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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
3,333 comments Add your comment
John
July 25th, 2009
1:15 am
OK…I just got in…I see The Great White Shark…”announced his presence with authority” in tonight’s game…sorry I missed it…I’m sure Paul was pleased
chilidog75
July 25th, 2009
1:15 am
Oh yeah and DOB,
Your job does not suck.
scottbravesfan
July 25th, 2009
1:18 am
Necromancer,
Man you have got to get MLB Network. It’s worth the upgrade to digital cable if you don’t have it and if you cable doesn’t offer it dump it and get a dish. It’s the only channel I watch at night anymore and I haven’t watching baseball tonight hardly at all this year.
Mike S
July 25th, 2009
1:19 am
Thanks for the post DOB. That is awesome!
You deserve a great experience like that for all of your hard work. I’m happy for you.
The A Bomb
July 25th, 2009
1:21 am
FLORIDA 6 LOS ANGELES 3 BOTTOM 9
The A Bomb
July 25th, 2009
1:23 am
Was in Cooperstown in ‘05. . . All I can say is it was the experience of a lifetime. Every baseball fan needs to go at least once.
I hope Maddux & Co. all go in the same year so we can have the Braves version of Woodstock in around 2014 or 2015
DiamondbackMac
July 25th, 2009
1:25 am
As always, it’s been a pleasure. Good night and may God bless you all.
The A Bomb
July 25th, 2009
1:28 am
FINAL. . .
FLORIDA 6 LOS ANGELES 3
RHR
July 25th, 2009
1:40 am
They need to focus on getting somebody or bodies to fill out that bullpen. It’s basically Soriano and Rafael.
He’s even better than I thought.
RHR
July 25th, 2009
1:48 am
Great story, DOB. Sounds like a special night, totally worth missing a Neko Case concert after all.
uga-brave
July 25th, 2009
1:51 am
the bone in filet at chops is different. best steak i have had.
if you guys ever want to come to atlanta and want to eat a good steak, look me up. i will set you up.
greg and michael, who run the bar will hook you up.
hymie will definetly hook you up.
Diaz brothers
July 25th, 2009
2:02 am
Birddawgbill
Seems like everybody likes us except that Tony Montana fella
Andrew
July 25th, 2009
3:11 am
???
jj
July 25th, 2009
3:22 am
Mr. Rogers,or anyone else,do you think Prado and Escabor get the contrsct boost as Mac and Frenchie were offered after this season?I know we have a lot of ball to play,but I was just asking.You know it is about the money and these Guys are on the downside of the pay scale.I also believe if Bobby don’t blow this thing we can have postseason ball in the Fall.Bobby is at his best during blowouts,but God help us in close games.
jj
July 25th, 2009
3:45 am
I must have asked the wrong question about Prado and Escabor.All I wanted to know was if these Guys would get paid after this season.I also said Bobby was the best blowout manager in baseball,but it’s another story in close games.
jj
July 25th, 2009
3:47 am
Thanks and forget the 3:45 post.I guess it took a while.
ChurchMan
July 25th, 2009
4:28 am
Browsing baseball boards and saw that Mets fans have dug up the phone number to the team’s Chairman of the Board.
Talk about a desperate fan base
AndyC
July 25th, 2009
6:11 am
DOB
Thanks for blogging from the HOF. That must have been a pretty cool experience last night . It must be really intimidating to be in a room full of such great players. Hope your speech goes well.
Also, I completely agree with Chipper. This was a game that the Braves have not been winning. Very impressive performance from Javy who did not have his best stuff. Great win.
ncscoots
July 25th, 2009
6:53 am
I can understand that the idea of trading for relief help is attractive to some. The offense is surging right now, and a bat doesn’t seem to be as high a priority. But, some of the team’s offensive peripherals are almost stratospheric recently, and it’s unlikely that can continue for another 2+ months.
