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2,442 comments Add your comment
Steve from OH
July 21st, 2009
11:26 am
Gotcha, RHR!
Willy Wally
July 21st, 2009
11:26 am
I wouldn’t trade KJ for a middle reliever in a million years. What a retarded waste of talent that would be. Just keep the dude. Right now, you’re not gonna get back what he is worth in a trade, but still might get back what he is worth on the field.
It would be nice to have one of the ten best second baseman in the majors coming off the bench, playing multiple positions, pinch running, pinch hitting, spot starting, earning walks, hitting for power, etc. We don’t have positional depth in the minors. Let’s hold on to the positional depth we do have at the major league level.
TampaBrave
July 21st, 2009
11:26 am
There must be a lot of statisticians out of work and/or working but don’t have anything better to do. Stats are ok, but they are just like everything else, garbage in, garbage out. Hometown scoring, you know!! Therefore, you have to watch with your own eyes. I saw last year that Prado was better than KJ, always has been defensively. Now he has gained confidence with the bat and is clearly superior to the King of the Muffs, KJ. Stats guys, get girlfriends
Steve from OH
July 21st, 2009
11:32 am
WW–spot on, as usual.
Paul Lentz
July 21st, 2009
11:32 am
jed……………interesting post at 1:47am. I appreciate your take on the situation.
ncscoots
July 21st, 2009
11:33 am
Therefore, you have to watch with your own eyes.
Watching is not seeing, seeing is not comprehending. GIGO does have context with just stats alone. It can also be applied to the processing of any data, including visual. Doesn’t much matter what you “see”, if you don’t own the proper algorithms to interpret the data.
Supes
July 21st, 2009
11:33 am
Kind of crazy, but COACH is being the voice of reason over at the Jeff Shultz blog!
Steve from OH,
I agree that KJ can be salvaged if he figures out how to be LESS streaky at the major league level.
However, given the current situation…what should the Braves do with KJ?
He has little to no trade value, (Yeah, that deal with the cards last year for Ludwick, or the rumors look really good right now!). If you bring up KJ, where is he going to play? Don’t forget Omar Infante is going to be back in 3 weeks off the DL. He is DEFINITELY going to be our super utility guy once again. Prado has taken over 2B. KJ would be reduced to pinch hitting and spot starting (at best).
If it was up to me, I’d leave KJ all year until september down at AAA level, let him keep hitting and working/building confidence and on the fundamentals/mechanics of his swing. When the roster expands bring him up.
Just right now…unless KJ goes back to the OF (where next year, Anderson will be out of here, maybe KJ can start in LF)? I don’t see him getting any shot at any of the infield positions.
Thoughts?
CB
July 21st, 2009
11:37 am
Buffalo,Kelly does make the team better than Norton,imo. I feel he can play positions that Norton cannot, has better speed and gives the Braves a better chance of winning than Norton. So what is left to say?
Steve from OH
July 21st, 2009
11:39 am
Just right now…unless KJ goes back to the OF (where next year, Anderson will be out of here, maybe KJ can start in LF)? I don’t see him getting any shot at any of the infield positions.
Prado gets the large majority of starts at 2B, Kelly spells him every now and then. When Chipper needs a day(s) off, Marteen plays 3rd, Kelly 2nd. Ditto for Kotchman. Pinch-hitter? Kelly’s your man.
ncscoots
July 21st, 2009
11:44 am
Don’t believe you can leave Johnson in the minors, can you? Isn’t he out of options? I know that’s come up for discussion before, and maybe a definitive answer posted, but I didn’t see it.
Paul Lentz
July 21st, 2009
11:45 am
birddawgbill…………I agree with your 1:57am posting. Earlier in the year, when the Braves offense was struggling, a few hitters seem to point towards Terry Pendleton as the problem. However, when these few hitters were finally taken out of the line-up, the offense seem to “correct” itself.
Earlier in the year, the 1st, 7th, 8th, and 9th spots in the bottom of the batting order were easy outs. You are talking about 4 straight spots in the batting order that the opposing pitcher does not have to throw his best stuff against and still get those guys out. Less stress on the opposing pitcher, in addition to having to throw less pitches, allows the opposing pitcher to go deeper into ball games, meaning that if we do get into their bullpen, we usually saw their better short relievers.
However, lately, we’ve been getting to the bullpen much earlier. We have a line-up full of hitters who can work a deep count, who are not easy outs. The line-up is turning over much faster than before. We are not totally dependent on Chipper and McCann for offense. If they have a few bad games, we can still win games because others in the line-up are contributing.
What is the difference between now and the first 2 months of the season? CF, RF, and 2B.
