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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,179 comments Add your comment
Hayden
March 30th, 2009
3:26 pm
DOB….very impressed with the Townes Van Zandt press. He’s the greatest songwriter nobody knows…
Joe Borchard
March 30th, 2009
3:27 pm
Good news about the trade… Let the Gregor Blanco era begin!!!
Roja
March 30th, 2009
3:27 pm
Acosta, Boyer and Bennett were actually worse than I remembered in 2008. They lost 18 games among them – not 15. And I see no signs that they have gotten any better
Schafer's Chaffers
March 30th, 2009
3:27 pm
Again, FTW.
BravesFAN885
March 30th, 2009
3:27 pm
Or how about Schafer’s Wafers?
brent a.
March 30th, 2009
3:27 pm
Good day.
Schafer is the guy, we got SOMETHING for Anderson, as opposed to losing him outright.
Glavine has been pitching effectively; but, if he’s not healthy, then Tommy Hanson could be pitching for Atlanta on April 19.
the man
March 30th, 2009
3:27 pm
KC????and which one of those is dependable?
Gonzo has been quite scary this spring.
Moylan is coming off injury…
boyer has done what???
look at campillo’s ERA from last year
carlyle is marginal
and soriano is like a box of chocolates…you never know what ya gonna get…..
BravoMan
March 30th, 2009
3:28 pm
“Carlyle/Campillo are battling for one stop” I disagree. Both have had a fairly good spring, Buddy especially, why not carry em both??
garlick
March 30th, 2009
3:28 pm
MFin04, I really would like to know which team you think has 6 or 7 good arms in their bullpen??
ncscoots
March 30th, 2009
3:29 pm
Whatever number Schafer is issued, let’s hope they give him the thick skin to go with it. Or put it in his contract that he can’t visit this blog, LOL. He thinks Santana and Hamels are tough? Try this place after a rookie oh-fer!
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
3:29 pm
the man….I’m with you all the way..I think the bullpen has A LOT to prove still
Tomahawk210
March 30th, 2009
3:29 pm
Schafer’s Quakers-oatmeal boxes
Schafer’s Bakers-1.5 papers
18 Wheels of Love
March 30th, 2009
3:29 pm
I picked up some Guiness for this week in honor of Mr. O’Flaherty’s great performance today.
2Parc
March 30th, 2009
3:29 pm
Schafer’s Chauffeurs.
Brandon aka DukeBoy
March 30th, 2009
3:29 pm
whats the score?
BravoMan
March 30th, 2009
3:30 pm
“KC????and which one of those is dependable?
Gonzo has been quite scary this spring.
Moylan is coming off injury…
boyer has done what???
look at campillo’s ERA from last year
carlyle is marginal
and soriano is like a box of chocolates…you never know what ya gonna get…..”
I’m sure if I thought long enough about everyone I could think of a negative thing to say about them too. Give us a break man the bullpen(if healthy) will be one of the best in the NL.
18 Wheels of Love
March 30th, 2009
3:30 pm
How about Schafer’s Schaefer Lights?
bdbraves
March 30th, 2009
3:30 pm
Stupid!!! Schafer isnt ready yet, and a crash and burn could screw him up. Big mistake and soooo STUPID!!
Renegator
March 30th, 2009
3:30 pm
Wayne in Utah:
Those are some big IFs, but yes, I can see how the bullpen can be decent. But a decent bullpen doesn’t win you a division title in a very competitve NL East.
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
3:30 pm
(I can hear it now…”Bring back Josh Anderson…atleast he can hit the ball!”)
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
3:31 pm
Inning 8
Top Half
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: Javier Guzman replaces shortstop Yunel Escobar, batting 2nd, playing shortstop.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Ryan Dent singles on a line drive to left fielder Matt Diaz.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:3 O:1 – Steve Green called out on strikes.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:3 O:2 – Chip Ambres strikes out swinging.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:3 O:3 – Mark Wagner strikes out swinging.
