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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,617 comments Add your comment
Roman Gal
June 2nd, 2009
1:44 am
I’m thinking that my buddy, nolie, has seen “Grease”, a time or two.
You’re probably right, Tom. I’ve probably offended him with my sarcasm.
blueridge
June 2nd, 2009
1:45 am
Even with JS hitting right at the Mendoza line, I think the offense is much more explosive without JF.
Roman Gal
June 2nd, 2009
1:47 am
Tom-
I’ve seen The New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and The Phantom Menace. I have to say that my favorite so far has been The Empire Strikes Back, and my least favorite is The Phantom Menace.
nolie
June 2nd, 2009
1:54 am
C’mon y’all, I referenced that post to ALLMOVIE.COM. It’s not my creation. Just wanted to pique Roman Gal’s interest. For what it is, it is a good flick. Just seen it once TOM O. Play it Again Sam is a good movie but I wouldn’t say it was a particularly romantic one. Sorry.
nolie
June 2nd, 2009
1:58 am
I’ve seen The New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and The Phantom Menace. I have to say that my favorite so far has been The Empire Strikes Back, and my least favorite is The Phantom Menace. (ROMAN GAL)
that’s the right rating order. Empire is considered the best of the first group, and Phantom Menace sux. JarJar is one of the most obnoxious characters I’ve ever seen, IMO.
Your sarcasm didn’t affect me, cause I am secure in my perfection in all things.
Roman Gal
June 2nd, 2009
2:02 am
Star Wars: Braves Version
Luke Skywalker: Brian McCann (the force is strong in him)
Han Solo: Tim Hudson (always getting into trouble)
Princess Leia: Kelly Johnson (I mean…he does have a girls name)
Obi-Wan Kenobi: Chipper Jones (full of wisdom and a good mentor)
C3PO: Matt Diaz (he talks a lot and nobody listens to him)
R2D2: Yunel Escobar (no one can understand him, also- can be mistaken for a vacuum cleaner at SS)
Chewbacca: Casey Kotchman (He’s pretty hairy and he’s hard to understand)
Darth Vader: Bobby Cox (has a breathing problem…all them cigars)
Yoda: Kris Medlen (he’s short and excitable)
The Emperor: Liberty Media (obviously trying to destroy the Braves)
Jabba the Hut: Bob Wickman (disgusting)
Tom O'Hawke
June 2nd, 2009
2:03 am
” one of my favorite comedies. Woody Allen’s, “Play It Again, Sam”, would be a great watch after the other” ME!
“Play it Again Sam is a good movie but I wouldn’t say it was a particularly romantic one. Sorry.” nolie—
If you and I are going to continue to get along, please read my posts more carefully. All these italics and bold, at this time of the night (morning), is a real pain in the butt.
Roman Gal
June 2nd, 2009
2:09 am
Your sarcasm didn’t affect me, cause I am secure in my perfection in all things.
nolie, that’s good to know. I wasn’t really worried, because I figured that if I had hurt your feelings you could’ve just gone for a nice massage in your vibrating bed.
Roman Gal
June 2nd, 2009
2:11 am
JarJar is one of the most obnoxious characters I’ve ever seen, IMO.
I know…I could hardly understand anything he said.
nolie
June 2nd, 2009
2:18 am
If you and I are going to continue to get along, please read my posts more carefully. All these italics and bold, at this time of the night (morning), is a real pain in the butt. (TOM O)
It was implicit in your post. If you are watching a movie in a setting in which you want a romantic movie, it seems to make sense that the following movie should continue the mood. And stop showing off with all dem bolds and talics You don’t see my sucking up by bolding your name and usin’ dem dam forgn fonts.
Tom O'Hawke
June 2nd, 2009
2:19 am
Roman Gal, I guess you did see some of the “Star Wars” movies. That’s funny stuff!
I think you should repost that later on, when there’s more of an audience. That’s good stuff, in my opinion.
I’m not a big sci-fi fan, however, some of my favorite movies, are science fiction. Without getting into a bunch of them, my favorite is “Contact”, with Jodie Foster. It ranks right near the top of “every” movie I’ve ever seen, IMO.
“Your sarcasm didn’t affect me, cause I am secure in my perfection in all things.” (nolie)
I don’t have any comment on this statement. I just liked it so much, that I thought it beared repeating.
Tom O'Hawke
June 2nd, 2009
2:25 am
“. And stop showing off with all dem bolds and talics You don’t see my sucking up by bolding your name and usin’ dem dam forgn fonts.” nolie–
BTW, ladies and gentlemen, have I ever introduced my teacher, in bolding and italicizing? The one and only, nolie.
Watch out! If you get good at it, also, he may turn on you, too!
Roman Gal
June 2nd, 2009
2:32 am
That’s good stuff, in my opinion. Tom O’Hawke
Aww…shucks!! Thanks, Friend!
nolie
June 2nd, 2009
2:44 am
Watch out! If you get good at it, also, he may turn on you, too!
