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
1,699 comments Add your comment
Doc Holiday
June 20th, 2009
10:53 am
Thats what I said on my 2nd thought about the situation………….he is owe tons of money……..just not worth it.
nolie
June 20th, 2009
10:54 am
-I don’t think the Braves left Glavine ride into the sunset because they couldn’t afford to pay McLouth. I think they let him go because he wasn’t going to be worth the million and it was time for Hanson’s ascension. (LEW)
finances have played a limiting role with this team all year. Winner signings, Glavine/Hanson, and the cheap draft. I’m sure some of it was Hanson being ready, but that mil for McLouth was big.
Vol_In_Ohio
June 20th, 2009
10:56 am
I was one of the people who thought Magglio for Frenchy could be one of those “why not try it” for both teams, but didn’t realize until after reading Lew’s email how much money is owed.
I do think the Tigers would trade him straight up in a second for anyone, including the worst minor leaguer anywhere if they could dump most of that salary. Frenchy would be a bonus.
DirtyDawg
June 20th, 2009
10:58 am
Hey ‘Viewing Tips’, you’re off-base with your criticism of Chip. He makes comments and observations because that’s what they pay him to do…and fortunately for us, those comments are always about what’s going on on the field. Unlike Joe and his other partner, Boooger, who go off on tangents that have absolutely nothing to do with the action and miss a large part of what they should be commenting on. So Chip exaggerated about the Bay HR, the point was made – namely that it’s a hellovalot easier to hit it out in left at Fenway than it was (and is) in Pittsburgh. Joe’s problem is that with Boog, he’s got a kindred spirit that will wander off with him and gab about stuff that has nothing to do with why we’re watching the game. With Chip he’s faced with somebody that’s not only smarter than he is but knows a lot more about effective broadcasting than he does.
nolie
June 20th, 2009
10:58 am
Think he’d be an improvement over OUR RF…(Pratt)
not really. he ain’t doing enough better to justify the salary increase. he is expensive and not hitting with any power
Doc Holiday
June 20th, 2009
11:00 am
Braves are just above the league average in sacrifices ………….. aint that weird? Only 6 teams are, in the NL, and we are one of those teams.
Doc Holiday
June 20th, 2009
11:01 am
That was referring to bunts………….but we also are above avg in SF.
Doc Holiday
June 20th, 2009
11:01 am
Braves pitching ranked 5 in WHIP
Doc Holiday
June 20th, 2009
11:03 am
next to last in Pass balls.
Doc Holiday
June 20th, 2009
11:03 am
2nd best in caught stealing % defensively.
Random
June 20th, 2009
11:06 am
chrisw148 (June 19th, 2009 7:24 pm): “You just saw the story of the Braves offense, the bottom of the lineup is bad, very bad. The Phils or the Mets when healthy would put about 4 runs on the board. See why we are in 4th place.”
No, I’m afraid I don’t see that from what happened in the 1st.
Leaving aside quibbling as to whether the 6th hitter is in the “bottom” or “middle” of the line-up, the 6th batter — Matt Diaz — struck out with the bases loaded. Matt Diaz, OPSing .779 so far this year. Matt Diaz, with 26 SOs in 138 PAs or 1 SO every 5.3 PA.
Is Matt Diaz “why we are in 4th place”? I don’t see that.
The 7th batter — Casey Kotchman — hit a sharp, solid line drive. Unfortunately, it went straight to the first baseman who easily made the unassisted double play.
Is the bottom of the order hitting sharp, solid line drives “why we are in 4th place”? I don’t see that either.
All I see is another unthinking, mouth breathing bleater ignorantly and emotionally complaining about matters for which he has no apparent understanding.
Sorry ’bout that — I just calls ‘em as I sees ‘em.
SoWeGa Fanatic
June 20th, 2009
11:07 am
Doc, you are making McFann’s day.
Braveheart
June 20th, 2009
11:08 am
DirtyDawg, the game is on television. It’s a visual medium. It’s ain’t radio. Why the hell do you want your television broadcasters announcing it like it is a game being heard on radio? The reality is television broadcasts should be conducted more and more like they are talk radio shows being simulcast over a live video feed of a baseball game. I don’t need some announcer telling me what I just saw. When I go to the Ted, my friends don’t tell me what I just saw, we just talk about everything under the sun, and react to something that happens during the game. If my friend started telling me what i was watching or what I just saw, I’d soak him in beer. So why should it be any different when I’ watch a game at home? Why would I need an announcer telling me what I’m seeing or just saw? Seems silly to me. Just would rather have them chat about life and sh!t and react to things that go on just like they were sitting in the stands or in my living room with me.
Doc Holiday
June 20th, 2009
11:09 am
Vazquez is 2nd in the league in WHIP (1.007)
Anders
June 20th, 2009
11:10 am
Hey, Just read Furman Bishers article on trading Chipper. Hmm.. Interesting take. Of course I’ve been saying that for months now. I look forward to DOB’s blog in about a year that say’s “If you look back to the off season after the 2008 season that was probably the time they should have moved Chipper”.
You know, kind of like now selling all of you on how Glavine hasn’t had it since May of 2007. What ever did happen to all those”quality starts” DOB was pointing at back in late 2007?
Doc Holiday
June 20th, 2009
11:12 am
SoWeGa Fanatic ,
Not that much………2nd in PBs?
Lots of improvement on throwing out runner thoug
Doc Holiday
June 20th, 2009
11:12 am
though
Doc Holiday
June 20th, 2009
11:15 am
Man Javy Vazquez 2nd on WHIP and leading the way in Ks and not much to show for it in his record or ERA.