——————————————————————————–
Bottom Half
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Van Pope pops out to second baseman Kristopher Negron.
pryguy
March 30th, 2009
3:31 pm
I think it’s in the best interest for the Braves and Schafer to have him hit lower in the line up. Let the kid get accustomed to the Big Leagues, and adjust to the defensive responsibilities that lay heavily on the center fielder. Let’s not take for granted just how blessed Atlanta was to have very good defensive center fielders during their division title run. Nixon, Grissom, Andruw…all very good defensive outfielders in their own right. My only concern with the line up is having Kelly lead-off. He just seems to have a good amount of pop to be leading off, and he finds gaps well. I think he is best suited at 2 or 3, but then again Yunel isn’t your typical lead off hitter either. I guess it’s up to Bobby how he wants to send them out there. What I do know is how confident I will be in the offensive production from this line up this year. Quality hitters in every spot without any easy outs….disregarding anyone pulling a 2008 Frenchy on us. Good to see things all starting to fall into place. Can’t wait til Sunday
SoWeGa Fanatic
March 30th, 2009
3:31 pm
I believe the BP will be a strong point of the team.
Also, under the circumstances, anything gotten for JA at this point is a plus.
Let the Games begin!
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
3:31 pm
Still 3-2 Sox
Gorky Miller
March 30th, 2009
3:31 pm
Schafe-n-Bakers. And I helped!
Jeff321
March 30th, 2009
3:31 pm
The Braves must boot lamers from the bullpen. We need the best pitchers available in there.. And I have a really hard time accepting that Acosta is better than Campillo, Carlyle, or Bennett.
Isenberg
March 30th, 2009
3:32 pm
“Ranked by Baseball America as one of Detroit’s top prospects”? I guess Josh Anderson was more highly-regarded than I thought.
MMenerey
March 30th, 2009
3:32 pm
Relax, we don’t know if Schafer got the job yet. They may send him down for a month like the rays did to Longoria to extend him another year. They may let Blanco play CF for a month to see how he does. He did very well in the WBC!
Schafe-n-Bake
March 30th, 2009
3:32 pm
GO Braves!
sidslidkid
March 30th, 2009
3:33 pm
IMPORTANT QUESTION!!!!
DOB, What’s the name of the BBQ place in Between Ga that races cows (or what road is it on)? Tried to find info on the interweb, but came up empty.
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
3:33 pm
How can you say the bullpen is going to be a strong point…when it has sucked all spring long? I dont understand that logic. Our closer has given up runs in every outing.
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
3:33 pm
Bottom Half
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Van Pope pops out to second baseman Kristopher Negron.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:2 – David Ross pops out to second baseman Kristopher Negron in foul territory.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:2 – Garret Anderson singles on a line drive to right fielder Che-Hsuan Lin.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:2 – Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Brooks Conrad replaces Garret Anderson.
——————————————————————————–
B:1 S:0 O:2 – With Gregor Blanco batting, Brooks Conrad steals (1) 2nd base.
——————————————————————————–
B:1 S:0 O:3 – Gregor Blanco grounds out, second baseman Kristopher Negron to first baseman Anthony Rizzo.
Still 3-2 Sox. Going to 9th.
DAP
March 30th, 2009
3:33 pm
so is the consensus that schafer will be batting leadoff, or 8th? what do you guys think?
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
3:34 pm
8th for now
N Nine (eta6)
March 30th, 2009
3:34 pm
Dontrelle Willis on DL for anxiety disorder. Haven’t seen this before. How hard he has fallen. He’s physically fine, is this possible..
Great day for WREN!!!!!
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
3:34 pm
Inning 9
Top Half
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Brooks Conrad remains in the game as the designated hitter.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Pitcher Change: Mike Gonzalez replaces Eric O’Flaherty.
