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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,246 comments Add your comment
CB
August 1st, 2009
12:11 pm
McFann, is it time for bloggers to take up a collection for you a new computer?
McFann Ô
August 1st, 2009
12:12 pm
BravoMan–
No offense, but I hope your lineup is wrong…
it seemed like they were just missing pitches or havin balls hit right at people.
Yuh-huh. That’s what they did, all right.
McFann Ô
August 1st, 2009
12:14 pm
CB–
LOL! Nah, I think it’s just the Blog…sometimes in the morning it acts weird.
Hey, but I’m sure the rest of my family wouldn’t mind if I had my own computer.
AndyC
August 1st, 2009
12:15 pm
Shamus Thacker
I am not an idiot. Perhaps you are just an a$$hole.
brian
August 1st, 2009
12:19 pm
if the Indians were looking for pitching there is no way we could have landed VMart. Boston gave up solid young pitchers something we do not have to spare
Lou Vales
August 1st, 2009
12:25 pm
Shamus, You are absolutely correct and thanks for calling it to my attention. For a 1969 University of Florida grad to be employing the word “sycophant” in that manner is really pitiful.
When describing Boras only two words are perfect choices. He is a misanthrope and he is also most assuredly excrement with my apology to poodle droppings throughout Central Park.
THWG
August 1st, 2009
12:26 pm
Anyone think the Braves may DFA Norton to make room for LaRoche rather than sending Barbaro back to Gwinnett?
dogsbrekky
August 1st, 2009
12:27 pm
“YOUR and idiot”
brent a.
August 1st, 2009
12:27 pm
yeah, IIRC, Coleman tried to jump over the tarp as it was rolling out onto the field.
Shamus Thacker
August 1st, 2009
12:27 pm
AndyC: I am not an idiot. Perhaps you are just an a$$hole.
I’ve never denied being azzhole or idiot. I revel in the glory of lofty distinctions.
# 31
August 1st, 2009
12:30 pm
Anyone think the Braves may DFA Norton to make room for LaRoche rather than sending Barbaro back to Gwinnett? – THWG
…nope. He got a hit last night. That buys him at least another month.
BravoMan
August 1st, 2009
12:31 pm
How else would you do the line-up McDouche????
Random
August 1st, 2009
12:33 pm
Fred Claus (August 1st, 2009 11:20 am) –
Wow.
Where’d you come from?
Very interesting points, among which are some (imo) very cogent comments.
Thanks.
Much of what you say rings true, but where’d you get your info? Just askin’.
ijudgenot (August 1st, 2009 11:22 am): “Wren said in an interview . . . ‘We’ve got very good chemistry on the team, and I think once you get that, you want to hold onto it. This is one of those situations where you wouldn’t bring somebody else in unless you were certain they wouldn’t disturb that chemistry.’
“The only players on the team now that were here when LaRoche was here are Chipper and Mac, So this means team chemistry is if Chipper likes having you as a teammate then everyone else sure as hell must like you also.”
By Jove, I think he’s got it! (Or rather, if Chipper don’t like you, yer gone. Right, Rocker?)
THWG
August 1st, 2009
12:36 pm
Right. I somehow forgot about that hit. The clutch timing of it may have bought him the rest of the season.
BravoMan
August 1st, 2009
12:36 pm
McFann,
And how many balls were hit to the warning track by us but got nothing outta it lastnight. There was 0 carry to the balls smart a$$.
Shamus Thacker
August 1st, 2009
12:39 pm
Anyone think the Braves may DFA Norton to make room for LaRoche rather than sending Barbaro back to Gwinnett? – THWG
THWG, if in this particular case DFA means “Designated For Airlift” I can have another super-mojo-helium-filled bubble ready pronto!
McFann Ô
August 1st, 2009
12:40 pm
BravoMan–
Haha! What did I say that made me a smart-butt? I agreed with you about the balls being hit right at people. I never insinuated that there was any carry to the balls.
I only wish your lineup is wrong because I hope Ross is playing.