Some hitting coaches say they need 4-5 guys going well at any one time for the offense to realize its potential. My fear is that the lack of offensive depth in the Braves’ everyday lineup means that the axiom devolves to the “right” four or five guys have to be going well. If they aren’t, the Braves may be back to scratching for runs. If that happens, middle relief won’t really matter much of a tinker’s dam.
HAL
July 25th, 2009
7:44 am
i have a friend in canada wgo says were the favorites in the halliday sweeps all we have to give up os hanson medlin and the licensing right to coke lol ohh wait that friend is me and its all wishful blogging
i cant take it anymore
July 25th, 2009
7:46 am
DOB, thanks for the nice post from the hof party. Its pretty cool to get the low down on the party
HAL
July 25th, 2009
7:50 am
secondf thoughts lets forget halliday and everyone else i like what we got just fine specially if mCLOUT A ND PLAYDOUGH keep hitting like they are at the top
Homanoka
July 25th, 2009
8:33 am
George Brett sharts himself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUdHMkE5Qdk
Epinephrine
July 25th, 2009
8:45 am
haha jj, nice series of posts there at 330ish. Excellent work.
Eric from MO
July 25th, 2009
9:03 am
The A-Bomb, Maddux and Glavine will go in the same year. Smoltz will be at least a year later. No way Maddux and Glavine dont make it first time, unless Canseco comes out with a new book claiming they took roids, which considering neither threw hard, I doubt they did.
McFann :Ô:
July 25th, 2009
9:09 am
Ms. Rogers He actually was smiling after the game, giving Chipper a hard time for walking ahead of him to bring him up again in the ninth.
Haha…yeah, Chipper just had to put the icing on the cake by making it first and second with two outs.
He’s a team guy, the young McCann, and a funny one.
Yep!
Thanks for that.
Eric from MO
July 25th, 2009
9:10 am
Ncscoots, there is no longer a hole in our lineup. When the season began we had Schafer, KJ, and Francouer. With the pitcher, that meant we had only 5 hitters. Since then we have replaced Schafer with McLouth, KJ with Prado, and Francouer with Chuch. All these guys are professional hitters. We are fine. The lineup has been fixed. Only problem is when Chipper gets hurt, but at least Infante will be back soon to take care of that.
So with our great starting pitching, and solid offense only makes sense to fix the pen.
McFann :Ô:
July 25th, 2009
9:10 am
Ew…but nuthin like an 0-6 night to knock 7 points off your AVG…kinda scared to look at his OBP…musta lost around 14 points, then.
McFann :Ô:
July 25th, 2009
9:14 am
OK, so it only lost 8 points…it was losing twice as much as his AVG at one point. Just when you think you have the pattern figured out…
Eric from MO We are fine. The lineup has been fixed.
Elgth…not against lefties. But yeah, we won last night, so it’s not gonna get changed…
Mixxo
July 25th, 2009
9:17 am
First off…..great game, wish Mac could hit, great George Brett story!
Couple of observations …….I still can’t stand Prince Fielder (is he always that miserable and angry? 4 k’s I know will do that, but that guy hates the world after a 4 for 5 day. WTF is his deal?), Corey Hart looks like he ran face first into an iron skillet…..and lost. Counsell I see, has lost his herky-jerky “punch the sky” batting stance. Talk about irritating !!!
More soon!
Eric from MO
July 25th, 2009
9:17 am
McFann pretty sure I heard last night that we were 19-15 against lefties. So it must not be that terrible against lefties.
McFann :Ô:
July 25th, 2009
9:22 am
Eric from MO–
Seriously? Huh…Well, I still wouldn’t have a guy that hits .217 vs LHP bat cleanup against them.
JC form UT
July 25th, 2009
9:22 am
does anyone know the ETA for Infante? Also, now that St. Louis has Matt Holliday, does this make Ludwick expendable? Could the KJ for Ludwick talks/rumors start again?
Eric from MO
July 25th, 2009
9:23 am
Yep McFann, thats what the Brewers announcers said.
McFann :Ô:
July 25th, 2009
9:24 am
Excuse me! Where is my post?
