MAYBE KC, that is, if he is even reading them.
I can’t tell what the heck you are talking about. And please, don’t try to explain….”
Disjointed? Really?
I cite the commenter and the time of their post.
I quote the pertinent portion I’m addressing, in both italics and quotation marks.
I make my comment on their post. I include links if appropriate.
If you cannot follow that, you don’t deserve a goddam explanation.
And I’m not about to explain it to you anyway, so you can relax.
Frankie Knuckles
March 25th, 2009
10:24 pm
I think Philadelphia’s intellectual core left with, oh, i don’t know, Benjamin Franklin.
melissa
March 25th, 2009
10:24 pm
When are the first cuts ?!
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
10:28 pm
Chipper on his swing:
“It was better tonight. I just was more aggressive, trying to hit the ball hard instead of feeling for it. Tonight was the first time all spring I felt dangerous if a ball was in the zone.”
He hit a changeup left over the plate by righty Balester for the home run, pulled it way gone to right. Hit a fastball away from righty Kip Wells for the opp-field down the left-field line, which Chipper said told him more about how good his swing was tonight than the homer.
“I went up there in BP today and just let it eat,” he said, using an expression these fellas like to use when they’re feeling charged up after doing something good. “I’ve been trying to protect my side so long that I wasn’t aggressive.
“I said today, to heck with it. When I decided to let it go, I let it go.”
About the double:
“When you hit a ball like that, you know you’re close. Because you have to be mechanically sound to do that, put a good swing on a ball middle-away like that. The pitch I hit out of the ballpark, you’re supposed to hit hard.”
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
10:31 pm
Random
You are the only person on here that gives a damn about going back and reading exactly what someone else posted.
My point was, why do you waste your time with something that nobody on here gives a rats azz about anyway.
The word dip $hit comes to mind……
Melissa
Yes!, although I have no personal knowledge of that fact.
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
10:33 pm
Melissa, you missed ‘em. First cuts were last week.
Next cuts are expected Friday or Saturday. Possibly tomorrow, but probably not.
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
10:34 pm
Our backup infielders were less than impressive tonight too. I am hopeful for a good year from our golden child, Francoeur.
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
10:37 pm
Random
Man, you have a lot of good points to make on the ole blog, but you get too bogged down in not only proving your point, but then jamming it up their azz afterward. Then, for good measure, you do the old shampoo routine. Rinse and repeat.
You’d have a lot more people interested in carrying on a conversation with you if you would lighten up a bit.
TnBrian
March 25th, 2009
10:37 pm
Call me crazy but I think the person “close to Soriano” that was posting earlier is legit. Or, he/she could just be an obsessed fan wanting everyone to ease up on their idol.
Knuckles, I’m telling you, I’ve worked at two different places and each place had a born and raised Philly I had to work with. They know it all, they’re LOUD, and just plain rude. No, they’re not all that way, I hope, but our guest earlier probably fits that mold.
melissa
March 25th, 2009
10:38 pm
Thank you !!
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
10:39 pm
With Soriano’s injury, and Gonzo’s seeming lack of “pulling it together”, do you see Medlen getting a legitimate shot at making the big club?
Norman Cochran
March 25th, 2009
10:39 pm
Why is it that the pitchers in Atlanta has had so many injuries since Leo Mazzone left the Braves for the Orioles. I think the Braves need to bring him back to the minors and help the young pitchers get ready for the majors.
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
10:41 pm
Melissa
If you changed your moniker to “sweet melissa”, that would be really cool! (especially with all these music a-fishin-ados around here)
TnBrian
March 25th, 2009
10:42 pm
Random, you my friend are a bonafied, conceded A-HOLE! And that’s just putting it nicely. I feel for you and your arrogant attitude that you spill on folks here.
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
10:43 pm
Norman
Leo was on XM this afternoon, and was extremely entertaining. Good idea, but I don’t know if he would go for that sort of job.
Adam Dunn was very funny during his interview earlier tonight.
Gotta run, the Jazz are on…….later..
melissa
March 25th, 2009
10:45 pm
Dave ! How much are you concerned about the over all team ? It looks scary But, The nationals might look even with the braves ! They have a better line up but not starting pitchers. I think the nationals have a better pen ! I wanted Wren to sign Dunn ! But, he didn’t ! He gambled on KK ! I don’t know ! The braves have problem !!
David O'Brien
March 25th, 2009
10:45 pm
Blauser, is that your first DBT record? If so, glad we could help steer you in the direction of the mighty band from Muscle Shoals by way of Athens (they call both places home).
Decoration Day, you should purchase next.
And then there’s this:
DOB, dude, I’m worried about you. That song is about breaking up with a suicidal actress. What the fielder does this have to do with anything? Are you a DJ or a beat writer? Stick to baseball! Can’t you throw up some home videos of Hanson pitching? — Ross
No, Ross, but we can try to find some “home videos” of the Drive-By Truckers’ show at Tabernacle a few months ago, if that’ll work for you.
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
10:45 pm
TnBrian
Dang, now you’ve gone and done it….. You won’t hear the end of it now.
richbrave
March 25th, 2009
10:45 pm
The three-headed replacement for WIL OHMAN is not good, not good, and this is only ST. I peeked at the spring stats. RIDGWAY is gone. O’FLAHERTY is going and LOGAN has had his moments both good and bad. But nobody’s hit the panic button yet, so I guess the decision makers don’t think crisis mode has arrived yet. Now SORIANO’s complaining. I’d feel better about a proven lefty in the pen. Isn’t JoJO a lefty?
BB5795
March 25th, 2009
10:45 pm
I was gonna go to bed, but I figured I’d check the blogs for the last half hour or so. Wow! Fur was flying! If you guys get this testy after a ST loss, there must be real fireworks during the regular season.
Frankie Knuckles
March 25th, 2009
10:46 pm
Tn – the Soriano contact was probably one of his agent’s assistants doing a little bit of damage control.
Random
March 25th, 2009
10:46 pm
‘fecal freak’?
I don’t get it.
Yeah, Wayne in Utah, I know that it can sometimes be very frustrating to read other peoples’ correspondence — sometimes you just feel so left out.
I promise I’ll write something to you sometime.
Why, looky here — I just did! Woo hoo!!! Feel better? Happy now?
MYOB, if you can’t keep up.
VENEZUELA
March 25th, 2009
10:47 pm
dob, do you think the bullpen looks weak?, would FW try to solidfy it before the season starts ? what would u do ?
PWHjort
March 25th, 2009
10:51 pm
DOB, he already owns Decoration Day. I recommended Southern Rock Opera and The Dirty South as well.
Frankie Knuckles
March 25th, 2009
10:53 pm
Anybody else like Important Things with Demetri Martin? – clever man.
melissa
March 25th, 2009
10:53 pm
It’s not like we are complaining about a meaningless game, But the braves team seems to show you things that stands out ! You can’t help but notice ! It’s how you lose a spring training game and unto who you lost too !
Johnnyd
March 25th, 2009
11:02 pm
DOB
Have you heard of Fleet Foxes? I just got thier album from a friend and I havent heard that good of an album in a long time. I also suggest the new umphreys mcgee CD.
Ross- If you dont like the music talk get the heck off the blog
BB5795
March 25th, 2009
11:03 pm
If you’re alluding to my blog, melissa, I was referring to the war of words among some of the Braves’ fans. You got a couple of good ones in there too, but that was only with a Phillie fan. They don’t count.
melissa
March 25th, 2009
11:05 pm
Okay BB5795 ! Right on !!
THWG
March 25th, 2009
11:07 pm
Frankie- I love Demetri Martin. He is an incredibly intelligent comedian… a rarity these days. He actually attended NYU Law and dropped out a year prior to graduating to pursue his comedy. If you haven’t seen his flip chart routine that was popular on YouTube awhile back, you need to.
Frankie Knuckles
March 25th, 2009
11:10 pm
True enough, read the blog description – We talk Braves, baseball in general, other sports, music, movies, BBQ and whatever else (except politics). Thats right, its not your blog
Frankie Knuckles
March 25th, 2009
11:16 pm
THWG – There are some smart comics these days. Patton Oswalt, Louis CK, David Cross ( when he’s performing ) ect. Unfortunately you have to seek out these performers. Most of the world still thinks Dane Cook and Kat Williams are the top of the class.
