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2,500 comments Add your comment
N8
June 4th, 2009
1:24 pm
semiballcoach it is linked in the 12:24 post.
brewdawg, thanks. No offense was taken. I’m glad you “get it”. If you like my posts for the humor, you get it. If you like them for my views, then I know I’m not alone in some of my thoughts. Either way, no offense taken.
Daniel
June 4th, 2009
1:24 pm
cabravesfan-
How is giving Glavine a million dollars to rehab his shoulder and retire as a Brave stringing him along? If they were certain of this move in April, they would have released him then. Glavine signed the deal with the Braves with the caveat that if he didn’t make the major league club then he would retire. Well, given that opportunity he chose not to retire. Would the Braves have entered into this contract and situation with Glavine if they knew he wanted to pitch this year no matter what and would take an offer from any MLB team that would let him pitch? I don’t think so. So, why isn’t it that Glavine strung the Braves and you and me along instead of retiring?
semiballcoach
June 4th, 2009
1:25 pm
danga–think about many times in recent games he had to adjust his route to flyballs at the last second to make awkward catches…
tcd–thanks
rjbman in atlanta
June 4th, 2009
1:27 pm
Funny thing about sports commentators is that they are not actually responsible for the success or failure of an organization…management is.
If the Braves were 10 back at the All-Star break because Tommy went 0-4 (which is not unlikely given the paltry run support the offense has been supplying lately), these same people would be crucifying Frank Wren for throwing in the towel on the season to support a “fan favorite” when they had a real shot against the banged-up Mets and Phillies.
MFin04
June 4th, 2009
1:27 pm
For what it is worth the guys on ESPN’s Baseball Tonight, thought it was a pretty darn good deal for the Braves. They said they kept all their major prospects, said the two pitchers are very unproven in the majors (Morton had like a 5.50 ERA or something), and that the CF was never really guaranteed to be a great major leaguer, plus there was the whole Schafer and McLouth already playing CF for the Braves.
Daniel
June 4th, 2009
1:27 pm
BTW- I am giving Jeff Francouer 20 more at bats to see if he has turned a corner or Tues. was just a fluke. That strike out with the bases loaded last night was a killer.
a643dp
June 4th, 2009
1:28 pm
Interesting link about other players the braves were pursuing.
http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8590096/15389966
N8
June 4th, 2009
1:29 pm
The main thing that I took from PVW’s interview, is that he said that there really isn’t a “right” way to do what the Braves did to Glavine. Unless the player makes that decision for them (and retires). But eventually it always comes down to a tough decision. Especially when there is a young gun waiting in the wings, like Hanson.
dogsbrekky
June 4th, 2009
1:30 pm
So the what 4-5th winningest LHP in baseball history gets his throat slit and do you think ESPN 1st Take has it as one of their top 4 stories, nope, not worth talking about but some out of season NFL dogs bollocks is….. I effing give up, turning the channel to YES..
I really like this McLouth move, maye provide some protection for some of our other stud hitters and give Jordan a chance to develop at AAA. A
Instantly adds some pop, speed and grit..
Now what if we package up JoJo, Frenchy and whatever and get another OF bat or give Brandon Jones or Canizares a go
Efrim
June 4th, 2009
1:30 pm
“Keith Law is a joke. Guys from Espn love to take shots at the Braves”
He usually has nothing but good things to say about the Braves farm system, scouting and management. They traded two of his top 100 prospects for a guy he isn’t high on, what do you expect him to say about this deal?
MFin04
June 4th, 2009
1:31 pm
These are the project numbers for McLouth –
32hrs 122rbis 25sb .256 .349 .470
I’ll settle for anything close to those! The homerun total could be more than the majority of the Braves team, and the SB total will be more than the total of the team.
N8
June 4th, 2009
1:32 pm
rjbman in atlanta, fantastic post at 1:27. It’s the media’s “job” (whether they are obligated to do so, it makes for good tv), to 2nd guess everything. So, unless Glavine came back and lead the Braves to the WS, it was going to be the “wrong” choice, no matter what choice was made.
15 outs - TWICE !