My browser hates me…
McFann :Ô:
July 25th, 2009
9:26 am
There! Dangit…why won’t you just reload the first 20 times I tell you to?
Eric from MO–
Really? Nice. [sigh] Seems ev’rybody knows it but Bobby…
After this 0-6 with 8 LOB, if he’s batting cleanup against the next lefty the Braves face, you guys might here an explosion from Lawrenceville, GA…
dogsbrekky
July 25th, 2009
9:28 am
Dobi One Knobi – Thanks for the hof update, congrats on being there and having some well earned “work fun”, you thoroughly deserve it
If you get to interview Ricky, why not try it in the 3rd person !
Bob Gibson, Is he scary in person ?
McFann :Ô:
July 25th, 2009
9:31 am
Eric–
Ah…heh, you meant the announcers said the Braves were 19-15 against lefties, didn’t you?
Ma bad…
Vinings Jim
July 25th, 2009
9:31 am
McFann – I always have the same problem in the mornings when there’s not much activity.
richbrave
July 25th, 2009
9:34 am
McFANN:
Maybe time for our hero to check his spectacles once again. If his vision is continually regressing I’m putting the blame on SHANE VICTORINO.
dogsbrekky
July 25th, 2009
9:34 am
McFann – what are his splits lifetime versus lefties ? I bet they are probably okay. You also must give him a break every now and then from having to be perfect. He will get it on vs the lefties soon, history shows that he is around 270 vs lefties.
Ironically his slugging % is better in the pitcher’s parks and he has done poorly in “hitters parks”
CB
July 25th, 2009
9:43 am
I have been a long time Braves fan who does not ask as much from our team as some do,the most important thing to me is to have a team that gives us hope.I can’t stand August and no chance for the rest of season, thanks Braves for giving us hope! This team can make the playoffs if we can continue to play our potential,right now just a well balanced team. Think 40-25.
61 year Braves Fan
July 25th, 2009
9:44 am
Isn’t it ironic that since” rally killers” Frenchy and KJ have left the lineup, the Braves have finally
began to score runs. Why didn’t Cox see this 2 months ago like we all did?
Count de Monet
July 25th, 2009
9:48 am
61
Because Bobby is an addict when it comes to certain players like KJ and Frenchy. He sticks with them forever.
Count de Monet
July 25th, 2009
9:49 am
McFann
Where you one of McCann’s Canns?
TnBrian
July 25th, 2009
9:52 am
Mixxo, you left out Braun and his bug eyes… man, he looks like Tex’s ugly little brother. Now that was mean but I think even the Brewers GM wanted to stranle that little arrogant punk.
McFann :Ô:
July 25th, 2009
9:53 am
V. Jim–
Yeah, that’s mostly when I have this problem.
But my browser does hate me. It’s wants the update, but I refuse. So it’s taking longer to load–or not load–any page I want to go on.
richbrave–
Hmm…yeah. One bad game doesn’t necessarily mean anything. But I totally hear ya on the Reaper thing…hey, I’ve stated it before, he has NOT been the power-hitter he used to be since that happened.
dogbrekky–
Lifetime vs LHP? You want before this year, or including this year? Well, I’ll give you both:
Before this year (by my figures): .282 AVG, .347 OBP, .462 SLG, 16 HR, 78 RBI, 36 2B, 4 SB, 1 CS, 38 BB, 81 SO, 15 GDP, 7 HBP, 4 SH, 4 SF, and 2 ROE.
Including this year: .271 AVG, .337 OBP, .430 SLG, 17 HR, 89 RBI, 38 2B, 5 SB, 1 CS, 48 BB, 92 SO, 17 GDP, 10 HBP, 5 SH, 5 SF, and 5 ROE.
You also must give him a break every now and then from having to be perfect.
I don’t mean he has to be perfect, I just don’t get why he’s not hitting lefties this year. I don’t get it! Makes no sense to…and when I don’t get something, I usually despise it.
