Smoltz back in Braves camp … sort of
That was then....
Orlantokyopolis, Fla. – Greetings from the Japan section of Epcot. Wish you could be … what’s that? Oh.
Greetings from Champion Stadium, where we have about 75 media members who’ve turned out today to welcome John Smoltz back to … wait, what’s that? Oh.
Welcome to Champion Stadium, where 50 or so members of the Japanese media and a couple of dozen American ink-stained wretches are all set to watch the Pacific Rim pitching showdown, with Boston’s Daisuke “Dice-K” Matsuzaka to face Braves newbie Kenshin Kawakami in a matchup of former Japanese League pitching stars.
Oh, and that old dude Smoltz showed up, too.
For the first time in a long time, Smoltz was in an environment where only a few reporters were actually interested in talking to him. Not that he’s not a big story in Boston, because he is, or has been.
But Boston media have already done their updates on every step of his rehab process to date, and this is the former Braves Bearded Icon’s first visit to Dark Star and first time seeing many of his former teammates since he opted to sign with the Red Sox on Jan. 13, instead of returning (for less money) to the Braves, the only team he ever pitched for in 20 seasons in the majors.
Smoltz, who’s rehabbing from June shoulder surgery and targeted for a June 1 return to the majors, traveled to Orlando for today’s game so he could see his old teammates and so he could play golf this afternoon with his pal, Tiger Woods, who staged a big comeback from five strokes down to win Sunday at Bay Hill.
Smoltz was driving to Orlando Sunday, so he didn’t get to see Tiger’s feat on TV. But he asked reporters for details this morning, laughing as he explained that he’d tell Tiger he saw the whole thing.
... this is now.
At about 8 a.m. Monday, Smoltz, who turns 42 in May, cruised into the Braves clubhouse, tanned and fit (he’s been lifting more weights during his rehab) and wearing a Michigan State shirt after his favorite college team beat my alma mater on Friday (thankfully, Michigan State then beat Louisville yesterday to advance to the Final Four — hey, if my Jayhawks had to lose, I’d prefer they lose to the eventual national champion). Smoltz changed into a Georgia basketball t-shirt before he came out to the dugout during batting practice, presumably because he needed to have something that matched the red Red Sox shorts he was wearing to work out.
”It’s weird,” Smoltz said of returning to the clubhouse where his presence was once the dominant feature, where his booming voice could be heard every morning as he razzed someone or predicted how badly he was going to beat someone on the golf course that afternoon, or whatever.
”Any time you’ve been somewhere and known a lot of guys — I’ve known Chipper forever, and known Glavine forever — you miss it. You go back to all the times you had.
Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment. “I’ll always be a part of it. But now, more or less, for it to work for me, you move on. Sometimes I get caught up in the ‘us,’ make the mistake there. I’ve got to remember not to make that mistake, because they bust my chops. I used to do it with other guys — ‘Let it go, let it go’ — so I’m very cautious.”
For those who’ve forgotten the details, the Braves offered less than half of the $5.5 million guarantee the Red Sox gave Smoltz, though the incentive packages offered by the two teams, if maxed out, would’ve resulted in similar amounts of total pay.
In other words, the Braves were willing to pay him almost as much to pitch well for them as the Red Sox were, but wouldn’t pay nearly as much if he wasn’t able to come back and pitch after last summer’s shoulder surgery.
So far, Smoltz looks like he might be able to make it back and pitch as well as the Red Sox envision. They want the winningest postseason pitcher in history to help them in the stretch drive and the postseason, assuming they get there.
That’s why they put Smoltz on a conservative rehab program designed to have him back on June 1, even though everyone who saw him pitch off the mound this week agrees with Smoltz, that he could be back a lot sooner than that if they wanted him to be.
”I knew there was going to be a slowdown process [mandated by Red Sox medical staff] after I signed, so that’s the reason I’m at the point I’m at now,” Smoltz said. “They wanted to maximize that time [to rehab cautiously]. If I’ve been proud of anything, I’ve been most proud that I’ve really waited.
”I’ve really learned to wait, and trust their program, and engage when I have time to engage, and not do too much.”
Mark Kotsay, a Braves teammate fo Smoltz’s for most of last season, is his teammate again in Boston. Kotsay, rehabbing from another back surgery and expected to play in May, stood in the batter’s box Saturday when Smoltz had his second bullpen session with the Red Sox.
Kotsay came away saying Smoltz could get major league hiters out right now.
”Great,” Smoltz described the bullpen session, which came a few days after he’d described his first session as “awkward,” a session that included a ball slipping from his hand in mid-delivery and fluttering past his face.
”My first [bullpen] went great,” he explained. “I just approached it with way too much, uh … the best way I can describe it is, I thought it was going to be like riding a bike. Awkward was the best word I could say, the ball came out good, but my timing — it felt like I’d never been on the mound before.
”My second one was great. I threw all five pitches, got through the zone, so that part was good. So now I just throw bullpens every three days and wait my time.”
Braves manager Bobby Cox said he couldn’t believe how good Smoltz looked when Cox watched him throw off the bullpen back around Christimas. Cox said today he has no doubts Smoltz will be back to pitch, and pitch well, for Boston this summer.
Smoltz had terse words for some Braves officials after his decision (and their reaction to it) in January, and in several interviews he’s done since then. But he sounds now as if he’s moved past any bitterness, at least publicly. He’s been able to turn the page and move on.
”You know, I’m fine,” he said. “I really am. I’m on a whole new plan, in a whole new situation. You get remnants of … I miss the heck out of Orlando. It’s a great place. Any time you spend a lot of time somewhere, it’s great to reminisce.
”But’s it’s going to be like really opposites — I’m not in the same league, not in the same division, so it’s not going to be anything other than a whole new challenge for me. And given the circumstances, now that I’m two months removed, I think of what could have been, and I could be doing nothing right now, realistically.
”So given the way things happened, it’s been a great transition. It really has. And they [Red Sox] have made it great.”
♣ Couple of quick things: We’re running out of time before the first pitch, so I’ll wrap it up by just giving you couple of newsy items…. Charlie Morton (oblique strain) was placed on the DL retroactive to March 27, the maximum a DL assignment can be retro’d in spring training. He hasn’t had a setback, but just missed too much time this spring to be ready for Triple-A Gwinnett’s season opener…. Cox said he hasn’t decided on who’ll hit leadoff, and said there are still a lot of candidates, without going into details. 2B Kelly Johnson is hitting there again today, with CF Jordan Schafer hitting ninth. Josh Anderson, who was presumed the favorite entering spring training to win the CF and leadoff jobs, isn’t playing today. As I wrote yesterday, I think the Braves are going to go with Schafer in CF. Cox said they wouldn’t announce the final roster until Friday or Saturday when the team plays its last two exhibition games against the Tigers at Turner Field…. Talk about an anticlimax: Houston is breaking camp Wednesday and returning to Texas to play an exhibition game at its Round Rock affiliate. The Astros plan to play Double-A players Thursday against the Braves’ big-league club in the Braves’ last Grapefruit game in Florida. The Braves leave for Atlanta after that game. Cox said he’ll probably play his regulars Thursday, but not for long.
The late, great Townes Van Zandt
“TO LIVE IS TO FLY” by Townes Van Zandt
Won’t say I love you, babe,
Won’t say I need you, babe,
But I’m gonna get you babe
And I will not do you wrong.
Living’s mostly wasting time
And I’ll waste my share of mine
But it never feels to good,
So let’s don’t take to long.
You’re soft as glass
And I’m a gentle man;
We got the sky to talk about
And the earth to lie upon.
Days, up and down they come
Like rain on a congadrum
Forget most, remember some
But don’t turn none away.
Everything is not enough
And nothin’ is to much to bear.
Where you been is good and gone
All you keep is the getting there.
To live is to fly
Low and high,
So shake the dust off of your wings
And the sleep out of your eyes.
Goodbye to all my friends
It’s time to go again
Think of all the poetry
And the pickin’ down the line
I’ll miss the system here
The bottom’s low
And the treble’s clear
But it don’t pay to think to much
On things you leave behind.
I will be gone
But it won’t be long
I will be a’bringin’ back the melodies
And rhythm that I find.
We all got holes to fill
Them holes are all that’s real.
Some fall on you like a storm,
Sometimes you dig your own.
The choice is yours to make,
Time is yours to take;
Some sail upon/dive into the sea,
Some toil upon the stone.
To live is to fly
Low and high,
So shake the dust off of your wings
And the sleep out of your eyes;
Shake the dust off of your wings
And the tears out of your eyes.
1,179 comments Add your comment
Epinephrine
March 30th, 2009
1:08 pm
Posted this in the previous one…
KC, I have to take issue with some of your projections. I don’t know how Francoeur’s attainable numbers, despite how happy we all are with his performance this spring, are basically equal to McCann’s attainable numbers.
I think if those are BMac’s numbers, you need to be far more pessimistic with Frenchy. Frankly, I think McCann is capable of putting up far better numbers than you just listed. That would essentially be no real improvement over previous healthy years.
For Jeff, though, I’d say those numbers are in the upper 75% of what we can hope for.
I think the rest of your numbers are reasonable, perhaps trending on optimistic, as to what is attainable.
Jealous Johsnon
March 30th, 2009
1:11 pm
Word has it, Lew’s working on a new masterpiece. Apparently its going to feature Bobby Cox wearing nothing but a jock strap while sportin’ the teeth from that donkey on Hee Haw.
RHR
March 30th, 2009
1:11 pm
Random
March 30th, 2009
1:12 pm
Here’s the Gameday link for today: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2009_03_30_bosmlb_atlmlb_1
Cable TV Scheule:
Tuesday, March 31 @ Astros 7:05 PM CSS
Thursday, April 2 @ Astros 1:05 PM CSS
Friday, April 3 vs Tigers 7:10 PM CSS WGST 640, Project 96.1
Saturday, April 4 vs Tigers 1:10 PM SPSO, MLB.TV WGST 640, Project 96.1
and of course, opening day —
Sunday, April 5 @ Phillies 8:00 PM ESPN2 WGST
And per Jeff321 (11:42 am):
“Quite a few of the games are available on MLB tv’s lame 400K feed.
“For instance:
Tue 7:05 PM Atlanta Braves @ Houston Astros
Thu 1:05 PM Atlanta Braves @ Houston Astros
Fri 7:10 PM Detroit Tigers @ Atlanta Braves”
Wayne in Utah
March 30th, 2009
1:13 pm
Am I one of the few that are not overly curious about any info from the John Smoltz corner? Dude plays somewhere else now. He was with us, but thought he would be better off with more guaranteed money and a better chance at another ring, than to stick with the fans who adored him for so long. (forgetting all the money he “earned” last year while hurt)
Sorry Dave, just not interested in that guy any more….
KC
March 30th, 2009
1:13 pm
I’m sickened by the number of people who think we should give Smoltz a standing ovation as he takes the mound against us in a Red Sox uniform. F**K NO!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t want to rehash all of this, but he had a reasonable offer on the table from the Braves, and he chose to leave. He probably just wanted the best possible shot at one last WS appearance before he retires, and at that time, things weren’t looking good for the Braves. I get that. Still… he chose to walk away.
When Smoltz retires, THEN it will be time to give him a standing ovation for all he did in a Braves uniform. When he stands on the platform at Cooperstown with a Braves cap on, THEN it will be time for Braves fans to give him a standing ovation. But this year, in a Sox uni, not on your life. You should be ashamed of yourself if you give the enemy (and that’s what he’ll be when he returns this year – speaking only in baseball terms, of course).
TnBrian
March 30th, 2009
1:13 pm
Holy SH-!! Almost that entire article was about Smoltz and he didn’t seem to wanna shut the hell up either! We got ya buddy, your gonna be a HOF and we know you could have helped us if your healthy, but dang…get over yourself a little. Still luv Smoltz but he needs to come back down to earth a little.
MattyRoss
March 30th, 2009
1:13 pm
It’s just sad, man, to hear about Smoltzie somewhere else. I’ll be rooting for him. Don’t know if that’s the consensus…
Chop Chop
March 30th, 2009
1:14 pm
Lew,
I saw that, dammit. I like to think we think we think we know what we’re talking about. I know some of us were born wrong, but I think that’s okay. In fact, I know it’s okay because I was born right, I think.
Runnin
March 30th, 2009
1:15 pm
JealousJ, Gee thanks for that image.
Chop Chop
March 30th, 2009
1:15 pm
KC,
What are your “attainable stats” for Smoltz? Make us laugh.
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
1:16 pm
Kakakami (K.K. from here out today) got a strikeout, groundout and pop foul in first inning
Braves went down in order in bottom of first, two flyouts and Chipper grounded out to 1B Youkilis, with the decidedly pro-Red Sox crowd shouting “Yooouk” as he ran to tag first after fielding ball.
Runnin
March 30th, 2009
1:16 pm
Did KK really get out of the 1st on 5 pitches?
i cant take it anymore
March 30th, 2009
1:17 pm
Smoltz jersey for sale.
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
1:17 pm
Inning 1
Top Half
B:0 S:3 O:1 – Rocco Baldelli called out on strikes.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:2 – Dustin Pedroia grounds out, shortstop Yunel Escobar to first baseman Casey Kotchman.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:3 – Jason Bay pops out to third baseman Chipper Jones in foul territory.
timmy
March 30th, 2009
1:18 pm
1:16 pm
Did KK really get out of the 1st on 5 pitches?
No Runnin, I’m quite sure Gameday is giving us the bare-bones style today, and not tracking pitch counts.
Lew
March 30th, 2009
1:18 pm
Word has it that Jealous Johnson has run out of material to masturbate to. Apparently Bobby Cox in a jock strap appeals to him-he’s sure mentioned it often enough.
Josh H
March 30th, 2009
1:19 pm
While I don’t mean to talk too much about Smoltz on a Braves blog, but…
Smoltz is incapable of ever being booed at Turner Field. Just won’t happen. Not to mention if he were to pitch here, the Sox would be, and they would outnumber the Braves fans anyways…
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
1:19 pm
See how much faster DOB is than MLB, more than half an inning!
Kelly's Johnson
March 30th, 2009
1:19 pm
you can’t blame smoltz for wanting to build generational wealth. he just doesn’t want his kids or their kids to ever have to work. nothing wrong with that.
Willy Wally
March 30th, 2009
1:20 pm
In honor of Smoltz, when he comes back, I won’t applaude or boo, I’ll just bloviate the entire game. I suggest the rest of you join me. It will be interesting to see fifty thousand bloviators in the stands, taking themselves far more seriously than anyone else takes them.
Jersey Gil
March 30th, 2009
1:20 pm
Weather Update from Philadelphia Opening Day.
Sunday: Sunny High 60’s Low 41..At Game time 47..
Monday: Cold Rain In Morning, Rain Night
Tuesday: Rain High 41 (rain must of the Day)
Wednesday: Rain, Posible Light Snow in the Morning.
Lew
March 30th, 2009
1:20 pm
Chop Chop-Justr keeping you alert Dude. You know we’re friends.
ncscoots
March 30th, 2009
1:20 pm
I think the rest of [KC's] numbers are reasonable, perhaps trending on optimistic, as to what is attainable.
I think we might need class on the definition of “perhaps”. Anytime you see one of those 10-paragraph overviews from KC, you can boil it down to “The Braves are better than anybody at every position, and each player will have a career year. At least.”
Not that there is anything wrong with that perspective, of course. HA!
Wayne in Utah
March 30th, 2009
1:21 pm
It really sucks for the visiting team to get more cheers than the home team!
Chop Chop
March 30th, 2009
1:22 pm
Hey, what the hell is this mess?
Looks like that penny I had on Calipari is looking pretty shiny right now.
DAP
March 30th, 2009
1:22 pm
KC, chill man. it happened, its over. folks can cheer smoltz and still hope he gets rocked. (i do) i really miss him to be honest.
smoltz is who he is. he loves attention, loves being in the spotlight (this is one reason he is so great, by the way). he went to the sox because he wanted to, because the braves couldnt pay him what they could. its sad, but thats what happened. im thinking that im either going to be cheering, or at least giving some polite applause.
Epinephrine
March 30th, 2009
1:22 pm
Nscoots, true. But I read the post as to what was “attainable”, not what was likely to happen. Maybe 60th percentile or something. It would be a miracle if the Braves put those numbers up. But I wouldn’t be surprised, absent Frenchy, if any one player put those numbers up.
lewie
March 30th, 2009
1:23 pm
GOZIRRRRAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chop Chop
March 30th, 2009
1:24 pm
I’m unusually alert today, Lew. I’m thinking that it’s time for a nap.
ncscoots
March 30th, 2009
1:24 pm
Southern gentlemen do not bloviate in public, sir. It just isn’t done.
i cant take it anymore
March 30th, 2009
1:24 pm
nice one, willy wally
Runnin
March 30th, 2009
1:25 pm
Actually, there’s a lot wrong with kids growing up not having to work. Ever met anybody like that? They don’t usually turn out very well.
KC
March 30th, 2009
1:25 pm
Epinephrine, I won’t disagree that McCann’s probably capable of more. But I also think he’ll get a few more days off this year (now that Corky is no longer his back up), don’t you?
Francoeur and Schafer are the only 2 positions in the lineup where I think “optimism” came into play (though well justified, I think) at all in my guesses. Everything else is pretty well just math-based, working from their recent numbers.
But obviously, we have nothing to go on with Schafer, other than what we think he’s capable of (in practical terms) this year. I think Schafer is probably capable of numbers better than those, but we’ll know soon enough, I’m sure.
As for Francoeur, to repeat what I said in the last blog…
what I’ve seen from Francoeur this spring has made me a believer. 110%. I expected him to bounce back. I expect him to be better… but I didn’t expect him to be an entirely different hitter.
He’s looked more like Chipper this spring than the Frenchy of old. He’s shown off a GREAT eye, swinging at NOTHING out of the strikezone… driving pitches where they’re thrown, rather than trying to pull everything. 7 walks, 2 strikeouts… dude has not only turned it around, but has really matured as a hitter. Because what happened last year forced him to change, his ‘08 season might wind up being the best thing that ever happened to his career.
I actually think Franceour is VERY capable of putting up numbers better than the ones I listed for him this year. Based on what I’m seeing from him this spring, the numbers I threw out there were, IMO, relatively conservative.
Lew
March 30th, 2009
1:26 pm
Scoots-Jealous Johnson does.
Jealous Johnson
March 30th, 2009
1:26 pm
Lew, you do realize bragging about getting your ’stroke on’ makes me think you’re just an old dirty pervert.
i cant take it anymore
March 30th, 2009
1:26 pm
john smoltz says Boston’s rotation is more “october ready” than the Yankee’s.
Kentavo
March 30th, 2009
1:26 pm
Remember how Smoltzie got shelled by the Marlins in his return to the rotation?
Let’s hope Braves can get an early swipe at him, too when Beantowners come to visit The Ted.
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
1:26 pm
K.K. froze Dusty Brown with that big ol’ Uncle Charlie curve. Struck him out looking to end inning with two on
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
1:28 pm
The first inning, by the way, was seven strikes in just nine pitches for Kawakami
RHR
March 30th, 2009
1:28 pm
I’m with you Matty. I’m a big picture kind of person.
And honestly? The few articles the ajc has mentioned Smoltz aren’t nearly as annoying as the almost daily Francouer update’s we’ve gotten every other day in the ajc sports section. ie…
Francouer hasn’t struck out this year!
Francouer reveals winter workout regime!
Frenchy got a new dog!
Francouer plays golf!
Breaking down Francouer’s new stance.
Francouer plays golf!
Francouer goes to Disney World!
Francouer: Not going to suck this year!
Francouer plays golf!
Francouer takes a walk!
Francouer steals a base!
Francouer hits a homer!
I mean, pretty soon they’re gonna have to replace those A’s on the teams hats with F’s.
Kelly's Johnson
March 30th, 2009
1:28 pm
oh, i know runnin, i was being very sarcastic
22oz
March 30th, 2009
1:29 pm
It doesn’t really matter if Braves fans boo or cheer Smoltz if he comes back to Turner Field during the Red Sox series, the place will be so overrun with bandwagon Red Sox fans that you won’t be able to hear any Braves fans.
KC
March 30th, 2009
1:29 pm
ncscoots, DING DING DING DING DING DING!!!!! We have a winner!!!!!
I was wondering who would be the first person to issue a blanket dismissal of the “attainable numbers” I threw out, without offering any sort of explanation or rebuttal of specific numbers. You’re the first!!! For that, you win a homemade dish I call “fruity fudge”. I’ll be mailing you your prize in an envelope made of kittenhide. =)
McFann :Ô:
March 30th, 2009
1:29 pm
Thanks for the new Blog, Chief!
Bubdylan–
Sorry…
Lew
March 30th, 2009
1:30 pm
Jealous Johnson-Seems your the one shooting for bragging rights. Been listening to Billy Squier or something-”you could be a winner BOy, you move mighty well.”
Hey I usually prefer to paint naked women for fantasies’ sake, but if you really want that Bobby/Jock strap painting, I guess it’s to each their own. You ight want to look for another artist though. I’m still learning to draw something other than stick figures. I’m getting the impression you really like sticks, though.
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
1:30 pm
David Ross has looked like a pretty darn good catcher and hitter so far from what I’ve seen.
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
1:30 pm
Smoltz on seeing Glavine this morning: ” I looked down and saw him on the training room table today. I said, ‘OK, you’re right where you need to be.’”
On what he’s heard of Glavine’s comeback so far: “Blowing ‘em away,” he said, smiling. “I mean, Jamie Moyer’s got nothing on him.”
bravos2249
March 30th, 2009
1:31 pm
I’m not saying I’ll boo but essentially,though Glavine was younger, Smoltz and he left for the same type of reason…money. The stipulations that apply to both are different, as Smoltz won’t pitch til June and our pitching didn’t take a hit…unlike Glavine supposing to be ready for the Mets opening day and hurt our rotation.
In other words if Glavine was booed, there’s no saying Smoltz won’t be booed, if he even pitches against us in June. Most likely he will cause we face the Red Sox 6 times…but he may not face us in Atlanta. Heck by the time we face him he could be still on the DL. But to say it’s positive he won’t get booed is crazy.
John Smoltz
March 30th, 2009
1:33 pm
I like me.
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
1:33 pm
Mac walked, then G. Anderson singles to right for his first hit, which RF Lin could’ve caught it if not slipped coming in. But it was a well-hit ball.
ncscoots
March 30th, 2009
1:33 pm
Run Heap, the high level and incredible depth of annoyance per Smoltz article has tended to outweigh the mere quantity of the Francoeur annoyance, LOL. But I get what you’re saying…
John Smoltz
March 30th, 2009
1:33 pm
I golf with Tiger.
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
1:33 pm
Francoeur strikes out, his third K of the spring. Does it with two on and none out.
Now Kotchman’s up
KC
March 30th, 2009
1:34 pm
DAP, I’m just saying that now is not the time to cheer him. Not when he’s wearing the other team’s uniform. If a player is traded against his will… well, that might be a little different, but that’s not the case.
I think Braves fans need to wait until he’s no longer wearing the other team’s uniform to cheer for him. As I said, when he’s retired and there’s a ceremony before a home game to retire his jersey and recognize all he did a Braves jersey… THEN it will be time to cheer from him. But not now. Not when he’s out there wearing the other team’s uniform, trying to beat our team.
John Smoltz
March 30th, 2009
1:34 pm
Bobby likes me too.
Chop Chop
March 30th, 2009
1:36 pm
If you’re gonna mock the Smoltzie ego, go with this:
Tiger Woods: I golf with John Smoltz.
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
1:37 pm
Kotchman 5-3 pop up DP when G. Anderson wanders off base absentmindedly
John "The Bloviator Downstairs" Smoltz
March 30th, 2009
1:37 pm
Southern gentlemen do not bloviate in public, sir. It just isn’t done. (scoots)
So says you. Not a minute went by for twenty years without me bloviating, and I consider myself the finest genteleman the South has ever known. Correst that. The finest, most Christianest, most Southernest, most gentlemanest number three starter MLB has ever known
Heath
March 30th, 2009
1:37 pm
Ohman to the Braves! AM 790!
glove51
March 30th, 2009
1:37 pm
DOB: are you aware of the new Steve Erale CD coming out soon (either April or May) for which he is doing covers of TVZ’s tunes he was most influenced by?
I also saw Bob Dylan has a new disc out in May.
So, some good tnes are on the way.
Runnin
March 30th, 2009
1:38 pm
DOB, could you kindly send some green tea to the guys doing the Gameday updates?
Mr. Blue
March 30th, 2009
1:38 pm
DING DING DING DING DING DING!!!!! -KC
How many Dings is that?
Lew
March 30th, 2009
1:38 pm
I think I’ll go work on those Stick Figures some more (clothed, that is). Jealous, you can go back to playing with yourself. Practice makes perfect.
ncscoots
March 30th, 2009
1:39 pm
KC, good grief, man, I’ve issued “blanket dismissals” of every prediction you’ve ever made, LOL. No reason to get in a tizzy over the semantics of “attainable”.
I guess I’d be a little more inclined to treat these best-case scenarios with a less-jaundiced eye had I ever seen you post a worst-case one, you know?
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
1:39 pm
I’m not believing what song they just played on the stadium PA between innings. Springsteen’s Born in the USA. Think of the lyrics, think of today’s crowd (the Japanese portion of the crowd)…. Oh, well.
Tomahawk210
March 30th, 2009
1:39 pm
Heath
What are you talking about?
winterville
March 30th, 2009
1:42 pm
turning japanese
ease19
March 30th, 2009
1:43 pm
And Smoltz is still talking! Jeez
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
1:44 pm
The MLB Gameday guys…run down to the snack stand after every pitch and out. Its free since they work for MLB.
Sethual Healing
March 30th, 2009
1:44 pm
Yeah, Heath. What Tomahawk210 said.
Bubdylan
March 30th, 2009
1:44 pm
DOB, tell me it wasn’t the Gap Band… that’s the worst I can think of…
18 Wheels of Love
March 30th, 2009
1:44 pm
I am sure it was Turning Japanese but I wish they would play domo arigato mr roboto…
Spider29
March 30th, 2009
1:44 pm
DOB, thanks for the new blog and the words from John Smoltz. I know lots of folks here are so bitter about his departure and his words since. But he is still one of my favorites. He was a great Brave and deserves to have a standing O when he returns to Turner Field. I thought the same about Glavine when he came back with the Mets, even though it was hard seeing him in the NY uniform. But to me, the standing ovation is a sign that we all appreciated him and what he meant to the Braves for so long. I know my stance will rile many posters here and that isn’t my intention. Smoltz, Glavine and Maddux were the main reasons why the Braves were so good for so long. I don’t have a problem giving an ovation to guys like that.
LOL, History Repeats Itself
March 30th, 2009
1:45 pm
Francouer hasn’t struck out this year!
Francouer reveals winter workout regime!
Frenchy got a new dog!
Francouer plays golf!
Breaking down Francouer’s new stance.
Francouer plays golf!
Francouer goes to Disney World!
Francouer: Not going to suck this year!
Francouer plays golf!
Francouer takes a walk!
Francouer steals a base!
Francouer hits a homer!
LOL! Somebody else sees it. Like I said on the previous blog; the AJC Braves’ page’s article list reads like bad spam e-mail subject lines in regards to Francoeur.
Francoeur gets extra base hit!
Francoeur having good time!
Francoeur goes 0-4, helps team win anyways!
Braves win again, Francoeur
Fans’ worries silenced by Francoeur
Wolfman
March 30th, 2009
1:45 pm
This song? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFojdQ8d7DY
Couch Tater
March 30th, 2009
1:45 pm
…do not bloviate in public.
Were you talking about another blogger or Smoltz? In any event, thanks for the new Scrabble word.
Threadkiller
March 30th, 2009
1:45 pm
Tom; I think Heath is talking about the sign and trade deal the Dodgers and Braves just pulled off! The Dodgers signed Ohman for 1yr @ 1.5m. The dodgers then traded him to the Braves for Hansen, Shafer, and JJ…
18 Wheels of Love
March 30th, 2009
1:45 pm
Jimmy Gobble anyone?
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
1:45 pm
GLAVINE on SMOLTZ returning to old stomping grounds: “We have a lot in common in that regard. It’s strange. You still have days where you come in here and you’re waiting for him to walk in. It’s strange not having him here, and I’m sure for him it’s strange being back here, and there’s a lot of thoughts and emotions that are going through his head being back here.
“It’s a little weird for everybody. I’ve been talking to him a little bit.”
Glavine on their time together in their heyday with Braves: “That’s be the time that I most remember, obviously. It was fun because we were winning. And because of all the fun we had off the field. I mean, it’s pretty rare that you’re able to be around two other guys that are that good, and kind of share the same experiences and whatnot, and be able to stay together that long. In this day and age, it’s next to impossible to do.
“But to have that camaraderie on the field that we had and then to be able to have the fun playing golf and everything that we did off the field, it was pretty special.”
On possibly going into the Hall of Fame together: “Not with Greg [Maddux] unless he comes back. But I think there’s a chance [with John]. I don’t know what his plans are, and I don’t know how much longer I’m gonna play, but I would venture to say that neither one of us has much more than a year or two left, so there’s a pretty good chance. It’s be neat. It’d be fun.”
Where he places Smoltz among pitchers he’s seen, played with or played against: “Well, I mean, he’s the kind of guy that if you had to win one game, he’d certainly be on the top of my list of guys I would pick, at least in our day and age. He’s as good a big-game pitcher as you’re ever going to see. And fortunately, we got to see a lot of it.”
DAP
March 30th, 2009
1:45 pm
KC
but is it because he is wearing another uniform, or because of the situation surrounding him leaving?
because ive been at games where people have gone crazy for former players, like julio franco or greg maddux.
so, it shouldnt be just because he is wearing another uniform.
if its because of how he left….first of all, why would it be different after he retires, and second, i think people need to just come to terms with it. i dont see it as an act of betrayal by either party. both the braves and smoltz just did what they thought was best for them.
DOB…what song was it?
ncscoots
March 30th, 2009
1:46 pm
DOB…no, they didn’t! Did they? What idiot-marketing-guy-soon-to-be-copying-his-resume thought that one up? Holy Cornelia.
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
1:47 pm
LOL, good thing you’re not obsessed with a subject as much as you claim the AJC is…
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
1:48 pm
DOB: I have no idea what song they played was…but if not in good taste, maybe you should say something to them so it won’t happen again. I have one adopted granddaughter from Russia, another from China…and I sure wouldn’t want them embarrassed/humiliated by something like that. But, maybe, I missed the point.
Coastal
March 30th, 2009
1:48 pm
Don’t mind if anyone cheers for John while wearing a BoSox jersey. I think Wren could have made a better effort to keep him. Perhaps I don’t have the best view on these things though because I think we should have never brought back Tommy. I’d still like to see that bum on I-95 back to NY.
18 Wheels of Love
March 30th, 2009
1:48 pm
When I was little I thought that song was saying ‘the dirty japanese’. true story.
flbravesgirl
March 30th, 2009
1:49 pm
Wayne, I have to agree with you. I wouldn’t boo Smoltz but right now I just don’t care to hear so much about him.
RHR
March 30th, 2009
1:50 pm
What was the song? Oh wait, I’ve gotta an idea! Let Jeffy reveal it in his next sports section story! “Francouer’s thoughts on that song they played today in the bottom of the 2nd.”
LOL, History Repeats Itself
March 30th, 2009
1:51 pm
LOL, good thing you’re not obsessed with a subject as much as you claim the AJC is…
Yes, I’ve made an entire three posts (four if you count this one) on the subject…or about two days worth of AJC Francoeur headlines.
Frankie Knucles
March 30th, 2009
1:51 pm
Heath – elaborate!