Lew
June 20th, 2009
11:17 am
Braveheart-It was interesting -during the Cincinnati series, I saw the Reds’ feed on MLB Extra Innings. During one game they sat there and interviewed Aaron Harang for an entire inning with no commentary and a picture of the game in the corner. It was somewhat lacking, but like they say-That picture is worth many of some announcer’s words. Red Sox announcers do the same all of the time-especially when Jerry Remy is there.
Supes
June 20th, 2009
11:17 am
Anders, would you shut the frak up man about trading Chipper.
How about this…I suggest your precious METS trade David Wright. Yip, I’ll keep bringing this up every year, and now that his POWER has diminished in the “black hole” that is that ugly new stadium of yours…I told you, trade him in 2008, his value would have never been higher. We may never see HR numbers in the 30’s from Mr Met ever again? :HUSH: now what?
I think Bisher has went off the deep end, and I liked what KC posted about it a few pages back. Right on KC, keeping it real.
FYI…Maggs is “off the juice” and his power is gone. 2 HR. That’s a worst decline in production than the golden boy, mighty Jeff FRANCINE.
Not that I’m keeping “track” but I am…Ludwick hit his 10th last night (after not being right for about a month due to that injury) and drove in 4 RBI’s (happend to be a grand slam).
What has Jeff or Kelly done for the Braves lately. Have either of them had a 4RBI day recently? The last big game I remember from Kelly was the 3 doubles against Arizona (last game of the west coast roadtrip) that Medlen pitched.
Yeah…Ludwick would look real nice in RF right now. On pace for another 30+HR and 100+RBI with an above average slugging and OPS.
Lew
June 20th, 2009
11:19 am
That being said-the only thing about Chip that drives me nuts is his constant “There’s a deep fly to center” and the ball is about thirty feet behind second base. IMO, if the ball isn’t hit at least to the track, it ain’t a deep fly ball.
PWHjort
June 20th, 2009
11:19 am
As a rule of thumb, the Braves should generally just do the exact opposite of whatever Furman Bitcher suggests.
David O'Brien
June 20th, 2009
11:20 am
Braveheart: Good stuff this morning.
Lew: After walking down a couple of sections of Fenway to get to the field last night (usually just go through the tunnel from clubhouse), I can see where a big fella would not at all like watching a game at the Fens. Absolutely love the place myself, but man, those seats and aisles are so incredibly cramped when compared to today’s ballparks.
People were smaller when the place was built. Seriously. It’s that old.
Viewing Tips
June 20th, 2009
11:21 am
Dirty Dawg,
Look at it this way: Chip probably IS better on radio. That way, you can’t see with your own eyes that he is a moron! Just like the game earlier this year when the Braves staged a comeback in the ninth inning on the Mets. They almost came all the way back against K-Rod but fell just short.
Tying run on 3rd and winning run on second in the bottom of the ninth. Two outs, Chipper at bat. Chipper lifts a fly ball to medium right and I do mean MEDIUM right! Chip Caray starts screaming when the ball leaves Chippers bat like it’s going out! Viewers can see the right fielder settling comfortably under the ball while Chip continues to scream! Even when the ball comes to rest in the right fielder’s glove Caray is still screaming and after the fact continues that Chipper almost won it for the Braves.
He didn’t. He hit a routine fly ball to right.
Caray can get by with the crap on radio because the audience can’t see that he outright faking it!
Don’t know about you but I prefer accuracy from my announcers. That’s why I have so much distain for Chip. Every statement he makes if filled with hype. Few facts and even less knowledge comes from his mouth.
PWHjort
June 20th, 2009
11:21 am
Doc,
Vazquez is also 1st in K’s, 1st in K/9, and 2nd to Dan Haren in K/BB.
David O'Brien
June 20th, 2009
11:22 am
New Englanders, on average, were about 5-foot-1 when Fenway was built.
(OK, not serious about that. Need coffee. Later.)
Steve from OH
June 20th, 2009
11:27 am
Lew–that drives me crazy, too. Another thing I’ve noticed is that Boog seems to have turned Joe into a bit of a “stathead.” Didn’t see that one coming.
Don’t see the Braves trading Chipper. They need good hitters, need to keep him in the org following the Glav/Smoltz stuff, he’s cheap compared to his production (according to fangraphs), and he’s a 10/5 player. Did I mention that he’s still really good? I don’t see him falling off the face of the planet over the next two years production-wise.
Doc Holiday
June 20th, 2009
11:29 am
Anders,
You know nothing about it pal……… Moving Chipper is such a bad move………Its like if the orioles moved Cal Ripken or the yankees moved derek jeter.
You cant think of many of this type of players anymore…….Redsox have none………..What about the muts???? none……… Dodgers?
Not even pujols could be mentioned in that category since has not been in StL that long (as chipper).
Moving Chipper for what? You are talking about one of the few really great hitters of the last 20 years………that has shown loyalty to his team and mates. You are not talking David Wright here……….
I can guarantee you thathe will end up his career in braves uni and that is the best move they can do………..not to move him.
Are we getting 2 superstars for him in return? no.
We might get one POSSIBLE superstar…….. a big risk………….not worth it.
He is producing………..he has been healthy enough this season………more than delgado, reyes, putz, maine and now possibly santana……….SO………….Show some respect to the guy my friend.
Doc Holiday
June 20th, 2009
11:34 am
Anders,
Chipper is a guy that if healthy is producing more than the top player on more than half the teams on the league.