June 4th, 2009
1:32 pm
McLouth = yes
Garret = yes
Francoeur = needs to perform consistently now, no excuses, give him time to get it back before the All Star game
Josh H
June 4th, 2009
1:32 pm
cabravesfan:
Its hard to make a blanket statement about Glavine in that his “velocity was fine” based upon hearing that he touched 86 in a rehab start at Rome.
From what Pete Van Weiren said, eight Braves scouts were 100% in agreement that Glavine would not be effective at the major league level. Not even as the 5th starter. Also claimed that his velocity was a lot closer to 80mph (and probably lower) than 86. Could they have told him that 3 weeks ago? Maybe. But maybe they needed this late start or two to truly know that he wouldn’t regain his velocity. I don’t think Glavine got above 65 pitches I think in either one of his starts.
And if you want to compare Glavine to Jamie Moyer, well the Phillies can get away with that because they have maybe the best lineup in the majors.
So save your $1 million, go get perhaps the best outfield bat we could reasonable acquire, and let’s go catch the Phillies.
cabravesfan
June 4th, 2009
1:33 pm
Daniel-
as I mentioned to Rock On, it is just my feeling. I don’t like the way the FO handled the whole thing. I don’t like that Glavine went through all that rehab, busted his a** to get back to the club, and as soon as he was ready, they cut him. That is what I have an issue with. This was not a new thought for the front office. Frank Wren didn’t wake up yesterday morning and say “OK, I think we should release Tommy today.” They wanted Tommy Hanson- no problem there. But no reason to let Glavine think his spot was, well, his if it was even a question. I said- just my opinion.
csg
June 4th, 2009
1:34 pm
“BTW- I am giving Jeff Francouer 20 more at bats to see if he has turned a corner or Tues. was just a fluke. ”
dont fool yourself. 1 good ab and a sacrifice bunt shouldnt make you question this. Jeff is still the same guy who’s posted a sub .300 OBP twice in 4 years and its about to be 3 times in 5 seasons. He’s not better and still looks terrible at the plate. I hope management was watching that AB last night with the bases loaded. You could put Barton or Diaz in RF and its an immediate upgrade, plus they arent bashing the org and asking for $4 mil after hitting .230 in a season.
McFann :Ô:
June 4th, 2009
1:34 pm
MFin04 You just don’t want GA to be one of your top 5 guys in the lineup.
Then why does he bat fifth so much?
[sigh!] In 9 games (8 starts) from May 8 through the 18, McCann hit .400 with a .471 OBP and a .567 SLG. He had a homer, two um…doubles, 5 RBI, 4 BB, and 3 SO. In that time, he bat cleanup only once, going 1-5 with a um…double.
From May 19 through June 3, he has hit .333, with a .434 OBP and a .489 SLG. He has 2 HR, 1 um…double, 7 RBI, 8 BB, 6 SO in 12 starts in that time, batting cleanup.
AndyC–
Sorry…sometimes I forget what those things are called…I’ll try to knock it off.
Efrim
June 4th, 2009
1:35 pm
“Brad (Georgia): Keith, what is your take on Ohio U.’s Marc Krauss? Any chance he falls to the Braves’ second pick at no. 87, and any chance they’d take him?”
Haha. That was you, Steve. Don’t lie.
Billy Walsh
June 4th, 2009
1:35 pm
The braves get an all star outfielder with power and speed. The Pirates improve an already solid starting rotation with Morton and have two good prospects (although Locke has looked bad in his last two outings) that should help them in 2010 or 2011. Both teams benefited. Give Wren credit. He is trying to give this team a new identity. Sure, he could have handled it with a lot more class and dignity. As far as the Ripken fiasco in the 90’s…You can’t blame Wren for holding him accountable for his actions. No one is bigger than the team. After hearing the perks that Ripken got, I lost a lot of respect for him as a ball player.
Epinephrine
June 4th, 2009
1:35 pm
I don’t understand everyone’s inclination to put McLouth somewhere other than lead-off. He has speed and a consistently high OBP-the lack of which has been hurting the Braves in the last few years. Yes he has pop, but not enough to make him a 4 or 5 hitter when weighed against his speed and OBP. If he hits behind either Chipper or McCann, his base stealing capabilities will be significantly reduced (two slow guys with high OBPs).