Tricky Dick
March 30th, 2009
1:51 pm
After all that Smoltz did for Atl baseball, I cannot believe anyone can answer the blog poll to say we should boo him when he returns as a member of the BoSox.
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
1:51 pm
My bad, that wasn’t meant as a quiz, I just forgot to say which song it was. Springsteen’s Born in the USA (I went back and put it in the comment, so if the responses from people immediately after the comment don’t jibe now, that’s why)
TnBrian
March 30th, 2009
1:51 pm
I’m really not sure who DOB writing Glavine/Smoltz quotes appeals to other than certain fans that live in the past. I realize DOB is doing his job and writing what he’s given, but DAMN, I think most fans have had enough of this for a lifetime.
Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1991)
March 30th, 2009
1:52 pm
**DOB**, bigger crowd today for the Sawx or for the Yanks game? I was at Dark Star on Saturday and had not seen the berm that packed in a few years.
18 Wheels of Love
March 30th, 2009
1:52 pm
Smoltz gets the golf clap while he is in another uniform, then he gets the Peechtree Parade with confetti and balloons when he comes back and we retire his number.
18 Wheels of Love
March 30th, 2009
1:53 pm
Born in the USA, that’s a weird choice. Rub it in why don’t cha.
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
1:53 pm
Inning 3
Top Half
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Che-Hsuan Lin singles on a line drive to right fielder Jeff Francoeur.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Rocco Baldelli flies out to left fielder Matt Diaz.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:2 – Dustin Pedroia grounds into a force out, shortstop Yunel Escobar to second baseman Kelly Johnson. Che-Hsuan Lin out at 2nd. Dustin Pedroia to 1st.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:3 – Jason Bay flies out to right fielder Jeff Francoeur.
——————————————————————————–
Bottom Half
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Matt Diaz flies out to center fielder Chip Ambres.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:2 – Jordan Schafer flies out to right fielder Che-Hsuan Lin.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:3 – Kelly Johnson grounds out, second baseman Dustin Pedroia to first baseman Kevin Youkilis.
TnBrian
March 30th, 2009
1:53 pm
Tricky Dicky, you’re insane if you really think that once fans get to the park and see Smoltz that they’ll boo him. Remember, this is in Atl. not NY or Phily.
flange1
March 30th, 2009
1:53 pm
DOB,
Was it The Vapors, Turning Japanese?
The ghost of Will Ohman
March 30th, 2009
1:54 pm
Wolfman
March 30th, 2009
1:54 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXPUkrz7Uow
JP
March 30th, 2009
1:54 pm
glove51
Have you heard the TVZ tribute album with Willie Nelson, Earle, Guy Clark, John Prine, Billy Joe Shaver, etc playing some of his classics? If not, you definitely need to check it out.
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
1:54 pm
TnBrian, I’m tired of the story, too, believe me. But if I hadn’t written about him today, in the first time his team has played the Braves, with Smoltz MAKING THE TRIP despite not being active, then I’d have looked like a fool. I mean, really, I think most of you are savvy enough about how this stuff works to le understand why today, and the trip to Turner Field assuming me makes in in June, are the two times we absolutely have to write about Smoltz this year. Right? The stuff you’ve seen about him on our site previously this spring, that’s been wire-service stories and photos.
ncscoots
March 30th, 2009
1:54 pm
Well, I guess Turning Japanese WOULD have been marginally worse.
Gorky Miller
March 30th, 2009
1:55 pm
I’m for Smoltz coming back after he retires to be involved with the Braves any way he can to help the team – promotionally, etc
Andrew
March 30th, 2009
1:56 pm
DOB,when do you think the braves will announce who starts in center?
bry22
March 30th, 2009
1:56 pm
I loved Smoltz until he ran and ran and ran his mouth after the Braves didn’t offer him as many millions as he wanted. For more than a month I just wished he would shut the heck up. It works both ways with the Braves not offering enough and Smoltz wanting more money. Either one and both could have compromised!
Poopy Pants
March 30th, 2009
1:56 pm
DOB, you never gave us an explanation of Dark Star. What does it mean?
MGL
March 30th, 2009
1:57 pm
If you all are going to bloviate around here, I just might have to titivate.
Cameron
March 30th, 2009
1:57 pm
I grew up playing little league baseball with Franceour, at Mountain Park. I also played against him in high school, me at Brookwood and him at Parkview. I was good and maybe could hvae gone to a college and played if I had stuck with it and stayed out of trouble. There were plenty others who played with us that were good and got a free college education for playing baseball. But, Fanceour was head and shoulders better than all of us. At baseball at least, he was also good at football but not a world beater. While the rest of us were out there partying and chasing women, he was working and getting better. Dude has a great work ethic and wants to be great. I always beleived that he would be a star. I also knew that he would have trouble the first time he started struggling. He had never struggled really at anything related to baseball. Actually, the reason why he is such a free swinger is because he was so good that he could swing at anything growing up and still put good wood on it. I know he struggled some in the minors and got upset. But, he was able to work it out before it became something big. When he started off slow a couple of years ago, it almost became something huge. But, then he turned it around. He wasn’t able to turn it around last year and everything avalanched. It was seriously the first time this guy ever had to experience anything close to failure. I still believed and knew he would work this off-season to get back to where he needs to be. I like his new stance and like the fact that he has stayed with it. I think we can expect big numbers out of him this year. In fact, I drafted him in both of my fantasy leagues. The true test is going to come when he goes into a slump during the regular season. When he does, does he revert back to his old stance? Or, does he stick with ht enew stance and approach? If he sticks with the approach and comes out of the slump, then we will see the point where he starts becoming the player that we drafted him to be. I have not seen KC’s projections yet, but here is what I say:
.278, 26 HRs, 108 RBIs, 45 BBs, 65 Ks
Daniel
March 30th, 2009
1:57 pm
TnBrian- I agree with your sentiments entirely. I love the Braves and therefore Smoltz and Glavine will always be special to me. But, we are starting a new season with new players and a new hope. Some of our problems the last couple of seasons and especially last one was trying to live like it is still 1997. Also, I really am over Smoltz’s comments… I mean I got it “I am so special, everyone loves me, but my feelings get hurt if I don’t get enough love, especially since I ran the Braves for the last 20 years”… Dude is a great pitcher, but man that ego is an ugly thing… I am over it John… Go play for the RedSox and shut your mouth.
Bubdylan
March 30th, 2009
1:57 pm
18 Wheels, I thought there was a song by AC/DC called “Dirty Dees and the Thunder Jeep.”
But the worst, and most inexplicable ever: I thought the line at the end of Townes Van Zandt’s “Pancho and Lefty” chorus, which says “out of kindness I suppose” said “I’d have found the size of holes.” Also a true story.
Poopy Pants
March 30th, 2009
1:58 pm
Andrew, read the blog post. He said it could be by this Friday or Saturday.
ncscoots
March 30th, 2009
1:59 pm
Just because DOB has to write about he-who-should-not-be-named (and I get that) doesn’t mean we have to blog about the dude. Everybody’s tired of hearing about him? Fine. Me, too. Don’t bring the sucker up and we’ll all be happy.
Rev. Otis Nixon
March 30th, 2009
1:59 pm
anyone know what inning it is?
Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1991)
March 30th, 2009
2:00 pm
I voted standing ovation for Smoltzie’s return in late June to the Ted. Glavine leaving the Braves bothered me so much more than John leaving – I’m guessing Glavine going to the Muts or being the face of the players union back in ‘94-95 is the reason. Plus, Wren & co. jerked Smoltz around, in my humble, lack of facts opinion.
Wayne in Utah
March 30th, 2009
2:00 pm
bry22
You are right, and in the end, it was JS’s decision to leave.
DOB
We will forgive you this once for the JS BS. (but in June, just write the article, and let’s skip it on the ole blog, please??)
I played with Tiger Woods once. Was beating the living daylights out of him, then I woke up……
Daniel
March 30th, 2009
2:00 pm
Can I get a word on Ohman? Is this for real?
lewie
March 30th, 2009
2:01 pm
thought that “beast of burdern” was “big suburban” as a kid
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
2:01 pm
Glove51, hadn’t heard that Steve Earle was doing that. That’ll be a great album.
Speaking of, you heard Earle’s son, Justin Townes Earle’s latest CD? Very strong. It’s his second, and it’s significantly better than the first one, which was also quite good.
(and yes, as you probalby known, he named his kid for Townes Van Zandt)
KC
March 30th, 2009
2:01 pm
nscoots, no tizzy here… just making a point. Consider it a blanket dismissal of your blanket dismissal. =)
It really sucks that today’s game isn’t televised in any way, and isn’t even on radio!!! I mean, COME ON!! Even if it is just ST… it’s a Braves/Sox game, with the Dice Man vs. KK no less. And NOTHING? No broadcast at all???
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
2:01 pm
Inning 4
Top Half
B:0 S:3 O:1 – Kevin Youkilis called out on strikes.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:2 – Mike Lowell pops out to shortstop Yunel Escobar.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:3 – Steve Green flies out to left fielder Matt Diaz.
TnBrian
March 30th, 2009
2:01 pm
DOB, understand why you feel it has to be done.
I just feel that deep down inside, Smoltz hurt some of the fans and maybe even Chipper and Glavine(maybe not him) by saying that he would’ve left after ‘96 had it not been for Bobby. Very bad decision to say something like that, I’d think.
Bubdylan
March 30th, 2009
2:01 pm
If you all are going to bloviate around here, I just might have to titivate. -MGL
Great, now I’ve got that INXS song in my head…
The ghost of Will Ohman
March 30th, 2009
2:02 pm
It’s the 4th inning. By the way, my name hasn’t been mentioned in at least 10 minutes. I’m getting a little upset here.
BooooOoooooOOoooo
mbatl
March 30th, 2009
2:02 pm
“to be a rock and not a roll….” – Led Zeppelin
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
2:02 pm
McCann sharp double to RF corner, puts runners on second and third (Chipper had walked) with one out for G. Anderson
pills91
March 30th, 2009
2:02 pm
I love Smoltz. However, I think he should be booed for being in a Red Sox jersey vs a Braves’ jersey. He let his ego get the best of him, and, then lied about the reason for leaving. If he had said that he had always wanted to play in Fenway, and, that, he thought moving there would be best for both him and the Braves, I would have no hard feelings. To make it sound like he was being stiffed financially just isn’t correct.
Josh
March 30th, 2009
2:02 pm
I will be one of the people booing Smoltz when he somes to Atlanta, he acted like a baby over the whole situation…get over it already and shut your mouth Smoltz!
Bobby's Belly
March 30th, 2009
2:02 pm
Can we get Smoltz to talk about Frenchy’s new swing, Mac/Diaz diets, Schafer’s tats, or what player’s think of playing for me?
Dadgum
March 30th, 2009
2:03 pm
Don’t count on me to cheer Smoltz on his return to Turner Field. I hold no ill-will toward him signing a free agent contract to play in Boston for more guaranteed money but I will be double-damned if I am going to then cheer for him in a Boston uni. Let the pro-Boston crowd at Turner do that. The last thing teh Braves need is for their fans to cheer for the opposing team or players. Ya’ll think about it. Boston has enough of a home-field advantage in Atlanta as it is.
Rock on…..but we accept them back pretty well (Glavine) don’t we. Still don’t understand that either. Let’s see we are likely to put a rookie in Shaefer at CF because he won the job but won’t go with Hanson who by all accounts won teh #5 starter spot. Interesting.
ncscoots
March 30th, 2009
2:03 pm
No titivation, please. Children present.
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
2:03 pm
Both runs score on E3 when Anderson’s grounder skips off Youk’s glove
sickofugafans
March 30th, 2009
2:04 pm
DOB…can you quit ignoring the Ohman posts? Do you have any info here to help us?
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
2:05 pm
Sounds like a hit to me..hah…anyway, 2-0 Braves, bottom of 4.
Jersey Gil
March 30th, 2009
2:05 pm
Poopy Pants …. DOB Planing to have a tourney for the first blogger to reveal the secret of “DARK STAR”. My Reveal is that has to do with Disney/Eisner battle in 2004.
TnBrian
March 30th, 2009
2:05 pm
Daniel, I wouldn’t bet against Ohman to the Braves. Who’s to say after this wacky offseason that Wren will keep things as much a secret as he can, and then boom…out of nowhere something happens. Also wouldn’t bet that he’ll be a Brave come opening day either. 50/50
glove51
March 30th, 2009
2:06 pm
Yeah, I picked up the Justin Townes Earle CD on your recommendation and agree with your assessment. He sings with his pop on one song on the forthcoming Steve Earle TVZ tribute disc.
I am also looking forward to the new Booker T disc.
Bobby's Belly
March 30th, 2009
2:06 pm
Where have you gone Wil Ohman ……….
Isenberg
March 30th, 2009
2:06 pm
I’m pretty sure Mr. O’Brien hasn’t been ignoring the Ohman posts, he’s said plenty of times that the Braves aren’t interested!
KC
March 30th, 2009
2:06 pm
Dadgum for President in 2012!!! You sir are a scholar and voice of reason. Your comment about cheering Smoltz in a Boston uni was right on target.
pills91
March 30th, 2009
2:06 pm
I think if that was official, you would’ve heard it FIRST from DOB.
The ghost of Will Ohman
March 30th, 2009
2:06 pm
lewie
March 30th, 2009
2:06 pm
yoooooook
Bubdylan
March 30th, 2009
2:06 pm
what’s a sicko fuga fan?
SickOfOhmanFans
March 30th, 2009
2:06 pm
sickofugafans…try reading yesterdays blog. And the one before that. And the one before that. And the one before that….DOB addresses Ohman every day. FACE IT…He ain’t coming back. The Braves have ABSOLUTELY NO interest. DOB said it every day, but you just don’t listen!
cabravesfan
March 30th, 2009
2:07 pm
SOunds like Kawakami is pitching very well…and Mac’s finger doesn’t seem to be an issue (thank god!)
Wayne in Utah
March 30th, 2009
2:07 pm
How many Youk errors do you expect in a season??? Talk about rarified air!
Ghost of Bob Wickman
March 30th, 2009
2:07 pm
Beat it, kid…
Rev. Otis Nixon
March 30th, 2009
2:08 pm
2-0 Go Braves!
Tricky Dick
March 30th, 2009
2:08 pm
TnBrian. I hope you are right, and I agree with you. Different sport, but I was at the Maplelefs game for Sundin’s first game back and he got such an ovation that the game was delayed. There was a video montage of his feats tht had the crowd into a frenzy. I hope the Braves do something like that for Smoltz. I just hope it doesn’t end like the Leafs game, where Sundin got the shoot-out winner to beat his old team.
Bobby's Belly
March 30th, 2009
2:08 pm
WO’s not coming back? Oh dear.
Vin
March 30th, 2009
2:08 pm
sickofugafans, why don’t you scour the net for ohman’s info. Or better yet, track his agent and ask him directly. People are sick and tired of the daily Ohman question. Sicko
FW
March 30th, 2009
2:09 pm
Friends, forget about Mr. Ohman. He won’t be a Brave this year.
Ghost of Dan Kolb
March 30th, 2009
2:09 pm
boo
Shane
March 30th, 2009
2:09 pm
DOB, does the crowd chant Yoouuk when he makes an error too?
sickofugafans
March 30th, 2009
2:10 pm
Sorry…I don’t troll message boards like some of you. My life does not revolve around every word said here…especially since all the ups and downs of the off season. I simply saw where someone said that 790 the Zone had reported this as happening and wanted a formal response if he had knowledge.
ghost of manny acosta
March 30th, 2009
2:10 pm
….wait a minute
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
2:10 pm
G. Anderson credited with one RBI on the Youk error….
Wayne: Yes, I could do what you suggest when Sox come to Atlanta in June. Or, I could blog about whatever I want. We’ll take it to the committee.
The Bloviator Downstairs
March 30th, 2009
2:10 pm
Ghost of Bob Wickman, we need a pitcher, not a big bellied b!tcher
Bobby's Belly
March 30th, 2009
2:11 pm
Opening day, next Friday we start the We Want Will chant. All 14,000 of us.
FW
March 30th, 2009
2:12 pm
Bottom Half
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Yunel Escobar flies out to center fielder Chip Ambres.
——————————————————————————–
B:4 S:0 O:1 – Chipper Jones walks.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Brian McCann doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Che-Hsuan Lin. Chipper Jones to 3rd.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Garret Anderson reaches on fielding error by first baseman Kevin Youkilis. Chipper Jones scores. Brian McCann scores.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:3 O:2 – Jeff Francoeur strikes out swinging.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:3 – Casey Kotchman pops out to third baseman Mike Lowell in foul territory.
The ghost of Will Ohman
March 30th, 2009
2:12 pm
Hey Dan, nice job you did clearing off my table the other night at El Pollo Loco. Look like you’ve lost some weight.
KC
March 30th, 2009
2:12 pm
If I had one wish in this life… after the obligatory stuff like long life or my own personal Fort Knox, etc… I believe I would have wish for the Braves to play in October, and for the Red Sox to miss the post-season this year. THAT would be poetic justice!!!!!
Of course, I’ll settle for the Braves getting to the post-season, and outlasting the Red Sox there. That would make me plenty happy.
i cant take it anymore
March 30th, 2009
2:13 pm
beloved Youk makes an error!! thanks for the update, David
The ghost of Will Ohman
March 30th, 2009
2:13 pm
DOB seems a little testy today. Can’t imagine why.
Roman Gal (UGA Fan)
March 30th, 2009
2:13 pm
Sorry…I don’t troll message boards like some of you.
Ouch! That hurts me right here (places hand over heart)
KC
March 30th, 2009
2:13 pm
Well, I can see that MLB “Live” scoreboard is moving at its usual pace. Still the bottom of the 4th, and still scoreless according to the MLB scoreboard.
Wayne in Utah
March 30th, 2009
2:13 pm
DOB
I wouldn’t have it any other way, man. (the part about you blogging about whatever you want, I mean)
Was the Yook error a legit boot??
Edgar Cayce
March 30th, 2009
2:13 pm
I see a Braves vs Red Sox world series. With Chipper hitting the series winning home run off of John Smoltz giving Tom Glavine the win. Glavine and Smoltz both retire and go into hall of fame together 5 years down the road.
Dadgum
March 30th, 2009
2:14 pm
KC….Me, a scholar and voice of reason? One short talk with my wife and she will debunk the hell out of that theory. But thanks anyway. While it lasts.
Rock on…..still laughing at the posts from denizens New Cars & Anders a few weeks back.. Hilarious. Still.
Vin
March 30th, 2009
2:15 pm
sicko fuga fans – I also don’t troll the blog (I’m from the other side of the world from US) but the news about Ohman has been touched upon every time i check the blog. It is THAT often, that is why people are sick (no pun intended) and tired of the daily question about Ohman
Ghost of Dan Kolb
March 30th, 2009
2:15 pm
And should I blame Frank Wren for that tip?
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
2:15 pm
Rocco Baldelli just hit a long home run, towering two-run shot to the left-field berm ties the game in the fifth.
mbatl
March 30th, 2009
2:16 pm
hmm, Frenchy K’s again. Hope he didn’t catch a does of “Furcal Syndrome” by hitting that home run…
Wayne in Utah
March 30th, 2009
2:16 pm
KC
Poetic justice indeed. To be honest, with the strength of the Rays and Yankees, and the potential holes in the Phillies and Mets, with the right bit o’ luck, your prediction could come true.
It would sure warm my heart!!
Bubdylan
March 30th, 2009
2:17 pm
Okay, sure, someone calling himself “sickofugafans” has a rockin’ social life, just dipping into the blogosphere for a tidbit or two…
DAP
March 30th, 2009
2:17 pm
KC no response?
The ghost of Will Ohman
March 30th, 2009
2:17 pm
Aw man. Err… I mean Oh Man.
Tomahawk210
March 30th, 2009
2:18 pm
Oh no 2 strikeouts for Francoeur-hope this isn’t going to affect his good spring so far, mentally.
mbatl
March 30th, 2009
2:18 pm
does=”dose”….
“but won’t go with Hanson who by all accounts won teh #5 starter spot. ” – Dadgum
Has he really won it? Glavine has yet to be scored upon, or even to give up a walk, in 2 starts. So far, he’s on track to do just what the Braves hoped – provide stability in the 5-spot while Hanson does what he should do…. go to AAA and work on command, and have his innings controlled while working every 5th day, for at least part of the year.
(and no, I’m not saying Glavine>Hanson, but Hanson is much better served at AAA if we can get by without him.)
Epinephrine
March 30th, 2009
2:18 pm
2 Ks for Jeff, ouch.
Ghost of Dan Kolb
March 30th, 2009
2:19 pm
Jeff Frankkoeur
The ghost of Will Ohman
March 30th, 2009
2:20 pm
Oh you’re familiar with strikes all of a sudden, Dan?
McFann :Ô:
March 30th, 2009
2:20 pm
Aw, is it tied now? Dang…I got here too late to relish the McDouble…
Jersey Gil
March 30th, 2009
2:21 pm
DOB… How many MLB Player play in a Band?…I never see you mention any of this Player Music. I know Bernie William second Album coming out on April. His first Album “The Journey Within” is real cool, kind of Latin Jazz Music, one of his song is play on The Weather Channel every time the local weather show. Also Bronson Arroyo play guitar but i don’t know is he got a CD out.
The Ghost of Jeff Reardon
March 30th, 2009
2:21 pm
I was going to say some negative things about myself, then remembered the whole armed robbery incident and felt sorry for myself.
WestPalmDawg
March 30th, 2009
2:21 pm
Which player will be more productive offensively?
Y. Escobar or Jed Lowrie?
Bubdylan
March 30th, 2009
2:22 pm
A McDouble with relish… heh…
Wayne in Utah
March 30th, 2009
2:22 pm
McFann
Does that McDouble come with double meat, double cheese or both?
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
2:23 pm
Inning 5
Top Half
B:4 S:0 O:0 – Chip Ambres walks.
——————————————————————————–
B:1 S:0 O:0 – With Dusty Brown batting, wild pitch by Kenshin Kawakami, Chip Ambres to 2nd.
——————————————————————————–
B:1 S:0 O:1 – Dusty Brown flies out to right fielder Jeff Francoeur.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:2 – Che-Hsuan Lin grounds out, shortstop Yunel Escobar to first baseman Casey Kotchman. Chip Ambres to 3rd.
——————————————————————————–
B:2 S:0 O:2 – Rocco Baldelli homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. Chip Ambres scores.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:3 – Dustin Pedroia flies out to center fielder Jordan Schafer.
Ghost of Dan Kolb
March 30th, 2009
2:24 pm
Well, I did strike a deal with six flags, who wants to design a roller coaster themed around my career.
Scooter
March 30th, 2009
2:24 pm
They make a good doublemeat burger.
cabravesfan
March 30th, 2009
2:25 pm
Does that McDouble come with double meat, double cheese or both?
This is the new and improved healthy McDouble- comes with 2 turkey patties, soy cheese and lots of veggies on a whole whest bun
cabravesfan
March 30th, 2009
2:26 pm
Does that McDouble come with double meat, double cheese or both?
This is the new and improved healthy McDouble- comes with 2 turkey patties, soy cheese and lots of veggies on a whole wheat bun
Dadgum
March 30th, 2009
2:26 pm
mbatl….Sure Hanson won the spot. His command wasn’t bad either. He averaged over a strike out an inning. Low ERA. Glavine certainly put up some good numbers out of the gate to his credit but the question remains will Glavine get us to the 7th inning with the fluff ball. From the start of camp Hanson was very impressive but regardless I think we will see Hanson sooner than later. Things happen.
Rock on…….
cabravesfan
March 30th, 2009
2:28 pm
sorry for the double post- my computer sucks this morning
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
2:28 pm
Bottom Half 5th
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Matt Diaz flies out to right fielder Che-Hsuan Lin.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:2 – Jordan Schafer grounds out, second baseman Dustin Pedroia to first baseman Kevin Youkilis.
——————————————————————————–
B:4 S:0 O:2 – Kelly Johnson walks.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:3 – Yunel Escobar flies out to center fielder Chip Ambres.
Braves 2, Bosox 2
KC
March 30th, 2009
2:29 pm
pills91, you couldn’t be more right. I think Smoltz left largely because he wanted a good shot at playing in another WS, and especially at that time, the Red Sox could offer a much better chance of that.
But your right, his whining about how the Braves did him wrong is a total BS. I think he had some guilt over leaving. While he was leaving for another shot at a WS, there was probably some part of him that felt like he was giving up on his team. I think he chose to blame the Braves as a way of convincing himself and everyone else that he had no choice in that matter, though he clearly did. There was a fair offer on the table to stay here.
While T.Hoffman takes out a full page ad in the SD newspaper thanking the fans, the coaches, and even the front office for all the great years… Smoltz grabs every microphone in sight and blasts his former team. I really thought he had more class than that. As a former HUGE smoltz fan, it’s been sad to watch.
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
2:29 pm
Wayne, yes, it was a legit error. Just misplayed it. It was hit hard, but rather routine play.
Wayne in Utah
March 30th, 2009
2:29 pm
Speaking of burgers, the best burgers I have ever had (besides on my grill in my backyard) were at Dave’s Giant Heimburger in Fairfield, CA. Gotta get em w/ grilled onions and mayo.
It’s about lunch time here!
BamaBrave83
March 30th, 2009
2:31 pm
DOB – Any ideas on who or what the Braves need or could get in a trade for J. Anderson?
22oz
March 30th, 2009
2:31 pm
Smoltz would probably take out a full page ad in the AJC if he thought anyone actually read the paper.Huzzah! Perhaps an ad on the online Braves page?
HeywardTheFuture
March 30th, 2009
2:31 pm
DOB, do you think Schafer is just getting some rest or did you notice something on his groundout?
Dennis
March 30th, 2009
2:31 pm
Ditto on the comment from KC. Smoltz went down a notch or two in my eyes for the way he has conducted himself.
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
2:31 pm
THIS JUST IN: Josh Anderson traded to Tigers for minor league pitcher Rudy Darrow.
Andy K.
March 30th, 2009
2:32 pm
DOB, any chance the Braves sign Marcus Giles and let him re-establish himself, starting in Gwinnett?
DAP
March 30th, 2009
2:32 pm
there your answer about center field.
Bubdylan
March 30th, 2009
2:32 pm
If only I could have witnessed what I just did – instead of being the idiot doing it. I felt a huge sneeze coming and had to make that choice between a conservative sneeze and letting it all hang out. So, I got all caught in limbo and when the sneeze came my face did something completely stupid and I bit my freaking tongue. It’s actually bleeding.
Andy K.
March 30th, 2009
2:33 pm
Schafer is starting CF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111111111
ChopShop860
March 30th, 2009
2:33 pm
nice. THE JORDAN SCHAFER ERA IS UNDERWAY.
getnathan
March 30th, 2009
2:33 pm
Schafer’s our CF. Congrats Jordan!!!!
Runnin
March 30th, 2009
2:33 pm
Well that’s that then.
ease19
March 30th, 2009
2:33 pm
Dan Kolb – Six Flags already has that ride…its called the Free Fall.
McFann :Ô:
March 30th, 2009
2:33 pm
Wayne Does that McDouble come with double meat, double cheese or both?
Seein’ as how it’s a McDouble, I guess it’d have to be both, right?
cabravesfan–
LOL! Turkey patties, heh…heh…ew…
Bubdylan–
Haha! I didn’t even think of that…
Andy K.
March 30th, 2009
2:33 pm
atta boy J-Shaf!!!!!!!!!!
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
2:33 pm
Inning 6
Top Half
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: Martin Prado replaces second baseman Kelly Johnson, batting 1st, playing second base.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: David Ross replaces catcher Brian McCann, batting 4th, playing catcher.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: Reid Gorecki replaces center fielder Jordan Schafer, batting 9th, playing center field.
BamaBrave83
March 30th, 2009
2:34 pm
Talk about the power of the blog! I think DOB was holding out on us until one of us asked the question about trading Anderson. Thanks for the quick update.
AdirondackDave
March 30th, 2009
2:34 pm
Glad to hear about the Anderson trade and wish him luck with the Tigers. Congrats to Jordan Schafer who is obviously now the Braves new centerfielder. Anybody know anything about Rudy Darrow?
Jeff321
March 30th, 2009
2:34 pm
WOOOO HOOOOO!!! I love trades when it involves lamers getting out!
getnathan
March 30th, 2009
2:34 pm
Based on the past few deals between the Braves and Tigers, Darrow should become a big star
Tomahawk210
March 30th, 2009
2:35 pm
YES JORDAN SCHAFER IS OUR CF. GO BRAVES!
ChopShop860
March 30th, 2009
2:35 pm
is Anderson at the game today? That’s gotta be AWKWARRRRD. I bet Schafer is going to try and not smile too wide around him until his crap is cleaned out. What good news this is.
18 Wheels of Love
March 30th, 2009
2:35 pm
Holy Schnikies! Trade! Hello big leaguer Jordan schafer.
ease19
March 30th, 2009
2:35 pm
So I guess Blanco is now our starting CF.
Steve from OH
March 30th, 2009
2:35 pm
Well, I guess that seals it…
Darrow is a 24 year old relief pitcher with a career 2.52 ERA in 103 2/3 career minor league innings. He has 101K’s to 31 BB’s and a career 1.18 WHIP. He appeared in 14 games at AA last season, his highest level yet reached.
McFann :Ô:
March 30th, 2009
2:36 pm
Wha–Josh Anderson was…traded?? Fo…for minor league pitching?
Golly, that’s my fault, I guess…I voted for him in the poll…I think…
Ross is in now, eh? OK.
JOE
March 30th, 2009
2:36 pm
did they take Shafer out so he could celebrate?
Bobby's Belly
March 30th, 2009
2:36 pm
I thought we’d get Rudy the movie, but RD will have to do.
Steve C.
March 30th, 2009
2:36 pm
2008 info on Rudy Darrow from mlb.com…
2008 Career Highlights: By Year: yyyy 2008
Split the 2008 season between Single A West Michigan and Double A Erie, compiling a 5-3 record, 2.02 ERA (62.1IP/14ER) and 10 saves in 47 appearances…Did not allow a run in his first nine outings with the Whitecaps April 4-23, fannings 11 batters in 10.2 innings of work…Tied for fifth in the Midwest League with three wins during April — posted a 0.63 ERA (14.1IP/1ER) and 13 strikeouts in 11 appearances during the month…Fanned a season-high four batters on May 24 versus Dayton…Tossed a season-best four innings of relief on June 29 versus Lansing…Promoted to Erie from West Michigan on July 27…Compiled a 1.13 ERA (8.0IP/1ER) and three saves in his first seven outings with Erie July 28-August 14…Second in the Eastern League with six saves during August…Combined to limit righthanded batters to a .168 batting average (20×119) with West Michigan and Erie…lefties hit .271 (32×118) against him during his two stops…Appeared in 11 games with Mesa in the Arizona Fall League following the season, posting a 1-0 record, 2.92 ERA (12.1IP/4ER) and 18 strikeouts.
Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1991)
March 30th, 2009
2:36 pm
Whoa! Great news about the trade because Schafer earned the CF job this spring. So, does this mean Blanco is the back-up?
10-80
March 30th, 2009
2:37 pm
great news on CF. Great for the team to get the deserving kid in there and hopefully great for Josh to get some PT on a new team. Sucks to be in Detroit though
Andrew
March 30th, 2009
2:37 pm
yesssssss DOB i heard it here first!!
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
2:38 pm
Rudy Darrow, 25, was 5-3 with a 2.02 ERA in 47 relief appearances last season in A-ball and Double-A in the Tigers system, and held right-handed hitters to a .168 average. The hard-throwing right-hander had 57 strikeouts with 23 walks in 63-1/3 innings, and had a groundball-to-flyball ratio of 4.8.