Bubdylan
March 25th, 2009
11:18 pm
DOB, you’d be proud; I danced with a woman to McMurtry’s “Lost in the Backyard” tonight. Also turned the crowd (a party of 20-somethings, mostly, nice kids, though) to “Choctaw Bingo.” It is kind of weird, as you’ve said before, that he’s not more popular than he is. Everyone I show him to likes him.
uga-brave
March 25th, 2009
11:19 pm
anyone catch SOUTH PARK tonight? probably one of their best.
winterville
March 25th, 2009
11:24 pm
uga-brave
I’m gonna catch the rerun at 12:00
Bobby's Belly
March 25th, 2009
11:37 pm
Saw an eye opening documentary tonight. Josh Anderson REVEALED. Schafer may go 0 for his next 25 and you still can’t make a case for JA. Never mind the 0-4, it happens. Did you see the throw to 3rd? Wow! As in Wow! my daughter has a better arm (and hers is bad!) To call this a competition is demeaning to JS.
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
11:42 pm
Hey, azz wipe, didn’t somebody tell you that a blog is open conversation between many. If you want to send personal messages, use email.
Jazz up by 6 at the half….
Shamus Thacker
March 25th, 2009
11:43 pm
I’ve been thinking bout renting band-wagons, complete, with personal on/off valets…
Wayne in Utah
March 25th, 2009
11:47 pm
Shamus
Sign me up for a seat (along w/ Bobby’s Belly) on the Jordan Schafer ride along.
Bobby's Belly
March 26th, 2009
12:00 am
Jump on Wayne! All the “JS has options” idiots are awfully quiet after actually getting to SEE the real JA.
The Real Don Steele
March 26th, 2009
12:01 am
Shamus, you say the most insightful things. Bravo to you, sir. Bandwagon indeed!
Doc Holiday
March 26th, 2009
12:05 am
“Gonzo threw the best he’s thrown all spring,” Braves manager Bobby Cox said. “But he overthrew the breaking ball just a little bit. It was good to see the velocity he had tonight. He’s going to be fine. It’s there.”
This old man is a joke
Doc Holiday
March 26th, 2009
12:07 am
Soriano is also a joke…………please send him packing.
Bobby's Belly
March 26th, 2009
12:08 am
Doc – Did BC really say that? I hope you’re drinking or kidding or both.
wilymo
March 26th, 2009
12:20 am
Frankie Knuckles,
I don’t work for his agents. Trust me, player agents have a lot more things to worry about than damage control on the blogs.
spotts
March 26th, 2009
12:20 am
Shamus – The Braves bullpen bandwagon has an off valet, correct?
N Nine (eta10)
March 26th, 2009
12:27 am
Doc Holiday
While I agree Bobby sugar coating every damn thing gets very old, but I do feel positive about Gonzo. No reason to stress over the line from today’s game! Two weeks ago people were freaking that he’s topping high 80’s. MPH has steadly moved up and he’s feeling good. He thrives in games that matter. Let’s see what happens as we near opening day.
Its SORE-iano that I’d worry about. He watched and learned well from Hampton. Got bust written all over…
David O'Brien
March 26th, 2009
12:32 am
Bubdylan, I’m surprised more don’t know him, either. McMurtry’s catalog over the past decade is unsurpassed among singer-songwriters, in my humble opinion. Brilliant and so very listenable. I can listen to “Lights of Cheyenne” on an endless loop. Well, maybe not an endless loopy. But repeatedly for a while….
Just drove back from Viera, made it in just under an hour. Me, coffee, the rest of my La Gloria Cubana, and Metallica’s “Ride the Lightning” disc cranked at ear-busting volume. Man, what a great CD. When “For Whom The Bell Tolls” was playing, I felt like pulling the car over and getting out to air guitar on the side of the road. But figured a possum or some swamp mammal might attack me like those Kimono dragons that killed that Indonesian fisherman the other day.
winterville
March 26th, 2009
12:32 am
uga-brave
Just got done watching that South Park and you were right, it was a good one. I can see how that is right up your alley, I’ve seen you talking about the economy before. I just love South Park so much because they pull no punches and they will tackle any issue. They have pissed everyone off at one time or another but that’s what makes it great. No one is bigger than South Park.
David O'Brien
March 26th, 2009
12:33 am
Prince on Tonight Show, right now….
MFin04
March 26th, 2009
12:36 am
Mike Gonzalez sucks. Kawakami looked brilliant. Moylan should be our closer. Guy has a screwed up arm angle that can get three outs .
N Nine (eta10)
March 26th, 2009
12:41 am
All the “JS has options” idiots are awfully quiet after actually getting to SEE the real JA.Bobby’s Belly
damn dude, I really have to agree. You have to be retarded to want Josh over Jordan. Jordan is our future and has better tools. All 162 games matter to me. We must plug in the best option and JA is no match AT THE MOMENT…..
winterville
March 26th, 2009
12:46 am
Dang Wayne, they’re puttin on a dunk show! D up!
Frankie Knuckles
March 26th, 2009
12:47 am
Wilymo – Trust you. You seem to know a good deal about agent time management. If your a credible source just explain to us all what your relationship is to Soriano? You can’t come around here with this Phantom of the Opera thing and expect to be considered Credible. But, the fact still stands that your boss’ client does get sick like a malnourished little girl living in a strip club.
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.
McFann :Ô:
March 26th, 2009
10:09 am
801?
Wayne in Utah
March 26th, 2009
10:09 am
spotts
I have always thought you were both funny and insightful…
Good to see Random is going back and checking all my posts…I wouldn’t want him to miss anything.
Wayne in Utah
March 26th, 2009
10:10 am
there, it happened again!
McFann: how ya been?
Mitchell
March 26th, 2009
10:11 am
I had a dream last night or this morning or in the early morning or in another lifetime, whenever it was, about the Braves home opener. Somehow a part of my brain was able to produce a final score which was 12-0 Braves over the Nats. However, what made the dream noteworthy was that Turner Field was packed like it had never been packed before. It was like Game 7 of the World Series, only there’s no telling what that would really be like. Needless to say, the atmosphere was playoff like. Something tells me if the Braves have any chance of getting to or winning in the playoffs this year they’re gonna need some @$$es in the seats.
Trent
March 26th, 2009
10:12 am
Alittle bit off the path of baseball DOB but do you have any personal favorite R.E.M. songs? A couple that come to mind are:
(Don’t Go Back To (Rockville)
Nightswimming
Driver 8
Man on the Moon
Losing my Religion
Yeah, odd to just bring up but I’m at work and they’ve been on constantly on my ipod helping me through the day…along with reading Braves news!
Wayne in Utah
March 26th, 2009
10:12 am
Hopefully the Bravos will be on MLB Audio today….
CB
March 26th, 2009
10:15 am
McFann,how is my favorite lady on the blog?MCcann sure is looking good.This might be his MVP year. What do you think?
Lew
March 26th, 2009
10:16 am
A cigar smoking journalist playing air guitar by the side of the road being attacked by possums and kimono dragons. No, that’s a painting that will never see the light of day. Not from my brush, anyway. Maybe the South Park Dudes would be interested?
one fan
March 26th, 2009
10:16 am
a man needs a maid is one the greatest Neil tunes. the orchestral power of that tune is off the charts. braves will win 96 games and take the division this year. Go Braves
Renegator
March 26th, 2009
10:17 am
Nice to see that nothing has changed – the Braves STILL can’t beat the Nationals. Now that teams are actually playing their starters in games – the Braves have lost what – 4 out of their last 5? Not a good sign of things to come during the season…
Josh H
March 26th, 2009
10:20 am
Seymour:
Royce Ring? Didn’t we do that last year?
Besides, you basically had a spot in the pen to a guy who would pitch to, exactly one lefty. Waste of a spot.
Dadgum
March 26th, 2009
10:20 am
A couple of years ago several of us had left the black-tie function of our convention being held at the Gaylord in Orlando and headed up 192 to our rental house hard by Medieval Times (I swear). We stopped at a 7-11 for a case of cold beer. As we were checking out a group of Mexican guys asked if we were from “the church” (seeing as how we hadn’t changed). I said you betcha and we are about to get half-necked and go hang out at the rental house pool and swig this nectar. I really think we gave them hope for humanity. At the very least it made us laugh for a week. “the church”. yeah right. Guess you had to be there.
Had to laugh at the Richmond Times Dispatch sports page this morning. On the back cover is a big picture of Smoltz and a article on his progression from rehab and time with Boston. Smoltz still donning his Braves cap. Now that is funny.
My guess is that right now it looks like the Bravos will go with Anderson in CF and lead-off. Probably keep Blanco as back-up and pinch hitter. Shaefer to bat every day in AAA. Just my opinion but they could also trade Anderson and put Shaefer in CF. The next two weeks of ST will tell. You can make a case for all three.