Also his propensity for stealing bases and hitting doubles should help ameliorate Yunel’s penchant for hitting into double plays.
As for his decline in Pittsburgh since June of 08-1) that reeks of an arbitrary cut off date to me, and 2) even though I love Adam LaRoche, surely McClouth will be benefit over hitting in front of Yunel, Chipper, and McCann, rather than LaRoche brothers. McLouth isn’t a natural 3 hitter, and his production inevitably declined when put in that role.
The lineup should (and will) be: RHP
McLouth
Yunel
Chipper
McCann
GA
Kelly
Kotch
Francoeur
LHP (I think)
Yunel
McLouth
Chipper
McCann
GA
Francoeur
Kelly
Kotchman
It’s possible McLouth will lead off for both.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 4th, 2009
1:36 pm
cabravesfan- You and Glavine seem to be the only two who think he was ready.
Steve from OH
June 4th, 2009
1:37 pm
Nah, Efrim, it wasn’t. Sounds like something I’d ask though, doesn’t it? Love the hometown (area) boy, though…maybe someone’s been cribbing my notes?
cabravesfan
June 4th, 2009
1:37 pm
Josh H-
all I meant was that Tommy’s velocity was low in spring. It hasn’t changed that much, and he is throwing better now then he was 2 months ago. That was pretty much a given because he is healthier now. And I did say from a purely baseball standpoint it makes sense and I have no issues with the team wanting to go with Tommy Hanson. None at all. I just hate the way the entire thing was handled
c jonze
June 4th, 2009
1:37 pm
How ’bout the Braves paid Glavine $1 Million dollars to see what he had left in the tank. They saw what they needed to see. What else do they owe him? More money to fail? That’s not how it works at my job.
Rock On....(the denizen formerly known as Dadgum)
June 4th, 2009
1:39 pm
Cabravesfan….I feel you have it wrong. Wren and Glavine sat down this winter to outline a plan for his return. A plan Glavine was very happy about. In short, he could continue his rehab after getting the doc’s go ahead. It was Glavine’s decision to go through rehab. Not the Braves. He could have retired of his own volition as opposed to the rehab process.
Regardless, Glavine was told in the meeting that there would be no guarantees of a roster spot but would be given a contract to attend ST with the hopes of being able to rejoin the team at some point later in the spring. Velocity or how the media spun it had no bearing on the scouts who are trained (and paid) to render decisions on a player’s ability. See scouts value their jobs and telling the FO that a player is ready when he is not is quite damaging to his credibility.
I definitely do not think the decision was made yesterday but possibly after his 1st rehan start. They were kind enough to give him another rehab start before making a final decision that would possibly end the career of a 1st ballot HOF’er.
Epinephrine
June 4th, 2009
1:39 pm
Also, once Kotch gets back…there are very few holes in the lineup. If Francoeur could become even an average ball player, this lineup would have no problems putting up runs imo.
Supes
June 4th, 2009
1:41 pm
I have no doubt the Braves will land a quality pitching prospect or 2 in the draft to replace the likes of Charlie Morton and Jeff Locke.
Meanwhile…I expect the Braves to make one more trade for another OF bat before it’s all said and done. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jeff F. traded in a 3 way deal (with another pitcher as a part of a package, most like Jo-Jo Reyes).
cabravesfan
June 4th, 2009
1:42 pm
“Chef” Tim Dix-
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD I NEVER SAID I THOUGHT HE WAS READY!!! I said at least 3 times now that it made perfect sense from a baseball standpoint!!! ( Sorry - not yelling at you directly.)
Salamander
June 4th, 2009
1:42 pm
I see a lot of talk about yesterday’s big events, but if you have ADD like me, you are already wondering about a more immediate question than whether Locke or Gorky will develop into stars…
Will the Braves make up ground in the NL East? We need to see how McLouth impacts the team, and of course how Hanson fares, but I have to say that I think the Braves are still only a wild card longshot in 2009.
The Braves are a better team (on paper) than they were before yesterday’s moves, but I don’t think it will translate into a playoff berth. of course, I hope I’m wrong, but I think this team needs more to get over the hump.