(for some comparison, Brandon Webb led the majors with a 3.2 ratio, and D. Lowe was second at 2.6)
The ghost of Will Ohman
March 30th, 2009
2:38 pm
There you have it, Schafer’s 100% our man. I’m as thrilled as a baseball fan gets. Thanks for the scoop, DOB.
10-80
March 30th, 2009
2:38 pm
Bub, I feel you on the sneeze disorder. Im a consistent 2-3x/hr sneezer and I BRING IT, you gotta let it all go dude. Its kinda like in football when they tell you to just go all out and you wont get hurt, but if you try to take it easy on the other guy and not hurt them thats when you break your neck.
Steve from OH
March 30th, 2009
2:39 pm
Darrow is a sidearmer according to BA.
Original Jon
March 30th, 2009
2:39 pm
The numbers on this Darrow kid are pretty good in 3 seasons. He has a 9-6 record with 101 k’s in 103.1 innings and an ERA of 2.52
bravos2249
March 30th, 2009
2:39 pm
KC
I agree with you on that. One thing I do strongly believe is we wouldn’t have Lowe if Smoltz and Glavine stayed. Not based on the fact of not needing Lowe, but the fact he may not have wanted to pitch on a team that might have injury problems or not seeing him as the number 1. I don’t think any player wouldn’t want to pitch with Smoltz, but some problems are able to be thought of.
Jeff321
March 30th, 2009
2:40 pm
Now would be a good time for any “hold outs” to jump on the Schafer express!
pills91
March 30th, 2009
2:40 pm
Wow, that’s big news.
chip off the ol block
March 30th, 2009
2:40 pm
wow i thought there would be a trade, didnt think it would be today tho
so do yall think this new guy will ever make it up to the bigs and actually help the Braves?
Andrew
March 30th, 2009
2:40 pm
atleast we got something for anderson..
Runnin
March 30th, 2009
2:41 pm
Almost sounds like the return of Joey Devine.
BamaBrave83
March 30th, 2009
2:41 pm
What’s the score? Is KK still in there?
Bubdylan
March 30th, 2009
2:41 pm
Detroit traded us a young, upside pitcher? Have we got a mole over there or something?
Mekons
March 30th, 2009
2:41 pm
Little note about Darrow. Evidently, a legit prospect out of Junco
Darrow — a right-hander with a side-arm delivery — allowed one run on two hits and a walk in his spring debut in relief against New York, too. Darrow followed that performance with a 1-2-3 ninth inning against Panama last Wednesday.
He previously held right-handers to a .166 batting average last year in combined stints at West Michigan and Erie.
Looks like a useful bullpen piece down the line. Not a bad haul for a guy we would have had to give away.
The ghost of Will Ohman
March 30th, 2009
2:41 pm
ChopShop, if I’m not mistaken once a trade goes down, which probably Anderson was told before the game today and its just now being released to the media, the player pretty much cleans out his locker and gets in touch with his new team asap. I suppose most stick around until the game is over and say their goodbyes but some don’t…
AdirondackDave
March 30th, 2009
2:42 pm
Jeez… It sounds like Darrow is a quality pitching prospect. Just can’t have too much of that, especially with so many of our pen guys coming off injuries/surgery. Nice going Frank W. Outstanding move in my humble opinion. Thanks also to Steve in O and Steve C. for the quick info.
flange1
March 30th, 2009
2:42 pm
Video of Rudy Darrow throwing
http://www.pitchingclips.com/players/rudy_darrow.htm
BBxxj
March 30th, 2009
2:43 pm
According to my trusty BA Prospect Handbook Darrow is their 14th best prospect and has a crazy good side-arm sinking fastball, good slider, and a developing change.
Pretty amazing return for J Anderson if you ask me.
Rev. Otis Nixon
March 30th, 2009
2:43 pm
My only question would be his age. Seems like someone with that much talent should be at the major league level at 25. But I don’t know his story.
garlick
March 30th, 2009
2:43 pm
The only thing concerning about Darrow’s stats, is that he’s only pitched a total of 103 innings in 3 years in the minors, and only 78 games. That averages to 25 games per season.
A little strange. I wonder if he had injury problems one year.
Andy K.
March 30th, 2009
2:43 pm
Detroit was expecting Darrow to pitch in the bigs this year, too, so we potentially did well in the deal.
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
2:43 pm
Inning 6
Top Half
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: Martin Prado replaces second baseman Kelly Johnson, batting 1st, playing second base.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: David Ross replaces catcher Brian McCann, batting 4th, playing catcher.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: Reid Gorecki replaces center fielder Jordan Schafer, batting 9th, playing center field.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Jason Bay flies out to right fielder Jeff Francoeur.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Kevin Youkilis singles on a line drive to right fielder Jeff Francoeur.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:3 O:2 – Mike Lowell strikes out swinging.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:3 – Steve Green flies out to left fielder Matt Diaz.
——————————————————————————–
Bottom Half
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: Jeff Corsaletti replaces left fielder Jason Bay, batting 3rd, playing left field.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: Anthony Rizzo replaces first baseman Kevin Youkilis, batting 4th, playing first base.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: Ryan Dent replaces third baseman Mike Lowell, batting 5th, playing shortstop.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive switch from shortstop to third base for Steve Green.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Pitcher Change: Enrique Gonzalez replaces Daisuke Matsuzaka.
bravos2249
March 30th, 2009
2:44 pm
Wow I thought Anderson would be favored over Jordan just cause all the hype about Anderson but I’m glad they found a solution…I personally wouldn’t want Anderson starting over Schafer, but Schafer starting over Blanco is okay to me. In my mind if Anderson or Blanco won the job the team would want Scafer to get full time playing in AAA. But I’m glad he’ll be up in the bigs!!!!
Andy K.
March 30th, 2009
2:44 pm
we now have three spots open on the 40-man
Jersey Gil
March 30th, 2009
2:44 pm
God…How awasome is the Internet…in less that few minute we have that Kid Stat….Look good to me…GO BRAVOS
WHAT!!!
March 30th, 2009
2:44 pm
“Brandon Webb led the majors with a 3.2 ratio, and D. Lowe was second at 2.6″. Isn’t 2.6 better than 3.2? Fill me in here.
JPHunt
March 30th, 2009
2:44 pm
apparently Darrow has already had TJ surgery
flange1
March 30th, 2009
2:44 pm
He actually does looks like Joey Devine throwing….
Gorky Miller
March 30th, 2009
2:44 pm
So is Darrow a starter or reliever?
Tomahawk210
March 30th, 2009
2:44 pm
Congrats to Jordan-he deserves it and earned it. But I think he should thank all of us on this blog who said that Schafer should be our CF and we need him on the MLB club, as I know that’s the reason the Braves decided to go with him and trade Anderson. Right?
glove51
March 30th, 2009
2:45 pm
Rudy Darrow pitched on the same AZ fall league team as Hanaon. he’s a reliever, who had a 2.02 ERA between A/AA last year. 1.20 WHIP and 8+ K’s per 9 innings. He just turned 25, so he is not a real hot prospect. Throws right and is only 5′10″.
garlick
March 30th, 2009
2:45 pm
Rev. Otis Nixon, Darrow was a college pitcher, so age isn’t that much of a concern.
McFann :Ô:
March 30th, 2009
2:45 pm
Wayne–
Home-grilled burgers are one of the better things in life–a sign of Spring! Give me a burger with ketchup and pickles with some mac-and-cheese on the side after a Sunday afternoon Braves game! Throw in some grilled portobella (however you spell it) mushrooms, too…
Tell you what else I love in the Spring–chop up some chicken and celery and mix ‘em with shredded cheese and mayonnaise. Then spread that on a sesame bun and warm it up…Aw man…sheer heaven…
The ghost of Will Ohman
March 30th, 2009
2:46 pm
Dude, don’t yell at The Dude. Maybe he got the numbers flip flopped. He’s multitasking here, cut him some slack.
Jersey Gil
March 30th, 2009
2:47 pm
In yesterday Game Jordan make a Play that i think Bobby Cox open eyes and the decision came yesterday. The play was when he hit the cut off man, Yunel, a took the runner out in homeplate. This play was a fundamental baseball all around.
ncscoots
March 30th, 2009
2:48 pm
Sucks [for Anderson] to be in Detroit though
Behind Granderson? Kinda.
The Bloviator Downstairs
March 30th, 2009
2:48 pm
Isn’t 2.6 better than 3.2? Fill me in here (dimwitted name changing blogger)
3.2 GBs for every FB is a better rate than 2.6 GBs for every FB
Ghost of Dan Kolb
March 30th, 2009
2:49 pm
WHAT!!, no, silly goose. higher is better. grounders dont get caught by fans. get it? or should i type in caps?
AdirondackDave
March 30th, 2009
2:50 pm
Seems like there’s a Detroit – Atlanta thing going. Maybe Frank can get us one of their big bats?
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
2:50 pm
Bottom 6:
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Chipper Jones grounds out to first baseman Anthony Rizzo.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:3 O:2 – David Ross strikes out swinging.
——————————————————————————–
B:4 S:0 O:2 – Garret Anderson walks.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:2 – Jeff Francoeur singles on a line drive to right fielder Che-Hsuan Lin. Garret Anderson to 2nd.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:3 – Casey Kotchman flies out to center fielder Chip Ambres.
Still 2-2.
GSU-Lee
March 30th, 2009
2:50 pm
Flange1 we refer to him as “Joey Grand Slam”
Steve McP
March 30th, 2009
2:50 pm
Just to go back to the game, according to Gameday KK has only thrown 42 pitches in 6 innings and is coming out to pitch the 7th
Heath (Cleveland)
March 30th, 2009
2:51 pm
This is the real Heath (frequent reader…seldom poster)… Why do people post under other people’s name? I know nothing of this Ohman thing the imposter put on the blog folks.
Good to hear the Schafer’s path to play CF is pretty much cleared. Can’t wait for opening night on Sunday.
Steve McP
March 30th, 2009
2:51 pm
Now they have Acosta pitching the 7th
N8
March 30th, 2009
2:51 pm
I know you kind of addressed it in the blog opener DOB, but who do you think gets the nod (your gut) for batting lead-off? KJ or Schafer?
I’m gonna assume that KJ will be there to start the season. But many of us (I think you included), think KJ could be a very productive bottom of the order, run producer. I really think that if KJ had guys on ahead of him, he could knock in around 80-100 runs.
That being said, no need to initially put too much pressure on Jordan, by thrusting him into the lineup as the spark….. unless Bobby thinks he’s ready for it.
Either way, I’m excited that he’s gonna get his chance right away. Having Blanco (with options remaining) is a nice fallback if Jordan is in over his head. Also, having B. Jones as a fall back, in case G. Andderson (Hey… we can stop adding the G or the J before Anderso, huh?), has injury issues.
It’s not like at this point either Blanco or B. Jones are a reincarnation of Barry Bonds out there, but depth none the less.
It’s a new era. Now all we need, is Hanson up shortly, and Heyward at the beginnin of next year, and we’re off!
BrandonC
March 30th, 2009
2:51 pm
Let the Jordan Schafer era begin ladies and gents!! And we got a pretty decent piece in return as well it seems.
Cameron
March 30th, 2009
2:52 pm
THe higher the groundball-to-flyabll ratio is better. If the ball is on the ground, it cannot go out of the park.
Ghost of Dan Kolb
March 30th, 2009
2:52 pm
I just got a fortune cookie that read “Arm awaken like cave bear succeptible to long high fly”
KLB
March 30th, 2009
2:52 pm
From John Sickels’ Detroit Tigers Top 20 Prospects for 2009 – http://www.minorleagueball.com/2009/1/8/713581/detroit-tigers-top-20-pros
“11) Rudy Darrow, RHP, Grade C+: Extreme ground ball tendency along with decent strikeout rate, looks like a nice middle reliever.”
10-80
March 30th, 2009
2:52 pm
and just the city in general in these times. Maybe GM will cut him a sweet deal on a lease
lewie
March 30th, 2009
2:52 pm
looks like a pretty solid trade….i’m shocked we got anything of value out of it considering that everyone knew what are options were
Bubdylan
March 30th, 2009
2:52 pm
10-80, great analogy. Really drove it home….
GSU-Lee
March 30th, 2009
2:53 pm
Adirondack
Do we really need a big bat? I mean, maybe we will in July, but Frank has done a good job dropping players we don’t need on them, like Edgar and Anderson. I liked Josh Anderson, poor guy just can’t find a team to fit for. I honestly hope he fits in with the Tigers.
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
2:53 pm
Inning 7
Top Half
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: Van Pope replaces third baseman Chipper Jones, batting 3rd, playing third base.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: Gregor Blanco replaces right fielder Jeff Francoeur, batting 6th, playing right field.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: Greg Norton replaces first baseman Casey Kotchman, batting 7th, playing first base.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Pitcher Change: Manny Acosta replaces Kenshin Kawakami.
Jim
March 30th, 2009
2:53 pm
Darrow might be a nice pick up, but wouldn’t it have been great if it were Ranata? (the lefty reliever they pitched yesterday)
McFann :Ô:
March 30th, 2009
2:53 pm
Oh…the sound of the lawn mower…the birds are singing…this is it folks–it’s almost Sunday…
18 Wheels of Love
March 30th, 2009
2:53 pm
Jersey Gil, yeah, I think this internet thing-a-ma-jigger just might stick!
Nick
March 30th, 2009
2:54 pm
Opposite field single for Jeff
Ralphie
March 30th, 2009
2:54 pm
“11) Rudy Darrow, RHP, Grade C+”
C+ ???!!!
Jersey Gil
March 30th, 2009
2:54 pm
Here in Philadelphia in ESPN 95 there are talking about why MLB Schedule Opening day game at night, intead of a day game. All because ESPN. That night will be cold, hope Chipper do ok…Remember that game in San Fran? Keep your finger cross….
WHAT!!!
March 30th, 2009
2:54 pm
Oh so Darrow with a 4.8 ratio is a better groundball pitcher than Webb or Lowe. Nice pick up! Is he a starter or reliever?
Tomahawk210
March 30th, 2009
2:54 pm
So what # is Jordan going to wear? I’m going to say Ronnie Gant’s old number-5. I think he had it in the minors.
Steve McP
March 30th, 2009
2:55 pm
Enter your comments here
Ghost of Dan Kolb
March 30th, 2009
2:55 pm
edit: Jeff Frankk1boeur
Wayne in Utah
March 30th, 2009
2:56 pm
McFann:
I’m writing that one down. Sounds good!
OHBravesGirl
March 30th, 2009
2:57 pm
Just got back to cold Ohio from a week down in the Keys…are we still in contention for the Grapefruit League title after last week’s losses? I guess I can’t ever go on vacation again, unless it’s to Atlanta for a game!
Am I the only one who’s a little sad that Anderson didn’t make the cut? I liked the idea of having Schafer back in AAA this year as a backup if Anderson didn’t work out, but man, watching them compete this spring has been great. We would’ve done all right with either kid, I think.
Andy K.
March 30th, 2009
2:57 pm
Schafer has worn 2, 5, 11,64, and 73 in his career so far…my bets on 5
Ghost of Dan Kolb
March 30th, 2009
2:58 pm
WHAT!!!, yes, but scouts are alarmed by his well-below-league-average knuckle hair to arm freckle ratio. Gotta take the good with the bad. Er the bad with the good. Er somethin.
Wayne in Utah
March 30th, 2009
2:59 pm
How many are still technically in the running for the 25 man roster? Does anybody have a count or a list?
Jersey Gil
March 30th, 2009
2:59 pm
Back to the Game…What it the Score?
Ron Gant
March 30th, 2009
3:00 pm
Schafer better NOT be wearing #5 come opening day.
garlick
March 30th, 2009
3:00 pm
In case anyone’s interested. Darrow this spring has pitched in 2 games, has given up 4 hits, with 1 BB, hit 1 batter & 2K’s in 2.1 innings.
The ghost of Will Ohman
March 30th, 2009
3:01 pm
Heath, its just jokes. If you’re a frequent reader you know that not a day has gone by since December that “Braves should get Will Ohman!” hasn’t been mentioned on this blog in one way or another. Multiple times per day.
If you don’t like jokes then you can just call me RHR.
Us cubicle rats do whatever we can to amuse ourselves throughout the day. Especially on Mondays and Fridays.
DAP
March 30th, 2009
3:01 pm
garlick he darrow may have averaged 25 games a year, but last year he was in like 47 games, and one year was rookie ball, which most guys only play a handful of games in anyways, since they usually just got drafted. i dont think averaging game appearances in those years tell you anything. last year and his rookie ball year really skew things.
Ghost of Dan Kolb
March 30th, 2009
3:01 pm
On a serious note, if Darrow turns out to be a serviceable reliever, then we got a good return on Oscar.
The Bloviator Downstairs
March 30th, 2009
3:01 pm
This is the real Heath (frequent reader…seldom poster)… Why do people post under other people’s name? I know nothing of this Ohman thing the imposter put on the blog folks. (Heath)
Uh, dude, your name is Heath. The question you should be asking yourself is not why is another man named Heath calling himself Heath on this blog, but why anyone named Heath in real life would actually come on here and call himself Heath?
If someone comes on here and calls himself Random who isn’t Random, then that’s thieving jackal. But if a dude who also happens to be named Heath comes on here and is unoriginal enough to just call himself Heath, not knowing that another unoriginal infrequent poster named Heath also calls himself Heath on here, no one is gonna care.
If you don’t care enough to call yourself something other than Heath, you can’t possibly care that there is another man in this world who doesn’t care enough to call himself something other than Heath
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
3:02 pm
Darrow is a sidearmer who throws 90-94 with heavy sink. Had TJ surgery a few years ago.
Wren said in past few days they determined CF job would go to Schafer or Blanco, so they stepped up calls on Anderson and found couple teams interested. Detroit talks heated up yesterday.
Just talked to Josh, he was classy as always, but did say he thought Braves probably knew what they wanted to do entering spring training (I don’t think he’s right on that one, since everything I heard from team officials before spring was they preferred to have Schafer start out at Triple-A).
Fact is, Schafer’s surpassed expectations this spring. As I wrote yesterday, heard from someone who should know that Braves were going with Schafer and would option Blanco to Triple-A and outright Anderson if they couldn’t trade him and they got him through waivers.
Frank said just now in announcing the trade that Braves would likely take an extra reliever to start the season, not carry both Schafer and Blanco on 25-man.
Ghost of Dan Kolb
March 30th, 2009
3:03 pm
Ron, what if he bought you a brand new motorcycle, as they sometimes do? Err… Too soon?
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
3:03 pm
top 7th:
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Chip Ambres singles on a ground ball to center fielder Reid Gorecki.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Dusty Brown singles on a ground ball to left fielder Matt Diaz. Chip Ambres to 2nd.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Che-Hsuan Lin flies out to left fielder Matt Diaz.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:3 O:2 – Rocco Baldelli called out on strikes.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:2 – Dustin Pedroia doubles (1) on a fly ball to left fielder Matt Diaz. Chip Ambres scores. Dusty Brown to 3rd.
(Sox 3-2) Acosta still pitching, Sox still batting.
dogsbrekky
March 30th, 2009
3:03 pm
I just got back… did we trade someone ?
Score ??
Gorky Miller
March 30th, 2009
3:03 pm
So any bets? Manny Acosta gets the loss? Does it alarm anyone else how many games we’ve lost here lately?
N8
March 30th, 2009
3:03 pm
DOB, Tim Hudson didn’t freak out on you or anything like that, did he? I mean, after all, yesterday, you said you thought that Schafer would be the CF. Now, less than 24 hours later, Anderson is traded.
We all realize that you have all the power in the world, and when under your blogging “spell”, Frank Wren has little choice as to do what you type (kind of like Reggie Jackson in the first Nake Gun…..“Must KILL Frank Drebin…”
Anyhow, nice call yesterday. You’re the man.
Frankie Knucles
March 30th, 2009
3:04 pm
Did the Tigers front office decide they wanted Frank to scalp them again? Good work Frank. Can not have too much pitching
The Bloviator Downstairs
March 30th, 2009
3:05 pm
Fact is, Schafer’s surpassed expectations this spring. As I wrote yesterday, heard from someone who should know that Braves were going with Schafer and would option Blanco to Triple-A and outright Anderson if they couldn’t trade him and they got him through waivers. (DOB)
DOB just had to go there. Just had to mention where Blanco may or may not end up. Somewhere Tim Hudson is surely seething
Gorky Miller
March 30th, 2009
3:05 pm
DOB, are you concerned about our run production? After we’ve gotten Chipper and Mac back, we’ve pretty much lost every game. What happened to our bats?
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
3:06 pm
O’Flaherty replaces Acosta, walks one, strikes out one for 3rd out in 7th. Red Sox 3, Braves 2.
AdirondackDave
March 30th, 2009
3:06 pm
GSU – Lee — You may be right but I’m still a little concerned about not having that additional big bat I thought we were going to acquire this year. Reason is that Chipper and Mac are going to miss a lot of games and that’s when we will be most vulnerable. In this tough NL East, another strong RH bat looks important to me. Not saying Braves won’t compete as-is, but I’d feel alot better if Frank could pull off another deal.
Wil
March 30th, 2009
3:06 pm
Gorky,
Not really. A lot of the games we have lost have been on the back of bullpen guys fighting for a spot. (Like the two lefties and Acosta, Bennet) not most of the actual BP guys themselves.
dogsbrekky
March 30th, 2009
3:06 pm
What did we get for Josh ?
Roja
March 30th, 2009
3:06 pm
I was feeling pretty good about the 2009 season until I realized that we still have to depend on the likes of Acosta, Bennett and Boyer who accounted for 15 losses among them in 2008) after our starters leave the game. Now I’m worried big time….
Frankie Knucles
March 30th, 2009
3:07 pm
dogsbrekky – it appears a relivier with some ceiling
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
3:07 pm
Bottom Half 7th
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: Kristopher Negron replaces second baseman Dustin Pedroia, batting 2nd, playing third base.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive switch from third base to second base for Steve Green.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Defensive Substitution: Mark Wagner replaces catcher Dusty Brown, batting 8th, playing catcher.
Renegator
March 30th, 2009
3:08 pm
Gorky Miller
Yes it is very alarming how many games we have lost here recently. Now that teams are starting to actually play their major league players – our bullpen keeps giving it up.
Sounds an awful lot like 2008.
Jersey Gil
March 30th, 2009
3:08 pm
DOB…If Wren mention where this Kid going..Miss or Gwinnett?
Tomahawk210
March 30th, 2009
3:09 pm
Well it looks like I’ll be getting a Schafer player t-shirt on my annual trip to the Ted in July from Chicago. Hopefully he’ll be in the running for ROY and not back in you know where. Just kidding, I have a feeling with Jordan’s work ethic he will be a great ballplayer.
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
3:09 pm
Believe Frank Wren has surpassed expectations this year as has Schafer.
tmenerey
March 30th, 2009
3:09 pm
ive caught Darrow in a bunch of pens and his is sick. Slider breaks out of this work and he throws 92-94 with a lot of life. also has a nasty change. GREAT pick up
Flamenco the Foot
March 30th, 2009
3:09 pm
Rudy Darrow? Is this one of these things where we are trying to make them happy because they got screwed in the Renteria trade? Maybe he’s good, his minor league ERA’s certainly aren’t horrible.
Frankie Knucles
March 30th, 2009
3:09 pm
Renegator – its a 1 run game. Its the Sox. take it easy
Gorky Miller
March 30th, 2009
3:09 pm
Wil – yes, but what about our run production? it’s been slim to nil with the exception of that one 5 run game we had. otherwise, we’ve just about been shut out
Renegator
March 30th, 2009
3:09 pm
Will,
I hate to tell you but Acosta and the LH guys and maybe even Bennett ARE our bullpen guys for 2009.
lewie
March 30th, 2009
3:10 pm
acosta is garbage
The ghost of Will Ohman
March 30th, 2009
3:10 pm
cvbraves thanks so much for the updates.
bry22
March 30th, 2009
3:10 pm
Acosta and BP sucks. He can’t even pitch 1 inning against Red Socks sub’s and he loses the lead. It is not going to matter rather we play well or not, our BP will be losing enough games for the Braves to miss the playoffs again!!
Runnin
March 30th, 2009
3:10 pm
Will Darrow become this year’s ground ball guy? If so, that’s a very good return. Nice job Wren!
the man
March 30th, 2009
3:10 pm
how do we know they dont intend on starting Blanco????????
Patrick
March 30th, 2009
3:10 pm
He’s got a point, we’d been hitting but off AAA and AA pitchers. Now that the major leaguers are out there, our team BA has gone way down…
TN Jeff
March 30th, 2009
3:11 pm
Ed Zachery RENEGATOR
Frankie Knucles
March 30th, 2009
3:11 pm
tmenerey – you have caught him? do tell?
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
3:11 pm
So I take it Manny Acostus isnt making the team?
Renegator
March 30th, 2009
3:11 pm
Gorky Miller,
Correct, the run production this year is going to be down. The Braves made very little attempt to bring in a bat to make up for the loss of Tex’s production. Look for a lot of low scoring games with our bullpen giving up many leads in 2009.
Gorky Miller
March 30th, 2009
3:12 pm
actually, i take that back about being almost being shut out. we’ve scored some runs, but not enough at the right time
Frankie Knucles
March 30th, 2009
3:12 pm
The man – because its Jordan Schaffer – kid comes to town and dominates. Done deal man. Jordan is the CF.
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
3:13 pm
Bottom 7th:
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Matt Diaz grounds out, pitcher Enrique Gonzalez to first baseman Anthony Rizzo.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:2 – Reid Gorecki flies out to right fielder Che-Hsuan Lin.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:2 – Martin Prado singles on a ground ball to shortstop Ryan Dent.
Renegator
March 30th, 2009
3:13 pm
TN Jeff
What or who is Ed Zachery?
PWHjort
March 30th, 2009
3:13 pm
I know nothing about Rudy Darrow, but dealing with Dave Dombrowski always turns out bad for them and good for us, that guy’s an idiot. Darrow has good numbers and we needed to get rid of Anderson. I’m pumped about this move, great job Wren. Bring on Schafer, baby.
The Ghost of Kenny Powers
March 30th, 2009
3:13 pm
Has Darrow had any experience closing? Anyone else out there a little usettled with Soriano? I love his intensity, but have to worry about the injury factor. who would be our closer if he goes down?
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
3:13 pm
The braves brought in Guzman the other day to pinch hit….against the Tigers…i didnt realize he was a pitcher!!!!
Steve McP
March 30th, 2009
3:13 pm
Does this mean Josh A will be on the 25 man roster for the Tigers or can he go to AAA without passing through waivers?
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
3:14 pm
B:0 S:0 O:3 – Yunel Escobar grounds into a force out, shortstop Ryan Dent to second baseman Steve Green. Martin Prado out at 2nd.
End 7th: Sox 3-2.
Heath (Cleveland)
March 30th, 2009
3:14 pm
OK “The Bloviator Downstairs”…you obviously have too much time on your hands. No need to pull me into your musings though.
Anyway, gotta say that I am REALLY excited about the opportunity to have Calipari prowling the sidelines in Lexington!
woogidy
March 30th, 2009
3:14 pm
This thing is shaping up nicely. Let’s get this thing started!
FaninFaytown
March 30th, 2009
3:15 pm
Not going to matter rather we play well huh??
the man
March 30th, 2009
3:15 pm
I really think Shafer will have a great year and Frenchy will be back to his old self.
WE JUST DONT HAVE ANY RELIEF PITCHING!!
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
3:15 pm
Inning 8
Top Half
B:0 S:0 O:0 – Pitcher Change: Javier Guzman replaces Eric O’Flaherty.
tmenerey
March 30th, 2009
3:16 pm
he played at the same college as me but was drafted the yr b4 i got there. he came back for the 2 yrs i was there b/c he was finishing up school. i was the catcher i i caught most of his pens when he was getting ready for the season. he is a hard nosed guy that works his butt off
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
3:16 pm
Franc. Bueno for Braves bullpen!!!!!
tmenerey
March 30th, 2009
3:16 pm
he just texted me and said he is going to Double A Miss
Gorky Miller
March 30th, 2009
3:16 pm
the man – what about moylan and boyer and soriano?
garlick
March 30th, 2009
3:17 pm
Steve McP, Josh still has to be on the 25 man roster, or his options are up and he’ll have to clear waivers, regardless of what team he’s on now.
Ghost of Dan Kolb
March 30th, 2009
3:17 pm
G o Kenny P, yes, he closed the book on the CF debate.
Frankie Knucles
March 30th, 2009
3:17 pm
tmenerey – cool man, appreciate it.
PWHjort
March 30th, 2009
3:18 pm
SteveMcP, he will be on the Tigers’ 25 man roster or be subject to waivers.
reagan
March 30th, 2009
3:18 pm
Not feeling THAT great about the trade. Darrow has only pitched 13 2/3 innings abovr A ball. He had a teammate at Toledo named Casey Fien who looks better. If I am a Tigers fan I’m looking at the stats for both darrow and Anderson and thinking the Tigers got the better of it. I DO like going for young pitcher though.
ChopShop860
March 30th, 2009
3:18 pm
the man- our bullpen will be a strength.
PWHjort
March 30th, 2009
3:18 pm
tmenery, was he excited or disappointed about the trade?
ATLBfan
March 30th, 2009
3:18 pm
DOB, you said Frank said it would either go to Schafer or Blanco, so do this make it “official” Schafer is our starting CF?
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
3:19 pm
ChopShop860 where do you get your drugs? I want some!
TN Jeff
March 30th, 2009
3:19 pm
This late spring training version of the Braves looka Ed Zachery like
2009 version
Jeff321
March 30th, 2009
3:19 pm
Just like Boyer yesterday, Acosta gives up the go ahead run….
FTR, I thought Boyer got a raw deal yesterday but he still gave it up.
Jim
March 30th, 2009
3:19 pm
It looks like Acosta has pitched his way onto the Gwinnett roster this spring.
TN Jeff
March 30th, 2009
3:20 pm
Correction: This late spring training version of the Braves looka Ed Zachery like 2008 version
bravos2249
March 30th, 2009
3:20 pm
I don’t like Kelly leading off, but isn’t that alot of pressure on Schafer?
Frenchy's Faux-Beard
March 30th, 2009
3:20 pm
Alright, here we go: what’s it gonna be? what’s schafer’s fan group gonna call themselves?
Ghost of Dan Kolb
March 30th, 2009
3:20 pm
ATLBfan, does a bear 5h1t in the woods?
Roja
March 30th, 2009
3:20 pm
Acosta will make the team. Corky left the pictures he had with Manny.
KC
March 30th, 2009
3:20 pm
the man: “WE JUST DONT HAVE ANY RELIEF PITCHING!!”
You mean except for Mike Gonazalez, Peter Moylan, Blaine Boyer, Buddy Carlyle, Jorge Campillo (if they choose to put in in the ‘pen), and if healthy, Rafael Soriano?
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
3:21 pm
Yeh, I’m a Boyer-hater usually…but he pitched really well yesterday…the 2 hits were garbage and i think there was a questionable walk as well.
N Nine (eta6)
March 30th, 2009
3:21 pm
YESSSSSSSS
KC
March 30th, 2009
3:21 pm
Jim, yes sir… to Gwinnett he will go. Acosta has most certainly pitched himself out of a job.
BravoMan
March 30th, 2009
3:21 pm
So I wonder who’s gonna lead off now…I don’t know if they’d give that spot to Schafer right away. May bat him 8th and then move him up once he settles in.
Jim
March 30th, 2009
3:22 pm
Don’t blame Boyer for yesterday. He got squeezed a bit on the leadoff walk, but the 2 infield hits were both dribblers. Nobody had a good swing against him. Boyer has been effective in every outing this spring including yesterday. Acosta has not been effective in any recent outing.