Rock on…….”the church”
King521
March 26th, 2009
10:21 am
For anyone with Comcast Cable here in Atlanta…the game TODAY will be on CSS which for me here in the city is channel 45.
Steve McP
March 26th, 2009
10:22 am
Not too worried about Gonzo, he has said himself that he needs the adrenaline of a real situation to be at full power, we have seen that whenever he has pitched in a non-save situation he has done badly, so lets believe him when he says he was pleased with the way that he was throwing. The Braves management do seem to realise that winning in ST is not important, getting ready for the season is important and that is why you get the supportive comments that you see in the media, they are looking at the way people pitch, not necessarily the results. That is why Mr Bennett is probably not having good thoughts as we approach the next round of cuts.
DAP
March 26th, 2009
10:25 am
i hope coach comes back soon and explains to everyone why mike gonzalez waited over ten months after getting injured to have his surgery, and then how he was able to come back and pitched 3 months after tommy john surgery.
Dadgum
March 26th, 2009
10:28 am
18 wheels…..now from the last page, THAT, was funny. Kinda makes my “church” story pale in comparison, badly.
Rock on…..
Dadgum
March 26th, 2009
10:32 am
Does anyone have an answer as to why when you post it appears but when you hit page refresh the newest post disappears. Weird.
Rock on……where New Cars at?
garlick
March 26th, 2009
10:38 am
Hey DOB, I know this was on old post of yours from yesterday, but I have no idea how a kimono dragon could kill anyone. They’re usually made of silk and are inanimate objects.
A Komodo Dragon, on the other hand, is a very dangerous animal that is super aggressive and usually weighs as much or more than a human being.
McFann :Ô:
March 26th, 2009
10:47 am
Wayne, CB–
Pretty good, thanks! How ’bout you?
CB–
He sure is looking good! (Apart from last night, but hey, everyone’s entitled to an 0-fer now and then.) I think he could have an MVP-type year for sure! If his Spring carries over into the season, he’ll at least be in the running…uh, as long as he [gulp] stays healthy. Tell the Reaper to keep his distance!
KC
March 26th, 2009
10:52 am
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed), yeah, as DAP has pointed out… it was in 2007 that he had his surgery, not ‘08. So he’s TWO years removed from that surgery.
Nothing in the world wrong with Gonzo’s arm. His velocity is right where it was just before he went on the DL (eventually having TJ surgery), and after he came back (effectively) last year.
But he swears that his spring velocity is always a couple ticks below his reg. season velocity. He says that throughout his career (save 07, when he wasn’t healthy), he’s always been low 90’s in the spring, and mid 09’s once the season started. I suspect that he’s being honest when he says that, but we’ll know in a couple weeks.
Damn! A couple weeks… when will this season ever start!!!! This off-season has been about 3 years long, it seems.
Brent
March 26th, 2009
10:54 am
Do you think Molan being represented by Furcal’s agent affect the Braves resigning him?
Random
March 26th, 2009
10:55 am
DAP (10:25 am): “i hope coach comes back soon”
Perhaps we can lure him back more quickly with this BP article on “Speed and Power” by Christina Kahrl:
. . . Whether it’s OBP in the Nineties, or pitch counts and defense in the Aughties, researchers have been doing new work to give us better valuations of players, and front offices have been similarly beavering away over that data and their own with an eye toward building better ballclubs. So, what’s the next big thing?
Here’s one gal’s argument that it’s going to be speed as an augmentation to always-popular power, meaning that we might be headed back to the exciting times of the ’80s, when tactical diversity was the rule of the day, and teams were more aggressive in exploiting offensive talent because they understood that, when it comes to scoring runs, there’s more than one way to skin that particular cat.
…
. . . Power is something we can measure rather easily, because a double’s a double, a triple’s a triple, and a home run’s instantly on the board, so whether you want to use simple slugging percentage or the equally straightforward Isolated Power (ISO), we know how to measure the ability of a player to create extra bases with the stroke of a bat.
What about speed, though? Stolen bases by themselves may have worked for something like Bill James’ old-school Power/Speed Number back in the day, but we already have better valuations of base-running value, because this is an area where major statistical innovations have been taking place. At Baseball Prospectus, we’ve been at the front edge of the curve with the development of Equivalent Baserunning Runs by performance analyst Dan Fox. (As further proof of how many smart people there are inside the industry instead of on the outside looking in, Fox has since moved on to join the Pittsburgh Pirates as their Director of Baseball Systems Development as part of the Bucs’ rebuilding effort.) In short, EqBRR is a metric to evaluate what additional run-scoring skills individual players and teams possess when it comes to stealing bases, advancing on outs, or taking that sometimes key extra base on a base hit.
RHR
March 26th, 2009
10:57 am
BA’s post @ 9:31 is today’s winner.
DiamondbackMac
March 26th, 2009
10:58 am
DOB and BA I’ve never seen where Random acknowleged that he was an A–h—. I wonder where TnBrian got that idea.
dogsbrekky
March 26th, 2009
11:00 am
Trent – re REM = Orange Crush is a favorite
So Kawakami was awesome again last night yes ??
Schafer should be CF, JA is too inconsistent
dogsbrekky
March 26th, 2009
11:02 am
That Nats first baseman is very good, is he the dude who is always injured
David O'Brien
March 26th, 2009
11:04 am
Hanson, Heyward, Freeman and Jo-Jo Reyes are in next round of cuts, which won’t be announced until after today’s game or tomorrow. Talked to all of those guys this morning. Bobby said Hanson or Reyes could be brought back immediately if someone got hurt or Glav wasn’t ready, etc.
Sammons and Hicks are two of the other four, but not sure of the last two yet.
Mekons
March 26th, 2009
11:12 am
Yeah, Dogs, Nick Johnson finds many novel ways to miss seasons.
mbatl
March 26th, 2009
11:14 am
Wow, April 20-23, the Durham Bulls visit Gwinnett. Could we have a Tommy Hanson – David Price matchup? (the 2 teams actually meet a week earlier, but that series is in Durham).
dogsbrekky
March 26th, 2009
11:18 am
Mekons, that guy can flat out hit though and he plays a GG calibre 1st base
The Nats may be much better this year if their “Chippers” stay healthy
dogsbrekky
March 26th, 2009
11:20 am
mbatl – how far in advance would the pitching match-ups be known for that AAA series…… I would consider flying down to see that match up
Kenny Powers
March 26th, 2009
11:20 am
Kenny Powers thinks Nick Johnson has a little Bob Horner in him.
Cru Jones
March 26th, 2009
11:20 am
mbatl
Price isn’t starting with the big club?
Eware
March 26th, 2009
11:22 am
I figure Medlen and Morton will be the other two. Bowman has mentioned that the Braves might have showcased Morton last night. I really hope they don’t trade him – I think he could be a solid ML-er. He’s used one option and he’s cheap. Why trade him?
Epinephrine
March 26th, 2009
11:24 am
People need to stop freaking out about Gonzo, as many people on here have made clear. In two of his last three spring trainings, he has had an ERA of over 5. He is a closer. He is an adrenaline guy. The only thing we need to worry about for now is his velocity. The fact that he is already throwing 92…that is good news.
Soriano, on the other hand, is worth worrying about. If he is cut from the Mike Hampton mold, we are going to need either Medlen, Boyer, or Acosta to really step up if we want to effectively shorten games.
Rob from SC
March 26th, 2009
11:25 am
Medlen will make this team
David O'Brien
March 26th, 2009
11:25 am
here’s quick story I just filed (I’ll put some quotes from Hanson, Reyes, Heyward and Freeman in new blog and later story)
By DAVID O’BRIEN
dobrien@ajc.com
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. _ Top pitching prospect Tommy Hanson and left-hander Jo-Jo Reyes will be optioned to Class AAA Gwinnett in the latest round of Braves roster cuts, which also includes 19-year-old hitting prospects Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman.
Catcher Clint Sammons was another among the eight told Thursday that they were being sent to the minors, along with three others that weren’t known yet. The moves weren’t expected to be announced until later Thursday or Friday morning.
“Both Jo-Jo and Tommy Hanson have had tremendous springs,” said manager Bobby Cox, adding that the moves were made because the Braves are “running out of innings” in big-league camp, and Reyes and Hanson need regular work in minor league spring games to prepare for the season.
Cox said either pitcher could be recalled immediately if anything happened to one of the pitchers projected to make the Braves’ roster, including starters Derek Lowe, Javier Vazquez, Jair Jurrjens, Kenshin Kawakami and Tom Glavine, who’s returning from shoulder and elbow surgeries.
