Soriano: I’ll be ready
Orlandisnopolis, Fla. – It can be taken as a good sign, a good start to the day, when Braves reliever Rafael Soriano hangs up his cell phone and signals to waiting reporters to come over, then politely answers their questions.
So much for surly or unapproachable. He was quite pleasant today, and said his strained side feels a lot better and that he should be back pitching in a day or two. Said he actually told the trainers yesterday that he could throw today, but that they told him to wait and not push this thing.
Soriano
Most importantly: Can he, will he, be ready for the start of the season? “Yeah, yeah, couple more days I think I’m going to be ready to throw,” he said, which I took as his confirming he believes he will be ready.
To say that he’s important is like saying the Braves have struggled to keep a full-time, healthy closer in recent years. An understatement.
Not that he’s expected to fill that role. Not after he had it entering last season and then wasn’t able to pitch for any significant stretch of games without his elbow barking and landing him back on the DL. But he’d still be a solid backup option, don’t you think?
Soriano had surgery with Dr. James Andrews on Aug. 28, to transpose (move) the nerve that was rubbing against the bone that protrudes on the inside of the elbow. Andrews also removed a bone spur during that procedure. Those problems would explain why Soriano felt recurring pain during the season, and those are issues that wouldn’t necessarily (and didn’t) show up on an MRI.
He had two MRIs that were “clean” before Andrews recommended exploratory surgery to determine the source of his pain. Andrews said before the surgery that if they determined the nerve needed to be transposed, they’d go ahead and do it during that arthroscopic surgery, and that’s what they did.Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.
Soriano rested most of the winter, then showed up to spring training and barely threw off a mound in the first few weeks, which we weren’t quite sure whether the delay was cautionary as he came back from the elbow surgery, or more for the mysterious upper-respiratory infection or virus that he complained about at the beginning of camp, which has lingered for more than a month.
But I can report that today, he seemed to sound both normal (although he talks so deep and low, so it’s tough to gauge “normal”) and relatively upbeat (he’s not one to be exude bubbly enthusiasm, you might have heard).
So with a week to go before the Braves take this production north, they are hopeful that Soriano will be ready. Because they need him. With the question marks that go with their lefty relievers, and with Mike Gonzalez still working to get back to his old, dominant form and Peter Moylan probably not ready to go back-to-back days at the outset … well, like I said, the Braves need Soriano.
♦ McCann’s place among hitters: Writing a story today on McCann, just something about where teammates and others believe he ranks among catchers, what might be in store this season (Kelly Johnson and others think Mac’s ready to take it to another level), and how Mac plans to maintain his slimmer physique during the season (it ain’t always easy eating right on the road).
Teammates have asked McCann about how such a proficient major league hitter had just a .275 career average with 36 homers in more than 1,000 at-bats during his minor league career, and Mac’s answer is: Chipper. Yes, he credits Chipper Jones for instilling the importance of studying pitchers and especially going to the plate with a gameplan and staying in that plan.
By the way, here’s what Terry Pendleton said when I asked him how good a hitter McCann can be: “A .330 one, with 25, 30 homers. He can hit for that average and still hit for power. I don’t want to put that kind of heat on him, but I think he’s capable of doing that. The kid can hit.”
♦ Other medical updates: For those who might possibly be wondering why lefty Jeff Ridgway hasn’t been mentioned as a bullpen option recently, he’s had inflammation in his pitching elbow and hasn’t picked up a ball in several weeks. He hopes to begin a throwing program soon, and is frustrated that he hasn’t been healthy enough to compete for a spot…. Casey Kotchman was still sick and out of the lineup again today, and Bobby Cox said the first baseman was headed to the hospital to get checked out, since his flu-like symptoms have lasted more than a week. He had a brief period a few days ago when he felt better, only to have his condition worsen again…. LF Garret Anderson (calf strain) is now expected to make his Grapefruit League debut on Sunday instead of Saturday. Cox said a few days ago that they were aiming for Saturday, but that was pushed back a day, though the manager said there was no setback or anything….
♦ Speaking of unhealthy…. Now, I’m a fan of a good, greasy burger every once in a while. But seriously, does anyone, under any circumstances, ever need to eat a monstrosity such as this 4,800-calorie, cardiac-arrest concoction they plan to serve this season at West Michigan Whitecaps minor league games? This thing makes the famous Ghetto Burger at Ann’s Snack Shack in Atlanta seem like a freakin’ Kristal slider by comparison.
Not in here, Tyler
We wait anxiously: Kansas vs. Michigan State tonight, and I’ll admit to being a bit nervous. My young Jayhawks can beat Smoltz’s Spartans, but will have to play very well to get it done. Damn, still got 9-1/2 hours till tipoff…. After the Asian Invasion Monday (Boston’s Daisuke “Dice-K” Matsuzaka vs. Kenshin Kawakami at Dark Star), it’ll be an Atlanta invasion at The Social in downtown Orlando, where ATL bands Black Lips and Gentlemen Jesse are performing. Planning to attend, if we’re not worn out from a day of fighting for coffee and elbow room in filled-to-capacity pressbox at the all-Japanese pitching matchup.
Statistically speaking: Derek Lowe leads the NL with 24 strikeouts entering today’s games, while Jordan Schafer was fifth with a .383 average and tied for seventh with five stolen bases…. In the Grapefruit League (Florida spring training teams), Brandon Jones (.356) and Matt Diaz (.354) also ranked among batting leaders, while Diaz (.604) was fourth in slugging percentage, and Schafer (.420) was seventh in OBP.
Today’s lineups
TIGRES
1. Curtis Granderson, CF (a huge Kansas fan, by the way)
2. Will Rhymes, 2B
3. Magglio Ordonez, RF
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
5. Carlos Guillen, LF
6. Brandon Inge, 3B
7. Matt Treanor, C
8. Ramon Santiago, SS
9. Justin Verlander, RH
BRAVOS
1. Gregor Blanco, CF (it ain’t over, folks)
2. Kelly Johnson, 2B
3. Chipper Jones, 3B
4. Brian McCann, C
5. Jeff Francoeur, RF
6. Omar Infante, SS
7. Martin Prado, 1B
8. Josh Anderson, LF
9. Tom Glavine, LH
Been on a Waits jag lately, so why stop now?
“IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD” by Tom Waits
Well the eggs chase the bacon
round the fryin’ pan
and the whinin’ dog pidgeons
by the steeple bell rope
and the dogs tipped the garbage pails
over last night
and there’s always construction work
bothering you
In the neighborhood
In the neighborhood
In the neighborhood
Friday’s a funeral
and Saturday’s a bride
Sey’s got a pistol on the register side
and the g–damn delivery trucks
they make too much noise
and we don’t get our butter
delivered no more
In the neighborhood
In the neighborhood
In the neighborhood
Well Big Mambo’s kicking
his old grey hound
and the kids can’t get ice cream
’cause the market burned down
and the newspaper sleeping bags
blow down the lane
and that g–damn flatbed’s
got me pinned in again
In the neighborhood
In the neighborhood
In the neighborhood
There’s a couple Filipino girls
gigglin’ by the church
and the window is busted
and the landlord ain’t home
and Butch joined the army
yea that’s where he’s been
and the jackhammer’s diggin’
up the sidewalks again
In the neighborhood
In the neighborhood
In the neighborhood
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767 comments Add your comment
luke
March 27th, 2009
12:55 pm
first
Uncle BB5795
March 27th, 2009
12:58 pm
Creepily second?
KC
March 27th, 2009
12:58 pm
—– OPENING DAY VIEWING PARTY ——
Sun. April 5th, 7:45 pm
Jocks and Jills at Galleria Mall (N. 285 & I-75)
Email: kccjr1@gmail.com
KC
March 27th, 2009
1:00 pm
Tejada gets probation for misleading Congress.
And is there any way to sentence members of Congress (members of BOTH parties) to probation for criminal mismanagement of the country? The Whitehouse as well. Bush and so far, Obama too. With a few exceptions, the whole lot of them are botch artists.
Is it safe to say they have better things to worry about right now? Forget about baseball and do job you were elected to do!
Tricky Dick
March 27th, 2009
1:00 pm
I am getting a little sick of Soriano. It is always something. The Braves have had some pretty bad luck with back-end relievers. They have brought in some excellent arms, but something always seems to go wrong, usually major injury.
Jeff321
March 27th, 2009
1:01 pm
>I’m looking at getting the mlb.tv package. I know a bunch of folks on here have been using it this spring. How is the 400k feed?
The 400K feed sucks. (I watch it in a small window because the full screen is unacceptable.) Once the regular season starts, you choose from something like 400, 800, 1.1, 2, 3 Megs. (I was perfectly happy last year with the 1.1 feed. The higher ones are new this year.)
Anders' Mom
March 27th, 2009
1:02 pm
Hold your horses, young man. I will be down to change you as soon as I finish with this trick. Stop your grunting and leave those nice people on DOB’s Blog alone. Also, stop with your fecal humor my little do-do.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
1:08 pm
Granderson grounded out on 79-mph fastball for first out
BlawgDawg
March 27th, 2009
1:08 pm
Game is on SportSouth as well today for those that don’t get MLBTV
Jeff321
March 27th, 2009
1:09 pm
Well, its about time Soriano had something to say! Now, that wasn’t very hard, eh. So, now all you need to do is get out there and pitch.
Eware
March 27th, 2009
1:09 pm
Great blog, DOB. I’m pulling for your Jayhawks, mainly cause you’re a lot more fun in a good mood.
I’m so pumped for this season! It sounds like Chipper needs to become a hitting coach, once his playing days are over.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
1:09 pm
Fooled Rhymes on a 71-mph pitch to strike him out
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2009
1:09 pm
Does 79-mph really qualify as a fastball? Not complaining, just curious…
Nick
March 27th, 2009
1:10 pm
cabravesfan: More like a “straightball”
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
1:11 pm
Magglio 6-3 to end inning, 1-2-3
dogsbrekky (Dook lose again)
March 27th, 2009
1:11 pm
Kansas will win easily tonight Dobi One Knobi
UNC for the title..
Glavine is too good even at 80mph
BlawgDawg
March 27th, 2009
1:12 pm
BlawgDawg’s Wife Ok, I’m in a corner now and will fess up. Her name is McFann, her blogging skill was just too much for me to resist and I fell under her spell……
Il Cattivo
March 27th, 2009
1:13 pm
Josh A in LF.. They really want to give him a chance to show something positive it seems like, one way or another.
glorydays
March 27th, 2009
1:14 pm
My son’s pitching coach says that with proper mechanics anyone can throw a ball over 80 miles an hour
Jackie Treehorn
March 27th, 2009
1:14 pm
How much of the Glavine signing do you think was backlash from the Smoltz deal, and not wanting to let both of them go? Because despite starting his arbitration clock early, it sure seems like Hanson would have made for a better fifth starter.
keylargo
March 27th, 2009
1:15 pm
DOB
Tommy Glavine looks in considerably better condition than last year. Looks to me like he is at least 10 pounds lighter. Have you heard anything?
dogsbrekky (Dook lose again)
March 27th, 2009
1:16 pm
glorydays – but can they locate it on a pinpoint and do the same with their changeup which looks like a fastball
what
oh wait
exactly……
glorydays
March 27th, 2009
1:16 pm
DOB Is is true that all things being equal (i.e.cash) that Ohman prefers not to return to the Braves or is that a Blog sh*t call?
Tricky Dick
March 27th, 2009
1:16 pm
You have to love Glavine. So far this spring, and last year pre-injury, he has pitched very well despite the fact that his fastball is slower than some pitchers’ change-ups.
garlick
March 27th, 2009
1:16 pm
DOB good luck to your Jayhawks tonight, I hope they pull it out.
I have less confidence in my Arizona Wildcats against Louisville, but the Cats weren’t even supposed to be in the tourney much less a 16 team, so I can’t complain.
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
1:18 pm
Good luck to Michigan State tonight.
glorydays
March 27th, 2009
1:18 pm
My son (left handed) does well just to keep it from hitting the backstop
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
1:18 pm
Hell, there’s no reason to blog with this game on my TV.
TnBrian
March 27th, 2009
1:18 pm
BlawgDawg, it is? I don’t see anything but Hockey hooligans playing.
Brandon
March 27th, 2009
1:19 pm
still a little bitter after Duke’s loss last night…a great outing from Tommy G could make the day better.
DAP
March 27th, 2009
1:20 pm
My son’s pitching coach says that with proper mechanics anyone can throw a ball over 80 miles an hour
i dont believe that.
glorydays
March 27th, 2009
1:20 pm
Will Billy Gillespie stay or will he go? If he stays there will be trouble,if he blows it will be double. (I made that up)
TnBrian
March 27th, 2009
1:21 pm
I wonder if Soriano was talking to “wilymo” when reporters came up to him?
Il Cattivo
March 27th, 2009
1:21 pm
Has anyone noticed – with all this furore about Frenchie’s slugging, Kelly hasnt homered this spring. I know he isnt a power threat but when Josh Anderson and Diaz are hitting homers one would think he would have hit one out.
garlick
March 27th, 2009
1:21 pm
glorydays, the better question is if Calhoun will retire. Gillespie, if he isn’t done this year, will be done next year.
Calhoun, on the other hand, could decide to step down, rather than go through an investigation.
Josh B
March 27th, 2009
1:22 pm
can someone keep me up to date on the game, im at work
TnBrian
March 27th, 2009
1:22 pm
Found the game! COOL!
lewie
March 27th, 2009
1:24 pm
glavine playing soft-toss out there
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
1:24 pm
Couple of hits in this innings, including Inge’s one-out single to left to put runners at first and second with one out
BlawgDawg
March 27th, 2009
1:25 pm
Let me try this again since I keep getting a “broken link” page. Channel 649 on DirecTV, pretty sure it’s SportSouth, but maybe it’s FSN South
BlawgDawg
March 27th, 2009
1:27 pm
Ok, nevermind TnBrian, you got it. Unfortunatly I had to come back to work (not much work going on obviously but…) so I can’t see the game. I’m recording it on the DVR to watch later, but would much appreciate updates from anyone who cares to share.
RHR
March 27th, 2009
1:27 pm
Ew McFann is a child. Don’t be creepy. lol…but not really…
Thanks for the updates for us cubicle rats.
ncscoots
March 27th, 2009
1:27 pm
My son (left handed) does well just to keep it from hitting the backstop
Then, you’re in luck. At his age, he’s on the same development track as every LHP who has ever played MLB, LOL.
Gary Marx
March 27th, 2009
1:28 pm
You keep quoting Tom Waits and I’ll keep coming back. The lyrics are a nice touch. Cheers from Kansas.
glorydays
March 27th, 2009
1:28 pm
I didn’t believe that 80 MPH thing myself at first, but I am becoming a believer
N Nine (eta Nine)
March 27th, 2009
1:28 pm
Il Cattivo ___
I wouldn’t put too much into the powerless Frenchy. He’s clearly focused on the basics of hitting. Remember last spring he was thinking power, and that’s what got him in trouble.
BlawgDawg
March 27th, 2009
1:28 pm
Please say your kidding RHR….if not, I apologize profusely for my attempted humor, that would be creepy
glorydays
March 27th, 2009
1:30 pm
Enter your comments here
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
1:30 pm
Verlander has allowed nothing in two innings against the Bravos
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
1:30 pm
Since I have now seen Tom Glavine pitch a half-inning, I believe that we will win it all. I was wavering a little bit with these recent losses, but seeing those 79-mph fastballs has renewed my faith.
Uh oh. McCann just got punked by Verlander. My faith is shattered. Let’s see what Francoeur will do. A groundout. He obviously has no chance this year. Infante flies out to Ordonez.
Last place is looking pretty good right now.
Il Cattivo
March 27th, 2009
1:31 pm
N Nine (eta Nine)
Yes, but I was talking about Kelly!
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
1:32 pm
Within reason the 80 MPH thing is right. You have to be somewhat athletic, but most people can throw 80 with correct mechanics.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
1:32 pm
Gary Marx, always good to hear the Sunflower State’s represented out there.
Il Cattivo
March 27th, 2009
1:34 pm
Being able to throw 80 mph and “pitch” 80 mph are two things entirely.
RHR
March 27th, 2009
1:34 pm
Yay! The return of Anders mom!
RHR
March 27th, 2009
1:35 pm
:lol BD yes I was kidding.
phar71
March 27th, 2009
1:35 pm
How;s Glav looking.
DOB: If he decides he can’t cut it, who will take the 5th spot?
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
1:36 pm
Glavine just struck out Verlander. I’m back on the wagon.
Joe seems to think Blanco can steal bases well. Where’s Pete? I bet he knows Blanco can’t steal well. Granderson flies out to Frenchy. Busta Rhymes grounds out to second. Nice to see Busta in the lineup. Braves win the World Series. Time for a commercial.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
1:36 pm
Glavine’s now pitched six scoreless innings in his two starts, folks.
And has gotten through three today in under 40 pitches
dogsbrekky (Dook lose again)
March 27th, 2009
1:37 pm
Josh B
Glavine is changing speeds and baffling Tigers hitters
KJ threw a double play ball away ……
No-one has hit Verlander yet… so snafu
TnBrian
March 27th, 2009
1:38 pm
Glavine looks very good. He looks comfortable and throwin a lot of offspeed..no surprise there.
Verlander is filthy
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
1:39 pm
Oh, yeah. There’s no way most people can control 80 MPH pitches.
dogsbrekky (Dook lose again)
March 27th, 2009
1:39 pm
Verlander looks bloody good……… 97 mph fasties and nasty hooks
Anderson bunts on…… safe
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
1:39 pm
Josh Anderson puts down a perfect bunt for Braves’ first hit.
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
1:39 pm
Joe says Martin Prado emerged as a “fan favorite” last year because of his hustle. Also, he hit well. Martin promptly pops out.
Josh Anderson lays down a nice bunt for a hit.
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
1:39 pm
Nice bunt single.
mbatl
March 27th, 2009
1:40 pm
keylargo, you’re right. Glavine doesn’t look like a 25-year-old, but he doesn’t have near the paunch he had last year.
Hey, Jamie Moyer won 16 games last year with an 81-mph fastball (per fangraphs).
Glavine has given up a couple of solid singles (though nothing really threatening), but 3 IP, 2K’s, 2 hits, 0 walks, is a pretty good beginning. His change has been effective and nobody has (so far) really ripped anything off him. He looks pretty good to me.
The Tigers’ 3-4-5 up in the 4th, so it’ll be interesting to see how Tommy can handle them 2nd time around.
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
1:40 pm
Martin Prado did something very stupid last year. He slid head first into first base. And broke his thumb. That pissed me off, you don’t slide head first into first base.
keylargo
March 27th, 2009
1:40 pm
Jimmy Williams – thank you for your work teaching Braves pitchers to bunt.
dogsbrekky (Dook lose again)
March 27th, 2009
1:41 pm
Glavein sac bunt, JA on 2nd……. 2 out 0-0 bottom 3rd
Isenberg
March 27th, 2009
1:41 pm
Ha, loved the hustle by Glavine on his sacrifice bunt! Just kidding, when you’re Tom Glavine you don’t have to hustle in Spring Training.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
1:41 pm
Glavine sac bunt
Young pitchers could learn a lot today, watching Glavine succeed with nothing harder than 80 mph and also put down a nice sac bunt.
lewie
March 27th, 2009
1:41 pm
those softy dookies sure looked good last night
TnBrian
March 27th, 2009
1:41 pm
Anderson will be the CF because his options are out, I believe. He’s fast but his OBP won’t cut it, right DOB?
dogsbrekky (Dook lose again)
March 27th, 2009
1:42 pm
Blanco up as our lead off hitter
All we need is Schafer in this game to see ‘em all at once
BlawgDawg
March 27th, 2009
1:43 pm
A bunt to end a no-hitter, he’s getting drilled next time up. (Joking of course) Who was the dummy a few years ago that got so upset about that, I think it was someone with the Diamondbacks maybe?
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
1:44 pm
Blanco draws a two-out walk, brings up Kelly J with runners at 1st and 2nd
And he pops out to shallow RF
garlick
March 27th, 2009
1:44 pm
TnBrian, Mark Bowman wrote in his blog today that they’re exploring trading Anderson right now.
Bowman wouldn’t write something like that if it wasn’t true.
BlawgDawg's Wife
March 27th, 2009
1:44 pm
BlawgDawg you’re such a sweetie. All is forgiven, McFann is a great blogger and sweetheart, so I know no funny business is going on. Besides, I threw up a little bit in my mouth thinking about flirting with creepy Uncle BB5795. Toodeloo!
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
1:44 pm
Glavine up in a bunting situation and puts down a nice bunt. Tom looks like a high school P.E. coach. He’s got that wiry, sunburnt leather skin thing going on. Blanco is up. He’s got a stupid beard. He should be embarrassed. Josh Anderson is dancing around at second as if to say, “Don’t cut me, Bobby.” Joe Simpson says Blanco’s OBP might go up if he cuts down on strikeouts. Verlander walks Blanco. I guess Blanco could walk more. That would also increase his OBP. Kelly Johnson fails us all by popping out to shallow right.
Bobby's Cox
March 27th, 2009
1:44 pm
Glavine is giving me hope that I can pick up a ball and be a successful major league pitcher!
Lunatic Fringe
March 27th, 2009
1:45 pm
Chop Chop
Thanks for the updates. What can I do to keep my mood swings under control like you seem to do?
Cru Jones
March 27th, 2009
1:45 pm
Is he really maxing out at 80?
keylargo
March 27th, 2009
1:47 pm
mbatl – that is exactly where I see Glavine slimmer. He did have a belly last year but looks about like he did in the 90’s now.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 27th, 2009
1:47 pm
Josh Anderson’s bunt was text book. I’m impressed.
Glavine looks like….well, Glavine.
Il Cattivo
March 27th, 2009
1:47 pm
Cru Jones
Yeah even Joe Simpson was excited to spot 80 on the radar gun.
ContactBuzz
March 27th, 2009
1:48 pm
“Bowman wouldn’t write something like that if it wasn’t true.”
Yeah, that never happens.
Signed,
Ken Griffey, Jr.
BlawgDawg
March 27th, 2009
1:48 pm
LOL, You didn’t want anything to do with that old Uncle BB character anyway, didn’t you hear he’s an ex-con?
