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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
818 comments Add your comment
richbrave
March 29th, 2009
3:18 pm
Rob from SC:
Haven’t studied baseball history for fifty years, but I knew a little once. Did you catch the MLBt.v. top ten hitting seasons which preceded the beginning of today’s game? If so, what was your take?
Rob from SC
March 29th, 2009
3:18 pm
good relay
PWHjort
March 29th, 2009
3:19 pm
You can’t extrapolate a .340 minor league OBP to a .340 major league OBP. No way. We can only expect that to go down. So Norton wins the OBP battle. Plus Norton has improved over the years and he’s more of a .350 OBP guy. Considering Norton has POWER, the important offensive category in which we’re most deficient, he’s more valuable to the team.
David O'Brien
March 29th, 2009
3:19 pm
Two assists for Schafer in this game, nearly a third on that play at first base this inning.
Schafer to Escobar to home on that last play, two strong arms, one a cannon (Escobar).
Erin
March 29th, 2009
3:19 pm
That was Shafer again, wasn’t it, throwing Treaner out at home? Man he’s looking valuable out there.
Random
March 29th, 2009
3:20 pm
mbatl (March 28th, 2009 8:48 pm): ” But, my understanding of the rule is that Schafer would probably have to be in the minors for 45-50 games to avoid Super 2.”
Two different questions – two different timetables.
The Braves would have to keep him down on the farm much longer (assuming he performs at ML level as all here expect) to avoid him acquiring Super 2 status for arbitration purposes. And the intent here would be to save money.
As Steve from OH has testified, Schafer would not have to stay down nearly as long to ensure that his 6 years ML service time for the Braves does not end after 2014 (instead of thru 2015). And the intent here would be to retain the added year of ML service.
Kenny Powers
March 29th, 2009
3:20 pm
Tim Tebow wears Kenny Powers pajamas
Doc Holiday
March 29th, 2009
3:21 pm
Funny………Tigers booth guys are saying Leyland told them he hoped tigers had a little bit more team speed and as they dont, they will have to run bases more aggressively.
Rob from SC
March 29th, 2009
3:21 pm
richbrave
I am 28 and have been obsessed with baseball my whole life. I have a great and understanding wife who allows me to buy any baseball book I want. Great wife.
In my opinion Cobb, Wagner, and Gehrig are the greatest palyers of all time. Rogers Hornsby is still the greatest RH slugger of all time until Pujols passes him.
It is so hard to pick a Greater season for Cobb. And imagine the year that Gehrig drove in 184 runs is not considered his best season. Those old timers were great players who don’t get enough credit
Rob from SC
March 29th, 2009
3:23 pm
Richbrave
can you imagine the stat Gehrig would have if he batted 3rd instead of behind Ruth. He might have driven in 200 runs
Rob from SC
March 29th, 2009
3:24 pm
DOB
Escobar looks strong, is he built that big
SubmarineAussie
March 29th, 2009
3:24 pm
IP H R ER BB SO HR
Burnett 4.1 10 7 6 3 1 3
not a good day against the pirates
THB
March 29th, 2009
3:24 pm
Random-The game I was referring to was against the Brewers on May 28. He went 7 innings (My bad, thought it was
where he gave up 2 hits, 1 walk, striking out 9. In the next four games he pitched a 6 inning 3 run 4 K game, a 7.1 inning, 4 run 8 K game, an 8 inning 2 run 5 K game, and a 7 inning 2 hit 3 K game. Don’t know about anyone else but I though he was looking pretty promising at that time.
FJR
March 29th, 2009
3:24 pm
lol, doc,
You’re seriously comparing runs for a guy who has batted leadoff in the minors to runs for a guy who is a pinch hitter/lower half hitter in the majors? You’re really stretching this now. Why don’t you compare RBIs then? Why don’t you compare slugging pct? Why don’t you compare anything other than Stolen bases and runs? You act like its some big revelation that a guy who bats leadoff in the minors has more stolen bases and runs than a major league pinch hitter.
