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2,146 comments Add your comment
Goldenglove002
August 30th, 2009
4:04 pm
I was watching the Yankee-White Sox game and they were talking about september callups and how they will likely call up a catching prospect to keep 3 of them on the team. Gives them alot more late game versatility. This got me thinking, will the braves bring up a catcher so they can use David Ross to pinch hit? Clint Sammons is on the 40 man roster, and Gwinnett also has JC Boscan who is considered a great defensive catcher and Alvin Colina (hitting .261, best of the 3).
By the way, how many players can be called up? is it 40? The one thing in baseball I always seem to forget.
northbeach Scott
August 30th, 2009
4:09 pm
The entire 40 man roster may be called up Sept 1, although it is seldom more than about 10 guys over the 25 man, because of playing time logistics.
Hurricane Corky
August 30th, 2009
4:12 pm
Hank BLALOCK
David-ATL14
August 30th, 2009
4:12 pm
Put this in the last blog but wanted to place it here also.
Some posters are under the assumption that hanso can be optioned Monday to make room for Hudson and then return on Wednesday.
He can’t and it doesn’t work that way.
If Hanson or any other player were to be optioned back to AAA to make room for Hudson that player is required to remain with that Minor League team for 10 days unless he’s replacing a player that goes on the DL.
My guess is that is how it will be handled with Boone Logan being the player that goes to AAA on paper anyway and remains there until the conclusion of the Gwinnett regular season on Sept 7th.
Either that or KK is placed on the 15 day DL retro to Aug 26th.
Hanson being optioned to AAA and returning on Wed is not going to happen. It’s precluded by the rules.
David-ATL14
August 30th, 2009
4:14 pm
Braves will also have to open a spot on the 40 Man roster for Hudson by removing a current player or placing someone already on the 40 Man on the 60 Day DL.
ncgary
August 30th, 2009
4:16 pm
yeah you cant have more than 40 on the roster
nolie
August 30th, 2009
4:16 pm
(Goldenglove)
They waill almosr assuredly call up a catcher, they always do. One thing to remember though is that they have to pay anybody they call up a pro-rated MLB salary for a montyh. In their present economic climate I’m guessing that will limit how many they bring. Maybe a catcher,two pitchers and two position players? Just a guess
Heath
August 30th, 2009
4:17 pm
nolie -
Agreed, probably looking at handfull or less called up.
Will
August 30th, 2009
4:18 pm
DOB Hanley has a .425 avg this month just fyi
Chong
August 30th, 2009
4:18 pm
Matty D. is the sizzle on tonights philly cheese steak samich
David-ATL14
August 30th, 2009
4:19 pm
The beat writer for the Gwinnett Braves said in an article that Clint Sammons,Diory Hernandez,Brooks Conrad, Luis Valdez and possibly Barbaro Canizarez would be added on Sept 1, with others possibly being added upon the conclusion of Gwinnett’s season after the playoffs.
Will
August 30th, 2009
4:20 pm
nvm I guess if you add in his 4 abs today then it is .409
NORRIS
August 30th, 2009
4:21 pm
if they dont bring up heyward then I just dont get it. we are hurting in the outfield and have a shot at the wild card. You cant let money get in the way here. it is not everyday that you are in contention this late in the year.
NORRIS
August 30th, 2009
4:22 pm
Gorecki needs to be sent down. he is not ready for the majors. we are ending up with back to back outs every time hits in front of the pitcher.
Kibby
August 30th, 2009
4:22 pm
roster move for Hudson?? How about sending Norton packing??? that guy is doing absolutely nothing for the Braves except take a paycheck.
Gov Clinton Tyree
August 30th, 2009
4:25 pm
Top twenty?
NorCal
August 30th, 2009
4:25 pm
Love the stats, DOB.
Did not realize that Diaz was leading the majors for August.
NO MORE BOBBY
August 30th, 2009
4:26 pm
What was a good trade at the time has turned into a “what now” situation with McLouth. Any chance we try trading him this offseason for someone not so soft? And any history of him hurt when with the Pirates?