Ritchie from Scotland
March 27th, 2009
1:48 pm
Diaz is a legend, seems like a great bloke hope he has a great year.
dogsbrekky (Dook lose again)
March 27th, 2009
1:48 pm
Matt Diaz interview, he looks great, so thin
forget speed folks, pitching speed doesnt matter……. number of outs
per innings without scoring does
Glavine 6 innings = 0 runs
plus he is facing the best Tigers hitters today
dogsbrekky (Dook lose again)
March 27th, 2009
1:49 pm
Cabrera ks, 3 ks for Glavine
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 27th, 2009
1:49 pm
Matty Diaz is endorsing P-90X. They gotta love that.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
1:50 pm
Guillen double to left, Inge up.
dogsbrekky (Dook lose again)
March 27th, 2009
1:50 pm
Guillen double off an off speed pitch
2 out, top 4th
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
1:52 pm
Inge 5-3 to end inning
ncscoots
March 27th, 2009
1:52 pm
Guillen double off an off speed pitch
How can you tell?
dogsbrekky (Dook lose again)
March 27th, 2009
1:52 pm
5-3 for 3 outs.
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2009
1:52 pm
dogsbrekky-
how can you tell Glavine’s off speed stuff from his fastball?
k_chub
March 27th, 2009
1:53 pm
Hey DOB,
I’ve always been a fan of the blog because of the baseball news, but I have recently started taking you up on some of your music recommendations. I know you are a big Tom Waits fan and I was wondering if you could recommend to me a couple of his CD’s. I have been listening to the Frank’s Wild Years album and while I find some of the songs really odd I like the majority of the songs of the album.
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
1:53 pm
They’re talking to Diaz. He’s in good shape. Very skinny. Probably stopped juicing. Someone called me while the interview was going on. Glavine is pitching well. Girlfriend won’t get off phone. Commercials are on. Ordering World Series tickets online.
ease19
March 27th, 2009
1:53 pm
The 3 Rules to pitching:
1) Location
2) Location
3) Location
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
1:54 pm
Glavine’s done, 34 strikes in 51 pitches. Was only going to go three innings originally, but pitch count was so low through three that he went another
Three hits, no runs, no walks, three strikeouts
Cru Jones
March 27th, 2009
1:54 pm
I didnt say I dont like Glavine, just shocked that he’s only hitting 80. Will he build up to his normal 87 or so, or is that it for this year?
KC
March 27th, 2009
1:54 pm
If there’s a cooler guy in baseball than Matt Diaz, I can’t imagine who that would be. His attitude is always outstanding, no matter the circumstances. He never whines about playing time or anything else. consummate team player.
garlick
March 27th, 2009
1:54 pm
Actually, Bowman never said Griffey was a done deal. He reserved that and wrote 4 blogs in that time period that said we were still waiting on him.
Sorry, try again contact buzz
Bobby's Cox
March 27th, 2009
1:54 pm
scoots…what’s with the humor lately man?! lol
they only way i could tell was you saw the loop in the pitch….well, more of a loop than the fastball.
Ritchie from Scotland
March 27th, 2009
1:54 pm
lol Glavine’s pitches are all off speed…..but in the right place thats for sure.
dogsbrekky (Dook lose again)
March 27th, 2009
1:54 pm
Chipper just misses one
high fly to RF, 1 down
TBraveFan
March 27th, 2009
1:55 pm
Chop Chop – if you knew anything about Matt – you’d never say anything about him juicing! Shame on you
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
1:55 pm
Chop Chop, was that a Facebook entry? “Chop Chop is ordering World Series tickets online….”
Cameron
March 27th, 2009
1:56 pm
DOB,
Any word on potential trades? What do you expect from Franceour this year? I say .275, 27 HRs, 103 RBIs.
braint
March 27th, 2009
1:56 pm
I’m with DAP on the 80mph. That’s still very fast for “anyone.”
Cameron
March 27th, 2009
1:57 pm
and 40 BBs
ncscoots
March 27th, 2009
1:57 pm
Hey, listen, Bobby’s, I’m a funny guy, always have been, LOL. Trying to reclaim some of the funny-guy turf from our buddy Bub.
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
1:57 pm
Two quick outs for the Bravos. Chipper was laughing after his long flyball to right. I was joking about the juicing thing. Is it possible to joke about things? Yes. Francoeur took one of those infamous “Captain Caveman” swings. 2-2 count on him. He skies a fly to right. Verlander’s looking pretty good.
Name
March 27th, 2009
1:58 pm
AJC Braves page:
“Braves closer declares he will begin pitching in a few days in hopes of returning for season opener.”
When did Soriano usurp the job from Gonzalez?
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
1:59 pm
That would be a good idea for a status update, DOB. I guess I could tweet that, too.
Mekons
March 27th, 2009
1:59 pm
The interviews with Diaz and Glavine were both well-done. I have never seen Diaz speak before; he seems like a really nice guy.
Andrew
March 27th, 2009
2:00 pm
matty diaz wants schafer in center
dogsbrekky (Dook lose again)
March 27th, 2009
2:00 pm
Verlander looked like the 2006 version
mbatl
March 27th, 2009
2:01 pm
KC, agree about Diaz. Just a pleasure anytime you hear him talk. That doesn’t replace talent, but all things being equal, he’s a guy you want around. (not saying he doesn’t have talent, btw!)
wilymo
March 27th, 2009
2:01 pm
Blawgdawg,
I think you’re referring to the bunt hit that broke up Schilling’s perfect game when he was with the DBacks. Link
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
2:01 pm
Cru Jones, Glavine himself doesn’t expect to get up above 83-84 after he builds arm strength. Judging from results so far, that might be enough, with his location and mix of pitches….
No one should be surprised if Braves trade Anderson, but don’t expect them to get much in return. They’ve been talking to teams for a while now, but so far it seems teams would prefer to wait. For obvious reasons: Other team keep up with this like we do and realize that Schafer has outplayed Anderson and that the Braves might try to get Anderson through waivers or trade him for less a week from now than they would now.
Braves know the importance of getting off to a good start, and if they believe Schafer (or Blanco) makes them a better team than Anderson, they will probably go that route, minor-league options be damned.
dogsbrekky (Dook lose again)
March 27th, 2009
2:02 pm
Prado played 1st base, now at 3rd base
Campillo gets a 5-3
0-0 still in 5th
KC
March 27th, 2009
2:02 pm
If I had to pick the bullpen right now, this is what I would go with:
Gonzalez
Soriano
Moylan
Boyer
Acosta
Campillo
Carlyle
That’s right, no lefty middle-reliever. I’d rather have a righty that can get outs than a lefty that gets knocked around. But we really do need to get Ohman or someone comparable as soon as possible.
Roman Gal
March 27th, 2009
2:02 pm
I’m afraid Brian would be the slowest baserunner on just about any team. LOL
Oh, I agree. I was just referring to McCann’s mad basestealing skillz. Certainly McFann can attest to those.
McFann :Ô:
March 27th, 2009
2:03 pm
Ugh…why does McCann refuse to hit now that I’m watching?
TBraveFan–
Thanks! Most of my pics of Mac are from a considerable distance.
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
2:04 pm
Over/under 5: Brian McCann’s 2009 total stolen bases plus triples?
Il Cattivo
March 27th, 2009
2:04 pm
This might be the regular season order of things. Glavine pitching in the reagion of 5 innings and Jorge Campillo coming into bridge it with 2-3 innings.
McFann :Ô:
March 27th, 2009
2:04 pm
Roman Gal–
Oh yeah! He got real mad skillz on the bases!
ArkyTech
March 27th, 2009
2:04 pm
DOB, should the fact that Blanco is batting leadoff today worry me?
BlawgDawg's Wife
March 27th, 2009
2:05 pm
Uncle Creeply Ex-Con conned the knicers right off me . . . ooops, did I say that? I meant, I ‘ll see you later. Go Braves and McTurtle
Jeff321
March 27th, 2009
2:06 pm
Nice play by Norton. He sure looks a lot better at first than the outfield.
BravesFan InRockies (IbleedCarolinablue)
March 27th, 2009
2:06 pm
dogsbrekky (Dook lose again),
The Zags could beat our Heels tonight If every bulldog goes off and Lawson gets in foul trouble. But I’m a lot less worried about this game than I was when Ty had an awful first 10 mins. vs. LUS (Justin Wilson, RIP).
Coach K’s got to be willing to recruit and sign one-and-done guys or Dook’s going to be no better than a Sweet 16-caliber program.
dogsbrekky (Dook lose again)
March 27th, 2009
2:06 pm
Norton great play at 1st
looked like a 25 year old, 3 outs
bottom 5
Big Easy
March 27th, 2009
2:06 pm
PWHjort – Give me the over.
~E~
Bobby's Cox
March 27th, 2009
2:06 pm
This girl heard about Glavine’s fastball.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090327&content_id=4074856&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
dogsbrekky (Dook lose again)
March 27th, 2009
2:07 pm
Bravesfan – I actually am very worried about our ‘heels
Lawson is the big key…….
Jeremy Vachon
March 27th, 2009
2:08 pm
Over Under on BMac’s belly flop sildes into 3rd on a triple???? God, that was funny.
Roman Gal
March 27th, 2009
2:08 pm
McFann, I have to say…you’re one tough cookie. You stuck to your guns last offseason when everyone was talking about how bad of a baserunner McCann was. And look what happened…he goes out and leads the majors in stolen base percentage.
Drizzle N. Megatons
March 27th, 2009
2:09 pm
Ron Paul is for the people, unless you want your children to have human implant RFID chips, a National ID card and create a North American Union and see an economic collapse far worse than the great depression. Support Ron Paul he speaks the truth and the media and government is afraid of him go to YouTube and search for ‘Ron Paul’ and you will see his large base. Get motivated America, don’t believe the lies of the media! Value Freedom instead of corporate lies and corruption. Bypass this media blackout they are doing to Ron Paul, tell your family and friends and get involved in the Campaign for Liberty and make your voice heard! He will end the War In Iraq immediately. He will eliminate the IRS and wasteful government spending, and eliminate the Federal Reserve and restore power to the people and is not a member of the CFR. How many other Congressmen make these claims?
He has NEVER voted:
* to raise taxes
* for an unbalanced budget
* to raise congressional pay
* for a federal restriction on gun ownership
* to increase the power of the executive branch
He HAS voted:
* against the Iraq war
* against the inappropriately named USA PATRIOT act
* against regulating the internet
* against the Military Commissions Act
He will eliminate the IRS, Wasteful Government Spending & Stop The Iraq War Immediately!
Most importantly, he voted NO on anything in Congress that is not allowed by the Constitution.
Google: “Ron Paul” Today! Join The Revolution!
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
2:09 pm
ArkyTech, Kelly Johnson led off yesterday. Escobar led off a few days ago.
N Nine (eta Nine)
March 27th, 2009
2:11 pm
I’d say a few of those doubles could become triples for MAC. Going to be fun watching the new and improved McCann!
DAP
March 27th, 2009
2:11 pm
golly…can we delete that post about ron paul?
Andrew
March 27th, 2009
2:11 pm
well verlander looks amazing
mbatl
March 27th, 2009
2:11 pm
PWH, McCann has a sterling 80% career stolen base rate, despite his disastrous 0 for 1 performance in 2007. And his number of triples increased, well, infinitely, from 0 to 1 in 2008.
Given that and his new svelte figure, I’m taking the over on that. I’ll say 5 stolen bases, 2 triples.
Brandon aka DukeBoy
March 27th, 2009
2:11 pm
BravesFanInRockies,
Your Point on Coach K Recruiting one-and-dones is true, but I Understand why he doesnt.
Go Zags.
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 27th, 2009
2:11 pm
No bloody politics or I will start quoting……….
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
2:11 pm
Verlander looks really sharp. Two easy outs. Anderson showed bunt on the first pitch. Carlos Guillen is starting to hate Josh Anderson because of all the running he just had to do into foul ground. Josh obliges by popping out in foul territory to third.
Il Cattivo
March 27th, 2009
2:11 pm
Boog is just a wealth of information on various little things. He keeps a game interesting.
N Nine (eta Nine)
March 27th, 2009
2:12 pm
Drizzle N. Megatons just farted
Andrew
March 27th, 2009
2:13 pm
can you believe its the sixth already
Brandon aka DukeBoy
March 27th, 2009
2:13 pm
Drizzle, keep the political garbage of this blog.. I get enough of that crap on the nightly news…
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
2:13 pm
McCann will probably end up with ten triples. Ten of them will result from cut-off men fainting when they see Heap rounding second base.
Jeremy Vachon
March 27th, 2009
2:13 pm
Vote 4 Pedro!!! All of your wildest dreams will come true!
LT200
March 27th, 2009
2:14 pm
DOB – Do you get any sense that Kotchman is going to be able to play this year. It just seems that the guy has had zero luck getting into the lineup this spring or last year when his mom was ill. Maybe we should try to trade him and go with someone else at 1st. What do you think.
N Nine (eta Nine)
March 27th, 2009
2:14 pm
oops Cattivo__ KJ is streaky but I’m still positive he’ll be OK.
ease19
March 27th, 2009
2:15 pm
What the hell was that (Ron Paul) all about?
Roman Gal
March 27th, 2009
2:15 pm
Verlander had a pretty rough year last year. I’m glad it looks like he’ll bounce back this year. I don’t know why exactly, but I’ve always liked him. Of course, I’d rather him not make our lineup look like chopped liver, but what can we do?
JEZ
March 27th, 2009
2:15 pm
you’re writing kotchman off that quick? He obviously just didn’t get his flu shot this past fall…
Mekons
March 27th, 2009
2:15 pm
Uh, oh. LOOGY alert. O’Flaherty is in the game.
JPHunt
March 27th, 2009
2:16 pm
Drizzle, take the politics to a mets blog
Il Cattivo
March 27th, 2009
2:16 pm
Eric O in the game. Wake up the scoreboard guy.
Thrillhouse44
March 27th, 2009
2:16 pm
I’d say a few of those doubles could become triples for MAC. Going to be fun watching the new and improved McCann!
Will the old triples become inside the parkers?
Ron Paul? Everyone knows Ron Gant is for the people!
JEZ
March 27th, 2009
2:16 pm
Wow, sounds like last year when Cox would put the sorriest reliever right back out there to prove to everyone he still sucks..hopefully he won’t!
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 27th, 2009
2:17 pm
The Irishman looks very good today
JEZ
March 27th, 2009
2:17 pm
maybe mcdowell threatened him to the very inch of his life
GSU-Lee
March 27th, 2009
2:17 pm
Not talking politics, but just to be clear Paul had his chance to run for higher office, and that ship has sailed.
Andrew
March 27th, 2009
2:18 pm
theres our lefty
ncscoots
March 27th, 2009
2:18 pm
Roman Gal, if Verlander returns to form, today’s game won’t be the only hors d’oeuvre he serves up this season. I think some folks forget pitchers draw a paycheck, too.
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
2:18 pm
O’Flaherty strikes out Busta Rhymes on three pitches. Impressive. Who needs Ohman? Size our ring fingers, Selig.
Ordonez is up there. His hair has Kenny Powers potential. “Everybody clap your hands,” says the BS PA crap. Prado makes a nice play to his left to get Ordonez. O’Flaherty is a golden god. He’s a much better pitcher than Ohman. No doubt in my mind. No doubt at all. Let’s see if I can jinx him. You’re great, O’Flaherty. 1-2 count on Cabrera. Does O’Flaherty eat Lucky Charms? He probably uses Irish Spring. He strikes out Cabrera looking.
Ladies and gentlemen, the bullpen issues have been solved.
Il Cattivo
March 27th, 2009
2:18 pm
Boe we have so many ex-Mariners
Soriano
Campillo
Norton
Eric O
Griffey.
.. Oh wait. Scratch that one.
vabravesfan
March 27th, 2009
2:19 pm
Eric had a nice outing looked like completely different pitcher versus the mets game
Mekons
March 27th, 2009
2:19 pm
O’Flaherty actually looked pretty good. 1-2-3, 2 K
Name
March 27th, 2009
2:20 pm
“Drizzle N. Megatons”?????
Roman Gal
March 27th, 2009
2:20 pm
ncscoots, I’m just glad we don’t have to face him during the season.
bravefaninok
March 27th, 2009
2:21 pm
Drizzle N. Megatons
March 27th, 2009
2:09 pm
take your political opinions somewhere else(the mets blog would be ok)!!!
Nick
March 27th, 2009
2:21 pm
O’Flaherty’s swagger is probably back up around 97
Ron Paul
March 27th, 2009
2:21 pm
Why the hell did somebody mention my name on DOB’s blog? Let’s talk Braves people, not me!
ncscoots
March 27th, 2009
2:22 pm
roger that, RG. Who IS on the interleague schedule this year, anyway?
Dadgum
March 27th, 2009
2:22 pm
80 MPH would not be among the top 3 on any pitching staff in the Richmond area high schools. Trust me on that one. 80 is rather ordinary. We constantly see 85 as the norm with the top pitchers topping out at 90-92. This on radar guns by scouts mind you, not eye-balling it. 85-90 is pretty easy to hit for a seasoned high school batter but it all comes down to movement, location, and the changeup/curve.
To Glavine’s credit (yes, I said credit) either he has the location movement or the hitters are so geared to 90+ that their timing is off. Probably the latter. Probably wouldn’t be pretty to watch the later innings if he was to go that far. Not now though coming off the rehab.
Saw Verlander’s brother pitching last week here. Has it up about 83-84 on the gun. Good-looking kid by most accounts. Keep in mind that Tim Lincecum was 4′11″ and 115 lbs as a high school freshman throwing 79 and as a senior he was 5′8″ 150 lbs throwing 89-90. You know the rest of that story.
Rock on…….
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
2:22 pm
Kelly gets another hit, this off a right-hander (the lefty has been hitting lefties better than righties, much as he did last season)
Bobby's Cox
March 27th, 2009
2:22 pm
Norton is a solid hitter. I like his approach and balance at the plate. HIt that hard, just to the wrong part of the park.
First time i saw O’Flaherty pitch. Kinda looks like a thrower. He missed his spots on several occasions. Seems like he could get most major leaguers out…but i fear him coming in to face a Howard.
Nice hit by Kelly there.
Wascally Wabbit
March 27th, 2009
2:22 pm
o’fortheloveofgod pitched well.
35YrBravesFan
March 27th, 2009
2:22 pm
Kotchman has the same CR..P I did. It did the same thing to me, and it took three weeks before I was healthy again. Nasty Stuff. Take all the drugs they give you Casey!
GO BRAVES!!
McPoyle
March 27th, 2009
2:23 pm
i wish the season would just start alreadddddy. how bout those games last night by the way… besides Pitt vs X-men, what a bunch of crappy games. Good to see Memphis play a quality opponent and get blow out of the gym.
DOB man, tough one tonight for KU… didn’t look good against the Izzo’s first time around.
Roman Gal
March 27th, 2009
2:24 pm
I think their interleague schedule consists of AL East teams this year.
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
2:24 pm
Greg Norton’s talkin’ bout China Grove as he flies out to Granderson. Blanco’s up again. Still hasn’t shaved that crap off his face. I know; it’s from a Sharpie. Blanco grounds out to second and doesn’t increase his OBP. He should decrease his strikeouts. The passive Kelly gets a first-pitch single up the middle. B. Jones “factors in somewhat” into the outfield mix. Wild pitch from Verlander. Matt Treanor, aka “Mr. Misty May,” couldn’t handle that one. Brandon gets owned on a low fastball. Inning over. We head to the seventh.
Bobby's Cox
March 27th, 2009
2:24 pm
Wow, i guess Ron Paul really is for the people…
Nick
March 27th, 2009
2:24 pm
Scoots, I think we have the O’s twice, Blue Jays once, Yankees once, and Red Sox twice…
BlawgDawg
March 27th, 2009
2:24 pm
Drizzle whatever I think you took a wrong turn somewhere. Now put the car back in drive and move along please.
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 27th, 2009
2:25 pm
Dadgum
Lesson 1 – we are never late
Make sure you are getting up over your front leg
We like to establish our dominance with a fastball
We throw inside when we have to…………
Bobby's Cox
March 27th, 2009
2:25 pm
Excellent play by play Chop Chop. Take note Boog.
wilymo
March 27th, 2009
2:26 pm
I wonder if Kotchman might have a more serious issue going on….Going through his Rotoworld bio, he’s missed quite a bit of time in the past with a few non-baseball related ailments. He missed most of 2006 with Mono and missed a playoff game in 07 with severe flu-like symptoms. He also missed some time in 07 with dizziness and headaches, but it appears those were the result of a concussion he suffered. Anyone have any insight on this? I hope he’s ok.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
2:26 pm
Verlander has only given up five hits in his last three starts, and two of those were bunts. Dude is back at top form, it would appear. Jimmy Leyland said today Verlander will start opening day, against Roy Halladay at Toronto.
Brandon aka DukeBoy
March 27th, 2009
2:27 pm
UNC does not rock dogsbrekky, the Tarholes go home tonight.
Wascally Wabbit
March 27th, 2009
2:27 pm
wow, i guess ron paul really is for the people … well, when he’s not for the aliens…. or was that the other weirdo, dennis kookenich? always confuse those two nuts. and if they did talk to an alien, was ross perot that alien?
GSU-Lee
March 27th, 2009
2:27 pm
Nscoots
Bosox (home and home) blue jays (home) Yanks (home)and Baltimore (road)
Roman Gal
March 27th, 2009
2:27 pm
Verlander will start opening day, against Roy Halladay at Toronto.
Ooh…I bet that’ll be a good one!
RC
March 27th, 2009
2:27 pm
DOB,
I know Kotchman missed quite a bit of time a couple of years ago due to getting mono during the season…has he or anyone else around the team indicated that his current “flu-like symptoms” might be a relapse of this? I only ask because I’m pretty sure that once you get mono you always have it, it just usually goes into a dormant state, but relapses can occur.
BlawgDawg
March 27th, 2009
2:28 pm
wilymo Yeah, that was the Schilling game I was thinking about. I think it was the D-Back manager that got mad because someone bunted to break up the perfect game. Guess he thought that at that point in the game the batter was supposed to be trying to help Schilling stay perfect.
ncscoots
March 27th, 2009
2:28 pm
To Glavine’s credit (yes, I said credit) either he has the location movement or the hitters are so geared to 90+ that their timing is off. Probably the latter.
Yes, I think we may probably forgo the discussion of the run, sink, and action on Glavine’s offerings, LOL.
The man knows how to pitch, and that’s a fact. But when he has one of those days when he isn’t perfectly fine with that stuff, it might be time to get the married men off the infield.
Bobby's Cox
March 27th, 2009
2:29 pm
Not sure if anyone remembers the 52-round draft pick by the Braves back in 1996. Brett Pierce.
Met him at the bar last night.