Doc Holiday
March 29th, 2009
3:25 pm
Why is Kotchman out? is it because he is not 100% yet?
SubmarineAussie
March 29th, 2009
3:25 pm
A.J Burnett 4.1-IP 10-H 7-R 6-ER 3-BB 1-K 3-HR
PWHjort
March 29th, 2009
3:27 pm
ATTAWAY FRENCHY.
David O'Brien
March 29th, 2009
3:27 pm
Last trip to Lakeland this year, had to get one more tasty sausage with peppers and onions… ummm
Kenny Powers
March 29th, 2009
3:27 pm
Francouer walked?
SubmarineAussie
March 29th, 2009
3:28 pm
JORDAN with two outfield assists in one game?
….if the amount of “trying” was a stat he would be leading all of spring training hopefuls i would think
William
March 29th, 2009
3:30 pm
Francoeur has never looked better. 2 Run bomb, hit the ball hard to right field and a walk. Also, getting himself in hitters counts. Doubters are going to be eating their words this year. He looks like a totally different hitter.
David O'Brien
March 29th, 2009
3:30 pm
Blanco, Josh Anderson and Schafer are all in the outfield now, from left to right in that order
David O'Brien
March 29th, 2009
3:32 pm
Doc H, Kotchman hasn’t played in 11 days. It’s the Cox way to ease him back in, especially in a spring training situation.
KC
March 29th, 2009
3:33 pm
Even with his great looking Spring, I know I’m going to catch crap for this, but… it’s what I believe…
I think this is going to be Francoeur’s first .300, 20 HR, 100 RBI season. I really do.
He hit .293 in 2007, and I think he looks like a better contact hitter this year than he was in ‘07. And as I’ve said multiple times, I’m convinced that if Jeff remains patient, continues to lay off bad pitches, and keeps putting the fat part of the bat on the ball with regularity… the power will come.
I extended an open wager invitation the other day. I said if anyone was willing to bet that Francoeur wouldn’t hit at least.295 with 20 homers… I’d be happy to wager. So far, no takers.
richbrave
March 29th, 2009
3:33 pm
McFANN:
“MY GREAT BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING.” Check it out. It’s pretty cute. I think you’d like it. And Mr. HALE using that line there was pretty funny.
RANDOM:
Just being random. Glad you took the time to read my thoughts. Do you every postulate on possibilities instead of facts alone? Oh well. At least I’m not on MR. HALE’s unread list. I’m somebody now. I’m somebody now. Have the new phone-books come in?
AND have empathy for DONTRELLE WILLIS. Anxiety disorder is NO JOKE!!!! It’s a varient of OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER. Drugs help, but the old one’s leave you slightly spaced out. Not good at all for a ML ball-player where you must stay sharp. That’s a serious problem for him in his avocation.
David O'Brien
March 29th, 2009
3:33 pm
Kenny Powers: You been watching the Braves much this spring? Because Francoeur’s been walking a lot more than striking out. In fact, he’s tied for the team lead with seven walks (only two strikeouts).
Dale Murphy's Mole
March 29th, 2009
3:33 pm
You’re right JR, it is an unfair comparison, but that’s the point. We need a guy who can steal bases, score runs and lead off, because we already have Diaz and G. Anderson, but we have nobody like J. Anderson on the club if he doesn’t make it.
David O'Brien
March 29th, 2009
3:34 pm
Rob from SC: Escobar might be the strongest guy on the team. Seriously. Dude is ripped. Looks a lot like an NFL defensive back, or at least a college DB.
PWHjort
March 29th, 2009
3:35 pm
I lived with your mama for E-leven years, through good times and bad times, fist fights and tears, but something comes over me when you come near, so won’t you come over and sip on this beer.
KC
March 29th, 2009
3:35 pm
Kenny Powers, have you been keeping up with the Braves this Spring???
Francoeur’s been walking with regularity. Tied for team lead with 7 walks (tied with Norton, who has 7 K’s to Frenchy’s 2).
Ok it's time!
