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3,068 comments Add your comment
RC
June 8th, 2009
5:48 pm
dogsbrekky,
I don’t think anyone will argue that Prado isn’t good enough to play 2b (well, I’m sure SOMEONE will argue, but you can’t help that). However, I like KJ playing 2b more because I really think it’s a benefit to have Prado available to play all over the field, and fill in when we need him (he’s played a lot of 1b and 3b lately).
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
5:48 pm
Save your breath, people. JeanE pretty much summed it all up…Frenchy is playing every game, but one, because Bobby has sympathy for a lost, struggling 25 yr. old kid. You line up the enire Braves team in front of fans and Frenchy would be the first to greet the fans. This is just from what I’ve heard, but he has that going for him. None of knows for sure where he’s heading soon, but chances are that he’s not gonna improve much as a Brave.
semiballcoach
June 8th, 2009
5:48 pm
this just in–glavine to play right field and frenchy to the mound
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
5:48 pm
I actually Like the Lineup for tonights game…with one exception…Switch Francine and KJ…6 and 8th…KJ Shouldn’t hit eighth he’s heating up…
Wayne in Utah
June 8th, 2009
5:50 pm
Steve in OH
It is clearly obvious that you are like a kid on Christmas eve on the draft tomorrow!! I love that enthusiasm.
When it comes down to it, I guess about 24 hours from now, we will all know.
I defer to your opinion, as I have not done any research on the players available to be drafted. What 3 players are the very best positional players for tomorrow’s draft? Positions played?? Unless there is a stone cold stud pitcher available at 7, who else might we pick up.
Just wonderin’
Macon Braves (RIP)
June 8th, 2009
5:50 pm
bravos If Failcoeur’s butt wasn’t IN the lineup, he and KJ couldn’t bat back to back….
RC
June 8th, 2009
5:51 pm
Tomahawkin,
I agree with you for the most part, but I actually think KJ batting 8th helps the team, since if he gets on the pitcher can bunt him over, and he’d likely be on for the top of the lineup to come up. If he’s batting 2 spots in front of Francoeur….well, he’s probably going to score a lot more runs batting 8th than 6th.
Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
June 8th, 2009
5:51 pm
Yeah, why is Diaz on the bench? Why is he not in RF? That makes no sense. It is moves like that that makes me wish Wren would show Cox the door next. I mean seriously. Frenchy has been “struggling and needing a few at-bats to get going” for three years now!
wow
June 8th, 2009
5:52 pm
if we finally get rid of Francouer and KJ we will have a decent team even if prado were to be 2b and diaz rf still not pretty but i bet you we become way more consistent bet me bobby ahh forget it
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
5:53 pm
Wayne, I haven’t really done my homework on position players because all signs point to us taking a pitcher…but I’d say Ackley (1B/CF), Grant Green (SS), and Tim Wheeler (CF). But our pick will probably be Wheeler, Matzek, Miller or White. If not, then maybe we take Green. I dunno.
N8
June 8th, 2009
5:54 pm
Eric, yup. We’ve added McLouth, who is making 3.5 million this year, and will make 4.5 next year. McCann is jumping from 3.5 to 5.5 million next year. Chipper Jones goes from 10 million this year to 13 million next year.
We will likely lose the 10 million that Gonzo and Soriano are making.
Also, keep in mind that at least SOME of Hudson’s salary this year has been covered by insurance. Which the Braves knew going into free agency last winter. That won’t be the case next year.
Listen. Same rules apply, imo. If the young, cheap guys DO produce next year, then yes. Put all that money into the rotation. But logic tells me that the Braves are NOT going to have Kawakami as an 8 million dollar “non-closer” bullpen guy, and are NOT going to have 37 million dollars tied up into Lowe, Vazquez and Hudson, REQUIRING them to count on the young guys producing runs in the lineup.
The safer, smarter bet is to trade one of them (if not two), and get some offense that can bridge the gap to Heyward and Freeman. Perhaps a young 3B prospect to eventually replace Chipper and maybe play some 2B in the meantime while his power develops?
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
5:54 pm
And by “Wheeler,” I mean Zack Wheeler.
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
5:54 pm
By the way, watched Hudson throw a bullpen this afternoon. Quite impressive. He’s throwing pretty hard now, and looks very smooth and effortless.
