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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,179 comments Add your comment
Wil
March 30th, 2009
3:56 pm
Regen,
What about, Boyer, Campillo/Carlyle, Soriano, Moylan, Gonzo? They are all solid, and Soriano and Moylan have looked real solid. Gonzo has struggled a bit, but still looked good.
I’m not distressed because Acosta, the situational lefties and Bennett are struggling, no.
BravesFAN885
March 30th, 2009
3:57 pm
Schafer’s wafers. I called it first.
Ed Glennon
March 30th, 2009
3:57 pm
Wren has made some decent trades this year after being burned by Overpaid Tex twice the last couple of years. We need to find a spot for Prado. How about first base?
tmenerey
March 30th, 2009
3:57 pm
Anderson was out of options thats why they traded him. we can keep Blanco b/c we can still send him down if need be
Tricky Dick
March 30th, 2009
3:58 pm
What about Cruz for the BP? There was a lot of press about him when he was signed, but not much word lately, but he looks pretty good. For that matter, what about Vlad Nunez? He was not bad last year.
Jersey Gil
March 30th, 2009
3:58 pm
Val Kilmer …CUCU mean Mucho Loco…Did you ever see Van Pope Stat in the minor, this kid has a good Glove but no Power.
Kentavo
March 30th, 2009
3:58 pm
Move over McCann’s Cans!!
http://www.glibeer.com/catalogs/brands/Schflight2.jpg
garlick
March 30th, 2009
3:58 pm
MFin04, what are “really” hitters??
Champman33
March 30th, 2009
3:58 pm
Cruz 1-2-3 in the top of the 10th….
Mark in Indy
March 30th, 2009
3:59 pm
I’ve seen a few people point out how Jurrjens is ahead of Vasquez in the rotation. I think they’re both pretty equal as far as evaluating who is the 2nd best pitcher on the team, but I like this order because it splits up the two most consistent innings eaters on the team. The biggest benefit of bringing in Lowe and Vazquez is that they’ve proven year in and year out that they will consistently pitch 200 innings. By putting Vazquez in the 3rd spot, Bobby makes it very likely that every other day the bullpen should have an easy night.
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
3:59 pm
The slick-fielding 3B Van Pope comes through with a double to start the 10th for the Braves
2Parc
March 30th, 2009
3:59 pm
Schafer’s Wafers? Doesn’t make any sense. I cannot condone this.
Val Kilmer
March 30th, 2009
3:59 pm
jersey: oh, i know, it was a joke, i just didn’t know what your abbreviations meant
Andy K.
March 30th, 2009
4:00 pm
Kentavo, except that’s not how you spell Jordan SCHAFER’S Name….get it right people…
'Cusetown Bravos
March 30th, 2009
4:00 pm
Some new updates based upon the big J. Anderson move…..First off, as noted before it looks as though the Braves are almost 100% certain to go with Schafer, but his spot in the lineup is not guaranteed to be 1st. He may flip-flop with KJ and bat 8th. That is reflected below. Also….Boone Logan has options, and the Braves are thought to like O’Flaherty better. They may both make the team…but with him having options, we are going to plug in Buddy Carlyle because of Bobby’s affinity for him. With this bullpen change being made…it really just leads us to 2 moves to make this LOCKED IN. If J. Bennett gets released (which everyone fully expects), and when the CF issue is finalized and Blanco is assigned to AAA. BTW Wren was asked by O’Brien today about keeping both schafer and blanco on the 25 man, and he said that is not going to happen. Will carry an extra arm, as expected. Brings us to the most recent 25-man:
Rotation:
1) Lowe
2) JJ
3) Vaz
4) Kawakami
5) Glavine (Will be on DL when Spring Training Breaks – Thus 26 on the roster)
Starters:
6) KJ (L)
7) Esco (R)
8 Chipper (S)
9) B. Mac (L)
10) G. Anderson (L)
11) Frenchy (R)
12) Kotchman (L)
13) J. Schafer (L)
Bench:
14) Norton
15) Diaz
16) Prado
17) Infante
18) Ross
Bullpen:
19) Gonzalez (Closer)
20) Soriano
21) Moylan
22) Boyer
23) B. Carlyle
24) O’Flaherty
25) Acosta
26) Campillo (Long Relief)
Bennett – Waivers or Traded
B. Logan – AAA
Blanco – AAA
B.Jones – AAA
Hanson – AAA
J. Anderson – Traded
Schafer for ROY
March 30th, 2009
4:00 pm
Mitchell:
I think Blanco will still get traded. If Schafer is doing well in the beggining of the season and just keeps getting better and eventually moving to the lead off role they will trade blanco most likely mid season. I personally hope Garret Anderson blows out his leg or something and we trade for that big outfield bat.
