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893 comments Add your comment
N8
April 19th, 2009
7:17 pm
“…but bloggers here are crying for intensity, and what is more intense than a rosin bag grenade?” Steve from OH
Totally agree. Perhaps he could keep a bucket of them next to him in the dugout. Then when a player has a horrible AB (like swinging at the first pitch when the first two outs were made quickly), he could use them on said player when coming back to the dugout.
I’m not sure that Wellman’s the right guy either, but I agree with you, the players seem to like him. But I’m not sure I care if the players like the manager.
My Chief’s players LOVED Herm Edwards. Where did that get them? LOL!
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
7:19 pm
Unit is 45.
All three games in the AZ/SF series were decided by a score of 2-0. The Giants won the first and last games.
Moby Grape
April 19th, 2009
7:19 pm
Moby, maybe you’re not in a frenzy, but don’t speak so quickly for the others—Ohio Steve
I just meant today, nobody has ranted and raved much today, it’s been pretty adult. Yesterday and tomorrow are whole different issues.
Frank from KS
April 19th, 2009
7:21 pm
Ya know as bad as the economy is…..some teams may be ready to unload players at some point…..it’s then the Braves may be in line to grab one or two for a stretch run.
Moby Grape
April 19th, 2009
7:22 pm
Perhaps he could keep a bucket of them next to him in the dugout. Then when a player has a horrible AB (like swinging at the first pitch when the first two outs were made quickly), he could use them on said player when coming back to the dugout.—N8
now that was funny
Oromus
April 19th, 2009
7:26 pm
“Is there any difference on this teams performance when you bench kj and yunel and play infante and prado?”
KJ’s bat has won us 2 games so far almost single handedly. Now, some people want to sit him because a bench guy had a good day? Prado is NOT as good as KJ. Defensively or especially offensively. Prado is super valuable, because he can play a few positions and if we didn’t have KJ, he’d be in there at 2nd. Do you really think the Braves would be starting KJ if he was not superior to Prado? They know what they have in both players. KJ is a top 5 2nd baseman and Prado is a great super sub.
paul
April 19th, 2009
7:27 pm
Did blaine boyer clear waivers?
Loaf Garret on a blackberry from a luxury hotel in DC
April 19th, 2009
7:37 pm
Anybody got any DC scrip club recommendations for me? I feel like being rebellion. Plus, it might help my quad.
Smyrna Jim
April 19th, 2009
7:39 pm
Gee, thanks, nolie – I’m not sure how to take that, but I’m happy to accept compliments (frankly, I can’t remember to whom my subtle shot was sent out – nice shiraz from Whole Foods helps with that. I’m trying to be cool right now, watching Jimmy Buffett in Wrigley Field, singing “City of New Orleans” (just after Katrina)). Funny thing today was, after trying hard to be a Good Samaritan yesterday and doing updates, today I was out tutoring during the game, so I missed the good side of the blog (okay, I looked, I know it wasn’t all good). Also, just so you don’t think too poorly of me, I had the radio in my ear while working, so I missed nothing.
Blame Bobby
April 19th, 2009
7:39 pm
Easier to get rid of one person or coaching staff than get rid of entire team. Every sport sees this. Getting rid of Bobby doesn’t change that our bp is atrocious. Getting rid of Bobby doesn’t change the fact that we can’t hit w/RISP (been that way for 3 years).
If all you are going on is when and who he switches pitchers, then that is pretty off the wall. The lineups are pretty much set; either guys can hit or they can’t. Guys can pitch or they can’t. It’s not as if there are so many decisions that any one manager can make that would change the game. Prior to today, we have gone 22 innings w/out scoring a run. Tell me now; how would a different approach would have helped THAT? It wouldn’t. It is still the same team. Move a player here in the lineup or there; put in an inning too soon/late/not at all and it makes very little difference.
It’s been that way for 3 years. Poor scouting and overrating prospects, bringing guys up too soon, trying every throw away veteran reclamation project just because a few worked in the past, and not spending money wisely is why we lose now.
So fire Bobby and see what happens to the team. Nothing. We need better players. Simple as that. By arguing he needs to go assumes that we are so close to competing with the team we have; and we simply aren’t. Bravos need to stop rebuilding half assed. bite the bullet and rebuild this team properly.