Hearing Francoeur and Kelly “indirectly” blame Terry Pendleton just shows a lack of willingness to accept responsibility for their failure to deliver.
Just like Kelly is attributing his “success” at Triple A to the Triple A hitting coach……..Jeff Francoeur seems to give credit to his “success” in New York to being in a place where he is “wanted”.
Let’s see what both of these guys have to say in 2 months.
splitfinger
July 21st, 2009
11:48 am
According to Bowman, KJ is NOT out of options…
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
July 21st, 2009
11:48 am
CB,
Where was I defending Greg Norton? I was just saying that Norton is more of a utility guy than Kelly. KJ is a 2B only in the field, Norton can play both corner OF spots and 1B.
Paul Lentz
July 21st, 2009
11:50 am
Epinephrine……….we live in a culture today where it is much easier to “blame others” and look outside for a “second opinion”. Kelly and Francoeur are simply not good enough to make the adjustments to consistently be good Major League hitters. Blaming Pendleton is not going to change that.
Francoeur went 3 for 16 against us in the 4 game series, 2 of the hits which were of the weak A$$ infield variety. We pitched his A$$ the way he is supposed to be pitched to. He is just lucky that he is facing the Nationals right now. The pitching staff is in disarray.
P-Town Brave
July 21st, 2009
11:53 am
Paul-
OR it could be their lack of production could be directly attributed to TP…maybe you could look at it that way as well?!
CB
July 21st, 2009
11:56 am
Buffalo,lol,I would trust Kelly more in outfield than Norton but neither will win gold glove. Really only thing I am saying Kelly on the roster gives you a better team than Norton.
The_Superhoo
July 21st, 2009
11:56 am
Schultz needs to fix his new article. It’s all jacked up and can’t be read.
ghostwriter
July 21st, 2009
11:57 am
Paul Lentz – Do you have a job? I can’t go a page on any blog without seeing your comments.
Anyway, I would keep KJ, but only keep him as a bench player. No one should argue that KJ is better than Prado offensively or defensively, but KJ can be a pretty good bench player at this point. I see him being a great pinch-hitter or utility player/spot starter for us. Get rid of Norton, have KJ take his role.
keylargo
July 21st, 2009
11:57 am
Kelly Johnson is the second best baserunner and has the 2nd best speed on the team behind McLouth. Bobby doesn’t run but he can steal bases. He goes from first to third on singles and scores from first on doubles. And he ALWAYS hustles.
ncscoots
July 21st, 2009
11:57 am
splitfinger, thanks. Guess that’s due to the 2006 season. Johnson must have been on the ML DL all season, I guess.
keylargo
July 21st, 2009
12:03 pm
Kelly and Francoeur are simply not good enough to make the adjustments to consistently be good Major League hitters. Blaming Pendleton is not going to change that. Paul Lentz
Paul, here is a very basic question. Not loaded, not sarcastic, not putting you down.
KJ had 301 hits in 2007 and 2008 for a batting average over the two years of .282. Name me one other former major league player that had 300 hits in 2007 and 2008 and is out of the game in 2009.
Paul Lentz
July 21st, 2009
12:03 pm
TampaBrave……..nice posting at 7:57am. I see that you wasnt the only one who was ripped for suggesting that Prado should have replaced Kelly earlier in the season. Bottom line, a great many so called Braves fans are MORE LOYAL to Kelly Johnson and Jeff Francoeur, then they are to the Braves team.
I am MORE LOYAL to the players who can produce and help us win. Yunel Escobar may be immature and his antics may rub some the wrong way……….but DAMN, dude can flat out play. It is the manager’s job to manage and deal with a player’s antics. Francoeur and Kelly maybe easier to manage because they are nice guys. However, they simply cannot produce anywhere near the level that Escobar can. Dude is starting to really break out. I can only imagine what next year will be like for him, given that the Braves will only be paying him between $500-600k.
Shamus Thacker
July 21st, 2009
12:03 pm
When one of our hitters begins to struggle, the end is near. He continues to regress till he’s gone. As soon as he’s someplace else (New Yawk, Gwinnett, Texas) he goes on a tear.
TP is as big a problem as there is on this team. A hitter in need of guidance is outa luck, period.
Supes
July 21st, 2009
12:04 pm
Steve from OH,
I understand your logic and how you propose to use KJ on the team, but don’t you think he’d benefit from playing everyday right now? I feel that him being a pinch hitter, occasionally getting a start at 2B is not what he’s suited for. He’s never been a bench/utility guy. Yes, he’s had to share duties before, but this will not be a lefty vs righty type split. Martin will get the bulk of the playing time. He’s earned it. The other thing you forgot with your post is this:
Omar Infante will be back in 3 weeks. He’s Chipper’s replacement over at 3B if Chipper needs a day off or has some health issues. So by default, Prado would still be playing 2B.