Bravesfan1984
August 30th, 2009
4:26 pm
Norris: Heyward is injured anyway…no point in calling him up really with the way diaz and anderson are playing…heyward may or may not produce immediately if he was called up…and at this point with us in the playoff race, i think its better to stick with what we got rather than taking a risk on whether heyward may produce or not. i wouldn’t see cox starting him over anderson or diaz right now anyway…let heyward get healthy and go to the AFL and see what happens there for the beginning of next season.
cabravesfan
August 30th, 2009
4:27 pm
David-ATL14-
I could be wrong about this but I do know earlier this year at least the team did not have 40 men actually on the roster…
Goldenglove002
August 30th, 2009
4:28 pm
what about Brian Barton? He has SB for the braves in his only appearance right? we need the speed! But in all seriousness I would like to see him given the opportunity if the braves can afford him
Bravesfan1984
August 30th, 2009
4:28 pm
with mcclouth re-injuring the hammy and church still hurting, looks like cox will be putting gregor blanco out there in center once rosters expand….so i really hope church can get healthy quick because i really don’t know if mcclouth will be able to help us at all the rest of the season..lets hope so though
NORRIS
August 30th, 2009
4:29 pm
Mclouth is an important part of next years team. Try talking about getting rid of lets say;
norwood, johnson, acosta, anderson, kawakami, and the list goes on and on.
David-ATL14
August 30th, 2009
4:30 pm
You’re right cabravesfan earlier in the season Braves were less than 40.
As of right now though they have 40 players and Hudson coming off the 60 Day DL means a roster move will have to be made to open spots on both the 25 Man active Roster and the 40-Man Roster.
nolie
August 30th, 2009
4:31 pm
Any chance we try trading him this offseason for someone not so soft? (No More)
I bet you’re a football fan
NORRIS
August 30th, 2009
4:31 pm
bravesfan?? we still dont have anybody in center field. Gorecki isnt going to get it done.
Heath
August 30th, 2009
4:31 pm
NORRIS -
I would not be surprised to see GA get another 1-year offer from the Braves. He’s given the Braves exactly what they wanted when they signed him. There still is no guarantee the Heyward will make the team out of ST. You could see Heyward come up next year the same time Hanson came up this year.
NO MORE BOBBY
August 30th, 2009
4:32 pm
Hibbadee hibbadee flap jack boogie doo!!
I just removed the Braves ESPN curse. We are good to go tonight!
NO MORE BOBBY
August 30th, 2009
4:33 pm
nolie – Actually no. Just would like to see some more Jeter type players on the Braves. Our guys sit with a hangnail.
Bill
August 30th, 2009
4:34 pm
Well it looks like I’ll now miss on my 77-85 prediction.However this teaam does just enough to sniff a wild card before fading away.Diaz and Laroache will cool off soon enough.Chipper will pick it up a little bit.McCann is worn down from a season behind the plate.Soriano will break our hearts in the ninth once or twice more when the Braves need it most
This team has too many holes to be a playoff team.They can be corrected in the offseason.They maybe a wild card next year.Maybe Liberty Media will sell to someone who cares about winning.
Bravesfan1984
August 30th, 2009
4:34 pm
Norris: Heyward is not a center fielder
Steve from OH
August 30th, 2009
4:34 pm
I would not be surprised to see GA get another 1-year offer from the Braves.
I would. A Diaz/Church (or Jones) platoon would out-produce him by a good margin I’d be willing to bet, and while for other prospects I might not say this, I bet they don’t want anyone in Heyward’s way when his time comes.
Plus, there’s always Schafer to think about too.
McFann :Ô:
August 30th, 2009
4:35 pm
Thanks for the new Blog, Chief! Great numbers on Matty! Thanks for those especially.
A0ville Ranger
August 30th, 2009
4:37 pm
I’m not trying to be dramatic but, tonight’s game seems critical to any chance of winning the division.
David-ATL14
August 30th, 2009
4:37 pm
Not going to type out the entire 40 Man roster but to give people an understanding it’s currently comprised of the 25 Active players today plus McLouth on the 15 Day DL. For a total of 26 Current MLB players.