LT200
March 27th, 2009
2:29 pm
I am not condemning Kotchman, it is just frustrating when your starting first baseman gets in so few ST games.
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 27th, 2009
2:29 pm
now now Dook boy, lets not get testy just because you guys lost (AGAIN) in a major game………..
Josh H
March 27th, 2009
2:29 pm
dogsbrekky:
If only MLB 2K9 had anything resembling a good video game…
mbatl
March 27th, 2009
2:30 pm
Ha, KJ just absolutely dancing around the question of where he’d like to hit in the lineup. Sounds like he’s at odds with management about it, and is either too smart, or under orders, not to discuss it.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
2:31 pm
Treanor just BLASTED a two-run homer halfwayup the left-field berm off Acosta.
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 27th, 2009
2:31 pm
crushed gone
bye bye
2-0 Tigers
bullpen ACOSTA a gosta…. oh no a long ball
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
2:31 pm
Kelly’s being interviewed. He’s talking. They’re talking about adjustments he’s made at the plate. He’s trying to improve on “hard plays” in the field. He says he feels “really, really good” out there in the field. He feels like second base is his position now. He has a nice comfort level. Norton makes a nice play on a short-hop throw from Prado. There’s a runner at second with one out. Does it matter how he got there? No. Kelly’s talking about the bench. Kelly seems to be bothered about where he is in the lineup. He’s saying the opposite, but the fidgeting betrays him. He obviously doesn’t want to hit leadoff. He thinks the game is changing and that there won’t be all those 40 HR guys anymore. Acosta is taken deep by Mr. Misty May. He spiked that one. 2-0, Tigers.
Jeff321
March 27th, 2009
2:31 pm
Well, what do ya know! The GIVE IT UP BOYS have blew the game once again.
Braves Paisan
March 27th, 2009
2:31 pm
Megatons, you forgot the great job he did as GM with the Cincinnati Reds during the 50’s, signing black and Latin-American players.
Oops, check that, that was GABE Paul …
KC
March 27th, 2009
2:32 pm
Well, I’ve been speaking positively of Manny Acosta today, so NATURALLY…
GSU-Lee
March 27th, 2009
2:32 pm
Acosta sucks
Mekons
March 27th, 2009
2:33 pm
Acosta gives up a bomb.
Bobby's Cox
March 27th, 2009
2:33 pm
Someone told Treanor his new nick-name was Mr. Misty May.
N Nine (eta Nine)
March 27th, 2009
2:33 pm
“Will the old triples become inside the parkers?” That would be a Thrill- Thrillhouse!
GSU-Lee
March 27th, 2009
2:33 pm
His name is now Manny Will-cost-ya
Bobby's Cox
March 27th, 2009
2:33 pm
what in the world is verlander doing?
ncscoots
March 27th, 2009
2:34 pm
Well, what do ya know! The GIVE IT UP BOYS have blew the game once again.
Awright! I win the pool today on the time of Jeff’s first “give it up boys” post. BAM!
3/27/2009 Tom Glavine « The Statline Report
March 27th, 2009
2:34 pm
[...] The DOB blog game day thread[Dave O'Brien / Atlanta Journal Constitution] [...]
Interested Observer
March 27th, 2009
2:34 pm
I wonder what would happen if McCann went to see Shafer’s speed coach next offseason.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
2:34 pm
If anyone’s wondering why Verlander stood at the back of the batter’s box and never gave any indication he was considering swinging at a pitch, it’s because Leyland told him before game not to swing at anything.
Bobby's Cox
March 27th, 2009
2:34 pm
Glad Acosta didn’t throw a ball.
Is Verlander going for the complete game shutout in spring? Why was he even batting?
Andrew
March 27th, 2009
2:34 pm
haha kelly johnson just dropped the henry roeingardner on verlander
N Nine (eta Nine)
March 27th, 2009
2:34 pm
The recent bullpen meltdown reminds me of last year
Roman Gal
March 27th, 2009
2:35 pm
Kelly’s being interviewed
Ugh! Man, I wish I was watching. Where does it sound like he wants to hit?
Roman Gal
March 27th, 2009
2:36 pm
I wonder what would happen if McCann went to see Shafer’s speed coach next offseason
Josh Anderson would feel completely useless.
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
2:36 pm
Mr. Misty May is okay with the reference.
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
2:36 pm
I think we should pitch Lowe, Jurrjens, and Kawakami against the Phillies in our opener because Vazquez is so HR prone and the Phillies have so much HR power in such a HR friendly park.
mbatl
March 27th, 2009
2:38 pm
Roman Gal, he wouldn’t say… you could just tell that he had something to say, but wouldn’t say it. He danced around the question, but won’t win any awards for the performance. (Other than that, a nice interview, btw).
mudcat
March 27th, 2009
2:38 pm
I guess the juicing era is officially over. Notice how many guys have lost weight this year? What the hell is wrong with our bullpen! Both our lefties suck, Soriano is pulling a Hampton on us and Acosta loves to throw gopher balls. This is beginning to look familiar!
vabravesfan
March 27th, 2009
2:38 pm
haha Kelly was funny talking about Matt Diaz having the 3 month flu and the henry rownegartner with verlander
Dadgum
March 27th, 2009
2:38 pm
Duke-Boy…..Dreadful performance by the ACC in this post-season (including NIT). Duke went a long way with that talent but I am still surprised they got past Texas. Villanova just exposed every Duke weakness which is toughness and an inside game.
Until the NCAA/NBA quit allowing these kids to jump to the pros early every team is forced to get the best players and realize that one-and-done players may be there. Rather have them than not have them. Baseball and football won’t take a player before the junior year is over. It should be that way in basketball too. The pros and college would be a better game.
Rock on………..
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 27th, 2009
2:38 pm
Anyone concerned that we ARE NOT HITTING quality pitchers this ST
Jeff321
March 27th, 2009
2:38 pm
>Awright! I win the pool today on the time of Jeff’s first “give it up boys” post. BAM!
Is it asking too much for us to have a quality pen? I really don’t see how they expect to compete by trotting out this stable.
Turtsnap
March 27th, 2009
2:39 pm
Season almost here…. Braves starting to lose more regularly…… All is right with the world
Andrew
March 27th, 2009
2:39 pm
braves are on mlb network tomorrow and sunday
Epinephrine
March 27th, 2009
2:40 pm
I think Medlen is going to make this team over Acosta. I really do. Also, I am feeling very strong about taking Verlander in fantasy, no question.
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2009
2:40 pm
PWHjort -
The only problem with pitching Kawakami in Philly is that he is scheduled to pitch the last spring game in ATL on the 4th and he would be throwing on short rest…no reason to do that
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
2:40 pm
Francoeur gets robbed by Larish. Francoeur should retire. Joe says that a “rotisserie” guy might want to take a look at Verlander. Well, Joe…let me tell you something: I had that sorry sack of crap last year. He killed me for the first four months of the season.
Jackie Treehorn
March 27th, 2009
2:40 pm
I forget, does Acosta have options? I think he has one left.
Jackie Treehorn
March 27th, 2009
2:41 pm
Anyone else worried about the bullpen?
Andrew
March 27th, 2009
2:41 pm
dogsbrekky – UNC rocks ! , we never hit stud pitchers
Epinephrine
March 27th, 2009
2:41 pm
Also another quality at bat there from Jeff against a very good pitcher. I forget whoever was saying that Frenchy has looked “overmatched” against good pitching, but they couldn’t have been more wrong. He is really looking great. That should have been a single.
cphizzle
March 27th, 2009
2:42 pm
doesnt get any better than acosta…except if they put boyer in. wren needs to do us a favor and rid the pen of these two.
DAP
March 27th, 2009
2:42 pm
LT200
just for fun, what would the trade negotiations be like?
wren: hey guys, ive got this young first baseman who is always sick or worried about his mom and can’t stay on the field. i know this because he missed a few weeks last year and like a whole week of spring training games. he just cant get in the lineup! will you give me something good for him?
mbatl
March 27th, 2009
2:42 pm
“Anyone concerned that we ARE NOT HITTING quality pitchers this ST”
dogsbrekky (etc), wonder if the Tigers are concerned that they couldn’t hit Tom Glavine.
Thrillhouse44
March 27th, 2009
2:42 pm
Give Jeffy321 a break. Francoeur hasn’t given him enough to complain about lately. He’s got moan about something.
GSU-Lee
March 27th, 2009
2:42 pm
offense and bullpen: not worried about either. Not yet anyway. It is STILL SPRING TRAINING. Our opening day lineup has yet to play a game together and the bullpen is out of sequece but the guys that really matter (Boyer, Carlyle, Moylan, Soriano, Gonzo occasionally)have been fine. Quit worrying so much.
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
2:43 pm
Ya it’s not going to happen. That’s just the way I would’ve done things. You’re correct though, no reason to pitch Kawakami on 3 days rest.
fleming
March 27th, 2009
2:44 pm
cabravesfan-
Short rest might not be the only problem for Kawakami. Those high fastballs and hanging breaking balls he’e had a tendency to throw could also be a problem in a small park.
Roman Gal
March 27th, 2009
2:44 pm
Other than that, a nice interview
mbatl, I’m so jealous. And of course, the game will be over before I can get back to catch the end of it. Stupid pitchers duels!
ncscoots
March 27th, 2009
2:44 pm
Jeff, you’re right, it’s not exactly an outre expectation re the bullpen, and I even agree that the performance has been less than inspiring this spring. I just couldn’t resist messin’ with ya, that’s all.
Andrew
March 27th, 2009
2:44 pm
love watching these interviews
cphizzle
March 27th, 2009
2:45 pm
how can you not worry when you get reminded of how terrible the so called “give it up boys” have been the last couple of years
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
2:45 pm
McCann’s on now. He doesn’t think the WBC helped his swing. I don’t think it hurt him. The Tigers want to get this game over with. Busta Rhymes grounds out again. I don’t know what his real first name is, but I think it Rhymes with “I suck.” McCann thinks “everyone is good.” The guys in the booth are mocking his cliched interview skills and are giving him crap about it. Bennett looked like Cy Young there.
After Acosta’s epic failure, it appears that the bullpen problem has been solved…again. Thank you, Jeff Bennett.
TN Jeff
March 27th, 2009
2:47 pm
Turtsnap 2:39 pm
I agree – Rewind to last year’s season. Of course there will be those
same idiots who keep saying “don’t panic, its a long season”
I have the feeling that Boy it is gonna be a LONG SEASON
JEZ
March 27th, 2009
2:48 pm
Never thought I’d hear thanks Jeff Bennet..unless it was coming from the other team as they rounded the bases.
Bobby's Cox
March 27th, 2009
2:49 pm
I remember when Fernando Rodney use to throw 100. Now he throws 90.
I remember when Glavine use to throw 90, now he throws 80.
I sound like my grandmother.
KC
March 27th, 2009
2:50 pm
dogsbrekky – UNC rocks, when pitchers with truly great stuff are on top of their game, there’s not much you can do. Great pitching beats even great hitting nearly every time. When guys like Verlander or Santana are on top of their game… who DOES hit them??
Epinephrine
March 27th, 2009
2:50 pm
Uggh, if Anderson wins this job…
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
2:51 pm
Tie game. Norton with a ground rule double.
McFann :Ô:
March 27th, 2009
2:53 pm
Thanks, Roman Gal! My Dad always says, “If only McCann knew how much he owed you…” Haha…but uh…yeah, he really saved my bacon there, didn’t he?
—Wow, we’ve got two guys on base at the same time!—
But really, he’s not a bad base runner–just a little slow. Sometimes it’s not speed that counts, it’s smarts.
Funny interview–I think he’s was happy that Bennett went 1-2-3!
Jeff321
March 27th, 2009
2:53 pm
Hey, I’m just tired of watching a close game and having it blown almost on a regular basis by the guys Bobby Cox chooses to represent this team.
I have nothing against Frenchy personally. I think like a lot of others — his performance last year coupled with his trash talk to the press was worthy of much scorn. However, it looks like he’s actually been doing some work in the off season. So, hopefully I won’t have to rip his lack of performance anymore. (At least until after the all star break!)
Btw,I guess Acosta is now off the hook for now.
Andy
March 27th, 2009
2:53 pm
Didn’t DOB say Verlander has allowed 5 hits in his last three starts and two of those were bunts? Sometimes or most of the times good pitching beats good hitting. THE PEN WILL BE FINE!!!! As long as the STARTERS are okay—just get to the 6th or 7th three out of 5 starts. Its going to be a fun season—not alot of homers. The Braves have a good chance to be relevant again regarding the NL east race. I think they’ll win the east myself.
RG
March 27th, 2009
2:53 pm
I think Wren needs to give Ohman a call.
Rob from SC
March 27th, 2009
2:54 pm
Looks like Anderson won the job
Bobby's Cox
March 27th, 2009
2:55 pm
I want to see Schafer pinch hit
Rob from SC
March 27th, 2009
2:55 pm
All Manny Acosta does in walk people and give up Homeruns
McFann :Ô:
March 27th, 2009
2:55 pm
Tie game–wow. The things you miss while scanning the Blog!
During the season, I do that during commercials…as long as the computer vacant. But they’ve got a knack for having rallies when I’m not there…and in ST, McCann doesn’t hit when I am there!
Rob from SC
March 27th, 2009
2:55 pm
we should have sent the runner, its spring training
Nick
March 27th, 2009
2:56 pm
Who did Norton drive in?
Rob from SC
March 27th, 2009
2:56 pm
schafer time, hit here wins him the job
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
2:56 pm
Conrad should be cut. He just blew a huge AB in a very important game. This disgusts me.
GSU-Lee
March 27th, 2009
2:56 pm
Why does everyone think Anderson won the job? Have the Braves announced that? Has DOB reported it? No. In fact, he reported something to make you wonder the exact opposite!
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
March 27th, 2009
2:56 pm
For those of you saying that the Braves aren’t hitting the “premier” pitchers this spring…..
they are premier pitchers because NO ONE hits them. They win Cy Young awards and have low ERA and WHIP because NO ONE hits them.
You all act like the Braves should hit .350 as a team against the likes of Oswalt, Santana, Verlander, and every other ace out there.
They are ACES for a reason… when they are on the hill, you can expect to not get many hits and have to claw for 2 runs.
Rob from SC
March 27th, 2009
2:57 pm
some fastball from Rodney
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
2:57 pm
If Schafer gets a hit here, he’ll go to the Hall of Fame. If he makes an out, Wren should trade him.
Tomahawk210
March 27th, 2009
2:57 pm
How did we score the runs?
Josh B
March 27th, 2009
2:58 pm
I would love for someone to let me know who is winning or atleast the score and hit me up with some play by play. Concentrate guys
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
2:58 pm
Struck out looking.
Schafer, you’re being traded to the Royals for Tony Pena, Jr. Pack your bags.
Jeff321
March 27th, 2009
2:59 pm
Ground rule double drove the runs in.
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
2:59 pm
There was an error committed by the Tigers that put Prado on base. Josh Anderson roped a single to right center. Anderson stole second base. Greg Norton hit a ground-rule double to plate both runs, Tomahawk210.
Epinephrine
March 27th, 2009
3:00 pm
Can’t fault that strikeout. That change was filthy. I really hope Anderson doesn’t win this job. He will bat leadoff, and he will sink our lineup with an atrocious OBP. I don’t care how fast you are, if you can’t get on base at a high clip you shouldn’t hit lead off. But that is what is going to happen.
Rob from SC
March 27th, 2009
3:00 pm
I like Buddy Carlyle
Andrew
March 27th, 2009
3:00 pm
chop chop your posts are so insightful
GSU-Lee
March 27th, 2009
3:00 pm
Schefer will be the CF by year’s end as long as he is healthy. That’s all that matters. If he is not, then it is still good for us, because that means that Anderson or Blanco are having a solid year. So quit worrying so much…
Epinephrine
March 27th, 2009
3:02 pm
Unfortunately, GSU-Lee, the games in April and May count just as much as those in August. It matters.
Nick
March 27th, 2009
3:03 pm
Chop Chop is cracking me up today
TnBrian
March 27th, 2009
3:04 pm
DOB, they’re talking about ya on the tely!
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
3:06 pm
So I go down to talk to Glavine and miss the fireworks, including Norton’s two-run double down the line (they have a TV in clubhouse)
TnBrian
March 27th, 2009
3:07 pm
Josh, score is 2-2, Verlander made us look like little leaguers out there. Pretty boring game, so you ain’t missin much.
bravefaninok
March 27th, 2009
3:07 pm
buddy is so underrated,dude is a gamer.
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
3:08 pm
Braves get ‘em in order in the top of the ninth. Time to get a walkoff of some sort.
Boog mentioned DOB in order to show that he is “hip” to our scene. I think Boog and DOB should have a “leather blazer” contest.
Epinephrine
March 27th, 2009
3:08 pm
On the other hand…if Anderson keeps thriving, maybe his trade value goes up.
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
3:10 pm
Brandon “Listen to the” Lyon is on the mound. Ross is facing him. Ross walks.
Thrillhouse44
March 27th, 2009
3:11 pm
Is that Rick Ross, Chop Chop?
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
3:11 pm
Guzman gets a bunt down. Runner at second with one out.
GSU-Lee
March 27th, 2009
3:12 pm
and of course by Schefer I meant Schafer.
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
3:12 pm
Diana Ross.
Infante’s up. In Spanish, Infante means “infant-y.”
Mekons
March 27th, 2009
3:13 pm
If Verlander keeps throwing like that, he’ll win 20 easily. His stuff looks like the 2007 Verlander.
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
3:13 pm
base hit to left, Dirty Diana holds up at third…runners on the corners with one out
Il Cattivo
March 27th, 2009
3:13 pm
Is Chop Chop on speed?
GSU-Lee
March 27th, 2009
3:13 pm
Epinephrine, unfortunately for that comment, it is still NOT April or May. That was precisely my point.
Jeff Blauser
March 27th, 2009
3:14 pm
Infante is so valuable.
Jeff321
March 27th, 2009
3:14 pm
Prado is a stud.
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
3:14 pm
It’s all on Prado. Game over. Little bouncer for a base hit.
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
3:14 pm
Attaway Nitram Odarp.
Brandon aka DukeBoy
March 27th, 2009
3:15 pm
Braves Win Braves Win
Jeff Blauser
March 27th, 2009
3:15 pm
So is Prado.
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
3:15 pm
I hope they had the plastic up in the clubhouse. Lots of partying about to happen.
vabravesfan
March 27th, 2009
3:15 pm
a win is a win even if that ball was a seeing eye single
Nick
March 27th, 2009
3:15 pm
Whoo whoo!! Good to see the bench players scrape out the winning run against someone’s closer.
KC
March 27th, 2009
3:15 pm
Does anyone think “Jose Vidro” when you watch Prado hit?
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
3:15 pm
Glavine felt better today than last time, “less laborsome” he said, ball came out of his hand easier he thought, and so did Roger McD.
He hopes his velocity will improve as arm strength builds, “But if it doesn’t, if I can locate the way I did today, I can pitch like that. Absolutely.”
Unlke the patchwork Mets lineup he handled last week, this was a solid lineup. And they were taking some bad swings against Glavine’s changeup and late swings on his 80 mph fastballs, which told him the differential between his change and fastball was good, etc.
Hitting 80-81 with his four-seamer, which he’d like to get up to about 84. But hey, in his heyday he said he was most comfortable in 84-86 range, though he’d also throw 86-88 sometimes and occasionally touch 90 mph. But his best location, he said, was usually in the 84-86 range.
People, as much as I had doubts the day of the intrasquad game, after watching him today I think Glavine will do just fine in the 5-hole, long as he stays healthy.
Mekons
March 27th, 2009
3:16 pm
Prado RBI, Braves WIN
Bobby's Cox
March 27th, 2009
3:17 pm
Chop Chop,
you are hilarious man.
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
3:17 pm
So, the speakers blast “Centerfield” as the fans leave the stadium. John Fogerty has tears in his eyes, no doubt.
Put him in, coach. He’s ready to play…today. Put him in, coach. He’s ready to play…today. Look at him. He can be centerfield.
Andy
March 27th, 2009
3:17 pm
Omar Infante is a stud!!! Go Prado!!! AMAZING BUNT!!! okay good bunt! Braves win!!!! Infante is really really good–in the field and a solid hitter. Can play anywhere. Glad the Braves have him.
mbatl
March 27th, 2009
3:18 pm
Pretty sweet to beat the Tigers with their ace on the mound for 7, their bigtime setup man pitching the 8th, and their closer pitching the 9th. (and our #5 starting the game against most of their regulars).
Doesn’t mean too much in the greater scheme, but it’s better than a poke in the eye, by far.
bravefaninok
March 27th, 2009
3:19 pm
nice 1 run win today,i’m impressed!
RHR
March 27th, 2009
3:21 pm
Good job on the updates today, thanks guys.
braint
March 27th, 2009
3:22 pm
I like our bench. Pretty deep.
btw, watched the first 3 episodes of the new season of Rescue Me this morning. It’s going to be a great season.
KC
March 27th, 2009
3:23 pm
I think J.Anderson helped his cause today, most especially with that bunt hit.
BLowe
March 27th, 2009
3:23 pm
thanks for all the updates today everyone!
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
3:23 pm
Brandon Lyon sucks.
KC
March 27th, 2009
3:27 pm
braint, no joke… out bench will be damn good this year.
BA
March 27th, 2009
3:29 pm
This is going to be a tough decision, this centerfield situation.
ncgary
March 27th, 2009
3:31 pm
Cracks in levee forces evacuations in Fargo, ND
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hw95ek5Sllmi4SoQ_N4HJvwHE0ZAD9763H780
looks like coach and n8 might be bailing sand bags
Horner's Corner
March 27th, 2009
3:31 pm
Epinephrine – “Can’t fault that strikeout. That change was filthy.” Worst post of the day. I guess you are saying pitchers are now aware of Schafer’s greatness and are throwing him superior pitches. Poor JS, he will never make the club fighting those odds.
N Nine (eta Nine)
March 27th, 2009
3:31 pm
BA__If you want to believe that. In terms of better player, not so tough decision
Block Man
March 27th, 2009
3:33 pm
Did the Braves just win a one-run game????
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
3:35 pm
“Baseball Tonight,” at 3:30 p.m.
Awesome. Olney was talking about the Nats’ outfield situation. It seems to me that the Nats should just cut Wily Mo Pena and Austin Kearns. That’s a considerable amount of cash to eat, but Bowden was an idiot. No reason to let his stupid moves haunt the team any longer than necessary.
TnBrian
March 27th, 2009
3:37 pm
When I watched Schafer at the plate today, he has almost had the same stance as Victorino. Lifts front foot of the ground when the pitch is coming.