March 29th, 2009
3:36 pm
“Sometimes when I reflect back on all the wine I drink I feel shame. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the vineyards and all of their hopes and dreams . If I didn’t drink this wine, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, ‘It is better that I drink this wine and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver’.”
- Jack Handy
Doc Holiday
March 29th, 2009
3:36 pm
So much for the HR story………….braves…………..2 hits (2 HR) and thats all………outcome of the game so far……….losing.
Wow, back to back HR early on the game…….nothing to show for…….Bottom line………..hitting HR is not the same s winning.
Kenny Powers
March 29th, 2009
3:38 pm
Kenny Powers has been watching. This spring is a small sample size and Francoeur isnt known for walking (115 BB in 2308 PA ). Here is hoping he keeps it up and his captain caveman days are over.
Matt
March 29th, 2009
3:39 pm
is Buddy Carlye starting the season in the Pen or at AAA?
PWHjort
March 29th, 2009
3:40 pm
Pen.
Random
March 29th, 2009
3:41 pm
mbatl (1:09 pm): ” For those interested: on Braves radio (at least on 96.1 fm), they’re filling the rain delay time by playing the “Remembering Skip” tribute… if you’re just waiting on the game on tv, might want to tune in to the radio (if you have access)….”
That was a GREAT tribute, wasn’t it? Especially with all the clips from his broadcasts.
I actually look forward to future rain delays, to hear it again, plus whatever they had to cut off when the game started today
vabravesfan
March 29th, 2009
3:42 pm
nothing but hrs today. ross goes deep
Wil
March 29th, 2009
3:42 pm
Nice another Ross spring training jack.
richbrave
March 29th, 2009
3:43 pm
ROB in SC:
I’ll think on that and get back to you. Who was the manager for the YANKS then? And what other ammo was in the line-up? That was the original “MURDERER’S ROW” wasn’t it? Also. I’ve been trying for over a year now to get FURMAN BISHER comment’s in an article comparing EDDIE MATHEWS and CHIP JONES. He’s seen them both and that’s history in my book. Either he’s forgotten or is saving his water for his own book. Maybe he’ll have it published on his 100th birthday.
TommyP
March 29th, 2009
3:43 pm
Buddy was awesome last year.
So will the Braves keep 5 OFs? I’ve asked that a few times but haven’t seen an answer to this point.
David O'Brien
March 29th, 2009
3:43 pm
Ross homer to straightaway center field. That guy’s got some serious pop. Got seven hits this spring, three of them homers. He leads the freakin’ team in homers!
zephyr 8
March 29th, 2009
3:43 pm
And Vasquez is through 6. Not bad at all… If Jair can pitch like last year and Lowe can get anywhere close to what he did last year, The top 3 are gonna be fine. Jairs line from last year is decieving. I think he finished at about a 3.68 ERA, but he had an ERA around 3 for most of the year until he fatigued towards the end of the season.
Erin
March 29th, 2009
3:43 pm
Ross! Showing up Corky Miller once again.
McFann :Ô:
March 29th, 2009
3:44 pm
Richbrave–
Yeah, that was pretty funny…now that I know what he meant.
bbxxj
March 29th, 2009
3:44 pm
Ross CRUSHED one 420ft. Man that sounded good coming off the bat.
4-4
Epinephrine
March 29th, 2009
3:44 pm
Another K from Schafer, hopefully TP and him start ironing that out ASAP. My one concern is that if he has a legit whole in his swing on inside fastballs, MLB pitchers are going to eat him up until he makes an adjustment.
cityofdecatur
March 29th, 2009
3:44 pm
ross just tied it ! kinda wierd don sutton’s voice is almost comforting, like a family member at a holiday dinner. weird
PWHjort
March 29th, 2009
3:44 pm
TommyP, no chance the Braves carry 5 OF. Frank Wren has said on record that Omar Infante is our back-up CF. That means Francoeur, Garret Anderson, Diaz, and our primary CF (who FW hasn’t gone on record saying it is anyone, lol), will be the 4 OF and we won’t carry 5.