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 30th, 2009
3:34 pm
If the guys from Sheff’s Chefs are still around, they would already have costumes fro Shafer’s Bakers … but I like a modified version of18 Wheel’s of Love’s concept: Shafer’s Lights
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
3:34 pm
Here comes Gonzo to give up some more runs…cuz it aint a save situation and there isnt adrenaline…GARBAGE…he sucks
mbatl
March 30th, 2009
3:35 pm
I’ve never been real impressed with Acosta’s results but he has great stuff. If we can afford the luxury, need to send him to whichever level has the best pitching coach, and do some intensive work with him. Could still be dominant if he could learn to locate.
JOE
March 30th, 2009
3:35 pm
will people stop talking about Blanco and read what DOB has to say. Blanco’s going to the minors and Schafer’s our starting CF! End of Story! Why would we unload anderson to make room for Blanco?!?! Use your heads!
the man
March 30th, 2009
3:35 pm
bravoman.
not trying to be negative. Just stating the facts.
I hope these guys can pull it together. But it concerns me when we have a guy like acosta on the mound and we let ohman leave town.
2Parc
March 30th, 2009
3:35 pm
Willis has a case of the Wohlers… snakes in the head.
Jersey Gil
March 30th, 2009
3:35 pm
The Roster still don’t add up:
5 Starter (Lowe,JJ,Vazquez,KK,Glavine)
8 Reliver (Soriano,Gonzo,Moylan,Boyer,Carlyle,Bennett,Logan,O’fla.
4 Outfielder( Anderson/Diaz,Francourse,Schafer)
4 Infilder (Chipper,Yunel,Kelly,Kotch)
3 Bench (Prado,Infante,Norton)
2 catcher (mac,Ross)
Total 26
This is Bobby want two lefty in the Pen.
N Nine (eta6)
March 30th, 2009
3:36 pm
Darrow, 24, is a former college wrestler who is listed at 5′10″, 180 lbs. The Tommy John survivor uses a sidearm delivery to touch 94, and Baseball America suggests he could pitch in the Majors this year. As such, it seems odd that the Tigers would trade him.
Schafer for ROY
March 30th, 2009
3:37 pm
I think Schafer will get the Lead Off Role. Look at Grady Sizemore. The guy still k’s a bit but he hit’s lead off well.
Speaking of Sizemore wasn’t Schafer once compared to be another Sizemore?
BTW i wouldnt be to worried about our bullpen. If todays game was a regular season game KK would still be in it since he only threw around 64 pitches. meaning we would only need maybe one or two innings from a reliever. Plus the way Lowe and Vazquez have been throwing deep into games that changes things as well.
Anyone notice that Bobby Cox said that his rotation will be
Lowe
Jurrjens
Vazquez
KK
Glavine
thought that kind of wierd to put Vazquez behing Jurrjens
Interested Observer
March 30th, 2009
3:37 pm
Anybody know what EOF’s story was in Seattle? I mean if he’s got such great stuff, why was he waived at the end of the season?
Steve McP
March 30th, 2009
3:38 pm
Gil Bobby has said he will carry an extra reliever until they need to activate Glavine on April 18th, this is to give cover to Moylan who they would not want pitching every day at this stage of his rehab.
Jonathon
March 30th, 2009
3:38 pm
How ’bout a group of super skinny girls: “Schaef’s Waifs”
Schafe-n-Bake
March 30th, 2009
3:38 pm
MFin, nope, actually he struck all 3 guys out…
mighty mike
March 30th, 2009
3:38 pm
Sorry to see Anderson go. You just can’t have enough speed on the basepaths. I wish him well.
Turns out you’re good for something other than baseball, DOB. Visited the library a couple of weeks ago and found a couple of Townes Van Zandt CD’s. Dude is a truly great songwriter. I think “Flyin’ Shoes is my favorite, at least for now.
cmac1919
March 30th, 2009
3:38 pm
Gonzalez struck out the side. Good job Mike!