Hudson and Campillo are both on the 60 Day DL and thus do not count against the limit.
The Minor leaguers on the 40 Man are as follows: Pitchers-Jojo Reyes,Manny Acosta,Todd Redmond,Luis Valdez,James Parr(AAA-DL) Stephen Marek.
Position Players are the follwing: Clint Sammons,Barbaro Canizares,Brooks Conrad,Diory Hernandez,Brian Barton,Gregor Blanco,Brandon Jones,Jordan Schafer(AAA-DL) ]
That makes a grand total of 40. When Hudson comes off the 60 Day DL tomorrow a spot will then have to be opened on both the 25 and 40. Hopefully that helps clear up some confusion.
Chop Chop
August 30th, 2009
4:37 pm
The Phils should hit Diaz in the face tonight. That’ll teach him a lesson.
We can turn around and hit Howard in the face.
Wouldn’t that make for some truly exciting TV? Hell yes.
Bravesfan1984
August 30th, 2009
4:38 pm
I don’t believe the braves will resign anderson…look his bat is decent but next season i believe we will be starting mcclouth, schafer, and if not heyward a power hitting OF for the other corner spot, with diaz in the role he’s in now. anderson’s defense is just not great and we need some wheels on this team.
bruce
August 30th, 2009
4:38 pm
Dave —
Ask Matt if he is a “More Beautiful You” these days?
That is the title of his brother Jonny Diaz’s top hit song. Here are the lyrics
http://www.jonnydiaz.com/?page_id=5
and here is Jonny playing the song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ks3R2BwyO0
Impressive.
dusty
August 30th, 2009
4:39 pm
chipper goin deep twice tonight
Heath
August 30th, 2009
4:39 pm
Steve from OH -
I am not forgetting Schafer. Schafer did not play well and has been injured. He has, and maybe to not fault of his own, not proved anything this year to guarantee himself a spot on the club next year. Both he and Heyward are far from guarantees to start the year next year. With that in mind, the Braves very well could start the season with the Church, Diaz, GA, and McLouth. They may not. I’m not advocating any position, just saying that I would not be surprised if they want him as insurance.
Chop Chop
August 30th, 2009
4:40 pm
Jair is due to give up six or seven runs. Go Phils.
cabravesfan
August 30th, 2009
4:40 pm
David-ATL14-
Thanks- hadn’t looked in a while (and yeah, I know they will have to take someone off the 40 man if it is full…
)
Chop Chop
August 30th, 2009
4:41 pm
Chipper’s due to hit six homers. Go Braves.
Steve from OH
August 30th, 2009
4:42 pm
With that in mind, the Braves very well could start the season with the Church, Diaz, GA, and McLouth.
I think they’d do McLouth-Church-Diaz-Jones instead, to save money. Just sayin’ that I don’t see him as a part of next year’s club. Could be waaay off though, of course.
BravesFanLostInOhio
August 30th, 2009
4:43 pm
Norris, Gorecki is hitting .263 in his first stint in the majors. I realize that’s not all star stats or anything, but its pretty solid for his first 19 ABs. Plus, he has filled in nicely in the field. How about cutting the kid some slack.
Paul Lentz
August 30th, 2009
4:44 pm
Since the Jeff Francoeur-Ryan Church trade was made on July 10th, here are how the stats compare for Francoeur, Church (who has played right and center), and Diaz (who has played both left and right field since the trade):
…………………..Francoeur……Church…….Diaz.
Average………..(.308)…………(.281)…….(.352)..
At-bats……………172…………….96…………128…
Hits………………….53…………….27…………..45…
Doubles……………12…………….10……………7….
Triples……………….2………………0……………2….
Home Runs………..6………………2……………6…..
RBIs…………………28…………….17…………22…..
Walks………………..5……………..14………….8……
Strikeouts…………26……………..16…………27….
Runs……………….21………………19………..21….