Smyrna Jim
April 19th, 2009
7:42 pm
Wow. Loaf, 5 -10 years ago I went to Camelot, but it’s so different from Atlanta, it’s a totally different ballgame to me now. By the way, doing my update thing, Roy Hobbs just hit a long fly ball foul – oh, no – he broke Wonderboy. I guess the Knights are screwed.
Smyrna Jim
April 19th, 2009
7:45 pm
Never mind – Roy Hobbs just did something you can’t do at Turner Field – hit lights in fair territory.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
7:48 pm
Paul, Braves have up to 10 days to trade, release or, if he clears waivers, assign him to minors. So no, we don’t know yet if he’s cleared waivers. Process just began yesterday.
Loaf Garret on a blackberry from a luxury hotel in DC
April 19th, 2009
7:55 pm
Getting Braves' Autographs in DC
April 19th, 2009
7:59 pm
Sorry for reprising an earlier post…I was wondering if anyone knows 1) which hotel the Braves use in DC, and 2) which guys are nicest in general about signing, etc. on the road, during BP and otherwise?
BA
April 19th, 2009
8:02 pm
Been working so I’m trying to catch up around here. I’m not crazy about the comments from Reyes yesterday about the triple in center field. Even if it HAD been misplayed, it doesn’t look good to throw your teammate under the proverbial DOB bus like that.
n8’s right, they’ll never move Johnson to LF to give Nitmar 2B. But something has to give, because Odarp should be in the lineup everyday, and Johnson has been one of our best hitters.
I thought Cox was crazy when he said Vazquez had “elite” stuff- but with all four (five?) pitches working like they were today he looks like a 15-game winner.
jbutler
April 19th, 2009
8:03 pm
Hey Loaf…did you see the Rockies score against the Dodgers? If Cutler were still here, they’d put him in the batters box/on the mound/running the bases…maybe managing??
Loaf Garret on a blackberry from a luxury hotel in DC
April 19th, 2009
8:05 pm
Sorry autographs, the team hotel is top secret info. The guys you can expect to get to sign during BP are bullpen guys and bench players.
PWHjort
April 19th, 2009
8:06 pm
DOB, do people automatically get put on waivers when they’re designated, or do the clubs have to take additional action to place them on waivers. I know they have to clear waivers to be assigned to a minor-league team, but does Major League Baseball automatically assume that’s the most favorable outcome for the club and designating someone means they’re on waivers? If no, did the Braves place Boyer on waivers?
Loaf Garret on a blackberry from a luxury hotel in DC
April 19th, 2009
8:06 pm
Psh. You think I watch other games? It’s all I can do to watch our games.
Braveheart
April 19th, 2009
8:10 pm
Time for the Hawks to take down D-Wade
N8
April 19th, 2009
8:10 pm
Anybody ever seen the movie “Crossroads” with Ralph Macchio?
There’s a scene when Ralph’s character agrees to sell his soul to the devil and duel with Jack Butler (played by Steve Vai). When he does so, the skies turn dark and the clouds start looking all freaky and what not…
Anyhow, long story short, I just looked outside and the skies did that here in ND. Only explanation I can come up with is that Moby and BA have agreed with me on things today.
Creepy.
N8
April 19th, 2009
8:11 pm
Actually, I take that back. BA agreed with me. Moby said a post of mine was funny.
PWHjort
April 19th, 2009
8:14 pm
Any transaction experts also feel free to entertain my 8:06
Braveheart
April 19th, 2009
8:14 pm
Anybody ever seen the movie “Crossroads” with Ralph Macchio? (N8)
No, but, sadly, I have seen the movie “Crossroads” with Britney Spears.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
8:15 pm
… It’s been that way for 3 years. Poor scouting and overrating prospects… — Blame Bobby
Hold on, now. You lost me there, BB. Poor scouting?
The Braves’ scouting department is widely regarded as one of the best in baseball. You got some info that others don’t, like the folks considered experts in rating prospects?
In Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects list, released during spring training, the Braves were the only organization with two prospects in the top 10, and they had two in the top five — Tommy Hanson was rated No. 4 and Jason Heyward was No. 5.
The Braves had five in the Top 100, including CF Jordan Schafer at No. 42, CF Gorkys Hernandez at No. 62, and 1B Freddie Freeman at No. 87.