I’m not saying KJ can’t help the team, I’m saying I don’t think he’s a bench/role player and maybe not a good way to go.
As far as the debate of KJ versus Norton…Like Paul Lentz has been saying, Norton is “one of Bobby’s boys” = Translation…he’ll have to be traded by Wren or released by Wren, or fall down some stairs to “get off the roster”. Bobby likes the fact that he is a switch hitter, nevermind that he’s been below average this year. Look, nobody can argue that last year, aside from the freak Greg Dobbs, Norton was the best pinch hitter in the NL. However, there was a reason the Mariners released him early on before the Braves picked him up. He’s just not consistant enough. Last year was not the norm. The “real” Norton is what you are seeing in 2009.
ccrider
July 21st, 2009
12:05 pm
A simple premise! How much would Kelly Johnson be worth on the trade market.? Would a trade for Ian Snell be a benefit to the team? How about Ryan Garko? Kelly and Kocthman in a trade for Jorge Cantu? What is he worth?
Mixxo
July 21st, 2009
12:06 pm
Yunel – Player of the Week!
Congrats Esco!
Bet our “writers” love that!
Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
July 21st, 2009
12:09 pm
But, Keylargo, wasn’t TP the hitting coach in 2007 and 2008? So, why is not his fault that KJ can’t hit?
keylargo
July 21st, 2009
12:12 pm
Robert (CIB) – This is what I can’t understand about the blog mentality. The negative thinking and always having to have someone to throw under the bus.
flange1
July 21st, 2009
12:14 pm
I believe the Braves 25 man roster will be stronger with KJ on it and Norton off of it.
Norton can play the corner OF positions, 1B and I have heard 3B. We have backups at 1B (Prado, Diaz) 3B (Prado, Diroy now Infante later) and at the corner OF (Diaz, Church, Prado).
I take KJ and let him PH, play 2B when Prado is playing another position or needs a day off.
Conrad is a SH, let him move to the 25th man spot and get some PH duties.
Got to have the best 25 man roster. KJ is superior to Conrad or Norton.
MFin04
July 21st, 2009
12:19 pm
I’m pretty negative most of the time, but I find it very difficult to be negative about this team’s offense and pitching right now. The offense is slowly (quickly?) coming around and the starting pitching has been rock solid all year long. If Derek Lowe starts pitching like an Ace in the 2nd half this team would have 4 legit Aces.
Frank Wren
July 21st, 2009
12:21 pm
I thought about trading Escobar but dang if he aint got too hot to do it.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 21st, 2009
12:22 pm
Howdy folks,
Wonderful win last night.
That’s the first time I’ve seen Hanson pitch in the majors (thanks to the free Extra Innings tease), and though the kid looks tough as nails, I suspect that pitching motion is going to lead to injuries over time. Still, use him while you’ve got him, right?
Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
July 21st, 2009
12:22 pm
Keylargo, I meant to say “why is it now TP’s fault KJ can’t hit”. I agree about throwing people under the bus. Sometimes they deserve to be under the bus but other times they don’t.
NO MORE BOBBY
July 21st, 2009
12:23 pm
Wan nice to see FRANCHURCH go yard against the Giants last night.
keylargo
July 21st, 2009
12:24 pm
Robert, that posted by me hitting the touchpad. Sorry. I was going to say that all players slump and some more than others. It’s no ones fault and no one needs to be blamed.
Prado was hitting .261 at the time he was promoted. He went on a tear and hit far beyond what he will hit over the season the last month. He has done a wonderful job and I’m happy he’s a Brave. I wrote him in on a bunch of ALL STAR ballots. How many of you Prado people did that? But he is not going to hit .330.
The Blog people have such a short attention span that they think a players career should hinge on a weeks play. They want to fire people who go O fer the week. It doesn’t work that way.
Brooks Conrad is a perfect example. I don’t know BC and I don’t want to hurt his feelings on his birthday, but he is 31 today. He has been a minor league player for 12 years, Last year he came up at the end of the year for Oakland. Hit .158 over 19 AB’s. Oakland released him. We signed him to fill out the roster in Gwinnett. He was hitting.259 for them. He was called up and I bet not 3 people knew his name outside of Gwinnett. He has had a good two weeks and now people want to keep him over established MLB players.
NO MORE BOBBY
July 21st, 2009
12:25 pm
Why are people defending Kelly Johnson on here?
