Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,461 comments Add your comment
bravesfanforever
June 19th, 2009
1:18 pm
McLouth of the South… I completely agree. Trade away some our vets and start over. I’m really not sure why anyone would want to hang on to this season. The way the team is currently constructed, it is obvious this team is going nowhere because it just does not match the way Bobby Cox does things.
I also suggest trading Hudson in the off season to free up $12 million. Hopefully he will make a big come back in August. Lowe, Jurrjens, Hanson, KK, and Medlen is more than enough pitching. Most teams don’t have anything reliable beyond their top 3.
If it was me, I would have everyone on the team running more. You can’t tell me that EVERYONE is slug. No way. For example, there is no reason why a guy like Francoeur can’t steal at least 20 bases at his age. He still has his legs and he plays the outfield! If a guy is under 30, he should be able to swipe a few.
But… It’s beyond the Braves philosophy so it’s not going to happen.
And why can’t we find a position for our part time catcher David Ross? He is really hitting the ball well this year. If our problem is hitting then shouldn’t we try to find any way we can to get his bat in the line up every day? I’m surprised that no one has suggested this so far.
In fact, why aren’t we playing our best hitters??? Diaz, Prado, and Ross should be in there. And Canizares should be on the bench instead of Norton.
David O'Brien
June 19th, 2009
1:23 pm
TBrown, it’s taking me longer than usual to do today’s blog because I’m actually writing in Japanese. Tricky language….
varodrunner: Smoltz made it clear (not that there was any doubt, really) in today’s AJC article that he’s a Brave at heart, will go to Hall with Braves cap on, etc.
flange1
June 19th, 2009
1:24 pm
3trees,
The P-90 in the neck of a tele is great, so is a mini-humbucker. My favorite is a Firebird mini-hum!!
Slugger www.theweeklyscene.com
June 19th, 2009
1:24 pm
Daslied -
Your argument is as great as your attitude. You’re the one that needs a reality check.
What’s Huddy’s OPS when he hits? I bet it’s not .900.
And if you think you’re smarter than an MLB Player, Conor Jackson is quoted as saying Micah had more pop than anyone on their roster last year.
Nick Markakis wouldn’t be starting in RF for the Orioles right now if our coach didn’t tell him to hit. He would have stayed pitching and he’d be an MLB pitcher in the MLB right now (he was called to be drafted as a pitcher before he was taken as a hitter as the 7th pick overall).
So if he never hit in college b/c coach didn’t let him swing the bat, he would have been the same pitcher (and same guy) drated in the first 6 picks instead of 7 overall.
Then he wouldn’t have signed a $60+million contract with the Orioles to hit every day.
Do you have any real-life examples to combat your argument or just popcorn from your armchair.
Get a life, a**hole.
DAP
June 19th, 2009
1:28 pm
bravesfanforever the season is far from over, and the braves have a team that can win. mostly because of the pitching. if the offense gels a bit, they can make a run. no reason to sell now.
tim hudson’s contract is over after this season, unless the braves exercise his option, so they wont be trading him. they will either buy him out, or trade vazquez, AFTER the season is over.
being young doesnt mean you can steal bases. jeff just isnt very good at it, that why it doesnt happen more. but i agree id like to see a few more attempts. not alot more, but a few more.
diaz and prado should get more at bats, but you cant just stick ross out there somewhere. it doesnt work like that. hes a back up catcher, and thats what he will stay. also, norton isnt on the bench, hes on the DL, so….
bravesfanforever
June 19th, 2009
1:29 pm
My point about David Ross is that if he can play LF or 1B then why not put him out there occasionally to get the big bat in the line up? Maybe he can’t but I’ve never seen any suggestions.
No, he hasn’t had great lifetime stats but maybe this year is a good year for him. He hit 21 homers for Cinci in 2006.
Anyway… Just a wild suggestion.
Just strange why so many people are high on Omar Infante when we all know he isn’t going to bat .349 for the season. His lifetime BA is .264 with only a .700 OPS which is not very good. But maybe he has figured out how to hit. If that’s the case, then what about Ross?
I just don’t get the line ups that Bobby keeps putting out there. Ross was batting 8th and McLouth leading off yesterday and yet Ross has the highest OPS on the team and McLouth has the most home runs. In fact, McLouth hits a homer and drives in 4?