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
5:55 pm
DRAFT – Any chance the TATE kid falls to 7th
WHo are our best options (and most likely) apart from the White kid at UNC
Jerry
June 8th, 2009
5:55 pm
CSG Ok you win but personally you can have Diaz/garret/frenchy and I’ll take my chances with the gwinnett crew.
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
5:55 pm
I wouldn’t say that I have any draft expertise, I just try to synthesize a lot of material from folks a lot smarter than I.
Clairvoyant?
June 8th, 2009
5:56 pm
Someone said Ohman? ERA 5.84 in 12.1 innings… placed on the DL w/sore left shoulder, 5/28
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
5:56 pm
DOB–
Great news on Timmy! Thanks!
His “Know Your Braves” thingy is s’posed to come up this week…
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
5:56 pm
dogsbrekky, even if Tate falls to 7, I haven’t heard anything that suggests that the Braves are even considering him, and for good reason. White is probably 3rd or 4th on the Braves’ draft board based on what I’ve read.
RC
June 8th, 2009
5:57 pm
N8,
I think McLouth is only making $2 million this year, but the other numbers you threw out appear correct.
csg
June 8th, 2009
5:58 pm
Jerry, Id replace GA and Frenchy with any two of Blanco/Diaz/Barton/and Schafer and be more comfortable with it
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
5:58 pm
Macon Braves (RIP)
lol your right.
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
6:00 pm
Why not bring up Barton and Blanco and dfa Froggy and the ph dude errr someone someone , yes Norton
maybe even give Brandon a decent shot (again)
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
6:00 pm
PS–Why is Skip and Pete’s BBQ not called Skip and Pete’s BBQ anymore? That ticks me off…
N8
June 8th, 2009
6:02 pm
Tomahawkin, when in the 6th, 7th or 8th hole in the lineup, KJ is a career .324 hitter in 96 starts in those spots. In 282 games in all other batting order spots, he’s a .244 hitter.
Smaller sample size? Sure. Could he have been “hot” while lower in the order? Sure. But the numbers clearly favor him staying lower in the order, imo.
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
6:02 pm
McFann – my big ol’ bluejay male looks like he has been on the same diet as Andruw
I put a pound of food out there yesterday and the fat effer has demolished most of it !
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
6:03 pm
McFann–I know, right? That’s kind of a cold shot to the two…
Jerry
June 8th, 2009
6:03 pm
I’d give Brandon a shot for a month or so then make a trade
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
6:05 pm
I think if Huddy looks impressive at the end of July then Frank could be easily persuaded to move Vazquez.
TexasBrave
June 8th, 2009
6:06 pm
Robert (Chipper Is The Best) – I think Wren has the balls to show Bobby the door, but John Schurholz(sp) won’t allow it. JS is also the most likely reason Frenchy is still here.
Don’t get me wrong, I like Bobby and what he has done for the organization. But I just think it is time for some new blood and new ideas.
N8
June 8th, 2009
6:06 pm
RC, you’re right. 2 million of McLouth’s salary is base pay. 1.5 million was signing bonus.
Which actually works against the Braves. Because I’ll assume they weren’t responsible for any of the signing bonus. Meaning they are paying him about 1.33 million for the rest of the year. Then jumping to 4.5 million next year.
Unbelievable
June 8th, 2009
6:06 pm
Francoeur still in the middle of the batting order? WTF is it going to take Cox????
Lew
June 8th, 2009
6:06 pm
dogs-You wouldn’t (or couldn’t, I think) DFA Francoeur this season. He has options and since you’d have to pay him anyway, you might as well send him down and see if he can’t wok it out. You would just not offer him arb. next winter.
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
6:07 pm
Things I hate:
1. Everything ESPN (LeBron,Kobe,RedSox,Yanks,when Mutts are winning,all of their baseball analyst)
2. DOB’s musical choices(sometimes)
3. Frenchy’s running style, appraoch
4. Working outside when the humidity is high and mosquitos are biten ya
5. Being bored
6. My girlfeiend’s breath in the morning
Unbelievable
June 8th, 2009
6:07 pm
WTF is it going to take Cox????
And by this I mean getting him out of the lineup entirely.