Which is EXACTLY why I love the McLouth move so much. It adds a nicely priced bat for years to come.
Slugger (http://www.theweeklyscene.com)
June 4th, 2009
1:43 pm
Cody Johnson has 17 homeruns in less than 200 AB.
He has 111 total bases…
I wouldn’t care if he hit .250 at that clip…
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 4th, 2009
1:43 pm
Had Glavine chose Wren’s retirement option yesterday, would the world be up in arm’s saying Tommy took a million knowing all along he would retire?
Slugger (http://www.theweeklyscene.com)
June 4th, 2009
1:43 pm
Cody Johnson is apparently hitting with an aluminum bat…
Steve from OH
June 4th, 2009
1:44 pm
Slugger–that’s what I’ve been saying.
StingerSplash
June 4th, 2009
1:45 pm
I wonder what the Braves were looking for in their evaluation of Glavine? He’s never thrown really hard, 91-92 tops on a good day, and at 43 years old, I don’t think they could expect him to hit 87-88 consistently. Bringing up a talented and obviously quite skilled prospect like Hanson, who has spent so little time at the upper reaches of minor league, in over a 300-game winner who knows like few others pitching today how to get big league hitters out says the Braves really don’t think Glavine’s going to be pitching for anyone anytime soon.
And D-Train has lost the strike zone. He’s walked in a run and now he’s done 2-1 to Youuuuuk.
Josh H
June 4th, 2009
1:45 pm
cabravesfan:
Yeah, bad situation to have to deal with. But hey, Glavine thought he could make it back. They gave him as long as they possibly could to prove that fact.
You could also tell from Wren’s conference that, the writing seemed to be on the wall after he didn’t make it for the April 17th start.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 4th, 2009
1:46 pm
Randy Johnson is going for his 300th win today (maybe last man ever to achieve that goal). If so, he will forever be immortalized for two reasons: 1.) the afore-mentioned win total, and most importantly 2.) hitting that poor bird http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF85R1em7Zs
MFin04
June 4th, 2009
1:46 pm
McFann – Yes, GA has hit 5th a lot, but now we have a better player to insert in the top 5.
KJ/Esco/Chipper/McCann/McLouth all better offensive players than GA at this point in his career.
GA is in the 6th spot.
Frenchy and Kotchman/Prado should be in the 7th and 8th holes no doubt.
Rock On....(the denizen formerly known as Dadgum)
June 4th, 2009
1:47 pm
Look Glavine is gone the Braves are better. Wren handled this thing as well as it could have been handled. Let’s move on. The next big topic will be Tim Hudson. I say he is pitching elsewhere in 2010. What say you old wise denizens of the Buckhead area? You to Lew.
a643dp
June 4th, 2009
1:47 pm
I would like to see Infante in the lineup when he gets back. I know KJ has played his but off at 2nd, but he has a good arm athletic and played tons of outfield in the Minors. Infante doesnt have the arm for right field and hasnt played in the OF hardly at all. If we could replace Frenchy we could have this as a lineup.
1.Infante 2nd
2.Escobar SS
3.Chipper 3rd
4.McCann C
5.McLouth CF
6.GA/Diaz LF
7.Kotchman 1st
8.KJ RF
9.————–
cabravesfan
June 4th, 2009
1:48 pm
Rock On-
Glavine said he would retire if the rehab didn’t go well. It went as well as it could have, save the set back when he got hurt swinging a bat. Once again- my feeling has little to do with performance. They allowed him to continue rehabbing, thinking he’d come off the DL and be placed on the active roster, I feel, well after they felt he wouldn’t have a place there. It’s just my opinion. That’s all.
Wren in Doubt
June 4th, 2009
1:48 pm
Braves 70, you hit a homer. The guy make some good moves (still waiting for him to dump Frenchy) but he lacks even a modicum of class unlike his predecessor.
MFin04
June 4th, 2009
1:48 pm
Biggest part of this whole thing is Medlen to the bullpen. That should force Jeff Bennett to the minors.
Luther
June 4th, 2009
1:48 pm
I don’t understand why Law would flatly say that he is not good in center? I just hadn’t heard that from anyone.