McFann :Ô:
June 19th, 2009
1:29 pm
Fange1–
No, but he reads it all the time. My Dad’s posted a couple times…
RHR–
Thanks! I would never dye my hair…haha, if for no other reason than the fact that I’d prob’ly be hideous with blonde hair! Nothing wrong with blonde…unless it would ever be on my head. Funny, my brother and sister had blonde-ish hair when they were younger, but mine’s always been dark.
just the dark/light contrast is my personal fave.
Well, thank you again!
Roman Gal–
Enjoyed your Disney Princess story! Actually, last night’s various conversations were very entertaining.
DAP
June 19th, 2009
1:30 pm
slugger i dont think the braves would need to trade 6 guys for owings. nor would they. he would be an experiment for the braves, not worth that many guys, and hes a 5th starter for the reds, also not a piece that usually requires a big haul. but id be all for trying him out, a long as we had alternatives if it doesnt work.
Slugger www.theweeklyscene.com
June 19th, 2009
1:30 pm
Daslied -
Do you know why Micah pitches well against the Braves? He loves Atlanta (just like Jon Mark) and loves the Braves, and he’s a competitor. The mental part (that can sometimes hinder a player’s performance) can disappear when said player is focusing on something like playing against his home-town, favorite team.
Slugger www.theweeklyscene.com
June 19th, 2009
1:31 pm
DAP -
I was obviously being a little sacrastic saying we need to send 6 guys, but my point was we’re not really going to MISS any of those 6 guys.
Slugger www.theweeklyscene.com
June 19th, 2009
1:33 pm
Bravesfan -
About David Ross… it’s risky if you play your backup catcher at another positon and start him the same game as your starting catcher because injuries could literally leave you without a catcher in a freak scenario.
DAP
June 19th, 2009
1:33 pm
agreed, slugger.
AndyC
June 19th, 2009
1:35 pm
SoWeGa Fanatic
Where are you located?
SoWeGa Fanatic
June 19th, 2009
1:35 pm
“My point about David Ross is that if he can play LF or 1B then why not put him out there occasionally to get the big bat in the line up? Maybe he can’t but I’ve never seen any suggestions.”
It’s been suggested several times. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean he can do it.
BossLady
June 19th, 2009
1:37 pm
Why is the AJC constantly putting John Smoltz on the front page of the Braves page? He left the team on his own and chose more money also
dissing the organization every chance he gets to do so. It’s like when you move on to another life you should leave the past behind. Why don’t they have Hanson – Escobar – Vasquez – Lowe – Brian McCann pictures? It does not make for better reading and truly annoys me to
the extent that I hate it more than Steve Crane at Stone Mtn Toyota
and that is a lot of hate. What is the draw since he is still not
pitching and they don’t know if he will be successful. Glavine was to me as successful and his picture is not on the front page. Maddux’s
retirement is coming up soon and his picture is not up there.
Congratulations to the Braves on their win yesterday. It is a shame when a team earns congrats for just 1 win. I take what I can but this
past week has been a disaster. I have read the blog daily and the amount of frustration and disappointment felt by true fans is too much.
We are starting a big week of games. It seems the Braves play the top teams well and lose to the bad teams. They lower the bad teams eras and increase their batting averages
The Love Child of Dale Murphy and Johnny Cash
June 19th, 2009
1:37 pm
I may be mistaken, but I thought the Hall of Fame took the decision of what hat a player was going to wear away from the player. I thought some HOF committee was making those decisions now.
TBrown
June 19th, 2009
1:37 pm
DOB –
No rush. You’re entitled to take your time with the blog based on the 5 hours (and that’s without rain delays) of Far East baseball you’ll be covering tonight.
Turtsnap
June 19th, 2009
1:38 pm
DOB, no one likes to play the “What if” game, but….. what if all three games get rained out this weekend? How would MLB possibly reschedule a whole series? WOW!!
bravesfanforever
June 19th, 2009
1:39 pm
DAP…
Being young does mean you can steal bases. Anyone can steal a base if you just learn how to do it. Not saying everyone is going to be a speed burner but even the slowest guys can swipe a few. Stealing bases isn’t just about speed. This team is just 100% DEAD SLOW and that doesn’t need to happen. I can guaranty you that Francoeur could steal 20 but Bobby wouldn’t allow it and the team philosophy wouldn’t allow it.
There is just too much that would need to be done to this team to build them back up during the season so yeah, the build up is going to have to occur after the season unfortunately. Exercise the option on Hudson and trade him next year.