When you break down the stats to when Diaz and Church COMBINED have played right field vs. Jeff Francoeur, here is how they match up:
………………..Francoeur…..Diaz…..Church……Diaz/Church…
Average……….(.308)…….(.361)……(.261)………(.333)………
At-bats…………..172………..122………..46………….168………
Hits…………………53………….44………..12……………56……….
Doubles…………..12…………..2………….8……………10……….
Triples………………2…………..0………….2……………..2……….
Homers……………..6…………..1………….6……………..7……….
RBIs…………………28…………7………..22…………….29……….
Walks………………..5…………11………..7……………..18……….
Strikeouts………….26…………8……….27……………..35……….
Runs………………..21…………9……….20……………..29……….
While Francoeur has played well for the Mets…….the combination of Church and Diaz have played well for the Braves. Because of McLouth’s injury (and also Church’s injury earlier)…..Church hasnt played as much in right. Diaz has the bulk of the at-bats in right since the trade.
However, I feel that consistent playing time has benefited both Church and Diaz (especially Diaz because he also plays left field on days that Anderson rests against a lefty).
Maybe this is one of those trades that benefits both teams, for the time being anyway. It remains to be seen how good a player Francoeur will be long term.
Masters of the Obvious
August 30th, 2009
4:46 pm
Welcome to the club, Paul Lentz.
Bravesfan1984
August 30th, 2009
4:47 pm
good stat comparison paul…really shows just how well the church/diaz combo has been far more productive then running francoeur out there everyday
NORRIS
August 30th, 2009
4:47 pm
bravesfan. DUH… bottom line is we need another outfielder. diaz can play center.
CaliChopper
August 30th, 2009
4:48 pm
White Sox have lost 7 of their last 10 and are 6 games back. Sure didn’t look today to be playing with a sense of Urgency. Think Ozzy needs to get fired now Lentz?
David O'Brien
August 30th, 2009
4:49 pm
LINEUP
Diaz rf
Prado 2b
C.Jones 3b
McCann c
Anderson lf
Escobar ss
LaRoche 1b
Church cf
Jurrjens rhp
NO MORE BOBBY
August 30th, 2009
4:50 pm
What the heck ever happened to Brandon Jones in the outfield mix? I liked his play last year.
A-ville Ranger
August 30th, 2009
4:50 pm
Resign and re-sign are different words with near opposite meanings…don’t make me come over there.,
people
Heath
August 30th, 2009
4:51 pm
Steve from OH -
They could do that too. In a perfect world, Diaz would be given the starting job in left (he deserves it more than anyone), McLouth in center, Heyward would prove he deserves the job in RF, and the 4th OF would be one of Church/Schafer/Jones. No matter what, I don’t see the Braves signing any ‘big’ OF bats. If they decide that Heyward isn’t going to break camp with they big club, they may want GA in LF and Diaz in RF again because Church just doesn’t seem like a good full-time corner OF guy.
Ebenezer Snerdberg
August 30th, 2009
4:51 pm
DOB:
Thanyewverymuch for the new blog! Uh,huh!
Brightside
August 30th, 2009
4:52 pm
Hey DOB,
Do you remember in Atlanta Charlie Manuel said the Phillies gave the Braves a game. If you see him, would you ask him if he feels like they gave us that game last night? I know all things usually even out, but he could have been a goooood loser.
Paul Lentz
August 30th, 2009
4:53 pm
Bravesfan1984……….thanks for the props. Even if Francoeur is doing well for the Mets, the bottom line was that he SUCKED for us. The Diaz/Church combo, whenever they play right field, is raking at the plate, particularly Matt Diaz.
I said all along that Diaz was one of those guys who needs to play everyday. He is one of those guys who is hard to pitch to. Sure, he’ll have his at-bats where he will take one of his “Matt Diaz wild man” swings. However, later in the game he’s liable to get a hold of one drive it to the wall, or even over the wall.
This is a must win game. Pretty much the rest of the way out, are must win games. Bobby needs to manage EVERY GAME as if it’s the 7th game of the World Series, especially with the cream puffs the Rockies have upcoming on their schedule the next 13 games.
