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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
818 comments Add your comment
BlawgDawg
March 29th, 2009
1:42 pm
First???
KC
March 29th, 2009
1:42 pm
—— BRAVES OPENING DAY VIEWING PARTY – Next Sunday ——-
Open invitation: Opening day viewing party in ATL…
Sunday, April 5th – 7:45pm
Jocks and Jills @ Galleria Mall (near junction of N.285 & I-75)
We had about a dozen folks – and a helluva lot of fun (except for the outcome of the game) – last year. Don’t really know exactly how many we’ll have this year, but probably not much more than that… so there should be plenty of room. If you would like to invite others, please feel free. You’re welcome to simply show up (you don’t have to touch base beforehand), but if you let me know how many you have coming, we’ll make sure there’s seating for you. Go Braves!
Email: kccjr1@gmail.com
c jonze
March 29th, 2009
1:44 pm
Sure, I like Matt Diaz, everyone does. What’s not to like? He’s a nice guy. But the only thing he has proven is that he is not capable of playing every day, as Bobby gave him the chance last year. Just a platoon guy, no real speed, not a defensive gem… but a nice guy, yes. Just hate to see the team TRY to get Anderson through waivers when he could upgrade the defense and speed. Who on this roster would you bring in late to pinch run to manufacture a run? We don’t have that guy, IMHO.
Giggidy!
March 29th, 2009
1:44 pm
Nice, a new Sunday blog. That answers that!
BlawgDawg
March 29th, 2009
1:45 pm
I commented at the end of the last blog, but I’ll respond again to Ben’s post. Ben says the AJC poll is 85% for Shafer and wants to know if Frank Wren is listening? My opinion is, that if Wren is listening and making decisions based on an AJC poll, he should be fired. No GM should be making roster decisions based on what fans want, that is silly.
David O'Brien
March 29th, 2009
1:46 pm
I see that San Diego State wunderkind Steve Strasberg struck out 14 in eight innings on a cold windy day against Texas Christian the other day. Gave him 88 strikeouts and eight walks in 42-1/3 innings this season. Ridiculous.
Giggidy!
March 29th, 2009
1:46 pm
Excellent, BlawgDawg. We get your point!
18 Wheels of Love
March 29th, 2009
1:48 pm
First time I saw Dontrelle this year, the first thing that came to my mind was substance issues. I am not saying that is the problem, but he looked troubled when I saw him pitch against us.
BlawgDawg
March 29th, 2009
1:49 pm
My last post being said, just for the record, I want to see Shafer in CF opening day. However, if he isn’t, I’ll get over it. Just like I’ll get over Hanson not being on the opening day roster. I’m a huge fan of the Braves for 30 years now, but I realize that I’m just that, a fan, and don’t have access to the day to day happenings around the club, so I just have to trust that the people getting paid to do the jobs of the club are making the best decisions for the team.
TnBrian
March 29th, 2009
1:50 pm
DOB, is that the 19 yr. old kid that’s throwing in triple digits? Look, it’s great that he can do that, but is that safe to constantly air it out at such a young age?
KW
March 29th, 2009
1:51 pm
DOB: Why can’t the Braves start Schafer and keep Anderson as the fifth outfielder (along with JF, GA, MD)? Then option Blanco to minors. Pardon my ignorance if this has been answered before. And as always, thanks for the “job well done” all spring by you and Carroll. Now, let’s start the season.
Doc Holiday
March 29th, 2009
1:52 pm
c jonze,
Good point…..maybe the way to go could be trading norton…….and let anderson stay. We stal have Prado and Infante to play IF positions.
BlawgDawg
March 29th, 2009
1:52 pm
Ummm, thanks Giggidy, I think? So your new here huh? Just wondering since you were asking about when new blog and all would come out. So you can rest easy in the future, DOB does a pretty good job about keeping a fresh blog canvas up.
mbatl
March 29th, 2009
1:52 pm
BlawgDawg , hasn’t Wren pretty much gone on record as saying he doesn’t even read blogs? I really doubt our discussions or AJC polls here have a whole lot of impact on his decision-making.