Hanson, 22, was 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA in four Grapefruit League games, allowing 14 hits and six walks with 14 strikeouts in 14-2/3 innings. Reyes was 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in four games, with nine hits and three walks allowed in 13 innings.
Heyward, an outfielder from Henry County High School, and Freeman, a first baseman, are both expected to start the season at high-Class A Myrtle Beach after starring at Class A Rome in 2008. Both have been impressive all spring, ranking among the Braves’ leading hitters in Grapefruit games.
Heyward hit .308 (12-for-39) with two home runs, three RBIs and 10 strikeouts in a team-high 23 games before Thursday, and Freeman hit .237 (9-for-38) with a homer and eight RBIs in 19 games.
Heyward and Freeman were kept in camp to play in Thursday’s game against the Blue Jays.
Epinephrine
March 26th, 2009
11:25 am
And I, too, want Morton to stay a Brave. I think he has big time potential. Last night is irrelevant, it was his first spring start. Nice to see him already throwing 92. That’s about all I care about.
Epinephrine
March 26th, 2009
11:26 am
Nevermind. I see now Charlie was hitting 94. Fantastic news.
PTBNL
March 26th, 2009
11:26 am
Seems like a strange time to “showcase” Morton. He has not pitched much in a pretty long time. Hard to see what he really has…. or hasn’t (lol)… whatever the case may be.
Knuckle Sandwich
March 26th, 2009
11:28 am
Did anyone catch the MLB Network broadcast last night? They played the Nationals feed, which featured their Don Sutton replacement, Rob Dibble. I totally support broadcasters being “homers”, but this dude actually wished injury upon Chipper after he slid into second. “Man, that’d be great if he got up hobbling”. What a jerk. By the way, what’s up with Don Sutton? Is he sick or something? I’m out of the loop I guess.
Rob from SC
March 26th, 2009
11:29 am
Diory Hernandez, Brooks Conrad could be cut
MFin04
March 26th, 2009
11:29 am
I dont believe in “adrenaline guys”. Those are the same guys who “make free throws when they matter”. Last time I checked all runs/points count equally in a game. You can’t just pitch well in save situations. He might be needed in a non-save situation…and have to pitch well. I don’t think he is going to be closing the majority of this year.
cvbraves
March 26th, 2009
11:31 am
DOB: Has Brandon Jones already been sent down. If not, it would seem that Bobby has three more to cut, i.e., B. Jones, Schafer, Anderson, Blanco. Keeping more than one of these 4 would mean carrying an extra outfielder opening day rather than a pitcher, wouldn’t it?
David O'Brien
March 26th, 2009
11:31 am
Good point about the Kimono dragons. Not killers, those. Now, the Komodo dragon … different story.
dogsbrekky
March 26th, 2009
11:32 am
I will take MEDLEN right now, I could care less about the surly Soriano
18 Wheels of Love
March 26th, 2009
11:33 am
Knuckle, you are completely taking Dibble’s comment out of context. I heard it and it was not malicious in any way. He said it completely joking.
18 Wheels of Love
March 26th, 2009
11:34 am
My ‘tradar’ just went off. That means there will be a trade in less than 24 hours.
David O'Brien
March 26th, 2009
11:36 am
cvbraves, no, Brandon Jones has not been sent down. Not unless he’s one of the other two today; not sure about those two yet.
David O'Brien
March 26th, 2009
11:39 am
Cuts will be announced later today, not Friday
mbatl
March 26th, 2009
11:39 am
Cru Jones, no, they announced yesterday (I think) that Price will start at Durham.
And dogsbrekky, I don’t know about scheduling/pitching matchups. I would guess it’s probably similar to the big leagues, with tentative starters announced a few games out (but maybe a little less certainty to it? I would certainly expect Hanson to be on a pretty solid 4-days-of-rest routine, so probably could figure it once the first start is announced.
Maybe one of our resident minor league gurus can shed some light. Gwinnett Braves website HERE, btw.
RHR
March 26th, 2009
11:40 am
Be careful with that tradar gun, 18.
Epinephrine
March 26th, 2009
11:41 am
Mfin, I’d be glad to take that wafer with you. Name the terms. Gonzo will be our closer this year, and he’ll be a good one at that.
All runs do not count equally. That’s just the truth. If you come in to pitch in an 18-1 game, and give up some runs, it simply doesn’t matter. If you are in spring training in a close game, but need to work on the movement on your fastball, runs do not matter. That’s just reality.
Epinephrine
March 26th, 2009
11:41 am
wager
Knuckle Sandwich
March 26th, 2009
11:42 am
18 Wheels…good to know. I was taken aback by that. I guess I zoned out and came back just as he was saying that. I thought Dibble always did a pretty good job on Baseball Tonight.
dogsbrekky
March 26th, 2009
11:42 am
mbatl ty
Jersey Gil
March 26th, 2009
11:43 am
Great match up in the Minor the First week of the Season, G Braves Play Durham in Durham…Price Vs Hanson…I think this year i going to watch more AAA than MLB Games.
Lew
March 26th, 2009
11:44 am
18 Wheels-Yeah, but then he also said that if he were to meet Chipper that maybe he should just step on his foot -they had been talking about Chipper’s late, not really lamented toe issues. Maybe Dibble heard that Toes are not to be trifled with.
DevilInLaw
March 26th, 2009
11:46 am
What are today’s lineups?
Epinephrine
March 26th, 2009
11:46 am
I wasn’t surprised to see their guy get injured after the toe comments. Baseball injury karma…it’s something to avoid.
Interested Observer
March 26th, 2009
11:48 am
Has Ridgway been cut yet? Only a matter of time if he hasn’t been already.
dogsbrekky
March 26th, 2009
11:48 am
I am watching the game vs Nats now and watching GONZO, he doesnt look balanced or something, he is not impressive in the innings I have seen
MinnesotaJacket
March 26th, 2009
11:48 am
….how about them going ahead and doing the drastic and sending schaefer down or releasing anderson…won’t happen but that would put a real big storyline for the day haha…
DOB do you think the Braves will make a move near the end of spring training or do you think that it will probably be all star break when we have a better idea of what we need?
Epinephrine
March 26th, 2009
11:49 am
Why is it that people have such a hard time spelling schafer? Jurrjens…that I could understand. But Schafer? Come on people. It isn’t difficult.
MinnesotaJacket
March 26th, 2009
11:51 am
I suck at spelling in general haha…I have no problem admitting this Jordan’s name is the least of my mistakes haha…
Mekons
March 26th, 2009
11:53 am
I think they drove Ridgway into the Everglades and when he got out of the car, peeled out back to Orlando. I’ve never seen the guy pitch. Is he really as bad as his record? What’s his lifetime ERA, something like 22.15?
Seymour1948
March 26th, 2009
11:55 am
It really seems a shame that there is no room for Brandon Jones. Between the fact that there’s no room for him and that Diaz is partly to largely blocked by GA, it seems like two of our currently best hitting outfielders are not going to be getting as many atbats as our other options. I understand why and how it’s going to happen, but it still seems unfortunate there’s not a spot for Brandon. Also, I’m sure Bobby will try to get plenty of atbats for Diaz, but I have to wonder if we wouldn’t be better off with him playing more than GA. I suppose these things have a way of just working themselves out.
MFin04
March 26th, 2009
11:56 am
Gonzalez has not been impressive for a while now. Last year at the end of the year…and now the beginning of this year…a little too early to tell…but I would not be surprised if Moylan ends up being the closer. His stuff is wicked for 1-2 inning stretches. I think a guy with a different arm angle could be very effective as a closer.
MFin04
March 26th, 2009
11:58 am
One other thing I don’t understand…is why people dont think Garret Anderson is going to be great? He is a lifetime… .300 hitter. The average doesnt just go away. He will continue to hit and drive in runs. Diaz will be interesting to fit in there…but he can also pinch hit.
Jeff321
March 26th, 2009
12:00 pm
Lineup for today:
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2009_03_26_tormlb_atlmlb_1
Cru Jones
March 26th, 2009
12:00 pm
Seymour
I think too much talent and not enough room is a great problem, especially after last season.
Seymour1948
March 26th, 2009
12:00 pm
I do think Garrett Anderson is going to be good. I just think Diaz will probably be better.
Seymour1948
March 26th, 2009
12:01 pm
Cru Jones,
No disagreement from me there.
Epinephrine
March 26th, 2009
12:01 pm
Seymour, I agree. But then again, it’s just spring training. Brandon Jones has made me completely reevaluate his potential this spring. But here is the current situation:
1) Brandon Jones had a bad year last year. He needs to prove he can replicate this kind of performance over the course of a season. If he lights up AAA, consider me a believer.