Soph
August 30th, 2009
4:53 pm
Thanks for the lineup DOB.
3 more hours…
I have questions
August 30th, 2009
4:53 pm
Could you talk a little about pitching prospects the Braves have in the minors? Any potential Hanson’s down there? How far away are they from the Bigs?
pryguy
August 30th, 2009
4:54 pm
Thatta boy Adam and Churchy… Playing through some pain so it seems. I like our chances with JJ tossing tonight. Need to go into FLA with some good momentum. Let’s bring the bats again tonight!
PWHjort
August 30th, 2009
4:55 pm
Great song, DOB. My favorite on that record. Seems like a Cooley song is always my favorite on each of their records. Uncle Frank, Zip City, Loaded Gun in the Closet, Gravity’s Gone, and Self Destructive Zones.
So, what happened last night we gave Jurrjens the ball for a rubber-match on Sunday Night Baseball? EEKKKK. Let’s not do that again, JJ.
GO BRAVES.
PHUCK THE FILLIES.
Will
August 30th, 2009
4:55 pm
No More Bobby, Brandon has had a decent season but his power was down this year at least until lately. It took him until July to hit a homer and only has 7 on the year.
bravefaninok
August 30th, 2009
4:57 pm
ravesFanLostInOhio
August 30th, 2009
4:43 pm
Norris, Gorecki is hitting .263 in his first stint in the majors. I realize that’s not all star stats or anything, but its pretty solid for his first 19 ABs. Plus, he has filled in nicely in the field. How about cutting the kid some slack.
Agreed,and the kid (other than that first airmail job)has played really good defense.
NORRIS
August 30th, 2009
4:59 pm
defense is fine for the kid. But he isnt ready for the majors. His hitting has been in late innings and hasnt hit at all in the clutch. I really would like to see the stats on him with runners in scoring position. Be that as it may, Im not saying he is going to be bad or anything like that. We are just in crunch time here and we dont have a bat in center field.
Ebenezer Snerdberg
August 30th, 2009
4:59 pm
I agree,it probably going to be Gorecki,but my vote would be Norton,Norton and then Norton. Blobby Clux will just have to get his bellyrub sumaires else!
KC
August 30th, 2009
5:00 pm
Something else to take note of…
If you scale Matt Diaz’s ‘09 numbers out to 550 at-bats, you’d have 20 HR’s, 86 RBI, and 39 2B/3B.
When you put that with his .329 avg. and .333 with RISP… wow.
VaBraveFan
August 30th, 2009
5:03 pm
This is going to be a big offseason for the Braves. Alot of decisons to make.
Gonzo and Soriano will be free agents
LaRoach will be free agent
Hudson has team option
Heyward and Schafer will they be ready? should we get insurance by resigning Loaf??
A perfect sernario would be if Schafer and Heyward earn jobs in ST.
Outfield of McLouth in Left Schafer in CF Heyward in RF Diaz will start vs lefties in either Corner spot , and also be primary pinch hitter.
LaRoach might be hard to resign and the team could benifit with a right handed hitting first 1b considering our outfield are all Lefties.
The Braves resign one of Soriano and Gonzo on a 2 yr deal.
Kawakami has pitched well and doesnt get credit for what he has done. His whole career in Japan he pitched in a 6 man rotation so its different over here. He has ajusted and i expect him to be a solid contributer in the 5 spot in the rotation next year.
Javy or Hudson?????
Javy is more of a gaurantee to be solid/good and pitch alot of innings for us
but Hudson can be a risk after the surgery we will find out the last month of this season. He can be a great pitcher for us but never know if the arm could get reinjured.
The bench should be great with Ross, Infante, Diaz definitly on the roster. Replace Norton.
What do yall think….?
AdirondackDave
August 30th, 2009
5:04 pm
Church and LaRoche back in the starting line up. This could be a great game.
Roman Gal
August 30th, 2009
5:04 pm
Plus, there’s always Schafer to think about too.
Yep…ya gotta think about him.
Shamus Thacker
August 30th, 2009
5:06 pm
It’s weird how we can pound a pitcher like Cliff Lee, but Brenda Lee shuts us down.