Burdell
June 8th, 2009
6:07 pm
DOB
Any truth to Buster Olney’s claim that Hanson was tipping his fastball from the stretch?
That seems to indicate why he had a BAA of 0.100 and SLG Against of 0.100 from the windup and a BAA of 0.800 and SLG Against of 2.600 from the stretch. Also, all hits from the stretch were fastballs hit for multiple bases.
Also, all that damage came the second time through the lineup, when the Brewers learned something about Hanson…
N8
June 8th, 2009
6:08 pm
That’s good news on Hudson DOB. Either way you look at it. If he’s gonna help them make a run this year (provided we’re still in it when he returns), or for next year’s rotation allowing a trade of other players, or if Wren wants to exercise the option for next year, and then trade Hudson himself.
NOTHING bad can come out of him making a solid comeback.
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
6:09 pm
Things I love:
1. Me
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
6:10 pm
TN Brian – woa, we agree with all
but the missus’ breath, that is kind of of limits yes….
you should try my border collie’s breath….. pewyyyyyyyyyy
N8
June 8th, 2009
6:11 pm
TnBrian, I don’t have a problem with my girlfriend’s breath in the morning. My wife on the other hand, doesn’t care for it.
Nova Scotia Steve
June 8th, 2009
6:11 pm
Awesome news about Hudson DOB….seems like a great dude and I’m sure he’s worked extremely hard to return this season…Hope he comes back and rocks…this season and next
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
6:12 pm
Burdell,
Most of the time Buster O’s stories seem to be nothing more than stories. Offten he makes wild claims that seem to have no validity what-so-ever…. I’m not saying Hanson wasn’t tipping his pitches, just that Buster isn’t the most accurate reporter there is.
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
6:12 pm
dogsbrekky, no it isn’t off limits! Everybody has it, just some apparantly have it worse than others.
RC
June 8th, 2009
6:12 pm
Here’s a really random theory on Hanson: what if he hasn’t had enough experience pitching out of the stretch in his career? If you think about his minor league career, it was really rare when he EVER had a baserunner on, meaning that for most of his minor league career he has not had to pitch from the stretch that often, and was able to work out of the windup. Looking back at Sunday’s game, he was AWESOME from the windup, and only seemed to give up the big hits when someone reached base and his fastball wasn’t as sharp (control-wise anyway). Not sure if it was a factor or not, but it makes as much sense as anything.
nolie
June 8th, 2009
6:13 pm
I work for a solid company that lives up to its contracts (Anders)
not that is a total bullsh*t post. The Braves lived up to their contract. They gave him one million dollars to rehab.Just why i do you think that they worded the contract the way they did, that they would only pay him more if he started? Could it have been because they did not know whether he would come back and be able to be effective? I bet it was. If their scouts said he would not be effective why would they not take the word of the guys upon whom so much of the Braves success has been dependent?/ Man that was way beneath you.
CB
June 8th, 2009
6:15 pm
Well, it’s just about time for all the fun people to start coming on the blog- time for me to take my dull self away.
nolie
June 8th, 2009
6:15 pm
RHR – keep drinking the kool-aid. (AGT)
seems to me that you are drinking as much koolaid as anybody dude.
Mark Twine
June 8th, 2009
6:15 pm
DOB/Fans, I watched Kyle Cofield a Starting Pitcher for the AA Mississippi Braves play yesterday and the dude is really good. Had some bad luck and tough hops or he would have given up probably 1 run.
DOB, do you know anything about this kids “potential?” He is only 21 and has great size.
TexasBrave
June 8th, 2009
6:15 pm
N8 – While I would also like to see Hudson’s return this year, I don’t see how he can help us out any more than the starters we have right now. Even if he comes in mowing everyone down, the bottom line is that the Braves need to score runs on a consistent basis. Our record when scoring 4 or more runs is something like 26 – 5. If the offense ever picks up (and the way our starters are pitching it doesn’t have to be much) we will seriously give the Phillies and Mets a run for the division.
ZC Rider
June 8th, 2009
6:17 pm
I think the fact that Hanson missed his target by a foot trumps any sort of pitch-tipping. His location was not good enough for the Bigs yesterday.
cvbraves
June 8th, 2009
6:18 pm
For you folks asking about Diaz not being in the lineup, the fact that he took an inside pitch hard on the hand yesterday is probably the reason.