It’s just all wishful thinking DAP. There probably isn’t going to be much activity by the trade deadline. Most things that fans discuss won’t happen but it makes for interesting reading anyway.
(By the way, I know Norton is on the DL, and if there is any POSSIBILITY of Ross playing elsewhere such as LF or 1B I would explore it. Not going to happen though since I’m not the manager. Just remember the name. I’m not as foolish as you think).
winterville
June 19th, 2009
1:42 pm
I just saw this link for Derek Lowe’s blog. He’s talking about how it will be cool to go back to Boston and compete. It’s worth a look if it hasn’t been posted already.
http://dereklowe.mlblogs.com/
bravesfanforever
June 19th, 2009
1:44 pm
You can’t run your team as if you think there are going to be freak accidents. You can’t prepare for those. Sammons can be brought up from AAA.
I know I’m opening myself up to criticism but it would be great if we could trade away Kotchman and alternate Ross and McCann at first base. That is if they can play 1B. But if it was me, *I* could play the position. Not going to happen but it’s a thought…
Don’t rip me because I can dream just like anyone else.
I’m not one to be dumb enough to 1) Be dead on serious about anything and 2) act like I’m in charge.
mustrdgasnroses
June 19th, 2009
1:44 pm
The Love Child…,
Yes, the a committee makes the decision now, as to what hat a player wears when he enters the hall. The decision was taken away from the player when teams started offering incentives for players to wear their hat. The committee chooses the team the player played for which he had the most impact, taking into consideration time spent with the team as well. John Smoltz will enter the hall with a Braves cap on his head.
SoWeGa Fanatic
June 19th, 2009
1:45 pm
AndyC, Sylvester. Out in the woods.
TBrown
June 19th, 2009
1:45 pm
I think McLouth, Frenchy, and Kelly should all be given the green light to run. All three, very sound baserunners with great, above-average, and good speed. Time for the manager to mold to the roster he has for a change.
Efrim
June 19th, 2009
1:46 pm
Little piece on Randall Delgado, who made the Baseball America Hot Sheet this week:
The Scoop: The majority of Latin American players come from the Dominican Republic or Venezuela, but the Braves are among the most active teams scouting in Panama and Colombia. The Braves spent $600,000 last year on catcher Christian Bethancourt, while Delgado, a fellow Panamanian, is garnering scouts’ attention higher up the ladder with low Class A Rome. Delgado’s ERA is up there at 4.91 through 51 1/3 innings, but the projectable righthander also has struck out 56 batters with a fastball that can get into the low-90s. His control needs work, but with Tommy Hanson in the big leagues and Jeff Locke now in the Pirates system, Delgado is one of the best minor league arms the Braves have.
Slugger www.theweeklyscene.com
June 19th, 2009
1:47 pm
It’s interesting with McCann and Ross. Ross throws guys out about a 10% higher clip than Mac, but Mac is getting better every year. Generally you’d rather have Ross catching everyday with Mac’s bat in the lineup every day. But it’s easier to find a position player that can hit than to find another catcher like Mac that can be a decent catcher and an elite hitter (when compared to hitters at that positon).
This will also be Mac’s 3rd All-Star game in a row as a catcher, with no visible signs of slowing down. So Mac is going to probably stay a C and hopefully go into the HoF one day.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 19th, 2009
1:48 pm
DOB:
Any roster moves for the this series?
DAP
June 19th, 2009
1:48 pm
bravesfanforever
youre right. anyone can steal 20 bases in a season. but how many attempts does it take is the question. not just anybody can steal bases at a rate that makes it worth the attempts, and i think frenchy is one of those guys.
but i agree with your general point, that things should be pushed a little bit…especially when the team is struggling to score runs.
Slugger www.theweeklyscene.com
June 19th, 2009
1:48 pm
bravesfan -
I’m kinda with you though, I wish there was some way to get Ross’ bat in the same lineup with McCann.
SoWeGa Fanatic
June 19th, 2009
1:50 pm
Turtsnap, a tripleheader.
cabravesfan
June 19th, 2009
1:51 pm
Slugger-
It will actually be Mac’s 4th All Star Game in a row
FloridaBrave
June 19th, 2009
1:51 pm
Thanks for that update on Delgado, Efrim. His last two starts have been fantastic- he’s about to take off…
Lew
June 19th, 2009
1:54 pm
BravesFanForever-That’s a couple of times now you’ve mentioned trading Tim Hudson. You are aware that even if he is able to comeback in August (which looks to be the case, but he has not had any of the common setbacks), that it will only be a year since the surgery? Typically, starting pitchers take a year and a half to come back strong-you’ve seen the difficulties that Moyan and Gonzo had and they’re just relievers? -and it can be another couple of months after the year and a half to feel at full strength.