Damn Straight, Red Ryder. Just keeping up my title as the most bi-polar poster on the board. Plus my bed ain’t been keepin’ me happy last couple of nights. Damn thing always has a headache.
Tom O'Hawke
June 2nd, 2009
2:52 am
“Plus my bed ain’t been keepin’ me happy last couple of nights. Damn thing always has a headache.
nolie, I’m pretty good with electrical problems. I think all that vibrating, may have jarred the plug loose. See if it’s still plugged in. I’m pretty sure that’s all it is. Once you correct that, you’ll be back in bbuussiinneessssssss.
Capt Caveman
June 2nd, 2009
3:33 am
Wow , is this what the blog gets reduced to on off days?? Not that I don’t like interesting conversation about other things but I will be skipping the valium tonight cuz this stuff is puttin me to sleep.
Tokyo Bravo
June 2nd, 2009
3:51 am
Woody Allen’s “Play it again Sam” is a pretty good movie, but I personally think “Sleeper” and “Take the Money and run” are the better bets from his early period- they’re both still pretty hysterical.
“Manhattan” is probably my favorite work of his- brilliant, brilliant filmmaking. Funny and sad.
Pinball34
June 2nd, 2009
4:28 am
BTW…Hey Stan Kasten….how’s that gig in DC working out??
Rodney Derrick
June 2nd, 2009
6:30 am
Has anyone here noted that Tampa Bay’s Lance Cormier has got a 2.19 ERA 37 bullpen innings? Remember last year when he washed out with the Braves after a great spring training. You never know what to expect with bullpen guys. One year good, the next year bad, and vice versa.
semiballcoach
June 2nd, 2009
6:32 am
FRANK FROM KS
Tate plays for cartersville high school. he’s no Heyward, but he is fast and he’s right-handed so that would help down the road with all the lefties the braves have….there is also a big rh pitcher named Zach Wheeler from another ga high school, east paulding, mid-90’s i think, they have been rumored to be interested in….saw both of them play early march, either will help, not sure who represents wheeler
JD
June 2nd, 2009
8:10 am
I go to check out Yahoo! Sports and get this lovely picture. I’m not sure what’s worse – that his gut is hanging out or the fact that he’s looking the wrong way.
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/tools/med/2009/06/ipt/1243906285.jpg
TommyP
June 2nd, 2009
8:12 am
DOB: Speak to your boy Chris Vivlamore and teach him a bit about stats. He completely butchered the opponents’ batting average of the pitches in his column. I looked at what he put for Lowe and didn’t feel it was possible….and it’s not even close. And I believe that’s the case for all the pitchers.
richbrave
June 2nd, 2009
8:13 am
O.K. bloggers, make me change my mind. Favorite BBQ spot – BUNN’s in WINDSOR, N.C. Second – RALPH’s in WELDON, N.C., Third – C and A’s CHICKEN and BBQ in SUNBURY, N.C., Fourth – PARKER’s, in WILSON, Fifth – JIMMY’s in LEXINGTON, N.C.
ppaddy123
June 2nd, 2009
8:58 am
is the blog dead?
Eware
June 2nd, 2009
9:09 am
Yes, it’s dead. And there’s only one thing that can save it…more cowbell.
Cameron
June 2nd, 2009
9:14 am
Daybed Wagmoe:
I would definitely not have picked up Swarzak in a Roto league, no mattter what I was dropping. Unless, I was near the bottom of the league, desperate for pitching, and looking to strike lightning in a bottle. Rookies are usually very inconsistent. Once scouts get out tape on him and make adjustments they have a rough time. In a roto league, you want to find consistency. He should have picked up Porcello if anything, but absolutely held on to Frank Francisco.
Cameron
June 2nd, 2009
9:16 am
semiballcoach:
I doubt the Braves will draft Tate in the first round. They usually like to go with top-flight high school pitchers early in the draft. Unless, they see a special talent, especially if they are homegrown. Maybe they will draft Tate if he slips to us.
McFann :Ô:
June 2nd, 2009
9:23 am
Wow, I had a weird dream last night: There was a guy on base and McCann came up to bat. He hit the ball between two outfielders, the guy who was on base scored, and McCann was at second base…
AndyC–
Haha, you better be kidding about Molina!
The eye thing definitely hurt his chances to be a starter. (But I’m still gonna keep voting.) Thankfully, I think his peers are smart enough to pick him as a sub. They did it in ‘07, and his stats this year are way better than they were at this point in ‘07 (except the doubles…).
You have to wonder, though…if he wouldn’t have had the eye issues, would he be leading in votes? I think he’d be higher up in the standings, but I doubt he’d be leading. When it comes to fan voting (outside of Atlanta) he just doesn’t get much help.