Lew
June 8th, 2009
6:18 pm
TexasBrave-Hudson has expressed a willingness to pitch out of the pen when he returns this year. That could help immensely and get him ready sooner.
B.H.O
June 8th, 2009
6:18 pm
Did anyone see this posted today on MLBTradeRumors?
“One Red Sox person was not impressed by what he saw from Jeff Francoeur.”
Shocking, I know.
Oromus
June 8th, 2009
6:19 pm
For all of you bashing KJ… do you not realize that he LEADS our team in Extra base hits currently? How about the fact that he’s tied for team lead in Runs scored? Or that he has 1 less RBI than McCann? Is he having a great year so far? No, his BA is down (and OBP because of it), but he is still a good player and everyone knows that he can carry our team when he’s hot. Something prado and the singles hitting Infante could never do. I hope we keep KJ at 2nd for years to come.
Poorbrave
June 8th, 2009
6:19 pm
Coach, Moon pie: Great link on Mazzone. The Braves have not won since he’s been gone. It also proves what a great job he did. We need someone that gets in your face and still shows you the love afterwards.. Wish he was back. He also made Bobby Cox better or got credit for what Leo did.
DOB, Hanson only made three bad pitches in my book. The Kids got what it takes, just hang on for the funny ride.
Frenchy has become the joke of the Braves. My son gave his #7 jerserys to the Salvastion Army center,said he didn’t want to be like JF. Now he wants # 13 jerserys.
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
6:20 pm
Roy also said nine out of 10 guys in the mix for their first pick are pitchers. Maybe Tate’s the non-pitcher, but not sure.
Savannah Guy
June 8th, 2009
6:21 pm
DOB: Thanks for the props earlier. Your 10:18 post made very good points in a related vein (or would that be more of a lobe referral?). Unfortunately the “black and white” will always outnumber the grey in most matters, particularly in sports venues. No, make that all venues. You’re either a hero or a bum (or both, in a single game)… nothing between is a remote possibility. There is no quick, easy or undeniable measure of player value to a fan outside of the usual black and white performance stats and metrics (folks, I’m not slamming stats, they have a most importance place in measurement, ok). Black and white is understandable. It’s much easier to insult, berate, rant and drop critical snipes when issues are reduced to the lowest, in some cases crudest common denominator. Such is life. Some have mastered the dark art.
Successful outcomes don’t always require choosing one course or another or one player over another. Sure, unless in NY, teams can’t always sign two top salaries, but I’ll always believe that the Braves could have let Glavine come up to the team, trade for McLouth AND promote Hanson. They could have had all three at the same time. Even if the Braves were up against a financial ceiling I’ll always believe that the franchise has a few million lying around somewhere to have allowed Glavine to fit in between the cracks. So, it’s not an either or, it’s both… all three.
Regardless of the black and white of the technical side of his contract, only by allowing Glavine to toe the mound could he could have proven to the team, himself and to the world (and the blog) that he could succeed or fail. The argument of “we can’t throw away games by starting TG” holds no water unless the manager fell asleep and left him out there if getting hammered. Well, I suppose that’s possible but not likely (grinning… sort’a).
After a few starts (or in relief), he’d either settle into a groove and pitch well enough to earn a spot or continue to get hammered (on a tight leash with the hook) and wash out… respectfully. In the latter case, I have no doubt that Glavine would have pulled himself out with head held high and retire gracefully and honorably. Then, all parties in agreement and at no further cost, remain in a Braves uniform and, as you said, remain involved with public appearances, helping pitchers and assisting wherever he could off the field or around the club or dugout.
A less likely but not impossible scenario would have been for Glavine to come up and pitch well enough to win games, eat innings and play a valuable role at the back end of the rotation as a fifth (or sixth) starter. Even without the velocity he once had, Tom has the intelligence, unique pitching knowledge and battle tested experience to succeed once again on an MLB mound.
For a few million, it was virtually no risk to let Glavine come up. With the overall positive effect on the team, the Braves brand, the community, and a public show of confidence in and respect for a long-time Braves warrior and future HOF pitcher, the reward would have been much greater for the franchise than the comparatively miniscule investment required.