BravesFAN885
March 30th, 2009
3:22 pm
Schafer’s shavers (like razors)
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
3:22 pm
Gonzalez has not been consistent yet…..and 2 guys do not make a bullpen….Carlyle/Campillo are battling for one stop…at best you have 3 good pitchers in the pen…we need 6 or 7 good arms.
TN Jeff
March 30th, 2009
3:22 pm
Acosta is in mid-season form
Looks like Frenchy maybe coming around too.
Gonna be a LOOOOONNG Season
David O'Brien
March 30th, 2009
3:23 pm
So I just got back from talking to Kawakami, and I hear that O’Flaherty showed today why Braves are comfortable with him as their lefty — four strikeouts in six batters, and got out of nasty jam, eh?
Schafer's Chaffers
March 30th, 2009
3:23 pm
FTW
The Ghost of Kenny Powers
March 30th, 2009
3:24 pm
Acosta is the worst of the lot in my opinion. I like Boyer, love Moylan, dying for Ohman to come back!
Tomas
March 30th, 2009
3:24 pm
Good job mr. Wren. Now I think it’s a safe bet to say Schafer is on the big club, and Blanco goes to AAA.
Now the question becomes who bats leadoff? Schafer is the player with most speed on the team, but he does have the tendecy to strikeout a lot. Will Kelly or Yunel leadoff? They both have high OBP’s, but really have not aclimated well to the leadoff spot in either of the last two seasons.
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
3:24 pm
So we came back and won the game right?
BravoMan
March 30th, 2009
3:24 pm
Can Acosta be sent to AAA? If so he will be there with Boyer Carlyle and Logan or Flantery being the 3 MR. Campillo doing some LR and spot starting. Soriano and Moylan setting up for Gonzo. I know they’re going to carry an extra reliever til Glavine starts, but I still think it’d be Bennet over Acosta.
Renegator
March 30th, 2009
3:25 pm
I’d say there is a good chance that Acosta will be on the major league roster. He is one of “Bobby’s Boys”. A smart manager would send his A55 down but we all know about Bobby. Once you are one of “his boys” you can do no wrong.
GSU-Lee
March 30th, 2009
3:25 pm
Adirondack,
In 1995 we didn’t have a single player with more than 27 home runs and no one with 100 RBI. We didn’t have a 20-game winner either. Now obviously those numbers are skewed by the strike-shortened season (Maddux would have definitely gotten 20 wins and McGriff would have hit 30) but the team only hit .250, what matters the MOST is pitching, which right now is shaping up ok for us. And I agree with you to some degree, and would absolutely love to have Maggs if we could get him, but I think we have enough in-house options to win.
BrandonC
March 30th, 2009
3:25 pm
With Schafer’s work ethic I can see him in the video room before every game studying pitchers with Chipper and Mac. I think he’s going to be even better when he starts the season. Mac has always said the reason he’s such a polished hitter is because of Chipper teaching him how to study pitchers that he faces. I see Schafer as the same kind of learner.
Jim
March 30th, 2009
3:26 pm
Just curious, Did Morton pitch yesterday in a minor league game, and, if so, does that affect the clock starting on his DL stint. If not, does the clock start from his one spring training inning?
Wayne in Utah
March 30th, 2009
3:26 pm
Renegator
So, if the starters end up giving you ONE extra inning per game over last year, and IF Moylan and Soriano are able to contribute similarly to their history (when healthy), do you not see how we could have a decent bullpen this year?
Acosta was supposed to be the savior a year ago.
I think with Gonzo, Soriano, Moylan, Boyer, Carlyle, Campillo, Bennett, Acosta, O’Flaherty, Logan and Bueno; we have the makings of a good bullpen. Not to mention Medlen and Marek.
I don’t think Wren is finished dealing yet, but don’t look for anybody in return to make the 25 man roster.
woogidy
March 30th, 2009
3:26 pm
We’ll be Schafers Chaffers. I won’t explain. Use your imagination.
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
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!!
MMenerey
March 30th, 2009
4:33 pm
It should have stopped after Glavine, I just wanted to name good minor leaguers.
Original Jon
March 30th, 2009
4:33 pm
Ummm, heres a need to use Hudson, they are paying him.
smitty
March 30th, 2009
4:34 pm
Enter your comments here
MMenerey
March 30th, 2009
4:35 pm
Hudson is our ace. If he’s ready, he should go.
Kentavo
March 30th, 2009
4:35 pm
We’ll just be like Team Japan – stacked with lefties.
It worked for them.
And we’ll have the real deal (K.K.) on the mound!
Pass me a Sapporo.
Ben
March 30th, 2009
4:35 pm
DOB – How fast was Gonzo throwing?
Lew
March 30th, 2009
4:35 pm
MFin04-I completely agree with you about Hudson (let the Dude heal up for 2010-we got enough pitching for now), but I think you’re being a bit tough on Gonzo. He’ll be fine. So what if he struck out minor leaguers? At least he struck them out-isn’t that what you’d hope he’d do to minor league hitters?
smitty
March 30th, 2009
4:36 pm
So if Glavine starts on the DL and Blanco is sent down before the season. Who’ll be the guy who’s dropped once Glavine is ready to return. Will it be the extra reliever, and if so which one.
Cru Jones
March 30th, 2009
4:37 pm
BravesFan
I came up with Schafers wafers a week ago. Sorry.
KC
March 30th, 2009
4:38 pm
the man, well, I feel pretty good about Boyer as well. And again, at the back of the ‘pen, Calyle and Campillo are reliable.
I feel really good about our ‘pen at the back (Gonzo, Moylan, Boyer), and on the other end (Carlyle, Campillo). The middle is the question mark.
If… IF Soriano can pitch most of the year, that would be huge. It would take the back of the bullpen from good to great, and would solidify the middle innings by allowing Boyer to pitch the 6th or 7th innings, rather than having to be called on late.
O’Flaherty is far from a sure thing, but he’s got a great arm, and has been coming on strong of late. Certainly looked fantastic today.
Anyway, again… the middle of the bullpen is a bit of a question mark (pending Soriano’s health, which would allow Boyer to man middle innings, and O’Flaherty’s performance)… BUT… how many bullpens – even amongst contenders – don’t have any questions?
I think this bullpen will be adequate, at the least… or one of the top ‘pens in baseball, at best. Either way, I’m not worried.
mbatl
March 30th, 2009
4:39 pm
’scoots, according to minorleaguesplits.com, Schafer hit almost exclusively leadoff in ‘07, but mostly 3rd and 5th in ‘08.
KC
March 30th, 2009
4:39 pm
DOB, who all did Gonzo strike out in the 9th? Also, to echo Ben’s question… what did his velocity look like?
TnBrian
March 30th, 2009
4:39 pm
I think you need to look at this a little more clearly “bravesfan”. Josh would’ve been picked up by a team, who knows maybe the Mets or Phillies. Do we really need to take a chance on letting one of those two teams pick up another burner on the bases? They have enough. Wren got something for a “4th OF” at least. Good trade!
Jim
March 30th, 2009
4:40 pm
“Blanco had his chance last year and we all know how that turned out”
In all fairness, Blanco was a rookie last year, he had an OBP > 350. He worked the count in most ABs. If other hitters in the lineup were producing like they were expected to (and that includes Tex for much of the first 2 months of the season), and Diaz did not get hurt (and play poorly beforehand), we would not have expected as much out of Blanco, and he would take less of the blame for the poor team performance in 2008. There were some negatives, but also some positives about Blanco’s game last year.
The Bloviator Downstairs
March 30th, 2009
4:40 pm
Hopefully Rudy Darrow will be as good of a reliever as Clarence Darrow was as a lawyer, but I’d settle for him being as good of a sinkerballer as Ziegler or Bradford.
Original Jon
March 30th, 2009
4:40 pm
Lew, I think you are wrong about Hudson too. If Huddy is ready, then they are going to use him. They are not going to pay a pitcher x amount of dollars and tell him, hey, I know you are ready to go and you are 12 months removed from the surgery, but, we dont want you playing until next year. How do you think the players union would respond to that?
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 30th, 2009
4:40 pm
Prado looks very good. I kind of prefer him at 2nd but I will be vilified here for saying so publicly
beekay
March 30th, 2009
4:43 pm
Jordan’s Juicers….dress like human syringes
SoWeGa Fanatic
March 30th, 2009
4:43 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.”
Hmmm…$12 million rehabbing on the bench? Doubt it.
Bubdylan
March 30th, 2009
4:44 pm
dogsbrekky, are you into Satan?
TnBrian
March 30th, 2009
4:44 pm
I’d like to see Schafer leading off to start ‘09. We can’t compare him to Sizemore right now people…the guy is a superstar. But, it won’t hurt to see how he does, especially since pitchers won’t have the edge on him at first. It could benefit Atl. for awhile and maybe for good.
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
4:45 pm
Prado is almost too good everywhere else to be used at 2nd. He can play all the infield and will be the guy who is filling in for injuries/rest days.
ncscoots
March 30th, 2009
4:45 pm
mbatl, just goes to show that two years back strains my synapses, LOL. Thanks, man.
Tomahawk210
March 30th, 2009
4:47 pm
I’m done with the Schafer vs. Blanco argument. This shouldn’t even be a discussion. It’s almost like people like to argue just to argue. Are some of you actually that thick-headed to believe that Blanco is even remotely close to the player Schafer is? It’s not even close.
The Bloviator Downstairs
March 30th, 2009
4:49 pm
I’d settle for Schafer being as good as Brady Anderson or Luis Gonzalez or Mark Kotsay or Grady Sizemore or Steve Finley. I don’t care which one of those he becomes most similar to, just as long as he ends up like one or two of them.
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
4:51 pm
Schafer’s arm is the reason he is in CF. With all things equal or near equal on the hitting side of things and speed side of things…..his arm in Center…Right and Left so far this Spring…made him a notch above Blanco and Anderson.
Chop Chop
March 30th, 2009
4:54 pm
Now that Josh Anderson has been traded, I think Blanco should be named the starter in center. In addition, Wren needs to bust Schafer down to rookie ball and teach him a lesson. Too many bloggers like him too much. It’ll go to his head.
Steve from OH
March 30th, 2009
4:56 pm
Jersey Gil: I’d expect Johnson and Sumoza to start in Myrtle Beach and Hernandez to start in Mississippi.
Scoots (from last blog):
I meant that if it’s 7th or 8th inning of a close game, and there is a jam with a tough lefty (Ryan Howard comes to mind) coming up, I wouldn’t go all Robert if Bobby brought in Gonzo.
Jim
March 30th, 2009
4:58 pm
Tomahawking
If you are referring to my last post, you should note I did not claim Blanco should be the starting CF. I simply defended him against a too harshly negative comment made by someone else.
smitty
March 30th, 2009
4:58 pm
It will definitely be interesting when Hudson is ready to return, even harder if Hanson is already in the lineup. If we’re in the hunt towards the end of the summer having a good extra pitcher would make great trade bait for a big bat.
Josh H
March 30th, 2009
5:00 pm
Agree, The Bloviator Downstairs. I’d be pretty happy if Schafer turned into a Mark Kotsay with more stealing threats. If Kotsay didn’t hurt his back, he’s probably getting payed Torri Hunter money right now.
Jersey Gil
March 30th, 2009
5:02 pm
MMenerey….Agree, the NL East going to be touch, The Phillis Rotation is not good enough compare with the Bravos. Today The Phillis received bad news about Cole Hamel Today..he Pitch in the Minor league again the Iron Pig,AAA Affilate and he was lift…Moyer on Saturday also was a bad outing…That Kid from the Pirate Mccluchen, has a Homer,Triple and two Double again Moyer.
Josh H
March 30th, 2009
5:02 pm
Hudson won’t make it back for the trade deadline. Which would mean someone goes to the pen. You’d have to think at that point, based on performance, it would be Glavine if he’s still around.
But Hudson will be back in 2010. $12 million for an ace is still awesome. Vasquez is probably a trade piece in that scenario, since Glavine will be gone and Hanson will certainly be in the majors, barring injury.
Shamus Thacker
March 30th, 2009
5:03 pm
I know it’s late in the blog to mention this, but that’s the best song choice TO DATE, DOB, thanks fer the melodies…
99709
March 30th, 2009
5:03 pm
Shafers Chaperones..or chaperon, adults who supervises one or more unmarried men or women during social occasions
Cunning Stunt
March 30th, 2009
5:04 pm
Schafer’s wafers should be entertaining but not nearly as much as when Kelly’s Johnsons show up in left field.
MinnesotaJacket
March 30th, 2009
5:06 pm
I would have to agree that Vasquez would probably be traded IF Hudson is seen is 100% healthy and I do agree that if late in the season that comes about, that we could be trading for a big bat at first base. Or get some more great prospects in our minor leagues.
96,sc
March 30th, 2009
5:07 pm
Schafer’s Taters
N Nine (eta6)
March 30th, 2009
5:10 pm
Ironic having Smoltz’s Pictures on the day we make a trade to Detroit Tigers. Supreme trade of all to date..
Jeff321
March 30th, 2009
5:11 pm
I don’t have a problem with the Braves keeping someone around to mop up in blow out games. With that said, its crucial that we have the best relievers available in the pen. I guarantee we lost more games in the last three years (in the late innings) than from blow outs where a long reliever starts pitching before the fourth inning.
To sum it up, if our designated pitcher for long relief is actually better than someone coming in the 7th or 8th, Bobby Cox has his priorities backwards.
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 30th, 2009
5:20 pm
Bubdylan – why Satan ? Just a nice Aussie Christian laddy !
nolie
March 30th, 2009
5:22 pm
Hey guys, just catching up to the discussion about relieving specialization on the last blog. Part of it is a CYA on the managers part. If you burn your closer in the 7th or 8th and lose in the 9th, a whole buncha crap is headed your way.Would almost hafta be a masochist to do that very often. Think what most of the posters on this board would be like.
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 30th, 2009
5:22 pm
No way we trade Vazquez if we are playoff bound……. because if we are playoff bound it is because Javier has blown away the NL EAST weenies… guy has huge talent and it will flourish under Cox
Chop Chop
March 30th, 2009
5:22 pm
Interesting quote from Wren in the AP story about the Anderson trade:
“The center-field job is still open,” Atlanta general manager Frank Wren said. “It will be hard to keep two. We knew we couldn’t keep all three.”
Hard to keep two?
spotts
March 30th, 2009
5:22 pm
I get home from work to see that the Braves made a GREAT move. Looks like we got a really good reliever for someone who was probably not going to play much.
The Tigers sure do know how to bend over don’t they? First we get Smoltz for a nobody. Then we get Jurrjens and Gorkys for a fading Renteria. And now they trade a good RHP prospect for our 5th outfielder.
TB
March 30th, 2009
5:22 pm
Schafer’s Shavers.
Lather up, beard comes when he hits it out. The ladies can do their legs.
Work it with a sponsor. Free Mach 3’s for everybody.
TB
March 30th, 2009
5:23 pm
errrgh.
…beard comes off…
N Nine (eta6)
March 30th, 2009
5:23 pm
The once in a decade prospect is asking for LARGE SUM. Will Boras scare away the Nats? Nats could be ready to compete and give in on Boras. They did go bold by offering TEX this offseason, so anything is possible. Watch out for Strasburg.
spotts
March 30th, 2009
5:24 pm
dogsbrekky – after the past few years, I don’t think we’re in a position to call the NL East teams “weenies”
cheld
March 30th, 2009
5:24 pm
Schafer’s Wafers…. those were the good old days when I really enjoyed going to the Ted. Frenchy’s Maids fighting Francoeur’s Franks, Adam’s Army, McCann’s Cans, McBride’s Brides, Langerhans’ Hands, Thor’s Hammers, and I think there was also a group calling themselves Matt’s Bats.
Good times.
spotts
March 30th, 2009
5:26 pm
cheld – it was the Langerhands I believer
cheld
March 30th, 2009
5:28 pm
Whatever it was, the promotions department needs to figure to bring the fun back. I’m sure a winning season would help, but maybe some sort of half-price promotion in the outfield for people dressed up in player name-themed costumes?
The Bloviator Downstairs
March 30th, 2009
5:29 pm
The once in a decade prospect is asking for LARGE SUM. Will Boras scare away the Nats? Nats could be ready to compete and give in on Boras. They did go bold by offering TEX this offseason, so anything is possible. Watch out for Strasburg. (NNine)
It would be interesting after all these years of Boras hate if Boras prices Strasburg down to the Braves. Boras supposedly does like our youth and D. Imagine the lift Hanson and Strasburg could bring to a second half run.
Texas Ranger
March 30th, 2009
5:30 pm
Has anyone been talking about the trade rumor: Darrow to Rangers for Andrew Jones? It’s all over the Rangers blog.
Chop Chop
March 30th, 2009
5:31 pm
Blanco’s Broncos (dress up as horses), Kotch’s Scotches (dress up as glasses of scotch), Yunel’s Fine Cubans (dress up as cigars…or find some hot Cuban chicks)…
Moylan’s Vegemite Sandwich (I…hesitate to describe that).
The first three are pretty good.
2Parc
March 30th, 2009
5:32 pm
there’s a Rangers blog?
Ghost of Dan Kolb
March 30th, 2009
5:32 pm
Chop Chop’s Joke Flops
Wayne in Utah
March 30th, 2009
5:34 pm
Random at 3:50pm today:
“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.”
Now there you go again, looking into my head and determining that I have a “hate” thing going on for John Smoltz. I am not sure where the self pity thing comes from.
Personally, I would just call it exactly what it is, which is disappointment. I am very disappointed in John Smoltz. I have never (nor do I now) hate him. Actually, he has been one of my all-time favorite Braves.
Assigning hate to others is a slippery slope, and a ploy used by some of our politicians to try to put their rivals in a bad light. I don’t think you want to sink to that level, do you?
I still do not understand the “self-pity” part??
(I don’t even hate you, though on occasion you can try a person’s patience!)
Kenny Powers
March 30th, 2009
5:35 pm
Whats the score?
Vin
March 30th, 2009
5:35 pm
Andruw jones still in the majors?!
N Nine (eta6)
March 30th, 2009
5:36 pm
Nope don’t need another OF debate. No thanks Ranger!
The guy we got is 25. I think we can see him in September. The NL’s best system just got better
Ghost of Dan Kolb
March 30th, 2009
5:37 pm
Juts bustin your Chops
Josh H
March 30th, 2009
5:38 pm
After reading the Tiger’s comments to the AP, the trade makes a lot of sense for them. They are a team full of sluggers and not a lot of speed. Magglio? Cabrera? Sheffield?
It makes sense to have a guy who can come in as a pinch-runner, play good outfield defense and isn’t a complete liability with the bat. Hence why they traded a prospect who might actually amount to something.
They didn’t get nearly as fleeced this time as when they gave us Jurrjens
AdirondackDave
March 30th, 2009
5:39 pm
Texas Ranger — Yeah, right. Braves giving up a good pitching prospect for Andruw who they could have had (and passed on) for nothing. You guys might want to tamp down that rumor.
cvbraves
March 30th, 2009
5:40 pm
For those asking who did Gonzo strike out in the 9th inning:
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.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:3 O:1 – Che-Hsuan Lin strikes out swinging.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:0 O:1 – Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Ronald Bermudez replaces Rocco Baldelli.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:3 O:2 – Ronald Bermudez strikes out swinging.
——————————————————————————–
B:0 S:3 O:3 – Kristopher Negron called out on strikes.
Andy K.
March 30th, 2009
5:41 pm
what kind of pitches does darrow throw?
Rob from SC
March 30th, 2009
5:41 pm
DOB
Is the CF job still up for grabs
Chop Chop
March 30th, 2009
5:42 pm
Ghost of Dan Kolb’s Shut Up Hater
Wayne in Utah
March 30th, 2009
5:42 pm
Renegator
Be careful making bold statements. It ain’t never over till the fat lady sings.
I think some of you folks are getting way to negative early on. Let’s give it some time.
For those who would totally slam the bullpen at this stage, due to the record from last year, don’t you realize that our bullpen was abused and overused (certainly not intentional, but necessary) due to the lack of decent game penetration by our starters???
Also, how can we worry too much about results; good or bad, in the spring. It is just that, spring training.
Also, might I recommend Baseball 101 or Braves ‘09 101 for some of you denizens. There seems to be some real “loosers” out there that are getting wild with their ascertions.
ie: Anderson, Blanco and Schafer being for the most part equal, except for the throwing arm???? Now who said that?? Please refer to the previous paragraph.
Is it time to re-introduce the “your and idiot” daily award?
Ghost of Dan Kolb
March 30th, 2009
5:43 pm
Aw, come on, Chop Chop
raindawg722
March 30th, 2009
5:43 pm
GTI in Chicago,
Thanks for replying to my question about Francouer going to another team’s hitting coach. I figured it was some sort of side gig like you said. My real question is whether there are any limits to that kind of extracurricular activity, like whether Jaramillo would tutor a hitter on another team in the Rangers’ own division.
cheld
March 30th, 2009
5:44 pm
“The NL’s best system just got better”
He has good numbers below AA, but so do a lot of pitchers. Let’s wait to see what happens when he has more than a handful of starts above A ball before rush to judgment.
Chop Chop
March 30th, 2009
5:44 pm
Ghost of Dan Kolb’s Hurt Chop Chop Make Chop Chop Cry So Mean Experience
Mark Windsor
March 30th, 2009
5:46 pm
Will Josh anderson play regularly with the Tigers?Id like tio see what he can do playing full time with a team for a whole season..I wish him good luck He seemed like a good guy to have on team that had too many Center fielders..perhaps Jordan Shafer will step to the plate hit .280 15 homwers 70 RBI and steal 25 bases maybe score 80-90 runs have play a good centerfield..
Ghost of Dan Kolb
March 30th, 2009
5:47 pm
that you, Mongo? I used to make Braves fans cry for a living, so don’t feel bad.
spotts
March 30th, 2009
5:48 pm
Isn’t Dan Kolb still alive?
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
March 30th, 2009
5:49 pm
Spotts,
His career isn’t
Chop Chop
March 30th, 2009
5:49 pm
Rudy Darrow would be a good F. Scott Fitzgerald character name.
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 30th, 2009
5:50 pm
spotts – point taken, just a figure of my speech showing my disdain for our opposition
“BASEBALL IS WAR”…………
spotts
March 30th, 2009
5:51 pm
Check out http://www.yahoo.com ’s homepage to see Andruw Jones working a desk job.
Chop Chop
March 30th, 2009
5:52 pm
Dan Kolb’s Baseball Reference page has an interesting sponsor.
spotts
March 30th, 2009
5:52 pm
Nice, Buffalo
That’s what we call a “set and spike”
Wayne in Utah
March 30th, 2009
5:53 pm
Every time our president goes on the TV, my 401K decreases! Is there a correlation there???
Do the Braves win when he is on TV?
401K vs successful 2009 Braves season…..life is full of hard choices.
spotts
March 30th, 2009
5:54 pm
So does Kolb’s Baseballcube page
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/K/Danny-Kolb.shtml
Central Park Brave
March 30th, 2009
5:56 pm
How about “Ice Cold Schafers”?
Ghost of Dan Kolb
March 30th, 2009
5:56 pm
knock it off guys
spotts
March 30th, 2009
5:56 pm
Wow….Kolb was Texas’ #1 prospect in 1997. That must’ve been during the war, when many major league players were fighting overseas and women had to take their places in the factories and baseball fields.
N Nine (eta6)
March 30th, 2009
5:58 pm
OK cheld, I’ll change it to deeper..
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 30th, 2009
6:00 pm
The Braves will be adding Jordan Schafer to the 40 man, obviously. The eighteen position players who will go north with the team is set. Cox is going to go with Francoeur, Diaz, G. Anderson and Schafer as his four main outfielders. Norton and Infante will play out in the grass, albeit rarely.
The trade of Josh Anderson is somewhat surprising but not unexpected as Mark Bowman had already alluded to the possibility. Here is wishing Josh Anderson much success in Detroit.
The only problem I have with this is, Cox won’t be using Schafer exclusively as a lead off man and the Braves just became the same agonizingly slow team we saw last season. At least the Braves got something in return for Josh.
spotts
March 30th, 2009
6:03 pm
Coach – If you’ll recall, last season the “agonizingly slow” Braves were also agonizingly weak. Schafer’s got some pop and speed. It’ll take some time, but he’ll be great
nolie
March 30th, 2009
6:04 pm
Anytime you see one of those 10-paragraph overviews from KC, you can boil it down to “The Braves are better than anybody at every position, and each player will have a career year. At least.” SCOOTS
could KC really be Bill Shanks in disguise?
Chris
March 30th, 2009
6:05 pm
We had a group last year and we were gonna go as “kotsay’s hotgays” and all wear ubber tight mini shorts, police hats and giant mustaches – no shirt, and huge boots. Unfortunately (or fortunately) they traded him right before we were gonna go.
Finally – i’ve got tickets to the weekend series in Pittsburgh and I for one am pumped for the Sunday game – either going to see a hall of famer from the front row or going to witness a major league debut. Should be fun.
I really like the trade too. Schaefer’s gonna play this year and I’d rather him get his feet wet in April when there’s less pressure than call him up midseason when we’re in the midst of a pennant race.
AdirondackDave
March 30th, 2009
6:05 pm
Dave Dombrowski of the Tigers, in response to a question after announcing the Anderson acquisition, said that a follow-up outfielder trade “was possible but not likely.” I am still wondering if Wren and Dombrowski are talking about possibilities involving a Braves (Gwinnett) ready-to-go starter plus a second level prospect or two for Mags? If I would both GMs that’s exactly the phrase “possible but not likely” I would use if there were talks going on. Am I off base here?
HuffBraves
March 30th, 2009
6:05 pm
Looks like we won’t have to worry about Hamels…
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring2009/news/story?id=4028523
Ghost of Dan Kolb
March 30th, 2009
6:05 pm
A guy like Curt Schilling dominates on the mound and runs a charity in his spare time and he is praised. I ran a charity on the mound and nobody cares if I dominated in my spare time. Just not fair.
AdirondackDave
March 30th, 2009
6:08 pm
An added point to my 6:05 — I know the Braves seem not to be in a position to take on additional salary, but I imagine that could also be negotiated if the return seems significant enough for the Tigers.
mbatl
March 30th, 2009
6:09 pm
“mbatl, just goes to show that two years back strains my synapses, LOL. ”
’scoots, I don’t really trust that site any more than I trust your memory, but it’s the only source (besides you) I’ve got.
Hey, this guy the Braves got for Josh has some unreal “peripherals”. ONE home run, 85 hits and 37 walks, in 103 innings? (plus 101 K’s?) Are you kidding me? I never thought we’d get a player with so much upside for Josh. I’m impressed. And I really don’t think Detroit has a clue in evaluating talent.
jtb
March 30th, 2009
6:09 pm
How about Jordan Schafer just be Jordan Schafer until he actually does something in the majors?
AdirondackDave
March 30th, 2009
6:11 pm
Wow, looks like the Braves caught a break with Hamels out for that opening series.
Crista
March 30th, 2009
6:12 pm
DOB,
Any news on the worlds favorite Aussie Sidearmer?
MY FAVE<3!
Andy K.
March 30th, 2009
6:14 pm
Guys, Schafer doesn’t have to be a major leaguer to have a nickname or fan club…But he does have to produce at the level.
2009 is better
March 30th, 2009
6:15 pm
2009 vs 2008
C- Improved. In depth with Ross and MAC will stay same or improve
1st- Kotchman will not produce as much but solid
2nd-Not sure
3rd Chipper will not repeat last year’s numbers
RF-Improved_ will easily do better
CF-Improved_ The position will produce much better numbers
LF_Improved_ Should produce better numbers at this position
SP_Improved_Not even clos e to last year
Pen_Improved_ Will produce better number than last year. Just watch. No Kolb either
2009 is improved over 08 . Stay Happy
Chop Chop
March 30th, 2009
6:17 pm
Think so, Andy K.?
I don’t. Nicknames and fan clubs are cooler.
TnBrian
March 30th, 2009
6:18 pm
Can’t say I’m really comfortable that if Hudson comes back, they trade Vazquez. Hudson is no better than Vaz. if you ask me. Now, Hudson is a very good pitcher and I’d probably take him in a big game over Vaz. But, he’s also a pretty streaky pitcher throughout the season. Call me a liar if you want…I watch the games.
2009 is better
March 30th, 2009
6:20 pm
“Hudson is no better than Vaz. if you ask me. Now, Hudson is a very good pitcher and I’d probably take him in a big game over Vaz”
My head hurts, Thank you TnBrian
Central Park Brave
March 30th, 2009
6:20 pm
2009 you’re right, lets hope these improvements push us into the playoffs.
Old School
March 30th, 2009
6:21 pm
I was really starting to worry. The AJC had gone about 4 days without a story on Smoltz. How obvious is it that DOB has his nose so far up Dear John’s butt that it’s sickening? If you love him so much, go get a job with the Boston Globe or something.
This is what happens when a beat writer moves from city to city – from Miami to Atlanta many years ago and STILL haven’t realized that BRAVES fans are interested in CURRENT BRAVES players!
nolie
March 30th, 2009
6:23 pm
Did somebody actually say that Francy will only K 65 times in a full season? Really???
Hakuna
March 30th, 2009
6:23 pm
Had an interesting discussion today on Smoltz’s future in comparison to Glavine’s and Maddux’s. I know a lot of you are tired of hearing about the Smoltz situation, but considering he only signed a one year deal with the Sox, does anyone think he’ll (after all, he’s always said he wants to retire in Atlanta) come back for a final year? I looked at the person who brought it up like he was crazy but I then got to thinking and it would make some kind of sense. After all, Glavine’s career will probably end at 43, Maddux’s career career ended when at 42–if all goes well for Smoltz this year, would he not be considered capable of completing at least one more season, this time in Atlanta white?
Thoughsts.
Ritchie from Scotland
March 30th, 2009
6:24 pm
Just came back from work to see we beat the Red Sox (I really hate them) and traded Josh Anderson. Both good news then as I really wanted Schafer in centre and hopefully he will be now, he’s an exciting player.
spotts
March 30th, 2009
6:29 pm
Hudson is no better than Vaz. if you ask me…Call me a liar if you wantTnBrian
Liar. I’d cite career ERA and winning % numbers, but I’d probably get eaten alive because I didn’t use ERA+ or the Ground Balls/Errors ratio
kool$kat
March 30th, 2009
6:30 pm
I see the wysteria and the pollen everywhere, but it just doesn’t feel like spring…no Skip, no Pete, no Smoltz…sigh
kirkinga
March 30th, 2009
6:32 pm
N8, thanks for pointing that out, it’s the 8th spot, not 9th. I was in a hurry.
Well we agree that Schafer should eventually bat leadoff, but I don’t agree about hitting in the 8th spot. The lower the spot, the worse the hitter, that’s the way it works, or at least the way it is perceived. There’s a reason why Chipper wants to hit 3rd, not 8th.
Jeff321, well to say you’ve never been an Acosta fan would be an understatement, but you could be right about Acosta and a change of scenery.Trading him away may be the only way some here regain their spark for Acosta, a la Joey Devine.
We’ll trade him away. He’ll do well and suddenly it’ll be “how could Wren trade this guy, we never develop any pitchers!”
I still wonder if he’s hurting. There was nothing wrong with until Bobby ran him into the ground and in June he gave out. I’m wondering if he hasn’t been reinjured. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him start on the DL.