Epinephrine
March 27th, 2009
3:38 pm
No, Horner’s Corner, I was saying it was a good pitch. What are you talking about?
Wascally Wabbit
March 27th, 2009
3:40 pm
looks like coach and n8 might be bailing sand bags (ncgary)
I missed the memo. N8 and Coach are considered sandbags now, not windbags?
crap-wheelie
March 27th, 2009
3:42 pm
DOB: Did the umps give Glavine a wide strike zone today? Or was it fairly tight? This information is critical for judging how he might do in the season when he gets squeezed.
18 Wheels of Love
March 27th, 2009
3:43 pm
“Where Ron Paul at?”
“Your a real man Ron Paul.”
Sorry, crazy day here in cubicalville. Cut throat in sales I tells ya. Almost time for some Mellow Mushroom again and a nice dark beer. Stay dry Fargo!
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
3:44 pm
Seems like many fans thought Soriano was just dogging it last year when he was complaining of a bum arm. If both guys are healthy (Soriano & Gonzo) isn’t Soriano the better closer? His stuff seems nastier and he comes with straight gas. None of that goofy rocking on the mound nonsense.
Wascally Wabbit
March 27th, 2009
3:44 pm
Cracks in levee forces evacuations in Fargo, ND. looks like coach and n8 might be bailing sand bags (ncgary)
I guess we’ll see if Noah will listen to God and save 2 of every kind. The question is what kind of whatever you call it do Noah and God consider N8 and Coach?
Thrillhouse44
March 27th, 2009
3:45 pm
That’s a great idea 18 Wheels. 1 hour 15 minutes. The countdown is on.
The GM
March 27th, 2009
3:45 pm
Wonder if Glavine would consider working as a middle to long reliever? His stuff would certainly be a change of pace following a much harder throwing pitcher and putting him in the pen would open a slot for Hanson or Reyes.
N Nine (eta Nine)
March 27th, 2009
3:47 pm
Stay safe N8&Coach. Hopefully things will be back to normal come opening day.
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
3:47 pm
Well, Billy Gillispie just got canned. Big Blue’s on the hunt for another coach.
I’ve got a penny that says Calipari will be Kentucky’s next coach.
Tomahawk210
March 27th, 2009
3:49 pm
Horner’s Corner
One game doesn’t make a good ballplayer. Look at the overall stats and see the big picture. Anderson still doesn’t have an arm and he never will and we all should know that CF defense is just as impotant as the offense. Why are all the Braves on the team saying they want Schafer on the MLB club with them? They must know something that will help them win games during the season and his name is: Jordan Schafer.
BlawgDawg
March 27th, 2009
3:49 pm
Actually Astro Joe, no Soriano isn’t the better closer. He’s only been a closer for a short time after he came over to the Braves. Gonzo on the other hand was a closer before he came over and was perfect in save opportunities that year (something like 28 out of 28, someone correct me if I’m off on that number) But he’s only blown 2 saves in his last 40 or so chances, so he’s the answer at closer even if both are healthy.
BringOnHanson
March 27th, 2009
3:50 pm
DOB, do you see Atlanta keeping two of the speedy outfielders on the roster such as Jordan Schafer, Josh Anderson and Gregor Blanco and utilizing more speed in the lineup to manufacture runs. It seemed that last season Atlanta sat around waiting on the five run homer much of the season and, of course, it never came. In their glory years in the early ’90’s, the Braves were able to manufacture runs with Otis Nixon getting on base, stealing bases, the Braves pushing runners over and the big boppers bringing them home. I think with their pitching staff that getting runs in this manner would be very important because I feel that this staff will limit opponents ability to score greatly. What do you think?
Shamus Thacker
March 27th, 2009
3:51 pm
I think as much of Glavine as any pitcher we’ve had. I’m thrilled that he’s feeling better…
Wascally Wabbit
March 27th, 2009
3:53 pm
I’ve got a penny that says Calipari will be Kentucky’s next coach. (Chop Chop)
If they hire that crook Calipari, what are the odds Kentucky will be back on probation again?
Lunatic Fringe
March 27th, 2009
3:55 pm
Wascally Wabbit
I don’t think anyone is laughing with you.
Kendawg
March 27th, 2009
3:56 pm
Wait until the games count. We’ll be lucky if Glavine wins as many as five games this year and Francouer hits eleven home runs. The Braves look like a fourth place team again this year.
N8
March 27th, 2009
3:58 pm
Funny, Wascilly Wabbit (seriously, I laughed).
Thanks to those concerned, but I live in Bismarck (about 200 miles to the west of Fargo. Coach lives in Grand Forks (60 miles north of Fargo). It sounds like Coach could be in more trouble than me, since we’re pretty much out of the woods at this poing. Though that could change on a moments notice with the way the weather has been around here.
Garrison Dam (which regulates the amount of water let into the Missouri River), was shut down during all of this. First time EVER they have cut off all water being let into the river.
Fargo is in DEEP trouble. Not sure if it will get as ugly as Grand Forks in 97, but it’s gonna get ugly none the less. Last I read, the Red River in the Fargo area will crest at about 41 feet, and they expect it to get as high as 43 feet for anywhere from 3-10 days. Yikes.
Like I said the other night, when you’ve got record snow fall, followed by record lows that keep it frozen, then all of the sudden it gets to 60 for 3 or 4 days, this was inevitable.
Last week here in Bismarck, we had 3-4 days of beautiful weather, followed by a day of pouring rain, which turned to sleet/ice, then on this half of the state places got anywhere from 8 to 22 inches of snow.
Sad thing is, that crap has to eventually melt too. This of course, was the winter we had, that followed one of the driest summers we have had in years.
It’s 30ish outside today, and I feel like wearing flip-flps.
Anyhow, again. Thanks for those concerned, but unfortunately for all of you, I’m gonna be just fine.
Biff
March 27th, 2009
3:58 pm
DOB, Check out this hamburger in Memphis. Bigger than the one in Michigan.
http://www.kookycanuck.com/kookamunga-challenge/
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
3:58 pm
Calipari may be a crook, but he’s never been caught.
Besides, can he really take Memphis all the way to the Promised Land? He’s never coached at an elite basketball school. Kentucky wants to win. I think he’d be willing to listen.
Tomahawk210
March 27th, 2009
3:58 pm
Kendawg
In the words of my daughter:
Nobody cares, nobody cares
wildcats rule
March 27th, 2009
4:03 pm
i hope rocktalk,jayhawk,ku, lays a big fat one…k-state rules the sunflower state…josh anderson will start in cf, bravos still have options on the pre-madonna,schafer…this whole season rests on how the other pre-madonna,frenchy does…pitching will be fine, bench will be fine, every day lineup is fine, but we need production out of rf…lets hope bobby doesn’t give frenchy half the year to find his swing..we’ve got options out there..
BlawgDawg
March 27th, 2009
4:05 pm
This talk of hamburgers reminded me, anyone see the new Hardee’s commercial with Padma Lakshmi? SI.com’s Hot Clicks has a link to it as well as Egotastic.com, the guys of the blog can thank me later.
BlawgDawg
March 27th, 2009
4:06 pm
I would post a link to it (but I don’t know how), you can ask McFann, I’m doing good if I get an emoticon right….:-)
I was born in the desert
March 27th, 2009
4:07 pm
Donovan has pretty much already accepted the UK job
Lars Taint
March 27th, 2009
4:07 pm
wildcats
What’s a pre-madonna?
BlawgDawg
March 27th, 2009
4:07 pm
What tha??? See, I’m sorry once again McFann, I am such a crappy student
TnBrian
March 27th, 2009
4:10 pm
KenDawg, you think so? I just take away the talent and focus in on depth of the 4 teams excluding Was. Phily- Hamels health oughta make them Phillies PANIC! Who covers for him if he’s out for any length?Santana is supported by crap, except for Pelfrey. Perez is too inconsistant. Fla. pen is a disaster waiting to happen, and their D is pitiful. Atl. biggest problem will be the health of the pen. A trade for an arm and some health and I see a 2nd place behind Phi.
Ken Overstreet
March 27th, 2009
4:12 pm
N8, all we are talking about here is a silly baseball game. You are talking life and death. Hope everybody comes out OK.
Cru Jones
March 27th, 2009
4:12 pm
wildcats rule
Dude.. its prima donna
Interested Observer
March 27th, 2009
4:19 pm
Has anyone else noticed that the MLB Network isn’t showing tomorrow’s game until 9pm Eastern?
KC
March 27th, 2009
4:22 pm
What Could Have Been…
If everything had gone according to plan “A”, would we really have been better off?
Let’s say that the Braves had signed or trade for the following players this winter:
- Vazquez (who was already in the fold before they pursued Peavy)
- Peavy
- Furcal
- Smoltz
- Glavine
With Vazquez and Peavy in the fold, Burnett would never have been in the picture (not enough $$). And if Furcal had signed, Kawakami would have been out, and there wouldn’t have even been enough left over to pursue Griffey or G.Anderson.
So if everything had gone according to “Plan A”, it would have looked like this:
Peavy
Vazquez
jurrjens
Glavine/Reyes
Smoltz/Hanson
1 – Furcal SS
2 – Johnson 2B
3 – Jones 3B
4 – McCann C
5 – Francoeur RF
6 – Kotchman 1B
7 – Diaz/Jones LF
8 – Anderson/Schafer CF
I actually think we’re better off with Lowe than Peavy. I’m not denying that Peavy is a better pitcher than Lowe over the 162 reg. season games, BUT…
- Lowe is more dependable and less injury prone.
- Lowe didn’t cost us a HUGE bundle of talent, as Peavy would have.
- Peavy has only made 2 post-season starts, but he got SHELLED in each of them (and didn’t look great in the WBC either. Lowe, on the other hand, consistently excels in big games.
AJ Burnett MIGHT have been a better pickup than Lowe… but again, Lowe is far more durable and dependable.
And if we had signed Furcal, there would have been no Kawakami or G.Anderson.
Are we better off with KK and Anderson than we would have been with Furcal? Time will tell. But overall, I don’t think this would have been a significantly better team had Plan A come fruition. AND we better protected the future of this team by not coughing up all that talent for Peavy.
Bart Taylor
March 27th, 2009
4:24 pm
Cru, when can I see you race again? Been waiting over 22 years to see you race Hell Track, but you’re nowhere.. wuz up wit dat! You gotta be at least 42 by now, right? By the way, I let you win that race in ‘86…
Chief
March 27th, 2009
4:27 pm
I have been pleasantly surprised and pleased with how the team has played (even though it’s only spring training). My only concern is their lefty situation in the bullpen. Bobby traditionally keeps a player or player(s) that don’t belong on a big league club because of a “hunch” (See Corky Miller). I worry that he is going to keep Logan and or O’flaherty over the more logical (potential signing) of Will Ohman. Dude is sitting without a contract just begging to come back here…all we have to do is reach out. Please Bobby, don’t pull a Corky on this one.
garlick
March 27th, 2009
4:29 pm
Wascally Wabbit & Chop Chop, the compliance officer who was at Umass when Calipari was unceremoniously forced out, is at Kentucky. Word is they don’t really like each other, and that the AD is not looking at Cal for the position because he wants either Donavon or Ford, both of which are Kentucky alum and would be a better fit with UK’s boosters, who are the ones that got Gillespie fired, and are paying his buy out.
Cru Jones
March 27th, 2009
4:29 pm
Bart Taylor
I’m still hanging out in the lumber yard. Yeah, but if you had not stopped a couple of back flips would have caught me up anymays.
KC
Dont put hanson in that lineup. He would be a Padre.
Cru Jones
March 27th, 2009
4:30 pm
anyways
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
4:30 pm
Ya, except Escobar would be SS, Furcal 2B, and KJ in Left.
PhantasticPhilliesPhan
March 27th, 2009
4:33 pm
That Anderson kid looked good today. I hope he keeps it up, cause I’m looking forward to the total board meltdown when they send Schafer to the minors. Oh glorious day!
garlick
March 27th, 2009
4:37 pm
The fox affiliate in Orlando is saying Billy Donovan is stepping down as coach of Florida to take the Kentucky job that just opened.
Another Phag Phillies Phan
March 27th, 2009
4:40 pm
Hi guys I’m just on here because I’m loser who trolls other teams boards who I’m afraid will dethrone us this year, and all my fellow Phag Phillies Phans are losers who I’m afraid to talk to.
BlawgDawg
March 27th, 2009
4:41 pm
PhantasticPhilliePhan-How would the Phillie blog look the day…..oh, there isn’t a Phillie blog worth wasting time to click on? So that’s why you troll on here, ok. By the way Troll in blog speak = Pathetic Little Loser
A. Teesman
March 27th, 2009
4:43 pm
What’s a Kristal slider? Hey, do you think we could get someone to trade us Len Barker for Jordan Shaefer?
#1MetFan
March 27th, 2009
4:44 pm
You Braves fans are halarious! What make you think your team has a chance against the Mighty Mets and Phillies-gotta give em credit? You have NO ace, that bullpen has waaaay to many question marks, and Chumper will come up limping-just wait and see. Vazques and Jurgens aren’t even good enough to wash Santana,Pelfrey or Perez’s jock straps!! Face it losers, the Braves have 4th place written all over them AGAIN!
PhantasticPhilly.. it’ll be a tight race between us and you guys, but the Mighty Mets will finish strong and beat you guys out! LETS GO METS..LETS GO METS!!!!!!
KC
March 27th, 2009
4:46 pm
Cru Jones, we actually, no… Wren took Hanson out of the conversation immediately, and all of the talks proceeded from there. Yes, the Padres wanted him, but when it was reported that the Braves and Padres were moving toward a deal, that deal would NOT have included Hanson.
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
4:47 pm
You’re an idiot. Look at this: http://www.baseballprojection.com/2009standings.htm I’m pretty sure we’re all in the same conversation.
Tomahawk210
March 27th, 2009
4:48 pm
#1Metfan
Dude you do realize half your team is on crutches and your pitching staff is one of the worst in the league and if Santana goes down your looking at 4-5 place guaranteed. Dude Mets suck azz.
RHR
March 27th, 2009
4:49 pm
Hey facebookers who don’t subscribe to Chop Talk – I just put up some scans from the April issue of an article on the off field life of spring training. Was interesting to me, I’ve always wondered what they did when their kids were in school and all that. It’s very much written for the female fans, I would think, but interesting none the less.
Cru Jones
March 27th, 2009
4:50 pm
KC
I was trying to help prove your point, but I didn’t know those details. Sorry
KC
March 27th, 2009
4:53 pm
#1MetFan, O.Perez and Maine are questionable, and your 5th starter had an ERA almost as high as his age last year. You’re 8th/9th inning options are excellent, but you have questions in the middle relief dept.
And while you have 4 great hitters, you still have 3 positions from which you might not get much offense.
So your team has plenty of flaws sir. At least as many as the Braves.
#1MetFan
March 27th, 2009
4:54 pm
The Braves don’t stand a chance against my guys! Look, this spring training stuff doesn’t matter. When the games really count we’ll be passing Chumper and the rest of the has beens by smilin! Chumper isn’t good enough to sniff Wright’s jock strap! I’m not worried our starters have been a little shakey, and Santana can easily be replaced by a guy named Pelfrey..he’s better than Lowe. Take That!
Doc Holiday
March 27th, 2009
4:56 pm
What about moylan as our closer? He is the best at keeping the ball in the infield. that means less risk of HR in the 9th.
Thoughts?
Ritchie from Scotland
March 27th, 2009
4:57 pm
There you go again PhilliesPhan going on and on about Schafer, get over it he’s our prospect just because you don’t have any to get excited about
#1MetsFan – We’re quite happy floating under the radar and let you and the Phils do all the trash talking. However, Vazquez or Jurrjens not fit to wash PEREZ’S socks? Yeah he looks like a quality $12 mil pitcher right now…
Jon Hughes
March 27th, 2009
4:57 pm
mets finishing string?? HAHAHAHA..HI.HY…HOHAHAHAHAHAHA that team will choke again and i will laugh. Poor mets fans they are always overshadowed by the yanks and even when they spend money they choke and fail to get to the playoffs. HAHA
anders
March 27th, 2009
4:57 pm
Even I know Chipper has had our number …even the death of Shea stadium can’t contain him.
Tomahawk210
March 27th, 2009
4:58 pm
#1Metfan
Dude you found yourself some real delusion New York crack this time. And your gonna need it for your Mets season this year.
Horner's Corner
March 27th, 2009
5:00 pm
Tomahawk210 – I agree that JS is has bright future with the Braves and I cannot wait to watch him play over the next several years. My only concern is why rush him to the ML’s if Cox or Wren think aspects of his game that still need fine tuning. You are also correct that one game does not make a ballplayer, but neither does one spring training. JS has a propensity to strikeout (not picking on him, just a fact) a lot and if he makes the club he would most likely bat at the bottom of the order. So the Braves need to decide over the next week how they will shape their line-up.
When JS joins the Braves roster he will be exciting to watch, but he is not a Godsend and there is no reason to place undue pressure on him when the Braves have viable options in the interim. I don’t expect J Anderson to be the next Brett Butler, but he was the Corpus Christi Hooks (AA) Player of the Year in 2006 and the Richmond Braves (AAA) Player of the Year in 2008. The guy is no slouch. Plus, I don’t see JS future being a lead-off hitter, rather I see him as a run producing, middle of the line-up guy. So why not try and keep them both, cause I do not see G. Anderson sticking around next year.
#1MetFan
March 27th, 2009
5:00 pm
KC..the Braves are a team you just can’t trust if you’re a fan of theirs. That bullpen would worry me and Jones’ history of nagging injuries and another big one would be devestating to that team. I think Francoeur and Kelly J. are going to break out BIG TIME but those starters you guys seem to praise are way overrated IMO. LETS GO METS!!
BravesFan InRockies (IbleedCarolinablue)
March 27th, 2009
5:00 pm
#1MetFan,
The games in ST may not count but the injuries do. Wren absolutely picked the right Boras client — Lowe over Ollie (Head Case) Perez. Then there’s Tim (Get In Ma Belly!) Redding.
KC
March 27th, 2009
5:01 pm
Cru Jones… wasn’t trying to shoot you down there. But yeah… as I understand it, Wren (wisely) said “hell no!” to the Hanson thing immediately.
bigcooterb
March 27th, 2009
5:04 pm
Is there some reason the Braves are not making an offer Ohman?
Frankie Knucles
March 27th, 2009
5:04 pm
I think mets fan has a subconscience crush on Chipper.
bigcooterb
March 27th, 2009
5:04 pm
Make that an offer to Ohman.
BravesFan InRockies (IbleedCarolinablue)
March 27th, 2009
5:07 pm
Duke boy,
Coach K resisted recruiting two-and-done guys for the longest time, too. If you want to be a truly elite program in a prestige league, you have to be willing to go after the players who might jump to the NBA in one season. Otherwise, you’ll never get premier athletes. Not every one-and-done guy leaves after his freshman year, of course, but if you rule out the best players just because you’re not sure they’ll stay, your team will spend a lot of time watching other clubs cut down the nets in March and April.
Duke has other recruiting issues, to be sure. Greg Monroe said a big he chose Georgetown over Duke because Coach K had Wojo — a 5′10″ point guard — teaching post play. Which makes me wonder who Coach K had teaching post players when he got guys like Brand, Williams and Boozer.
Chief
March 27th, 2009
5:07 pm
#1Metfan – You are too funny dude. Your beloved Mets haven’t won anything of significances since the 80’s. The only thing you guys are good for is a September CHOKE. Right now your whole team can barely sniff the Phillies jock strap(s). I guess you can hold onto 2nd place…which is the 1st loser.
#1MetFan
March 27th, 2009
5:08 pm
I vote my man Oliver Perez runner up in the Cy Young this year, right behind our boy Johan. Who’s the Braves Cy Young going to be this year..Jurgens or Vazques? How about Dereck(old man)Lowe? No, it has to be Glavine who’s gotta be 45 by now. Watch ESPN and they’ll tell you that my boys are really the team to beat in the NL east.
BravesFan InRockies (IbleedCarolinablue)
March 27th, 2009
5:10 pm
Chop Chop,
I heard either on ESPN or CBS that Kentucky’s NCAA compliance officer is the same person who busted Calipari for recruiting violations at UMass. So he ain’t headed to Lexington. Donovan, on the other hand …
#1MetFan
March 27th, 2009
5:11 pm
We won’t choke this year because we have Putz and K-Rod. Citi Field will be rockin come Sep./Oct. Poor Turner Field will be empty and loney! hahahahaha
Tomahawk210
March 27th, 2009
5:11 pm
Horner’s Corner
I just want to see the best Braves team out there and in my opinion because of not only his offense, more impotantly right now his defense is better than Anderson’s. CF is a very impotant position and while both are good, Schafer is much better with his arm and range. I think JS has matured very much since what he went through last year and many in camp are saying he is ready, so I don’t think even if he struggles offensively that it will affect him mentally. He’s ready now and we need his spark and I believe that’s why many players in the Braves clubhouse want him on the team from the start regardless of options or arb clocks. I’m not opposed to having both of them on the team if possible but Schafer is better for CF no question about it.
BravesFan InRockies (IbleedCarolinablue)
March 27th, 2009
5:11 pm
#!MetFan,
I’ll make a significant wager that Ollie Perez won’t get a Cy Young vote this year. Unless he starts throwing strikes (and missing bats), he may be a better candidate for a trip to AAA.
garlick
March 27th, 2009
5:12 pm
#1metfan, I know you’re being an agitator on here, and I shouldn’t pay attention to you, but you could at least get the players names right.
Vazquez & Jurrjens. Come on man.
McFann :Ô:
March 27th, 2009
5:12 pm
BlawgDawg What tha??? See, I’m sorry once again…
Haha…That’s OK! Just remember–no nose!
Links are fairly easy–you cann either just copy the address and paste it into the comment box here, or, if you wanna post the link under another word, follow these steps.
If I cann do it, anybody cann do it!
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
5:12 pm
Loney? James Loney? He’s pretty good.
cmac1919
March 27th, 2009
5:15 pm
“I vote my man Oliver Perez runner up in the Cy Young this year”
And I vote you for the biggest idiot of year. And I’m sure you and your Mutts enjoy sniffing jockstraps
BamaBrave
March 27th, 2009
5:16 pm
I have one word for you #1MetFan… “September”
The one word that apparently causes choking and sphincter-slamming throughout Metdom.
I’m more worried about injuries than the Mets.