Ironically his slugging % is better in the pitcher’s parks and he has done poorly in “hitters parks”
That’s odd…considering outside of Turner Field, the only place he’s hit homers is Citizen’s Bank Park. But he’s got 7 homers in TF, which is kind of a pitcher’s park, right?
Count de Monet–
Haha…no…
dogsbrekky
July 25th, 2009
9:58 am
McFann – I think the park splits I looked at were for 2009 only and yes 270 was what I had for lifetime versus LHP. This year he has had what 100 AB versus lefties, so no biggie, rather have him rake in Aug-Sep versus the fillies and mucils LHP
njbraves
July 25th, 2009
10:04 am
paul Lentz will discuss the use of Moylan in crucial situations today…you can BANK ON IT.
McFann :Ô:
July 25th, 2009
10:17 am
dogsbrekky I think the park splits I looked at were for 2009 only
That’s what I figured…where did you find those splits, BTW? Seems like baseball-reference.com doesn’t have that one–course, I could have overlooked it…
He’s had 92 AB vs LHP this year–he’s 20-92.
rather have him rake in Aug-Sep versus the fillies and mucils LHP
Me, too, uh…are the “mucils” the Mets?
CB
July 25th, 2009
10:21 am
TnBrian, he may be ( Braun) an arrogant little punk, but sure wish he was a Brave. I love the way the man plays.
dogsbrekky
July 25th, 2009
10:26 am
McFann – ‘mucils = short for MET-A-MUCIL, which is an apt nickname for them cause whatever you eat with that stuff just goes through you like you know what
JasonInFL
July 25th, 2009
10:26 am
a win today and we gain a game on at least one team in front of us. man, this team is playing well right now. i know the offense has been good lately, but i still wouldn’t mind seeing another power bat. i don’t think that’s possible without weakening another area of the team because of salary. but, i would take another great bullpen arm—Wuertz, Downs, Qualls–to go with what we already have.
TommyP
July 25th, 2009
10:34 am
Paul Lentz’s “bank on it” guarantee doesn’t exactly say much in this economy, does it?
The Cards have completely transformed their lineup and have to be considered the favorite in the Central as well as a major competitor for the World Series.
Holliday changes that lineup completely and Lugo is an excellent addition at this point as well.
I hope the Braves do more than add an arm in the bullpen. I know a lot of you have gotten excited about the Braves offensive surge the past few weeks but I’m afraid it’s not good enough over the long haul.
jeffrey d
July 25th, 2009
10:35 am
Is nobody going to point out that at 3:22 somebody called Carroll “Mr. Rogers”?
jeffrey d
July 25th, 2009
10:37 am
Braun’s right handed. He wouldn’t fit in here.
McFann :Ô:
July 25th, 2009
10:41 am
dogsbrekky–
OK…TMI…
L8R.
TurnThePage
July 25th, 2009
10:48 am
Tommy P, add a hitter? No one would say that Atlanta doesn’t need a hitter, but at what cost? MLBTRADERUMORS.COM says the Braves would be interested in Troy Glaus. Troy Glaus? He’s been injured all season and I don’t know that he provides much at least for a while. Plus, you have to give up players to get players. Is he worthy of giving up anything? That’s about the level of what is available. Paul Konerko was mentioned, so was Lyle Overbay. One could make an argument for Konerko if the asking price wasn’t too high. Konerko has 18 HR 64 RBI while hitting .294. Overbay is a Casey Kotchman clone. He has 9 HR on the season. Josh Willingham was begged for on this site, but while he has 13 HR, he only has 29 RBI. My argument against him is that the Braves platoon in right field where Willingham plays has 9 HR and 51 RBI. Washington, depending on who you listen to, may be willing to deal Adam Dunn. Dunn is a homerun hitter no doubt but strikes out a lot and is a defensive liability. Atlanta fans think Garret Anderson is slow afoot, meet Dunn. I understand that it’s easy to look at St. Louis acquisition of Matt Holiday in his first game and think he totally transforms that team. I will defer my evaluation until after the season. He’s not going to get four hits in every game. His stats say he won’t He isn’t even the power presence that a number four hitter normally is. Yet, the Cardinals gave up one of their top prospects and two other prospects for a player who may not even be in St. Louis next season. So, to think that Atlanta will acquire someone who will push them over the top especially without giving up key components to the future of the organization is off base. That’s why I say that Frank Wren had be very cautious or we will see another brigade of prospects marching out of the Braves farm system much like we did when they acquired Mark Texiera several years ago who never led them to the playoffs.