2009 is better
March 30th, 2009
6:33 pm
Central Park Brave:The improvements and throw in better 1 run luck and better injury luck. I’m thinking championship! Stay Happy.
spotts
March 30th, 2009
6:33 pm
Hakuna
I’d rather not bring Smoltz back. No reason to get sentimental. Wren’s trying to go in a different direction, hence why he was offered “only” $2 million base. Plus, with Hudson returning, we’ll likely have more arms than we’ll know what to do with (which might include Rohrbough and Locke….I can’t wait for those guys). Why add an aging 43 year old question mark to the mix?
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 30th, 2009
6:34 pm
Yo Brian, what Hudson would you be referring to? Because I’m certain that you’re not talking about Tim Hudson.
You know, the guy with the .655 winning percentage (better than Maddux, Glavine or Smoltz). The ACE pitcher with a career record of 146-77. The pitcher who has cracked the 15 win barrier five times.
Pray tell me Brian, What Hudson could you possibly be talking about ?
PJ
March 30th, 2009
6:35 pm
What does this mean for Brandon Jones? AAA?
Smyrna Jim
March 30th, 2009
6:36 pm
Old School – go back and read DOB’s 1:54 post which addresses your concern.
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 30th, 2009
6:47 pm
Hudson is an AMG63 in a field of Toyotas
JasonInFL (Formerly ME)
March 30th, 2009
6:48 pm
DOB, I said the same thing to the people I was at the game with when they blared Born In the USA today. Good game…glad to see that Jordan is going to get the shot. Man, KK has one nasty Uncle Charlie…made Mike Lowell look pretty silly on one. Absolutely beautiful day at the park…
That was me who yelled to you when you came out of the dugout!
Old School
March 30th, 2009
6:50 pm
Smyrna Jim – Sorry, didn’t thouroughtly read thru all 8 pages of replies and see that. OK, so maybe not DOB, but SOMEBODY at the AJC is certainly guilty of brown nosing Smoltz to the Nth degree. Those pictures and stories amy be written by the wire services, but an AJC employee had to load them. Although with more and more layoffs happening, the AJC will be nothing more than a wire service paper in the near future. That would actually bring them full circle. They never traveled a beat writer at all back in the 70’s!
KC
March 30th, 2009
6:59 pm
Hakuna,, there will be absolutely, positively no room for Smoltz in this rotation next year. The Braves will have 7 guys, all of whom they legitimately want in the rotation: Lowe, Hudson, Jurrjens, Vazquez, Kawakami, Hanson, Reyes.
The ONLY way Smoltz could return would be if he returned here as a reliever. That could happen, but only if Smoltz gets to a point where he feels his arm won’t hold up to starting, but will hold up to bullpen duty. In that case, he could return here as kind of a setup man/secondary closer. He would get some save opps and would pitch in a lot of game-on-the-line situations.
Personally, I would love to have him back in that situation. I’m disgusted with his decision and the way he’s handled it… but personally, I’m usually willing to forgive and forget, as most of us did with Glavine.
Not likely though. Smoltz wants to be a starter. If he can’t start, he wants to close. But if his health/age is enough of an issue that no one wants to bank on him in either role, he could conceivably wind up back here for one more season as a late-inning reliever.
Braveheart
March 30th, 2009
7:00 pm
footage of Rudy Darrow getting inspired:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27D4k3dCXPg&feature=related
Jeff321
March 30th, 2009
7:02 pm
kirkinga – I could have been an Acosta groupie if he only did his job 80% of the time. I just have no patience for relievers that are prone to giving it up.
It brings me great pain to watch a game only to see it squandered in the 7th or 8th by the usual suspects. Of course that’s a huge reason I dislike Bobby Cox. Because rather than using the best available guys for crucial spots, he chooses to keep trotting the same one’s out that aren’t getting the job done.
Smyrna Jim
March 30th, 2009
7:05 pm
Old School – I’m afraid that may be the future for a lot of papers. I do tend to ignore wire service stories on most websites. What drives me craziest with the AJC is wire service movie reviews (outside of Roger Ebert). A review is totally worthless if you don’t know where the reviewer is coming from. Also, I certainly didn’t expect you to read all eight pages – that’s why I pointed you there, since I’ve had a really thrilling day (waiting to head out and tutor) where refreshing this page has been my big excitement.
f.n.hale
March 30th, 2009
7:06 pm
DOB, theres a committee?
Just heard we traded Josh Anderson for Clarence Darrow. That dude’s gotta be pretty old now, doesn’t he? There goes Lew’s suggestion for the gallows at home plate.
McFann, I posted an attempted funny line yesterday morning about you being the new IT person on the blog but maybe I shouldn’t have joked so much. How in the world do you link to a post from a previous blog, and where do you find out how to do the strike thrus, italics and stuff?
mbatl
March 30th, 2009
7:11 pm
KC, I really believe that barring major injury, Smoltz will pitch 2 or 3 more years, probably as a starter. He had killer stuff last year, and probably will this year once he gets healthy. I don’t see him with the Braves during that time, though.
Old School
March 30th, 2009
7:12 pm
Smyrna Jim – Thanks bud and trust me – been there, done that with several thrilling days gone by!
To be honest, I virtually never read movie reviews of any kind since the ones I usually really enjoy aren’t critically renowned. I point out the greatest golf movie ever, Caddyshack, that was totally crucified when it came out in every review. I’d rather watch something I enjoy than something somebody else did. Kind of like the Braves – if I want to go to the ballpark, sometimes I’ll go see them play the Nationals instead of the Phillies because I’d rather see them win than play a better team! Good luck with the tutoring!
ncscoots
March 30th, 2009
7:15 pm
catching up…
Steve-OH, gotcha, re Gonzo early. I fear it’s Bobby’s favorite LOOGY in that sit, however, LOL. Even relievers have gotten into the whole “role” thing, knowing what situations they are gonna face, etc. I don’t know; I don’t like that strategic philosophy all that much, but I see its appeal.
nolie, re KC and Shanks: previously alluded to and rebutted. Shanks will curb-kick a veteran in a heartbeat, it’s just prospects who are all-world to him, LOL.
mbatl, I can remember a lot, but recalling where a kid hit in a minor league game two years ago might occasionally get away from me, LOL. I guess what I was getting at there is that Schafer didn’t stick in my mind as a “leadoff” guy, i.e., that’s the position I would expect to always find him. Certainly, he has the tools to hit there. What did McCann say, the kid was “all tooled up”? Good descrip. If the kid doesn’t get overwhelmed by LHP, and grows into his power with his man-weight, yikes. A middle of Schafer-Heyward-Freeman might be a little bit good.
Smyrna Jim
March 30th, 2009
7:19 pm
Old School – if I know the viewpoint of the reviewer well enough, I can tell from his review whether or not I’ll like it, regardless of what his opinion is. Someone like Stephen Hunter in the Washington Post (well, only occasionally now since he took the buyout) is a great writer, and his reviews are worth reading even if I know I’d never consider seeing the movie. Plus, I know where his and my likes and dislikes converge or diverge.
SoWeGa Fanatic
March 30th, 2009
7:22 pm
I too had thought Smoltz would come back for a year of Atl adulation in a farewell tour. BUT, what would you do with him? Looking at projected pitching staff, I don’t think he could crack it next year at 43, IMO.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 30th, 2009
7:23 pm
Cox won’t use Jordan Schafer as his only lead off hitter. We will see KJ and Escobar batting first as Cox loves to tinker with the lineup. Atlanta stole 58 bags last year, I don’t see the 2009 version as being any faster.
Lew
March 30th, 2009
7:24 pm
Original Jon-I don’t remember whether or not you were posting a couple years ago, but with the rash of TJ surgeries the Braves’ had at the time, we discussed the surgery and the healing from thereof ad nauseum.
The common consensus at the time (and I have no reason to think it has changed) was that for a starting pitcher, complete recovery usually came at a year and a half after the surgery. In August, Huddy will only be a year out. Gonzo, a reliever, was the exception as opposed to the rule coming back as quickly as he did-Moylan, too (if indeed he does come back with no setbacks-and it would not surprise me if he DID have a setback or two).
Now I realize that reports put Tim a head of schedule (and he well may be ahead of schedule) in his recovery. However, it may well take until 2010 until he is back to the form of the Hudson we all know. With the abundance of pitching, there is absolutely no need to rush him in his rehab. No reason at all. As for what he is being paid (and that whole point of view got real old with the Hampton situation-it’s all part of the game)-we will be getting the insurance payment on his contract, so we won’t out of pocket anywhere near as much as you might think we are.
Like I said-let the Dude heal. We’ll be glad we did in the long run. We have numerous other options in the meantime.
P-Town Brave
March 30th, 2009
7:27 pm
Thoughts on an opening day lineup?:
1) Schafer cf – FINALLY a player who should bring credibility and speed to the #1 slot
Kotchman 1b – A great slot for Casey is either here, 7th, or 2nd…a good LD hitter and also hits breaking balls well which he will see a lot of batting in front of the pitcher.
2) Escobar ss – Bc other than Prado and GA, no other player is better suited for the 2-slot
3) CJones 3b – Chipper needs to be Chipper and to do that he needs to be comfortable and hit 3rd
4) McCann c – Mac is our .300/30 threat..where else should he hit?
5) Anderson lf – always a solid run producer so the 5 hole will suit him well if teams try to pitch around Chipper and Mac
6) KJohnson 2b – Still have no idea where he fits here (and think Prado is an overall better player), but that being said he hit very well here last couple seasons and maybe if he gets more aggressive he can find a permanent home in this slot in the order and be a RBI guy
7) Francoeur rf – Placing Frenchy here just so he can get some confidence back and maybe he’ll move up a slot or two sometime in May or June…still needs to fix his step timing(too the pitcher instead of to 3b dugout)
What are everyone else’s thoughts on a lineup? I honestly think we would be lucky to play .500 ball w/ the lineup that was out there today with Kelly leading off…once again, KJ NOT a leadoff hitter…I hope Bobby eventually gets it right.
JasonInFL (Formerly ME)
March 30th, 2009
7:28 pm
Oh, and I got to meet another fellow blogger…ChoppinMama…
Frank from KS
March 30th, 2009
7:29 pm
Hey…all I got to say is
ONE MORE WEEK PEOPLE…..ONE MORE WEEK!!!!!! :>)
Chop Chop
March 30th, 2009
7:31 pm
Everybody here seems to think that the number eight guys in any list are cool. They ain’t that cool, folks.
Wayne in Utah
March 30th, 2009
7:32 pm
Coach
You can’t be downplaying the sheer and utter speed of our backstop can you??? Dude was 5/5 last year!
Actually, I suspect we will be a tad bit faster (more stolen bases), but not enough to matter much.
I have always liked having speed at the top of the lineup, but I would rather have good hitters there, instead. Blanco and Anderson both had their downsides. IF the Schafer kid is the real deal, then I eventually see him giving us some AB’s in the leadoff spot, and maybe progressing to a middle of the lineup slot, if indeed he ends up being the type hitter some envision him as.
Basically, we only really have a couple of slow guys, who might clog up the bases a bit. BUT, I like our lineup’s potential, especially if some of the guys take the next step upward (Escobar, KJ, Kotchman, Francoeur and Schafer).
Lots of guys in the mix who could hit 275-300 with 15-25 HR’s and a fair amount of doubles.
It’s gonna be an interesting year, for sure.
nolie
March 30th, 2009
7:33 pm
The good thing is 2 of our lefties crush lefties (McCann and KJ) MM
they hit lefties well but they don’t really “crush” LHers. McCann is down 20-40 points across the board,Johnson’s BA is up but his power is down 30 points(actually his isolated power probably more that that). On the plus side Kotchman is the closest to actually hitting LHers as well as he hits RHers.
The ghost of Will Ohman
March 30th, 2009
7:33 pm
Hey guys. Just thought I’d let you know I’m still not coming back.
KC
March 30th, 2009
7:35 pm
mbatl, well I don’t question his stuff as much as his durability. It may be difficult for him to start for 2-3 more years. Of course, if he can jump in at the All-star break every year, that would certainly make it more likely that he’ll be able to still a couple more years as a starter. We’ll see.
I agree that it’s very unlikely that he’ll be back. Just throwing out the one and only scenario under which I see the slightest possibility of that happening.
Wayne in Utah
March 30th, 2009
7:37 pm
P-Town
Here’s my dream list, eventually:
CF Schafer
SS Escobar
3B Jones
RF Francoeur (a guy can wish, huh)
C McCann
LF Diaz/Anderson
2B KJ
1B Kotchman
You can almost substitute most of those guys from 4th thru 8th. Gonna be a strong lineup, IMHO.
And BTW, no way is Prado near the player that KJ is…
Chop Chop
March 30th, 2009
7:38 pm
The new Dylan song, “Beyond Here Lies Nothin’.
ncscoots
March 30th, 2009
7:39 pm
If Johnson leads off and goes up thinking like a “leadoff” hitter, then I agree: not suited. If he goes up thinking like Kelly Johnson at any other lineup position, he’ll be fine.
I’ve long thought that perhaps his strike-zone judgment was too good, and he would wait for perfect pitches…too long, sometimes, putting himself in pitchers’ counts too often. But, I thought he started coming around to the idea of being more aggressive in the zone last year, and I think he found he liked it. If he’ll approach leadoff the same way, I think he’ll do well there. A double is better than a SB, anyway, LOL. No offense, Coach!
Schafer's Wafers
March 30th, 2009
7:39 pm
I saw a lot of people fightin over my name. I think its great the more schafer’s wafers we get the better. I think it is great the Braves are giving the kid a chance to showcase his talents. Boy is he talented. I think he should leadoff. He has speed and he will get on a lot. K’s a little to much but that can be fixed with better pitch selection.
mbatl
March 30th, 2009
7:39 pm
Ohman’s reportedly agreed to terms (finally!) with the Dodgers. Geez, glad that’s over with.
Goldenglove002
March 30th, 2009
7:42 pm
I’m extremely confused by this trade, but congratulations to Schafer and good luck to Josh.
But is anyone else having trouble figuring out Detroit’s point of view in this trade? Their pen is the weakest part of the team, especially with Zumaya still not back. And last time I checked they were trying to get rid of their surplus of OF, not add. I honestly expected any trade to happen with the White Sox, but whatever, we got someone.
(Just want to mention a more useful trade for the Braves I was thinking of. We could have gotten Bobby Jenks for Anderson, a RP and a prospect. Just speculation from me)
KC
March 30th, 2009
7:42 pm
P-Town Brave, I agree that Escobar is a good #2 hitter. BUT… I hope BC doesn’t put the breaks on Schafer too much when he gets on and let’s him steal. That would help cut down on Escobar’s hitting into double-plays. He did hit into a lot of them last year. That’s the only fly in the ointment where Escobar in the two slot is concerned.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 30th, 2009
7:43 pm
P-town Brave, just for reference. The career BA for the following players:
Kelly Johnson .273
Yunel Escobar .303
Chipper Jones .310
Brian McCann .297
Casey Kotchman .269
Jeff Francoeur .268
Garret Anderson .296
Matt Diaz .309
To say this team can hit is an understatement. They are dependent on being able to string three and four hits together in order to score. The offense isn’t bad but it might be a bit short on power and base running ability. Which is why the pitching and defense is needed to make our Braves a winner in 2009. But, how much will they win?
Most projections put Atlanta around 85 wins.
McFann :Ô:
March 30th, 2009
7:45 pm
Oh, Wayne, you cann also add onions to that recipe if you want to.
f.n.hale
March 30th, 2009
7:49 pm
Lew, I gotta believe the Braves and Hudson would be eager to get him back out there this year. With his option year in ‘10 @, I believe $12Million, which, given the economy, I would expect will be a huge figure in ‘10 even if he does come back and pitch well this year. If he doesn’t pitch could you see the Braves or anyone being interested at or near that figure? I can’t see him wanting to accept the $1mil buyout and having to hit the FA market in a down economy. I think Hudson’s stuff is as good as anybody’s and we did see a few big contracts this year but they weren’t for guys coming off TJ surgery.
steve_97060
March 30th, 2009
7:51 pm
here is a good article from yahoo sports on Schafer and his drive to succeed. good read…
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AgBcGDs9eEuEUwIpr1tLp_MRvLYF?slug=ge-schaferbraves032809&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
mbatl
March 30th, 2009
7:59 pm
So, when the Dodgers come to Atlanta, do we boo Ohman because he turned us down, or cheer him because he’s a good guy?
Lew
March 30th, 2009
7:59 pm
f.n.hale-Don’t get me wrong-if he’s able to go (even on a limited basis), then so be it. All I’m saying is that there’s no rush as he won’t really be needed since we have Reyes, Hanson and Morton mright across town and Campillo, Bennett or Carlyle to spot start if we need them. Hudson will be fine in 2010 and we will take his option. Worst case scenario-in 2010, we trade a pitcher for a Home Run hitter (I’m betting Vasquez if it comes to that).
kirkinga
March 30th, 2009
8:01 pm
Jeff321, he did have a success rate that was near 80%, so what’s the problem?
Check out his Game Log from last season. He reall only had about about 5-6 horrible..and memorable..games.
At any case, why can’t his struggles now be the result of injury instead of ineptness? Seems to me he rocked last season until his injury.
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 30th, 2009
8:02 pm
Schafer will steal 30+ bags this year
Kid is super quick on those bases
TnBrian
March 30th, 2009
8:03 pm
GEEEZ…I go out and cut some grass, come back on the blog and see I’ve been getting hammered here!
Spotts, I like how you spun my comment to suit your point of view! I’m joking!! Seriously, at least I said I’d take Hudson over Vazquez in a big game, right?
Coach, good point and if a person judged your comment to mine, they’d say I’m an ignorant BAS–! Well, I am from TN, but that’s another story. Anyways, Hudson’s line can be a little deceiving because he can be pretty streaky, people. He’s obviously got good run support and great D to put up those #’s. Not saying he’s not an All-Star pitcher, but stats can sometimes be deceiving.
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 30th, 2009
8:04 pm
Here is a really out of the box idea
What if Vazquez is lights out….. any chance they do a SMoltz with Huddo ??
f.n.hale
March 30th, 2009
8:07 pm
Lew, I agree we, hopefully won’t need him but I gotta believe he’ll do whatever he can to get back. I hope you’re right about picking up his option too. Heck it ain’t my money and when he is hitting his spots I don’t think there’s a better pitcher in baseball.
TnBrian
March 30th, 2009
8:11 pm
For the record, I love Huddy and hope we have him around for a long time. I’ll admit, he was very consistant in ‘07 and almost as much the time he pitched in ‘08. Before that? Yeah, a little streaky from what I remember. A future rotation of Lowe/Hanson/Hudson/Vazquez/Kawakami…are you kiddin?? Awesome, even if there isn’t a lefty to be found there.
Jeff321
March 30th, 2009
8:15 pm
kirkinga If Acosta is at 80% I need to up my standards to 90%! Btw, he could be injured but I doubt he’s tired from pitching 8 innings in ST.
Yeah, he got that injury at an unfortunate time if I recall correctly. Who knows, maybe he’ll make the team and can prove me wrong. Believe it or not, I want all the Braves bullpen guys to succeed since they hold the key to my jubilation when we win.
TnBrian
March 30th, 2009
8:15 pm
LEW LEW LEW!! “Vasquez”?? I just puked in my mouth when I read that! Oh bless you Vermont heart! You’re gonna get bashed in these parts for such mistakes. I kid, I kid
f.n.hale
March 30th, 2009
8:21 pm
“A future rotation of Lowe/Hanson/Hudson/Vazquez/Kawakami” – tnbrian
No JJJ? No Medlen?
f.n.hale
March 30th, 2009
8:27 pm
Hey brekky, so what’s it gonna be, the Subaru? If you’re sold on going American you might wear these guys down. Surely the economy isn’t any better there than here is it?
Doc Holiday
March 30th, 2009
8:28 pm
Is Schafer as quick as Reyass…….muts SS?
kirkinga
March 30th, 2009
8:28 pm
Jeff321, It’s probably closer to 70%, but that’s because of June when we know he became was injured at some point and also because we had starters who couldn’t make it deep into games.
In his first 28 appearances covering from Opening Day until the first week of June, Acosta gave up runs only 4 times. Now I call that being effective. He made 8 appearances after June and gave up no runs in any of them.
I’m the first to admit he’s had a shaky ST, but he had one bad month last season. The rest of the time he was pretty good.
I guess I just don’t see any reason why one bad month should forever doom any pitcher, especially one of our least experienced ones.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 30th, 2009
8:30 pm
I forgot to mention the 40 man situation.
With the trade of Josh Anderson there are two open roster spots. Schafer will be added but what are the Braves going to do with the other spot?
Atlanta is sixth in the pecking order when it comes to waiver claims.
cabravesfan
March 30th, 2009
8:32 pm
Gotta love that we went from a patchwork rotation to having so many quality starters that we forget who they all are…
Bruce Willis
March 30th, 2009
8:32 pm
Schafer’s not THAT fast, doc holliday.
But he’s pretty fast.
tvsportscaster
March 30th, 2009
8:34 pm
Coach, there are actually three open roster spots at the moment. Phil Stockman and Jeff Ridgway were taken off the roster in the last week or so, plus Anderson’s trade, so the roster stands at 37.
Clay
March 30th, 2009
8:35 pm
Anybody read this little tidbit from espn today, an NL talent evaluator on Buster Olney’s Blog?
“No. 3: The Marlins’ every day lineup is very suspect to me. They’ve got the best starting rotation in the division, but Hanley Ramirez is now a third baseman playing shortstop. He’s getting too big for that team.
mainly the best rotation statement…..bold to say the least
Bubdylan
March 30th, 2009
8:45 pm
dogsbrekky, the Satan remark was a joke that didn’t play. My bad. (You’d said we would villainize (sp??) you for liking Prado over KJ.
TnBrian
March 30th, 2009
8:51 pm
f.n.hale, OWWW…that hurt! How did I leave my boy JJ off?? Let me tell you what I think the future holds:
Vazquez will be dealt this offseason for whatever the need will be at that time. Damn if I’m guessing what that need will be, but if Hudson is resigned, Vazquez will be traded and probably packaged with Gorkys and another if he(Gorkys) isn’t dealt this summer. My guess, since Heyward/Schafer/Franc. make up the OF, will be a 2nd baseman(Brandon P.) or a big time BP arm. Just havin a little fun here, that’s all.
Smyrna Jim
March 30th, 2009
8:54 pm
Yvonne Strahovski showing Tricia Helfer who’s the boss!!!
Lew
March 30th, 2009
9:01 pm
TnBriuan-I sure hope you’ve got some mouthwash. WTF is so outrageous about what I said? You think they won’t pick up Hudson’s option or that if push came to shove that Huddy wouldn’t be higher in the pecking order than Javy Vasquez? If so then you’re a sadly delusional individual. Can’t quite figure out why you seriously think Vasquez is the better of the two. I’ve always been a Vasquez fan and advocated for his acquisition way before they traded for him this off season, but Dude. Please get real.
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 30th, 2009
9:01 pm
re Schafer vs Reyes
Schafer is uber quick because he reads things so well and runs the bases very well
Over 40 straight yards I would take Josie and the chokercats but every day our kid can fly on the basepaths..
A friend who is a scout has clocked him down 1st base as top 3 in MLB FWIW
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 30th, 2009
9:03 pm
Lew – I think Huddo has been the main victim of our 36% record in 1 run games over the last 3 years……. I cannot recall the nos of blown saves in his starts but it is high
f.n.hale
March 30th, 2009
9:07 pm
Hey, Bub, I don’t think that’s what they mean by “down under”
TnBrian, of course Bobby makes them all sound like the next Koufax, but I get the feeling he REALLY likes Medlen.
Jim
March 30th, 2009
9:08 pm
Has Glavine been added to 40-man?
FW deserves a lot of credit – or he reads this blog site regularly. It seems that the 25-man roster and opening day lineup will be just as vetted and prescribed on these pages. Bright minds think alike, methinks.
One of the great things about the lineup is that there don’t seem to be any weak spots. (Knock on wood.) This, of course, assumes that Frenchy’s rebirth is real and that “Ice Cold” will hit at least .280 and steal 25 bases. (Whoever offered the “Ice Cold” nickname someplace above is my hero.)
Let’s play two.
KC
March 30th, 2009
9:08 pm
mbatl, do we boo or cheer Ohman?
Neither.
If you have a guy that’s part of the fabric of an organization, and he walks away despite having received a fair offer to stay… it’s perfectly understandable for fans to jeer him.
When it’s a guy like Ohman, I’ll neither cheer nor jeer.
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 30th, 2009
9:08 pm
Bub – yes I gathered it was a joke but it did confuse me a bit as well
its the drain bamage I have
Lew
March 30th, 2009
9:10 pm
Dogsbrekky-Yeah, Dude was victimized by Wickman a couple times I rememeber. I hope they DO pick up his option as I think with him in the rotation we’ve got one of the best in the league-even better than with Vasquez.
TnBrian-The reason I say they would probably put Vasquez up for trade is that he makes $12 mil next year and they probably won’t be able to afford both Hudson and Vasquez. Hudson, coming off of surgery-even if he DOES pitch this year- will not command in a trade what Javy would (especially if he has a good season). I really can’t see them letting Hudson walk, though anything is possible-especially in this economy.
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 30th, 2009
9:11 pm
fn hale – My mate here told me about a really good site for cars with very low competitive prices……. the dealers are down in MD but I figure to save 5-6$k on a Buick I may go down there
its http://www.fitzmall.com……... let you know what happens
Lew
March 30th, 2009
9:11 pm
I watched Schafer during running drills in Orlando last spring and the only player quicker than Jordan was Josh Anderson.
1060.48
March 30th, 2009
9:11 pm
Smoltz and Tiger on the golf course. Does Smoltz hold his ears when Tiger lays down the G-D amits? Or does he just enjoy the golf?
Smyrna Jim
March 30th, 2009
9:17 pm
Well, it looks like Jack will be dead by the end of this episode…
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 30th, 2009
9:17 pm
Lew – Soriano will not be a Brave in 2010 I think so that gives us $6.5 … yes ?
Schafer Obliterator
March 30th, 2009
9:20 pm
I am quite a touch quicker this year LEW !!!
Lew
March 30th, 2009
9:20 pm
dogsbrekky-That sounds about right.
f.n.hale
March 30th, 2009
9:21 pm
dogsbrekky, looks like they sell about every brand so lots of options. BTW you got the periods after com in the link so if anyone wants to click on it you have to remove them. Weird but they actually have a blog – http://fitzwayblog.blogspot.com/ . I wonder what one does on a car dealer’s blog?
Lew
March 30th, 2009
9:21 pm
Oblitarator-I’m glad to hear it.
Hoosiers
March 30th, 2009
9:22 pm
Schafer’s Hoosiers. Hear the kid spent some tome in IN.
NWI
March 30th, 2009
9:24 pm
From the NWI to the ATL
dogsbrekky - UNC rocks !
March 30th, 2009
9:24 pm
dogs – “I want to buy an American car, Buick, probably”
salesman – “Oh I have a good deal on these Saabs today”..
dogs – “Did GM rename Buick just this morning”
salesman – “The deals in the paper finished yesterday”
dogs – “But I have today’s paper, show me this Lacrosse for $18k….”
salesman – “Oh that one is sold”
yada yada yada………. ad infinitum
At Jeep/Chrysler they would NOT let me leave the showroom……
Not Joshin'
March 30th, 2009
9:25 pm
Can I commute from Atlanta to Detroit?
diamondlady01
March 30th, 2009
9:34 pm
richbrave-Glad you enjoyed our grand strand. We have some of the best east coast beaches and golf courses along with Pelicans baseball of course! (Am I partial? Absolutely!) Cal’s camps & tournaments brings thousands of young folks to our area each summer.
JimD
March 30th, 2009
9:35 pm
mbatl: So, when the Dodgers come to Atlanta, do we boo Ohman because he turned us down, or cheer him because he’s a good guy?
How about a YAWN?
cabravesfan
March 30th, 2009
9:38 pm
So- I’ve got the top pick in my fantasy draft- do I take Hanley Ramirez or Pujols?
Bobby's Belly
March 30th, 2009
9:42 pm
Pujols
Interested Observer
March 30th, 2009
9:43 pm
cabravesfan: personally I would take Hanley. As fantasy numbers go, there’s more depth at 1B later on then at SS. Just my opinion.
cabravesfan
March 30th, 2009
9:44 pm
Two comments, one for each…not exactly what I was going for:)
That is a good point Interested Observer
winterville
March 30th, 2009
9:46 pm
I like Hanley too. He is hitting 3rd this year so his RBI’s should go up. You can’t go wrong with either one but Hanley plays the premium position. That’s why I like him.
spotts
March 30th, 2009
9:46 pm
Hanley no question. He’s got speed and power
cabravesfan
March 30th, 2009
9:46 pm
Think I am leaning that way- also concerned that Pujols’ elbow might blow up on him…he never got that fixed did he?
spotts
March 30th, 2009
9:47 pm
Plus there’s tons of good 1Bs. There’s only one elite SS, 2 great SS, and the rest is just okay
Rick
March 30th, 2009
9:47 pm
Why are we trading an outfielder with a 300 average and speed when we have a black hole in the line up playing right.
Put Diaz in right, put Kelly Johnson back in right, or play 5 infielders until Frenchy learns the strike zone. I’ve got season tickets but I cant watch!
winterville
March 30th, 2009
9:48 pm
No Pujols didn’t fix it. He had the same surgery as Soriano and Glavine to move the nerve but he will eventually have to have full blown TJ surgery.
McFann :Ô:
March 30th, 2009
9:49 pm
F.N. Hale–
Sorry! I don’t know how in the world I missed that post of yours! Sheesh…I feel bad…
Um…OK! There is a “link” button under each post. Click on that, and the link will be in your address bar. Next, follow these steps for posting links. Once you get the hang of it, it’s not so hard.
Again, sorry I missed your post. Hope you get this one! Night, all!
spotts
March 30th, 2009
9:49 pm
But if your draft is anything like the one from this blog, Chipper Jones will go 3rd overall. So you might want to nab him before someone else does
cabravesfan
March 30th, 2009
9:50 pm
Think that question has been answered- thanks all:)
spotts
March 30th, 2009
9:51 pm
Rick – my goodness….Francoeur had one bad season as opposed to 2.5 good seasons and a great spring training this year too. Good thing you’re not our GM
cabravesfan
March 30th, 2009
9:52 pm
spotts-
It’s not Chipper I am concerned with getting – I am planning on taking Mac probably way earlier then necessary to make sure I actually get him
Daybed Wagmoe
March 30th, 2009
9:53 pm
I drafted a team this past weekend, and I’ve got Halladay, Peavy, Webb, Lincecum, and Scott Baker as my starters, along with K-Rod, Lidge, Valverde, Frank Francisco, and Chad Qualls as relief pitchers.
I’d go with Hanley first pick. First base is so deep, and even though you’ll pass on Pujols, there’s still plenty of 1Bs who can provide your team with HRs, RBIs, average, etc. Not so many shortstops who can provide what Hanley, Reyes, or Rollins can.
cabravesfan
March 30th, 2009
9:54 pm
Daybed-
do you play with anyone that knows anything about baseball? That’s a solid rotation
Steve from OH
March 30th, 2009
9:59 pm
Bowman says that the Braves are close to a 3 year deal with an option for a fourth year with Chipper. An official announcement could come as early as tomorrow, he says. He speculates the average value would be around 14MM/season.
Andrew
March 30th, 2009
10:01 pm
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090330&content_id=4089068&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
spotts
March 30th, 2009
10:02 pm
Daybed – my goodness….did you draft any offensive players? All those pitchers had to have gone early. I’m sure you ended up with Scott Thorman and Todd Pratt on offense
Rick
March 30th, 2009
10:02 pm
spotts…I wouldn’t have brought Glavin back either…let’s see how that plays out!