Trade was ok, not great
August 1st, 2009
12:41 pm
Apparently folks get real excited at the trade deadline. Objectively, the Kotchman for LaRoche trade is pretty close to a wash. LaRoche has more range but commits more errors (bottom line: he’s not bad at first base). LaRoche hits more home runs but strikes out more. The LaRoche contract runs out at the end of the year, providing payroll flexibility for next year (LaRoche gets 60 games or so to try out for next year’s team).
It’s clear that the Braves lineup is long on guys that hit for average and don’t strike out. LaRoche is different in that he swings big and strikes out more (just like McClouth). Isn’t it ok to have both types of hitters?
The trade is ok, but not great. It doesn’t provide a big upgrade at first, but it is likely to inject a bit more power in the line-up.
Capt Caveman ( a/k/a Bosley )
August 1st, 2009
12:44 pm
OK , last comment got “disappeared” by the old blog-o-machine.
As I said before I am now 3 for 3 with my trade info from my friend with the Braves. So here is one more tidbit to keep you going.
The Braves will continue their success at making after deadline trades and if they are still in contention in August will probably trade KJ for a bullpen arm. No team is going to block a waiver trade for KJ.
Go Bravos !!!!!!!!!!
TnBrian
August 1st, 2009
12:44 pm
What’s the strategy with keeping Conrad, who I’ll admit isn’t the “savior” of this damn team, but he was better than Norton by a long shot. A part of me kinda understands Bobby’s thinking in that Norton is a vet and surely to God hasn’t forgot how to hit but it’s time to move on.
Carroll Rogers
August 1st, 2009
12:48 pm
Just checking in….No lineup yet, quiet so far at the ballyard. but I’ll check back in in a bit.
McFann Ô
August 1st, 2009
12:49 pm
BravoMan–
Yeah, I mean, sorry–I should have been more clear about why I wanted your lineup to be wrong.
Had no idea you’d flip out, though…
Efrim
August 1st, 2009
12:50 pm
Baseball Prospectus’ Joe Sheehan on the Laroche-Kotchman swap(he called it the worse deadline deal):
The Braves continued rotating through first baseman, swapping out the current model, Casey Kotchman, for the 2006 version in Adam LaRoche. Even though they didn’t spend more money in the deal—the Red Sox picked up the cost difference between the two players—the Braves at best made a lateral move, and may have made themselves worse. Kotchman is matching LaRoche this season with a .272 EqA (to the travelin’ man’s .271) and has a superior glove. He’s also outplayed LaRoche as measured by WARP1 in both of the last two seasons. It appears that the Braves, led by GM Frank Wren, evaluated the two players solely by their home runs and RBI; you can’t explain the deal any other way.
CallUpConrad
August 1st, 2009
12:53 pm
What’s the word on Escobar and Prado? If it’s been posted elsewhere, I’m just being lazy. The Braves had four starters out of the lineup last night if you include Ryan Church, Martin Prado, Yunel Escobar and Adam LaRoche. I don’t see LaRoche hitting low in the order like Casey Kotchman did. My gut says that Bobby Cox bats him fourth, drops Brian McCann to fifth, Yunel Escobar sixth and Garret Anderson seventh. Of course, my gut and Bobby Cox’s mind don’t usually think the same way. See Greg Norton.
CVan
August 1st, 2009
12:55 pm
I do not understand why everybody likes Kotchman. He was not very good, and that is the truth. He has hit a couple home runs this month, and everybody thinks he will keep it up. I remember on two occasions this year where Kotch has either went after a ball to the second baseman or dove when he had no chance to get it. Laroche will be motivated and I believe will do a good job.
joe
August 1st, 2009
12:55 pm
the blog isnt dead!
hey, does anyone have the streaming link for today’s game? i’m getting spankees and dirty sox, and mlbtv has it blacked out of course…..thanks
McFann Ô
August 1st, 2009
12:58 pm
Hey, check this out! The “Official Site” has a line on BMac’s stat page for pitching stats! BMac hasn’t appeared in any games as a pitcher…has he?