Val Kilmer
March 30th, 2009
4:00 pm
well…then again
The Ghost of Jeff Reardon
March 30th, 2009
4:01 pm
SoWeGa. Nice use of “wronger”.
RC
March 30th, 2009
4:01 pm
Excellent point by Mark in Indy. I was thinking the exact same thing before the announcement was made, and think it’s a smart move on the part of Bobby and the coaching staff.
MMenerey
March 30th, 2009
4:01 pm
If Schafer is going to play CF and hit lead-off, start him there. Nothing worse than shuffling people around in a lineup and Cox drives me nuts when he does that. Let them get comfortable in that spot before we move him. My opinion, obviously Cox doesn’t agree, but what does he know!
Champman33
March 30th, 2009
4:01 pm
Shhhh…. DOB everyone knows we already lost this game just ask RenaGAYdor….
Brave the Storm
March 30th, 2009
4:02 pm
in the long run, though, what will become of blanco?
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
4:02 pm
I think one of the “unknown” names is going to make the bullpen. Like a Bueno…Nunez…Cruz…etc
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
4:02 pm
Brooks Conrad hits a game-winning double to right-center
GSU-Lee
March 30th, 2009
4:03 pm
And 2parc makes sense?
Tricky Dick
March 30th, 2009
4:03 pm
Cusetown. Since when does everyone expect Bennett to get released? I would be shocked if that happened. Traded maybe, but released, I doubt.
Mike S
March 30th, 2009
4:03 pm
Thanks for that video clip of Darrow, Flange1. I’m pretty sure that’s Marek warming up in the pen behind him in the second clip.
DOB, any word from Hanson, Medlen, or Marek on Darrow, their AFL teammate? (although I suppose Medlen might be the only one you can get to easily at this point, with the other two in minor league camp now)
GSU-Lee
March 30th, 2009
4:03 pm
Cool. Yay Conrad. Bravos win
2Parc
March 30th, 2009
4:03 pm
nice work braves
18 Wheels of Love
March 30th, 2009
4:04 pm
What the heck is a wafer? Like a cookie or a cracker?
I like the Jordan’s Jungle one and he could come out to G n’ R. Or is that too much for a rook?
Josh from Columbus
March 30th, 2009
4:04 pm
Now, if Schafer starts stinkin’ it up, I can definitely condone ‘Schafer’s Waivers’.
Tomahawk210
March 30th, 2009
4:04 pm
MMenerey
Thanks you just answered your own ?. Don’t you think Blanco would have more than 15 ab’s this spring if he was our CF. Don’t you think he would’ve been in the line-up today with all the other regulars? Let’s see Offense-Schafer, Defense-Schafer, Baserunning-Schafer. Braves 2009 CF on opening day-Schafer. Case closed.
'Cusetown Bravos
March 30th, 2009
4:04 pm
Maybe he will get traded….but I guess I meant that he will not make the roster….that much is assumed. My fault
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
March 30th, 2009
4:04 pm
Glavine will not start the year on the DL. He is due a roster bonus for starting the season on the active roster, and Atlanta will pay him that. He also will not have to pitch until around the 18th or so, which gives him plenty of time to finish getting ready.