McFann :Ô:
June 2nd, 2009
9:27 am
JD I believe you can delete cookies and vote again. But that could be unfair because Jason Kendall and his incredible stats are far more deserving than McCann…
Steve from OH
June 2nd, 2009
9:28 am
From what I’ve read, I don’t think that the Braves have any intention of drafting Tate. Too much of a project, too much in bonus demands (Boras client) and better players on the board ahead of him. He won’t fall to the Braves second pick at no. 87 so I don’t see him being a Brave…
getnathan
June 2nd, 2009
9:30 am
Hey bloggers, I’m back after a long hiatus.
So…What are the Braves? A .500 team? Until we get this big bat that we so desperately need.
Should they just throw in the towel, call up Hanson and Morton, and start shedding some payroll?
What do you all think?
McFann :Ô:
June 2nd, 2009
9:31 am
Whoops! I was wrong…BMac’s got Kendall beat on defense, too.
Don’t believe me?
BMac’s defensive stats
Kendall’s defensive stats
So now just about all Kendall has going for him is that triple. They have the same amount of doubles…
Noah
June 2nd, 2009
9:34 am
Should they just throw in the towel, call up Hanson and Morton, and start shedding some payroll?
No matter how you feel it doesn’t send a good signal to your fans if you throw in the towel in June when your only 4 games back. What payroll would you be shredding. You mean the starting staff they worked hard to build after the 2008 nightmare. Outside the Pitching and Chipper there aren’t a lot of high salary guys.
Danga
June 2nd, 2009
9:37 am
I found a great BBQ spot the other day. Sam’s in Valdosta, GA. The guy has a smoker outside of what looks like an old service station. Sam himself runs the place, and he is one of the nicest persons I have had the pleasure of meeting. But the BBQ! Oh man is it good. No doubt he knows what he is doing. He has trophies all in the inside. I think he has won the 100 Black Men of Valdosta’s BBQ cookoff about 7 years in a row. I’ll stop rambling, but if you find yourself on I-75 in South GA stop in Valdosta and give it a try.
Efrim
June 2nd, 2009
9:43 am
McFann, sorry about not getting back to you last night. I really don’t know how Sanchez scored. Did you ever find out?
Efrim
June 2nd, 2009
9:44 am
Steve from OH, Luke Bailey falling to the Braves at #87 would be nice…..
getnathan
June 2nd, 2009
9:45 am
Point well stated Noah, but we were 1 1/2 games back a couple of weeks ago, so the deficit is widening, and everyone in the Milky Way Galaxy, knows that we need a RH power hitting outfielder who can bat cleanup, and it doesn’t appear that the Braves are going to make the deal (or other teams aren’t willing to) for this bat that we need, and unless this team catches a spark and gets on a major roll (I don’t see it), Braves will win no more than 83 games. Certainly, we can win this division with all the problems the Mets and Phils have had with an offensively potent lineup.
beekay
June 2nd, 2009
9:56 am
Anybody heard how long Heyward will be down? I’m taking my boys to see Myrtle Beach Sunday against Potomac and was hoping he would be there
DAP
June 2nd, 2009
10:11 am
i didnt realize the braves were 4.5 back today. to me there, theres always been a line at 4 games…anything more than that, and you arent that close anymore….the braves need to kill it in this homestand, or pretty soon we will be talking about trading soriano, gonzalez, anderson, ect…
McFann :Ô:
June 2nd, 2009
10:15 am
Efrim–
No prob. I was just curious as to why Sanchez got an RBI when he reached on an error and the dude on 3rd scored. I thought batter-runners weren’t credited with RBI when they reached on an error, but I looked it up in my Official Rule Book, and found that rule 10.04, section A, #3, seems to apply:
(a) The official scorer shall credit the batter with a run batted in for every run that scores
(3) when, before two are out, an error is made on a play on which a runner from third base ordinarily would score.
The bases were loaded with less than two outs, so he got an RBI ’cause the runner from third would have scored even if the fielder had made the play.
Gotta split for a bit…
Renegator
June 2nd, 2009
10:15 am
DAP:
June is usually the month that the Braves fall out of it. I don’t think anything will be any different this year. I expect them to be sellers at the deadling with an eye towards competing in 2010 and 2011.
PWHjort
June 2nd, 2009
10:17 am
The Varsity is sort of a must visit place, but it is awful awful awful. I have been there one time since living less than 10 minutes walking distance from there for the past 3 years. And it was 1 too many.
cphizzle
June 2nd, 2009
10:18 am
ouch! DOB, cphizzle here, didnt mean to rub you the wrong way there hombre…may i suggest a little more fiber in the diet
Noah
June 2nd, 2009
10:18 am
i didnt realize the braves were 4.5 back today. to me there, theres always been a line at 4 games…anything more than that, and you arent that close anymore
Wow. I guess being a Mariners fan I’ve seen a team 14 1/2 games back in August come back and win the division so 4 games seems like nothing to me. I believe the Mets have blown so big division leads too.
DAP
June 2nd, 2009
10:21 am
how nice would it be though, to have another great home stand…one where youll have your big three going 6 times… and come out of it with maybe a 7-3 record. that would leave the braves looking good heading into baltimore.
if garrett anderson is heating up, i really think the braves can have a good homestand. the difference from the last few years is that we have the arms to keep us in it….