Doc Holiday
August 1st, 2009
12:59 pm
brian,
I had the same thought about that slug stuff early in the morning, just didnt post about it.
McFann Ô
August 1st, 2009
12:59 pm
CallUpConrad My gut says that Bobby Cox bats him fourth, drops Brian McCann to fifth…
I hope your gut is right…
Robert
August 1st, 2009
1:02 pm
Just gotta get this one off my chest
It’s “just AN idiot”, not “just AND idiot” I dont know how many times I have seen that here.
Let’s practice together now. Repeat after me. Bobby Cox is just AN idiot
No, no – Steve from Oh you said “and idiot” again – go back to the back of the line – no ice cream for you
Lew – I couldnt understand what you said at all- that weed must be real strong – sober up, have a twinkie, and find a job (in that order)
Doc Holiday
August 1st, 2009
1:03 pm
Shamus Thacker,
I think braves just activaded Canizares since Kotchman was not active……..I dont think LaRoche was active either …………….so there was a spot in the roster………… thats my conclusion. No need to DFA anyone.
DiamondbackMac
August 1st, 2009
1:03 pm
joe
It’s on FOX.
Shamus Thacker
August 1st, 2009
1:03 pm
Well Mcfann, today I’ve been called an azzhole, you a smartazz. I rather enjoy being an azzhole, but if you’d like to trade designations, I’m listening…
Robert
August 1st, 2009
1:04 pm
Casey Kotchman – lieftime adjusted OPS 98.
Adam LaRoche – lifetime adjusted OPS of 95
As far as generating runs goes, they are dang close to a wash, and both qualify as medicority personified
Bobby's Cox
August 1st, 2009
1:04 pm
I do not understand why everybody likes Kotchman
No one liked Kotchman. They just disliked him more than LaRoche.
Lou Vales
August 1st, 2009
1:05 pm
The Phillies are 59-42. Anyone think they will not go at least 31-30 over last 61 games? If they do they finish at 90-72. To finish at 90-72 the Atlanta Baseball braves must go 38-21 over their lat 59. Does anyone think Braves are playing 17 over the last two months?
I just like to verify that we are talking ONLY about the Wild Card. That is correct? isn’t it?
joe
August 1st, 2009
1:05 pm
diamondback…i KNOW its on fox, but i live in cincinnati and am getting yanks/chi sox.
Bobby's Cox
August 1st, 2009
1:07 pm
The women on the blog have more sense than the guys. RHR, McFann, RG, and cabravesfan all analyze the game and players better than most of the dudes here. Just an observation after reading yesterday’s blog.
DiamondbackMac
August 1st, 2009
1:08 pm
joe
Oops
Random
August 1st, 2009
1:09 pm
CVan (August 1st, 2009 12:55 pm): “I do not understand why everybody likes Kotchman. He was not very good, and that is the truth.”
No, that is simply NOT “the truth”.
See here for 1st half games Kotchman significantly impacted. The recall that July 09 has been his best month as a Brave.
Kotchman IS good.
McFann Ô
August 1st, 2009
1:10 pm
Shamus–
Nah, I think my designation. Least he acknowledged I was the smart one.
Shamus Thacker
August 1st, 2009
1:12 pm
Anybody who thinks it’s “an” idiot, is and idiot!
hoho
August 1st, 2009
1:12 pm
ROBERT- i think you have to let it go, it’ a blog thing. if you actually read some of the folks comments now and then you’ll see that it’s repeated often, and clearly on purpose.
now who is AND idiot?
McFann Ô
August 1st, 2009
1:12 pm
Bobby’s Cox–
Gee, thanks!
Hey, some of you guys aren’t too bad.
Capt Caveman ( a/k/a Bosley )
August 1st, 2009
1:12 pm
YO ROBERT — Geez dude, I figured as long as you and your “donkey kong-a-thon” have been on this blog you would know what the “your and idiot” is all about.
It’s an inside joke b/c some poster from a while back misspelled it that way and we all started doing it as a joke. It’s only something you would know if you were a long time blogger.
Try to keep up dude, I mean seriously, or maybe this blog is becoming to HIP for you and your MULE TRAIN of thoughts.