TurnThePage
July 25th, 2009
10:53 am
Jeffrey, I picked up on the “Mr. Rogers” comment. Oh, well. Carroll is hanging out in Mr. Rogers wild side neighborhood, Beer Park.
jeffrey d
July 25th, 2009
10:53 am
He’s not going to get four hits in every game. His stats say he won’t
His stats say he won’t? I’m pretty sure logic says he won’t.
dogsbrekky
July 25th, 2009
10:54 am
Didn’t Wren say some time ago that Huddo may be used this year in the pen?
I think with a RH power bat we can compete. Put this bat at cleanup and Mc at 5th where he should be and all is sweeter….
dogsbrekky
July 25th, 2009
10:57 am
TurnthepaGE – adding Holiday to a lineup with Fat Albert and Ludwick is a very scary proposition for any pitching lineup. Opposing managers will have to pick their poison. In Oakland Matt H was surrounded by the “no good without roids” crowd of has beens. I love this move for STL especially as they can now mash those hated Cubbies.
jeffrey d
July 25th, 2009
11:01 am
haha, wild side of neighborhood…
jeffrey d
July 25th, 2009
11:01 am
wild side neighborhood*
JasonInFL
July 25th, 2009
11:03 am
anyone have any insight into why fregosi has in chi-town all week? no, i am not trying to start the konerko rumors again, but caveman has said he has heard the braves were looking at konerko/dye, but the braves are denying it. i don’t think the special assistant would be there all week looking at a reliever, but maybe. thoughts?
brent a.
July 25th, 2009
11:04 am
I don’t think we’re adding offense.
Hudson, plus maybe a reliever (and Hudson may be one) will probably be our only upgrades.
We could add a bat; but, I don’t think the Braves want to pull the trigger on that type of deal, not with the team we have now, and what we will likely have over the next few years. (And money, of course, is also a factor).
We now have McLouth, Chipper, and Mac, who are legitimate home run threats.
And then, Anderson, Prado, Escobar and Diaz know how to drive the ball as well.
We have good hitters on this team, we just don’t have sluggers. I’d love to have a slugger; but, at this juncture, it may not be in the Braves’ best interest to acquire one for the remainder of this season.
jeffrey d
July 25th, 2009
11:06 am
Konerko and Dye have been around for about 10 years. Why would we need to send someone to see them in person? They’re not going to show something everybody doesn’t already know.
brent a.
July 25th, 2009
11:09 am
Jason, I will say this . . . if Fregosi were scouting relievers, he might’ve needed to stay a few days to get a look at who he was there to see. Doesn’t seem like the best use of time; but, I’m not in the business of scouting, so I don’t know.
Frank Wren spent a few days in Japan last year, but never saw KK pitch; so, who knows really?
I will say this, if Fregosi was there on Thursday, he didn’t get to see any relievers.
Looking at the Sox relievers, no one really jumps out at me, unless someone wants to re-kindle Scott Linebrink rumors (see: 2006).
JasonInFL
July 25th, 2009
11:11 am
jeffrey d, just the way it works, bro. bat speed, health, etc. do you think the phils really need to send a scout to know if doc halladay is any good? well, they have had one following toronto for about 2 weeks now and have seen doc’s last 3 starts. but, now that the obvious of your most has been answered, you still didn’t answer the question. do you think fregosi was in chicago watching the whitesox all week because he likes ozzie guillen? again, just asking what other peeps on here think about the situation. i find it peculiar that he was there all week is all.
jeffrey d
July 25th, 2009
11:11 am
Geeeeze….we got Keith Lockhart and Michael “Eyedrops” Tucker for Jermaine Dye? That’s horrible.
