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Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2009 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,518 comments Add your comment
braveman2
May 18th, 2009
4:03 pm
Does anyone know who the starters are for Friday night? Is it KK vs. Roy Holiday?
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 18th, 2009
4:04 pm
4:00 and already asking for the lineup….surely we haven’t run out of things to b!t*h about already.
Aaron
May 18th, 2009
4:05 pm
For the people worried about tv coverage maybe you should switch to cable. Just east of Birmingham with Charter Cable I got all the games on Fox Sportsouth, Sportsouth and they run all the Peachtree TV games on the CSS channel.
As for the comments about Frenchy…and others that aren’t hitting. I’m tired of OF experiments. Frenchy can’t hit consistently, Schafer can’t seem to understand how to hit an inside fastball and K. Johnson it pitiful as well. Perhaps what we really need is a hitting coach that can actually help someone out of a slump?
Andy K.
May 18th, 2009
4:05 pm
Joe, any patience today?
THB
May 18th, 2009
4:05 pm
Cameron-Our system is top 5 in the majors. While we could have used the players we traded to the Rangers for other trades and possibly here, it didn’t set us back somehow. It is not “just” our AAA pitchers and young hitters in lower levels. Our top 10 looks like this:
Hanson – AAA
Heyward – High-A
Schafer – Atlanta
Hernandez – AA
Freeman – HIgh-A
Rohrbough – High-A
Locke – High-A
Teheran – A-Short Season
Medlen – AAA
Kimbrel – A
That seems pretty spread out, and to think that Heyward is the only first round draft choice in there is impressive. We have the no. 7 overall pick this year, so you can bet on another top prospect being in there, along with DeVall from last year. Our scouting department is phenomenal – Hanson and Rohrbough were both draft and follow players, Hernandez was a great under-the-radar prospect picked up in a trade, and we got great value out of players from rounds 2 and on with the rest. I think our minor league system does a lot right, it has nothing to do with luck.
P-Town Brave
May 18th, 2009
4:06 pm
Eric-
Yes, BUT if we do it early they either walk Chipper and have 1st/2nd w/ 0 or 1 out OR pitch to Chipper…(obviously)
Either way, the guys behind Chipper are eventually going to have to start hitting, otherwise, do we really have any hope anyways?
Chipper is only as valuable as the guys hitting behind him…if they aren’t hitting, he won’t hit because he won’t be pitched to…
Thus why many are calling for a trade for an OF bat to protect him in the 4-slot so that he will be pitched to more often…
For example, why walk Chipper to put even more gas on the fire to put 2 guys on or load the bases when Jermaine Dye is up next?
Roman Gal
May 18th, 2009
4:06 pm
Steve from OH
I was looking at Gorkys’ stolen base numbers a couple of days ago, and in the past he’s had very good succes running. The most he’s ever been caught was 11 times, and that was the year he stole 54 bags. The two years surrounding that one (including last year) were both 20/4. So he’s always had a high SB%. I have never seen him play, but one has to wonder if he’s having any lingering effects (mentally or physically) from his hamstring issue last year. Of course, I’m sure playing at a higher level also has something to do with it, but…
getnathan
May 18th, 2009
4:07 pm
THB – Great points except for one…
Braves pitching has been good, but we’re still 2.5 games out of first. It’s the hitting that has dictated our wins and losses. If we hit, then we win, if we don’t hit, then we don’t win. We need a right handed power bat in the #4 hole, which will give Chipper more opportunities to actually hit and not be walked, and give other opportunities for hitters lower in the lineup to get more pitches to hit.
For one though, I would like to see them getting shut down by pitchers like Max Scherzer and Chris Volstad. We have to take that next step to beat a pitcher even when he’s ON his game and even when you’re not familiar with them.
DAP
May 18th, 2009
4:07 pm
p-town the pennant race starts in april, buddy.
THB yes yes yes. the farm system is there in part to help meet needs of the big club through trade, and wren needs to use it for that as soon as he can.
All I'm Saying Is...
May 18th, 2009
4:07 pm
MikeR: I was with you until you said we should raise the mound back to 1968 heights. No thanks. Didn’t Yastremski win the batting title with a .301 average that year? Ugh.