TnBrian
March 27th, 2009
5:17 pm
Yeah, Citi Field might be rockin come Sep. and Oct. but it won’t be a baseball game going on. More like a corny Billy Joel concert up there.
KC
March 27th, 2009
5:19 pm
#1MetFan, well Chipper is GOING to miss time. Gotta plan on that, and the Braves have and do. If he misses 20 games, we’ll be fine. If he misses 40, it’ll be more problematic. But…
While we don’t have a 35 HR guy here… if Schafer wins the CF job, we might not have a single starter (counting Diaz/G.Anderson as one) without at least 15 or so homeruns. And we might not have a single starter hit under .280. Quality, professional hitters with some pop all the way up and down the order. So the offense is going to be better than many think.
As for the rotation. Lowe has averaged 15 wins over the past 7 seasons, and has an ERA around 3.50 over his last 4 seasons, since moving to the NL. He also consistently excels in big games, which is one of the most important qualifications of a #1 starter. If he ain’t a #1, you can’t get any damned closer.
Jurrjens is also better than most people realize. A fastball he can run into the mid-90’s. A GREAT changeup, and he’s showing off a newly polished slider. He also has a great makeup and excellent command. He was rated the best control pitcher in the Tiger’s organization a couple years ago by Baseball America.
One more thing on Jurrjens… he threw 140+ innings several times at the minor league level, so it wasn’t surprising that he hit a wall at about 150 innings. He finished the season with a very good 3.68 ERA over 188 innings. But his ERA after 150 innings… 3.12. This kid IS a top-of-rotation starter.
I’ll bet you right now that J.Vazquez performs better than O.Perez this year. For several reasons (league, ballpark, manager, overall comfort level), we’re likely see something closer to Vazquez’s 2007 numbers 15-8, 3.74 ERA.
I’ll also wager that Kawakami wins 11 or more games with an ERA around or under 4.00.
I’m also willing to wager that the Braves bullpen ERA will be in the top 3 in the league, and I suspect that the Braves ‘pen ERA will be lower than the Mets’ bullpen ERA.
richbrave
March 27th, 2009
5:20 pm
Nice to see who the MUTTS fans consider the competition this year. Appearing on a BRAVES blog to razz the strongest contenda’ is a most serious form of flattery. Keep it up METS fans. YOU KNO’ WHO is BOSS!!!!
Andy K.
March 27th, 2009
5:21 pm
If all you Mutts fans are so confident that they will run away with it this year, why do you feel the need to come on a Braves blog??? Hmmmm? I sense insecurity…would the denizens agree?
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
5:23 pm
This denzien agrees.
richbrave
March 27th, 2009
5:23 pm
HEY JJ, you’re a PUTZ!!!!
KC
March 27th, 2009
5:23 pm
#1MetFan, oh… one more thing… If anyone gets hurt in the rotation, or if Glavine doesn’t have anything left (which does not appear to be the case)… you’ll get to face what many people feel is the top pitching prospect in the game (and EVERYONE agrees is top 2 or 3 in baseball), Tommy Hanson.
This rotation is going to be plenty good. Better the the Mets’. And just email me if you would like to wager on any of this. kccjr1@gmail.com
#1MetFan
March 27th, 2009
5:23 pm
KC..you seem very smart and know your stuff. Reading that, maybe I underestimated Jurrjens and even Lowe, but they still can’t compete with my boys..come on! I still feel Perez will out-do Vazques for one simple reason-he’s just better and owns the Braves!
cmac1919
March 27th, 2009
5:24 pm
LOL! Oliver Perez sucks
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
5:24 pm
Vazquez is a good pitcher. Perez is not.
wildcats rule
March 27th, 2009
5:25 pm
spelling isn’t my thing, growing stuff is,but all y’all knew what i was talking about and that’s all that matters..the bravos will contend this year, they will be in the mix come sept. with or without frenchy..i don’t think cox will give some of the guys until july to get it done, he simply doesn’t have the time to, he’s getting old and he knows he has got to make the moves sooner than later..look for 4 of the starting 5 pitchers to win 15-18 games this year
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
5:25 pm
If the Mets could swap Vazquez for O-Dog they’d do it in a freaking heart beat.
KC
March 27th, 2009
5:25 pm
Better than the Mets.
#1MetFan
March 27th, 2009
5:28 pm
KC..would have posted this on my last one but yours came right after. Anyways, this Hanson guy looks legit. I see the next Halladay with a Smoltz type slider..absolutely devestating! Big, strong power pitcher with above average control is something special. As a Mets fan, I’m not looking forward to seeing this kid at all.
KC
March 27th, 2009
5:28 pm
#1MetFan, well… Perez HAS made the Braves his woman. I’ll give you that! LOL! And given the number of lefties we have right now in this lineup, I don’t know that the Braves will be able to buck that trend this year.
Nevertheless, I’m betting Vazquez’s season totals are going to look better than Perez’s. As I said, I’m more than happy to wager if you’re up for it! =)
richbrave
March 27th, 2009
5:28 pm
#1METFAN:
You won’t be sayin’ that after several JURRJENS starts against the METS when its 1-0 BRAVES afer six.
Doc Holiday
March 27th, 2009
5:28 pm
I can live with the fact are the team to beat on opening day (year in and year out) and the team to laugh at when the season comes to an end. That sure is a great feeling. LOL
Wayne in Utah
March 27th, 2009
5:30 pm
bigcooter
Word from Frank Wren was that Ohman had turned down every offer the Braves made to him, insinuating multiple offers have been made.
Really, I don’t think the lack of Ohman will be a major factor this year.
Steve from OH
March 27th, 2009
5:30 pm
I sense insecurity…would the denizens agree?
The denizens, by and large, do not care. These things have a way of working themselves out. Takes about 162 games, and sometimes you like the outcome, sometimes you don’t. If you can’t take a little smacktalk, then it’s probably time to get out of sports.
That said, I wouldn’t waste my time worried about some 12 year old kid with access to the internet that probably can’t tell you the difference between Steve Avery and Keith Hernandez…
TnBrian
March 27th, 2009
5:31 pm
MetFan, that last post at least tells us that you’re not too doped up to realize a future star when you see one.
cmac1919
March 27th, 2009
5:32 pm
Oliver Perez wouldn’t be in our AAA starting rotation.
..Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but I still, I’d take anyone in our starting rotation before that scrub (except for maybe Glavine)
Steve from OH
March 27th, 2009
5:32 pm
worrying…worrying…jeez leweez, I need to set aside more time to properly spell the words in my posts. No more speed posting, I promise (although that’s about all I can do these days!)
BlawgDawg
March 27th, 2009
5:35 pm
The Braves game is on SportSouth again tomorrow for those that want to see it. The MLBTV broadcast isn’t until tomorrow evening, but SS is showing it live.
And Oliver Perez SUCKS, Mutts are choke artist, and Trolls are punks.
Smyrna Jim
March 27th, 2009
5:35 pm
I’m thinking, maybe we should just ignore people who are clearly just trying to provoke a reaction. He’s enjoying being the center of attention.
#1MetFan
March 27th, 2009
5:35 pm
SteveInOhio..I am 37 years of age my friend. I have my own laptop and pay all of my own bills. I just wanted to come on here proclaim my 1st Admendment Right..Freedom of Speech. LETS GO METS!
TnBrian
March 27th, 2009
5:37 pm
MetFan, and I’ll claim mine….MUTTS SUCK FOREVER!
KC
March 27th, 2009
5:38 pm
Well, there’s probably a little hyperbole being exchanged here, but… O.Perez has been better than most Braves fans are giving him credit for. Double-digit wins each of the past two seasons. 194 wins last year, and a decent number of quality starts.
I still think Vazquez will be better… but O.Perez has been a quality #3 starter over the past couple years.
Bobby's Cox
March 27th, 2009
5:40 pm
I’d rather choke in October, than choke in September.
Josh B
March 27th, 2009
5:45 pm
Do you guys know when they will make the official decision about CF?
Andy K.
March 27th, 2009
5:45 pm
Good point Steve…
Andy K.
March 27th, 2009
5:46 pm
Josh B. Bobby Cox said probably not until final Cuts, after the last Tigers Spring Game at Turner Field.
someone who knows
March 27th, 2009
5:46 pm
now that there’s no more juice in baseball,look for all the big names,mainly on the metropolitans, to be just average players..with that said, the young teams will make some noise the next few seasons…which tells me this will be the last year we see chipper in a braves uni.. the east will end up like this..braves,phillies,marlins,mets, nats…watch all the injuries the mets will have..mark my words
TnBrian
March 27th, 2009
5:48 pm
KC, I’m with you on Perez. He’s not what this Met character claims him to be, but he’s not my top choice for guys I want my Bravos to face at any time either.
And Steve, not everybody that comes on a blog and acts obnoxious or doesn’t use metrics, stats or whatever is a 12 year old kid stealing his mommy’s computer. Not taking up for the Mutt troll, but you’ve blasted me before about being just a dumb kid. I’m 27 yr old kid, but not dumb..well, I am from TN, so make your own judgement there.
Doc Holiday
March 27th, 2009
5:52 pm
If the muts dont make it to the playoffs this season, that wouldnt be called choking…….that would be more than expected, since its a tradition already in Queens.
Josh B
March 27th, 2009
5:52 pm
Thanks, Andy K
Doc Holiday
March 27th, 2009
5:57 pm
If I was 37 and talked so much trash……..my wife and my mother would be very disappointed at me. Thank god for giving me a normal IQ.
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
March 27th, 2009
5:59 pm
Didn’t the MUTTS “ACE” last year go 0-3 against the Braves? And these trolls are smack talking against our rotation. How droll.
O. Perez has done very well against the Braves but not as well as Chipper has done against the Mutts.
—————-
ONE OTHER THING, here is a list of familiar names that have been sent down by their teams in the last 10 days.
RHPs Anthony Lerew
OF Trot Nixon.
C Max Ramirez
RHP Jose Ascanio
OF/1B Daryle Ward
LHP Tom Martin.
Tyler Flowers
OF Ryan Langerhans
INF Pete Orr
1B Scott Thorman
nolie
March 27th, 2009
6:04 pm
I sure hope you and PL aren’t ones to hold grudges forever if you have a big disagreement over something with someone. I hope we can move on now and disagree without it being personal.
No problemo, I apologized and I am not a grudge holder; anyway there is no grudge to hold if it was just mis-communication. Over, Finis,Kaput.On to bigger and better debates. Actually they made some changes in my meds a couple of weeks ago and it has made me pretty irritable. We are working on finding something else with out that side effect.Sorry to anybody that I’ve been rough on lately.
The Artist Formerly Known as Too Hot for Teacher
March 27th, 2009
6:05 pm
Oliver Perez goes 5-16 this year. He goes 4-1 against the Braves and 1-15 against the rest. Mets miss the playoffs AGAIN by three or four games in September. Oliver Perez is the man.
Frankie Knucles
March 27th, 2009
6:16 pm
Dang just heard Mets fan disclose his age. Yikes. I had always invisioned a 16 year old. Everyone remember to make your donations to Americans with Mental Disabilities this year.
one fan
March 27th, 2009
6:20 pm
If he’s healthy, Soriano is the best option at closer. I hope Bobby has that option. Go Braves.
spotts
March 27th, 2009
6:21 pm
That burger has five slices of cheese? Is that really necessary? When biting into a burger, 1 slice of cheese tastes the same as 5…
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
6:22 pm
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playbyplay?gameId=280606115&full=0&inning=9
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
6:23 pm
I still have a penny on Calipari. I’ve got another penny. I can take the hit.
KC
March 27th, 2009
6:26 pm
one fan, have you looked at Gonzo’s save conversion ratio?
He had a streak of 39 consec. saves snapped last year, after coming back from TJ surgery mid-season… converting 14 of 16 opps last year, even though he wasn’t yet 100% (which he is now).
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
6:34 pm
Soriano is a better pitcher than Gonzalez, I think. We’ll see though. Gonzalez seems to thrive in that closer role.
Rob from SC
March 27th, 2009
6:35 pm
For all the S**t I gave him after his appearence against the Mets, Eric O’Flaherty looked pretty strong today. He does something Logan doesn’t, that is throwing strokes
winterville
March 27th, 2009
6:36 pm
PWHjort
After KJ dropped that pop up there was no doubt in my mind that the bullpen (Acosta) would come in during the next inning and blow it open. The bullpen just had that sort of feel to it last year at times. I hope this year is different.
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
6:37 pm
When Blaine Boyer walked the 2 batters I was like, we’re going to find a way to lose this game. And we did.
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2009
6:39 pm
PWHjort-
How would any of us know if Soriano is a better pitcher? Doesn’t that require him to actually, you know, pitch?
Saff
March 27th, 2009
6:39 pm
#1 Mets fan just a couple things you guys claim you were the team to beat the last two years and to your credit you have been, that is until septmeber. The Muts will hold the title for the worst collapse’s especially back to back seasons. We Braves fans aren’t really worried because Jurjens is better than anyone not named Santanna in your rotation and if Vazquez bounces back well same thing also. Last but not least the Muts glearing waekness have to be catcher and second base way below average and those are two important positions also Delgado is about to fall apart and lead to well another COLLAPSE. Go Braves!!!!
spotts
March 27th, 2009
6:46 pm
Saff – way to defend the Braves while simultaneously butchering the English language
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
6:49 pm
Good point cabraves. I’ll reserve my opinions on who the closer should be until we see them in real games.
Doc Holiday
March 27th, 2009
6:50 pm
spotts,
Not if you are a cheese lover like me.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
6:55 pm
Ahh, you can tell the season’s just around the corner when the Braves-Mets vitriol is flying. Start this thing before someone gets an eye put out.
#1MetFan
March 27th, 2009
7:01 pm
We will OWN Vazques this year! You guys also overrate this Jurjens kid..he’s not that spectacular. I’ll take Pelfrey or Maine over Jurjens any day of the week and twice on Sunday. Santana and Perez aren’t even in that discussion..they are head and shoulders better than anything you guys can put on that mound. Call me a homer, crack head or whatever, but my boys will take it all this year baby!! LETS GO METS!!!
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
7:03 pm
Please don’t humor him. Unless you change your name to #1MetFan’s Mom and write a hilarious post.
spotts
March 27th, 2009
7:04 pm
crack head
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 27th, 2009
7:06 pm
So we know it is September in New York when the locals are wearing long scarves and are seen holding their neck region
The disease is known as ‘mucilus strangulus chokus NY suckus”
symptoms are tightness in the neck region, shortness of breath, heavy breathing and mucus
Go Kansas and UNC……….. yeah baby
BravesFanChris24
March 27th, 2009
7:06 pm
DOB
I read something on MLB.com on Braves page that Jeff Bennett may have raised his trade value with the scoreless inning. My question is…
Is there a trade or two that could happen in near future?
Blake Penno
March 27th, 2009
7:08 pm
#1MetFan, you seem to have an unhealthy obsession with various Metropolitan jocks straps. Maybe John Rocker wasn’t to far off after all……..kidding of course
(well, not really)
TnBrian
March 27th, 2009
7:09 pm
I liked Soriano’s comment, “I think I’ll throw a bp session in a couple of days.” I think we can take that how we want it…
#1MetFan's Mom
March 27th, 2009
7:17 pm
Where my baby daddy at?
wilymo
March 27th, 2009
7:21 pm
Assuming both guys are healthy and pitching well, wouldn’t it make sense to perhaps have a Closer platoon between Gonzo and Soriano? Obviously both guys need to be healthy and neither of them really gets hit all that hard by the opposite hand batter, but if you’re hanging on to a 1 run lead in the 8th inning with Utley/Howard or Johnson/Dunn coming up wouldn’t the Braves be better served by bringing in Gonzo?
I don’t know if it could really be executed properly since it’s hard to predict the upcoming hitters in the time it would take to warm up the right pitcher, but it seems like you could have a pretty devastating “closer” by trying to play the matchups a little. Especially without a reliable lefty.
Might not matter much either way since both guys are pretty effective against opposite hand hitters, but it’s just a thought.
#1MetFan's Mom
March 27th, 2009
7:21 pm
I guess I should say, who my baby daddy?
WestPalmDawg
March 27th, 2009
7:30 pm
“You win 300 games in the show, you can throw however hard you freakin’ want”-me
ncscoots
March 27th, 2009
7:32 pm
Speaking of speed-posting, where the heck has our buddy Efrim been? We need that guy ready by Opening Day.
Steve-OH, will the Nats take Strasburg, or will Boras cause him to drop lower? He’s some kid, by all reports.
ease19
March 27th, 2009
7:33 pm
5 of the last 6 posts have been between #1MetFan’s family…maybe we should just stay out of it.
spotts don’t you mean crack(ed) head
TommyP
March 27th, 2009
7:46 pm
Mets talk is alive and well, eh? Here’s something for the Mets fans…I think Murphy has a breakout year.
I also think the Braves might waste a very solid roster by not signing a very good lefty in the pen. Ohman has to come dirt cheap at this point.
Jeff Baker is being shopped by the Rockies…I would love for the Braves to snag him and make him a super utility guy and also a nice everyday 3B when Chipper goes down for weeks at a time.
WestPalmDawg
March 27th, 2009
7:47 pm
“and you can grow fungus on your shower shoes”-Crash Davis
Schafer's Wafers
March 27th, 2009
7:48 pm
Scoots,
No way the Nats pass on Strasburg. Even if Borass is his agent. They have to take him to keep him away from other teams. If everything about the kid is true I dont see why they dont sign him since the “experts” say he could be up by July/August. Buster said the other day Borass could go as high as 30 million for him.
GSU-Lee
March 27th, 2009
7:52 pm
DOB
Let’s assume that Gorkys, Schafer and Heyward all turn out as advertised over the next few years. Is there any chance, just out of wild curiousity, that Frenchy could make the move to third base? He certainly has the arm for it, but I don’t know if he has the defensive prowess necessary, which is why I defer to your expertise.
TommyP
March 27th, 2009
7:54 pm
GSU: He’s probably never played the position.
Schafer Obliterator
March 27th, 2009
7:56 pm
I will be NL rookie of the year
kirkinga
March 27th, 2009
8:03 pm
nolie-glad to hear it.
I’m a big Acosta fan, but he’s got me worried with his performance so far this camp. Encouraging inning from O’Flaherty though.
I still believe, when all is said and done, that the bullpen will be a strength for the team with everyone healthy.
Nice win today.
Kim
March 27th, 2009
8:26 pm
DOB – Nice article on McCann. Loved the picture too. He really has slimmed down.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
8:33 pm
GSU-Lee, never heard anything to remotely suggest that Francoeur would ever be considered for a move to 3B, and really can’t imagine why he would, either. He’s always played the outfield, and he won a Gold Glove there in 2007.
Couch Tater
March 27th, 2009
8:33 pm
Scoots, Good article on Mr. Strasburg.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/lee_jenkins/03/25/stephen.strasburg/index.html
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2009
8:34 pm
TexasBrave, don’t look now, but OU’s up a dozen or so on Syracuse at halftime….
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2009
8:39 pm
Great story on Mac- thanks DOB!
TNScott
March 27th, 2009
8:41 pm
Hey, DOB: That burger you linked us to must have been a distant cousin to that steak, The Ole 96er, that John Candy ate in The Great Outdoors.
TommyP
March 27th, 2009
8:43 pm
I need Syracuse as I have them in my Final Four. Not looking good at all. Missouri, however, is making me look pretty wise.
March Madness has been a big snoozer so far. No real buzzer beaters, no Cinderellas, tons of blowouts….one of the worst in awhile.
Of course, when you only have 4 mid-major teams among your 34(?) at large bids you really can’t have a true Cinderella.
On the Braves front, I really like our rotation (especially WHEN Hanson joins it) but the lefties are going to be a problem.
If Wren could’ve taken the money offered to Smoltz and the money he gave to Glavine and just made that combined money for Smoltz alone, I’d feel a lot better with this season.
Schafer's Wafers
March 27th, 2009
8:46 pm
I was looking at mock drafts noticed we are projected to take Donovan Tate in the first round. I will gladly take him from all that I read. Also noticed last year we drafted 2 3bs we must not have signed them.
f.n.hale
March 27th, 2009
8:56 pm
Well there was one person on this planet I thought I had more computer skills than and now McFann is posting links. I’m gonna give this a shot just to see if I can do it. If it works, thanks McFann, but I’m guessing I’ll f it up.
Prine & Dement classic!
f.n.hale
March 27th, 2009
8:57 pm
Holy crap. that’s a complicated process but feels cool when it works. Thanks McF!
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2009
9:03 pm
Wow- steller performance from Arizona representing the Pac-10
Madonna's Chin Hair
March 27th, 2009
9:05 pm
To correct an earlier blogger, pre-madonna actually means a hair that has not yet sprouted on my chin. A secondary usage would be as a replacement for BCE in the calendar. Used in a sentence, “In 1962, pre-madonna, the Mets set a record for futility that will never be matched by losing 120 games”.
MEB
March 27th, 2009
9:12 pm
I thought I heard some discussion about Will Ohman on XM Homeplate. Did he sign with the Pirates or Nats? Can’t find anything posted.
GO BRAVES!!!
spotts
March 27th, 2009
9:13 pm
it’s primadonna….
f.n.hale
March 27th, 2009
9:18 pm
Can someone tell me how to find the facebook page for this blog?
Roman Gal
March 27th, 2009
9:27 pm
Hey, maybe I’ll get to see that Kelly Johnson interview after all! SportSouth is replaying the game tonight! Heck yes!!
nolie
March 27th, 2009
9:27 pm
Jeff Baker is being shopped by the Rockies…I would love for the Braves to snag him and make him a super utility guy and also a nice everyday 3B when Chipper goes down for weeks at a time TommyP
You need to look at his splits away from Coors Tommy. He can’t hit his way out of a soppin’ wet paperbag away from Denver. I mean the guy is terrible.216/278/356 That’s abyssmal
Roman Gal
March 27th, 2009
9:29 pm
f.n.hale, I think it’s called “Braves fans of DOB’s blog” or something along those lines.
nolie
March 27th, 2009
9:35 pm
http://sullybaseball.blogspot.com/2009/03/atlanta-braves-all-time-home-grown-team.html
Link to an article on all-time Braves developed players vs all time acquired players. kinda sill but…
spotts
March 27th, 2009
9:35 pm
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53472692450
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
9:40 pm
nolie, It’s important to consider the sample size. That being said, Baker makes no sense for the Braves. We’ve already got Infante and Prado on our bench and Baker can’t fill any role that Infante and Prado can’t. Along with Norton, Ross, and a 4th outfielder, that figures to be a very good bench.