Rob from SC
March 29th, 2009
3:44 pm
Buddy Carlyle has to begin the year in the pen. He and Boyer have yet to give up a run this spring
Matt
March 29th, 2009
3:44 pm
its been forever since the Braves had a good backup catcher.
Doc Holiday
March 29th, 2009
3:45 pm
Thanks DOB, thats what I thought. Besides………he looks fine at the plate, same as GA. Not that lost. A week will be enough to catch others, maybe not to be red hot but to get ready
Kenny Powers
March 29th, 2009
3:46 pm
Ross should make a huge difference. Bobby can actually run someone out there who can play and has some pop in his bat. Should keep McCann fresh. That plus his new physique could have McCann in store for a HUGE year.
McFann :Ô:
March 29th, 2009
3:46 pm
Doc H.
bbxxj Ross CRUSHED one 420ft. Man that sounded good coming off the bat. 4-4
Huh…
Whoo-hoo, Ross!! You’re gonna be a very good backup for my mann! Gotta say, I was happy when they signed ya.
Doc Holiday
March 29th, 2009
3:46 pm
Does anyone knows why Pelfrey only lasted 0.1 IP? Is he injured or something?
richbrave
March 29th, 2009
3:46 pm
DocHOLIDAY:
Wha…..! I haven’t seen much get ‘um on, get ‘um over, get ‘um in on the part of the TIGERS either. HR’s all over the place on both sides.
Salt life
March 29th, 2009
3:47 pm
MLB network reporting the Dodgers worked out Ohlman. Nice jack by Ross.
PWHjort
March 29th, 2009
3:47 pm
I just made 10$ from my roommate on that Anderson strikeout.
Doc Holiday
March 29th, 2009
3:47 pm
Come on MATT………..we hd corky last year…….what are you talking about? LOL
BravesFanChris24
March 29th, 2009
3:48 pm
David Ross
Jake
March 29th, 2009
3:48 pm
DOC,
Rain Delay,
FlaBravo
March 29th, 2009
3:48 pm
DOB,
I understand the options with Anderson, but what happens if he clears waivers and goes to Gwinett? Does he get more options or if he gets called up will he have to clear waivers if he’s sent back down? How many options does a player have, and does he use one every time he’s sent down? It’s a bit confusing sometimes. Thanks
William
March 29th, 2009
3:48 pm
KC::: I think your numbers prediction on Francoeur this year is right on. Would not surprise me at all. He has obviously worked hard to change his approach and it seems to have made a huge difference.
Doc Holiday
March 29th, 2009
3:48 pm
What do I have to do with it McFann?
Epinephrine
March 29th, 2009
3:49 pm
Apparently rain delay was behind Pelfrey’s exit.
Rob from SC
March 29th, 2009
3:49 pm
I love Blaine Boyer. He is our future closer
Matt
March 29th, 2009
3:49 pm
Wonder if the Tigers are going to keep D-Train or give him the pink slip…. The put him on the 15day DL today because of head problems…..
PWHjort
March 29th, 2009
3:49 pm
FlaBravo, if he clears waivers and goes to AAA, then once he gets called up again (if ever) and the team wants to send him down he’d have to clear waivers again. He’ll never have another option.
Kenny Powers
March 29th, 2009
3:50 pm
Corky Miller had an .152 OBP and 1 HR. I think its safe to say Ross will better those numbers
Chop Chop
March 29th, 2009
3:50 pm
Seems to me that Ross hits bombs all the time. Time to bench McCann.
Rob from SC
March 29th, 2009
3:50 pm
that was a strike
Salamander
March 29th, 2009
3:50 pm
Dale Murphy’s Mole
I just don’t see how a mediocre hitter with speed/solid defense is better than a professional pinch hitter with power coming off the bench. I mean, did you watch any of the games last year when Norton came in to pinch hit? Dude can mash and he can work/earn a walk as well. He can pinch hit with the best of them, which isn’t an easy skill to acquire for most players.
If Wren cut Norton in order to retain J. Anderson, I would wonder what the hell he had been smoking.