DAP
March 30th, 2009
4:04 pm
mitchellI don’t get it and I don’t like it.
anderson was out of options. get it now? anderson wasnt going to make the team so the braves made the trade so they would get something for him. if they hadnt done this, they would have gotten nothing when a team claimed him off of waivers.
Henry V
March 30th, 2009
4:05 pm
In your face, Renegator! Lose that game nothin’!
18 Wheels of Love
March 30th, 2009
4:05 pm
Buffalo NY Fan, good point, wonder how they handle that?
tmenerey
March 30th, 2009
4:05 pm
Calm down MMenerey. Bobbys the best manager in baseball. You have to put the hottest hitters in a row when you have younger talent in the line up. Schafers is prob going to be streaky at first just like KJ and Escobar were.
kirkinga
March 30th, 2009
4:06 pm
I think the biggest question isn’t who bats leadoff, but who bats 9th?
Placing Schafer in that spot is the easiest decision right now because let’s face it, the veterans would see being placed in that spot differently than a rookie. If Francouer had continued to struggle, he would’ve gone there with all justification and Schafer batting leadoff wouldn’t have been a big deal.
If Schafer remains in the 9th spot all season, it will be a good thing only because it will likely mean that everyone above him is having a good year.
I don’t know what’s wrong with Acosta. I’m worried about him making the team now. I still say, except for a few games in June, he was effective in a good way last season.I wonder if he’s hurting and not saying anything?
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
4:06 pm
Hope everyone is right about Schafer….scares the heck out of me trading away an option in CF.
Mike S
March 30th, 2009
4:06 pm
Mark in Indy, good point on Lowe and Vazquez being split up. Not sure if Bobby had that in mind or not, but I think that will be a nice benefit of that order.
Schafer for ROY
March 30th, 2009
4:07 pm
Speaking of all these outfielders whats going on with
Luis Sumoza
Gorkys Hernandez
Cody Johnson?
Braves Aficionado
March 30th, 2009
4:07 pm
Shaefer’s Rakers
'Cusetown Bravos
March 30th, 2009
4:07 pm
Gotta disagree Buffalo. It gives the Braves and extra arm….I am pretty sure he will be on the DL, they may pay him the roster bonus if it was written into his contract that way
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
4:07 pm
Speaking of ground rule doubles….they need to do away with that rule…or more like…amend it. You should not penalize a team…with a fast runner on first. Umps should have discretion.
SoWeGa Fanatic
March 30th, 2009
4:08 pm
“SoWeGa. Nice use of “wronger”.”
Totally intentional, I assure you (this time).
JTLUK
March 30th, 2009
4:09 pm
Hey Kirk, are you serious? Wouldn’t the pitcher bat 9th?
tmenerey
March 30th, 2009
4:09 pm
most of the time in the NL the pitcher hits 9th. Just letting you know
Steve McP
March 30th, 2009
4:09 pm
Blanco has not had many ST at bats because he was tearing it up in the WBC.
MMenerey
March 30th, 2009
4:10 pm
Tomahawk, I’m not saying Blanco is the CF, I’m just saying we don’t know for sure Schafer is. Its called economics and they did send Hanson down. I’m not saying Schafer isn’t better, I’ve actually never seen the kid play, but I have seen Blanco. I’m just not going to start praising somebody based on 4 weeks in spring training. Yes, I do think he is going to be good, but I’m not going to get all hyped up over spring training. I hope the kid wins ROY and we trade Blanco if he is ready.
KC
March 30th, 2009
4:10 pm
The Man, since taking over the closer’s role several years ago in Pittsburgh, Gonzalez has done nothing be match the most dominant closer’s in baseball pitch for pitch. Even last year, after returning from TJ surgery mid-season – not yet at 100%, he converted 14 of 16 save opps. This is a guy who carried a 39 consecutive save streak into last season.
And with MANY closers, you have to completely throw out whatever they do in the spring. It’ means nothing. LESS than nothing. However, closers will often get sharp toward the end of spring. Have you noticed Gonzo’s last two outings? There is absolutely no reason whatsoever to expect Gonzalez to be anything other than one of the best closers in the league. Period.