2) GA is only here for one year. And the guy is legit. He puts up fantastic numbers year in and year our, which should only go up in the national league.
3) Brandon Jones isn’t out of options.
What this boils down to, is that we have a very solid left fielder, and BJ isn’t going anywhere. So let him prove this is the real him, and we’ll have a spot for him in the very near future.
cabravesfan
March 26th, 2009
12:02 pm
McFann-
Hope you don’t mind, I borrowed Rally McTurtle for my fantasy team with the hope that it will bring me some good luck- how did you get that little head thingy on top of him?
Bobby’s Cox-
Seeing as how I am a female I don’t think vabravesfan and I are long lost brothers:)
Wayne
March 26th, 2009
12:03 pm
What happened to Will Ohman? The best, most often used left handed reliever we had last year. It just does not make sense that no one wants him after such a good year. There must be something we don’t know about–illness, etc…?
If not, it is time to make the call.
Epinephrine
March 26th, 2009
12:03 pm
MFin, it makes absolutely no sense to have a guy that pitches to contact as our closer. That is the one thing you want to AVOID in the 9th inning. You don’t want a guy that will be at risk for fluke BABIP during an inning. You want someone that will shut the door and take us home. Moylan has a filthy sinker, but he is a GROUND BALL PITCHER. Making him closer is tempting the fates.
Seymour1948
March 26th, 2009
12:04 pm
Epinephrine,
That’s pretty much how I view it too. I was mostly just lamenting the fate of some of our young players. Hopefully it will work out for Brandon.
Lew
March 26th, 2009
12:05 pm
MFin04-Not so sure why you say Gonzo was not that impressive at the end of last season-the Braves won 8 of the final 9 games he pitched in and he had five saves in six opportunities.
chip off the ol block
March 26th, 2009
12:07 pm
DOB,
is it just me or is sending Fred and Jason down to high A-ball a little low for them? i got to see them this spring and they’ve been putting up better numbers than some of our ML guys
shouldn’t they be atleast in AA? or AAA?
mbatl
March 26th, 2009
12:07 pm
just for kicks…
PITCHING COACH RIPS OUT-OF-SHAPE OLLIE.
TnBrian
March 26th, 2009
12:08 pm
Whether or not someone spells a word wrong, it shouldn’t be blasted by a blogger since at least 90% of the time they had to look the word up themselves. This is the internet. Unless you post a pretty clever little post like “BA” did earlier than it should be blasted, I guess. Some of ya’ll apparantly think Tn. is full of redneck morons, but you cheer for a team in a state that’s known more for rednecks than any other, except maybe for Alabama. Something to think about there.
I hope this “wilymo” character comes back and is legit because how many more times can bloggers talk about J.A. vs J.S. for CF? Or, Gonzo’s velocity?
Dadgum
March 26th, 2009
12:08 pm
Watched the Braves game last night on regular cable (Nationals feed)here in Richmond. They were interviewing Stan Kasten during the game. Kastem alluded to the fact that the Nationals were all set except for a few pitching slots. To that I say look for close to 100 losses from that bunch but they will find a way to beat the Braves on the season series.
Not so fast my fine denizen friends. Tom Glavine has not made this roster just yet. Wouldn’t go starting Hanson or JO JO in Gwinnett just yet. I don’t think anyone has a warm fuzzy feeling about Glavine occupying that #5 slot. Tons of uncertainty still to be cleared away. Hanson being sent to minor camp is only to get him some work in ST as DOB mentioned. Not a demotion by any means.
18 wheels…I am with you on the “tradar” thing. Something is gonna go down.
Rock on……..
MFin04
March 26th, 2009
12:08 pm
Apparently Gonzalez is wanting to become a contact pitcher with all the runs and hits last night. Moylan didnt seem to give up any hits or runs. That is a bogus argument. And look at Gonzalezs stats from August and Sept. he had a CRAP LOAD of runs and blown saves against him.
vabravesfan
March 26th, 2009
12:10 pm
Yea I would have to think that Diory would be cut tomm
cabravesfan
March 26th, 2009
12:11 pm
MFin04-
Gonzo had 2 blown saves last year…not exactly a “CRAP LOAD”
Lew
March 26th, 2009
12:12 pm
mbatl-Let’s wait and have Anders tell us why it was a much better deal for the Mets to sign Oliver Perez to a contract when they wouldn’t pony up and extra mil per year and an extra year to Derek Lowe. I still think it all comes down to the non existent money the Mets’ fans think they have to spend.
Just looking at the difference between the shape the Mets now claim Oliver is in compared to the workout DOB has told us that Lowe does is night and day. I’m thinking that the extra money paid to Lowe was well worth it.
MFin04
March 26th, 2009
12:13 pm
Not true at all. And there were a lot of games…he BLEW when we were down 3-2….5-4 etc. That is still crappy. Moylan has a better ERA and would be a better closer.
TnBrian
March 26th, 2009
12:14 pm
Wayne, I’ll bet this time a year or two ago that Ohman would’ve been snatched up months ago. He’s really not had that good of a career, so that could play a part in it. You can’t just think of his numbers through most of ‘08 like GM’s are probably thinking right now. I don’t know, I wouldn’t mind having him, but I understand Wren’s thinking too.
BB5795
March 26th, 2009
12:14 pm
DOB, does this look familiar? “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.” wilymo
Lew
March 26th, 2009
12:14 pm
TnBrian-Good point on the spelling. Lots of misspellings have become blog standards, like And Idiot.
However, Tennessee DOES have more rednecks per square mile than any other southern state except for maybe Mississippi.
Lew
March 26th, 2009
12:15 pm
And their college team wears orange. Do they think they’re Clemson or something? Ugly color.
PWHjort
March 26th, 2009
12:15 pm
KC, I agree with this post http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2009/03/25/cf-and-other-important-braves-stuff/comment-page-8/#comment-34337
MFin04
March 26th, 2009
12:16 pm
Here are his real stats for SEPT. Not good at all.
12.1 10 8 8 4 7 20 12 14 242 53 – 0-3 7sv 5.84era
2 blown saves and 3 losses which are pretty much the same thing as blown saves…
cvbraves
March 26th, 2009
12:17 pm
Interesting lineup: Kelly 1st, Schafer 8th…could work!
McFann :Ô:
March 26th, 2009
12:17 pm
cabravesfan–
Haha…it’s OK. But if your team wins the World Series, do I get a royalty?
To get the head, you press “shift”, “option” (the button with “alt” on it), and “J”. :Ô:
Epinephrine
March 26th, 2009
12:17 pm
MFin, it’s becoming abundently clear you don’t know what you’re talking about. Moylan isn’t a contact pitcher because no one made contact against him last night? That’s grade A analysis right there. Also, I wasn’t aware of the statistic, “Crap Load of Blown Saves”. What is that, CLBS? Well Gonzo’s CLBS topped out around 2, meaning just about every closer in the bigs blew a “crap load” of saves last year. Care to drop any more wisdom on us?
Lew
March 26th, 2009
12:19 pm
BB5795-We’ll take your word for it Dude. You’re a Deep Purplefan-you got to have something going for you.
Steve from OH
March 26th, 2009
12:20 pm
Eh, I’m not too worried about Gonzo. He had 44K’s in 33 2/3 IP after returning from TJ last season, so that seems to indicate that his stuff is still there. Keep in mind that he’s still only 18ish(?) months removed from TJ, so he’s still probably not 100%. If he’s got the stuff to K more hitters than IP barely more than a year removed from TJ, I’m not worried about his stuff. Looks to me like he needs a few more appearances to work on his command, that’s all.
And Moylan’s slider last night was filthy. And I’m really liking the look of today’s lineup. Maybe move Schafer to the leadoff spot, but otherwise…
MFin04
March 26th, 2009
12:20 pm
Do you FING read the stats i post? He blew 5 games. Or caused 5 losses….stop playing technical terms of baseball. He had a +5.00 era….and went 7 saves with 2 blown and 3 losses…not exactly great numbers…
Lew
March 26th, 2009
12:21 pm
And Gonzo was also coming back six months early from Tommy Johnson surgery. He deserves a bit of slack. 14 of 16 converted saves ain’t all that bad, especially given how many times we’ve been told that relef pitchers should not be judged on ERA or W-L records.
cafleming
March 26th, 2009
12:22 pm
hey. Does anyone have Dish Network? Will it have CSS on it? If so, what channel. Thanks in advance.
MFin04
March 26th, 2009
12:22 pm
Apparently Moylan thinks it is important to show up in non-save situations. I guess he isn’t an adrenaline guy…just a great pitcher!