Rob from SC
March 29th, 2009
3:51 pm
this ump hates the low strike
Doc Holiday
March 29th, 2009
3:51 pm
richbrave,
Should I care about what the tigers style of play?
Folks, this season is gonna be a fun one……..if that guy ross and JF keep it up. Man, I just cant find the weakness on this team. It would be like a dream come true if Soriano turns all this stuff around ……….hope he doesnt goes D trains way out.
PWHjort
March 29th, 2009
3:51 pm
Boyer’s throwing his slider.
Matt
March 29th, 2009
3:52 pm
Norton is an all around better player than Josh Anderson
McFann :Ô:
March 29th, 2009
3:52 pm
Doc H.–
Whoa, weird! Sorry about that. I was s’posed to paste “hitting HR is not the same s winning.” after your name, but I guess I forgot. LOL…
Kenny P. That plus his new physique could have McCann in store for a HUGE year.
Yeah! As long as that finger doesn’t cause problems…
PWHjort
March 29th, 2009
3:52 pm
Haha Inge looks like a hobbit.
JerseyGil
March 29th, 2009
3:53 pm
That Thames Guys was strikes out twice
spotts
March 29th, 2009
3:53 pm
I’m loving the club bullets at the end, DOB. Very artistic.
McFann :Ô:
March 29th, 2009
3:53 pm
Chop Chop–
“Ah-ha…hahahaha.” That’s funny. BMac is benched.
Jeff321
March 29th, 2009
3:53 pm
I don’t know if this has been posted yet or not. However, I saw on the MLB ticker that Ohman threw in a simulated game for the Dodgers.
William
March 29th, 2009
3:53 pm
I think the teams looks great. My biggest fear is Chipper’s ability to stay healthy. The cannot have him miss 2 and 3 weeks stretches.
Kenny Powers
March 29th, 2009
3:54 pm
Norton will be on this team. Kenny Powers will put up his house on it.
Matt
March 29th, 2009
3:54 pm
Wonder if Ohman’ss Wife is the one keeping him from signing with a team still.
mbatl
March 29th, 2009
3:55 pm
‘course, Corky is hitting .385 with a .692 SLG % this spring, with a couple of homers. Either means back up catchers are a wild card (offensively), or that spring training numbers don’t mean a whole lot.
Chop Chop
March 29th, 2009
3:56 pm
Bench McCann forever.
I want to see a McRoss posting here. Instead of birds, she can talk about possums or something.
Doc Holiday
March 29th, 2009
3:56 pm
What a play by Infante………..didnt get the runner but he looked ready for action…….crisp
Giggidy!
March 29th, 2009
3:57 pm
It seems somewhat obvious who we’re going to battle with come April 5th. The question is whether or not we can get something for JA before sending him on a trip over the waiver rainbow.
Daybed Wagmoe
March 29th, 2009
3:57 pm
Way to go Ross! Hey, who needs McCann??
Just kidding, McFann…
Chop Chop
March 29th, 2009
3:57 pm
mbatl,
Don’t kill the dream.
BravesFanChris24
March 29th, 2009
3:57 pm
Ugh those high hoppers.
Epinephrine
March 29th, 2009
3:57 pm
Blaine might give up a run here but he has looked really good.
Jeff321
March 29th, 2009
3:57 pm
Give it up boy extraordinaire Boyer strikes again!
PWHjort
March 29th, 2009
3:58 pm
2 baltimore chops? Are you kidding me? I’d be so livid if that happened in a game.
JerseyGil
March 29th, 2009
3:58 pm
Give that run to the Ump
Random
March 29th, 2009
3:58 pm
f.n.hale —
Hahaha – pretty funny!!!
Chop Chop
March 29th, 2009
3:58 pm
46-37, Michigan State.
10:47 to play.
vabravesfan
March 29th, 2009
3:58 pm
Thats tough luck for boyer with 2 high hopper infield singles which scores a run
Rob from SC
March 29th, 2009
3:59 pm
Boyer had some tough luck there. he really looked sharp. He will have a great year
Rob from SC
March 29th, 2009
3:59 pm
and boyer had the leadoff guy struk out