Moylan is coming off surgery. Sure. But there hasn’t been one word of even the slightest arm trouble this spring, and he’s been brilliant.
Blaine Boyer was an excellent reliever for us through about 50 games last year, before hitting “the wall”. The number of times he was not only brought into games last year, but also had to be warming up in the pen, was completely unreasonable to ask of a rookie. But he will benefit from having a couple more guys around him this year in a bullpen that won’t be taxed by a lack of starter innings, as it was last year.
And since we’ve already established (from your Gonzalez comment) that you put a lot of stock in spring performances… you should be excited about what Boyer’s done this spring.
Buddy Carlyle is a role player, but a good one. He’s a very solid long-reliever.
As for Campillo… a 3.91 ERA isn’t bad at all these days. It’s good, actually. Of course, he started for much of the year. His bullpen ERA was under 3.00 for the season.
And Soriano has always been top-notch when he’s on the mound. It’s just a question of whether or not he’s healthy.
tmenerey
March 30th, 2009
4:10 pm
Enter your comments here
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
4:10 pm
Looks like Garret Anderson is ready to go for the regular season. 2 for 3 BB and RBI
Random
March 30th, 2009
4:10 pm
Wayne in Utah (2:22 pm): “McFann
“Does that McDouble come with double meat, double cheese or both?”
Neither — just double buns.
SoWeGa Fanatic
March 30th, 2009
4:11 pm
“Braves win!”? Hold on here. I thought we were told the Braves lost this game, of course. Oh, well, another pessimist looks like an idiot.
Champman33
March 30th, 2009
4:11 pm
Thanks for reality Gaydor
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.
N8
March 30th, 2009
4:11 pm
kirkinga, I disagree with you. For starters, it would be the 8th spot, not 9th (other than inter-league games using the DH).
But I don’t think some veteran guys would be that bummed by it. All of them know, that the 8th spot requires some patience, knowing that pitchers are going to often pitch around the 8th place hitter to get to the pitcher.
Obviously, Chipper, McCann and Escobar are NOT going to hit there. The logical person, is KJ or Kotchman, IMO.
I think if Schafer hits at all, the lead-off spot is where he needs to be, allowing his speed to be utilized. Of course, it could get used in the 8th hole as well, with guys like KJ and Escobar knocking him in.
But like I said, the kid might just be too impatient (trying to impress and prove he belongs) to bat 8th.
Another option (when he plays), is Matt Diaz in the 8-hole.
But to me, it comes down to KJ or Schafer flip-flopping between the leadoff and 8th spot in the order. the rest is pretty well set, IMO.
rammerjammer
March 30th, 2009
4:11 pm
And as a Jordan’s Jungle bonus, now you have another good reason to wear your camo gear to the game.
It’s a win-win.
Schafer Obliterator
March 30th, 2009
4:12 pm
I am the greatest CF….
Jeff321
March 30th, 2009
4:12 pm
kirkinga
I think Acosta needs a change of scenery and a new pitching coach.. He seems to have good stuff sometimes but is way too unreliable. And frankly, the major league club isn’t a spot for on the job training. (In other words, I would much rather see anyone else “give it up” than Acosta because with him, its expected.)
MMenerey
March 30th, 2009
4:13 pm
Let Schafer lead off. KJ rakes in the bottom of the order when he is allowed to hack. Schafer needs to be able to take walks, not worry about RBIs.
ncscoots
March 30th, 2009
4:13 pm
Glavine will not start the year on the DL. He is due a roster bonus for starting the season on the active roster, and Atlanta will pay him that.
I think the contract just calls for him to make the active roster, no time frame on when. In other words, he makes that bonus his first day on the 25-man, regardless of when it occurs. My understanding, anyway.
Jersey Gil
March 30th, 2009
4:14 pm
Schafer for ROY ….Gorky Gonzalez: Class A Myrtle beach
Luis Somoza : Class A Rome
Cody Johnson: Class A Rome
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 30th, 2009
4:15 pm
How did Acosta and the Irishman look today?