I would like to see return to the 154 game schedule with the sweetner being that we would return to one division per league but have the top 6 teams in each league make the playoffs. The top two teams in each league would get a bye (keep the regular season meaningful) while the other four meet for the first round. The first round winners then would play the top seeds in each league (lowest seeded first round winner plays the team with the best record in each league) in the second round. Finally the third round is for the League Championship before giving way to the World Series. Add a playoff round but shorten the regular season while making the regular season even more meaningful. And no more All Star game determining home field for the World Series nonsense. I say rotate the World Series to a neutral stadium where we know weather won’t be a factor. Thoughts?
Eric from MO
May 18th, 2009
4:07 pm
THB I think Freeman should also be on no-trade list. That making it Hanson, Heyward, and Freeman. He is putting almost the same numbers of Heyward. Also he is a 1B. Something the Braves usually lack. As for Medlan I agree, if he does great in the big leagues I dont think the Braves can trade him. Also I dont think Wren is against trading some of our minor leagures he just doesnt want to repeat the Tex trade. Look how great they would be sitting now looking for a trade. You have to learn from past mistakes. If you think Wren is afraid at trading minor leagures just look at the Vazquez trade where he traded Flowers. You just have to do it intelligently.
Roman Gal
May 18th, 2009
4:09 pm
the Braves networks never seem to have their telecast in HD beekay
I get all the games in HD. So, I’m sure that’s not the reason you don’t get to watch their telecasts. In fact, Brian Jordan always tells us we get to watch the game in SPECTACULAR HD
McFann :Ô:
May 18th, 2009
4:12 pm
Thanks, ease19! We’re very proud of them…they’re so funny-looking, they’re cute!
Eric from MO
May 18th, 2009
4:13 pm
P-town I agree that the guys behind Chipper have to start hitting. I was just defending the nonsense bashing of Cox for not stealing more. Its not his fault he has no protection for Chipper.
MFin04 (Time to Get Rid of Bennett, Buddy and Cox!)
May 18th, 2009
4:16 pm
The Braves have speed they aren’t using it!!! Kotchman can steal. Garret Anderson can steal. Esco can steal. Diaz can steal. Chipper can steal! Got to send those guys when they are on base!!!
THB
May 18th, 2009
4:17 pm
getnathan-I feel the exact same way, maybe I just wasn’t clear. If we want to compete in August and September with the rest of the division, we need a power bat in LF.
Chop Chop
May 18th, 2009
4:17 pm
Tonight’s lineup:
Crawford
Escobar
Chipper
V. Martinez
McCann
M. Bradley
O. Hudson
Gorkys
Lowe
Tomorrow’s lineup:
Furcal
Prado/Infante/Kelly (three inning shifts)
Chipper
A. Gonzalez
McCann
Griffey, Jr.
Heyward
Schafer
Burnett
(P.S.: Freel’s leading off Wednesday. Peavy will toe the rubber.)
bravos2249
May 18th, 2009
4:18 pm
McFann
No problem.
Eric from MO
May 18th, 2009
4:19 pm
All Im Saying the neutral home field is the dumbest thing I have ever heard, and your not the first I have heard it from. I for one want a chance to watch World Series game. Also home field advantage is part of baseball. Teams build teams based on the stadium they have. In football neutral fields isnt a bid deal because no matter what the dimensions are the same. Some teams build their team with great hitters, some with great pitching, some have to get groundball pitchers. Taking this away is ridicoulous and I for one would never watch another baseball game if they do this. Seriously.
AGTFan
May 18th, 2009
4:20 pm
I get a rare chance to visit GA this coming weekend. I’m thinking of seeing the G-Braves Friday night. Has anyone been to the G-Braves ballpark? Any suggestions on seats?
Steve from OH
May 18th, 2009
4:21 pm
Roman Gal, that’s a good point about his career SB. He’s 102 SB, 24 CS, which I’m pretty sure is around 75% (my 1st grade math skills aside). However, his struggles this season and his complete lack of power are concerning. Like I said, he’s very young so there are a lot of things he can still learn (and learn to do effectively) in the minors. Let’s also not forget that over his last two full seasons, he’s OPSed .735 and .734, respectively (again, at very young ages). His BA and OBP sure look like they’re starting to turn the corner this season, but his SLG has not. That’s why I think we should wait and give it some time to come around too.