Frank Wren
July 21st, 2009
12:25 pm
right you are Key Largo. KJ has way more upside. Conrad going back down as soon as KJ is ready
The_Superhoo
July 21st, 2009
12:26 pm
Am I the only one who can’t view Jeff Schultz’ blog below the bullet on Salty?
I get an tag at that point, and can’t read any further, or comment on the post.
Frank Wren
July 21st, 2009
12:26 pm
NO MORE BOBBY
July 21st, 2009
12:25 pm
Why are people defending Kelly Johnson on here?
Because he can hit
Paul Lentz
July 21st, 2009
12:29 pm
Doc Holiday…………I have to disagree with your 10:43am posting. When Infante comes back, Diory Hernandez will be demoted (Infante can play short if Escobar needs a day off or gets hurt).
When Tim Hudson gets hurt, if he is put back in the rotation, then Kris Medlen gets demoted (because Kawakami will be sent to the bullpen). However, if by some miracle the Braves “take a chance” (a wise chance in my opinion) and have Hudson pitch in short relief (I know, a long shot, lol), then the ideal move would be to demote Peter Moylan.
But barring the implementation of my idea, an injury, or a trade of course………..I see Hernandez and Medlen being sent down when Infante and Hudson come back.
Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
July 21st, 2009
12:31 pm
I think if KJ isn’t going to be traded he should be on the 25 man roster. He is better than Conrad and Lord knows Norton. But, he doesn’t not deserve to be the starting 2B. His streaky hitting makes him a liability in the everyday lineup but he could be a very valuable bat off the bench.
I would like to see him work some at SS, 3B, LF and RF in Gwinett for the nest few days so he could be more valuable to the team when he gets recalled.
Marc
July 21st, 2009
12:32 pm
I don’t need a “fielding bible” to know KJ is a better second baseman than Prado. Prado has made some good plays as of late and may be maturing into a good defensive player, but KJ’s fundamentals were much better.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 21st, 2009
12:32 pm
Random thoughts about KJ’s future: I think he should stay at Gwinett and get regular work. I suggested this several days ago, but seems to me that KJ may be most valuable — to the Braves or somebody — as a super-utility player. Give him some reps in the OF and the IF spots other than 2B at Gwinnett. Bring him up in September and let him play several positions. He’s athletic enough to move around the diamond.
For now, Prado can spell Chipper or Kotchman if either needs a day off (with Conrad at 2B), with
Infante set to return soon. When that happens, Norton should be the guy to go. Conrad’s shown he can produce in a part-time role.
Paul Lentz
July 21st, 2009
12:35 pm
ncscoots……..concerning your 10:46am “rip” on Brooks Conrad………you might want to take a look at what Conrad has done so far since his call up to the Braves:
34 at-bats, .344 batting average, 11 hits, 1 double, 2 triples, 2 homers, and 8 RBIs. I know that those arent a lot of at-bats, but still, do you want to replace a hot hand right now with a .214 hitter this year in 237 at-bats with only 5 homers and 20 RBIs?
The “only” way I would want to see Kelly Johnson on this team would be if he took Greg Norton’s spot. However, given that he is Bobby’s boy, I seriously doubt that that will happen. So barring that, I dont want to see Kelly taking anyone else’s spot. It would make the team weaker.
BravoMan
July 21st, 2009
12:38 pm
Well Kelly isn’t out of options so we could keep him in AAA. Personally I’d DFA Norton and bring him up til Infante comes back. I don’t think I’d deal Kelly because you’d probably get close to nothing for him at this time. Maybe you could put a package together with Kelly and another prospect to get a vetran reliever.
I have been thinking…Soriano and Gonzalez are FA at the end of the year. They’ll be type A so we’ll get draft picks if we let em walk, but this could leave a big hole in the pen. I really want to seriously contend for the division next year and I think we can if a RH bat can be aquired to bat between Chip and BMac, but the bullpen has to be as good as it is this year. Moylan, O Flariety, Logan, Carlyle they’ll be around, but we need to have a shut down closer in 2010. Soriano may; however, ask for like 10 maybe even 11. He makes 6 now, but he’s as good as it gets(when healthy) should or can we hold on to him???
Paul Lentz
July 21st, 2009
12:38 pm
RHR………….Totally agree with your 11:20am posting.
Marc
July 21st, 2009
12:38 pm
Paul, why would you demote Moylan? I would like to hear your argument for sending a starting pitcher to the bullpen and then demoting Moylan and keeping two long relievers instead of demoting Medlen and letting him get back in a starter’s role.