There were also four other former Braves prospects in the Top 100, guys who’ve been traded away in recent years, including RH Neftali Feliz at No. 10 (yes, the Braves could have had three in the top 10); SS Elvis Andrus at No. 37 (he was traded to Texas along with Feliz and three other prospects in the July 2007 Mark Teixeira deal); C Max Ramirez at No. 84; and C Tyler Flowers at No. 99.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
8:18 pm
Getting Braves Autographs: Braves stay at the Ritz-Carlton near the Pentagon.
Moby Grape
April 19th, 2009
8:19 pm
N8
I understand your point of view, I might not agree entirely but I see where you are coming from. I just don’t want change just for changes sake. I want to feel confident in a replacement and right now I don’t see anybody I’m thrilled with.I always remember that old bromide about being careful what you wish for.
Ohio Steve
I might be completely off base but I think Wellman put a huge dent in his possible future as a big league manager. Most teams, including I think the Braves, are too conservative to take a chance on something likethat recurring in front of the national media.
ncscoots
April 19th, 2009
8:19 pm
But I’m not sure I care if the players like the manager.
You don’t have to like the guy. But, if the guy makes you miserable playing the game, you’re not going to perform all that well, either. The classic line from a friend of mine in regard to a guy we played for: “He’s the kind of skip you’d run through a wall for…as long as he stays on the other side.”
Ball players are no different from anyone else, in one respect: they want to be treated with dignity while they do their job. You screw up, you expect to hear about it. The smart supervisors lets you hear about it, and try to help you not repeat the mistake. They don’t air you out in the hallway by the water cooler and the cubicles, venting like a blogger during a losing streak.
I’ve played (and worked) for both kinds of Bobbys (Cox and Knight), and there is no comparison, IMO. One, you run through the wall for him because he’d never ask you to do it. The other, well, the other side can look pretty appealing, given the alternative.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
8:23 pm
The excellent restaurant, Six Penn Kitchen, where I ate last night, is closed tonight. Had planned to sit at the bar and watch this Hawks-Heat game while eating. Oh, well. Good chicken penne pasta from a takeout joint will do. Kick back and watch the Hawks try to win Game 1.
nolie
April 19th, 2009
8:24 pm
No, but, sadly, I have seen the movie “Crossroads” with Britney Spears. (Braveheart)
oh man we need to have a pity-party for you. Wrong Crossroads dude.
BravesFAN885
April 19th, 2009
8:28 pm
man that’s great news that mac may not have to go on the DL if he needs the lasik surgery.
Steve from OH
April 19th, 2009
8:28 pm
Moby, I don’t disagree with you there. I doubt he has much of a chance anywhere except Atlanta, and I’m not sure of his chances there, either. But he does seem to be well-regarded within the organization, so that’s gotta count for something…
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
8:29 pm
Crossroads with Britney Spears? Braveheart, I didn’t realize you had a 10-year-old daughter.
You did see it with your 10-year-old daughter, right? Right?
DiamondbackMac
April 19th, 2009
8:29 pm
I missed the game and just looked through the Gameday play-by-play. Can anyone tell me how Bennett’s throwing error allowed the batter to reach third?
Anyone
April 19th, 2009
8:30 pm
DiamondbackMac sorry dude i didn’t see it either
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
8:35 pm
DiamondbackMac-
Bennett airmailed the ball about 10 feet over and to the right of Casey Kotchman- went far enough into right field that the runner made it all the way to 3rd
bravesfan1124
April 19th, 2009
8:36 pm
DiamondbackMac
Batter hit a comebacker to Bennett. He fielded it in good shape, took his time then just airmailed it over Casey into right field. I am sure it surprised everyone, batter had no problem getting to third.
TnBrian
April 19th, 2009
8:38 pm
We just watched the worst movie I have ever seen in my life. Ashton Kootcher in Personal Effects. I have a migrain after that awful acting and even worse story line. No, it wasn’t even a story line, more like a bunch of jumbled sh** made to resemble something that made sense. I guess they figure they can put two big names, Kutcher/Phieffer and rip people off.
Smyrna Jim
April 19th, 2009
8:40 pm
Diamondback – I was listening on the radio, and wondered the same thing, since it apparently went into the stands (based on the call).