As we speak, he is on a pace to play 140 games………….thats good enough …………
Random
June 20th, 2009
11:34 am
chrisw148 (June 19th, 2009 7:38 pm): “Diaz Kotchman Fancouer Johnson
“That bottom 4 is one of the worst in the NL. Not to mention AL.”
Diaz is 27th in OBP among 59 NL OFs with 100 ABs, 31st in SLG and 48th in SOs. Diaz is 50th in OBP among 109 ML OFs with 100 ABs, 53rd in SLG and 86th in SOs. Far, far from “one of the worst”.
Billy Walsh
June 20th, 2009
11:38 am
The farm system has dried up and move chipper. How about moving Furman. Now that McClouth’s bat is heating up it should be interesting to see whether the lineup will start clicking. In seeing Garret’s performance last night, I wonder if his calf is now at 100%. The man can still hit.
Anders
June 20th, 2009
11:39 am
Doc – I think Jeter is a perfect example of what happens when you can’t move a guy who isn’t near what he was. The Yanks have a real problem with him. What are they gonna pay him? Where do the play him? They’re handcuffed. Ripken also became an albatross for the Birds the last number of years.
I get why you keep iconic guys around and there’s some merit in it. But you have to recognize that there are almost always inherent costs involved both on the field and in payroll.
Clearly Chipper can still hit, but his defense from whatI’ve been reading on here is slipping and he can’t stay on the field for 150 plus games. His greatest baseball value is in the AL.
Bottom line is that my point was the same guy[s] that say I’m off base with my Chipper comments said the same thing about my Glavine comments in October 2007 and now they appear to see that differently.
Doc Holiday
June 20th, 2009
11:44 am
Billy Walsh,
McLouth heating up? He was hitting .256 on june 2nd, he is hitting .260 on june 20th. His OPS was .819 and it is .822 today…………..I dont see much steam out of that running engine.
Lew
June 20th, 2009
11:45 am
DOB-That’s what I’ve been telling you-it is NOT a place for a Person of Substance to find comfort-except they have great burgers (not really what one needs to fit into those seats). Plenty of baseball ambiance, though and tons of tradition, but it’s very difficult to sink down in your seat when the Braves are losing 13-1 and the Red Sox Nation is derisively chanting the Tomahawk Chop while you’re wearing a Braves cap and shirt.
It’s interesting-after hearing all the appropriate stats about how well Vazquez is doing despite the personal and team WL, I went and checked out his career. He’s played for 11 full seasons (plus 09). His team has finished 4th, 4th,4th,Last, 2nd (barely .500), 4th, 1st (with the Yankees and that short RF wall), 2nd (way below .500), 3rd, 4th, and 1st (did well until Ozzie Guillen had him going on 3 days rest). The Dude has just played with some really bad teams and it makes him look average at best. I think we’re seeing that much of this is circumstantial and may well have been throughout his career.
WillBrave
June 20th, 2009
11:46 am
A few thoughts on blog hot topics:
KJ vs Prado: While KJ has been terrible and probably would be well served by a trip to AAA (if he has options), my observation has been that the more frequently Prado plays, the less effective he is. I don’t have stats to back that up, but he seems to hit well when playing a couple of days a week, then struggle when he is in the lineup every day, ie when Kotchman was injured. He’d still be better than KJ has been (it would be almost impossible not to be), but I still feel the Braves long-term will be better served finding some way to get KJ back to semi-consistency. I know that ’s easier said than done.
KJ vs Francouer debate: Again, not a big stat guy, but to me KJ has been worse, because the Braves were counting on him to be a major part of the offense. Going in to the season, everyone was hopeful that Francouer would turn the corner with the new stance and all, but I think we all felt like that could go either way. Therefore, him hitting 250, while still playing pretty good defense shouldn’t come as a surprise. KJ’s numbers to me are much more disappointing, regardless of statistical analysis. I don’t like to second-guess, but in the back of my mind I wonder if batting him leadoff so much pre-McLouth didn’t screw his whole season.
Garrett Anderson: It seems like he is more of an AL type player. He needs to play (bat) every day to get/keep his swing going, but playing every day in the field seems to adversely affect his performance. I echo the sentiments of many here who wish the team could have signed Adam Dunn. I normally don’t like high strikeout/poor defense players,but that may have been the price the team needed to to pay for some much needed power. Moot point, since he is not on the team and they probably couldn’t have afforded him, Vasquez and Lowe, anyway.
Team’s chances from here on out: Right now, they look like a .500 club, much as their record indicates. I am fan, first and foremost, and hope they win every game from here on out. However, it looks to me like a lot of guys are going to have to get hot at the right time. That’s not unheard of, but is unlikely. SP is good, back end of bullpen is good, defense isn’t terrible and, from my observations, middle relief is about the same as most other teams. Very few teams pitchers 6-9 are all that great. There’s just not enough good pitching to fill all the staffs. So, I ‘m still holding out hope that all the dominos will fall into place and the braves can make a run.
To whomever referenced Roger Clyne earlier, while not one of my favorites, they have a high-energy style that is great when you need some tunes to get you going.
DOB- If you, or any other bloggers like Slaid Cleaves earlier albums, you’ll dig the new one. Very similar to his previous work, although one or two tunes on this one stand out to me more as great individual songs.
Long post,hope somebody reads it.