SanFranFan
July 21st, 2009
12:38 pm
We have Ryan Sadowski going tonight. He will solve the riddle of cooling off the Brave’s hot bats. Congratulations though on scoring the most runs so far in the month of July. We turn the tables tonight though.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 21st, 2009
12:40 pm
McFann :Ô:
July 21st, 2009
9:13 am
Jones said he’s encouraged.
“The lineup is better. We don’t have [easy] outs any more,” he said.
Oooo! Ouch, man! Ouch…
Ouch….maybe. But hey, sometimes the truth hurts.
Marc
July 21st, 2009
12:42 pm
SanFranFan must be found and hang! Traitor to the blogs!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 21st, 2009
12:43 pm
The team will be better with KJ on the team and Norton off of it!
Marc
July 21st, 2009
12:44 pm
Bravoman,
We’ll hold on to Soriano, when Hudson walks at the end of the year we’ll have the monies to keep him. Not sure about Gonzo though. I’d like to keep him too, but dunno what it’ll take.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 21st, 2009
12:45 pm
I get the whole, Conrad is a lifetime minor-leaguer…I do. But in sports, it is a “what have you done for me lately” operation…and what has Norton done? He should be the first guy to be removed from the roster. Norton may have been a good pinch-hitter in the past, but this year I would rather see Conrad get the chance over Norton. So, if Kelly is indeed going to be brought up, I would rather see Norton and his packed bags walking out the clubhouse door.
Paul Lentz
July 21st, 2009
12:47 pm
If Kelly Johnson and Martin Prado were almost “equals” hitting wise, then I could understand engaging in a debate about who is better defensively. However, Prado is absolutely RAKING at the plate. Has been for a month and a half now. And as long as Prado continues to RAKE at the plate, I could care less if Kelly is better or not defensively.
With good pitching, the defense doesnt have to be “spectacular”, as long as we can score a few runs. On a team like the Phillies, it is ESSENTIAL that they have really good defense because their pitching SUCKS (The fact that they are on a winning streak is irrelevant. Their offense is carrying that team. When the offense cools off, you see the Phillies fall back down to earth).
As long as a player produces offensively, then he can be less than adequate and still be a plus to have in the line-up. The only 2 positions in a line-up that can afford to be “all glove, little hitting” positions are shortstop and catcher……….provided that you have a surplus of power in other parts of the line-up. The Braves dont have a surplus of power, so we need everyone to contribute on offense.
Late in games, when a team has the lead, a manager can insert better defensive players to try and preserve a lead. Bobby does that when he takes Garret out and moves Diaz over to left and insert Church in right. When Omar Infante comes back, you’ll see Bobby use Infante in left late in games and Church in right.
Ghost of Babe Ruth
July 21st, 2009
12:50 pm
I have been secretly training Kelly Johnson in his dreams!! I’ll take credit for those HRs last night. How far does that put me behind Barroid Bonds?
Mitchie-san
July 21st, 2009
12:51 pm
I know Diaz has gotten better in the outfield, but I never, ever thought he would be considered a defensive substitution….
Paul Lentz
July 21st, 2009
12:52 pm
Steve from OH……………dude, if Prado has to play 3rd or 1st to give Chipper or Kotchman a day off……..I’d MUCH RATHER see Brooks Conrad play 2nd then Kelly Johnson.
Next year may be a different story, but as of RIGHT NOW, Brooks is playing much better than Kelly has played ALL YEAR for the Braves. Brooks is a switch hitter and has show that he has a little pop in his bat.
A few good games against Triple A pitching isnt going to make me forget how much Kelly SUCKED the first 2 1/2 months of the season.
SanFranFan
July 21st, 2009
12:52 pm
Prado sucks: last 7 days: 5 for 23. 2 rbi’s.
Yep that’s RAKING.
Paul Lentz
July 21st, 2009
12:52 pm
ncscoots………..Kelly Johnson is not out of options. They can option him outright to Triple A.
TampaBrave
July 21st, 2009
12:53 pm
Lentz,
There are two main facets to this game. Offense and defense. Why is everyone so dismissive of defensive ability. It’s just as important. Even ESPN acknowledges it and look how shallow they are.
Richie
July 21st, 2009
12:54 pm
Do we know for certain Wren hasn’t called Toronto about Halladay? Riccardi is stating new teams are calling everyday. I know pitching isn’t a problem, but who knows? Wren may be of the thinking you can’t have enough pitching
Heath (Cleveland)
July 21st, 2009
12:54 pm
Braves NL Offensive ranks this morning:
-Runs scored: 7th (408 runs scored, 7 runs behind STL, but in 2 fewer games)
-BA: 4th (.264)
-OBP: 7th (.335)
-SLG: 7th (.405, were 11th a week ago)
-Doubles: 1st (187)
The team has become a pretty good offensince team in the last 40 games (improving CF/2B/RF). As Chipper said, not easy outs right now.