And his BB% is actually down from last season, even though he has a higher OBP this season (right now, his really high BA is inflating his OBP a bit). Speaking of batting average, his BABIP is an insane .434. You can bet that those numbers are bound to come down. His K% is also about 3 points higher this season as well. His ISO is MUCH lower (at a paltry .086).
I still really like the kid, but let’s not kid ourselves. He’s not ready (not saying that you said he was, lol!).
I think that in the long-term picture, he’s a trade chip.
THB
May 18th, 2009
4:21 pm
Eric from MO-I just don’t think Freeman should be untouchable. I wouldn’t trade him for anything other than a top-flight pitcher (think Peavy, Greinke, Cain, etc) or huge power bat (A. Gonzalez, Longoria, etc) right now though, since he is still only in High-A. He’s a great prospect, most likely a top 50 or top 40 overall and around the top 6 or 7 1B prospects in the minors, but I would send him as the centerpiece of a package if the right one came upon us. It’s really hard to have 3 untouchable prospects, and Freeman is close, but if the right deal appeared I would jump on it.
Eric from MO
May 18th, 2009
4:21 pm
Mfin all those you named are slow. They can steal every once in awhile but not often. As Chipper did it last week. You seriously have to be the dumbest blogger on here. I dont know why I keep responding. I wish we could block certain bloggers.
McFann :Ô:
May 18th, 2009
4:22 pm
Chop Chop–
Well, it’s nice to know we’ll still have McCann as a starter.
bravos2249–
Thanks…yeah, I usually don’t call someone “man” unless I know for sure–that time it slipped.
Jim
May 18th, 2009
4:23 pm
Brandon Jones is hitting over 320 in AAA. On the downside, he is left-handed qnd confined pretty much to LF, but if GA is still producing at or near his current level in another month, Brandon should replace him on the roster. Prado/Infante are not natural OFs but neither is that big a drop-off defensively from Diaz/Anderson, and having both Infante and KJ in the lineup, with Infante leading off, would give us a better attack than we have now. I think Schafer will improve as the season goes forward, but with JF and GA, I’m afraid that what we see is what we’ll get.
I believe KK was signed before Lowe and during the time when nobody wanted to sign with the Braves. Had Lowe been already signed and Glavine expected to sign, Wren may have gone for an OF bat such as Abreu.
Daybed Wagmoe
May 18th, 2009
4:23 pm
“How about Francoeur to the Mets for Santana? The Mets need corner OF help.” – chc4
So why would they want Francoeur?
THB
May 18th, 2009
4:24 pm
Steve in OH-I think you’re right on with Gorkys. He’s a nice prospect who isn’t ready for the show yet, but ultimately I see him as a trade chip unless we hang onto him this offseason and Schafer struggles, while Gorkys shines. I believe he’s going to be a very useful trade chip though, possibly to get the power bat we need.
TnBrian
May 18th, 2009
4:24 pm
Chop Chop, when did we get Crawford? Ver exciting news, but you new Wren would pull something off soon!
Steve from OH
May 18th, 2009
4:24 pm
Guys, I think we need a bat too, and my patience with Francoeur is wearing thin. But we’ve got to be both realistic and responsible when thinking about what to do (i.e. no Hanson for Lee, or bring Gorkys up, etc.). Frank and the gang are working hard on it, I am sure.
Eric from MO
May 18th, 2009
4:24 pm
THB the thing with him being only in single A is your not going to get as much for him as you would if you hold onto him a year when he gets in AA or AAA. His value will go up. No reason to trade him now. We arent going to win it this year anyways. May as well wait til next year when his value goes up and we have a better chance at winning.
TennesseePaul
May 18th, 2009
4:25 pm
J.J. Hoover. Sooo many puns to be made off of that name when/if he gets up to the majors.
DAP
May 18th, 2009
4:26 pm
The Braves have speed they aren’t using it!!! Kotchman can steal. Garret Anderson can steal. Esco can steal. Diaz can steal. Chipper can steal! Got to send those guys when they are on base!!!
ok, lets take a blog vote. whos dumber, the person who posted this or the person who thought it was a serious post?
Carroll Rogers
May 18th, 2009
4:27 pm
Glavine threw his simulated game, three innings, and came away feeling good – except for the Greg Norton liner he took off his hip. …Next up for him, assuming everything feels good with the shoulder tonight and tomorrow, is an outing Saturday in Gwinnett……If that goes well, he’ll do another minor league outing……Then we’ll be talking about the chance to get him back in the rotation.