MFin04
March 26th, 2009
12:24 pm
I understand…the whole dont judge relief pitchers on ERA…but a contact pitcher….with a low ERA could be a great closer. If guys get on against Moylan…he can get a double play better than most.
cphizzle
March 26th, 2009
12:24 pm
cafleming, unfortunately i have dish newtork and no css is not available on it just like peachtree tv…we must come together to make them add it to there programming!
Tomahawk210
March 26th, 2009
12:25 pm
I thought we tried the KJ lead-off thing last year. I really don’t like KJ in the lead-off spot, has to take too many pitches. I really hope Bobby isn’t trying this experiment again this year. So he bats a terrible lead off guy last night-Anderson and then bats Schafer 8th and KJ lead-off. Oh boy here we go again.
mbatl
March 26th, 2009
12:26 pm
Lew, ain’t it the truth. Ollie’s always been aloof and now he’s added out of shape; and Maine is a head-case too, IMO.
As to today’s lineup, looks good to me. I’ve always felt that IF Shafer (hey epi, you say wafer I say Shafer) makes the team, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bat him down in the order for a month or two. Let him get comfortable (it’s what Cleveland did with Sizemore, btw). Not saying today proves that’s the plan, but I think it would make sense.
MFin04
March 26th, 2009
12:26 pm
And all the Schafer lovers…get ready for disappointment he ain’t making the opening day roster. The Braves would never just let Josh Anderson walk….even if JS is the better player. He just isnt THAT much better and this point in time.
cvbraves
March 26th, 2009
12:26 pm
What I’ve read is Braves offered Will 2 years at 6 million last July…took it off the table and offered him $4 million for 2 years in November…now he wants $1.75 million for 1 year and Braves aren’t buying.
SAVANNAH DAWG
March 26th, 2009
12:26 pm
Hanson should be with the big club, not AAA. We have pitchers like Glavine who isn’t sure when he will be 100%. And of course don’t forget Mr. I’m too SOR to pitch IANO. Hanson is telling the world he is ready to dominate while high priced vets keep milking it!
I’m sorry Bobby but you are too loyal sometimes. Put the best team on the field!
deepinmetsterritory
March 26th, 2009
12:27 pm
DOB,
Not sure if you watched South Park from a couple weeks ago, but they skewer Disney, the Jonas Brothers and everything they stand for. It’s brilliant satire. They post all episodes online – http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/221275/ – take a look when you get a chance.
Josh H
March 26th, 2009
12:27 pm
cvbraves: and anyone else in regards to Kelly.
Statistically, Kelly hits better when his plate appearances last 3 pitches or less. He’s not a great 2 strike hitter. You want him somewhere lower in the order where he can be more aggressive.
B-Braves
March 26th, 2009
12:29 pm
Schafer has played full season above A ball. A few months in AAA couldn’t hurt. Not too impressed by J Anderson’s offense though. Wasn’t Kelly tried batting leadoff two years in a row and it was determined he was better down in the order. Don’t know why they keep doing the same thing if it didn’t work before. If the CF isn’t in leadoff wouldn’t Escobar be a better option??
cabravesfan
March 26th, 2009
12:29 pm
McFann-
I would be more then happy to give you a cut of my winnings! Can’t seem to get the head to work…I guess my Rally McTurtle will have to be headless:}
Lew
March 26th, 2009
12:29 pm
cvbraves-And apparently, no one else is, either.
TheAntiMe
March 26th, 2009
12:30 pm
Come on, DOB. With all due respect to Mr. Disney, everyone knows that Little Five Points is the happiest place ever. At least Dave Attell sure seemed impressed with that locale when he did Insomniac from the ATL.
Well, anyway, it’s awfully cool to have hardball back in season. As far as CF goes, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Josh Anderson as the starter when 2009 kicks off but there is no way, barring injury, that they will be able to keep Jordan Schafer off of the Atlanta roster this season.
This may seem a little far out there right now, but if Frenchy bounces back this year and Gregor Blanco, Matt Diaz and, of course, Garret Anderson play up to their capabilities then it may be possible that Frank Wren might be able to work a trade i.e. Josh Anderson for a solid left-handed pitcher for the bullpen. You never know.
MFin04
March 26th, 2009
12:30 pm
Can someone post the lineup…if its posted? What about Hanson as a closer….waste of a good starter? Looks like the Braves need some relievers….Fran. Bueno looked pretty good.
David O'Brien
March 26th, 2009
12:30 pm
Kotchman scratched again from lineup today. Talked to him before game, said he’s getting closer to getting his legs back under him, but that flu back knocked him for a loop. Lost about 5 pounds, said he doesn’t want to play again until he’s strong, so he doesn’t do anything that sets him back.
Smoky Joe Wood
March 26th, 2009
12:32 pm
I thought there was a chance that Heyward and Freeman might jump to AA, with all the success they had. I know it is the “safe” thing to move them up to high A, which they’ve only had a taste of. But it’s hard not to believe that they could make the jump, as good as they looked this spring.
I can’t help it; I wanna “fast-track ‘em”. I bet they only spend half the year in A ball.
PWHjort
March 26th, 2009
12:33 pm
Josh, we discussed this at length the other day, but it’s universally true that everyone’s a better hitter early in the count. As the count gets longer batting average and slugging percentage go down but on-base percentage goes up.
N8
March 26th, 2009
12:34 pm
Coach, Gonzo’s surgery was in May of 2007. He’s had almos another year of playing under his belt. Not a year removed from surgery. It was somewhere near the end of May 2007 that the Braves learned that he needed the surgery. Can’t remember details of WHEN the surger was actually done. But it was NOT in March of 2008.
As I preached all of last season, that he wouldn’t be up to his standards (or the ones he set for himself pre-surgery), LAST year, since he came back sooner than expected (very similar to Hudson this year). That being said, I fully expected him to be rarin’ to go this spring, and it doesn’t seem so.
The why or how his velocity and command isn’t up, really isn’t important to me. I’m not scolding him, or ragging on him.
Simply stating that I expected him to be 100 percent and ready to kick azz. As I’m guessing Wren did, when constructing the team. As I stated earlier, if Soriano is gonna have a season of setback, upon setback AND Gonzo isn’t ready to be what he was before he became a Brave, our bullpen WILL NOT be as good as advertised.
How’s GF doin’ with all of this snow?
Tomahawk210
March 26th, 2009
12:34 pm
MFin04
I take it you didn’t see the game last night. Anderson is terrible in the lead off position. Look at the stats this spring Anderson is hitting in the low .200’s and Schafer in the high .300’s with 5 steals to Anderson’s 1. Nope not better at all…good point.
Lew
March 26th, 2009
12:34 pm
Savannah Dawg-Soriano’s status will likely NOT effect Hanson. As for Glavine, you may find that JoJo Reyes is next up and not Hanson.
Anders
March 26th, 2009
12:34 pm
mbatl-Let’s wait and have Anders tell us why it was a much better deal for the Mets to sign Oliver Perez to a contract when they wouldn’t pony up and extra mil per year and an extra year to Derek Lowe. I still think it all comes down to the non existent money the Mets’ fans think they have to spend. (Lew)
I think it’s just a bit premature to see which deal has better value -no? BTW- It was $3 mil per difference and an additional year at $15mil for a total of $24 mil more to Lowe. That’s not a small number especially when your talking about a 36 year old versus a 26 year old. That additional $24 mil represents 66% of Ollie’s whole contract!
That aside, as I said when Ollie came back from the WBC “He needs to get back to the structure he craves.” That’s exactly what Warthen and Santana will give him.
In a single season comparison I don’t expect him to be Lowe, nor is he being paid to be. He is what he is. And every 5 starts or so you will get what they got last night from him- That’s Ollie. In a so-so year he’ll give them 12 or 13 wins, in a good year 15 or 16 and if he hits on all cylinders for a year he may win 18. Overall I’ll take an average of 15 wins a year from him. We’ll see.
Want to talk about your relief pitchers now?
Lew
March 26th, 2009
12:35 pm
Nathan-You washed down the mountainside yet? Got your sandbags ready?
TnBrian
March 26th, 2009
12:35 pm
Lew, is that a fact? Let me explain something to you and maybe some others that might not know the difference between “redneck” and “country”. Redneck is a guy/woman who goes out and looks for fights and is a rude piece of crap that is a racist low life. Country folks are just people set in their ways and say ya’ll a lot. I’m no low life redneck and I take a take a shower daily. And lets not forget the northerners who can be some pretty disgusting people… believe me, I know a few that can put a redneck to shame with their rudeness. Sorry that was so long and I wasn’t bashing you at all. Good day!