Now I’ll try to let the Glavine issue rest, as we’re all tired of it. Even so, it’s really more than that… it’s a management (or Wren) issue, which is also my concern going forward. I won’t ever hesitate to speak out in that arena. After all, it’s my team.
Lew
June 8th, 2009
6:21 pm
ZC Rider-Hanson totally dominated AAA. I think he found out yesterday that Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder don’t play at AAA. That sinker, though-no one in the ML will ever hit that pitch if he throws it like he did yesterday. Starts out just below waist level and divebombs to the catcher’s shoe tops. Nast as any I’ve ever watched-even Smoltz’s.
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
6:21 pm
Wow, nine pitchers? Thanks for the update, Dave!
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
6:22 pm
dogsbrekky–
Good grief! Yeah, they cann be little piggies sometime…that phrase “You eat like a bird” makes no sense whatsoever.
Steve from OH–
I thought so, too. You’d think they’d want to honor them…I mean, Hank Aaron ain’t here anymore, but they still have Hank Aaron Drive…
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
6:24 pm
I built a smoker this weekend for about $65 and it produced some of the best BBQ I’ve ever eaten!… And I love me some BBQ. Thank you Alton Brown! Here’s a link to the episode: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ka2kpzTAL8
N8
June 8th, 2009
6:25 pm
Thanks Lew. That’s what I meant with Hudson. Could be two-fold. If they think he could (and would help) in the bullpen, it could allow us to move Soriano or Gonzo, provided Medlen does well in the pen, and STILL try and comete this year.
When a team makes a trade, they trade from an area of depth and strength, to strenthen an area of weakness. Hudson returning just gives us more pitching depth, regardless of where he pitches.
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
6:27 pm
pryguys: they’re columnists, paid to write their opinions, whatever those opinions might be.
zmerk: Braves stay at Marriott downtown L.A.,, right off the freeway, only 5-10 minutes from Dodger Stadium.
Poorbrave
June 8th, 2009
6:27 pm
damn,sp jersey. Sorry about that.
RC
June 8th, 2009
6:27 pm
Did anyone see this on MLBTradeRumors?
“30,000 Braves fans were not impressed by what they saw from Jeff Francoeur.”
Carpe Diem
June 8th, 2009
6:28 pm
And as I said on one of the last pages of this blog….Wakefield throws slower than as some here have said Glavine would’ve thrown his fastball and he’s 7-3 and older than Glavine to boot.
Frank
wow that is
incredibly meaningless given that one is a fastball and the other is a knuckler that dances all over the place. Exactly what relevance is there to that statement? Talk about comparing apples and concrete blocks.
TexasBrave
June 8th, 2009
6:29 pm
Lew – Before Hudson would come back would he not get several rehab starts in the minors? Thus if he is ready to come off the DL it would surely be as a starter and not a reliever. Yes he probably could be in the BP, but if he is pitching well who would you rather have starting KK or Hudson? Or even in a playoff atmosphere Hanson or Hudson? Hanson would be excellent out of the pen.
Woolz
June 8th, 2009
6:30 pm
One thing really bothered me about Hanson. After he delivers the pitch there is something he has done in his shoulders or neck that causes his head to jerk violently like a recoil. My wife pointed it out to me and once I noticed it it was painful to watch. That can’t be good.
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
6:30 pm
BHO – that Red Sox scout is the king of the effing obvious
Is he “Larry’s brother ?
BTW where is happy Larry
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
6:30 pm
TnBrian: If you hate your girlfriend’s breath in the morning, that’s bad enough. And if you hate all things ESPN — I mean, I don’t like Stu Scott or Berman, but “all things”? — then that’s pretty bad, considering the ubiquity of ESPN for a sports fan.
But if you hate my musical choices, well, then that’s an entirely different matter. You’ve got issues. You might even be a lost cause.
(smile)
Mixxo
June 8th, 2009
6:32 pm
Gettin’ my game face on. How ’bout ya’ll?
Lets go!
Efrim
June 8th, 2009
6:33 pm
DOB, thanks for the draft stuff man. Much appreciated.
It certainly sounds like Wheeler will be gone by then. His talent, as well as signability makes it almost impossible for him to fall to #7.