Paul Lentz
July 21st, 2009
12:58 pm
keylargo………..Kelly may be fast, however he has to get on base to take advantage of his speed.
The problem with having Kelly play where you can take advantage of his speed is where you have bat him in the line-up? If you bat him in the 8th hole, you cant risk him running with the pitcher coming up. Yet if you bat him higher, you risk stalling the offense because he hasnt shown that he can hit with enough consistency to warrant hitting higher in the order.
His only use on a team would be as a pinch runner. That is why I would be ok with having him take Greg Norton’s spot on the roster. The question is…….would Frank Wren get rid of Bobby’s boy in Greg Norton?
wheelz007
July 21st, 2009
12:58 pm
Our team is playing some really good baseball and we’re talking about KJ….
John
July 21st, 2009
12:58 pm
OK…somebody tell me…did Kelly Johnson diss TP…or simply compliment Dismuke at Gwinnett?..And if the latter…are some just using “inferrmentation” to say KJ bad-mouthed TP?
PS: And YES !!…I did JUST say…”inferrmentation”…
BravoMan
July 21st, 2009
12:59 pm
Marc,
I was under the impression for awhile that they’d pick up Hudson’s option and deal Vazquez now or at the end of the year, but the way he’s been dealing why would you you know. Only issue I have with Soriano is his health, but you can’t argue with his stats now and hopefully he’s happy here so he’ll stick around.
If Soriano can be held on to and a RH clean-up hitter can be aquired in the offseason. We’ll be one heck of a team in 2010…
coach smith
July 21st, 2009
1:00 pm
Does anybody realize the Braves are 14-6 in their last 20 games?
in the words of Vince Lombardi…”What the hell’s going on around here!”
now I think the biggest need is Power at FIRST BASE
bring up Freeman and see what he can do if you can’t trade for a firstbaseman
Paul Lentz
July 21st, 2009
1:00 pm
keylargo………….concerning your 12:03pm posting, I’ll quote the late Bill Walsh when he gave his take on a player who has shown that his production is starting to decline. “It is better to get rid of a player a year too early…….then a year too late”.
Enough said.
ncscoots
July 21st, 2009
1:01 pm
Do me a favor, Dense. Do not respond to me by name. I have no wish to see my moniker in any post authored by you. The mere mention of my moniker might catch my eye, and, before you know it, I’d be reading one of your posts.
So leave my moniker out of it, do not address me, consider me dead to you. Are we clear?
BravoMan
July 21st, 2009
1:02 pm
By the way Chipper’s quote cracked me up about there being no “easy outs.” He’s right though, Wren knew that Schafer and Francoeur weren’t the answers, so Church and McLouth were aquired.
ChipperFan
July 21st, 2009
1:04 pm
Piedmont Blues,
Re: Hanson’s delivery. There was a period this offseason (during the AFL and immediately thereafter) when all we talked about on this blog besides free agent signings and the Peavy trade was Tommy Hanson and Tyler Flowers. Not sure if you were around for that, so I’ll sum up:
There are some “experts” who have analyzed Tommy’s mechanics as being similar to Jake Peavy’s (disaster / Tommy John surgery waiting to happen), and there are others who think his mechanics are really good and unlikely to lead to any injuries, along the lines of Roy Halladay…..and people were saying ad nauseam that Hanson will never be injured in any way. That he is, in fact, Unbreakable.
This link was referred to a lot:
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com/2008/12/12/690731/pitching-mechanics-tommy-h
I’m sure that link is more or less correct. His mechanics are pretty sound, but imperfect, as his follow-through doesn’t extend all the way down like it should (see Tim Lincecum’s follow-through for the way it should look).
Overall very good mechanics though. He probably won’t get hurt for a long time unless he’s overworked, but anything can happen.
Carroll Rogers
July 21st, 2009
1:04 pm
Mixxo, when you say writers, do you mean your beat writers? your beatwriters have nothing against Escobar performing well and winning NL player of the week. I can assure you.
Nothing like delayed reaction, but I’m not sure if anyone addressed the retired numbers question last night. I believe some are red and some are blue – and all in different “fonts’ if you notice – because they are replicas from the numbers worn on that player’s jersey in his time. Take a look at Aaron’s 44 next time you’re there and see how different it looks from the others. That’s my hypothesis anyway.