Bobby's Cox
August 1st, 2009
1:13 pm
I completely disagree with KJ’s comments from last night.
Schmidt was not locating the ball where he wanted to. Martin was moving around a lot behind the plate. He had little control. He looked like the pitcher that other teams were beating up on…just that our team (or our 2nd unit), couldn’t do it. If he was hitting good spots, it wasn’t purposely, that’s for sure. He has no velocity like the JS of old, and last night, and so far this season, he had no control either.
dogsbrekky
August 1st, 2009
1:14 pm
I liked Kotchman
Robert – you obviously do not actually read people’s quotes
and it is definitely “YOUR and idiot”, check the new 2009 Braves version of the English language
Shamus Thacker
August 1st, 2009
1:15 pm
McFann: Shamus–
Nah, I think my designation. Least he acknowledged I was the smart one.
And the compliments just keep-on rollin’ in…
Capt Caveman ( a/k/a Bosley )
August 1st, 2009
1:16 pm
McFann — you realize you were just complimented by a blogger whose name is basically a play on words describing a phallic symbol. I’m wondering how much respect was really intended there.
dogsbrekky
August 1st, 2009
1:17 pm
Anyone see that list of top 10 over-rated mlb players out yesterday
We have 2 on the list including McCann
HeywardTheFuture
August 1st, 2009
1:17 pm
ESPN has LaRoche as #22, is this true Carroll?
The Kotch-apologists are going to kill themselves if this is the case.
Also, if anyone here actually thinks that Kotchman is anywhere near the level that LaRoche is on needs to get their head examined pronto.
BravoMan
August 1st, 2009
1:18 pm
McFann,
O that makes since…srry I chewed you out:)
McFann Ô
August 1st, 2009
1:22 pm
BravoMan–
Ah, no sweat. Guess I just assumed everybody knew how I felt about BMac hitting cleanup, especially against lefties.
McFann Ô
August 1st, 2009
1:25 pm
OK, I’ll do them one at a time.
Shamus–
Yep. This must just be your day.
McFann Ô
August 1st, 2009
1:27 pm
dogsbrekky–
WHAT??? Who made that sorry excuse for a list? Do you have a link to it?
Chopdawg
August 1st, 2009
1:30 pm
“Also, if anyone here actually thinks that Kotchman is anywhere near the level that LaRoche is on needs to get their head examined pronto.”
sigh
Heyward, did you perhaps mean “anyone here who actually thinks that Kotchman is anywhere near Laroche’s level should have his head examined”?
I weep for the Kang’s Anglish…alas, your premise is incorrect, also. I do approve of your moniker, however.
McFann Ô
August 1st, 2009
1:32 pm
This thing is being a pain…
Buzzmeat
August 1st, 2009
1:33 pm
Carroll,
Is Laroche in there today, I heard he had flight problems or something.
bravesfanforever
August 1st, 2009
1:39 pm
Why would anyone believe what a .220 hitter has to say about a pitcher??
HeywardTheFuture
August 1st, 2009
1:40 pm
I really don’t think I messed the sentence up, it’s just a matter of perspective. You are implying that LaRoche has his own “Level”, while I’m simply saying that the “Levels” are general.
LOL. Either way to use sign language through text, LaRoche is up here, and Kotchman is down here. Agreed?
Robert
August 1st, 2009
1:40 pm
http://www.ajc.com/news/clayton/jonesboro-man-accused-of-100584.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab
Awright – fess up. Which one of y’all is this guy?
Robert
August 1st, 2009
1:42 pm
“ROBERT- i think you have to let it go, it’ a blog thing. if you actually read some of the folks comments now and then you’ll see that it’s repeated often, and clearly on purpose.”
Ok – I didnt know that particular blog inside joke. I saw it often, and with the IQ level I attach to their posts, I figured the poor grammar might very well be genuine
The Bird and Indian
August 1st, 2009
1:42 pm
Robert: Seriously, that was uncalled for.