Hudson’s option next year is for $12 million. No one is going to pay that to him (not to mention trading anything close to what he’s worth) even if he DOES have a few good outings late this year (which is certainly NOT indelibly written). He has also mentioned going to the pen when he returns (so he could get back earlier) and that won’t exactly inspire teams to take on a high salary not knowing how long he can go or how effective he might b as a starter.
I think people are counting way to much on Tim’s unhatched chickens. You’re expecting way too much way too soon. We’ll be lucky to get any kind of decent performance from him this year, much less have him become a great trade piece.
PWHjort
June 19th, 2009
1:56 pm
Randall Delgado in the low 90’s? I’ve watched 2 of his starts this year sitting next to a scotansy both of them and he has sat at 92-93 occasionally touching 95 or 96. He throws hard. Not Teheran
hard, but hard.
PWHjort
June 19th, 2009
1:58 pm
Sorry for the mangled post. I suck at typing.
Steve from OH
June 19th, 2009
1:58 pm
I can guaranty you that Francoeur could steal 20 but Bobby wouldn’t allow it and the team philosophy wouldn’t allow it.
That’s because he’d get caught so often it would make those 20 SB a net negative for our run potential. Bobby’s philosophy is correct IMO because teams as a whole don’t usually have a good enough SB% to make it worthwhile to steal bases. And this team certainly wouldn’t. Picking your spots to steal bases during a situation that calls for it is fine, but putting all your run scoring eggs in the SB basket is a terrible strategy. Even if you make out, the net gain isn’t likely to be all that significant in the long run anyway.
McFann :Ô:
June 19th, 2009
1:59 pm
cabravesfan–
Man! You beat me to the punch! I was just about to tell Slugger that!
But it’s not like I was slacking off…I was on foxsports.com watching their clips of BMac’s Spotlight. Glad you got to see it last night! I’m totally with you about him as a kid–him walking around in the windbreaker with the hood up hitting the ball around the yard is too cute! And I love the story about when he was the bat-boy for Brad’s team.
Slugger But it’s easier to find a position player that can hit than to find another catcher like Mac that can be a decent catcher and an elite hitter (when compared to hitters at that positon).
So true! Though one could argue that he’s not just an elite hitter when compared to other catchers, he’s an elite hitter when compared to just about anybody.
Daslied
June 19th, 2009
1:59 pm
Slugger, I appreciate your opinion of my attitude. Yours is stellar, by the way.
Real-life examples?
The aforementioned Tim Hudson: 1997 Auburn season: .396 BA, 18 hr, 95 rbi)
Career MLB OPS? .394
There are TONS of examples of pitchers who killed the ball in their pre-MLB days and then flamed out once they got there. Even the guys considered good-hitting pitchers are below Francoeur (.734 career OPS)stat-wise.
Carlos Zambrano (.635 career OPS)
Mike Hampton (.645 career OPS)
Yovani Gallardo (.616 career OPS)
Dontrelle Willis (.637 career OPS)
**Micah Owings (.901 OPS in 164 career PA)**
**Francoeur, in his first 274 PA, had an OPS of .884.**
Francoeur was about the same in a larger sample size at the start of his career. What makes you think pitchers won’t figure out Owings after half a season like they did with Francoeur?
I’m not saying Owings couldn’t be a decent position player GIVEN A FEW YEARS TO WORK ON IT. He very well could be. Rick Ankiel’s the best recent example, and it took him two years in the minors. Adam Loewen’s been at it since 2008. How’s he doing? .584 OPS in high A ball.
I understand now that you were joking about sending 6 players for Owings. Still, don’t give me crap for questioning a borderline insane idea.
McFann :Ô:
June 19th, 2009
2:03 pm
They’re not showing rain in Boston till tomorrow. Course, I s’pose that could change.
They can’t go into a rain delay tonight or tomorrow night, anyway–they’re on PTV, nuthin to show during the delay…
cabravesfan
June 19th, 2009
2:04 pm
McFann-
That Spotlight pretty much made my night
He was (and is) jsut so adorable! How can you not root for a guy like that? 