Giggidy!
March 29th, 2009
1:53 pm
BlawgDawg,
I’m not sure I understand yet. Can you post it one more time? Thanks!
Doc Holiday
March 29th, 2009
1:54 pm
Besides…….Anderson might have more trade value in the near future than norton.
Rob from SC
March 29th, 2009
1:56 pm
Anderson has nobody to blmae but himself. The Braves asked Schafer and Anderson to go and play winter ball. Jordan went an played in Mexico, while Anderson refused. Buying a batting machine, paying for a speed coach or going to Winter Ball, Jordan Schafer is willing to go the extram mile to make sure he succeeds
RIPSkip
March 29th, 2009
1:56 pm
If Kasten can find the $$$, I sure can see alot of Hanson v. Strasberg the next few years. That would be some fun.
BlawgDawg
March 29th, 2009
1:57 pm
I agree mbatl, I was just responding to Ben’s silly post. Wasn’t trying to say Wren might be reading anything any of us write.
Giggidy, starting to see which group on the blog your going to be fitting into. Introduce yourself to MetsfaninAtlanta and PhantasticPhilliePhan when they show up.
David O'Brien
March 29th, 2009
1:57 pm
We’re underway, KJ pops out to start things
Doc Holiday
March 29th, 2009
1:58 pm
The point is…….what do we need norton for? Infante can play 1st……if kotchman goes down with injury………we can call up freeman or use Infante for some time if needed
Rob from SC
March 29th, 2009
1:58 pm
I just thought it would be good to keep Josh Anderson for when Garret Anderson gets hurt, but I would rather have Brandon Jones out there anyway
Dogbyte
March 29th, 2009
1:58 pm
Tom Russell’s voice has a JC/MIB quality to it. He can’t hit the bass notes that Johnny could, but he’s good. Thanks for the link.
Giggidy!
March 29th, 2009
1:58 pm
I know the Braves love Yunel, but what was with the trade talks though the winter? Did Frank refuse to trade him or was he on the table?? Does anyone know?
David O'Brien
March 29th, 2009
1:59 pm
Just added a poll to the original blog, a Glavine/Hanson question
Giggidy!
March 29th, 2009
2:00 pm
Thanks Dawg. It’s so hard to meet people that have the same interests as I.
Good lookin’ out!!
mbatl
March 29th, 2009
2:01 pm
So, both Schafer and Josh Anderson are starting, but KJ is leading off? Sign of things to come?
David O'Brien
March 29th, 2009
2:01 pm
G. Anderson works full count in his first at-bat … and walks.
Professional at-bat, as they say, in his first plate appearance (not technically an “at-bat,” but you get the point…)
Steve from OH
March 29th, 2009
2:01 pm
Dave, Keith Law has a video of Strasburg here. He’s also got video of Tyler Matzek and Matt Purke, two possible first round picks for the Braves this summer. It’s ESPN insider, so you’ll need an account to see it.
Doc Holiday
March 29th, 2009
2:01 pm
Thats a veteran walk by GA right there………great eye and discipline.
PWHjort
March 29th, 2009
2:02 pm
Anderson drew a walk. Great sign.
Giggidy!
March 29th, 2009
2:02 pm
Horrible swing from Frenchy! Pulled way off!
BlawgDawg
March 29th, 2009
2:02 pm
Doc What do we need Norton for? How bout because every team needs a guy that can come off the bench late in the game to pinch hit. Norton has proved himself to be a guy that thrives in that roll. He is a huge piece to the bench, much more valuable than a guy like Anderson as a pinch hitter.
Giggidy!
March 29th, 2009
2:03 pm
That’s alot better!!
18 Wheels of Love
March 29th, 2009
2:03 pm
Wow. Has that landed yet????