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 18th, 2009
4:27 pm
MFin04–I think your sarcasm was lost on at least one blogger. Guess you gotta do more than wink to show your not serious.
Eric from MO
May 18th, 2009
4:28 pm
TNBrian did you see the rest of the lineup? Im pretty sure it was a joke.
THB
May 18th, 2009
4:28 pm
Eric from MO-I agree with that too. I don’t want to trade him at all to be clear. He has very high value right now, since he is still producing at a pitcher-friendly Myrtle Beach in High-A, and only getting better. His peak value, if he continues to progress, would be next year in AA, that’s if we ever trade him.
DAP
May 18th, 2009
4:29 pm
why is greg norton trying to take out glavine? is there some bad blood there? carroll, its up to you to uncover this story.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
May 18th, 2009
4:29 pm
Chop Chop,
When is Carlos Lee going to get any playing time? And if Burnett is pitching tomorrow, and Peavy on Wednesday…. does that mean Greinke is pitching Thursday?
McFann :Ô:
May 18th, 2009
4:29 pm
DAP–
Hmm…that’s a tough one.
Plus, the guy forgot to add that McCann cann steal (or did his stock as a base-stealer go down when he was caught on Tuesday? Only the third time in his career that he’s been caught, though.).
getnathan
May 18th, 2009
4:29 pm
TnBrian
Are you talking about Carl Crawford?
TennesseePaul
May 18th, 2009
4:30 pm
All this talk about acquiring a bat. I agree. I think a bat is needed and I am not at all impressed with Francoeur this season. The K’s are down, which is nice. But grounding out and hitting singles is not that impressive either.
I’m wondering if the promotion of Kris Medlen has anything to do with a potential move in addition to removing Reyes from the rotation. I know there is a lot of “hype” so to speak around the kid. He has done well down on the farm. But the Braves depth is in pitching. To acquire what they need, pitching will be included. Perhaps Medlen is being “show cased” as an optional trade target not named Hanson.
Or maybe the hope is Reyes can take his inability to see a line-up twice in one game to the pen and succeed. At that point, perhaps he gains more value in a trade and he’s shipped out. I don’t know. I just don’t like JoJo.
Eric from MO
May 18th, 2009
4:30 pm
DAP it was from Mfin, I think it was a serious post. Hell, this is the same guy who thought Francouer was better than Chipper. Also everyday he makes dumb post after dumb post. The dude is a moron.
getnathan
May 18th, 2009
4:31 pm
TnBrian you fell for that lol. I just did with your post.
MFin04 (Time to Get Rid of Bennett, Buddy and Cox!)
May 18th, 2009
4:31 pm
Eric keep talking you make me laugh. Yes they are slow, the whole team is slow. We can’t run. There is no point in running. We have no body that is a proven base stealing threat. Therefore it makes no sense to run. The majority of the time it would be wasting an out. Guess you didn’t catch the sarcasm. You don’t catch it very often do you?
McCann for MVP
May 18th, 2009
4:32 pm
Went to the game yesterday. Continuous light drizzle until right before they called it off. Once the game was called the rain stopped. Luckily we get to go back to either the makeup or any other game other than Sox and Yanks depending on availability.
Eric from MO
May 18th, 2009
4:33 pm
Dang it Chop Chop, now there are people who believe Crawford is on the team.
MFin04 (Time to Get Rid of Bennett, Buddy and Cox!)
May 18th, 2009
4:33 pm
Eric did you think Chop Chop’s lineups were real too?
Roman Gal
May 18th, 2009
4:34 pm
Steve-OH, I agree that he is a trade chip unless Schafer falls flat on his face…which is not going to happen. I’ve never been very impressed with him other than his speed, which makes me think that something is obviously wrong with him. Even last year when the injury was fresh he only had 4 CS. Regarding his BABIP, I tend to think that it will always be pretty high. He makes pretty good contact (208 K in 1231 AB) and uses his speed well. You’re right about his OBP though. I really don’t know what to make of him. He’s talented and I don’t think he’s another Michael Bourn or Willy Taveras in the making, but I don’t think he’s our future centerfielder. And I’m not just saying that because I’m irrationally in love with Schafer.