Canadaian braves fan
June 19th, 2009
2:04 pm
folks would any of you be kind enough to help me. I created a bolg site, http://www.newblogofbraves.blogspot.com for a school project and just put up a poll question. Would any of you take the time to comment or vote.Thanks much appreiciated
Bob-o
June 19th, 2009
2:06 pm
DOB,
Sure your fairly upset too at the burn down of the GA Theatre… Lot of good memories in that place. Last show I saw was Fuzzy sprouts/dubconscience back in April. Really gonna miss that place brotha..
McFann :Ô:
June 19th, 2009
2:07 pm
cabravesfan–
Ain’t it the truth!
How can you not root for a guy like that?
I don’t know…maybe Clint Hurdle could explain that one…?
FloridaBrave
June 19th, 2009
2:07 pm
Thanks, PWH. That threw me off in the Delgado report also.
Knowitall
June 19th, 2009
2:10 pm
SoWeGa Fanatic
I grew up just outside of Sylvester. Went to grade school there. You still live there….Sorry!
AndyC
June 19th, 2009
2:11 pm
SoWeGa Fanatic
You’re right. It is hotter there. I’m in the Athens area.
Vinings Jim
June 19th, 2009
2:11 pm
Enter your comments here
Canadaian braves fan
June 19th, 2009
2:11 pm
Thank you folks
Nostradumbo
June 19th, 2009
2:13 pm
I predict Garret Anderson will be World Series MVP.
I predict Jeff Bennett will be NL Cy Young recipient.
I predict Jeff Francoeur takes Triple Crown.
I predict Kelly Johnson wins Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award, is voted Favorite Brave by fans.
I’m exhausted, that’s all I’ve got right now…sorry…..
McFann :Ô:
June 19th, 2009
2:13 pm
Mark Bowmen has a very good article about Jurrjens and his (JJ’s) dad on the “Official Site”. Very good read.
N8
June 19th, 2009
2:13 pm
Lew, your 1:54 post is EXACTLY why Vazquez will be moved this winter (if not before then if the Braves are “out of it”).
Provided Hudson doesn’t have any setbacks, I think it’s reasonable for him to be “expected” to be the 5th starter going into next season, and if he provides more, GREAT. Other factors would be Hansons’ development. JJJ showing the ability to “hold up” with back to back big innings seasons. Whether Minor is ready to help going into next year. Which I suspect he will be, which is why he was drafted instead of HS guys like the Braves normally take. Along with seeing where KK goes as he gets used to the American “rotation” of only 5 guys. Because barring injury, we know exactly what we’ll get with Lowe.
I still have my money on Vazquez and one (if not both) of Soriano and Gonzo getting moved before July 31st. Yeah, I know it’s early, and I’m not saying it’s impossible for the Braves to get back in this thing. But I’m pretty sure it can’t be done without upgrading at least two more position players. Is Wren willing to give up more future to take that chance? I don’t think he will.
If I recall, many people said I was insane for predicting that Tex would be moved too. ALL of this, is fallout from the Tex deal, IMO.
The Tex deal was such a bad one (in hindsight), that Wren is NOT going to make that same mistake just for a “shot” at making a run. If this team is a game or two back, and a player away from being a serious WS contender, then he’ll make a move. But he’s not going to make a big move and sacrifice 3 or 4 more prospects (especially after making the McLouth move).
I think our biggest “move” to add offense will be when Schafer is brought back up, and McLouth will replace a corner OF. Other than that, it’s going to be a fringe move or a move like the Hermedia for Jeff trade (trading crap for crap with another team – trying to give each guy a fresh start).
Dye, Hawpe, Holiday, DeRosa, etc… are NOT going to be wearing a Braves uniform this year, imo.
Vinings Jim
June 19th, 2009
2:14 pm
There is something seriously wrong with my keypad – I’ll be back.
Wayne in Utah
June 19th, 2009
2:17 pm
What is the latest on Julio Teheran?
Wayne in Utah
June 19th, 2009
2:19 pm
RHR
What’s wrong with thinning, grey hair and hazel eyes??
brian
June 19th, 2009
2:21 pm
with no starting pitching on the market (ESPN.com had an article of the lack of starting pitchers expected to be available though there will be a great demand for them) vazquez could net a nice ransom from some pitching starved contender
Wayne in Utah
June 19th, 2009
2:21 pm
DOB
Does Francoeur realize he could be precipitously close to not being a Brave a month from now?
Do you think he would be interested in a AAA trip to work on his game?