Steve from OH
March 27th, 2009
9:50 pm
nolie, I think Baker would be a decent pick-up if we had a spot for him. He posted a .304/.373/.508 line in 1,357 minor league AB (albeit in the hitter-friendly PCL, though he did post an .841 OPS in the more hitter-friendly Sally league). Yeah, he’s struggled away from Coors but he’s got a nice little minor league track record to put on his resume, but if Norton or the like was out of the picture I think Baker would make for a nice bench bat in his place.
Steve from OH
March 27th, 2009
9:53 pm
Man, I’m strugglin’ today. Should’ve read that most of his miL AB were in the PCL, but that the Sally league is a little more pitcher friendly.
I’m loosing it.
Tomas
March 27th, 2009
9:54 pm
Jeff Bennet pitched very good today. He ended last year very good as well, I hope Bobby will keep Bennet in the 25 man roster. Manny Acosta has great stuff, but got hammered with a couple of balls that were left in the middle of the plate. Peter Moylan, Mike Gonzales and Blaine Boyer are no brainers. Jorge Campillo seems to be the best guy to have around for a spot start or long relief, he also could be used to get lefties out with that screwball of his. And Rafael Soriano would be a no brainer if healthy.
Closer:
Mike Gonzales
Setup:
Rafael Soriano
Peter Moylan
Middle relief:
Blaine Boyer
Jeff Bennet
(undecided)
Long relief:
Jorge Campillo
The Braves have one slot open in the bulpen. It’s either for one of the two lefties O’Flaherty, and Logan, or Manny Acosta, Kris Medlen, and Buddy Carlyle.
McFann :Ô:
March 27th, 2009
10:00 pm
You’re welcome, F.N. Hale! Always happy to be of service!
Roman Gal–
Watch out for the McCann interview, too! LOL…mostly Boog and Joe just picked on him about another interview he did…kinda funny…
But I gotta be honest: I wish he’d grow his hair back……
Bubdylan
March 27th, 2009
10:01 pm
f.n.hale, now you’re singin’ my tune. John Prine’s my alltime favorite songwriter. The master of translating sublime thought into down-home diction.
“My heart’s in the ice house,
come hill or come valley…”
Schafer Obliterator
March 27th, 2009
10:05 pm
I still like Buddy C in long relief and I wouldnt mind seeing JoJo as our loogy… I know that is not a popular solution but now that he has a change up he would do well as a reliever……
Basketball is fascinating.. I fluked having MIZZ and have Kansas, UNC and Pitt
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 27th, 2009
10:09 pm
I had NOVA to beat the dooks……. yeah, had Missouri as well
I suck slightly less now
Is Gonzo pitching tomorrow ??
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
10:11 pm
I just broke down and bought a “PHUCK THE FILLIES” t-shirt. I’ll be sporting it at the Ted this summer. Yes, Gonzo is pitching tomorrow.
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 27th, 2009
10:12 pm
Wieters has been sent to AAA
Orioles suck dead dogs…… u know the rest
No wonder they never win, throw the kid in the deep end I say
TommyP
March 27th, 2009
10:14 pm
I agree with Steve from OH.
Nolie: How many Rockies over the years have had great numbers at Coors but very bad on the road? There’s something to be said for the way Rockies hitters are affected on the road.
Even Galarraga had a great dropoff on the road in a few of his great years:
‘95: .927 vs. .759 OPS (home vs. road)
‘96: 1.157 vs. .748 OPS
At 27, Baker still has time to turn into a quality ballplayer.
Plus, he plays just about every position on the diamond.
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
10:15 pm
Did yall see this article: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/cecil-the-delusional ?
My favorite quote from the article is: “Yes, Cecil, I’m telling you that you will not be winning that many games this year. Not with the current roster, at least, and not without significant visits from the luck fairy and career year wizard.”
I found it pretty hilarious.
f.n.hale
March 27th, 2009
10:16 pm
Thanks for the link Spotts. What a motley bunch.
BudD, yeah he’s my favorite too, at least as a writer and Iris ain’t half bad either. The lines you quoted were from the Bruised Orange album which is as good as it gets for me.
f.n.hale
March 27th, 2009
10:24 pm
Bubdylan, I hit the submit button before I finished (guess I’ll need another lesson from McFann), but I thought about this one from “Souvenirs” the night your dog died. It was playing on my way back from having one of mine put down and I had to pull over. Powerful stuff:
“broken hearts and dirty windows
make life difficult to see
that’s why last night and this morning
always look the same to me”
northbeach Scott
March 27th, 2009
10:40 pm
Watching MLB channel, Brewers at Rangers. Andruw looks no different in his batting approach than he has over the last 2 1/2 seasons–lost. I tuned in to see him lunge at two outside breaking balls from Cy Young-not nominee Dave Bush.
Loved you Andruw, but you are done, buddy.
Bubdylan
March 27th, 2009
10:48 pm
f.n. hale, it took me a while to realize how loaded so many of John’s lines are, just because they come off so conversational and unassuming. You know, I’ve never owned Bruised Orange, or any of the albums-proper besides Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings. I only have the Hard Days anthology. Maybe I’ll pick up Bruised Orange first…
Bubdylan
March 27th, 2009
10:55 pm
Good Days, I think it is… not Hard Days… (I never keep CD covers… I’m the Anti-DOB on that score…
indybrave
March 27th, 2009
10:56 pm
DOB – If Kansas can pull off the win against MSU, do you think that ESPN will even mention three Big 12 teams in the final eight? I’m sure they will talk about the four from the Insanely Big East. Outside of Blake Griffin I haven’t heard much about the Big 12 this year without doing some digging. I think it would be great to have three Big 12 teams in the final four.
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
10:57 pm
ESPN will continue to give the Big East a reach around like they’ve done all season.
BabyGoatEater
March 27th, 2009
11:03 pm
To answer Wilymo’s question earlier (because I think he is on to something); Yes, I do think a closer L/R combo is a good idea. Wilymo is obviously a little (come on man, at least slightly) bias on the idea, but I think it would be wise if both are pitching up to their talent. If not, easy decision. If they are, Bobby can pick and choose. Even if a pinch hitter is called, you still have a closer on the mound, and you’ve forced the opponent’s hand. Throw in Moylan, who’s constantly over-looked for the 9th inning, and you may not need Soriano to stay healthy all year. It still really depends on the starters. Lowe,Jurrjens,Vasquez,and Kawakami need to throw 6-7 innings a night.
nolie
March 27th, 2009
11:07 pm
olie, I think Baker would be a decent pick-up if we had a spot for him. Steve Ohio
I guess we’ll just hafta disagree about that one. I wouldn’t touch him on a bet.
PWH
yeah I’m aware of the importance of sample size, but his away size is 70% of his home size and there is a huge difference with every stat.Add that he has 150 Ks in 530 AB and I wouldn’t be interested.
I’m not as much of a believer as y’all perhaps that good minor league stats regularly become good major league stats. Mostly but a long ways from always and to me PCL hitting stats are more questionable than IL ones. We’ll just hafta hide & watch with him, but I personally would rather do it from a distance.
nolie
March 27th, 2009
11:13 pm
TOMMYP
we aren’t talkin’ a .750 OPS we’re talking a .630 OPS and 27 ain’t all that young. It’s just an opinion thingy, but I’m very skeptical about him.
indybrave
March 27th, 2009
11:15 pm
Isn’t ESPN just a nationally televised version of NESN? Baseball coverage consists of Red Sox, Yankees, and Mets. Football: Jets, Giants, and the Patriots. Basketball I am tired of them talking about Lebron going to the Knicks when he becomes a free agent.
indybrave
March 27th, 2009
11:16 pm
I guess they prove me wrong in college football sucking on the SEC teet.
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
11:17 pm
As always, the truth is somewhere in the middle. I don’t believe he’s completely incapable of hitting outside of Coors Field, but I wouldn’t expect him to put up numbers similar to his Coors numbers anywhere else. We do agree on 1 thing, Baker doesn’t need to come to the Braves. Unless he changes his 1st name to Scott and becomes a pitcher for the Twins.
f.n.hale
March 27th, 2009
11:19 pm
Bubdylan, yeah he and Townes are truly great poets. Here’s a couple more you might like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFD2wZaBciY & http://www.jpshrine.org/2007/SoundstageDVD.htm
Harry
March 27th, 2009
11:25 pm
Just watched Crossroads with Shooter and Jamey. Jamey is the real deal. Shooter is not. Jamey is loaded with talent- outstanding voice and lyrics. Dude can write a song and you can tell that the words are real; he lived it. Shooter, on the other hand, tries too hard. His daddy was a legend, but it’s just not gonna happen for Shooter. JJ is the only perhaps the only country artist today who is truly authentic.
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
11:41 pm
KU is up against it.
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
11:43 pm
IZZONE
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
11:45 pm
What a joke. Nice foul call by the refs. DOB must have called in the fix.
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
11:47 pm
Big break for the Spartans there. I guess the fix was called off.
spotts
March 27th, 2009
11:48 pm
CBS cuts away from a 3 point game with 14 seconds left to go to a 22 point game with 6 minutes left. Awesome, CBS…
dogsbrekky (UNC Rocks)
March 27th, 2009
11:48 pm
I put the jinx on KU by tipping them
I see Andruw played tonight, 0 for 5 with 3Ks, I suppose he will not be back at MLB level soon
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
11:48 pm
I don’t think Lupe Izzo is calm. She’s just had so much plastic surgery done that she is incapable of expressing emotion.
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
11:49 pm
Goodbye, Jayhawks.
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
11:49 pm
Ya their cut-aways have been obnoxious and silly. My bracket features a national championship of Michigan State and North Carolina. Looks like they’re both going to the elite 8.
spotts
March 27th, 2009
11:50 pm
At least they went back after the first free throw. I don’t think I saw any of the last 10 minutes of the Memphis/Mizzou game last night. CBS had to suck face with Duke
spotts
March 27th, 2009
11:52 pm
I’ve only been able to watch 3 Sweet Sixteen games so far. I had Duke, Memphis, and Kansas picked to win those 3. Sweeeeet
PWHjort
March 27th, 2009
11:53 pm
If I were Roy Williams I’d rest number 50 right now. They’ve got one HECK of a game coming up against Oklahoma.
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2009
11:53 pm
PWHjort-
Michigan State? What possessed you to pick them? You a big 10 guy? Not knocking the pick (hey they beat my Trojans- they muct be pretty good!) and obviously you look pretty smart right now- but you may be the only person I have heard that has that much faith in them…
spotts
March 27th, 2009
11:54 pm
oops….no pun intended with my last post
nolie
March 27th, 2009
11:54 pm
We do agree on 1 thing, Baker doesn’t need to come to the Braves. Unless he changes his 1st name to Scott and becomes a pitcher for the Twins. PWH
thar ya go my friend. sounds good to me
mbatl
March 27th, 2009
11:56 pm
My bracket is perfect so far. I just double-check the game scores before I write in the winner, and so far haven’t made any mistakes.
Chop Chop
March 27th, 2009
11:57 pm
I had Kansas in my Elite Eight, but my brackets are so far gone that I don’t care.
cabravesfan
March 27th, 2009
11:57 pm
spotts-
I feel for you- my bracket died a spectacular death yesterday…I had Memphis and Duke in my national championship game
spotts
March 27th, 2009
11:57 pm
interesting strategy, mbatl. Let’s see if it pays off
PWHjort
March 28th, 2009
12:02 am
I’m not a Big 10 guy, I go to Georgia Tech. I think it’s a bad decision to bet against Tom Izzo’s teams come tournament time. I don’t know, it just made sense to me. They do all the things I like, play good defense, finish well, shoot free throws well, and just generally do the little things very well. Better than Duke, IMO, and Duke is pretty much the poster child for doing the little things right. Good coaching can take you pretty far in the tourney. And they’ve got the talent to make it happen as well. MSU seems underrated to me and I liked their match-ups. Louisville will probably beat them next round, though. I didn’t expect Louisville to play this well in the tourney.
David O'Brien
March 28th, 2009
12:19 am
Damn, what a tough way to end it. My boys got as far as I ever hoped they would during season (five new starters, etc), but once you get in the tourney and on a roll, you want your guys to keep it going. Losing a game they led by 13, and on a couple of late turnovers and missed free throws.
Oh, well. That hurts. But the whole team returns unless Collins goes in the draft. And Self’s got another strong recruiting class coming in….
f.n. hale: That’s a great Prine/Dement tune, and so is their version of “We’re Not the Jet Set.”
CharlieAlphaBravo
March 28th, 2009
12:24 am
DOB:
There has been a lot of attention paid to the improvement of Francoeur’s bat this spring, but what about his defense? He won a Gold Glove in ‘07, but he looked encumbered by the extra muscle in his chest and legs last year. Does it look to you like he has regained that critical range in the outfield?
David O'Brien
March 28th, 2009
12:30 am
How ’bout Player of the Year Blake Griffin tonight? 30 and 14, and he scrapes his face on the freakin’ backboard skying for a dunk….
Bubdylan, get Prine’s self-titled debut, and then get The Missing Years, John Prine Live, Storm Windows. He’s had a bunch of must-own albums, but those four I really love.
Great Days, the anthology, is the best place to start for those who don’t have his stuff.
uga-brave
March 28th, 2009
12:32 am
DOB,
60-55 then kaput. man i would had all of the great eight.
got pitt vs. the ville in the finals.
pitt probably is struggling more then any of the #1 seeds. unc, pittino, and conn look really good.
oklahoma vs. UNC probably the game of the tourney.
Wayne in Utah
March 28th, 2009
12:35 am
I like the idea of a Jeff Baker acquisition. While I like Prado, I don’t think he will ever supplant KJ at second, and his value as a replacement for Chipper at third is woefully lacking. Prado is also only adequate on D.
As for Baker, maybe some of you folks are right, and he will suck away from Coors Field. BUT, if he doesn’t, then he would be a better uber-utility guy, with more power than Prado could dream of.
What do the Rockies need??
Wayne in Utah
March 28th, 2009
12:37 am
I sure liked the looks of Villanova last night.
uga-brave
March 28th, 2009
12:39 am
watching the braves replay on sportsouth. diaz looks like he has dropped 20 pounds.
on top of that i just watched the in game interview with diaz, seems like a genuine dude.
he has no hard feelings about the garret anderson signing, he said he would of done the same thing. refreshing.
RHR
March 28th, 2009
12:39 am
Somewhere in Ft Myers John Smoltz is going to bed happy. Condolences, Dave.
eltrompoBRAVESfan
March 28th, 2009
12:46 am
Damn I am so tired of UNC…..and March Madness in general…. Just get the baseball season going please!
TnBrian
March 28th, 2009
12:49 am
DOB, grab a cold one and maybe even pop a Xanex if you need one. I’m not big on college BB, but I know losing SUCKS! Sorry bud
uga-brave
March 28th, 2009
12:49 am
eltrompo,
march madness is the precursor to baseball, relax.
eltrompoBRAVESfan
March 28th, 2009
12:50 am
Oh I know, but it is at this point in the tourney that my bracket has fallen to pieces and teams I’m interested in are already out, so it just makes the desire for baseball to come sooner even stronger.
TnBrian
March 28th, 2009
12:51 am
That’s the one good thing with T.S. over TBS…they show replays when I can’t ever remember TBS showing them. Could be just that they’re a national broadcast..duh It’s still cool though
nolie
March 28th, 2009
12:56 am
OK I guess I’m outvoted on Baker.
Live & learn. The fact is that it never occurred to me that anybody would ever be interested in him.
Mitchie-san
March 28th, 2009
12:57 am
The next two games will be shown on mlb.tv for those interested. The 400k feed does in fact suck, but its better than my imagination.
I cant wait for these games to actually count…..
f.n.hale
March 28th, 2009
1:03 am
DOB, I agree Prine’s anthology is a good one for starters. Missing Years is really different and it took me a few listens to get into it but the first one and Bruised Orange are my favorites. I’ve never bought them on CD but my wife got me one of those turntables to convert my vinyl. Haven’t used it yet but looking forward to it.
“I never keep CD covers… I’m the Anti-DOB on that score…” Bubdylan
Well I keep all the covers but there’s no telling what you might find when you open one.
uga-brave
March 28th, 2009
1:07 am
francoeur is definitely pushing his hands back.
FINALLY, no more hitting off the front foot. no more lunging, no more dropping the hands.
at least that gives him a chance. finnally inside the ball.
dont really care to give a prognostication, other then better then last year.
KC seems to think he will hit 20 dingers by default. i dont know about that.
if that was the case, he should of already walked into one by now. i know wbc, blah.
either way he WILL BE BETTER THIS YEAR.
mbatl
March 28th, 2009
1:08 am
nolie, I wouldn’t trade Prado for Baker. Prado has less power, but is a much better overall hitter (Baker strikes out a lot, posts a poor OBP and is truly awful outside of Coors Field). Prado’s defense is adequate, and that’s okay for a utility guy. I’m sure I’d like Baker okay if he was on my team, but sure don’t see any need to try to obtain him.
and btw, I noticed that Prado played a lot of corner OF in winter leagues. Obviously, no immediate plans to use him out there, but he’s been playing some 1B, and probably could play a decent LF/RF if needed.
He doesn’t need to start, and doesn’t need to be traded. He’s fine right where he is, IMO.
f.n.hale
March 28th, 2009
1:14 am
Joe Torre and Lyle Lovett on Letterman right now. I have a cousin that’s a retired Atl. fireman that used to hang with Torre when he played with the Braves here. They frequented a little dive called the Pigalley down near five points. He said Torre was quite the rounder. The dude is a class act. Glad he left the Yanks so I could go back to hating them.
Went to see Bonnie Raitt at the Variety Playhouse, must have been around 1990 and we were blown away by the opening act who we’d never heard of but turned out to be Lyle Lovett. Wynonna Judd came out and did a song with Bonnie but really shouldn’t have bothered. Couldn’t hold the proverbial candle.
PWHjort
March 28th, 2009
1:16 am
Being better than last year won’t be hard. The question is will he be better to the extent that he isn’t a liability. I think he probably will, but I’m not sold yet.
TnBrian
March 28th, 2009
1:17 am
I saw a very good sign when Jeff was up against Verlander today. Ver. threw a nasty curve in the dirt and Jeff barely twitched at it. As long as he stays on his back foot, it’s almost impossible for him to be as bad as ‘08. He looks good to go and so does 90% of our team.
uga-brave
March 28th, 2009
1:19 am
i still think the braves will struggle to score runs this year.
doubt they will have more then two hit 25 plus.
very left handed hitting team.
they really need young schaffer to turn into victorino.
kelly and francoeur are the swing players. one of them must have a monster season.
PWHjort
March 28th, 2009
1:19 am
Prado is a 300 hitter. The problem is he lacks a bunch of the secondary skills necessary to make any sort of impact. Take away a few singles and doubles and he looks downright crappy. I think he can sustain a 300 average over the course of a season, even with a full compliment of at-bats (~550). But he’s never going to be a guy who gets on at a 400+ clip, slugs 500+, hits 15+ homers, steals a large amount of bases, or plays excellent defense. But hey, a 300 hitter is a 300 hitter, and we should keep him around.
uga-brave
March 28th, 2009
1:24 am
DOB,
dude, what do you do when that chicken dance thing comes on the sound system between innings?
probably makes for some pretty good people watching though.
nothing better then watching a fat chick in double knit polyester from wisconsin having the time of her life, right? bourbon?
uga-brave
March 28th, 2009
1:30 am
pwhjort,
please project prado’s number’s if he gets 550 at bats.
TnBrian
March 28th, 2009
1:31 am
uga-brave, got one for ya…why did the potato cross the road…he didn’t, he got mashed!
My girlfriend is the only person who would laugh at that, she’s kinda nerdy!
mbatl
March 28th, 2009
1:36 am
“Take away a few singles and doubles and he looks downright crappy.” – PWHjort
Okay. Let’s take away his excellent walk/strikeout ratio while we’re at it, and make him the worst hitter in baseball.
Of course he’s not likely to post a 900 OPS. Only about 20 players in baseball did that last year. And haven’t researched it, but I’ll bet there weren’t 5 non-starters with 250 plate appearances and an .830+ OPS. He’s a utility infielder who plays 3 positions while making the major league minimum (or just above it). A very valuable guy.
uga-brave
March 28th, 2009
1:41 am
tn brian,
please explain, i dont get it.
Roman Gal
March 28th, 2009
1:45 am
But I gotta be honest: I wish he’d grow his hair back…… McFann
I don’t know…I kinda like it short. He could stand to grow it out a little bit.
But speaking of vanity, what the heck was Kelly Johnson thinking (or taking) when he took that picture they showed during the game?! I think I speak for everyone when I say Kelly should take the mulligan on that one.
Here’s a link to it:
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=430637
PWHjort
March 28th, 2009
1:45 am
What number? I believe he wears number 14. Seriously though, PECOTA has him at 280/338/384 in 110 PA’s and CHONE has him at 297/355/409 in 445 PA’s. Quite the differing views. A 355 OBP is something you can live with but a 338 is bad. CHONE also has him getting 335 more PA’s, that’s over half a season of work. I don’t know though I’m not a forecaster. I think 300/350/400 over 550 PA’s would probably be right.
N Nine (eta8)
March 28th, 2009
1:53 am
Yep, Prado has become a solid contact hitter. .300 would be easily achieved
Gotta be pumped about the French dude. In 52 at bats he’s got only 2 k’s! Not just that, the SIX walks is impressive. Lets get a better understanding how remarkable this is.. In his first season he had 257 AB and only got 11 walks. The last couple years he stands close to a walk per 15AB. The maturing process is in works and that awful year has gotten his head straighten out. Change has come.
almost every team needs pitching. One GM told Gammons, “Other than the Yankees, Rays, Red Sox, Reds, Marlins and Twins, everyone is looking for pitching, at least affordable pitching.” Most of the clubs with possible surpluses are thought to be hoarding arms.
Do we have any arm that are getting tangled around? I think only Buddy has some value that might get traded. I’d rather keep him. I don’t know, but we might see a trade. We shall find out soon..
Damn, this very long and dramatic offseason is coming to a close!
One of the better parts of year. Start of a long season, warm temps with longer nights. Cheers.
PWHjort
March 28th, 2009
1:55 am
mb, since batting average is the most variable offensive metric, it isn’t unreasonable that if someone was playing him differently or if the other team hadn’t rested their regular SS or if the wind is blowing differently etc.. not as many of the balls he hit would fall in for hits. I did say he is a 300 hitter and we shouldn’t trade him. He’s a very useful player. 300 hitters don’t grow on trees.