BlawgDawg
March 29th, 2009
2:03 pm
HOMER for FRENCHY……..
abwright
March 29th, 2009
2:03 pm
2R HR for Frenchy.
Steve from OH
March 29th, 2009
2:03 pm
Wow, what a bomb by Frenchy there. Good signs abound today…
David O'Brien
March 29th, 2009
2:03 pm
FRANCOEUR CRUSHED a 2-2 pitch to the top of the left-field grass berm. Wow. That was a SHOT, and not with the wind, either.
Trent from CA
March 29th, 2009
2:03 pm
Doc, I agree with you on Norton. Diaz and Prado can also back up first base. Keep Josh and release Norton.
Francour HOMERS!
PWHjort
March 29th, 2009
2:03 pm
stroked
Ritchie from Scotland
March 29th, 2009
2:04 pm
Frenchy!!!! 2 run shot
TexasBrave
March 29th, 2009
2:04 pm
Jeff with the Two run Jack. Long HR.
18 Wheels of Love
March 29th, 2009
2:04 pm
Detroit announcer just said that is longest HR they have seen hit there…up there with some Sheffield bombs.
radoncbravesfan
March 29th, 2009
2:04 pm
frenchys back, denizens
Steve from OH
March 29th, 2009
2:04 pm
Here’s to hoping Kotchy is ok…
Doc Holiday
March 29th, 2009
2:04 pm
Suddenly im starting to love our OF. JF is another player……….its like if we made a trade……….JF for all new JF
Epinephrine
March 29th, 2009
2:05 pm
Another great AB from Frenchy. That should silence some people.
KC
March 29th, 2009
2:05 pm
YEAH BABY!!!! We’re gonna see 20 or more of those this year from Francoeur this year. I’m telling ya, as long as he keeps hitting the way he has been, the power will come. Certainly saw it there. Nice!
BlawgDawg
March 29th, 2009
2:05 pm
mbatl I sure hope KJ batting leadoff today isn’t a sign of things to come. I think that KJ is much better farther down the order as a run producer.
Steve from OH
March 29th, 2009
2:05 pm
Looks like he is!
Tomas
March 29th, 2009
2:05 pm
Way to go Frenchy…….An absolute BOMB to the picnic tables.
David O'Brien
March 29th, 2009
2:05 pm
And Kotch follows with another HOMER on a 2-2 pitch, this one a blast to R-C
Kotchman doesn’t look weakened
Giggidy!
March 29th, 2009
2:05 pm
BOOM!! Nice job Casey!!
BlawgDawg
March 29th, 2009
2:05 pm
HOMER for KOTCHMAN, flu? what flu?
Rob from SC
March 29th, 2009
2:05 pm
Francoeur looked good
Random
March 29th, 2009
2:05 pm
richbrave (5:26 pm): “Anyway an ANDERSON/SCHAFER platoon of sorts might work? Situational stuff depending on the opposition or the batter. Is one better than the other at certain facets of the game other than pure speed? 14 position players allows for only 11 pitchers, and with the situations there I got to believe the club intends to carry 12.
“Oops, one too many players on the 25 man. FRANCOUER still has options and time doesn’t he? Maybe a few weeks or a month in the minors to work on that stroke leaving MATT to cover right in the meantime keeps JOSH on the 25 man until something can be worked out after the start of the season. I do think if even one club is needing a CF after ML start up, they’ll grab him off waivers. Just can’t see him clearing under any circumstance. But maybe FW has a lucky face and wins when he’s in VEGAS.”
The only sane response to this post is “WHY?” (Or maybe “What the heck?”)
Occam’s razor cuts you off at the knees.
Kenny Powers
March 29th, 2009
2:05 pm
Kenny Powers has upgraded Francouer from a hold to a buy
Ritchie from Scotland
March 29th, 2009
2:06 pm
mlb coverage decided to go black on that Kotchman shot…….walloping them off Bonderman at the moment
Giggidy!