Renegator
March 30th, 2009
3:39 pm
Guys, here is the reality:
After the Braves lose today (and we all know they are going to lose) they will have dropped 8 out of their last 10. That is NOT good. And these aren’t games that are being played by all minor leaguers – teams are playing real starters now.
This is not a good sign of things to come in 2009. I know all the eternal optimists are in full force right now but let’s get real. This team has big question marks on the offense and in the bullpen.
MLB
March 30th, 2009
3:39 pm
The Braves didn’t let Ohman leave town. They offered him a very fair contract which he turned down.
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
3:39 pm
Braves 2-4 could be swapped around in anyway from what I’ve seen.
Daybed Wagmoe
March 30th, 2009
3:39 pm
What about “Schaefer’s Gayfers?”
flange1
March 30th, 2009
3:40 pm
Jersey Gil,
I bet you have the roster! Glavine on DL to start the season, so you can keep the 2 LOOGY’s.
If GA isn’t ready, B Jones or G Blanco in place.
Logan dropped to activate Glavine…..
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
3:41 pm
Can anybody name one of the guys…Gonzo struck out? Bay, Ortiz, Youkilia, Pedroia?
mbatl
March 30th, 2009
3:41 pm
“I think Schafer will get the Lead Off Role. Look at Grady Sizemore. The guy still k’s a bit but he hit’s lead off well” — Schafer for ROY
Sizemore also batted 8th or 9th for about his first 75 games. I think it makes sense to start Schafer down in the order; it may be for 1 week, maybe for 3 months… but let him get comfortable in the majors before you make him think about leadoff responsibilities.
Tomahawk210
March 30th, 2009
3:41 pm
MMenerey
Always gotta be one in the group to stir up trouble. There goes your Blanco theory-he just made an out in a clutch at bat. What’s he batting now .150 or so? Yeah lets put a guy who hit .250 last year with no arm and doesn’t use his speed as oppossed to a guy with a .375 BA and superior defense and actually uses his speed. It was either Schafer or Anderson and the best man won-sorry Blanco off to AAA you go. Your time in the spotlight ran out last year.
Jim
March 30th, 2009
3:42 pm
Why don’t they go ahead and name Schafer the Center Fielder? I mean they have barely played Blanco over the last few games. How many outfielders will the Braves keep?
BrandonC
March 30th, 2009
3:42 pm
I like Schafer’s Wafers and Schafer’s Bakers myself.
sri
March 30th, 2009
3:42 pm
Jersey Gil,
I think Bobby meant about carrying the extra reliever at the beginning of the season, since Glavine will start the season on the DL. When he is activated on Apr 19th, the extra reliever will be sent down..
ncscoots
March 30th, 2009
3:43 pm
Speaking of Sizemore wasn’t Schafer once compared to be another Sizemore?
That was a comparison that was bandied about, but it was hardly consensus. The combination of speed and power, I guess. That neither has hit lefties well and both K a lot is more coincidental than comparative, I think.
I, of course, have used both those facts in just that comparative way to snark other bloggers, LOL.
Schafe-n-Bake
March 30th, 2009
3:44 pm
Regenator- not to worry, most of our key players came out in those games half way through. you don’t think reid gorecki will be coming up to bat in those clutch situations next year do you? and look at how well our starting pitching has been, and for the most part the relief pitching from the guys that matter (moylan, boyer). not to worry, friend.
Braves Fan from Seattle
March 30th, 2009
3:44 pm
Interested Observer – O’Flaherty was a highly rated guy in Seattle. They counted on him last year after Spring to be their primary lefty in the pen after a stellar 2008 season. Then had some back problems at the beginning of the year and he lokoed awful after they sent him down to AAA. He was released and the Braves signed him. When he was healthy, he was nasty in Seattle.