Nostradumbo
June 19th, 2009
2:23 pm
I predict that Wayne In Utah is a geezer with hazel eyes.
Steve from OH
June 19th, 2009
2:25 pm
Wayne–he’ll probably start the season with Danville.
Lew
June 19th, 2009
2:26 pm
Nathan and Brian-Vazquez, but NOT Hudson. I’m thinking the Braves won’t deal Vazquez until the winter, though. They’ll stay around .500 (unless they actually start to play like they should have played all along) and Wren will be looking for that “missing piece” and not selling. I also would imagine they’ll try to offer a deal to either Soriano or Moylan, unless they decide that Medlen might make a good closer or Hudson shines in the pen (though that’s not likely they’d keep him there).
Billy Walsh
June 19th, 2009
2:27 pm
If I were Wren…I would look to move Vazquez and Soriano as well. In addition, I would try and unload both Johnson and Francoeur for low A prospects. Then you have a decision to make. Do you exerise Hudson’s option or let him walk? Their are two free agents next year that the Braves should persue. Orlando Hudson and a blog favorite-Carl Crawford. Imagine an outfield of Schaefer, McClouth, and Crawford.
Shamus Thacker
June 19th, 2009
2:27 pm
Extended Spring Training wouldn’t hurt in Frenchy’s case.
Wayne in Utah
June 19th, 2009
2:27 pm
Nostradumbo
You are so perceptive!
Anders
June 19th, 2009
2:27 pm
varodrunner: Smoltz made it clear (not that there was any doubt, really) in today’s AJC article that he’s a Brave at heart, will go to Hall with Braves cap on, etc. (DOB)
I’ve asked before an apologize if you answered and I didn’t see it, but didn’t the HOF take away the players right to choose the cap their plaque has? I think Boggs offering to choose the D’Rays cap for $ was the final straw. If that’s so, can a player still choose to have no insgnia on the cap? Catfish Hunter went this route.
I just used your post a a segway, clearly this doesn’t apply to Smoltz.
SoWeGa Fanatic
June 19th, 2009
2:28 pm
“I grew up just outside of Sylvester. Went to grade school there. You still live there….Sorry!”
Sorry? For what? Hey, you ain’t one of those weirdos we ran off are you? We may have gone to school together.
Wayne in Utah
June 19th, 2009
2:30 pm
Could Hudson be what Smotz was in the bullpen???
Anders
June 19th, 2009
2:31 pm
cabravesfan – I just saw your comment about the Braves palying a make up on Monday against the Cubs already scheduled. When I looked earlier today on the Braves schedule that was an open day. Was that added today?
Perhaps I just missed it. Wouldn’t be the first time.
RHR
June 19th, 2009
2:32 pm
Nothing at all, Wayne.
Anyone know where the Braves stay in Boston?
SoWeGa Fanatic
June 19th, 2009
2:33 pm
“Could Hudson be what Smotz was in the bullpen???”
Huddy’s good, but doesn’t have the blow away stuff Smoltz had.
Tim Hudson
June 19th, 2009
2:33 pm
Wayne – No.
Vinings Jim
June 19th, 2009
2:35 pm
cabravesfan – having a good day off? The only session I had scheduled today cancelled (forty year old guy, so no major disappointment), so I’ve had lots of time to watch the action from my old stomping grounds in Bethpage.
bravesfaninmassland
June 19th, 2009
2:40 pm
I think we’ll probably get the games in this weekend, but they’ll probably be delayed. The weather in these parts has been absolutely atrocious this summer.
I have bleacher seats for tomorrow’s game, and I’m just hoping for a better one than the last time I caught the Braves at Fenway. A cold drizzle fell the entire game and Anthony Lerew and Mark Redman both got absolutely lit up. I think the Sox scored 14 runs that day. It was a long, long game, especially with the weather. Hoping for bluer skies and better pitching tomorrow.
N8
June 19th, 2009
2:42 pm
Anders, you are correct, it was the Boggs thing that made them make the change. I had a long post about it earlier, that the blog (of course) “ate”.