March 29th, 2009
2:06 pm
Diaz, huh?
MattyO
March 29th, 2009
2:06 pm
Back to Back. Francoeur then Kotchman.
Kenny Powers
March 29th, 2009
2:06 pm
Diaz?
Jay212033
March 29th, 2009
2:07 pm
Trent from CA
I hope your kidding about Norton?!?!
stupup74
March 29th, 2009
2:07 pm
Frenchy still has some big time pop. That thing he hit was a BOMB, and it was off a legitimate, albeit rehabiing ML pitcher. When he gets his hips through, he can hit it as far as anyone. Good sign for the bravos. Even better sign………Kotchman goes big fly to the deep part of the park.
David O'Brien
March 29th, 2009
2:07 pm
That was Kotchman’s first at-bat since March 18. And not a wind-blown fence-scraper, at all. So much for rust or weakness.
Doc Holiday
March 29th, 2009
2:08 pm
This is a team with maybe average power and below average speed……….so this team needs more speed than it needs power (as JF and CK just showed)…….. Josh brings more speed than Norton does power………… ID KEEP JOSH.
KC
March 29th, 2009
2:09 pm
Watching the game on MLBTV, but want to hear Braves announcers. Unfortunately, the radio play by play is way ahead of the delayed visual on MLBTB. So I figured a way to be able to listen to WGST on Gameday Audio, while watching MLBTV. Problem is… Gameday Audio is way BEHIND the video feed on MLBTV. Just gonna have to live with it, I guess.
mbatl
March 29th, 2009
2:09 pm
Cox must be p**ssed. He keeps waiting for the 3-run homer, and the guys just won’t cooperate.
Blawgdawg, as far as KJ goes, I suspect that if Schafer wins the CF job, the Braves will start him down in the lineup for a couple of weeks at least. I think he’ll eventually be the leadoff, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it takes a while before he gets there.
And I really can’t understand why KJ would be in the 1-hole today, with both of the CF in the lineup, if it wasn’t a serious consideration.
AdirondackDave
March 29th, 2009
2:09 pm
Doc — Well put. Hope he keeps his new game going. Adjustments, to state the obvious, are a big part of staying in the majors.
David O'Brien
March 29th, 2009
2:09 pm
The Francoeur and Kotchman homers gave the Braves 24 homers this spring, while their opponents have hit 10
Jay212033
March 29th, 2009
2:10 pm
YOU CAN’T USE YOUR SPEED IF YOU DON’T GET ON BASE!!!
David O'Brien
March 29th, 2009
2:11 pm
Braves also have 56 doubles to opponents’ 32, and 146 runs to opponents’ 105, for those keeping score at home.
Doc Holiday
March 29th, 2009
2:11 pm
Enter your comments here
BravesFanChris24
March 29th, 2009
2:11 pm
Francoeur & Kotchman back to back home runs
Fleming
March 29th, 2009
2:11 pm
Looks like I was right earlier in the week when I said we were losing games because Chipper and McCann were back playing. Neither playing today and already 3 runs in the first. (Just Kidding McFann)
BlawgDawg
March 29th, 2009
2:11 pm
Doc Your missing the boat on Norton/Anderson for the bench. Do you think Anderson would be succesful getting one at bat a game in crunch situations? I doubt it, but Norton has proved to be very effective in those situations. Anderson can’t steal first, as his .290 OBP has proved this spring.
mbatl
March 29th, 2009
2:12 pm
KC, I got a kick out of your multi-media dilemma. Life sure has gotten complicated, hasn’t it? I’m at a client’s office today so just listening.
PWHjort
March 29th, 2009
2:12 pm
If you told me at the end of last season that Francoeur and Kotchman would hit back-to-back homers against Bonderman in ST I’d have told you you’re insane.
bravefaninok
March 29th, 2009
2:12 pm
big bombs for casey and frenchy!!!!!!!!!!
c jonze
March 29th, 2009
2:13 pm
Doc, I think you are right. Braves baseball has become waiting around for someone to get the big hit… But when that hit does not come, the team loses by ONE. While Norton did get some hits off the bench, when put in the lineup everyday, he was pretty weak. This team needs to look to manufacture runs, and I truly believe Anderson gives them much more flexibility and versatility.