Lou Vales
April 19th, 2009
8:40 pm
The Braves should request the Manager at the Ritz Carlton subject Chipper’s bed to Army Corps of Engineers testing to make sure it is suitable for his torso. Another back injury from sleeping on 5 Star Hotel beds could bring severe negative publicity.
Random
April 19th, 2009
8:42 pm
N8 (2:52 pm): “I’m with the people that have been saying put KJ in LF (everyday)”
Not in a platoon with Diaz? No love for RH Matty?
Eric from MO
April 19th, 2009
8:44 pm
DOB I think Blame Bobby meant these so called great scouts work has not showed up recently in Atlanta. It may not be the scouts, but somewhere the Braves are going wrong. I dont if its them, may be our minor league coachs, but these prospects havent been producing. Other than McCann, and maybe Kelly and Escobar. How many so called prospects have struck out such as Francouer (I know he is doing better this year but still isnt great), Jo Jo, Chuck, Davies (finally producing in kc), Marte, and the list can go on and on. Looks like Scafer may join that list soon. Somewhere in the Braves organization someone isnt doing their job up to par.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
8:45 pm
Anybody see the Posada home run today at Yankee Stadium? Nevermind that it was interfered with by a fan reaching over the RF wall. The thing that got my attention was what a cheap homer it was. I mean, that was a fly ball that probably falls shy of the warning track in most parks.
That place looks really small, at least in RF, based on homers I’ve seen hit out of their in the highlights so far. It looks to me like it plays almost like the Crawford Boxes in LF at Houston, or Cincy. Someone needs to do a covert measurement of the supposed distance down the RF line at new Yankee Stadium.
Lew
April 19th, 2009
8:45 pm
Nathan-Weirdest thing about that movie was that they actually had Macchio winning the guitar duel with Vai. Yeah. Right.
Lew
April 19th, 2009
8:46 pm
They should have given his soul back.
DiamondbackMac
April 19th, 2009
8:47 pm
cabravesfan & bravesfan1124
Thanks much for the graphic explanations. Sounds like a train wreck to me. At least no one was injured.
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
8:49 pm
DiamondbackMac-
Other then the fact that Bennett managed to turn a sure out into an experience it could have been worse. We were up 11 and the run didn’t score, mainly because Bennett made some great pitches after that…but it was…interesting to say the least:)
Noone
April 19th, 2009
8:49 pm
DiamondbackMac Hey man!! Dont be tellin people I was injured. It’s not true besides it might get back to my mother. She might have a stroke.
Eric from MO
April 19th, 2009
8:50 pm
DOB I thought the new stadium was suppose to keep the same dimensions?
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
8:52 pm
We just watched the worst movie I have ever seen in my life. Ashton Kootcher in Personal Effects. I have a migrain after that awful acting and even worse story line. No, it wasn’t even a story line, more like a bunch of jumbled sh** made to resemble something that made sense. I guess they figure they can put two big names, Kutcher/Phieffer and rip people off. – TnBrian
You watched it, huh? I guess they figured right.
Anthony
April 19th, 2009
8:52 pm
New Yankee stadium is ridiculous. My cousin is huge Indians fan and was not happy about the call. Kruk talked about it on on Baseball Tonight this morning and he mentioned how the yankees may have to pay pitchers even more to come to yankee stadium and pitch bc the park is so hitter friendly. Yankees overpay even more!!!
Lou Vales
April 19th, 2009
8:53 pm
What would be a satisfactory record in this 3 game series against the Pitiful Nats??
Random
April 19th, 2009
8:54 pm
bravos2249 (3:02 pm): “But in the sense of Wren letting Smoltz go, he did retrieve a player [Vazquez] that provides the same kinda overall performance we would have got from him, at least if he was healthy all year.”
Braves traded for Vazquez over a month before Smoltz signed with the Red Sox. Before even Smoltz first threw from the mound for Cox in mid-December.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
8:55 pm
THIS TEAM WILL FINISH IN 4TH PLACE SO GET READY FOR THE LOSS OF BRAVES,HAWKS,FALCONS AND THOSE FAMOUS LOSING BULLDOGS.