N8
May 18th, 2009
4:34 pm
“Frenchy was better than Chipper a few weeks ago.” MFin04
Let me do the favor of rephrasing that for you. A few weeks ago, Jeff’s numbers were better than Chippers. At no point has Jeff ever, nor will he be “better” than Chipper. Ever. Not gonna happen.
Eric from MO
May 18th, 2009
4:35 pm
Mfin every single post you have ever made is stupid. Which means you are the most annoying sarcastic person in the world or a complete idiot. You take your pick.
cricket
May 18th, 2009
4:36 pm
Eric from MO
May 18th, 2009
2:32 pm
Cricket I am not joking. Harrison has met plenty of famous people. Some who probably actually wanted to meet him. Besides the past few Presidents have been morons, this one included, why is it a privalege to meet them? They lie and have no morals. I know I wouldnt go if I was invited. Especially if they didnt really want to meet me.
WOW !! I am speechless. Once again, it is not about the person who is president, it is about the institution of the president of US. It is not about meeting only fans of a team as stated by Harrison, it is about the champs being honored by the seat of leader of your country. Man, I am just glad that you know some presidents, let alone common people, who never lie and always have high morals. I guess MO must be the God’s country. As a sinner, I will make sure to always avoid it, lest its purity is spoiled. Talk of high horses, yours seem to be pretty high. I mean, I would have understood (tho not agreed with) if Harrison’s and your reasons were political but hey nothing tops – 1.my team is not his favorite 2. he’s moron, lier and not moral, and the best one 3. I’ve met enough famous people.
Anyway, this is it from me on this subject dude. You have actually done a favor – now I have one more blogger to skip, along with the dreaded one trick donkey-obsessed pony, the love child of -ve nanny and debbie downer etc.
Eric from MO
May 18th, 2009
4:37 pm
N8 his numbers wasnt even better. I remember having this arguement with Mfin. His whole arguement was that Francouer had more rbis.
TnBrian
May 18th, 2009
4:37 pm
Eric, us Tennesseeian’s are slow, but not that slow. No way Crawford is coming to the Braves for the amount Tampa will probably want.
I like Wren’s appraoch so far…he seems to have learned what to do and what not to so from Sheurholz. JS made 3 very good moves as GM…McGriff/Maddux/Grissom. Bad moves, trading Justice/Grissom not re-signing Maddux/McGriff, the Drew/Tex deals. He only kept Smoltz around because he “took less because of Bobby, and would’ve left after ‘96 otherwise.” Anyways, Wren seems like a good one and I trust him this summer to do what’s right for the team for now and in the future.
MFin04 (Time to Get Rid of Bennett, Buddy and Cox!)
May 18th, 2009
4:38 pm
I know N8, apparently Eric doesn’t get that. And no one ever said Frenchy was better than Chipper, he’s beating a dead horse.
BT
May 18th, 2009
4:38 pm
Everyone acknowledges that we don’t have any (maybe many) bats in Gwinnett and in fact Kala Ka’aihue is leading Mississippi in hr’s with only 4. Of course he is hitting a cool .185. We better have some great pitching!
Chop Chop
May 18th, 2009
4:40 pm
Zack Greinke is in the minors because Hanson and Medlen are trapping him down there.
Carlos Lee will be acquired soon, but Wren is currently waiting to find out if Scott Thorman is out of options.
Roman Gal
May 18th, 2009
4:41 pm
Wow, sarcasm is going right over some folks heads today.
Efrim
May 18th, 2009
4:42 pm
Hernandez has shown better discipline at the plate. I would hold onto him for now, but in the long run, I am sure they think he is expendable for the right price. Not saying Schafer is not going to pan out, but I do think he was rushed. And there is always a chance that you ruin a player’s offensive approach by rushing them. That said, I think we gained an understanding this offseason of how the Braves view their farm system. Two ELITE prospects in Heyward and Hanson that they just aren’t parting with. Another potential elite that is just too young to have gained any sort of true value(Teheran) and then a bunch of really good prospects that they would move if the right situation came along. Schafer was included in that last group, I believe.
N8
May 18th, 2009
4:42 pm
flange, after consideration, while I think Gorky’s could provide a short-term (perhaps permanent), solution to one of our 3 OF by being called up this year, I do agree that he shouldn’t be rushed up. But obviously, the kid is going to be at AAA very soon, and I actually think we’ll seem him this year.