Keith Law just posted his mock draft:
“Alex White, RHP, North Carolina: They’d really like Zack Wheeler, but he’s not getting this far, and the asking prices on Matt Purke and Shelby Miller — more than double slot for this pick — will run them off.”
He did K 12 over the weekend. There is that. Wheeler would be so awesome……
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
6:33 pm
David O’Brien, What is the name was the BBQ shack in Between Ga where they race cows?
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
6:33 pm
Dobi One Knobi and Other baseball Gurus – I have a very important question
Why in god’s name why didn’t the bleeding Brewer’s manager just walk Chipper in that a bat where he craned the 3 run hr ??
Why didnt any blogs talk about this obvious mistake. It’s not like we had a bigger threat to worry about
Duke
June 8th, 2009
6:34 pm
Dave Matthews Band’s new CD Big Whiskey and the GrooGroux King is pretty darned good
Lew
June 8th, 2009
6:36 pm
TexasBrave-Just telling you what we’ve heard (from DOB and others). I would imagine that since he’s way early in his rehab from the surgery, that they would just have him coming out of the pen in his minor league innings-kind of the way that Gonzo did it last year. If he’s to return to starting, I would imagine he would be back somewhat later this season-if at all. It actually makes sense to let him come back early and relieve. Who knows-should he be that good in the role, they could let him close next year and let Gonzo and Soriano walk-especially if Medlen and Hanson progress well.
Savannah Guy
June 8th, 2009
6:36 pm
Now, is there any possible angle, excuse or argument left to make in the case of Francoeur that hasn’t been parsed, eaten and digested? No case? All covered? Good.
Seems to me he lost something by getting hit in the face. Maybe it’s just the unforgiving Peter and his Principle that has Jeff all flummoxed. Either way, I’m afraid it’s too late for a Mississippi rehab and more coaching for Jeff. Whatever IT is that he’s experiencing, it’s now in his head so deep the only possible cure is away. Far, far away.
I sincerely wish him all the best wherever he goes. Soon is best for Jeff and everyone concerned.
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
6:36 pm
Efrim, I saw that. I don’t understand why they won’t go over slot, espcially with no picks until no. 87. That should leave a few bucks to sign that first-round pick. Sounds like Wheeler is all but an Oriole; I am crossing my fingers that Matzek is there for us, I think he’s the third-best player in the draft. I still would take Miller and pay a little more rather than take White (not my money, I know)…
Lew
June 8th, 2009
6:37 pm
And yes-I realize they aren’t going to pay Hudson $12 mil to close.
N8
June 8th, 2009
6:37 pm
Poorbrave, what did Leo do in Baltimore? You claim that he made Bobby better?
Glavine, Maddux, Smoltz, McGriff, Chipper, Javy probably had more to do with BOTH Bobby and Leo looking better.
You know REALLY made both of them look better? Ted Turner’s checkbook.
Give Bobby, Roger and Wren the money that JS, Bobby and Leo had to “work with”, and things would be different.
JS was never a big shopper in free agency. But he WAS allowed to lock up the talent that was already in Atlanta. Whether they came up through the system, signed as free agents, or were traded to the Braves.
Tex trade speaks volumes. Not that I think Tex is worth that money (he’s not – especially on a team with only a 100 million dollar payroll), but the “old” JS would have only traded a bunch of prospects for a guy he KNEW would sign long-term. So it at least cushioned the blow of losing prospects.
Add to that, JS was the master at buying out guys arbitration years for financial security. Did it with Chipper. Did it with McCann.
I’m not saying that Leo was a bad pitching coach. That would be silly. He was good. But he said so himself the other day on the radio, that Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux made him look pretty good.
What his program was good for, was keeping guys healthy. Though one could just attribute Glavine and Maddux to being freaks of nature. Because Smoltz lost a lot of time to elbow injuries, and Avery lost his career (perhaps over-used at a young age?).
But it depends on what side of the fense you fall. Did Leo make Glavine, Smoltz and Avery what they were, or did Leo having those three guys make him look smarter than he was? Can’t count Maddux. Dude won a Cy Young BEFORE becoming a Brave (pitching in Wrigley).