Shamus Thacker
August 1st, 2009
1:43 pm
Buzzmeat: Carroll,
Is Laroche in there today, I heard he had flight problems or something.
Not enough helium…
jeffrey d
August 1st, 2009
1:43 pm
The women on the blog have more sense than the guys. RHR, McFann, RG, and cabravesfan all analyze the game and players better than most of the dudes here. Just an observation after reading yesterday’s blog.
Dang, and we get Paul Lentz, willieg, Coach, MariettaDerek, etc. on our team.
Robert
August 1st, 2009
1:46 pm
“Robert: Seriously, that was uncalled for.”
What was? My comment about figuring it natural for stupid people to have bad grammar was honest
If you mean my making fun of Lew and Steve – well, I didnt start that
So, ……………….
Robert
August 1st, 2009
1:49 pm
And if you meant the other thing, well yeah. but it was still funny
dogsbrekky
August 1st, 2009
1:50 pm
McFann – got you again
2 juicy little catches in 1 week
I will retire now
I think we bat the roach 4th as well McFann
BTW did we get the good La Roche or the bad La Roche ?
Steve from OH
August 1st, 2009
1:50 pm
I’m reading from Will Carroll that Beltran is almost certainly heading for microfracture surgery on his knees, but that he wants to play through the pain and return this year in mid-August and get it in the offseason–which would mean he’d probably miss a lot of 2010. Doesn’t it make more sense for him to do it now? Bad decision if that’s the way he’s heading, IMO.
dogsbrekky
August 1st, 2009
1:53 pm
Steve OH – the mutts medical staff and FO are just bovine fools, drongoes of the biggest order
Nothing they do is beyond the realms of idiocy
jeffrey d
August 1st, 2009
1:53 pm
blog eating posts again or is it just doing that “keep hitting refresh until something new comes up….I’ll get to it eventually” thing?
jeffrey d
August 1st, 2009
1:54 pm
yup, eating posts
CB
August 1st, 2009
1:54 pm
Steve, I agree. The Mets are farther back than we, do it as soon as possible.
jeffrey d
August 1st, 2009
1:55 pm
Robert – seriously? Now I wasn’t around when “your and idiot” was first said, but I kind of figured it was something a not so intelligent blogger said once when he/she got angry. I didn’t really assume, like you, that everybody just happened to be making the same exact typo several times a week on this blog and nowhere else.
Matt in Toccoa
August 1st, 2009
1:55 pm
Apparently Jeff Bennett asked to be released from Atlanta, and has now signed with the Tampa Bay Rays. Is him asking to be released old news? I don’t mind seeing him leave, I cringed every time he came into a game.
Chopdawg
August 1st, 2009
1:55 pm
Heyward, all seriousness aside, I’d take Kotchman over LaRoche. Kotchman’s three years younger, and I think he’s a better fielder; plus I think we had him signed for next season. If LaRoche hit right-handed, the swap might make more sense, but he’s a lefty like Kotchman.
I’d thought “the plan” was for Kotch to hold down 1B until Freeman was ready, maybe by 2011; after this trade, I’m not sure what the plan is.
Keeping LaRoche for next season will probably cost more than Kotchman would’ve cost, maybe about $3.5 mil more. Just doesn’t make sense, for an organization that’s constantly talking about the need to hold salaries down.
jeffrey d
August 1st, 2009
1:55 pm
there we go
Doc Holiday
August 1st, 2009
1:56 pm
Bobby’s Cox ,
That might be because thats their business…………analyze men………:-)
jeffrey d
August 1st, 2009
1:57 pm
Matt – yeah….Braves suspended his pay when he broke his hand on the door, so he asked to be released and the Braves granted it. Didn’t know he signed with the Rays, though.
Did you go to TFC?
The Bird and Indian
August 1st, 2009
1:59 pm
Robert: Yeah that’s just something that makes me wonder about many people in the world. I mean, a dog?!
Robert
August 1st, 2009
1:59 pm
“I didn’t really assume, like you, that everybody just happened to be making the same exact typo several times a week on this blog and nowhere else.”