The pitcher I fear most is Jeff Bennett on another team.
Sparks
August 30th, 2009
5:07 pm
Any word yet on who the Braves will be calling up when rosters expand?
Bravesfan1984
August 30th, 2009
5:09 pm
norris you really trust diaz’s defense in center field on a consistent basis…cause i sure dont
Kurdt Kobain
August 30th, 2009
5:10 pm
I feel bad for McClouth. His first chance at a playoff race, and he’s hurt. Gotta be eating him up.
McFann :Ô:
August 30th, 2009
5:11 pm
Thanks for the lineup, Chief.
unbelievable
August 30th, 2009
5:11 pm
McLouth, not McClouth
Bravesfan1984
August 30th, 2009
5:12 pm
vabravefan…i agree with how you’re outfield shapes out for next season…i think if heyward produces like he has this year in the AFL it will help his cause of making the team out of ST. i would really love to have javy and hudson both in the rotation…im really hoping hudson will restructure his contract since he loves it so much here, but i guess we’ll have to wait and see
A-ville Ranger
August 30th, 2009
5:13 pm
Paul Lentz, very good 4;44 post, solid info.
mike28212
August 30th, 2009
5:13 pm
Good to see LaRoche in there. Hopefully, that won’t change between now and game time. Love the stats on Diaz. I didn’t realize his numbers were that impressive over his time with the Braves. And great lyrics from a great song as always.
Bravesfan1984
August 30th, 2009
5:13 pm
**restructure in terms of braves declining option and re-signing him to a more financially friendly contract
NORRIS
August 30th, 2009
5:14 pm
bravesfan.
No i dont like the idea of diaz in center. In fact his bat is really good now but his defense is not good at all. but geez, we have a non bat in center right now with playoff hopes on the line.
its just frustrating that we are so close and dont have enough bats.
Kurdt Kobain
August 30th, 2009
5:14 pm
I feel bad for the center field guy we got from the Pirates this summer. His first chance at a playoff race, and he’s hurt. Gotta be eating him up.
There.
PWHjort
August 30th, 2009
5:15 pm
defense is fine for the kid. But he isnt ready for the majors.
And he’s 28 years old. Ergo, he’s most likely never going to be ready for the majors. Ergo, DFA him and bring up a kid who might learn something ala. Brian Barton or Brandon Jones.
nolie
August 30th, 2009
5:15 pm
would not be surprised to see GA get another 1-year offer from the Braves. (HEATH)
STEVE’s worst nightmare
Cheese
August 30th, 2009
5:15 pm
Paul,
Nice comparison…I agree that the Church/Diaz combo is better for the braves. I personally don’t care about the Mets or frenchy cause I don’t believe frenchy would be doing the same for us that he is for the Mets. What I care about is right field production prior to frenchy trade compared to after and I think their would be an even bigger improvement.
aj
August 30th, 2009
5:18 pm
pick up mike cameron off waivers…gives us another huge bat and speed in center field
Bravesfan1984
August 30th, 2009
5:18 pm
norris completely agree….but with how the 40 man is setup right now its just about a given the cox will run blanco out there in center if mcclouth/church arent healthy…but seeing church in the lineup tonight makes me feel much better about that now. as much as i’d like to see heyward also, there is just a 0% chance he would be here for september.
Supes
August 30th, 2009
5:19 pm
I hope the Braves lay the smack down on the Phillies again tonight.
Blanton has always been average at best against us, except his last start in ATL.
Good news to see Church and LaRoache back in the lineup.
Need all our LH sticks in there against the RH pitcher tonight.
Jair needs to be careful against Howard and pitch him INSIDE. I think we’ve seen enough of the away stuff where he can hit the opposite field jobs in the bandbox that is Citizen’s Bank Park.
Keep Rollings and Victorino off base, and don’t let Howard beat you = Formula of success against the Phillies.
Bravesfan1984
August 30th, 2009
5:19 pm
and whatever happened to the braves trying to pick up another bullpen arm through waivers??