DirtyDawg
June 2nd, 2009
10:28 am
Anybody that doesn’t like something at the Varsity, ain’t from around here. Don’t be intimidated, step right up and order a couple of ‘all-the-way dogs, rings and an FO (Frosted Orange)…or a NIPC (no ice, plain chocolate)…or a Varsity Orange (like an old Shasta soda), or, or course, a Co-Cola….and by the way, if you ask ‘em to ‘toast ‘em’ (the dogs, that is) you’ll be getting a taste of the old Yellow-Jacket Inn…now that’s a memory.
Slugger (http://www.theweeklyscene.com)
June 2nd, 2009
10:38 am
I’m definitely a fan of the Varisty: good burgers, grease, fries and a frosted orange.
I don’t think the one off Barrett Pkwy is too far of a step down (aside from the obvious lack of nostalgia).
Sometimes a dessert chili-cheese dog. Sometimes.
Willy Wally
June 2nd, 2009
10:38 am
It does feel good to know that despite all the struggles from the offense, occasional struggles on defense, and not getting anything from the outfield and the fourth and fifth starters, they’re still a .500 team after 50 games.
I’ve been harsh on KK, but hopefully he can go out there and do some good things tonight. Should be alot of Japanese eyes on this one, with KK going against Kosuke. Last time KK had a big challenge in Halladay, he more than rose to the challenge. We shall see. Should be fun.
DirtyDawg
June 2nd, 2009
10:41 am
Meant to mention…don’t know where this Chicken and Waffles got mentioned but believe me, it can’t be any good – Waffles at the Waffle House and Chicken from The Big Chicken. If your tastes run toward BBQ, check out Fox Bros. on DeKalb Avenue. And for the one that asked about it…The Varsity is an institution for a reason, The Sonic is an aberration due marketing alone.
And while I’m at it…glorified steak (that’s through the garden)…fries…chili-cheese-slaw dog…ham and swiss on rye (toasted of course)…fried apple (or peach) pie – heated with scoop of vanilla…put little cayenne pepper on your all-the-way dog…the FO’s ain’t what they used to be, but still ain’t bad.
Just a few suggestions.
Cameron
June 2nd, 2009
10:42 am
getnathan:
No! We should absolutely not throw in the towel. We are 4 games back. When our lineup is fully healthy, we have been solid runs together. Our losing streaks and bad losses have come when we have had one, or tow, of our impact bats out of the lineup (i.e. McCann, Escobar, Anderson, and Chipper).
It is not like any team is going to run away with this division. The Phillies pitching is atrocious, and they just lost Brett Myers for the year. Clearly, they have the best lineup. But, they will have to subtract from that lineup if they any hopes of gettting any significant help in pithcing. The Mets have all kinds of injuries going on. They have played well for the time being, but this happens all the time. A team suffers injuries, talk about how guys have to step up, they go on a little run for a while, and then reality sets in when everyoe comes back to earth. And, there pitching isn’t too great either, outside of Santana of course.
Are we going to win the division? Who knows. Can we win the wild card? There is a strong possibility. Anyone objective observer will tell you we have the best pitching in the division. We need more offense, or we need a miracle to keep everyone healthy throughout the season.
Absolutely, do not throw in the flag. Although, I never thought Wren would consider it anyway.
Cameron
June 2nd, 2009
10:44 am
4.5 games in insurmountable when you have like 10 games left. When you have ONE HUNDRED AND TWELVE games left, 4.5 game sis NOTHING.
Noah
June 2nd, 2009
10:50 am
4.5 games in insurmountable when you have like 10 games left. When you have ONE HUNDRED AND TWELVE games left, 4.5 game sis NOTHING.
Cameron: Thanks for bringing back some reality.
On May 12, the Yankees were a season-worst 6 1/2 games back in the American League East. Now they’re in first
DAP
June 2nd, 2009
10:55 am
has anyone noticed that garret anderson has a 9 game hit streak going, and has raised his average 26 points in that time? bobby keeps putting anderson right in the middle of the order…it will really help if he heats up and starts hitting there.
getnathan
June 2nd, 2009
11:02 am
4.5 games is NOT insurmountable when you have an offense that can consistently score runs.
Pitching is definitely not our problem.
My only issue right now is if the Braves are going to go for it by picking up the cleanup hitter, power hitting outfielder that is needed, or if not, are we just going to call up the young pitchers and let them take their lumps now. Stand pat, and Braves will continue to frustrate us fans for the rest of the season, and end up somewhere around or a little bit over.500, probably 4 to 5 games out of first, exactly the deficit we face now.
Remember (I don’t remember the year) the White Sox had a fire sale and they were only 3.5 games out of first at the All Star Break.