Now, I won’t deny what impact Leo had on them in the minors before becoming the pitching coach in Atlanta. But for every success story under leo, were guys (young guys) he did not connect with and improve their game who went on and had at least initial success else-where (Schmidt, Marquis, Odalis).
nolie
June 8th, 2009
6:37 pm
Here is the Shanks piece chip is referring to above. If not okay to copy here then by all means, delete (RHR)
Thanks No disrespect meant to you, but it’s hard for me to express politely how little respect I have for Bill Shanks after reading and responding to his posts on other blogs for years.And even if true, the Yanks and As won many a game with teams where the players fought all the time. Pretty meaningless one way or the other. Just more blather for the emotional fans
Savannah Guy
June 8th, 2009
6:38 pm
David O’Brien, What is the name was the BBQ shack in Between Ga where they race cows?
Uh, those aren’t really races. They just give the cows a sporting chance to avoid the hickory pit.
Dog of Flanders
June 8th, 2009
6:38 pm
I wonder how many of the people that feel the Braves should have let Glavine pitch would have been willing as well to pay the salary required if he did.
StingerSplash
June 8th, 2009
6:39 pm
You know, some Jim Carroll Band would go well right about now.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
6:39 pm
Oromus
Jeff also has like 24 rbi….a blind squirrel finds his nuts every once in awhile. All we want is consistency. I rather have someone that would hit .270 and not lead in XBH or RBI, and hit consistently than hit .250 and lead in some categories.
oldschool
June 8th, 2009
6:39 pm
Bbq bbq bbq…if you want the best bbq then you need to come up here to west tn where it’s a state law that bbq must be sold every 5 miles p.s the music’s pretty famous too
blueridge
June 8th, 2009
6:39 pm
When Kotch returns, why not this line-up?
1. McLouth-cf
2. Kotch-1b
3. Chipper-3b
4. Esco-ss (splits the lefties in the heart of the order, and is really swinging the bat well with runners in scoring position)
5. McCann
6. Diaz- rf
7. Anderson -lf
8. KJ- 2b
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
6:41 pm
Savannah Guy,
either way sounds like something I want to see;)
TexasBrave
June 8th, 2009
6:41 pm
Dang it Lew you said it before I could post it
Either way it doesn’t matter if we don’t start scoring runs on a more consistent basis.
Efrim
June 8th, 2009
6:41 pm
Steve from OH, it’s just not what they do. What will be interesting to see is next years draft, IF they let Soriano and Gonzo go and get 4 draft picks for them. They aren’t going to be as high as #7, but it will be a lot of picks similar to what Arizona has this year. Just gotta wait and see, though. White looked damn good on Saturday. Had good velo.
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
6:42 pm
oldschool,
I’m heading to Nashville on Thursday. Know of any good BBQ spots there?
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
6:43 pm
DOB, no offense, but I’m really not big in to music, except when I’m driving, so I’m the last one to listen to on that subject. Just some of the music you’ve linked on here I’ve checked them out and just wasn’t impressed. I do like Johnny Cash and Metallica though.
ESPN just seems to be a replay day after day…at least when I happen to flip through the channels.
MattyRoss
June 8th, 2009
6:44 pm
DOB are you familiar with Passion Pit? I feel like you must be…that track “Sleepyhead” is pretty unreal, but their whole album is great.
oldschool
June 8th, 2009
6:47 pm
Not really,I live close to memphis but I’m sure you’ll have no problems finding some
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
6:47 pm
Yeah, good velo and still bad mechanics. He knows that it’s his last audition before the draft, so he’s gonna give it everything he’s got. I like his stuff, but I’m not bullish on his health projection.
Yeah, there is a chance that they’ll be able to have a big draft next year. Should be interesting.
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
6:48 pm
Would Soriano be a type A after missing last season? It’s based solely on the last two seasons, correct?
JimC
June 8th, 2009
6:49 pm
Hanson is a 3-inning flash-in-the-pan. By September, no one will even remember his name.
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
6:50 pm
LOL! Good one JimC! Man that was funny!
Nova Scotia Steve
June 8th, 2009
6:50 pm
JimC
June 8th, 2009
6:49 pm
Hanson is a 3-inning flash-in-the-pan. By September, no one will even remember his name.
…must be a Mets fan
No More Bobby
June 8th, 2009
6:53 pm
Why do people waste the first spot in comments by just posting FIRST?