Rock On....(the denizen formerly known as Dadgum)
June 4th, 2009
1:49 pm
“Chef”…..NO!
cabravesfan
June 4th, 2009
1:51 pm
You could also tell from Wren’s conference that, the writing seemed to be on the wall after he didn’t make it for the April 17th start.
And that is all I mean by “strung him along” If they knew then, tell him and let him make up his mind about continuing rehab, asking to be released or retiring. Don’t let him think if he just keeps working and pitches well that everything will be fine.
Steve from OH
June 4th, 2009
1:51 pm
I don’t understand why Law would flatly say that he is not good in center? I just hadn’t heard that from anyone.
A lot of statistics agree with Law, and I’m guessing that’s what he’s referring to. However, here’s a snippet from a BA scouting report on McLouth from 2005:
” McLouth saw extended duty in center field during 2003, but his range is a step short to play there in the majors. He saw more time last year in right field, where his arm is adequate. To play regularly in right in the majors, he’ll have to develop more home run power.”
McFann :Ô:
June 4th, 2009
1:52 pm
MFin04–
True…too bad McLouth can’t hit cleanup…
Did I say that already?
Rock On....(the denizen formerly known as Dadgum)
June 4th, 2009
1:52 pm
Cabravesfan….no problem. several spins on it for sure but we are all almost unanimous on this blog that it was time.
Steve from OH
June 4th, 2009
1:53 pm
Divyesh (Provo, UT): Thoughts on the Glavine debacle?
Keith Law: (1:51 PM ET ) Good move by Atlanta. No room for sentiment.
dogsbrekky
June 4th, 2009
1:53 pm
ameliorate = good one, nice word-smithing Epine !
We look good with Mclouth at the top of the order I agree
MFin04
June 4th, 2009
1:54 pm
McFann – he really could hit cleanup, (or force Chipper to hit cleanup with McCann batting 5th) but on this team we need his speed leading off. I’m sure Bobby will think KJ is a better leadoff guy and leave him there, but that’s because he is old and senile. So with Bobby it really is a fun game to play.
Luther
June 4th, 2009
1:54 pm
Thanks Steve
Rock On....(the denizen formerly known as Dadgum)
June 4th, 2009
1:55 pm
Something tells me a new blog from DOB with a lot of good stuff is right around the corner as we are closing in on 2,400 posts.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 4th, 2009
1:56 pm
So far, doesn’t look like Pitt will miss McLouth…McCutchen is 1 for 2, a BB, and a run score so far….and standing at 2nd with only 1 out right now.
cabravesfan
June 4th, 2009
1:57 pm
Rock On-
I just hope all of this doesn’t put any added pressure on Tommy Hanson. He’s going to be scruitinized enough as it is…
dogsbrekky
June 4th, 2009
1:57 pm
Watching Andruw here, looks like he is back on the eating wagon, dude is like a whale, 250lbs like whale
KC
June 4th, 2009
1:57 pm
Macon Braves (RIP): “Are you seriously willing to waste McLouth’s fabulous basestealing talent by putting him at cleanup?
His hitting cleanup wouldn’t waste his speed. He can still steal from the cleanup spot. It might diminish the impact of his speed, but wouldn’t waste it.
And there’s a flip side. Are you willing to diminish the value of McLouth’s 30 HR power by hitting him leadoff? We’re going to limit out best power hitter to hitting a lot of solo shots.
And yes, he does have 30 HR power. If you project his current ‘09 power numbers out to 580 AB’s, you have 32 homers, 117 RBI.
RHR
June 4th, 2009
1:58 pm
I agree that the excuse Wren gave for releasing Glavine, and in particular, the statement he made “we just don’t think he can perform at the major league level” just seemed like unnecessary salt in the wound. I understand the move completely and agree there was absolutely no easy way to cut ties with Glav. However, I do not condone FW publicly making those statements, whether that’s what he thought privately or not. Obviously there were going to be hurt feelings, no way around it, but it would’ve been….better? If he had simply said something along the lines of ‘we want to go in a new direction and we’ve been impressed with Hanson thus far’ … which would’ve made obvious that the decision was made before any Glavine rehab but its pretty obvious anyway so why not? Not mad that Glavine is gone but I do think it could’ve been publicly stated more delicately.