Cameron
June 2nd, 2009
11:09 am
We did not trade for Javier Vazquez, sign Derek Lowe, and sign Kawkami to have a fire sale. And, we didn’t sign them thinking this was our only year possible to win. We couldn’t find an affordable bat this year, and probably won’t before the trade deadline. At least, not a cleanup, power hitter. But, we will still have a VERY good rotation next year and might be able to find a bat in the offseason. There will be no fire sale and the only young pitcher you should expect to see for an extended period of time is Hanson.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
June 2nd, 2009
11:10 am
DAP,
Agreed. If Anderson’s legs hold together, he gives Bobby the chance to play GA in LF and Diaz in RF. I still want a corner OF bat, but so long as Frenchy stays on the bench, the Braves have a better offense than they do when JF’s in the lineup.
getnathan
June 2nd, 2009
11:16 am
Is Cameron your alias for Frank Wren? lol
Macon Braves (RIP)
June 2nd, 2009
11:20 am
So what are the chances that Frenchy is back in the lineup tonight? Unfortunatly, I’d say there is a pretty good chance knowing Bobby’s history of being loyal to a fault at times.
RHR
June 2nd, 2009
11:28 am
so long as Frenchy stays on the bench, the Braves have a better offense than they do when JF’s in the lineup.
I agree. At least it looked that way the ONE time we got to see a lineup that didn’t include Mr. Automatic Out. However, I also agree with Macon Braves on this…which sucks.
I’m guessing he’ll be back in tonight.
Oh well, go braves anyway.
CB
June 2nd, 2009
11:29 am
One of the premises the Braves had when signing the pitchers they got was that Frenchy would improve. We know so far that has not happened. So,what are the alternatives- trade for corner outfielder,platoon Frenchy with B. Jones or bring Barton up as a possible platoon with Frenchy and Jordan. What I feel is a necessity is Norton must go.
Cameron
June 2nd, 2009
11:32 am
I would love to be in Frank Wren shoes. But, no these are just my educated opinions.
For the record, I think we should trade for DeRosa and see how much it helps. He is hitting .264 with 8 HRs right now and that is more than our OFs combined. Plus, our offense has sputtered more when we were missing one of our impact bats. He can help to soften the injury blow that will inevitably come from Chipper. I think he will be very affordable as well and we could probably re-sign him if wanted and needed. Probably would take Medlen, Reyes, or Morton to get him. maybe a lower level project add-in.
PWHjort
June 2nd, 2009
11:34 am
Francoeur needs to be in the minors. There’s nothing he can contribute to this club. And don’t say “there aren’t any better options”. Because there are. Both internal (Diaz, B.Jones, can Cole Rohrbough play right?), and moreso external.
Macon Braves (RIP)
June 2nd, 2009
11:37 am
I think Medlen’s value is more than giving him up for Derosa, basically a utility guy that’s not going to improve the team’s power numbers. Reyes I wouldn’t mind giving up but if Morton keeps going the way he is, his value might be more than Derosa also. I understand that Derosa could help as a utility guy, but he’s not the answer this team needs. Which is a power bat.
getnathan
June 2nd, 2009
11:38 am
If we’re going to deal with Cleveland, I would love to get switch hitting Victor Martinez, and yes, I would have to include Casey Kotchman in the deal after getting Mr. Martinez to agree to play 1B.
Did you see that HR he hit off Joba Chamberlain last night? He’s the real deal and would help this club is so many ways, and he can’t be that expensive.
Cameron
June 2nd, 2009
11:40 am
Let me get this straight:
Everyone would rather give up on our RF who we drafted at #22 in the 1st round, gave a record signing bonus to, rushed to the majors out of necessity, proved he can hit, field, and throw in the big leagues, and who has 30 HR, RBI potential.
Yes, he is struggling. Yes, he frustrates all of us becuse we know he is capable of more. Yes, it sucks even more that our lineup isn’t good enough without him hitting the way he is capable of. But, do you really think we are a better team in the short AND long term by bringing up B Jones (who has done nothing to prove he belongs here in various stints or would be platooning with Diaz and we never would have signed G Anderson), trading him (you are not going to get the value that his potential is worth), or anything else besides finding someone who can get him back on track.
Anyway you look at it, we a better off getting the most out of him that we can. For all his “failure,” he is hitting .253 and has repectable RBI numbers.
Macon Braves (RIP)
June 2nd, 2009
11:41 am
Victor Martinez would be a HUGE downgrade defensively at first. With the ground ball pitchers the Braves have that could be a horrible mistake to take Kotchman’s defense for granted.
SoFLBrave
June 2nd, 2009
11:44 am
If I had to put a number on Frenchy’s chances to start tonight……… I would go with 100%. It’s just who Bobby is – loyalty and optimism. Today is a new day, etc. He got a day off followed by a team day off. This is Bobby’s MO. He will be back in there tonight.
If he is not – that is the “big news” that people imagined on Sunday when he was out. They are either trading him or Bobby has finally seen enough and he will be a platoon / role player until they do. I just don’t see him getting another “routine night off” – that would be so unlike anything Bobby has done it wouldn’t make sense (not that playing him makes sense, but you know what I mean).