Shamus Thacker
July 21st, 2009
1:04 pm
PS: And YES !!…I did JUST say…”inferrmentation”…
If it were a word, it would be much more impressive…
Roman Gal
July 21st, 2009
1:05 pm
Bottom line for me is that the team is better when both those guys are playing well at the same time. The Braves can use that.
Exactly. What’s so hard to understand about having Kelly on the bench instead of one of Norton/Hernandez making the team better? Kelly doesn’t have to have defensive versatility. He can play 2nd or the OF. Prado can still play just about every position, and just because he’s the “starting second-baseman” doesn’t mean he can’t play other positions.
Would Kelly get more playing time than say Conrad or Hernandez? Yes. But that’s because he’s better than bother of them. Kotchman and Chipper are fragile and need time off to be effective and Prado can fill in for them.
RHR
July 21st, 2009
1:05 pm
BravoMan – except I got the impression he was also including KJ in that easy outs quip.
Frank Wren
July 21st, 2009
1:05 pm
Good thing you guys arent running the team
Closer Depth
July 21st, 2009
1:06 pm
This is so easy. The fact that Frankie Wren hasn’t thought of it concerns me. Just make KJ a closer. Then you can trade Gonzo and Soriano to the Phillies for Utley (who could back up the All World Prado) and their serviceable first baseman (you know, the big one), who could provide some pop behind Casey.
Solved.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 21st, 2009
1:07 pm
coach smith -
We will be 14-6 in our last 20 games if we win tonight. Right now it is 13-6 in the last 19, starting with win against Boston. I like your positive attitude, though!
John
July 21st, 2009
1:08 pm
Shamus
I’ve always been MUCH more impressed by “madeup” words….nothin’ personal but…your humorology could use some improvement…jmo
Jeff321
July 21st, 2009
1:08 pm
If KJ is so fast.. Why does he constantly dive and miss on plays that REAL second baseman make all the time?
Lets face it, the KJ “experiment” at 2B is a colossal failure and the person responsible needs to get outed.
KJ for Closer
July 21st, 2009
1:13 pm
Exactly Jeff321. As a closer, KJ will rarely need to run at all! And when dives, he will be diving from the mound which should give him extra diving distance. Plus, it solves the problem of his streaky bat. Closers almost never bat!
This is really the biggest no-brainer ever.
flange1
July 21st, 2009
1:13 pm
I fail to see how anyone, no matter how stupid, can say that Norton is “Bobby’s boy” and NOT say the same thing about KJ.
Seems to me if we read other quotes from the dunderhead, we were told that Frenchy and KJ were kept in the lineup even when the dunderhead told us that they should not be.
So doesn’t that make KJ one of “Bobby’s Boys” too? And actually a little more since he has played more…..
TnBrian
July 21st, 2009
1:13 pm
Paul Lentz, you’re a strange feller. Yes bloggers, there are some odd balls out there and we have one that invades us daily. Sorry Paul, no offense.
Paul Lentz
July 21st, 2009
1:14 pm
Marc…………..Having Tim Hudson pitch in short relief isnt a “demotion”. Starting pitching is not the problem right now. Needing another power arm to help Soriano and Gonzalez close out games in the 8th and 9th innings IS THE PROBLEM. Tim Hudson has the stuff and pitching mentality to help close out games in the 8th and 9th innings. He has a nasty slider to get the much needed strikeout or he can use that heavy sinker to induce a double play……….2 qualities that you want to see in a late inning relief pitcher. Having Tim Hudson as an option to pitch late in games would lessen the wear and team on both Soriano and Gonzalez.
Sending Kawakami to pitch in the bullpen would be a “demotion”. He would basically be taking Kris Medlen’s spot. The Braves do not need 2 mop up/long relief/spot starters in the bullpen (our starters rarely miss starts……..and they rarely leave the game before the 6th inning). So if Kawakami is sent to the bullpen, then Medlen would be sent down.
However, if Hudson was going to be used in short relief, then Peter Moylan would be the obvious choice to be let go. He is TOO INCONSISTENT to pitch in short relief. You never know which Moylan you are going to get from one night to the next
I’ve said this before, I realize that Tim Hudson (pre-injury) is a better starting pitcher than Kenshin Kawakami. However, that isnt the issue. What IS the issue is the fact that using Hudson to pitch in short relief (just for the rest of this season) would help the Braves address a BIG TIME NEED, without having to make a trade.
BravoMan
July 21st, 2009
1:15 pm
RHR, Yep him too
keylargo
July 21st, 2009
1:15 pm
John
You got it. Kelly is just a nice guy and gave his AAA coach a probably much deserved “thank you for the time you worked with me” pat on the back.
Anyone who says that he ripped TP needs to show me where the story or quote is. Otherwise, I will know you are the kind of person who throws other innocent people under the bus to get your way.