Random
April 19th, 2009
8:57 pm
mbatl (3:04 pm): “irrational exuberance
Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. – Oscar Wilde”
But it’s still wit, which ranks it in the top 99th percentile of comments lately.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
8:57 pm
the dodgers will win the world series this year and it will be glory.
winterville
April 19th, 2009
8:58 pm
DOB
I watched a few of those Yankee games and I saw the HR today. It was definitely a cheapy and it really looked like it had warning track power. If it is not because of the dimensions then there is some sort of jet stream out there because the ball was jumping. You don’t get a 22 run effort like yesterday without it.
Lew
April 19th, 2009
8:59 pm
As opposed to the Famous Loser Willster?
N8
April 19th, 2009
9:01 pm
Random, I actually really like Matt the “hitter”. I was all for giving him the everyday job last year.
But the premise of my post where you quoted me, was to keep the bats in the lineup, AND improve the defense a bit. I think KJ was/is and would be a better LF than he is a 2B, and I think that Prado would be no worse at 2B than KJ is.
But either way, KJ is also a better LF than Matt, and with the way Garret Anderson’s legs are these days, as I mentioned before, even Klesko would be a better option out there (LF).
I would love to have Matt’s bat in the lineup everyday, but not at the expense of the defense. Maybe I’m overrating defense in the OF, but with not having pin-point control pitchers that allow the defense to be set and to NOT miss spots, we need all the range we can get in the OF, and to be honest, KJ would have more range than either Garret or Matt.
If you disagree, I can respect that.
Moby, I would like to have a manager in mind as well before change is made. I’ll assume that when (if) ownership is ever forced to force Bobby out, they’ll know exactly who they want to replace him.
scoots, your 8:19 was funny, and I actually agree.
But it’s strange how “respect” and “like” don’t always have to both be in the equation. Nor are both neccesary to play hard for a guy.
Take my Chiefs for instance. They just hired Todd Haley (OC) from the Arizona Cardinals. He has had CLASSIC run-ins on the sidelines with players (T.O., Boldin, and even Kurt Warner in the playoffs).
When the Chief hired him, everybody calling in to KC radio stations was concerned about rumors/stories that his players hated him. That he was tough to deal with. That he alienates superstars, blah, blah, blah…
Well, as it turns out, Boldin has asked the Cardinals to trade him, and Haley’s Chiefs are one of the places he has requested to go to, or said he’d accept a trade to. Funny how a coach that is demanding, sometimes gruff (like Leo Mazzone) and perhaps over-the-top with public fueding, can STILL command respect from players, when in the end if that player realizes how good that coach was for him.
Doesn’t mean it always works like that. But correct me if I’m wrong, before the 2007 NFL season weren’t the NY Giants players begging for Tom Coughlin to be fired and then after winning the SB, they all “have his back”?
I realize that the NFL is a different animal than MLB. Some more intensity is required over a 16 game schedule than a 162 game schedule.
If as a fan, you (not specifically talking to you – but saying “you” in general), like a manager/head coach that is a “players” coach, that is buddy-buddy witht the guys, and is a father figure to them. I’m cool with that. To each his own.
But I’ve always preferred the disciplinarian and hard azz guys, over the nice guys. Maybe it’s the ESPN era in me, not minding seeing confrontation, or people calling people out. But when stuff like that only goes on behind the scenes, and all we see is the “atta boys” from the manager. It gives the appearance of being soft.
I might be the only person here, that had ZERO problem with Ozzie Guillen calling out Vazquez last year. Dude said what was on his mind, and didn’t apologize for it. Why sugar coat stuff. These guys are millionaires that SHOULD have to answer to the media and face the music when they stink.
Anthony
April 19th, 2009
9:01 pm
Kruk on baseball tongiht mentioned that the yankees may have to pay an even higher price for pitching bc the park is so hitter friendly
PWHjort
April 19th, 2009
9:05 pm
Kelly in left over Diaz probably wouldn’t save any runs. Diaz is a decent enough fielder and LF don’t make that many plays anyway. Prado over Kelly would result in giving back so many runs you’d probably net negative runs. Plus, there’s little evidence to suggest Prado is a better offensive player than Diaz. Diaz has much more power, which is what the club lacks on paper. Overall, it’d be a bad move. I wouldn’t object to putting Prado at 2nd but only if KJ were to be traded for something much more useful.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
9:06 pm
watching o brother where art thou, reminds me of the braves , always in a rut
N8
April 19th, 2009
9:07 pm
DOB is ON FIRE today with the posts ragging on the flicks. Well played sir.