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
June 2nd, 2009
11:46 am
Cameron (11:40)
Yes. I would “give up” on him. There’s a concept in economics known as “sunk costs.” Organizations (including sports franchises) are often mesmerized by them and forget that resources once dedicated can’t always be recovered.
The money spent on Francoeur’s drafting, bonuses, development, marketing value, etc., should not blind the organization to his actual performance. Eventually, you either cut your losses and move on or hope/pray that all the money you’ve invested in Francoeur will pay off.
And at some point, two and a half years, perhaps, counting on potential is nothing more than wishful thinking.
Cameron
June 2nd, 2009
11:50 am
Macon Braves:
How does 8 HRs not help our power? Our whole OF combined does not have 8 HRs. Is the guy going to hit 40 HRs, no. But, he can easily hit 20 -25 HRs.
Where he helps us the most is to soften the blow from injuries and giving guys days off without a significant drop off of the lineup. Basically, keep guys like Diory Hernandez out of the lineup. He can give Jeff a day off when struggling, etc. Our losing streaks have came when we were missing bats due to injuries, he can help us there and still add the same position versatility that Infante provided, except CF but does supply 1B.
We are not going to be able to get a power hitting LF, a la Bay, Dunn, or Holliday. We can not afford them financially or prospectally (is that a word?).
monty
June 2nd, 2009
11:51 am
My problem with thinking that Derosa will give us “power” is this: he’s not a Hr hitter. He does hit a few, but placing him in an outfield that has zero power and saying OK now hit us some HR’s is putting way too much pressure on a guy that only averages about 15-18 a year. Plus the Ted is a big park that doesn’t give up that many.
Cameron
June 2nd, 2009
11:53 am
Piedmont Blues:
I respect your opinion. I know he has been struggling for a year and 1/3 of a year. Perhaps, he needs a change of scenery. However, i feel the way this team and organization currently constructed, we are better off trying to get out of him what his potential is. jmho.
stynes
June 2nd, 2009
11:54 am
Dero would be a nice addition but I agree that he’s not the “answer.” He’s particularly valuable right now because of the loss of Infante. I’d hate to see us give us someone with as much upside as Medlen for a stopgap like that. No disrespect to Dero – he’s a good solid player and he does have more power but if Infante were healthy I don’t think people would be entertaining the idea of acquiring him, at least not to this degree.
DAP
June 2nd, 2009
11:55 am
i actually think we should keep jeff and platoon him against lefties, who he is hitting .316/.323/.439 against. still not great numbers, but respectable…if he was putting up those numbers overall, i think there would be alot less complaining about him.
heck, find a lefty that mashes righthanded pitching, and weve got a nice little RF platoon….
cabravesfan
June 2nd, 2009
11:56 am
Roman Gal-
Man, I go to bed early and you move right on in on my blog-guy, don’t you! Didn’t we discuss this?
By the way, I can cut you some slack for listing The Empire Strikes Back as your favorite Star Wars movie…it’s mine too
Tom
My buddy (remember you asked me where he lived?) lives in Glendale, on Ocean View Blvd.
Gotta love it- only in California can someplace at least 30 miles from the water be called “Ocean View”
If I had known “I can’t stay” meant you’d be around for an hour or more I would have hung around, if only to keep an eye on Roman Gal
Jersey Gil
June 2nd, 2009
11:56 am
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/injuries…If you look at this list,that why the phillis is in First Place..There been very lucky the last few Year with minimun injury…There’s only list two player one is in the suspension (JC Romero).
getnathan
June 2nd, 2009
11:57 am
Braves need someone not only to hit HRs that hits 4th, but someone who can make the rest of the lineup better. Imagine this…
Jordan Schafer
1) K.J.
2) Escobar
3) C. Jones (G. Anderson when Chipper’s off)
4) Victor Martinez
5) Brian McCann (David Ross when B-Mac’s off)
6) Garret Anderson (Matt Diaz vs. LH pitching)
7) Jeff Francoeur
Teams will start pitching to Chipper, making him more dangerous. This lineup will propel Braves from 80-83 wins to 88-90 wins and the Division Title or Wildcard
tvsportscaster
June 2nd, 2009
11:58 am
Just to let you know for those of you who say DeRosa is not a power hitter, maybe not, but right now is 8 homeruns is more than anyone on the Braves team.
dogsbrekky
June 2nd, 2009
12:00 pm
Good noon everyone !
brent a.
June 2nd, 2009
12:01 pm
I love how the 8 ) turns into
almost as if that is the big zinger of the whole thread.
Lew
June 2nd, 2009
12:03 pm
You people are ascribing way too much in the way of value to DeRosa (likely because he’s a former Braves and we know how the blog acts with former players).