RHR
June 20th, 2009
11:49 am
Great game last night, didn’t get to comment much but enjoyed the show our boys put on, even if it was vs the weakest link in the Boston staff. I knew KK would put on a show and keep us in the game. Don’t like our numbers vs Beckett. Yikes. I’m sure Lowe will be geeked up to face his old team again and will be able to keep em in it. If it comes down to the bullpens, advantage red sox. And why in the world did Bobby use Soriano and Gonzo in the 8th and 9th?
Boston is a great baseball town and Fenway is one of the best. I’m jealous and wish Atlanta loved the Braves that much…and that they played a cool song in the stretch like Sweet Caroline instead of … Thank God I’m a Redn…err Country Boy.
Going to a wedding for the 1st of my daughter’s childhood friends to get married. Friends since 2nd grade, practically lived at my house growing up and the damn fool is getting married at age 20 lol. Back in time for 1st pitch – Go Braves!!
Lew
June 20th, 2009
11:50 am
Anders-There are several reasons why Chipper will NOT be traded-
1.He just signed a four year extension so he could retire a Brave
2.He is a ten/five player and can veto any trade
3. He has said repeatedly that he wants to finish as a Brave
4.The new contract gives him the final say on where he goes
5. He has lead all of MLB in batting since the start of the 06 season
6. The Braves don’t win when he’s not in the lineup and do way more often when he is
7.The Braves really don’t care what Mets’ fans think should be done.
Steve from OH
June 20th, 2009
11:50 am
Anders–just because his greatest value is in the AL (may or may not be true) doesn’t mean that it’s his greatest value to this team.
Doc Holiday
June 20th, 2009
11:52 am
Anders,
You are reading from his defense………..you remember my words next time we play the mets………..the guy is just a great fielding 3B. Not Robinson but very good. Remember you are talking about a guy that last year was flirting about hitting .400. He went 0 for 24 or something like that and he is still above .300………….he is a hitting machine, period.
Jeter is hitting .308 whats wrong with that? He has 30 RBI, thats kind of low for him but he will get to 85……….not that ugly for a guy that bats 2nd in the order. Plus……….that guy gets paid for what he does on the field and in the dogout and in the clubhouse……….like chipper…………. open your eyes…… sometimes baseball is a little bit more than just numbers, and thats where chipper and jeter come into play.
Anders
June 20th, 2009
11:53 am
Lew -Ever been to Wrigley? I am not a person of substance and I found that park more uncomfortable than Fenway. Very narrow arm rests that dig into your sides the whole game.
I really like Fenway. Plus the fans there are great. They knew I was a Met fan and even then they werevery hospitable. I think finally winning it all in 2004 has taken their edge off.
RHR
June 20th, 2009
11:57 am
DOB can you like give Anders a cookie or something so he can put his dress down and stop saying “I told you so?” I mean really…big difference in Glavine and Chipper. Of course, I can certainly understand why Anders would love to see Chipper playing in the AL and why he will continue to harp on it until the end of time but those posts are probably best suited for a Mets blog – if you happen to know of one?
Billy Walsh
June 20th, 2009
11:58 am
Doc,
In his last three games McClouth is batting 384 (5 for 13) with 2 homers, 2 doubles, 6 RBIs and 5 runs scored.
Anders
June 20th, 2009
11:58 am
Lew – Your list appears accurate. The one thing that chenges all though is if the Braves aren’t competitive. I doubt Chippr will want to hang around for 3rd andd 4th place finishes. Pressures on Wren to get them back in the playoffs. This years team wasn’t built to be a playoff team. The Phils and Mets playing barely above .500 has kept the Braves close.
If the Braves are in this same place next season I think you’ll start to hear rumblings from Chipper. He’s already started to say some things.
Anyway, while I have your attention. No comments on DOB’s refernce to May 2007 with Glavine in the blog? You were one of his oarsmen promoting TG’s quality starts in 2007. What say you now?
Lew
June 20th, 2009
11:58 am
Anders-Never been to Chicago except to change planes at O’Hare (worst airport I’ve ever been to). I doubt that any of the old stadiums were that comfortable. I saw many games at Connie Mack Stadium as a kid growing up in Philly. I wasn’t that big back then (pre- diabetes and weight gaining medications), but it wasn’t that great, either-lots of obstructed view seats, but what did you expect for a 75 cent ticket (expensive back then-more than a week’s allowance). And yes, the fans were just as obnoxious then as now-its a family tradition in Philly.
Anders
June 20th, 2009
12:00 pm
Doc – Jeter can’t run anymore and he has no range at SS at all. Yes he’ll hit .300 with about 190 hits. You want to pay $20 mil plus for that? I doubt he’d take less seeing what A-Rod got.
Lew
June 20th, 2009
12:02 pm
Anders-If Chipper wanted to go to another team and play for a Championship, he wouldn’t have signed the contract to finish his career in Atlanta. He would have become a Free Agent this winter and shopped his bat. He’s right where he wants to be. He has 11 Division Championships, A World Series ring, an MVP Award, a couple of Silver Slugger Awards, a batting Championship and he’s the second all time switch hitter and the only switch hitter in history to have 400 HR and a career .300 BA.. He’s proven all he needs to prove. Another Title won’t make him any less a HOF inductee.
beekay
June 20th, 2009
12:03 pm
Wrens offseason moves
D-Lowe-our ace having decent season, not great but solid
KK-gives you 6 strong every night,gutsy decent #4 pitcher
JV- outstanding…for Lilli and Flowers, highway robbery
Loaf- coming on after miserable start
Mcclouth- solid CF signed to a sweet contract for a 4A pitcher and a couple of low minor league players
Great job Frank!!!!!!