Epinephrine
March 26th, 2009
12:35 pm
MFin, I didn’t know it was possible to disagree with someone on every single point. The stats we’ve been reeling off aren’t “technical baseball analysis”. They are common indicators for anyone that follows baseball closely. ERA, Wins and Losses, and even WHIP to a certain extent are grossly misleading. Touting those stats for a guy barely removed from Tommy John surgery, in the freaking month of SEPTEMBER from a non competing squad, is tantamount to sacrilege for anyone that puts even minor credence into sabermetrics and PECOTA.
Gonzales has never pitched well in spring training. Even though he was fresh off Tommy John surgery, he still converted saves and registered a high number of Ks. He’ll be fine. Prospectus projects him as, “having shaken off the rust, he should finally emerge this year as the dominant closer the Braves thought they had acquired form the Pirates two years ago.” I’ve seen nothing this spring to change my mind. His velocity is there. His makeup is there. I guess we’ll see in April.
As for Schafer, I’ve become increasingly convinced he will start as out center fielder. Anderson was atrocious last night, both at the plate and in the field. With a squad that will be hitting for average and OBP rather than power and SLG, it is essential we have no holes in our lineup. We need to play the odds and have people on base, so our hitters will be able to move runners over. Anderson’s atrocious OBP and inability to use his speed make him a liability. Further, while he is fast in the field, his arm is weak and he takes questionable routes. My belief is Schafer will win that job.
WILD BILL
March 26th, 2009
12:36 pm
blawg dawg no caps just for you got a j.o.b. yet?? you really need to get a life you dam MORON just shut your piehole fat boy by the way are you a DAD? DUMB AZZ DONKEY LMAO sorry bout the caps I couldnt resist GO BRAVOS! GO DAWGS! GO TIGER! SORIANO NO COMPRENDE HE GOT SPEEDY CLAXTON DISEASE HE NO PLAY BUT HE GET PAY SPEEDY SHOULD WEAR A MASK WHEN HE CASHES HIS CHECK BEEN HERE TWO YEARS & HADNT DONE JACK! FAST EDDIE PEREZ FOR MANAGER WHEN BOBBY RETIRES CAUSE HE YES COMPRENDE ESPANOL SI SENOR
Eric from MO
March 26th, 2009
12:37 pm
SAVANNAH DAWG Soriano is a reliever not a starter. Why would you put a future ace in the bullpin? Would you have done that with Maddux or Glavine in their early twenties? If so, you are a moron. As for Glavine not being ready, you never know. If Glavine aint ready on April 19th Hanson may get called up. Bobby even said these guys will be called up immediately if anyone of the rotation isnt ready.
Lew
March 26th, 2009
12:37 pm
MFin04-I’m not seeing them putting Hanson in the pen. They’ll want to keep his arm strength up and I doubt that he’ll get enough work in relief.
MFin04
March 26th, 2009
12:39 pm
They will not let Anderson go through waivers. You just can’t be sure that Schafer will be legit against real MLB pitching.
fleming
March 26th, 2009
12:39 pm
No problem with sending Hanson down right now. Even if they were going to open with him in the rotation, why not send him down at the start of the season to delay the clock since he won’t be needed until the 19th at the earliest.
cvbraves
March 26th, 2009
12:39 pm
Lineup, according to MLB boxscore, for Braves: Kelly, Yunel, Chipper, BMac, Jeff, Norton, Brandon, Jordon, Lowe.
Rob from SC
March 26th, 2009
12:40 pm
Schafer 8th?
Rob from SC
March 26th, 2009
12:41 pm
If we make Schafer the CF and bat him 8th, we should just keep Anderson. Schafer will not see to many fastballs hitting in front of the pitcher
Tomahawk210
March 26th, 2009
12:41 pm
Good point Epinephrine
I completely forgot about the weak arm Anderson displayed last night. Charged a ball and had it just as runner was rounding 2nd base and threw a 2 or 3 hopper to 3rd base and wasn’t even close to nailing runner. Very weak arm-Schafer would’ve thrown him out by a couple steps. Scouts say Schafer’s arm is stronger than Francoeurs.
KC
March 26th, 2009
12:41 pm
Just glanced at today’s lineup. We’re seeing BC try all kinds of different things. Different guys at the top of the order, different arrangements at the back end… but one thing that seems to be consistent right now: Jones, McCann, Fancoeur – 3/4/5.
I think that’s what we’re likely to see on April 5th. Though he might flip Francoeur and McCann in the lineup against lefties.
And for the record, I think that’s the right call. I think the LF Anderson/Diaz platoon should hit 5th. Not sure who should lead off. You’d like to see J.Anderson or Schafer (whoever wins CF) lead off because of their speed… but they’ll have to prove that they can get on base consistently enough to lead off.
mbatl
March 26th, 2009
12:41 pm
I could see the Braves doing exactly what Tampa did with Price last year – bring him up as a reliever in September, and for the playoffs (God willing). That’s assuming of course that we don’t have him in the rotation. He’d (probably) be dominant for an inning or two during the stretch drive, and you don’t have to worry too much about controlling innings.
That’s a lot different than putting him there now – which would never, ever happen.
cphizzle
March 26th, 2009
12:41 pm
how exciting…The wild “moron” bill is back
Eric from MO
March 26th, 2009
12:42 pm
DOB since the Braves dont need their 5th starter till April 19th, would it be logical to open with Schafer and Anderson both on the opening day roster. That gives us 2 more weeks to trade Anderson.
Lew
March 26th, 2009
12:43 pm
Anders-I could have written that post for you. I KNEW that’s what you’d say. However, if you care to notice, the comments on Ollie’s fat butt and laziness were made by YOUR pitching coach and not we Braves’ fans. How can he come back after two or three weeks in worse shape than when he reported? Hell, had he been pitching in Mexico, it might could be blamed on enchilads and home cooking. But in Toronto? What would Chipper say?
MFin04
March 26th, 2009
12:43 pm
“Schafer’s arm is stronger than Francoeurs” I’d like to see that contest. They should add something like that to the all-star game.
Lew
March 26th, 2009
12:45 pm
TnBrian-You think I never saw a redneck before? Dude, I only live in Vermont now (and they have rednecks here, too). I spent almost four decades in the glorious South. I’ve met quite a few. Liked a bunch of them, too. Redneck is not necessarily a derogatory term.
northbeach Scott
March 26th, 2009
12:45 pm
An important reminder from our sponsors, “This is spring training (i.e. a test) only spring training. If this was the regular season (i.e. an emergency) you would be notified.”
Consequently, do not live and die by ST stats (good or bad) especially one game. Many of you have a cow during the regular season over one game, which is bad enough, but one ST game–give me a break. The players are often working on different portions of their games, especially those who have guaranteed spots on the 25 man.
Brought to you by the Braves Emergency Broadcast Network. That is all.
MFin04
March 26th, 2009
12:45 pm
Also…I’ve always thought a speedy guy in front of the pitcher…made sense. You can bunt him to second…or maybe steal second (obviously harder with the pitcher hitting)? But if he is on second for the top of the order…he can score a lot of runs from the 8th spot.
Rob from SC
March 26th, 2009
12:50 pm
But Schafer does strikeout a lot. If he see’s a ton of breaking balls he might struggle
Rob from SC
March 26th, 2009
12:50 pm
Let Schafer hit 2nd in front of Chipper. He will see great pitches
PWHjort
March 26th, 2009
12:50 pm
mbatl, I think Hanson cracks the rotation in June.
Rob from SC
March 26th, 2009
12:51 pm
Johnson-Schafer-Jones-McCann-Francoeur-Anderson-Escobar-Kotchman
McFann :Ô:
March 26th, 2009
12:52 pm
cabravesfan–
Haha…Thanks! That’s strange that you can’t get the head to work…are you using a Mac or PC?
You could also just copy and paste my Rally McTurtle.
ease19
March 26th, 2009
12:52 pm
TnBrianI think that country would be a sub category of Southern…I was born and raised in the south and the closest “country” I could get was living in Norcross in the 80’s, Alpharetta in the 90’s and Cherokee in the 00’s, all before the tsunami of urban sprawl hit. I can twang when need be but can also “youse” guys as well, depending on the company I keep (the result of crossbreeding of a Texas mother with a Jersey father)…Calling someone a redneck is just a racial slur between white folks akin to white trash…
Eric from MO
March 26th, 2009
12:53 pm
Two months ago people were doing thier lineup. I said I would wait toward the end of spring. Well here is mine.