N8
June 19th, 2009
2:43 pm
Anders, here you go:
“Before his retirement, Boggs was plagued by newspaper reports that the expansion Devil Rays gave him financial compensation in return for selecting a Devil Rays cap for his plaque at the Baseball Hall of Fame, though he has denied that any such condition was part of his contract.[9] In light of those reports (and other rumors that teams were offering number retirement, money, or organizational jobs in exchange for the cap designation) the Hall decided in 2001 to change its practice of deferring to players wishes regarding cap logo selection, and reinforced the Hall’s authority to determine with which cap the player would be depicted. The Hall decided that Boggs would eventually be depicted wearing a Boston cap for his 2005 induction, despite his acrimonious relationship with Red Sox management. During the Hall of Fame player introductions of the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, he decided to wear the Yankees cap instead.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wade_Boggs
NC Braves Fan
June 19th, 2009
2:48 pm
DOB: with 23 games in 24 days, are the Braves entertaining the idea of adding another bullpen arm from Gwinnett and going with 11 pitchers until the ASB?
SoWeGa Fanatic
June 19th, 2009
2:51 pm
NC Braves Fan, instead of doing that, they could just allow Medlen to pitch a little.
Efrim
June 19th, 2009
2:54 pm
I think it’s a big risk to trade Vazquez before we know what we have with Hudson. I’d wait until December or even January if the market for starters is slower. This team is planning on contending in 2010. One year of Javy Vazquez isn’t going to net you as many elite prospects/young players as you think. He may end up having more value to this team by pitching for them, rather than against them. I understand the rationale in trading Gonzo and especially Soriano(again, 6.1 millon this year, and if you aren’t planning on re-signing him, I’d be surprised to see them offer arbitration so that they can net the compensation draft picks. That’s a hefty raise for an oft-injured late inning relief pitcher). I just don’t understand the reasoning behind dealing Vazquez this July when you intend on competing next year. I’d rather risk keeping Javy and his value dropping than risk trading him and relying on a 35 year old coming off Tommy John surgery. I have faith in Tim Hudson, guy is great, but you just never know.
Original Jon
June 19th, 2009
2:55 pm
NC Braves Fan, there are 12 pitchers on the roster right now. Not sure what you mean by going with 11
SHOULDA GOT DUNN
June 19th, 2009
2:55 pm
DOB are you going to put a new blog up or just keep fartin around and complaining about the weather!?
do your job
Knowitall
June 19th, 2009
2:56 pm
SoWeGA Fanatic,
Yes, I ran away. I have no idea how old you are but I graduated in 91.
Actually, I liked country living and never dreamed of living in the big city. Fortunatley work led me to Atlanta and outside of the traffic, I love it.
Anders
June 19th, 2009
2:58 pm
Dap – Thanks for the info on the HOF cap thing. Anything about leaving the cap blank? Can a player choose that? Look at a guy like A-Rod (Roids aside). What cap would they put on him? He may want it blank.
getsomepower
June 19th, 2009
2:59 pm
DAP
June 19th, 2009
1:28 pm
bravesfanforever the season is far from over, and the braves have a team that can win. mostly because of the pitching. if the offense gels a bit, they can make a run. no reason to sell now.
We’ll see after these next 13 games if Braves are still in it. That said, Braves need a 7-6 stretch, and hope for the teams they are chasing to have similar records over that stretch.
NC Braves Fan
June 19th, 2009
3:03 pm
Original Jon: thanks! I didn’t realize they were carrying that many already.
Can any of them hit?
Slugger www.theweeklyscene.com
June 19th, 2009
3:03 pm
Anybody think maybe we should hold on to Javy Vazquez?
Unless we can trade him to Texas for Justin Smoak…
Then we basically traded Flowers for Smoak.
getsomepower
June 19th, 2009
3:04 pm
Subplots abound for the Braves —-
KK vs. Dice K, and KK will be GAME. He will keep us in it.
Lowe vs. former club tomorrow
Hanson vs. A-Rod, Teixeira, and Joba vs. Yankees on Tuesday.
CB
June 19th, 2009
3:04 pm
The next 13 games will be the key to the season, if it is a disaster pack your bags for this season, start planning for 2010.
ChopHasFlopped
June 19th, 2009
3:04 pm
It’s funny that everyone is dogging Frenchy and rightfully so, but he’s one of their top hitters of late. He’s hitting something like .350 over the last month. Chipper is hitting .140 and no one every approaches the subject of Chipper Jones not producing. After these next four series, Atlanta will be in selling mode. I have read the comments about how the Braves can win this year because they have good pitching. Frank Wren and Bobby Cox are trying to manage this team like they have John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux and Steve Avery in their prime. When those guys were around, you could score one or two runs a game and win. The current Braves rotation is good, but not that good. The Braves need more hitting. Period. That is glaringly obvvious. So, if Frank Wren and Bobby Cox believe otherwise, they can start dealing now and pile up the prospects. Oh, no, that will come after Boston(twice), the Yankees and, oh, yes, the division leaders and reigning World Champs, the Philadelphia Phillies.