A FAN
March 30th, 2009
10:02 pm
i don’t know if it has be discussed on here but i just got home and saw on mlb.com that chipper is close to an extension. if its true glad to see at least one guy stay here his whole career. now if we can get him another ring that would top the cake!!!
TnBrian
March 30th, 2009
10:02 pm
Lew, you’re kidding, right? I was getting on you because you misspelled “Vazques” in your earlier post. I know they’ll probably trade Vaz. as I said at 8:51. By the way, I was joking with ya in the first place.
BA
March 30th, 2009
10:03 pm
Don’t know if she’d see this or not, but that was a nice article that Caroll Rogers did with Lemke about the infield.
Lemmer likes Prado, which makes sense- rooting for the guy that is most Lemke-esque.
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
10:05 pm
Did Ohman sign somewhere?
TnBrian
March 30th, 2009
10:06 pm
I don’t know why I’m watching this, but does ANYONE even watch WWF anymore? That John Cena is an awful “wrestler”! He’s a bad actor too! I always did like Bret Hart and how he tried his hardest to make it look real. He was actually a damn good wrestler.
vabravesfan
March 30th, 2009
10:08 pm
ohman got a minor league deal from dodgers
TnBrian
March 30th, 2009
10:08 pm
MFin04, he signed with the dodgers for 1M
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
10:08 pm
DVR-ing Monday Night Raw
shhh
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
10:09 pm
Why the heck didnt we sign him for a million?
Chop Chop
March 30th, 2009
10:13 pm
Around $14 million per for Chipper? Great googly moogly.
steve_97060
March 30th, 2009
10:16 pm
because the people who get paid to make those kinds of decisions didn’t feel the need to now…
SoWeGa Fanatic
March 30th, 2009
10:16 pm
Chipper close to an extension:
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090330&content_id=4089068&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
35YearBravesFan
March 30th, 2009
10:16 pm
DOB – What’s the latest on Huddy? How’s he doing in rehab?
Anderson to Detroit and Ohman to the Dodgers. One day closer to the real season.
GO BRAVES!!
Steve McP
March 30th, 2009
10:17 pm
Surely not $14M for Chipper over 3 years, could only be that with incentives based on appearances and even then that is a lot of budget, was expecting something more like $10M per.
AdirondackDave
March 30th, 2009
10:18 pm
Steve in Ohio — Good to hear the Braves are near extending Chipper. Bowman’s guestimate of 14M per sounds high to me, though. Considering he’s a 120-130 game player I was figuring it would start around 12 and finish around 10M when he’s pushing 40. I’m a big Chipper fan but 14M per is a lot of dough in this economy for an aging icon. We’ll see, I guess.
Doc Holiday
March 30th, 2009
10:19 pm
All I can say is that when we make trades with the Tigers……..good things happen……LOL
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
10:21 pm
I dunno…I agree that $14million for Chipper is a lot…but at the same time…it is Chipper….its ok to overspend on icons (cough Smoltz, cough Smoltz, but I’m over it)
DiamondbackMac
March 30th, 2009
10:23 pm
Here’s an interesting quote about Darrow from a Detroit fan on the Tigers’ web site blog.
“I saw him IMPLODE in the AFL championship game this year and blow a good Tommy Hanson start (irony?).”
Smyrna Jim
March 30th, 2009
10:24 pm
I think this is an elaborate plot by Frank Wren, and he will now trade Rudy Darrow for Will Ohman.
Doc Holiday
March 30th, 2009
10:24 pm
Ohman for 1.35? Didnt we offer more than that?
18 Wheels of Love
March 30th, 2009
10:25 pm
I’m cool with giving Chipper the gold watch package. He’s earned it…played thru some injuries, restructured his contracts, team guy, yadda yadda yadda. And there’s a difference b/ this and Smoltz’s situation. Chipper misses a few games, Smoltz misses seasons. And Chipper plays everyday. Glad he can retire a Brave.
Daybed Wagmoe
March 30th, 2009
10:27 pm
cabravesfan and spotts — well, for one, it’s an 8-team league, so the competition isn’t as deep. my offense isn’t terrific, but it’s not bad — Mike Napoli (catcher), Adrian Gonzalez (1B), Dan Uggla (2B), Jose Reyes (SS), Aubrey Huff (3B), Nate McLouth/Ryan Ludwick/Corey Hart (OFs), and Johnny Damon (utility). With the exception of Reyes, all of those guys are pretty second-rate, but still decent, offensive players.
MFin04
March 30th, 2009
10:27 pm
Well said…well said.
spotts
March 30th, 2009
10:30 pm
Hold onto Corey Hart….he’s gonna be a star
f.n.hale
March 30th, 2009
10:30 pm
McFann, no worries. I need lots of practice to do all the complicated stuff for the embed but I got that from you the other night but I never noticed when you clicked on the link button that it put a number at the end of the address. Seems like just the other day you were struggling with all this. Wait, it was just the other day. Let me see if THIS works.
Bubdylan
March 30th, 2009
10:31 pm
Nice to hear about Chipper, who has played his hand patiently, like Glavine did.
I say we overspend on every icon for the next fifty years, just to p*ss Smoltz off. And every time we sign one, in the press confrence Wren should say “there are just certain guys you make a high priority, if they’re healthy and not asking you to believe in their ability based on their own gut feelings and so forth… and if their ego is reasonable and they haven’t had shoulder surgery and all… those guys you try and get back. Those guys are hard to replace.”
Anyways…
Shamus Thacker
March 30th, 2009
10:33 pm
I’ll never understand the Ohman thing. Without knowing the SOMETHING the Braves must know, I sure wish we’d kept him.
Hope Anderson does well in Detroit; I like the kid we got in return. Stats-wise, the deal looks good on our end.
spotts
March 30th, 2009
10:35 pm
Why do I seem to be the only one who thinks that O’Flaherty and Logan are awful? Their career numbers and minor league stats show that they’re not so great. But we’re counting on them to hold down the bullpen?
Andrew
March 30th, 2009
10:35 pm
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9394214/Rosenthal-hands-out-the-preseason-hardware
spotts
March 30th, 2009
10:35 pm
I don’t get why Wren and Cox seem to think that because they’re left-handed they’ll help out the bullpen.
Heck, why don’t we give Michael Vick a call?
SoWeGa Fanatic
March 30th, 2009
10:40 pm
Michael Vick. Wow, great idea! He can throw a tomato thru a brick wall . . . but he would miss the wall.
Frankie Knuckles
March 30th, 2009
10:41 pm
Tommy H looks like an ace in that pic. Stoked about this kid. Seems to have a good head on his shoulders.
spotts
March 30th, 2009
10:43 pm
I hope Hanson shaves the goatee. Doesn’t look good on him
SoWeGa Fanatic
March 30th, 2009
10:49 pm
Wouldn’t it be great if Schaefer won RoY, Hanson came on and picked up a Cy, Chipper held together for a 2nd MVP, the Braves sweep the Yanks in the Series, and the Mutts finish 24 games out. Yeah, I know, but it is spring, I can dream, and just imagine what a year it would be!
The Ghost of Will Ohman (RHR)
March 30th, 2009
10:49 pm
Hey hey hey Chipper’s close to signing that extension and my son just agreed to go thrift store shopping with me on Saturday. Good news to end a Monday.
The Ghost of Will Ohman (RHR)
March 30th, 2009
10:50 pm
spotts, you gonna ask Hanson out on a date?
f.n.hale
March 30th, 2009
10:53 pm
That’s some pretty screwball picks by Rosenthal. He’s even explaining why they probably won’t happen while he’s making them. Weird.
f.n.hale
March 30th, 2009
10:57 pm
“I say we overspend on every icon for the next fifty years, just to p*ss Smoltz off” – bubdylan
I agree, I don’t have a problem with him going for the better offer but to go all passive/aggressive on us on his way out the door was uncalled for IMO.
cabravesfan
March 30th, 2009
11:01 pm
well my outfield is gonna suck but so far I have sabathia, hamels & frankie rodriguez (and mac…got him 41st)
spotts
March 30th, 2009
11:03 pm
You can get Adam Jones in the later rounds….he could be 20/20 this year
Josh
March 30th, 2009
11:05 pm
great news about Chipper!!!
spotts
March 30th, 2009
11:05 pm
Oh, and Travis Snider is a rookie OF who could be really good too
cabravesfan
March 30th, 2009
11:08 pm
Thanks spotts- put them in my saved box
spotts
March 30th, 2009
11:14 pm
SoWeGa – And then maybe after we win the World Series Bobby and TP will do a shirtless Mexican Hat Dance around home plate
eltrompoBRAVESfan
March 30th, 2009
11:15 pm
Man, I have an incredible sense of optimism with the Braves this season. They better not break my heart!
Hey ya’ll, is it safe to say there is more pressure on Frenchy or Schafy?
spotts
March 30th, 2009
11:20 pm
More pressure on Francoeur definitely. Everyone’s hoping last year was just a fluke. Last year already brought unheralded criticism….if he falters again, well….I think it’s safe to say that he’ll lose the confidence of everyone in Atlanta except Bobby.
Schafer’s a rookie. If he doesn’t have a good season he has a reason.
Salt life
March 30th, 2009
11:20 pm
Not drunk tonight. Still on the iphone however. Typos will occur. Red beans and rice were good lunch leftovers. Crab stuffed mushrooms with a nice chef salad slathered in catalina french dressing. Seemed like a good day for the home team and a good day for me. DOB. Don’t know your interest in.classical music but a fantastic CD is Edgar Meyer Mark oConner and YoYoMa. Appalachian Journey. James Taylor the very very lovely Allison Krauss lend their voices. Six more days, good people. Six more days. Where the hell is baseball……….
cheld
March 30th, 2009
11:20 pm
April Fools
spotts
March 30th, 2009
11:20 pm
sorry….didn’t intend for that to rhyme
Frankie Knuckles
March 30th, 2009
11:21 pm
Chipper’s a childhood hero of mine, but that’s a lot of money and years for a guy who couldn’t stay healthy at 33, much less 40. I like Chipper. Just don’t want to see a him become a noose around our neck when we’re rebuilding. Oh the controversy!
PWHjort
March 30th, 2009
11:22 pm
Did yall see the story about a possible Chipper extension through 2012 with an option for 2013 could be announced as early as tomorrow? That’d be the icing on the cake of a great off-season.
PWHjort
March 30th, 2009
11:23 pm
14 million a season is so far under market value for Chipper that if that’s true I’d be pumped.
Salt life
March 30th, 2009
11:26 pm
Nevermind…………Answered my own question. Have afriend that has only been to two games…….knucksies no no and the Hammers 715. The best game I ever went to was in 94 in Tiger Stadium.
cabravesfan
March 30th, 2009
11:26 pm
man this has to be the slowest fantasy draft in history
nolie
March 30th, 2009
11:28 pm
But if your draft is anything like the one from this blog, Chipper Jones will go 3rd overall.
why in the world would a normal non-Brave fan draft Chipper Jones 3rd in the first round with his health issues? I would be amazed at that.
spotts
March 30th, 2009
11:28 pm
undermarket?? He can’t stay healthy and his power numbers are dwindling…how is $14M under market value??
Frankie Knuckles
March 30th, 2009
11:29 pm
PWH – we’ll have to see, after this economy takes it toll on attendance at the Ted. Not to mention, the new stadium in G-town is going to cannibalize ticket sales. What do you think Chipper would go for? Giving his injury history of course
bravefaninok
March 30th, 2009
11:32 pm
Frank Wren signs our big bat (well resigns him)! Chipper deserves it,hope this gets done!!
Saltywoody
March 30th, 2009
11:32 pm
Ohman to the Dodgers. Thankfully, that means we can stop having people ask seventy five times per day whether or not the Braves have any interest in him.
Wait a second…that’d be rational. Nevermind.
Frankie Knuckles
March 30th, 2009
11:40 pm
Saltywood, the perks of an open blog my friend. Guy does a decent Caray impression and everyone thinks hes the Second Coming.
Frank Bolling
March 30th, 2009
11:40 pm
Tiger fans should be paranoid. They have only won 2 World Series in the last 63 years. Wait!!!! The Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves have only won 2 World Series in the last 53 years. A silly team still 3 years from having its own stadium, a team with no fans, no money, no lucrative broadcasting deal and a non-entity owner has won 2 World Series in the last 12 years. That team has also won more World Series than the Astros, Mariners, Rays, Rangers and Expos/Nationals have won in their combined histories. So sad!!!!!
cabravesfan
March 30th, 2009
11:44 pm
got adam jones- if he sucks i am blaming you spotts:)
PWHjort
March 30th, 2009
11:47 pm
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2009/03/30/smoltz-back-in-braves-camp-sort-of/comment-page-9/#comment-38744 (strong)Steve from OH(/strong) Where do you see the 14 mil/season speculation?
TnBrian
March 30th, 2009
11:48 pm
Frank Bolling, I think I’d take away that ‘97 Marlins team in that “no money” category.
spotts
March 30th, 2009
11:49 pm
aha….blame me all you want. I have him in my league too. Used to be the top prospect for the Mariners, has a year of ML experience already, and he’s tearing it up in ST. I think Adam Jones will be just fine
spotts
March 30th, 2009
11:50 pm
PS – another sleeper (sometimes) is Chris Carpenter. He’s healthy and having a good spring, but he’s burried in the rankings.
cabravesfan
March 30th, 2009
11:50 pm
carpenter was just taken
spotts
March 30th, 2009
11:52 pm
then forget I said anything
Chop Chop
March 30th, 2009
11:55 pm
I had a fantasy draft tonight. My league drafted. Three Braves (McCann, Lowe, Escobar).
I got Lowe in the 22nd round. I got Yunel a couple of rounds later. I have 28 roster spots in my league. I like to have full teams with extra spots to make up for the paltry DL slots. It’s insane.
cabravesfan
March 31st, 2009
12:06 am
Well I just took a flyer on Francoeur with my last pick…brings my total braves to 3 as well (Mac & D Lowe are the other 2)
spotts
March 31st, 2009
12:08 am
Lowe went in the 5th round of the DOB Blog draft….right before Jake Peavy
cabravesfan
March 31st, 2009
12:10 am
I got Lowe around round 18 or so (can’t actually remember)
PWHjort
March 31st, 2009
12:13 am
I heard an interview with Tom Glavine today on 680 the Fan. He said his arm was feeling pretty bad during the first part of the spring but it’s feeling fine now. He said he’s able to go out and feel good about what he’s going to be able to do every day, unlike last year when sometimes he was experiencing too much pain to be able to even feel good about pitching. He said as long as he’s able to locate his pitches and change speeds he’ll be fine. He’s in the 79-81 zone right now and he’d like to build his arm strength back up to where he can throw 83-84, but if it doesn’t happen he says he’ll still be able to pitch effectively. Overall, he seemed very optimistic. He’s pitching Wednesday and then in 2 minor league rehab starts before he makes his start for the big club on April 18th. He’ll throw 60 pitches (~5 innings) on Wednesday.
Salamander
March 31st, 2009
12:13 am
If Wren can fit the Chipper deal into the budget, then I guess its OK. We’ll see the real numbers soon enough – right now, its just speculation… Anyway, good to hear that the Braves locked him up (assuming it happens).
I don’t mean to sound down about this deal – its great for the fans. I just don’t want it to reduce the future fiscal flexibility of the team. Wren has proven to be rather shrewd so far, so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt in terms of how this effects the team’s future payroll.
PWHjort
March 31st, 2009
12:14 am
Lowe in the 5th round? That’s crazy. Whoever did that has no idea what they’re doing. Unless it’s a league that rewards g/f ratio or that doesn’t include K’s.
PWHjort
March 31st, 2009
12:16 am
How many Japanese media members were there today?
PWHjort's home life
March 31st, 2009
12:31 am
PWHjort’s mother: “HEY SON!! Lay off the computer for a second and help me put cream on my corns!”
PWHjort: “AWWW, MOM… I’m in the middle of posting! Do I have to?”
PWHjort’s mother: “I brought you in this world, you ungrateful little prick!!”
wilymo
March 31st, 2009
12:50 am
3 yrs / $41 mil is what I heard
KC
March 31st, 2009
1:06 am
wilymo, that’s what you heard WHERE?
PWHjort
March 31st, 2009
1:30 am
Agreed, I’d like to see a source.
spotts
March 31st, 2009
1:31 am
I think Kenny Powers said that.
PWHjort's mother
March 31st, 2009
1:49 am
Thank you darlin! My ole corns feel like a soothing day at the beach. Now all I need is you to rub some of that ole life savin preparation-h on my aggravatin roids. They a killin me!!!! You would do that for good ole momma wouldn’t you child?
PWHjort's mother
March 31st, 2009
1:51 am
AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW……THEY ITCH PWHjort!!!! Get yo hind hend over here and cream them, you ungrateful boy you!!!!
Jay212033
March 31st, 2009
1:59 am
“What if Vazquez is lights out….. any chance they do a SMoltz with Huddo ??”
If Vazquez is lights out then we should trade him for max return(middle IF prospects +)!
PWHjort
March 31st, 2009
1:59 am
Wow, so mature.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2009
2:03 am
Smyrna Jim, funny line at 10:24 p.m. Just came to shut down the laptop (fell asleep early tonight) and saw that….
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
2:04 am
Jay212033
Why in the world would you ever want to trade a “lights out” starter? This game revolves around pitching, not middle infield prospects. Besides, with Escobar, KJ, Prado, Infante and Hicks, I think we are OK for a few years.
You can never have enough pitching, my friend.
Besides, if we have 6-7 guys who are doing great going into the next off season, that is when you try to parlay one into a bat.
If our top guys were all hitting on 8 cylinders in late July, you might could deal one over to Oakland to get a guy like Holliday for the stretch run, or maybe a guy like Ankiel. But who would you really deal. I think a lot of folks in Bravesland are going to end up loving Javier Vazquez this season. Innings eater, with a sound arm, and lots of “stuff”.
IMHO
KC
March 31st, 2009
2:09 am
DOB, do you happen to know who all Gonzo struck out today in the 9th?
N Nine (eta5)
March 31st, 2009
2:11 am
Funny how many times Vazquez has been involved in trade talks at the blog. Dude hasn’t officially pitch a game yet.
my favorite baseball term:innings eater
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
2:11 am
KC
Earlier, somebody posted the 3 names, and they were all names I had never heard of.
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
2:12 am
Which is better? Innings eater or cake eater?
winterville
March 31st, 2009
2:12 am
KC
Che-Hsuan Lin, Ronald Bermudez, Kristopher Negron according to the play by play from earlier.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2009
2:14 am
KC: Gonzalez struck out C. Lin, R. Bermudez, K. Negron.
N Nine (eta5)
March 31st, 2009
2:17 am
This year we have several innings eaters, where in the past we had plenty of cake eaters(Pronto,wickman,corky,etc…) Give Vazquez a chance to eat innings for us
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
2:17 am
Did he strike out that dude from 3 Dog Night?
N Nine (eta5)
March 31st, 2009
2:18 am
DOB you posted 4am yesterday and now 2am, the sleep pattern looks normal to me.
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
2:19 am
N Nine
It’s gonna be nice to have guys like Lowe and Vazquez to complement Jurrjens this season. And with Hanson and Reyes (????) on the horizon, we could have a decent rotation for a few years. This is not counting KK or Glavine or even Charlie Morton.
I really hope we hang onto most of these guys.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2009
2:22 am
Just heard we traded Josh Anderson for Clarence Darrow. — f.n. hale
Wren actually made a joke along those same lines upon announcing the deal. Said the code name they had for Darrow was “Clarence” during discussions before the trade.
N Nine (eta5)
March 31st, 2009
2:26 am
Wayne in Utah Yes, Wren assembled a nice rotation. If we get Huddy back and we know Hanson will be ready next year, then we can worry about giving away one.
The woes from past are now history, its going to be fun season. You might have to drive down to Arizona again this year.
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
2:27 am
Sleep is highly overrated anyway.
vabravesfan
March 31st, 2009
2:28 am
DOB don’t know when you fell asleep but are you hearing anything about Chipper to support what Bowman heard?
PWHjort
March 31st, 2009
2:28 am
A pitching surplus usually turns into a pitching deficit within a few months.
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
2:32 am
N Nine
Actually, my son and I are pondering a spring break trip (next week) to Las Vegas for the 4th (an exhibition game, I think between the Rockies and Mariners) and then onto Phoenix for a couple of games during the week.
I have the Braves western road schedule in my planner, and they don’t get out this way until late May (SF and AZ), to CO in July, and then to SD and LA in August.
For sure I can’t get all those dates in, but I am hoping for 1-2 road trips this year.
Time to get the ole rag top ready to go!
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 31st, 2009
2:33 am
The reason for Javier Vasquez name coming up in trade discussion is because he is the obvious candidate if and when Tommy Hanson forces the Braves hand. Should the Braves fail to be in contention come late July, Atlanta will likely have to shift gears and see about adding some more young talent in trade.
Of course, this scenario could go right out the window if Glavine or another starting pitcher gets hurt.
N Nine (eta5)
March 31st, 2009
2:33 am
No kidding PWHjort got to the bare bones last season when we reached Parr.. Gret to have solid backups waiting in the wings a few miles and a phone call away…
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 31st, 2009
2:40 am
Right now the starting pitching depth chart looks something like this:
Derek Lowe
Jair Jurrjens
Javier Vasquez
Kenshin Kawakami
Tom Glavine
Tommy Hanson
Jo-Jo Reyes
Charlie Morton
Jorge Campillo
James Parr
On paper, the Braves starting pitching looks stellar. But we will just have to wait and see how the season unfolds.
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
2:43 am
Coach
Amen. On paper, it is easy to manage or be the GM. That’s why they play the games.
Speaking of games, I could never get into this fantasy stuff. To me, it is so limiting.
I am really stoked about this season. It might not end up in the post season, but is should certainly be darned interesting.
N8
March 31st, 2009
2:43 am
Coach, did you guys get any snow today? Didn’t look as though the heavy stuff was headed your way. We got over 15 inches from yesterday (Sunday) at about 7:00 pm and 1:00 this afternoon.
My snow-blower needs a rest….. until next winter.
N Nine (eta5)
March 31st, 2009
2:44 am
Wayne in Utah I’d say you go for it! Quality time with son. I went to Florida last spring and regret not making it this spring. Plus its fun proudly sporting the uni away from Ted…
N8
March 31st, 2009
2:45 am
What a nice “problem” to have, having a guy like Hanson at AAA waiting in the wings. I’ll take it.
vabravesfan
March 31st, 2009
2:48 am
By the way not sure if anybody saw highlights today but Hampton got lit up by the phils for 7 runs I believe.
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
2:50 am
Coach and N8
Been thinking good thought for you guys the past few days. Mother nature don’t take a back seat to nobody! I was in Illinois for the ‘97 floods, and have experienced personally floods in Texas, tornados in Illinois (too darned close for my needs) and was in the middle of the Big Quake in the Bay Area in 1989.
Hope you both keep yer feet dry!
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2009
2:55 am
vabravesfan, I didn’t talk to Chipper about it the past couple days (asked him three days ago and said nothing new to report). But I’ve said all along I had little doubt it’d get done, since he’s not been asking for top-of-the-scale money and since his agent, B.B. Abbott has such a good relationship with Braves and handles this kind of thing so smoothly.
Only makes sense they’d want to get it done before taking this show north, get the potential distraction out of the way. Wouldn’t surprise me at all to have an announcement before the night game Tuesday (tonight)
KC
March 31st, 2009
2:57 am
DOB, thanks. Never heard of any of those guys, but still an impressive 9th for Gonzo.
I assume his velocity remained in the low 90’s?
Ed
March 31st, 2009
3:33 am
For all of you that think M. Prado doesn’t match up to KJ…take a look at his career Major League stats. In limited playing time over 3 seasons
307 .363 .432 108 That’s BA; OBP; SLG; OPS. He more than holds his own, especailly knowing he hasn’t gotten any extended playing time. KJ needs to be on a short leash at best.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 31st, 2009
3:49 am
DOB, two questions.
I had heard that Jeff Ridgway was released. True or just a rumor?
Is Peter Moylan good to go or are the Braves going to send down for more innings at AAA Gwinnett?
Thanks.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 31st, 2009
3:50 am
N8, unfortunately you are getting the brunt of the snow. We certainly don’t need any more of the white stuff on our end of the state.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 31st, 2009
3:57 am
Wayne, we are good here in Grand Forks except for a few low lying neighborhood’s on the outskirts that always have to be sand bagged due to overland flooding.
It is Fargo, N.D. and it’s sister city of Moorhead, Minn. that are in deep doo doo. The next 7-10 days will tell the story as to whether or not all their temporary dikes hold up.
Runnin
March 31st, 2009
4:15 am
If Kelly’s only going to hit 12 HRs and 69 rbis then a agree Prado is just as good, if not better. But I believe KJ can be a 20 HR guy. Hopefully this will be his year to show it.
I like Prado to. He deserves a chance to start somewhere but I’m glad we’ve got him on the bench.
vabravesfan
March 31st, 2009
5:00 am
coach,
ridgway definitely got released, here is the briefer from earlier this week http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/03/29/bravesnot0329.html
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
March 31st, 2009
5:17 am
Thanks vabravesfan. Three open roster spots on the 40 man, Jordan Schafer gets one. The other two are unknown.
Elmer
March 31st, 2009
6:49 am
With Schafer we have our own Adam Dunn. The strikeout Dunn.
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
7:36 am
What’s not to understand about the Ohman thing? We offered, he wanted more, we moved on, no one else offered what he wanted, he had to sign for less elsewhere. Either he or his agent made a bad decision to not take the Braves first offer(s).
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2009
7:46 am
18 Wheels: That about sums it up. Well said.
dap01
March 31st, 2009
8:04 am
I wish Francouer and others had to produce or get out like Anderson did this spring.
I am encouraged about Francouer start but if he falters does Diaz have the ability to spot start in right?
Daybed Wagmoe
March 31st, 2009
8:14 am
B.B. Abbott? That’s a great name.
TommyP
March 31st, 2009
8:16 am
18 Wheels and DOB: I don’t think it’s as simple as that. Just makes no sense.
Yes we did make an offer during Phase I of the offseason, a time when hefty contracts were being offered.
Ohman decided that the Braves offer wasn’t to his liking or he felt he could get more.
Phase II of the offseason began and it was full of crickets chirping from the players’ standpoint. Teams were no longer offering big contracts. 1 year deals were being bandied about for big name players but still there wasn’t much movement.
However, the price came down significantly for Ohman and yet the Braves never entered back into the bidding?
The guy signs for a MINOR LEAGUE contract for $1.3 mil with potential to make $200,000 more in incentives (reportedly).
Ohman wasn’t just a situational lefty for us last year but was a guy you could leave in there for the whole inning.
Really, really strange the way this unfolded from the Braves standpoint.
Steve McP
March 31st, 2009
8:40 am
Could anyone explain why Ohman’s contract is a Minor League contract? The money involved is Major League, so what is the benefit to the Tigers in making this a Minor contract?
The Bloviator Downstairs
March 31st, 2009
8:41 am
I wish Francouer and others had to produce or get out like Anderson did this spring. (dap01)
The difference between Frenchy and Josh Anderson, of course, being two very important things ….. (1) Talent, and (2) Track Record. Having more talent than someone else buys you more time. Having a track record of successful performance, even if it is just mediocre performance dotted with flashes of brilliance in a ballplayer’s inconsistent early twenties, also buys one more time.
TnBrian
March 31st, 2009
8:45 am
Good morning fans…had a dream I was shot by some weird dude in a mask. Just woke up in a sweat. Thought I’d share that with ya’ll. Good to hear about Chipper. Probably the highlight of the whole offseason for me.
dap01
March 31st, 2009
8:51 am
Bloviator: I agree, but I think that the sense of competition would help JF.
vabravesfan
March 31st, 2009
8:54 am
dap diaz has improved his defense in recent years but I think the thing that would happen if frenchy needs a day off would be schafer in right and omar in center.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2009
8:55 am
told from a person who knows that the Chipper thing is “very, very close” and that we should know one way or the other today
The Bloviator Downstairs
March 31st, 2009
8:56 am
Ohman wasn’t just a situational lefty for us last year but was a guy you could leave in there for the whole inning. (tommyp)
He’s just a reliever. Relievers are notoriously unpredictable and unreliable from one season to the next. On paper, the Mets seem to have an outstanding pen. As the season plays out, that may not be the case. Last spring training, almost everyone mocked the Phillies for putting Brad Lidge into that ballpark. Their pen was lights out for the whole season and offseason. I’m betting they’re nowhere near that good again this season. You can count on one hand the number of relievers you can trust to be consistent from one season to the next ….. Rivera, Papelbon, Nathan, Krod. Everyone else? Good luck counting on them to give you a repeatable performance.
10-80
March 31st, 2009
8:57 am
TnBrian, was it the ghost of Greg Olson?
Nick
March 31st, 2009
9:00 am
TnBrian: I don’t remember what I dreamed, but I went to sleep with Braves on the brain, and woke up with Braves on the brain. And then I got on the computer and saw that we’re close to an extension for Chipper
The Bloviator Downstairs
March 31st, 2009
9:07 am
Bloviator: I agree, but I think that the sense of competition would help JF. (dap01)
You don’t think he’s feeling pressure? I think he sees and feels Heyward, Brandon, Gorkys and Schafer breathing down his neck. I think he remembers what it was like to be sent down to the minors. I think he knows what it’s like to humiliate himself for an entire season. I think he knows that if he doesn’t get this turned around quickly that his career will be over in a few years or he’ll be like a Gabe Kapler or Juan Encarncion and float around from team to team, hoping someone has a spot open for a backup corner outfielder. Francoeur is not dumb. He knows his career is in jeopardy. He knows if he Mondesis this season, there may be a new kid coming up to Frenchy Frenchy. He knows if he falls flat on his face, come June/July, the Braves may trade for a big bat to put in the corner outfield as a productive stopgap until Heyward is ready to take over. He knows that if he ain’t hitting by mid-summer and Diaz and Anderson are, the Braves won’t send him down, they just might trade him and make do with a corner outfield rotation of Diaz, Anderson and Brandon Jones.
TnBrian
March 31st, 2009
9:18 am
10-80, no but it was freaky! It actually felt real and I could see the blood poor from my head after he shot me. I did watch Training Day last night so that probably had something to do with it. Ok, maybe I’m yappin too much.
Nick, lets not over think our Braves too much in case, God forbid, they start off very slow and aren’t real good this year…don’t wanna set ourselves up for a huge disappointment. I think they’ll be alright though. Pitching is just too good and the defense is very solid.
Nick
March 31st, 2009
9:20 am
Bloviator: I don’t think Frenchy feels pressure from Heyward, B. Jones, or anyone else; I think he feels pressure from himself. He’s been the Golden Child his whole life, and I think it’s apparent this spring that he took his failure last year seriously. After starting 0-2 with two Ks yesterday, he came up in his third AB and hit a single to right. I’m not going to predict .350 and 40 HRs for him, but he’s definitely put himself in position to bounce back.
Josh from Columbus
March 31st, 2009
9:23 am
DOB,
How do you consistently run on 4 hours of sleep? That is amazing.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2009
9:23 am
Deal’s done. Just announced by Braves
Nick
March 31st, 2009
9:24 am
TnBrian – I know, but we’re in trouble if we get off to a slow start. We have 3 against the Phils in April, and 18 against the Nats, Marlins, Reds, Pirates, and Cardinals.
Nick
March 31st, 2009
9:24 am
Thanks for the update DOB
TnBrian
March 31st, 2009
9:26 am
AWESOME! Should I pop open a can of beer or is it too early? Chipper a Brave 4 Life!!
Chris from the Rock
March 31st, 2009
9:27 am
I was wondering the same thing Josh.
chip off the ol block
March 31st, 2009
9:27 am
Great to see Chipper staying a Brave
Mark in Indy
March 31st, 2009
9:30 am
Do you have the terms of the deal Dave?