Doc Holiday
June 4th, 2009
1:59 pm
Renegator,
Sure Nate´s deal was already set when TG was released…………….thats a sure thing.
McFann :Ô:
June 4th, 2009
1:59 pm
<strong<MFin04–
Well, we’ll see what the lineup is like tonight. I’m real anxious to see it.
And Bobby’s not senile.
Guessing Game
June 4th, 2009
1:59 pm
Wanna take a stab at the title of DOB’s next blog?
I’d go with:
Glavine Rehab goes South,
Smoltz runs Mouth,
McLouth in the Houth.
MFin04
June 4th, 2009
2:00 pm
Two guys have to go:
Bullpen (7):
Acostus
Bennett
Gonzo
Medlen
Moylan
EOF
Soriano
Starters (5):
Lowe
JJ
Vazquez
Hanson
KK
Hitters (15):
McCann
Ross
Esco
Diory
KJ
Chipper
Casey K
Norton
Prado
GA
Barton
Blanco
Diaz
Frenchy
McLouth
RHR
June 4th, 2009
2:00 pm
lol @ “force Chipper to hit cleanup”. Please.
Macon Braves (RIP)
June 4th, 2009
2:00 pm
6.) Franceour (need to break up the lefties)
Hmmm, yeah, let’s waste the 6th spot in the order with the WORST hitter in the majors so we can “break up some lefties”. Better off sticking Diaz in RF and letting him break up the lefties, at least he’s not Failcoeur.
Willy Wally So your best basestealer should be batting clean up for the reasons you mentioned? Gosh man, what in the world have managers been thinking. Why hasn’t Jose Reyes, Rickey Henderson, etc been put in the clean up spot. Dumb managers must not have figured out your brilliant theory of the cleanup spot being the place to steal bases from.
Your wrong, you put speed at the top of the order so the guys hitting behind them can get more fastballs from the pitcher, who is worrying abou the fast guy on first stealing second base on him. You put the fast guys at the top so that they create havoc on the defense as well as the pitcher, opening more holes for those 2,3, and 4 hitters behind them.
Steve from OH
June 4th, 2009
2:01 pm
And Bobby’s not senile
Thank you, McFann. I kinda wonder if some of these folks have actually seen a senile person…it’s a sad sight.
dogsbrekky
June 4th, 2009
2:03 pm
rock on – It has been so long I cannot remember whether Dobi or CaRRoll wrote this one, oh well I can hide behind the brain damage
N Nine
June 4th, 2009
2:03 pm
McLouth just pulled a B.J. Surhoff–
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090603&content_id=5124520&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
rammerjammer
June 4th, 2009
2:03 pm
RHR,
Your 1:58 post is the FIRST one I’ve seen that actually offered a thoughtful alternative to how the Glavine release was handled. The quote from Frank may be honest and accurate, and perhaps he said it to emphasize that this wasn’t a financial decision, but it came off as demeaning to Glavine. The alternative you offered would’ve been much better.
Yours is the best post, by far, on this situation.
Macon Braves (RIP)
June 4th, 2009
2:03 pm
KC McLouth makes the most impact on this lineup at the top of the order. BMac and Anderson can fill in just fine at the cleanup spot. And if you are dead set against him batting cleanup, put him in the 2 hole, he can still force pitchers to throw more fastballs to Chipper and BMac from there.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 4th, 2009
2:03 pm
KC…I agree with you completely on McLouth’s value to “this” team. Maybe on another team the dude would be good in the 1 or 2 hole…but not for the Braves. Other than McLouth, NOBODY else is likely to hit 30 HRs this year. For this team, I like him in the 5 hole protecting McCann….but I would not be against him hitting 4th either. Hitting between Chipper and McCann I would run to the bank, take ALL my money and bet that he hits 30+ HRs and his average shoots up to no less than .275
Guessing Game
June 4th, 2009
2:04 pm
Pelf can’t find the zone. Just walked one in after a walk and a hbp. The last walk he was miles from the strike zone. 6-4 Swashbucklers. Bases still loaded. 2 outs, though.
MFin04
June 4th, 2009
2:05 pm
So the Braves really won’t send Bennett down? Is it really going to be Barton and Blanco? Or maybe in a separate move send Bennett down?