PWHjort
July 25th, 2009
11:16 am
“Konerko and Dye have been around for about 10 years. Why would we need to send someone to see them in person? They’re not going to show something everybody doesn’t already know.”
Well, the first part of your argument sort of ruins the second part. This is the post-steroid era. People age. And you have to go see them in person to see how much they’ve aged, how much they’re still capable of, etc.. The dudes are very, very old for baseball players (especially Dye).
Wayne in Utah
July 25th, 2009
11:23 am
ncscoots
Per your earlier post about our offense. I am a bit iffy on whether the current production can continue for our club. For sure we eliminated a few easy outs by getting McLouth, Prado and Church/Diaz in the lineup; and the resurgence of Garret Anderson has been refreshing.
I just don’t know if we can expect this sort of output to continue. I guess we can hope.
Random
July 25th, 2009
11:24 am
61 year Braves Fan (July 25th, 2009 9:44 am): “Isn’t it ironic that since” rally killers” Frenchy and KJ have left the lineup, the Braves have finally began to score runs. Why didn’t Cox see this 2 months ago like we all did?”
I love the smell of hindsight and arrogance in the morning.
Arrogance: You can rest assured that Cox/Wren know better than us the weaknesses of the team. However, they unlike us are constrained by reality in how they address them. We are bound only by the limits of our imaginations, which are nearly infinite if you imagine you know more about the Braves than they do. Almost any time a trade is made, the need for that trade had been identified months before (in the real world).
Hindsight: two months ago (thru May), yes it seemed apparent to all concerned that Francoeur had indeed not turned the corner (a .277/.307/.422 Apr followed by a .229/.243/.284 May).
But the Francoeur/Church trade was simply not possible at that time. The Mets were just not ready (read: desperate enough) at that time to pull the trigger on such an outside-the-box trade. Tell me who the Braves could have traded Francoeur for at the end of May.
Also at the end of May, it was far from obvious that KJ was a problem in need of a solution. Remember — he had followed up his odious Apr (.203/.295/.391) with a solidly respectable May (.297/.333/.495). (It was June when he imploded — .125/.229/.167).
Plus, it’s already been mentioned here several times — Cox is on record that he would have had Prado starting at 2B even sooner than he did, except for a groin pull that prevented Prado from playing that much. As soon as he could, Cox did replace Johnson with Prado.
Seems like your hindsight is not quite 20/20. More like 50-50, huh?
Wayne in Utah
July 25th, 2009
11:26 am
PWHjort
I really don’t expect it, but if you could add Konerko (33 yrs old) without bankrupting your system, can you imagine that lineup.
And he would fit beautifully in the lineup between Chipper and McCann.
Can you imagine this lineup: McLouth, Prado, Chipper, Konerko, McCann, Escobar, and two of our three corner outfielders! Not murderers row, but not bad either.
PWHjort
July 25th, 2009
11:31 am
Yeah, I like it, Wayne. Another thing, the Mariners lost 9-0 last night and may be destined to sell. Russel Branyan? Dude has an AL-High 24 HR and a .555 SLG %. His defense is atrocious and he’ll never be a guy who hits for a high average, but it most likely wouldn’t take much to get him as he’s on a 1-year deal and he only makes–get this–1.4 million dollars this year in total. I’d like to see him manning 1B for us.
Shamus Thacker
July 25th, 2009
11:36 am
“”Because Bobby is an addict when it comes to certain players like KJ and Frenchy.”"
Therefore, The Needle And The Damage Done, Neil Young, would be a fine intro tune for Bobby.
Not bashing Bobby BTW, just smiling at the thought…
RHR
July 25th, 2009
11:38 am
Man those poor Jays fans. Wouldn’t it suck to be in their shoes right now? Imagine if we were trading Chipper or McCann or Hanson for Happ and an outfield prospect. And then watching what could be their last start? I’m pretty sure I would weep every day until August 1st.