KC
March 28th, 2009
1:56 am
uga-brave, actually, to be accurate… I said I thought Francoeur could hit 15 homers by accident if he keeps hitting like he is now. And overall, I said I expect that he’ll hit 20+ this year (again, if he keeps swinging as he is now).
TnBrian
March 28th, 2009
1:58 am
uga-brave, mashed potato
Runnin
March 28th, 2009
1:58 am
I met John Prine back in the 70s at one of his gigs. I was standing out in front of the theater, ticket-less and looped out of my gourd, and this bus pulls up in front of me and out steps John Prine. Always clever and quick witted I says “Hey man, you got a ticket?” He says “Naw man, but talk to this guy behind me and he’ll help you out.” I guess it was his manager. He found me a ticket that I paid for. A few minutes later I’m in the lobby, standing next to this door and waiting waiting for my friends. It opens and out walks Prine again. He says “Take a hit of this,” and hands me a stadium cup filled with vodka and OJ. At least I think that’s what happened. I might’ve imagined it. My buddies btw didn’t believe a word of it. Always loved Prine. A true American treasure.
PWHjort
March 28th, 2009
1:59 am
By the way, “take away a few singles and a few doubles” is a phrase thrown around pretty loosely and very commonly in the sabermetric community to indicate either a) someone relies heavily on batting average, b) they lack secondary skills, c) they are posting seemingly unsustainable numbers (BABIP gets cited a lot), not something I came up with or meant to be taken literally.
N Nine (eta8)
March 28th, 2009
2:10 am
Oh a few drink this late night. But you know what I meant. Free shots on me.
mbatl
March 28th, 2009
2:16 am
PW, are you part of the sabermetric community? Didn’t realize that.
I’m not really concerned about whether Prado will hit .300 or not. Lots of luck involved in batting average, like you said.
But, unlike Pecota and Chone, I’ve watched him play. And he has good pitch recognition and hits the ball hard – gap power, not home run power. (and the very differences you mentioned in those services indicate how unreliable they are… they “generally” get things right, but I’d bet you or I could generally predict who’s going to hit well in 2009 – I’ll start with Pujols – whata’ you think?).
Anyway, the guy is 25 years old and has proven to be an above-average hitter in spring training ‘08, regular season ‘08, and spring training ‘09. For a utility infielder, he’s a very good hitter. But of course that’s what I think he is, a (good hitting) utility infielder.
uga-brave
March 28th, 2009
2:22 am
kc, thanks and i somewhat agree. my point is pwh if francoeur and prado or b.jones got the same number of at bats who would emerge?
uga-brave
March 28th, 2009
2:24 am
mos def on maher now. mensa member. super genius.
PWHjort
March 28th, 2009
2:31 am
Oh yeah, he definitely is. He’s one of the best back-ups in the league. I think he could be a starting 2B on a 3rd division team. Don’t get me wrong, I’m really, really glad my club has him. And there’s no way I trade him unless I’m netting a young premium pitcher or young premium infielder who plays good defense at 2B, SS, or 3B to eventually serve as Chipper’s replacement in the deal. I just said he lacks the secondary skills to be an impact player. But we don’t need him to be that good, he’s a utility player. The fact that he hits 300 is a great bonus, making him one of the best back-ups in the league. Wouldn’t it suck if we didn’t have Prado and used Ruben Gotay as a utility infielder?
uga-brave
March 28th, 2009
2:41 am
pwh, once again. 550 at bats, brandon jones, prado, francoeur.
among those three who would be the most productive?
spotts
March 28th, 2009
2:56 am
I really wish I was tired…
spotts
March 28th, 2009
2:57 am
oh….an argument. I think I’ll leave.
PWHjort
March 28th, 2009
3:00 am
I’ll take Francoeur. Then Prado, then B. Jones. But they’re all pretty close, in my opinion.
uga-brave
March 28th, 2009
3:12 am
pwh, we will never know, the latter two willl never get the chance.
certain players get EVERY OPPORTUNITY. certain players dont.
what if brandon jones was the parkview guy? or prado went to marist?
what if we gave GEORGE LOMBARD AS MANY AT BATS AS FRNACOEUR?
well what if diaz had those at bats?
mark bradley once asked why the hatred for francoeur,
sub .750 ops. will do that.
winterville
March 28th, 2009
3:14 am
Anybody else got a set of friends you can’t go downtown with without getting into a fight?
uga-brave
March 28th, 2009
3:16 am
winter,
were you in athens tonight?
winterville
March 28th, 2009
3:18 am
Yea, I still live here.
uga-brave
March 28th, 2009
3:26 am
got two road trips already booked. second week of may me and the boys are going to citizen bank ball park.
weekend series staying at the hyatt penn landing.
friday night game, saturday fox thing. then onto atlantic city.
gotta admit i have a great wife.
uga-brave
March 28th, 2009
3:29 am
winterville,
longshot, you know a guy named joe bowman? real longshot.
winterville
March 28th, 2009
3:34 am
I don’t think so but I know some Bowman’s from around here. Know any other names?
winterville
March 28th, 2009
3:37 am
I know a Jay Bowman, he’s about 40 or 50 though.
uga-brave
March 28th, 2009
3:41 am
joe was in my fraterity back in the ’80’s, he was from winterville.
probably a lot older then you.
hey winterville, we used to hang out at bisset’s
aint athens great.
i take my wife up there often, we love the 5 and 10.
great restaurant.
winterville
March 28th, 2009
3:50 am
Athens is great. I probably won’t leave until I absolutely have to. But it will be kicking and screaming. Bisset’s is definitely good. Porterhouse is good too. Are you still around Athens? My mom graduated in ‘80. The last national championship. I though I might get one while I was in school but no such luck.
winterville
March 28th, 2009
4:04 am
I’m out
Bubdylan
March 28th, 2009
4:22 am
I think the blog ate my extremely insightful response to f.n.hale & DOB. Bummer. Oh well, it’s the world’s loss, not mine?
Mitchie-san
March 28th, 2009
4:43 am
Most likely, Bub….
ncscoots
March 28th, 2009
6:54 am
uga, I don’t think you go far enough, re Johnson and Francoeur as swing players for a successful season. Need at least near-career years from Kotchman and Escobar, too. Oh, heck, the fact is that all the regulars will have to hit on all cylinders, LOL. No real mashers there, so all the guys with secondary power are going to have to hit their 12-to-20. All of them. That’s even if Chipper, McCann, and Francoeur all come out hangin’ and bangin’. The Braves are staring up at two 800-run offenses, and the pitching probably isn’t quite strong enough to make up 60+ runs of differential.
As far as Johnson, I do think he’s closer to figuring out what kind of hitter he actually is, and that should ameliorate some of his historical streakiness. I thought his interview was interesting in that he’s always said before that he didn’t care where he hit in the lineup, and I had the distinct impression that might no longer be the case. Maybe another sign that he’s decided on a specific, consistent approach.
BravesFreak
March 28th, 2009
7:11 am
Oh, you bloggers. So many opinions based on such little information. I don’t know it all, but I do know that if I disagree with you, it’s probably because you’re wrong!
JasonInFL (Formerly ME)
March 28th, 2009
7:13 am
Anyone going to be at the game today?
ncgary
March 28th, 2009
7:14 am
all that john prine talk brings back alot of good times at pb scotts in blowing rock. that was a helluva good venue to see him at
18 Wheels of Love
March 28th, 2009
7:34 am
7 of the final 8 correct on my bracket. Only Memphis tripped me up.
Of course my wife has 7 of 8 right too and she watches less basketball than the dog. She had FL St. in her final 8.
Question: If the Braves are shopping Anderson, that means they are pretty content on either Schafer or Blanco in center…isn’t that the correct way to read into that? Bowman mentions 2 teams interested other than the White Sox…any ideas who?
Random
March 28th, 2009
8:12 am
PWHjort (9:40 pm): “nolie, It’s important to consider the sample size. That being said, Baker makes no sense for the Braves. We’ve already got Infante and Prado on our bench and Baker can’t fill any role that Infante and Prado can’t. Along with Norton, Ross, and a 4th outfielder, that figures to be a very good bench.”
Agree that it’s a top-notch bench, but I couldn’t help reading between the lines.
“and a 4th outfielder”
Do you have some kind of reservations or doubts about Diaz? Isn’t he a shoo-in as the “4th outfielder”? Why didn’t you call him by name?
Random
March 28th, 2009
8:40 am
uga-brave (12:39 am): “watching the braves replay on sportsouth. diaz looks like he has dropped 20 pounds.
“on top of that i just watched the in game interview with diaz, seems like a genuine dude.
“he has no hard feelings about the garret anderson signing, he said he would of done the same thing. refreshing.”
Yeah, he seemed remarkably smart, funny and articulate.
My favorite part was when he was asked if wearing a mouthpiece at bat helped him to relax at the plate. His response:
“Theoretically, yeah.”
Hilarious. I’d much rather have a beer with him than with Bush.
(And I don’t even drink beer!)
David O'Brien
March 28th, 2009
8:40 am
18 Wheels: Yes, Braves shopping Anderson does indicate they are content with using one or both of the others in CF
David O'Brien
March 28th, 2009
8:44 am
Everyone who notes that it looks like Diaz lost 20 pounds — that’s because he did. It was written here and elsewhere the day he reported to camp, and here in the blog again later with a mention of his P90X diet and all that, and then Carroll also did a followup story on him a week or so ago.
Anyway, yeah, 20 pounds.
And he is exactly as he came across in that TV interview. Funny, articulate, very down-to-earth.
TommyP
March 28th, 2009
8:56 am
So what do we think Ohman will eventually sign for? Makes me sick that we signed Glavine instead.
6 of 8 for me in the Elite Eight. Syracuse and UCLA were the ones messing me up. I hadn’t watched UCLA play this year but thought a UCLA team coached by Howland would be able to play defense. Not this year. (I also had UNC losing to ‘Cuse ’cause I didn’t think Lawson would hold up health-wise)
TommyP
March 28th, 2009
8:59 am
And to the blogger last night commenting on Izzo’s wife…I sure don’t see plastic surgery on that face. That’s just natural beauty.
They did a split screen on both wives and it was a 40 point blowout.
Tomahawk210
March 28th, 2009
9:23 am
DOB
From that interview yesterday KJ seems like he’s a witty guy. Seems like he’s got some good one-liners and probably razzes on some fellow teammates(in a good way). He seems like he likes to have a good time, also seems like he’s really focused this year to have a big year. Also Matt Diaz is a great ballplayer on the field and in the clubhouse. I’m glad he’s on our team and seems like a great guy, also a funny guy.
northbeach Scott
March 28th, 2009
9:26 am
TommyP, Glavine and Ohman play different roles (#5 LSP vs set up/LOOGY), so the money is not really relevant. Ohman’s asking price of $2 is just out of line for the current market and all of the teams know it. Glavine’s job is to provide some innings to decrease pressure on some of the kids and for political value after the Smoltz debacale. The Braves have a surplus of relievers and they are not going to overpay for Ohman. Not worth the worry and the events are unreleated.
Random
March 28th, 2009
9:47 am
Greg Norton really shone yesterday, with at least three good defensive plays to augment his 2 RBIs:
a nifty backhand grab of a short hop from Prado at 3B;
a sweet tippy-toe stretch to snag a high throw from Infante at SS; and
a laid full out stop of a grounder down the line, fumble, recovery and flip to Campillo covering (kudos also to Campillo on that play — good hustle and nifty footwork).
Norton’s ready, just in case Kotchman might not be.
Dadgum
March 28th, 2009
9:52 am
Northbeach Scott….Ohman has nobody to blame but himself (maybe his Agent). He got greedy and turned down great money last year when the Braves had it on the table. Shame on Ohman. I agree the Braves have plenty of bull pen arms already.
Rock on……
Doc Holiday
March 28th, 2009
9:59 am
Braves don’t have the offense of a true contender
by Athlon Sports
Heres the URL since I cant add the link from my lap
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9380244/Braves-don%27t-have-the-offense-of-a-true-contender
nolie
March 28th, 2009
10:03 am
Seriously though, PECOTA has him at 280/338/384 in 110 PA’s and CHONE has him at 297/355/409 in 445 PA’s. Quite the differing views. PWH
yes they are and the exact reason that I don’t give a fig about what PECOTA or CHONE or any other predictive system says. I’d be more interested in what PWH says. There are way too many variables in the game of baseball for any system to ever do a satisfactory job of prediction. They all come up with different figures, sometimes one is closer and sometimes the other, but mostly neither one is particularly correct. I’ve been into baseball stats for over 50 years and i like most of the new ones, but of what use are systems that regularly predict so different?.I think their biggest advantage is that they make make some people believe that one knows what one is talking about. Ooooh PECOTA says…wow.
JP
March 28th, 2009
10:05 am
To add in on the Diaz lovefest, I got one of the best surprises of my adult life when I got a baseball signed by him, written to me personally. In was a situation were my Dad knew a guy, who knew a guy, who knew a guy…really cool that he’d do that. Even though Anderson may start a majority of the time Diaz is gonna be crucial this season.
TommyP
March 28th, 2009
10:06 am
northbeachScott: The Braves “surplus of relievers” is extremely bare in the lefty department. EXTREMELY. So scratch that statement.
And while he was looking for $2 million/season before, word is that he’s lowered his asking price.
Signing Glavine to lessen the Smoltz backlash is a losing way to run a ballclub. It truly is.
If Wren was prepared to make Smoltz an offer AND Glavine an offer before, he should’ve just combined that money and given it to Smoltz.
After he messed that up, just move on. We have a Tom Glavine that is coming off surgery for the first time (I believe that’s correct) and he’s ancient.
Guys….the plethora of bullpen help is devoid of talented lefties. None. Zero.
Random
March 28th, 2009
10:11 am
TommyP –
Right on — well said.
Frankie Knuckles
March 28th, 2009
10:11 am
Are we certain the front office is shopping Josh Anderson? I mean, its obvious they would be, but is there anything to substantiate it? Given the discrepancies in Jordans and Josh’s performance we would be selling low – no?
twinbrave
March 28th, 2009
10:17 am
Will Ohman is still available. If the Braves are worried about Soriano, go sign Ohman.
TommyP
March 28th, 2009
10:23 am
Thanks, Random.
I get the feeling you’ve been tooting that same horn for awhile around here. I just haven’t visited as much since the new format has begun and the play by play of spring training games.
Wren has done some fine things so far but also some very questionable ones. Moves questionable enough where you wonder if we have the Baltimore Wren or the Schuerholz Apprentice Wren?
I like our rotation 1-4. I absolutely LOVE the Lowe signing. The fact it came after the Burnett disaster makes me think he lucked into the situation. At least he got it done, however.
But signing an aged, recovering Glavine for PR purposes? It’s the way bad teams do business. The way the Pirates ran the organization for years.
If anyone feels like doing the research, how many lefties do our NL brethren have on the roster? Count only the ones that are major league tested.
McFann :Ô:
March 28th, 2009
10:28 am
Roman Gal–
Yeah, he needs to grow it out just a little more…he kinda looks like one of the Doberry Boys from the movie Because of Winn~Dixie…with a beard, of course…
Didn’t see them show that picture of Johnson during the game…haha! Maybe somebody just said something funny…?
F.N. Hale I hit the submit button before I finished
I hate it when I do that…
Bubdylan I think the blog ate my extremely insightful response to f.n.hale & DOB.
That kept happening to me last weekend–just tryin’ to respond to Uga-Brave, and none of the posts showed up. I tried it several times, but no luck.
So now I’m back to copying my posts–especially long ones–before I send them…just in case. Sometimes I paste them off-site so I cann try again later.
Doc Holiday
March 28th, 2009
10:28 am
twinbrave,
Ohman should be signed not because we are worried about Soriano, but because we need a LHR.
richbrave
March 28th, 2009
10:29 am
DADGUM:
Agreed on the bull-pen arms, lots and lots. The question is are any of them any good? MOYLAN, SORIANO, GONZALEZ have to perform to prove they’re fully recovered from surguries. RIDGWAY, LOGAN, O’FLAHERTY have had some moments but shaky often. Inconsistant at best. BOYER looks better than in the past. He may come through finally. BENNETT????? Not good, not good. Where’s OHMAN????? Waiting for that 2 million offer.
PWHjort
March 28th, 2009
10:37 am
In response to the 4th outfielder/Diaz thing. I don’t know if a) Diaz is going to play like his 2007 season and be a regular (because I’m 100% not sold on Garret Anderson), b) Diaz is going to be a bench player, c) Diaz is going to be in a platoon role (in that case the 4th outfielder is some combination of Diaz and Anderson), or d) Diaz is going to suck like last year pre-injury and get relegated to the waiver wire. So I don’t know who that number 4 will be.
McFann :Ô:
March 28th, 2009
10:38 am
Great article, Chief!
Braves Paisan
March 28th, 2009
10:38 am
Folks, the dogwood in the front yard is blooming and I am JAZZED for some Braves ball!
Carlyle or Jeff Bennett?
TommyP
March 28th, 2009
10:39 am
So are we keeping 4 or 5 OFs this year?
Frankie Knucles
March 28th, 2009
10:40 am
Somebody respond to my 10:11 or i’ll litter the board with Kenny Powers posts.
spotts
March 28th, 2009
10:44 am
Frankie – I don’t know
spotts
March 28th, 2009
10:44 am
And you spelled Knuckles wrong
f.n.hale
March 28th, 2009
10:49 am
“I don’t give a fig about what PECOTA or CHONE or any other predictive system says” – nolie
CHONE is projecting the Braves lineup to score 4.93 runs per game. Obviously they’ll be fine if that happens, but who knows if they will. Do you think that’s an unreasonable figure? They have several guys with 800+ OPS capability, I think, and that bodes well IMO, but of course, some of those guys are pretty iffy, Frenchy and G. Anderson for sure. It should always be easier to project numbers for guys in their prime than up and coming or on the downside, don’t you think, and we don’t have a lot of the guys int their prime.
Frankie Knuckles
March 28th, 2009
10:49 am
Yea i did – I switched browsers in an attempt to improve the blogs performance and spelled my own Moniker wrong, all to know avail.
Frankie Knuckles
March 28th, 2009
10:50 am
no avail. Man I shouldn’t have spent 100 dollars at the bar last night
reagan
March 28th, 2009
10:51 am
Regarding a 3B for the future……cant believe you folks missed looking at the Rockies 3B at AA……Tony Blanco! AA seems about right also……I wouldnt want our FUTURE 3b to be in the bigs already. We could get him cheaper……..perhaps get him in a package deal Blanco and a couple of AA pitchers for a package including Anderson. PS….there are a few folks who need to look again at how Glavine and Bennett are doing. I am definitely worried about Logan, O’Flaherty and Ridgeway.
spotts
March 28th, 2009
10:51 am
I don’t get why we (Wren) thought our lefty situation was good in the first place. O’Flaherty has a career 5.91 ERA in 70 innings. Logan? 5.87 ERA in 110 major league innings.
Before spring training everyone was talking about the two new lefties Wren got for the bullpen. As if having two left-handed bodies in the bullpen was something great. Well my sister throws left-handed….doesn’t mean she’s good for a major league bullpen.
spotts
March 28th, 2009
10:52 am
Unless of course Wren’s building some kind of bizarro bullpen, in which case I’d mooch off my sister.
f.n.hale
March 28th, 2009
10:52 am
Knuckles, what browser are you using? I normally use Firefox and don’t have lots of problems but is it better with IE?
Couch Tater
March 28th, 2009
10:53 am
45 year old Jamie Moyer 2008 33g 16w 7L 3.71era 1.32whip
dogsbrekky (UNC Rocks)
March 28th, 2009
10:54 am
The top 8 I think I got 5 left
We are on tv today yes ?
I actually worked out that facebook thingy, kind of a poor version of myspace.com IMO
spotts
March 28th, 2009
10:55 am
Couch Tater – don’t you know you can’t use ERA? That’s the stupidest and most unreliable stat there is.
spotts
March 28th, 2009
10:57 am
dogsbrekky – Other way around…Facebook is much better and more organized/less high schoolish than myspace. Well at least it was until Facebook changed the layout a couple weeks ago.
Braves Paisan
March 28th, 2009
10:57 am
I saw John Prime open for Bonnie Raitt in Lenox, Mass, in the Summer of 1973. Man, that show was sublime!
Wolfgang’s Vault has both performances. Here is Prine’s:
http://concerts.wolfgangsvault.com/dt/john-prine-concert/20052810-3536.html
dogsbrekky (UNC Rocks)
March 28th, 2009
10:58 am
fn hale – firefox kills IE8 etc
Frankie Knuckles
March 28th, 2009
11:03 am
Fn Hale – I use firefox most of the time. I tried IE. no luck. I’ll try Google Chrome, but i’m thinking its a Vista issue because my XP set up at the insurance company works like a charm.
northbeach Scott
March 28th, 2009
11:03 am
TommyP, what I was implying with the current bullpen surplus is that the Braves are in a position to deal from that surplus to address your LOOGY concerns. The surplus also enables the Braves the opportunity to see if either O’F & Logan can get the job done in the regular season and if not make a deal. It would make more sense to try this first rather than spend more money on Ohman.
While I like Ohman, there is no guarantee that he will be effective in 2009, and certainly since he has missed ST, he would not be ready for opening day.
Surely you cannot be so obtuse that you do not understand that bringing back Glavine (who has had a strong spring and is likely to be an adequate 5th starter) has helped mitigate the Smoltz debacle. Whether you recognize that was important, it was and it has helped put Smoltz behind us while preserving a link to the past Braves success. It would be different if Glavine were done, but it does not seem that this is so.
Also, it does seem that the BoSox really overpaid Smoltz in guaranteed money. The Braves were not going to do that regardless of the Glavine situation.
This unhealthy obsession by the fanbase with Ohman’s return as the panecea for all of the Braves relief problems is misplaced.
PWHjort
March 28th, 2009
11:04 am
I think the organization just wants Josh Anderson out of our hair at this point. Trading him then letting Blanco have the job for 6 weeks until we bring up Schafer is probably the best scenario. Though I think we need to go ahead and call Schafer up after 2 weeks. So what if he’ll be a super 2, we’ve spent a ton of money this off-season and we need to win NOW.