Lew, I hear you about Ralph beating Vai. But Ry Cooder could certainly hold his own against Vai if neccesary, who is the guitar player that was the “ax double” for Macchio.
Braveheart, Macchio’s “Crossroads” is hard to find. In both rental stores and for purchasing. But EVERY TIME I see the Britney version in the rental places, I reach for it, and then catch myself before I fall for it….again. So your post made me chuckle. Needless to say, I haven’t seen the Britney version. Nor will I. Not that the Macchio version is any “better” of a flick. But at least it’s about guitar, Robert Johnson and has a cameo by Steve Vai.
That’s worth something right?
Ben
April 19th, 2009
9:09 pm
Chipper can make the difference. No doubt about it!
Random
April 19th, 2009
9:09 pm
N8 (3:23 pm): (excerpt only) “But IF Smoltz in healthy, (even at age 42), Vazquez couldn’t in his wildest fantasies, ever dream of being as good as Smoltz.” Etc.
I was going to say some of that — thanks!!!
My only difference is that I was sold on Vazquez as soon as we got him, in those 40 innocent and blissful days and nights before Smoltz left.
Moby Grape
April 19th, 2009
9:10 pm
Nathan-Weirdest thing about that movie was that they actually had Macchio winning the guitar duel with Vai. Yeah. Right.( LEW)
wasn’t ralph playing on the soundtrack so what’s weird about it?
Disgruntled In Decatur
April 19th, 2009
9:11 pm
Many here have been talking about how easy to beat Wash. so we better sweep them. I don’t want any 1-2.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
9:12 pm
LOOK LEW,FOR YOU TO PULL FOR A BUNCH OF LOSERS LIKE THE BRAVES, YOU AL;L ARE LOSRES IN ATLANTA THIS TEAM WILL NOT WIN A DIVISION AGAIN UNTIL THEY DECIDE TO SPEND SOME MONEY, THEY SPENT 40 MILLION ON A PIECE OF CRAP BY THE NAME CHIPPER,HE WONT PLAY 100 GAMES THIS YEAR WOW.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
9:13 pm
WILLSTER, the Hawks currently have a 15-point lead over the Heat near halftime of game 1 in their playoff series.
brian
April 19th, 2009
9:14 pm
while you are ragging on flicks DOB – what did you think about the new Indiana Jones flick – a disagreement broke out Friday night while watching the braves. Decent movie (obviously not as good as the first or the third) or should be burned
Choppinmama
April 19th, 2009
9:14 pm
The bullpen just wouldn’t let us get out of Philly with a shutout today, would they? Good work from David Ross. At least if BMac is out for any length of time getting his eye re-wet (???), we can have confidence in DR’s abilities. Think positively, we’ve seen the worst early in this season, right?
Bennett’s air-mailed throw to first was delivered postage due. Sheeeesh!
Somebody better remind Ross and Schaeaphur that the camera makes lip readers of us all.
Interesting stat on Chipper heard during the game. How many career HBP’s does he have? Just guess, don’t look it up. And the answer is……..
Random
April 19th, 2009
9:16 pm
nolie (2:53 pm): “[Vazquez] lacks the consistent command. In Ks per 9 innings he usually ranks in the top ten but in Ks per 100 pitches which adds a measure of efficiency he drops 8-9 spots; as opposed to Smoltzy who jumps a few spots.”
Nice info and analysis. Pithy. Thanks.
nolie
April 19th, 2009
9:17 pm
Take my Chiefs for instance (N6*
I’m not too enamored of your Chief’s comparisons. if you have ever played both sports at a higher level you know that the dynamics of the team and the clubhouse is very very different. Football demands much more pumped up emotions where that actually hurts the finer motor control needed for baseball. I really do fail to see any valid comparison Nate. Coach’s approaches are very different.
TnBrian
April 19th, 2009
9:18 pm
DOB, I guess. My girlfriend is the sucker on that one though. She rented the movie.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
9:18 pm
Brian, I didn’t see it.
Besides, Lou Vales is going to swoop in soon and admonish us for talking about something other than our doomed world economy or what’s wrong with the Braves. He doesn’t approve of movie and music talk, you should know by now. So behave accordingly.
mbatl
April 19th, 2009
9:20 pm
Well, the Chiefs played in the Super Bowl in ‘69, Nolie. They know how to win!