The guy would be an excellent replacement for Infante. Period. He isn’t going to come to Atlanta (if he’s even worth what the Indians are asking for) and hit beaucoup HR and make us a potent lineup. He has only hit double figure HR’s while playing at Wrigley and in Texas-both notable hitter’s parks. . Believe me, he won’t do it in Atlanta. If you doubt, go see how many total HR’s have been hit in those two parks so far this year and compare those figures to the numbers hit at Turner Field-no comparison. KC thinks this is because he’s never had enough PA, but doesn’t seem to realize he’s never HAD those PA’s because he’s a sub and not a starter-AND there’s been plenty of time to determine this.
Like DOB said-DeRosa is a good backup for a few different positions-He is NOT an everyday player-ever really has been and never really will be. Is he worth MLB ready pitching in return? I don’t think so. I’d rather try for someone else with more power potential that we could get with Minor League talent. I would love to have DeRo on the bench, but he isn’t going to turn around our offense or do more than Omar would have.
dogsbrekky
June 2nd, 2009
12:03 pm
Casey is the best defensive 1st base in the NL !
I would hate to see us gain on the swing and lose on the roundabout with a power hitting 1st base who cannot catch or throw vs CK.
monty
June 2nd, 2009
12:04 pm
Frenchy hits some of the squirreliest looking foul balls to the right side I’ve ever seen for a RH batter. Que shots off the end of the bat and such. He looks like at times he trying to let the ball “travel” longer before he swings I suppose trying not to “pull off” of pitches. And then the next AB he looks like he’s trying to hook one to left out of the park? Neither approach seems to be working, has to be extremely frustrating. Lately he has been swinging at pitches almost about the time the catcher catches it, really mixed up. He is obviously overloaded with too much information. I say he studies film of his first year up in the Bigs and tries to find that one again, if he can’t just call it quits. I don’t think he will ever be happy being a singles hitter to right.
The Truth
June 2nd, 2009
12:06 pm
I am expecting something like a 10-16 June, which would put the Braves at something like 8-10 games back. 35-41 while the Phils and/or Mets would be 43-32 or 45-30. If that happens, I hope Wren doesn’t make a stupid move to sell the farm for an impact bat. Trade away Gonzo and Soriano for young players that can help us in 2010 and 2011. There is a lack of set up men in baseball. Teams will pay a lot for arms like them.
richbrave
June 2nd, 2009
12:08 pm
LEW:
And I’m sayin’ that’s all their interest is at this point, so they are not going to give away the farm, or any significant part of it to acquire him. Strictly bench material.
Steve from OH
June 2nd, 2009
12:09 pm
Great article on Bobby Cox from Baseball America:
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/majors/column/2009/268246.html
richbrave
June 2nd, 2009
12:11 pm
Paper says the CUBS-BRAVES tonight at 7:00 p.m. on WGN. Lets see if the game is blacked-out.
dogsbrekky
June 2nd, 2009
12:14 pm
Lew – I agree with everything you said
almost a 1st there !
richbrave
June 2nd, 2009
12:15 pm
CB:
Well, if NORTON is not your man, I suggest BARBARO CANIZARES, the 29-36 (take your pick) year OLD CUBAN should be given a shot. His TIME HAS COME IF HE’S EVER GOING TO GET ONE.
monty
June 2nd, 2009
12:16 pm
getnathan
As it stands right now 90 wins will not win this division, the Phils are on pace to win around 95. Of course that could change if they lose a key hitter to an injury or Howard or Utley for some unknown reason get mired in a slump(not likely), but the scary thing is their pitching staff is awful. If that improves any at all it could be a runaway! The Mets actually have a better pitching staff than we do right now and they score more runs than we do even with Delgado out and Reyes being hurt.
dogsbrekky
June 2nd, 2009
12:18 pm
Steve OH – thanks, it was a good article
David O'Brien
June 2nd, 2009
12:20 pm
ouch! DOB, cphizzle here, didnt mean to rub you the wrong way there hombre…may i suggest a little more fiber in the diet — cphizzle
Sure. And may I suggest a little more humor in your posts? Or at least a little more substance?
Carroll Rogers
June 2nd, 2009
12:20 pm
new blog is up…. Long time no see!
richbrave
June 2nd, 2009
12:22 pm
So who’s going to ROME tonight to see the rehab start for GLAVINE?
dogsbrekky
June 2nd, 2009
12:22 pm
monty and The Truth – yes.
Maybe we should just hang up the cleats for the season and realize that the chokers are better and the Fils without any pitching are better and that our 4 game deficit is just unattainable
or maybe we should think 1991 and get bloody aggressive, cut our losses with some staff and boost the lineup a little and have a real red hot go at winning.
I think Bobby and FW may be thinking of the latter.
It is not in our nature to give up in this country or mine !