DAP
June 19th, 2009
3:04 pm
anders on behalf of N8, youre welcome.
efrim but is it really that much of a risk to trade vazquez, considering all the pitching we have. we could trade vazquez, if we got some good players in return, and if hudson has set backs, weve got medlen. its a risk, but one that could be worth taking depending on what vazquez could get us.
Original Jon
June 19th, 2009
3:07 pm
NC Braves Fan, yeah, Hanson had a hit yesterday, and I hear that Medlen use to be a hitter as well.
timthebrave
June 19th, 2009
3:08 pm
Dave O Brien, I don’t know if you heard but the Georgia Theatre in athens burned down. A real sad day for my Athens peeps. What was the best concert you’ve seen there? I saw REM play there under a different name. Derick Trucks and Widespread Panic were also great. Saw the Wailers there a few times. Many movies and late night dancing in college…..I hope they rebuild. Many many great nights spent there
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
June 19th, 2009
3:09 pm
Slugger,
I’ve seen a lot of hype on Smoak. I know he’s a 1B in the Texas organization, but not much else. Maybe you can enlighten?
NEW CARS
June 19th, 2009
3:09 pm
I have wondered for awhile about the possibility of packaging Vazquez or a reliever with Francouer to the Angels and getting Brandon Wood and a prospect. Then we could start transitioning chipper to first and put wood at 3b…Kotchman could then be dealt for an outfield bat or prospects….3B is one of our big challenges in the future and Chipper could play 1b for a couple of years, because Freeman probably has a couple of years before he’s ready
McLouth of the South
June 19th, 2009
3:10 pm
Efrim, I couldn’t disagree more. My personal opinion is that Vazquez will get worse as the weather heats up. Trading him, then using the money to help turn Escobar and Kotchman, two somewhat attractive commodities, into two power bats along the lines of a Ross and LaRoche as I mentioned before, would make the Braves better THIS YEAR while also clearing payroll for this offseason to spend on a hitter. I truly believe the power difference will easily offset any difference between Vazquez and Medlen. My opinion, feel free to disagree.
Original Jon
June 19th, 2009
3:10 pm
NEW CARS, Chipper has said time and time again that he is not moving to 1st base. So stop already.
Efrim
June 19th, 2009
3:13 pm
“but is it really that much of a risk to trade vazquez, considering all the pitching we have. we could trade vazquez, if we got some good players in return, and if hudson has set backs, weve got medlen. its a risk, but one that could be worth taking depending on what vazquez could get us.”
DAP, while I like what I have see from Medlen, I’m not ready to say that he can take one of our rotation spots and run with it. By next year, maybe, but we just don’t know that right now. Like I said, personally, a risk I’d rather not take unless we were getting a great haul. And I just can’t see that for Vazquez.
“Unless we can trade him to Texas for Justin Smoak…”
Now, hold on. I know Texas would love to get a starter that misses bats, but Justin Smoak? I would be really suprised if Texas was willing to do something like that.
cphizzle
June 19th, 2009
3:14 pm
does it not get old you to you people day in and out reading…hey lets trade frenchy to the angels…lets trade frenchy to the A’s…the trade francouer to the red sox…lets trade him to the indians. we its gettin purty freakin old to me. if he does get traded so be it but until then shut up and support him
David O'Brien
June 19th, 2009
3:14 pm
Not raining now, but supposed to again later. Sun was actually out for a while. I think I saw some Bostonians melting on Brookline.
LT200
June 19th, 2009
3:16 pm
Well said cphizzle!
McLouth of the South
June 19th, 2009
3:19 pm
Oh, and as for gauging the return, it isn’t always just about the quality of the player in question. As of right now, if you put Vazquez on tha market as the current NL strikeout leader, you would have multiple teams bidding for his services. At first glance I’m sure you’d be talking to Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Toronto. Any time you have this scenario and have the best AVAILABLE arm on the market you can demand a lot.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
June 19th, 2009
3:21 pm
McLouth of the South,
Yes, but what can you expect in return from these teams? Do they have the bat that we need? Prospect wise what do they have? What could you see the Braves getting in return?
cphizzle
June 19th, 2009
3:21 pm
thanks LT200…boy do i feel better after gettin that off my chest. i ought to vent more often