Bobby is senile, that or he just forgets how to manage games correctly.
Salamander
June 4th, 2009
2:05 pm
And there’s a flip side. Are you willing to diminish the value of McLouth’s 30 HR power by hitting him leadoff? We’re going to limit out best power hitter to hitting a lot of solo shots. KC
This.
I’m not sold on McLouth in the 4-hole, but I don’t like him in the 1-hole either. Yeah, he can steal bases and has a solid OBP, but his power potential is more of a priority. Maybe something like the following:
1) Infante/KJ
out machine
2) Esco
3) Chipper
4) Bmac
5) McLouth
6) GA
7) Casey/Prado
I don’t like putting KJ (or Esco) in the 1-hole either though…
Guessing Game
June 4th, 2009
2:06 pm
8-4 Pittsburgh now. Can’t BELIEVE Pelfrey didn’t get the hook after walking in that run without coming near the zone.
South Paw
June 4th, 2009
2:06 pm
Do any of you see it as a problem that when Heyward is ready, we’ll likely have an outfield of 3 left handed bats in McLouth, Schafer, and Heyward? Not to mention we’ll have left handed bats in McCann, Freeman, and KJ if he’s still around?
Also, McLouth may not be that great in CF “statistically” but he won’t be there long if Schafer fixes his swing.
Josh H
June 4th, 2009
2:06 pm
Can someone feel me in? What is the current lovefest with Barton?
Heck, I had no idea he was even on the team, until I saw him on 1st base last night.
Thrillhouse44
June 4th, 2009
2:06 pm
Guessing Game, or how about “Lose a Tommy, Gain a Tommy”?
Doc Holiday
June 4th, 2009
2:06 pm
Muts pitching holding strong 3rd in ERA………that really surprises me after 2 full months of baseball.
Epinephrine
June 4th, 2009
2:07 pm
I don’t see how it’s “wasting” McLouth’s power by having him hit leadoff. He will only be batting first once in the game, lead off home runs count too. A good example of a similar situation is Curtis Granderson or Grady Sizemore.
But if he bats behind Chipper and/or McCann, his base stealing opportunities are going to be significantly diminished. Those will be guys that will very often be on base when he gets on, and are slow enough as to prevent utilization of his speed. If he hits fifth, he is hitting behind those guys almost every AB (barring leading off an inning in the 5 spot).
Anyway, the good news is more objective minds will be making the decision. I’d be shocked if McLouth is anywhere other than lead off tonight.
dogsbrekky
June 4th, 2009
2:07 pm
This new CF kid for the BUCS is very impressive and the great news is Pelfrey gave up 8, yes EIGHT in like 3.1 innings…… woo hoo
where are those Mets fans bragging about SP now ??
Oh wait……
Heath (Cleveland)
June 4th, 2009
2:07 pm
…By the way, Pittsburgh is the gift that keeps on giving…Neagle, Gonzo, McLouth, and now a 8-4 lead over NY. If it weren’t for those damn Steelers, I would love Pittsburgh.
Shamus Thacker
June 4th, 2009
2:07 pm
If TG drove a garbage truck, none of us would care if they threw him in the back and compacted his azz.
He’s a multi-millionaire, thanks largely to us and the Bravos. Time spent gnashing teeth over the feelings of one so fortunate is laughable. If ya wanna boo-hoo, do it for someone who goes to bed at night with empty pockets and an even emptier stomach…
Ok, I’m dismantling my soapbox…
Doc Holiday
June 4th, 2009
2:07 pm
muts losing big to the pirates 8-4.
MFin04
June 4th, 2009
2:07 pm
Looks like rain in Atlanta from 5 to midnight? This game isn’t going to be played is it?
Guessing Game
June 4th, 2009
2:08 pm
Pelfrey’s line: 3.2 IP, 9 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 4 BB, 3 SO, no homers. Ouchers.
rammerjammer
June 4th, 2009
2:08 pm
N Nine, thanks for the McLouth link. In the midst of his emotional goodbye to his ex-teammates is this quote: “…one of the things I’m looking forward to, is to have an immediate chance to be in the playoffs.”