I assume Logan goes down and the Irsihman is the loogy……..
How did Froggy look against Daitsuke
Renegator
March 30th, 2009
4:15 pm
Champman33:
Those Braves really showed me. They only lost 7 out of the last 10 instead of 8 out of 10. Wow. I’m ready to buy my World Series tickets now…
sri
March 30th, 2009
4:16 pm
Jersey Gil,
The 5th starter(Glavine) is not needed until Apr19th. DOB said a couple of blogs ago, that Glavine will start the season on the DL (am not sure about the bonus issue). So the plan is to start the season with 4 starters and 8 relievers. When Glavine is activated from the DL, one of the relievers will be sent down. (5 starters/7 relievers). And I think the roster will be what you suggested. (with Logan being sent down on Apr 19).
tmenerey
March 30th, 2009
4:17 pm
we need to find a way to split up some of the lefties in the line up. KJ, Anderson, Mac, Kotch, Schafer. Your looking at 4 of them batting somewhere 4-8. thats a lot of lefties back to back. not good for when we see Hammels or Santana
McFann :Ô:
March 30th, 2009
4:18 pm
Wayne–
Oh it is! Very very good…
But it’s gotta be on a sesame seed bun…regular buns just don’t make it.
MMenerey
March 30th, 2009
4:19 pm
With pitchers able to go past the 6th this year, our bullpen will be a very strong point of our team. Garrett Anderson will be an exceptional pickup as a team leader and a smart hitter behind CJones. McCann, KJ and Escobar will only get better. Franceour cannot possible (it’s serious impossible) to be worse than last year. Kotchman should hit 8th and should put up decent numbers w/ minimal power (15 hrs). The big difference will be the backup catcher. Last year, our backup catchers were the worst catchers in all of baseball (8 f-ing hits, seriously!) Ross will easily win a couple of games for us with his bat. Our bench is very good. This team will surprise people this year. We will battle for the NLEast crown. Remember, Hanson is already ready to come up and Huddy may be ready in September if any starters are struggling. Our depth is our strength.
Champman33
March 30th, 2009
4:21 pm
Renegator
Buy me one as well i will bring the beer!
KC
March 30th, 2009
4:21 pm
DOB, who all did Gonzo strike out in the 9th?
tmenerey
March 30th, 2009
4:21 pm
what r we going to do when huddy is ready in sept. Release glavine??what if hanson is blowing away AAA by the end of may?
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
4:21 pm
He struck out MINOR LEAGUERS!!!!
Chicago Brave
March 30th, 2009
4:22 pm
How bout “Shafe’s Waifs”?
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
4:22 pm
Hudson is not going to pitch for the braves this year.
MMenerey
March 30th, 2009
4:23 pm
Schafer, Escobar, CJones, Anderson, McCann, Frenchy, KJ, Kotchman. Can’t split them up any more. We only have 2! WOW. Prado, Omar and Ross are righties. The good thing is 2 of our lefties crush lefties (McCann and KJ)
Champman33
March 30th, 2009
4:23 pm
Hudson will pitch for the Braves this year!
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 30th, 2009
4:24 pm
tmenerey – Doesnt KJ, Garret and the Schafer kid hit LH pitching quite well ?
ncscoots
March 30th, 2009
4:24 pm
thats a lot of lefties back to back. not good for when we see Hammels or Santana
I imagine that’s why you’ll see Diaz and maybe even some Infante action against LH starters.
Re Schafer’s batting position, I don’t think he’s actually hit leadoff that much in the minors (someone can spot me on that, if they have the time). He’s hit 3 most of the time I’ve seen him, as I remember.
Tomahawk210
March 30th, 2009
4:25 pm
Blanco had his chance last year and we all know how that turned out. It’s time for Schafer to show what he can do. If it was a competition like they said it was then we know who the CF is, and besides I’ve seen Schafer play about 5 games and his defense is second to none in CF. The more major league pitcher he faces and studies the better his offense will get. He has earned his place as the starting CF-no doubt about it. Also everyone in the clubhouse has said this kid is a spark that is needed for the team and his work ethic is crazy. This kid wants to succeed, you can see it when he plays.