But it is SAD AS HELL when somebody mentiones Juan “Sally Arm” Pierre, and I’m not willing to rule it out. That’s how far Jeff is down on my list of “important” cogs on this team.
None of this would matter, if Cox simply played the hot hand and made these guys “earn” their paychecks. The players would be better for it, and the team would be as well. But we wouldn’t want anybody to have hurt feelings and have to spend all those millions on tissues, would we? Especially a “local” boy.
As my boy T-Moore would say, if Francoeur was black, and from Alabama, he’d be outta here.
OK. Sorry, that was uncalled for. Yet I’m almost ready to believe him on that one.
“(Please Note: Terrance Moore never said this, but deny that you can’t imagine him writing a column saying just that)
MFin04 (Time to Get Rid of Bennett, Buddy and Cox!)
May 18th, 2009
4:42 pm
Chop Chop why would we want Scott Thorman over Carlos Lee?
BT
May 18th, 2009
4:43 pm
I am just amazed that Norton hit a line drive even if it was just in a simulated game.
Roman Gal
May 18th, 2009
4:43 pm
Wren is currently waiting to find out if Scott Thorman is out of options. Chop Chop
Wren just needs to ask David Wright. I mean, he is omniscient, right?
MFin04 (Time to Get Rid of Bennett, Buddy and Cox!)
May 18th, 2009
4:43 pm
Shouldn’t we have a real lineup by now? Probably going to be the same as yesterday’s anyways right? I guess McCann will play though.
pat d
May 18th, 2009
4:45 pm
any lineups
RHR
May 18th, 2009
4:45 pm
MFin04 (Time to Get Rid of Bennett, Buddy and Cox!)
May 18th, 20094:38 pm
And no one ever said Frenchy was better than Chipper
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2009/05/18/bring-on-the-rockies/#comment-96743
N8
May 18th, 2009
4:46 pm
“Frenchy was better than Chipper a few weeks ago.” MFin04
Which is followed up by:
“And no one ever said Frenchy was better than Chipper…” MFin04
Well thank you for clarifying that for me. Now I get it.
Roman Gal
May 18th, 2009
4:47 pm
Efrim
Schafer was rushed. I wanted him to start in Gwinnett. But I also think that he’s talented enough to make adjustments and still be plenty successful here in the long run. It’s great to actually be able to see the adjustments he’s making pay off, even if the hits aren’t falling for him yet.
N8
May 18th, 2009
4:47 pm
RHR, you beat me to it.
Glad I’m not the only one confused at MFin04’s translation of the English Language.
Chop Chop
May 18th, 2009
4:47 pm
It’s very true that David Wright is omniscient, Roman Gal.
It’s a real shame that some people here are omnis**t.
TnBrian
May 18th, 2009
4:48 pm
Is it me or does anybody else not give a rat’s a** about Dexter Fowler? Ok, he’s from Atlanta but I mean, the Braves might be the most generous team when it comes to giving opposing teams players attention and credit. Be mean Atl., be mean!
flange1
May 18th, 2009
4:49 pm
N8,
While I think your GHernandez comment was a bit tongue in cheek, the way Frenchy has been playing lately Gorky’s might show him up!
I agree with Steve from OH and many other’s here that our patience with Frenchy is running out.
I keep hearing that GA is a professional hitter, but the 0′fers keep piling up. And he looks real slow in the OF.
And Carroll, thanks for the Glavine update. Good news to me that Norton actually hit a line drive off some one!!
I would like another outfield option on the team RIGHT NOW. Preferably RH and can play CF.
Wonder if Norton would clear waivers? My guess is yes…..Try it and bring up Barton. The team IQ would go up!
Roman Gal
May 18th, 2009
4:49 pm
It’s a cryin’ shame, Chop Chop. A real, cryin’ shame.
MikeR
May 18th, 2009
4:50 pm
All I’m Saying Is…
You’re right that Yaz led the AL with a .301 BA in 68 but I think that is great. Only great hitters excelled. Mays, Aaron, F. Robinson, Clemente, Rose all put up good numbers. It is a matter of personal taste but I prefer that. If I want to see all high scoring games, I will go see slow pitch softball. Also, I couldn’t not disagree more with you on expanding the playoffs. It won’t happen due to greed but I say no playoffs. The best record in the AL plays the best record in the NL. That ensures that unlike most other pro sports, the regular season is still of the most importance.