Rob from SC
March 28th, 2009
11:05 am
John Schuerholz was a great general manager. However signing Maddux and trading for McGriff and Denny Neagle was a lot easier to accomplish with Ted Turner’s money available. JS found it a lot tougher without a gracious owner. Frank Wren know he can’t trade his top prospects (Hanson, Heyward, Freeman, Schafer). He did a outstanding job improving this team without giving up those players. Look who Schuerholz gave away the last few year with very small returns (Max Ramirez, Adam Wainwright, and the whole Texas package. Frank Wren know what he is doing. Give him a chance to build a team he believes will be successful
PWHjort
March 28th, 2009
11:05 am
I think we break camp with 2 LOOGY’s on the roster (EOF and Logan). With no 5th starter we have room on the roster and we’re playing the Phillies to open it up. LOOGYs are important when you play the phillies.
Rob from SC
March 28th, 2009
11:06 am
A out of the box suggestion for LH reliever. Jung Bong. He was outstanding during the World Baseball Classic. We should be able to sign him given our history together. DOB can this be explored.
f.n.hale
March 28th, 2009
11:07 am
dogsbrekky, that’s what I thought but I don’t change around a lot. I have to use IE for my MLS site and a few others don’t work well with Firefox but for most I stick with Firefox.
Paisan, that show would still be great today. For an old lady Bonnie still rocks and J.Prine is, well… J.Prine. Thanks for the link, I’ll check it out.
reagan
March 28th, 2009
11:08 am
Agreed…………firefox has it all over IE
PWHjort
March 28th, 2009
11:08 am
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-65560104.html I’m pretty sure Bong is nowhere near the service time required to become a free agent.
Dan_in_NC
March 28th, 2009
11:11 am
Does anybody know who is pitching for us today?
Frankie Knuckles
March 28th, 2009
11:12 am
PWH – wouldn’t delaying his Super 2 status help us rebuild later? I want to win now. But I would enjoy 14 more years of domination ( minus the playoff blues ) even more. Gotta remember attendance at the Ted has always been somewhat of an issue. 2010 – 2011 look promising.
shockley
March 28th, 2009
11:14 am
DOB: any read on Born Ready from a KU perspective? Being a Terp and no stranger to disappointment, I have him done to Kansas. But what a recruitment, what a circus, guess we’ll find out in a couple of days.
Jim
March 28th, 2009
11:18 am
Who is the face of our franchise? Assume that to be the face of the franchise one has to be
1) very good
2) retired
3) played with only the one team for his entire career
Yankees: Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, Ford
Red Sox: Williams, Yaz
Cards: Musial, Gibson
Dodgers: Koufax, Robinson* (never played for Giants)
Tigers: Kaline
Phillies: Schmidt
Indians: Feller
Cubs: Banks
Giants: ?
Braves: ?
Mets: ?
C's
March 28th, 2009
11:19 am
Dan – Jurrjens. Gonzo is also pitching. Not sure who else.
C's
March 28th, 2009
11:20 am
Braves – Hank Aaron
Rob from SC
March 28th, 2009
11:21 am
I think the face of the Tigers is Ty Cobb
Rob from SC
March 28th, 2009
11:22 am
Cobb finished his career with the A’s
Dan_in_NC
March 28th, 2009
11:22 am
Thanks…was hoping for Kawakami but I guess I’ll wait for another day.
Jim
March 28th, 2009
11:23 am
“This unhealthy obsession by the fanbase with Ohman’s return as the panecea for all of the Braves relief problems is misplaced.”
Agreed!
Jim
March 28th, 2009
11:24 am
Aaron, Spahn, Niekro, Mathews, Murphy all finished their careers with other teams.
David O'Brien
March 28th, 2009
11:26 am
If you were planning to go to the Braves OPEN HOUSE TODAY at TURNER FIELD, stop. It’s been cancelled because of weather….
Teixeira is here today along with most other Yankees regulars including Jeter, Damon, Melky Cabrera, Nady. Tex spent some time by the cage with Braves players during Atlanta’s BP session….
Braves released Jeff Ridgway today. Hasn’t bounced back from surgery to remove bone chips in elbow last year, not able to compete for job, etc. So that trade for Wily Aybar didn’t turn out well for Braves….
Frankie Knuckles
March 28th, 2009
11:26 am
I was hoping for JJ. Kid has nasty potential. check out his profile on drivelinemechanics.com. http://www.drivelinemechanics.com/2008/12/17/695852/pitcher-profile-jair-jurrj
Rob from SC
March 28th, 2009
11:26 am
Honus Wagner or Roberto Clemente for the face of the Pirates. It is sad about Wagner being so forgotten because he is one of the best baseball players of all time. Bill James ranks him # 1
Jim
March 28th, 2009
11:27 am
Christy Mathewson may have been a career Giant, but that is going back a long way.
Rob from SC
March 28th, 2009
11:27 am
DOB
Is Schafer starting today
Couch Tater
March 28th, 2009
11:27 am
Jim, uh….Hank Aaron?
Rob from SC
March 28th, 2009
11:29 am
The Giants have a long history. Christy Mathewson was a star. He was the first baseball role model. I study baseball history as a passion of mine. Baseball between 1900-1930 might be the best time for this great sport.
David O'Brien
March 28th, 2009
11:29 am
Yankees lineup
1. Jeter, SS
2. Damon, LF
3. Teixeira, 1B
4. Nady, RF
5. Cano, 2B
6. Cabrera, CF
7. Ransom, 3B
8. Cash, C
9. Tomko, RH
Braves lineup
1. Schafer, CF
2. Escobar, SS
3. Chipper, 3B
4. McCann, C
5. Norton, 1B
6. Diaz, RF
7. B. Jones, LF
8. Prado, 2B
9. Jurrjens, RH
Rob from SC
March 28th, 2009
11:30 am
To me, John McGraw will always be the face of the Giants
Jim
March 28th, 2009
11:33 am
Aaron ended his career with the Brewers.
Couch Tater
March 28th, 2009
11:34 am
My bad Jim,
I didn’t read all of your parameters. Then without a doubt Rick Camp.
David O'Brien
March 28th, 2009
11:37 am
Scheduled relievers today are Gonzalez and Logan. Those are only two they announced, though others could and will probably pitch.
Moylan and Morton in a minor league game
abwright
March 28th, 2009
11:39 am
Question regarding mlb.tv…
I’m looking at getting the mlb.tv package. I know a bunch of folks on here have been using it this spring. How is the 400k feed?
Is it comparable to the standard definition tv picture quality? Or do you have to watch it in a little bitty window on your computer?
Is the motion smooth or jumpy?
Thanks in advance.
PS. Go Braves.
Steve from OH
March 28th, 2009
11:46 am
abwright, I have the 400K feed. It’s ok. You can watch full screen but the picture is a bit blurry and occasionally the feed stops due to buffering. I don’t know if it’s because of my computer/internet connection or whatever, but it’s something to be aware of.
All in all, I’m happy with it because an okay feed is better than no feed. If you have the cash and a fast connection, I’d recommend getting a better feed though. Oh, and be aware that you cannot watch any Saturday games between 1 and 7 (I think) because of FOX tv rights. Unless it’s showing on your tv, of course.
Frankie Knuckles
March 28th, 2009
11:46 am
I was hoping to see Frenchy aka the natural?? do his thing today. I’m stoked hes making contact. It’s imperative he turns that plate discipline into power.
Wayne in Utah
March 28th, 2009
11:49 am
Any word on Kotchman’s doctors visit?
Gil In Mechanicsville
March 28th, 2009
11:50 am
abwright… Small screen.. smoothness is dependent on your computer
Tomahawk210
March 28th, 2009
11:52 am
Wayne
They said it went from flu virus to food poisoning and he should be back early next week.
Frankie Knuckles
March 28th, 2009
11:56 am
How does it go from flu to food poisoning? That’s a tough break. Both of those can kill you.
dap01
March 28th, 2009
11:56 am
Anderson should be kept. If we get to the playoffs, we need someone who can steal a base. We do not have that now and we won’t if Blanco is the extra OF on the bench. He is fast but he is not a stolen base threat.
Jeff321
March 28th, 2009
11:57 am
The 400K feed ($79) is awful. The good news is, you can upgrade to for an extra $30 once you see for yourself. (Premium costs $109 a year.)
With that said, you should check your bandwidth with their speed test.. And check the recommended system requirements.
Steve from OH
March 28th, 2009
11:58 am
Anderson should be kept. If we get to the playoffs, we need someone who can steal a base.
Huh? I think “needing a guy on the bench to steal a hypothetical playoff base” is much less important than “playing the best centerfielder” to in order to actually get to those same playoffs.
Frankie Knuckles
March 28th, 2009
12:00 pm
Yea Steve, It sounds like someone doesn’t know about roster limitations.
Woogidy
March 28th, 2009
12:07 pm
Let’s go!
Steve from OH
March 28th, 2009
12:08 pm
Jeff, I wouldn’t say the 400K feed is awful, but it’s not good. Beats the hell out of not watching though.
Random
March 28th, 2009
12:10 pm
xx
BB5795: ”Is it just me or what? About 2 of every 3 of my posts are out there in cyber-space. I had some very creative stuff on those. Oh well, someday the inhabitants from the planet, QZXaaB, will appreciate it.”
Bubdylan : ”I think the blog ate my extremely insightful response to f.n.hale & DOB. Bummer. Oh well, it’s the world’s loss, not mine?”
McFann :Ô:: ” Bubdylan . . .
“That kept happening to me last weekend–just tryin’ to respond to Uga-Brave, and none of the posts showed up. I tried it several times, but no luck.
“So now I’m back to copying my posts–especially long ones–before I send them…just in case. Sometimes I paste them off-site so I [can] try again later.”
I’ve been havin’ the same problem. Earlier this morning I submitted the following to “TELL US WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THE SITE”. Does it match y’all’s experiences?
Several times in the past couple of weeks I have tried to post comments that simply never appear.
I will “submit comment”, and it will fail to immediately post.
I wait, refresh, and check again, and it’s still not there.
Then when I try to resubmit it, I get the following WordPress error message:
“Duplicate comment detected; it looks as though you’ve already said that!”
But it still never shows up.
Most recently, I tried to post the following comment:
… [comment deleted – it might’ve prevented this comment from posting the first time; this is the second try.]
After I submitted it, the page address window (terminology?) showed “xttp://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2009/03/27/soriano-ill-be-ready/comment-page-7/#comment-36240″, as if the comment had posted. (x = h)
But it hadn’t.
When I tried to resubmit, I got the previously cited WordPress error message on a page with the URL “xttp://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/wp-comments-post.php”.
I’m apparently not the only one to have comments disappear “into the ether”.
Do you know what’s going on here? Can you help?
Thanks.
abwright
March 28th, 2009
12:16 pm
Jeff321 (11:57) and Steve from OH (11:46) thanks for your response. I had guessed that what you are saying was true. But, I had hoped…
I’m used to the “big” Fox black out on Saturdays from the MLB Extra Innings package. On those days, right now, I go with the radio feed. Alas, now, no more Pete.
McFann :Ô:
March 28th, 2009
12:16 pm
Random–
That’s exactly what happened. I got that same error message once, too.
Frankie Knuckles
March 28th, 2009
12:23 pm
Woogidy – where?
f.n.hale
March 28th, 2009
12:24 pm
I know for me, it only eats the incredibly intelligent and insightful posts, leaving the inane and juvenile ones for all to see. From what you see, you’d never know I know more about baseball (and everything else) than anybody, but alas, that’s my cross to bear.
Seriously, I haven’t lost any, and my post usually shows up immediately, but when I refresh it’ll take me back a ways. I refresh over and over, and eventually I’ll see the latest ones, but it takes some doing.
Doc Holiday
March 28th, 2009
12:26 pm
Does anyone know how to watch the videos they have at mlb.com?
I constanly get this message……………your video selection will begin shortly.
Thats when I try to watch MLB reports…….stored videos………interviews……….not live streaming……live streaming is ok.
TnBrian
March 28th, 2009
12:29 pm
Trade Anderson/Carlyle/B.Jones for a lefty reliever and a decent prospect and call it a season. If Wren needs to throw in Hernandez…DO IT!
bf braves fan
March 28th, 2009
12:29 pm
hell lets just start the season early I’m tired of waiting
bf braves fan
March 28th, 2009
12:30 pm
doc mlb is a constant battle for me . I hate that sight
bf braves fan
March 28th, 2009
12:32 pm
Doc I responded but the post went of to la la land
nolie
March 28th, 2009
12:32 pm
Jeff, I wouldn’t say the 400K feed is awful, but it’s not good. Beats the hell out of not watching though STEVE OHIO
I think it’s pretty awful Steve especially if you enlarge it at all. IMO the premium package is worth the extra bucks and you can spread out the payments over months if your short. You are right about it being better than no feed but if you can spring the extra bread it’s a no-brainer IMO.
bf braves fan
March 28th, 2009
12:33 pm
lol I’m off to sportsouth
ATLBfan
March 28th, 2009
12:33 pm
I’m glad Schafer is playing today since the game is on tv. I think he maybe in the lead for the CF job, hopefully he can keep it up. Go Braves!
TnBrian
March 28th, 2009
12:36 pm
I just read where chub chub Bowman thinks Anderson might be traded anyways, so I figure why not throw more players in and get what we need right now. He also made a good point with Schafer and how some might think if he gets off to a bad start and is sent to AAA it could mess him up mentally, which he doesn’t think so. Justice wasn’t ready in ‘89, sent back down to the minors and won ROY in ‘90. He turned out fine
Random
March 28th, 2009
12:39 pm
Frankie Knuckles (11:56 am): “How does it go from flu to food poisoning?”
“Starve a cold, feed a fever.”
Feed a flu week-old food?
Frankie Knuckles
March 28th, 2009
12:43 pm
Point well taken Tn – The kid was named best 12 or 13 year old in the country, so its not like he doesn’t have experience with pressure. Just hoping the organization considers the long term i.e. cash on hand.
nolie
March 28th, 2009
12:45 pm
CHONE is projecting the Braves lineup to score 4.93 runs per game. Obviously they’ll be fine if that happens, but who knows if they will. Do you think that’s an unreasonable figure? FNHale
no I don’t think it’s unreasonable I just think it’s meaningless in real baseball. Sure they could average 4.93 but they might average 4.80 or 5.05 just as easily. With all the variables the chance that they actually hit 4.93 is pretty slim and if they did it would be more coincidence that righteous predictive power. Nothing wrong with it if you are that into it but in real life it’s just too theoretical to be useful. Just like that example earlier. Two systems, two very different predictions. What realistic use is that? Like I said I’d be more interested in PWH or Ohio Steve’s predictions and why they think that way since they (along with others on here) are pretty knowledgeable dudes.Or Scoots or PTBNL from a somewhat different prospective,
TheManMike
March 28th, 2009
12:46 pm
Hey – anyone know whos starting pitching today?
Frankie Knuckles
March 28th, 2009
12:46 pm
Random – I get it. It’s just bad luck or timing. I’m just surprised the players aren’t “required” to get a shot.
bf braves fan
March 28th, 2009
12:47 pm
jj
TheManMike
March 28th, 2009
12:47 pm
……guess ill find out soon enough on the TELE – just noticed its going to be be televised – NICE
Frankie Knuckles
March 28th, 2009
12:47 pm
Man Mike – JJ opens the thing
TheManMike
March 28th, 2009
12:47 pm
Thanks Guys
Sonny in Mechville too
March 28th, 2009
12:48 pm
It gets better during the season…they steram at 800 & 1200k.
Doc Holiday
March 28th, 2009
12:48 pm
TnBrian,
Thank god you are not the braves GM.
bf braves fan ,
1st thing you have to do is get rid of silverlight……….that program is not good for watching mlb.tv and as long as it is in your system, streaming will always jump to it. Uninstall it and let wmp do the show. ate least until season starts when the new player will be the master of ceremony. BTW……..whats your internet speed? Did you installed NEXDEF plug in? most have that also.
TheManMike
March 28th, 2009
12:49 pm
I have been reading about McCann here and around the web and i really have to go along with all the thoughts that he is going to have a REAL breakout year this season. I can see him stepping itup to the next level. Its going to be exciting to see….Go Bravos
TheManMike
March 28th, 2009
12:50 pm
Ill have to throw Diaz in there as well….Seeing the pretty major body changes those two made in the offseason just shows their tenacity for bettering their game. Real Pros we have there.
Random
March 28th, 2009
12:52 pm
McFann :Ô: (12:16 pm): “That’s exactly what happened. I got that same error message once, too.”
You oughta register a comment/complaint down below.
When I did that a few weeks ago about another issue, I got an email from AJC technostaff with questions requesting further info on the issue (which I provided), which also noted previous my recommendation for 100-comment paging (not mine alone), and which solicited further input.
‘Ppears they take the comments/complaints seriously.
bf braves fan
March 28th, 2009
12:52 pm
Doc thanks for the info I’ll smoke that over after the game. ManMike I think everyone is expecting big things from mcCann. Maybe he’s readt to make that move
TheManMike
March 28th, 2009
12:59 pm
Im hoping so – and im seeing things that i like. Even his increased base running speed, and his arm power seems to have increased as well….
Ok Golf is finally done – Lets get this game going…
TheManMike
March 28th, 2009
1:02 pm
Hehe – Speaking about people loosing weight – Boog is looking a little more hefty….
f.n.hale
March 28th, 2009
1:03 pm
“I’d be more interested in PWH or Ohio Steve’s predictions and why they think that way since they (along with others on here) are pretty knowledgeable dudes.Or Scoots or PTBNL” – nolie
I’m interested in those guys thoughts too along with yours and a bunch of others here that know more about this than me (that’s why I come here), but correct me if I’m wrong, aren’t the PECOTA and CHONES projections based on some type of computer modeling and therefore would be more objective than a bunch of fans? Not saying I’m buying what they’re selling, just that the figure of 4.93, though unlikely to be spot on, would represent that the available data projected out indicates the Braves should have a much better than average offense? I don’t know what they projected for the Braves before last season, and with all the injuries, and therefore different lineups it wouldn’t matter anyway, but if they projected better than average in a normal injury level season, wouldn’t that give them some cred?
bf braves fan
March 28th, 2009
1:03 pm
Ofcourse Mac is an allstar catcher I don’t know what more we want
Brandon aka DukeBoy
March 28th, 2009
1:05 pm
anybody providing updates today?
McFann :Ô:
March 28th, 2009
1:07 pm
TheManMike–
Me, too!
Random–
Yeah, maybe I’ll do that…
Jeff321
March 28th, 2009
1:08 pm
Norton gets pancaked after Prado’s throw pulls him off the bag.
McFann :Ô:
March 28th, 2009
1:09 pm
Sheesh…who does Jeter think he is, the Reaper?
Tomas
March 28th, 2009
1:09 pm
Norton always seem to be blocking the runner.
Jeff321
March 28th, 2009
1:10 pm
McCann gets hit in the hand by a foul ball.
Epinephrine
March 28th, 2009
1:11 pm
Man. If McCann got hurt, this year could go from exciting to atrocious very very fast.
Jeff321
March 28th, 2009
1:11 pm
Now McCann is coming out of the game.
David O'Brien
March 28th, 2009
1:12 pm
NEW BLOG IS UP, and McCann just got hit in the hand by a foul ball and immediately left the game.
Stay tuned
Tomas
March 28th, 2009
1:12 pm
mierda…..Mac has to come out of the game
TnBrian
March 28th, 2009
1:12 pm
LORD…not Mac! That didn’t look good cause it was a direct hit. Coulda broke a bone. PLEASE NO
McFann :Ô:
March 28th, 2009
1:12 pm
AAAAAGGGG!!!! NOOOOOO!! Dangit, Teixiera!
TheManMike
March 28th, 2009
1:13 pm
too close….
Cameron
March 28th, 2009
1:15 pm
Is the game on TV? The new blog isn’t up yet.
TheManMike
March 28th, 2009
1:15 pm
loadem up JJ – mmm
Tomahawkin
March 28th, 2009
1:15 pm
Damn WTF, Double J…Hanging offspeed pitches will get you slapped by this lineup…
TheManMike
March 28th, 2009
1:15 pm
SportsSouth and i dont see new blog either….yet
richbrave
March 28th, 2009
1:16 pm
DADGUM:
RIDGWAY’s gone and one less arm in the pen.
TheManMike
March 28th, 2009
1:16 pm
nice DP to end inning
Tomahawkin
March 28th, 2009
1:16 pm
Cameron
The Game is on Sportssouth…Nice Dp, That’s what I wanna see…!
rupert
March 28th, 2009
1:17 pm
I read the Bowman piece about Anderson being traded and also the risk of hampering development by promoting Shafer too soon. Couple of thoughts. First, there is an equal chance that he loses confidence if all his good work (when he clearly won the job on the field) is not reworded. Players that have that siutation happen don’t always just get mad and play better, sometimes it has the opposite effect. Secondly, I think too much time is spent worrying about the development of these guys. Furcal jumped from A ball and never looked back. If a guy is ready then he is ready. There is always that chance that it doesn’t translate to the majors. If he fails and loses confidence, you know he wasn’t the cornerstone you thought he was. One or two months isn’t going to make him hit Hamels change up any more often.
richbrave
March 28th, 2009
1:17 pm
You like “BIG POISON” ROB????
Frankie Knuckles
March 28th, 2009
1:17 pm
No harm done
Frankie Knuckles
March 28th, 2009
1:19 pm
It falls – gotta love wind and clouds
Tomahawkin
March 28th, 2009
1:19 pm
Damn That wind is Sick! Nice Aggressiveness by Schaffer…
Rob from SC
March 28th, 2009
1:32 pm
richbrave
Paul Waner and his brother Lloyd were great players, but I have read Honus Wagner’s biography and we was an awesome ballplayer. In my opinion the four greatest position players in history not in order are Honus Wagner, Lou Gehrig, Ty Cobb, and Babe Ruth.
Jim
March 28th, 2009
1:49 pm
Rob they were all great players in their era, but it was an era before integration, before internationalization of the sport, and before modern training regimens. Also before night games, plane travel, and television.
Jim
March 28th, 2009
1:57 pm
What happened to Brandon Jones? What has happened to this blog?
Jim
March 28th, 2009
2:15 pm
I think we have found a worm hole to a parallel universe where the clocks and posts are running backwards.
Cameron
March 28th, 2009
2:18 pm
where is the new blog?
Frankie Knuckles
March 28th, 2009
2:54 pm
test
Rob from SC
March 28th, 2009
3:10 pm
Jim
I understand all that. However it doesn’t mean they wouldn’t be great today. It was also an era of horrible transportation, poor training equipment, heavy wool uniforms, baseballs that would become lop sided (before 1916). They had their difficulities as well. You can’t blame them for things the did not control.
часы телефон
April 25th, 2009
6:21 am
часы телефон
The most important human endeavor is the striving for morality in our actions.
kolidnturys