Cameron
March 30th, 2009
3:44 pm
We don’t have the resources to sign Will Ohman. Manny Acosta has great stuff, he just hasn’t learned how to put it all together yet. Could potentially be a great setup man. Boyer will have a career year. Gonzalez will have a fantastic year. Tommy-John Surgery is really a two-year injury. Granted you can come back within a year to 18 months, but you don’t really get your elbow back to being as strong as it was before the injury until the second year. He may start off a little slow, but he will be dominant by the end. I also expect Soriano to struggle during the beginning of the year. But, was he gets more healthy he will be a great 7th or 8th inning guy. The thing that scare me is Moylan. He seems to be fine. But, as I mentioned before TJ surgery is usually a two year deal and it has been less than a year. Maybe he has the chance to come back and perform better sooner because of the sidearm delivery, which puts less pressure on the elbow. Cmpillo and Carlyle are good long guys, can keep you in games. I don’t see how our bullpen will not be one of the best. Only question mark is the lefty. Apparently, we believe in them. I haven’t seen too much of them to form an opinion. I know O’Flaherty has good stuff.
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
3:44 pm
Jim, minor league games don’t count for DL retro. But can only go back as far as March 27 into spring training, which is what they did. Rest of it has to be in regular season, or else teams would DL guys to bring them off two days into season, etc.
2Parc
March 30th, 2009
3:44 pm
Wouldn’t one rather dress as a Chauffeur than a Baker? Or a Wafer? I would.
ChopShop860
March 30th, 2009
3:45 pm
The CF job was close, but Schafer beat Anderson like the ShamWOW guy beats hookers. Seriously, everyone has seen his mug shot right?
(this is completely related to Braves baseball.)
http://www.inquisitr.com/wp-content/shamwow-guy-vince-shlomi-arrested.jpg
bravesfan
March 30th, 2009
3:45 pm
lets temper some enthusiasm, darrow lets be honest not many heard of him before today. doesnt it make you wonder, how tigers are desperate for pitching and trade him away for basically a 4th OF type at best.
SoWeGa Fanatic
March 30th, 2009
3:45 pm
“How can you say the bullpen is going to be a strong point…when it has sucked all spring long?”
Because I am old enough to be qualified to have an opinion. ST is ST, and means little to nothing.
18 Wheels of Love
March 30th, 2009
3:45 pm
Schafer will eventually lead off….my guess is he starts off hitting in the 8 hole.
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
3:47 pm
Prado with the two-out RBI single up the middle to drive in tying run. Extra ball, folks?
Ghost of Dan Kolb
March 30th, 2009
3:47 pm
2Parc, I like it. He drives the ball all over the field.
Jersey Gil
March 30th, 2009
3:48 pm
sri….Thanks, that make sense…Glavine on DL
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
3:48 pm
guy who’s pitching and guy who’s hitting (avier Guzman) neither have chance to make their teams, and they send it to extra innings when Guzman grounds out
SoWeGa Fanatic
March 30th, 2009
3:49 pm
By the way, Gonzo has been in 7 games and given up 5 runs, so you are wrong on that also.
JOE
March 30th, 2009
3:49 pm
REGENERATOR!! what would you have us all do!? Instead of whining about the braves losing a few spring training games (which mean NOTHING), maybe you should pull out your wallet and get us some good free agents between now and Sunday. Or you could realize that this spring has been a very positive one where our starting pitchers have pitched extremely well, our relievers are all healthy (knock on wood), and the guys who had bad years last year have really turned it around. And we should be worried because we lost some games in march why?!
Champman33
March 30th, 2009
3:49 pm
Yeah we all just knew there was no way we had a chance in this one right Renegade????
Jersey Gil
March 30th, 2009
3:50 pm
sri …wait..ok..what happen on April 19..who’s going down?
MMenerey
March 30th, 2009
3:50 pm
Sorry, I forgot Schafer hit over 250 in his first full year in the big leagues. Oh wait, he hasn’t played in the….