Greg in TN
July 25th, 2009
11:38 am
Morning lads and lasses…
Excellent work by both blog scribes (CR in the land of beer and cheese and the Crusading Everyman plying along in the most hallowed of baseball shrines. Wonderful post last night DOB, setting the scene with the legends of the game milling around like that, and love the idea of the Hammer sitting and everyone coming around to say hi to him, very Corleone-esque as you mentioned).
Just got back from Chicago, denizens. Yes, was in town for work, but no, missed Buehrle’s gem on the south side. Timing is everything folks. Wasn’t long after the game ended when storms rolled through Chi-town which would have caused a rather interesting situation had the game not yet ended.
Meanwhile things are rolling along quite splendidly on Planet Braves. Haven’t lost two in a row since the last game in Washington and the first game against the Cubs in aforementioned Chicago and going back to that loss in the opener at Wrigley on July 6th, the Braves are 11-5 in that stretch with Jurrjens and Vazquez both going 3-0 and with the team pinning losses on guys like Zambrano, Marquis and Lincecum. Solid baseball folks.
Seems like the break did much to cure a lot of ills and make for a happier McFann in the process. Everybody’s Favorite Catcher has rebounded nicely since his trip to St Louie hitting .314 with a .923 OPS. The Braves are also getting more long balls as evidenced by last night’s game against the lads of lager. B-Mac is hitting well, the Offensive Assassin is hitting well, Escobar is smashing the ball. Since the break, the three have combined for 9 round-trippers.
Time to que the Phenom tonight, who will face the same team he went out against in his debut. Tommy’s been battling the flu lately, but I’d love to see him feeling good and shutting down a solid Brewers lineup tonight.
Eric from MO
July 25th, 2009
11:38 am
Random to add on to your 11:24 post, dont forget that Cox had started using Infante at 2nd. It isnt Cox’s fault that Omar got hurt.
PWHjort
July 25th, 2009
11:39 am
Korean Baseball Fight.
dogsbrekky
July 25th, 2009
11:39 am
Wayne UT – I failed in my mission yesterday to find a lotto outlet in this part of Long Island, so we will double up and get a ticket for mega millions Tuesday and a NY lotto for Wed and I will post our lucky numbers…
Heath
July 25th, 2009
11:40 am
Philadelphia doesn’t seem to want to give up Happ and Drabek…
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4355464
dogsbrekky
July 25th, 2009
11:40 am
PWH – wtf, that is seriously funny
Wayne in Utah
July 25th, 2009
11:41 am
PWHjort
Branyan scares me a bit. Kinda like Norton in some respects; hot and cold. When will the next cold spell begin? Might be worth a flier though.
Heath
July 25th, 2009
11:41 am
PWHjort -
WTF?
Wayne in Utah
July 25th, 2009
11:43 am
dogsbrekky
You mean I shouldn’t have given my notice at work on Friday???
Eric from MO
July 25th, 2009
11:44 am
PWH…HAHAAAHAHAHAHAHA
That is one of the dumbest things I have ever seen. Maybe MLB should start that.
RHR
July 25th, 2009
11:45 am
Greg – he was also battling the flu when he pitched to the Red Sox. Color me encouraged.
Oh and Go Cards! The Cards are the best team the Phils have faced since they played us. I smell a sweep. Too bad its not a 4 game series.
Wayne in Utah
July 25th, 2009
11:46 am
What is the deal with that one-legged fight?? Seriously funny stuff.
Mitchie-san
July 25th, 2009
11:50 am
Great story there, DOB. It sounded amazing.
How did your presentation go?
PWHjort
July 25th, 2009
11:51 am
OK, so here’s some trivia for you. In 1990, Ron Gant finished 14th in MVP voting after hitting .303/.357/.539 with 32 HR and 33 SB. What did he finish in 1991 after hitting .251/.338/.496 with 32 HR and 34 SB? Terry Pendleton won the award hitting .319/.363/.517 with 22 HR and 10 SB.