Note also that in that era, pitching didn’t always dominate. Look at Shafer’s strikeouts and imagine that Joe D. only had 13 Ks in the entire 1941 season. Pete Rose went an entire season and only broke one bat…
Steve from OH
May 18th, 2009
4:50 pm
Efrim, I’ll admit that I was one that did want Schafer to start with the big club from the beginning. Looks like he could’ve used some time in AAA, but I’ll second what Roman Gal said–he’s talented enough and mentally strong enough to make the adjustments. Plus he plays great defense.
Eric from MO
May 18th, 2009
4:51 pm
TnBrian I dont think not resigning Maddux was a bad deal. He got over 10 mil per year for over 3 years. He was at the end of his career. He was no longer worth it. After he left he never had a year with an ERA under 4. He was no longer worth ace money. Lets not forget their were less pitchers then making over 10 million. I was upset because he didnt win 300 with us but it was a good baseball decision. Just not a good fan decision.
Mfin yes you did.
Zap Rowsdower
May 18th, 2009
4:51 pm
See y’all at the game tonight. Some buddies and I are in town from SC. College ID discount is flippin sweet! 6 bucks for second row upper box tickets behind home plate. GO BRAVES!!!!
MFin04 (Time to Get Rid of Bennett, Buddy and Cox!)
May 18th, 2009
4:52 pm
N8 and RHR the Chipper Frenchy convo wasn’t today it was 2-3 weeks ago on a different blog. And it wasn’t that Frenchy was better than Chipper, it was something to the effect of Frenchy was playing up to his potential more than Chipper was at the time. Chipper cost us 2 games with his errors and was hitting a lot of weak grounders because he was hurt. At that point in time Frenchy was playing well in the outfield and he was batting .300 with a lot of RBIs.
I never said that Frenchy was better than Chipper, but to that point in the season Frenchy was the team’s overall best player or something like that. GA was hurt, McCann was hurt, and Kotchman was sucking hardcore with no homers and 4 or so RBIS.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
May 18th, 2009
4:53 pm
Chop Chop,
Thanks for the insight on those great players down on the farm… I mean Greinke will just dominate in AAA.
Ok, back to reality…..
It’s the middle of May and all of you are killing Francoeur still, not to mention bringing up a comment made by a poster 3 weeks ago….. is it really that slow of a news day?
MFin04 (Time to Get Rid of Bennett, Buddy and Cox!)
May 18th, 2009
4:55 pm
People you need to be careful throwing around quotes when you aren’t part of a conversation or care to research it more thoroughly.
flange1
May 18th, 2009
4:55 pm
Efrim and Steve,
What would you think about hitting the pitcher 8 and Schafer 9? I wonder if he would get better pitches to hit….
Eric from MO
May 18th, 2009
4:55 pm
Thanks RHR and N8. I was just getting ready to go back a few weeks and find it but you two saved me alot of time. I guess Mfin isnt just stupid, he is a liar too.haha
RHR
May 18th, 2009
4:56 pm
Oh okay, I understand now, MFin. Thanks for clearing that up.
Roman Gal
May 18th, 2009
4:56 pm
Zap Rowsdower
College discount is where it’s AT! It’s the only way I can go to as many games as I do.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
May 18th, 2009
4:57 pm
Eric from MO,
Really, it was a couple weeks ago….
let it go already………………
find something new to talk about
MFin04 (Time to Get Rid of Bennett, Buddy and Cox!)
May 18th, 2009
4:58 pm
The Braves problem really isn’t one player. It is a lot of players being hurt and/or under-performing.
How many of the Braves players are actually playing to what we would/should expect from them?
It will be interesting to see what pans out with this team with everyone healthy and getting on track, but I’m not sure everyone is going to “get on track”?
Predictable
May 18th, 2009
4:58 pm
Has n8 ever made a post that didn’t include the word yikes?
Every day with this guy, yikes.
Yikes.
N8
May 18th, 2009
4:59 pm
MFin04, in your 4:52 post TWICE you referenced RBI’s (once to praise Jeff, once to rip Kotchman). You can stop right there.
I don’t have time to argue with somebody that puts that much stock in RBI. Actually, I do, but today I just don’t frickin’ feel like it.