1. cf Anderson/Schafer(depends who wins, I hope its Schafer)
2. ss Escobar
3. 3B Chipper
4. C McCann
5. 2B Johnson
6. LF Diez/Anderson
7. RF Francouer
8. 1B Kotchman
I hope Schafer wins, but I doubt he will. For the record when the spring began I wanted Anderson but Schafer is just better in every aspect of the game. McCann isn’t a typical cleanup hitter but we dont have one. Johnson just seams he is made for the 5 or 6 spot. I bet he has the 3rd most homeruns after McCann and Chipper. When I first made the lineup I thought of having Kotchman 7 and Francouer 8 but with Francouer trying to rebound his career I dont want him batting in front of the pitcher. On the days McCann isnt playing I would just move everybody up in the lineup and have Ross bat 8th.
Rob from SC
March 26th, 2009
12:53 pm
Can anyone find this game on the radio
ease19 :Ô:
March 26th, 2009
12:54 pm
Yeah! Works!…sorry I won’t use it again, but I was just as curious as every one else!
MLH
March 26th, 2009
12:54 pm
I wonder if the Braves Brass have thought about using Hanson as a closer this year if Gonzales is ineffective or gets injured, and Soriano continues to be a bust.
I mean the Yankees did it the Joba and Boston turned Pappelbon from a starter into a dominating closer.
I’m not saying turn Hanson in to a closer full-time. Just maybe for a year if Gonzales or Soriano doesn’t work out. If you told him he could pitch for Gwinnett every 5th day or pitch for Atlanta as a closer and come in and throw gas every 3rd day or so, I think he would be up for it.
I don’t think Atlanta would ever do this. Just a thought.
TnBrian
March 26th, 2009
12:54 pm
Lew, the way some have said the word “redneck” to me is why I explained it that way. That’s the way I feel about a redneck though. The ones I grew up with are punks, while I think of myself and some in my family as just country people. There’s a huge difference in my eyes.
MFin04
March 26th, 2009
12:55 pm
Francoeur batting 7th? Interesting. Seems low.
Rob from SC
March 26th, 2009
12:56 pm
look at the arm trouble Chamberlain has had.
PWHjort
March 26th, 2009
12:56 pm
Eric, I like KJ hitting 5th. The misconception that you need a home-run hitter in the 5 hole will make a lot of people think it’s a stupid idea, but it’s a misconception. Kelly Johnson can hit a lot of doubles and drive in Chipper and McCann with their high OBP’s. I like KJ 5th.
Brandon
March 26th, 2009
12:57 pm
is anybody providing play by play updates today?
MFin04
March 26th, 2009
12:57 pm
Anyone find the game on radio?
Lew
March 26th, 2009
12:57 pm
TnBrian-Dude, This is not a rip, but I’m betting that you’re in your twenties. You should have seen some of them country folk back in the 60’s. Now THERE were some real rednecks. And yes, I’m aware of the difference. Like I said-I lived down south for a long time and have drunk much sweet tea and ate much BBQ in many southern dives and talked fishin with quite a few people. You’re not educating me.
cabravesfan
March 26th, 2009
12:59 pm
McFann-
you are brilliant! Never even thought about copying it…now my McTrutle has a head:) Here’s hoping he will bring me good fortune
Epinephrine
March 26th, 2009
12:59 pm
I don’t know why people are equating Schafer’s Ks with trouble with breaking balls. He hits breaking balls fine. He strikes out on fastballs and breaking balls equally. His problem isn’t a particular type of pitch, it’s that he doesn’t change his approach at all on two strikes. I don’t think where he hits in the lineup will really matter.
And MFin, it really isn’t that implausible the Braves would risk Anderson on waivers. Suffice it to say, he is valued more highly here than in GM offices around the leagues. Scouts don’t project him to become a MLB caliber starter. But I think it’s more likely we’ll see him traded in some kind of package deal.
N Nine (eta10)
March 26th, 2009
12:59 pm
I’m no low life redneck and I take a take a shower dailyTnBrian
Glad we got to you know a bit more. I’m sure Toobusy is happy you take a shower on a daily basis
MFin04
March 26th, 2009
1:02 pm
It doesn’t make sense for anyone to trade for him…if they don’t value him…or if they could get him for free thru waivers.
mbatl
March 26th, 2009
1:02 pm
“mbatl, I think Hanson cracks the rotation in June.”
I wouldn’t argue with that, PWH. But, the 5th starter doesn’t get regular work, and in a pennant drive is asked to go full tilt (innings) when he does pitch. If Glavine/Reyes/Morton is doing the job, I actually think it would be great to just let Hanson complete a full year in Gwinnett, and then join the Braves in Sept. as I suggested earlier.
That’s a luxury we probably won’t be able to afford, though, so I’m not disagreeing with you. Pretty good chance we’ll see him in June.
My comment was in response to the suggestion that we move Hanson to closer – and this is the ONLY circumstance where I can see him coming out of the ‘pen.
McFann :Ô:
March 26th, 2009
1:02 pm
cabravesfan–
Aw, you’re too kind! Glad he’s got a head, now–hope your team has a great year!
kdbanks
March 26th, 2009
1:04 pm
Chip Caray is made of plastic.
PWHjort
March 26th, 2009
1:04 pm
I’m pretty sure Hanson won’t be the “5th starter” when he’s called up.
Harrison Dangler
March 26th, 2009
1:05 pm
I rather thought that the Tennesseans were actually hillbillies–you know eyes too far apart, married to their sisters, bathroom humor, and fond of farm animals. Who knew?
mbatl
March 26th, 2009
1:05 pm
Chopper to Chipper! Yeah!
Rob from SC
March 26th, 2009
1:05 pm
Glavine scares me, I don’t know how much he has left in his arm
David O'Brien
March 26th, 2009
1:07 pm
NEW BLOG IS UP
Jeff321
March 26th, 2009
1:08 pm
Ground out to Chipper, Escobar, and a fly out to left.
TnBrian
March 26th, 2009
1:09 pm
Lew, I’ll be 27 on Apr. 3. My girlfriend is getting me something right now and I can’t figure out what…hopefully she’s buying herself some sexy ligerie(think that’s how you spell that) . Anyways, sorry…I got ya. All I’m going by is my life experience with guys in school and work. I really wasn’t trying to educate you especially now that I know you’ve lived in the south before. You know your stuff…
kenhotlanta
March 26th, 2009
1:11 pm
Knuckle Sandwich regarding last night’s telecast…Dibble praised Francour at length about his new approach this spring and how he expects Frenchy to have a much better season than last year, plus he made several other comments complimentary to the Braves. I have always liked Dibble on XM and found him to be funny and insightful. I did not care for Carpenter at all and, yes, they are homers in building up their team for the new year, but I imagine that is the case with most teams’ broadcasters.
The only complaint I have about last night was how much they talked about the Nat’s depth at every position and how talented they are; it seems to me they are loaded with has-beens, rejects, and suspects and I don’t expect them to be very good this year, but, then again, they did kick our butts last year!
DAP
March 26th, 2009
1:13 pm
MFin04He blew 5 games. Or caused 5 losses….stop playing technical terms of baseball.
what if we are just accurate instead? in one of his blown saves, he also got the loss, so that not two separate games, thats one. in his other blown save, the braves actually won the game, so he didnt cause a loss that time. the other two losses were when he came into the game with it tied… and the team lost.
so really, he “caused” 3 losses in 36 appearances. he really pitched pretty well despite coming off of surgery.
kdbanks
March 26th, 2009
1:13 pm
Love how Kelly works the count full to leadoff.
Random
March 26th, 2009
1:22 pm
Lew (12:14 pm): “Tennessee DOES have more rednecks per square mile than any other southern state except for maybe Mississippi.”
That’s just East Tennessee, and only because so much of the terrain is purt near perpendicular.
KC
March 26th, 2009
2:07 pm
We’ve got some pitchers who can handle the bat here, don’t we? Lowe looked good with that hit, and Kawakami looked damn good, for a pitcher, at the plate last night.
Cherokee
March 26th, 2009
6:20 pm
Redneck is a guy/woman who goes out and looks for fights and is a rude piece of crap that is a racist low life
TN BRIAN aka TIN BRAIN
sounds just like you on this board with your short temper and nasty mouth. I guess we all figure you are a typical Tennesseean. You certainly aren’t helping to change the stereotype. If you aren’t a redneck I don’t know who is.
Ryan
March 28th, 2009
3:25 am
Blanco just raises too many question marks for me. We have to keep Anderson for waiver issues but I would not be opposed to seeing Schafer and Anderson platoon in CF.