TnBrian
April 19th, 2009
9:20 pm
Willster, go back to bed, you’re drunk! At least take your medicine
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
9:21 pm
the only time this team wins is when they get embarrassed like yesterday ,the braves will win 2of 3 in losereville washington , but iguarantee the great marlins will sweep the braves the 6 and 7th of may , they will be 10 games out in may 8th, see you next year losersville.
N8
April 19th, 2009
9:22 pm
PWHjort, I respect your opinion, but disagree with you. KJ was drafted as a SS. Which tells me the dude is a pretty good athlete.
A good athlete with a decent arm, that can cut balls off before they get to the wall will save runs. Maybe not a ton, but it will save them. Matt’s arm, while fairly accurate, isn’t that powerful.
I’ve seen plenty of runs score on singles to LF when the runner was on 2B to start the AB. So, I think having a LF with a little more arm (KJ’s arm strength is fine, IMO), that can play more shallow than Matt has to, due to more range could certainly save runs.
As for Prado’s defense at 2B? Listen (or read), I’m not saying he’s gonna win any GG’s over there anytime soon. But my point, is that he’s not any WORSE than KJ at 2B. If you (and others) don’t think that KJ is a liability at 2B, then you’re not paying attention, IMO.
There is a reason, that they flirted with signing Furcal to play 2B and moving KJ to LF.
As for your “Diaz has much more power, which is what the club lacks on paper.” comment? Hmmm. Lets examine a bit further, shall we?
According to baseball-reference.com’s website, here is the “162 game average” (which Prado has yet to actually reach… as in 162 games), but here are the numbers.
Diaz: .306 BA, 11 HR, 20 2B, 3 3B, 49 RBI, .344 OBP, .447 SLG, 791 OPS.
Prado: .307 BA, 4 HR, 26 2B, 6 3B, 54 RBI, .363 OBP, .430 SLG, 792 OPS.
You’re right. Diaz is “much” more powerful than Prado. My bad.
nolie
April 19th, 2009
9:23 pm
hat’s worth something right? (N8)
I certainly think so. One of my guilty pleasures Guitars, the blues, cutting heads and that young black woman dancin’ with Joe Morton was smokin’.
McFann :Ô:
April 19th, 2009
9:24 pm
Choppinmama–
You’re right about Ross–dude was a good pickup. I’m so glad Wren got him.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
9:24 pm
dave , im talking about championships, talk to me if they make it to the clevland series.
Random
April 19th, 2009
9:26 pm
PWHjort (3:45 pm): “If Vazquez can teach the rest of our pitchers to throw strikes like that we’ll have a very good season. (I’m hoping he rubs off on them, not that they throw 86% strikes, that’s way too high).”
I think I saw Vazquez slappin’ some other Braves’ butts today. Maybe rubbing off on them is his next move.
TnBrian
April 19th, 2009
9:26 pm
DOB, don’t! I’m not even sure what it was about. I think it was about a messed up wrestler,Kootcher, and someone murders his sister and he falls for the mother of a deaf boy and she takes him to weddings and the woman from Titanic is his mom… see what I mean? Oh, and Lou is a character, for sure.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
9:26 pm
look tn idont drink , iam a gambler, and i make alot of money on the atlanta franchises, especially the braves the past 3 years , this reminds me now of the 70,s braves pathetic.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
9:29 pm
the 2009 braves are finished, what will be your excuse next year.
melissa
April 19th, 2009
9:29 pm
What do you have against the city of Atlanta ?! Do you think we are the KKK headquarters of the south ?!!
nolie
April 19th, 2009
9:29 pm
They know how to win! (mbatl)
I didn’t say that they didn’t. I meant that the sports demand completely different approaches from the coaching staffs, so I have trouble believing what works in one would have much relevance to the other. Hey, JMO
Braveheart
April 19th, 2009
9:29 pm
Nah, ain’t got a 10 year old daughter, but did have a 13 year old sister back then. She’s a weird chick. She still adores her Britney, Christina, Timberlake, Spice Girls, Back Street Boys crapola, but she knows the words to every mainstream rock song from the last 50 years and has stolen almost every damn rock cd I’ve ever had. THankfully, she hasn’t taken my old school rap cds. She thinks they suck, which pi$$es me off like you wouldn’t believe.