David O'Brien
March 29th, 2009
2:13 pm
Make that 11 homers for opponents — Polanco just cranked a 2-0 pitch to the left-field berm.
Giggidy!
March 29th, 2009
2:13 pm
He left that pitch up!
PWHjort
March 29th, 2009
2:13 pm
Power is a much more significant attribute than speed. Much more. It’s not even close to close.
BlawgDawg
March 29th, 2009
2:13 pm
ughh, Vasquez gives up a long ball to Polanco
McFann :Ô:
March 29th, 2009
2:13 pm
Wow…I didn’t know they had Home Run Derbies in March…
Roman Gal You have a strange memory.
Thank you! Actually, I have that movie on my iPod.
I only meant he “looked” like one of them because they both have buzz-cuts (’cause they got lice from their cat Sadie).
F.N. Hale Sorry, trying to be funny using what I thought was a not so obscure movie reference. In Big Fat Greek Wedding, the father thought putting windex on anything would heal it (re: Mac’s finger).
Ah! Haha…OK, I gotcha. Sorry I didn’t get it…never seen that movie.
Epinephrine
March 29th, 2009
2:14 pm
That’s the danger with Vasquez. Great stuff, but every now and then he leaves things up. Then again, 2-0, that’s what happens
Tomas
March 29th, 2009
2:14 pm
Joe Simpson would be saying…. ” a lot of nitrogen in the air after the rain” the ball is flying out today.
McFann :Ô:
March 29th, 2009
2:15 pm
Fleming–
Yeah yeah…
Giggidy!
March 29th, 2009
2:15 pm
If our mound guys can keep it in the park, our defense will win games this year. Very good in all 8 positions!!
stupup74
March 29th, 2009
2:15 pm
This is just my gut talking, but I have a feeling Kotchman is going to have a good year for the braves.
He makes contact, he has some gap power and he hits for average. He fits in the lineup really well because he puts it in play.
Again, this is just me talking, but why doesn’t frenchy get him one of those big ol’ bonds arm things and just sit on top of the plate as close as he can. Frenchy is at his best when he can open up those hips and yank the ball. He has HUGE power when he can unload.
BlawgDawg
March 29th, 2009
2:16 pm
I am really not understanding why anyone would want J Anderson on the bench over Norton. Norton is a valuable pinch hitter where Anderson would be nothing but a pinch runner and fifth outfielder. Just doesn’t make good sense.
Zachary
March 29th, 2009
2:16 pm
The announcers are talking like Vasquez’s career losing record is a mystery. He has played most of his career for the Expo’s in a rough division. Mystery Solved.
Giggidy!
March 29th, 2009
2:16 pm
Ooh, seven layer dip sounds good!
PWHjort
March 29th, 2009
2:17 pm
I know this will get some “who cares” responses, but news out of Mariners’ camp: Brandon Morrow isn’t starting this year, he’s attempting to be the full-time closer.
Giggidy!
March 29th, 2009
2:18 pm
Expos??? I thought he was a White Sock?
Giggidy!
March 29th, 2009
2:19 pm
PWHjort,
Who cares!
PWHjort
March 29th, 2009
2:20 pm
That strikeout was 2008 Francoeur-like
Tomas
March 29th, 2009
2:20 pm
Jordan looks like he is trying to pull everything. He strikes out a lot.
winterville
March 29th, 2009
2:21 pm
Are you sure about that PWHjort. I drafted him with my last pick yesterday in a draft. I am curious as to what his role will be.
THWG
March 29th, 2009
2:21 pm
Only people like Ken Griffey Jr care about what the blogs say. And that’s why I’m glad we have GA instead.