McFann :Ô:
August 30th, 2009
5:20 pm
Good to see that LaRoche is playing. Hopefully his hip will be OK.
Alright, so BMac’s struck out 18 times this month. That matches his total for July, and is also tying a career-high for K’s in a single month (he’s now done it 4 times in his career). Obviously, then, we are hoping for no K’s tonight.
What would be great would be an RBI double or two…
Supes
August 30th, 2009
5:22 pm
Paul Lentz,
That’s some good research stats…I sincerely hope the Mets are foolish enough to sign Jeff or offer him arbitration based on what he’s done for them so far. I don’t believe he’ll be anything more than a serviceable OF with 10-15HR, who hits around .260 or there about and doesn’t have a high enough OPS.
Much happier with the production of Matty Diaz and Ryan Church. Diaz b/c he can drive the ball to all fields with power, and Church b/c he gives you the same defense (no drop off) plus quality AB and a higher chance on base and not make an out.
Chopdawg
August 30th, 2009
5:22 pm
If Frenchy still played for ATL, we’d be better off than we are with Church. Frenchy’s defense is better; his arm is better; he’s a better hitter, and he hits righthanded.
Obviously Diaz is the hottest hitter in the NL at the moment, but you can’t compare Diaz/Church with Francoeur, you have to compare player for player
McFann :Ô:
August 30th, 2009
5:23 pm
Just realized that, with the submission of my last comment, BMac is now sure to K at least once tonight…
Should I take back my 5:20…?
Steve McP
August 30th, 2009
5:24 pm
We would only be better off with Frenchy if he had made the improvements that he has at NY, there was no indication that that was going to happen while he was here.
Shamus Thacker
August 30th, 2009
5:24 pm
Hell Lentz, that 4:44 is a good post.
(going to wash mouth out with industrial strength solvents)
Rodney Derrick
August 30th, 2009
5:25 pm
During spring training and even during the season, DOB, you reported on the awesome workouts that Derek Lowe does daily. Things like running up and down stadium steps. When he is pitching and they show him in the dugout, he is often getting towels and treatment from the trainers. It seems he sweats and exerts himself during the games to the point of exhaustion. This of course happens more when he has these innings with lots of pitches, but it also happens after easy innings. Now we are in summer, and it is hot, but I have never seen anything quite comparable with other pitchers. Does this have something to do with his ADHD and/or his medication? In any case, he is a battler, and if Braves make it to the playoffs, he will be invaluable. I know lots of folks believe we could never trade him because of his salary, but after this year, there are only three years left and salaries are going higher, so his salary will not be insurmountable. I would prefer to keep Vazquez and Hudson. As for Kawakami, it may be harder to trade him, but a West Coast team might well want him. For a great Japanese player like an Ichiro or the young phenom pitcher everyone is eyeing, I just do not believe the Braves can financially compete. Stay where the club is strong, with the Latino players and the great scouting and development in the USA.
VaBraveFan
August 30th, 2009
5:26 pm
It would be nice if Hudson comes out this last month and starts 3-4 times and getting 5-6 innings each start. Maybe instead of just taking the option restructure it and make it a new deal like 3 yr 33 mil in that area. Then during the offseason see if there are any takers for Kawakami. Our rotation would be one of the best in majors
No specific order
Lowe
Hudson
Vasquez
JJ
Hanson
damn that looks good
nfieldr
August 30th, 2009
5:28 pm
We’re talking sustained sizzle right now, beyond all expectations for a guy that one prominent major league manager once told, “You’ll never hit in the majors” with the free-swinging, unorthodox approach that Diaz takes.
Has to be Piniella. Even sounds like him.
Doc Holiday
August 30th, 2009
5:28 pm
ARE WE READY TO RUMBLEEEEEE!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
yall are crazy
August 30th, 2009
5:30 pm
That roster move had better be Norton. I can’t think of anyone else who could possibly be sent down. With McLouth hurt again, they need to keep Gorecki on the team.
PWHjort
August 30th, 2009
5:30 pm
Anyone have the Phillies’ line-up?