Roman Gal
June 2nd, 2009
12:23 pm
I can cut you some slack for listing The Empire Strikes Back as your favorite Star Wars movie…it’s mine too cabravesfan
Don’t worry. Everyone knows my heart belongs to nolie. I really liked The Empire Strikes Back. I hated the ending, though. Are Episodes II and III any good? Episode I was really a let-down…
Carroll Rogers
June 2nd, 2009
12:26 pm
Good stuff Roman Gal….and yes Tommy P, those opponents batting averages looked off to me too. Not sure what happened there, but I’m not one to talk. I get on mental overdrive all the time!
fastasballs
June 2nd, 2009
12:27 pm
It’s been a while since I’ve posted, but have kept up reading the blogs as much as I have been able.
In all honesty the Braves being a .500 team right now is amazing considering how putrid the offense has been. Starting pitching goes a long way. With a productive outfield this team could easily be 10 games above .500 right now or better.
I said long before the season I was completely happy with 2009 being a rebuilding year, but staying in the race this long has changed my mind a bit. The offense doesn’t need a complete over haul, but some changes in the outfield is a must. The Braves are sitting on so much talent in the minors they can afford to make a move for a power bat, hopefully one that is controlled for a while. If only they could have pulled something off for Jason Bay last season we would be in so much better shape.
They are so deep with starting pitchers right now sooner or later some of them will have to be traded. With Glavine almost back & Hudson coming back possibly in August who is on the block? Next year’s rotation will be great, Lowe, JJ, Hudson (if option is exercised), Hanson, & probably KK, Medlin or Morton anchoring down the 5 spot. I see Vazquez being traded over KK because of salary & being in the 5 spot would be more benificial to him more so than Vazquez.
It’s a good problem to have IMO. Depending on Glavine, Hudson & Hanson the Braves could be buyers & sellers at the deadline. Teams need pitching & with these guys in the rotation it makes a few guys expendable who could net a decent return from the right team.
David O'Brien
June 2nd, 2009
12:28 pm
DirtyDawg: Sonic’s just another chain, man. They had those in Kansas when I was in high school, for God’s sake. And that was, uh, well, a while ago. Those are coast-to-coast….
As for BBQ in Atlanta, you gotta try DaddyD’z and Wyatt’s, both on Memorial Drive, couple miles apart. Wyatt’s is out towards East Lake, Daddy D’z is just a few blocks west of of Grant Park Cemeteary and Six Feet Under (which is another great restaurant, with a terrific jukebox).
Wyatt’s and DaddyDz are both dives, Wyatt’s (1674 Memorial Drive) is more a takeout place (only a few tables, and not a place you want to sit and eat anyway). But DaddyD’z is a cool place to kick back and get your hands and face covered in BBQ sauce while you eat. No pretense in that joint, to say the least. And great blues tunes playing on the stereo.Kind of place where they hang plastic bags of water from the screen–less open windows in the summer to keep mosquitoes away (ask you mom or grandma about that if you’re from the South).
monty
June 2nd, 2009
12:39 pm
Dogsbreath
My conversation was to getnathan, not you, I was addressing his assummption that 90 wins could win the division and I suppose it could but it isn’t likely at this point. I never implied “hang up the cleats” or the season is over, don’t no where you’re coming from. I did state the truth, that the Phils are on pace to win about 95 games. Ouch! That one hurts doesn’t it? The Mets do have a better pitching staff than we do(not by much) and they do score a few more runs than we do. All true. Them are the facts. Sorry! That doesn’t say anything negative against the Braves accept they will have to play a heck of a lot better, do you not agree? Do you also not agree with the Phils able to hit the way they do the only thing keeping them from running away with the division is their pitching? Well? Speak up!
Rock On....(the denizen formerly known as Dadgum)
June 2nd, 2009
12:43 pm
I think my computer’s demons are ggone. At least I hope, not that anyone missed me.
Paging upward I noticed some talk about “disco music”. Man, can’t believe DOB didn’t fire back at that. Let me go on record that DISCO came close to ruining the great music in the 70’s. That music survives still and disco is dead. Nuff’ said. Disco sucks—still.
Saw Richbraves extolling the greatness of several Q joints. Agreed on Parkers in Greenville. A real old joint I first tasted way back in, well, the 70’s. Ate there again last year. Still great and an old eatery of DOB. Gotta be good. My list as follows:
1. Commissary – Germantown,TN
2. Sonny Bryans – Dallas,TX
3. Country Tavern – Tyler,TX
4. Lexington #1or2 – Lexington,NC
5. The Salt Lick – Austin,TX (actually outside Austin)
6. Parkers – Greenville,NC
7. Pierce’s – Williamsburg,VA
8. Gates – Kansas City,MO
9. Salih’s – Addison,TX
10. Q Barbeque – Midlothian,VA (new-they actually have several locations but they just won the best BBQ in Virginia and frankly I haven’t eaten at 10 better Q joints so they make my list)
Agree with Lew on DeRosa, great guy, but not what the Braves need to put them over the edge. Would love to have him though especially with Infante on the mend.
A sweep of the Cubs would be nice as we are in the midst of the hardest month, schedule-wise, that the Braves have ever faced since they came to Atlanta. Seriously, give me a harder one.