Again, I didnt figure it for a typo. These folks think Cox belongs in the HOF. Dumb people say dumb things, coming from them, “your and idiot” didnt seem out of place. I left it at.
McFann Ô
August 1st, 2009
1:59 pm
dogsbrekky–
Dangit! You are rotten! Made me Google is and everything! Geez…I thought that sounded to dumb to actually be true!
I think we bat the roach 4th as well
Hmm…hope you’re right about that…
Good LaRoche or bad LaRoche? Only time will tell…
jeffrey d or is it just doing that “keep hitting refresh until something new comes up….I’ll get to it eventually” thing?
I cannot stand it when it does that! And sometimes, just for kicks, it takes posts away instead of putting up the new ones.
Robert
August 1st, 2009
2:00 pm
“Robert: Yeah that’s just something that makes me wonder about many people in the world. I mean, a dog?!”
Maybe it was a cute dog?
Reality
August 1st, 2009
2:00 pm
Adam LaRoche’s Offense > Casey Kotchman’s Offense
Adam LaRoche’s Defense Casey Kotchman
Robert
August 1st, 2009
2:00 pm
The REALLY thing is they didnt mention whether it was even a female dog
Robert
August 1st, 2009
2:01 pm
“Apparently Jeff Bennett asked to be released from Atlanta, and has now signed with the Tampa Bay Rays”
Yup. Another guy that just loved playing for Cox
HeywardTheFuture
August 1st, 2009
2:02 pm
Chop:
Freeman is hitting above .300 with power @ AA, he and J-Hey will go to the AFL this Fall, and it’s not unthinkable that Freeman could be ready by 2010. If he’s not ready on opening day you have Prado play there until June and bring him up.
Chris from the Rock
August 1st, 2009
2:02 pm
The Rays signed Bennett? Aren’t they trying to make the playoffs?
Reality
August 1st, 2009
2:02 pm
That Post got lost in posting somehow?
Adam is a better offensive player. About equal defensive player. Adam is a better overall player. It’s not that hard.
Robert
August 1st, 2009
2:02 pm
“but I kind of figured it was something a not so intelligent blogger said once when he/she got angry.”
dude, so many here fit THAT description
Fred Claus
August 1st, 2009
2:02 pm
Some combination (not all) of Morton, Medlen, Locke, FF, Cody Johnson, Gorkys could have landed VMART
Morton, Locke & Medlen would have been the core. Of the three Morton was the most attractive.
Fred Claus
August 1st, 2009
2:03 pm
This above is in response to a post that said we couldn’t have landed Vmart.
njbraves
August 1st, 2009
2:04 pm
More pointless garbage from Robert.
McFann Ô
August 1st, 2009
2:04 pm
Is Freeman right handed?
Robert
August 1st, 2009
2:04 pm
“Adam is a better offensive player. About equal defensive player”
No and no. There career adjusted OPS’s are 98 for Kotchman and 95 for LaRoche, so at best they are a push there.
Defensively, while LaRoche isnt a detriment, he ranked far below Kotchman on the most recent analyses – I think someone said LaRoche was 25th among second basemen and Kotchman somewhere in the top five
Steve from OH
August 1st, 2009
2:05 pm
Although I’m reading 4 months is a good recovery time for the MF surgery.
Robert
August 1st, 2009
2:06 pm
Enter your comments here
Reality
August 1st, 2009
2:06 pm
Kotchman can’t get to half the balls because he is so darn slow. Everything he gets to he makes look great, but half the stuff he can’t get to.
And Adam LaRoche in the 2nd half of a season is far better than Casey K would ever be for this team this year. Casey has already had his HUGE month and that was what 3 or 4 homers? That’s pathetic!
Steve from OH
August 1st, 2009
2:06 pm
McFann–no. Heyward, Freeman and Johnson are all lefties. But RSF is a righty…
McFann Ô
August 1st, 2009
2:07 pm
It’s really creepy that an old Blog from like…last week keeps popping up in my browser’s history when I haven’t clicked on that Blog since the one after it was posted.
My browser is possessed, I tell you…