GermanBravesFan
March 31st, 2009
9:33 am
Gary Sheffield got released by Detroit. Would he be worth a gamble??
GermanBravesFan
March 31st, 2009
9:35 am
It sure would be fun to have “Sheff’s Chefs” back at the games…
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
9:35 am
TommyP, one thing you left off was our acquisition of Logan and O’Flaherty.
TnBrian
March 31st, 2009
9:39 am
If DOB is consistantly running on 4 hours of sleep, than if he gets cranky with fans here…can we really blame him? Well, we could just tell him to go to bed earlier and it’d solve that, but that’d be too easy.
Patrick
March 31st, 2009
9:39 am
DOB,
Is there any way you think you can get “U Know Who” to come on the board in the next couple days so that we can all congratulate him??
McFann :Ô:
March 31st, 2009
9:42 am
F.N. Hale–
Hey hey! You did it!
N Nine Plus its fun proudly sporting the uni away from Ted…
Yeah! Course, I haven’t worn mine out-of-state yet.
Glad Chipper’s staying a Brave. See, Smoltz? It cann be done.
chip off the ol block
March 31st, 2009
9:42 am
well had Gray been released BEFORE we got Garret Anderson then he might be a Brave again, i just do see ithappening, with Jordan/Blanco in CF, Jeff in Right, Diaz/Anderson in left, plus we have Gorkys, Heyward, and B. Jones waiting i just cant see it happening
TnBrian
March 31st, 2009
9:43 am
MLBTR sats it’s a 3-year deal worth more than $40M with a option for 2013. So, “wilymo” was right last night that the deal is a little more than $13M if mlbtr is correct. WOW, $13m+ for Chipper is a bargain, big time!
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2009
9:44 am
press conference is 2:30 p.m. today
Guaranteed portion of contract is worth about $40 million, give or take a few mill. Still working on getting exact figures.
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
9:54 am
Sheffield unconditionally released? Would you put him in LF?
Lew
March 31st, 2009
9:54 am
But did Chipper sign a term sheet?
TnBrian-Dude, got to quit watching those slasher flicks before bedtime. Didn’t your girl friend get that sexy lingerie you were hoping for?
cityofdecatur
March 31st, 2009
9:55 am
this is a test
test
cityofdecatur
March 31st, 2009
9:55 am
test failed
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2009
10:04 am
How ’bout Sheff, released when he’s one homer shy of 500….
Ohman goes from turning down Braves’ offer of 2 years and more than $5 mill back in July, to signing a one-year minor league contract with the Dodgers worth about one-fourth that much.
J.D.
March 31st, 2009
10:06 am
Great news about Chipper….I am extremely happy he is going to be able to end his career in a Braves uniform
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
10:08 am
DOB…
Left field platoon…
Garrett/Diaz
or
Garrett/Sheffield
?
Gibby
March 31st, 2009
10:10 am
What a week. We get Chipper locked up for the rest of his career and we start the Schafer era. Another good week for Wren
spotts
March 31st, 2009
10:15 am
Chipper was brittle in his 30’s…I’d hate to see what he’s like at 40. I love the guy, but I’m worried we’re going to be paying him millions to sit on the bench.
lexbrave
March 31st, 2009
10:18 am
i can’t believe the braves wouldnt offer ohman a minor league deal, especially after watching their “lefty specialists” average an 8.56 era this spring.
thats a head scratcher to me.. really makes me question the front office.
spotts
March 31st, 2009
10:21 am
Me too Lex. When we’re facing Howard, Utley, Delgado, Dunn, et al this year I don’t feel confident at all with the lefties we have, save Mike Gonzalez (but he’ll be closing).
Cyrus
March 31st, 2009
10:22 am
Nice way to start a day at the office and reading about Chipper’s contract made my day — is there a game today and who pitches ?
DirtyDawg
March 31st, 2009
10:23 am
Well, here I go again. Been reading the evaluations of the Braves’ infield and am amazed that nobody – not the writers…not Lemke…not anybody…will be honest about KJ’s defense. So Mark, you say his defense is getting better each year? Even if you’re right, he’s still in the bottom third of the second-basemen in MLB…and to ‘have a conversation’ with KJ and ask such silly questions – why didn’t you ask what his favorite color was? – and not get him to say something about his commitment to get better in the field, is inexcusable. Instead of tramping around the globe in the off-season to see the sights, how about taking a glove down to the Winter Leagues and try to learn how to play the position.
We seem to keep saying that Prado could be starting at second for a lot of teams, you’re right, and it should be Atlanta.
Nick
March 31st, 2009
10:23 am
Feel free to take your wet blanket somewhere else, spotts.
TommyP
March 31st, 2009
10:25 am
18 Wheels: No, I didn’t forget that we brought in 2 lefties. I omitted their acquisitions for a reason.
Good to see Chipper finish here. I get as frustrated as anyone with his annual injuries but he’s one of the greatest hitters I’ve ever seen.
With Ohman, there’s something there that the Braves didn’t like. Either he said something in negotiations or, well, I don’t know but it doesn’t add up when we offered $5 mil, pulled the offer, added nothing in terms of lefties (sorry, 18 Wheels) and when his price plummets to the paltry sum he’ll collect from the Dodgers on a minor league contract? C’mon….
There’s a story there that we don’t know about.
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 31st, 2009
10:26 am
I loved Sheff when he was here – I was at is first game when he hit a home run that is has hard, low and straight as any ball I’ve ever seen hit. But he can’t play the outfield on a regular basis, he’s been hurt and only hit .247 the last couple of years. This Spring he’s hit under .200.
If the Braves had an open spot on the bench, the sure, he’d be worth a look. But the bench, as is currently constructed, is more flexible that it would be with out him. At this stage in their careers, both Diaz and Norton are much more valuable over the long-haul and those would be the guys at-risk.
I hope Sheff gets picked up by an AL team that could use him part-time at DH. He’s still go power. But he’s not a fit with the Braves.
smitty
March 31st, 2009
10:26 am
I think the braves gave Ohman an offer with a time deadline to accept and he thought he could get more so he kept looking. Once it was off the table the Braves determined they weren’t going to offer him ANY contract no matter what.
The ghost of Will Ohman
March 31st, 2009
10:30 am
Hey guys I can’t be funny AND good at math. C’mon.
smitty
March 31st, 2009
10:31 am
There’s a reason Sheffield has bounced around team to team. I don’t think his teamates or managers can stand him for long. Just read some of the crap that’s gone public that he’s said.
TommyP
March 31st, 2009
10:31 am
Smitty: I hear what you’re saying and it might be true. But the Braves not offering “any contract no matter what?” Then why did they make the initial $5 million offer to begin with?
DAP
March 31st, 2009
10:32 am
honestly, i think chipper would be worth that if he was just our pinch hitter. im very happy chipper has been extended, and even if the guy need to PH and DH during interleague in the latter years, he will be worth it.
dirtydawg bottom line is you are just wrong on your opinion about KJ’s defense. flat out wrong.
sportsmandh
March 31st, 2009
10:32 am
DOB,
interesting to me this whole post I don’t see anybody discussing anything about Kawakami’s performance yesterday. Judging by the box score it must have been pretty solid. This should be encouraging as he faced a pretty formidable line up. How did you think he looked?
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
10:32 am
TommyP, I never said what I thought of the new lefties. I think they are serviceable, not world beaters. Just remember we have a history of making chicken salad out of chicken sht. Ligtenberg, McMichael,Wright, etc. While Ohman is good he isn’t that much of a difference maker. If he was, why did he just take a minor league deal? I know it looks like we could have had him for a minor league deal but he did turn us down to the tune of 6m over 2 years. That’s kind of insulting, and while it is a sport and you want to win, it is still a business with egos and grudges. I suspect all of the above came into play when we decided to move on. There might be a story there, but the one I want to read is why the heck he turnded down 6m over 2 years?
The ghost of Will Ohman
March 31st, 2009
10:32 am
Sheff? Was he even in the league last year?
Anyone know how many FA’s are left here at the close of camp? I’ve never seen anything like it..
DAP
March 31st, 2009
10:33 am
i think the ohman thing was over when we traded for vazquez and logan.
TnBrian
March 31st, 2009
10:34 am
Lew, Training Day is more of a bad cop, gang movie than slasher film. But, you’re right…you can never be too old to know not to watch that stuff before bedtime. And yeah, I think Sarah(girlfriend) bought some lingerie for my eyes. Hopefully she’ll time it just right.
ncscoots
March 31st, 2009
10:35 am
I’m worried we’re going to be paying him millions to sit on the bench.
Even at that worst case, it won’t strangle the budget. The Braves appear ready to start inserting over the next four years what top-flight farm talent they have, both position players and pitchers. If much of that home-grown talent fulfills expectations, at league minimums and arb levels, the Braves will have plenty of flexibility to absorb what would be a relatively low elite salary.
Chipper does not appear to be a player who would hang on solely for the money, though. Would he take the cash, knowing that he would be reduced to part-time status, pinch-hitting, and the like? Even to get to 500 HR? Don’t know, but, my gut says he would retire, instead.
spotts
March 31st, 2009
10:36 am
Nick – I’m sorry. THAT’S what this blog needs. 100 people screaming “Whooo! Go Braves!”
Now that’s good reading!
Just voicing some concerns, dude….chill.
Slugger
March 31st, 2009
10:37 am
DOB -
“Wren actually made a joke along those same lines upon announcing the deal. Said the code name they had for Darrow was “Clarence” during discussions before the trade.”
Did you ever ask FW if he asked Darrow, “What’s your clearance, Clarance?”
Then, confirming McDowell was on board with the trade, “Roger, Roger.”
Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1991)
March 31st, 2009
10:39 am
Great news about Chipper! Hamels not going to pitch against us in the opener, going to the game tonight here in Kissimmee and Lowe’s pitching. I LOVE THIS GAME!
spotts
March 31st, 2009
10:39 am
scoots – No doubt that Chipper is a great player both on the field and professionally. And if he’s healthy he’s worth way more than that $40 million. But he hasn’t been healthy in years, and age is only going to make that worse.
The ghost of Will Ohman
March 31st, 2009
10:40 am
Chipper’s presence with the team is worth 40 million for 3 years even if he only plays 10 games per year. IMO he means THAT much to the franchise and to the fans.
I’m just a little concerned that, at 41, he still won’t be ready to retire and we could get Smoltz’ed again.
DAP
March 31st, 2009
10:41 am
from what i can tell, with a trade or release of wither vazquez or huddy after this season, the braves will have about$20-$23mil coming off the books, and the biggest need will be a closer.
i think with $23mil, the braves outgha be able to get a closer, a PH, and a platoon LF. the only other moves might be bullpen help, but they could get that through trading vazquez.
money is not an issue for the braves.
Cyrus
March 31st, 2009
10:42 am
DAP your a moron for wanting to cut Tim Hudson after this year — Are you a mets fan or phillies fan ?
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
10:42 am
I’d let Huddy walk and go after Jason Bay. Bay/Schafer/Frenchy OF would be pretty good.
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
10:44 am
Cyrus, look up the stats of guys playing after TJ surgery…I don’t think they are too good. And we have a good staff in place right now, subtract Glavine and add Hanson, and its even better. While I like Huddy, I just don’t see a spot for him unless another is removed. And do you remove a starter for one coming off TJ in a contract year? Personally I don’t see it.
ncscoots
March 31st, 2009
10:44 am
spotts, I don’t disagree with you re Chipper’s health; he’s not going to suddenly start playing 155 games again, in his late 30s. I was only addressing your concern about millions on the bench.
Schafer's Wafers
March 31st, 2009
10:44 am
Some people on here are overrating Will Ohman.
The Bloviator Downstairs
March 31st, 2009
10:45 am
i can’t believe the braves wouldnt offer ohman a minor league deal, especially after watching their “lefty specialists” average an 8.56 era this spring. (lexbrave)
Accurate to say the ERA what it is, but not so telling without context. Most of the runs were allowed in one or two dreadful appearances. ST being what it is, there ain’t otherwise enough of a sample size to wash out the ERA effects of one bad outing. ERA ain’t very telling for relievers anyway. Like it’s telling to examine K’BB rates and GB/FB rates and quality starts for a starter, it’s more telling to examine K/BB and GB/FB rates and also the number and rate of quality appearances for a reliever (no such stat but you just have to eyeball the games themselves or resort to eyeballing game logs to get a better feel for how they performed day to day). The way you sound, you likely threw your hands up and quit on the Bloviator as a closer when he get slaughtered in the first week of 2002 by the Mets (I can not believe it has been that long, feels like yesterday, time flies).
Schafer's Wafers
March 31st, 2009
10:46 am
Pitchers who have TJ surgery usually come back around to form. In some cases they are even better. It just takes time. Smoltzie came back from TJ. Gonzalez is coming back and he looks just fine.
Lew
March 31st, 2009
10:47 am
Chipper may miss some time over the next several years, but does anyone truly believe that even sitting in a rocking chair drinking Geritol that Chipper won’t be able to hit?
Josephw000
March 31st, 2009
10:47 am
You don’t let Huddy go….Vasquez is the trade bait here. You bring him to the NL and let him have the chance to excel, do his thing and increase his value for the off season and if Huddy is looking strong then you find a solid piece to our puzzle and let Vasquez go in return. Then you have Lowe, Huddy, Jair, KK, Hanson for 2010. Worst case, someone gets hurt and we simply have Huddy fill in later this year or next year. But you most definitely do not let Hudson go.
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
10:48 am
They come back to form and often pick up a MPH or 2 but it takes time….time that we don’t have with Huddy.
MLH
March 31st, 2009
10:50 am
Who would you guys recommend picking 2nd in a NL-only, 4X4, fantasy draft? I am figuring Hanley Ramirez will go first. I was thinking either David Wright or Jose Reyes.
Josephw000
March 31st, 2009
10:50 am
We could go get Bay….then we can block the “Lebron” of the Braves organization, the kid, from being in the bigs in 2010….Overpay for Bay or the Say Hey kid? Hmmmmm…..
spotts
March 31st, 2009
10:50 am
Some people on here are underrating how bad O’Flaherty and Logan are.
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
10:50 am
Personally, if I am making the call, I would take a healthy Vazquez next year over a coming-off-of-TJ-surgery Hudson.
Lew
March 31st, 2009
10:51 am
18Wheels-Why in the world would the Braves attempt to sign Bay to a Free Agent contract when they will have Heyward ready in two years or less? It would be a total waste of $$$$$$.
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
10:51 am
Joseph, I’m assuming Frenchy goes elsewhere long term.
Schafer's Wafers
March 31st, 2009
10:51 am
why dont we have time with Huddy Starting Pitching Depth is one of our strengths. Hanson,Reyes,Campillo,and others.
sportsmandh
March 31st, 2009
10:52 am
MLH
PUJOLS
Josephw000
March 31st, 2009
10:53 am
18 Wheels….good thing you aint the GM eh? You’d let Huddy go and go get Bay….then you’d have to trade Heyward for something too cause you just blocked him….maybe a first baseman? Then you can block Freeman too eh? I respect your opinion but I do not understand it
spotts
March 31st, 2009
10:54 am
Mike Hampton can pitch great when he’s healthy. That being said, the past three years everyone was screaming “He’s getting paid to do nothing!” and was outraged that we were wasting so much money for like, 2 starts.
Hampton’s missed far more time with injuries than Chipper, so I don’t mean to compare the two….yet. I’m just saying that with age, I’m scared Chipper will become the next Mike Hampton. With the exception of Freddy Sanchez’ back body drop a few years ago, look at how Chipper’s hurt himself – running the bases, swinging a bat, etc.
Just playing devil’s advocate here
ncscoots
March 31st, 2009
10:56 am
They come back to form and often pick up a MPH or 2 but it takes time….time that we don’t have with Huddy.
Huh? Hudson will be fully 18 months into his rehab by next ST, barring major setbacks. Or are you saying the time doesn’t exist before the option must be picked up? Even if he doesn’t pitch in September when rosters expand, the Braves will have most of the data they need to make a decision on the option. Hudson would need to suffer a significant setback in his rehab for that cheap option to not be picked up. The guy is a top-of-the-rotation pitcher available at middle-rotation money…you don’t pass up deals such as that.
Josephw000
March 31st, 2009
10:56 am
18 Wheels….then you are incredibly wrong. If Frenchy puts up anything reasonable, he’s getting a contract extension. Why let him walk, get Bay and bring up Heyward? So we can overpay for Bay? We couldn’t get him last year and we offering a hell of a deal. We are losing possible 9 Mil off the books next year with Gonzo and Sori-ouch-o so why not sign Frenchy something reasonable, depending on how he plays of course, put Heyward in LF and put some money into other quality relievers and into our farm system. Guys like KJ and Esco are due some money soon too….can’t spend every nickel and dime we have.
The Bloviator Downstairs
March 31st, 2009
10:59 am
You don’t let Huddy go….Vasquez is the trade bait here. (josephw000)
Huddy will be 34 years old next season and coming off a major surgery while making $14 million or so. Not exactly a flamethrower anyway, he relied on nasty movement and sink. May take a while for that to come back off this kind of surgery, if it ever does – not a promise since he’s already talking about cleaning up his mechanics. While his somewhat flawed mechanics led to this injury, they also caused him to have the nasty movement he had. If he changes his mechanics, he may be at less risk of injury, but lose the kind of nasty movement on his pitches that often comes from flawed mechanics.
If Hudson was more of a flamethrower or a finesse guy, I’d feel better about how good Hudson will be when he gets back, but he’s not either. If that ball ain’t wiggling around 90 mph with heavy sink, he doesn’t have the gas to smoke ‘em and forgive mistakes and doesn’t have the experience of being a crafty finesse guy like Moyer or Maddux or Glavine to fall back on.
Vazquez will be 33, hopefully healthy and only making $11 million. Vazquez will likely give you a better return on your financial investment. I don’t see Hudson being here next season if the Braves can swing a trade at the deadline for the likes of a Jake Peavy, who’d be younger, in his prime, healthier and making the same money with less risky unknowns attached to him.
Lets Go Braves
March 31st, 2009
11:00 am
Don’t be suprised if the Braves move Chipper to first in the next year or two. He will become a libility at third and will be less injury prone at first. They can use Kotch and Javy as trade bait to get a great third baseman……
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
11:01 am
I’m not blocking Heyward. I would trade Frenchy or let him sign somewhere else. I’d let Huddy walk and sign Bay.
Bay/Schafer/Heyward
Hanson/Lowe/JJ/KK/Locke or Rohrbaugh or new addition
Putting Huddy in that equation would mean committing long term money to a guy coming off TJ. I’m not saying he won’t make a great comeback, I’m just saying with next year being his option year, it could be bad timing. The question is, who would be his replacement if you didn’t pick up his option.
MLH
March 31st, 2009
11:03 am
The reason I was thinking Wright over Pujols is because Wright is going to have just about as many homeruns and probably more RBI because of the lineup he hits in. Pujols will have a better average, but Wright will have way more stolen bases
DAP
March 31st, 2009
11:04 am
cyrus no, youre a moron. i didnt say that.
Lew
March 31st, 2009
11:06 am
I fail to understand why Chipper would be less injury prone at first than third. There is more chance for a collision with the runner at first. In addition, all of Chipper’s injuries were as a result of weither playing out of position in left field (different muscle usage), skidding on a terribly maintained field and pulling muscles while swinging at balls or running to first. His injuries have nothing whatsoever to do with him playing third base.
Schafer's Wafers
March 31st, 2009
11:07 am
18 Wheels: I disagree…Jason Bay NO. If you are gonna spend that kind of money why not spend the extra 2-4 mil a year and sign Matt Holliday. Bay to expensive. Heyward probably wont play in the Majors next year unless he tears it up this year. Freeman is the same way. Give Kotch some credit the kid can play and he is only 25.
Lew
March 31st, 2009
11:07 am
18 Wheels-How would picking up Hudson’s $12 mil one year option for 2010 be committing long term money to him?
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
11:08 am
I’m betting on Bay being better than Frenchy and Heyward being cheaper and better as well. Of course if Bay is too expensive, then we just pass. Lots of moving parts but I am not sold on Jeff being a long term Brave.
I’m not going to block Freddie at 1B…Kotch will be traded to make room.
ease19
March 31st, 2009
11:08 am
“Whooo! Go Braves!”
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
March 31st, 2009
11:09 am
18 Wheels,
Couldn’t you just move Heyward to LF? It’s not like Anderson is a permanent solution there…..
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
11:10 am
Joseph, we were trying to trade for Bay, not sign him. Bay had no say in coming to ATL. Not saying he won’t be a lot of money, just saying it was a trade situation and not a FA signing situation.
Lew
March 31st, 2009
11:11 am
18 Wheels-You’re also forgetting that we still have Brandon Jones waiting in the wings. There is absolutely NO WAY the Braves even attempt to lure Bay to Atlanta. None.
James is Red
March 31st, 2009
11:15 am
Lew – I agree. While moving Chipper to 1st may make sense for the lineup at some point, it won’t affect potential injuries. I cringe when he swings and misses or runs the base paths – not when he’s fielding a hot shot.
garlick
March 31st, 2009
11:15 am
18 wheels, so you would let Frenchy, a 24 year old this year, sign elsewhere, and bring on Jason Bay, who’s going to be 32 by the time Frenchy is finished with arbitration years??
If Frenchy bounces back to his pre last year numbers, they’re essentially the same player. Bay averages .282, 25-30 HR & 100 RBI’s, and is 6 years older.
That doesn’t really make much sense, IF Francoeur can get back on track.
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
11:16 am
“Give Kotch some credit the kid can play and he is only 25.”
Show me where I took credit away from him and I will concede your point. I think Kotch is going to rake this year, just saying that Freddie is the long term answer for when Kotch hits FA.
“18 Wheels-How would picking up Hudson’s $12 mil one year option for 2010 be committing long term money to him?”
I just don’t think you pick up the option unless you plan on resigning him. Unless is just lights out dominating at the end of the year. Giving Smoltz 14m for 27 innings was a eye opener. I think it is a risk with Huddy.
“18 Wheels,
Couldn’t you just move Heyward to LF? It’s not like Anderson is a permanent solution there…..”
If Jeff is solid then sure, put Heyward in LF and keep Schafer in CF. But again I’m not sold on Jeff as the long term answer in LF. I hope he is but I also want to win, and you can’t go year to year hoping a guy produces. Bay has a track record that is worth paying for – same for Holliday, and an argument can be made for him too. I’m of the belief that your OF anchors need to be able to mash consistently.
DirtyDawg
March 31st, 2009
11:18 am
DAP…I don’t know what game you’ve been watching over the years or what it takes for you to evaluate defensive skills, but Kelly Johnson doesn’t possess any at second base…zip, nadda…range, glove-work, turning the double-play, and if he has to go to his right the best you can hope for is for him to knock the ball down, and even they you can be sure it won’t be with his glove. If we ever decide to trade the kid – and I’d hate to see it because I love his bat – some other club will have him at another position and knocking of the All-Star door within a year.
I don’t know if it’s the fact that he simply can’t make the adjustment to the right side of the infield or what, but if you’re honest you’ll admit that every time the ball is hit to him you wince a bit in hopes that he won’t boot it.
Josephw000
March 31st, 2009
11:19 am
-All,
Thank you.
You don’t leave B Jones at AAA for 4 years….I’d put him in LF before Bay. Then if eventually Frenchy or B Jones earn a spot on another team, bring up Heyward.
I know we were trying to trade for Bay, what do you think that puts his value at that we were giving up the farm and couldn’t get him? He’ll be 15 mil+ per year….and he’s 34. And we have the options in the farm system.
McFann :Ô:
March 31st, 2009
11:19 am
Hamels is out for Opening Day! That means either Myers or Blanton will get the nod.
Myers isn’t so bad…really…
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
11:20 am
Wil Ohman (funny man, and ocassionally good relief pitcher)
Wil Ohman last year was offered a contract by his current team, the Atlanta Braves. He turned it down for the chance to become a free agent. The Braves made him a decent 2 year offer in the early stages of the negotiation period. That offer was turned down.
It is rumored that subsequent offers were made and rejected. At one point along the way, the Braves acquired two left handed relief specialists, and at that point, no longer required the services of Wil Ohman.
In layman’s terms, he was playing deal or no deal, and his offer went from $350,000 dollars to about $47.50, because early on, he kept saying “No Deal”.
Folks, he went to final jeopardy and LOST. Get over it.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t like O’Flaherty or Logan. It doesn’t matter that Ohman was a great guy, and a decent relief pitcher. He over priced himself, and now he is a LA Dodger minor leaguer.
In the words of Don Henley, “Get Over It.”
DAP
March 31st, 2009
11:20 am
lew yeah, its not that hard to imagine that chipper will still be the best hitter on the braves team in 3 years.
also, im with 18 wheels. it wouldnt be a bad idea to add a hitter like bay. unless by this offseason, the braves are sure heyward will start in 2010, i would consider getting bay or someone like him and cross the heyward bridge when we get there. we could always trade bay, or frenchy, or frenchy might leave via free agency.
it wrong to assume that if we sign someone for LF heyward will be blocked for years. there are always solutions to problems like that.
by the way, hudson salary will only be like $12mil, im pretty sure. very close to vazquez’s ($11.5mil). i would trade vazquez and keep huddy. huddy is the better pitcher, even at 34 years, and they will both have only one year left on the contract.
18 wheels, you arent committing long term money to huddy. its a one year option year. and if you let him go? tommy hanson takes over. either vazquez or huddy will not be a brave next year, im sure of it.
ncscoots
March 31st, 2009
11:21 am
…and the whole Hudson conversation is interesting, but, I think I’ll wait to see how the 2009 rotation plays out first, LOL. Vazquez is just as likely to faceplant as go en fuego, Kawakami is an unknown, Jurrjens might regress instead of progress, just all sorts of things that might impact on the 2010 rotation. Shoot, it might be Morton-Reyes-Hanson slinging in September this year, for all I know. Lots of time and circumstance to undergo before considering viability of Hudson’s option.
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
11:21 am
Lots if ‘ifs’ in there when talking about Francoeur. I like him, I am just not giving him the benefit of the doubt until he proves it. Again, Jason Bay is consistent, Jeff has not been. I hope Jeff figures it out, I want him to be the guy, but if he doesn’t, I wouldn’t hesitate to move him and go with someone else. If we aren’t getting power from another position like a 1B, then I think you have to upgrade significantly at one of the corner OF spots.
Roman Gal
March 31st, 2009
11:22 am
“Chipper Jones is not human. I think he’s been created by Ted Turner and some scientists.”
Josephw000
March 31st, 2009
11:23 am
Dirty….Kelly has played 2B for a very short time and while he is no Ozzie Smith, he isn’t horrible with a glove. He does make his share of great plays and catches. As an outfielder once before he can typically get a good read on a ball in the air and has good range and speed. I’ve noticed a huge improvement in his game over the past two years and him and Esco can turn some solid double plays.
Top it off? When you have Frenchy throwing from the warning track to the cutoff man who is Johnson, you have a very potent right side of the field. Very good arms over there, KJ has an outfielders arm and is quite accurate to teh plate and to first.
The Bloviator Downstairs
March 31st, 2009
11:23 am
With all that being said, I’ve always considered Hudson to be this decade’s David Cone. They were both max effort, wicked movement little dudes who left their blood, sweat, tears, ligaments and tendons on the field every time they went out there (the only major difference to me is that cone never went ryan leaf on reporters like Hudson did. quite the contrary with cone). Cone got struck down at a similar age by an anyeurism. He went on to be a good pitcher for 3 more seasons before hitting a wall at the age of 36. Hopefully, Hudson can replicate what Cone did between 33 and 36 …… and perhaps be better longer into his career.
6-4-3
March 31st, 2009
11:23 am
McFann :Ô: “Hamels is out for Opening Day! That means either Myers or Blanton will get the nod.”
You beat me to this bit of news. I know it’s only the first game of the year but we’ve got to get out to a good start this year, especially against the Phillies. This is pretty damn good news to start the season.
Lew
March 31st, 2009
11:23 am
18 Wheels-You don’t pick up Hudson’s option without offering him a long term deal? Really? And why, exactly, is that? Seems to me a long term contract is not offered until the option is exercised and he actually pitches for a while first so they can see if a long term deal might be a worthwhile offering. I’m doubting it will be considering that we still have Rohrbough and Locke (not to mention Teheran) still in the pitching pipeline.
Hudson pitches for the Braves in 2010 and likely not afterwards, IMO.
TommyP
March 31st, 2009
11:24 am
Lew: I was under the impression that the Braves were down on Brandon Jones. I get no impression that he’s “waiting in the wings” like he was before.
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
11:25 am
Dirty Dawg
I was listening about a week ago to Dale Murphy on the Braves radio broadcast on XM, and he was talking about what a solid defensive second baseman the KJ is.
Sorry, but I am not buying your rant. Is KJ a top 5 second baseman. Heck no. Is he as bad as you propose, no way.
We need to get off this KJ hate/Prado love affair around here.
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
11:25 am
I don’t put any value on the package we offered for Bay…that is their GM’s call based on needs and wants. Our failed attempt doesn’t do anything to his FA value. Nothing.
And I love B. Jones, just don’t know where to put him. I understand the Garrett acquisition but I would have loved to see what Jones could have done in LF. Again, it is that need for power that got us Garrett instead of Jones…even with his 16 or so HR’s.
spotts
March 31st, 2009
11:26 am
haha….nice, ease19
Josh B
March 31st, 2009
11:26 am
Have any of you guys heard anything about Julio Franco? Is he still swinging telephone poles for baseball bats? He was a monster.
Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1991)
March 31st, 2009
11:27 am
DOB, where are you? Sleeping in on this overcast morning here in central Florida?
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2009
11:27 am
Sportsmandh, I thought Kawakami looked very good, particularly that knee-buckling curveball. Really solid outing with a sellout crowd that was more Red Sox fans than Braves, and with a whole lot of attention (about 50 Japanese media members, and 75 total — more like a playoff game than a spring game, in that regard).
His shoulder wasn’t a problem, or at least he didn’t show any signs or say it was a problem, and he had good/very good command of all his pitches. Didn’t use the forkball much yesterday, but he has used it in past couple starts. Yesterday, used that big ol curve several times, with good results.
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
11:28 am
Lew, it all boils down to 12m for a guy coming off TJ. Nothing more, nothing less. It’s a risk. A big risk. Remember Smoltz’s 28 innings for 14m? All I am saying is that now that we added an extra starter in Kawakami and Hanson is MLB ready, I would put that 12m into someone not coming off TJ.
TnBrian
March 31st, 2009
11:29 am
I say let Soriano walk after this year, trade Vazquez to Col. for Street, resign Hudson, try and keep Prado around, and we’re set. The only problem we’d have in the rotation is where to put Lowe/Hudson…don’t want two sinker ballers going back to back, do ya?
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2009
11:29 am
Josh B, Julio Franco is managing a rookie-ball team in the Mets organization. And his pitching coach is … Frank Fultz, the former Braves strength coach who was let go last summer.
Knowitall
March 31st, 2009
11:30 am
Tim Hudson is an ACE! Vazquez is a good pitcher but he’s not an ace. You don’t release an ace to save $3 million.
Lew
March 31st, 2009
11:31 am
DAP_Sorry Dude, but if I’m the Braves in 2010, we either (because he had a great year) re-sign Garrett for another year, or as I feel is more likely, we have Diaz (still another arbitration year this winter) platoon with Brandon Jones and by 2011, we consider putting Heyward out there. There is no need and it makes no sense to spend all that money on a Free Agent like Bay. It would have been one thing getting him in a trade where you have him for a year and a half at reasonable money, but not spending that kind of $$$ when his position is not a true need for the team next year.