Tomahawk, Blanco has had what, 15 ABs with the Braves in Spring Training? I’m not saying Blanco is the answer or should be, I’m just saying he might. Don’t fret about Schafer, I don’t think he hit over 250 last year in the minors!
Champman33
March 30th, 2009
3:50 pm
everyone complaining about the BP meanwhile they struck out 7 men in a row!!!!
Val Kilmer
March 30th, 2009
3:50 pm
Van Pope should replace Chipper now. He’s ready.
Random
March 30th, 2009
3:50 pm
Wayne in Utah 1:13 pm, KC 1:13 pm —
Well, y’all already know how I feel about it — no need to rehash it, except to say that I savagely (yet demurely) demur from y’all’s childish spasms of hate and self-pity.
Thanks for the update, DOB!
Jersey Gil
March 30th, 2009
3:51 pm
Val Kilmer …Are you are CUCU….Dark Vander…
BravesAC
March 30th, 2009
3:52 pm
Congrats to Shaefer but I’m sorry to see Josh A. go. I honestly think he will become a good pro. He added to the Braves’ offense at last year’s end in an exciting way. It just seems like “the tryout” aspect proves problematic for him. Once he’s given a job, like on the Pirates,Kc, or wherever, he’ll get his feet under him, stop pressing, and stay solid. But to to get a job on a contender, you need to get past pressing. Catch-22.
Happy trails to you Josh A.
JOE
March 30th, 2009
3:52 pm
mbatl, i completely agree about starting schafer off in the 8 or 9 hole. give him time to ease into the majors without the pressures of the leadoff position
SoWeGa Fanatic
March 30th, 2009
3:53 pm
MFin04,
After striking out the side today, Gonzo has given up 5 runs in 8 appearances. You’re even wronger than before.
I wish the pessimists/Mets lovers would just go away.
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
3:53 pm
Schafer should be on the bench since ST is ST.
Schafer for ROY
March 30th, 2009
3:53 pm
I was thinking we would replace chipper with someone like Hicks since the Offense that we lose from Chippers departure will be made up with the arrival of Heyward and Freeman
rammerjammer
March 30th, 2009
3:54 pm
“Jordan’s Jungle.”
You’re welcome.
tmenerey
March 30th, 2009
3:54 pm
we need to show case Blanco if we r to trade him. sending him down only hurts his trade value.
Val Kilmer
March 30th, 2009
3:54 pm
jersey?
DAP
March 30th, 2009
3:54 pm
jersey gil
your list actually has 3 lefty relievers. dont expect logan and o’fla to both make the team, and there’s your extra man.
The ghost of Will Ohman
March 30th, 2009
3:54 pm
A chauffeur uniform in Atlanta? In the summer time? No way. Bakers could just wear an apron and a chefs hat and wafers could…just make giant vanilla wafers boxes and wear them?
Runnin
March 30th, 2009
3:54 pm
If anyone is interested, Hampton had a rough outing today against the Phillies. 7 runs in 5 innings, 3 BBs, 3 HRs.
Mitchell
March 30th, 2009
3:55 pm
Okay, so most of our trades with Detroit have worked out pretty well but Josh Anderson is the fastest guy on the Braves. He hits pretty well, he finished strong last season, he can do the little things. I don’t get this trade. If you’re going to deal anybody it should be Blanco. I don’t get it and I don’t like it.
2Parc
March 30th, 2009
3:55 pm
The Sham-Wow guy looks like Benicio Del Toro, no?
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
3:56 pm
5 runs in LESS THAN 8 innings? That is quite an ERA. He is incredible we should sign him up to close. He struck out no one today. A bunch of back-up guys….he has gotten rocked…against really hitters so far this Spring.
bravos2249
March 30th, 2009
3:56 pm
If not 8th he may benfit hitting 2nd…being in front of Chipper, Anderson, and Mac…..the opposition won’t know what they are dealing with if they give the kid a pitch to hit….jmo