Thanks for clearing that up, though.
Chop Chop
May 18th, 2009
5:00 pm
I bet 2009 Zack Greinke wouldn’t be better in AAA than 2009 Kris Medlen has been. That means that Kris Medlen will be as good as 2009 Zack Greinke is in the majors. After all, that’s the way this stuff always works. This game is simple to figure out, folks.
Lew
May 18th, 2009
5:00 pm
Nathan-And your point is? I haven’t been taking up for Francoeur at all. I’m just tired of tripping over ripped, bloody pieces of dead horse to post on the blog. I know he’s not performing and I know just how much he’s not performing. I just have heard all of it I care to hear. There’s absolutely nothing to be gained by rehashing the whole tired story on a bi hourly (or more) basis. By now we all know what he’s done, what he hasn’t done and what mostly everyone feels he will or won’t ever do.
It’s nothing but a moot point right now. There’s no one appreciably better to replace him with and even if there were, would the Braves do it? So why keep flailing away at the subject? It passed the ad nauseum stage down the road a couple thousand miles ago.
Steve from OH
May 18th, 2009
5:00 pm
flange, I generally don’t consider it a good idea…
N8
May 18th, 2009
5:01 pm
Hey Predictable… Go F*** yourself.
Wow! Did I just type that? Yikes.
Efrim
May 18th, 2009
5:01 pm
Steve from OH and Roman Gal, I agree. He was well regarded and obviously has a ton of talent. He is a great defender and you see enough plate discipline to have hope that he will turn this around. All that said, I really hope the Braves don’t rush Hernandez, Heyward or Freeman…..or any other prospects for that matter. Schafer clearly wasn’t ready. It’s a shame that they couldn’t of brought in a veteran centerfielder to play there until June or July. Schafer could of really used a few months. Oh well.
By the way, Randall Delgado hasn’t pitched in a while. He hasn’t been placed on the 7-Day disabled, but is he okay?
RHR
May 18th, 2009
5:02 pm
Hey RomanGal – how much is the college discount? Hmmmm
Roman Gal
May 18th, 2009
5:02 pm
I have a solution…
When Glavine gets back, just put Medlen in right field. He’s got a strong arm and he’s a good hitter. There ya go. Problem solved.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
May 18th, 2009
5:02 pm
MFin,
I have to agree with you there. I think Kotchman is doing what everyone expected, Yunel is probably there as well.
I think the hard part about this team is there are a couple of unknowns. Schafer and Francoeur you don’t know what you are going to get. If Frenchy a .260/30/100 player or is he a .280/18/100 player? Schafer is a rookie, so you never know what you are going to get from them.
Horner's Corner
May 18th, 2009
5:02 pm
Good posts today about the Braves needing to provide better protection behind Chipper. One reason for the Braves great road trip was Casey Kotchman’s hitting. He had several clutch hits and a ton of RBI’s during that span, but the Braves need that threat from the middle of the order on a nightly basis.
The Frenchy project, in my opinion, is over. Can anyone tell me when he’s due to become a free agent? I realize this year was a very down market for corner outfielders, but when guys like Ibanez, Abreu and other have to wait until February to sign, I wonder what offers JF will field. I have the feeling the Jeff is somewhat unaware of his very limited value.
Steve from OH
May 18th, 2009
5:02 pm
No objective proof (that I know of) to support my answer, just a personal bias I guess…
Henry Rowengartner
May 18th, 2009
5:03 pm
I’m still an available free agent.
“Did he just say funky butt-lovin?”
Eric from MO
May 18th, 2009
5:03 pm
MikeR you have a right to your opinion but I couldnt disagree more with no playoffs. I would be fine with getting rid of the wild card and just have two divisions and go back to just 4 teams total making the playoffs. I actually kind of hate the wild card. Seems like at the all-star break 25 teams are within 5 games. But to get rid of the League Championship Series to me would be a mistake. There have been some great NLCS and ALCS. Remember the Braves Pirates NLCS in the early 90’s or in 04 Red Sox coming from an 0-3 deficit. It is great baseball.
Steve from OH
May 18th, 2009
5:05 pm
Efrim, my guess is that they’re doing a little bit of innings-managing with him. He only threw 70-ish innings last year and I’d be willing to bet that he’s on pace to shatter that mark so far.