Spend the bucks to either sign Gonzo long term or get another closer or locking up Francoeur (performance granting) or Kelly or Yunel. THAT’S what our need will be next season, NOT a left fielder.
GermanBravesFan
March 31st, 2009
11:32 am
Why not try to sign Sheffield for one year? He respects Cox and, as long as he was with the Braves, kept his mouth shut and played baseball. It sure would be nice to have his bat in the line-up – provided, he has anything left. But what’s there to lose if he accepted a $400k contract?
Runnin
March 31st, 2009
11:32 am
KK showed us some of his makeup yesterday against his countryman. He raised his game when he needed to. I hope this is a sign of things to come from him.
Knowitall
March 31st, 2009
11:34 am
Where would Sheffield play? We just traded an outfielder because we had too many.
Lew
March 31st, 2009
11:35 am
TommyP-Considering that Brandon has hit .348 this spring while tied for the team lead in RBI, while playing excellent defense, I’m not so sure the Braves ARE down on Brandon. Dude had a phenomenal 2007 season and battled injuries last year. I’m thinking that the Braves may be somewhat sorry they signed Garrett instead of letting Brandon platoon with Diaz.
McFann :Ô:
March 31st, 2009
11:36 am
6-4-3–
Darn good news for sure (sorry I beat you to it, heh heh!), especially if it’s Myers–anytime you cann face Myers instead of Hamels, it’s a great thing. Joe Blanton…eh, don’t remember much about him except that he started that stupid game on July 27…think the rain delay
knocked him outcaused him to leave the game early, though.Kentavo
March 31st, 2009
11:37 am
Sheffield was released…
Any interest from Bravos?
Put Frenchy in CF and slide Shef to RF?
Detroit’s eating his contract, so he’d presumably come cheap.
Tomahawk210
March 31st, 2009
11:38 am
DOB
Why are Bobby and the Braves waiting to announce Schafer as the opening day CF? If it was an open competition and now that Anderson is gone it is clear who the winner is. I don’t think much can change from a guy hitting .375 to a guy hitting .111 and Schafer is far superior in CF. Why play all these games by saying it’s now between Schafer and Blanco, it’s not even close. Give the kid his credit and award him CF because it’s obvious he’s worked hard and earned it. Now that both players have options, it would be a total slap in the face to Schafer to give Blanco the job. No reason for the Braves to say it’s down to Schafer and Blanco. Schafer has won the job so lets announce it already so he can relax for the last week.
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
11:39 am
My belief is based on the past Braves principles…
2 power hitting OF’er and 1 leadoff OF type. (Andruw, Gant, Justice, Sheff, Nixon)
Solid infield defense up the middle with power at the corners. (Lemke, Blauser, Chipper, McGriff, Galaraga)
Average to above average C (McCann is a plus, Olsen, Berryhill)
Excellent Rotation (Big 3 + Millwood, Avery)
Above average closer and serviceable to good middle relief (Wohlers, Smoltz, McMichael, Merker)
That’s the formula that I have seen win and I think they are trying to stick to that mold the best they can.
Lew
March 31st, 2009
11:40 am
18 Wheels-Dude, you keep bringing up Smoltz’s small number of innings pitched versus what he was paid and I’m not at all certain it’s even vaguely an analogous situation. Smoltz was in his forties, was NOT coming off of TJ surgery and had had four previous surgeries at various points of his career. AND he was a power pitcher (stressing his arm-particularly his shoulder- more), not a finesse guy, which is MORE what Hudson is (making it likely he will be fine-less strain on the arm- as almost all pitchers are after coming back from TJ). Besides, I think the Braves will see if he’s capable BEFORE picking up the option. Hell-there are many here who think he’ll be pitching again in August-or even next weekend.
Cyrus
March 31st, 2009
11:41 am
Lets Go Braves
March 31st, 2009
11:00 am
Don’t be suprised if the Braves move Chipper to first in the next year or two. He will become a libility at third and will be less injury prone at first. They can use Kotch and Javy as trade bait to get a great third baseman……
Who is Javy ?
DAP
March 31st, 2009
11:41 am
shafer’s waferswhy not spend the extra 2-4 mil a year and sign Matt Holliday. Bay to expensive.
how do you know this? he hasnt even filed for free agency yet. he hasnt been made an offer by anyone. please explain how you know what bay will cost, and how much exactly is it?
lew i wouldnt assume b. jones will ever be an everyday player for the braves. a righthanded out fielder really would be nice. (disclaimer: i realize that if frenchy rebound well, this whole thing is moot.)
ncscoots
March 31st, 2009
11:41 am
Oh, I think Brandon Jones might have rebuilt some good karma with his spring. Showed a little pop, only 4 Ks in his 50ish ABs, good glove. He was never really healthy last year, and a good year at AAA might reestablish his credentials. He’s still left-handed and still can’t play CF, though, so he’s going to have a tough road to Atlanta, given the makeup of the team for the foreseeable future.
DAP
March 31st, 2009
11:41 am
dirtydawg i dont evaluate defensive skills. honestly i am easily impressed with up the middle defense. when renteria was here, he made some special looking plays. i had to listen to experts to know that his range really wasnt all that great, and not until i saw escobar throw did i realize how weak renteria’s arm was in comparison.
i say all that to say, im not relying on myself or my perceptions on kelly’s defense. (maybe you are?) im listening to experts. and over and voer for the last year or so, i have been hearing expert sya that kelly is fine defensively. not great, but average, and improving. and instead of assuming all those experts are wusses and idiot and calling their manhood into question, i believe them.
garlick
March 31st, 2009
11:43 am
18 wheels, you talk of Bays track record, but he had a year that was close to as bad as Jeff’s in 2007, so he has a track record of being up and down as well, and he strikes out A LOT.
Bay batted .247 with 141 strike outs & 133 hits in 2007. That’s worse than Jeff’s 143 hits & 111 strike outs last year when he batted .239.
Bay bounced back with a big year last year, but he still struck out 137 times.
Bay’s really not that much better than Frenchy, and has been known to put up bad years similar to Jeff. He’s also not as good of a fielder, and doesn’t have the arm that Frenchy has.
Now Holliday’s another story, but he’s going to be available next year, and he’s going to command $20+ MM per year. There’s no way the Braves pay that price, especially with another year of Arb still available with Frenchy & Heyward waiting to come up and play LF full time.
You’re thought to bring on Bay is the same. He’s available next year, and he can play LF for next year, but Frenchy still has another year of Arbitration AFTER next year, so that blocks Heyward if he’s ready.
Either way, look for Frenchy & Heyward to be in the outfield together in a couple years, with Schafer in the middle & possibly letting Frenchy walk AFTER that.
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
11:43 am
Lew
Agreed on left field. A lot of guys will have to fall off the radar screen before we would need Bay in 2010. (Frenchy, Diaz and BJones)
I think Garret Anderson will be a one and done kinda guy, unless he just brings a lot of intangibles to the team and is a catalyst.
Lew
March 31st, 2009
11:43 am
DAP_I didn’t say he would be an everyday player, but the LH hitting half of a left field platoon with Diaz.
Greg in TN
March 31st, 2009
11:46 am
Morning denizens…
Very pleased to see the Offensive Assassin getting a contract extension today which will place him in Atlanta for an additional three years and a vesting option for a fourth. Having U Kno Who in the first base dugout will help the transition between the next wave of baby Braves anchored by the phenom, Tommy Hanson and the man that appears to be our new starting CF’er, Jordan Schafer.
I’ve said this before, however having #10 in uniform for 130-140 games is far better than having 3/4s of the league in his spot for 160 games and with a franchise that took a very public PR hit in the exit of John Smoltz this past offseason, this deal helps at least mend a little of the damaged caused by a fan base that wanted to see Smoltz and Chipper both retire as Braves.
Eric from MO
March 31st, 2009
11:47 am
DAP if you think 23 mil is coming off then you must expect neither Hudson or Vazquez will be back. You also assume the payroll will remain the same. We are going into a depression. Dont be suprise if we are cutting payroll at the end of this season.
Lew
March 31st, 2009
11:48 am
Y’all-we need to keep something else in mind here, too. We’re talking about what moves may or may not be made a year from now. We have no idea whatsoever what will happen in 09 that will impact any potential situation that may or may not arise far in the future.
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
11:51 am
DAP
I will never understand how some can hear actual professional baseball players say something (ie KJ is a decent defensive secondbaseman) and then turn around and think they know more than folks that have lived the game?????
And I thought I was stubborned!
DAP
March 31st, 2009
11:51 am
lew i dont disagree, unless frenchy looks like he isnt going to work out. the braves are in good shape again with a little money to spend this coming offseason. im thinking the same as you…get gonzalez back, get a guy to platoon with diaz (eric hinske), pay raises, and maybe a bit more bullpen help, and were good. if frenchy falters though(i dont think he will), we might need to set this team up with another everyday corner outfielder.
DirtyDawg
March 31st, 2009
11:51 am
You’re right, I guess I just need to lay off KJ cause it’s obvious that nobody here, and nobody connected to the Braves (and that includes Dale Murphy and Mark Lemke) will be honest about it. I don’t hate the kid, I just don’t see the instincts and skills that you see with a quality 2Bman. Not in the top 5? Promise you he’s not in the top 25. Just wait, when SI’s MLB preview comes out this week, an opposing scout will, if he’s being honest, make a comment about Atlanta’s limitations on defense in the infield and the weakest link is KJ,
garlick
March 31st, 2009
11:52 am
Eric from MO, it’s a recession, not a depression. Sorry to get technical, but there’s no set definition for Depression, and we shouldn’t throw around those terms, as we’ll probably see growth by the end of this year, where as a depression has been thought to mean at minimum a full 18 months of decrease in economic activity, so we’re not there yet, and won’t be there till the start of next season, at the earliest.
Lew
March 31st, 2009
11:53 am
Eric from MO-It’s doubtful they will keep the two of them at that money. $12 mil will go elsewhere under one circumstance or another. In addition to that, Soriano’s $6 mil will be gone (count on THAT) and Gonzo’s $3.45 million comes off the books, too. That comes to somewhat more than $20 million-out of which we will need a new closer. Yes, the economy may reduce payroll (wouldn’t surprise me in the least), but there is a good bit of money going away this coming winter.
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
11:56 am
Lew, I think the Smoltz thing is relevant because it is a guy coming off surgery, albeit his 5th. I get it. I’m just not going to act like it isn’t going to be a factor with Hudson because it will. Wren went through that and it’s part of his experience. And we’ve seen how Wren is reluctant to over pay for guys like that. He also did it in Baltimore. I just don’t know if there is enough time for Huddy to prove he is worth picking up the 12m option. It is the same situation that we just went through with Smoltz…he didn’t have enough time to prove himself so we moved on. There are patterns that have been established that I base this on, that’s all.
Eric from MO
March 31st, 2009
11:57 am
18 Wheels of Love what are you talking about. Many times a pitchers comes back as good or better after Tommy John surgery. Example would be Smoltz or maybe Chris Carpenter. He won the Cy Young after Tommy John surgery.
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
11:59 am
Dirty Dawg
Hey, we can’t deny that you have an opinion, but I have not seen those reports yet that state that Kelly is one of the 5 worst second sackers in the league.
I rely on folks I trust, and Dave O’Brien is one of those. What does he say about Kelly’s defense??? Taking the risk of misquoting Dave, I think he states that Kelly is an average defensive second baseman.
NOW, what is your real reason for belaboring the point??? I didn’t get the beginning of your point?? Do you want Prado in his place (certainly no better overall defensively) or did you want us to go after O-Dog (diminshing skills)?
Or did Kelly at one time in the past not ask your sister out on a date or something??
Seriously, what is your reason for bucking the choice the Braves have made for their second base job?
The ghost of Will Ohman
March 31st, 2009
12:00 pm
GermanBravesFan – where are you? I lived in a little town called Steinbach on a US military base with my parents in the 70’s.
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
12:01 pm
garlick
I am not sure that your words on the economy are appreciated. I prefer to keep my head in the sand as my 401K slowly melts away……
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
12:02 pm
Good points Lew and garlick. Jeff could be in the OF with Heyward but I still think Jeff will be gone at some point.
I brought up Bay as a option, just like Holliday is an option. I seriously doubt we get either of them but it doesn’t change the fact that we need some serious corner OF production now that we don’t have Andruws old stats in CF.
I still think we let Huddy walk after this year. Unless he absolutely blows off the doors with his return, which would need to be sooner rather than later.
The Bloviator Downstairs
March 31st, 2009
12:02 pm
an opposing scout will, if he’s being honest, make a comment about Atlanta’s limitations on defense in the infield and the weakest link is KJ, (dirtydawg)
While I agree that KJ is a defensive liability despite the sales job from the Braves camp that defies how any reasonably independent and objective observer could view his D, I have to disagree that the Braves infield D is limited. Escobar and Kotchman are +10 defenders. Chipper, at this stage of his career, is average or slightly better than average on D. While KJ may rate as a -5 to -10 defender, Chipper at 0 to +5, Kotchman and Escobar at +10 to +15 make this infield D a +10 run to +30 run infield D. That’s a 1 win to 3 win advantage with the infield D, capable of shaving 7 to 20 points off the staff’s intrinsic ERA.
DAP
March 31st, 2009
12:03 pm
eric from MO
let me tell you how i guessed about $23mil would be gone. i assume either vazquez OR(not both) hudson will be gone. thats at least $11.5 mil. Mike gonzalez will be a free agent ($3.5mil). rafael soriano will be a free agent ($6.1mil). glavine’s $1mil will be available, norton’s $.8mil will be available, and anderson’s $2.5mil will be available.
add it up, and i get $25.4 mil. so, thats where i got that. youre right about the budget possibly going down, but still, thats what we have coming off of the books.
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
12:04 pm
Am I the only one who is concerned about all this movement and motion in Gonzo’s delivery? I can see that hurting him in the long run.
I have always heard that the most simple of motions is most easily repeated. I think this has been ONE of Dontrelle Willis’ issues over the years.
Lew
March 31st, 2009
12:05 pm
18 Wheels-But you keep talking about Smoltz’s performance LAST year and he was NOT coming off of surgery at that point in time. They are two entirely different pitchers at two entirely different stages of their careers. One is in his forites-one in his mid thirties. One has a history of injury-one doesn’t. One is a power pitcher-one is a finesse pitcher. Their styles of pitching are different. Their mechancis are differnet. Their pitch repertoires are different. No analogy at all. The only thing in common is that both have had an injury -and not even the same one in the time frame you discuss- and they both recently pitched for Atlanta.
As for there being time for Hudson to prove his potential-why isn’t there enough time? We don’t need to rush his rehab as we have plenty of pitching without him. He isn’t due back until August at the earliest. They’ve monitored his rehab closely and think he’ll be ready early. If he is, then he pitches a few games down the stretch. If not, he’s evaluated during the winter and through the rest of his recovery. They are under zero obligation to make their decision on him as soon as the Series ends in November (Lord Help us-it gets later every year). They can wait and evaluate him after October if they desire-there is no time limit that I’m aware of. It’s doubtful that if they do offer to pick up the option, that they will do so with no idea of what they may get in return.
GTI in Chicago
March 31st, 2009
12:06 pm
How the wheel does turn…
Josh Anderson couldn’t beat out Schafer or Blanco for a job in Atlanta, but his acquisition by Detroit got Gary Sheffield fired. The Tigers released him today. They already had too many outfielders in camp. After the trade, Josh was set to be the 4th outfielder. The rest of their surplus can just be sent down, but Gary got fired.
OH, the irony…
Original Jon
March 31st, 2009
12:06 pm
Could anyone explain why Ohman’s contract is a Minor League contract? The money involved is Major League, so what is the benefit to the Tigers in making this a Minor contract? Steve McP
Dont know if anyone answered you on this, but, the reason it is a minor league contract is because he is not ready to face live hitters yet. In case you havent noticed, he was just signed and spring training is about 3 or 4 days from being over. So he needs time to get ready and no team is going to wait for him to get ready on the major league team, so its a minor league contract. Oh, and BTW, its the Dodgers, not the Tigers.
Kenny Powers
March 31st, 2009
12:07 pm
Kenny Powers thinks Tim Hudson will be back as strong as ever
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
12:08 pm
Eric, this is what I am talking about…
10:48 They come back to form and often pick up a MPH or 2 but it takes time….time that we don’t have with Huddy.
I know they come back to form, but not everyone is Carpenter…btw where has he been the last 2 years? Injured?
All I am saying is that Huddy would have to prove himself quickly for us to pick up that option and/or re-sign him. Again, just my thoughts on this.
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
12:08 pm
No love lost here for Gary Sheffield after how he layed down on the Milwaukee Brewers in the early stages of his career.
I try to forget that the Braves actually had him on our roster for a while.
(and no Random, I don’t hate Sheff)
garlick
March 31st, 2009
12:09 pm
18 Wheels, we don’t have Andruw’s production, but Schafer should put up about 20 HR’s per year, especially when he puts on a little more weight. He’s only 22, so he’s still filling out.
I actually agree with you on the assessment that Hudson will be allowed to leave after this year, even though the option is tempting. We have so many young arms, and Hudson’s a great pitcher, but you don’t sign 2 pitchers to 3-4 year deals & bring in another by trade if you have the feeling you’re going to exercise that option.
I know that’s not a popular view, but it is what it is.
FYI to everyone talking bad about KJ’s fielding, according the baseball fielding bible, he was a 0 in fielding last year. He won’t be a -5 to -10 as someone predicted.
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
12:12 pm
Jebus man, all I’m saying is that it is a risk to pick up his option with him coming off TJ and that Smoltz making 14m for 28 innings is a red flag that it could happen again. Sure both are different cases but you can make the case that you should put 12m+ into someone who doesn’t have a track record of injury(s). I see your point, you aren’t willing to connect the 2 players but as a GM, I would certainly be concerned about getting burned by putting money into a pitcher coming off TJ surgery. Need I bring up Hampton? All 3 players, different examples..apples, oranges, and bananas, but all fruit!
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
12:13 pm
18 Wheels
Your doing a lot of speculating what will happen at the end of this season, when we haven’t played a single game that counts.
So much can happen. Guys can go north or south on you. Young guys can excel or fail. A guy like Jurrjens can go either way. (we all seem to assume he is going to get better, often times they don’t)
We don’t know what will happen with Hanson, Morton and Reyes this year.
It could be that we don’t need Huddy after 2009, or it could be that we pray that he will return to his old form, cause we need him.
So, I think a lot of typing is being wasted at this point in the season. But then again, what do I know??
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
12:15 pm
garlick, I agree on Schafer but I don’t see 20 HR’s this year…maybe next. Maybe.
I know DOB was adamant about the Braves picking up Hudson’s option, but he mentioned that well before the Kawakami signing, which was 1 player more than Wren publicly committed to getting. I take that as a sign too, and I don’t think KK will be a 7m long relief guy.
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
12:17 pm
The market is up on the news that the Atlanta Braves and Chipper Jones have agreed on a contract extension. (or could it be that our prez didn’t go on national tv to scare wall street again?) Either way, it’s good.
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
12:18 pm
Wayne, you are 100% right. It is all speculation. But what fun is talking about last year? Without speculation, we’d be forced to talk about Travis Smith and Raul Mondesi and how we only hit 27 HR’s in the OF last year. The facts of the past are not nearly as fun as the allure of talking up Hanson for Cy Young!
DAP
March 31st, 2009
12:18 pm
bloviatorWhile KJ may rate as a -5 to -10 defender,
im pretty sure that yesterday someone posted defensive rankings from ESPN, maybe…? that said kelly was a plus defender. it was the same thing that said the marlins overall were a +6 so i dont know if that helps or hurts my argument, but im just saying…what does he really rate at? where can we see those stats?
Lew
March 31st, 2009
12:20 pm
Wayne-But it’s fun having a good back and forth on these topics with no one getting their a$$e$ bent out of shape.
18 Wheels-Yes, he may be a risk, but I think they’ll know which way to go is the best way. If they think he can come back and be effective then they dump Vazquez and keep Huddy. If they arew wary of what he can provide, they decline the option and part ways. I’m certain that one way or another they will make a good, informed decision.
The bottom line is that in 2010 we will have a lot more options available than we did this winter-and that’s a GOOD thing.
GermanBravesFan
March 31st, 2009
12:21 pm
Ghost of Will Ohman: I am from near Schweinfurt in Germany which also has a huge U.S. military base. They used to have two of them, but closed one and the other will be closed soon, too. After living in the U.S. for twenty years, I recently moved to Zurich, Switzerland, where I now work in the communications department of the biggest Swiss Tour operator. I just got out of a meeting where new articles for the employee magazine were assigned and I got the one that will be about our involvement with the MLB All-Star Game in July. Our company will arrange the hospitality events. I sure hope I will get a ticket out of this!!! If I go, I sure will try got get DOB’s autograph…
ease19
March 31st, 2009
12:22 pm
This is like watching an episode of “Crossfire” with Chris Matthews!
18 Wheels of Love
March 31st, 2009
12:23 pm
I’m going to Chic Fil A….I deserve a chocolate shake after all that speculating! Right or wrong!
TommyP
March 31st, 2009
12:27 pm
Lew: I agree with you on B.Jones but everything I’ve read about him has suggested that the Braves no longer think of him like they did a year ago at this time.
So have the Braves announced where Heyward will open the season in the minors? I’m thinking he’s on the fast track to the majors. (2010)
Andruw has very quietly put together a solid spring for Texas.
Bill M.
March 31st, 2009
12:27 pm
DAP— Soriano’s salary is 3mil. not 6.1mil. That was his total for 2yrs.
The Bloviator Downstairs
March 31st, 2009
12:28 pm
One is a power pitcher-one is a finesse pitcher. Their styles of pitching are different. Their mechancis are differnet. Their pitch repertoires are different. No analogy at all. (LEW)
You couldn’t be more wrong Lew. Hudson and Smoltz are both fastball, slider pitchers. Hudson is NOT AT ALL a finesse pitcher. He doesn’t rely on offspeed stuff like a changeup or a curveball or on hitting spots like a finesse guy. Ever see a picture of Hudson pitching? He’s max effort all the way, with every vein, ligament and tendon in his body being strained for all to see. If anything, Smoltz has easier, cleaner mechanics when you watch them pitch. Smoltz and Hudson throw fastballs or sliders almost 80% of the time. Since Smoltz throws a few ticks faster, he’s not as reliant on getting movement and sink with his fastball. The question with Hudson will be if he can get back to around 90 mph with movement and sink. If he can’t, he’s in trouble because he doesn’t have the gas of a flamethrower or the offspeed, hitting spots skills of a crafty finesse pitcher. But stop calling him a finesse pitcher because that he most certainly is not.
Lew
March 31st, 2009
12:29 pm
18 Wheels -eat a Chik Fil A for me-they don’t have them up here in Vermont and I truly miss them-and Dairy Queen.
Wayne-It’s funny you mention the stock market. I’ve got CNN on in the background and Tony Harris just said “the market is Chipper today despite bad January housing figures.” He wasn’t talking about CJ, but funny nonetheless. Did you call the Dude and feed him the line?
winterville
March 31st, 2009
12:30 pm
Anders
Where you at buddy? I’m sure you heard about Chipper’s extension. I seem to remember you predicting that Chipper may sign elsewhere because of the Smoltz thing and how the luster is off the Braves. Something about he was tired of losing and might follow Smoltz to Boston. I guess you can’t win em all. Nice try though.
Lew
March 31st, 2009
12:31 pm
TommyP-Yeah, it’s entirely possible they package Brandon with some excess pitching and make a deal for a piece or two (or Blanoc, for that matter) especially if they deem Heyward as being ready. Like I said earlier though-ain’t it great to have options and lots of good young players in the pipeline? Beats hell out of the alternatives we’ve dealt with in recent years.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
March 31st, 2009
12:32 pm
Kentavo,
Why would anyone move Frenchy to CF and put Schafer in RF? He is already a great defender in CF, there is no point in moving him.
And I am going to say that I think the Braves have zero interest in Sheffield at this point. They signed Garrett Anderson to be the solution. If they had interest in Sheffield, maybe it would have been discussed yesterday when they were in trade talks about Josh Anderson.
Knowitall
March 31st, 2009
12:32 pm
Wayne,
The other day you said that you only get involved in political discussions when provoked. Yet, here you are today repeatedly taking pop shots at a President who did not cause your 401k to start it’s decline. The previous administration can take full credit for that. We get that you don’t agree with the President’s strategy for getting us out of this mess but you Sir were not provoked.
MinnesotaJacket
March 31st, 2009
12:33 pm
Lew iu agree with you on missing chic fil a…being in Minnesota blows with no chic fil a or zaxbys
22oz
March 31st, 2009
12:33 pm
DOB, yesterday Bill Shanks said the Kawakami and Hanson were set to pitch on Saturday at Turner Field. Is this accurate, or is Bill wrong on this one? I know it makes sense for Kawakami pitching on normal rest, but how would he know about Hanson, unless it had been announced?
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
12:36 pm
Lew
I can’t claim that one, besides the only time CNN shows on my TV here is when I am channel surfing and there are no good “Law and Order” reruns on!
We got both Dairy Queen and Chick-fil-A (one in the mall) here in Utah. But, in 1 hour, I will be devouring a grilled chicken salad from Cafe Rio instead, washing it down with a Diet Dr. Pepper.
Wishin’ I were having a cheeseburger from Dave’s Giant Heimburger in Fairfield, CA.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2009
12:36 pm
Chipper got a three-year, $42 mill contract, including a $3 mill signing bonus, $13 mill salaries over each of 2010-2012 seasons, and $9 mill option that vests with 123 gms played in 2012 or 127 games averaged in 2011-2012
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2009
12:37 pm
Also has incentives and escalator clauses that could push total value as high as $61 mill over four years
Lew
March 31st, 2009
12:37 pm
MinnesotaJacket-There’s a ChikFilA about three blocks from our place in Orlando (which I didn’t get to this spring) and I eat there at least once a day during Spring Training either for breakfast or later in the day. All we’ve got here in our little Vermont Village (not even a town) is one McDonald’s and a local pizza place-though they do have a little restaurant with great breakfasts. Ever had an apple cranberry pancake with Vermont Maple syrup a week out of the maple tree? That’s almost worth not having grits here.
Lew
March 31st, 2009
12:39 pm
Wayne-Must be because you’re in Utah., There’s ALWAYS a Law and Order rerun somewherre 24 hours a day.
Lew
March 31st, 2009
12:39 pm
Or Cold Case or CSI MIami.
Fred
March 31st, 2009
12:40 pm
22 oz, DOB said earlier that Kawakami will pitch 4 innings on Saturday and Hanson will follow with 5 innings. They are doing this because they can’t use the bullpen Saturday with the regular season opener Sunday night in Philly.
Eware
March 31st, 2009
12:43 pm
Good for Chipper! I think he could have gotten more on the open market, which again shows his commitment to the Braves and our city.
Thanks Chipper. Thanks Frank!
Lew
March 31st, 2009
12:46 pm
They’re interviewing a woman from ND right now on CNN who sound just like Frances MacDormand in the movie Fargo. Last night on The Daily Show, they were saying that they had run out of sand to fill the bags to make barriers and were forced to look for other options-they then showed the wood chipper scene from Fargo.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2009
12:49 pm
Here’s some details on the deal:
The deal includes a $3 million signing bonus and salaries of $13 million each season during 2010-2012, with a $9 million option for 2013 that vests if he plays 123 games in 2012 or averages 127 games played in 2011-2012.
Jones could also earn up to $1.5 million each season in games-played bonuses — $750,000 for 135 games, and $750,000 for 140 games, and up to $4 million in escalators in the 2013 option year. If his option doesn’t vest, the team has a $7 million option.
Last year was the fifth consecutive season that Jones been limited to fewer than 140 games.
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
12:49 pm
Knowitall
Actually, I don’t blame either president for the downfall in our economy. I know that if a nation suffers during an administratiion, that administration will take the brunt of it. Bush gets his share for sure. To be honest, I blame our Congress for most of the issues we are suffering through. I think they deserve and should take the fair share of the blame. And I am not pointing fingers at either side, but at both sides. I think they are all crooks, for the most part.
But my “pop” shot actually has some truth to it. (humor often has it’s roots in truth) Most of the times when our POTUS makes a visit to prime time (other than the yearly address to the nation), they are normally doing so to address a major concern, which normally would be news that would cause Wall Street to shudder. So, I was not really taking a shot at our prez, merely stating a truth.
I will be one conservative person that will tell you that our system is broken. I don’t believe for a second that any stimulus is really a help. I just can’t see where spending a bazillion dollars will make anything better in the long run. AND, it is BOTH parties that are to blame. Bush started it, and Obama continues it.
I just happen to believe in an agenda that is not currently being adhered to by either party. So I am ticked off at ALL of the lot of them.
So, really, I don’t think I was instigating anything, or it was certainly not my intention, merely just my normal conversation.
And, hey, some of my best friends think I am a kook!
(this message was not intented to slam a political party or view, but to esssentially slam all political parties as presently constituted.)
spotts
March 31st, 2009
12:49 pm
Eware – Have you seen the open market?
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
12:51 pm
I REALLY miss Zaxby’s!
TnBrian
March 31st, 2009
12:54 pm
Thank God Chipper doesn’t have a Smoltz mind set when it comes to “gauranteed money”. This thing woulda drug out until next Feb.
Matt-In-SC
March 31st, 2009
12:54 pm
DOB, Could sheffield be the right handed power bat to hit between chipper and mccann?
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
12:56 pm
Did anyone see where some French workers at a Catepillar plant who were being laid off, held some of their bosses hostage briefly?
And we thought they were all cheese eaters!
Jim
March 31st, 2009
12:56 pm
Wayne,
In the words of your hero, “there you go again.”
Can we please refrain from the politics. Your opinions wqould cause somebody to feel compelled to react just as you say you are compelled to react from time to time. PLEASE — JUST SAY NO!!!
TnBrian
March 31st, 2009
12:57 pm
Wayne, I’m glad to finally here someone with enough sense to know that congress is as much, if not more to blame as the president. Remember, congress has to pass something for it to happen. Sorry DOB…I couldn’t help it this time. He had a good point.
Eware
March 31st, 2009
12:58 pm
Point taken, spotts. But, I’m assuming its going to bounce back a little. I’m thinking that Chipper could get D. Lowe type money – $15 mill per.
He’s in a higher category than Abreau, Anderson, and Dunn. And you know that the BoSox, Yankees, and Dodgers would be all over him. They haven’t realized that the economy is bad yet.
Wayne in Utah
March 31st, 2009
12:58 pm
Matt in SC
First, where in SC? Second, where would we play him? Left field?
It’s certainly something to ponder, but I don’t see the Braves going that direction. Besides, Sheff has been on a downhill slide for sometime now.
Eric from MO
March 31st, 2009
12:59 pm
Oh, ok DAP. I see now.
Eric from MO
March 31st, 2009
1:01 pm
Garlick I said we were going into a depression. I did not say we were in one. Read what I wrote.
Schafer's Wafers
March 31st, 2009
1:02 pm
People people people who are infatuated with Sheffield….ARE YOU KIDDING me that would be the worst pick up of the last decade. He was good for us once before but not now he is old he cant take steroids anymore and we have a much much much better hitter now in Garrett Anderson. Put Sheffield to rest please. He is old news.
mbatl
March 31st, 2009
1:03 pm
Bobby’s TV Slipup on Youtbue. Quality’s not great… comment comes around the 20-second mark. (and if previously posted, sorry).
Knowitall
March 31st, 2009
1:03 pm
Wayne fair enough.
Catepillar is a competitor of ours so maybe we can use the “see they have crazy workers” angle to stir some business our way. We need any help we can get at this point.