Anders
June 20th, 2009
12:04 pm
Lew- Agreed on the Philly fans. I will never go back to a sporting event in that town because of how they act. The more vile, the more respected they feel. Way , way out of bounds imo.
Doc Holiday
June 20th, 2009
12:04 pm
Anders,
Some facts about your statement on Derek Jeter:
His career high on HR is 24, he is no pace to hit 22. He has only hit 20 or more on 3 seasons.
He is on pace to hit 73 RBI………he has hit 80 or more only 3 times in his career.
He is no pace to hit 31 doubles………..his career avg is 34…………
So………….what did you mean with “they are stuck with him”.
He is in decline? maybe slightly………he is older, slower………….but he is producing, no doubt about it.
NY media ………. not healthy at all.
Lew
June 20th, 2009
12:06 pm
beekay-And you can add the Jurrjens/Gorkys for Renteria trade and the acquistion of Infante and Ohman last season for a scrub pitcher to his great Atlanta resume AND the signing off of the scrap heap of Eric O’Flaherty..
Random
June 20th, 2009
12:08 pm
DOB (June 19th, 2009 8:16 pm): “Of course, Dice-K is … uh, very overpaid.”
Uh — no, he’s not. (You do realize he himself did not receive the $50+ M posting fee, right? Seibu/NPB did.)
Daisuke has been/will be paid a $2M signing bonus; and the following annual amounts — ‘07: $6M, ‘08: $8M, ‘09: $8M, ‘10: $8M, ‘11: $10M, ‘12: $10M.
You think his 33 wins in ‘07 and ‘08 and his postseason performances were not worth a total of $16M?
I concede that he has yet to earn his salary this year. That’s another $8M.
But how much are the Braves paying Kawakami this year? $9.7M? Glass houses, dude.
Sure, you can make a solid argument that the Sox overpaid FOR Matsuzaka, but (so far at least) they have not overpaid HIM.
Lew
June 20th, 2009
12:09 pm
Anders-Like I said-hasn’t changed since 1959 (damn-50 years since my first MLB game!!!!) in my estimation. I can’t comment on before my time, but they were notorious even when I was in elementary school. That story of Booing Santa and the Easter Bunny was alive back then, too.
John Deere Green
June 20th, 2009
12:09 pm
Anders, You are one BLITHERING BABBLE HOLE!!!!
What pray tell do you know about the Braves???One would suggest that you tend to Mutts failures and let the TRUE Braves fans abate and bash their own team…
As for Chipper, the only reason a Mutts fan wants him traded is to ESCAPE the annual beating that he applies to their asses!!!
Jeff Francoeur
June 20th, 2009
12:10 pm
Why do the Red Sox put OBP on the scoreboard? I don’t like that. I’m canceling my Red Sox credit card.
beekay
June 20th, 2009
12:13 pm
Lew
Yes i forgot about Eric O
The JJ tradea nd the others were last year so I left them out
Calling up Tommy H and letting Tommy G go was also a great move….could of been handled a bit better with Tommy G but was the right move to make
Anders
June 20th, 2009
12:14 pm
Doc Holiday – You think Jeter’s decline is made up by the NY Media? Hmm. Maybe. Kind of like promoting guys based on quality starts as still being effective? Can the media do that? Twist numbers to make them say what they want them to?
Interesting concept indeed.
But what happens when the media’s perception doesn’t hold up? I guess they just pretend they neversaid it or something?
Well, need coffee. Gotta go.
Klaus
June 20th, 2009
12:16 pm
Wren and McGuirk were in the stands last night.
It could mean they are looking to make a move (see what this team is made of) or (and more likely) the brass enjoys going to Fenway since it is a rare event.
Heck who wouldn’t love to go to a game at Fenway apart from the tiny seats.
The place is always packed, the fans are into it and it is money well spent.
Doc Holiday
June 20th, 2009
12:20 pm
Anders,
Jeter is not stoopit……….he knows he cant get the money ARod is getting.
On other matters……….for those who might think winning in the regular season doesnt mean much, better think about that twice.
Fact:
Since 1980 only 3 teams have managed to win the world series without having won at least 90 games during the regular season:
2006———–Cardinals over Tigers
2000———–Yankees over Muts (another collapse to add to their diary)
1987———–Twins over Cardinals
It didnt even occur in the 50s, 60s nor 70s.
So this means that since wildcard format started, it has happened twice. And in the last 30 years……….3 times…………once every 10 years………..
Translation…………we are F—–ed
Random
June 20th, 2009
12:26 pm
DOB (June 20th, 2009 1:22 am): “Here’s a little dose of the fine Ms. Holly Williams.”
She looked like little more than Janson’s window dressing to me.
Flat, unmemorable voice.
Jeff Francoeur
June 20th, 2009
12:27 pm
I don’t understand why everyone equates Frank Wren being in Boston with an upcoming move. If he were really working on a move, wouldn’t he be in his office at 755 Hank Aaron Drive?
Lew
June 20th, 2009
12:33 pm
Jeff-No, he’ll be the one holding the stun gun when they inform you that you’ve been traded for an old bat of David Ortiz and being sent to Pawtuckett as bat boy.
jtb
June 20th, 2009
12:34 pm
Random
Dice K making 8 mil for a 1-5 record and an era over 8. I don’t think it’s a reach saying that he’s overpaid.
Paul Lentz
June 20th, 2009
12:36 pm
While I feel that statistics can be used to paint an accurate portrait of a player’s performance, I also feel that stats dont always tell the whole story.