Choppinmama
April 19th, 2009
9:31 pm
…………..only 17. Of course a few of those led to the trifling toe injuries of past seasons. Nothing close to the thumb this year, but that thigh is gonna throb for a while.
OK, on to Washington. Anybody with enough pull to get a tour of the White House this trip?
DOB: we really haven’t heard too much said by G Anderson so far. Is he willing to talk to you guys? I mean, other than to let you know what’s hurting him on any particular day? His situation must be so frustrating for him though, really. Ready and expected to fill some big shoes, then one nagging injury after another. Once again think positively….it’s still early.
Funny story about Anderson from spring training: at that function where the team was seated for the autograph lines, he was the first guy at one of the tables, but you couldn’t see anybody until you rounded a high wall-type barrier. The lady in front of me rounded the corner and said to him “And you are…….???” Welcome to the Braves, big guy.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
9:32 pm
Willster: Oh, that argument, huh? Nevermind, then.
If you’re of the school of thought that says you win it all or you’ve failed, then we’ll just agree to disagree, and move on. If the Falcons lost in the NFC championship game for each of the next three seasons, I think it’d be viewed as rousing success in Atlanta, and rightfully so.
18 Wheels of Love
April 19th, 2009
9:32 pm
In-laws raved about the Russell Crowe/Ben Affleck film. Said it was highly entertaining and a must see. Seeing as how the movies the last 3-4 weeks have sucked, I might have to check it out next weekend.
Speaking of 30 Rock, how about that last episode? Awesome stuff. “I want to Tupac you.” “OK, but I gotta pee first.”
Same goes for The Office.
Chandler Bing
April 19th, 2009
9:33 pm
Braves73 (4:15 pm): “I agree with all of the posts in reference to “it being too early to press the panic button”, BUT there are clear signs that need to be addressed RIGHT NOW! If Bobby thinks that things will just “work themselves out”, then we will be in 4th place with very little chance of recovery. The challenge with Bobby is this, it’s not “the Braves of old” anymore (that had enough veteran talent/winners/proven commodities for him to take a “sit back metality”). Bobby is no longer suited this type of team, what I mean by that is we need a young, aggressive manager, that can do more with less. A manager that will not waiver on making tough decisions with veterans and put the best players on the field for success. It’s time for change.”
Could you BE any less specific?!?
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
9:33 pm
good article dave
But its early.......LOL(Doc H.)
April 19th, 2009
9:34 pm
Either Bennett is way too lucky or number just are way too generous with some human beings……….. 1.29 ERA??? I always liked that guy…… he has had some rough outings but he really eats innings without giving up a ton of runs.
mbatl
April 19th, 2009
9:34 pm
nolie, I was kinda’ kidding. Of course the sports require different management/coaching approaches. My point was just that I don’t see using the KC Chiefs as a model of excellence for any sport. Sorry it was lost on you, but any time I try to be subtle, that’s what happens!.
jbutler
April 19th, 2009
9:36 pm
TnBrian – were you tied up in front of the tv? Were you trapped under something heavy? Is there any real reason you watched that inane time-waster movie? Truly. There’s GOT to be something else to do.
Braveheart – I have a 10 year old daughter. And an 8 year old daughter. Even a 4 year old daughter. They aren’t old enough to know that Brittany Spears does anything other than have babies w/losers and wear trashy clothes. Did she really want to see it..or what’s up dude?
N8
April 19th, 2009
9:38 pm
nolie, I know. I agree with you (about NFL being different from MLB), which is why later in that post I stated:
“I realize that the NFL is a different animal than MLB. Some more intensity is required over a 16 game schedule than a 162 game schedule.”
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
9:38 pm
Uh, TnBrian, I had absolutely no intention of ever, under any circumstances, watching the movie you referred to. I was merely telling the other Brian that I had not seen the Indiana Jones sequel he was asking about. Nor do I have any intention of ever seeing that, either.
But the one you described? Dude, I don’t even think I’ve ever heard of it. And don’t care to hear any more about it. Ever. Please.
Oh, and the lousy actor’s name is Ashton Kutcher. Not Kootcher. But he does have one redeeming quality: He’s married to Demi Moore.