Exactly. He inadvertently slams his teammates, but you know what he means. Nice to know that some people still believe it means something to be a Brave.
Doc Holiday
June 4th, 2009
2:09 pm
Pelfrey and Maine are having good seasons with ERAs under 4 each.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 4th, 2009
2:09 pm
Epinephrine…yes, the lead-off man usually only hits lead-off once in a game… However, in essence, McLouth will be hitting behind Johnson/Franceour and the pitcher if he is in the lead-off spot…so, yes that is WASTING his slugging.
Steve from OH
June 4th, 2009
2:10 pm
Ben (San Francisco): In what ways is Scott Boras good for baseball?
Keith Law: (2:09 PM ET ) He in particular and agents in general help prevent owners from screwing the players. Do you really want to return to the bad old days of the ’50s where the owners could do whatever they want, like cut a superstar’s pay arbitrarily, or keep blacks out of the game because they felt like it?
RHR
June 4th, 2009
2:10 pm
McLouth in the Houth.
LOL as bad as those other 2 are this is my vote for least likely to ever be the title of a DOB blog.
Doc Holiday
June 4th, 2009
2:10 pm
Heath (Cleveland),
And a 1-2 record against them in 2009.
Daniel
June 4th, 2009
2:10 pm
csg- I agree with you, I am just trying to be a little hopeful. But, you are probably right.
abwright
June 4th, 2009
2:11 pm
cabravesfan, 1:20 pm…”What I meant is- why make him go through all that rehab, why let him think that they were saving a place for him when they had to be thinking that wasn’t going to happen. … Maybe I’m just angry about it but they kept giving him rehab after rehab assignment, letting him believe he was going to be on the mound for the Braves at some point. That, to me, is stringing him along.
Or, the Braves gave him every possible chance to show that he had something left. Hanson did not get the call up (so FW says) instead of Medlen, and Medlen got three starts, because the Braves were still holding open the chance for Glavine to return.
The team could have had three Hanson starts, and maybe two more wins (I’m an optimist), but they held off to give Glavine another chance. It’s even possible that the JoJo decision would have been made earlier, in favor of Hanson, had Glavine not been in the mix, since Hanson has been ready for a fair amount of time (so we’re told).
Glavine made those starts because he wanted to, not because the Braves made him.
Steve from OH
June 4th, 2009
2:11 pm
Jeff Francouer (Atlanta, GA): If on-base percentage was so important, why don’t they put it on the scoreboard? Oh wait… they do? OK, I’ll admit it – I am an abomination of a baseball player.
Keith Law: (2:10 PM ET ) Admitting you have a problem is the first step. The second step is reporting to Pearl, Mississippi, in time for tomorrow’s game.
MFin04
June 4th, 2009
2:11 pm
LOL, I love the arguing between people and themselves about whether a guy is going to hit 1st or 4th. At Least, we now have a lot more options than we did yesterday.
Guessing Game
June 4th, 2009
2:12 pm
RHR, yeah, I know… I guess it was more of a “if I ran the blog” title. Glad I don’t, aren’t you?
Salamander
June 4th, 2009
2:12 pm
I don’t see how it’s “wasting” McLouth’s power by having him hit leadoff. He will only be batting first once in the game, lead off home runs count too. A good example of a similar situation is Curtis Granderson or Grady Sizemore. Epinephrine
Which is a good counter argument to McLouth batting lower in the order.
In a more ideal situation (where you have players with more power), then yeah, McLouth looks like a great fit for the 1-hole, but on this team I’m not so sure.
Time will tell, and a bunch of hindsight comments will ensue.
Macon Braves (RIP)
June 4th, 2009
2:13 pm
But if he bats behind Chipper and/or McCann, his base stealing opportunities are going to be significantly diminished. Those will be guys that will very often be on base when he gets on
Another great point showing that his basestealing threat would be highly diminished in the middle of the order.
Wolfman
June 4th, 2009
2:13 pm
Does anyone know why Jason Heyward is no longer at Myrtle Beach, but back in rookie ball with Danville?
Doc Holiday
June 4th, 2009
2:13 pm
Campillo back on DL?
I didnt know that……….he might be done for the season.