Nate McLouth may only be batting 4 points higher since the trade from the Pirates. However dude can draw a walk, hit the long ball, drive in runs, and has the speed to not only steal a base, but also go first to third on a single, score from second on a single……..basically putting pressure on the pitcher. Dude knows how to work the count and take pitches. Plus the ball jumps off his bat. His impact on the offense cant solely be measured in numbers.
I have watched EVERY Braves game but one this year (due to Fox television a game when the Braves were playing. I live in San Francisco and subscribe to the MLB Extra Innings package on Direct TV). Even in blowouts, I watch every at bat. The Nate McLouth trade was an absolute STEAL for the Braves.
While I have been frustrated with the Braves offense (and with Bobby’s reluctance to bench Francoeur, or at least put him in the 8th hole), I do feel that in time Frank Wren will be able to fix the offense. The Braves had lots of problems going into the off season. With what was available on the free agent and trade market last off season, Frank Wren took the right approach and fixed the starting pitching. Starting pitching is much harder to fix than the offense. After last year’s debacle that was called our starting rotation, this year’s bunch is joy to watch.
Despite the number of teams who need offense………the IMPORTANT teams with money to spend (Yankees, Mets, Phillies Texas, Angles, Blue Jays) have plenty of offense, yet need starting pitching. Many of the other teams in the play-off race have pitching and need offense like the Braves……however………the only other team besides the Braves among the “pretenders” who have a really good quality starting pitcher to use a trade bait are the San Francisco Giants. While I understand Frank Wren talking about no teams being in the mood to trade their offensive players right now……..when the trade deadline approaches, the big money market teams who need starting pitching will have a change of heart about moving some of their offensive players for starting pitching.
Texas is 1/2 a game in front of the Angels. If they dont deal for a quality starting pitcher soon, they cold very well fall out of the race by the All-Star break. Maybe Texas will have to consider giving up a Nelson Cruz if they want to obtain a quality starting pitcher of Javier Vazquez’s ability. The Rangers have an owner (Tom Hicks) who will not let trading a talent of Cruz’s ability stand in the way of the Rangers trading for a starting pitcher who can help them win.
Despite what many of you think about the Texeria trade in July of 2007, I still dont think that the Braves were ripped off in that trade. Many of you bemoan about Elvis Andrus, but come on, dude basically is a glove guy who doesnt have much pop in his bat. Salty is basically a Jeff Francoeur who plays catcher. Matt Harrison is another Horatio Ramirez who cant stay healthy. Of those 3 guys right now, would they be on the roster right now if they played for the Braves? Probably not. As far as the other 3 guys the Braves gave up in that trade, they are still just prospects. Just because one has talent, does not mean that they will pan out in the majors. In Dec of 2002, the Braves gave up Merkin Valdez in the Russ Ortiz trade. Fans bemoaned the fact that Valdez could throw the ball 100mph. Plus the Braves gave up Damien Moss (another Matt Harrison?) who was projected to be the next Tom Glavine, in the Ortiz trade. However, it is now 2009 and Valdez is basically a 7th inning guy. And where is Damien Moss right now? Meanwhile Russ Ortiz won the Braves 20 games in each of his two seasons, helping the Braves make the play-offs. The Braves got the best of that deal.
The important prospects (Hanson, Medlen, Haywood, Freeman) the Braves kept. As far as I’m concerned, the Braves gave up a bunch of bums for Vazquez and McLouth. I applaud Frank Wren for getting two quality Major Leaguers (Vazquez and McLouth) for a bunch of Minor Leaguers who will at most be journeyman Major Leagures.
The Braves arent that far from being able to make a serious run at the division title. My hope is that the Braves can stay in the race until the trade deadline approaches. With the way the Phillies and Mets starting pitching is going, that shouldnt be too hard to do.
Shamus Thacker
June 20th, 2009
12:42 pm
Once owned car radio (short time) that played clearly only when engine wasn’t running. Very narrow range of tunes would cause me to pull off road and kill the engine for a listen.
5-song’s I’d pull over for till the day I die:
Hey-Hey My-My (Into The Black) Neil Young
Hurt Johnny Cash
Since I’ve Been Loving You Led Zeppelin
Space Oddity David Bowie
Jack Of Hearts Bob Dylan
PWHjort
June 20th, 2009
12:45 pm
Throw in the pro-rated portion of the posting fee and he’s costing the Red
Sox 16 million a season.
PWHjort
June 20th, 2009
12:47 pm
Josh Willingham for some pitcher. Make it happen.
Gil In Mechanicsville
June 20th, 2009
12:51 pm
Worse arena I ever had to suffer through was the old Hersey Arena in Hershey Pennsylvania. Honest, I doubt the seats were more than 12 inches wide. Place was built in 1909. They had some great AAA hockey teams though.
Funny how a winning team makes up for all the lack of amenities everyone clamors for these days. As in this team sucks but boy, didn’t we have a great time at the ball park, nice views? verses Wow, great game last night, I didn’t even mind getting beer dumped in my lap by the jerk who tripped over my feet…
#1PhillyPhan
June 20th, 2009
12:56 pm
the Braves are one big slugger away from running away with the division, I’m afraid. Mets and Phillies have too many problems with injuries while the Braves are pretty healthy and have the best rotation in the division by a pretty good margin. I’m telling you that Santana has a knee injury that I heard from a buddy is a lot more serious than he and the Mets are leading on. That buddy of mine knows his stuff.MLB insider who talks to scouts and coaches regularly. My Phills just don’t have the pitching or pen like last year and the hitting, as you now, will go in to slumps. I’d be ticked if I was a Braves fan and a few bad hitters prevented us to get into the postseason…..it is there for the taking.
cabravesfan
June 20th, 2009
12:56 pm
Worst arena? LA Sports Arena. By far. Small, cramped, ugly, often smelled like animals. Had absolutly no…well didn’t have much of anything at all.