P-Town Brave
July 21st, 2009
1:15 pm
Marc-
You lose all credibility here saying Kelly’s fundamentals are better…
OR are you the only one that was living under a rock when Kelly tried to catch that pop up against the Phillies one-handed dropped it and cost the Braves the game, and some (not myself) feel the season…
Yeah, sorry, some of us can not forget certain things that happen to certain players (ie Lonnie Smith losing the ball in the dome in Minnesota during the WS)
I do agree w/ Key though..Kelly can run and steal bases so he’s certainly a bigger threat than Norton, especially considering the team wasn’t even using Norton in the field…
So yeah, I am in agreement for the activate Kelly and DFA Norton.
Couch Tater
July 21st, 2009
1:16 pm
According to Jon Heyman @ SI the Phillies aren’t willing to give up Kyle Drabek for Roy Halliday.
One person with the Jays suggested he believes the chances for a deal are now “less than 50-50.”
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_heyman/07/21/daily.scoop/
McFann :Ô:
July 21st, 2009
1:16 pm
Heath But hey, sometimes the truth hurts.
That’s for sure…
P-Town Brave
July 21st, 2009
1:19 pm
Key-
The point there is you don’t have to directly rip a guy to be ripping him…
Joe Simpson indirectly ripping Kelly and Jeff saying the Braves lineup is much better than it was a few weeks ago w/ Martin and Ryan/Matt playing RF…
Joe ripping the umpire Rob Drake during the Hanson “ball 3 right down the middle” call…
There have been many more, but I’m just pointing out a couple that have happened in the last 2-3 days…
Paul Lentz
July 21st, 2009
1:19 pm
SanFranFan…………your posting at 12:52pm shows that you dont watch Braves baseball. Prado may be 5 for his last 23. However, it isnt like he is hitting weak dribbles, grounding into double plays, or striking out. Last night, he hit 3 ropes, right at the defenders. He has been hitting the ball hard the past few games, he just doesnt have the results to show for it.
I’m not concerned with Prado being 5 for his last 23. He is still putting good wood on the ball. You might want to watch him swing tonight………..then get back at me.
ncscoots
July 21st, 2009
1:19 pm
I suspect that pitching motion [of Hanson's] is going to lead to injuries over time. Still, use him while you’ve got him, right?
Pain heals, chicks dig scars, and the bubblegum card lasts forever, LOL.
Besides, I don’t think they even give you your membership card in the Pitchers’ Union until you’ve had at least one TJ scar.
keylargo
July 21st, 2009
1:20 pm
Paul Lentz
No, that’s not enough said. I asked you for one name, two words, of a player who got 300 hits in 2007 and 2008 combined and is not in the major leagues today. It’s all up to you. One name is all it takes.
NO MORE BOBBY
July 21st, 2009
1:21 pm
Frank Wren – Don’t you mean “could” hit on KJ?
McFann :Ô:
July 21st, 2009
1:22 pm
Paul L. Last night, he hit 3 ropes, right at the defenders.
I hate those.
NO MORE BOBBY
July 21st, 2009
1:23 pm
These fans that get all personal with players kill me. So your saying you would rather mess up the great chemistry we have going with Prado at second jut so your lame Kelly Johnson can come back?
That makes a lot of sense! I think the best thing for Johnson is what French Boy did…. get out of town!
Not gonna happen in the ATL. Sorry KJ lovers.
AlabamaBrave
July 21st, 2009
1:23 pm
I figured I would weigh in on the KJ/Brooks thing. I realize that KJ has much more experience, but Brooks is hitting very well at the time. Gotta go with the hot hand. The best option would be, after Infante comes back, to DFA Norto, send down Hernandez, and keep Brooks as the switch-hitting pinch hitter and Kelly as the left-hander.
Shamus Thacker
July 21st, 2009
1:23 pm
I hate to see empty space under a bus…
Paul Lentz
July 21st, 2009
1:23 pm
TampaBrave……….I didnt say that defense wasnt important, lol. What I SAID was that if a player can RAKE AT THE PLATE, then it will more than make up for his defensive deficiencies.
Let me ask you this: Who is the better defensive first baseman, Ryan Howard or Casey Kotchamn? Yet who would you rather have playing first base on your team?
I’m not trying to knock Casey Kotchman. I’m just trying to illustrate how good offense can compensate for a lack of defensive prowess.
Roman Gal
July 21st, 2009
1:24 pm
Anyone who says that he ripped TP needs to show me where the story or quote is.
There was no ripping or shredding. Kelly thanked the Gwinnett hitting coach for helping him.