Justin
March 30th, 2009
4:25 pm
I’m guessing this has already been discussed here, but I must have missed it. According to Heyman, “Cole Hamels’ elbow is feeling better and he’s shooting to pitch April 10 in the Phillies’ second series at Colorado.” So we dodged a bullet on opening day…
MMenerey
March 30th, 2009
4:25 pm
MFin04 – I thought he was already throwing off the mound! Not pitching, but throwing.
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 30th, 2009
4:25 pm
How about Schafer’s strafers
Jordan
March 30th, 2009
4:26 pm
Definitely voting for Schafer’s Gayfers. Thanks for the good laugh on that one. I can see the wrist-chop at the Chop House!
Original Jon
March 30th, 2009
4:26 pm
MFin04, how do you know Hudson is not going to pitch for the Braves this year?
MMenerey
March 30th, 2009
4:27 pm
No, I wanted Hamels on opening night. Hamels v Lowe, I was getting excited.
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
4:27 pm
I just dont see them rushing Hudson…there wont be a need with all the starting pitching we have.
the man
March 30th, 2009
4:29 pm
KC.
No arguments on Gonzo. Performing better.
moylan is good hope because he has been good in the past.
but the rest of those guys are a big question mark?
a big one!
there is potential. lets just hope
GSU-Lee
March 30th, 2009
4:29 pm
Can we just cheer on Jordan Schafer without attaching a stupid nickname?
MMenerey
March 30th, 2009
4:29 pm
2010 starting rotation: Hudson, Lowe, Vasquez, JJ, Hanson, Kawakami (Glavine retires), Parr, Marek
What? A 6 man rotation? It really is hard having alot of good starters! Finally.
KC
March 30th, 2009
4:29 pm
Renagator, you’re taking recent losses too seriously.
With as few at-bats as Chipper, McCann, G.Anderson, and to a lesser extent, Kotchman have had… BC hasn’t been able to get a look at anything resembling his opening day lineup until right about now.
And a lot of bullpen runs have been surrendered by guys who aren’t going to be on the 25 man roster when all is said and done (like Acosta today).
The lineup and bullpen will be fine, and the rotation looks damn good. Relax.
Roja
March 30th, 2009
4:30 pm
Acosta gave it his best 2008 shot but we won it anyway. Woohoo….
MMenerey
March 30th, 2009
4:30 pm
I’m with GSU-Lee.
Original Jon
March 30th, 2009
4:31 pm
Ummm, yeah, I guarantee if the Braves are in first place and Huddy can pitch effectively in September, then he will be in there giving guys like Glavine and Kawakami days off to preserve them for the playoffs, and he could be a long reliever in the pen as well, now that definitely makes the pen better right there. So dont say you dont see them rushing him when he will be 12 months into the surgery by August 2nd.
MMenerey
March 30th, 2009
4:31 pm
The NL East race is going to be tough, but I seriously don’t see the Mets in it. Am I missing something?
Original Jon
March 30th, 2009
4:32 pm
MMenerey, that is an 8 man rotation you just listed.
Random
March 30th, 2009
4:32 pm
Andy K. (2:43 pm): “Detroit was expecting Darrow to pitch in the bigs this year, too, so we potentially did well in the deal.”
Oh, yeah?
So how come he’s only pitched 2 and a third innings this spring?
2.1 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 1 SO, 1 ER, 3.86 ERA, 2.14 WHIP, 40 total pitches.
MMenerey
March 30th, 2009
4:32 pm
I just added the good minor leaguers, my rotation stopped after Glavine retired. Sorry, bad post.
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
4:32 pm
They wont use Hudson in the pen…and if they need another arm…its going to be Hanson…no need to use Hudson at all.
N Nine (eta6)
March 30th, 2009
4:33 pm
MLB.com has a headline “top rookies may not start season in Majors” Has ten pictures. Schafer’s is the goofiest of all!!