Random
June 20th, 2009
1:09 pm
jtb (June 20th, 2009 12:34 pm): “Dice K making 8 mil for a 1-5 record and an era over 8. I don’t think it’s a reach saying that he’s overpaid.”
Isn’t that pretty much exactly what I said? Didn’t I say something along the lines of “I concede that he has yet to earn his salary this year. That’s another $8M.”?
Why, yes — yes, I did.
And when I said “but (so far at least) they have not overpaid HIM”, that’s taking his full time with the Sox into consideration, and also in recognition that there are about 100 games left this season in which he can turn things around. He didn’t pick up an $8M check on Opening Day, you know.
You wanna pick at that? Go ahead.
JerseyGil
June 20th, 2009
1:18 pm
Well Folks..you better get some Movies for tonight…It be a Miracle that Games in Phillis,NY and Boston Play tonight…It pour here in Jersey since this Morning and Radar not look Good for the East coast.
jed
June 20th, 2009
1:21 pm
dirty dawg– chip caray is a monumentally soul-less pinhead. i dig boog!
Shane
June 20th, 2009
1:23 pm
I dont think Anders has been to Fenway Park before. In fact I dont think he has left his mothers basement in a while.
Mixxo
June 20th, 2009
1:29 pm
They already call the game?
alsim
June 20th, 2009
1:30 pm
1,373rd!
Jeff R
June 20th, 2009
1:39 pm
Comparing Chippy to David Wright is absurd. Believe me, I’m no Mets fan, but Wright is young and talented. Chippy is oft-injured… he simply can’t be counted on day-to-day. Wright can be.
Chippy has a beaten-up 37-year-old body. His power is sliding, and as others have pointed out, he’s had some lapses in the field that are concerning.
The Bisher piece was meant to be provocative, of course. Chippy has inked a extended deal (foolish for the Bravos, I believe). I seriously doubt Wren would want to the PR blow back from packing Chippy off at deadline, no matter how attractive the deal. And, yes, Chippy would have to agree.
So, he’ll be at 3B for the 130 (or fewer) games a season that he plays for a while.
David O'Brien
June 20th, 2009
1:40 pm
Random, if it makes you feel better, yes, please switch that Matsuzaka isn’t being overpaid so much as the Red Sox grossly overpaid FOR him. Not that it matters to most people (other than Dice-K and his family) whether he’s getting the huge posting fee (he’s not) or it’s going to his old club (it is). What matters, and should matter, to people other than Dice-K is what the Red Sox paid for him. Way too much.
And Kawakami’s contract should be judged a year from now, not two months into his first season in the U.S. By the way, it’s $23 mill for three seasons for Kawakami, less than $8 mill per for accounting purposes.
David O'Brien
June 20th, 2009
1:43 pm
Just got back from a great breakfast place on Newbury St. — Trident Booksellers and Cafe. Yes, it’s also a fine new and used bookstore, all in one. Picked up a few books while I was there, including Posnanski’s “The Soul Of Baseball,” his account of traveling the country for a season with the legendary Buck O’Neil.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
June 20th, 2009
1:48 pm
Furman Bisher’s an institution (just like Bobby — insert snide remark here), but he was also the columnist saying (three weeks ago) the Braves need to be more patient with Frenchy and (six weeks ago) claiming there was no talent on the farm. Before Hanson was called up and when Gorkys and Morton and Locke were still in the organization.
So take the guy’s opinions for what they’re worth.
Random
June 20th, 2009
1:49 pm
PWHjort (June 20th, 2009 12:45 pm): “Throw in the pro-rated portion of the posting fee and he’s costing the Red
Sox 16 million a season.”
Yeah, but like I said, Matsuzaka’s not gettin’ that much — he’s gettin’ half that. (Plus, there’s no reason to “throw anything in” — that posting money was long gone two years ago. The Sox may eventually find they’ll have to “pro rate” it over four years rather than six.)
Matsuzaka’s making over $1.6M less this season than Kawakami.
(sheesh)
abwright (xy)
June 20th, 2009
1:50 pm
cabravesfan, 2:17 am…OK- why is that stupid song of KJ’s following me around?? It was just referenced on the San Francisco 49ers website!! ARRGGHH! Why does it hate me so much?
Both KJ and Francœur should change their “coming to the plate” songs to Styx’s “Fooling Yourself.”
cabravesfan
June 20th, 2009
1:52 pm
Matsuzaka’s making over $1.6M less this season than Kawakami.
Random-
not trying to start anything but Matsuzaka’s making $8 million this year…Kawakami is making $7.6
Jeff R
June 20th, 2009
1:54 pm
Attended a game at Fenway back in the 90s before the place was remodeled. Posts obstructed views, and the seats were cramped together. DOB’s right about people being smaller way back.
As a tot, I was taken to one of the last games at Crosley Field in Cinncinnati. As I recall, the place held a mere 28,000. The warning tracks sloped up to the walls. Thinking back, it was more like a AAA park. But fans were right on top of the action – and they didn’t have to pay $300 a seat for the priviledge.
Steve from OH
June 20th, 2009
1:58 pm
Here’s a snippet from the latest Baseball Prospectus chat:
ted (the cubicle): What the heck happened to Kelly Johnson this year?