Fleming
July 25th, 2009
11:52 am
When I watched Javy bunting last night I was reminded of JagLawyers comment about a former coach of his making them do layup drills and him thinking that the Braves should be doing bunting drills after the game. Got this view in my mind of Bobby setting up a tee at home plate and the players lining up at the pitchers mound. They would run up to the plate and try to bunt the ball into a basket then circle around to the end of the line. Worked great until Kotchman’s turn but everyone went to sleep waiting on him to get to home plate.
Hey Random. Congrats on shutting Paul and Jeff321 up last night. That was classic Random!
Efrim
July 25th, 2009
11:54 am
I love prospects more than anyone, but you have to be kidding me if the Phillies won’t part with both Happ and Drabek. Most think Happ is pitching out of his head right now and is no more than a back of the rotation starter. And Drabek had elbow surgery 2 years ago. My feeling is that JP is going to make a bad trade here. A very bad trade. Brown, Happ, Drabek still isn’t enough for Halladay. No way.
Random
July 25th, 2009
11:56 am
Eric from MO (July 25th, 2009 11:38 am): “dont forget that Cox had started using Infante at 2nd. It isnt Cox’s fault that Omar got hurt.”
Good point — thanks.
(My hindsight ain’t 20/20 either — immaculate miscegenation.)
PWHjort
July 25th, 2009
11:56 am
I agree Efrim, I’d want Brown, Happ, Drabek, and Carrasco.
Eric from MO
July 25th, 2009
11:57 am
Efrim, depends how good Happ really is. If he is this good then I wouldnt do it either. Never seen Drabek or Brown. Teams probably thought we were insane for not trading Hanson straight up for Peavy. That said I think Holladay is their only chance of holding off the Braves.
Steve from OH
July 25th, 2009
11:59 am
Efrim–yup. Can’t say I’m a big fan of Happ’s at all…
PWHjort
July 25th, 2009
12:00 pm
Here’s what Kevin Goldstein said about Happ before Spring Training of this year:
8. J.A. Happ, LHP
DOB: 10/19/82
Height/Weight: 6-6/200
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted/Signed: 3rd round, 2004, Northwestern University
2008 Stats: 3.60 ERA at Triple-A (135-116-48-151), 4.43 DERA; 3.69 ERA at MLB (31.2-28-14-26), 4.91 DERA
Last Year’s Ranking: Not Ranked
Year in Review: The most polished arm in the system excelled at Triple-A, and made some key September starts in the big leagues.
The Good: One scout put it best by saying, “once you see him pitch, you’re not surprised that he went to Northwestern.” He succeeds on deception and location, placing his 88-90 mph fastball in all four quadrants of the strike zone, adding and subtracting speed to keep hitters off balance, and altering his release to add sinking or cutting action. His changeup is a plus offering with late fade that’s hard to read, and his curveball is solid.
The Bad: Happ will never by an overpowering hurler, and his style of attacking hitters with marginal stuff offers little margin for error. His curveball still flattens out now and then, and when he focuses solely on his two best pitches, his game loses its vertical aspect.
Fun Fact: With his first big-league win on September 17 this year, Happ moved into a second place tie for wins among players drafted out of Northwestern—matching Chris Nichting and sitting only four behind former Brave Marty Clary’s five.
Perfect World Projection: He may be an innings-eating fourth starter.
Glass Half Empty: He pans out as an occasional starter, and an occasional long reliever.
Path to the Big Leagues: Happ is a finished product. Any time spent in the minors would be to keep him fresh as opposed to making any improvements.
Timetable: He’ll will compete for the fifth slot in the rotation this spring. Even if he doesn’t make it, he could make the team as a long reliever/swingman.
beekay
July 25th, 2009
12:04 pm
http://mlbbonusbaby.com/2009/07/22/draft-review-atlanta-braves/
Great draft review…looks like we drafted poorly according to this guy
beekay
July 25th, 2009
12:05 pm
For those of you who moaned about cutting Anderson, he was let go by the Tigers, would you take him back now?