Marc Normandin: His BABIP isn’t up to snuff. His power is the same as it was last year, and he’s actually whiffing less often than in the past. That BABIP dipped 100 points though, despite a solid liner rate. He should bounce back, with some time.
No Kidding, dude
June 20th, 2009
1:59 pm
“I am not a person of substance” -Anders
abwright
June 20th, 2009
2:01 pm
KC…enjoyed the long post. I mostly think you’re right. In fact, even if the Braves don’t address the problem with offensive inconsistency with both KJ and Francœur, the Mutts, Philthies, and Marvins are probably going to be more sucky in the second half than in the first half.
The thing which has bugged me about this Braves team for several years is that they seem to lack any concern as to whether they win or lose. Bobby has benched players in the last couple of weeks (in particular Yunel for being lackadaisical), and I think this comes from an awareness that many of these guys are phoning it in.
I just imagine how I would feel if my doctor were to treat a surgery the way that Jeff Francœur treats most of his at bats. “Hey, well, I’ll just start cutting and hopefully it will all work out. I get paid either way.”
If this attitude doesn’t get fixed, then it won’t matter what parts the Braves add. They’ll still lose. If it does get fixed, then this team could win the division even without adding another major component.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 20th, 2009
2:04 pm
Not that it really matters, but I find it interesting that the Accuscore has Bos as almost a 2-1 favorite today.
Salamander
June 20th, 2009
2:04 pm
the Braves are one big slugger away from running away with the division, I’m afraid.
I wouldn’t go that far, but yes – the Braves have a legit shot at the division IF they actually play up to their ability night in and night out. This team so far has been maddeningly inconsistent (other than the starting pitching).
2nd half of the line up is usually a black hole every night. Not sure one legit bat would fix that.
Pete
June 20th, 2009
2:04 pm
Doc Holiday: “As we speak, he {Chipper} is on a pace to play 140 games………….thats good enough …………”
I have news for you lol….chances of that happening are less than zero.
PWHjort
June 20th, 2009
2:04 pm
What DOB said. What matters is what the Red Sox are paying for him, not what he’s making. The
question should be: What resources of the club are consumed due to his presence?, not: how much of the club’s resources does he personally recieve? Because the latter question isn’t relevant when comparing contracts. The former is.
Steve from OH
June 20th, 2009
2:05 pm
The one thing that does concern me about Kelly is that his walk rate is down this season. I’m diappointed that he was asked to be more agressive at the plate. He needs to get back to his plate approach from 2007. And he needs a bit of luck.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 20th, 2009
2:06 pm
Lots of rain headed towards Boston later….
http://www.weather.com/maps/maptype/dopplerradarusnational/northeastradar2100mile_large.html?clip=undefined®ion=undefined&collection=localwxforecast&presname=undefined
Heath (Cleveland)
June 20th, 2009
2:11 pm
DOB:
In a situation like this…with the Braves only visiting Boston once, why can’t they move up game times? If the game started at 1:00pm today, wouldn’t that allow them to get the game in with no rain?
Mixxo
June 20th, 2009
2:12 pm
Thanks Heath!
DOB hates me.
Hope we can get this one in.
Pete
June 20th, 2009
2:16 pm
Heath (Cleveland: “In a situation like this…with the Braves only visiting Boston once, why can’t they move up game times? If the game started at 1:00pm today, wouldn’t that allow them to get the game in with no rain?”
You cant change game time this late….fans already made plans, etc. so youd have a revolt on your hands.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 20th, 2009
2:16 pm
AL/NL battle a lot more competitive this year… AL only 9 games above .500 against the NL coming in to today.
Jeff R
June 20th, 2009
2:20 pm
I’m starting to think that Kelly Johnson suffers from Adam LaRoche Syndrome: the inability to heat up offensively in the first half (though LaRoche, in a contract year, is doing better than other seasons).
All in all, the Braves seem like one uninspired bunch. Though I’d say that rookies Hanson and Medlen seems to have grit and fire.
David O'Brien
June 20th, 2009
2:21 pm
Heath, what about the thousands upon thousands of ticket-holders who can’t just drop everything and get out to Fenway Park for a day game when they had plans for a night game? You just can’t do that to people. It’s one thing to announce baseball playoff game starting times only a couple days before the game itself (and that sucks, too), but it’s quite another to consider moving a starting time at the last minute because rain’s headed this way.
You could change starting times if a hurricane was headed your way (as Florida has done) and you knew days in advance, or if another pro team in your town was involved in a playoff game at same time as the baseball game, something like that, but not just to get in a game before a rain delay. As a reporter covering the team, I sure wish they could, as do you, a fan watching on TV. But for those fans with tickets who can’t just change plans on a moment’s notice, that’s not fair.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 20th, 2009
2:22 pm
To add to the AL/NL discussion, the Braves are the only team in the division with a winning record against the AL at this point. (Phi 3-7, NYM 5-5, Fla 5-5, Atl 5-2) So far the Braves have made up 3.5 games in the standing with their good interleague play.
Random
June 20th, 2009
2:22 pm
cabravesfan (June 20th, 2009 1:52 pm): “not trying to start anything but Matsuzaka’s making $8 million this year…Kawakami is making $7.6″
It’s too late for you to start anything here, darlin’ — you’ve stepped right into the middle of it.
For this season, I’m including Kawakami’s $2M signing bonus which was stipulated to be paid before May 09. (Unlike, (I believe) Furcal’s signing bonus, which was stuck on the back end of his contract.) I did the same earlier with Matsuzaka’s $2M bonus in ’07.
See my reply to DOB wise-acre comment.